Date: 2017-10-03
From: Stealthsite at 1154.4

To: Harper's Ferry 
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: clear sky

10/3/17 - Day 126 - 12.5 milesStealthsite at mile 1154.4 to Harper's FerryThe alarm went off at 6:00 and I immediately opened the valve on my sleeping pad. I started packing my gear in the complete darkness - I've become so efficient these last few weeks. Everything goes in its spot at night so I know just where to find it in the morning. I had to put on the headlamp at the end to pick out my breakfast which I ate in the tent before packing that up. On trail by 6:45 and it would've been earlier if I could hike in the dark. The trail was pretty rocky and was the main reason I stopped hiking in the dark last night. That and the eyes that were illuminated every time I looked off trail while I was searching for a flat spot to set up. I thought I had found a nice flat spot to set up on but it was slanted quite a bit and my sleeping pad kept sliding over or I kept rolling off of it. Needless to say I didn't sleep well for a number of reasons. The energy drink I had with dinner last night may have been a part of it also but I think it was mostly the excitement to be finished.  With only a little more than 12 miles left, the plan was to finish before lunch so I packed a lot of snacks in my hip belt. Hopefully the last granola bars I ever have to eat for the rest of my life. The only elevation for today is when I descend into town for the last time. It's amazing to think I won't be waking up in the woods tomorrow and hiking all day. The weather has been almost perfect for the past week and this morning is no different, sunny and cool. As I started the big descent it finally hit home that this is the last one. I'm going into civilization and not returning to the woods this time. A very important realization early on was that town time is only temporary and you must do your stuff and get back in the woods. I've seen so many people on this trip head into town and decide to stay. It is tempting after all. Food, showers, and a bed are not to be taken lightly.  I came out at a road crossing and took a deep breath. The rest of the trail runs along the C&O canal before crossing a bridge over the Potomac and into the little town of Harper's Ferry. The 2 miles of the canal walk took forever but I did see a bald eagle. After crossing the bridge the trail follows a road for a block or two before heading up some stairs and skirting a cliff around the town. The trail was barely marked and I had to use the app on my phone, pointing it in different directions like a compass. The ATC building was only a couple blocks up the road but the trail snaked around the town just for some bonus miles. Because the ATC is about .5 off the AT, I actually completed the trail at the steps that head into town. I came up to the steps and looked down the trail that I walked up back in July and that was it! I put my hand on the tree that's right there also and took a deep breath - it's over!! Back in July I didn't realize that this spot would be so important. I had planned on continuing north and the decision to flip hadn't been made yet. As I was standing there processing it all, a hiker was coming down the steps. He asked how long I was out for and told him this was it - I'm done. He introduced himself as Jamaica and said he was out for a section hike. He's been working on completing the AT in sections for a few years now. Then he said "wait - you just finished the whole thing?" and I said yea and he congratulated me and asked if he was the 1st to find out. He got a kick out of being the 1st to see a "new thru hiker". I headed up to the ATC headquarters and walked in to see Dotcom at the desk - right where she said she'd be. She recognized me and asked if I finished. I told her I did and she got everyone in the building together and we had a toast of Apple Cider Champagne in fancy glasses and all!! I got my picture taken in front of the sign and that was it. It's done! All of it!! Now I'm just a tourist in Harper's Ferry and have to make arrangements to get home. I booked a train ticket to Philadelphia and headed down to the Town's Inn to get a bunk for the night. It's the same place I stayed on my flip and was a good deal for just a bed in a hostel. I still can't believe it's all over. 5 months and 40 lbs. Oh yea - and 2190.3 miles!!