Approaching Katahdin

• I traveled 13.6 miles with 1358 ft of ascent on the AT today. I actually probably walked 3 extra miles getting around Baxter State Park
• Camp sites at Baxter are limited and require a reservation. Thru hikers coming in from the hundred mile wilderness have a designated camp site for 12 that they sign up for at the early in the morning at the entrance to the park. I camped 4.5 miles away from the sign in station, got there at 7:20 and was the 13th hiker there. I had a 9 mile hike into the park to meet with a ranger to see if they had any extra space. Thankfully they had one spot left! I was so relieved to not have to hike back out of the park and try again tomorrow.
• Tomorrow, I’m getting up nice and early to submit Mt Katahdin. It’s one of the hardest climbs of the AT. It has nearly 4200 ft of ascent sustained over 5.2 miles, with an infamous near mile stretch ~1500 ft/mile of incline that requires climbing up a boulder field. I’m able to leave my full pack behind though and hike up the mountain with a small day bag which will make this way more enjoyable.
• After submitting, I’ll descend the mountain and then hop on a shuttle back to Monson.

Peace!