morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-09-06
From:  Otter Pond Parking Trail

To: ME 15: Shaw's
Miles today: 15.0

9/6Got an early start due to my concerns the first 15 miles of the 100-mile Wilderness would be tough on me. It was. There were no major climbs on the day, just seemingly constant short ups and downs. The omnipresent roots and rocks just added to my stress. Sign entering the 100-mile Wilderness There were multiple fords on the day. Here is Techie on one of them. This section had very little in the way of eye candy. The highlight of the day was crossing a railroad track. The day ended with an event that is as good as it gets. I made sure I had wifi in the evening so I could watch the Rochester Rockets/SHG football game. That is not easy when hiking the 100-mile Wilderness. My Rockets defeated SHG 38-33 in Leonard Bowl IV. Most will consider this a major upset. My peeps back home felt a win was in the cards. That win totally erased any pain the trail gave me today. Thanks Coach Leonard and boys. 10:23 duration 3264 ascent 2946 descent
Date: 2013-09-07
From: Otter Pond Parking Trail

To: Katahdin Ironworks Rd: Shaw's
Miles today: 15.0

9/7 Sa dropped Techie and I off at our starting point yesterday. We climbed the side trail to the AT and headed north. The climb up to Barren Mountain seemed easier than most recent climbs. The view from Barren Ledges was nice. The footing was tough on me again today, just rocks, roots, and mud. It's taken me 21 hours to hike the 30 miles of yesterday and today. It's not the climbs that get me, it's the having to carefully place my foot on nearly every single step. I yearn for the day when I can just walk. Late in the day it started to rain, then it started to rain hard. The trail quickly became a slippery mess. Before getting to the road where Sa would be waiting I decided I was heading back to Shaw's for the night and zeroing tomorrow. Techie has a different summit date than me and decided to stay. I helped him find a campsite in the dark and held an umbrella over him as he set up his tent in the rain. I could tell he was torn on staying or not. We bid our farewells and I walked back to my car. We still should see each other next weekend. Sa was nervous that we hadn't given ourselves enough time to get to the gate before they close. On many of the 100-mile Wilderness roads there is a daily fee of $12 to get in. These manned gates close at night essentially locking you in. I think they are flexible when they know someone will be coming out but it's best not to test that theory. I drove my Prius faster than I should in the rain on that potholed road, but indeed got to the gate before nine. The guard was expecting us. I guess when they know someone is picking up a hiker, or just returning, they keep an eye out for them. I appreciated that. I drove slowly the rest of the way to Monson. There are signs everywhere warning about the high incidence of moose accidents. I don't like my odds in hitting a moose at highway speeds with my Prius. Illinois deer are bad enough, but these moose are monsters in comparison. 10:35 duration 4596 ascent 4278 descent
Date: 2013-09-09
From: Katahdin Ironworks Rd: Shaw's

To: Logan Brook Lean-to
Miles today: 13.1

9/9After five nights at Shaw's I finally had to leave for good. Sa will be staying there one more night as it will take me two days to get to Jo-Mary Rd. We should meet up late in the afternoon of the 10th. I thoroughly enjoyed my stay at Shaw's. Since I was there five days I got to meet a lot of hikers. That was a real bonus. I only had breakfast there on two mornings due to my schedule. On those two mornings the food was excellent. The Lakeshore House Pub and Grill Master (BBQ) were great sources of meals as well. Since I had a car in Monson it was easy to resupply in Greenville just 13 miles to the north. Monson was a good hub for the four slackpacks I got in. Sa dropped me off at Katahdin Ironworks Rd and I headed north for a 2-day section to Jo-Mary Rd. I left my Crocs on as there was a river ford in the first half mile. At the crossing I met a man that was guiding a legally blind hiker and a deaf hiker. The man has some tunnel vision in one eye which allows him at least some view of the footing. His deaf partner will tap on obstacles in his way at times. It was interesting to see them work together. I can tell you, the AT is hard enough for an able-bodied person. I struggle every day with the trail. I can't imagine doing this blind or severely visually impaired. I'm told the man takes a lot of falls and broken many poles. To help protect himself he wears a helmet and various pads (knee, shin, elbow), akin to a motocross rider. I tried to flick as much loose debris off the trail as I hiked today. Here is a pic of the couple fording that river. The hiking today had much better footing on average than the past two days. Even with full pack (only about 7 pounds more), and significant climbs, I made better time. I saw my second moose and this one was real close. She was only about 50 feet away but deep in the woods. When she saw me she froze, I guess hoping I hadn't seen her. I wasn't going to make the mistake of trying to get a clearer view. These animals are unpredictable. I'll just took an obstructed pic from the trail and let her think she wasn't spotted. I climbed White Cap Mountain late in the afternoon. This was the last significant climb until the ultimate climb, Katahdin. From the north side of White Cap I had a clear view of Katahdin just 30 miles away as the crow flies. Since I'm not a crow I have over 70 miles to hike there. Me on White Cap, just so could post a gratuitous beard pic. The descent off of White Cap started off with those loose little rocks that drive me and my ankles crazy. Fortunately that stuff didn't last long. For a good bit of the climb down there was a rock staircase. I cannot imagine how many man hours it took to make that. I don't even know how they did it. It was quite impressive. I am the only one at the shelter area tonight. The shelter itself is completely empty. It is suppose to rain tomorrow and the next couple days. I really hope they are wrong. 8:28 duration 4091 ascent 2444 descent
Date: 2013-09-10
From: Logan Brook Lean-to

To: Jo-Mary Rd: Jo-Mary Campground
Miles today: 15.4

9/10After hiking the summer and getting so used to long days, it just seems odd to have the sun set before 7pm. My body totally accepted the task of sleeping 10+ hours. I just have to plan accordingly to the shortened daylight. The hiking today was a dream. After a typical climb the Red Carpet Finale began, with the trail flattening out, widening, and becoming smoother. Gone were the endless flurry of rocks and roots. For the most part I could walk at full speed. I can't remember the last time I could walk like this. Oddly my feet started to hurt. I guess they weren't used to this pace. They'll have to get over it. I haven't seen another NOBO since the start of yesterday. I guess there is a large group in front of me hoping to summit on Friday the 13th. A Class on '13 thing I guess. I have no desire for such. I arrived at Jo-Mary Rd way ahead of when I told Sa I would be there. To my surprise she showed up two minutes later. Sa's early arrival gave me time to explore where the AT crossed a road further up. I found one about 15 miles upstream, perfect. We then drove to Jo-Mary Campground as our home for the night. I had actually convinced Sa to sleep in a tent. I am typing from inside our NEMO Losi 3p, a palace for two people. I had previously used this tent on a trip to Yosemite with my daughter. In told the view across the lake has Katahdin in all its glory, too overcast this evening. I had been told by a southbounder that the weather forecast had deteriorated. I checked the weather and all I can say is "yuck". Bad tomorrow, horror show on Thursday. Looks like I will knock out that 15 as a slack tomorrow and recheck the forecast. The 100-mile Wilderness ain't such a wilderness when you got a car. If the forecast stays the same I will burn another zero on Thursday. The forecasts seem to change so quickly here. I will keep my options open. 7:16 duration 1199 ascent 2840 descent
Date: 2013-09-11
From: Wadleigh Pond Rd

To: Jo-Mary Rd: Millinocket
Miles today: 20.9

9/11I decided to do a few more miles today to set up the hiking with my son. The weather looks bad for 9/12,13. Ty will arrive on the 13th so by leaving 20 miles in the 100 MW I can set up a nice 4-day trip for him (10, 10, 10, 5+). It should give him a good taste of the AT without the worry of killing his feet. I decided to hike SOBO so Sa wouldn't have any trouble finding me at the end of the day. The drop-off point was a bit tricky to find. The pick-up point on Jo-Mary Rd was easy. Hiking SOBO allowed me to see many of my trail friends, some probably for the last time. Right at the drop-off point five friends popped out of the woods. They all were at the 80-mile mark in the 100MW. I got them all some sodas (regular Coke and Moxie). I told Sa, "watch this", as I placed a full bag of Mega Stuf Oreos on the hood of the car. We all have seen the videos of piranha devouring a carcass being thrown in a river. That poor bag of Oreos didn't stand a chance. It was nice seeing the smiles on all their faces and cookie crumbs in their beards. The hiking started out with typical rocks and roots. I had hoped to get some pics of Katahdin but the Greatest Mountain was socked in the clouds. The trail went by some fairly large lakes, while nice for swimming offered few photo opportunities. After a full day of rocks/roots/mud I arrived under headlamp at Jo-Mary Rd. Sa and I headed for Millinocket and I will be taking a zero there tomorrow and Friday. Jo-Mary Lake near sunset 10:11 duration 2331 ascent 2685 descent
Date: 2013-09-12
From: Wadleigh Pond Rd: Millinocket

To: Wadleigh Pond Rd: Millinocket
Miles today: 0.0

9/12The weather forecast was correct, lots of rain today. There are many of my fellow thrus at this motel. Some have completed their thru, some are waiting for a weather break, some are going to summit on Friday the 13th "no matter what". Me? I'm looking at next Tuesday. It has been nice to get all cleaned up, laundry done, and rest. I combed out my beard and found my missing headlamp.
Date: 2013-09-13
From: Wadleigh Pond Rd: Millinocket

To: Wadleigh Pond Rd: Millinocket
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

9/13The weather forecast was correct again today, rain, rain, rain. It had to be an ugly day for those that chose to summit. There has even been flash flood warnings for the county. I bet the trail is a mess at the lower elevations. Sa and I drove to Bangor and picked up Ty at the airport. We then all met up with B-Rocket and went out for some Maine lobster. B-Rocket goes to school at the Univ of Maine at Orano. Tomorrow Ty gets his first taste of the AT. I promise not to kill him.
Date: 2013-09-14
From: Wadleigh Pond Rd: Millinocket

To: Rainbow Lake Campsite
Miles today: 8.8

9/14Before hitting the trail we ate at The Appalachian Trail Cafe. There we met up with Why Not. She is a fellow dentist that just finished the AT. To top that off she had previously hiked the PCT and CDT, making her a Triple Crowner. As far as I know she is the only dentist to do this. Three dentists: Ty, Why Not, and myself Ty and I hit the trail making this the first time he had ever backpacked with me. I knew all my gear would fit him almost perfectly since we are about the same size now. I do dig his Illini cap. I'm going to need a new one once mine is retired and delivered to the Smithsonian. The trail today was just typical Maine; roots, rocks, and mud with nothing much to see. I was hiking at a pace akin to no-doubles defense in baseball. I let the trail slow me down but not hurt me. The trees are starting to show signs of fall. Here is Ty on a bridge crossing. He got to see his first shelter (lean-to) at Rainbow Stream Lean-to and cross a sketchy makeshift bridge. We got to our planned destination very early in the afternoon. The weather today did not allow for a viewing of Katahdin. I am hoping for better weather in the morning so we can get a clear view of Big K from Rainbow Ledges. That was my reason for not going further. Stopping early allowed for us to share a nice campfire with a bunch of friendly southbound section hikers. I finally got to hear my first loon in Maine. It's distinctive call is reverberating up and down the lake as I type, so soothing. 4:45 duration 715 ascent 676 descent
Date: 2013-09-15
From: Rainbow Lake Campsite

To: Abol Bridge: Millinocket
Miles today: 11.2

9/15 The NEMO Losi 3p was comfortable for Ty and me. The weather looked good and we headed north for Rainbow Ledges. As I had hoped I got my first good view of The Greatest Mountain. There is was, the finish. Here is Ty and me with Katahdin framed in the background. The hiking today was more of the same; rocks, roots and mud. Not nearly as bad as the early part of the 100MW but still tedious. Ty at some minor water crossing. We arrived at Abol Bridge in the early afternoon. Katahdin was again on full display. 6:42 duration 1280 ascent 1729 descent
Date: 2013-09-16
From: Abol Bridge: Millinocket

To: Katahdin Stream Campground: Millinocket
Miles today: 10.0

9/16Rain early in the morning gave way to clear skies and perfect, cool weather. Sa dropped Ty and me off at Abol Bridge and we hiked the easy ten miles to Katahdin Stream Campground. Much of the trail today was like carpet. We were told early in today's hike that the water level for the two upcoming fords was pretty high. There was a High Water Trail to bypass these fords if we wished. I hadn't taken a blue-blaze trail yet and didn't want to start this late in the hike. I stubbornly stayed on the AT. It was almost a big mistake. The first ford was pretty routine. Here is Ty on his crossing. The second crossing was nasty. Ty chose to do a difficult rock hop that looked like a disaster waiting to happen if I tried it. Ty made it fine. I picked a lower route and waded in. My route had one difficult spot and it bit me. I went for a brief, brisk swim. Ty said my trekking poles went one way and a Croc another. I was able to right myself and get to shallow water. I grabbed one pole and the Croc but one pole was swept downstream. Once Ty saw I was OK, I watched him run along the stream tracking my pole. He was on a mission. I got across and saw him motion that he couldn't see the pole. It was gone. I resigned myself to a summit picture with just one pole. I guess that would give me a story to tell. Suddenly Ty went out of sight and just as quickly came back into view with my pole proudly on display. We laughed at the event and I told him that was the last ford. It was a great experience albeit silly on my part for not taking the High Water Trail to begin with. There were no pics of the event as I had my phone safely buried in my pack. Other than being a bit chilled I was fine. More hiking would warm me up. The rest of the hike was uneventful. We finished the hike within minutes of when we told Sa we would be there. I went to the ranger station and was told I was #414. One more day. I can smell the barn....4:47 duration 682 ascent 279 descent
Date: 2013-10-06
To: Recap
Miles today: 0.0

Post Now that the last of the scrapes on my legs have healed and the beard is gone (horrors) it's time to reflect on my trip. I have a strong sense of accomplishment. As I lay here in my own bed it is still hard to fathom that I spent over 6 months trekking nearly 2200 miles. Did I really pull this thing off? I thought that once I got home I would be at a physical peak. Currently I'm more "broken" than at some peak. The bottoms of my feet hurt to the point it's uncomfortable with just the walking required in normal life. I had planned on doing a Rim-to-Rim night-hike of the Grand Canyon right after my summit. That plan quickly crashed. The Before and After the Razor As most thrus will agree, the physical demands take backstage to the mental grind of the trail. Add to that the constant risk of injury and its a wonder so many of us make it. The luck factor is high. While the trail takes a physical toll, for me the larger game was played between my ears. I knew going into the hike, from the experiences of others, that there would likely be many times that I would just want to go home. They were right. I'm sure that came across many times in my writings. I didn't try to hide it. I tried to be honest with my thoughts, positive or negative. The good times far outweighed the bad. However bad things briefly were, I had to focus on the fact that good times were coming. On the converse, no matter how good things were going there were surely bumps going forward. If you expect all roses you are in trouble. It's this rollercoaster of emotions that tests you the most. I would catch myself channeling my inner Walter Matthau from his character in "Grumpy Old Men". My curmudgeonly similar ways to Matthau actually made me laugh. I was at my Matthau peak just before my son arrived, although B-Rocket had to slap me out of it several times in Virginia. What did the trail mean to me? I didn't hike the trail to "find myself" or "seek the meaning of life". My life has been full and blessed. I just wanted to test myself with something "big". There are certainly bigger things than the AT but it was big enough for me. It was bigger than I thought. While I have always felt that I could accomplish what I set out to do, this just upped the ante. For me the hike was about finishing what I set out to do. There is a common phrase on the trail, "It's about the journey and not the destination". I understand this. I really do. This probably applies to most. While the journey was wonderful it was the destination that dominated my hike. I had a burning desire to finish. Destination trumped Journey in my case. I don't think that diminishes the journey as much as it shows how much the destination meant to me. Looking back at that video of me getting to The Sign shows this.
Date: 2014-01-19
To: Post #3
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

It's been a bit over 4 months since the completion of my thru. Life has pretty much gone back to normal. My son and I are officially partners now with him working harder than me. I have remained in contact with many of my trail friends (thank you Facebook). Our local HS football team won their 4th straight state title (the first public school in Illinois ever to do this). When I returned to shoot (I am a volunteer photog for the team) my first football game I was recognized after the 1st quarter. I don't think I have ever had a bleacher full of fans cheer me. It was cool. I have come to learn that a good chunk of the community was following my hike. It's great to be from a small town.The map on the first pic is a topic of conversation at my office every day. I just love looking at it. I added a pin for my location on every Sunday and changed the color of the pins with each month. My feet are pretty much back to normal. My Christmas Toes are very much faded, but I can still feel Maine's lingering effects. Like I had been told by many trail veterans, with time you tend to forget the tough times and focus on the good. This is falling into place with me. When I finished the AT I was in no mood to hike. I now have plans for couple good trips in '14. I have plans to hike from Damascus to Daleville prior to Trail Days. I'd like to bring my infrared grill and hook up with Fresh Ground for a few days during that time. In July I'm planning on my first multi-day bike trip, when I do RAGBRAI (a week-long trip across Iowa). Then in late August I would like to do the JMT (John Muir Trail, CA). I've been to Yosemite a couple times and it should be a treat.One thing that I have neglected to mention in my journal entries is my appreciation for those of you that have read my journal. I am truly humbled at the attention this journal has had. I remember commenting to a friend of mine when I hit the North Carolina border. I noticed that I had 17,000 hits and was blown away. Who the heck is reading this?As the season went on the numbers just kept climbing. I had been reading my guestbook and knew I had a bunch of folks rooting me on. When I was having a rough day I felt those numbers and entries on my shoulders. I honestly think this journal was an important reason for me finishing my thru. I have seen other hikers have to close their guestbook but y'all were great and I could feel your positive influence. I want to close by thanking you all. My Post-thruhike Postcard
Date: 2014-03-04
To: 1-yr Anniversary
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

One year ago today I decided to take the red pill and leave normal life behind. March 4 will always be a personal holiday for me, and somewhat of a new birth. Your start date becomes a part of your identity on the trail, and I mean that in a good way. There is a special connection among thrus that share a season. There's even a tighter connection among those that start at the same time. Those early days are like your childhood, and these are your playmates on a grand playground.I am reading the journal entries of the Class of 14, and it brings back so many fond memories. "The nostalgia is fierce. I miss it. More than I knew I could."1 I sense the excitement in their words, and relate to the new world they have just entered. I wish them well. Will it always be fun? No."Fun is easy. It is better than fun"21. B-Rocket2. Jennifer Pharr Davis
Date: 2014-09-17
To: One year later
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Has it really been a year? Yes, a year has passed. The AT "aged me" a bit. I never did fully recover from the rigors of the AT. Maybe it's just a natural function of aging but I don't get around as well as I did before the thru. That said, I wouldn't trade it for anything. Those little aches and pains are a reminder of the great times. I accept them with a smile.The memories of a year ago today are still vivid. I suspect they will remain that way for a long time. That is a good thing. I will probably never again have the emotions I had when getting to The Sign. It was overwhelming.After taking a year off from long-distance hiking, I'm thinking of doing another thru next year. The PCT is penciled in. The SoCal desert in bloom awaits. I am concerned though.Before starting my AT thru I had a burning desire to thruhike the AT. Once on the AT I had a burning desire to finish it. It consummed me. I don't feel that same burning desire to thruhike the PCT. It's not like a switch you can just turn on. Maybe I had something to prove to myself. That burning desire was my friend on the AT. It was my strength. Can I do a thru without it? I guess I'll find out.
Date: 2012-08-17
To: Prep #1 - Headed to LeConte
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I received the results from an MRI on my ankle today. All is good, thank God! The doctor thought I might have a small tear in the peroneal tendon which wraps around the outside of my ankle. I sprained my ankle in May and still have some burning pain although it doesn't limit my walking. Older bodies don't heal as quickly so I'm headed to physical therapy. With that good news, I decided to do my first prep entry ahead of my planned thru-hike of the AT in 2013. We will be heading to Mt. LeConte (Great Smoky Mountains National Park) in September and I'll journal a little about that hike in later prep entries; it's our second trip. July of 2011 we went up and down on Alum Cave trail with some new friends, Joe and Angie, who go with a group each year. It was beautiful and I loved every minute of that hike. We will hike up Bullhead Trail and come back via Rainbow Falls this year if the weather is good. (P.S. Weather was rainy and we went up and down Alum Cave.) Check out the LeConte website. If you're not bored yet, I am keeping a blog PrayerWalker on the Appalachian Trail where I post more pictures.Thanks for stopping by my journal.