morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-08-29
From: Moxie Bald Lean-to

To: trail to Harrison's Peirce Pond camps
Miles today: 22.4

Awoke very excited at the opportunity to hike Moxie Bald. It's one of my favorite mountains of all time. On the way up, I run into a bear. I didn't stick around long for fear that it was a mother bear and possibly hear her cubs rustling around in the bushes. Once up top, I sat and enjoyed the view. Once I was ready to leave, I had trouble relocating trail. After an extended search, I found the path and was back on my way. The other side of the mountain is full of craggs and caves that you could play in for hours. I wish I had that kind of time. A few miles down the the way I realize that I've "lost trail" again. A couple local boys "point" me in the right direction. Before long, I was passing by Moxie Pond with all its nice camps along the shore. After a long stretch of "walking", I finally make it to Caratunk just in time to reach the ferry. By this point, I'm feeling pretty run down. I figured that the best thing to do was to camp near Harrison's so I could enjoy a good breakfast in the morning. I'm so tired that I just lay down and pray for rest.
Date: 2007-08-30
From: trail to Harrison's Peirce Pond camps

To: Little Bigelow Lean-to
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: scattered clouds

I woke up very happy knowing that I'd be feasting on a hearty breakfast. From the dinning area one can see an awesome waterfall. I only wish that my battery wasn't dead on the camera. On this particular stretch of trail there are many waterfalls along the way. Around 7:30a.m., Tim had the first batch of Pancakes done and it was time to eat. I was not disappointed for the pancakes were some of the best that I've ever had. Now with a full belly I was ready to walk. During the hike I walked up on some sort of bird of prey. Shortly after that, I came to Carry Pond and took the time to take a swim. Feeling refreshed, I continued on. Suddenly the weather changed and the rain started to come. Fortunately, I had made it to the Lean-to where I took the opportunity to take a break while the rain came down. The "storm" didn't last long and I was able to continue in my southernly direction. It just goes to show that if you don't like the weather in Maine just wait 5 minutes. It was starting to get late in the day when I arrived at Little Bigelow Lean-to. My plan was to get water and go. As I was at the spring house filling my bottles I heard female laughter coming from the shelter. I decided to check it out and of course I ended up staying. For what I found was a college group out for several days. I'm a sucker for women. Also at the shelter were 9'er and Tick ( both flip-floppers) and Cool Kid ( section hiker). The company was good and I stayed up late shooting the breeze with everyone.
Date: 2007-08-31
From: Little Bigelow Lean-to

To: Stratton P.O.
Miles today: 15.3

I got an early morning start to the day. My objective was to make it to the post office before it closed. Coming through the Bigelow Range afforded me no views due to the weather. Between Avery Peak and Bigelow Mountain there is a very technical part of trail that takes all of one's attention in order not to crack one's head on a rock. After that section I pushed hard all day and in some spots I was literally running down the mountain. I made it to the road and it didn't take long before I got a ride. My ride, Sue, informed me that the p.o. closed at 4p.m. and it was now 4:05p.m. I stopped by there anyway hoping to pick up my package. The gentleman there was very accomidating. I stopped by the Stratton Motel in order to sit and get my stuff together. Got my resupply and was all packed up in no time flat. I decided to grab a bite to eat before heading out of town. Sue happened to be the proprietor of the Stratton Motel, as I found out later. I was just finishing up my meal when she came in and informed me that Cool Kid had rented a room for the night. I stopped by his pad and we worked out an arrangement in order for me to stay. The night was spent getting clean, eating mass quantities of food, and watching T.V. Cool Kid, I can't thank you enough.
Date: 2007-09-01
From: Stratton P.O.

To: south of Lone Mountain
Miles today: 17.2

Tried to sleep in this morning and was still up by 7a.m. Cool Kid and I had breakfast at the diner across the street. Blueberry pancakes, ummmmmmm! I packed up while the kid got his resupply box. When he came back, he hooked me up with all this tasty food that I couldn't find in a small trail town. I added it to my rations and was ready to roll. Once again, thanks Kid. As I was waiting for Cool Kid to finish packing I ended up talking to the northbounders that were there. One of them happened to be a chiropractor and she offered to look me over after I mentioned that I wasn't feeling centered, so to speak. She ended up popping a few bones into place and I was feeling right as rain. Once back on trail, I informed Cool Kid that I was trying to make it to Rangley in time for Labor Day so I could hang out with friends there. I pushed hard all day and well into the night. I finally dropped shortly after Lone Mountain. I laid my stuff down and got some well deserved shut eye.
Date: 2007-09-02
From: south of Lone Mountain

To: Rangely, M.E, (Maine 4)
Miles today: 16.0

I still felt tired when I woke up this morning. No rest for the Wicked. The trail dropped me down to Orbeton Stream and then it was the long climb back up Popular Ridge. I'm thinking that with all the work it took to climb the ridge, most people don't think it's to popular. I was thankful to finally make it up to Saddleback Jr. It was a beautiful day and I knew that I'd be afforded some views. There was an older gentleman that was sitting just north of the peak when I got there. When he introduced himself as Grits I realized that I had met him on my hike in 1999. I told him that I had just thought of him not but a few days ago and what a surprise that he was sitting here in the flesh. We talked for a few hours before heading our seperate ways. Goes to show that the trail community is smaller one thinks. I had a wonderful time walking across the Saddleback Range since it's above treeline. On the way down, I ended up behind two guys from New Hampshire. "The guys" were out peak bagging. I never realized that it was such a big thing. The way they explained it was " It's for those of us who can't afford to take 4 or 5 months off to hike the trail. Instead, we take a weekend and go hike the biggest mountains we can find." I have respect for that. There is 100 4,000 footers in New England and they have got a majority of them. It was nice to have company on the walk since I normally walk alone. I definately appreciate Ya'lls company. Once we reached the parking lot I had to wait for my friends." The Guys" hooked it up with some music,food, and conversation. They waited around as long as they could before they had to leave. I really do thank you for your generousity and kindness. Shortly after thet left, my friends showed up and took me to their place. Since it was late, Grumpy showed me to the bunkhouse and I before long I was sleeping soundly.
Date: 2007-09-03
From: Rangely, M.E, (Maine 4)

To: South of South Pond
Miles today: 4.0

Next morning found all of us sitting around the deck table at the main house. We all caught up on old times while having breakfast. Their plan for the day was to get wood chopped for the winter. I wanted to chip in and after a couple of hours the remaining wood was chopped and stacked. Talk about a team effort. We sat around and had a leisurely lunch. After lunch Grumpy offered to drive me to the grocery store so I could resupply. I ended up with so much food that it barely fit in my pack. Once done with resupply I still had a few hours of daylight left. I asked Grumpy if he wouldn't mind getting me back to the trail. I said my good-byes to the household and was once again on my way heading South. As it was getting dark and my pack was feeling heavy, I opted to throw down my stuff and call it a day. I only did 4 miles but I have yet to do a zero day.
Date: 2007-09-04
From: South of South Pond

To: just south of Beamis Stream
Miles today: 10.0

My plans were to do a short day today. My pack feels heavy and for some reason I don't feel up to par. Made it to the first lean-to and found that Cool Kid was ahead of me by a day. I wonder if I can catch up to him before he makes it to Gorham and gets off trail. As I was walking the subject of what I have to offer came into my mind. This is a subject I've thought of constantly since Professor made the comment in Monson. What is it that others see in me that I can't even see in myself? What do people look for when the meet someone? I feel that I"m fairly educated,honest, hard working, a decent conversationalist, and a great listener. Not to mention that I'm modest as well. I know that I have alot to learn and a lot of room left to grow hence the reason that I'm back out here. If one of my dear readers can enlighten me as to what they look for in people I would greatly appreciate the feedback. Anyway, I ended up making it to Beamis Stream. Just south of the stream was a fine campsite that I decided to call home for the night. I wasn't feeling much like hiking today. If I can be honest with my readers, I awoke several times in the middle of the night because my bowels were a battleground of pain and anguish. I was finally getting some rest when I was awoken by the sounds of a large animal crashing through the woods very near to me. I got out of my sleeping bag, put on my head lamp and with hiking stick in hand stood butt-naked yelling at the animal to get out of here. My head lamp caught the shine of the eyes and if I had a guess it was a bear that payed me a visit. I finally decided to climb back into my sleeping bag and let whatever happen, happen. Shortly after, I heard the animal lumber off into the woods and disappear. I pray for sleep to swallow me whole.
Date: 2007-09-05
From: just south of Beamis Stream

To: Black Brook
Miles today: 12.5

I awoke feeling rundown. Struggled through the trail trying to maintain a positive attitude. Heard from a NOBO that Cool Kid was @ a hostel in Andover and that he was going to be doing a big mile day. There is not much chance that I'll see him again.. Made it down to the road and Black Brook. Found a good campsite to call my own. I decided that I had enough for one day and maybe tommorrow wil be better.
Date: 2007-09-06
From: Black Brook

To: Andover
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Another day of mindless walking. Always trying to stay in the moment and enjoy the space that I reside in. For as much hype that everyone had for Moody Mountain I found it to be fun. I don't understand why people complain about how hard and crazy the hiking is. It's the trail and when you signed up for this it didn't change the fact that this trail is hard and challenging. I try to take everything as it comes and deal with what is presented to me. As hard as I was trying to be positive though, my heart wasn't in the walking today. I was tired, sick, and I smelt like crap. For many reasons I decided to hitch into Andover once I hit B-hill Road. I just needed a chance to get civil in order to feel re-energized. I ended up spending $20 on a hostel to do just that. It's amazing what a hot shower and clean laundry will do for one's outlook on life. Later in the evening, the proprietor fired up the grill and I got some meat to throw on the barbie. Once feed, a guest showed me how to download my pictures on-line. All in all, a very productive day. It was nice to be in a soft bed dreaming the dreams of a king.
Date: 2007-09-07
From: Andover

To: Speck Pond
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: haze

After a good nights rest everything looks different in the morning. The breakfast at the general store is exactly what a man needs in order to get his day going. Once again, blueberry pancakes......ummmm!Now that I'm refueled, I'm ready to take several steps closer to getting out of Maine. I hike hard through the trees until I pop out above treeline on Baldpate Mountain. The view is obstructed by the haze but none the less beautiful. There is also a dayhiker with her Black Lab. I love dogs and at the moment I'm missing mine. I end up walking with them for awhile and it was nice to have the company. From Grafon Notch I say my farwells and start the laborious task of pushing up to Speck Pond. What a workout! I finally make it to the Shelter around early evening. The AMC runs this place and they charge $8 to stay in a shelter that is everywhere else for free. I take my rest there until dusk rolls in and then it is time to move on. Not very far mind you. I make it to the other side of the lake where there is a huge rock and that is where I decide to cowboy out under the stars. the stars were phenomenal. The wind was a bit strong but it was just enough to rock me to sleep.
Date: 2007-09-08
From: Speck Pond

To: Full Goose Shelter
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: haze

I awoke before sun up . I'm super excited about doing "The Notch" which some say is the hardest mile on trail. I'm just going to view it as my own personal playground. As I stroll across the mountian top the sun rises to greet me. Today is going to be a great day. On the way down the " The Arm" i start reliving a former hike that I had with my dog.[ We were going the other way trying to beat a storm front that was moving in. I opted to do a night hike through the Mahoosuc Notch and Arm instead of dealing with wet weather conditions. It took us all night and much effort before we made it to Speck pond Shelter by dawn.} Now that I'm in "THe Notch" once more I look around wondering how in the hell we did it. All I can see is boulders the size of 2 story houses and bigger! This is definately fun. My definition of fun will be explained somewhere down the line. I'm not trying to set a personal time record in going through. All in all, I think I took 1 and 1/2 hours to do the one mile. In the process, I have seen 16 people heading the other direction. Also, the dead moose is right where everybody said she would be. You could smell her before you saw her.{ As the story goes, a hiker scared the moose into the notch. The moose broke a leg and screamed in pain for days. Forest Department was alerted and stated "It's not in my jurisdiction." After 4 days of the moose being in pain, 1) a hiker slit her throat 2) or a local shot her. My opinion is yeah let nature take its course but if it wasn't for the human factor it would not have happened. Where is the compassion?} Anyway, I finally made it out of the notch and to the next shelter. Once there, I decided to take a nap which turned into the next morning.
Date: 2007-09-09
From: Full Goose Shelter

To: Gentian Pond campsite
Miles today: 9.8
Weather: moderate rain

Started out hiking under overcast skies. If it rains it's the price I pay for sleeping the day away yesterday. It felt so good to rest so I am not worried about paying the cost of leisure. I walk with the excitement knowing that I leave the state of Maine today. Soon I will be above treeline walk in the clouds with "The Presidents". For now I say goodbye to the way life truely should be. Maine is rugged and beautiful in a way that no other state on the east coast compares to. As I cross over the state line it begins to rain. Hiking over slick rock is no fun. By the time I reach the shelter I'm soaked to the bone and needing to get warm. When I get inside, there are others there that are escaping the weather as well. Everybody is in a cheerful mode despite the cold and wet conditions. I decide to slip into my sleeping bag and read a magizine that was left here. of course nap time insues and before long two more people show up and it's alot latter in the day. The company is awesome and I feel no need to walk in the rain. Maybe I'm just turning into a fair weather hiker. Gorham can wait till tomorrow.
Date: 2007-09-10
From: Gentian Pond campsite

To: Gorham
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: overcast clouds

today's little adventure starts out with me saying good-bye to my shelter mates. Life Saver and Dark Pork it was nice to get to know ya and thanks for the laughs. My walk today is not hard except for the fact that everything is slick. The hike down to the Androscoggin River felt like it took forever. Once of the mountain, I took a left down the dirt road,   After a while, I realized that there were no blazes to mark the trail. I continued to follow the road since it led towards town. At a certain point I started to contimplate wether or not to ford the river since I could see parts of town on the other side, Since the river is damned most of the water is deep and swift. The only place that was shallow enough was just before one of the damns and spillways. I decided to go for it and reach land on the other side. As the rises to my waist I start to feel just how powerful the current is. My hiking sticks are shaking and flexing due to the strong current. It took everything I had to move and not be moved by the water. Once to the other side, I climbed the embankment only to find another deep body of water infront of me. The only way i can get passed this is if the two buildings on either side are unlocked. Of course they are so I continue to look for other options. I feel like the guy on surviver man who finds ways out of any situation, I decide to climb the roof of the one building just to see if I can't make it across somehow. Not the wisest choice but I wasn't to keen on the idea of having to recross the river ( also not the brightest idea ).After exhausting all my options and not finding a way over I decided to re-cross. This time over. I felt as if a couple times that I was going to be carried away by the current. Once back across, I rested for the momemt and was thankful that I didnt get hurt. After a while, I continue down the dirt road hoping to get across. Finally , I come across an old train tressel bridge, I cross over and find myself just outside of town. I walk to the post office just in time to get a care package from a friend. I decide to stop at a hostel called the Barn just to gain my bearings. Before long, I end up getting comfortable and I've spent money to stay. the football on T.V. was good. Hanging out with 5 NoBos was good. The pizza that I had to myself, priceless. I think that tommorrow I'm going to take my first zero day of hiking.
Date: 2007-09-11
From: Gorham

To: Gorham
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: mist

It felt good just to hang out and relax in town today. I was using a computer in town when a couple of Nobos came walking through the door. One of them found out that i was from Asheville and he stated that he was as well. Come to find out that we know some of the same people and have heard stories of each other yet never have met. It's taken us both hiking the A.T. to finally meet and in New Hamshire of all places. I ended up changing hostels in favor of White Birches campground. WHite Birches is a place that is a little further out of town but much cheaper. The folks that run the place are friendly and more into caring for the hikers instead of just making money off of them. It's a very comfortable place and I have a feeling that I'm going to be here tommorrrow as well. As the rains come down heavy today I'm happy that I'm indoors instead of out getting soaked. Maxing and relaxing.
Date: 2007-09-13
From: Gorham

To: Pinkham Notch
Miles today: 21.1
Weather: fog

I left out early this morning with the plan in mind to slack pack the Wild Cats. Slack packing is like a long day hike where you leave most of your gear at a hostel ( per say) and take only what you need for the day. I ended up getting a ride out to Pinkham Notch and hiking back towards Gorham. I was dropped off early and started hiking north today. No sooner then I started hiking I heard some big animal coming through the woods. I had enough time to grab the camera before a momma mouse and her calf came walking through the stream and up the trail from me. I walked up on them and snapped a few pics. I've waited years to get pictures of moose. I also felt priveledged to watch the calf suckle on his mom. I walked past them on trail and they seemed to be comfortable with me being around. I continue on and come across Lost Pond. I ended up scaring a beaver off the shore and he didn't seem to pleased with me. before he disappeared underwater he smacked his tail on the surface and then was gone. It was then a steep climb to the ridge but without a full pack I was cruising. Walking on the ridge for a while ended up affording me some wonderful views of the Presidentals. The weather was amazing and the sky was clear. I'm excited to be in the Whites. It took me a solid 12 hours to hike the 21 miles back into town. Once back, I still had time to take a shower and make some food before retiring for the evening. A day well spent I'd say.
Date: 2007-09-14
From: Pinkham Notch

To: Madison Hut
Miles today: 7.8

I got dropped off at Pinkham Notch after taking care of a few last minute town things. Blue skies urged me on above treeline I was excited once I got up to the ridgeline because everywhere you looked was one continuous view. As I was approaching the top of Madison the weather began to turn. The view became limited and my best bet was to get off the mountain. It was time to get to the hut before things turned any worse. Once at the hut, I asked for work for stay since I can't afford to pay the $90 a night to stay. The croo was very accomidating and my work for stay ended up being a presentation on the A.T. for the guests. So after dinner I entertained half the folks there by sharing stories, informative facts, and the whole sub-culture of thru-hiking. It's so easy to talk about something that i'm passionate about anyway. I'm thankful for the opportunity to share my knowledge and I'm extremely pleased that it earned me a night's stay. As the winds pick up and the rains come in I'm warm and dry sleeping the sleep of the enchanted.
Date: 2007-09-15
From: Madison Hut

To: Lakes of the Clouds Hut
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: moderate rain

I was the last to leave the hut today. A group of 5 guest that had stayed the night were heading to the next hut for the evening. Before they left a gentleman by the name of Chris approached me and said that was supposed to by one more in their group that couldn't make it and wanted to know if I could use their extra reservation at Lakes for the evening. I happily accepted their offer and said that I'd see them up ahead. I talked with the croo and volunteers for awhile before I ventured out into the storm. The weather being as nasty as it was made for very difficult traveling. The rocks were slick. Visibility was almost non-existant. The wind seemed to pick up around every corner. By the time I was hiking past Washington the winds were more than 50 miles per hour and hail was whipping me in the face. At one point, the trail turned directly into the wind. A huge rock step was in front of me with water running down it. The wind was so strong that it blew the water back up and over the rock. I was less than a mile from Lakes of the Clouds Hut and feeling frozen to the core. I had never wanted to get to someplace as badly as I wanted to get to that hut. I finally caught a glimpse of the hut through the fog. I walked inside shivering cold. My main priority was to get warm and get feed. I sat at a table with some folks I had met the night before. As I sat there I began to feel better. More and more people from the last hut began to trickle in and before long we were all talking in a cheerful mood thankful to be in from the cold. That night I sat as a guest and ate a huge dinner and drank some wine that my current company had brought. Afterwards, I felt a wave of exhaustion come over me. It was a wonderful nights rest. I'd like to thank Chris and company for offering their extra space and more importantly their friendship.