Date: 2018-09-10
From: The Birches Lean-to & Campsite

To: Katahdin 
Miles today: 5.2

DAY 188Not sure how cold it got last night, but it was cold! Good thing this is our last day, otherwise we would have to send for our warmer gear. The alarm went off around 4:15, but we were moving slow do to the cold. Had our breakfast of pumpkin whoopie pies and hot tea in the tent after searching in the dark for the bear bags.Packed our gear for the final time, only putting what we needed into my pack for the way up. The rest we put in Mary's pack and our pack liner bags and stowed these at the ranger station. We were on trail a little before 6:00, most of the campground was still fast asleep as we made our way by. We were the first to sign the trailhead log. We quickly made our way to Katahdin Stream Falls, but we were too excited to linger long. We figured we would have time to enjoy the falls on the way down.The sky was starting to brighten, and we could see it was relatively cloud free. We were hoping by the time we made the summit the skies would still be clear. Mary was optimistic that she could easily make the summit as the trail was quite forgiving as we made our way toward tree line. Once we hit tree line, Mary's optimism was tempered some by the rocks and metal handholds. By the time we neared the tablelands, there were foul words, maybe a few tears, and the proclamation that she would not be coming down the same trail. (Mary here, this part of the trail was much more difficult than I had anticipated. I knew it would be difficult, but I figured making it through New Hampshire and Southern Maine would have prepared me for the challenge. I said I wouldn't swear, or get frustrated, but that didn't last...)We stopped at the hunt spur for a snack and a break. As we rested, a few hikers passed as they made their way up the rocks. The views were incredible as we looked to the valley below. As we continued on more and more hikers were streaming toward the summit, all were in good spirits as the weather was cooperating and it was just a fantastic day to complete the journey.Once we reached the tablelands the trail eased and became a beautiful walk above tree line, the views were just amazing. We could see Yelp making his way up, and further back it looked like Handstand, Luke and Ewolf. As we looked up on the ridge, we could see the famous sign in the distance. We were closing in fast now, and our emotions were rising as we neared the sign. Several hikers, including Yelp, were cheering us and congratulating us as we reached the summit. It was hard to believe that the adventure we started six months ago was coming to an end. We reached the sign together, and the emotions were overwhelming, so we took several moments to gather ourselves before getting our summit photos on the iconic sign. As were taking time to gather ourselves, Handstand, Luke & Ewolf arrived. We took our turn having our photos taken, and Handstand asked if we had time to stay for the wedding ceremony. We of course said yes, we would be honored to. It was a beautiful ceremony, and a hush came over the mountain as they said their vows. What a backdrop for a wedding, simply breathtaking! When they finished, everyone cheered. Mary witnessed their marriage license, we got a few photos at the sign with the wedding party, we rested and watched several other hikers finish and get their photos. The mood was quite joyous as one by one hikers finished, realizing they had accomplished their dream of completing the Appalachian Trail.After an hour or so we decided we better start making our way down. Mary made the decision that we would take the Saddle Trail to Chimney Pond Trail and finish at Roaring Brook Campground. She was actually able to get a call out to April to let her know where to pick us up, and we started the trek down the mountain. The Saddle Trail was certainly easier as far as there was no hand over hand climbing. However, once you reached the slide, you were doing just that. Climbing down loose dirt and rock, which slowed our descent quite a bit. The slide went on for what seemed like forever, but eventually it just became a normal New England trail with the usual rocks and roots.As we neared Roaring Brooks, we saw April waiting for us. She had hiked a short distance in to wait for our arrival. We were so happy to see her, and soon we reached the entrance to the campground where Bev was waiting. While they had been waiting for us, they had managed to grab our gear we had stowed at the ranger station. We made our way back to the parking lot where their car was waiting complete with snacks and cold beverages. Even though they already had our gear we decided we wanted to go back to the ranger station as we had neglected to sign the hiker log book there. We also wanted to see which of our hiking friends had already summited, and if any others had arrived today while we were on the mountain. When we finished in Baxter we headed to Millinocket, hoping to sign the ceiling tile at the AT Caf© and get something to eat. Unfortunately, the AT Caf© had closed at 2:00, and we searched for other restaurants in the area, but they were either out of business or closed for the day. So April and Bev suggested a diner in Medway, Maine and we headed that way. The restaurant was very busy, and we had a short wait but were soon seated. We ordered our dinners, and the waitress put in our order, stating that she "needed two orders of breadsticks now!" April had mentioned we had just finished hiking the Appalachian Trail, and Mary let her know she was hungry. The food came and was delicious, the portions were large, but we still had room for pie, which was amazing.After an exhausting day we arrived at April's and didn't do much more than get hot showers and climb into a soft, comfortable bed. We left instructions that we would not be getting up early in the morning, no need to wake us.Thank you to April and mom for making our final day on the trail a less stressful one. We were lucky not to have to worry about getting a hitch or a shuttle out of Baxter or worry about how we would get back home to New Hampshire.We will each do a final post in the coming days to reflect on our individual thoughts on this amazing adventure.