morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-07-02
From: West Carry Pond Lean-to

To: Bigelow Lean-to
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: scattered clouds

I woke up to a chilly morning. Sleeping with the feet on the pack seemed to work pretty well. 12 miles and 1 climb today. It was a pretty easy hike for the 1st 3 hrs. Took a break to rest the feet, I'm starting to worry that this may end the hike. I passed the 2000 mile marker, and I was thinking that I still have a long way to go with these bad feet. I made it to Bigelow lean to by 11. Contact was reading his book that was left at the last lean to. We decided to take a 2 hr break since we made 7 miles in good time. I fell asleep on a bench in the sun, (chilly out everytime the sun was behind the clouds). I woke up because i rolled off the bench! A day hiker showed up to eat lunch at the lean to. There he sat eating his perfect sandwich, while we ate power bars and trail mix. There was one point I looked over ate the day hiker eating his feast, he had smeared a little mayo on his lip and I so wanted to run over and lick the prize off his face. After the hiker had left, Contact and Seth both made comments on how easily they could have killed the day hiker just to get that sandwich. Just as we were getting ready to leave a steady drizzle started so we ran in the lean to to wait out the rain. 2:00 now and the rain keeps falling off and on. At 3:00 Seth makes a break to do the last 5 miles for the day. I was going to give it 30 more minutes and then make my break. It started to rain again so Contact and I settled in for the night. We ended up sharing the site with the largest group to date - 10. A group of club hikers showed up to the site as well as a young couple from Quebec, that Steve the ferry man got pissed at for camping on the river bank the day before. Steve posted signs that clearly say no camping. He was telling us that he will now start to leave honey out to attract bears. Anyways, the hiking group was pretty cool, we exchanged the usual: How much food you guys carrying? What¢s your pack weight? What do you guys eat? All these questions are becoming routine on this trip. The Canadians kept to themselves all night.
Date: 2007-07-03
From: Bigelow Lean-to

To: Horns Pond Lean-tos
Miles today: 10.2
Weather: scattered clouds

We woke up late, around 6:30 and got out of camp by 8. The nights have been getting a little chillier and I am thinking that when I get to town I'll have Beck send out the cold weather sleeping bag. Today we have a big day of 10 miles and 5 peaks. Made the 1st 5 miles up over Little Bigelow Mountain in 3 hrs and the feet are holding up. Took a 30 min break to rest the feet and also calorie up for the climb up Avery Peak, the first 4000 ft.+ since Katahdin. It was a hard but steady 2 mile hike straight up Avery to the most inspiring views I've seen on the trip. We ran into the day hiker from the day before on the summit. We pressed on to West Peak, the 2nd 4000 ft+ peak of the day. Made that with no problems and only about 3 miles to go to the next lean to. My feet were starting to tire, so I promised them when we got to the top of Horns Mountain they would get the break they deserved. We rested at the top of Horns Mountain for about 30 minutes where I could look down upon the shelter I would be staying at. It was 0.6 miles straight down to the shelter, went slow and steady. We rolled up on the best groomed tent sites and lean to's thus far on the trail. Come to find out this site has a caretaker. Contact and I call him Ranger Rick. Basically his job is to maintain the area, cut views in for the guests and maintain the trails. Ranger Rick is a pretty cool guy. He's done a thru hike so he can relate to the way we are feeling. He shares hiking stories with us and tells us a little history of the area. We walk down to the pond, Contact went in for a swim and I just laid on the rocks and enjoyed the afternoon sun on my cold skin. Contact was convincing himself to submerge himself, but kept saying the water was cold. He finally went all the way under then a quick wade to shore. Ranger Rick said Seth rolled through around 1ish and pressed on into town. Seth would have loved this pond. Trout were jumping out of the water for their late afternoon feeding. Back to the lean to for supper and the thought of town.
Date: 2007-07-04
From: Horns Pond Lean-tos

To: Stratton
Miles today: 5.1
Weather: overcast clouds

I woke up around 4ish shivering from the cold. It is certain now that I'm getting Beck to send the cold weather sleeping bag. Contact and I moved out at 7:30 and had an uneventful hike into town. We made it to the highway by 10:30 and walked about 1/2 a mile before we got a hitch. It was nice to be in town. Resting the feet was all I had in mind. I drank a quart of chocolate milk, just under 1000 calories in my drink. I ordered 2 - 10" subs and ate half of one sandwich and some chips and cheese and washed it down with a slice of Contact¢s pizza. We ended up watching Rocky 1 - 4 on Spike TV and found out that Stratton did their fireworks last weekend. The group that has been a day behind strolled in around 8, it was a warm reunion since we last saw them in Monson. All spirits were high. Feeling bad that this would be my last night with Contact and Seth.
Date: 2007-07-05
From: Stratton

To: Stratton
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I¢m taking a zero day while I wait for my sleeping bag to be over-nighted. I ate breakfast with Contact and Hedge Hog. I went back to the motel to say good bye to Contact, Seth, Farsang, and Stan. It will probably be the last time I see Contact and Seth. I spent the rest of the day eating and relaxing. I spent a lot of time hanging out with Hedge hog and the rest of the clan. Depending when the bag comes I would like to try and catch up with this group. I got a little nervous watching Link and Shelter Shopper put their resupply together. I hope there is still food left at the store! Shelter Shopper and Link are going to push all the way to Andover, about a 7 or 8 day hike from Stratton. Hedge hog is talking about a resupply in Rangeley as well with Emily. Depending on the feet I should catch them. Talking with Hedge hog has been fun, he¢s a very interesting guy. He worked for the Wisconsin State Parks, then did chemistry for awhile, worked in a clothing store, and also helped renovate a building. The boy is all over the map. I watched a little CSI then went to bed.
Date: 2007-07-06
From: Stratton

To: Stratton
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I woke up early. I¢m finding the body doesn't process town food the same as trail food. Went to breakfast with Hedge hog and joined Emily. We just talked about the trail; nothing exciting. The more I hang out with Hedge hog the more he reminds me of Big Timmy. Back at motel Hedge hog is all set, but is waiting on the others to get ready. They leave around 11, Hedge hog was ready at 9:30. 3 more Sobos have shown up in the last day. Puck, Skeeter, and Mower. Don't know much about these guys. I know Mower skipped 30 miles in the "100 miles of Wilderness" something about having knee problems. He is trying to leave today too, but looks as though he will be here awhile. Everytime I hear a big truck I think it's the UPS truck. Now you need to understand logging trucks run through town every 10 minutes; so every 10 minutes I race to the window but no luck. Mower leaves around 2. I spend the rest of the day shaking the pack out to make room for the new bag. I headed to the post office to send back 5 lbs of stuff to Beck. When I get back I start my laundry, around 3:30 the package arrives. Part of me thinks if I hurry I can leave and maybe catch Hedge hog. I decide this is wishful thinking. All chores are done and all that¢s left is to do my resupply. While sitting around the motel, watching kung fu on Spike TV, a nobo and 2 sobo/nobos show up. Bluebird, the nobo, is on her 3rd season out here, trying to make it to Katahdin. She says this is her year! Now Bluefire and Big Al started as Sobo, made it to Rangeley, got some bad news and are headed back to either here or Caratunk.   Strange, I know. I spent the rest of the late afternoon talking with them. I ended up going to the karaoke bar across from the motel and find Bluebird, Bluefire, and Big Al already there. I order a PBR in honor of my good friend DB and eat a chicken parm sandwich. Next thing I know there is a shot in front of me. This is going to be trouble. I spent the rest of the night playing pool with Bluefire, while she tries to get me drunk on margaritas. She was already drunk so when she would go order another for herself I would convince her that my drink was hers and there was no need for the refill. I listened to the locals do their karaoke. The night went on like this. Nearing Midnight we ran into some environmental students and ended up talking with them. 2 of them remembered me from the trail right before Avery Peak. I apologized to them if I flashed them due to the hiking kilt. The guy said he saw nothing, but the girl admitted to seeing the goods. Headed home at 1ish.
Date: 2007-07-07
From: Stratton

To: Crocker Cirque Campsite
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: overcast clouds

I woke up early eager to leave. All I need to do before I leave is buy my resupply. I headed over to the diner for my last breakfast in Stratton. Had an interesting conversation with my dad, then bought my resupply. I was back on the trail at 11. A 5 mile climb was ahead of me. Around 4 miles in, last night¢s drinking was getting to me.   I took a short break at the summit of North Crocker. Now just a mile over to south Crocker. Then a mile straight down to the tent sites. This mile would kill the feet. Got to camp around 4 set the tent up, and the sky opens up. I had a cold dinner due to the rain. It would rain off and on all night. In bed by 7:30.
Date: 2007-07-08
From: Crocker Cirque Campsite

To: Spalding Mountain Lean-to
Miles today: 6.2

I woke up 5:30 and went right back to bed. I love my sleeping bag. From 6:30 until 7:30 the sky spit rain. Finally finding a break I pack my wet gear up in hopes of a 14 mile day. The 1st mile is down hill but I¢m feeling strong. I talked with some nobos. Come to find out Traveler may not be doing a true thru. More on that later. Pressed on to the 2nd hardest climb to date. This climb was very similar to Katahdin; a lot of hand over hand rock climbing. I made it to the Sugarloaf blue blaze by 11. The blaze leads to a summit hut on top of the Sugarloaf ski resort. The views are supposed to be awesome. I will have to skip it. It's a rock climb straight up. Rocks looked pretty slick. I'm also clouded in, no views. I press on to the lean to. My feet are starting to hurt about an hour from where I want to break. I press on. I made it to the lean to at 1:30; not bad for a late start. Now I need to decide if I¢m going to stay here for the rest of the day, let things dry out, rest the feet or press on 8 more miles to the next lean to. A section hiker shows up a few minutes after I do. We talk for a bit and he tells me he stayed with Hedge hog and the group last night. Come to find out Hedge hog is pushing to Andover and Emily is still heading into Rangeley. He tells me it's a pretty easy hike to the next lean. I think about my options and decide to hold up here. My fear was to get caught just shy of the lean and have to sleep in a wet tent. I go down and fill up my water for the night and set everything out to dry. I end up spending most of the day in my tent because the gnats here are horrible. Made dinner had some hot chocolate and settling down for the evening in the tent.
Date: 2007-07-09
From: Spalding Mountain Lean-to

To: Poplar Ridge Lean-to
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: light rain

The day started with a light drizzle, which for some reason turned the ole brain into self reflection mode. Then the down pour. Turned out to be an easy 8 miles, done in 4 1/2 hrs. I made it to the lean to freezing, and sore. I ended up sliding down a small portion of descent on my ass and elbow. Stripped down and put on dry clothes and settled in for the day. I started dosing off at 4:30 when I was awaken by two section hikers headed north. Their names are Colin and Alisa, they changed into dry clothes and we all swapped stories. Come to find out Colin use to teach Fiesta & Siesta (Matt & Taylor journal entries 4 & 5) Great times were had over dinner. I loaned Colin my rain jacket and sleeping bag liner, because his down bag was soaked. In exchange he gave me some Doritos and chocolate Oreos. Upon finishing dinner, Salamander joined us in the lean to which turned into more hiker story swapping.
Date: 2007-07-11
From: Piazza Rock Lean-to

To: Rangeley
Miles today: 1.8
Weather: light rain

Woke up about 6ish and used the cleanest, nicest privy to date, I even took pictures of it. I was on the trail by 7. Big hike today, a whole 1 1/2 miles. Came across a cooler labeled trail magic, and opened it to find 1 last Diet Coke. Tempted by the gesture, I decide to leave it for someone in more need then I. I stopped and talked with a few hikers before I make the Hwy crossing. I sit at the trail head, thumb out in hopes of a catch. Within 15 minutes I catch a ride into town. A woman in a pickup stops to escort me to town. Come to find out she is the book keeper at the alpine shop, the very place I need to go for my new boots. She drops me off at the laundramat. I do my laundry, then head to the Moosely Bagel, which I was told about on the trail. Leaving the launders I'm told it may be closed today. I tried my luck, just to find the cold hard truth of reality. Closed on Wednesdays. This won't hold me down. I head back the way I came and ate at the local diner. I met a game warden, and we exchange stories for about an hour. Then I hit the Alpine shop, new boots, a treats for Beck, and still plenty of time in the day
Date: 2007-07-12
From: Rangeley

To: Rangeley
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Man what a storm last night. I helped Mower out by letting him stay in the room I got, and was he thankful to not have to campout in that storm. I decided to take a zero in Rangeley. Started the day off by going to the Moosely Bagel, where I had the best bagel ever. The breakfast I had is called the Zigg, a bagel with egg, swiss cheese and shaved steak. Good stuff. So the reason I was taking the zero was I thought it would be a good idea to break the new boots in while I was in town. So the day was mostly spent walking everywhere. I think by the days end I put about 5 miles on those boots, and the feet were fine. I also got a chance to eat at the local Thai restaurant in town, which was ok, not as good as I was hearing on the trail. I walked 5 miles round trip to the grocery store. I also helped Mower with his decision about getting of the trail to spend some time with his lady friend. Did the typical town things, caught a movie in the little 30 theater, bad idea. The movie was "The Wendell Baker Story" and it made me miss Beck. Went back to the room watched a little tv and lights out.
Date: 2007-07-13
From: Rangeley

To: Sabbath Day Pond
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Woke up early to get on the trail early. After some thought, I figured it would be easier to get a ride out of town later in the morning. So I headed over to the Moosely again. While walking over it look as if bad weather was moving in, so I hung out at Moosely's to wait it out. I had some great conversations with some biker guys. Talked with a minister who was tending to her kids every other sentence. Come to find out she was a Michigan Grad. GO BLUE. Met a great couple named Bobcat and Sunshine. We traded trail stories for a bit, then I noticed sunny skies. So I paid my bill, talked with a woman that over heard the stories between Bobcat and myself, and headed out the door. Standing in the parking lot getting the pack situated to make my way towards the end of town to catch my hitch, the woman I was talking with at the register offered me a ride to the trail head. How awesome is that? On the trail by 11:30, made it to Sabbath Day Pond Lean-to by 5. The last mile or so of my trek I had to move pretty quick. Rain was coming and I just barely made it. It rained for about an hour and half, then blue skies. Made dinner and had the shelter to myself.
Date: 2007-07-14
From: Sabbath Day Pond

To: Bemus Mountain Lean-to
Miles today: 8.3

Left the lean to around 9. Headed down the trail and hit the Hwy 17 crossing by lunch. When I was back in Rangeley one of the towns people told me about a spot .2 miles up the highway. So I headed for the destination. The spot is called Height of The Land. This place had an awesome view right of the roadway. I decided to use this spot for my lunch break. I had the place to myself for about 15 minutes then it started filling up with motorists. This didn't bother me at all, most just ignored me which was fine. Soon enough a few people asked if I was a thru hiker, which I gladly shared some of the trail stories I had. I met some of the coolest people there. Told my story to a group of bikers, some guy pointed out over the vista to show me where his camp was located. It was a good time, but also taking up some of my time. I left to get back on the trail a little after 1. The down side to my little break was that the Height of The Land overlooked the next mountain I had to climb. I really wasn't very motivated to put in that sort of effort, but I had no choice. Half way up my climb I ran into a family day hiking Bemis Mountain. When I rolled up on them, I think they had just finished dealing with a family melt down. I decided to hike with them to the next peak to help keep the kids motivated. Ben the oldest seemed to be about 9 or 10. Rachel is about 7 or 8, while mom and dad took turns carrying the 2 yr old. Starting the climb to the next peak Rachel was getting a little cranky about the hike. We ended up stopping every 20' and dealing with little break downs. Finally they backed out of pressing on. So I moved quickly for my home for the night. All ready at the lean to was Coach K. He is a Duke guy, and come to find out he works for the athletic dept. So dinner conversation is all sports, so refreshing. Around night fall we take on a 2nd member to the lean. Dr. John shows up. Coach K and Dr. John have some history so they spend some time catching up on the nobo scene. They take the time to explain what Pink Blazing is, as well as go into all the drama that the nobos are having.
Date: 2007-07-16
From: South Arm Road

To: East B Hill Road
Miles today: 10.1

After a good night sleep and a warm breakfast my head is back on right. Yesterday I was thinking of skipping this next 10 mile stretch, but now with a nice clear head I decide to move thru these blazes. An opportunity presented itself to me. The deal was to slack pack this section north bound and when I got to South Arm Road there would be a truck waiting for me. My task was to pick another hiker up which would pay for my stay for the night, so for me it was a no brainer. So I do my slack and run into a nobo and hiked with him the whole day. Diablo (the nobo I ran into) and I covered every conversation you could think of. He told me all about the drama with the nobos, and the drama that he caused back in Georgia and Tennessee. I pick up Green Peace, the guy that gave me my trail name. Now the drive from Andover back towards Rangeley was amazing. Green Peace and I share stories about our lives and before you know it we were back at the hostel. The hostel life here has been the best so far. The food is amazing and the camaraderie is the best so far.
Date: 2007-07-17
From: East B Hill Road

To: Grafton Notch
Miles today: 10.3
Weather: broken clouds

Well I was talked into a slack pack again today. I was dropped off at Grafton Notch and headed back to East B Hill Road. It started off as an easy hike. The first time on the trail I see a sign that says extraordinary view. So I walk a 1/2 mile down the blue blaze to an area called Table Rock. I have to admit it was a phenomenal view. After taking in the sight I pressed on to Bald Pate lean to. The strangest things hurt on your body when hiking the A.T. Out of nowhere my Achilles tendon starts to hurt. I make it to the lean, and I take a little break to rest my injury. After about a 30 minute break I move on to climb Bald Pate Mountain. The pain in my tendon is gone. As quickly as it came it was gone, it¢s crazy. I make it to the top of the 1st peak and settle down to take a lunch break with a youth summer camp group. It was fun watching the leaders, who were college kids, handle the kids of the camp. I decided to hike with these little guys to the next peak. These guys hiked slow, which was fine. I stayed near the back of the pack and talked with the camp counselor. Even though we were going so slow the conversation made the hike enjoyable. We reach the peak and I bid my farewell and I was off at my quicker pace. I start my decent down Bald Pate Mountain, and realize how thankful I am that I slacked today. This by far was the toughest decent, since Katahdin. I take my time and get thru it. It was a nice and easy enjoyable hike for the remaining 6 miles. I get picked up at East B Hill Road and I'm back at The Cabin. A few new faces there, but I end up spending most of my time with Chuck Norris and Neely (Dirty Bird) Come to find out Chuck wants to shoot some outdoorsy photos of Neely at a spot that I admired when getting Green Peace.
Date: 2007-07-18
From: Andover

To: Andover
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

So I helped Neely with chores around the hostel, which was nice to help out around the place that has captured me. We wrap everything around the place, and we head out in Chuck¢s Porsche for the photo shoot. We end up at Coos Canyon on a rainy day. Chuck has a Fine Arts photography passion, so I think that put Neely's mind at easy about this little photo shoot. I also think she was put at ease with me being along. So about 30 minutes of Neely moving from back drop to back drop and we were done. We head back to the hostel. We all are back at the hostel for about 5 minutes and Chuck wants to head into town for a snack, so I join him. Well Chuck's idea of a snack is a spaghetti lunch in town. So I join him for lunch, and find out he cashed in on all his business doings so he could spend time with his wife in her last years. Chuck's wife passed away about 10 years ago from cancer. I feel his pain since he's in his late 50's, it had to be tough to lose someone you love that early in life.
Date: 2007-07-19
From: Andover

To: Andover
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Another rain day. Now I normally would press on but, my next stretch is a pretty difficult section, so Beck has talked me into being safe. So I help out around the hostel running shuttles and prepping dinner. I spend some more time with Earle, (the owner of the hostel) Neely and Chuck. So Neely relieves the burden for Earle since his son flew in from California, it was nice to give back. Chuck Norris and I hang out some more. Run a few more shuttles and when I get back the place is packed. After dinner Chuck, Neely, and I hang around the dinner table, after supper. We all end up talking to an alumni that brought his family up to stay at the hostel. Nate (Wander) starts telling stories of his ¢98 thru hike. He gets interrupted by one of his boys so he tends to that. The group then listens to Heather, Nate¢s wife, tell us how she slacked him thru Virginia, some of Pennsylvania and all the Whites. We all end up talking most of the night, swapping stories, a great trail experience for us all.