morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-08-18
From: Full Goose Shelter and Campsite

To: Grafton Notch, Maine 26 (1,495')
Miles today: 9.7
Weather: clear sky

Good WeatherQuite a day¢¦The 1.1 miles on the Mahoosuc Notch Trail between Mahoosuc Notch (west end) and Mahoosuc Notch (east end 2,150¢) is, without doubt, some of the most brutal trail I¢ve encountered. Rocky, remote, ruthless, relentless. unforgiving. Hundreds of thousands of tons of boulders scattered as far as the eye can see. Randomly placed, over time, across the floor of this wilderness forest, creating a hazard and challenge to all who encounter this path. A small, single stretch of earth which brings new meaning to ¢HELL¢¢¦It was not for the faint of heart! Ask Irish, Jellybean, Cash and Lunchbox¢¦We spent the better part of 2+ hrs. navigating the halacious, hard, humbling rocks and tunnels of this terrain. I can¢t imagine tackling it alone! It was a bitch! Though very strenuous, we worked together, to conquer this difficult ground: passing packs up/, over^, down\, around ( ) and under _ boulders¢¦boulders¢¦boulders¢¦then more boulders¢¦followed by arduous navigating through [] rock tunnels. I wish I could say many hands made light work, but that was not the case. Can you feel the exhaustion? However, many hands did make ¢tackling this tormenting trail task¢ less daunting. Great was the reward and personal satisfaction when finished. Can you feel the relief? Just when we thought we might get a break, we climbed straight up ^^^^^^^1,620¢ from Mahoosuc Notch (east end 2,150¢) to ^^^^^^^ Mahoosuc Arm (3,770¢). It was BRUTAL! And we continued on to Speck Pond Campsite, Speck Pond Trail; Old Speck Trail (3,985¢)and Brook before the steeeeeep 2,490' down into Grafton Notch at Maine 26 (1,495').The good news: we will be living ¢happily everafter¢, over the next few days, while staying at ¢The Cabin¢ Andover, ME, owned and operated by Earle Towne. We will be eating GREAT food and shuttled to and from the trail ¢ a luxury oft dreamed, but seldom experienced! My boots fell apart and I asked Bonnie to send the boots Bill Schierwagen shipped home from Little Gap, PA back in June. Hopefully they still have some miles left in them! I¢ll pick them up in Stratton, ME and, if those don¢t do the trick, I¢ll need my leather L.L. Bean boots sent to me in Monson, ME. (This is a last resort as they are very HEAVY). Footnotes: Centipede and Energizer Bunny are ahead on the trail.The picture on this page DOES NOT begin to tell the story this day's trail experience...            Excuse me while I collapse!What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.       - Ralph Waldo Emerson -
Date: 2006-08-19
From: Grafton Notch, ME

To: Andover, ME
Miles today: 0.0

Hi to all!Had a wonderful week in Wells, ME with friends. Weather was beautiful.Back to reality. Spent yesterday in the yard. Sometimes I feel like we live at "Tara" ("Gone with the Wind" not the hotel). However, truth be told - the yard is small and too much for one person - and, this is not about ME!Sandman is well and making good progress. He's seen friends at Dolly Copp Campground in Gorham, NH and they breathed life into the upcoming miles with their well wishes and affection. Jay Milliken carved him a figure "Sandman on the Long Trail 2006" - and it looks just like him!Last night he was in Andover, ME at The Cabin with Irish after a grueling day on the trail. Said the 1.1 miles between Mahoosuc Notch Trail (west end and east end) was brutal and the most diffucult to-date. "It was a bitch" taking 2+ hrs. to push through. He was glad to be with Cash, Lunchbox, Lifesaver, Jellybean and Irish as they crawled through tunnels, over boulders, passing packs and calling on all their strength and energy to "get it done". Goliath was so right about this section. Kudos to Cash who did much of the pack passing and Irish who supported him on a couple of steep sections. Jellybean was an active photographer.His boots fell apart and he's asked me to send his others to Stratton, ME for pickup on Monday Aug. 28th.He sends thanks to all for their emotional support and well wishes and wants you to know how much he enjoys your journal Guest Book entries. He reads them when he has the chance to log on, I read them to him when he calls or print them and send them with his maildrops (which is what I'm doing today). It seems as though Centipede, Energizer Bunny , Caboose and Walkabout have all passed the Sandman while he was in Gorham.I will detail the missing journal dates as time is available.He has "walked" 111.2 miles since his last journal entry on Aug. 9th. 1889.5 miles total - no wonder his boots fell apart! He is my hero and I'm off to mail him some "feet".Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.   - Helen Keller ¢
Date: 2006-08-19
From: Grafton Notch, Maine 26 (1,495')

To: East B Hill Road, Andover, ME (1,485')
Miles today: 10.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Another good weather dayThese are not ordinary moments¢¦Up, breakfasted, shuttled back to the trail and off to see Baldpate Lean-to (2,660¢), Baldpate Mountain (West Peak - 3,662¢), Grafton Loop Trail (3,810¢), Baldpate Mountain (East Peak), Frye Notch Lean-to (2,280¢), Dunn Notch and Falls, and East B Hill Road (1,485¢), Andover, ME.My day began at 1,495¢ (Grafton Notch) and after today¢s ups and downs; the gound I stood on at day¢s end was 10¢ lower than that on which I started¢¦            When you¢re up; you¢re up               When you¢re down¢ you¢re down                  When you¢re only halfway up                  You¢re neither up nor down!Another day in the beautiful southern region of the AT in Maine where the trail crosses seven 4000¢ peaks with considerable gain and loss of elevation: Bigelow, Sugarloaf, Saddleback, Old Blue, Baldpate and the peaks of the Mahoosuc Range.Picked up at day¢s end, returned to ¢The Cabin¢, devoured another sumptuous meal and ready for ¢hiker midnight¢ which is 9:30 PM!The further I go; the closer I get!Great is the art of beginning, but greater is the art of ending.      - Henry Wadsworth Longfellow -
Date: 2006-08-21
From: East B Hill Road (1,485')

To: South Arm Road, Black Brook
Miles today: 10.1

My 10.1 mile "Walk in the Woods" on a bad weather day:Finally got off the couch at The Cabin. Hard to do after a very relaxing day of EATING, reading newspapers, catching up on the demise of the hometown "Boys of Summer" and watching AMC videos ¢ both informational and commercial propaganda ¢ as well as a funny movie - the name of which escapes me (condition of age). A good thing for I¢ve learned a ¢steel trap¢ mind can get one into trouble¢¦It¢s best to forget SOME things!Earle dropped us at the trail at 7:30 AM and, although the forecast was for a better weather day, it rained the morning and early afternoon making for a very wet and soggy 5 12 hrs. on the trail. I got SOAKED! ¢Us¢ inlcuded: Tom, Jellybean and Irish. And, though wet, I managed to enjoy the surroundings as I ¢walked wet¢ north from East B Hill Road to Surplus Pond (outlet), Wyman Mountain (2,920¢) Hall Mountain Lean-to (2,650¢), Sawyer Notch, Sawyer Brook (ford) (1,095¢), Moody Mountain (2,440¢) reaching South Arm Road, Black Brook (ford) (1,410¢) just around 2:00 PM.By the time Earle picked us up I was ¢wet and wounded¢ having taken a few ¢dives¢(only one of which involved water). First spill involved a wet root, over which I tripped, scraping my elbow and knee. 2nd dive was a slide, but I caught myself - not without scraping my arm - and my pack hit the back of my head. About 2 hrs. later the 3rd tumble happened when I stepped on a slippery rock, while fording a brook, ¢swelled¢ from the rains over the past couple of days. The rocks were completely submerged making for tricky, tentative footing and crossing. And, after what I thought was ¢very careful selection and test¢ I stepped onto a rock that was on an angle and, with my full weight, its instability sent me down hard on my knee. Using my hand to try to break the fall I popped a blood blister I¢ve been sporting on my palm. Not to worry, I¢m fine and grateful that I was 3 times lucky!It would be an awful time to break what's left of my ass (or any other body part)!Before I forget, I want to report I¢ve gained some weight. The most recent weigh-in was 180 lbs ¢ the result of several days ¢fine dining¢! The sparse trail meals of the recent past still lurk in the recesses of my mind just waiting to again dominate my diet. But, for the time being, they are a thing of the past; a "gastronomic ghost" buried beneath layers of sumptuous calories consumed in frenzied delight. And I am "packing on the pounds"! Trail notes:Taggin' Along just poked her head around the corner as I was talking to Bonnie. Can Headin' Out be far behind?I downloaded photos and burned them to a CDI invite you to join me again for the next "action-packed" episode on the trail...'Til then -    Fall seven times; stand up eight.         - Japanese Proverb -
Date: 2006-08-23
From: Maine 17; Oquossoc, ME

To: Maine 4; Rangeley, ME
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Back to yesterday:"Oquossoc", ME (Native American for "landing place") is a small town between Rangeley and Mooselookmeguntic Lakes, it is home to three restaurants, a small grocery store, a fishing and sports shop, a marina, post office, and folks who really like the quiet. ************************************************************************* Wedneseday - August 23rdGreat weather day: Clear skies, scattered cloudsHigh: 69o; Low: 44oSunrise: 5:53 AM; Sunset: 7:30 PMSlight west wind at sunsetWaning Crescent moon: appears to be partly, but less than one-half, illuminated by direct sunlight. The fraction of the Moon's disk that is illuminated is decreasing.I¢m wearing my fleece. It¢s cold in these "heuh" hills¢¦stimulating temps driving energy boosting the spirit ¢¦ 7 hr trail day walking over quite level ___________ground. No slips or falls along the 13.1 miles from Oquossoc to Rangeley passing Moxie Pond, Long Pond (2,330¢) Sabbath Day Pond Lean-to, Little Swift River Pond Campsite (2,460¢), and South Pond (2,174¢).My boots have finally fallen apart. I tried to salvage them with glue, but the daily stress is just too much to withstand and duct tape is now my ¢sole support¢ and saving grace ¢til I pick up the boots Bonnie shipped to Stratton, ME where I hope to arrive next Thursday. I called ahead and asked if I could have another person pick them up before my arrival in case the PO should be closed. The answer was yes, so I¢m all set.Arrived the ¢Norman Rockwellesque¢ town Rangeley (pop. approx. 1200), Franklin County, ME. The area received its name from Squire James Rangeley, a Yorkshire Englishman who, in 1825, began to establish a great estate, including a saw mill, a grist mill and a ten-mile long road to connect to the outside world.Went into downtown Rangeley which was incorporated on March 29, 1855 from a portion of Rangeley Plantation. Main Street is lined by single-story frame buildings - shops, a handful of restaurants, and a small movie theater ¢ no stop lights. That's what happens "far from the madding crowd"...Nobody moves too fast "down heuh"! Bought 2 days supplies: tuna, lunch snacks and gatorade. Had dinner at the Red Onion.Abnaki Indians, first set up hunting and fishing camps along the shores of the regions 111 lakes and were soon followed, around Civil War time, by wealthy ¢flatlanders¢ (anyone from south of New Hampshire)Fishing is what helped bring Rangeley to the attention of the outside world. Around the turn of the century, these were the best-known native brook trout waters in the world, yielding giants so huge that visitors had trouble believing they were brookies. I am lodging at the Gull Pond Lodge, Bob O¢Brien, proprietor, where I was treated to a BEAUTIFUL sunset over Gull Pond, one of the smaller Rangely lakes.Tomorrow ¢life in the hammock¢ becomes a blip on the radar screen as I head into the woods for 2 12 days.Almost into a ¢sprint¢ 214.7 miles before the finish line. Duct tape is like the force; it has a light side & a dark side,and it holds the universe together.        - Witty Saying -
Date: 2006-08-24
From: Maine 4; Rangeley, ME

To: Poplar Ridge Lean-to (2960')
Miles today: 10.7

Weather continues to cooperate making for good hiking days. However, at   day's end, as radiant cooling takes place, cold nights prevail. I¢ve been cold in my lighter weight sleeping bag and have made a decision to have Bonnie mail my 20 deg. bag back to me in Monson, ME where I plan to arrive Labor Day Weekend ¢ 91.5 miles north of this day¢s final step! Being cold is probably ¢one of ¢ the single worst conditions when living outdoors; second only to water. And, when water and cold decide to ¢team up¢ trouble cannot be far away. I¢m willing the water to stay away¢¦Other than geography, there¢s little difference between the trail in GA/NC/TN last spring and NH/ME in August...Although I haven¢t seen ice (yet), the night time temps are mighty frigid. The more things change; the more they stay the same!The hilly terrain and blue lakes of the region are incredibly beautiful and, though the terrain can be physically exhausting in places, Nature¢s canvas is easy on the eyes and continues to provide a visual feast which even ¢a thousand words¢ cannot accurately describe. Today I walked 10.7 miles including 2,525¢ in elevation change along Sandy River (1,595¢), Piazza Rock Lean-to (2,065¢), Eddy Pond, Saddleback Mountain (4,120¢), The Horn (4,040¢), Saddleback Junior (3,655¢), Stream and Poplar Ridge Lean-to (2,960¢). Fact: Saddleback Mountain has a vertical drop of 2000 feet in 4,120¢ of elevation.This long and solitary trail provides long periods of silent introspection. I have traveled far and deep. What a lovely surprise to discover how un-lonely being alone can be.         - Ellen Burstyn ¢
Date: 2006-08-25
From: TBD

To: TBD
Miles today: 0.0

Again, no news today."I love to go a-wanderingAlong the mountain pathAnd as I go, I love to sing,My knapsack on my back"...This is the handcarved figure "Sandman on the Long Trail 2006", carved by Jay Milliken and given to Sandman on his visit to Dolly Copp in Gorham, NH.Very thoughtful and a real treasure. Thank you, Jay.
Date: 2006-08-25
From: Poplar Ridge Lean-to (2,960')

To: Crocker Cirque Campsite Side Trail (2,710')
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: scattered clouds

High: 70°Low: 43°This day begins as many others: give thanks, get up, eat, tend to daily ablutions, clean up, pack up, pack on, head out. Walk¢¦walk¢¦walk. Look¢¦look¢¦look. Think¢¦think¢¦think. Stop, go, rest, snack and begin it all again! It¢s a very simple regimen which may be tedious or treacherous and is always rewarding and tiring; amazing in it¢s simplicity; astounding in its complications, overwhelming in its revelations. ¢The woods are lonely dark and deep¢¢¦I must be vigilant, patient and flexible. I cannot be in a hurry and I must adjust! The sights are plentiful again today and there are several rivers to ford as I amble out of Poplar Ridge Lean-to past Orbeton Stream (ford) (1,550¢), Lone Mountain (3,260¢), Mt. Abraham Trail, Spaulding Mountain Lean-to (3,140¢), Spaulding Mountain (4,000¢), Sugarloaf Mountain Trail, South Branch Carrabassett River (ford)., Caribou Valley road (2,220¢.I finally arrive at Crocker Cirque Campsite Side Trail (2,710¢).This day ends as many others: tired, full, thankful. More memories; more miles; more gratitude.A moment's insight is sometimes worth a life's experience.   - Oliver Wendell Holmes -
Date: 2006-08-26
From: Crocker Cirque Campsite Side Trail (2,710')

To: Stratton, ME
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Note to add to my Monson, ME maildrop: Glucosamine and Trailmix Greetings from Stratton, ME where my boots were waiting for me at the Stratton Motel when Irish and I arrived. They are heavy, but they have soles and my feet are singing a welcoming song.With the exception of the first 2.1 miles, ¢straight up¢ ^^^^^ climb of 1,518¢, followed by a looooooong, loooooooong down into Monson, mileage was uneventful and the weather was perfect today as Irish, Jellybean, and I traversed South Crocker Mountain (4,040¢) and North Crocker Mountain (4,228¢) into Stratton.I thoroughly enjoyed the spaghetti I devoured to refuel. And, I went to the laundromat arriving ¢in the nick of time¢ as some workmen arrived with BIG laundry that would have tied up all available machines. Timing is everything!While doing my laundry, I was pleasantly surprised by the arrival of Sleeper, and his wife Susan, who came back through Stratton looking for me. I got a big ¢Good Luck¢ hug and kiss (not from Sleeper!). He summited Katahdin yesterday and they are enroute home. Tonight when I ¢hit the sack¢, I will be 182.5 miles from the summit of Mt. Katahdin; 82.5 miles from the ¢100 Mile Wilderness¢; 2 car rides and 2 train rides from home. I AM getting closer¢¦Do not enumerate your juvenile poultry!Probably won¢t be in touch for a few days as we head to Caratunk, ME.Tentative schedule for the next couple days:8-27/15.5 miles - Little Bigelow Lean-to (1,760¢)8-28/17.3 miles - Pierce Pond Lean-to (1,160¢)After that it's "mystery miles", BUT we will be in Monson, ME for Labor Day Weekend and will probably take a zero day (maybe 2) before heading into the 100 Mile Wilderness. Details to follow. Never be afraid to do something new. Remember, amateurs built the ark; professionals built the titanic.   - Anonymous -
Date: 2006-08-27
From: Stratton, ME

To: Little Bigelow Lean-to (1,760')
Miles today: 15.3

Accompanied by miserable weather, ¢we¢ (Irish and I) managed step gingerly with great concentration, from Stratton, ME along the way to Little Bigelow Lean-to.The trail is wet and slippery ¢ an accident waiting to happen ¢ as we concentrate and focus on each step. Now is not the time to lapse into inattentive daydreaming¢¦Long day¢s journey with VERY BAD weather over the Bigelows: miserable cold, rain, heavy clouds, and when we arrived Avery Peak the winds were 50 mph. Not much opportunity to appreciate the beauty of this day as bad weather drew a curtain across the window on our world from Stratton Maine along our way past Stratton Brook Pond Road, Stratton Brook (1,230), Cranberry Stream Campsite (1,350¢) Bigelow Range Trail, Cranberry Pond, Horns Pond Trail, Horns Pond Lean-tos (3,160¢), South Horn, Bigelow Mountain (West Peak) (4,145), Fire Warden¢s Trail, Avery Memorial Campsite, Bigelow Col, Bigelow Mountain (Avery Peak) (4,090¢) Safford Brook Trail, Safford Notch Campsite (2,230¢) Little Bigelow Mountain (east end) (3,010¢), Little Bigelow Lean-to (1,760¢).All-in-all a miserable day before we arrived Little Bigelow Lean-to. However, it didn¢t dampen our spirits; just our bodies. At this point, we abosultely, positively have ¢our eyes on the prize¢ and it will take more than some nasty ¢downeast¢ weather to deter us from the goal!I mailed my ¢broken feet¢ to Monson, ME just in case I might need them. If my feet travel comfortably to Monson, I¢ll ditch my others. The boots I¢m wearing are heavy by comparison.Am I happy? Yes, I am!A good night¢s sleep will make for a better tomorrow. And, good weather would be a bonus! One is happy as a result of one¢s own efforts, tastes, a certain degree of courage, self-denial to a point, love of work, and, above all, a clear conscience. Happiness is no vague dream, of that I now feel certain.            - George Sand -
Date: 2006-08-28
From: Little Bigelow Lean-to (1,760')

To: Harrison Camps
Miles today: 17.7

Despite the mighty COLD and all night rain, we stayed dry. Remember COLD and WET are dreaded enemies in the outdoors¢¦Walked almost 18 miles. It¢s the last time I¢ll clock that many miles!Gound was pretty flat trudging by East Flagstaff Road, Bog Brook Road, Flagstaff Lake (inlet), Long Falls Dam Road (1,225¢), Roundtop Mountain (1,760¢), West Carry Pond (west side), West Carry Pond Lean-to (1,340¢), West Carry Pond (east side) Sandy Stream, Middle Carry Pond (inlet), East Carry Pond (north end), Logging Road, North Branch of Carrying Place Stream, Pierce Pond Lean-to (1,160¢).The day came to a halt at the Trail to Harrison¢s Pierce Pond Camps where Irish and I spent the night in a comfy cozy cabin complete with wood stove. We were ¢snug as bugs¢. It didn¢t rain today, but the ground was wet with slippery roots, rocks and muddy areas. Tomorrow we will walk 3.3 miles and be ferried across the Kenebec River before traveling on through Caratunk, ME and on to Pleasant Pond Lean-to.We are moving closer¢¦Make a memory with your children,Spend some time to show you care;Toys and trinkets can't replace thosePrecious moments that you share.Money doesn't buy real pleasure,It doesn't matter where you live;Children need your own attention,Something only you can give. Childhood's days pass all too quickly,Happy memories all too few; Plan to do that special something,Take the time to go or do.Make a memory with your children,Take the time in busy days;Have some fun while they are growing,Show your love in gentle ways. "Make a Memory" -Elaine Hardt -
Date: 2006-08-29
From: Harrison Camps

To: Pleasant Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 9.3
Weather: light rain

Comfortable, warm night¢s sleep. Get up. Get dressed. Boots on. Pack up. BIG ¢lumberman¢s¢ breakfast. Fully belly. Overcast. COLD. (I will be glad to get my 20o bag in Monson). Open mind. Positive attitude. Pack on. Walk. Harrison Camp is ¢in the rear view mirror¢ as we head out to get a ferry across the Kennebec River(490¢), one of the major rivers in Maine. Ferry service is provided through the combined efforts of the Appalachian Trail Conference and the Maine Appalachian Trail Conference. At one time Maine¢s lumber industry used the Kennebec as an effective way to move timber to market. The last log drive occurred in 1976.Safely across the Kennebec, we continued our trek to the ¢town¢ of Caratunk, ME, population 108; 2 hostels and a post office. Through Caratunk, ¢blink, blink,¢ and on to Holly Brook, Boise-Cascade Logging Road before arriving Pleasant Pond Lean-to (home to peepers and loons). We stopped for lunch at Northern Outdoor Center micro-brewery in West Forks about 7.5 miles north of Caratunk before completing our travel day. Lunched on burgers and fries and took a ham wrap for the road. Irish's great idea! Next stop was the ferryman's store for a pint of Ben & Jerrys plus candy bars and dinners for a couple of days. Had to go swimming upon arrival at the shelter. 12 through-hikers enjoyed the campfire that I started and shared shelter and camping space. Jellybean, Shasta, Jangles, H bomb, Baro, Mouse, Irish, Wild Bill, Jersey Boys (Richard, Mark, & Radley)and me. Tomorrow¢s destination: Moxie Bald (13.1 miles)140.2 miles to Mt. Katahdin...Do not enumerate your juvenile poultry!We love things we love for what they are.      - Robert Frost -
Date: 2006-08-30
From: Pleasant Pond Lean-to

To: Moxie Bald Lean-to (1,220')
Miles today: 13.1

Temps moderate:64o high/43o lowSunrise: 5:59 AMSunset:   7:01 PMWindgusts: 20 mphToday as promised was partly cloudy. As long as it stays dry I don¢t care! I¢ve been taking lots of fungi photos in the damp, dark woods where they thrive.Maine AT geography today included: Pleasant Pond Mountain (2,470¢), Moxie Pond (south end) (970¢), Bald Mountain Brook Lean-to (1,300¢), Moxie Bald Mtn., (2,629¢)and Moxie Bald Lean-to.The days are getting shorter. Gone are the long, lingering moments of light that pervaded evenings late spring and early summer. Quicker comes darkness and the shades close on another tiresome day. Still and silent, in the clear cool I listen to the sounds of night. Love the loons. Anxious excitement stirs within as I dream of what lies ahead.Monson is in my sites for tomorrow ¢ 18 miles ¢ the LAST town in Maine before the 100 Mile Wilderness.Dare I begin the ¢Katahdin Countdown¢? 10¢¦ I held a moment in my hand, brilliant as a star, fragile as a flower, a shiny sliver out of one hour. I dropped it carelessly. O God! I knew not I held an opportunity.               - Hazel Lee -