"made it but still more work to do..." Top 5 Page for this destination Maine Favorite Tip by richiecdisc

Fondest memory: After a few more harrowing stretches, we found ourselves on a lunar looking landscape with howling winds raging around us. There were absolutely no views and the most inhospitable of surroundings seemed no justifiable reward for our endeavors. But with the hard part behind us, we pushed on for the sign of the Appalachian Trail’s ending that was now our only goal. We had to get a photo in front of that sign. On a nice day, this would have been a gorgeous stroll but now the bracing cold wet wind dug into our faces. Like good soldiers on a mission, we suffered our fate in silence until we came upon a small group huddled to stay warm, getting their photo taken. They had just finished the entire Appalachian Trail, some taking as many as five months to complete. Though our effort paled in comparison, we relished making it to the top of the East Coast’s most volatile peak. After we replenished some calories and got our requisite photo, there was little reason to linger. It was miserable out and soon the feeling of accomplishment was over. The truth of the matter was we still had to make our way back down the treacherous trail. (concluded below in Fondest Memory)