It was just after 4am when I decided to pack up my camp gear and drive to the nearest Katahdin trail head. I wanted an early start in order to beat the heat and also to secure a parking space because the lots usually fill up fast.
I was way ahead of the crowd at the parking lot but unfortunately I was also ahead of the official opening hours. Luckily I didn’t have to wait long. At 5am the parking lot opened and I started up the trail. For the most part it was a nice overcast and cool day, but most of the hiking took place above the tree line after a couple hours I was really starting to long for some shade. The other tough part about the hike was the rockiness of the trail. After a while it was tiring to have to focus so much on my footing.
As I neared the peak of Pamola and spied the infamous Knife Edge in the distance, I was blown away by the view. I took several panoramic shots, but I still feel that they didn’t do reality justice.
Something cool that most people don’t know about Katahdin is that it’s the old terminus of the Appalachian trail (now this point in Canada I believe). It was very satisfying to join the ranks of other hikers in carving my initials into the summit marker sign. After soaking up the view one more time, eating an extra delicious PB&J (they’re always better at the peak), and changing my socks (a luxury among luxury when hiking) I started back down the trail with with contentment knowing that Katahdin was now under my belt.
Nice views – captured a lot of it! Impressed with the rich reddish browns of the log you carved your initials in and the green moss. Naturally beautiful colors.
Thanks! I thought the overcast day brought out some nice colors too.
Very Cool! Congrats On the summit, and terrific photos!