morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2011-07-11
From: Monson, Maine

To: Horsehoe Canyon Lean-to
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: few clouds

#15DATE: 7/11/2011TIME: 5:15 p.m.DISTANCE TRAVELED: 9 milesFROM/TO: From Shaw&rsquo's Boarding House/Maine 15 to Horseshoe Canyon Lean-to.WEATHER: The temp was in the upper 70's, nearly 80 degrees. The humidity is what sucked It was in the mid-60% range and it made hiking awful.MEALS: I, of course, had breakfast at Shaw; two pancakes, two eggs, two sausage links, two bacon strips and hash browns, well, fried potatoes. I had a Payday candy bar for a snack and some Kool-Ade. I took a nap, got up and had some summer sausage with two tortilla wraps. Then for dinner, I had Chicken Rice-a-Roni.ROAD/TRAIL CONDITIONS: For the most part, the trail was good; less rocky, less root infested, and more rolling instead of straight up and down.SHELTER USED/SLEEPING QUARTERS: I stayed in the Horseshoe Canyon Lean-to.PEOPLE MET, HIKED WITH OR SEEN: I hiked alone. I passed three north bounders. When I took my nap, Three Hats (a young lady in her 20¢s) had made it to the shelter. She took a break, and then headed out. Four or five other women passed the lean-to, but did not stop. They all were a bit more out of shape than I would expect to see on the Trail. They pushed forward for a campsite.ANIMALS SEEN: I have seen a few pheasants, a snake and, I think, a fox.MONEY SPENT OR SAVED: I have saved money today because there is nowhere to spend any.MAIN CONCERN OF THE DAY: I wanted to make good distance today. My right thigh had other plans, though. It's better, but still a little sore, so I will keep my pace slow.SPECIAL NOTES: Bugs suck, and this may be my first night without people around.SUMMARY FOR THE DAY: Other than my leg hurting, it was a good day. The new shoes are good so far, and my feet feel better. I¢m back on the trail, and feel more confident about my supplies. Maybe my leg will let me go 13 miles tomorrow.
Date: 2011-07-12
From: Horsehoe Canyon Lean-to

To: Moxie Bald Lean-to
Miles today: 7.9
Weather: broken clouds

LOG: #16DATE: 7/12/2011TIME: 3:16 p.m.DISTANCE TRAVELED: 7.9 milesFROM/TO: FromHorseshoeCanyon Lean-to to Moxie Bald Lean-to. I was going to push farther, but the lake was so nice. I even took a picture.WEATHER: The weather was wet. It stormed most of the night. When I finally set out, it was very humid so I was soaked.MEALS: I had a Payday candy bar and Kool Aid for breakfast; then a Butterfinger and water for a snack. I ate almost the rest of the summer sausage and 3 tortillas for lunch; and tortellini in tomato sauce for dinner, with some Kool Aid.ROAD/TRAIL CONDITIONS: Overall the trail is a lot better than the 100-mile wilderness, but the rain made it very muddy.SHELTER USED/SLEEPING QUARTERS: I stopped for the night at the Moxie Bald Lean-to. It was right on a mountain lake.PEOPLE MET, HIKED WITH OR SEEN: I still hiked the day alone. I met up with 3 Hats twice - once at a river crossing where I had stopped to take a break, and then again when I made it to the shelter. She had to push on to stay on schedule, but I didn¢t, so I stayed. I like the lake. I suspect that the group of ladies I saw last night will stop here. I passed them this morning.ANIMALS SEEN: I have seen bugs, snakes, Red Headed Wood Peckers, black birds, minnows in the lake, a dog and a small brown squirrel. Did I mention bugs? Bugs, bugs and more bugs! MONEY SPENT OR SAVED: I've saved what money I have. There's no place out here to spend it. Money has no value here.MAIN CONCERN OF THE DAY: I am making myself slow down so that my body can heal and get strong enough to put in some bigger mileage days. I am making my goal of 10 a day, but I believe that my average will get to be around 15 a day.SPECIAL NOTES: I don't like bugs!! Damn it!! Get the @#*% away from me!!SUMMARY FOR THE DAY: The day was very good, and very relaxing. A few more like this, and I can put up some good miles. It feels like it may rain again tonight. 'Night.
Date: 2011-07-13
From: Moxie Bald Lean-to

To: Pleasant Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: scattered clouds

LOG: #17DATE: 7/13/2011TIME: 6:21 p.m.DISTANCE TRAVELED: 13.1 milesFROM/TO: From Moxie Bald Lean-to to Pleasant Pond Lean-to.WEATHER: The weather was overcast, cool and breezy, with temps in the mid-70's.MEALS: I had cinnamon & brown sugar flavored oatmeal for breakfast, and water to drink. I snacked on a Butterfinger and drank Kool Aid, then had water and a Payday for lunch. Drank more Kool Aid later in the day to help the water go down. For dinner, I rolled beef-flavored Rice-a-Roni into tortillas and ate them like burritos.ROAD/TRAIL CONDITIONS: Hiked two mountains in rain today. The trail was rocky, rooty, straight up hill and straight down.SHELTER USED/SLEEPING QUARTERS: I'm spending the night at the Pleasant Pond Lean-to.PEOPLE MET, HIKED WITH OR SEEN: I passed a few people going north, but did not hike with anyone. I am at the lean-to with three couples. One couple is tenting, and I am the odd man in the shelter.ANIMALS SEEN: I have seen bugs, bugs, bugs, a squirrel, a toad, and some birds. Did I mention the bugs? There are lots of bugs.MONEY SPENT OR SAVED: No money spent.MAIN CONCERN OF THE DAY: Towards the end of the day, when I was tired, sore and grumpy, my main concern was getting to the shelter. Now, as the day has ended, I have decided that I do not like big mountains!SPECIAL NOTES: I have walked over 150 miles carrying a 45-lb. pack on my back!SUMMARY FOR THE DAY: Other than being a long hard day, it was good. I did my miles at an easy pace. The mountains were the challenging part. I made it, though. Tomorrow I plan to do only 10 miles. I will pass by Caratunk, ME, because there is no food there, and I picked up enough in Monson to get me to Stratton.Well, I am by a pond, so I'm going to jump in and dry off before I go to bed. 'Night.
Date: 2011-07-14
From: Pleasant Pond Lean-to

To: Pierce Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 9.7
Weather: scattered clouds

LOG: #18DATE: 7/14/2011TIME: 5:38 p.m.DISTANCE TRAVELED: 9.7 milesFROM/TO: From Pleasant Pond Lean-to to Pierce Pond Lean-to.WEATHER: It was cool for most of the day. It rained in the afternoon and after the rain cleared, it got a lot cooler.MEALS: I ate oatmeal for breakfast, and snacked on a Butterfinger and Kool Aid. I had a Payday for lunch, and another for a snack. For dinner, I made broccoli and cheddar rice.ROAD/TRAIL CONDITIONS: The trail was very good today. I made great time, and would love the trail to stay like it was today for the rest of the way.SHELTER USED/SLEEPING QUARTERS: I¢m spending tonight in the Pierce Pond Lean-to.PEOPLE MET, HIKED WITH OR SEEN: I hiked alone today, but met up with some very interesting people. Two guys at the lean-to are cooks at a sushi restaurant. Also here are Rennie, my German friend whom I met earlier, and a woman who is only out hiking for a few days. But . . . but . . . the most memorable character here, I think, I think, was a guy just like the guy from The Hangover ¢ the guy with the satchel. OMG!! Too funny!! He made the day great.ANIMALS SEEN: I saw a dog, bugs, and more bugs. Ah??? Did I tell you about the bugs??MONEY SPENT OR SAVED: No money spent today.MAIN CONCERN OF THE DAY: I had to wrestle with myself, once here, not to push on. Now, with the people and the dialog, I am glad I stayed.SPECIAL NOTES: None to speak of. But the ¢Bearded guy from The Hangover¢ is out on the Trail!SUMMARY FOR THE DAY: I kept the day to an easy 10 miles or so. I hung out with some funny people, and I had a good time. I took the ¢ferry,¢ a canoe, across theKennebecRiver, and the lean-to looks out over a lake.I'm headed in to read for a bit, and then off to bed. 'Night - said with a smile and ribs hurting.
Date: 2011-07-15
From: Pierce Pond Lean-to

To: West Carry Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: broken clouds

LOG: #19DATE: 7/15/2011TIME: 5:30 p.m.DISTANCE TRAVELED: 10 milesFROM/TO: From Pierce Pond Lean-to to West Carry Pond Lean-to. WEATHER: The weather was cool and overcast all day.MEALS: I had 3 packs of oatmeal for breakfast, maple & brown sugar flavor. I snacked on a Butterfinger and a Payday. I think all the chocolate is making me congested. For dinner I had two tuna fish burritos. I also drank a 112 liters of Kool Aid and 112 liters of water today.ROAD/TRAIL CONDITIONS: The trail was still rocky and rooty, although not as bad. I moved very quickly over it today, completing my 10 miles in only 312 hours. I stopped at 10 miles, and will do 12 or 13 miles tomorrow.SHELTER USED/SLEEPING QUARTERS: I¢m spending the night in the West Carry Pond Lean-to.PEOPLE MET, HIKED WITH OR SEEN: I met up with Red and Indiana Jones at the shelter, both are north-bounders. Three Hats and her friend, Spokes, caught up with me here too. There was also a dad with two girls, about 8 & 9, here tonight. They are taking two days to hike 13 miles. It was fun to watch. I think my girls would have loved it. ANIMALS SEEN: I saw a snake and 3 frogs today.MONEY SPENT OR SAVED: I have saved what I have since there¢s no place to spend it. I could have hiked back half a mile for breakfast, but it didn¢t seem right to go backwards to spend $12.MAIN CONCERN OF THE DAY: Today, I had mileage on my mind. I wanted so badly to go on after 10 miles, but I knew my body needed to rest. So I managed to stay put after making great time. I will be in Stratton in two, or, at the latest, three days. There¢s no rush, and as long as I do ten miles a day, I¢m good.SPECIAL NOTES: A person can, and does, get lost in their own thoughts when walking alone in the woods. I still don¢t mind my own company.SUMMARY FOR THE DAY: My day finished up quickly, and I had to deal with my own impatience as to being still. In a few more days I will start adding miles until 15 miles a day is what I walk every day. After Stratton, I will work on it.
Date: 2011-07-16
From: West Carry Pond Lean-to

To: Safford Notch Campsite
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: scattered clouds

LOG: #20DATE: 7/16/2011TIME: 8:00 p.m.DISTANCE TRAVELED: 12.2 milesFROM/TO: From West Carry Pond Lean-to to the Safford Notch campsite. WEATHER: Hot! The weather was hot, and it¢s supposed to be hotter tomorrow!MEALS: I had oatmeal for breakfast. And I had my last Butterfinger for a snack. I had tuna fish tortilla roll-ups for lunch, and dinner was broccoli and rice.ROAD/TRAIL CONDITIONS: It was rocky, rooty, and all up hill today.SHELTER USED/SLEEPING QUARTERS: I slept in my tent on a wooden deck at the Safford Notch campsite which is located on the side ofAveryPeak.PEOPLE MET, HIKED WITH OR SEEN: I hiked alone for the most part. I only passed three ¢nobo¢s,¢ and came across four people just out for a day hike. There were two ¢sobo¢s¢ at a shelter where I stopped to eat lunch.ANIMALS SEEN: I saw birds, bugs, frogs, bugs, a snake, and did I mention the bugs?MONEY SPENT OR SAVED: Spent no money.MAIN CONCERN OF THE DAY: Today I just kept wondering if I could push a little farther, but I have no real timeline. When I push harder my body hurts and I don¢t enjoy the day. I stopped at 12.2 miles instead of pushing for the 17 miles I knew I could do. I could¢ve made it, but it would have sucked.SPECIAL NOTES: I put three pairs of socks on, and new shoe laces in, and the shoes I got in Monson worked great todaySUMMARY FOR THE DAY: Today was an overall good day, other than me pushing myself a little harder to reach Stratton. I made good miles in good time going up and over one mountain and starting up another. Tomorrow¢s peak is 4000+ feet over sea level. I ate well today, and was in good spirits all day. Tomorrow I¢ll make it to Stratton. It¢s 10 miles to the road, and 5 miles into town. Maybe I can get a ride instead of walking all the way into town.  TTFN
Date: 2011-07-17
From: Safford Notch Campsite

To: Stratton, Maine
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: clear sky

LOG: #21DATE: 7/17/2011TIME: 8:20 p.m.DISTANCE TRAVELED: 10 miles on the A.T., and 5 miles into town (15 miles.)FROM/TO: From Safford Notch campsite toStratton,Maine. WEATHER: It was hot and humid today.MEALS: I ate oatmeal for breakfast, along with water to drink. O drank a litter of Kool Aid and a litter of water on the trail. When I made it to town I drank a half gallon of whole milk, and a liter of Gator Aid while I downed five hot dogs, two bananas, and then another hot dog rolled in a tortilla. Then I relaxed with two Mike¢s Hard Lemon Aids with Black Cherry, and two more tortillas. ROAD/TRAIL CONDITIONS: The Trail, hmmm. The trail was rocky, rooty, muddy, steeply up and steeply down. The 5 miles of road from the A.T. into town was hard and hot. It hurt my feet and my already tired legs. SHELTER USED/SLEEPING QUARTERS: I am in a bunkroom at a place I don¢t even know the name of. I will list it tomorrow.PEOPLE MET, HIKED WITH OR SEEN: I hiked alone. I came across some people but was off in my own little world.ANIMALS SEEN: Well there were the bugs, of course, and a toad, a squirrel, a humming bird, and those darn bugs. Did I say anything about the vampire bugs? Well I should have! MONEY SPENT OR SAVED: Today I spent $39.23 for dinner and one night at the hostel. MAIN CONCERN OF THE DAY: I just wanted to make it into town.SPECIAL NOTES: Well, after my shower and before I ate anything, I weighed 198 lbs. Now that I have eaten and taken in a little liquid, I weigh 213 lbs. SUMMARY FOR THE DAY: Today was a hard day, but I made it into town. I played leap frog with a southbound couple for parts of the day. In town I caught up with them and Rene. They all got a lift into town, but I had to walk in. More tomorrow. TTFN
Date: 2011-07-18
From: Stratton, Maine

To: Stratton, Maine
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

LOG: #22DATE: 7/18/2011TIME: 10:00 p.m.DISTANCE TRAVELED: A big fat ¢0¢ day!FROM/TO: I went nowhere ¢ just stayed here in Stratton all day.WEATHER: It was very warm and muggy today. It was supposed to rain, but didn¢t.MEALS:  No! No! No more food! I ate bagels, hot dogs, ravioli, three bananas, and a hamburger. And I drank two liters of Pepsi, 3 ¢bitch¢ beers, water, a Gator Aid, and one glass of wine. ROAD/TRAIL CONDITIONS: Just doesn¢t matter!!  SHELTER USED/SLEEPING QUARTERS: I stayed at the same place as last night ¢ ¢Pine Ellis Lodge.¢PEOPLE MET, HIKED WITH OR SEEN: ANIMALS SEEN: Just saw people today.MONEY SPENT OR SAVED:  I spent about $135 today for another night at the hostel and for laundry, for 14 days worth of food, an envelope and a stamp, and for a dinner out.  MAIN CONCERN OF THE DAY: Getting chores finished for the day so that I can get back out on the Trail. SPECIAL NOTES: No. Sick of eating.SUMMARY FOR THE DAY: I rested, I ate. ¢Night.  TTFN
Date: 2011-07-19
From: Stratton, Maine

To: Crocker Cirque Side Trail Campsite
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: few clouds

LOG: #23DATE: 7/19/2011TIME: 7:25 p.m.DISTANCE TRAVELED: 7.3 milesFROM/TO: From Stratton to Crocker Cirque Side Trail Campsite.WEATHER: The weather was beautiful today. Breezy and fairly cool, it was a great day to hike.MEALS: ROAD/TRAIL CONDITIONS: The trail was uphill most of the day and then straight downhill. There are still lots of rocks and roots, but then . . . it¢sMaine.SHELTER USED/SLEEPING QUARTERS: I slept in my tent.PEOPLE MET, HIKED WITH OR SEEN: I hiked with Pep-Stir and Rene. We did not stay together the whole day, but we have plans to stop at various places. I came across other people, but only made short small talk in passing.ANIMALS SEEN: I saw toads, bugs and bugs, a dog, and don¢t forget the bugs.MONEY SPENT OR SAVED: Spent no money today.  MAIN CONCERN OF THE DAY: I had no big concern occupying my thoughts today. I enjoyed both the day and the hike. My body complained about the extra weight I¢m carrying in my pack on the way downhill. It was a low mileage day, so I got a nap in before dinner.SPECIAL NOTES: I find myself telling myself, ¢Just keep swimming, just keep swimming,¢ like the Dory fish in Saving Nemo. Then I laugh at myself.SUMMARY FOR THE DAY: It was a good day to hike. I have just had a restful day, and I¢m glad to be back on the Trail. Other than my left quadriceps complaining on the downhill treks, I¢ve had a good day. I am slowing down my pace to hang with Pep-Stir. Rene is doing the same. After the next three mountains, I will pick up my pace again. We have both a good fire and a good conversation going tonight. It is great comradery, and I¢m enjoying my evening.
Date: 2011-07-20
From: Crocker Cirque Side Trail Campsite

To: Spaulding Mountain Lean-to
Miles today: 6.2

LOG: #24DATE: 7/20/2011TIME: 6:25 p.m.DISTANCE TRAVELED: 6.2 milesFROM/TO: From Cirque Side Trail Campsite toSpauldingMountain Lean-to.WEATHER: The temps were in the 80¢s today. It was humid, and no breeze at all.MEALS: I ate Raisin Bran for breakfast, and snacked on a Butterfinger, 6 fig cookies and a pack of dried beef slices. Dinner was two tortillas spread with peanut butter, and bow tie pasta in cheesy Alfredo sauce. I drank 1.5 litters of Gator Aid, and two litters of water. ROAD/TRAIL CONDITIONS: The trail was rocky, rocky, rooty, uphill, uphill, and then downhill. SHELTER USED/SLEEPING QUARTERS: I spent the night in the Spaulding Mountain Lean-to.PEOPLE MET, HIKED WITH OR SEEN: I hiked with Pep-Stir and Rene. We are keeping it slow, which is good for my legs. We met up with three north bounders ¢ Shepherd, who is German, and two others who didn¢t talk much.ANIMALS SEEN: Bugs, toads, bugs . . . and bugs.MONEY SPENT OR SAVED: No money spent, so it must¢ve been saved.MAIN CONCERN OF THE DAY: I am concerned about how my body is handling the workload. I would like to get some miles behind me.SPECIAL NOTES: I woke up and felt I was done. I wasn¢t sure what I was done with, but it was a good feeling. I thought I may be done with the Trail, but I am going to keep hiking and see what happens. SUMMARY FOR THE DAY:  I woke up slowly, and took my time getting ready to go, and left camp around 8:00 a.m. I took many breaks. There were a lot of elevation changes, and hiking them took a lot of effort. I have had a few challenges to deal with, and feel I have done very well. I¢m ready to be done!
Date: 2011-07-21
From: Spaulding Mountain Lean-to

To: Poplar Ridge Lean-to
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: overcast clouds

LOG: #25DATE: 7/21/2011TIME: 6:03 p.mDISTANCE TRAVELED: 8 milesFROM/TO: From Spaulding Mountain Lean-to to Poplar Ridge Lean-to.WEATHER: It was freakin¢ hot! And humid!MEALS: I ate peanut butter tortilla wraps for breakfast; Nutter Butter cookies, and Pop Tarts for snacks; and I drank 3 Gator Aid drinks. For dinner I made noodles in Ranch sauce. I also had a peanut butter tortilla wrap before dinner.ROAD/TRAIL CONDITIONS: The trail was really good today. However there was that last bit of trail that went over a 3,140 foot mountain peak that needed to be traversed to get to the shelter.SHELTER USED/SLEEPING QUARTERS: I stayed in the Poplar Ridge Lean-to.PEOPLE MET, HIKED WITH OR SEEN: I hiked with Rene and Pep-Stir.ANIMALS SEEN: I saw 2 frogs, 1 snake, and lots of bugs, of course.MONEY SPENT OR SAVED: No money spent today.MAIN CONCERN OF THE DAY: I didn¢t have much to be concerned about today.SPECIAL NOTES: I feel like I had a good hiking day, in spite of the heat.SUMMARY FOR THE DAY:  It was only an 8-mile day, but hot and humid weather made it a hard day. I left the shelter at 7:45, and made it to the next shelter by 1:00 p.m. I have rested until now, and have had a nap. I took a sponge bath which helped me feel better after sweating all day. The mosquitoes are not bad tonight. I¢m going to read a bit. TTFN.
Date: 2011-07-22
From: Poplar Ridge Lean-to

To: Piazza Rock Lean-to
Miles today: 8.9

7/22/2011Time: 6:03 p.m. DISTANCE TRAVELED: 8.9 miles FROM/TO:  From Poplar Ridge Lean-to to Piazza Rock Lean-to. WEATHER: It was hot and humid all day. It was breezy on top of the mountain. MEALS:  Today I ate oatmeal for breakfast, and used Gator Aid drink mix. I drank water and ate a Snicker¢s bar when I rested on the first peak; I had fig bars and water on the second peak; and then I ate a Butterfinger and drank Gator Aid on the third peak. When I reached the lean-to, I snacked on some peanut butter and washed it down with Gator Aid. Later, for dinner, I finished off two packages of Ramen noodles and drank some water. ROAD/TRAIL CONDITIONS: This is Maine ¢ so of course there were lots of rocks, roots, mud, up¢s and down¢s. The terrain is unforgiving. SHELTER USED/SLEEPING QUARTERS: I slept in the Piazza Rock Lean-to. PEOPLE MET, HIKED WITH OR SEEN: I hiked by myself for the most part. We all met up at the shelter . . . that is Pep-Stir, Rene, Cat, and Toast, and, of course, me.  ANIMALS SEEN:  In my travels today I saw a toad, a big tadpole, a few birds, a snake, and lots of bugs. MONEY SPENT OR SAVED:   Another day with no money spent. MAIN CONCERN OF THE DAY:  No concerns ¢ just having fun on SaddlebackMountain. SPECIAL NOTES: I took a few photos today, and I hope to post them in a little over a week. SUMMARY FOR THE DAY:  I got up and started my day at a leisurely pace, and I had a good day of hiking. There was some bouldering on the trail, which made the day more fun for me. I know Pep-Ster, who is in his 60¢s, was not happy. I did my three mountains and a total of 9 miles before 2:30 p.m. It was a good day on the trail for me. I feel like I am getting stronger. I am excited about finally getting to ¢Newhamster.¢
Date: 2011-07-23
From: Piazza Rock Lean-to

To: Sabbath Day Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 11.5

7/23/2011Time: 6:15 p.m. DISTANCE TRAVELED: 11.5 miles FROM/TO:  From Piazza Rock Lean-to to Sabbath Day Pond Lean-to. WEATHER: Well, when we got up and were packing up, around 6:45 a.m., it started to rain. By the time everything was packed and I had eaten, around 7:30, the rain had stopped. I headed out into an overcast day, and it stayed that way, overcast and cool, all day. Nice weather to hike in.  MEALS:  I finished the last third of a jar of peanut butter for breakfast. It was cherry Pop Tarts and water for my first break; and Nutter Butter cookies and water for my next break. Then I ate two packages of instant oatmeal for a snack before my nap when I got to the shelter. For dinner I¢m having macaroni shells in creamy garlic sauce, and water to drink. I don¢t have a headache even though I¢ve had no caffeine.  ROAD/TRAIL CONDITIONS:  I¢m still in Maine, but the trail was much nicer today. The up¢s and down¢s were not too steep, and the rocks and roots were not as bad. A small, but needed, break. SHELTER USED/SLEEPING QUARTERS: I¢m sleeping in the Sabbath Day Pond Lean-to tonight.                                                                                                                         PEOPLE MET, HIKED WITH OR SEEN: I hiked by myself, but met a few north bounders. Rene (a/k/a Achilles) bunked at the shelter with me. ANIMALS SEEN:  Bugs, birds, and bugs. I saw leaches in the pond at the lean-to. I got a quick dip in before I was told! Lucky J Not a one on me! I probably would¢ve tasted really bad. A rabbit showed up in camp around 8:00 p.m.  MONEY SPENT OR SAVED:   I¢ve spent no money out here in these here sticks!  MAIN CONCERN OF THE DAY:  My concern today is Pepster. He went into the last town for resupply and is coming back on the Trail tomorrow. He will finish the A.T. just before Gorham, NH. I may slow down my pace so he can catch up with me and I can share in his last few miles. I had mentioned it, and it seemed important to him to have friends there with him. I have enough food, and enough time, so I think I will.    SPECIAL NOTES: Achilles (a/k/a Rene) saw a big wild horse. LOL It was most likely a moose (a cow, female.)  SUMMARY FOR THE DAY:  It was a good day, good mileage in good time. I had plenty of time for resting, and plenty of food. I¢m off to eat my dinner and then read for a while. ¢Night. TTFN