October 4 Mile 2181-
We woke before daylight and packed our bags one final time. We took only essentials to make our pack as light as possible. We left camp, signed the register to climb Katahdin, and headed up. The first mile was an easy walk by a stream with the clearest water we have seen on the trail. Once we passed the waterfall, the climb really started. From there to a part of the moutian called tableland we put our hiking poles away and climbed using both our hands and feet. Grabbing the huge slabs of rocks and pulling ourselves up made our arm work more than they have in a while. Tableland was a flat area about 600 feet short of the summit. The final climb was steady and went by fast. Rain started about 200 feet from the summit. We made it, took some photos, and started the 5 miles back down. Most of which I didn't even remember climbing.
Our shuttle pulled up just as we reached camp. The 45 minute drive to Millinocket was just enough time for our bodies to cool off and begin to shiver from lack of food. A hot shower and clean laundry made a world of difference. We headed back out to meet friends for one last dinner.
Shadow and I both agree that if winter wasn't coming, we would turn around and hike back to Tennessee.
It was an appropriate end to an amazing trip. We hope that whatever life brings next will be as interesting and exciting. The Appalachian Trail will live in our hearts and memories forever. Thank you all for your support and hope to see you soon.
9 comments:
Congratulations on your successful thru! We have enjoyed following your journey. Best wishes for what lies ahead. The Greiners in Texas.
I have been following your blog since meeting you in Kent, Connecticut- I was the grandfather, with stepson and three boys who stayed at the Cooper Creek B&B with you. Our two days were a tiny but wonderful taste of the AT, and reading your posts has extended the experience vicariously. Congratulations on your completed hike, thank you for sharing the story, and best wishes in all your endeavors.
So happy for you! Way to go! Hope we manage to get together somehow soon. Our home is always open. Enjoy your return to normal life, call me if you need some pointers =)
CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR SPECTACULAR ACHIEVEMENT. HAVE BEEN FOLLOWING YOU ONLY SINCE MEETING YOU AT THE KNEEBEC RIVER WHILE WAITING FOR "THE FERRY" We spoke of Hood River, Rainier [hope Shadow does it] etc.
Very very best wishes for a continous exciting life.
Jim
Congratulations Shadow & Country Mouse! It was a pleasure getting to know you folks on the trail. We really were happy that we were able to see you again a few times during your final couple of weeks in Maine. Thimbleberry's knee is still hurting her a lot and she is having a hard time having to lay low. She would love to be outdoors working on getting the yard and garden ready for winter. We wish you all the best as you decide what to do next. You are always welcome to come visit us in the UP.
Greenstone & Thimbleberry
Awesome! It has been so fun following your blog, and I'm so thrilled that you guys finished :) What a wonderful adventure. I hope that assimilating back to 'normal' life is easy. Congratulations!
You rock - congratulations on finishing! We hope you'll come and visit us in Warwick again... and/or in NYC - we would love to show you around. We've been living vicariously through your adventures as we've read your blog these past months. Hope you'll continue to write about whatever you do next :) xox- Sasha, Erik, Olivia, and Bob and Linda
What a great adventure! Thanks so much for sharing it with us.
I'll miss your blogs from the trail. Can't wait for your next adventure.
Wish I could make the party on the 29th, we'll be out of town.
Hope to see you soon.
Eric
Hey Country Mouse & Shadow! I feel privileged to have spent time together with you both on the A.T. What great,awesome memories we will all have for the rest of our lives!! Congratulations again on your thru-hike completion! I'm so glad to be done and back home! I'm resting a lot and adjusting ever so slowly to life off the Trail. How about You??
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