Date: 2019-07-30
From: The Birches Campsite

To: Mount Katahdin
Miles today: 5.7

Matt and I were up at 4:15 and quietly packed up and left The Birches.  We hike to the Ranger Station and had some breakfast there where our pots and stove would not disturb those sleeping in a little later.  Matt borrowed a day pack that the rangers provide (as a kindness!) and left his pack behind.  I decided to use my pack but I unloaded everything I did not need and left it at the station.  We started from the station at 5:40 with plenty of light even in the woods.  The hike up Katahdin is short on miles but big on elevation!  The start of the trail was a gentle uphill walk for about 1.2 miles where it crosses the Katahdin Stream.  The Bridge across the stream was washed out but we were able to rock hop and not get wet crossing.  From there the trail was progressively steeper until we reached the large plateau above tree line.  lots of scrambles, some with iron pins in the rock for hand and footholds.  The weather was great and the the views were fantastic as we climbed higher.  We reached the summit around 10 am and many hikers were there already.  Matt and I ate some food and relaxed while enjoying the moment!  I got a picture of myself with the other flip-floppers who were at the Birches last night, and hope I get to see them again!Around 10:30 I started back down.  Matt wanted to walk the Knife Edge before heading back and started that way as I left.  On the way down Sleeve and her sister were using Wonderists phone to call Shaws hostel and arrange for a ride back to Monson.  She asked if Matt and I would like to also catch the shuttle and I said we would but I also thought I would have a hard time making it to the 2:00 pm pickup.  I told her if we made it great, but if we were not there don't wait.  I really wanted to catch this shuttle as it would make returning to Caratunk much easier.  Also, Sleeves sister had her truck at Shaws and was willing to give us a ride to Caratunk!  Matt caught up to me as I was talking with Sleeve and say goodbye to Wanderist.  Unfortunately, my pace was not good enough as we missed the shuttle by about 5 minutes.At this point we were at the Abol Camp and started hitchhiking our way out of the park.  Were were soon picked up by a couple of ladies from Virginia.  They gave us a ride to a few miles beyond the park entrance to the point they were making a turn to reenter a different part of the park.  Carolyn gave me her number and told me to giver her a call when I get to Waynesboro Va and they would put me up for the night on my way north!!  Matt and I continued walking down the road trying to get a ride but we were not having any luck.  I checked my phone and was surprised that I had some reception so I called a shuttle service in Millinocket.  At first I was thinking of getting into Millinocket and the AT Hostel.  It was still early (4 pm) so I asked the shuttle service if they could take us to Caratunk (about a 120 mile ride).  Things did not look promising as the driver had never heard of Caratunk and was not thrilled with the idea of returning home in the dark.  In the end we were able to get our ride to The Caratunk House and retrieve Matt's car.  Unfortunately, The Caratunk House was full.  We could have tented there for the night but decided to start driving home and check into a hotel on the way. A very long but happy day!!!