morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-09-07
From: Pierce Pond Lean-To

To: Pleasant Pond Lean-To
Miles today: 9.7
Weather: clear sky

The symphony put on by the loon's last night was magnificent. The sunset might have been the best in these last four months.Alleghany and I headed out early as usual, with a short 3+ miles to reach the Kennebeck River for the 9 to 11am canoe/ferry crossing, we could have an easy pace. In the past, fording the Kennebeck was part of the hike until a hiker drowned when the water rose too quickly for the individual. Upstream is a dam that does water releases periodically without warning. Since then, a ferry-person and a canoe have been the official way to cross. The canoe has a white blaze painted on it for the purest. Steve Longley arrived on the other side at nine and came across to pick us up. It was a fun and uneventful crossing.We headed down the road for a big breakfast just a few miles away. And then a resupply for the two more nights out that it'll take to reach Monson¢¦my last mail drop. Monson is the last town before we enter the Hundred Mile Wilderness. It's one of the most remote areas of Maine and obviously the AT. When we come out of it, we're at the foot of Mt. Katahdin in Baxter State Park. But there will be more on that as it comes. After tonight, there are only eight more days till we summit¢¦according to our plan. Everything is becoming more quiet, more calm. I wonder if this is the lull before the storm, I'm wondering if the AT wants to give us one more big day of drama?The forecast is calling for several days of rain, thanks to the remnants of Hurricane Francis. This complicates things since the remaining mileage of 145.5 miles has many river fords. Well, we'll hope for low calm water and tall wide rocks for those. I'd cross my fingers on that if it didn't make holding my hiking poles so difficult.
Date: 2004-09-09
From: Horseshoe Canyon Lean-To

To: Monson, ME
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: light rain

Thanks to the remnants of Hurricane Francis, The Appalachian Trail was a sloppy, muddy, mushy mess. Any hope of keeping dry shoes and socks today would be futile. Heck, whom I kidding, after yesterdays numerous river fords my shoes weren't even close to dry. And today's hike into Monson would see more of that. So we slogged our way north getting ever closer to Mt. Katahdin. However, between Monson and Katahdin is the gulf of woods called the Hundred Mile Wilderness.By the time the trail came out of the woods to ME15, the rain was relentless. The wind had come up and temperatures had dropped¢¦this is not a favorable scenario for staying warm. After twenty cars drove by without even slowing, I figured I'd better start walking the 3.5 miles towards town. At least that'll keep me warm. Alleghany emerged from the woods about twenty minutes later and got a hitch instantly. So, he and the trailmagic couple who picked him up was pulling over to save me from the rain and the rest of the road walk.Soggy and chilled, we got dropped off at the house of The Pie Lady. It's a guesthouse of some tradition; of course her pies are the main draw. I went to the Post Office to pick up Box #27. Box #27 is the last maildrop. Box#1 was four months earlier back in Georgia. Wow, that was so so long ago. Was that this year? When you walk every day for hours and hours across a significant portion of this country, you tend to have full, rich in texture days.My goal in Monson was simple. Eat a whole apple pie. Mission accomplished I'm happy to say. But heading into the Hundred Mile Wilderness means no town stops or food drops, as a result I have to carry a lot more food than normal. In fact, it won't all fit into my two food bags, a small dilemma. The plan for Alleghany and I is to cross this section in bigger mileage days that will have us out five nights and arriving at the foot of Mt. Katahdin around lunchtime on the sixth day¢¦most likely with empty food bags. Tomorrow morning I head out on the last chapter of this unbelievable adventure. This next week will be a journey within the journey I think?To complicate it all, it seems I've caught a bit of a cold. Gee, I wonder how doing 21.5 miles with a chest cold is going to feel?
Date: 2004-09-10
From: Monson, ME

To: Long Pond Stream Lean-To
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Jumpin'-Gee-Hawsa-Fat!I've had wet days, but this was ridiculous. You know all that rain I mentioned from the remnants of Hurricane Francis? Well, it sure turned our river fords into some high drama for day one of the Hundred Mile Wilderness.We had three thigh-high, 10 mph current crossings and two waist-high even faster current crossings. I must have spent or should I say wasted two hours easy on trying to just find the safest place to attempt the ford. At some points it was crazy and frustrating and exciting and dangerous. The roar of the rapids was so loud and violent, it all had everyone on edge. With the dilemma of where to cross river #1, other hikers had come up on Alleghany and I. Those hikers said they came out to hike the AT, not to kill themselves. One of them suggested that we backtrack on the logging roads and rejoin the AT on the other side. It was the only way and so off we set on a multiple mile detour that brought us eventually back around to the other side of the river and AT again. I'd find out later that other hikers who didn't think of our plan, ended up camping and waiting at that river for over a day waiting for the rapids to stop raging.If all that wasn't nutty enough, the second river couldn't be crossed either, but Alleghany, in our divide and scout upstream and downstream, came across an old dilapidated wreak of a bridge. I mean this thing was right out of an Indiana Jones movie. It didn't go all the way across but the cables were in place, so it was quite ¢iffy,¢ but our best bet. I went first using one side of the cable, then when the bridge ran out, crossing over to the other cable for the last tightrope walk over the roaring river and a successful traverse. After we made it across that obstacle, I mean bridge; I started humming the theme song to Raiders of the Lost Arc.The Hundred Mile Wilderness was putting on a great show for our first day. It was the longest 15.1 miles I've done since¢¦well, since ever. We made it into the shelter just at sunset after 3 more swollen river fords. It was a very full, harrowing day. It was a day Hollywood has tried to bring us in countless movies, only this wasn't a movie.My head cold has bloomed throughout all this. Of course, wearing wet soaks and pants and everything with a chilled wind is maybe not the best treatment¢¦but I could be wrong on that? Unfortunately, there are not too many beds out here and mothers willing to make you chicken soup.
Date: 2004-09-11
From: Long Pond Stream Lean-To

To: Carl Newhall Lean-'To
Miles today: 20.8
Weather: clear sky

Carrying 30 lbs on your back for 20 miles has never been easy, but doing it in Maine's wilderness terrain and there isn't any part of you that's not totally spent. Actually, at 19 miles I was totally spent, the last 1.8 miles I was the walking dead. But let's not dwell on the difficulty when there's something uplifting to share. On the summit of Chairback Mountain, we got our first, positive look of Mt. Katahdin. Unlike before when we weren't exactly sure, today left no doubt.Tonight, here in the shelter, the ¢Greatest Mountain¢ known by the Native Americans is a mere 78.6 miles away. In these last two days we've covered a full third of the Hundred Mile Wilderness. And although the day started with a very chilly morning, we were blessed with mid-70's and bright blue sky's that went on and on. We had another river ford this afternoon only this one didn't hold the peril of yesterdays five. Alleghany and I were discussing how those crossings were the most dangerous, life threatening, challenge of the entire journey. Normally routine, the excessive rain from Francis and all the other rains before hand had those rivers out of control. It was a day that won't be forgotten easily. Maybe they were the AT's last hurrah? That last bit of drama to wake us up and not let us forget the journey. But I can assure you that won't ever be at issue.My cold, thanks to heavy dosages of medicine is a tad better or at least that's what I'm telling myself. The 20.8 miles weren't a lung or shortness of breath issue, it was just exhaustingly awkward footing that went on the whole day. Another cold night, using my silk sleeping bag liner to warm up the mummy as well as wearing my clothes. BurrrrWith today being the anniversary of the 9-11 attack, it makes me more appreciative that I'm on this journey. One should not postpone life if they can help it, because anything can happen as we all learned. Being here has made more aware of life than at any other time. This is a time more than any other to count what we have rather than what we have not. To keep those we love close and seek out the brighter side of life. Some run-away to the Appalachian Trail while others are running to something. Whichever the motive, it affords you vast amounts of time for introspection or prayer or rejuvenation. Would I recommend a Thru-hike to someone else? Yes, no, maybe. A Thru-hike is a deeply personal experience and so should be a personal decision. Has it been good for me? Most definitely. Hopefully this journal will help others make the decision that would be best for them.
Date: 2004-09-12
From: Carl Newhall Lean-'To

To: Cooper Brook Lean-To
Miles today: 18.9

Day three in the Hundred Mile Wilderness. It started with a four-peak ascent over White Cap Mountain. Of course they named each peak as if each was a mountain. The real show comes when you reach peak #4, White Cap. That's when you really see it. There before us was a close view of Mt. Katahdin, if you call 60 miles close? It's huge. This was the first look where nothing was in front; Katahdin rises up 5200+ feet with nothing else around it. It was the only summit touching the clouds. So powerful. So majestic. Our guidebooks say we are now only 59.7 miles from the summit. It also says we walked through 2100 miles today as the mileage counter says there on the journal.Tomorrow looks promising despite a planned 21.5-mile day. The profile maps show ¢flat¢ terrain with no significant climbs. When I say ¢flat,¢ what I mean is ¢mostly¢ ¢¦nothing is really flat out here.The annoying head cold seemed to bother me more today for some reason, but I think the medications are winning. Good thing. Here a Cooper Brook Lean-To, we're right on the brook and its loud waterfall. Should be warmer here being down low and by the water? I've been freezing my Mahoosuc's off the last two mornings.
Date: 2004-09-13
From: Cooper Brook Lean-To

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

I woke to hearing a wild-hair idea from Alleghany to hike farther than the 21.5 miles planned. It seems some 14 miles ahead of us is a large pond with a lodge that serves gigantic burgers if you're willing to take the near 3 mile round trip detour.¢Jeeze Alleghany, if 21.5 miles isn't far enough for you, how 'bout carrying my pack too?¢He just smiled his wry little smile fully knowing he'd wear me down into taking the detour before we got there. Normally, when we head out in the morning, he sets out at a 2.4 mph pace, but this morning with the promise of a Ginormous burger on the horizon, he was blazing a 3.3 mph pace. (Got to respect a hiker who loves his food!)Miraculously, the awkward Maine terrain gave way to gently, smooth, meandering trail. By the hour of 12 noon, we had 14 miles behind us and the detour to fantasy foodland at our doorstep. Off we went, hearing the sizzle of burgers like the Sirens of the sea.This hiker paradise in the Hundred Mile Wilderness is a relatively new tradition, and certain eroding ¢the wilderness¢ component of this section. It's called White House Landing and we've been hearing about it for months. The detour led us through the woods to a dock on the pond and note that said to use the air horn that dangled from the pole. We did.To our amazement, we saw someone across the water walk down to a boat and head over to pick us up. I was still in a little disbelief at all this. Hellos were exchanged and off we went back across to the lodge where no sooner did we walk in that a ONE POUND burger was put on the grill. This nirvana, this oasis had it all. A frig with sodas and brownies the size of Texas. Yep, had one of those too. Some hikers stay the night to get the full royal treatment of White House, but our plan called for a five day passage of the Wilderness, so at 1:30, we were ferried back across the pond full and happy.It was a great break and we sure could use the calories. In no time we made it to the Wadleigh Lean-To. It was one of those days that make you smile deep down inside. Of course, it could have been that pound of burger? The only bummer of the day was figuring out where my burger went. One moment I was grabbing on to it, the next moment it seemed to have vanished! Thru-hiker hunger is a power not to be toyed with.
Date: 2004-09-14
From: Wadleigh Stream Lean To

To: Hurd Brook Lean-To
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: clear sky

Burr, who left the refrigerator door open? I figured it was about 38 degrees this morning. Just couldn't get warm in the mummy. I kept waking up through the night putting more clothes on. First gloves then another jacket and then had everything zipped so tight only my nose was sticking out. And even it felt cold. Glad I'm not claustrophobic.I hate to whine, but it sure is hard to get motivated in the morning when you're an ice cube. But I did and it didn't take but five minutes before I started peeling off layers. Hiking sure warms you up fast. Regardless of the cold, 30 minutes later the view of Katahdin would warm the soul. It just keeps getting bigger and closer and more real. Big K is now an unbelievable short 18.6 miles away. What was most significant about today was my attitude, which was one of slow, no rush pace. But even when you don't try to rush, I made the 19.6 miles by 3 pm. 2100 miles of hiking tends to make you quick of foot. Tomorrow we leave the Hundred Mile Wilderness and see Katahdin from Abol Bridge, the crossing that takes us into Baxter State Park.
Date: 2004-09-15
From: Hurd Brook Lean-To

To: Katahdin Stream Campground
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: few clouds

Hello from Katahdin Stream Campground at the foot of the Greatest Mountain - Mt. Katahdin.The sun was just waking up when I headed out at 6:15 am. After a short fast hour, I emerged out of the Wilderness to a logging road that led to Abol Bridge and the camp store for coffee and supplies. But it is the bridge that's famous because it provides us with the ¢postcard¢ view of Mt. Katahdin. Once again the weather was ideal, clear endless sky's with a warm sunny forecast. What a blessing.I stood on the bridge staring in awe. The last week or so, I'd been creeping ever closer to it. It went from being a horizon to the massive edifice that rose from the Earth before me. Once only known as a word, now¢¦tomorrow, it would be a bigger than life end to the grandest of adventures. As Alleghany and I entered Baxter State Park we were a bundle of giggles and pride. This hike for me has made me the most joyful I can ever remember. It has brought a childlike glee in seeing and experiencing simple things. Each day brought new challenges and new reasons to smile. It deepened my faith and vanquished my lingering mental baggage. Now, more than ever, my stride has a bounce. Standing there on that bridge looking at that breathtaking monster, it seemed impossible to grasp it all. I'm amazed at my own athleticism, my ability to climb and descend ridiculously rugged terrain. From fording raging rivers to balancing over bog walks and rock hopping and moving from root to tree to whatever. A new level of ability has emerged. Facing the anxiety of the dangerous and or the harshness of weather has given me a greater respect for the power of this land.Standing there was surreal in ways and a hard earned reward in others. Each State ask us to master a different aspect of the trail, each in turn prepared us for the next phase of difficulty. Tomorrow is the culmination of all that's been learned. Tomorrow I climb the Greatest Mountain and drop my small stone I picked up at Springer Mountain, Georgia some four and a half months ago on the summit cairn. The stone has traveled far. My heart and head have traveled further. I think the distance is the most difficult part to comprehend as opposed to the time investment. I have a greater understanding about the size of our land and the size of our planet. Some say, ¢It's a small world.¢ Yes, unless you walk it. Tomorrow I walk the shortest distance of the entire journey, only 5.2 miles to the summit of Mt. Katahdin. The journey will officially be over, but I think it's safe to say the memories of this adventure will not.
Date: 2004-09-16
From: Katahdin Stream Campground

To: Summit of Mt. Katahdin
Miles today: 5.2
Weather: broken clouds

Was today to be a bigger day than that starting one down in Georgia? It certainly didn't hold as much complication. Today held purity, one long climb to a sign that symbolizes the completion of one of this worlds single greatest individual achievements.Surprisingly, I was able to sleep, but when I woke, I could feel a building rumble of enthusiasm inside.I packed up my gear for what would be my last time. The pack wouldn't weigh its full weight since carrying loads of food wouldn't be necessary, nor carrying my tent. An abbreviated load, mostly foul weather gear and lunch. One must still be prepared as a Thru-hiker.Months ago I was heard saying repeatedly that I'd make it to Maine and Mt. Katahdin if I continued to enjoy the journey. And enjoy it I have. Individuals had been heading up since sunrise; we weren't feeling any urgency to hustle. At the trailhead was a clipboard, which required us to sign in, later to sign out for safety reasons. From this location, the summit was shrouded in cloud cover, but there were patches of blue around. I signed in ¢Postcard¢ and glanced at my watch; it read 7:20 am. Alleghany and I moved out with a handshake. We'd see each other at the top. What happened next is still puzzling.I moved out ahead at a pace that felt comfortable and came upon others who had started earlier. By the time the trail turned vertical into steep rock scrambling, many were behind me. I seemed to be powering my way up. A fact I wasn't aware of.At a mile from the summit, the entire cloud cover cleared, that's when I saw the sign at the top. The closer I got the faster I went until the last steps slowed to near non-motion. I reached out with both arms to embrace the sign and rested my face against it. The puzzling part was the complete absence of time. What seemed like 45 minutes was in reality two hours and forty-five minutes. Where had that time gone?I posed for several pictures and sat down to gaze not at the above cloud views and all the grandeur, but at the Katahdin-Northern Terminus AT sign. I wish I could say I was fully aware of the moment, but I wasn't. Despite being above the clouds, my heart and head were in a fog.For me, reaching several landmarks along the way held as much significance. Reaching Harpers Ferry left me walking on air with pride. Making the Maine Stateline nearly brought me to tears of joy. Although my heart was filled with pride and jubilation, it was more of a silent version of them. I rested and reached for lunch and the arrival of Alleghany, which would happen nearly an hour later. When he arrived, he shouted out a rebel yell and everyone applauded his achievement.Only now, days later, do I know what was happening to me. I didn't want it to be over. Yes, I wanted to reach the end, but it also ended my recent way of life, which had given me so much joy. My ¢job¢ was now over. The simplicity I'd known for four and a half months, over. Adjustments to the normal world will undoubtedly be normal and I'll write about those soon. But for now, just three words seem to capture it all. I did it.
Date: 2004-10-03
From: Summit of Mt. Katahdin

To: Limbo-Land
Miles today: 0.0

Where do hiking shoes go after successfully guiding one from Georgia to Maine? Mine got retired and turned into conversation pieces. They were good to me, despite the 17 falls that found me during the 2,174.1-mile adventure. I forgive them.My shoe of choice was a low Lowa hiking shoe. I had absolutely no blister problems or even foot ache. I used Dr. Scholls gels underneath my Superfeet custom foot beds with Smartwool liners and Dahlgren's Backpacker sock. Can't recommend them enough¢¦especially since no break-in time was needed. But do it anyway.As you can see, it took three pair to make it. The first pair lasted 600 miles. The second, a 1000 miles and the third pair fell apart after 250 miles, but the treads remained sticky on the rocks so I ended up wearing them the last 600 miles. I didn't replace them on whether their seams fell apart, but if they lost their grip.It has only been two+ weeks since I stood atop Mt. Katahdin although it feels like ages ago. The following morning after I finished some of the realities started to sink in on all that had taken place. As we packed up my car there in Millinocket, my folks needed this that or the other thing for the road trip back towards Philadelphia. It seems in their heads the journey couldn't begin without certain provisions for the ice chest, so off to the grocery store we went. That's what started the bubbling feelings to rise out of me. By the time they returned and everything was loaded, my eyes filled with tears and my heart with anxiety. At that moment I realized how wonderful the simplicity of hiking the Appalachian Trail truly was¢¦to be cherished. It takes a lot of energy to orchestrate life, its that energy or complication that makes me sad to have to re-enter the normal world. The simplicity of life on the trail is what is most desirable. Only while you're out there you may not know it. So instead of welling up at the Katahdin sign I chose the parking lot of a grocery store. Yea, nutty, I agree. And far from manly.There have been other adjustments... I've been keeping a list on which I'll now share: 1) A constant need for fresh air. 2) Answering to my real name. 3) Remembering to use deodorant. 4) That my wallet no longer has to be a ziplock. 5) Forcing myself to put on different clothes each day. Which leads me to #6) Getting used to the fact I now have a waist smaller than when I was in high school. 7) That I can now use more than three squares of toilet paper at a time. 8) To stop looking at deli's and grocery stores with the mindset of resupply. 9) An astonishment at the impatience of so many behind the wheels of their cars. 10) Puzzled how all my expensive dress shoes became short, narrow and tight while I was away? 11) And certainly not least, Anxiously looking forward to the day when I can feel all of my big toes again.
Date: 2004-01-26
To: Springer Mountain
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I am beginning the first of my written commitments in this journal in order to share my thoughts and experiences with family, friends, and other trail wanderers. As I chart my progress I hope it informs some, inspires others, and serves as a record for this part of my life. Like many others, I am looking for change, knowledge, adventure, and to find a little more about myself as I begin to drift away from the business world. It is the beginning of a new personal journey. It¢s for this reason I have chosen my own trail name.It is because I am on a-
Date: 2004-01-27
To: Springer Mountain
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

My journey on the AT first began 15 years ago when I first planned to hike on the trail. I thought I was ready to go to Springer but family matters prevented me from leaving at that time. So, after working for another 15 years and running a marathon in all the states, I am again seeking that intangible time and event.I am back to the-