Date: 2004-10-06
From: Katahdin Stream Campground

To: Mt. Katahdin
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: broken clouds

Start: Katahdin Stream Campground @ 8:00. Stop: Katahdin Stream Campground @ 3:30Mileage on Trail: 10.4; cum. 447.6. Off trail: 0.0; cum. 16.8Weather: Cold, partly sunny, windy, some snowMajor Landmarks: Mount Katahdin Major Milestones: Summittted KatahdinThis was the day we had all waited for for so long. It¢s hard to explain all my feelings this day. For days, as I had thought about it, it was very emotional for me. But today, it was more a feeling of excitement and adventure to get to the top of this mountain that held so much anticipation and mystery for so long, and that we have been watching grow closer each day.People began to stir quite early. It wasn¢t quite light yet. Then I heard the sound of a fire, so I decided it was time to get going. I crammed just about all the clothes I had into my day pack, along with some food, water and camera, and happily packed up the pack I wouldn¢t have to carry again. I ate some granola bars and then headed over to Laurel¢s site where they fed me cider donuts and hot tea. Pretty soon Keith and Eric arrived. The first words out of Keith¢s mouth were, ¢What took you so long? You were supposed to be here three years ago!¢ At that point I was glad to be there at all.It wasn¢t long before the final climb began, the greatest elevation gain of anywhere on the AT at about 4200 feet. As usual, Blue led the charge. After registering, she took off up the trail at her usual rapid uphill speed. At one point Keith yelled from the back, ¢Blue, can¢t we go any faster?¢ The first mile to Katahdin Stream Falls were relatively flat, but became increasingly steep after that, with quite a few stairs. It was interesting on the way down, when Blue was in denial that it had been that steep on the way up. She remembered the climb up as being pretty much flat until we got above treeline, but it was anything but flat, as she learned on the way down.We did encounter some icy spots on the way up where water ran over some rocks. When we broke treeline, we ditched our poles, as it was going to be hand over hand climbing for the next mile or so, and poles would just get in the way. The climb up to the Gateway was over, around and through boulders, some with helpful rebar handles, but most requiring big steps up and finding a handle somewhere among the rocks. But it was exhilarating as we got ever expansive views. The trail followed a spine of the mountain that dropped off on both sides. While nothing like the Knife Edge, it was still an exciting climb. As we approached the Gateway, we could see a sign up ahead, and yelled, ¢There¢s the sign!¢ But it was just a warning sign about the alpine vegetation, and the real sign we were looking for was another 2 miles up.But the last 2 miles were much easier. We walked across the Table Lands, a relatively flat area, before the final moderate climb to the summit. While on the Table Lands, we could see some dark menacing clouds headed out way, and soon they were sweeping over the top of the mountain, bringing with them some snow. But it was short lived, and when we reached the top we could still get some incredible views beneath the clouds. We flew up the last 12 mile, and as we approached the summit we could hear T-Bird cheering us on. There was quite a crowd on top: Swix, Squatter, Sheriff, Chuggs, Skywalker, Statler & Waldorf, Blue, Tripod and me, plus all of our friends and family, probably about 20 people all together. We took all the obligatory pictures around the summit sign, plus plenty of other pictures, huddled behind the rocks to eat some food and share celebratory drinks, and finally decided it was time to head down.As usual, the going down was more difficult than the going up, but it went by quickly and before we knew it, we were back at the campground and it was all over. As we arrived at the campground, we could hear Swan and Ursa Minor yelling for us. It was great to see them again and to know they will have their day tomorrow. We also got to see One Thing again. He will be heading back to Hanover to hike south to Harpers Ferry, a section they skipped on their way north. But the rest of his hike will be under the name Glee. We also saw Slimer and his dad and I found Gather at the Ranger Station, so was able to wish him well. He is apparently feeling sick and his feet really hurt, but that won¢t deter him from summitting tomorrow.After more celebrations with champagne, cookies and chocolate, we all piled into the two cars and headed to Millinocett and the Katahdin Inn. After hot showers and changing into street clothes, it was off to the bar for more celebration, beer and food. Then a nice dinner at the Penobscott Room before retiring early into a soft, warm bed. I couldn¢t even stay up to see the Red Sox game.