morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-06-18
From: Monson

To: Horseshoe Canyon L/T
Miles today: 8.9
Weather: overcast clouds

I used the morning to catch up on a few theings, like my trail journal and got one or two things from the store, Just before leaving the town I had one last bit of junk food. I hitched a ride from an interesting couple, they where really chatty and told me that they had hiked 470 miles of the trail down south. They also said that they had heard about the Flying Scotsman. They where Mama and Papa Bear, that was their trail names. Papa Bear thru hiked in 1981 and now maintains the white cap section is the 100 miles wilderness. After thanking them and saying goodbye it ws back to the trail. Again the trail was very easy and flat. What is all the hype about up here !!!! Georgia is a much harder start. Roll on the 'Mahoosuc's' and make me eat my words. I met and hiked up to the shelter with " only 30 ish" another guy pissed of with 9 to 5 its life and so here it is. I met "odeps" at the shelter he has just retired from the navy after 21 years int he service!!! Right I am off to sleeeeeee.........
Date: 2003-06-19
From: Horseshoe Canyon L/T

To: Bold Mountain Brook L/T
Miles today: 13.0

I was up and away early and after some small ups and downs I came to the first Ford of the day. Now by the time I got my shoes and socks off I was swarmed by mosquitos. About a 1/4 of a mile up the trail was this little creek about 15 foot wide, It was annoying that I had to take the shoes and socks off for something so narrow and to make it worse my trousers rolled down on the way across and got soaked, very annoying. Apart from being boggy and rocky the trail was again easy and after another Ford I stopped at the Mosquito Lodge for lunch. I don't think I had ever seen so many of the little buggers. After my fill of macaroni and cheese it was up and over Nokie Bald and down to the lean to where I decided to spend the night as there was no point carrying the way the times of the Kennebee Ferry was s Scheduled. So up with the tent to get away form the bugs and a good early night was the plan.
Date: 2003-06-20
From: Bold Mountain Brook L/T

To: Karatunk
Miles today: 15.0

I needed a wash quite bad so I got into a small stream at 7.30 it was cold but well worth it. The trail was quite flat until Pleasant Mountain. It was a real tease clumbing that sucker, everytime I thought I had reached the summit a whole new part of the mountain came into view. It was a nice climb though with great senery all around. After a steep desent I had some lunch at the next lean-to. The 6 miles to Karatunk passed quick or maybe it was just the fact I was on a charge for junk food. I have to really sort it out!!! I blow money on the stupidist of stuff as soon as I hit town. In Karatunk I bought some goodies for the trail, 5 Granola Bars and 2 Snickers and I sat down outside of Karatunk House and ate them all. Later on I phoned home to see how everyone was doing and 3 girls carrying beer and pizza invited me up for a drink, let me just think that over !!! I staggered out of there at 1am in the morning very pissed. It turned out to be a good party. The guys where all 'White Water Rafting' guides and they where up here for the summer to party. I learned all sorts of new drinking games it was a great laugh. They offered to take me rafting for the day and a steak dinner afterwards for 20 dollars, I am really starting to regret not going, especially as the next day was going to push 8,000 foot of water a second and a wave called big mama a 21 footer!!!! oh well. I staggered back down to get my bag from outside of Karatunk House and pitched my tent by the main road on the edge of the town and much passed out.
Date: 2003-06-21
From: Karatunk

To: Pierce Pond L/T
Miles today: 4.7
Weather: clear sky

I woke this morning to a stinking hangover which was to be expected after all that drink. I packed up and headed to Karatunk House for something to re-hydrate myself with. I spent some time chatting with Paul (the owner), he thru hiked the AT and the PCT. I was tempted to take a day off from the trail and find out about the ins and outs of the PCT., but instead moved on . When I got down to the river it was quite low but they were expecting the water to rise fast as the hydro-electric damn was opened at 10am. The lady who ferried me across the river was very friendly. I found out from her that "Wild Turkey" had crossed just this morning and I missed him ----- Dam, Ah well, I sure hope he gets the note that was left for him. (ha ha). The trail was nice and gentle again and mainly followed a creek the whole way to Pierce Pond. There was some nice water falls along the way, the sun was out and I was singing " I Feel Good" for the most of the morning. I decided to spend the rest of the day at Pierce Pond Lean Too as the setting was so nice and I could do with a relaxed afternoon swimming. I met "Tex 96" who hiked on, met an aussie who ha 'Giardio' and a dose of the s****. Gary a auy from P.A. who really knows how to talk, Ashley hiking by herself and 2 guys I know from earlier on the trail with the best belt jerky so it was good to see those 2 again. I tried a spot of fishing just before dark, lost one as usual, never mind hope to be up with the birds to get a good start. I am planning a big one to morrow.
Date: 2003-06-22
From: Pierce Pond L/T

To: Horns Pond L/T
Miles today: 27.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Well, I wasn't up as early as I would have liked, especially as I missed out on some pancakes that Gary had cooked up, but I was away by 7.15 am. The first part of the trail this morning was the flatest part of the AT in Maine so I was able to get some ground covered. About half way through the morning I was walking along and could hear this squalking getting closer, then all of a sudden,,, wallop, I felt a thump on my head. The bird was big aswell and it drew a bit of blood, I was cursing my head off at it and if it came back again it was getting a hiking stick up its Arse. A little while after the attack which I barely survived, I passed the 2,000 miles to go sign, Then it sunk in just how far Georgia is away. I had managed to get to litte Bigelow L/T by 1pm so I decided to get lunch and move on to Horns Pond L/T. I saw the maps and near s*** , I didn't realise the climbs where so big, but hey it seemed like a challange expecially after bumping into some guys on the trail who said I wouldn't get there. I got to the top of the Bigelow quite quick and when I saw the climb to Avery my legs just hurt looking at it. Avery was a long hard climb on the back of 22miles already. The views where just amazing , a fitting place to have the memorial for the man who 's vision helped create and make the AT, the unique trail it is. Avery West Peak threw down another challange and when finally it was reached I saw what was next aaarghhhh!!!!!! My legs where saying 'you can't be serious'. but I pushed on down Avery West and up the long climb to the Horn from which I could finally see the camp-site. The camp-site itself has a full-time caretaker, I was surprised to see that it was a pretty young girl Shannon and not some old hermit who was the care-taker. I had a double dinner as I was starving. My legs are feeling good so maybe I can start banging out the long days. Off to Stratton to get some extra food and hopefully another pair of socks, as I left my other pair at Karatunk House and believe me these ones are getting smelly !!!!!
Date: 2003-06-23
From: Horns Pond L/T

To: Crocher Cirque Campsite
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: few clouds

I got up a little late this morning at around 8am. I had a much needed wash down at the pond. It really refreshed me, starting to get used to washing in the very cold water. I chatted to Shannon as I had my breakfast. She works 10 on 4 off on the Bigelow Preserve. She also said it was made a preserve to stop plans for a huge 'ski resort'., I hope money doesn't talk. (she does a great job of keeping the site and hikers in order). I headed down the mountain slowly as the legs felt like they hadn't woken up yet. I hitched into town and my ride pointed out all the stores, post office and most important of all, ----- the bar. So in no time at all I was sipping away on a nice cold bud. I met a guy called John in there who is hiking the I.A.T I was very intrigued at the sound of this trail and it is defentily in the pipeline. It stretches from the Florida Keys all the way up to a new section on the trail which links up with New Foundland, some 5,000 miles !!!!! We said goodbye and wished each other goo luck. I ordered the "Waffle Burger" for lunch and by all acounts it is the best burger on the A.T. 1/2 pound of beef,bacon, mushroom, cheese, lettuce, onion, tomato, mustard, mayo and a huge serving of fries. If I find a better one on the trail I will be very happy. (so let me know where does the best burgers). For desert I had the "Brownie Delux". Chocolate Brownie, thri-some, ice-cream and fresh whipped cream. After a brief supply run at the store I hitched back to the trail. I could hardly walk I was so full and the two pints of bud where making me feel very tired. Once I had sweated out the beer it felt like I could go forever with all that food I had packed for lunch. I made it to the south peak of Crocher Mountain fairly quick then it was all down hill from there to the camp-site. Some parts were very steep but I make it in one piece. I definately need a good rest fot the next section as it is supposed to be the hardest in Maine. Bring it on !!!!!
Date: 2003-06-24
From: Crocher Cirque Campsite

To: Poplar Ridge L/T
Miles today: 14.2

First up was 'Sugar Loaf Mountain' which turned out to be a steep climb all the way to the summit trail. I stayed along the way to chat to a volunteer worker. He was very chatty and told me how one day he might hike the whole trail. He was ex-military and still in great shape for being over 50, but he is not sure if he would like the camping out side of the trail. The day sun was really beating down so I was glad to be in the shade for most of the day. I stopped at 'Spalding Mountain' L/T for a quick lunch and then headed for 'Poplar Ridge Lean Too. Along the way I met "Magic" who was doing a NOBO, I had only met the guy 2 minutes - he was a loon. I met 2 others briefly but did not catch their names. The climb up to Poplar Ridge was steep in places but I was rewarded with a good view of the Mahoosuc's. They look like fun !!! I really need to get some socks as this pair stay the same shape as my foot when I take them off !!!
Date: 2003-06-25
From: Poplar Ridge L/T

To: Little Swift River Pond L/T
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: broken clouds

Late out of the starting block again. I was on the trail by 7 am and got a good pace going. I got to 'Saddle Back' quite fast and then saw the climb up to the "Horn", but in keeping with the trail I had a long way to go down before the climb. I was getting really thirsty going up the "Horn" but decided to keep what little water I had. Once up around 3,300 the mountain breeze hit me and it was just magic, it took away the thirst and cooled me right hown. At the top of the "Horn" it looked an easy climb to 'Saddle Back'. Just a little ridge to run along ....... wrong !!!!! I thought I had reached the summit only to see the rest of the mountain stretching out before me. Finally at the top the views were great and after a few pictures I was off and running for that new pair of socks and to the 'laundramat' with the old ones. I stopped at the pond and chatted to the ridge runner ( care-taker). She had a real tough section to look after, from Piazza Rock all the way to Sugar Loaf Mountain including all the summit site trails !!! I got a hitch into town with the intention of no junk food .... does a 14 inch Pepperoni Pizza and Bacon, Mushroom, onion cheeseburger count ? Well ,, good food didn't hurt anyone. After a visit to the laundramat, the alpine store, for the socks a quick phone home (Hello Mum, Dad and Alan) the grocery store I was back on the road hiking. It is always the way, the people who are going your way and have bags of room never stop, and the people who have no room, make a space and get you in somehow ( oh F*** there is a Bear out-side, I am not joking!!!!) and go miles out of their way to take you where you need to go. I am starting to regret reaching up to this campsite as there is something f****** big walking around outside. Birdsong has just informed me that it was a 'Moose'. There where two here before I got here, he is camping alittle to my right and the moose got to within 15 ft of his tent.
Date: 2003-06-26
From: Little Swift River Pond L/T

To: Bemis Mountain Lean Too
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: scattered clouds

I hardly had any energy at all which was surprising after all that food in town, so it was hard to get going this morning and by the time I left at 9am the sun was well on its way to its forcasted 95 degrees. I never did get into my stride in the morning but I kept slugging away and fortunately the 8.8 miles to the 'Highway 17' were quite easy. I stopped for lunch at 'Beamis Stream' took on a load of water had my mac and cheese and lazed about in the shade for an hour or two. I couldn't find any energy in the heat and so even though I got up the mountain in good time it was alot harder than it should have been. As there is hardly any water on this part of the trail my mouth was drier than Granda's flip flops, by the time I made the lean too, I heard from one of the guys at the shelter that a 'kid' had to be air lifted off the mountain with breathing difficulties ( he probably didn't fancy the climb down), hopefully he is ok. After my dinner and another 3 litres of water I was ready for an early night in the hope I will be up at 4am to get in some miles before the heat.
Date: 2003-06-27
From: Bemis Mountain Lean Too

To: Halfway up Moody Mountain
Miles today: 15.0

Well I didn't quite make on the trail at 5 am it was more like 8 am by the time I got my arse in gear. I was in real good form and ready for a big day on the trail. I was up and over 'Old Blue and down to the South Arm Road ' in no time. Lucky I decided to rest and have a quick dip in the river, some clouds rolled in as I was chatting to 'Pigley' on the side of the road , ( he runs A.G.H.), he told me they where no ordinary clouds and I chose to ignore his advice and told him I would see him in Andover around 6 pm with the highway 10 miles away. Now I took one step on 'Moody Mountain' and the heavens opened up and thunder and lightening was raging. The Mountain had lived up to its name and even though I am not an experienced hiker I know its not a good idea to climb up through a thunder storm, so I did a sharp U-turn and got back to the road a.s.a.p. and started hitching. A truck drove past, another one stopped , I thought great I can get out of the rain at last, they only stopped to give me directions, well!!! thats great I will just jump in my invisible car. The 3rd car stopped, wasn't going my way and again had to make room. There was fork lightening all around and old trees lying on the road. Thankfully I had the break at the river otherwise I would be in the middle of the storm on the mountain. So I got dropped of at A.F.H. and decided to stay out the storm and the night. It is a great place to stay and the service and hospitality is fantastic , and it is only 12 dollars a night. I sat on the porch drinking a few beers and chatting to the other hikers that were staying, it was really relaxing and a nice way to spend the evening. I set my alarm for 5am in the vain attempt at getting on the trail early. Well , we will see what time I get up.
Date: 2003-06-28
From: Baldpate Lean Too

To: South Arm Road
Miles today: 18.1

Well the alarm went off as planned at 5am and I got my arse out of bed at 7.30am, never mind!! I went over to the general store, the scene of my 16" pizza the day before and had 3 huge pancakes and 3 sausages, what better way to start the day. I eventually left for the trail at about 10.30am got all the way out there and realised I had left my hiking poles behind, so after a quick u-turn and back out to the trail I thanked Pigley for all his hospitality (its a great spot to stay), and made off on to the trail in a big mileage mood even though it waas already 11.30 ish. I made good ground to the first lean too where I bumped into "Birdsong" and a group of kids from a hike who were also doing some mantainance and clearing some tent sites. The rest of the trail to East Hill 6 Road was easy enough and I made it there by 3.30pm., stopped had some granolla bars, they are made by little debbies , cost 25c and are better than powerbars which cost 8 times as much, I was off and steaming up the mountain as I still had over 7 miles to go and some tough ground along the way. I made it to the shelter by 5.30pm where another bunch of kids had camped up. I promptly broke my water filter, which was about to get smashed anyway as it is getting on my nerves. Lucky enough the couple in charge of the kids gave me some iodine to get me to Gorman. Yet some more 'trail angels'. After a tough climb up onto the mountain, I met a couple who were doing a NOBO . They had started on January 14th and were surprised that I knew the 'Flying Scotsman' whom they were talking about and were very sorry not ot have met. Trust me that is not a bad thing !!!!! I got to the shelter and met some more SOBO's and Eddy who I had met 2 nights before. Now the plan is to get up early tomorrow and I will do it eventually.
Date: 2003-06-29
From: Baldpate Lean Too

To: Carl Col Shelter
Miles today: 16.4

Well last night was full of excitment. I was woken up to the now familiar noise of the Moose trudging around camp. One of them got very close to my tent and as it was situated next to where it was feeding I got worried incase it fell over the tent so I tapped the ground sheet and it ran off into the bushes. The other one hung around so I collapsed the tent and jumped into the shelter. It hung around all night and at first light it strode past the front of the lean too, it was huge but apparently not a big bull. After breaky I was on the trail for around 8.30am. We had a tough section ahead and I planned to get to the 'state line'. The climb up to "Old Speck" looked hard on the map but as it was over 4 miles it turned out to be easier than expected. I decided not to take the trail to the summit and went on and had lunch by 'Speckpond Campsite'. The climb down to the 'Mahoosac Notch' turned out to be alot of fun slipping from one boulder to the next, but the person selecting the route through the 'Notch' should be more considerate to the less agile or older people who use the trail. Some of the places you had to crawl through or climb up on would be a real challenge for kids or the elderly. It was nice in there as there is a lot of left over snow and it is just like a giant refridgerator. I was tempted once at 'Old Goose L/T ' to stay the night but my goal was the 'State Line' so I pushed on. I was given my trail name in confidence as I gave ***** the confidence he could make "K" and still make his flight home on the 24th July. I got a good head of steam up and made the 4.4 miles in under 2 hours which was good over the rough terrain. I decided to stay at the shelter 0.5 miles from the 'State Line' as there was no other water source around. I had a double helping of dinner and also found out about the 'all you can eat pizza hut' and 'chinese buffet 'in Gorham. I know what I will be dreaming about tonight. ....mmmmmmmm pizza!!!!
Date: 2003-06-30
From: Carl Col Shelter

To: Gorham
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: clear sky

It turned out to be a good idea not to set up the tent as it rained and I found out later there was also a storm. After the oats I was away on the trail by around 9 ish am. I got to the 'State Line' 0.5 of amile down the trail got the necessary pictures and pushed on. Some parts of the trail were very slippery due to the rain during the night. The Sun was out and drying everywhere which made the trail very humid. I stopped in for a quick rest at "So So" Shelter. The views were great and we got an even better view in the shelter, The 'Mr Pizza'Menu's had been left there... mmmmmm Pizza. I walked to the next shelter with 'Waldo' a fellow SOBO and we chatted about OZ as he had been there for an Internship with College. Just before the lunch stop I heard thunder and took of like a crazed mad man as I didn't fancy getting stuck in another storm. So I finally made lunch and it was stinking but I was hungry and it got eaten up all the same. I hiked the afternoon stretch most of the way to Gorham with 'Smooth' and he was kind enough to give me a trail name......'Squeaky' as the mug on my pack squeaks when I walk. I remember back at the Flying Scotsmans Aunties House when he clipped that mug on my bag and said I would thank him for it !!!! 'Smooth and Waldo' decided to stay on the outskirts of town but I chose to go in as I had alot of things to sort out i.e. a broken water filter, broken hiking pole,resupplies etc. It took an hour or so to get a hitch but I got there in the end. I had visions of people seeing a skeleton with a rucksack holding out its thumb !!!! I stayed at the 'Hikers Paradise' and after a visit to 'Mr Pizza' I got a few beers and chatted with the other hikers at the hostel and caught up with 'Birdsong' who had hiked ahead to meet a friend. I had got into town late so with alot to sort out tomorrow I gotta get some sleeee.....
Date: 2003-07-01
From: Gorham

To: Imp Shelter
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I had a good sleep and was up and out to get things in swing. I passed by loads of blokes selling camper vans. Now I want one bad !!! Not just a 'camper van' but a 'camper coach'.It looked the b*******, and I want one to tour Europe with. After the shopping was done I said goodbye to the hikers at the hostel and set of for the trail , I fixed up the hiking pole with a 2 part glue compound, that is not coming undone again !!!! I hitched a ride from a lady who worked on top of Mount Washington in the weather observation. That place is very interesting and holds the record for the highest ever recorded wind speed of over 220 mph. I didn't get to the trail until 3.30pm and with my heaviest pack weight to date as I am trying new food out. I got straight into the hike and covered the 8 miles some of which was steep uphill, in 2 and a half hours. The shelter is the first I have come to that you need to pay for. (8 dollars) The shelter is quite full with alot of NOBO;s who are all good company. One of the guys asked could he cross the Kennebee and I strongly advised him to get the ferry as the Hydro dam up stream lets out water with no notice. The other guys said " so how does the kayak handle it ", and I said "well it floats"????!!! It got some laughs. My all new dinner was great and it was worth all the extra weight. Mac and Cheese, instant mash, dehydrated eggs, tuna with a load of butter, it tasted great. I am also trying out some multi vitamins which my body is crying out for. I have heard from the other NOBO'S that tomorrow will be tough. Alot of ups and downs so it will be a good idea to get away early as I plan on uping the miles from here on in. Georgia in 9 weeks.