The big finale...

Hello from Millinocket, Maine and the end of the trail! Yesterday, I summited Mt. Katahdin (the tallest mountain in Maine and the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail). It's hard to fathom that I started walking this trail in Georgia over 6 1/2 months ago in March! We were surrounded by good friends (three guys who we've been hiking on and off with since mile 200 back in the Smokies!) and it was a true celebration, complete with hugs, kisses, tears, cold beers and cigars. Ok, well, I didn't smoke a cigar, but it was quite the joyous event on top of the rocky, windy summit.

I have always loved Maine, but now it knows I have an official crush on it. I have really enjoyed hiking this state and would have to say that it definitely ranks high on my favorite places on the entire trail. Maine is a great way to end this journey. Big, rugged mountains, hundreds of lakes and ponds, golden fall foliage and quiet walks through uncrowded forests.The one thing that I don't really enjoy is that Maine doesn't seem to feel the need to build bridges. When you get to a creek or swelled river, you just take off your boots and walk across its freezing waters. Kris actually lost one of her Crocs on one of the fords and we implemented an elaborate way to cross these water obstacles sharing one pair of shoes. It involved rope and patience, but we did it. Some fords were ankle deep while others were mid-thigh high. Brrrrr! We got off pretty easy, though. Some of our friends, after recent rain storms, crossed at waist to chest high. No thanks!

One river, the Kennebec near Caratunk, Maine, is so dangerous that you actually have to be canoed across it by a Maine guide waiting at the bank. The river is wide and fast and rises 2-4 ft without warning because of the hydroelectric damns that release water upstream with no particular schedule. A few years ago, a hiker drowned trying to cross and the canoe ferry system has been in use ever since. The only problem is that it only runs for two hours, two times a day and by October 1st it only runs from 9-11am. If you miss it, then you wait until the next morning! Well, what an adventure that was. We started our morning about 9 1/2 miles from the river. Worried we weren't going to make it, we RAN, with full packs, the last 3.6 miles in an 1 hour and 15 minutes! We arrived, panting, on the Kennebec shores with barely 10 minutes to spare!! We were his last passengers for the day and he calmly said in his thick Maine accent "The job pays good, but not that good. 11:01, I'm gone." Whew!

This past week we hiked the "100 mile wilderness" in 7 days. It's the last section of the trail before Mt. Katahdin and at one time was considered some of the "most remote feeling woods on the whole trail" and hikers were encouraged to carry 10 days worth of food because there was nowhere to get off for a resupply. Well, in recent years multiple logging roads have been carved through the woods and have increased car and hiker traffic. It was a beautiful section of the trail and a great way to get us ready for the big finale.

Well, this journey may be coming to an end, but the rest of my life is just beginning. Ryan has officially moved to Park City, UT and I will be joining him by Thanksgiving. Besides a strong, thin body I have gained so much from this adventure. All of which will be with me forever. Thanks to everyone for all the encouragement. I couldn't have done it without you!

All my love,
Sarah

PS By the numbers...

Miles: 2,176.2 miles
States: 14
Pairs of boots: 4 1/2
Pounds lost: 6......that's right a measly six pounds!!
Biggest single day: 24.5 miles