Date: 2010-09-13
To: Baxter Peak, Katahdin
Miles today: 114.5
Weather: light rain

Today I climbed Katahdin. We woke early in order to avoid the crowds and the increasing chance of rain as the day moved on. It was chilly, as it had been the last few days and I packed nearly every article of clothing I owned in my pack. I had decided to leave the majority of my gear behind at the rangers station but had made some lunch the day before and packed everything up in a dry sack.It was a quarter to six when we (Rockn¢Roll and I) signed the register and headed up Katahdin, the final mountain of the Appalachian trail, all 5,281 feet of it. It started out as any ordinary mountain and I couldn't sink in the fact that the next 5.2 miles would be the last of my 2,179 mile and now six month journey. I was ready to go home and see my family, was ready to pick up my Kelly dog and see Quest, my horse, but I still didn't feel ready to go home. The trail had become my home and my lifestyle, the people on the trail were my friends, although demanding at times, life on the trail was simple.The climb up Katahdin was consistent, consistently up, but for a nearly 5000 foot climb in five miles I guess that was only to be suspected. Once we reached the tree line the trail turned into a rock scramble with a few rebars and foot holds placed here and there. The views around us were spectacular, but the temperature was dropping quick as we climbed so I put on my gloves, tightened my hood, and continued on. Eventually the rock scrambles gave way and the trail was fairly flat for the next mile until you resumed the climb up Baxter Peak. There were moments on that last climb where I actually debated with myself whether or not I was ready for this moment, but it was approaching quickly nonetheless and as the fog lifted slightly I caught my first glance of the sign and I couldn¢t believe I¢d made it. Rockn¢Roll had already reached the Summit and Kentucky arrived just before I did. I read the sign over and over, but it still never sunk in that I was standing on top Katahdin. What do you do when everything you have been working towards for the last six months is standing in front of you? I tried to take in the moment but it didn¢t feel real so I hid behind a rock from the cold wind and ate a peanut butter and jelly sandwich because at this point when we don¢t know what to do, we eat. I tried to wait with Rockn¢Roll for Tree and Hot Foot who were expected to summit shortly but the cold was getting to me and I could see dark clouds hovering over the Southern peaks that threatened rain so I quickly made my way down the mountain and although I experienced a few sprinkles, the rain held off. Apparently the Appalachian Trail wasn¢t quite done with me, I made it down the rough rock scrambles with ease and without incident, but as I confidently made my way down below the tree line I caught my foot on a root and did a full on faceplant. As law dictates I was still moving forward when my legs hit the rock and I skinned my knee up one last time on the good ole¢ Appalachian Trail. I will miss the trail, but my body sure won¢t.What are my life plans now that I have completed the AT? Well, for the next week I¢ll be taking a vacation, then I¢ll think about it a little later.