Introduction

About Pathways

Appalachian Trail

Why Walk?

Make a Pledge

Hiking Schedule

Journal

Photos

Links

Acknowledgements

September 28, 2001

Greetings. I finally made it back to Asheville after summitting Mt. Katahdin on September 12th. I finished a little bit ahead of my schedule, but I think it must have been on time because although mac-n-cheese is out, I still like peanut butter.

I reached Daicy Pond, my final campsite seven miles from Katahdin, at dusk. Six hours later I put my boots back on and started walking beneath a sea of stars. I hiked the final mountain, 5268 ft, before dawn. When the sun rose I was above tree line with all the lakes and mountains of Northern Maine laid out before me. Bathed in a rosy glow, the mountain looked serene. But the wind roared so that I had to clutch at boulders for balance. Hiking turned into rock climbing at times.

When I neared the summit, I thought again of everyone who has helped me make this journey and supported me along the way. I thought of you all and a lump in my throat threatened to choke me only steps from the final white blaze. But it turned into a giggle when I saw a dozen caterpillars wandering around the wooden plaque marking the peak. Twelve of my trail friends had been driven into their sleeping bags head first because of the cold and wind. Only their faces peered out of the foot zippers to admire the grandeur all around us.

As with most of the trail, the final week was more difficult mentally than physically. The weather held and it was warm enough to go swimming in the final lakes and rivers. The day I summitted was a clear day with perfect visibility. After Katahdin, we all hiked the Knife's Edge, an infamous one mile rock ridge line. It was totally exposed on all sides and incredibly beautiful.

Since then, I've been on a slow ride back to Asheville. With a compilation of trains, buses, and automobiles, I visited several friends who took me in along the way. I went to Bar Harbor and Acadia on the coast of Maine. I went to a hiker party in Boston and a Brazilian party in Connecticut. I stayed in PA and DC, and eventually delivered a security truck to Atlanta so I could drive down I-81. That interstate basically parallels the trail, and I relived my walk in reverse order while seeing the names of all the trail towns and looking at all of the ridges I'd walked.

I've had such a good time and feel so lucky to have been able to have this experience. What will stay with me most is a sense of community--on the trail among hikers and off the trail from supportive friends. Thank you all for following my adventures, donating to Pathways, writing emails and letters, sending care packages, and visiting. You kept my spirits high and have helped me to complete a goal and continue a journey. I don't know of anyone on trail who had more support than I've had. I can't thank you all enough.

I hope that autumn is cozy for everyone.

Love, Karen