full circle

Made it back to my car at Amicalola Falls State Park yesterday, and camped overnight in the park since any driving would require a new battery. Brought the trip full circle to stay one more night in the thru-hiker shelter - same spot I spent the night the eve of starting the journey to Maine. Made a fire, cooked trail food (no, I'm not sick of it yet) and sipped a cup of hot cocoa. Heard a screech owl, and spent a cold, but satisfying night reflecting on how I've changed in the past six months. We're on the road again today, Gracie resting her head on my lap every now and then. Stopped in at the Hiawassee library to figure out where we'll be spending the night and post a quick update. Headed to Tennessee eventually. Peace and blessings!
Kel

endings and beginnings

I summitted Katahdin Sunday, October 11th. A beautiful day as we started the climb and great views from the Tablelands, but the weather turned for the worse the closer we got to the summit. Atop Katahdin we braved 50+mph wind gusts, driving sleet, and a wind chill of 0-6 degrees. Without a doubt, the coldest and most dangerous weather experienced on the hike. We spent no more than 15 minutes on the summit, getting a few photos and exchanging congratulatory hugs and high fives. There was hardly time for tears, though I did shed a few. The descent was slow and very, very cold. We were walking directly into the wind gusts and sleet for awhile. Willow and Tim (Mr. Willow) were behind me, and I kept looking back to make sure they were there - my safety net, if you will. My glasses were worthless. I covered most of my face with my pirate bandanna, and shielded my eyes from the sleet with one gloved hand, switching hands when one got too cold. By the time we got back to the Tablelands, the storm cloud had moved on, and we could see the summit, clear as day, with a brilliant blue sky all around. My friend Phil was waiting for me at Katahdin Stream Campground, and it was awesome to have an Austin connection there. I'm in Harpers Ferry, WV today, headed back to Georgia (by car, not on foot!) with a side trip planned to visit family in Tennessee. Thanks so much for all the support. I'll post more details and photos after I get home. Peace, and love, y'all!

hundred mile wilderness

I am finally at the point where it feels appropriate to say "we're almost done." With about 115 miles left to go, though, I don't know if I'm ready to be done. These past couple of weeks in Maine have been extraordinary. Physically demanding, incredibly beautiful, cold, wet, and best of all, we've been hiking with some really wonderful people. I've seen Moose and heard Loons for the first time. We forded two rivers that were almost knee deep. I don't have much else to say. We're taking a day off in Monson before heading into the "wilderness," then I drop Gracie with a dog sitter at the border of Baxter State Park (no dogs allowed in BSP) and make the rest of my journey with my fellow hikers. Thanks for all the love and support. This journey has given me so much, and I am so grateful. On to Katahdin! Photo was taken of us atop Old Blue Mountain.