Date: 2018-08-13
From: The Birches campsite

To: Baxter Peak - Mount Katahdin
Miles today: 5.2
Weather: clear sky

5 miles to go! Woke this morning as usual at 515 and broke camp for the final time - this was the start to a day that would be a bit of an emotional roller coaster. As I packed everything up I was upset that this would be the last time even though I have been pushing to finish. Sky looked clear and it was cool for the start of the hike which was a gradual climb up the Hunt trail for first mile, a nice warm up. Then it started getting steeper with large boulders and then steeper still with tricky rock climbing sections. I had stowed my poles and left much of my gear at the ranger station so that the lighter pack made it a bit easier going. The rock climbing was kind of fun and I made good time.When I first cleared the tree line there were stunning views on this clear sunny morning and I stopped and reflected on how thankful I am to get to this stage of the journey with full health, no injuries. I actually thanked my feet who are the unsung heroes of this trip, putting up with the worst possible treatment, day in, day out.The climb continued through more and more steep tricky sections before I reached the tableland / gateway, which is a more gradual bouldery climb before reaching the last final steep section to approach the summit.I passed over 25 day hikers on the way up, it took me just under 3 hours where day hikers are advised to allow for 4-5 hours for the climb (all those new Hampshire and southern Maine mountains paid off!). When I got to the top there was Capt Ahab, Tiger Lily, Blue Whale and Hot wheels who had hiked up to see the sun rise. It was very emotional as they applauded my final approach.Got the pictures done then found a quiet place on the summit to reflect on the whole journey, remembering Mom and my dedication of this journey to her memory, remembering all the support from family, friends, and all the many trail angels that helped restore my spirits along the way. It unexpectedly brought me to tears which I had trouble getting stopped. I had been up there around 30 minutes when some of the larger day hiker groups started to show up so I got ready for the descent. Just as I was leaving, Pace car and pacman showed up and Pace car broke into tears which set me off all over again.I made my way with blurry eyes down the Abol trail and kept having these surges of emotion, elation for finishing, sadness that it is all over.I got back to the ranger station and picked up my gear then stopped at Katahdin stream to fill up on water, and after afternoon having so much as a slip all day, fell completely into the stream - no not a soaker, I fell right down with submerged head and all, brilliant! As I climbed out of the water dripping wet, Capt Ahab offered me a ride into Millinocket with his family which was fantastic as it would have been a long hitch. The only question was who was going to sit beside the soaking wet guy?Got into town and blue whale and I went for a late lunch where I ran into Seven and Double tap who had summitted the day before. It was so great to see those guys and catch up. Gravity and Kenya had finished a day before them and left town that morning, so I just missed them.I am wasting no time getting the journey home started and will head to Medway tonight and catch a bus to Bangor in the morning, followed by a bus to Toronto the next day - it is a long trip but as Heidi pointed out, I have been looking for some time to put my feet up!Thanks to all those who have been reading along and adding to my guest list, those comments provide a great boost! I will close out the journal now with my return to "non-trail" life. Thanks everyone for your interest!