October 15

There isn't a thru-hiker on the A.T. anywhere or anytime that doesn't understand the significance of that date. It haunts us and for many, it overwhelms us. It is the cause of much of the pressure to press onward despite the aches and pains of our joints, bones and other body parts. Every decision to press onward or to stop early, to get up early or to walk for record miles on a given day is made with that date somewhere in our mind. It has caused people to stay 'true' on their target to finish their hike and for others it has made them hike beyond their body's limits resulting in sprains, broken bones, fractures, 'blown' knees and on and on.

October 15 is the advertised date when Baxter State Park stops hikers/climbers from making the ascent of Kathadin, the final 5 miles of the Appalachian Trail. In actuality, the park may close up to two weeks earlier or perhaps even a little later. It all depends upon the weather, the rangers on duty, the parties attempting the climb and a little luck from God. The idea is that after about October 15, the weather can be severe enough to prevent a safe climb or to require a risky rescue should the climb turn badly, thus costing a huge amount of money and putting the safety of the rescuers at risk as well.

When many thru-hikers realize that they will not be able to finish their hike by October 15, they will do what's called "flip-flopping." This means that they will jump ahead at some point to complete the Kathadin climb, and then backtrack or get back on the trail where they got off. While this will still allow a hiker to finish his thru-hike in one season, it provides for a very anti-climactic finish to a 2,100 mile trek by ending in a small po-dunk town. For myself personally, I can't visualize myself getting my picture taken at the Kathadin sign with a smile knowing that I had hundreds of miles left to hike somewhere south of here. But as I go along, that is become less of an issue.

Another alternative is to wait until after the first of November when the park reopens for winter hiking, but you must get a permit and make the ascent with a party of four or more experienced winter hikers. While I don't know how I could work this out, at least it's an option to explore as the time draws near.

But in the mean time, October 15 continues to haunt old and new hikers alike...at least those people who haven't yet reconciled their psychological need to finish a thru-hike. I'm not sure where I stand yet, so for now, it's just one day at a time.

MuddyShoes