Savor the Journey - A Katahdin Traverse - Trip Report Aug 24
It was a typical morning hike routine. The children were excited and super chatty; we were all trying to eat some sort of breakfast as we gathered our belongings, and then there was always one who couldn't find their shoes. It was different because it was 2 am, completely dark, and sleeping tents were all around us.
Although both families hiked Katahdin last year, this was our first year waking up in Baxter State Park. I would be lying if I said I wasn't worried about hiking with four children in the wee hours of the day. But as we checked in at the ranger's office, I watched as each child studied the maps and listened as their small voices discussed the route we were about to face. I looked at Amy, my go big or go home favorite gal, and said, “let’s do this!” When the pandemic hit, we took our then two 8-year-old daughters and two 10-year-old sons hiking weekly.
Homeschool looked different on Mondays. We traveled new trails, learned new lessons, and made new memories. We were all very excited to add this one to our lists! So up Abol, we headed. Unfortunately, an hour in, Kevin made the tough but wise decision to walk back to the campsite as his leg was hurting from an injury earlier that week. Dad went back with him. The six remaining continued in the dark as the girls sang “99 bottles of beer on the wall” No judgment, please; it truly does help pass the time. Even in the dark, the Abol trail is magical. We stopped for moonlight pictures and, with only one minute to spare, raced our way to Baxter peak to watch the 5:38 sunrise.
From a distance, we saw our first passing hiker disappear down Chimney pond trail. We later joked; we imagined him. So we had the summit to ourselves! It was exceptional. No one spoke, my pre-teen son, of course, ate, and Amy and I captured the colors with our iPhones. With the sun’s horizon, and slight hesitation (ok, I may have been the only one hesitating), we tucked our headlamps away and preceded across knifes edge. We watched the fear in their eyes emerge, knowing the same was in ours, and still, the craving to continue pushing forward remained.
The enthusiasm and stamina these children had that day were extraordinary. Trust, patience, teamwork, and gratitude were exemplified. It is these moments as parents we savor. We couldn’t have been more proud! A Katahdin Traverse, up Abol Trail to Baxter Peak, across Knife Edge, down Helon Taylor, and back to Roaring Brook was complete! Tired legs and sore muscles were small payments for these memories of a lifetime
Amy M. True, CFA
Kathryn Andrews
