morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-08-02
From: East B Hill Road (Tenting)

To: Unnamed Campsite Near Bemis Mountain (Tenting)
Miles today: 17.1

Day 154, August 2, 2014 Today started out with a minor mishap. I had just started walking when I felt water running down the back of my pants. My water bladder had sprung a leak. Thankfully the only thing that got wet was my tent. I was mostly worried about my sleeping bag. It was fine. Whew. Another good day on the trail. I had a three big climbs today up Wyman Mountain, Moody Mountain and Old Blue Mountain. None of those huge huge slabs of rock or big ledges. A few ladders and rebar. Today we actually had handrails at one point. I was really impressed with some of the stone work going up Old Blue. That trail crew is pretty impressive. Tomorrow we will have a shorter day. So I think Coop and I just might sleep in. On to Katahdin, Cowgirl and Cooper Hiked today: 17.1 Completed: 1945.5 Remaining: 239.8 Start Point: East B Hill Road End point: Unnamed Campsite Near Bemis Mountain (Tenting) States Completed: 13 GA (76.4), NC (95.5), TN (287.9), VA (550.3), WV (4), MD (40.9), PA (229.6), NJ (72.2), NY (88.4), CT (51.6), MA (90.2), VT (149.9), NH (160.9), States Remaining: 1 ME (281.4), (6 photos)
Date: 2014-08-03
From: Unnamed Campsite Near Bemis Mountain (Tenting)

To: ME 17 (Motel)
Miles today: 6.2

Day 155, August 3, 2014 Coop and I did snooze a little later than usual. But I was restless. I knew today at the road intersection I would see Jeanne and Cyndee. I figured they would not be there until late afternoon but regardless I wanted to get there. I was so super excited. I only had a few miles today with no huge climbs. At the top of Bermis Mpintain I met Mav. He was a SOBO who had heard all about Cooper three weeks ago from Professor Turtle. That was cool. Maine's mountain tops are story book beautiful. Just don't step off the trail, mud awaits!!!!!! Jeanne and Cyndee got to the roundvue point about five. The gave me big hugs from themselves and then everyone back in Utah. I hugged back. Then we headed to the motel where we sat out on the back porch, overlooking a lake and we chatted it up all evening. Cyndee is cracking me up. She is all amped up about bears and moose attacking her. I have tried to convince her that we will be lucky to see a bear or moose. But regardless these are fair concerns. I think once she gets out walking all these fears will be quelled and it will be rocks, mud and tree roots that scare her We failed on laundry. So tomorrow I wear stinky dirty clothes. But did score on some food. Yum! The evening went way to fast. As usual. At least I have more days with them. On to Katahdin, Cowgirl and Cooper Hiked today: 6.2 Completed: 1951.7 Remaining: 233.6 Start Point: Unnamed Campsite Near Bemis Mountain End point: ME 17 (Motel) States Completed: 13 GA (76.4), NC (95.5), TN (287.9), VA (550.3), WV (4), MD (40.9), PA (229.6), NJ (72.2), NY (88.4), CT (51.6), MA (90.2), VT (149.9), NH (160.9), States Remaining: 1 ME (281.4), (6 photos)
Date: 2014-08-04
From: ME 17 (Motel)

To: ME 17 (Motel)
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Day 156, August 4, 2014 Today was a weird day. We woke up to HORRIBLE weather. We vasilated on what to do. Finally we decided to zero, geocache, and eat local food. We had a ball geochaching. We went to five. Cyndee found them all and was NOT humble (Jer Jr). LOL. Regardless I have a Maine souvenir. We then went to Tale Tails to eat. Oh it was so very yummy. I thought of Mom. Three weeks and she gets to savor this yumminess. U-Haul and Dozer are in the room next to us. I invited them to stay with us tomorrow. How can I really ever repay their kindness? I can't. Story of my life. On to Katahdin, Cowgirl and Cooper Hiked today: 0.0 Completed: 1951.7 Remaining: 233.6 Start Point:ME 17 End point: ME 17 (Motel) States Completed: 13 GA (76.4), NC (95.5), TN (287.9), VA (550.3), WV (4), MD (40.9), PA (229.6), NJ (72.2), NY (88.4), CT (51.6), MA (90.2), VT (149.9), NH (160.9), States Remaining: 1 ME (281.4), (14 photos)
Date: 2014-08-05
From: ME 17 (Motel)

To: ME 14, Rangley. (Motel)
Miles today: 13.2

Day 157, August 5, 2014Well, Jeanne and Cyndee had a full day experience on the AT. It started out with their first white blaze and then 20 steps later there was trail magic. We didn't partake, as we had just ate, but it was fun none the less. Then we hiked. About 4 miles in Cyndee says to me, "De after your first day on the trail why on earth did you get up the next day and do it again"!!?? LOL. The trail was pretty level today. But it was full of rocks, roots and mud. Oh and four ponds. Jeanne and Cyndee got to see a lean-too. Complete with a moose skull. Jeanne and Cyndee did 13.2 miles today and as I write this they are icing thier knees. They did awesome. Maine is not easy. We had left the car back at the start point. I told them before not to worry about getting back, as the trail has a way of taking care of the issues. The trail provides. Well, not ten minutes after getting to the road, a trail Angel shows up and took us all the way, over 30 miles, back to the car. He would not accept a dime. Jeanne and Cyndee now have a better understanding of how much a lift or a cold drink can mean to a hiker. They plan on trail magic'ing over the next few days. Cooper was a big hit today again. People passing us on the trail just had to get a picture of him. Back at the room. Cyndee Once again pops off and says, "you know what? I would never ever ever walk the AT". On to Katahdin, Cowgirl and CooperHiked today: 13.2 Completed: 1964.9 Remaining: 220.4 Start Point:ME 17 End point: ME 14, Rangley. (Motel)States Completed: 13 GA (76.4), NC (95.5), TN (287.9), VA (550.3), WV (4), MD (40.9), PA (229.6), NJ (72.2), NY (88.4), CT (51.6), MA (90.2), VT (149.9), NH (160.9), States Remaining: 1 ME (281.4),
Date: 2014-08-06
From: ME 14, Rangley. (Motel)

To: Spaulding Mountain Lean-To (Tenting)
Miles today: 18.7
Weather: broken clouds

Day 158, August 6, 2014 Jeanne and Cyndee got me to the trail about 9 a.m. I had about a 32 mile stretch with no road intersections so I had to say good bye and spend the night in the woods. If I were a 20 something or Princess or Pint Size I could have just knocked out 32 miles in one day!! Alas, I am not. It took me two full days of waddling. It started out with a 5 mile climb up to Saddle Back Mountain. The last mile or so was treeless and beautiful. We did have rain for the better part of the morning. From Saddle back its a down hill over some fairly intense rock scrambles. The up again to the horn. Mostly over exposed land. Then down again and back up to Saddle Back JR. I notice a lot of mountains in Maine come in pairs. Then down down down again. I did have a river ford. The water was pretty low. I might have been able to jump to rocks. But that is more freaky then just walking in the water. It was late by then. During trail like today, I am still going very slow. But I wanted to get in at a fairly decent time tomorrow so I kept walking up Lone Mountain. It is hard to stealth in Maine. So wet and heavily wooded. So I waddled my way to the shelter. I came in after dark. Which I hate. I do not like bothering hikers already bedded down. I was able to find a flat spot. Coop zeroed with Jeanne and Cyndee. They went on a hydo plane ride and then over to Bar Harbor. Coop got to go eat with them at the lobster place. It was raining when they left the restaurant. So they took his lobster bib, turned it around and made a cape. I guess he was just strutting around. Sounds like he had a great day. Which makes me smile On to Katahdin, Cowgirl and Cooper Hiked today: 18.7 Completed: 1983.6 Remaining: 201.7 Start Point: ME 14, Rangley. End point: Spaulding Mountain Lean-To (Tenting) States Completed: 13 GA (76.4), NC (95.5), TN (287.9), VA (550.3), WV (4), MD (40.9), PA (229.6), NJ (72.2), NY (88.4), CT (51.6), MA (90.2), VT (149.9), NH (160.9), States Remaining: 1 ME (281.4), (5 photos)
Date: 2014-08-07
From: Spaulding Mountain Lean-To (Tenting)

To: ME 27 (Motel)
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: clear sky

Day 159, August 7, 2014 I started the day with a small climb up Spaulding Mountain. Just past that I came to a small plaque. The ATs golden spike as it were. It signified the last section of the AT to be completed by the CCC. Then it was back down again. I came to another creek that was listed as a ford but had a piece of board across it. Well, I should have just forded it. Halfway across it I realized I was having a mini anxiety attack. LOL!! Regardless I made it. Then it was up up up again to South and North Crocker Mountains. Both over 4000 feet. The climb up and down South Crocker had lots of rock scrambles. But after that it was just mud and roots and smaller rocks. I got close to the road and yelled out to Jeanne and Cyndee. They yelled back. It was so stinking happy. They had a cooler there with a trail magic sign. And had made a halo for Cooper (trail angel -hehe). Jeanne was sad because no one needed a ride today We are staying in Stratton, ME. Had a great diner and Cyndee is jonesing to go find a geocache. So I will close for today. On to Katahdin, Cowgirl and Cooper Hiked today: 13.5 Completed: 1997.1 Remaining: 188.2 Start Point: Spaulding Mountain Lean-To End point: ME 27 (Motel) States Completed: 13 GA (76.4), NC (95.5), TN (287.9), VA (550.3), WV (4), MD (40.9), PA (229.6), NJ (72.2), NY (88.4), CT (51.6), MA (90.2), VT (149.9), NH (160.9), States Remaining: 1 ME (281.4), (6 photos)
Date: 2014-08-08
From: ME 27 (Motel)

To: East Flag Staff Road (Motel)
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: broken clouds

Day 160, August 8, 2014 Another WOWWIE milestone! I hit the 2000 mile marker today!!! And, as Dorito likes to point out, via my feet I was also super blessed because, like the 1000 mark with Danny, I got to share the moment with dear friends. Had I been by myself it would have been a short sweet quick photo affair. Instead I was a friend of 18 years. Cyndee said my grin and happiness was infectious. Well, I should back up a little. I asked them to walk 3 miles in with me to hit the 2000 mile mark. After our first adventure I thought there was a better chance of pigs flying than Cyndee ever getting back on the AT. But the AT and its white blazes are addicting. So off we headed to the 2000 mile spot. Maine and its roots, rocks, and mud have taken me to the ground twice. Today Maine took Jeanne down twice within a span of 20 feet!! But she just laughed, brushed herself off and kept hiking!! I would have missed the little sign had they not been with me. We had a twenty minute photo op!! Thanks Lanny for the fun festive 2000!!!!! Exactly as it should be. Jeanne and Cyndee walked a little further with me and then bid farewell. I had a 5 mile hike up to Bigelow Mountain and Avery Peak. These are my last 4000ers (besides Katahdin) I had left. The views were amazing and knowing they were the last were for some reflection. I stopped, ate some Ritz, drank a DP and took it all in for a few minutes. Then I headed down the mountain to meet Jeanne and Cyndee at the next road intersection. When I got there they were there serving up trail magic to Phoenix and Johnny Appleseed. They said they saw a rainbow and at the end sat Jeanne and Cyndee right when they needed a little magic. They gave Jeanne and Cyndee trail names. Pot of Gold and Lucky Charms. There you have it! Then it started to pour rain. So we all headed to town, including Phoenix and Johnny Appleseed, to warm dry surroundings. Wow what a day!!! On to Katahdin, Cowgirl and Cooper Hiked today: 16.7 Completed: 2013.8 Remaining: 171.5 Start Point: ME 27 End point: East Flag Staff Road (Motel) States Completed: 13 GA (76.4), NC (95.5), TN (287.9), VA (550.3), WV (4), MD (40.9), PA (229.6), NJ (72.2), NY (88.4), CT (51.6), MA (90.2), VT (149.9), NH (160.9), States Remaining: 1 ME (281.4), ¢ with Jeanne Barton and Cyndee Bennett. (14 photos)
Date: 2014-08-09
From: East Flag Staff Road (Motel)

To: Harrison Pierce Pond Campground (Hostel)
Miles today: 16.7

Day 161, August 09, 2014 This day started at about 2 a.m. My friend April, drove up from Troy. She got out of work late (whole other story that ticks me off) and then realized the GPS took her to Canada without out a passport and her 6.5 hour drive became about 7.5 hours. While she was driving thru Canada we stuffed our faces and then went and threw down on a little karaoke. This morning they dropped me back off on the AT. The hike was so easy today I felt guilty - NOT!!! I am officially confused on how far I can waddle in a hour. Prior to the Whites it was 2 miles per hour. Now I feel uncertain about even 1 1/2 miles. Anyway, the reason I bring this up is because I estimated I would be at our rendeveaux point around 6 p.m.. I made it in just after 3 p.m.. I actually beat them to the meet up point! ! This place we are at is quaint, quiet and warm. A little later we are just sitting on the porch and Cheeseburger comes over. I met her at Tree Frog and Squirrels wedding. Guess what? The Squirrels are just down the hill!! We load up and follow Cheeseburger to see them. We get to their tent site and Squirrel is in a foul foul ugly mood! Of course I poke the bear. "Why are you being all grump old man on me"? Jeanne, Cyndee, and April had brought flavored water. At first Squirrel declines. Then he accepts. Well, you know how this turns out right?.......fifteen minutes later we are all in high spirits and Squirrel had completely forgot he spilled coffee 10 hours earlier. Today is Jeann....I mean Pot-of-Golds birthday. So we all sang her happy birthday. It was so fun we sang it again So AWESOME to see Squirrel and Tree Frog. I wanted to visit more. By then it was getting close to dark. So April herded all of us kittens home to our cute little cabin. Then we played Spades! Pot-of-Gold and Granny A won and were braggerts. I say Lucky Charm and I did great considering she's just learning and Pot-of-Gold and April have partnered up for like 500 games!! Ok I had great fun!!!!!!! On to Katahdin, Cowgirl and Cooper Hiked today: 16.7 Completed: 2030.5 Remaining: 154.8 Start Point: East Flag Staff Road End point: Harrison Pierce Pond Campground (Hostel) States Completed: 13 GA (76.4), NC (95.5), TN (287.9), VA (550.3), WV (4), MD (40.9), PA (229.6), NJ (72.2), NY (88.4), CT (51.6), MA (90.2), VT (149.9), NH (160.9), States Remaining: 1 ME (281.4), ¢ with Jeanne Barton and AD Bennett. (10 photos)
Date: 2014-08-10
From: Harrison Pierce Pond Campground (Hostel)

To: US 201 (Hostel)
Miles today: 3.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 162, August 10, 2014 We started the day with a wonderful 12 pancake breakfast prepared by the owner of Harrison Pierce Pond Camp named Tim. It was way too much. Then we just did a short section of the trail. It was a beautiful section of trail that skirted a creek the whole way. Jeanne said it was so beautiful and that it looked fake like a movie set. There is a river we had to cross named the Kennebec. It is a wide dangerous river and the ATC actually contracts a man, Hill Billy Dave, to ferry people accross. Someone lost thier life in 1985 which is why I think they have the ferry. The ferry is just a guy and a canoe. There is a white blaze in the boat. Haha great touch. He has odd hours, 9 to 11 and 2 to 4. So we couldn't really lollygag. We made it with five minutes to spare. We got back to Harrison pond before 1. That afternoon we had a BBQ. We were able to feed all of us, Squirrel, Tree Frog, Cheeseburger, Baggy, Geared Up, and Fin. Then the owner Tim fired up his keyboard and Squirrel dazzled us with Let it Be and It's a Wonderful World. It was another great day. Only one more day with my friends. Their time here has flown and been a great trail gift. I love that I get to share my trail adventures with my friends and family. On to Katahdin, Cowgirl and Cooper Hiked today: 3.6 Completed: 2034.1 Remaining: 150.9 Start Point: Harrison Pierce Pond Campground End point: US 201 (Hostel) States Completed: 13 GA (76.4), NC (95.5), TN (287.9), VA (550.3), WV (4), MD (40.9), PA (229.6), NJ (72.2), NY (88.4), CT (51.6), MA (90.2), VT (149.9), NH (160.9), States Remaining: 1 ME (281.4), ¢ with Jeanne Barton and AD Bennett. (16 photos)
Date: 2014-08-11
From: US 201 (Hostel)

To: Moxie Pond (Hostel)
Miles today: 11.9

Day 163, August 11, 2014 Like yesterday we started this day with breakfast courtesy of Tim. It consisted of a slice of melon, hot cereal with peaches and creme and eggs Benedict with lobster and bacon crumbles. He is such a great host!!!Pot-of-Gold and Lucky Charms took me and the Mule to the trail head. The first part of the trail was an ascent up to Pleasant Pond Mountain. It was a gradual climb for all but the last mile and then it got a little steeper. The summit had a great view. Then it we headed down to Moxie Pond. As we were walking Pot-of-Gold and Lucky Charms were have drama. They had trouble finding the meet up point and were stymied by a big puddle of water and crossing with the Dodge Charger. Two locals came upon them and informed them that thier "car was not made of sugar"!!! That's funny. We all arrived on time at the agreed upon places. So Pot-of-Gold, Lucky Charms and mule have all now walked 1% of the Appalachian Trail. How cool is that? Also, I took Lucky Charms' temperature today and it is official, she has White blaze fever!!!!! On to Katahdin, Cowgirl and Cooper Hiked today: 11.9 Completed: 2046.0 Remaining: 139.3 Start Point: US 201 End point: Moxie Pond (Hostel) States Completed: 13 GA (76.4), NC (95.5), TN (287.9), VA (550.3), WV (4), MD (40.9), PA (229.6), NJ (72.2), NY (88.4), CT (51.6), MA (90.2), VT (149.9), NH (160.9), States Remaining: 1 ME (281.4), ¢ with Jeanne Barton and AD Bennett. (16 photos)
Date: 2014-08-12
From: Moxie Pond (Hostel)

To: Piscataquis River (Tenting)
Miles today: 12.8

Day 164, August 12, 2014 First thing this morning Mule and I said goodbye to Pot-of-Gold and Lucky Charms. They were wrapping up their vacation by taking a quick day trip to Providence Town. The Mule then drove me down to Jimmy's, a real grocery store, for resupply. I think I bought enough stuff to get me to thru the Hundred Mile Wilderness. Or at least very very close. It did make for a very heavy pack though. The Mule then drove me back out to the trail head. I had another gradual five mile climb up to Moxie Bald Mountain. I must say that the summit of this mountain was arguably one of the most beautiful I remember and it had another great view. From there it was a 2 mile down hill walk and then the trail leveled out. The trail itself was pretty calm. Only a couple of minor rock scrambles. We did have two river crossings. There is another one first thing in the morning. Hopefully no rain tonight. There were stretches of the mud, rocks, and root variety and I'll be darned if Maine didn't take me to the ground again today. Hopefully THAT'S the last time. Tomorrow I have a 12 mile hike into Monson, ME. It is the last town before the Wilderness and Baxter Park. I don't need to be to Abol Bridge until August 24th so I have decided to take a zero prior to heading out into the Hundred Mile Wilderness. I was thinking about Mr. Blue Sky today as I set up camp. He had posted a video of himself the morning after his last night camping in his last shelter on the AT, reflecting on that event. I realize now I have only about two weeks left before this journey concludes and probably only about 7 more nights tenting on trail on the AT. Crazy. Leslie I am officially lollygagging Thanks again Pot-of-Gold, Lucky Charms and Mule for visiting me on the AT. For being part of this journey. For loving the trail and the people. Always remember - the trail provides and don't waste time knitting sweaters for dead squirrels. On to Katahdin, Cowgirl and Cooper Hiked today: 12.8 Completed: 2058.8 Remaining: 126.5 Start Point: Moxie Pond End point: Piscataquis River (Tenting) States Completed: 13 GA (76.4), NC (95.5), TN (287.9), VA (550.3), WV (4), MD (40.9), PA (229.6), NJ (72.2), NY (88.4), CT (51.6), MA (90.2), VT (149.9), NH (160.9), States Remaining: 1 ME (281.4), ¢ with Jeanne Barton and AD Bennett. (14 photos)
Date: 2014-08-14
From: ME 14 (Hostel)

To: ME 14 (Hostel)
Miles today: 0.0

Day 166, August 14, 2014 One thing I have learned here in Monson is that the Hundred Mile Wilderness is not so wildernessey any more. You can actually executive hike a good portion of it. I have no intention of doing that. As much as I enjoyed my executive hikes last week with Pot-of-Gold, Lucky Charms and Mule I also love the feel of the pack on my back and getting dirty. I have ten days to get to Abol Bridge; 100 miles away. I plan to enjoy each day in the wilderness. I could make it two or three days earlier. That would only mean I could drink Mountain Dew and eat hot dogs earlier. I think you only get the magic of being a virgin AT thru hiker once. My time is winding down. I will milk it Now back to the wilderness. It use to be a 100 mile, on your own stretch, not any more. While I don't plan on slacking any of it, I am going to take advantage of a food drop half way thru. Why not? Food is heavy. There are two ways you can do this. One is you they leave your food in a bucket by a road or you can pay more and have it delivered in person. I opt for the second to be safer after reading a comment from Mom. To be safe. Three hikers came back in from the wilderness today because of swollen rivers. It really rained hard yesterday. Hopefully by tomorrow the streams will have gone down. If not I will just wait. It is suppose to get really nice in a couple of days. I picked up a few more food items. Arranged the food drop. And other than that just layed around napping and watching TV. I went downstairs to the pub for dinner and there was an awesome little band jamming. Relaxing day. On to Katahdin, Cowgirl and Cooper Hiked today: 0.0 Completed: 2070.8 Remaining: 114.5 Start Point: Piscataquis River End point: ME 14 (Hostel) States Completed: 13 GA (76.4), NC (95.5), TN (287.9), VA (550.3), WV (4), MD (40.9), PA (229.6), NJ (72.2), NY (88.4), CT (51.6), MA (90.2), VT (149.9), NH (160.9), States Remaining: 1 ME (281.4), (6 photos)
Date: 2014-08-16
From: Long Pond Stream Lean-to (Tenting)

To: West Branch Pleasant River (Tenting)
Miles today: 15.2

Day 168, August 16, 2014Today was wholly uneventful after yesterday, thankfully! It started out with a three mile climb up to Barren Mountain. On the way up there was a greay view with a pond close by in the back ground. At the top was remnants of an old fire tower. With all the water and bogs I can't ever imagine a Maine forest on fire. Maybe that is why there are just remnants of towers today? Most of the trail today was more rocks, ruts, and mud. We did have quite a few rock scrambles. A few gave me flash backs to Southern Maine. But they were much much shorter. I met a dog smaller then Coop today. A little toy poodle named Sammy. He was owning the trail and cute as a button. I don't think he was thru hiking though. I am no geologist so I don't really know why Maine is so wet. But here is one story I heard and it makes sense - when the glaciers were last here they took everything off the top, dirt and rocks, and deposited in New Hampshire (for future hikers to climb over). All that was left was pure granite rock. Over the years some top soil has been replaced but not a lot. So the water had no where to go, it just makes puddles and bogs. Today we hit our last 100 mile interval - 2100. I am tented near U-Haul and Dozer. On to Katahdin, Cowgirl and CooperHiked today: 15.2 Completed: 2101.1 Remaining: 84.2 Start Point: Long Pond Stream Lean-to End point: West Branch Pleasant River (Tenting)States Completed: 13 GA (76.4), NC (95.5), TN (287.9), VA (550.3), WV (4), MD (40.9), PA (229.6), NJ (72.2), NY (88.4), CT (51.6), MA (90.2), VT (149.9), NH (160.9),States Remaining: 1 ME (281.4),