morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-10-24
From: Carl A Newhall Lean-To, Maine

To: Downhome B&B, Milo, Maine
Miles today: 8.0

The rain ended around dawn; but, it still looked very dark and foreboding. It took me awhile to get going because deep down, I knew that I was not "in a very good place", mentally. If I could not get the call to "YDG": I was not sure what I would do. I got going southbound, oh how gauche! I walked down past Gulf Hagas and then down to The Hermitage. For the life of me, I could not find a west bound path that went to the AMC camp. I saw a blue blaze that went east. I took this because I did not want to ford The Pleasant River again and I thought this might lead me to the campground that was supposed to be "in the area?" I followed it for awhile and came to a sign that said campsite #10 and then #9. The trail crossed a creek that had a felled log across it. I crossed and followed a road that went across several clear cut areas. It is amazing how devoid of life these areas are; compared to a non-logging area. I followed it until it veered in several directions. I took the one that I thought would head towards the Kathadin Iron works road. It also headed towards Chairback mtn ridge. The Kathadin Iron works road is at the base of that ridge from what I remember? The logging road "petered out". I then was bushwacking. I just headed towards the sound of The Pleasant River. I had no map and in a very remote spot and it looked as if a big storm was coming and i had "nada" for shelter. My anxiety level was rising, especially when I came to the bank of the river. No where to cross. I crossed it with boots on and got them all wet again. When I do this section again, I will carry some creek walking shoes, just as I would on The Eagle Creek Trail in The Smokies. I got across and hiked through a tangle of clear cut debris. I was very thankful when i got to the road. I went east. It was about 20 miles to a general store in a small village called Brownville Junction. I guessed i could walk all night to there and use a payphone or I would run into a home along this road. I found a cabin that had a nice covered porch that I could get shelter from the rain if needed; but, it was not raining and no one was here. It was boarded up for the season. I then heard a truck coming. I was ready to drop to my knees and beg for a ride; but, the guy stopped and gave me a ride all the way to the general store, The General Store & More, where I used their phone. There was no pay phone. Very nice folks. He even would not charge me for a coffee and he drove me to the only lodging around for 40 miles The Downhome B&B, Milo, Maine. "YDG" would meet me here tomorrow.
Date: 2007-10-29
To: "YDG's" House, Liverpool, PA
Miles today: 0.0

Knees are starting to feel better. Still have not broke down and told folks that I have quit the trail.******Note on "Blue Blazing": if you take a blue blaze to avoid bad weather or a trail that is physically impossible; then that is what you must do to continue your thru hike. One thing about blue blazing is that you cannot know how difficult a trail may be ahead based on what others tell you. If you have vertigo, in a wheel chair, etc, you can still do a thru hike. You are the one who decides if you get the 2,000 miler certificate. In a lightening storm, please go around Max Patch! If there is just an easier way to go because your tired and it is a blue blaze; then your cutting the trail short. And once you do those type of things, it is much easier or acceptable to your conscience to do it again.******"Hike your own hike", though. It is just important to ask yourself what you want your hike to be when you start and try to stick to it. Not necessarily,rigidly; but, try to think about the big picture, especially for your final goal evaluation.
Date: 2007-10-30
To: "YDG's" House, Liverpool, PA
Miles today: 0.0

Starting to think I made a hasty decision to leave the trail. I can always go back next year; but will that be a "thru hike?"*****To the Lady that is thinking about hiking alone. Women do it all the time. It is probably no more dangerous than living alone or going out on the town alone or shopping alone. Over the years, there has been numerous rapes, murders, and people missing along the trail. The same could be said anywhere. I cannot tell you how many times over the years that I have felt uncomfortable around people along the trail. I usually just move on. If I run into people that antagonize me; I just laugh at myself and move on. I hate hitch hiking. I just never know, if it is the one hitch that will be my last. Now, hitching along the trail is probably the safest place to hitch or pick up hitchers; but, you just never know? If I were a female, I would not hitch alone. There were several "bad hitches" this year for female thru hikers that were reported to police. NO RUMOUR, these girls told me! If I was an exceptionally sexy female, I would not hitch at all. Men, just lose their minds at times. You know what the neighbors or acquantainces say about felons, "he was always a good guy, mild mannered, who would have known?" Anyway, I dont want to scare people off; but, the world is a dangerous place and as I am moving out of my "forced prime"; I think of carrying weapons or getting involved with martial arts. Even though, they probably would not help if someone really wanted me dead. Travelling in larger groups is the safest way to go. "No Pain" and I had a long conversation about how we have seen so many girls over the years that "hook up" with certain guys for "safety" reasons on the trail and when the thru hike is done; they drop the guy. It goes back to the cave man days; there were not laws and policeman to protect the "fairer" gender. Im not judging; but, I saw it several times this year. On the other hand, I know of girls whom always hike alone; at night; or hitch alone and they are still OK. Knowing someone's character or knowing if they are dangerous right away: not really anyway to tell. From years experience, I can tell who is risky; but, I still get surprised. And of course, us guys cannot ever figure women out!
Date: 2007-11-07
To: "YDG's" House, Liverpool, PA
Miles today: 0.0

####I promise that I did not plan this; but, IM GOING BACK TO FINISH! I am sorry for "jerking yalls' chains"; but my "Proud Aunt" and Colin are right. I have to go back and try. I am totally rested and feed now, "Ya Done Good!" This will be like a late fall chilly 73 mile section hike in Maine. I know that I may not be able to summit due to Kathadin being closed. I can do that in January with "Bearman", "$^ you", & one other.
Date: 2007-11-08
From: "YDG's" House, Liverpool, PA

To: Charles Inn, Bangor, Me
Miles today: 0.0

I got on a bus heading north @ 4:45am in a deserted bus stop. It was a bad part of town and the lobby of the bus station was closed; so, each person that approached me had me on guard. The bus was about 5 minutes late. It was a good bus ride as it is the off season for travel. It meant that I could really stretch out and take up several sets. My right knee was having some issues with the ride. I had to try to keep my leg extended out straight to keep it from hurting. I thought it was completely healed and rested; but, I guess not. Ive noticed over the years that there is a fine line with several of my life long injuries. If I over exert, they hurt; if im sedentary, they hurt; so, I have to hike or jog, just enough to keep from hurting.I enjoyed the bus ride through downtown New York and downtown Boston. I love all of the tall buildings and different types of people walking around.As I got close to Bangor; a guy from Houston found out that I was from Texas and hiking the AT. I told him that I did not feel like talking much because I had a headache. He said that he did not have any aspirin; but, he had some methadone. He said it would help my headache; but, I would not be doing much hiking. I said thanks; but, no thanks.This guy kept asking me alot of questions and wondered where I was spending the night. I told him in a hotel. He then asked if I wanted to split a hotel room. I told that I did not because I needed to sleep. He then got upset with me and said, "yeah, Im a killer!" I got off the bus and walked the .2 to THe Charles Inn.In the past, I might have felt sorry for the guy; but, like I said before, "ive kind of grown up on this trip and part of that is not feeling like I need to save the world by helping everyone in every situation that I come upon." I know, I should have learned this long ago.When I checked in at the hotel, I called "Ramblin' Rose" who had left me a message to call him. He said that he was coming to Bangor the next day and could give me a ride back to the trail.I did not sleep well because of my splitting headache.
Date: 2007-11-09
From: Charles Inn, Bangor, Me

To: "Ramblin' Rose's" house, Dover-Foxcroft, Maine
Miles today: 0.0

"Ramblin' Rose" picked me up and took me back to his house in Dover-Foxcroft. He and his wife own a farm that raises Thoroughbreds, Arabians, and Lipsis(sp). It was a beautiful place with views of White Cap Mtn and Mt Kathadin; both, were covered with snow. In my stay here I also saw a rafter of turkeys with the males spreading their wings for the females. I also saw a Bald Eagle fly by. Rose said that he had had bears come up to the property as well. As I looked over towards White Cap, I had a knot in my throat as I knew that I had some serious hiking ahead of me. Ive watched the weather and it was going to be really cold, windy, and clear. Rose and I drove up to Kathadin and saw it totally covered with snow. I got back and called The Baxter State Park Authority and they said, "all trailheads were closed for hiking." This started a dangerous thought process that had two endings: life or death. I had ordered alot of winter weather gear from Campmor. It was supposed to be sent to Rose's yesterday by noon. When I called to inquire. I had all types of apologies. I told them that the apologies did not get me my gear and I told them that I reiterated over and over again to the employee taking my order that I needed this by Friday, no matter what. If this was a problem, do not even take my order. Well, anyway, the gear would be here Monday. I have a whole dissertation on US customer service; but, Ill save it for the book. I did ask the final apologizer to review the process and create a red light on the wall that flashes life or death if this order is not sent. So this meant that I would climb over White Cap with the gear that I had. I would be OK; but, I had to be extra careful and be a good fire builder.
Date: 2007-11-12
From: N.side of the E. Branch Pleasant River, Maine

To: "Ramblin' Rose's" house, Dover-Foxcroft, Maine
Miles today: 11.8

****Author's note: "The Samsonite Twins" will have to wait for the book. They were great kids caught up in a big world that they were sheltered from###### I woke up around 2am again. I built the fire up and took my time preparing for the day. I had to cross The East Branch of The Pleasant River and although it did not look difficult last night, it looked much different this morning when I went down to get water. I started out in my sandals which I was carrying just for the ford of the river. I got there just as the sun was coming up. I went up the river about .1 miles and found a crossing that did not include me getting wet. When I crossed, I changed back into my boots and got going. I had an easy climb over a small moutain called Little Boardman(2000ft). I then went down to The Kokadjo-B Pond rd. I took a brake here and nearly froze to death. I could not feel my hands or feet when i got going again. The wind was blowing something serious off of Crawford Pond. This was such an easy section. It is literallly a well graded gradual downhill to The Cooper Brook Falls Lean-To. This is the best site for a shelter on the whole trail. Right next to some big ole falls. The sun came out and it warmed up to the high 30's. It felt like spring! I got to the shelter and there were hot coals in the firepit and I saw that "Ramblin' Rose" had stayed here last night. He said that he may come out and hike with me. That "hiking fever" got to him. I just missed him. I was going to meet him at THE Jo-Mary rd and go back to his place and pick up my package from Campmor. I tried to go real fast along the flat ground; but, I was starting to feel that "football game" hike yesterday and had to stop several times to rest my aching right foot/ankle. I did get to The road and met Rose. We went back to his place and I got my stuff from campmoor and went to sleep around dusk.
Date: 2007-11-13
To: Potaywadjo Spring Lean-To, Maine
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: overcast clouds

I woke up at 1:30am. This gave me time to go through all of my new gear. This was going to be cool or should I say: Warm! My body really hurt. My traps and lower abs hurt; along with all the regular pains of knees and ankles. I dont mind my abs hurting, though. Around 7:30am, "Ramblin' Rose" and his wife had a big breakfeast prepared. We had some good conversations about "barn nymphs" and barn cats. There was alot of precipitaion last night with a wintry mix which was heavier as we got towards the trail. We stopped at "The General Store & More" where I had rose meet the proprietor, Steve Johnson, who had helped me 2 weeks earlier. I showed him my Thru hiker's companion guide; so, he could get in it to help hikers. Rose dropped me off at the trail. It was a gorgeous walk along this river. Im not sure of the name. It was icey everywhere and the water was kind of high; but not too bad to cover the trail. I was glad that I did not have to ford this son of a gun. I got to the shelter around 3pm; but I decided to stay here as I was very sore and it was cold and i was sleepy. I went to sleep around dusk again.
Date: 2007-11-14
From: Potaywadjo Spring Lean-To, Maine

To: Rainbow Stream Lean-To, Maine
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: few clouds

The weather report was such that I had a clear day today; then the rain and snow would start the next day; so, I needed to make some mile today. I had a ride coming to meet me at the Abol Bridge Campground. I woke up around 5am today. I needed some extra sleep. I was not too sore. It was not as cold as it had been. My water bottles did not freeze last night. I was "in like Flynn". This was the easiest day that I had ever hiked. There was one mountain, somewhat: Nesuntabunt(1500ft). There is not alot to tell about his day, except that I ran all day. I did take an hour break at The Wadleigh Stream Lean-To, in the sun. I was pretty cold when got going. There were quite a few roads back in here and I actually heard a large group of hunters at a campsite whooping it up. I did have on my orange blaze scarf around my head. The last 3 miles to The Rainbow Stream Lean-To were difficult because I was not used to hiking 18 miles. It was a nice stream, though. I will have to come back and jump in all the nice holes and showers. I got to the shelter which is right next to the stream. I could hear the water rush by and noticed the impromptu bridge of three trees across the stream. I did not sleep well "atoll". I was sore all over. My body is adjusting back to doing big miles.
Date: 2007-11-16
From: Rainbow Stream Lean-To, Maine

To: AT Lodge, Millinocket, Maine
Miles today: 15.0

I woke up several times in the night as the rain just kept pouring and Rainbow Stream kept getting louder. The three logs that were set across the stream where now one. The other 2 were now under water and the 3rd had alot of water pouring over the top of it. I went down and took a picture and could not make out how deep the water was. The rain also turned into sleet and sounded soothing on top of the tin roof; and the ground was getting white. I also started thinking of how I was going to deal with wet feet in 32.9 degree weather. Well i got going and decided to cross with my boots on and then change socks when i got across. I had not brought my sandals because there was not supposed to be any fords. I went across. I used the remaining log across the stream to brace my body against as the knee deep water's current tried to knock me down. I got across and changed socks. I did not feel me feet for another 5 hours. I kept kicking them, trying to get some feeling. My hands felt the same way, even with gloves. The sleet turned to a real heavy wet snow. Which was a beautiful sight as I past Rainbow Lake. It did little good to change my socks. As I later heard, it rained 4 inches in Millinocket over the last 24 hours. The Rainbow Lake is a big lake and the AT follows it for some time. And every little brook that flowed into the lake was so swollen that I had to just "Labrador Retriever" it across about 20 streams. Im not kidding. I just thought, "my last 15 miles on The AT and it is going to take everything that I have to make it!" I eventually had to stop and eat something. I also changed into my second to the last pair of dry socks. I also put zip lock bags over them. I did feel my feet after 1 hour. It was quite a relief. I went over my last High point, The Rainbow Ledges. It was surreal with all the snow blowing and walking across the exposed rocks. Fortunately, it had been warm; so, all the snow was not sticking. I savored this last climb and began to count the last 6 or seven miles: 7, 6, 5, 4... When I came to the Hurd Brook Lean-To; I could not believe it. I had to take a picture; so, yall would believe me; even though taking the picture chilled me to the bone & it took me an hour to warm up again. The Brook had risen to the size of a football field with little islands all the way across to the Norhtern side of the brook. I had to climb, jump, skip, & "walk the plank", for a half hour. Man, it was taxing. I got across and then there was 3.6 miles to Abol Bridge which I counted down 3,2,1, 1/2, 1/4... There it was Golden Road: snow blowing and hunters driving by wondering what the hell I was doing. I went down to The Store at Abol bridge and waited for "Ol Man" to pick me up and take me to his Hostel, The AT Lodge in Millinocket. I went out to a local saloon and mixed with the locals that are very similar to Tennesseans. It was a graet night!
Date: 2007-11-20
To: "YDG"'s House, Liverpool, PA
Miles today: 0.0

Frequently asked Questions(FAQ):1)Have you ever read A WALK IN THE WOODS? No, I have not read the book. I have been the book several times. I tried once and did not make it through the introduction. It has nothing to do with the quality of the book. It is that I once read a 2 volume anthology of Thru hiker stories. It must have been hundreds. They were from the 1950's through the 1970's. I read these stories in spring 1985. I read them instead of studying. My favorite stories were Eric Ryback. He was the youngest "Triple Crowner"(someone who has hiked the 3 major trails in America: AT, Pacific Crest Trail, and the Continental Divide Trail) at that time and may have been the first? So, reading "A Walk" was just more of the same type stories. When people first started asking me about the book in 2000: I wondered what all "the hype" was about. Most people say, "He's not a hiker; but, a good writer." So over the years; I have tried to listen to what people have said about the book. From what I can tell: He did not finish the trail; he skipped large sections; and had a "sidekick". I think his name was "Cass, Katz, Cats," or something like that. From hearing about this character; I think he is a caricature that fuses things that the author did as well as other thru hikers. It is a good way to tell about such things that are personally embarassing or talking about people without getting sued. All of this may be public knowledge; but, I thought that I would mention it.2)Have you read INTO THE WILD? No, I noticed this book back in the mid 1990's when several of my younger male counselors had the book and went "on and on" about how good it was. I asked what it was about; and they would say that it was about a guy that went up to Alaska to find himself. I would say, "Did he?" They would say, "no he died in a trailer up there?" So, I did not ever read the story. 3)Have you ever read the book about the guy that had to cut his own arm off to live in the canyonlands in the southwest? No, losing his arm; though he practiced heroic surgery, does not sound like a good story.4)Did you read the story about the doctor that lead a trip to Everest and a bunch of his buddies died? No, are you kidding me? 5)Have you ever read A WALK ACROSS AMERICA? Yes, Awesome story.6)Have you read BLIND COURAGE? No, I have been given the book several times. I actually met the author while on my 1990 thru hike attempt. Good story of triumph. The author is legally blind and travels with a "seeeing eye dog". Did not read because it was just another thru hike story. I know it was tough; but, dont want to read about it.7)Have you read MISSISSIPPI SOLO? Yes, awesome story of canoeing the entire Mississippi.
Date: 2007-11-23
From: BlackBerry Lodge, Elijay, Georgia

To: BlackBerry Lodge, Elijay, Georgia
Miles today: 0.0

FAQ #41)Do you like that JetBoil? Yes, I like the ease of using it and I like the minimal fuel it burns. With just one small Jet Boil fuel canister; you can have 10-14 days of boils for coffee, ramen, dried meals, etc. Just bring the water to a boil and pour in whatever you want constituted. It will eventually be soft enough to be palatable. For long term supply; it is difficult to find Jetboil Fuel and other canister fuels. They also must be sent as being on "Double Secret Probation." 2)Have you used any other type of stoves or fuels? Yes, there are as many stoves that I have used. The white gas devices. They are good for alot of water boiling. Most stoves have technical issues that only engineers continue to enjoy doing. It is the reason that I do not use whote gas stoves anymore. White fuel or "Coleman Fuel" are easy to find on the trail. Canister fuel stoves are efficient; but, they burn alot of fuel; even if you use a windshield. You cant beat this one for ease, though. Just hit the autolight; and you have flame. Denatured Alcohol stoves are a favorite of thru-hikers. Most are homemade out of soda cans and the like. You can find the fuel nearly anywhere. It just doesnt get a quick enough boil. Fuel pellets: I usually carry one or two ESBIT tabs. They are made to put under a pot and boil 1 or 2 pots or boiling water. Not bad for an emergency; but, not quick and efficient. They are good fire starters as well. There are some of these pellets in some Meals Ready To Eat(MRE) made for the military. There are wood stoves that have an endless supply of fuel. These have always seemed dirty with the soot getting on the dishes. Cooking over fires is now considered "uncouth" and it is dirty and hot. It gets old real quick and I only use as a last resort; unless I have a whole animal to cook or to heat enough water to do a good bath. "Lentil" had no stove and just poured water into his meals to get them soft. Ive done it; but, ont like it. I dont like cold coffee; too much.