Introduction

About Pathways

Appalachian Trail

Why Walk?

Make a Pledge

Hiking Schedule

Journal

Photos

Links

Acknowledgements

September 3, 2001

I crossed the 2000 mile mark today, painted in yellow in the middle of a paved road. I hiked the Bigelow Range yesterday and so climbed the last 4000' peak until Katahdin. Today's hike was a beautiful, flat 17-mile stretch. We could see Katahdin for the first time from Bigelow. It's the beginning of the end.

I spent all day today and frequently recently thinking about the whole trip--expectations versus reality, what I thought I'd learn and everything I never expected at all. Trying to put this in perspective not as the end of a journey but a continuation of my greater path. Otherwise, I'll never want it to end.