morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-07-09
From: Moxie Pond Lean To

To: Monson ME
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: broken clouds

2  Report. I slept resonably last night. I  was up early, hoping to hike to Manson. I made the Horseshoe Leanto and stopped for a quick lunch and a power nap. I really like these power naps. A lady  hiker came in for a privy break. I got back on the AT taking the N exit and gal took the S exit. Soon she a d her friend overtook me and I then recognized them as the Picnic Sisters. We had shared a shelter area in CT with Catch Up. Then hiked on and I later caught up with them at the day's 3rd river fording. He water has been very low and the fordings have been relativey easy. I took a short dip and had another snack break. I then committed to make Monson, cameled up, turned the Iphone earbuds on loud and stRted hikin at warp speed. I was sure the Picnic Sisters wod soon overtake me, but today they ate my dust. I got into Monson, cheched into Shaws, showered and hen got some BBQ.  I then stopped at the Hardware Store for an ice cream sundae and a tayed abut for the music playing later, Appleseed and Branch showed up. I going to getsone beverages and try to find a place with some cell serviceLife is Great!
Date: 2010-07-10
From: Monson ME

To: Monson ME (Shaw's Lodging)
Miles today: 0.0

This is first of what is planned 2 zero days. Today's report is a little different in nature Diet I recently read a bit from one of my former NASA colleagues about dieting. I know this probably sounds like one of those TV/magazine commercials; but its true. I have a sure fire diet/exercise plan. You can eat anything you want and as much of it as you want as well. All you have to do is carry it and all your gear in a backpack, about 30-50 pounds depending on the individual, and hike 10 or miles per day on the AT. When you reach town, on average about once a week, you can literally eat anything and everything you want. As Larry Wier, director at JSC¢s health and fitness center likes to espouse, calories consumed minus calories expended is simple formula to judge weight. If negative, you lose weight, if positive you gain weight, and equal maintains weight. I figure I¢m at a negative 5000 calories a day on the trail, at 3500 (?) calories = 1 pound. But, I really can eat and load up in town. I think I¢ve already lost about 30 pounds so far. And I¢m not aware of anyone who hasn¢t lost weight on the trail. So, if you want a sure fire guaranteed, weight loss, diet, exercise plan, just go hiking on the AT.  CFC It will soon be Combined Federal Campaign season for all you active feds. I was always a big supporter and recall how some organizations really pushed ¢voluntary¢ participation. There are literally 1000s of organizations in the CFC list. Many of these I really can support, many I¢m not even aware of and a few I wouldn¢t support under any circumstance. However, I would like to make a plug for the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. It is a very large, volunteer organization that maintains the AT and 1000s of other trails. This is also such a unique national treasure. So, if you¢re ¢encouraged¢ to support the CFC and would like a worthy cause, I heartily recommend the ATC.Life is Great!
Date: 2010-07-11
From: Monson ME (Shaw's Lodging)

To: Monson ME (Shaw's Lodging)
Miles today: 0.0

I've rally been chilling out here at Shaw's. The Picnic Sisters and their family left Sat, as did Appleseed and Branch who are also meeting family at Katahdin next week end. Most of the other hikers will be leaving today. Tater Chip and I plan to leave Mon. Tater has been resting up here healing a foot injury for several days. I visited the Monson Historical Bldg, Artisan's display and the post office. Walked to gas station/mini market to hit the ATM machine, as well as the hardware general store several times. That pretty much covers all to do in MonsonCell coverage has been spotty at best lately and I expect it to become almost non-existent for the near future.  I¢m aware of one good and one fair location for cell service on the remaining AT.  I¢ll be recording my journal on a daily basis; however, posting will probably be on a delayed basis. So, I¢ve decided to present my near-term planning information.  I¢m 115 miles from Katahdin, with plane reservations for departing Bangor early on July 29.  So, I can take a very leisurely hike and really enjoy this last segment.  I plan to leave Monson sometime Mon am and might make Wilson Valley Lean To (10+ mi).  Next, a short day to Cloud Pond Lean To (8.7 mi).  This is about 3.5 mi short of where I left the 100 mile Wilderness after injuring myself last year.  I do want to overnight at the W Branch of Pleasant river.  Here is where I camped with Half Full and Chomp, the last people I saw on trail.  I then plan to tour the Gulf Hagas (<5 mi side trail) and a short AT hike to Carl Newhall (5.5 mi).  I could try the Whitecap Mtn summit; there is a photo composition I want to attempt on a mtn top before I leave ME  Or maybe stay next night  at Logan Brook Lean To.  Next is to stay at Cooper Brooks Lean To (8.1) and then Antlers Campsite (7.9 mi), one of my favorite memories from ME last year.  Then a 6.8 mi hike to White¢s Ferry Landing, maybe even take a zero there and resupply.  Next are short hikes to Wadleigh Stream Lean To (7.7 mi) and Rainbow Stream Lean To (8.1 mi).  That will lead to Abol Bridge (15.1) which is the end of the 100 Mile Wilderness.  Its then 9.2 miles to Baxter State Park¢s ¢Birches¢ Campsite and finally 5.2 mi to Katahdin.  Then its off the AT to Millinocket, and then on to Bangor.  I think this leaves 2 contingency days overall. 6. Silver Creek BBQ. Monson ME.  3 Greasy Spoons. Very good ribs and pork sandwich. Best on AT this year ( but that's not saying very much). Excellent hand squeezed fresh lemonadeLakeshore House Pub.  Monson  2 Greasy Spoons. Very interesting menu. Excellent pizza.  Fresh, homemeade foods  Beautiful view from patioShaw's Lodging.  Monson  5 Greasy Spoons. Breakfast by the numbers: 1 - 4. You pick the number, then get that many eggs to order, bacon, sausage, French toast or blueberry pancakes, real home fries, orange juice and coffee. I was reluctant to award the rare and coveted 5 spoon rating; but, I can't think of anything they could do to improveMilestone: 3 months on the AT todayLife is Great!
Date: 2010-07-12
From: Monson ME (Shaw's Lodging)

To: Thompson Brook
Miles today: 9.3

Mon. Thompson Brook. Tent. 9.32. Report. Sunday was a nice zero day. Completed most of resupply for last part of this hike. Watched some worldCup soccer. Good rain late afternoon. Lunch at Lakeshore was a lobster roll, followed by sharing a pizza with Tater. Lot of hikers arriving late at Shaws. Pretty much a circus there for awhile. Slept fair, got up real early, showered, made coffee and got packed. Had good size breakfast then went to trailhead. Dropped Tater at S blue blaze and then me at N on ME 15 took photo of warning sign for 100 mile wilderness and then pressed on. Slipped on some wet slate and cut upmy knee a bit. Took another power nap at first shelter, this could become habit forming. Saw big bunches of blueberries and small raspberries, ate accordingly. Passed the Hrand Coulee of beaver dams - 200 yds long. Easy hike days planned for this last section. Found a nice campground by a stream and set p for the night. Started fire to cook dinner, washed clothes and body, treated knee wound, pitched tent, ate, recorded today's journal and now going to bedLife is Great!Sent from my iPhone
Date: 2010-07-13
To: Cloud Pond Shelter
Miles today: 10.3

Tue. Cloud Pond Shelter. 10.3 mi2. Report. When I went to hang my bear bag last nite, the limb broke. It was hard to get one set up in daylight and even more so at nite. But I finally prevailed. I got up early, too early and went back to sleep. Then got up late and it was around 0930 before I started hiking. Right away I had a small fording. Took off my boots and crossed easily due to low water. This was the fording that caused many a great deal of difficulty last year due to high water and the SOBOers who had passed me then were concerned how I would have fared back then. There were several other reported fordings for today but i was able to rock hop one carefully and the others very easily. I was hoping to make this shelter early afternoon. But it must have been real hot as I was no making very good time. I came to the last hill today, about a 1700 ft climb and it started to rain. Thunder then sounded frequently, but by then I was back down in the trees and none were closer than 5 miles or so. I got to the shelter, which was already mostly filled I got water, fixed dinner, entered my journal and now getting ready for sleep.Milestone: Katahdin is double digits now - 95.4 milesLife is Great!Sent from my iPhone
Date: 2010-07-14
To: W Branch Pleasant River
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: light rain

Wed. W Br Pleasant River. Tent. 11.6 milesReport. It rainelightly most of the night and I slept well. We all got up early and were out hiking. The trail really showed the rain. The dirt here reminds me a lot of black gumbo. When it's dry you can drive cement trucks over it. But when it gets wet it's like quicksand. He worst part, besides stepping in mud past your boots, is the seemingly never ending suction cups. This really takes some energy to navigate. Then there are the wet bog boards, which I've managed fairly well so far. Then there are the wet rocks, which I didn't manage too well today. I took a minor fall on some slate and a not so minor one on some granite. My forearm bore the blunt of this fall and I fared reasonably well with a long scratch and several bumps.I came to 4th Mtn and found cell coverage. Made a quick call to Libra Lady and tried to email journal reports to Ms P&B. I came across some familiar territory today. First was the ledge where I stopped last year. It even had the rocks in same position where I tried to secure my tent. Next was the 3rd mountain and the trail I eventually used to get off the mountain. This trail is not in the AT maps, handbook nor ME forest books. But the game warden found me anyway and helped me off the trail.   It was overcast and misting most of the day. I took a water break at a stream and noticed a side trail which is the one the game warden wanted me to use. I decpsided to check it out since photo ops were very poor. I came across some logging operations: a tree de- limber and a crane were in operation. I followed a tote road and eventually got back on the AT. I hiked a short way and found this campsite. This is the one I shared with Half Full and Chomp, who happened to be the last people I saw on the trail. I got inearly, fixed camp and dinner. Getting ready to do my nightly planning and then go to bed.Life is Great!Sent from my iPhone
Date: 2010-07-15
To: Carl Newhall Shelter
Miles today: 8.5
Weather: broken clouds

Thur. Carl Newhall Shelter. 8.5 mi2. Report. There were a number of SOBOers at the campsite last nite. We were all up on avg time and out hiking. I started out in my Crocs this am. Bad a short hike of about 200 yds to a fording of the river the water was very low and I could almost rock hop. Last year it was up to my thigh and flowing fast. This year ightl above my ankle. I decided to take a blue blaze trail today thru the Gulf Hagas, the Grand Canyon of the NE. The first stop was Screw Auger Falls. I remember a video Etchasketch and Infomaniac took of Miss Step jumping off the falls into a water pool. This was a little too daring for me.   I think I took 4 GB of photos in the gulf. Last night, I did a food inventory for the rest of my near term planning. I discovered I was in good shape for entrees, but a little short in breakfast bars/snacks. I passed a couple of groups of hiking ladies and did some pretty good yogi-ing. I have enough snacks now. The snacks are not the big of an issue. Incan always imcrease dail mileage a bit or double up on one day and/or have an entree for lunch and/or go on half snack rations for a day or so The ladies didn't have a name. I called them the "hiking divas" which they seemed to enjoy. I later took a cut off from Gulf Hagas back to the AT. I was pretty obvious this trail is rarely used as there was a lot of overgrowth covering the trail. I have seen a bunch of blueberry bushes with BEARly any berries. I wonder where they have gone?   I got to the shelter just as a ridgerunner, Threshhold, was leaving. There is lot of moose scat around the shelter, maybe I'll see one tomorrow.   Fixing dinner and going to bed.Life is Great!Sent from my iPhone
Date: 2010-07-16
To: Logan Brook Lean To
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: few clouds

Fri.   Logan Brook Lean To. Shelter.   7.2 miles2. Report. My shelter mates were asleep very early last night. One was snoring just after 1800, and the others were asleep before 1900. I was getting ready for sleep and noticed the shelter mice becoming active before dark. They even managed to keep up their efforts thruout most of the night. The shelter mates were up and hiking before 0500. Since I had planned a very short day, I slept in late. A couple of SOBOers worry me a bit. One had run out of canister fuel barely half way thru the wilderness. Then I met one at the shelter who had started running low on food, tried to take a blue blaze shortcut and ended up getting lost. I tried to give him some advice for some trails south of here. I hiked a short bit to a campsite and decided to take a power nap there. I didn't get to sleep, but got a good rest. Also filled up on some great water, as I was planning to spend the night on Whitecap summit. It was a reasonably easy hike up the mtn. However, when I got there it was just like Mt Washington: zero visibility, winds about 30 kts and raining slightly. I got just over the crest out of the wind and tried to use my phone, but no cell service. And photo op was definitely out of the question. Then, there was absolutely no bald rocks to pitch a tent. I could have used some of the alpine tundra vegetation to pitch a my tent, but I'm sure the white blaze police would go ballistic. So, with no viable reasons to stay on the summit, I hiked on to the next shelter. Good group here. Fixed dinner and gtting ready for bed.Life is Great!Sent from my iPhone
Date: 2010-07-17
To: Cooper Brook Falls Lean To
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Sat. Cooper Brook Falls Shelter. 11.7 miReport. I went to sleep before dark. He shred was almost full and here were several out tent camping. We all got up on avg time and I was first out hiking. As usual, it was a clear, blue sky morning. I can really tell a positive change in attitude since my jump to Caratank and an even more positive one after yesterday - no more mtns and almost all downhill. I cruisedro the first shelter and was pleasantly surprised to find someone had left more snacks there - my new favorite of walnuts, almonds and M&Ms. I then hiked and took a break at a spring. My Steripen gave me the flashing red warning lights yesterday and I changed the batteries. I had no problem when I treated my water then. Now, I got the flashing red lights again. Since this spring had water coming straight out of the ground, I drank this untreated. This is not my normal practice and I don't recommend it. However, it is consistent with MIss Step in that it takes 2 weeks for Giardia to get established and she stopped treating water at that point. I only have a little over a week and hope that holds out. I then hiked to a tote road where there was q group of boys. Hey had been shuttled there and were gettting ready to hike SOBO. They had a pile of food to package. Reminded me of the backwoods commissary stops on my Philmont treks. I went to inquire about availability of AA batteries and learned they were having the same problem with 2 Steripens. Oh well. I am now hiking "out" of the wilderness, having passed the 50 mile middle. Vsaw Katahdin today, looks great from here.   I hiked on to the shelter and got here early pm. Filled up my water bladder and treated with iodine pills. I'll chill out today and should have easy 3 days coming upLife is Great!Sent from my iPhone
Date: 2010-07-18
To: Antlers Campsite
Miles today: 7.9
Weather: few clouds

Sun. Antlers Campsite. Tent. 7.9 milesReport. I didn't sleep too well last night. Very buggy, then cold and got out my sleeping bag, then hot .... Anyways, i was up on avg and out hiking with the rest of he shelter mates. Again, I can't repeat how much more enjoyable this is with a very relaxed pace. I'm guessing the streams are about a foot below normal this year, compared to a foot above normal last year. The fordings have all been relative mild. Also, there has been a lot of bog board walking this year and ( knock on wood) I've managed to stay upright lately I cruised into the campsite about noon last year, I thought it was one of he prettiest campsites on the trail. And this year I think it's even better. I took an inventory on my iodine pills and it appears to be right on the margin. So I started a fire early and started to boil some water for an all day project. I was feeling so good I even fixed one of my extra entrees for lunch.Instarted astringent up camp and thenchecked out the campsite. There are some great tent site locations here. However since there is onl one firering I have chosen to tent nearby, sameplace as last year.   Later on, Second Stage and Doc Rocket stopped by for a lunch break. She was pleased to learn that I had a recommendation from AstroGuy to check her journal and hat we had once worked together as they were preparing lunch, Doc Rocket filled my water bladder from his water filter. I didn't even have to pump it.   What a treat, thx Doc! They also provided some intell on White's Ferry and Abol Campground   A float plane landed on the lake here and dropped off some passengers. Too far away for me to really see, although I did take a couple of photos.   The area here is really pretty. I intend to take some sunset phoos tonite and sunrise tomorrow morning. All for todayLife is Great!Sent from my iPhone
Date: 2010-07-20
To: White House Landing
Miles today: 0.0

Tue. White House Landing (2). Hostel. 0.0 mi2. Report. The hostel owners are Bill and Linda who do an excellent job catering to the hikers After returning to the bunkhouse last nite, I ended up giving mini-camera lesson to Lucky and GPS. Speaking of cameras, yesterday I crossed trail with Oops. I noticed he was carrying a very nice tripod and asked what camera he was shooting. He replied a 4x5, which with all it's accessories is a major load, as well as a tremendous photographic capability. I really felt like a piker. I slept well and got up around midnight and saw a sqtellkte passin almost overhead. Ihad my alarmset for 0400. I checked the skies which were clear, got GPS up and we canoes out in the lake to take sunrise photos of Katahdin. It was a pretty impressive sight, particularly when you realize it's about 45 miles away!! During our canoe trip, we came close to a pair of loons and a hooded merganser hen with about 25 ducklings, which are probably the product of 2 hens. We had a huge breakfast and I saw everyone off. They weighed their packs before the left and i think the avg wt was just over 20 lbs, which included 2 days food an 2 liters of water - such lightweights! I then officially started my zero. Hung clothes, tent and sleeping bag out on the line to air/dry out. Then, Plugger arriives looking like a pig fresh put of the sty. He had fallen into a bog and was so dirty, Bill said he would have to clean up in the lake before he come in and use the showers. I spent most of he day chillin'. Did a little reading, confirming near-term plans, eating blueberries and raspberries. Some afternoon guests were NaviGator and granddaughter Poison Ivy. I'll be staying at NG's hostel in Millinocket on Mon. Took PI out for a canoe ride that she enjoyed.   Making plans for supper tonite and then a sunset photo op with Plugger out on the lake of Mt K tonite. All for toniteLife is Great!Sent from my iPhone
Date: 2010-07-21
To: Nesuntabunt Summit
Miles today: 9.6

Wed. Nesuntabunt Mtn. Tent. 9.6 mi2. Report. For dinner last night we all ordered pizza and shared among each other again. We each ate 1/2 of a 14" thick crust pizza and had the remaining half wrapped up, stored in the fridge for lunch today. Later, Plugger and I took a canoe out in the lake for a sunset photo op of Mt K. This was a total non event, photo wise. We did get to see a beaver up close on our return to the hostel. I slept well last night and got up around midnight to find a near full moon shining over the lake. Took some photos of course. Since there were only 3 overnight hikers, Bill agreed to move breakfast up to 0700. We all ate, I settled my account, and weighed my pack before departing. I expected it to be in the high-30's hopefully and was disappointed to learn it was almost 50 lbs again. Oh well!! The am hike was quite scenic and pleasant. My goal today was a short hike and to reach Wadleigh Shelterfor the night   I got there around noon, ate my leftover pizza and had a short nap. I was feeling great when I woke up and decided to hike a bit further. I had read the shelter register about having 4 bar 3G reception at this mtn and made that the new goal for the day. I got here about 1700 and set up camp near a vista viewing area. It has a great view of Mt K which is 16 miles away per the crow, and about 31 per the AT hiker. I fixed dinner and then started my updates. The wx report doesn't look all that good for the next few days, but is projecting a clear day for my planned summit on Monday. This forecast I can accept. I still have some work preparing for possible rain showers tonite. It doesn't look like there will be any sunset or sunrise photo ops here either. All for todayLife is Great!Sent from my iPhone
Date: 2010-07-22
From: Nesuntabunt Summit

To: Abol Bridge Campsite
Miles today: 21.5
Weather: light rain

Thur. Abol Bridge Campsite. Tent.  21.2 milesThreatening clouds came in after filing my report last nite.  Mt K was completely covered so no sunset photos. It rained briefly during the nite and I slept well. I was up early but not expecting any decent photo op. Wasn't disappointed there as I could see just the base of Mt K. I packed up my gear and was hiking early. I came to the Rainbow Stream lean To and caught Freeedom, Redtail, and Mtn Orange basically still in their sleeping bags. I had a short food break and photo op next to a totem pole.  I then toured the "rainbow":  5 mile hike down r lake, passing r campsite, then r spring, r mtn and finally r ledges. The hike by the lake was very gentle and the ledges had the best blueberry patches I've seen on the AT - I must have eaten over a pint. Most of the berries previously were the size of glorified BBs; but these were the size of peas. My near term plan projected an overnight camp along the lake. However with the bad wx report, I wanted to try to make it to a shelter. The trail was muddy and wet in spots. I slipped and snapped one of my Leki hiking poles.  I got to the Hurd Brook Lean To where Freedom and RedTail were setting up for the night. It was still early and the campground was only another 3.5 miles. I was still feeling strong and the allure of a hot meal and adult beverage said to hike on. I turned my Ipod and really started cruising. I exited the 100 mile wilderness, took a photo and then a short hike to the  campground.  I had a sack of pretzels and a practice 6 pack.  I set up my tent at a site with Chris and Mike - these guys don't even have trail names yet. I went back to the store before they closed and got some dinner fixings and another six pack which I have been sharing. I'm tired and today's mileage may be a personal record. I don't know if it's because of the threatening wx, easy lake trails, allure of cold drinks, me getting stronger or the old horse seeing the barn. Probably a combination of all of the above. Time for bed.Life is Great!