morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-09-14
From: Long Pond Stream Lean-To

To: Chairback Gap Lean-To
Miles today: 10.9
Weather: overcast clouds

I'm sending a great big hug and kiss to my brother John for his birthday. If it wasn't for him this adventure would not have gone as smoothly as it did. Thanks bro.I "slept in" this morning in my tent. Yesterday was so tough on me, not arriving until 7pm last night and all, that I said there was no way I was going to be up and out early this morning.We took our time making breakfast, talking and laughing while we cooked.56 and Katouri have to summit on Saturday the 20th, so they were heading out to do 19 miles today. There were lots of teary-eyed hugs and good wishes all around. I've only known them for 3 days but have really enjoyed their company.Sparky and I left the shelter at 7:30am. We climbed 1700+ feet up Barren Mountain, then down. We climbed Fourth Mountain, then down. We climbed Third Mountain, and down. Lastly we climbed Columbus Mountain, then down.About 2 miles before the shelter, on the left down a big hill was a pond. There were splashing noises coming from below so I removed my pack, slid down the hill a little bit, and stared through the trees. Suddenly, before me was my elusive moose! I was so excited; I had waited for miles and miles for this. There were 2, but I never got to see the second one because of the trees. The cow started on one side of the pond and ate all the way across it. She would put her head under the water for 10-15 seconds and then her head would pop up, dripping wet, and she would shake or snort then do it again. I watched her for a half an hour. It was too far for picture taking, but I will always remember what a wonderful sight she was.The shelter was at the bottom of Columbus Mountain. The water source was straight down another 40'. I arrived around 4pm and immediately set out my bed and planted myself on it, putting my feet up on my backpack. It took 30 minutes for the pains in my feet to subside. While I waited a southbound weekend couple came through. John and Lisa were on their way to the pond where I had seen the moose. They stopped and chatted for a while and shared with me some Milky Way bars and a huge chunk of French bread. I was hungry and dug into the bread while I went for water. I dropped the last mouthful of it into the water source, but not wanting to lose any of it, snatched it back, shook it off and popped it into my mouth. Delicious! Thanks guys, I hope your hike was wonderful.I'm here with: Sparky, Baby Steps, Found, Vagabond, Disco and Glide, and Timber the section hiker.Tomorrow was originally going to be an 18 mile day, but after the last 2 days, I told myself, "Let's be realistic". So the new plan is to cut that into 2 days of about 10 miles each. I have plenty of food for an extra day.It's important that I arrive at Katahdin with enough energy to still climb up!
Date: 2003-09-15
From: Chairback Gap Lean-To

To: Carl A. Newhall Lean-To
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: clear sky

I awakened early in a shelter full of sleeping hikers. The view from my sleeping bag was of the woods, turned red and yellow by the cool Maine nights, framed in logs and hanging food bags. I laid quietly taking it all in, working hard to remember the feel of sleeping in a shelter. I may have to build one of these on our property, close to the creek of course, because those nights spent by rushing water have always been my favorite.Breakfast this morning was Mountain House scrambled eggs and bacon, given to me by Karen after our Mt. Washington hike, and I thought of her while I ate. (Karen, the sweet and sour pork was really good too!)Baby Steps, Found and Vagabond were the 1st out of the shelter. Baby Steps Dad was meeting them at the logging road 4 miles up the trail to re-supply and collect trash.Sparky and I left at 7:30, stopping again at the spring for water before heading north. We climbed the rest of Chairback Mountain, crossed the logging road where Disco, Glide and Sparky stopped to eat. We were only a half mile from the West Branch of Pleasant River, so I decided to go there before eating. That way I could ford the river then dangle my feet while I ate and waited for the others. The north bank was in the sun so I removed my boots and socks and waded across. Due to the lack of rain for the last several weeks, the water only came to the middle of my calves, but boy did it feel good. The temperature in the sun was already 80 at 10am.I sat on a large rock to eat my peanut butter and crackers while my feet bathed in the cool water. I wish we had a fording everyday about this time, it really helps my feet.After the river we had a 1000' gradual climb up for 5 miles to the shelter. Sparky and Baby Steps, along with her Dad branched off onto the Gulf Hagus Trail to see the waterfalls. Sparky went a short way then back-tracked to the AT. Baby Steps will meet us at the shelter later.The trail followed alongside the Gulf Hagus Brook for the rest of the hike to the shelter. There were occasional falls and pools and the sound alone was very soothing. I had the feeling for the first time this afternoon that we really are in a wilderness.I arrived at the shelter with Disco and Glide at 2pm. I am trying to trick my feet into thinking that they are getting a zero day to rest, even though this is the 7th day I've hiked and there are 2 more before I will break at the White House Landing.With me in the shelter are: Sparky, Disco, Glide, Gator and Baby Steps. Tenting or tarping are: 2 Step and Swift Sandle, Scotsman, Sprite, Jug and Bern, The Beaver, and others. Just about everyone plans on a Saturday the 20th summit.My body seems to be saying, "OK, enough already". I don't seem to have any more reserves. I'm always tired, always sore, most often in pain with every step, and it's still worth it.
Date: 2003-09-16
From: Carl A. Newhall Lean-To

To: East Branch Lean-To
Miles today: 10.8

The rain that was predicted for tonight actually came last night. We were disappointed because we had wanted to get over Gulf Hagas, West Peak, Hay Mt. and White Cap (our next to last mountain before Katahdin) while the rocks were still dry.It was sprinkling when I left the shelter at 7:40am and didn't start raining in earnest until I reached the exposed half mile section of the trail at the summit of White Cap Mountain.The wind was gusting to 40 mph and the rain was whipping sideways against me so I moved as quickly as I could and still hiked safely on the rocks. Once over the exposure and back into the trees I couldn't feel the cold any longer on my bare legs.About 8 miles into my hike I stopped for lunch and to dry out a bit at Logan Brook Shelter. Goat, Disco and Glide were there when I arrived. Sparky, Baby Steps, Odwalla, Burn, and Sprite came in soon after. I wrapped my fleece pull-over around my legs and ate my peanut butter and crackers while the rain poured down outside.It was only 3.6 miles more to my destination, so I bit the bullet and headed back out into the rain. It took me 15 minutes of hiking to warm up. The trail was relatively flat and pleasant for the short hike to East Branch Lean-To. I was able to cover the 3.6 miles in an hour and 20 minutes, my best time since before the White Mountains in New Hampshire.The water source for the shelter is the East Branch of the Pleasant River. Immediately next to the water source is a beaver dam, so needless to say everyone has been especially careful about treating their water.With me on this rainy night are: Midway, Odwalla, Baby Steps, Sparky, and TC with his son, Stewart. Tenting are Stowcliff and his wife.A 16 mile day is planned for tomorrow. We are expecting sun for the next 2 days then rain for Saturday.I hope Jack is working on getting Justin OUT of Virginia Beach before the hurricane hits!!
Date: 2003-09-17
From: East Branch Lean-To

To: Antler's Campsite
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: clear sky

Baby Steps, Sparky and I were up and out of the shelter by 7:15 this morning.The rain had stopped before we went to sleep last night and stars filled the sky over our heads. It is dark by 7pm now, so bedtime has been moved up accordingly.Just .3 miles into our hike, we had to remove boots and socks for a small river fording. The next several miles consisted of climbing up and down 2 hills, then it was a clear shot for the rest of the day.Our first stop was at the Cooper Brook Falls Lean-To for lunch. This lean-to was nestled into a rocky hill with a magnificent pool of water in front of it. I do believe that this is my favorite shelter on the entire trail, and wish that I was spending the night here.Baby Steps' Dad, Dennis, was meeting her at Jo-Mary Road to re-supply and take garbage for the last time before he went home. He hiked in several miles to meet us and joined us for the short hike remaining to the car.As a surprise, he grilled steaks and made roasted potatoes and carrots. While he cooked we snacked on apple wedges with cheese and crackers. What a delightful meal we had while we sat and chatted for an hour. We even had coffee afterward! Thank you Dennis, it was a great meal.Our last miles were covered quickly and happily. The forest floor is now covered with red and yellow leaves and the air smells like autumn. My favorite time of the year is now and my favorite place to be is outside.We arrived at the Antlers Campsite on Lower Jo-Mary Lake by 4:15. Baby Steps and I set up our tents on a peninsula, Sparky, being tentless, set up her ground cloth and sleeping bag between us. The water surrounded us on 3 sides. We took our food bags the 30' to the lake and ate our dinners as the sun went down. I went back to the tent for something, just in time to foil a red squirrel's escape with a Snickers bar from Baby Steps food bag. It was light enough to run with, but too heavy to climb!Pace joined us just in time to eat, then made camp close to ours. I'm happy that I had the chance to see him again before I went home.The privy here is the best! Called Fort Relief, it's a small log structure with 2 windows, curtains included, and an antique wooden door with a glass door knob. Inside is a small table and basin. On the table is the campsite register and a pen so you can "relax" while you wait.The sky is filled with stars, the loons are calling, and my heart is happy. I've come full circle, here in the woods. When I left home there was 6" of snow on the ground in Pennsylvania and no leaves on the trees in Georgia. I've watched the trees leaf out, the time turn ahead an hour, flowers bloom, fawns grow, and now the leaves are changing to yellow, red, and orange while I continue to walk north. What a very special year this has been.I'll go home to a closet full of winter clothes, the same clothes that I was wearing when I left, and will be able to put them right on. That is if there's anything that still fits.
Date: 2003-09-18
From: Antler's Campsite

To: White House Landing
Miles today: 7.4

I awakened in the middle of the night to a bright light in my tent. The trees outside my tent were illuminated on their east side. I knew the moon would be beautiful and opened my tent to see it. I wasn't disappointed. The bright, white half-moon was high in the sky over the pond and it was lighting up the water and everything around it. I enjoyed the view for a bit, then returned to my warm sleeping bag until dawn.At 5:45am we crawled from our bags and quietly sat by the pond waiting for sunrise. I pulled my sleeping bag along with me and wrapped it around my still warm body while I waited for the pink along the horizon to deliver us another warm golden orb.Sparky and I moved on at 7, Babysteps stayed behind to dry out her tent. She was meeting a friend at Abol Bridge in several days and Sparky and I were detouring to the White House Landing for the night.There is a beach along the Pemadumcook Lake where we had our first sighting of Katahdin. Majestically, it stood, staring down while we sat on a large rock and contemplated what we had done, and what was to come.While we were there, who was to come up but Circuit Rider and Sherlock. I thought that I would not get to see these guys again and that saddened me because they had become 2 of my favorites on the trail. It's funny how things happen out here; Pace, Circuit Rider and Sherlock, all showing up before I finished my adventure.We headed out again, along with Dred who had joined us at the rock.In no time we were at the dock on Pemadumcook Lake, blowing the air horn to alert Bill, from the White House Landing, who came across the lake in his motor boat along with his Chocolate Lab, Pooh Bear, to collect us, arriving minutes after Sparky sounded the horn.The first order of business was to call Jack and make sure that our son Justin had gotten out of the way of the hurricane. As it turns out, he has been at our cottage for he last week and there was nothing to worry about all along.Now, I'm prone on a sun bleached dock, being rocked by the waves while I write one of my last journal entries. There are no phones, no tvs, no electricity here on the lake. Just little cottages, lots of water, and a big sky. Oh, and most importantly my memories. Memories of six months spent on the Appalachian Trail.
Date: 2003-09-19
From: White House Landing

To: Rainbow Stream Lean-To
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: overcast clouds

I awakened to another beautiful day. The mist hung over Pemadumcook Lake and the world was quiet and peaceful. Bill and Linda open the lodge at 7:50am, breakfast is served promptly at 8. This morning we had scrambled eggs, bacon, home fries, english muffins and blueberry pancakes. It was a wonderful breakfast with great company. There was Fly and Smoothie, Sonic and Guana, Circuit Rider and Sherlock, Sparky and Hamlet. After breakfast Hamlet, Sparky and I were in the first boatload to go back across the lake to the AT. Ben, the owner's son joined us for the ride. Pooh Bear stayed back at the lodge. It was a quick, cold ride that ended on a sandy beach next to the woods. Ten minutes later we were back on the trail, again heading north. Circuit Rider and Sherlock, part of the 2nd wave of returning hikers, passed us on the trail a half hour later. Before they disappeared, I had Sparky take a picture of me with them. They will remain 2 of my favorites from this adventure. There is a full carpet of fallen leaves and conifer needles now and the smell of autumn hangs in the air, reminding us that cooler temperatures are on their way. Today I enjoyed my hike along Nahmakanta Lake, Crescent Pond, Pollywog Stream (yes, Polly, I thought of you!), and Rainbow Stream. There is so much water here in Maine, beautiful, clear, cold water. Sparky and I stopped for lunch at the Wadleigh Stream Lean-To. We only took a 40 minute break due to the chance of showers in the afternoon. We hoped to get to our destination before the rain came. The afternoon went quickly and I arrived at the shelter before 5pm. Constant Motion, Crazy Jim, Commander in Chief, and Woods were already in the shelter so I tented, leaving space for Sparky inside. Also here are: Sea Bee, Hamlet, Sonic, Guana, Fly and Smoothie. It's almost 8pm and the rain still has not come. Hopefully, if it is coming it will do so through the night, then stop in time for me to break camp in the morning.
Date: 2003-09-20
From: Rainbow Stream Lean-To

To: Abol Bridge Campground
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: light rain

I awakened at 5:45am and lounged in my tent until 6:30 when I packed my backpack with a damp sleeping bag and pad, and a soaking wet tent and fly. I would have to carry the extra weight of the water until I stopped for lunch when I'd lay everything out in the sun to dry.I ate 2 Cheerio Cereal Bars and then headed out at 7:15. The rain had stopped in the early hours of the morning but the woods were still very wet. The sun was due to shine around noon, but you just never know.I passed Sparky about a half hour into my hike, then Sea Bee a few minutes later. For 5 miles I followed the shores of Rainbow Lake. I kept expecting to see a moose, but no moose for me this morning. The lake was misty and the soft wind was blowing waves onto the rocks at shore-line.At noon I reached the Hurd Brook Lean-To, my lunch break destination for today. Already there was Rev, a late starting south bounder, recuperating from his 2nd day on the trail with blown out boots and a sore back from carrying a 70lb. pack.While I ate I was joined by: Constant Motion and her cousin, Crazy Jim, Sparky, Sea Bee, Fly, Smoothie, Sonic and Guana. We chatted and read the register. Most everyone's entries are very mellow, very reflective now.Sparky and I left for the last 3.5 miles of the 100 mile wilderness. I feel as if I'm leaving an old friend. I've loved the wilderness and would like to hike it again someday.We arrived at the campground, chose a site across from Baby Steps and her family, and were invited to join them for dinner.Baby Steps' Mom and Step dad made us hot dogs and hamburgers, homemade cookies, and lots of fresh fruit. needless to say, we ate our fill.After dinner we all walked back out to Abol Bridge. The rain had stopped, the sun as shining and we expected a good view of Katahdin; we weren't disappointed!This evening Sparky and I sat around the campfire with Baby Steps' step-brother, Keith and his friends Adam and Frank and her friends Jack and Carol. Sparky played the guitar along with Carol and.I am painfully aware of the fact that my time here is winding down. The next two days will be emotional ones for me.
Date: 2003-09-21
From: Abol Bridge Campground

To: Katahdin Stream Campground
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: scattered clouds

For me, this adventure has never been about the destination. My 25 year dream was to hike the Appalachian Trail. I didn't even know what a thru-hike was until 2 years ago when I decided it was time to go, and my research began in earnest.Since I would be turning 50 in the year that I had planned to hike, I thought it would be a good birthday present to myself to set out on a 6 month adventure up the AT. Fortunately, my husband Jack agreed.The ageing process has never bothered me, but I thought an adventure of this magnitude would prove that life certainly doesn't end at 50, and would give me a chance to think about what it was I wanted to do with my remaining years.I've met the most amazing people and experienced such positive energy here on the trail.I never did get used to being dirty, although I tried.I missed potato chips, butter and most of all my home, friends and family. I'm looking forward to going home.Next week my adventure will be over but I have my new friends, lots of pictures and of course my memories which will carry me, God willing, for another 50 years.I awakened early, dressed and went to stand on Abol Bridge and get one last look at Katahdin before leaving the campground. I went to the middle of the bridge, put my arms on the rail and rested my chin on my hands. There before me was the most majestic mountain on the trail and it looked absolutely beautiful with the morning sun shining on it. I couldn't help but cry at the sight.At 9:10 I left the campground with Team Baby Steps and went the last miles to Katahdin Stream Campground to spend my last night on the trail.
Date: 2003-10-26
To: Back In The Groove
Miles today: 0.0

"A true journey is an adventure fueled by the heart and guided by the soul"I've been working diligently these past few days to get my pictures online. I'm also putting a related picture with every journal entry. In the process, I've been reading my journals and have been flooded with the most wonderful memories. Sometines laughing, sometimes crying, I sit here and read about my adventure this year and think about all that I have learned.
Date: 2002-07-08
To: Getting started
Miles today: 0.0

Ever since I was a young girl I have been drawn to the woods. Growing up, we had several acres and our play always centered around the forest and what it had to offer. I first started thinking about hiking the Appalachian Trail after reading an article in the Philadelphia Bulletin's Sunday magazine back in the 70s. The picture on the front cover of the magazine grabbed hold of me, pulled me in and I was hooked. I knew then that someday the trail would be a part of me.Well, many years passed and in the fall of 2001 I started to think again about the AT. I am at a point in my life where I can take the time that's needed to complete an accomplishment such as this. My boys are grown, I have a part time job that I can walk away from for 6 months and it will be waiting for me when I return, and I have a husband that is willing to do what has to be done to keep the house together, the animals alive and the bills paid until I come back.My Mother instilled in me a love of people and my father taught me to love and respect nature. I only wish that they were alive to share in this wonderful experience with me. I know they would be as excited as I am at the prospect of my journey from Georgia to Maine. I'd like to thank Leif and Zipdrive for making this wonderful site available to me. My preparation has been made much easier by being able to share with like minds.         "There is a destiny that makes us brothers.                  None goes his way alone.         All that we send into the lives of others                  Comes back into our own."I welcome you all to join with me on my journey. Your thoughts and encouragements are so important so please sign my guest book or e-mail me at Journey_Georgia2Maine@msn.com
Date: 2002-07-29
To: Warren Doyle's Appalachian Trail Institute
Miles today: 0.0

I first heard about Warren Doyle's Appalachian Trail Institute on Trail Journals.It sounded like something I should do, considering that I didn't have backpacking experience and was preparing to go on the mother of all backpacking trips in the spring of 2003. I e-mailed Warren for information, signed up for the class and waited impatiently for the first week of June.The class was held at Warren's home in NC. There was a beautiful view of Stone Mountain in the distance, our hiking destination for 3 of the 5 class days. Mornings were spent at the dining room table with my 4 other classmates; Carol (Irish Gypsy), Rick, Calvin and James, soaking up what we could of Warren's knowledge of the AT. We covered every page of his "book", a must read for anyone preparing for a thru-hike, and every entry in the Data Book.My hope was to find a partner to start with in March, but the other classmates will be section hikers, so I'll keep looking.The first afternoon Warren joined us on our hike at Stone Mt. State Park. As I finished my first ever walk up a granite face, my heart was beating wildly, both from excitement and fear! The view from the top was magnificent.The second day Warren sent us off on our own. We ended up getting lost (note to self: follow the blazes!) and finished our hike with a 2 mile road walk. We were all pretty tired and embarrassed with ourselves when we finally got back to the parking lot and a waiting Warren.The next day Warren intended to make us do the same hike as the day before so we could get it right but changed his mind and we ended up going another route. We had a good time together, like old friends out for a stroll. The park is beautiful and the trails nicely tended.Evenings were spent watching AT related videos from Warren's vast collection. I couldn't stay awake for more than one each night!The fourth day we left early for Grayson Highlands State Park in Virginia where I took my first steps on the Appalachian Trail. Thanks Rick for recognizing what a special moment it was for me! We met and photographed the wild ponies, got to see magnificent rhododendrons, stopped to rest and have a snack in the shelters, and hiked over 10 miles (some of it in the pouring rain). It was a great day indeed!The last day of class after "table time" we exchanged e-mail addresses, said our goodbyes and were on our way. I spent the weekend at a friend's campground before heading home to Pennsylvania.Thank you Warren, Linda, Heather and Forrest for opening your home to us all. It was a great week.