Cold. That is all I could think when I got up. My fan is safe at home, but with a rain jacket, a wind and fleece jacket was definitely warm enough. I was raised at 5 years, before the sun was awake, and the second breakfast and I go out together towards the entrance of the Baxter State Park. When I got there, the food bag, the quilt and the gossamer equipment pad in my hand, was eighth in «Line», behind Icarus/Woozy, Comeback, Yoshie, Snapshot/Peaches and John. I have met a good number of them before, but the return was new, so I spent a while chatting with her. He had done a good part of the path in an attempt 30 years ago, but this year he has already done from Harpers Ferry to Katahdin! And he wants to finish his flip later in the year.
I went to bed and tried to stay relatively warm, sitting on my pad too. While technically we should not sleep in the line, since that tells how «camp», I did not think that anyone would care. But then Snapshot was still making sure to continue shrinking about not falling asleep. So, I didn’t take any rest. But also, I must continue with the rules.
Throughout the next hour or so, the sun began to increase and gave us another great view of Katahdin. Then I met Mouondog, Shredder, and the Magician of Ghee, who I have seen the trunks of trails and which I have heard before. It was nice to talk to them and finally meet. I just heard so much about their trips, so it’s great intertwining people again.
Around 7, the park rangers appeared and withdrew our basic information. I have heard that Baxter staff takes the search and rescue seriously, and if someone registered but is not recorded, the cavalry will mobilize. And yes, that happened earlier this year with the Father/Daughter Hiking Combo, but I have also heard that it happens in general, where the Baxter rangers will go to look for the next day.
Then, some people went ahead, but I returned directly to my store. Finally he began to warm up the sun, and I returned to the store … And quickly I immediately fell asleep for three more hours. I can’t even start describing how incredible he felt. But today only 9 miles of hiking, and a mile of paved roads, so there is no hurry to get out of bed today. Finally I woke up around 11, well started and Peckish again. He ate some of my popcarts and we were warmed outside with the second breakfast, we both devour the sandwiches they had available in the camp store. I also grabbed some hot puppies, and observed how I went out, with me accompanying shortly after.
In less than 24 hours, I will probably be at the top of Katahdin. Some of my most constant companions, such as Skyball, are in Katahdin at this time. But in my opinion, it still does not seem to be rounding the corner at the end of the trip. It’s just another day in the forest. During the last day, I made an effort to listen to anything except the sounds of the forest and the Penobscot river, in addition to the water characteristics around me. Niagra’s falls were great, and Daicey Pond, although a bit rocky, was a final source of water to greet. In fact, I found a magical reception place to send some final logistics of «these are my plans for tomorrow» to my friends and family.
But most of the time walking came with reflection. It is a very common feeling among hikers who continued with the hope of thinking a lot about what they wanted … and ending without having thought all the time. It’s an exhausting trip! So I just tried to reflect at least what this trip meant. I remembered how in Georgia, I imagined walking to that sign of Katahdin, and how it would feel. And now … that will come tomorrow.
I got on the Katahdin Stream camp around 4:30, where I found Frankenpole/FP driving, and hitting with his friend who tried 100 with the other two (but I had to rescue 🙁). I was happy to see me and I was telling me with enthusiasm that I had to wait tomorrow. He also laughed at how exactly the same interaction had the day before with Peanut and all down the mountain.
I registered with the Rangers, and they told me «Oh, you finally succeeded, we have a meeting in 5». But then I said «alone … check the name of the path. It could make more sense.» Then, the three rangers began to laugh: they didn’t even review it in advance. I walked to the bold and placed my tent aside. Most people waited for the meeting with the Rangers or cooked their food.
The basic concepts were simple. The Rangers were very happy to have us in Baxter, but they wanted to clarify some things. The mountain is a sacred mountain, and we must respect the summit. Which, I really appreciate this mentality. Compared to the development zoo that is the success of Mount Washington (and this is not a trip through a new England!), It is good that the park In fact He wants to emphasize. Without alcohol, without smoking and not congregate in the beak. I hope people respect it (track, instantaneous not 🙂).
We also just review how to get out of the park. While we are welcome invited for one night, we are guests welcome for one night. They want to leave us, and that is completely fair. Preservation on recreation!
I sat around the tables talking to Ghee’s wizard, Moondog, Shredder, and returned on their various trips, while ate some hot dogs and my frozen food. That’s all, I don’t have backpackers for a while! Thank God for that. Moondog and Shredder had some hilarious adventures in Pearisburg, while I only had some of mine. To be honest, my trip has not had so many stories of batteries, apart from perhaps the hitch with the dead fox or something. But maybe that’s good. Maybe I’m just a charm of luck.
I settled next to Icarus and Wozye to spend the night. For some reason, another hiker came to the store area to smoke their cigarettes, while the two Canadians moved away at a good distance to do so. I appreciated the respect of the Canadians. Oh ok. You can’t win everything, and sometimes your summit with a person you don’t like. But I can’t let that ruin my adventure.
Because tomorrow is the end of this chapter. Afternoon starts this path and in this mountain. A later beginning for me.
(Title lyrics by: One Day More, Les miserable)
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