22nd August
15.1 miles
Abol Bridge (2174.7) to Mt Katahdin (2189.8)
There was no way I was going to be late. The all you can eat buffet breakfast started at 7am. Like Pavloffs dog I was salivating outside the restaurant at 6.55am. At exactly 7am I was treated to yogurt, granola, coffee, bagels and a very large bowl of fruit. But I had other places on my mind.
A group of 4 tired hikers left their campsite on the Appalachian Trail for the last time. Ahead was the long and sometimes steep climb up Mt Katahdin. I led the way at a fair pace which left us all dripping in sweat.
We registered at the ranger station near the Katahdin Stream campground. Several other thru hikers were on their way to the summit. The ranger station offered thru hikers the opportunity to store unwanted gear and borrow a daypack for the climb of Mount Katahdin. Many took up the offer but I chose to carry my fully loaded backpack.
The first mile it so of the climb was very easy. All the other hikers set off at a pace that an ultra marathon runner would have been proud of. Enthusiasm overtook their physical ability as I caught up to them once the climbing started.
Climbing Mt Katahdin was just that, a climb. Trekking poles were of little value as I needed both arms to haul myself up, over and through the rocky obstacles. This was no longer hiking, it was rock scrambling. I’m lucky the weather wasn’t too bad or this would be a seriously dangerous mountain.
As we climbed higher the warm and humid weather made way for cold and cloudy. Progress was slow due to the steep climb, in parts there were handholds, railings and even steps in places. Climbing to the top of this mountain isn’t easy, many day hikers had to turn around before the summit due to its difficulties.
After about 3000ft of climbing the trail followed a rather easy summit ridge. Loads of delicate alpine plants survived in what could only be described as a harsh environment.
Thumper and I approached the summit. Our emotions were getting the better of us. With such low visibility I looked at my gps. A quarter mile from the summit I let a very emotional Thumper go ahead. I stopped and gathered my thoughts.
With less than 100 feet of visibility I heard the summit before I could see it. A group of hikers were crowded around a small wooden sign that many a hiker has visualised. I reached the top of Mt Katahdin. I just hiked the Appalachian Trail.
I did a good job to fight off the tears. With the trail complete I tried to take in what I had done for the last 129 days. I felt strangely numb. Devoid of feelings. I was neither happy nor sad. My feelings were more towards the future. What’s next? Has this trail changed me? Have any of the trails changed me? Reflection like this shouldn’t take place on the summit of Mt Katahdin. They should take place days, weeks and months later. I’m a Triple Crowner now, a Triple Crown hiker.
Some people hike this trail and will never hike a long trail again. Others are hooked. I’m hooked. There will be more trails for me. I’ll be cycling and hiking the most amazing places on the planet. I just hiked the Appalachian Trail.
Have you seen my YouTube Channel?
Check it out and subscribe. Then watch the episode below – Day 124 to 129 The end of the trail and climbing Mt Kahtahdin
Thinking of hiking the Appalachian Trail? Need some help with gear? Check out my reviews of Lightweight Hiking gear suited to hiking the Appalachian Trail.
All the best information on the Appalachian Trail:
Complete Guide to the Appalachian Trail
Appalachian Trail Gear List
Appalachian Trail Gear Review
What an absolute credit to you this is! Very well done!
Congratulation!
THANKS for this wonderful blog and the beautiful pictures
Im a Triple crown Blog reader now!
Thank you Klaus. Now it’s your turn to go hiking!
Amazing! Congrats on your Triple Crown Shepherd, It’s a great accomplishment! This is the best travel blog I’ve ever seen. Thanks for the hard work. -Outland
Cheers Outland. I am glad you liked it. I wish you well on your hike this year. Cheers Shepherd.
Brad, congrats on your completion of the Triple Crown. What an amazing achievement. Thanks for sharing, it was a blast to follow you along the way!
Thank you for the kind words. Glad you enjoyed the journey.
It was a pleasure to follow your AT journey. Is it foot or pedals for your next adventure? Enjoy the well-earned rest!
Hi Patrick, I think I’ll be back on the bike. I’m busy resting and planning my next trip. Cheers.
Congrats. Best triple crown blog out there. Great pics. You really should put it in book form. I know. Big project. It’s been a pleasure following along and best of luck on your future adventures.
Thank you so much. I’d love to find time to write a book, maybe it will happen
Congrats Brad on your Triple Crown accomplishment!! I’ve tuned in to your life since the PCT and have so much enjoyed your beautiful photography and writings. You’ve inspired me to get out and enjoy nature more.
Looking forward to what your next adventure and challenge will be! :)
Thanks Meg, great to hear that you are getting out to enjoy nature a bit more. I love being in nature
Congratulations, Brad! I enjoy your blog so much. Thank you for being an inspiration to so many of us. Can’t wait to see what’s next for you!
Thanks Heather, I’m planning my next adventure and resting, stay tuned
Congrats! I’ve been reading your blog since your PCT days. I check for updates frequently, and enjoy every post. You’re very inspirational. Keep living life to its fullest, and I can’t wait to read about your next adventure.
Thank you, definitely living life to the fullest, more adventures coming soon
Ding dong !!!1 Rest up and drink it all in
Cheers Kieran, I’ll drink to that
Triple crowner! Woot Woot! Congrats Brad! I’ve loved following the journey!
Thanks Anna, more journeys to come
Congrats Brad, been following you since CDT. Love your blog. Put the Arizona Trail in your list someday 800 miles of beauty. All my best and congrats again, you are an inspiration !!!
Thank you, the AZT is on my to do list, not sure when it will happen yet.
Congratulations again Brad! Thank you so much for sharing with us your experience on the AT, including the harsh times! And: 3 times BIG bravo for the triple crowner! Looking forward to reading your next adventures, whereever it might be :-) CHEERS! .-D
Thanks Anne, I’m planning the next adventures, coming soon
Started reading your posts when you started the PCT and have read every one since. Let me step out of the shadow and congratulate you on your triple crown! Can’t wait to see what you’re up to next.
Thank you Ross, I’m planning the next adventures at the moment
Way to Go, and Most Sincere Congratulations Brad. It has been very rewarding to me to follow your journeys. Bob
Thank you Bob
I’ve been following you since the PCT. Congrats on the triple crown. Awesome awesome accomplishment.
Thank you Teri
Congratulations on your triple crown. I can’t wait to see what adventure faces you next.
Thanks, I’m in the process of planning my next adventures
Congratulations on the Triple Crown. Everyday I looked forward to seeing your progress, your great pictures, and the great insight into what it takes to totally devote yourself to a goal. I’ve never followed anyone through a journey like this. Thank you so much and can’t wait till your next endevour.
Wow, thanks for the kind words. Bit of a rest then back to the adventure.
Great accomplishment Brad….Triple Crown hiker!!! I love reading your blog, no matter where you go, but I do love the hiking trips the most! Now get some rest!! LOL
Thank you Kathy, more hiking and cycling in the future. Yes, I need rest, very tired.
Extremely happy for you mr triple crowned!! Sadly I didn’t finish my PCT. Only 745 miles. Maybe I can finish in sections. Just moved to central Oregon and trying to build a house. To much to do to stay focused. If you’re in the central Oregon area look me up for a hike?.
Bret fidler
Bonedaddyhikes.com
Thank you, PCT is a great trail, I’d love to hike it again.
Congratulations Shepard! Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful! I’m so happy for you!!!! And continually inspired by you, too!
Thank you kindly
I’ve been following your adventures since you hiked the PCT. Then it was the beauties and challenges of the CDT. And now, the AT. Well done, Brad!!!!
Thank you Carolyn, many more to come.
A hearty congrats!
Thank you
Thanks for letting us all follow along. Especially appreciated your photos of frogs, turtles, mushrooms and the occasional wildflower. A beautiful journey!
You’re welcome Connie. Thanks for joining me.
Congrats! I have so enjoyed and been inspired by your long hikes. And bike rides.
Thanks Cheri, many more to come
Congrats Brad, can’t wait for your next adventure..
Cheers Roy
Congratulations! Loved following your blog. — David Tice, AT 1982
Thanks David. Quite the trail
YEAH BUDDY!
Thanks Ian
You did it! Awright! Well done, mate! You’re a Triple Crowner!
Like I said yesterday, I’d be proud to hike with you, Brad.
Good on you, mate! Can’t wait to see what’s next.
Mike M, Riverside, CA
Thank you again Mike. Stay tuned, more hiking and cycling planned.
Congratulations! A major achievement.
Thank you, yes I think so
Inspirational!! Congratulations, 3x. !
Thank you.
Great news Brad. Who knew when we said goodbye to you in Sydney those years ago that you would have done all three major hikes and MORE. Yay!!!!!!!!!!!! You’re amazing.
Cheers Peggy, it was never part of the plan. Life is great like that.