Club Member Completes the Appalachian Trail

Having started in the late 1990's by hiking outward from Pennsylvania in both directions, Hal's last hike was on the northernmost 115 miles of trail, the Hundred Mile Wilderness and Baxter State Park in Maine. The weather during his summit of Katahdin was perfect - 70's and clear with low winds - after downpours aplenty in the Hundred Mile Wilderness.

Hal thanks the many people who offered inspiration and practical assistance, especially Judy ("Peanut"): his wife, hiking partner for over 300 miles, and support person for every section from beginning to end. This journey would not have happened without family, friends, the hiker community, and of course the staff and volunteers of the ATC and the other organizations which support the trail. It is a team effort and a team accomplishment!

"I made it!" The standard celebratory photo at Baxter Peak, Katahdin, the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. Elevation: 5267 feet.

The view down from the Gateway on Hunt Spur, Katahdin. Climbing Katahdin on the A.T. involves a steep rock scramble here with near 360° exposure.

Table Land, a flat section with alpine vegetation reached after scaling the Katahdin massif. Baxter Peak can be seen in the background, still almost two miles away.

The return trip was made on the Abol Stream Trail, which drops straight down from the Table Lands on a rock slide.

This from one of Hal's first hikes in Pennsylvania in the late 1990s.