Scene at Baxter/Katahdin

[dunndunn]

Hi there,

I'm researching a possible story on the scene at Baxter/Katahdin when thru-hikers finish, and was hoping for a few shared stories of what it's like: the celebrations, emotions, etc.

Also, when are most NOBO'ers finishing at Baxter?

Thanks so much for your help!

SD

[Gonzo!]

Here is what it was like for me in 1983:

http://2000milehike.com/Sept%2018.htm

Gonzo!

[Icicle]

Also, when are most NOBO'ers finishing at Baxter?
Well, my husband is planning on finishing during the last week of September. He seems to be with a group, but there are loads ahead of him as well (about a week ahead).

Can't tell you what the *scene* is like yet....will post loads of pictures when he finishes!

[Gonzo!]

In 1985 there were more people at the top finishing at the same time and someone had brought some paint in a small bottle that we used to fill in the white areas of the sign so the pictures would turn out better. The ranger happened to come up but did not give us any problem once he found out what we were up to. we all got off the mountain soon after that since a hurricane was on the way. It hit the day after and man what a show as I made my way back down the mountain after climbing up from chimney pond and then back down to Daisey pond. It was the day that I met Dan Bruce and gave him the idea of hiking in 1987 as a celebration of the 50th anniversary or whatever that was.

Gonzo!

[Mags]

Mile Post 2160.7 ~ Katahdin

Aug 1 ~ Woke up very early, even for me. By four-thirty, I was fully awake.
Could not wait to begin the final climb. Felt the same way when I was six or
seven years old on Christmas morning. I knew it was too early to get up, but
it was hard waiting for the right time. Finally, five o'clock rolled around.
The routine was the same, but today was different, I am climbing Katahdin!

Arrived at Katahdin Stream Campground with much excitement and anticipation.
Scanned the cars for some familiar faces. And I saw them. After five months,
many postcards, a few calls, I finally was able to see my friends and
youngest brother again. They all smiled when they saw me, but I think they
were not smiling when that oh-so-special hiker smell hit their noses! The
climb up Katahdin started up easy enough, I went at a slower pace so we
could all hike together, but when I hit the treeline, my pace really picked
up. Tim, my brother and Steve kept up with me - but Leo and Jim fell behind.

I did not even realize how fast I was hiking. When I saw I was on the Table
Lands and could see the Baxter Peak sign, I really picked up the pace. The
anticipation and excitement was too much. At maybe a quarter mile to the
summit, Tim asked me to wait here so he could take my picture as I approach
the summit. I reluctantly agreed. Very hard two minutes of waiting, let me
tell you. Finally, I pushed on again. When I reached the summit, and touched
the sign, I let out the loudest yell of my life. The emotions were that
intense.

I had accomplished something that was theoretical five months ago,
and now it was real. Incredible feeling. Took the usual summit photos. My
friends packed up a feast. Cold cuts, bread, a bottle of Dom Perignon, and
they had a surprise in the form of 'sparkling wine' that they sprayed me
down with. (They later said I would smell better stinking of cheap wine!) On
my final hike, I packed in a full watermelon. Nothing like handing out
pieces of watermelon at 5267 feet. Long story behind this, have to explain
it sometime.

My hike of the AT is over. No more white blazes to follow. The
AT will always be a part of me. I have seen sights that most people do not
see. I will remember the crunch of fresh snow under my boots, the way the
sun feels after many days of rain. The joy a cold soda can bring from a
complete stranger. The daily rhythm of hiking that seems to bring
tranquility. I have pushed myself physically, mentally, and emotionally
these past five months. It was not easy to do. But the rewards are many.
Horizons are now limitless, what can and cannot be done is redefined. The
Appalachian Trail was a special moment in my life. Never have five months
had so much meaning and purpose. These past five months I have learned more
about myself than I thought I could know. I now have a better idea of who
Paul Magnanti is. The memories and experiences of the trial will always be a
part of me. Climbing to Katahdin may have ended this journey, but in my
heart and thoughts, I will still be on the trail.

[Footslogger]

Captains Log ...Star Date 10.9.2003

On Thursday 10/9 at around 12:30 I reached the sign on summit of Katahdin, bringing to and end a 6 month and 10 day adventure and turning my near lifelong dream into reality.


I had a pristine day on the mountain. Katahdin had been closed the 3 days prior to my arrival and there was a back-up of around 50 hikers chomping at the bit to make that final climb. So there was quite a crowd at the top. But that only sweetened my experience ...to be there with so many friends with whom I had spent the last several months on the trail.

Completing a hike like this brings a lot of mixed emotions to the forefront. I am exstatic to be going home to Leslie, the love of my life. I am proud of my accomplishment and thrilled to be among those who know what's involed in hiking the AT from end to end. Then again, it is hard to just flip the switch and NOT be hiking every day. Something tells me that the transition from trail life to what most folks think of as "reality" is going to take some time.

This has been without a doubt the hardest thing I have ever attempted. I'm sure it has had some long lasting effects on me but at this moment I can't put them into words. One of my first observations though was that being indoors, without fresh air and the sounds of nature surrounding me day in an day out, seems unatural.

Many thanks to all of you who followed along in my journey from Springer to Katahdin. For those who would never even consider an undertaking such as this I hope the daily accounts of my adventure were of interest and entertainment. To those who might some day choose to hike the AT I hope that my journal provided some insight as to the day to day life of a long distance hiker. Trust me ...it's not a glamorous existence and not something a person should consider without significant forthought and preparation. Im not certain right now what kept me going at times but I'm damned glad I did. I've been congratulated my family, my friends and by dozens of former and current hikers but the reward is mostly an immense sense of personal pride and accomplishment. I now belong to a relatively small group of hikers who know what it's like to make it ALL THE WAY. We're not special or better than anyone else in the larger scheme of things, but we share a common bond that only an experience such as this can form. I've Lived my Dream ...and my wish for all who have chosen to read my journal is that you too might some day follow a dream of your own, whatever that dream may be.

'Slogger

[Lilred]

Here is what it was like for me in 1983:

http://2000milehike.com/Sept%2018.htm

Gonzo!
I remember reading that. Your journal was one of the first ones I read when I got interested in backpacking. I can't remember if it was yours, or Then the Hail Came, One of you mentioned the other in their journal. anyhow, thanks for a great picture of the trail from years ago. Very well written.

[icemanat95]

Real bittersweet for me. While I was ready to go home and stop hiking for a while, I was not ready to disengage from the group of friends I was with, nor was I ready to plunge back into "real-life" yet.

[jimmyjob]

reading each description just gives me chills...i am still in planning stage for my trip start next march..my training, planning and saving are going right were i have read i should be...but i can't get the one picture i have seen of Katahdin out of my head...i can't wait, but i must and will continue my training and planning...

wonderful stories guys....

[dunndunn]

Hey, thanks, everyone! Looks like I am moving ahead with the story, so any more memories anecdotes of those last few miles would be really great!

Cheers and thanks again!

[MOWGLI]

Hey, thanks, everyone! Looks like I am moving ahead with the story, so any more memories anecdotes of those last few miles would be really great!

Cheers and thanks again!
August 23. 2000
I'm beginning this final journal entry two days after completing the hike. I simply needed a little time to reflect and decompress before attempting to summarize my experiences on the AT.
The last 36 hours have been better than I possible could have imagined. Nothing fancy, just quantity time spent with Suzanne and Martha in and around Millinocket. We stayed two nights at the Katahdin Inn, swam in the pool, soaked in the jacuzzi, and picked a bunch of wild blueberries just outside Baxter State Park. The only thing that could have made the past two days better would have been the presence of my other three daughters, Naomi, Karen and Susan.

The final morning began in the 5:00 hour. My plan was to meet LoneStar, Profile and Almanac at Katahdin Stream Campground at around 6:00AM. I wasn't moving around until about 5:30, and our renedzvous point was 2.4 Trail miles from Daicey Pond. I was resigned to the fact that I would miss my friends, and would have to catch up with them on the summit.

It was 6:45 when I started hiking toward the base of Katahdin. Hollywood Mike had instructions from his family not to reach the summit before 1:00PM. I had hoped to climb with him, but instead we shook hands and wished each other well. Since he's an avid Red Sox fan, and I'm a rabid Yankee fan, I brought up the possibility of getting together in September for the big series in New York. It would be great to go to a game with Hollywood! Honey Bear was still laying in his sleeping bag, so we also shook hands and wished each other well.

The morning was looking ideal for a hike. The sky was partly cloudy, and Baxter Peak was partially shrouded in clouds and mist. I was as pumped up for the final day as I had been for the first day. The adrenaline was flowing, and I moved effortlessly along the 2.4 miles to Katahdin Stream Campground in just 40 minutes. Along the way I passed a series of beautiful ponds, streams with fresh evidence of Beaver activity, and lovely hardwood forest. I encountered noone along
the way, and that's the way it was supposed to be.

As I reached Katahdin Stream Campground at 7:30, I was overjoyed to see LoneStar, Profile and Almanac there in the parking lot. Profile broke my chops a bit by suggesting they'd waited over an hour for me. He then admitted that they, too, had gotten a late break, and had just arrived moments earlier, as well. Profile and Almanac's friend Rich had driven my three friends into Baxter State Park, and he offered to allow me to stash my pack in his Jeep, and to drive me to Millinocket after we finished our climb. After putting my pack in his vehicle, I bounded over to the Ranger's Station and picked up a day pack for the hike. At 7:45 the four of us left Katahdin Stream Campground to walk the final 5.2 miles of the AT.

All four of us were exhilarated from the start, and our excitement manifested itself in a fast pace along the Trail. The first mile of the hike was nearly flat, leaving me curious about how steep the Trail would get when we finally started to climb. Just below Katahdin Stream Falls, the Trail crossed the stream over a log bridge. I had only brought one quart of lemonade to drink, so I drained it right there, and refilled my bottle from the clear, cold, fast running stream. Just after crossing the stream the Trail started to climb a bit more steeply. At about the two mile mark the boulders along the Trail became a bit more difficult to negotiate, but we continued breezing right along at a brisk pace. The Trail was jammed with day hikers, and we passed them all as if they were standing still. I don't say that to brag. After 2161.5 miles, we're just in a different category when it comes to conditioning.

Near the three mile mark we approached treeline, and the views of the surrounding peaks and valleys were impressive. By now, I was in the lead, and had to constantly stop to allow my friends to catch up. I don't think I've ever felt as strong or physically capable in my entire life!

Soon the Trail became nearly vertical and passed over and around a series of giant boulders. Some of the boulders had iron rebar drilled into them to offer hand holds for pulling yourself up and over. The mile long stretch of Trail from treeline to the part of the mountain known as the Tablelands was perhaps the most fun I've had hiking along the entire Trail.

At the Tablelands the Trail flattened out, and wound through boulder fields surrounded by Alpine Tundra vegetation. One moment the summit was clear, the next it was engulfed in clouds. At the 4.2 mile mark we came to Thoreau Spring. There the wooden sign announced what we already knew. Baxter Peak and the end of the hike were only one mile farther up the Trail. After a Kodak moment we pushed onward to accomplish our goals.

The last half mile of Trail started to ascend steeply again. As we neared the summit, the sign announcing the Northern Terminus of the AT finally came into view. As I walked the last hundred yards of the Trail, my family members suddenly came to mind. First was my dear, departed Grandfather Harvey, or Gramps as I called him. I thought about how he probably would have disapproved of me leaving my family for so long, but how he would have been proud of me, nonetheless. Next I thought about my Mom, and then her deceased husbands Dave and John. Then one by one, my Dad, sisters, nieces, nephews, and my brothers Alan, John and David came into my thoughts. Suzanne and the girls didn't come to mind however, perhaps because they were never far from my thoughts for the entire hike.

I wasn't sure what my reaction to ending the hike was going to be. Would tears flow? Would I be overwhelmed by emotion? The answer to both of those long lingering questions was no. As I touched the sign and gazed at the very last white blaze I was filled with a deep sense of satisfaction. In my life I've left a lot of things incomplete. It simply felt great to know that this accomplishment was something that was done completely, and noone can ever take that away from me.

Our little group took turns taking the obligatory photos around the sign atop Katahdin. We spent perhaps 45 minutes up there, laughing, congratulating one another, and taking in the views. Eventually the strong cold winds, combined with our inactivity, forced us off the summit. As LoneStar and I descended the mountain, he suggested we use his cellphone to call our friend Loren to leave him a message. Loren had to end his hike at Mt. Washington to start a new job, and he was on our minds as we concluded our journeys. We took turns leaving him messages, and then continued down the mountain.

On the Tablelands we ran into Honey bear who was clearly excited to be so close to the summit. A mile further on I encountered Hollywood Mike slowly making his way up the steep boulder field. He was in no hurry, as he was a little ahead of schedule to meet his family up on top.

When we finally reached Katahdin Stream Campground, Rich was waiting for us, and talking to Caveman who also had finished up, along with his buddy Chinman.
We returned our daypacks, and climbed into Rich's Jeep for the hour long ride to Millinocket. Unfortunately, I didn't have an opportunity to say goodbye to Lonestar and Profile, as they had gone off with Rich's wife to the Post Office. Almanac and her dog Sarah were there with me as I got out at the Katahdin Inn. I'm sure I'll be seeing them again as they don't live far from our family members down in Georgia.

When I first started this hike over 5.5 months ago, my expectation was that this experience would somehow be transformational. Physically, that is indeed the case, as I've lost somewhere between 50-55 pounds along the way. Spiritually and emotionally I'm sure I've grown as well. Time will have to tell however, as I've been too close to notice the changes myself.

Perhaps the most valuable lesson I learned along the way is the value of family and friends. I am truly blessed to have such a wonderful family and dear friends. I am especially blessed to have a partner, best friend and lover who not only supports me, but understands me as well. Thank you, Suzanne. I guess it took a long walk in the woods to figure out that simple lesson. Also, the kindnesses I received from strangers along the way has helped to eliminate some of my cynical tendencies. I hope to be able to give back some of what I received now that the hike is finally over.

Before I began this hike, my goal was to have a "no regrets" experience, and I'm happy to say that I accomplished that. Living in the woods for almost 6 months was truly an amazing experience. Although at this point, I'm tired of being cold and wet and pursued by bugs, I have nothing negative to say about the hike. It was truly the trip of a lifetime!

[colbys]

well,where do i start....sept 3rd 1995,almost ten years now...and about 30 pound lighter i guess...woke up at 5am from daicey pond...and let warren doyles escorted gang get ahead of me...then proceeded to the ranger station to drop my pack... nad wait for my long time hiking buddy for the past 5 month,dr.dooriddle,to start with me,but had to go up solo,due to the fact that his girlfriend was goin up with him.

so i proceeded to go up at a fast pace..too fast at first,had to slow down to make it last.but with my heart beating fast i speed up again,passing day hikers like they i was a new york subway train and they were standing still at the station. cant remember how long it tokk to get the top,but not long.i think i ran the entire way up.maybe took me 2.5 hours or less.
seeing that glorious sign for the first time didnt seem to be the emotional release i thought it would,but after sitting next to it for abour 2 hours,waiting for my buddy to catch up to get to the top,which he did,which we celebrated with champagne and lots of pics.
started down and made it back after flying down like a bird with supersonic speed.went straight to katahdin stream and shed a bucket load of tears.
since im going to climb bug k this sept 3rd ten years to the day im sure will bring back alot of memories..nothing can match that glorious day when i finished.
the whole trip was worth every bruise,fall,yellow jacket sting,and overcooke ramen meal.id do it again in a heartbeat.
my only regret is that after finishing that id taken longer to let it all soak in.i was broke and had to go back to work within a week!!

[Gonzo!]

Soon it will be 22 years since Summiting the Big K for me. Strange how memories of that day come down to just a few recollections if they are not put down in a journal of some kind. Now it is just the high points (and the low Points) that stand out, not the trail in between for that day. The same tends to be true for the rest of the trip too, and life in general. Although the trail is probably the most prevelant scene to enter into my thoughts, it is a mere portion of my journey thru life. Therefore, I have no choice but to go back out and make some new memories!

DunnDunn, if you really want to know what it feels like on that final ascent.... the trail is there waiting. The scene is always the same, maybe a few extra clouds, rain, wind, or now-a-days - extra people.

[Bob Anderson]

www.trailjournals.com/jeb (http://www.trailjournals.com/jeb) This sums up 9/8/07 summit.

[Smile]

OK, I read the first post. Nevermind :-)

[Blissful]

I have a video Paul Bunyan took of my summit that sums it up pretty good.
Just have to figure out how to get it on You Tube.

[Cookerhiker]

I didn't thruhike but sectioned all of Maine in one hike. I met a lot of thruhikers in that timeframe (mid-August to Mid-September). If you're interested, here's the link (http://www.trailjournals.com/entry.cfm?trailname=2875).

[Appalachian Tater]

It is doubtful that a three-post dude cares more than two years later.

[Jan LiteShoe]

Here's mine:
http://www.trailjournals.com/entry.cfm?id=47849

"...It was a dark and stormy night ...."

[Footslogger]

Here's mine:
http://www.trailjournals.com/entry.cfm?id=47849

"...It was a dark and stormy night ...."

=============================

You're such a ham ...check out mine !! Not bad for an old dude.

http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/files/1/5/0/SloggerSummit.jpg

'Slogger

[Jan LiteShoe]

=============================

You're such a ham ...

Is that better that a turkey?
:) I didn't check the dates.

[Footslogger]

Is that better that a turkey?
:) I didn't check the dates.

=============================

WAY better !!

'Slogger