Date: 2005-07-14
From: Abol Bridge Campground

To: Mt Katahdin
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: moderate rain

Today's hike is brought to you by the number two one seven four point nine AND the letter "K" which is a very Special K-the big Katahdin itself!FOR TODAY WAS SPECIAL K TREK DAY!!Today's hike:15.1/2174.9 Abol Bridge to Mt KatahdinMoney spent:$66.55-lodging 23.00, dinner Angelos Pizza 24.00, supplies 11.00, breakfast 5.50, laundry 3.05Today's Wx: Warm and overcast in the valley-68 degrees, while at the apex it was overcast, with light winds, and cool-55 degrees; then it began to lightly rain and gust just as I left the peak.In the office at 4:30, arrived at Katahdin Stream Campground at 8:40, began my climb of Katahdin at 10:00, and then back at the campground at 4:45.The main event for today was climbing Katahdin and thereby finishing the AT!I slept under the stars on a picnic table at the campground site 24. I shared the area with Chris who intends to hike SOBO, but is having acute knee pain and may not be able to continue. I hope he can. I thank him for sharing the fire and drink and company!About 2:45AM, it began to sprinkle lightly and just as I was getting up, it stopped, so I went back to sleep. Then, a little later, some more drips but this time with lightning flashes, so I began my day only 10 minutes or so before my alarm went off. I packed up and set out to walk the 10 miles to Katahdin Campground. That hike was an easy stroll, mostly flat along the Penobscot River and Nesowadnehunk Stream, passing some neat ponds and nice forest walks. It was a fun and tranquil morning walk to greet the sunrise, although the clouds did partially mask that event!The climb was an easy up for a mile or so, reaching about 2000'. Then between 2K and 3.5K there is a lot of rock scrambling and ridge walking, then about 4K you reach a painted sign on the rock indicating two miles to go! From there, the trail eases up to a dirt path, then a rock-lined trail until about 4800' where it becomes a green, boulder scramble (easy to do) until the peak.I had the summit all to myself, although two day hikers arrived to go down an alternate trail, and took a minute to take my picture. The camera stand I ordered from Campmor and had shipped to Shaws (in Monson) paid for itself as I was able to take many pictures in various poses at the top. It was a good thing the weather worsened, or I may have stayed too long at the top.The hike down was uneventful, but exasperating, as all the cloud decks kept "robbing" me of full mountain or ridgeline pictures. I quickly returned to the ranger station, gathered and packed all my gear, then scurried to the road to begin my hitch out of the park. Fortunately, I got a ride in the bed of a pick up all the way into Millinocket, where I am staying in the AT Lodge. A special thanks to Don and Joan for their fine hospitality! A special congratulations to all the thru hikers this year who complete their treks. Those who are complete as of today:ThicketRobinEJByrdJust MarkHydroJuiceKeyRon NTNMountain DewdWebbSippiDieselBass MasterBig Daddy D-the 14th thru of the year and aggregate number 23 to climb Katahdin this year (they also list people who walk smaller distances, sectioners, etc.).This hike is dedicated to me for successfully completing one of my life goals.The ability to move and freedom are as one!Springer to Katahdin 05