">
Day 163: Summit Day
Truth in Advertising
I summited Katahdin on October 3rd. My posts have always been delayed, so I decided to continue that practice and not announce my finish the day I summited. I wanted to preserve the continuity of my journal as well as keep up any suspense about whether I’d finish, at least for the readers who hadn’t already guessed.
But that wasn’t the only reason I delayed this post. I sat down in front of my laptop multiple times yesterday but ended up playing more online Hearts than writing. I guess I knew that when I publish this one it means my adventure is really over and I’m quite ready for that yet. Plus, I knew that whatever I wrote would never capture everything I wanted to say. But I did get the van cleaned up and most of my gear put away, so the day wasn’t a complete loss.
This morning, after procrastinating all day yesterday, I decided to just tell the story of my final day on the trail, much like I’ve done for the other 162 days of my AT thru hike. Maybe I’ll write some kind of perspective piece in a month, when I have had a chance to process enough to have some semblance of perspective. Or maybe I’ll save that for the book, if there ever is one.
5:00 AM
I didn’t need an alarm today. I’d been checking the time all night, whenever I rolled over or each time Gus kicked me while chasing dream squirrels. Even Northstar, who frequently sleeps through my breakfast noise and sometimes through the drive to the drop off, asked, “Is it time?” when I sat up and climbed from under the corner of blanket she and Gus had left me.
The lights came on in JW’s van about the same time as ours and he appeared at our door by 5:45. Alex would be keeping Gus in their too-tall-for-Baxter Sprinter Van, and Northstar would be dropping us off in our one-inch-under-the-limit ProMaster.
6:33 AM
We’d camped only about 10 miles from Baxter’s main entrance, but the washboard dirt roads from Abol Bridge to Baxter Road kept us well under 25 mph. I don’t know why they bother with speed limit signs on Golden Road. The logging trucks ignore them and anyone who loves their vehicle can’t approach the maximum allowed speed.
We got our best view of Katahdin from the Abol Bridge. The peak wore a lenticular cloud like a jaunty French beret, white but pulled down low over one side of its bald head. The rest of sky promised better weather and clear views, though we expected highs in the mid-70’s which might make for a sweaty climb. I haven’t hiked in 70-degree weather since Massachusetts.
From the bridge, Katahdin looked huge and intimidating, a head, shoulders, and torso taller than any peak around it. Today’s 4,200-foot ascent would be the biggest continuous climb on the entire AT. With most of the ascent at more than 1,000 feet per mile, it would also be one of the AT’s steepest. We made small talk during the drive, but our minds were on the climb.
We pulled up to Baxter’s front door at 6:33, six cars back from the Ranger checking permits at the gate. The line crawled along slowly, but we beat the 7:05 deadline when our permit would expire with time to spare.
7:04 AM
We pulled into the Katahdin Stream Campground at the base of Katahdin at 7:04. Despite mostly clear skies, the wind was ripping. The Ranger said to expect 40 to 50 mph gusts on the summit. I knew from experience in the Whites, those velocities can push you over if you let them, particularly if the trail knocks you off balance. In big winds, I use my trekking poles like outriggers, tripoding my way up the trail.
The Ranger also told me that I was thru hiker #1059 to attempt to summit, including all the southbounders and flipfloppers. My hiker tag from Springer Mountain read #2370. We’ve lost a lot of comrades along the way. With only two more weeks in Baxter’s season, not many more thru hikers will summit.
When I climbed out of the van and grabbed my pack, I felt strangely unemotional, almost inert. Mostly, I felt tired. My legs and feet hurt. I’ve approached my limit. I need to be done.
7:10 AM
JW and I stopped at the trailhead sign for selfies at 7:10, along with a few other hikers we didn’t know. We walked into the woods, and suddenly it got real. This was it. My heart skipped a beat and excitement finally came rushing in.
I remembered hiking this mountain on my 50th birthday, thirteen years ago, as a day hiker. That time, I’d watched the thru-hikers, wondering what it must feel like. Compared to that hike, this one felt drier, warmer, and sunnier. That September day, the park threatened to close the summit because of the possibility for snow and ice. Instead, we got drizzle, 35-degrees, and only a few brief partial views between the clouds.
During that climb, the steep, rocky trail, the vertical climbs, the rebar hand/footholds, and runoff flowing down the middle of the trail surprised me. Today, I barely noticed it. Such conditions are normal on the AT, especially in New England.
As I climbed, trailing behind JW, memories of this year’s thru hike flooded my mind. Amicolola, Springer, Blood Mountain, Deep Gap, hiking the Smokies with Brian/Buff, Gatlinburg, Hot Springs, McAfee Knob, Harpers Ferry, the Mason-Dixon Line, and so many more. I pictured each in my mind and tried to picture all 21 of the 100-mile markers I’d passed.
8:40 AM
I emerged from the tree line at 8:40 at vertical granite wall equipped with rebar hand/foot holds drilled into the outcrop. A small traffic jam of hikers stalled at the climb, waiting their turn while trying to not get blown off the mountain. JW stood off to the side, retying a shoelace, and losing his lead on me.
The woman ahead of me struggled to find a foothold, so I offered to brace her foot with mine, but she declined, saying she “couldn’t climb over anyone to reach her goal.” I replied, “That’s positively un-American, ma’am.” She laughed but still wouldn’t accept any help.
After my turn came, I climbed up and passed her and her significant other, who looked at me and said, “Those poles helping you out on this climb?” He said it with a sneer and a mocking, critical tone. Wow. First of all, what the heck? Twenty-two hundred miles on the AT didn’t change that attitude? Amazing. Second, yes, they are helping on this climb. They keep me from falling over in the wind.
But the trail has changed me a little. I just smiled, said, “Yup,” and hiked on.
9:04 AM
By 9:04, I reached the Hunt Spur, a bouldery outcrop on the long, steep climb up Katahdin’s arm. Next came the Tablelands, a rocky, mile-long, plateau-like section that leads to the short, steeper climb to Katahdin’s summit. The last time I walked this trail, I couldn’t see 50 feet ahead of due to the thick, low clouds. Today, the wind and sun had finally taken Katahdin’s hat off, and I could make out tiny figures standing at the summit.
10:16 AM
I touched the iconic Katahdin sandwich board sign at 10:16. I’ve watched dozens of videos of hikers weeping when they reach the sign, so I half expected to get a little choked up, but it didn’t happen to me. For sure, I had no trouble mustering up a wide grin for my selfie and felt a huge sense of accomplishment, but I dropped no tears.
I recognized none of the hikers who’d gotten there before me, so I asked a stranger to take pictures with my phone as I (illegally, yet another recent Baxter rule) climbed on the sign and raised my arms and poles in triumph. I felt great.
Then I climbed down and looked around. What should I do now? Turn around and hike back down? Channel my best Forrest Gump and say, “I’m pretty tired…I think I’ll go home now.”? I at least needed to wait for JW, so I sat down behind a boulder to escape some of the wind, put on an extra layer, and watched the parade of hikers coming up behind me.
10:27 AM
JW rolled in at 10:27, one of many who summited in the hour after me. A few hikers broke down in sobs when they reached the sign, crying and falling on their knees. Most hooted and hollered. A few broke out (now illegal) contraband and toasted themselves. Literally. I saw one hiker who climbed up in a tuxedo and another in a NASA spacesuit pajama onesie. I witnessed one marriage proposal (it appeared to be a yes).
And one dog, an Australian cow dog named Wade Wilson, who had last growled at Gus in Virginia, and we hadn’t seen since. His owner, as usual, wasn’t particularly talkative to me, so I didn’t find out whether he’d snuck his dog past the Rangers (doubtful) or gotten it certified as an emotional support or service dog (more likely). I will not be telling Gus about this.
And everyone got their picture and checked for cell coverage, needing to announce their happiness to the world. I know I did. Coverage was spotty and only a few of my messages got through, however.
I recognized most of the hikers, having talked to many of them, and shared shelters or given rides to others. Most of those said congratulations, but suddenly I was back in Pennsylvania. People retreated to their tramilies and besties, leaving me feeling like an outsider. I hadn’t expected that after all the comradery I’d experienced over the last month. It felt weird, sobering, and bittersweet, yet somehow an appropriate reminder of some of the less pleasant aspects of my thru hike.
11:35 AM
Eventually, you have to climb back down the mountain. Just like Springer Mountain, no road access to the summit exists. Without a large tramily to wait for and celebrate with, there’s only so much to do on the peak. After an hour, we’d looked at all the views and taken all the pictures we wanted. We’d considered hiking out to the Knife’s Edge Trail, but the howling wind made that an exceptionally bad idea. The narrow precipitous ridge is scary enough even in the best weather.
So, we hoisted our packs and headed down. Plenty of hikers were still climbing as we left, including Soup and Shoulders, who had struggled a bit on steep exposed sections. As we descended, we could hear the hiker’s shouts when they reached the sign for a surprisingly long way, despite the wind.
12:07 PM
We had decided to go back via the Abol (Rock) Slide Trail instead of the official AT path on the Hunt Trail. We’d heard it’s a less punishing descent, but with a drop of about 3,500 feet over one less mile than the Hunt Trail, it promised to be a knee-buster. It was, reminding me of the worst of New Hampshire, but without the mud and water running down the middle of the trail. It was also quite hot, between the air temperature and all that exposed, reflective white granite.
12:44 PM
Once we reached the tree line, we not only got out of the wind, but the trail flattened out a bit, making it more of a hike than a scramble. As I walked the easier section of trail, I shifted from survival mode to something more contemplative. I client’s text beeped on my phone in a sporadic window of cell coverage. Could I get a report done by the end of October? Ugh. I’m not ready for that yet.
My thoughts turned back to my hike, remembering all that had happened over the past six months. I’m happy with the way I did this thru hike. I loved having Northstar and Gus along the entire trip. I like slackpacking and my knees thanked me for leaving the heavy stuff behind most days. I love vanlife.
The last three weeks in Maine have been the best part of the hike. Maine was beautiful. The weather was fantastic. JW and Alex have been a Godsend. I so needed all that.
I made a few videos on the way down the mountain. In each one, I eventually trailed off, lost in thought, forgetting to turn off the camera. I must have 30 minutes of footage looking up at my chin as I plodded along staring ahead in silence. It will take me months to process all this.
1:37 PM
I hiked into at Abol Campground at 1:37, tired and happy. The climb and descent were hard, but I’d been well trained and ground it out like it was nothing.
Will I miss hiking every day? Probably, but not tomorrow. Maybe once I get the feeling back in my toes and when I don’t wince in pain when I first stand up in the morning. I’ll definitely miss Maine and the woods in Fall. Thinking all that over, I lay on a picnic table, staring up at the colorful trees, the blue sky, and a sliver of the greatest mountain.
While I waited, the guy who had mocked me for my trekking poles walked up and asked if I knew how to get a shuttle out of the park. He had no cell coverage and couldn’t call for one. I was sorely tempted to plead ignorance, but Matthew 5:43-48 echoed in my ears. So, I told him I’d be driving into Millinocket and would be happy to give him a ride. He was still a bit much, but his wife was really nice and kept reining him in. They both were very appreciative.
2:55 PM
We dropped JW off at their river camp at 2:55. Alex surprised him with a bottle of his namesake (Johnny Walker), so we toasted our hike (I was driving and stuck to Lime La Croix) and said our goodbyes. They planned to camp at least one more night at the river and then take a short tour of the Maine coast until JW has to return to work.
3:47 PM
We dropped off our passengers at the hiker hostel in Millinocket just before 4:00. Two weeks ago, I thought we’d have a celebration with our little tramily after finishing the trail, but almost everyone we knew got ahead of us in the 100 Mile Wilderness and summited yesterday. We didn’t know today’s finishers well enough to be invited to their parties or to invite them to one of ours.
That’s fine. Northstar, Gus, and I did most of this trail alone. We are our own tramily. So, it’s most appropriate to spend this night with just the three of us.
3:55 PM
We pulled out onto the highway and headed for Bangor to find a nice motel, a long, hot shower, a washing machine, a sizzling steak, and a draught of something cold and bubbly.
We are done.
Daily Stats:
- Start: Katahdin Stream Campground (Mile 2193.2)
- End: Katahdin Summit (Mile 2198.4)
- Weather: Wind advisories, then back to perfection
- Earworm: Kodachrome (Simon & Garfunkel)
- Meditation: II Tim 4:7
- Plant of the Day: Leaves on the trail. I’ll never tire of that.
- Best Thing: Touching the sign.
- Worst Thing: It’s over.
Postscript
Stay tuned. I may post my trail name story in a few days. Normally, I don’t share the story with anyone who hasn’t camped at least 10 consecutive nights with me. And even then, it usually requires a bribe of peanut M&M’s to get the story out of me. I need to decide if reading almost 170 blogs equals 10 nights of camping.
This website contains affiliate links, which means The Trek may receive a percentage of any product or service you purchase using the links in the articles or advertisements. The buyer pays the same price as they would otherwise, and your purchase helps to support The Trek's ongoing goal to serve you quality backpacking advice and information. Thanks for your support!
To learn more, please visit the About This Site page.
Comments 126
I think about your AT adventures for the last 5.months or so is enough to hear.your story about your Trail name. And if I am fortunate enough to meet.ypu one day on the Trail somewhere I will make sure I have those M&M’s for you.
God Bless and I truly would love to meet you one day and share stories with you. As you left behind a verse of the Word on your trek story, I looked them up and understood your point for the study of that verse for the day.
William (Pappy)
Troopmaster of TLUSA SC-0023 for 10 years and now Point Man for SW NC
Thanks for following along, William
Congratulations! Thank you for sharing your trek with us. I have enjoyed following along every day from the Bluegrass. Happy Trails to you, Northstar and Gus!
Thanks, Kane!
Wow! You did it. Congratulations.
I would have told the pole questioner that I keep them to beat idiots who ask stupid questions. I guess I am not tired.
Thank you and Northstar for a great year’s worth of Blogging and adventure.
Do not be a stranger and I hope to meet you again now that you are a real Thru-hiker.
Deb says congrats too.
Cheers!
Thanks, T. Hi from Kate to Deb. It’s been a pleasure.
Congratulations! Quite an accomplishment. Have really enjoyed following your journey over the last several months, as well as my ambush meeting on the trail in Connecticut. By far and away I’ve found your blogs to be the most enjoyable of the various hikers I’ve been following, enough so that I plan to check out your books.
Kudos to Northstar and Gus as well.
Nice to meet you on the trail that day on the river. All the best!
Congratulations! I have thoroughly enjoyed your stories. Your writing is excellent and entertaining. Hope to read more about your adventures.
Again, Congratulations! I never doubted you for 1 minute.
I will miss reading your journals, but a hearty congratulations goes to you, Northstar, and Gus. Thanks for letting us share your journey. Your writing style is conversant, engaging and honest. Most of all, I enjoyed your superlative-like lists at rhe end. Especially the scripture meditations. That sometimes takes courage. Godspeed!
Thanks, Janet!
Thanks, Tammy!
Why yes Jon. Maybe 170 blogs equals 10 days. A perfect 163 does equal a 10 as well. You write it, they/we will come.
Congratulations again! Hope your trip home was safe and your loved ones had the send off you cherished them to have.
Please if in your power do a follow up. Witch Doctor did one today and it was a great read. Thank you, personally for sharing your meditation of the day, to be honest that was the hook line and sinker for me. It showed something to offer a ride to someone who you might have passed by. Forgive those, as we all need forgiving at some point.
Peace and blessings upon you and your family – and us.. your Tramily once removed and Vicarious in nature. People these days think as others not theirselves I never felt you did that , you used about your situations and always took the stepping stone put before you and by the end of your writings I always felt so good. Aloha until next time.
Aloha, Jeff. Thanks for following along.
Congratulations on a job well done especially with the stress and struggles that you and your extremely patient wife have had.
What to say, what to say… thanks for the memories. Thanks for the honesty. Just thanks! Gonna miss these posts.
Hike on, my brother!
See you down the trail, mon frere.
Jon,
Congratulations young man and i have enjoyed your blog especially your maine bog Gus. I hope to one day thru hike after i retire but i am section hiking here there for now.
With kind regards in Christ
Richard Glasgow
Enjoy those section hikes! Thanks for following along, Richard.
Congratulations! Enjoy some well-deserved rest. I’m going to miss reading your snarky, thoughtful, warts-and-all posts on a regular basis.
I do love a good snark. Thanks for following along, Maddie.
Congratulations Jon! I’ve enjoyed your stories very much and look forward to an epilogue. We’d love to hear the story of your trail name and if you tell me where to send the peanut M&Ms, maybe we can coax it out of you….lol Best wishes!
Just leave ‘em at a trailhead. I’ll find them. Thanks for following along, Candace.
Jon,
I have loved following you, Northstar, and Gus through your adventure. I am more in your age bracket and have so appreciated your perspective. Thank you for sharing and congratulations!
Lynn
Thanks, Lynn
Well done, Jon! I’ve followed you from the beginning so I know how much you’ve slogged through, and this might have been the worst weather year ever on the AT. High praise to you for reaching your goal, and to Northstar and Gus for their very significant roles. If I’d been on Katahdin I’d have been hugging and high fiving everyone – tramily or not. Maybe our ‘advanced age’ makes us more open to others’ experiences? I’m thankful to have shared 163 days of hiking with you. All the best to you as you work through ‘reentry’.
I’ve reentered. I can feel my toes again and I’m loving the AC. But I miss the woods. But not this summers weather. Thanks for following along, Cynthia.
Congratulations Jon, Kate and Gus
What a great adventure and so beautifully recorded in the blog. It was a pleasure to meet all of you on the journey. I hope the feet heal quickly but the memories last forever.
The irony of such a feat. Corky made it 2198 miles (3500 kms) on some pretty rough trail and fell on a paved suburban street last week and broke her hand.
I do hope that you let us know the incident story!
Best Wishes
Hammer and Corky
So fun to meet you in VT in August after missing you in Hiawassee. I watch out for sidewalks at home…one bad step…
Congratulations, Jon, Northstar and Gus! I’ve followed you from the beginning and have so enjoyed and will miss your posts and photographs. They really had a feeling of being right along with you, and what the hike is really all about. You did hike your own hike and have much to be proud of.
Btw, Upstate (central) New York says “hi” and we’re proud of you.
Ah…central NY in Fall. So nice. Go Orange! Thanks for following along, Jules.
Congratulations! To you, Northstar, and Gus!
I have followed along from the beginning, and have loved every minute of it. I have 2 small kids (and 1 on the way) so a thru hike isn’t in the cards for me in the next couple of years, but your honesty and consistency has helped solidify it as a real goal for me in the future. Thank you SO much for sharing your journey with us- I’ll miss the regular updates.
Also, I think faithful readers of 170 blog posts over the course of months totally counts as 10 consecutive days!
You’re welcome, Alyssa. If you’re stuck on names for the new one, feel free to use my trail name. It works for any and all genders. Though maybe wait til you hear the story.
Congratulations! I’ve enjoyed following your Trek posts. Thanks for taking the time and energy to write. All the best to you and NorthStar, and Gus. I hope Roux isn’t too jealous. 🙃
Thanks, Mary. Roux is happy to be home, but maybe a little confused. She’s curled around my feet snoozing right now.
BOOK, book, book!
Thank you for sharing your hike with all of your readers. Writing when you are exhausted, in pain, hot, cold, bug-bitten, smelly…couldn’t have been easy.
Please let us know how you are adjusting to life off of the trail (and Northstar and Gus as well).
Best wishes for the days ahead!
Thanks, Flash. You may get your wish.
Congratulations! Jon, Northstar and Gus!
I’ve really enjoyed your blog. I picked 3 winners to follow faithfully this year. They have all been excellent! Great writing, awesome pitures. (Also Witch Doctor and Phoenix Rising).
I’ve felt a bit of kinship – relatives in AZ, lived in Upstate (ok, Western NY), similar age, hope to have a converted van one day. Alas, no dogs.
I do hope to read the story of The Incident, and plenty of reflections.
Well done, good and faithful servants! (Matt 25:23)
Well, then thanks for picking me! I needed all the help I could get.
Great finish. Enjoyed following along your journey. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks, GW.
Amazing Jon and Northstar! We will miss reading your awesome daily updates and inspirational stories. Can’t wait to see you back home in AZ 🙂
Hey, Tom! And Beckie! Time for some hearts? We got home last week. Still digging out from six months on the road but we’re mostly done now.
Congratulations Jon!🏞️
Google made me aware of your blog for the first time when you arrived in Maine. Maybe because I live in Maine?😄 I am thankful that it did! I feel privileged to have been here at least for the last and best part of the journey. It’s been a joy to read! Thank you for your posts and inspiration! 🥾
Omar
Romans 5:8
Thanks for following along, Omar. Great verse.
Congratulations on summiting! Thank you so much for sharing your stories and providing inspiration. Definitely looking forward to the next installment. As far as “The incident” is concerned,you could make something up for all of your dear readers, and we’d be none the wiser, thereby preserving the details for only those precious few who truly deem themselves worthy, haha. Best wishes!
Haha! But shhh, they’re supposed to think they’re getting the real one. Thanks for following along, Jason.
Congratulations on a strong finish! I’ve enjoyed reading your blog and will miss it. I probably won’t miss it as much as you’ll miss being on the great outdoors, but I’ll come in as a second.
Not all opinions are the same. I recall reading a few early ones. Did you really just blog every day for 5+ mos while maintaining the “neener neener maybe I’ll tell you my trail name meaning” the whole time? Decent amount of complaining too. I remember the late night shelter thing in GA is where I stopped. Not for me. Congrats all the same, and you’re absolutely a decent person for giving pole-question guy a ride, maybe next time you will not have to think twice about playing dumb and you’ll just be generous instinctively by default.
Neener neener. Hope you have a wonderful day 🙃
Neener!
i bet you’re fun at parties.
Haha! Ironic isn’t it? Complaining about complaining, being unkind about being unkind, and opinionated about opinions?
You’re right. I wish I were more instinctively generous. But I’m glad I got there in the end, at least in that case.
And saying neener neener was just one of my reasons for blogging every day. I do enjoy a good neener. Who doesn’t? Maybe I descended from the Knights Who Say Neener.
So sorry you stopped reading Georgia, but super glad you checked in to comment at the end. Whoops. That’s me being ungenerous again.
Neener, neener!
Thanks, Chris! Is this Machina/ Chopstix? If so, you gonna triple up next year?
Congratulations!!!! I have read your blog from the very beginning. Such an accomplishment! It will be bittersweet not to be apart of you, Northstar and Gus’s daily lives as I have come to consider reading your posts as a must do in mine. You may not have had the physical tramily on the trail with you, but I definitely consider you guys as part of mine!
Thanks, Kathy! That’s so nice!
I’ve enjoyed your posts so much! Will definitely miss them , congratulations on this accomplishment, I hope to hike it one day as well. For now, only section hikes as I have a full time job that keeps getting in the way of doing fun things!
Congratulations again.
Dang jobs! Thanks for reading, Sandra.
Big props to you, The Incident! I followed 3 AT blogs this year and you all made it! I take all the credit. Turns out the superintendent did deserve the shade, just not the way you threw it. Article popped up this morning about his Gettysburg malfeasance- my ai wanted to make sure I knew the nps is not all rainbows and unicorns. Biggest props to Northstar and Gus for supporting dreams-sometimes it’s harder than pursuing! Best of luck to you and thanks for sharing your journey!
Thanks for reading, Lish!
Congrats, Jon. Thanks for the ride. Now, hand over that trail name story.
Patience, patience…
Jon, I’ve so enjoyed your blog. I’m 50 my youngest is 8….im thinking in 10 more years…if you can do it I can too? please tell the trail name story!!
You can! I will.
Congratulations, Jon!!
What a fantastic accomplishment and I thank you for the way you presented your journey for others to enjoy. I read every post and will genuinely miss the adventure.
May the good Lord pour out his blessings on you and yours in whatever is next.
Since I am here in the Ozarks and may never have the pleasure of an extended shared hike with you, I would be honored if your shared “The Incident”. A million thanks!
E
Thanks, Elizabeth. He has – abundantly beyond measure.
Congratulations! I’ve enjoyed all your posts over the months. I’m planning to hike in five years. Again Congratulations.
Five years to train! Let the countdown begin…
Congratulations. I got up yesterday and eagerly checked for your summit post. So happy for you. I really enjoyed reading your posts and if you get your puctures and videos to a youTube, I would love to watch it. Enjoy your post hike days. Best wishes to you and your family.
Thanks, Wanda. Hmm, turning pics into a YouTube video. Gotta think about that one. Good idea.
Congratulations! I have enjoyed following your journey.
Thanks, Gary!
Thank you so much for sharing 170 days of hiking with us. I kept wondering if “today was the today” in early October. Congratulations. I’m so glad you finished, and even more glad you shared the entire journey you, Northstar and Gus have been on. Oddly enough, I don’t need to know the origin of your trail name, but I know that if you share the temptation will be too great not to read. Safe journey home, and happy hiking wherever you go next.
PS. I recently did a two night in Vermont (very muddy) and your constant advice of hike your own hike echoed often as I felt like the “slow” one as the greenest hiker in the group. Thanks for the advice. I enjoyed every step.
Excellent! Well done. All the best, Veronica!
Jon,
Congratulations! Thanks for sharing your quest with us. I’m looking forward to your perspective report. My congratulations have to go out to your wonderful partner, as well. I’d also love to hear thoughts from Northstar. She (and Gus) gave a lot of herself to make the trek successful. Much of her time was spent alone in the van. How did she keep herself occupied, and how safe did she feel? You two are very lucky to have each other.
I’ve asked her to write about that, but so far the muse has not inspired her. Which is too bad because she’s a fantastic writer. I’ll pass along your suggestion though.
With a little tear in my eyes I’ve read your last post. With great admiration, I’ve read your posts and your blogs and literally walked this walk with you. Your wonderful writings have taken us on a journey of a lifetime from the comfort of my couch or bed most times. The level of patience, persistence, and endurance to achieve such an accomplishment is just awe -inspiring. You’re done with the walk but you will never be done with the experience! And how grateful you must be to have your lovely wife and dog beside you the entire way. Love and support from them goes a long way. Your gumption and motivation to stay the course is inspiring and I thank you for your wonderful writings so I could follow along and cheer you on! “Congratulations” doesn’t seem to be enough to reward such an achievement but there are no other words that can do it justice. So a virtual toast with your beverage of choice comes from 2500 miles.
Enjoy the remaining days in Maine and may your travels home be just as epic as you traverse the beautiful country. Cheers to you, Kate, and Gus! 🎉💕
Thanks, Jodi. We’re home again. Thanks for following along and cheerleading!
I’ve so enjoyed your story. I will miss your posts. What’s next …John Muir, Con Div, PCT? Look forward to your final reveal.
Thanks, Holly! I’ve been thinking about another shot at the JMT but I struggle at elevation. Oregon Coast Path is probably next.
Jon, I’m celebrating your success, you certainly earned it! I’ve been following you since you started. I’ve loved reading your posts. “My friend Jon, from AZ” is how I refer to you around home.
I would buy your book, full price. Just saying. I’m headed to Amazon to grab a copy of your river travels now.
Always nice to have a friend. Thanks, Mike.
Congratulations to you , Northstar and Gus . Loved following your journey . I will definetly miss reading your posts on a daily basis . I hope you had a quite relaxing trip back to Arizona . Oh yeah, I am looking forward to reading about why you are called ” the Incident”, lol.
Cheers and can’t wait to read about more hiking adventures .
Thanks, Elizabeth. Sitting in the van for 8 days was no treat. Nice to be home though.
Congratulations! Look at this online tramily that cropped up around you! Seems like we are all thrilled to vicariously summit with you. I’m going to track down a Lime LaCroix today, to toast your accomplishment from the PNW. Kudos to you and Northstar and Gus for this incredible journey, and I am sure Roux will be glad to be reunited after summer camp. Best wishes on your future journeys. If the Trek doesn’t continue to publish, you may want to consider a Substack? I think you’d have a pretty good subscriber base! 🙂
Thanks, Sasha. I was thinking the same thing. My tramily. It’s been fun. I’ll check out substack.
Congrats to you, Northstar and Gus! It was fun following your entertaining and candid AT adventures. Enjoy putting your feet up before jumping into the work fray again.
P.S Where do I mail the Peanut M&M’s?
Thanks, Ellen. Oddly, I have my feet up on my work desk right now, taking a break.
Congratulations to you, Kate, and Gus!!
Book, please. Post-hike reflections also. And, of course, your name-tale!
May the Road rise up to meet you and yours.
See you out there!
Thanks, Alison. Will do.
Congrats Mr, The Incident, Mrs. Northstar & Gus!!! Thank you for bringing your digital tramily along to share your epic thru-hiking adventures. (and for calling this middle-aged broad a young woman:) I appreciate your honest, authentic takes on the trail, even more so with a little kvetching. Your writing sure influenced me to be a kinder, more mindful hiker, and am certain others too. Now we patiently await the story of your trail name!
Hello again, Tek! Had to brush up on my Yiddish. Yup, I’m a born kvetcher. All the best.
Congratulations! It’s been a long notching slog for you, gus, and Northstar, but you made it . And in apparently good condition!
I’ve only followed since VA but have enjoyed the ride. Get some rest, and please do a follow -up in a week or so so we know how you’re doing, getting acclimated to “normal” life.
Thank you for sharing your story!
Mary
Thanks, Mary/Rushmore!
Been part of your tramily from the beginning. Hike well done!
Thanks, REM!
Job well done!!! And thanks for sharing your journey! Your thoughtful and humorous reflections will be missed. Good luck with your return to society. Much love…
Thanks, Jen!
I started reading about halfway through your hike, in Shenandoah. I was doing lots of research, planning for a family camping trip out there and Google decided I might like to read about AT thru hikers. And I’ve been following along ever since! Reading your posts has definitely convinced me I do NOT want to do a thru hike, but your system of Northstar following in a van is appealing if my Eagle Scout of a husband ever decides to give it a go.
Thanks for bringing us all along on your journey and congratulations!
The van worked out great for us. I think the AT will see a lot more vanlife hikes in the future. Enjoy!
Congrats! Love your blog and your unique adventure!
Thanks, Dorothy!
Congratulations! I have enjoyed your blogs. Safe journey home.
Thanks, Jennifer!
Thank you for all the writing Jon.
I hope you’ve been gaining some weight and kicking up your feet these last few weeks – you earned it!
Well done!
You’re welcome, Sensei. Still chasing you…
Congrats and well done. I have walked vicariously with you from the very beginning. Your writing style is entertaining and truthful. What I believe was the most important things in your pack was God’s protection, His Grace, and His Mercy. Please continue to post your exploits on the Trek. Look forward to reading some soon.
Amen to that. Daily prayer and providence.
Congratulations on reaching your goal and thank you for taking us along.
I looked forward to each blog and will miss the updates. I hope you do periodically follow up on what’s next and of course spill the beans regarding the trail name story.
Hope you decide to write a book about this experience!
B
Will do, Blutarsky.
Jon, I started following your journey for three reasons: 1) You’re about my age, 2) You are civil, I am mechanical (engineer!) and 3) we are Bible-believing Christians. Your excellent writing and photos painted the picture and emotions for us as we trekked “with you,” and your interactions with fellow AT travelers were humorous, insightful and real – warts and all. I was tickled in the Spirit when you encountered another Believer – that connection is instant, all over the world – and commiserated with your struggle to be kind, even to the ugly, standoffish or purist. Mega kudos to Northstar and Gus – ya couldn’t have done it w/o them! Blessings to you in Christ from East Tennessee as you resume navigating in the world but continue being not of the world. Looking forward to your book!
Thanks, Julie. I almost always knew right away when I met others on the same team. And it always gave me a boost.
I was rank of pathfinder in the ccc (flint and steel master) and I’m saluting you sir guide sir. I also figuratively present the backpacking merit badge to your deserving self. Gonna miss you man, now just just get outta here you big galoot
Dang. I thought you might have gotten the last comment as well as the first. Nice meeting you virtually.
Thanks, Jon, for the joy I’ve felt following your and Northstar and Gus’ adventures on the AT! The accounts of your hike have given me an excellent, chairside view of our magnificent country’s Eastern states, its topography, weather, residents along the trail and so many other interesting facts and observations. Be well and continue life’s journey with joy, love and peace.
Maureen
Thanks for reading, Maureen.
Congratulations my friend…and that just seems so feeble! I have thoroughly enjoyed following you on your hike. I remember being very close to you in late April near Clingman’s Dome as we went to Sevierville for a volleyball tournament.
From death, to graduation, to spending time with your daughter, you and Northstar have persevered. It was definitely not easy, but most things in life aren’t.
I really enjoyed your timeline of the last day.
I’m glad that 2 Timothy 4:7 helped you (twice!) 😀. As Christians, vs 8 is (as Paul Harvey would say) “the rest of the story”). 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
Well done thou good & faithful servant. Enjoy your recovery, it is very well deserved!
Thanks, Mike for the kind words and months of encouragement. All the best.
Congratulations! I’ve really enjoyed following along, and read the last few entries with tears in my eyes, sharing the emotions of your journey.
Thanks, Jeff!
Congrats Jon and Northstar. Where do I send the M&Ms?
Just leave ‘em at a trailhead. I’ll find them.
Congratulations to you and to Gus and your wife! I’ve read every entry and enjoyed them quite a bit. Your story telling is wonderful and interesting. The way you’ve described things was insightful and I liked your point of view. Seems like slacking is an issue you dealt with quite often. I have to say… those were my favorite days. Your wife is a medal winner. Wish I had one… a husband that is. Anyway.. I just wanted to congratulate you for your incredible accomplishment and to please disclose the source of “The Incident”. I’m thinking it has something to do with paddling.. but that’s just a guess. Be well and enjoy your rest.
BlueBird
Hey, Bluebird! Thanks for the kind words. Yup, Mrs The Incident is one in a million. Finding the right words to say that is my next post. Then you’ll get to see if you guessed correctly. I hope you make it back to the trail and keep up tradition of slacking whenever possible!
Jon! How many times do I have to check back since this last post to see if you did an update explanation about “the incident”?!?! Anyway, I read all your posts and enjoyed your writing very much. It was fun to see when you really got into the flow. Congrats to you and your cute van family!
Lol. A few more I guess. But soon. It’s written but I’m screwing up my courage to put it out there.