Date: 2005-10-05
To: Mt. Katadhin, Baxter Peak
Miles today: 5.2

Slept pretty well, was only awake for about an hour in the night. Headed for the park around 5 am and got there before 6 am when the gates open. There were already 4 cars in line ahead of us and 4 more came behind us. Once we arrived at Katahdin Stream it was already after sunrise. Usually most hikers wait for the 7 am weather report before hiking but we knew we had a Class 1 day so started before 7 am. Walked for quite a ways with Captain America and then Pokey & Gumby and DA came along. Treetrunks had already passed us earlier. Randy was going to hike at least to treeline with me so he was along too. Wasn't feeling the best but knew I had to keep going and the sooner it was finished I could rest.The day was beautiful, several views even at the lower levels were awesome. Once above treeline it became a rock scramble but the scenery was great. Randy decided to continue on with me because there were no cliffs, just steep rock climbs. After getting up and over what they call the Gateway we hit the Tablelands which is relatively flat and much less rocky. This continues for about a mile and then the last half mile up to the summit is on rock again. Climbing that last part of the mtn I looked up and saw some wood. It was the sign! I had imagined it differently placed, so was surprised at what it looked like. I was already crying and had to blow my nose twice trying to fight back more tears of joy. Finally reach the sign and laid my arm and head on the left side and thanked God for getting me there. It was so great there were congratulations all around. Pictures were taken by each of us one by one. More cheers and congratulations as hikers kept arriving. In total someone said there were 26 of us. Most I knew or had met in the last couple days but some I met for the first time. We all sat around and had lunch and talked, viewed the scenery, looked at the Knikes Edge trail, watched Adam fly his kite and listened to Crazyhorse play his guitar. We had been waiting for the Garland 5 to come so we could take a group shot but we needed to get going so I asked if everyone could get in the picture then, well it ended up Randy had about a dozen or so cameras to take pictures with. With hugs and goodbyes said, we started down the mtn. Once away from the crowds I stopped to phone each one of my children and my sister to say we had summited.The trip down took nearly as long as up but we were being careful. Once back at the campground we were cheered as we walked in. Who was it and The Pod were there with Serenity, Feeling Free, Poet, Scholar and Freedom & Thatch who I hadn't seen since Virginia. What a wonderful end to see them again and wish them well for their summit day. Back near the car I ran into Jack-a-roo, met his wife and friends and then said my last goodbyes to him. What an awesome day! Made it without getting overly sick and completely out of energy. My days to follow were not as great. I ended up at the hospital, 3 units of fluids, meds and a little rest. After 4 hours there, we headed home.They think I picked up something in the water that gave me gastric upset.Whatever the case I'm home, recuperating and glad to have this awesome adventure finished.Thanks first and foremost to my husband and family for all they did and put up with these last 6 1/2 months!!! Thanks to everyone else who helped and encouraged me along the way. Especially Randy, Kinsey, Rachel, Nathan, Sharon, Carole, Butterfly Moon, Rory, Jay, Theresa, Fran, Debbie, Richard & Aunt Verna, Beverly, Bonnie, Hardy and Phyllis. To those who read my journal or signed my guestbook thanks for coming on my journey! Some of those who summited with me were Slaphappy, Captain America, Treetrunks, Gumby, Pokey, Zing, Clothesline, DA, Wolfsong, Foto, Backtrack, Keltic Strider, The Dude, Crazyhorse, Peanut, Bottle Rocket, No Show, Adumb and Rodeo.