The End

Entering the "100 mile wilderness" last Wednesday afternoon, Bluegrass, Squirrel, Wolfpack and I were feeling excited. Spirits were high. The next five days thru the remote Maine woods was no "victory lap" like I was expecting. Big climbs the first two days up Barren mountain, chairback, west peak, hay mountain, and white cap. Beautiful mountains but we were most interested in the first glimpse of Katahdin from Fourth Mountain. The mountain appeared as little more then a speck but there was a moment of silence as we viewed it for the first time. As the miles passed the mountain grew. Every glimpse of the peak warranted a respectful moment of pause.
The hiking was tougher then expected. After Whitecap mt. the terrain leveled out. The trail led us around numerous crystal clear lakes, cascading streams and bogs. The scenery was amazing but the trail was often covered in rocks and roots. I hung my boot on a root friday and fell harder then I have the entire 2000 mile trip. Landing flat on my stomach with the weight of my pack driving me into the root mat. I was lucky to escape with a sore knee.
We cranked out two consecutive 30 mile days Friday and Saturday. The hard days, sun up to sun down, wore me out. Saturday evening as the sun was setting Blue, Wolf and I were enjoying a view of Kahtadin from rainbow ledges when we heard some branches breaking in the distance. A moose and her calf were grazing on the same blueberries we were just picking. It was a great reward to get our first moose sighting in front of katahdin at the end of a long day. The final 3 miles to camp should have been painful but I was floating on air. Only 21 miles left. Sundays 13 mile hike led us to the base of Katahdin. Now, within striking distance my anticipation was growing. The weather forecast was not working with us. 100 percent chance of rain for summit day. I think I can speak for everyone who has made it this far, a little bit of rain won't stop me. Baxter Park Rangers rated the day a class 2, meaning "not recommend for above tree line hiking." as we left the birches lean to Monday morning to make the final push, the rain that had been pounding all night finally relented. Lucky as usual! My smile grew with every step I took. The first mile was a gradual ascent past the swollen waters of Kahtadin stream. The next section was a stone staircase that stretched 1/2 mile. My legs were feeling great and we hiked with purpose. The trail turned into a rushing stream 2 miles in. We moved quickly thru the flash flood, climbing rocks and avoiding the rushing water the best we could. At 4000 ft. We broke tree line. surrounded by clouds and a cold wind blowing at our backs we continued up. Hand over hand climbing thru a boulderfield on a completely exposed ridge. Occasionally a cloud would push past revealing a views of the rocky, narrow ridge ahead. Difficult climbing over two miles until we popped into "table lands." the gentle sloping alpine zone was scattered with rocks everywhere. Walking past Thoreau's Spring spurting clear mountain water. We didn't waste time filling up. The summit was less then a mile away. It felt like the longest mile of my life. I constantly scanned the horizon for signs of the summit. As a steep pitch came into view the clouds parted and the wooden sign of katahdin was there. My heart beating, mind racing, I slowed my pace. Yes, slowed....taking in every moment, reflecting on my journey. Blue reached the sign first, touching the sign silently. Then it was mine. Indescribable feeling. 2181 miles trekking across rugged country towards this spot. A moment of reflection, palm against the sign, and then the biggest smile to ever grace my pretty face and a scream of celebration. There was pure joy on everyones face. It was the happiest group of haggard dirty men you could ever imagine. And just like that the journey was complete....