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Day 149: I’m a THRU HIKER!!!
Day 149, 9/23/23
Abol Bridge to Mt. Katahdin
10.3 miles, mile 2,198.4
I DID IT!!!! I’m a thru hiker! I truly can’t believe it. I thought that I would cry when I saw that sign but I didn’t. I think I’m just relieved it’s over. The weather today couldn’t have been better. Great weather and a weekend means that the trail was absolutely packed. There were well over 100 people on the Hunt Trail today. Luckily we were able to scurry around a lot of people and we made it to the summit very fast coming from Abol Bridge. We didn’t sit down the whole 10 miles, I was too excited for a break. When we got above treeline it turned into rock climbing for a mile or so which is always fun for us. This is where a lot of the bottlenecking happened, but it really wasn’t that bad considering how many people were up there.
When we finally got to the sign and took our picture, everyone at the summit cheered for us which was a great feeling. Lots of people came over to congratulate us and ask us questions about the trail. The hike down seemed never ending but when we got to the parking lot Mom and Dad were waiting with some champagne and cheering.
I’m really proud of myself. This hike was not really what I expected it to be, but I am happy I did it. I didn’t have the time of my life, and I don’t think I will be thru hiking any other trail. I’m more of a day hiker and a car camper, and am excited for those activities to resume next summer. There were certainly good moments on the trail, and some aspects I probably will miss. But for now, it’s time for a hiking hiatus (yay), and a job (boo).
Some things I’m excited for post trail are: my bed, daily showers, my pup, real food, actually sleeping at night, not hiking 18-25 miles every day, not having to hike in the rain, dry feet, and seeing my friends and family again.
Thank you so much for all the words of encouragement, and the support from my family and friends kept me going to the end. I truly couldn’t have done it without you all.
Oil Change is signing off!
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Comments 14
Job well done. Gratz.
Woohoo!! Congrats!!
CONGRATS!!! I’ve been following through your adventure. I day hiked Katahdin in 1996. I will never forget the awesome sense of accomplishment I felt just by saying I claimed Kathadin. That’s nothing compared to what you’ve accomplished. Congrats again!!
Congratulations, Oil Change! Well done!
Happy trails in all future endeavors.
Otter (Class of ’19)
Congrats, Oil Change and Loaf.
I’m glad I got to meet you guys.
Take care,
zigzag
Congratulations. Great achievement. Thanks for sharing your adventure.
Congratulations to both of you for finishing your AT hike. Enjoyed your excellent journal. David Odell AT71 PCT72 CDT77
Respect and congrats. Nice writing too. Good luck in the future.
Cheers!
Just discovered your blog on The Trek! Grateful to have stumbled upon your final blog entry.
I was actually choked up but your summit pic. Moved to a tear. My wife feared I was having a stroke.
Good times.
What an accomplishment and an inspiration for us all!!! Enjoy the bliss of being done and whatever you decide to do next. Thanks for sharing your journey with us. Peace out!
Thank you for writing this blog. I truly learned a lot from your amazing entries. You and your brother will have a lifetime of memories, made together, from this awesomely difficult hike. Hopefully, you write one more entry to let all of your loyal readers know how life off of the trail begins for you. Best wishes Oil Change!
Well done! I have enjoyed reading about your adventures and seeing your beautiful pictures. They are so clear and well framed. I imagine you took these with your phone? If you don’t mind me asking, what type of phone were you using?
Thanks so much for following along and your kind words! I took all my photos with a Google Pixel 7 pro.
Congratulations! Loved following your journey! Best of luck in all you do! Beth