Katahdin

Hey Everyone! To continue the story, I arrived at the Abol Bridge Campsite at the end of the 100 mile Wilderness, ate a bunch at the campstore, drank a half gallon of milk, and began my hike to the base of Katahdin the next morning through Baxter State Park. The trails were really nice here too, and the AT followed the river most of the 10 miles to 'The Birches' where I stayed the night before I summitted. The Birches is a shelter reserved just for Thru-hikers, and I was there that night with 3 others, who all went up the next day. Kashmir, a nobo I got to know well, was staying near the birches with his parents who gave me some food and drink that night! I went to bed a little anxious, not only because of the obvious, but also because the forecast for my final day wasn't looking good; 40-60% chance of rain and high winds. Here is my journal entry for August 16th, the day I summitted.

"At 6:35A I began the climb up Katahdin with Wrongway. Obviously we took the AT up which in Baxter andgiong up Katahdin is also called the 'Hunt' trail. The first mile was easy, but it began to get more challenging as the hike went on, and soon it was raining. A light mist at first, then harder with harsh 30-50 mph winds above treeline! The trail turned to bouldering about 2m in, then turned into climbing with 3m in, then up on the table for the last 1.5m was flat. I was very thankful to have Wrongway with me. To start, the trail up was dangerous due to the added challenge of rain and wind. And secondly, he is one of those guys who is a constant; always positive in most any circumstance and can keep spirits up despite the outside environment. Maybe it was the face he was done or maybe he's that way all the time. I don't know, but it was great hiking with him. We talked all the way up until we couldn't hear each other anymore because of the wind.
It was probably the coldest I've ever been in my life! Once on top I wasn't there long. I got my pictures, and was gone the next few minutes. The wind was howling, and the rain coming down. There was no view and it was cold. I was soaked through, and just wanted shelter from the wind. So I ate a quick snake and headed down the Saddle Trail to Chimney Pond Trail to Roaring Brook Campsite. I was strangely unemotional wrapping up this first leg. This is surprising mostly because I thought I would be, having teared up at the though of it many times before.
The trail down was easier. I actually ran the first mile in order to get warm! I was huffing and puffing, intentionally breathing hard, and flexing to try and warm up. It was a rough experience (Katahdin in rough weather). I'm glad I did it, but a kinder day with weather would've made for a much more pleasant experience.
I actually saw several people going to the peak on the way down! I told them they wee crazy on my way down and in passing they all said "Yeah I know!" All in all it was just a misson. An in and out, say I did it experience. I think someday I would like to return on a clear day to enjoy the mountain like it was meant to be. People said the views are incredible, and I'd love to experience that.
The rest of the hike didn't take long. I was down at the entrance to Roaring Brook by 1P I think. The first car that went by picked me up, and took me all the way to Bangor (2hr drive)! Not originally the plan, but I figured since they were going that way and said I could ride, it would be a good place to be just in case something messed up; I'd have options. Plus the ticket was probably cheaper.
I was dropped off at the Greyhound station, and bought my ticket to Knoxville right away for $165. It departed at 6:30A next day, and arrived at 5P Wed. A day and a half; goody! After buying the ticket I was directed to the Laundry down the block on Main st. and did some laundry...The next thing to do was find a place to stay. Back in Rangely, the hiker named Little Cubit had given me a card for this guy in Bangor whose apt she stayed at completely on his good graces. She met him on bus ride randomly, and mentioned needing a place to stay, and the guy offered up his.
So, I called Lawrence, a 52 yr old bachelor who writes, travels, and does paralegal work as well as substitute teaches. He picked me up, and I was a little unsure about the whole thing, but soon warmed up, and he was an extremely nice and accommodating person. He bought spaghetti stuff, and we had a great dinner with corn on the cob and steamed broccoli. I bought the beer. Had a great shower, and then we walked around this beautiful neighborhood were his apt is located; old growth trees, huge victorian houses, one owned by Stephen King and got some ice cream.
What a wild day. One of those were it feels like you have traversed the globe for sure! 1,165 down...1,014 to go :)"

I will be making some more posts periodically throughout my break at home. I am planning on starting my Southbound hike from Harper's Ferry, WV shortly after Labor Day. Currently I'm in Knoxville, will be in Memphis for around 10 days starting this Monday, and then will go to Nashville/Knoxville again before leaving. That's the plan. I'll also make a very loose schedule for hiking south because I know and hope that a few of yall will be coming to hike some with me! More on that and other things soon. Thank you so much for following and reading! It means a lot :)

The Kid