Kevin's AT Thru Hike

Day 161, Wednesday, 8/24 – I woke up at 5:30am, and was hiking with Birthday by 6:00am. We wanted to get to Abol Bridge by noon to get lunch at the campground. We were both running low on food, and the food we had left wasn’t all that appetizing.

We climbed to the top of the Rainbow Ledges, and finally got a view of Katahdin.

We continued on with our hike and got to Abol Bridge at 11:40am (Mile 2179). Birthday and I immediately went into the restaurant and ordered lunch. As we were sitting there, we were joined by Blaze, Bud, Splitzy, Stretch, and Chompers.

After lunch, I got a large mint chip ice cream. We then all went to the Abol Pines campsite and setup camp. I chatted with all the other hikers, picked up some food for tomorrow’s hike, then got another large mint chip ice cream with Genie. I then got dinner with Stacks, Blaze, Genie, and Splitzy.

As we were eating, a guy walks up to us and asks if we’re AT hikers. He then asks if we know a thru hiker named Birthday. It turns out this guy was Birthday’s dad, and arrived a day early. We walked him back to the campsite where Birthday was setup.

I spent the evening chatting with Stretch, Chompers, Sea Monkey, Genie, and Splitzy. Again, people were in high spirits. It’s bizarre knowing that it’s the last night on trail. I don’t think it’s really hit me yet.

Throughout the day, hikers were casually talking about their travel logistics to get back home. Most people are flying, some have a ride back home. I haven’t coordinated anything. My plan was to hitch home, or maybe take a bus or train. I’m starting to think I should have been a bit more proactive with planning. Oh well, it’ll all work out.