Katahdin!

Our day started out at 4:00 a.m.  We met up with friends (Bridgette and Gary, and Amy and Glen),  drove 2 hours north to Baxter State Park and started our day long journey up Mount Katahdin.  It was a perfectly clear day, and I was reminded how much I LOVE hiking mountains.  There is something so energizing about seeing the world from the top.  Our views were breathtaking and the trails we took were perfect.  We hiked up the Saddle trail first, then ascended to the peak, we made our descent on the Hamlin trail (which was my favorite part).  We had the Hamlin trail mostly to ourselves and it provided amazing views.  I felt on top of the world!  One of the best parts was going with friends, accomplishing it together, and laughing the whole way through.

A few tidbits:

• We arrived at the top at the same time as a man who was just finishing the Appalachian Trail!  He started in Georgia on April 10th!  It was neat to take part in his accomplishment!
• I stewed about what to bring with us.  We were perfectly packed.  I was wearing: long johns, exercise pants, T-shirt, zip up sweatshirt, and I had a long john top, rain coat, gloves, hat and extra fleece packed.  I never used the long john top, hat or extra fleece (Although I think it was smart to have them just in case). 
• We had a YUMMY home made trail mix: Dry roasted peanuts, Peanut Butter M&Ms, Pecans, and raisins.  We also packed peanut butter sandwiches, beef jerky, figs, 2 oranges, and fiber one bars as back up.  
• Next time, I would bring pepperoni and cheese and more fruit.  We definitely had too much trail mix and never touched the fiber one bars.
• Our plan had been to hike up Cathedral, and then do Knife's Edge.  Both were closed because of ice which had formed in the cold front the day before.
• Brad carried the camera and took almost all of our pictures {that was a fun change =0) }