Marion let everyone know that Bob was on his way to meet up with Adam and Dori on Friday, 7/31. Thankfully, all travel logistics worked out fine, and Bob arrived at the trailhead near Monson, ME late Thursday night, set up his camp and called it a night. On Friday morning, Adam arrived at the designated spot about 9:15am and it was a wonderful reunion of father and son. Dori arrived a few minutes later and the 3 of them were on their way to hike about 4 miles to Monson where they gathered their food for the next few days, and rested up to begin their hike on Saturday.
Over the next 8 days, the weather was outstanding, with only 2 storms, one at night and a brief midday shower later in the week. The trail was very muddy, filled with roots and rocks and numerous water crossings, but the excitment was building everyday as they marched closer to Mt. Katahdin.
Passing multiple lakes and rivers each day, Bob and Adam enjoyed lots of swimming, and enjoyed hours of hiking together and talking about what they were about to accomplish. Adam's hiking speed was incredible, so each morning Bob and Dori left before Adam and hiked for a few hours until Adam caught up with them.
Then after lunch, Bob and Adam spent the afternoon hiking together, and found swimming holes, side trails and interesting sights along the way. Every night but one was spent around a huge fire, sharing stories with other hikers and enjoying the reflections of the days events.
Entering Baxter State Park on Saturday, with only 9 miles left to the trailhead up to Katahdin, was a huge thrill for Bob.For years, Baxter State Park was always on the horizon, but years away, and then we found ourselves entering the park and hiking toward the final trailhead for the final day of hiking.
What a feeling it was and the excitement was certainly building. The final night was spent in a shelter about 1/4 mile from the trailhead, and plans were made for the final days events. The final hike was approximately 5.8 miles to the 5, 268 foot peak of Mt. Katahdin. The final campfire was a sweet time and then off to bed for an early morning departure. Bob and Dori left camp at 4:15am and started the trek; Adam left at 5:30am and caught up with Bob and Dori around 7:30am.The plan was to meet above treeline with 1.2 miles left to hike to the peak, which the three of us would hike together.
And that's how it happened, with the three of us reaching the peak sign at 9:20am. Lots of photos, and then Adam and Dori enjoyed watching many of their thru-hiker friends reach the top over the next few hours.
The weather was outstanding, with clear skies and long 360 degree views. The three of us spent some time hiking along the Knife Edge and started our 3.8 mile hike down a different trail (Abol Trail) to meet our families. 
About 3 hours later we were given a tremendous welcome by our families, and enjoyed a nice dinner together, sharing the joy throughout the night.
Adam, Dori and Bob want to thank our family and friends for their ongoing support, prayers, encouragement throughout this journey. Adam and Dori are working on a photo journal and would love to share their journey with you, so don't hesitate to give us a call at home to set something up. Enjoy some of these photos and videos of the final 9 days. God Bless!
