morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-05-27
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

So... for ye olde second entry, I wanted to record my pre-trail thoughts on some SOBO issues and we'll just see if my perception changes once the hike begins. My dad, who's just returned from a Vermont section hike, brought to my attention a thread on WhiteBlaze.net about hiking SOBO and its implications about bugs, weather, social events, finishing at Katahdin, and something about the sun being in your eyes. Easiest first, I've section hiked both directions and the sun being in your eyes depends on what side of the ridgeline you're on, not whether you're going north or south. Next, I'm from the South, never been to Katahdin but I've had some great experiences at Springer and I love the idea of hiking homeward. As far as weather goes, no matter what happens, at some point it'll be too hot, at some point too cold, it'll rain like hell and somewhere there's going to be some pretty leaves. If bad weather is enough to take me off the trail I don't belong there to start with... which isn't a bad thing, just that hiking requires being able to roll with the punches. Moving right along, everyone keeps saying that SOBO's don't get to experience most of the social aspects; yeah, it'll prolly be quiet out there, but I've never liked a crowded hike and I'm not going for the parties. For me, the biggest deal is that right at the beginning (first few hundred miles) the trail will be at its toughest, hottest and buggiest, and the thought that it'll get better in September won't make it any easier in July. I don't really have a choice which direction I go, I don't expect it'll be easy, but I figure I'll slug it out with the blackflies for a few weeks and have a story to tell. Like I said, we'll just see if I still think the same in August.
Date: 2007-07-04
From: Baxter Peak (the sign)

To: Katahdin Stream Campground
Miles today: 5.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Wow. The last 3 days have been a roller coaster, emotionally and topographically. On Wednesday (July 4) I coaxed my parents (mom included, NOT a hiker, props to mom!) up Katahdin, which I affectionately dubbed "ka-no-thin" (toooo easy). I'd heard about how horrible Kanothin was, but I was surprised to find it fun and manageable, although it should be advertised as rock climbing and NOT hiking. It's important to note that I was much stronger a climber than my parents (physical strength, we'll get to relative strengths later) and it's a strange feeling to be the one encouraging the people who've always encouraged you (interesting role reversal). Also interesting was seeing a few other starting SOBO thruhikers - as of yet I haven't had a meaningful encounter (friendship, camaraderie, etc) with a fellow hiker and I'll have to write of this later.- Obie
Date: 2007-07-05
From: Katahdin Stream Campground

To: Abol Bridge
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: light rain

Thursday, July 5, Dad and I hiked from Katahdin Stream to "8-ball" bridge (pronunciation eludes us). Mom came to get us, then we stayed in a motel room drinking beer and watching TV (22nd birthday, bitches!). It was all gloriously trashy and fun.- Obie
Date: 2007-07-06
From: Abol Bridge

To: Wadleigh Stream Lean-to
Miles today: 23.1
Weather: light rain

Friday, the big Shebang.   Day #1 of solo backpacking. I'd been looking to put today off as long as possible, and for good reason. When mom&dad dropped me off at "ah-bawl" bridge, I knew if I looked back once I would drop my pack and run back to the van immediately. So I did the first thing that came to mind, and broke down crying like a little girl¢¦ but I kept walking.That first hour was absolute hell. My pack was overloaded, I was already hurt & sore, I was totally alone and miserable¢¦ but I kept walking.I've seen enough homesick kids (Boy Scout camp director) to realize that's all it was, and the best way to treat homesickness is to slug it off until you start having fun. Sure enough, after that first hour I got into rhythm, remembered why I like hiking and quit my bitching.I hiked 23+ miles today, and am planning just as long a day tomorrow. I have the distinct impression that I'll remember this day for a long time.Before I go overboard, stop to think:-        clothes were clean when I started today-        trail here is relatively easy the first 30 miles-        weather has been unbelievable-        no major injuries / blisters yet-        bugs weren't that badIt's going to get tougher. But if I refine my methods and get some people to hike with, I'm going to pimp-slap this trail all up & down and side to side.~ Obie
Date: 2007-07-07
From: Wadleigh Stream Lean-to

To: Cooper Brook Falls Lean-to
Miles today: 21.5
Weather: clear sky

One word: MOSQUITOES!!!   I think I've seen 2 blackflies, a handful of gnats, and maybe a Million mosquitoes! I left the bug jacket in the bounce box, and when I pulled out the DEET I think I actually heard a mosquito laugh. I swear to the grave they were working together (I saw a couple of V-formations) and coordinating their attacks when I was off balance and distracted. That being said, I had to pray tonight for the souls of all the mosquitoes I murdered today. At one point during my killing spree I got 4 in one slap! I am an idiot for not carrying that 2-ounce bug jacket. Oh well, to other topics¢¦I am sailing. I covered 21 miles and change today. At my rate, even assuming I slow down for rain, blisters, etc., I'll be sipping Budweiser and showering in Monson on Tuesday. No one at the shelters has been able to keep up - which brings me to another point¢¦I met people! While on paper I may look like a professional hiker, truth is I'm dying mentally, and I know why. This is already the longest solo hike of my life; all my experience to date has been either with Dad (at home) or Allen (rest in peace). I don't like being alone¢¦ never have¢¦ and I am slowly coming to grips with growing up.Anyways - tonight I'm staying at Cooper Brook Falls, with 2 groups of girls, 1 French Canadian, 1 girl scout, several random thru hikers, and 2 guys (Chad and Scout, who I'm slowly convincing to increase their pace and hike with me tomorrow). I hope they pick up with me, my confidence multiplies immensely when there's company.After we went to bed, I re-woke and smoked a pipe with a guy named Tealeaf. It was extremely interesting to discuss differences in our camping styles - he's low mileage, lives off the land as much as possible, and various other stuff I can't remember. I'm not.I had been this close (visualize hand gestures) to sending the pipe home, but I think it'll live to see another hike.thanks for reading~ Obie
Date: 2007-07-08
From: Cooper Brook Falls Lean-to

To: Carl A Newhall Lean-to
Miles today: 18.9
Weather: scattered clouds

When I left home I thought I might have trouble finding enough to write about, but now I can't even sleep without dislodging from my head all I want to get onto paper.Quick notes: a few more blisters, bruises and aches, but all-in-all today was the best day yet, even with the tougher terrain. Still haven't found any southbounder to keep pace with me. I literally cannot wait to get to Monson. I need to rework some gear issues, resupply, cleanup and get ready for more. Now, for the juicy stuff,¢¦One thing I love about hiking is that you have an opportunity to reevaluate personal philosophical issues, like your goals in life, what's important to you, and today's lesson: your strengths and weaknesses.I knew the trail was doable physically, but I was in no way prepared for the mental assault. While every day is more fun than the last, I still can't shake this damn homesickness. Usually by now on a trip like this, the homesickness would have passed and I'd be moving on to new emotional challenges. It seems like what I'm really afraid of is being alone, and I can't stand the thought of not having someone to confide in (hence the journal). On a related side note, I've also been giving a considerable amount of thought to why relationships/friendships go sour, but I'll save that for another day.It seems odd that everyone else I meet is caught up in physical issues (knees, feet, and "I saw some G-A-W-D awful poison ivy yesterday"), while I'm caught between (1) hiking laps around them and (2) wanting to call it all quits. Whateva. Two more days to Monson, then I'll reexamine the situation when I can do something about it. Til then, peace, love and salutations to "peace-lovin' hippies".thanks for reading~ ObiePS - I don't want a trail name anymore. I was (again with the hand gestures) yay-close to allowing myself to be dubbed "superfreak" and then I realized my name is Obie (and I have no major problems with that). So I laughingly told everyone to go politely straight to hell. PSS - Damn French Canadians; I have NOOOO idea what they're saying.
Date: 2007-07-10
From: Long Pond Stream Lean-to

To: Monson (Shaws)
Miles today: 15.1

OK, enough with the emotional baggage journal entries. It's time to get down to business. I'm going LIGHT for the next 3-4 day trip into Stratton.-        traded water filter for Aqua Mira -        going with all cold food (dropped stove, canister, pot, kettle, etc)-        dropped pipe and tobacco, knife, towel, hat, one pair heavy socks, superfluous emergency poncho, various little amenities-        cut extraneous straps off backpack, cut ends shorter I KNOW, I KNOW, ¢¦ I told myself I wasn't going to be hikerextremo to the point where I cut my toothbrush in half. But, durn-it, when it's on your back everyday it'd better be used every day.thanks for reading~ ObiePS: By the way, I figured out the MSR filter problem. All you have to do is scrub down the cartridge every 10L or so. Filter works like a champ!   I do want to thank "the Colonel" a NOBO who took the time to share his advice on how to fix the filter via a guest book entry. Although I already had made the decision mentioned above, I appreciate his help. THANKS COLONEL !PSS: Stayed at Shaws in Monson. Superb!
Date: 2007-07-11
From: Monson (Shaws)

To: Horseshoe Canyon Lean-to
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: light rain

Soooo, if you recall, I shaved off a few pounds, and am carrying less food, so I should be well below 40lb.I hiked 9 miles in crocs today, no socks, just a lot of duct tape. Feet feel great-ish; will report on foot problems later.Warning: the following shelter quotes may be offensive to sensitive ears."F--&in sh%t, I wasss f_#!% cozy in that godd##m hostel and now I'm f*@k^n stuck in a mothef@#%n lean-to. Get the f#$k away from me!!" (Now his buddy comes over and gives this grown man a hug)I stayed tonight with 2 hilarious guys (ergo the preceding quotes); both injured and pissed off at everything. They're having so much fun, and I am too. More and more I'm seeing how fun all the adversity of putting all your stuff on your back really is. This was the best day yet ¢¦ until they started SNORING, that is.I've been carrying a tent every day and staying in a lean-to every night. There's supposed to be a surge of ~ 350 northbounders heading this way, so I'll have to use the tent soon (hope not!). After that, they say you can ship your tent home and stay in shelters every night. That would be AWESOME.thanks for reading~ ObiePS: Is 9 miles in crocs considered a "NERO"?
Date: 2007-07-12
From: Horseshoe Canyon Lean-to

To: Pleasant Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 22.0
Weather: few clouds

For the first time, actually not too much exciting to report. I spent most of the day contemplating a new invention idea (more on that in a later entry) and otherwise I was just making the mountains "twerk" (if you don't know what "twerk" means, go acquire a Yin-Yang Twirs record and become enlightened). Aqua Mira works great. For a second consecutive day I successfully hiked in nothing but duct tape and crocs (and regular clothes), which had their own set of problems. However, the current plan is to wear crocs while the Merrell wounds heal, then wear Merrells while the croc wounds heal. The concept is simple. No other major injuries other than I gots to get this feet thing figured out.No idiot moves lately ( woohoo) other than my increasingly well-known HORRIBLE sense of direction has not improved. I am constantly taking the wrong turn out of a shelter or mountain top, and I don't see that changing anytime soon.Even though I did see two other people during the day (no thru-hikers), I'm growing more accustomed to being alone. It's pretty obvious to me that being alone is really what I'm afraid of, so I guess this is a fitting means of confronting fears -- there, thousands of dollars in therapy saved. THANKS AT!Well, it's off to bed. I'm configuring a means to a possible 26 mile day tomorrow (crocs and all), which would include the Kennebec Ferry. Still don't know what I'm doing out here, but I think I'm finally starting to have fun.thanks for reading~ ObiePS: Yeah yeah yeah, several people have tried to tag me with "wrongway". But ¢¦ I resist.
Date: 2007-07-13
From: Pleasant Pond Lean-to

To: West Carry Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: scattered clouds

It's Friday the 13th and sure enough, a pretty damn scary day. I started hiking at 6:30 this morning, caught the Kennebec Ferry perfectly, and started on an "easy" 20 mile stretch. Then the inevitable happened ¢¦ pain.As I write this it's about 4:30, and the only reason I'm not still hiking is that I'm finally injured. My left leg is throbbing, something to do with the muscle that connects the calf to the foot and some thingydo behind the knee. It's ok for the moment and hopefully I can slow down a bit and the leg will get better. I think.Anyways ¢¦ I screwed up my timing and will get to Stratton on a Sunday (rats) when I won't be able to use the Post Office's services. Whateva. I'm convinced that by now there are about a dozen reasons to slow down, so tomorrow the plan is to drop to 17 miles up Bigelow Mt. Some cutback, right?On a sidenote, I found it interesting going through the town of Caratunk this morning. Usually a town would seem like a stopping point, or a goal - - this one was just in the way. However, it was refreshing to break the illusion of solitude.On the AT, even in the 100 mile wilderness, you're really never that far from civilization. It just feels like you are. Anyways, it was nice to cross a major road and actually want to keep moving to get back into the woods.Incidentally, the weather just started to turn bad, or aliens are landing, or some other thing that generates lots of rumbling and light effects in the distance. Glad I'm not still hiking. Guess it's one more sign to slow down a bit.thanks for reading~ Obie
Date: 2007-07-14
From: West Carry Pond Lean-to

To: Stratton
Miles today: 22.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Made it to Stratton! 187 miles in 10 days, injuries and all.   The plan now is to spend two nights in Stratton consuming copious quantities of ridiculously greasy food, sweets, and booze like they were the cure for cancer.thanks for reading~ ObiePS: for your own safety, do NOT get between me and that thing in the picture.
Date: 2007-07-15
From: Stratton

To: Stratton
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

This was my first true "zero" day. Per yesterday's journal entry, a primary focus of Z-day involves outrageous consumptions of vast quantities of greasy food, sweets, and beer.GOOD NEWS: I successfully completed four years at a major college where much emphasis was placed on consuming vast quantities of greasy food, sweets, and beer. Graduated with honors.BAD NEWS: also had to deal with food resupply, the post office, laundry, and all the other little things that make a "zero" day stressful. Zero days do NOT mean zero work. thanks for reading~ ObiePS:   been Z-stressed before and know how to deal with it
Date: 2007-07-16
From: Stratton

To: Spaulding Mtn Lean-to
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: 2.59

Finally have hiking buddies! Nathan and Peace Train. They have complementary skills, too - Nathan kicked my arse going uphill today. I could keep up, but he was barely flinching on a 2500 ft climb! Peace Train flies on flats and downhills, so with those two and my completely unwarranted cockiness, I will be forced to push hard all day every day. We tore through 14 TOUGH miles on a half-day! Tomorrow we're talking about a 27 mile day (we'll just see).Interesting side story - I talk trash to the mountains as I climb, just for fun. The mountains pick up on this, for example, "these mountains ain't got dog poopy", or "I been hearing so much BS about how hard Maine is ¢¦"   Well, at one point I'm not paying attention to where I'm going and SLAM my forehead into a tree limb so hard I fell down and my head bleeds (a baby gash) for half an hour. Instinctively, the next words out of my mouth were "Mountain's just pissed off 'cause we kicked its tooty so it's fightn' dirty now".Anyways, it's been two weeks now. I said way back when that I would slug out two weeks even if I were unhappy, then decide what to do from there. And soooo ¢¦ as of right now I wouldn't quit unless I absolutely were forced to.I only hope the AT continues to be as fulfilling and rewarding as it has been so far.thanks for reading~ Obie
Date: 2007-07-17
From: Spaulding Mtn Lean-to

To: Piazza Rock Lean-to
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Today marks the 2nd day I've failed to achieve my mileage goal. Although 17 miles over a 4,000 ft mountain ridge isn't bad, I again made an impossible 27 mile demand of myself. Whateva. I need to stay slow and nurse my injuries for a while longer.Nathan may be leaving soon -- to explain, he's section hiking until he starts back to school in the fall. Consequently, he might be leaving for good at Gorham, NH.This creates an interesting group dynamic. Although we really haven't been around each other very long, everyone is aware this is a short-term union, so there's no tension or expectations, at least on my behalf.Meeting people along the trail has become one of the best aspects of the AT experience. We were just now discussing how neat it has been to encounter the "cross-section of American society" that decides to go hiking the AT.While Maine is fun, I find that I am ready to see what other sections and states have to offer. I'll definitely feel like I'm more committed, more a part of the AT culture, once I'm through the Whites and cruising into the different zones. Thus far, all I know is Maine, so the trail still seems a lot larger than a semester really is (my time limit) ¢¦ and I can't wait to get to Andover, I hear the hostels are magnifique.thanks for reading~ ObiePS:   if interested, please check earlier journals and the photo gallery for newer pics which have recently been downloaded (uploaded?)
Date: 2007-07-18
From: Piazza Rock Lean-to

To: Bemis Mtn Lean-to
Miles today: 19.5
Weather: light rain

Today was ridiculous -- the first half of the day consisted of boring miles, nasty almost stormy weather, and no sign of relief. Then, around midday, something strange happened ¢¦ the rain came. The day turned from bleak to miserable ¢¦ and I started having fun. Once everything was wet and it could not get any worse, the misery turned into a joke and every new horrible circumstance was one more punchline. Then it got worse.To complete the day, we finally arrived at 6:00 pm soaking wet, exhausted and freezing cold, to an 8-man capacity shelter packed with 9 people already. Long story short, I end up sleeping in the crawlspace UNDERNEATH the shelter repeating the phrase " I'm sleeping in a gol#%d*&m bed this time tomorrow"!thanks for reading~ ObiePS:   on the bright side, the snoring was muffled
Date: 2007-07-19
From: Bemis Mtn Lean-to

To: Andover, Me (South Arm Rd)
Miles today: 8.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Well, once again safe and sound in a clean hostel, this time in Andover, ME.Tomorrow I leave for one of the hardest sections of the trail with another dismal weather forecast. But tonight I'm full, warm, clean, dry, and sleeping in a real bed.It only takes a few weeks of injuries and luxury deprivation coupled with hard labor to remember how amazing it is to just be alive. I can only hope that 50 years from now, no matter how "suburban-servative" I may become, that I remember what it's like to count food, cleanliness, shelter, and friends/family as my blessings instead of the coolest fashions or videos on a cell phone.I hope I make it to Springer. I won't forget the journey so far for a long time. I can only imagine what the future holds and how large an imprint this adventure will make on me.Today's picture was taken in Aug 1997 on Springer Mountain at sunset. Difficult to make out (sorry, did not own a digital camera yet), but I am the 11 year old on the left studying the map. Hard to believe that I've been backpacking on the AT for over half my life.thanks for reading~ ObiePS:   Kinda nice to be walking back to where it all started
Date: 2007-07-20
From: Andover, Me (South Arm Rd)

To: Andover, Me (East B Hill Rd) 
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: overcast clouds

From the beginning I thought that I'd have trouble finding enough to talk about each day, but so much happens I can't even keep track of it all.Today I tried "slackpacking" (it took hours to drop the ego enough to drop the pack), and it was a wonderful break from everyday backpacking. Even stomping through six inches of mud, I felt like I was on vacation knowing I'd be back at the hostel for supper and a shower.Tomorrow starts a stretch of the toughest AND most rewarding stuff on the trail (Baldpate, Old Speck, Mahoosuc Notch, approaching the Whites); while I know I'll be cursing every step, I can hardly wait to get started.On a side note, I checked my weight and I've GAINED a pound since last weigh-in. That's excellent news since I'm trying NOT to lose weight. That way, by the time this is all done I'll have the body of a Greek god from the waist down. All that'll be left to work on are the fratboy spring break muscles (biceps, shoulders, pecks, and abs).Anyways, last point of today is that meeting people has been extraordinarily cool. I met Chuck Norris and Bad MF at "the Cabin" in Andover and will NOT be forgetting them any time soon. I have no idea what to expect now -- crazy hard trails, catching up to the SOBO crowds, plus hitting the 500+ NOBO tidal wave in the middle of the New Hampshire hut/shelter commercial business. Only one way to find out I guess.thanks for reading~ ObiePS:   Quote of the week: "wellll ¢¦ I just brushed my teeth and it's not quite 8:00 am yet, but there's still some beer in the fridge and I'm NOT hauling it up the mountain" ~ peace train (as he passes bottle of beer around)
Date: 2007-07-21
From: Andover, Me (East B Hill Rd) 

To: Speck Pond Shelter
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Arrright, gotta keep this short ¢cause the lights fading.Today was awesome! Summitted Old Speck Mt around 5:00 pm after a 2500 ft solid climb, and I¢m in great spirits. Although Maine has been fun and challenging, I¢m ultra anxious to start the next state and begin a new phase of the trip.Health is in good condition (all systems go) and each day has been getting better than the last.I still have no idea what the future holds, but I know that I BELONG out here today and I¢m EXCITED about what¢s coming ahead on the trail tomorrow, and the next day, and the next, ¢¦thanks for reading~ ObiePS:   I finally feel like a thru-hiker