I'm officially an Appalachian Trail Thru-hiker. On Sept 15, 2015 at 10:15 am, I summited Mt. Katahdin. I apologize for the delay in posting my blog, but as you can imagine it had been an emotional three days. I will have the blog updated as soon as possible. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of my readers for following me along this incredible journey. I could not have done it without the support of each and everyone of you! Never in my wildest dreams did I expect so many people to follow along. THANK YOU!
I will be flying to Florida early tomorrow morning to join my family at the beach. In the meantime I would like to share a few of my summit day pictures with you. Thanks again, and I will catch up on the last few days soon. Also, I have decided to continue the blog with statics from the trail, gear reviews, and slide shows from all of my 5,000 pictures.
2,189.2 miles, 5 months and 13 days, time of my life
"Do or Do not, there is no try" -Yoda
Do or do not! Indeed.
ReplyDeleteYou are an amazing woman, thanks for taking us with you on the journey!
Amazing is right! A BIG CONGRATULATIONS for your accomplishment!
ReplyDeleteYour "blog family" is so proud of you!
Have a wonderful beach vacation.....and again thanks for taking us along on this epic journey, and thank you for your decision to continue the blog.
Kathy "the worrier"
Katie,
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing accomplishment! You have closed a tremendous chapter in your life and proven that you are capable of setting a goal, researching the details, adjusting plans to meet the ultimate objective and remained persistent, consistent, just and brave in the face of adversity. As you make your adjustment to "post major accomplishment" life you will be surrounded by adulation, congratulations and millions of questions as to why and how you did what you did. You should be proud and enjoy every minute of it because it is well earned but deep down you will know that what it took was not about attention or adoration but something more personal. It is said that just 20-25% of those that start the trail with the intention of thru-hiking actually finish. Those that do, possess some of the qualities I spell out above and will walk away with similar confidence and experiences. But, in my mind, those qualities are just tickets to the game. If 300 people started the trail then 60 - 75 actually thru hiked, they had the right tickets. I'm not taking anything away from what you did, I'm saying you are in excellent company!
But, you didn't just finish, you made a connection with peoples emotions, touched hearts, created fantasy, evoked emotion, experienced graciousness, exhibited thankfulness, inspired true caring from people you never met both on the trail and around the world via a blog with just pictures, words and little to no context. Think about that! That's more than a ticket to the game, that's not something that 20-25% of successful thru hikers end up doing and that's not the reason you started your journey. This is a talent that was shared and the product of hours of voluntary work each night and it really sets you apart from all of the other thru hikers which makes you exceptional.
I sent the first quote to you because I could tell you were nervous when I talked to you on your way to GA and it was the only way I could think to support you. I kept doing it because it made me think of you every day and forced me to try and see in my mind what you were seeing, experiencing, feeling and it gave me a way to go along with you. But it ended up putting me in serious competition with you for who grew more.
You have always been exceptional to me. That's the best word to describe you. But you touched many and enabled people to imagine themselves by your side along your journey so they could experience it through you and made them feel exceptional as well. That to, is more than just a ticket to the game...that's a god given gift!
To pick my favorite quote that I sent to you is not something I can do. I have favorites for different segments but it should come as no surprise that my favorite of the last week is the same as yours (I think). It was the one from Apollo 13. Think of all who supported you and the people in the world that followed you the past 5M steps and how brightly they have all been illuminated by your words and experiences as you churned up the waters of the Appalachian Trail and how that illumination you provided them is now the very light showing you the way home. You restored my faith in humanity, gave me a reason to explore my own thoughts and experiences, enabled me to grow as a person and made me a very proud big brother.
Enjoy the beach and rest up!
Well said, nephew. So many people have been so moved by what Yoda did and by the quotes that you faithfully supplied. We are all better and different people because of the sister-brother team!
DeleteBig brother love is the best. You have said it perfectly. Katie/Yoda is an amazing woman. She definitely stood out to me from the rest which is why daily I enjoyed her journey.
DeleteYour posting were the best tears I've shed in a while. Congrats for being a great big brother to an amazing lil sis
Oh my Anthony - that was so beautifully said - sob, sob! She is truly exceptional - but take a little credit big brother, your relationship with her has been a tremendous influence.
DeleteCongrats! You have a great journal/blog. Looking forward to gear reviews. How did you post (technology and such). Wow, great stuff.
ReplyDeleteOMG! I am so emotional! Big brothers comment has me weepy..To Hannibal & The General------you must be so proud to have raised such amazing children!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Yoda!
Anthony is the one who posted. Yoda has two older brothers, Michael & Christopher. Yoda is our adventureous daughter. We are very proud. They look out for each other and us.
DeleteCONGRATS YODA!!!!! We knew you were going to do it!!!!!!!!!!! Loved following your blog, and hopefully we can keep in touch, you've got my email! :-)
ReplyDelete-Cyborg and Stealth Bomber
Yes, it was a Hugh success. We will see you tomorrow, but I still can't wait to read your blogs before your summit. Hope you have pleasant dreams of accomplishment tonight. LY
ReplyDeleteWTG Yoda!! So happy for your Success and I have no doubt your will be Successful at what every you decide to take on in this life. I have enjoyed your journal and you did it with a Hammock. You might want to give Sasquatch some pointers...Looking forward to reading your continued Blog. Again Congratulations You have accomplished and over come so much to achieve this goal. Proud of you :)
ReplyDeleteYeeeeeessssssss Yoda did the dayum thang!!! Gurl, Skittles and I are sitting here teary eyed. Gonna miss this blog. If you decide not to do the PCT next year, you have an open invitation to join us on our month long section hike finishing the AT in Virginia!!
ReplyDeleteI can only imagine the sense of self satisfaction and pride must feel right now! You deserve to bask in every bit of that glory. You put in the blood, sweat, and tears among other discomforts and inconveniences to accomplish what you did, and all of us who know you also feel proud of you. You are a Rock star! Now enjoy the family and some "clean" R&R on the beach with a strong drink. No more achy muscles, blisters,hiker stink and and hunger. Just a little sand.......
ReplyDeleteLoved reading Anthony's comment and concur with all he said. You have accomplished/experienced a once in a lifetime journey filled with many trials and triumphs and a positive attitude and a determined effort to reach your goals. At huge tip of the hat to you, Yoda! And many thanks for so skillfully taking us along. Like many others, I felt I was walking along with you at times, wondering how my legs would hold up, admiring great vistas, getting to know some neat fellow hikers and maybe discovering more about my inner self along with you. I looked forward to your blog every day and hoped and prayed that you'd be safe and joyful all those 5,000,000 steps!
ReplyDeleteI'm also grateful for our time with you in NH and seeing and listening and learning more about what you were going through and with whom. Great fun and it made us appreciate everything even more!
So celebrate, Katie! Enjoy the beach, the lack of mountains to climb there, and the good company! And think and write more about what you have done...and smile....and give yourself a whole bunch of attagirls! Congrats! BFG
We have read from the beginning and it has been an amazing journey. We are proud of you. BTW, your legs look amazing, something we will not see doing 6mi a weekend when we can!
ReplyDeleteCongrats, you have always been one of the most uplifting reads. Sure, you had some suck times, but you did a great job of pushing through and staying positive.
Super fantastically well done. Congrats. Enjoy the beach.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Yoda! Katie, Thank you for all of the journaling of the good and the bad. What a victory to carry with you into your future career path. Wishing you the best in all you do. I'm sure the General and Hannibal are super proud of your accomplishment. Looking forward to your Post-Thru Hike analysis. Take care and enjoy the beach. You've earned it!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Yoda! I am very happy for you and I love the pictures.
ReplyDeleteEven though we never met I have the feeling that I know you pretty well and I am happy that Airlock guided me to your blog. Enjoy your well deserved vacation, the sun, the beach, the drinks, the cleanliness and most of all the company of your family.
I hope you will have a wonderful life.
Knuffel (=hug)
Anja
P.S. I am pretty sure that some of the friendships built during this amazing experience will be forever.
Congrats Yoda!!! What an incredible feat! Thank you so much for bringing me along on the journey. It has been a joy to read your blog every day. What the heck am I going to do now? HA
ReplyDeleteJ from PA
Congratulations Yoda!!! It has been a blast to follow your blog and I'm so glad I got to meet you in PA! Now I always check your blog before I go on a section hike to see what I'm up against ;) Best wishes to you on all your future journeys! -Jess and Kyle (section hikers from PA)
ReplyDeleteCongrats Katie on this huge accomplishment. Life changing it will be. Also such inspiration to your future that you can accomplish whatever you set out to do. I have enjoyed every single day. Every single posting you have done. I've had a million questions for you and I look forward to your follow up blogs to see your stats and hope to ask a few of mine.
ReplyDeleteYou have inspired me in ways that you don't know. Last weekend when I did a little section I thought about that your hike. I saved a few days of blogs to read at night. I've enjoyed hearing about your interaction on the trail with other hikers. It sounds like you got along great with those who were lucky to hike with you.
Enjoy your vacation digging your feet into the sand and swimming in the ocean. I hope you have only blue skies.
I know your parents are so proud. I enjoyed always reading your moms comments and loved her support for you.
You are absolutely AMAZING!!! I am so very proud of you and look forward to celebrating with you when you get back to Tampa!!! I'm so glad that more blogs will follow - I too can't wait to read about the last couple of days. Oh yea - one last request...I want an autographed copy of your book when you get it published!!!
ReplyDeleteWay to go Yoda!!! Thanks for the journey and inspiration. Enjoy your time now with family, a family who truly love and supported you along this amazing journey.
ReplyDeleteGod bless! Keep busy post hike so the blues don't come knocking.
Nancy (Jeboots)
Congratulations Yoda/Katie! Thank you so much for allowing me to travel along with you. Reading your and Airlock's blog was a high point of my day. Can't believe it is over. Enjoy your beach time and please check in from time to time.
ReplyDeleteArionis
Congrats!!! What an amazing accomplishment - your blog did a spectacular job of letting the rest of us have a glimpse into your trip. Not sure what I'm going to do at lunch at work now without your and Airlock's blogs to read!
ReplyDeleteWow.
ReplyDeleteAnd THANK YOU a million times over. What an incredible journey that you took us on....thank you thank you for your humor, wisdom, mental and physical endurance, the photos, food descriptions...all the laughter and tears.
And thank you to all the posting followers for such uplifting comments...strange but I feel a connection to the General, The Worrier, the Casserole & the Giant, Arlene and all the others. Your blog brought amazing, loving people into my world...what a gift you all have been.
And Big Brother...a huge thank you for the quotes and the post here...like many others you had me crying with your well written words that expressed so much of what we feel.
Chris Nashville
Congratulations, Katie!
ReplyDeleteIt has been so amazing to follow your adventure with this blog. I've read it almost everyday since the start. Until recently, I was far from home in another country and getting to see pictures of home (New York and New England) and also hear about all your experiences was easily the highlight of my mornings.
This blog was so inspirational, and I'm super psyched to go out and thru hike the Long Trail next summer myself! You are a truly amazing person. Thank you so much for sharing these past few months with myself and everyone else!
Kate B
Congrats! I have been stalking your blog for awhile, and I have enjoyed following along with your journey. Next year, I am going to do trail magic since I live outside of Washington DC and am close to so many places in Virginia. Now, I know the things hikers crave and love. Congrats again on this great accomplishment!
ReplyDeleteKelly K
Huge congratulations!! So awesome to hear you summited Katahdin and it was such a beautiful day. On that cool spring day in April when I met you, I never had a doubt that you would accomplish your goal to thru hike the whole AT. I have enjoyed every moment you have shared in your blog. Good luck to you always in life. Maybe our paths will cross again one day. I mean, we are both gators, right? GO YODA! GO GATORS!!
ReplyDeleteWell done Yoda! Every year I look for a blog to follow and it has been a joy to follow along on your journey up the trail. Thank you for taking the time to blog about your hike. I seen that you made the summit at 10:15 that day and I believe i had 10:30. Did I win the prize? If it is a Gator hat I'm not wearing it! Ha! Once again congratulations on a monumental accomplishment.
ReplyDeletePCT next year?
Buffalo
You win the prize!!!! Email me your address and I'll get your prize in the mail. Congratulations
DeleteAs of right now I plan on doing the PCT next year. The only thing that will hold me back is finances. I only have 5.5 months to save up the money, but I'm pretty sure I can make that happen.
I'm looking forward to your review of everything trip related. Your blog has been a great assist in the planning of my hike. Congrats!
ReplyDeleteJames,
DeleteIf you have any specific questions about planning your hike please email me. I did a ton of research and would be more than happy to share it with you. I felt like I was one of the most prepared people on the trail(other than Airlock)
seriously, who won & what?
ReplyDeleteJason Spencer was the contest winner. He guessed 9/15 @ 10:30 and I actually summited @ 10:15. I will reveal the prize once he receives it.
DeleteWhen are you posting your end-of-trip reviews?
ReplyDeleteI've been on vacation and was taking a break from the blog. I'm back home now and plan on posting very soon. I'm sorting through over 6,000 pictures to make a slide show with, I'm reviewing all of my zero days, neros, town days, etc to post trail stats.
DeleteYay! Katie's back---or--do we still have to call you Yoda? I keep checking the blog to see if there are any posts for the days before the big day. Thanks again for the amazing pics, and journalism. I also owe your brother a thank-you for the quotes---I sent many of them to my son for inspiration.
ReplyDeleteHe is also talking about the PCT next spring... so I will need you to do the blog again ! I think the General should do a blog for moms.
Take care...."the worrier"
(mama jokes)
PS
DeleteCongratulations on having the best AT Blog for 2015 on the White BLaze website!
Your link "tri as I might" is how I found your blog.
Kathy
Can't wait for the new Blog posts. Even after a couple of weeks at the beach - nothing is better than morning coffee and Five Million Steps With Yoda!!
ReplyDeleteYou could start blogging your PCT trip now...with research, equipment, financial efforts...I think we would all love to follow it. Your writing an pictures are inspirational ....
ReplyDeleteChris Nashville.
I second that, Chris.
Deleteoh hey, congrats Jason Spencer!!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks!
DeleteWe too anxiously await the follow ons. Yoda did relax some on the beach. But, we had a few clues her heart was back on the trail. She updated her resume, looking for 5-6 month work out West. It helps if you like to ski, too. Yoda is already to tackle the PCT April 2016 if make enough money in short period. When she has will, it gets done. It also helps that she hit her low end of money saved for AT. I'm very anxious to see slide show she is putting together!! So, blog readers stay tuned, there will be more. And, to Kathy, glad to see Jokes also summited
ReplyDeleteJason, congratulations on winning prize. I don't think Yoda will send you a Gator hat.
ReplyDeleteThe General
Thanks Jeanette. The Gator's are looking good this year though. I'm glad they are not on the Razorbacks schedule. =)
Delete