morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-08-04
From: Bradford ME

To: Leeman Brook Lean-to
Miles today: 6.0
Weather: clear sky

The plan was to be up at 6 am, go to Parker Lumber for a tour at 7 am and be on the road by 8 am to head forthe trail. Didn't happen.Storyteller has a pack sore on her shoulder that required her to visit the ER last Monday. While at the hospital several test were run. She called this morning for results and found she has Lyme Disease. By the time all the calls were made for prescriptions,etc., we made it to Parker Lumber around 9:30 am. If you"ve never toured a large lumber yard, it is really neat. We watched the debarker, the huge planer, the shaker that sorts sawdust and chips and scraps, the chipper, a great big bandsaw and all kinds of stuff. One of the most fascinating machines reads slabs and determines the most valuable size to cut. All in all, very interesting.Heather dropped us off at a blue blazed trail that leads to the AT at 11:00. The AT was to connect in .3 miles. That was the longest .3 miles--so off we go. After hiking about 3 miles we come to a road and where the AT started on that side was a sign that said AT South. Hard to believe, but we had gone 3 miles the wrong way! The only thing we could think of is we missed the AT crossing and kept following the snowmobile trail until it looped back around and when we turned right we wre actually going south due to the twists in the trail. Major bummer. We flagged down the net car to determine for sure our location and he was gracious enugh to take us to the correct location. By that time it was 2 pm. Needless to say, our plans for a 15 mile day were shot. Then to make the day complete, it began to rain. I was soon to discover a majr Maine feature, rocks and roots. Wet slate is slippery, wet roots are as slippery as a greased steep slide. Dodging them is time consuming. Hence t! he short 3 miles in the correct direction. Thank goodness for the lean-to (shelter) I so dislike setting up the tent in the rain. 46er and Storyteller came in a bit later. ST was beat and worried 46er enough to consider getting off the trail for a bit until she felt better. ST is tough, she is going on with hopes thw medicine kicks in soon.
Date: 2006-08-05
From: Leeman Brook Lean-to

To: Cloud Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: few clouds

I will apologise in advance for this entry. It is being written at a later date so not all may be included. Today underlined why I need to be in Maine now instead of late Sept. or Oct. There were 4 fords crossed today and I truly hate to think of the temperature of the water in fall. B-r-r-r-r. As I srood on the bank assessing the 1st ford I ran thru the procedures I had read to make a successful ford. Taking my boots off to keep them dry they were velcroed onto the back of my pack. I then put on my plastic camp shoes for the crossing. Then I unhooked the pack buckles to be able to get out of the pack should I fall. OK. Taking it slow I grabbed the safety line strung acroos Little Wilson Creek and waded in. Just over halfway across withhe water thigh high, I stepped in a hole that caused me to lose my footing and go under the rope dunking me and pack to my left shoulder. If viewed from the shore it would seem that I was floating on my left side. I knew I could be in trouble if I couldn't get my footing fast. Thank goodness for the safety rope, it allowed me to stablize and find fo! otong. As I stood up, I noticed my boots go floating past so I snagged them with my free hand and made it to the opposite shore. Whew! One of my first thoughts as my knees were knocking was here it is early morning and everything in my pack was going to be wet! Quickly I opened my pack and found it all DRY! Whoopee! That compactor bag really saved me. (I place a heavy trash compactor bag in my pack then pack everything inside.) Then my heart sank as I remembered my camera that is carried on my right shoulder strap. Another miracle, it didn't get wet. I guess when the current swept my feet my right upper stayed out of the water. Happy day!The three other fords were happily uneventfulYesterday's entry mentioned roots and rocks and how they are slippery when wet. I fell 3 times today but only one hurt. I sepped on a root and slid down the incline and landed on my right shoulder where I now sport a bruise. Tonight's lean-to is .4 mile off the trail. If I hadn't been so tired I wouldn't have stayed here. That having been said, it was sited on a lovely pond at 2420' elevation. Jack, son Thomas, and daughter Marti were my companions. They were out for a week. It took me no time at all to fall asleep at 8:30.
Date: 2006-08-06
From: Cloud Pond Lean-to

To: Carl A. Newhall Lean To
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: clear sky

It was cold this morning! Did that sleeping bag feel good! Up and at 'em at 5:30 and on the trail by 6:30. Yesterday I just couldn't get my feet moving. Today promised to be better. Once again,lots of roots and rocks. I only fell twice today. Once on a sloping rock the size of a small kitchen table. Luckily, the bottom of my pack hit first breaking the hard thud tha ould have been my tush. The second tome was a slippery log which sat me down in the mud. Neither time was anything hurt.Today's hike included going down a huge talus slope. It wasn't bad except that the trail maintainers must think everyone shuld travel North to south therefore, I had to keep lookong behind me to find in which direction the trail went.With all the rocks, roots, mud in trail, and bogs my progress is considerably slower than what I've been doing. As a result, I am a full day behind my schedule to Katahdin and meeting my ride. Oh well, I'll have to do the best I can to make up miles when I reach the flat areas beginning late tomorrow.I'm at the shelter with Silvertoes tonight. He is a Sobo sectioner. There are moose droppings all around this shelter. Maybe I'll get lucky and see one.I saw 5 other hkers today all Sobo. I forded the Pleasant River today without mishap. Time for bed.
Date: 2006-08-07
From: Carl A. Newhall Lean To

To: Cooper Brook Falls Lean to
Miles today: 18.9
Weather: overcast clouds

I was determined to see if it was possible to approach my normal 2 mph speed today. There were 4 good sized mtns to cross with White Cap presenting the opportunity to see Katahdin for the first time. It was a cool morning, always good for hiking and, indeed my speed was back. Thank goodness! That means it is still possible to meet up with Fire's brother on Thursday if I put in some higher mileage days.White Cap Mtn. (3654') was a steep climb but not difficult. True to form, the summit was clouded in with a 20-25 mile wind blowing the 45* temps. Needless to say, I didn't linger too long.I met 9 hikers today, mostly Sobo, so it proves that there are people in the Maine woods.I fell twice today. The first time a root brought me to my knees on the muddy trail and the second was on the last rock crossing a river when I lost my balance and stepped in with my boot. So much for keeping my boots dry. On the shore unbeknownst to me was a couple who had just forded the stream (actually they rock hopped successfully) and heard my plop. Dr. Jones and Snakebait are in the last days of their journey. They have rented their home in Nashville, TN with plans to sell so currently consider themselves homeless. Their plans are to relocate to northern Maine to a simpler lifestyle. When voicing the concern about being able to find a job, the Filipino with whom they were speaking looked at them and said, "this is America, you can always find a job". Thus reminded, they continue their plans. We spent an enjoyable evening together and during that time reviewed the maps and mileage determining that it was possible to do a long mileage day. By doing so it would enable! them to summit on Katahdin with friends and enable me to get back on schedule.Time for bed.
Date: 2006-08-08
From: Cooper Brook Falls Lean to

To: Rainbow Springs Lean-to
Miles today: 29.6

This was a looong day. As it has taken me so long to write this entry, it will hit only the high spots and be brief. (Now watch out--I heard that "thank goodness"1!)Walking along the trail I glanced up in time to see a bull moose looking at mee from 100 yards away. He quietly turned and wound his way thru the trees with very little noise and much grace. As I stood there I wodered if I truly had seen him. Great way to begin a morning.During the day there were great views of Katahdin ver lakes passed. There were sandy beaches,3 waterfalls and my favorite spot was a high rock ledge overlooking the lake. It seemed I was alone in the wilderness as I listened to the distant sound of the loons drifting up over the trees.It was my priviledge to meet some stair angels. During this hike there have been rock steps set into the mountians. It is not difficult to believe they were arranged that way by nature, they are so nicely done. Well, today the Maine Conservation Corps. was building stairs. They set up pulleys and bands to move rocks weighing hundreds of pounds near the stair sght then muscle them into place. Having short legs, I appreciate the rise being less than 12 inches. Beautiful work. They have volunteers who come to help periodically and were preparing the foundation for the volunteers to show up later in the week.In the last couple of miles before the shelter, the trail followed a gorge. It was amazing to see the plumes of water rushing thru. I imagine it would be quite the ride for an expert kayaker.I arrived - spent - at the shelter and had the lran-to to myself as the other 4 folks were tenting. I was happy not to plan on leaving at 4:45 the next morning.
Date: 2006-08-09
From: Rainbow Springs Lean-to

To: Abol Pines Campground
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: clear sky

I was so tired last night I didn't look to see which way the trail went out of camp. The lean-to is on the shores of swift flowing Rainbow Stream. I have decided that I do sleep better without the noise of fast moving water just outside. This morning as I am eatingmy oatmeal I notice white blazes across the stream. The trail crosses the stream on two logs, neither over 8 inches in diameter. Did I mention they are only 12 inches above the water? What a way to begin the morning. I am glad I didn't hike with Dr. Jones and Rosie today as they would have crossed just before dawn, yikes!The trail today runs next to Rainbow Lake which is over 5 miles long. I stopped at the south end dam and noted some choice casmpsites. This area is owned by The Nature Concervancy who has graqnted permission for this use. Occasionally as I passed along the shore, I heard the plaintive call of a loon. If you have never heard a loon, you are missing something.From Rainbow Ledges there were views of White Cap Mtn and in the opposite direction, Katahdin, the goal. I lunched on the rocky top with a light breeze blowing away the heat of the sun and finished my noon meal with wild blueberries growing there. It was a great way to spend an hour.I truly a not sure this is the 100 mile wilderness as I met 11 more hikers. Mercury is aply named as he began hisjourney 7 days after mine began and has covered 2165 miles as of today. He is fast! He tells me he will go home to N. Ohio and go back to school. He also mentioned he might run a marathon as well, if his knees hold up. I also met Jaybird. He will summit tomorrow and plans to "yo-yo" which means walk the trail south. Go for it Jaybird. I couldn't.I have a short day tomorrow when I'll meet up with Fire's brother Mike and his friends at the reserved site and plan for my summit on Friday.Time for bed.
Date: 2006-08-11
From: Katahdin Stream Campground, Baxter State Park

To: Summit Katahdin
Miles today: 5.2
Weather: scattered clouds

It was cold this morning, the rain ushered in a cool front. The thermometer on my pack read 35*. I left camp with my light pack waking up the guys on my way. They had plans to summit the Big K by a different trail. I signed the register at 6:29 am and headed up the trail, uncertain of what might await. I noted that 5 other parties had started before me, the earliest before 6 am. It was an easy trail fr the first 1/3 with an added bonus of the Katahdin Stream Falls. The middle third of the ascent consists of a boulder scramble with some boulders taler than I. I enjoyed that part, even when I had to use the iron rungs insertrd into the rocks to lever myself up. the upper 1/3 was artic tundra tablelands. The plants are fragile but beautiful. Thoreau Spring is located here. Thoreau visited this area in his lifetime. The summit of Kathadin is fed by 5 trails so in my 45 minutes on top I witnessed about 25 folks approaching the summit from different directions. It was colder again! up top with a brisk wind blowing.I was fortunate to walk with Douglas, Leon, and Marie, father, son & daughter for most of the ascent and descent. Wonderful folks. Leon hiked the 100 mile Wilderness with Marie joining him halfway thru. It was great to see the comraderie between them. It was also nice to have someone near if I were to fall.As I began my descent down the tablelands I noticed a man coming up who looked familiar. We recognized each other at the same time. It was Evan. I had hiked with him in Virginia and had heard he had gotten off the trail with a virus and had decided to go fishing. He,like me, has decided to hike south and finish the trail. Maybe he will go faster and I a bit slower so we'll meet again. Stranger things have happened.The trip down took 3 hours and had me back at the car at 2:20 pm. Mike, Troy and James arrived about 30 minutes later and we were off to Shaw's Lodging in Monson. My thanks once again to the generous hearts of the Parker family. Their help truly made this flip-flop easy and stress free.
Date: 2006-08-12
From: Shirley Blanchard Rd

To: Horseshoe Canyon Lean-to
Miles today: 2.7
Weather: scattered clouds

The day began with the famous breakfast at Shaw's. You order a number, in my case 2, and you are served 2 eggs, 2 pieces of french toast, 2 pieces of sausage, 2 pieces of bacon, and hashbrowns cooked by Keith Shaw Jr. The record number this year is 8. 8 of each. Keith said it took this skinny guy an hour to eat, but he ate it all.It was a typical nero day on the tril. After breakfast I did laundry and attended the maildrop from home deciding what food was necessary. Then it was off to the post office and to wait for the one payphone in town to call Jim. I had lunch with Elzabeth and Gabe, a brother & sister from Louisiana while we waited for the rail to end. Then it was back on the trail for the 3 of us, albeit in different directions. As it was past 2 pm when I got bck on the trail, I elected to go just under 3 mies to the first shelter instead of 12 miles to the 2nd shelter.Eagle Eye and Conductor came in and wondered what bird was whistling. After dropping their packs the bird was spotted. It was some type of owl. Light in color with stripes and dark eyes. We attempted photos but believe the distance was too great. We'll have to look it up when possible.Brian, Blueberry, Jim, and one other man stayed in or tented near the shelter. Most were close to finishing their northbound journey.
Date: 2006-08-13
From: Horshoe Canyon Lean-to

To: Bald Mtn Brook Lean-to
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I'm disappointed in my day. I had planned to put in more miles but felt it better to have another short day. I may have a touch of something as it became more diffcult to walk with any speed. Lunch did not revive me. The hike up Moxie Bald was not overly difficult but I found myself stopping frequently to rest and on the way down, I moved very slow to ensure I wouldn't slip and fall. So, here I am after having taken a nap (5 pm). I feel better, I think. We'll see.I met Patches day on his way to Monson where he will meet his Dad then walk together thru the 100 mile wilderness and summit. Seems like a super guy.Moxie Bald provided 360 views of Maine including Katahdin, 140 miles away. Ot is difficult to look and realize I walked there. The surrounding area is breathtaking with a lake that must be at least 10 miles long. The bald itself was rocky with some dead trees and lots of wild blueberries. While on top I met 2 day hikers and chatted a while. The one expressed regret that he lived so far from the trail. He would have liked to invite me home for some R&R and to meet his wife. Time to fix supper and filter water. I expect tomorrow to be much better.
Date: 2006-08-14
From: Bald Mtn Brook Lean-to

To: Pierce Pond lean-to
Miles today: 19.7
Weather: scattered clouds

The day began with a moose sighting less than a mile from the lean-to. I heard splashing and crept down the trail until I could see a cow moose crossing a small pond. Obviously she had heard me coming. I was able to get a photo of her retreat.Today's hike was easier as I felt better. The hike up Pleasant Mtn. seemed to take forever as there were 3 summits over the 4+ miles. The blueberries were delicious, as always. My main goal was to get to the PO before closing time at 3:45 then to take the canoe ferry across the Kennebunk River before Steve quits for the day at 4.The postmistress was the nicest I've met since being on the trail. Too bad she can't go to Port Clinton, PA and train that lady. While at the PO, I met Bear Bear who is leaving the trail as the stress fracture he's been nursing since TN is getting the best of him. We exchanged trail news while I repacked my food bag. We then walked to the river where I met Steve Longly, the ferryman. It was a short trip by canoe to the opposite shore where two hikeres were waiting to continue their northward journey.It was a fast and easy 3.7 miles to the shelter where I met MOAT (man of all trades) and Uber-Dude and his dog, Soren. Uber is determined NOT to take the ferry across the river. I wish him well.The lean-to deserves a mention. It is tucked down near the shore of Pierce Pond (really a lake) and as one lies in the lean-to there is a wonderful view across the lake. I apparently arrived too late to see the moose and calf swim across.Tim Harrison stopped by and chatted. He has cabins nearby and is locally famous for his 12 pancake breakfast. For $6 you get 12 apple, bluebery and raspberry pancakes with juice and tea or coffee. Eggs and sausage/bacon are also available. He was taking reservations as well as chatting. The guys decided to go in the morning I elected not for a couple of reasons. First, it would add 1/2 mile to my day and second, I just received my maildrop and had too many breakfasts anyway. Extra weight, you know.It did rain in the night and wasn't so cool.
Date: 2006-08-15
From: Pierce Pond lean-to

To: Little Bigelow Lean-to
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Quiet day hiking. Saw 7 Nobos in addition to the 9 Boy Scouts who came into West Carry Pond Lean-to where I had stopped for lunch and with the intention of staying a couple of hours. As the Scouts intended to stay overnight and tomorrow, I moved on to this shelter.Earlier I chanced to hear then see a bull moose in the woods. No good camera shot. As I put the camera away, a cow moose broke out of the trees and rn down the trail, veering off to the left after which, she turned and crossed the trail again and ran off thru the trees. She had only been about 100 feet in front of me.I saw Mummy Toes today! I last saw him in TN near Greasy Creek Gap. You may recall he had to get off the trail in Hot Springs with really bad feet, hence the name. He should summit in less than 10 days. Today he was focused on reaching a hostel in Caratunk as he had a second job interview for a birding opening in the south. Good luck to him.This shelter is 1/2 way up Little Bigelow Mtn. Quite breezy and has a fair share of mosquitoes. Currently I am alone here. We'll see if that lasts.Last night my water filter broke. Luckily, I have some iodine tabs I picked up out of a hiker box for back-up. I'll see what cam be found in Stratton.Time for dinner. Bye for now.
Date: 2006-08-16
From: Little Bigelow Lean-to

To: Stratton, ME
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: light rain

The day began with a climb up Little Bigelow Mtn. That was never ending and made worse by my bad attitude. I didn't want to climb and there was nothing to do but climb--for HOURS! I just wanted to go home. The whole day was colored by the go home mode. I decided since there was a mail drop in Stratton I would check into the hostel and use the internet to find the cheapest way home.Avery Peak had a structure on top, above the treeline and fabulous views as did its sister peak, West peak. It was windy and hazy but breathtaking. The steep climbs up and down were truly not bad.I met 7 Nobo hikers and 3 day trippers. One of the day folks's boot sole was coming off and he had used moleskin to try and hold it together. I volunteered some duct tape for the repair and we talked some. They have vowed not to leave home without duct tape in the future.The hitch into Stratton was said to be difficult. Sue picked me up. She was the second car to pass. I'm staying at the hostel at Stratton Motel. It is nice and clean with free internet service and free long distance phone service (US only). It also has real beds instead of plywood bunks with no mattresses as is sometimes the case. The owner is not here so I make myself at home. I'm the only one here in the hostel. Mark and Twain (His name is Tom Sawyer) are staying in the motel section so we talk until the normal hiker bedtime of 8 pm. I talked with Jim and my sisters and they all encouraged me to continue my hike as ther is just less than 700 miles to complete, less than 1/3 left to hike. I'll sleep on it and decide tomorrow.
Date: 2006-08-17
From: Stratton, ME

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

I dithered around this morning with laundry, mail and such. I will continue hiking. After most of the morning I decided to stay here another night to rest up, talk with other hikers and finish adjusting my attitude.Funny thing, I mailed a package to myself here from Monson, ME last Saturday and it hasn't arrived. The package Jim Mailed from Ky on Monday was waiting. Never can tell.I ordered a new water filter today and some chemical treatment as well. My filter broke a couple days ago and my treatment options are low right now. I should be ok until my package arrives a few towns away. Some folks don't treat their water at all, some use chlorine, some use iodine and some filter. In y opinion, filtering gives the best taste.It is 3:30 now and there are 6 other hikers here, all Nobos. We will undoubtably exchange trail condition info as the day moves on. My plan is to be back on the trail about 7 am.
Date: 2006-08-18
From: Stratton, ME

To: Spaulding Mtn. Lean-to
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: broken clouds

Don, the hostel owner, took Don Quixote and me to the trail at 7 am. Don Q. asked me just before we got to the trail if I would be OK. He was referring to my staying on the trail. I told him I would be fine. Trail folk are very caring.Not long after beginning to hike I met Salt and her dog Pepper. She volunteered the info that all the trail is doable as long as I adjusted the speed. She apparently had folks tell her that neither she or her dog could make it.I stopped for lunch just before the climbup Sugarloaf Mtn. To my surprise I hear a car pull up and stop. Then I hear a woman singing. She was startled to see me and said she comes out here to practice lines for plays and has never seen anyone before. She headed up te mountain singing. On the way down she said she was in "Beauty & the Beast" and they rehearse the songs independently of the choreography. Singing while hiking was her way of preparing for the combination. Today I met a total of 5 thru hikers and 4 day hikers. I shared the shelter with Kelly and Craig, a young couple celebrating Craig's 30 b-day with a week hike.