Summit Day!

10/8/15 - Summit Day, Appalachian Trail Lodge, Millinocket, ME
It didn't freeze last night at Katahdin Stream Campground, but the front did roll through. We had a nice campfire, but turned in early.  When I got up around midnight, the stars were so clear.  We really have had great weather this last week.

We were up at five thirty and on trail about seven thirty.  The first mile to Katahdin Stream Falls was the typical state park trail.  Then it turned into a slightly steeper grade with the usual roots and rocks.  Approaching the tree line, the trail turned bouldery, much like sections of the Whites.  After that, it became a technical rock scramble.  There's no way I would ever attempt it except in a day like today, dry and sunny.  The wind was a bit strong, and cold.  At a couple of places there were small 'L's of rebar hammered into the boulders.  The scramble often required maneuvering chest high obstacles.  The whole way up I was wondering, 'How am I going to get back DOWN?'.

About halfway up, the trail hits the Hunt Spur.  Still awful boulders, but it flattens a bit and the view back down is great.  Then the climb starts again, this time without the rebar.  The wind moderated a bit, but I was torn, I wanted gloves for my cold hands, but needed bare fingers to grip the rocks.  If the granite hadn't been dry, I'd have slipped a bunch.

Two thirds up, the trail flattens onto the Tablelands.  I stopped for a break; the rest of my group was somewhere below, I couldn't even hear them as usual.  I decided not to wait.  The trail crosses Thoreau Spring, which was iced over all day today despite the sun.  The final ridge looked so close, but I knew it was still a ways off.  As I was ascending the last ridge, I could see my group far below on the Tablelands.

At the summit, Ghost, Sourpatch and some section hikers had already arrived.  My group showed up and we spent an hour taking photos and admiring the clear view across Maine.  Then it was time to start down.  It had taken about three and half hours to ascend, it would take about three to get down.  We stayed pretty close together going down. 

At Katahdin Stream Falls, Mac's mother met us on the trail.  She had driven Mac and Pace to Springer back in March, and walked the mile to the summit with them.  Now, seven months later, she had walked a mile on the trail to lead them out.  So nice!  She brought snacks and champagne and we had a short celebration at the lean-to.  Then we loaded up the rental SUV, grabbed Ghost and Kyley and waved goodbye to Baxter State Park.  My knees hurt all the way to town.


Tomorrow is a rain day. We will wake late, eat breakfast and drive to Monson, where Rebekah at the Lakeshore House is waiting.  Then we will slack the final fifteen miles to finish this hike.