Date: 2016-08-21
From: Abol Bridge - Mile 2,174.0

To: Katahdin Stream Campground - Mile 2,183.9
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: broken clouds

Today's trail was the easiest trail on the AT. Most of it was like walking in a park. There were some sections of trail that weren't park-like that felt like they were there to allow hikers to reminisce about this 2,189 mile trail and what hiking it was like. There were two forks in the Nesowadnehunk Stream that potentially had to be forded but Subman and I were able to rock-hop both of them while Suds chose to ford. As we got closer to the base of Mt. Katahdin, Katahdin Stream Campground, we met a number of people who were enjoying short hikes in this beautiful area. One family's children were so exuberant that I asked their ninja-turtle dressed son to give me some of his energy to help me hike Mt. Katahdin. He extended his hand and let me touch it to receive his transferred power. His little sister did a quick dance as I walked by. They were wonderful. If Katahdin could only be so easy.Subman, Suds, and I went to the ranger's station to register for our climb up Mt. Katahdin. Registration is a new requirement this year but doesn't cost anything. I am northbound hiker Number 391 this year. The ranger said there are about 80 or 90 more more northbound hikers this year than last. I mentioned that didn't seem to be that many more and then realized that the increase in percentage terms is substantial. My number was 90 on February 16th when hiking the Amicalola Falls approach trail to get to Springer Mountain to start this hike. I was Number 60 when I reached Harpers Ferry so a lot of hikers have passed me. Guess that's what happens when you don't hike in order to attend family events and recover from Lyme Disease.But I am here. Beth pulled into the parking lot just a few minutes after we hiked in. She's sporting a "Rounce's Rides" chauffeur's hat, courtesy of my clever sister-in-law Maggie. Beth brought watermelon and her delicious chocolate chip cookies, both perfect.Beth drove us to Millinocket where we will relax and prepare for Tuesday's climb up Mt. Katahdin. Monday's weather calls for rain that would negate summit views, but more importantly, make such this climb potentially dangerous. We anxiously awaited news of our friends who were summiting today. Blues Brother's summit picture was the first to arrive. He raced to the summit and got up and down in 5 hours. While up there, he saw Sunshine and Moonshine summit. Stripe was seen on the way up while Blues Brother was coming down. Plans for a celebratory dinner came together. Ten of us were there and we had a great time. Blues Brother told of his summit. Purples and her Dad, Blue, did too. Arachne was joined by her husband, Sam, who had driven 23 hours from Wisconsin to be here. Subman, Suds, Spirit of 76, Beth, and I all were there to hear of these climbs and share what it means to have hiked this trail. We tried to get Stripe here but our visit with him was delayed until tomorrow morning. We all came together just like we did many months ago. Back then we were individuals unified by our desire to hike this trail. Now, we are unified by this hike and the friendships that have been firmly forged along the way.We all talk of this trail in various ways. Tonight it felt like being at a local carnival where you periodically bump into neighbors and friends. You share the smiles that come with the rides or in tonight's case, photos or memories of meaningful moments on the trail. Some of us will stay to go on the carnival's best ride that has been saved for the end of the night, while some have already ridden it and are headed back home. The rides are here for others to come to enjoy too.