Friday, September 28, 2007

We've Run Out of Trail

Yeeeeeaaaaaaaaaahhhhhh!

We summited Katahdin just before 8am on September 27, 2007. The northern terminus of our 2,174 mile journey on the Appalachian Trail. (Yesterday I left a message with my sister, Bethany, who will post when she finds time between college classes. Thanks for your huge commitment this summer, Bethany!)

We are elated, satisfied and happy not to be walking in the rain this morning. We're in Millinocket Maine this morning, enjoying coffee and breakfast at a diner. I will be posting more stories and photos as I have available internet access. We are taking it slow and lying low for the time being, just adjusting back to town life.

Katahdin at Sunset

Our view of Katahdin from Abol Bridge, just 10 miles to the north. What an amazing mountain and conclusion to our adventure.

Breaking Fog

We began our summit attempt at 4am. The fog lifted just after 5am giving us sweeping views of the surrounding peaks.

We were joined by "Turbo Turtle" and "Safari-26" on our steep boulder scramble up Katahdin. Our friends "He-Man" and "She-Ra" summited with us as well, barely visible in the background of the photo above.

Posted by Ben at 4:23 AM

Topics: ,

17 comments:

  1. eckSeptember 28, 2007 at 5:51 AM

    Congratulations! I am kinda sorry to see it end. Your blog has been great.

    Well, thanks for the inspiration.

    echard

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  2. DavidSeptember 28, 2007 at 6:53 AM

    Congratulations to you both! And thank you for sharing your adventures with us.

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  3. northtexanSeptember 28, 2007 at 7:26 AM

    Just what eck said....

    It has been cool to watch and read about your adventure. So what now, turn around and go back?

    Kris

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  4. jeanetteSeptember 28, 2007 at 7:44 AM

    CONGRATULATIONS!

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  5. SteveSeptember 28, 2007 at 7:57 AM

    Congratulations Ben and Lauren! I have enjoyed following your adventure all summer long and it is great to see you perservere through it all and make it to the summit!

    Steve Schmidt

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  6. UnknownSeptember 28, 2007 at 9:03 AM

    I'm so proud of you guys and happy that you shared your adventure with us! I've really enjoyed following your blog.

    I hope this is just one of many, many adventures for you.

    Cheers,
    Nicole

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  7. Christy MerrySeptember 28, 2007 at 10:17 AM

    Wow - Congratulations! You did it!!

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  8. AT BoundarySeptember 28, 2007 at 10:36 AM

    Congratulations from the ATC boundary team! We are so happy and excited for you. We're still here in the Mahoosucs and have a place to stay. We would love to have you over for dinner or the night on your way south if you have the time.
    Sally & Ellen
    ps nice hat!

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  9. QuesttrekSeptember 28, 2007 at 7:44 PM

    Congratulations guys ... Thanks so much for the inspiration and your drive not to stop..... You guys should be so proud.

    Thanks again

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  10. BenSeptember 29, 2007 at 7:20 AM

    Thanks everyone! This summer has been a blast. It has been fun checking the comments on the site and finding all kinds of people we've never met encouraging us and following our journey.

    Peace and Love!
    _Ben + Lauren

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  11. UnknownSeptember 29, 2007 at 9:55 AM

    Greeting Lauren and Ben,

    Vision accomplished! Yay!

    Peace Out,

    ~Will

    ----------------------------------

    "Our Wilderness outings should be more than just physical walks along trails, and our camping experiences more than pitching a tent and zipping ourselves inside. More important is our presence in the wilds: how we carry ourselves, how softly we move upon the landscape, how aware we are of patterns of life around us and how we interact with them." - Ray Jardine, Beyond Backpacking

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  12. Peter DavisOctober 1, 2007 at 3:44 AM

    Wow, you guys are incredible. Sarah and I are so thrilled for you both. If you haven't already seen it, you should go to www.blurb.com. I'm pretty sure you can import your blog and put it together with pictures and create your own book. I look forward to reading some more posts as you guys process what you have just accomplished! We miss you guys!

    Pete and Sarah

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  13. UnknownOctober 1, 2007 at 9:22 AM

    Congrats! Sorry for the late post. Hays' were here this weekend and we were talking about your completion! Looking forward to hearing from you.

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  14. Gman and JulzOctober 1, 2007 at 11:04 AM

    COnGrats! WHEW! this is awesome!
    (I just returned from a trip this past weekend... my first moment to get updated:)
    This was a great journey and I'm sure the rewards will be a lifetime...
    Can't wait to see you guys!

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  15. UnknownOctober 3, 2007 at 3:51 AM

    Congratulations and may the wind be at your back in your future travels!

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  16. MATravelersOctober 5, 2007 at 4:01 PM

    Congrats guys and amazing photos. what a journey you both went on. it was great to go along with you in spirit. look forward to hearing about it. when you get back.

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  17. CiAsA BoarkOctober 13, 2007 at 6:21 AM

    Good job guys! Sorry I didn't manage to catch up with you again later in the trail, but the zero days were holding me back.

    --Bill the Pony

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