Date: 2008-08-27
From: The Birches

To: Mt. Katahdin
Miles today: 5.2
Weather: clear sky

We were up by 5:00am and after dropping most of the contents of our packs at the Ranger Station we were on the trail a little before 6:00am. The skies were clear and the temperatures cool. We could not have asked for a better day to summit Mt. Katahdin and conclude our journey.The first couple of miles were fairly easy hiking but then the rock scrambles began and the trekking poles were put away. The next hour was spent monkey climbing using handholds and rebar steps. When I reached the area known as the false summit the winds were blowing about 30 to 40MPH. I really had a hard time staying on my feet. But once I reached the tablelands the winds calmed somewhat.Throughout my hike to the summit the views were breathtaking and I found myself stopping several times to absorb the experience.As I neared the summit of Mt. Katahdin I got my first glimpse of the ¢sign¢. The somewhat crude marker made up of 4 by 4¢s and planks, weather-beaten and covered by graffiti. From that moment on I was just like a moth being drawn to a porch light. The closer I got the more emotional I became to the point tears were filling my eyes and my lips were quivering. That sign represents the Holy Grail to thru hikers and now I know why. Although there were several hikers on the summit, there was near silence. I reached out and touched the sign and suddenly I was overcome with emotion. Could it really be over? Had I reached the end of my journey? Yes, I had made it! and now I was part of a small group of individuals that are know as thru hikers. As I glanced around to my hiking partners, I could tell that they also had been moved by this experience.After the initial shock of the moment it was then time to celebrate with numerous photos and of course a Mountain Dew toast with my hiking partners!I stayed on the summit for about two hours but then a horde of ¢day walkers¢ descended on the area and the magic began to fade. It actually troubled me somewhat to see them touch the ¢sign¢ and have their photo taken beside it. Geez Louise, they had only walked 5.2 miles to get here under near perfect conditions. On the other hand the thru hikers had been on the trail for more than 5 months facing an array of physical and emotion hardships and now they were standing and touching ¢Our Sign¢. I know, a bit over the top but it was just how I felt at the time.As I headed down the mountain I took my time and captured as much as I could of the experience in photographs but also my senses. I have said this before but what I was seeing with my eyes could never be captured by a photograph.After reaching the Ranger Station a call was made to the hostel for our pickup. Within the hour we were in Millinocket ME and getting settled in to our home for the evening. The first call was to my wife and man was I excited. Not only about summiting Mt. Katahdin, but I¢m coming home! Next, I began calling my friends to let them know the good news. After taking care of phone calls we all went to the local dinner for supper. A great evening of celebrating but also mixed with a bit of sadness because tomorrow we will all be going our separate ways. Later that evening my wife called me back with the details of my flight home and if all goes well I should be there by 10:00pm.By the time I got back to the hostel my feet were badly swollen again. Frankly if I had to hike tomorrow I would probably have taken a zero day. My bed was located next to a window so I propped my feet up in the window sill and took advantage of the cool temperatures and elevation to address the swelling. It¢s unlikely I¢ll be sleeping much tonight. Just too excited about going home.