morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-09-21
From: Pleasant Pond Lean-to

To: Moxie Bald Lean-to
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: few clouds

Little did I know when I went to bed last night that Natty Boh would have caught up to me by morning. I woke up and Lone Star told me Natty Boh had come in around 9pm and was tarping next to the shelter. I woke his butt up an we've been catching up ever since. We hiked to Moxie Bald Lean-to from Pleasant Pond, 13.1 miles. The miles flew by as he peppered me with witty stories. I'm stoked he caught up! He'll probably get ahead of me tomorrow, but he plans to summit Katahdin on the 30th, same as me.Today atop Moxie Bald, we might have seen Katahdin, but I don't think so. Oh well, I'll be there in 9 days.2042.6 miles down, 132.4 to go!Bear Can
Date: 2006-09-22
From: Moxie Bald Lean-to

To: 3 miles shy of Monson
Miles today: 0.0

They say a watched pot never boils, but mine just did, haha! It never ceases to amaze me that a stove I made from a Pepsi and a Guinness can will boil water for me night after night. Tonight is garlic mashed potatoes, the last I'll see of this meal. Thank the Lord because I am sick of it!Little things keep reminding me this trip is reaching its conclusion: I'm eating meals for the last time, I'll get my last mail drop tomorrow and send my drift box home, I have but one set of maps left. It's evident to all of us. Every time I meet someone new one of the first questions is "When do you plan to summit?" Yep, the final triumphant ascent is on the horizon. Although I know I have 8 hiking days left, I'm doing a hell of a job slacking off. Of course I make the miles I need to each day, but I take the time to enjoy what's left. Last night we all sat around the campfire for hours just talking. I've done this countless times out here, but last night I knew it would be one of the last. This morning I sat down by the water, let the sun warm my face and read for two hours; I didn't get out of camp until 11am! I'm breathing this all in as deeply as I can.On a less tranquil note, I almost fell into the Piscataquis River today. I had to ford both branches of the knee-deep river, both about 30 yards across. There were no rocks to make ones way across, so I took off my boots and just trudged through. This worked fine at the first crossing and seemed to be working equally as well at the second crossing. However, about 10' from the far shore, I stepped on an especially slippery rock and almost bit it. I stumbled around for about 5 seconds trying to regain my footing, my boots dangling in one hand, my poles in the other and my pack working to keep me off-balance. Luckily I recovered, heaved a sigh of relief and got to shore. That would have made my day a bit more interesting, but I'm glad it didn't!I'm just 3 miles from Monson, ME where I'll do my last resupply and then head into the 100 Mile Wilderness. Five days through there, one to the base of Katahdin, and a final one up to victory. Wow, I'm excited!2057.5 miles down, 117.5 to go!Bear Can
Date: 2006-09-24
From: Monson, ME

To: Long Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: moderate rain

The first day of my last week. If I didn't know the meaning of ambivalence before, I certainly do now.I spent yesterday in Monson, ME (my last town stop) and stayed at Shaw's Hiker Hostel. What a place that was! They might have called it a bunkroom, but those were real beds! And the breakfast was phenomenal - all I could eat eggs, hash browns, pancakes and OJ.After breakfast this morning, I got a ride back to the AT and entered the 100 Mile Wilderness. This section is not actually a federally-protected wilderness area; they call it wilderness because there aren't any real roads for 100 miles. Reportedly, there's a sign at either end warning hikers to carry 10 days of food and be otherwise prepared for a long haul. Unfortunately, this sign was no where to be found when I entered. Oh well. There actually are a few logging roads the AT crosses through the Wilderness, accessible to those that seek them out. It's from these that some arrange food to be delivered. Not my style. I'll be going straight through, 5 days. I did my first 15 miles today and one of three river fords. I'm spending the night at Long Pond Lean-to, along with Bumblebee, BP, What?, Trickster and Trickster's father Daddy Long Legs. Full House!This shelter is 99.5 miles from Katahdin. I can't believe I'm less than 100 miles from the end. Bittersweet.2075.5 miles down, 99.5 to go!Bear CanPS - Quote of the day: "It's not a long pond, it's a *%@$^@in' stream!" - Bumblebee
Date: 2006-09-25
From: Long Pond Lean-to

To: Carl A. Newhall Lean-to
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: clear sky

Another day down, another mountain range down, another river ford down. This trek is rapidly burning out. Today I hiked 21 miles from Long Pond Lean-to to Carl A. Newhall Lean-to. I came over the Chairback Mountain Range, summitting Barren Mtn. (~2,000'), Fourth Mtn. (2,383'), Third Mountain (2,061'), Columbus Mtn. (2,326') and Chairback Mtn. (~2,150'). I was REALLY hoping to see the "Big K" (not to be confused with the big box store) from Chairback, but that damn White Cap Mtn. I'll be climbing tomorrow was in the way. That's OK because I'm told the view of Katahdin from White Cap is splendid. Coming off the Chairback Range, I had to ford Pleasant River, an ankle-deep, 40 yard wide crossing. I got about half-way when the freezing water started to get to me. Man, these fords were neat at first, but after four I'm ready to be done. According to David, a southbound section hiker, I can cross all the upcoming ones on rocks. That's my style!It's quite crowded here, about 15 peeps. However, I hear there isn't much of anyone right ahead. Another 19 miles tomorrow. Yee hah!2096.4 miles down, 78.6 to go!Bear Can
Date: 2006-09-26
From: Carl A. Newhall Lean-to

To: Cooper Brook Falls Lean-to
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Typical fall day: windy, chilly and dreary. The forecast I got in Monson predicted no rain until Friday and was proven wrong last night. The rain continued through the morning and made for a blah climb through the White Cap Mountain Range. I came up and over Gulf Hagas Mtn. (~2,700'), West Peak (3,181'), Hay Mtn. (~3,200) and White Cap Mtn. (3,654'). My much awaited view of Katahdin was once again obscured by cloud cover. Argh!Fortunately, the rain let up about midday, although the day never warmed up. It's been one of those days on which you just want to keep moving lest you start shivering. Should be a cold one tonight!Four days left and I still haven't seen a moose. It's no surprise since there's a million thru-hikers romping through these parts. Luckily, I'm coming to the head of a hiker bubble with not too many directly ahead. For that reason, I'm getting up and out early tomorrow to make sure no one scares off any moose before I get to see them.I'm at Cooper Brook Falls Lean-to, roughly 19 miles from Carl A. Newhall Lean-to. Low Gear and Stryder are also here. I've had a parallel schedule to that of Low Gear this last week. He's a cool cat from Virginia, good company. We both plan to summit on the 30th, so I'll be seeing more of him in the upcoming days. Man, only 59.7 miles to the end!2115.3 miles down, 59.7 to go!Bear Can
Date: 2006-09-27
From: Cooper Brook Falls Lean-to

To: Wadleigh Stream Lean-to
Miles today: 21.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Feeling pretty blah at the moment. The day wasn't all that bad, but still just not feeling it. I did about 21.5 miles from Cooper Brook Falls Lean-to to Wadleigh Stream Lean-to. It was relatively flat, although the trail passed by a number of lakes, making the terrain at least somewhat interesting. I set out before 7:00 this morning, before the others, hoping I'd see a moose. For miles I stalked nimbly, eyeing up every lake and bog, but no dice. I guess the AT doesn't want me to see a moose!However, I did get a sweet view of Katahdin! I met a few trail maintainers from L.L. Bean just north of Potaywadyo Lean-to who recommended I take a short walk over to the edge of Pemadumcook Lake. So I did and BAM! Katahdin was staring me down, large as hell! These trail maintainers were kind enough to take my photo with Big K in the background and even gave me carrots and chocolate. Hell yeah!But shortly after this Big K sighting, the trail started to wear on me. As I said, it was pretty flat, but there were just enough roots and rocks to trip me up and keep me from getting a good rhythm. Furthermore, the trail was horribly marked. Sometimes there were no blazes to be found at all. Other times there'd be a trail relocation, but whoever made it didn't bother to cover up the old blazes, meaning I had to guess which trail was the right one. Frustrating!And to top it off, I finally get here at Wadleigh and the shelter is empty. I hate having a shelter to myself; it gets so lonely. Argh...On the bright side, only a day and a half until I get to see Amy, my mom and Rince. I'm looking forward to finishing this up with them and thankful they'll be able to be a part of the conclusion to this phenomenal, albeit at times frustrating, adventure.2136.8 miles down, 38.2 to go!
Date: 2006-09-28
From: Wadleigh Stream Lean-to

To: Abol Bridge Lean-to
Miles today: 24.0
Weather: overcast clouds

This is pretty much it. I hiked all the way to Abol Bridge with Low Gear today, some 24 miles. We were both antsy to get out of the 100 Mile Wilderness, so hiked right on past Hurd Brook Lean-to. Tomorrow my mom and Rince will drop Amy here and the two of us will hike the 9.9 miles to Katahdin Stream Campground, where Mom and Rince will pick us up and take us back to the motel. Then Katahdin the next day. That means this is my last shelter. My last night of camping. I don't even have the words. I couldn't be in better company. Sleep Ninja and Fire were here when Low Gear and I arrived. The four of us made a fire and roasted marshmallows we bought from the campstore. Hours passed with us telling stories and reminiscing, all of us in disbelief that this adventure was burning to ashes before our eyes. We all stared at the flames, the light illuminating our faces, revealing uncertainty and ambivalence. This will be over in two days. I'm not quite sure how I feel about that.2159.9 miles down, 15.1 to go.Bear Can
Date: 2006-05-22
To: Waiting to go, sort of
Miles today: 0.0

Well, the weight and aerobic and hiking training is done. The route selected, maps and guides bought and scrutinized. Daily mileages estimated, resupply locations selected, itenerary tentatively planned. The trail cooking meals are sampled and portioned and sealed. Resupply boxes filled with breakfast-lunch-dinner-snacks, and extras like TP and trash bags, then taped shut, addressed, weighed, and stamped. The family members who will send them are briefed. The transportation to the trailhead researched, tickets bought. The pack filled, emptied, lightened, repacked several times. I've been to the lawyers to rewrite the will, power of attorney and all the legal stuff. I've dreamed, negotiated, planned, arranged and otherwise prepared for the trip. I guess I'm ready. I feel ready, but kinda scared. You know, excited to be on my way but wondering if my knees will hold up, if I will miss my family too much. The first package went out yesterday. I leave a week from today. Go man, go! I can do this...
Date: 2006-05-24
To: another pkg sent
Miles today: 0.0

Today I'm sending my second package set out. This is a large set of 3 boxes because I'm sending one for me, one for my daughter Natasha, and one last minute small box of equipment for Tasha. I'm going to try to send my last box on Friday before I leave. The rest of the resupply boxes are sitting on the kitchen counter with sequence numbers and "mail by" stickey notes for my wife. Then, when she leaves for Brazil at the end of June, my brother will mail the last few boxes to me.
Date: 2006-05-25
To: finalizing transportation
Miles today: 0.0

Today I arranged final transportation for taking my nephew and my daughter to and from the trail. I haven't quite arranged my return home ticket because I am not altogether sure how far I'm going to get in two months. I mean I plan to get to Hot Springs NC, but what if I get there early enough to go through GSMNP and get down to Fontana Dam? What if I only make it to Erwin TN? See what I mean? It's too early to tell yet. I just know I HAVE to be off the trail by July 31st.
Date: 2006-05-27
To: 95 hours to go
Miles today: 0.0

OK, it's down to 95 hours. My brother-in-law called saying his son's fuel container won't be able to go on the airlines. Me:empty it and either fill it with water for the trip or leave it open , upside down till you are ready to go. We will get fuel before we hit the trail... I am resisting the urge to open and go through the pack yet again before we leave. I think I'm losing, though.
Date: 2006-05-30
From: Hagerstown,MD

To: Pen Mar State Park
Miles today: 0.0

Traveled all day by car, plane, bus, and Taxi. This afternoon, as we rode the bus down Interstate 70, we gradually increased in altitude. When we saw the second horizon of hills, I knew it was the trail I was looking at. Shortly thereafter, we passed under the AT Hiker's bridge over I-70. I turned to Alex and pointded to it and commented that we would be on that bridge Southbound in a day or two. Tomorrow morning we start hiking from Pen Mar State Park. Getting a good night's sleep tonight. Called home, all is well and we already miss each other.
Date: 2006-06-06
From: Pen Mar State Park three miles north

To: 3 miles North of Harpers Ferry, WV
Miles today: 40.0
Weather: clear sky

Hi all. I'm in an AYH hostel tonight and thought I would check my e-mails and post a quick entry here.It's been a tough week getting started. First off, the Taxi driver had no clue where Pen-Mar State Park was and dropped us at a little town park three miles north of our starting place, and five miles down the highway from where the AT crossed. And,Oh yeah, it's a LOT harder than I thought it would be. First of all, NOTHING I did in Fairview fully prepared me for this hike. 10 miles in Fairview ain't even close to 8 miles on the AT. Today I had about a two thousand foot total elevation change with ups and downs ending with about a 900 foot descent onto the C&O canal Towpath. My nephew wasn't prepared for this in any way and even though his feet were OK, his head just wasn't in the hike. We did get three days of hiking together and that was great for me. So I had to jump of the trail for a couple of days and take care of a case of chapping from H*** and take Alex into Baltimore to send him home. Then I got a ride back to the point on the trail where I left and hiked almost the rest of the way into Harper's Ferry. I am really tired but having a wonderful time meeting other hikers and looking at the occasional fantastic view. In four more days I will be back at Baltimore airport picking up Natasha for our time on the trail. Tasha, I hope you have been running up and down the hills of Portland with your pack on or you are about to be in for a rude awakening! We will continue to take it slow, hiking at new hiker speed for the next two weeks. By then, I hope to begin to be trail hardened and able to up my daily distances. I've stayed at AT shelters as new as 5 years old and as old as 66 years old. I have also camped where there was no shelter using my hammock and tarp. Been rained on twice after I set up for the night and stayed dry. Started out with ungodly heat and humidity but the temps are more like normal now. Gonna finish up Maryland tomorrow morning when I hike over the Potomac river into Harper's Ferry, West Virginia! Look for some new pictures, possibly this next week.God bless you all, Marie, great job on your bicycling trip around Lake Tahoe. Mickey, I'll fix it when I get back in August. Deborah, Sylvia, and David, I miss you three TONS!!!!
Date: 2006-06-08
From: David Lesser shelter this morning

To: two days south of Harper's Ferry
Miles today: 22.0

Boy am I tired today! I have some new milestones I can report. West Virginia is done and yesterday was my first double digit day! I did another double digit day today, but it took me hiking from 5:30 am until 3:30 pm. My last milestone to report: The first day hiking while it was raining. Got about a 1 1/2 hour free shower this afternoon hiking into Bear's Den Hostel. If I knew it was going to last that long I might have gotten the soap out! I was dreading the rain but it was not too bad a day for it since I am a snug dry hostel now and can wash and dry out my clothes. The worst thing so far is that I seem to have pulled a muscle in my right leg getting that first double digit day. I took two aleve in early afternoon but that leg was eating me alive on the hills, both up and down. I have to really favor it with the hiking poles. I may take the day off tomorrow to try to heaL up. Met a hiker today who was 76. He told me it takes him about six weeks to get trail hardened. "SIX WEEKS!!",I thought. I was rather hoping that in the next week or two I would start to see quantitative improvements. I pick up Natasha in two days. I hope she doesn't leave me in the dust as we hike the Shenandoah's. Got a new thing to look forward to there: blackberry milkshakes! I'm not sure when my appetite will really kick in, but so far I packed way too much food.I was able to leave some in a hiker's box at the Appalachian Trail Conservatory in Harper's Ferry. That box is for un-needed or un-wanted stuff that another hiker might use. I have also lightened my pack somewhat. Between 15 and 20 pounds lighter. I have it at the ATC temporarily. I think I will send some stuff home soon. Last night I stayed at the David Lesser shelter, which was a really nice one. The picnic bench was on a separate, covered deck 10 or 20 yards away and has a porch swing also. The three other hikers hit the sleeping bags about 9pm. Then it started raining off and on and then about 10:30 or 11:00 a couple of wet night hikers came in. This morning, I went out to the picnic bench and two more hikers spent the night out there, one curled up on the swing. I've seen two snakes so far, both black snakes and both flat on the road. Other hikers are telling me about their rattlesnake and copperhead sitings. Starting on the 10th, in the Shenandoah's, I think we are getting onto some trail with a lot less rocks. I suppose there will be less snakes as well.
Date: 2006-06-10
From: Front Royal

To: Tom Floyd Wayside
Miles today: 40.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Well, my bounce box finally got into Harper's Ferry and since I got a vehicle to pick up Natasha from Baltimore airport, I backtracked and got it and mailed home a bunch of stuff I didn't need or wasn't using. I learned a valuable lesson about the speed of Parcel Post versus Priority Mail. I'm now waiting for Natasha's flight to get in and we will take of for Front Royal-VA, drop the car, and try to get up to the Tom Floyd Wayside shelter yet tonight. This shelter was built in the 80's but the rest of the ones down through the Shenandoah were built in the 40's and even 30's. These are classic historic shelters and I cannot wait to see them. There are also a lot of bears in the park so perhaps we will see some of them as well. I may be able to post in three days from Luray-VA but if not I will post around the 20th when Natasha finishes her hike and I take her to the airport.
Date: 2006-06-26
From: Glasgow, VA

To: Outside Damascus, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

On Sunday I took a rental car to Durham, and had a great visit with Sylvia. I talked to Deborah, and in view of the rainy forcast and missing my family, I decided to get off the trail and go to Brazil with them next week if I can get my visa from Houston in time. Today I drove down to see Damascus, VA and tomorrow I will head back towards Durham, NC by way of Boone, NC. Wednesday, I will see Sylvia read some of her work at the local bookstore and the next day I will fly home. I saw great people on and off the trail, lots of different critters, and tested myself physically and mentally hiking in high heat and humidity and rain. My family is happy I am coming home safely. I got 320 miles of the trail done this year, and I look forward to hiking some more of it next year. To all who signed my visitor book, I say thanks for the love and encouragement. Goodspeed!
Date: 2006-02-12
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Good Morning Everyone! I can't believe I am only two weeks away from beginning my thruhike of the AT!!! Yippee!!!! Like everyone else preparing for this hike I have invested a lot of time in preparation,gear..clothes..food..maildrops..logistics...there are really many aspects to consider but in the end I am sure this will be more than worth the effort! The hardest part for me will be leaving my family behind..hopefully they will come to see me throughout the hike and share some of my wonderful experiences. I am really looking forward to meeting the many other hikers along the way and seeing some of the eastern US.Stay tuned...hopefully there will be some great pictures and stories to tell along the way!!Bluebelle
Date: 2006-02-13
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

You might know that it is cold and snowing like crazy today----we just returned from a great trip to Belize and now I am freezing....What happened to that warmer than usual winter????   I was/am really hoping for warm weather to return at least until I get out of the smokies!!! That area can be rough in bad weather but I am sure we will all slide through just fine.My family is beginning to realize that I am really going to do this!! I'm not sure what they thought when I was reading all kind of trail books, articles, VHS tapes or DVD's I could find about the AT. I thought those were dead give aways that I just might be serious!!! I have hiked about 100 miles of the AT in sections and am really looking forward to a continuous hike. This may end up being more "continuous" than I had hoped for but....one day at a time. My husband will be joining me for several sections..whenever he can get off work he will be there too.In order for me to attempt this thruhike I have left my job. I have worked in dental offices most of my adult life...either as an Expanded Functions Dental Assistant or an office manager. I really enjoy the last group of people I worked with ( we are like family)..they are all being very supportive of this journey. Thanks to the doctors for letting me take this time for myself.Well - better go for today. Hope to see you on the trail - come hike a section or two this year!! Bluebelle
Date: 2006-02-16
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Today it is pouring down rain here, I had really hoped to get outside and do a little bit more experimenting with my Vargo XE stove and fuel dispenser. I guess I will get out in the garage although I know I will be cooking in the rain many days to come. I also need to spend today and tomorrow trying to finish organizing some of my food and maildrops. Only 10 days to go!!! I will initially be hiking with FatherShine and SonShine and their canine companions! Should be a great way to start the hike! Those guys will probably help motivate me to put in some good long days. Next weekend we are having an AT kickoff party!! My adult children and two grandsons as well as hubby and friends will be here to officially begin my hike!! Yes I have children and grandchildren...I am 52 years young and very excited about this hike. I have been training for this trip for several months and I know it will still be a killer those first few weeks! I like challenges!! Well better get off here and get some business taken care of or I won't be going anywhere.Photos and gear list to be posted this weekend.Thanks to all the encouragement of friends and family.It's time to go after your dream...who knows what tomorrow will bring!!Bluebelle