I know we haven’t fully recapped our 2,185.3 mile hiking adventure but we couldn’t delay putting this up any longer. On September, 27th Lindsay and I summited Mt Kathadin in northern Maine, finishing our 2014 Appalachian Trail Thru-Hike. We took off our well worn boots and hung up our quite smelly backpacks after 5 months and 3 days of rain, sun, sweat, cold, tears, beers and most importantly stories and friendships that will last a lifetime.
Sunshine, Turtle, Lindsay, Fern Gully and I at the top of Mt Katahdin on September 27th, 2014
Discussing and writing the blog became a regular part in our day to day life on the trail and if you’re reading this then you played a role in our success. Thank you for following along with our misguided adventures, pretending that our pictures aren’t terrible and not tearing up my writing… most of the time at least!
We’re going to keep writing about the journey for the next few weeks and plan on spending our winter updating the blog every week so keep checking back!
Boots to Birks 
What can I say? My heartiest congratulations. I know how tough it is to do this. I’m still hoping to reach my goal of hiking it in 4-5 summers. Had a bit of a setback this Fall — it seems I need a new hip in order to keep hiking. I’m scheduled next month and hope to get back on the trail in May. Be well. I loved getting your postings.
Steve, thanks so much for following along with our adventure this summer. Sorry to hear about the hip but it’s awesome that you aren’t throwing in the towel. When you get ready to go back and knock out next summer’s section we can give you the scoop on the places that should be stopped at and the towns not worth going to. If there is anything we can do to help you out when you get ready to tackle the New England section let us know. Even if we aren’t in Maine the trail goes right by my home town and I’m sure a little trail magic could be arranged.
Warmest congratulations!! Now it’s time to continue your journey to other destinations, meeting other people and sharing your warmth, experience and kindness as you go. Best of luck to you all, wherever your next “trail” leads.
Congratulations! I know Hunter couldn’t go up the mountain but did you carry a pic of him up there? That is a tremendous accomplishment!
We should’ve! We thought of all the neat ideas for things to carry up Katahdin while we walked through the 100 Mile Wilderness. Unfortunately at that point the puppy was gone and it was too late to have anything mailed to us! (Like my kilt to wear on the summit!)
Wonderful–so glad you made it. We have really enjoyed following your blog. Where to next?
Congrats to you both. It was a pleasure meeting you and lending a hand on the river, I hope the paddle and small nugget of knowledge helped. I wish you both and your awesome dog the best in your next adventure. Thanks for passing through our lovely Shenandoah Valley and I wish you all the best on your next adventures.
Mike, thanks for finding us on here! You’re help on the river was HUGE, we were the some of the only ones to be successful and make the whole river (minus the section you advised us to car portage). If you get a chance can you send us your mailing address?
Thank you for sharing your journey! I thoroughly enjoyed reading your blog. Looking forward to reading your upcoming book!