Accumulated miles: 1600ish
On Friday morning I left Katahdin Stream Campground and climbed up to Katahdin's Baxter Peak. It towers almost 4000 ft above the campground and is the northern end of the Appalachian Trail. I still have some miles to make up.. but it was a big day even for me.
The climb was 5.2 miles of rocks and boulders... and luckily enough ICE...since its been so cold lately in Maine. BUT after a week in the 100 mile wilderness with distant glimpses of the mountain it was an amazing climb, capped by time at the summit with great friends. I can't put it into good words.. the beauty of the cold, clear day... the goodness of sharing it with friends who walked the same hard days and good ones... the overwhelming sense of accomplishment. It was good... very very good.
Since I can't say things eloquently I will tell you what I wrote in the book at the ranger station...
'This journey didn't end on the mountain top... it only matters if we let it... make this day count.'
As I head for Virginia and some skipped miles I keep that thought close. My journey started long ago and its not over... life is just as much about the hard days in muddy, cold valleys as beautiful mountaintops... and I am learning much about grace and peace and forgiveness in all of the places I find myself.
I lived a dream Friday... I did something I long dreamed about... and that matters. What happens next matters more....
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hello carly, so glad to see you made your trip in good health. i was so excited to see you made it. i posted this post of your blog on face book to let all my friends read. i posted that it was an honor to meet you and become a small sand particle in your stream of life. from your new friends Nancy, Rodger, Barbara and Elijah. : ))
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