(Georgia to Maine, 2010 in hiker short-hand)
March 7 I stood on Springer Mountain looking north. August 6 I stood on Katahdin. 2,179.1 miles and 5 months of hiking through spectacular scenery, meeting wonderful people along the way. Many people hike the trail for profound reasons. In the words of Benton MacKaye, one of the founders of the trail, I hiked the trail “to walk, to see, and to see what I see”. Watching the seasons progress from winter to summer, from south to north, seeing the leaves unfurl, the flowers bloom, the mushrooms emerge. The first time I climbed Katahdin almost 10 years ago, and saw the white blazes headed south, I wanted to know what the trail looked like and what it passed through on the way to Georgia. Now, standing on Katahdin looking south, I know where the trail goes. I really enjoyed the hike, and I think the trail was a perfect length for me. I can't see myself doing another hike of this length, but I'm already reading about some shorter (maybe a month or so) long trails for my next excursion :-) However, right now I'm ready to move on to my next adventure—Newfoundland!
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Emily,
ReplyDeleteI just wanted to drop a line to tell you how proud everyone is of you! Congratulations on this incredible accomplishment. And thanks for letting us tagalong from our computers.
Diana Bean
(formerly of AGSC)
Switchback, I just wanted to let you and everyone that reads this how powerful a positive effect you have on the people you meet. My daughter will always remember meeting you on the trail and being part of you grand finish and historic reenactment. I believe you have helped spark somethin within her and she will hike the trail when she gets out of school. i also believe she will think of you you when she does. Thank you – Kylie's dad
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