Journey Day 337 | AT End Day 160

Toasting on top of Mt. Katahdin with Michael P. Jones, finishing the Appalachian Trail.

9/4/86

Early rise to make the final climb. We leave most of our gear at the ranger’s station, begin the ascent. Tough rock climbs, but I take it slow. Michael P. gets ahead. I’m slow making it up to the peak of Mt. Katahdin, finishing the Appalachian Trail. Photos, celebration at the peak. It’s done!

Lazy talk with other on a crowded peak. Hike over to the Knife Edge where I fall asleep.

It’s the last I see of my hiking partner, Michael P. Jones of Maine. I linger, but finally hike down as clouds envelop the mountain. Goodbye Katahdin. I meet Mark Paradise, a Pennsylvanian planning to hike up late in the day. I talk him out of this dangerous plan and we hike back down together. I’ve found my ride out, the last in a series of lucky breaks along the trail. A quick, clean break. He drives me back to Pittsburgh and to the airport for a quick flight home.

Clouds obscure the Knife Edge of Mt. Katahdin.