morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-09-05
From: Trident Col Campsite

To: Full Goose Shelter
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: clear sky

I can't say enough about how pretty the country has been the last little while. Today alone, I went through a disposable camera. I am packing three at the moment. My digital went on the blink several states ago and I want to upgrade when I get home so I am using disposables now. We left camp and after the first mile we came to Page Pond, a pond created by a beaver dam, which we crossed. Not sure if there are still beaver in the area but Gypsy and I spotted a tree that looked as if it had been felled by beavers. Kinda cool. We took a little break there and just watched the water. From there we passed by Dream Lake and made our way to Gentian Pond Shelter where we had second breakfast. Tink and Whatsit rolled in later. Whatsit is definitely not moving fast! Tink told us that if we seperated she would catch up. I told her I would wait for her in Andover, if neccessary. Mouth Gypsy, Touk, and I took off and at 3:00 we hit the Maine border. None of us crossed it. We sat down, had a late lunch, talked, and just stared at the sign. Five and a half months and I am about to cross into the final state! It was with mixed emotions that I looked at that sign, to say the least. Joy at being so near but sadness because the journey is almost over and, right now, I don't want the journey to be over. The four of us linked arms, lifted one foot, and crossed over into Maine in unison, while Mouth took a picture of our feet while doing so. When our four feet hit the ground the cheering erupted and it was time for the photo ops at the sign. By now it was 4:30 and we still had 5 miles of rough terrain to go. If I haven't mentioned terrain lately it is because I am in shock. This stuff is tough! Real tough! It is taking us all day, and I mean all day, to do 13 or 14 miles! Far cry from the 20 plus we used to burn without a second thought back in the "old days"! We struggled up Goose Eye Mtn., west peak, and then Goose Eye Mtn., east peak, and then Goose Eye Mtn., north peak! What's up with one mountain and three peaks! We did roll into Full Goose Shelter at 7:30. It was already dark so dinner was cooked by headlamp and then it was bedtime. We were exhausted, but tomorrow will be even more trying. We will be doing the infamous, Mahoosuc Notch!
Date: 2005-09-07
From: Grafton Notch

To: Andover, ME
Miles today: 10.3
Weather: clear sky

Up early and on the trail by 5:30. Whenever I get near a town I like to get going and haul buns so I can spend as much time as I can in town. It doesn't get light till 6:00 so the first part of the hike was with the headlamp. I got to the shelter where the rest of the group stayed last night. Most of them were already stirring so I sat and had a quick pop tart before moving on. I flew down the trail. It was good trail, the 2.5 to 3 mile an hour kind of trail, and I made it to the road by 10:00. I managed to get a hitch from the first car that came by. He took me all the way to The Cabin, a hostel run by Honey and Bear,and where Phoenix Rising was. I got out of the car and Bear greeted me. He said I was the main attraction. I looked at him with that "huh" look. He laughed and said that he was going to have an Outward Bound group in for a talk and I was going to give it. I laughed and told him, no problem. If there is one thing I can talk about, it is the trail. The talk went well. I told a couple of stories, gave some facts, and answered questions. After it was over I got some some ice cream out of it. Well worth the price of admission! Bear then showed me around and while doing so, Baltimore Jack and Blister Sister pulled in. I was surprised to see them and they said they were staying the night. Looked like it was shaping up to be a good day! Meanwhile, Mouth had made it to town so Blister Sister and I went into town to pick him up. Gypsy and Touk were to follow a couple of hours later. The three of them were planning on leaving in the AM but I had told them, and Tink, that I was going to wait for Tink. She was behind now and may not get there till late tomorrow. Phoenix Rising finally made it back from her errands. It was great to see her again! It was a nice day and the whole group spent the afternoon resting, catching up, and doing the normal hiker chores. As evening fell, Honey and Bear called us in for dinner and a great dinner it was, with more than enough to eat! After dinner, Phoenix Rising, Blister Sister, Gypsy, Just Mike, and I spent the evening, telling stories and talking, around a small fire in the teepee Bear has on his property. That was a good time and it wasn't until 11:00 that I finally went to bed. A great day overall. Honey and Bear run a real nice place.
Date: 2005-09-09
From: South Arm Road

To: Sabbath Day Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: clear sky

The weather continues to be fantastic. Warm, sunny days and cool nights, just perfect. With the sunny, clear days it allows for some wonderful views. Hopefully, we aren't jinxing ourselves for bad weather when we go to summit Katahdin. Everyone straggled out of camp at variuos times this morning. Gypsy was first. She has been getting up and out early lately! I, on the otherhand, have been trying to reverse my early ways. I have been getting up a bit later and taking my time getting out of camp. It is still earlier than the others, but later than I am used to. This was going to be oneof our biggest days in a long time. A lot of miles with a few good climbs. From what we had heard it was not supposed to be that rough. We always take those comments with a grain of salt! The first climb was a 2200 footer, up Old Blue. It wasn't bad considringit was over 2.5 miles. That makes for a gentle climb as opposed to the verticals we have been doing. Next we went over Bemis Mountain. Bemis is another one of those mountains where you have a West Peak, East Peak, and to make matters worse they throw in a First, Second, and Third Peak. When you look at the guidebook you know that you will climb and descend the same mountain five times. Not a huge climb or descent on any of them but a pain in the butt no matter what. I will admit, it was fun doing these because you were walking up smoothed boulders, with great views. Those kind of climbs are much more fun than the ones involving rock scrambles, on a path through the trees. After Bemis there was Spruce Mtn. and then a descent to Moxie Pond. This "pond" was huge. In my book, it was a lake. It even had small waves, it was that big. I sat by it for awhile and then pushed the last two miles to the shelter. This shelter was also located close to a pond and later, it would provide a nice setting for the sunset. Mouth was already there but he was going to move on a few more miles. We were all in the "get to the Post Office before it closed" mode. Tomorrow would be Saturday and the P.O. closed at noon. Tink and I gave Mouth our ID's so he could get our mail in case we didn't get there in time. Gypsy felt like doing a few more miles so she and Mouth took off while Tink, Touk, and I decided to call it quits for the day. Believe it or not, we completed the 17 miles before dark! It gave us time to collect wood for a fire and eat. It has been awhile since we had a fire. I got it started and we just enjoyed the cowboy TV. To Phat, English Bob, EM(Epistomelogical Meglomaniac), and Milkman were also with us that night so we all told stories for awhile. I went to answer natures call just before bed and I heard some cries in the night. I listened closely and wondered, a loon maybe? I went back to Touk and Tink and sure enough, they confirmed it! I have heard my first real loon cries! They continued throughout the night and I loved every one I heard! Moose sighting is next on the list!
Date: 2005-09-10
From: Sabbath Day Pond Lean-to

To: Rangeley, ME
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: clear sky

The plan was for me to get up at 5:00 and then wake up Tink and Touk. We all had to be at the Post Office before closing. At 5:00 I was already up. Touk woke quickly but after the first try I knew Tink was going to be a little more difficult. I decided to get packed and then come back to see if she was awake. By 5:30 I had eaten a quick breakfast and packed. Tink was still snoozing so I took drastic measures. She woke up real fast. I told both of them I would see them in town and off I went. As I have said before, when I know town is on the agenda the feet sprout little wings and I fly along the trail. And I did fly, I covered the nine miles in 3.5 hours. It helped that there were no major mountains to climb. I walked out onto the road at 9:00. It didn't take too long to hitch a ride into town. It was a great ride. The driver and I talked and he filled me in on moose, how they live, what they do, etc. He goes hiking and tracks the moose in order to collect their antlers, which they shed, starting in January. Very informative trip! I didn't see Mouth or Gypsy at the P.O. so I went to the grocery store to resupply. I ran into them there so we all resupplied and headed back to the P.O. to finish up the town chores. By this time Touk and Tink had arrived. Touk had some great news. As she and Tink reached the road they ran into the Garland 5, who were heading out as we were coming in. I couldn't believe the timing! We had talked about seeing each other again way back in the Shenandoahs, and it looked like it was going to happen. Pretty amazing, especially after another 900 miles! We debated what we were going to do. It didn't take much talk before we decided to stay in town, at Gull Pond, where the owner would come get us and bring us to the hostel. Laundry and library were still on the things to do list so we set up a pickup time of 5:00. Bob picked us up and took us to Gull Pond. Nice place! We all got showered and sat down to watch a little TV. A few people went back into town for dinner but I just wanted to relax so I stayed, as well as Tink, Touk, and Gypsy. It was an evening for movies. We watched Field of Dreams and Stand by Me. Another great day on the trail! Rangeley is a cool little town and I'm glad we decided to stay.
Date: 2005-09-11
From: Rangeley, ME

To: Poplar Ridge Lean-to
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Bob provided us with a nice little breakfast. Cereal, fruit, yogurt, bagels, and english muffins. He also had orange juice. I have really had the craving for o.j. lately and that hit the spot. After breakfast he shuttled some of the people back to town. Since the group wasn't in a big hurry we took our time getting ready. Again, that issue where time is of no importance to us. Gypsy puts it best. She once said that getting thru-hikers together and organized is like trying to herd butterflies. Very true! We did get it together and we did get back to the trailhead around 11:30. It was another nice day. A little cooler than the last few days but still very nice. We started up the trail. There was some excitement because today we might get a shot at seeing Katahdin for the first time! If it isn't too hazy you can see Katahdin, as well as Mt. Washington. Off we went. Most of the afternoon was spent struggling up Saddleback Mtn. Along the way we bumped into Thrifty, Fancy Pants, and Goosbump. We all reached the summit around he same time. It was quite windy and cool but it was clear. We looked at profiles and pictures and sure enough, in the distance was the goal, Katahdin! Still 200 miles away but it was awesome to see it! We all celebrated by having a snack of some sort. In the early days of the hike nobody spoke of Maine, much less Katahdin. It was too far away. You couldn't wrap your mind around the distance involved. Lately, all talk has been centered around Katahdin, and the 100 Mile Wilderness. We are ever so close. Finish dates are being thrown around and right now it looks like somewhere between the 27th - 30th of this month. Way to close! Our day wasn't over yet and we knew it was going to be another late night into the shelter area. When I say late I mean after dark hiking. We moved on, climbing The Horn, and then Saddleback Junior. They were both tough climbs but very scenic. I have come to really enjoy the climbs that are out in the open where you can look all around! We straggled into the shelter area after dark. Once again I was surprised! Doc Gnarly was there. I had not seen him since way back in Virginia, at the Bears Den. I guess our slowed down pace has allowed many to catch up! After a late dinner I threw down the sleeping bag. I have doing a lot of cowboy camping lately. The wether has been nice and the bugs are gone so it isn't always necessary to set up a tent. Either that or I am just lazy!
Date: 2005-09-12
From: Poplar Ridge Lean-to

To: Spaulding Mtn Lean-to
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: scattered clouds

This was a sort of wierd day. The weather was fine, more than fine, almost perfect. I think this was the first day where we had no real, clear cut, idea of where we were going to end up. Part of the plan included Sugarloaf Mtn, another, the campsite a few miles beyond that. No concrete plans which was wierd in it's own way. Gypsy and I were the first ones out of camp. She actually stepped out before me and would have been a lot earlier if she hadn't forgotten her shoes. She had her pack on when she looked at me and said she was ready to hike, while pointing down. I looked and saw she had her sandals on. I started laughing as she sighed and took off her pack. She really is starting to scare me! Up early, packed, and ready to go. Too much like the old Cuppa Joe, not the new and improved version! For once it was leg stretching terrain. Full strides, mind zoning out, subconcious taking over control of the legs and where your steps are going. I love when that can happen and it doesn't happen a lot up here in this territory. This type of walking also means fast miles and I had the first eight done by 11:00. I strolled into Spaulding Mtn. Lean-to where I had lunch and relaxed. Gypsy came in shortly after. The sun was warm and we ended up dozing off while reading. I was feeling plenty lazy! Around 1:00 the rest of the group started coming in. By that time I had almost decided I was going to stay right where I was. Mouth wanted to push on past Sugarloaf Mtn. so he took off. Gypsy was contemplating the top of Sugarloaf, where there is a place called the Sugar Shack, a warming hut where thru-hikers can stay. Touk was completely torn on where to go. Tink decided she was happy to stay right at the shelter also. No matter what happened we all would meet up again tomorrow. Around 4:00, Touk decided she would push on awhile so we said we would see her tomorrow. I started gathering wood for the fire. Always nice to get a fire going. Doc Gnarly and Navigator rolled in and Doc helped in the wood hunt. As night fell we ate and sat around the fire, talking and enjoying the evening. As I said, a wierd day. The miles could have clicked by but the halt came real early. First time in quite awhile that the 5 of us have been scattered over a seven mile span without a town stop coming up, although town was in the offing for Touk, Mouth, and Gypsy. They had to resupply in Stratton while Tink and I had enough to get us to Caratunk. Still no moose sighting and Tink is starting to tease me, saying I won't come down from Katahdin till I see one!
Date: 2005-09-13
From: Spaulding Mtn Lean-to

To: Cranberry Stream Campsite
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: broken clouds

Tink is not one with the Cuppa Joe early riser club, at least, not yet. I got up, made some coffee, and read a little. After a half hour or so after I got up Doc Gnarly and Navigator were stirring. I made breakfast and packed up. By now Tink was awake. The new and improved Cuppa was not in a hurry so I waited for Tink to get ready. She can pack up pretty quickly and it wasn't long before we were on the trail. We had 15 to do today in order to meet up with the rest of the group later that evening. Our first climb, right out of camp, as usual, was up Spaulding Mtn. and it was a tough one. Since Tink can climb mountains with a single bound I didn't see her for awhile. I finally reached the summit but there was no place for a view. Tink was waiting for me, with her book out! Goes to show you how fast she is on ups! It was still cloudy, which meant no views from Mt. Sugarloaf, our next climb for the day. This climb wasn't too bad, though it looked like it would be a real pain from down below. We made our way down to the Carabassett River where we saw Navigator and Gypsy. Gypsy had stayed at the warming hut on top of Sugarloaf last night and said it was a pretty cool place. We all chilled at the river for awhile but Gypsy and Navigator pulled out first. Tink and I stayed for another half hour. The sun was trying to break out and it was a real nice little spot. A Nice place for second breakfast. We finally moved on kowing we had a 2000 foot climb ahead, over two peaks. Off she went as I plodded along. Up, South Crocker Mtn. and then up North Crocker Mtn., where we stopped for a little lunch. A later lunch than usual and we still had 7 miles to go. Not that we were in a hurry or anything. While eating the sky did start to clear and we saw blue! From the top of Crocker the walk got easier and we made up a little time. We arrived at the road to Stratton where I heard a voice yelling, "We know you!" It was the Garland 5! Handshakes and hugs all around with everyone talking at once. It was so good to see them again! We found out they were heading to the same spot we were so off we went. At 6:00 we hit Cranberry Stream. Gypsy, Mouth, and Touk were already there so, with the seven of us strolling in, it was going to be a full site. Everyone got their tents set up and then the dinner cooking began. Everyone sitting in a circle, cooking, eating, telling stories, and laughing. Great fun and it lasted for a long time. Listening to Wolfsong and Starfire (new name of Sweet Potatoe now) sing was a treat early on and they are just as good now. Eventually it was time for bed. I was cowboy camping and have been for the last several nights. Tonight was going to be iffy. The chance for rain was there but I was using the mojo to try to hold it off another day. We are getting closer! Tomorrow we cross the 2000 mile mark in our journey!
Date: 2005-09-14
From: Cranberry Stream Campsite

To: Safford Notch Campsite
Miles today: 8.5
Weather: clear sky

Nobody was stirring when I got up so I decided to make some coffee this morning. I brewed it up and enjoying my coffee while listening to the early sounds of the morning. Seems like certain birds greet the morning while others varieties are more vocal in the evening. Eventually the camp began to stir. People packing up, eating breakfast, laughing, and joking. Having the Garland 5 around always brings a extra sense of vitality to the scene. We talked about how far people wer going that day and when Tink and I found out that the Garlands were only going 8 miles we decided to stop there also. Since it had been so long since I had seen them I didn't want to blow by them so fast. The rest of the crew didn't know what they wanted to do yet. I finished breakfast and started packing when I heard Tink tell everyone she would see them up the trail. I about fell over! One minute she was eating and the next she was hiking. I must really be slowing down, first Gypsy, now Tink, getting out before I do! I did get out camp not too long after Tink and found her sitting by the stream not to far away. She was grinning as I walked up and I knew what was coming. "Did you notice who got out of camp first today, Cuppa?" With great pain, I acknowledged the fact, and off we went. We were going to climb the Bigelows today, a total of a 2500 foot climb over two peaks. The real climbing wasn't going to begin for awhile. Right now it was a gradual climb. We caught up with Longhaul and the three of us came to the viewpoint overlooking Horns Pond. It was a great view and offered a good photo op. From there we went down to the shelter. The break at the shelter turned into a four hour one. Something we haven't done for a long time. The Garland 5, the five of us, Longhaul, Thrifty, and Navigator just relaxed. Eventually people started heading out, Longhaul being the first, by a long shot. Tink, Touk, and I started the climb up The Horn and from there we did the West Peak of Bigelow Mtn. We took a short break there and then pressed on toward the campsite. From there it was over Avery Peak and then down into camp. Even with such a long break we made it before dark. Guess short mile days do that! We set up and I gathered wood for the fire. By now, it was getting dark so I started the fire. Tink and I cooked around the fire while Longhaul kept it stoked. We wondered where the Garlands and Gypsy were when we saw headlamps in the distance. Here they came. We talked while they set up and then it was time for bed. Tents were up tonight because it was supposed to start raining. Because we did such a short day we never made it to the 2000 mile mark. We ended up short by 3.3 miles. Tomorrow we are planning on a long day but lately those plans have changed by the hour. We will see what happens. I did hit another mark today, 6 months on the trail as of today. Hard to believe it has been that long and that the time is coming to an end.
Date: 2005-09-15
From: Safford Notch Campsite

To: West Carry Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: light rain

It did start raning last night, around four AM and it was still raining when we got up. For thru-hikers, we put up with a lot of weather but the one thing we find the hardest to do is to start hiking in the rain. We don't care if we get rained on while hiking or if we get rained on at night. We just hate to start in the rain! Go figure! Today we were parting ways with the Garland 5. They were doing a short day and we were going to go further. At least I would see them again, at The Gathering, in the beginning of October. I said my goodbyes and told Tink I would wait for her at the first shelter, 3.5 miles up the trail. It was still raining as I started the climb up Little Bigelow Mtn. and it looked like this was going to be the pattern for the day. I arrived at the shelter around mid-morning. Tink and Touk weren't far behind and after a short break we took off. The trail took a turn for the better and we cruised along at a fairly good clip. We had crossed the official 2000 mile mark early on but we came to the marker on the road noting the old 2000 mile mark. We waited there for Gypsy. Mouth and Thrifty had forged ahead. Those two had the get up and go going on, so when Gypsy arrived the four of us took pictures marking the milestone. Once again, Tink, Touk, and I took off. By 2:00 we were at the West Carry Pond Lean-to. It had started raining pretty hard again which didn't make us too happy. Longhaul was already there and he was going no farther. Tink and I also decided to hang it up for the day. Same with Gypsy, when she arrived. Touk decided to keep going. That meant three of us here and three at the next shelter up. It was decided we would all meet in Caratunk tomorrow. We ate an early supper and tried to dry out. Fancy Pants and Goosebump arrived and they decided to stay also. We talked the evening away with the subject always turning to the end of the journey and what was coming in the last couple of weeks.