Date: 2021-08-16
From: The Birches 

To: Baxter Peak
Miles today: 5.2
Weather: light rain

What a day! Perfect weather for our ascent. I was up at 2:45 to be sure to be ready for our 4:00 start. With headlamps on, we started up the Hunt Trail, the AT¢s trail up to the summit. It was easy hiking for most of the hour and a half we hiked with lights. Soon after the going got steeper and later still we broke through the tree line and packed away our hiking sticks. We needed our hands for climbing on all fours and grabbing rock edges to pull up with. There was no end in sight. Each time I looked up to see how far we had left, the top never looked closer. False peaks after false peaks.I felt good and strong and was enjoying the long climb despite the numerous times I had to puzzle how I could possibly get up to the next foothold. I must have been pumped up because I actually got a fair bit ahead of Gayle.Finally I reached the top of the steep climb to the sign indicating the Tablelands, the relatively flat section leading towards Baxter Peak, the northern terminus of the AT. With poles still packed away, we hiked another two miles with the final stretch being a climb up to the famous sign.What a thrill it was to finally see that sign. All those years of seeing hikers perched atop it for their summit photos. And here I was, about to climb up that sign for my own summit photo.It would be hard to overstate the magnificence and beauty laid out before me from this mountain. The Penobscot Indians revere Katahdin and continue to hold ceremonies each Labor Day to show their awe and respect. One can feel its power taking it in from below and from its peaks.Gayle and I took turns posing alone and another hiker took our photo together. I ate a couple of snacks and some sips of water. As thirsty as I was, with only two liters for the day, I had to conserve. Then, with no cell service in the area except on the summit, I sent Joan my summit photo and called her. I was so happy to share my exciting news. Then I began trying to find a shuttle to get us to Millinocket from the base of the mountain where we had started. It was frustrating. My calls weren¢t working nor were Gayle¢s. Finally I made contact with The AT Lodge, the hiker hostel in Millinocket. Cody confirmed that their shuttle leaves at 3:00. It was already after 10:00 and I told him it had taken us five and a half hours to climb up. That would put us after 3:30 to get down. He said we should make our descent using the Abol Trail, that it would probably save us an hour and a half as it is a shorter route. So that¢s what we did. Gayle stayed just ahead as we descended down this steeper trail, guiding my path from tome to time as I climbed down backwards on all fours. It seemed never to end, but finally, when back below the tree line, the trail did level off somewhat and she went ahead to be sure to make the road by 3:00.The Abol Trail was so different from the Hunt Trail. Steeper with lots of loose rocks and slippery gravel. If you¢ve ever noticed a giant scar running down the mountain, that¢s the Abol Trail. It was a hot, dry afternoon and I was soon out of water. As it turned out, I was able to make the road by Abol Campground shortly before 3:00. Turning right I began the two mile road walk to Katahdin Stream Campground when before long, Ol¢ Man, the owner of the hostel, came by and offered me a ride. I saw Gayle¢s and my names on a sticky on the steering wheel. What a relief. Gayle was waiting at the lean-to where we¢d stashed our gear.After settling in at the hostel, doing laundry and showering, Gayle, Randy ¢Prone to Wander¢ and I hit the local pizzeria.  I guzzled enough lemonade and root beer to drown a small village. A nice long call with Joan caught me up on events back home.Feeling grateful for having made it up and down without injury, I thanked the great mountain for safe passage. I thanked Joan for her continued support in my quest to hike the AT. And I thanked Gayle for her immense generosity, giving of her time and cheering me on when at times I felt unequal to the task.I thank the Appalachian Trail for providing me a focus and goal for my retirement