June 10. Katahdin Summit!

It was like a completely different mountain today. The views we missed yesterday in the fog and clouds are staggering, on this bluebird day. I was worried about my legs, as they were pretty shredded from the day before. But, the weather was perfect. Katahdin is a great hike because it unfolds in sections. Rocky path through the woos, it gets bouldery, then, suddenly, treeline! And the rebar "monkeybars", the scrambles, and the long ascent up the impossibly step, imposing rockpile that brings us to the tableland, and area that reminds me very much of hiking on the Presidential Ridge. But, with the 100 Mile Wilderness off to your right, dotted with lakes and one visible road, and not much else. In the Whites, usually, you can see towns and roads - unless you're in the middle of the Pemi - but up here, being so remote, it's almost nothing, just vast stretches as far as you can see. After the tableland we start a fairly short ascent to Baxter Peak, the huge A-frame sign marking the northern terminus of the AT visible from far off, calling, beckoning your tired legs up the final steps to the top. And the views from the top - wow! Like every breathtaking view I've ever seen from the top of a mountain rolled into one. We met other thruhikers beginning their journey - seems like a lot of SOBO's (slang for Southbounders) this year - Chef, Kaleigh, Jack. On to the 100 miles. But, oh, our legs ache!

PS - Dreamed of chocolate-chip scones last night. Equipment meltdowns: broken bootlace, chipmunk food-bag attack, pants crotch blew out, Dana repaired with tent patch kit.

Sunny and 70's.