Ancient Mariner and Walking Stick Finish Thru Hike

[Mariner]

My son (23) and I (59) finished our Thru-Hike on October 15, 5 months and 1 day from when we started. We did a kind of flip flop that started in Harper's Ferry on May 14 and went north to Katahdin, arriving August 18. We then went back to Harper's Ferry and headed south to Springer Mountain. Others may want to consider this approach. Advantages: ahead of the crowds, less impact on trail resources, better chance of good weather (we hardly used any cold weather clothing). The only down side was that arriving at Springer wasn't as dramatic as arriving at Katahdin. We set up a blog at jhambrick.blogspot.com with pictures and FAQs.

Thanks to all who contributed to this site. I gained alot (even though I was basically a lurker). Also, I want to thank all the ATC folks, both staff and volunteers. They do an amazing job!!!

[rafe]

I know about "non-dramatic" endings. The only thing you'll not get is the same photo of "me at Katahdin with victory salute" that's been taken a few thousand times already. ;)
Congrats to both of you. :clap

[Frolicking Dinosaurs]

Congrats to you and your son! That's not an earthquake in TN -- it is a fluffy Dino doing a happy dance. Hope you will upload a pic of you two to the Katahdin gallery (http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/browseimages.php?c=574).

[Mariner]

Thanks. I just put a couple of summit top pictures on the site.

[Blissful]

It's fantastic!! Way to go.

[refreeman]

Congratulations!

[Sly]

Kludos! :D

[Smile]

Excellent! Way to go, mission accomlished :)

[Trillium]

Congratulations; that's awesome! :banana

[Mariner]

It was truly a great experience.