morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-08-18
From: West Carry Pond Lean To

To: Caratunk ME
Miles today: 14.0

I think the spell has been broken; no rain in the last 24 hours.I got up early this morning due to wanting to make the 2:00pm ferry across the Kennebec River. For many years the ATC has provided this service to hikers due to the dangers of fording the Kennebec River.It was a great day of hiking with good weather and only the occasional root or rock hopping to avoid the mud. We made it to the river crossing at 12:30pm and this gave us time to eat lunch and wash the mud out of shoes and socks.Sojo informed us that before yesterday we had received rain 25 days straight. That along with some of the toughest terrain on the AT has certainly made it a challenging few weeks.With the expertise of our river guide Dave we made the crossing without incident. We made it to the post office by 3:00pm but unfortunately my mail drops had not arrived. My hiking partners have enough extra food to give me in the event my packages don¢t arrive in the morning.I made a phone call to the hostel and within an hour our shuttle picked us up. We are staying at the Northern Outdoors Lodge. Pretty good food at the restaurant but no snacks and worst yet no ice cream. After supper I decided to make a convenience store run for assorted goodies. I was able to hitch a ride in a couple minutes from the lodge but the return trip was a different story. With the large grocery bag under my arm that resembled a 12 pack of beer and my hobo appearance, catching a ride was real difficult. I had walked about 2 miles before I could catch a ride, and got back to our room before the ice cream completely melted. Well it sounded like a good idea....
Date: 2008-08-19
From: Caratunk ME

To: Bald Mtn. Brook Lean To
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: overcast clouds

It rained throughout the night. Man am I glad to be at the lodge.Due to the shuttle not leaving until 9:45am it really cut into our hiking day. After going to the post office(one package made it) we finally got on the trail a little past 10:00am. Thank goodness the terrian was pretty good even though the rain had the trail muddy again. We had one mountain to climb today and it wasn't too bad. We have a 20+ mile day tomorrow going into Monson ME and then we will begin the 100 Mile Wilderness. I had another fall today and ended up to my shins and elbows in mud. I was so discusted I just got up and started hiking again with mud dripping down my arms and legs. Thats life on the AT.
Date: 2008-08-20
From: Bald Mtn. Brook Lean To

To: Monson ME
Miles today: 22.0
Weather: clear sky

Got up to temperatures in the low 40's and clear skies. Our first climb of the day was Moxie Bald. The views from this mountain were spectacular and we got our first sight of Mt katahdin. Man was that exciting.We had several river fords today and on one I slipped on the rocks and went down. I lost the grip on my trekking poles and they went floating down the river. Thank goodness Sojo was with me and he was able to retrieve my poles.We had good terrian throughout the day and with the muddy areas beginning to dry up we made good time. Sojo and I made it to the road crossing at 5:20pm and within a couple minutes had a ride. After a quick stop at the Monson General Store for snacks and of course Ben & Jerry's ice cream we checked into Shaws Hostel.Tommorow we will begin the 100 Mile Wilderness and the last leg of our journey. Its hard to believe that my hike will be over in about a week.
Date: 2008-08-21
From: Monson ME

To: Long Pond Stream Lean To
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: clear sky

I can¢t say enough good things about the folks at Shaw's Hostel. After a fantastic breakfast they shuttled our group back to the trailhead. I also enjoyed my stay in Monson ME. What a great hiker town.The first day in the 100 Mile Wilderness was a tough one with lots of exposed rocks and roots on the trail. We had two river fords today and one got my butt cheeks wet. Although the water levels are down the currents were still strong. We had great weather today and the views on two ridgelines were fantastic.The rough terrain made for some slow going and by the time we made it to the shelter it was starting to get dark. Man are my feet killing me.
Date: 2008-08-22
From: Long Pond Stream Lean To

To: Chairback Pond
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: clear sky

Another day of clear skies but the temperatures have warmed. The terrain continues to be tough with exposed roots, and rocks and lots of climbs and descents. The blueberries on the ridgelines today were the largest and sweetest I have encountered on the AT. I spent lots of time picking and eating blueberries todayWe found a beautiful camping spot beside Chairback Pond and got into camp early enough today to have a relaxing supper. Hoping for continued good weather. I can't resist noting a great surprise the following morning; a Woopie Pie and soda left by a trail angel. That this happened in the 100 Mile Wilderness Area made it even more special.
Date: 2008-08-23
From: Chairback Pond

To: East Branch Lean To
Miles today: 18.0

We had four mountains to climb today but boy did they offer fantastic views. It makes all the work worthwhile. We continue to have good weather and the terrain was much tamer today. We hiked about a mile on the Gulf Hagas Trail and viewed Screw Auger Falls. Beautiful! It¢s kind of neat that my last name is pronounced the same as the Hagas in the Gulf Hagas Trail. Only one river ford today and the water levels continue to drop making for easier crossings. The easier terrain really helped my aching feet.
Date: 2008-08-24
From: East Branch Lean To

To: Mahar Tote Road
Miles today: 21.8

We were up early since we had lots of miles to cover today. We plan to stay at Whitehouse Landing tonight. The weather continues to be good and so was the terrain. I got to the dock at 4:30pm and sounded the air horn for my pickup. The lodge is located across the lake so this signals the owner of the lodge and he comes over in his boat to transport you to the lodge.After settling in it was off to the kitchen for a pounder hamburger. Yes, one pound of beef on a bum to large for you really pick up. Normally I would never be able to eat a sandwich of this size but now I was tempted to order a second one. A pint of Ben & Jerry¢s ice cream did top of the meal. After dinner the gang and I got into canoes and paddled out into the lake. We were treated to a fantastic view of Katahdin and the most beautiful sunset I had seen on the trail. I had phone service so a phone call to my wife and daughter was in order. After examining several options it looks like taking a plane is going to be the best. Unfortunately I¢m going to have to wait until I summit katahdin before my wife can book a flight. There is just no way to predict when you will summit with this weather and terrain.
Date: 2008-08-25
From: Mahar Tote Road

To: Rainbow Spring Campsite
Miles today: 19.7
Weather: light rain

I woke up to drizzling rain. I had washed out my clothes and hung them out to dry the evening before so I quickly got them off the clothes line.We had a great breakfast and got on the trail by 10:00am. A late start and a lot of miles to cover today was going to make this a challenging day. We are now just 45 miles from Katahdin and today marks exactly five months I have been on the AT. If all goes well we should summit on Wednesday. I am on the last page of the guidebook! As I have mentioned before it is quite enjoyable to tear completed pages out of the guidebook. Not only is the book getting lighter but knowing that you have completed another section of the trail is very satisfying.There were a lot of climbs and descents today and the exposed roots and rocks on the trail had my feet and hip aching. When I was about 2 miles from our supper stop, I had an amazing encounter with a black bear. I was walking along a large stream and saw the bear crossing a few yards ahead of me. As he got to my side of the trail he was only about 15 yards away. I started to reach for my camera but decided it would be best to let the bear know I was there. As soon as I called out to him, he took off in a flash. It looked like a young bear of about 150lbs. When we finally got to camp it was dark. Since we had eaten supper at an early stop all we needed to do was set up our tents. Boy did that sleeping bag feel great. The skin on 4 of my toes had started to split again so after applying some first aid I popped a couple pain pills and tried to get some sleep.
Date: 2008-08-26
From: Rainbow Spring Campsite

To: The Birches
Miles today: 21.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke up to clear skies and temperatures in the mid 40¢s. The terrain today was more level and there were less roots and rocks on the trail. Throughout the day and in fact over the past couple days as we have passed other hikers we have been greeted with words of congratulation. It really makes you feel great and also makes you realize what an accomplishment it is to complete this journey.As we crossed Abol Bridge we got a beautiful view of Mt. Katahdin although the top of the mountain was shrouded in clouds. After grabbing sandwiches and snacks it was off to The Birches Campsite which was about 10 miles away. We signed the register to reserve a spot at the campsite and a total of eight hikers plan to summit tomorrow.We arrived at Katahdin Stream Campground about 4:30pm, checked in at the Ranger Station, and signed the logbook. It was then to the campground to get settled in for the evening. It looks like the weather is a "go" to summit tomorrow and the Rangers told us we could start when ever we wanted to. We all plan to get up about 4:30am and drop off most of the contents of our packs at the Ranger Station. After carrying these packs this far there was no way we were not going to carry them to the summit of Mt. Katahdin.After eating, and taking care of some last minute preparations, it was off to bed. We had not got into bed 30 minutes when fellow Thru Hiker Mr. Pink arrived at the campsite. He had some trail magic in the form of snacks and beer, and he even brought a chicken to roast! It¢s amazing enough just being here at the foot of Mt. Katahdin but add trail magic and you have got one wonderful day. After feasting it was back to the sleeping bags but honestly I don¢t think there was much sleep to be had.
Date: 2008-10-08
To: Epilogue
Miles today: 0.0

Well I¢ve been home for a little over a month now and Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz could not have said it better; ¢there¢s no place like home¢. With that being said I¢m iching to start hiking again and already planning hikes for 2009. Adjusting to being home has been somewhat awkward but being busy has really helped.It took about two weeks before I could sleep in my bed and driving was also a challenge. I had a complete physical, eye and dental exam and everything has checked out good so far. My injuries are healing and feeling has returned to my shoulders and toes. By the second week I was back to my daily walking routine.Although an AT hiker has to walk the walk so to speak, this is one journey that is not completed alone. I have so many folks that I¢m indebted to but there are a few that I must recognize. I would like to start by thanking my good friend Eddie who helped me survive the initial shock of the AT. I doubt I would have made it past the first two weeks without his assistance.Next, I would like to thank my hiking partners; Sojo, Boat, and Conan for their friendship and companionship when the mental and physical challenges of the AT were the greatest.To all the folks that posted on my website. You can¢t know how much that meant to this tired and lonely hiker.A special thanks to all the trail angels. Your acts of kindness occurred when I least expected it but when I needed it the most.And finally to my wife and daughter whose support meant everything to me. No doubt I have returned home a change man; mentally, physically, and spiritually. My appreciation for the simple things has increased and my thirst for life has deepened. My bucket list has lengthened and is more defined.I very proud to have completed a thru hike of the AT. More importantly its how I completed my hike that means the most to me.I hiked every day regardless of weather, injury, or illness. I always went northbound and never altered my direction to take advantage of terrain. I hiked by every white blaze and never took a blue blaze or a bad weather trail. And except for my ascent on Katahdin and the 9/10 of a mile hike to the Springer Mountain summit, I always hiked with a full pack. Now I¢m back in the real world but a world that is more real due to my experiences on the AT.
Date: 2008-01-04
To: Yep, I'm goin again
Miles today: 0.0

Okay, so I didn't make the 450 miles planned in 2003 (only about 125). I didn't even do the 70 something miles in Georgia I planned on Spring Break Week in 2004 (only about 40). I didn't finish the thru I started in 2005 (did get to Harpers Ferry). But I'm not one to give up ("if at first you don't succeed...") I still love and miss the AT. So I decided that I'm doing a MEGA hike SOBO in 2008! If you've been following me and wondered where I went, I went home to take care of a sick hubby in 2005. In 2006 we went to Traildays together and planned on RVing the summer, but he got sick again and was sent home with "Do Not Travel" orders from his doctor. 2007 we sat home while he went through a bunch of doctors and health issues. (Although I did make it to Traildays alone) Finally about Thanksgiving he was given a more or less clean bill of health and we were allowed to go see our kids. So here I am thinking of hiking again. (Well, I have been for the past couple of years actually) The photo of me above was taken at Dave's Place in Damascus while I was waiting for my husband to come get me back in 2005. I won't be carrying so many hats this time. I can be Red Hat with just a bandana. So just my nice warm red winter hat, my red rain hat, and a bandana for summer will do. After all Red Hatting is all about Hattitude, not Hats!
Date: 2008-01-04
To: Nice to meet you
Miles today: 0.0

For those of you who have not followed my previous journeys, welcome to my journal! I hope you'll continue to visit. I am 60, female, married, mother of three, grandmother of six. I must confess that I have a love/hate relationship with the AT. Mostly love, but sometimes, frustration - not really hate. I became the Queen of the Bold Beautiful Babes of Brenham (Texas) in August of 2004. My Red Hat Society chapter quickly grew from six to over twenty. We have dropped back down to about 12 members now, with only 6 or so regular attendees. We have an event once a month and go wherever we want. We have been to the ballet, the George Bush Museum, Princess Diana Exhibit, Renaissance Festivel, San Antonio, parades, slumber parties, and (of course) numerous teas and restaurants. The Red Hat Society is just about more mature women (50+) having fun, and not acting so mature...If you are a regular reader of Trail Journals, you might want to know that Hammock Hanger is also a Red Hat Society member. (Lot's of members, but only one "Red Hat"!) Anyway, I'll be posting about my plans as I prepare, so see ya'!
Date: 2008-01-06
To: third one is a charm..
Miles today: 0.0

Well, I guess I have to do three entries before you can read anything. (thought since I had three other journals, they might count...)So lets talk about preparation. I've been preparing for this hike for a year, mostly by losing weight. Last January I was fed up with my yoyo dieting and the way I looked. I had tried just about every diet, and lost weight, but always put it back on. So I decided to try Weight Watchers. It was slow, but I lost the weight, and more importantly, kept it off. The secret is that I learned how to have a healthy relationship with food. After my hike in 2005, I kept on eating like a hiker. That is not a good relationship with food! I am 10 pounds less now than when I left the trail back in 2005. That was at my fittest, I thought! I am 35 pounds less than last January. Wow, that's a lot of extra weight I've cut! Other than that, most of my preparation is mental. I am not planning on changing a lot of gear, since what I have worked for me. I did change sleeping bags to Western Mountaineering about a year ago, and I need a new pair of poles and will change to Lekis. My Osprey pack is great, so it will be fine. I have purchased some used maps, since I won't be able to share with so few folks going along with me. That's it for now, more to come.
Date: 2008-01-09
To: Murder on the AT
Miles today: 0.0

Meredith's body was found a couple of days ago. That sure does have the naysayers out! One poster on Whiteblaze said "if she had been with a man, it wouldn't have happened..." Others are proclaiming that all women alone on the trail must carry a gun for defense... or at least mace or bear spray... Even my husband who knows that I have hiked many miles alone without any such weapon is suggesting that I get a can... I am borrowing this from CG's journal of Dec 15th, a sign posted on the AT:"NOTICE TO ALL TRAIL USERS" ¢The Appalachian Trail is a dangerous place. There are poisonous snakes, bees, bears, unpredictable weather, hazardous trees, rocks, roots, bumps and humps in the Trail. There are thieves, murderers, drunks, and vagabonds. Expect areas that are slippery when wet, areas that will make you wet, areas that are always wet, bridges, rivers and streams without bridges. You may encounter hunters with guns, hikers with guns, drop-offs, jump-ups, unmarked road crossings, unoccupied structures, untested and possibly contaminated water supplies, lightning, and many, many, other situations that may cause death or permanent disability. You may become hypothermic or hyperthermic, or contact any number of diseases; you may suffer a heart attack, heat stroke, heat exhaustion, carpal tunnel syndrome, tendentious, blisters, lost toenails and sore knees; or you may die of thirst. However, the Trail is, according to available statistics, safer than virtually every community in America. Sojourn at your own risk, and by your own unaided efforts."I think I will!
Date: 2008-01-17
To: HAIR
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

If you can't tell from my photo, under my hat, is a lot of hair. Long Gray Hair. When I take a measuring tape and put it on my hairline at my forehead, and drape it down over my mane, it measures 34 inches. (that's the way longhairs measure, by the way) Since I'm 5'8", it hits below my waistline. If I were short, it would be at my rear (aka "Classic Length"). I am a couple of years short of classic. Why does a 60 year old woman keep her hair so long, you ask? Because I can! Some hairdresser decided years ago, that to drum up more business, she would spread the rumor that women over a certain age should keep hair short. Bah, humbug! A person doesn't look younger or older because of the length or her hair. Have you ever seen those little old ladies with curly short perms in their blue hair? Yeah, that makes them look really young!On the trail there is a lot of concern about hair. Lots of women just get their hair cut real short, or even shave it off altogether, thinking that they'll save work. Not so! They still have to head to town and get it cut to keep it short. I just wind mine up into a bun, stick a pick in, and off I hike. Or, if I feel like it, I might do a quick braid, or a low ponytail. In town, I wash it (with conditioner only when I find some) and let it dry naturally.Men on the trail, do the opposite of women. Most will let their hair grow. They find it is a lot easier, just like I did. Not so many buns on guys, though (grin), just braids and ponytails.
Date: 2008-01-22
To: I Lift my eyes to the mountains...
Miles today: 0.0

I love Psalm 121 (122 "Esah Aynai" in Hebrew)... "I lift my eyes to the mountains,from where will my help come?My help comes from the LORD,who made heaven and earth.He will not allow your foot to slip, He who protects you will not slumber.Indeed, He who protects Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.The LORD is your keeper.The LORD is your shelter by your right side.The sun will not smite you by day, nor the moon by night.The LORD will protect you from all evil,He will keep your soul.The LORD will guard your going out and your coming in From this time forth and forever more."One of fifteen "Songs of Ascent", this was sung by pilgrims returning to Israel from Babylon, by pilgrims returning to Jerusalem for feasts, and by Hebrews as they climbed the steps up to the temple.I'm ready to start climbing!
Date: 2008-03-06
To: Getting to be more real all the time!
Miles today: 0.0

Tuesday six copies of the Southbound Edition of Appalachian Pages arrived. That's one for each of my three children, one for my parents, one for my husband, and one for me. They will be able to follow me better with their own copies. Then yesterday, I got my confirmation from Baxter State Park. I now have reservations for a tentsite at Katahdin Stream Campground on June 30th and July 1st. I'll hike on up to Katahdin on July 1st, camp for the night, and be on my way! There is room for 4 people at the tentsite, so if any other SOBOs are planning on hiking that day, email and we can share. No sense on everyone paying the full price when we could save some money. I am so ready! But I have to wait till then so I will.By the way, bus tickets have gone up. A month or so I checked on a cross country bus ticket (2000+ miles) and it was a mere $91. Today it was $112. That is a non-refundable ticket purchased at least 14 days in advance. I bought it. As gas goes up, I'm sure the ticket prices will continue to rise too.