morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-09-12
From: East Flagstaff Road

To: Pierce Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 152: The Countdown BeginsWoke up early with lots of condensation on the inside of the tent. Huge temperature drop after the sun went down yesterday, and we were by a lake. It got pretty cold last night! The food was already cooking when we got over there just before 7am. Cereal, fruit, bagels, more candy bars, coffee, juice and ham/egg/cheese English muffin sandwiches. It was a great breakfast. Everyone was around the fire eating as much as we could. A few hikers left before 9am, but Boss, Uncas, Prophet and I ended up hanging around until 11am. Then it was time to hike. We said humongous thank you's to the guys and told them we'd never forget them - that may just be our last trail magic of the trip! With full bellies, we left and were glad it was going to be an easy, flat hike all day. There would only be two small bump hills, and they'd be in the first two hours. Boss and I played a little music with his speakers, and we made it up and over the hills. It wasn't raining (yay!) - only a complete cloud cover with cool temps. Soon after Boss got stung by mud wasps on BOTH calves, we got to the next shelter and had a mini lunch break (he is ok). Neither of us was too hungry after the extended breakfast a few hours earlier, but we snacked. Uncas, Rich, and Bloodhound were there, too, and we all watched a crazy chipmunk run around the place. We would throw rocks, and it would chase them, thinking it was food. Back to hiking, and my stomach began to cramp up. Ugh. I haven't had stomach problems the whole trip, so I can't complain, but it sure didn't feel good down there. Luckily, it was an easy day. Of all the 16-mile days to feel sick, this one wasn't bad. I hiked on, thinking that walking might help, but I couldn't walk it off. I ate something, but that didn't seem to help either. I just kept going. The scenery was pretty boring except for the few times we popped out onto a pond. The ponds are really nice up here. Finally, we made it to Pierce Pond and took the packs off. It was gorgeous on the lake, and there was a tent sight right on the water. Delightful sunset through the clouds during dinner. Backwards, Prophet, Uncas, and Stryder are all here now, and everyone is in their sleeping bags kinda early. The fire has died down, and (luckily) so have my stomach pains. Hopefully I'll wake up tomorrow feeling like normal. Only about ten more days.......
Date: 2010-09-13
From: Pierce Pond Lean-to

To: Northern Outdoors, Caratunk, Maine
Miles today: 4.0
Weather: light rain

Day 153: CaratunkI woke up feeling much better - almost 100%. I was so glad. (It is not fun being sick out here, and the giardia paranoia is scary.) The six of us ate breakfast and packed up by the river, then took off at slightly different times. We all only had four miles to go to the Kennebec River.After two miles, it started to rain. At least it had held off until after we were packed up and walking. It was a very easy, lovely walk along a stream, but it was wet and increasingly slippery. No worries. We made it to the river where Hill Billy Dave canoed over to fetch us. The Kennebec River is about 100 yards wide, and the ATC funds HB Dave's ferry service to cut down on hikers trying to ford the sometimes dangerous river. He can only take two people in the canoe at a time, so Backwards and Stryder went first. Eight minutes later, Boss and I were signing the waiver, donning life preservers and hopping in.  We paddled over and got out, and Dave went back for Uncas and Prophet. Thanks Hill Billy Dave!Boss and I walked up to the road and found a soaking wet Stryder trying to hitch. Backwards had planned on skipping Caratunk, so he hiked on. It was cold, and we were wet. Hitching can be hard enough when a hiker is dry, but three wet hikers in the rain...? It could be tough.Amazingly, the third car to drive by stopped. It was a little car and could only take one person, so Stryder got in. Boss and I were contemplating walking the two miles, but we held out. I couldn't believe it when an SUV pulled over before Uncas and Prophet got up to the road. Yvonne was from Texas, borrowing her cousin's car from Boston, and driving to a small town in Quebec where her grandfather was born - she was on a journey of her own! The car was SO nice and warm, and we were delighted to get a dry ride to the Northern Outdoors Center. Thanks Yvonne! There was a fire going when we got to the center, and the place seemed great. Red Hat was there, so we said a quick hello before running up to get a warm shower. One long, hot shower later, I was happy and dry, and ready for lunch. We had to wait until noon, so i threw laundry in. Once the clock struck 12:11pm, we (Red Hat, Boss, Uncas, Prophet and I) piled into a table and ordered a feast. Nachos, burgers, chili, beers that were brewed in the basement. Good stuff. The rest of the afternoon was similar to the laziness of Stratton. I think my body just needs it now. A complete break from all activity. It felt so good. Later on, I found Uncas in the hot tub and a few hikers near the fire. We chatted and sang to the jukebox songs until it was time to eat again. We ate dinner and had planned to stay up with a few more beers - maybe watch Monday night football? - but we were all exhausted by 8pm. Ha! With full bellies. We made it up to our beds and collapsed. We thru hikers sure can hike, but we can't much manage late nights anymore. I bet I'll be awake before the sun...
Date: 2010-09-14
From: Northern Outdoors, Caratunk, Maine

To: Bald Mountain Brook Lean-to
Miles today: 14.7

Day 154: Five MonthsI woke up a few times before the sun came up, but I managed to sleep in until about 6:30 or so. We all thought there'd be breakfast served downstairs at 8am, but it was not the case. There were no river tours scheduled today, so no breakfast. But! One of the nice ladies said we could have coffee for $2 and unlimited muffins and fruit for $2. What a deal! Prophet, Boss, Stryder, Uncas and I feasted on all that while we waited for the 9am shuttle to arrive and take us back to the trail. Red Hat had left early, and we didn't know where Trooper was. The shuttle came right at 9, and it drove us back to the trail head after a brief pit stop at the post office to pick up my resupply box. After a little reorganization, I was back on the trail. The weather seemed to be holding with complete cloud cover and bits of sun poking through at times. No rain. It was a pleasant hiking temperature, and we made it the five miles to the first shelter without any problems. About ten minutes after we arrived (and right as I was writing in the register "I hope it doesn't rain, but I'm sure that it will... and that will be ok too"), it began to sprinkle. Then it rained. Then it poured! Boss, Stryder and I were thrilled to be under the protection of the shelter. What great timing! We ate an early lunch and waited out the rain clouds. Within 30 minutes, the whole thing was gone and the sun was out. Poor Uncas rolled in a bit wet, but in fine spirits. We left the shelter just after noon and hiked up to Pleasant Pond Mountain (shout out to Kyle in Mount Pleasant!), and got sprinkled on again up top, but it was only for a few minutes. Then the sun broke through again! From then on, it was a wonderful afternoon. The terrain was pretty flat after the mountain, but slippery from the rain. I slipped all over the place, and Boss fell FOUR times! Luckily, no injuries (and Boss doesn't read my blog - hello to his family in Atlanta though!). It's so scary to slip so much when there's so little trail left! I feel slower and slower everyday, and I hope my left ankle makes it. Our bodies only have to make it eight more days or so!Seven or so miles later, we walked over a beaver dam, then got to the shelter. We were glad to end the day. Prophet was there taking a break before moving on, and Stryder and Uncas showed up within the hour. 413 and her son, Scooter, showed up last (he's only ten!), and we all made dinner by the fire that Boss made. It was nice and relaxed, and we went to bed early. Hoping to catch up with Tripper and Wizard in Monson. And maybe Xan and Neutron will catch up soon...? How great would that be to summit with them?! To begin and end on the same days would be pretty amazing... Happy five month anniversary!
Date: 2010-09-16
From: Campsite, east branch of theÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ Piscataquis River

To: Lakeshore House, Monson, Maine
Miles today: 6.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 156: Reunited, and It Feels So Good!Woke up after almost ten hours of sleep. It's nice not to have a strict schedule out here. I plan to enjoy it while it lasts... After a slow breakfast and pack-up, Boss and I left to hike the 6-ish miles to the road to Monson. The trail was nice and rolling (a bit more uphill than I thought), but there was a really nice pond about halfway. We stopped to listen to the loons calling from far away. It was picturesque and lovely. We talked to a section hiker for a bit, then knocked out the next 3 miles. We got to the road and only waited ten minutes before Debbie picked us up on her way to Portland. She dropped us off at the Lakeshore House and waved goodbye. Thanks, Debbie!!We self-checked in and said hello to Sour Dough (who I hadn't seen for a while), his wife Sweet Dough (who was back on the trail for the last week or so), Rainbow, Stryder and a group of three who summited yesterday - Stoker, Sour Tower and Boone.  We all watched a movie and relaxed after cleaning up and throwing the laundry in. It was a relaxing afternoon. We had a bite to eat in the pub and walked over to the general store. While we were doing all this, Scatters and Powder had finished up with Katahdin. They were DONE! Scatters' brother, Jonathan, had come out from Colorado to pick them up and drive them back to Rangeley. On their way back, though, they stopped in Monson! Happy 30th Birthday, Scatters!!! And congrats!! She managed to summit on her birthday! I knew she would It was great to see Scatters again - Boss and I hasn't seen her since Hanover?! - and it was good to see Powder again, too (and nice to meet Jonathan!). The five of us went down to the pub to enjoy all-you-can-eat taco night and catch up on EVERYTHING from the last few weeks. It was excellent, and so were the tacos. Boss and I had hoped they'd spend the night with us in Monson, but they were on their way to Rangeley by  8pm. I'm so happy I get to hang out with Scatters some more, back in Rangeley after I finally summit, too. Only 114.5 miles left, and most of it will be in "the hundred miles of wilderness." It sounds daunting, but it shouldn't be too bad. We just need to bring six days of food or so. Heavy packs. With that said, I will probably not have any cell service or internet (or battery left?) until after I summit (on the 23rd or 24th?). I will still be blogging everyday and will upload everything I've got as soon as I can. It should be a great last hundred miles, but I'm definitely looking forward to being done now.I can't believe it's almost over...
Date: 2010-09-17
From: Lakeshore House, Monson, Maine

To: Camping next to Big Wilson stream
Miles today: 9.7

Day 157: Into the WildernessWoke up early and wandered out into the drizzles over to Shaw's for their famous all-you-can-eat breakfast. It was great - and it was French toast day! Boss and I sat with Master Chief, Ten Beers and Farmer John. I ordered a "three" which comes out with three of each: eggs, bacon, sausage, potatoes (servings), and pieces of French toast. I got through it and had two more pieces of French toast! Gotta fill up before the wilderness. We chatted for a while and eventually made it back to the Lakeshore House where we finished watching a movie we didn't make it through last night. Then we packed up and got our things a bit more organized. We resupplied at the general store and had lunch at the pub. We chatted with Rebekah, the owner of the Lakeshore House for a while and really liked her. She runs a good show there!After some tinkering on the computer and a few last phone calls, we packed up six days of food and made it out of town. James, the cook, gave us a ride back to the trail head after ten disappointing minutes if trying to hitch. Soon after getting dropped off, we were OFF! Into the wilderness! The HUNDRED MILES of wilderness!!! ...at 3pm...It was a mighty late start, but we were only going 10 miles or so. My pack was heavy, but I got used to it fairly quickly. The hiking was easy and enjoyable. We passed a few ponds, rock-hopped a few streams (I sunk a foot this time... doh!) and a sixty foot waterfall. At one of the ponds, there were two beaver swimming around, splashing. And the weather was amazing! Though we woke up to rain, it was oh-so-clear and warm while we hiked. The moon was out early, but the sun went down by 7pm and we were still moving. I forgot how short the days were getting. We ended up pulling out the headlamps for the last 20 minutes or so and camping next to a big river crossing. We didn't want to even try to get over this river in the dark, and luckily there was a small camp ground next to it. First thing in the morning will be the deepest, strongest river ford yet. Tonight was only dinner in the dark, then bed...
Date: 2010-09-18
From: Camping next to Big Wilson stream

To: Tenting near the East Chairback Pond TrailÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ 
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: clear sky

Day 158: Maine is BeautifulLovely, cold morning. After eating a hot breakfast and fixing my bear line problems, we prepared to ford the river. It wasn't too deep or far across, but it was cold, and the rocks were a bit slippery. The key is to go slow and carefully. So we did. And we made it fine. The cold water definitely helped wake us up more!We stopped in quickly to the shelter nearby and said good morning to Rainbow, Stryder and Farmer John. After hiking a few miles and seeing a train, we rock-hopped and took a break at a stream. Then it was up up up to the mountain-before-Barren-mountain where the view was excellent. We startled some sort of moose-like animal on the way, but I was unable to determine just exactly what it was. (It seemed like a moose though.)We caught up with Sourdough and Sweet Dough and had lunch there with them. Master Chief stopped in, too. We were all stunned by the gorgeous view we had up there. (The lake in the photo is the geographical center of Maine!) The sun was out. Soft breeze. Lunch. Freeman swung by, heading south (he had flip flopped in Kent, Connecticut - where I saw him last). We all chatted and stared out at the mountains and lakes in the sun. It was beautiful. We left and hiked up and over Barren mountain, then down/up/down/up over four little mountains. I slipped and fell at one point, but it wasn't too bad. Just stressed out the ole left knee again. We hiked through a bog where we saw a few pitcher plants (photo - they fill up with water and somehow lower the viscosity of the water so that insects that can normally float on the service will sink to the bottom. The pitcher plants digest insects, and they look pretty cool. Thanks to Freeman for the info!) We got to the Chairback Lean-to around 5:30pm and made dinner. We wanted to shave off a few more miles from tomorrow's mileage, and stopping to eat while it was light out made it easier to night-hike, if it came to that. We said goodnight to Master Chief after getting water and pressed on.Up on Chairback Mountain, we caught a setting sun and a lovely beginning to the evening. We walked out on the ledge and got to see the silhouettes of the mountains on the pink sky. It was quite rocky for the next mile, so there was nowhere to camp. After we slowly made it down the mountain, it got muddy... and dark. We whipped out our headlamps for the second day in a row and hiked another mile or so through a lot of scratchy brush, then mud, until we finally found a good spot.We had already eaten, so all we needed to do was set up camp and go to bed. Nice and quick and ready to sleep. Now that we know we want to summit on the 23rd, we've worked out our daily mileages for the rest of the trip. Tomorrow will be the biggest day with White Cap mountain (the last real mountain before Katahdin), but pretty big miles on the remaining flat terrain till the end. I think I'm ready to be done... Only 85.8 miles left... Full blog and photos: http://maine2010.blogspot.com
Date: 2010-10-05
To: (off trail) Berlin, MD
Miles today: 0.0

Back Home...Well, kind of home. I, sadly, said farewell to Scatters and left Rangeley on Thursday to drive Rorshach down to Hanover, NH. He's still got about 500 miles left to do, and he started back up in Rutland, VT. Since I was in Hanover, I stopped by Hanover Outdoors to see if there was a package for me. My friend Sarah sent me one back when I was hiking in the area, but it missed me by a day. I wasn't sure if she'd called to get it returned to sender or not, so I asked if they had it. They did! So, I got a box full of chocolate, trail mix, bars, ramen, ziploc bags, and lots of love. Thanks so much, Sarah!!After I said goodbye to Rorshach, I drove on to Plymouth, NH to see and stay with Renee and Tyler again. I had a great time hanging out with them at the Holderness School where they work/live, and then I took off early the next day for the big drive south. It rained a LOT, and it took about ten hours to get to another friend's house. I stayed with Erin and Mike (the two who came out to hike in the Shenandoahs) at their house south of Baltimore. We all woke up very early to get to the Laxtoberfest lacrosse tournament in the morning. We didn't play (thank goodness), but we had to get to the fields at 6:30 to work at the score tables until 5pm. It was a long [sunny?!] day of lacrosse, followed by another long day on Sunday, but it was a lot of fun. I got to see my old teammates and watch a lot of great lacrosse. The tournament ended on Sunday afternoon, and I drove another 2 hours to get to my parents' house in Berlin, Md where I am now. I plan to stay here for a week before finally getting back to DC. I look forward to not driving more than ten minutes at a time!!Being here has been nice, as it usually is. I caught up with my mom and dad, and I got back in the gym. I'll be sticking to the elliptical machine and light weights for a while, I think, and a few yoga poses. My body is still quite stiff and sore, but I've been stretching at least twice a day, and I think my joints should eventually heal. My appetite is slowly getting back to normal (smaller), and my diet has made the switch back to "mostly healthy" (though I already miss the Rangeley stint of huge, daily ice cream sundaes!!).I've been in contact with a few hikers (Little Foot finally summitted with his Dad this past Saturday - congrats!!), and most everyone seems to be in transition. I've begun to dabble in online job searching and organizing my things. I have so many things!?! Quite a difference from temporarily only having 65 liters of carry-able, ultra-light items...It probably won't be REAL real until I settle back into DC for a while with my friend Leah. Until then, I'll enjoy the down time. I've started a book. I've gone through all my mail. I take my time working out. I may even take a nap here and there...
Date: 2010-10-11
To: (off trail) Washington, DC
Miles today: 0.0

Stats from the TripSo, I've done a few calculations, and I've added and averaged a number of occurrences on my journey (... which may or may not confirm my dork status...). I was surprised by a few, but most seemed just about right.Biggest mileage day: 30.6 (into Partnership Shelter)Shortest mileage day: 1.9 (into Gorham, NH)Average mileage, including zero days: 13.38Average mileage, only hiking days: 15.69Zero days: 2420+ mileage days: 28Most stumbles in a day: 29Average stumbles on hiking days: 10.3Average stumbles per mile: 1.5Total showers: 57 + 2 outdoor showersShowers on only the 139 hiking days (zero days almost always included a shower): 34 + 2 outdoor showersSponge baths: 18Longest stretch without a shower: 7 daysNights I slept in a bed: 42Nights I slept in a bunk (no mattress): 11 + 2 tablesNights I slept on a couch: 1Nights I slept in a hotel (not the Ritz): 17Nights I slept in a hostel: 14Nights I slept in a home: 21 (thanks Jeanne, Wendy, the Byers/Footses, Abigail, Dana, Anita & Steve, the Wetzels, Renee & Tyler, Dan, Mom & Dad)Nights I slept in a shelter: 30Nights I slept in a tent: 74Nights I slept in a hut: 4Nights I "cowboy camped" (under the stars): 1And that's about it! Also, I've FINALLY put a gear list together. The link is up in the top navigation...
Date: 2010-02-08
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I am working on fine tuning my gear. Hubba 1 tent Msr water filter L.L.Bean 20 degree rectangle down sleeping bag Full length Guide lite therma rest Msr titanium cook pot single bulb photon light Dunham boots 11EE alcohol stove Ems down light weight jacket L.L. Bean hooded fleece North face windstoper gloves EMS tuk long underwear Frogg toggs Leiki Makalu hiking sticks ULA Circuit pack
Date: 2010-02-09
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Winter passed away July 23rd 2009. She traveled extensively and hiked many trails. Those who met her found a sweet personality that was self sufficient, intelligent and well trained. She responded to verbal, hand signals and a dog whistle. In her later years she especially liked to walk with me on the rail trail across the street. She also liked to lie next to the flag pole in front of the house and watch the cars go by. She was a great friend and will not be forgotten.
Date: 2010-02-10
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

This hike will be my blue blaze hike. Actually I will take the Benton McCaye Trail to start which has a white diamond blaze. I could rejoint the AT at Fontana Dam or at Davenport Gap. After that I'll look for other interesting trails or places. If you want to read a journal about a pure thru hike this is not that journal. I kept a journal during my AT hike in 2000 and it may have been a kindness that Wingfoot deleted it. I didn't tell stories about my fellow hikers and there are only so many ways I know of to say that I hiked up and I hiked down. The only redeeming value in my 2000 journal was that my posts were brief. I don't talk to trees or bears or any of that weird crap. Mostly I will just post my progress and if anything note worthy happens. Mostly it's just the same thing...different day.
Date: 2010-03-31
To: View Entry
Miles today: 7.3

Coolbreeze dropped Superman off at the Springer Mountain parking lot on FS42 today around 4:30. He really appreciated the ride and the help adjusting his new ULA backpack. He made it to mile 7.3 to camp for his first night out. He is a happy camper especially having made it to the trail without any major incidents.Pat
Date: 2010-04-04
From: Tipton Mountain

To: Fall Branch Falls
Miles today: 8.7

Very hot today, THANKS go to Eric the barber in Lebanon, N.H. for the free high and tight it made the day more bearable. Third night camping by a stream He tested his blood sugar to find it was off the charts. The town stop planned for tomorrow we will be able to get some answers. PatIn the first five days of hiking I camped by noisy running streams. I don't sleep well when I do that. I sleep light and broken. I can't hear if the V.C. are coming.I met Tex at Martin's Dixie Depot. I'd gotten there at 5:20 (4-1-10)and just hung out until Cool breeze brought Tex the next afternoon. Tex and I got right to the trail. We met Bodacious, he was hiking south on the BMT to start another AT hike. He gave us some good information about the the trail ahead and staying in Blue Ridge. The Days Inn was great and the owner drove us back to the trail. The Days Inn is located great for the AYCE village restaurant, food store, laundry, drug store, etc.Superman