morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-09-09
From: Little Bigelow Lean-to

To: Pierce Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Man, did it rain last night. The wind was blowing some of it in on us a little. It did stop at about 10:30 though. We packed up and headed for the trail magic an hour down the trail. It is 5 past thru-hikers that get together for 5 days every year and put on a hiker feed. Seeing we were there in the morning they made us egg and canadian bacon sandwiches on English muffins. They also had a giant cookie, candy bars, chips, other snacks, watermelon and plenty of coffee and soda. A great way to start the day. Decided to come here with Chameleon and Dakota Dan. We walked along some ponds that I will call lakes as big as they are. We watched a pontoon plane land and take off of one of them. It seems a cold front has moved through as the temps aren't getting out of the 60's. There is a sad note about this shelter. Early in the hiking season, a thru hiker Parkside, was almost done with his hike. When he got here he took a swim in the pond. His co-hikers were in the shelter and heard him yell for help then he went under. They couldn't find him in time. May God bless his family in their time of sorrow. I have said my prayers and will be spending some time here tomorrow before I decide to stay or move on.
Date: 2012-09-10
From: Pierce Pond Lean-to

To: Pleasant Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 9.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Another chilly night, I love nights like that though. Makes it a little tough getting out of the sleeping bag but great hiking weather. I would be suprised if it even got above 65 degrees today. I was going to stay at Pierce Pond but decided to take the 2:00 pm canoe ferry across the Kennebec River. It is the only place where something other than your feet are used to do the trail. On my way to the ferry I saw some wonderful waterfalls along the Pierce Pond Stream. It is cloudy today so I didn't see much sun. Took a chance on my mail drop being in town and it was so I got it and took some items from the hiker box and put a couple of items in it. I then moved pretty quickly to this lean-to. Seems that most of these are on ponds. I hope it is a sunny day tomorrow. I have 2 climbs tomorrow, Pleasant Pond Mt. and Moxie Bald Mt. If it is clear I should be able to see Mt. Katahdin from Moxie Bald. I am getting close.
Date: 2012-09-11
From: Pleasant Pond Lean-to

To: Moxie Bald Mt Lean-to
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: few clouds

First off, a prayer for all those who lost loved ones in the attacks of the World Trade Center, The Pentagon, and the plane in PA. A wonderful sunshine day. Had my first climb right off the bat. Got some great pics from Pleasant Pond Mt. Just before lunchtime I had to go across the Baker Stream. I thought I was going to keep my feet dry but I stepped on a slick rock and that was it. Wet feet all day. I had lunch then made a quick stop at the Bald Mt. Brook Lean-to. Wanted to stay but it was too early so I started my second climb up Moxie Bald Mt. When I got to the top I saw two mountains. Which one is Mt. Katahdin I am not sure so I took pics of both of them. Some really interesting rock formations as I climbed up the mountain. I look forward to exploring them more on a section hike. When I got here I took off my shoes and went to wade in the pond to clean my legs. When I stepped into the water down I went so I ended up washing my shirt and shorts also. Debating on whether to go into Monson tomorrow or not. We'll have to see how I feel.
Date: 2012-09-12
From: Moxie Bald Mt Lean-to

To: Stealth Camp: Lake Heloron
Miles today: 14.6

Woke up and had breakfast next to the lake. As I was eating a beaver came from the bank about 20 feet from me and went into the lake. That was cool. Heard both loons and coyotes last night. Sherbert, who I have camped with the last couple of nights, said a coyote ran into his tent so he yelled at it and scared it off. The hike today was great. Most of the day I was hiking next to streams and rivers. I had to ford 2 rivers today. The West and East branches of the Piscataquis River. Both were only knee deep but one was in the morning and the other at the end of the day. Will stay in Monson tomorrow to charge my phone and camera for the last time before I hit the 100 Mile Wilderness. I don't think I will be able to do it again until the night before I summit Katahdin. I believe this will be my last entry until I finish my journey unless I can mail something off in the wilderness somehow. God Bless everyone.
Date: 2012-09-13
From: Stealth Camp: Lake Heloron

To: Monson, ME
Miles today: 3.3
Weather: clear sky

Woke up early but took my time getting ready. A short day which will probably be my last one. Wasn't too far into my hike when I hit a reroute. The signs said that beavers had built a dam and flooded 130 ft. of the trail to where it was impassable. I walked down to take a look and they did one heck of a job. The water was deep and the muck made it even deeper. After surveying the situation I decided to go back and take the reroute. When I got to the other side I walked back down to the opposite side of the beaver pond. Glad I didn't go through that mess.When I got to Maine 15 I called the Lakeshore House Lodge and Pub to see if they had tent space and to be picked up. Kathleen, who works at the lodge picked me up and I found out that she grew up in Naples. It was nice to meet someone from back home. I set up my tent within 5 feet of the lake. I had lunch then a little later I ate 1 1/2 quarts of Chocolate Moose Tracks ice cream. I got to take a kayak out for a spin on the lake after that which is free for the guests.Sherbert is tented next me and the bunk house is full. There is great food and the owner, Rebecca, is great also. Didn't get a chance to meet her husband but will definitely come back here on my section hike. I love Monson. It's the last town until I complete my hike in 115 miles. Time to hit the hay.
Date: 2012-09-14
From: Monson, ME

To: Wilson Valley Lean-to
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: clear sky

Did not want to leave this morning. The people here are fantastic. I took my time again to pack up. Rebecca drove me back to the trail head at 10:00 am. My pack is loaded with 9 days worth of food as I have entered the 100 Mile Wilderness. There is only 1 place to resupply and that would be very expensive so I will carry most of my food. I will pick up a couple of items when I get there to make sure I have enough to finish.I had 2 rivers to ford but I was able to rock hop the first one which was Little Wilson Stream. The second one wasn't that easy. I took off my shoes and put on my Crocs. The water was moving pretty fast and it was knee deep again. This one was the Big Wilson Stream. It was fairly wide so it took a little time to cross but wasn't too bad.Here at the shelter with 9 or 10 other hikers so we have a full camp. I think I will get a good nights sleep. There is a big hornets nest here which I hope no one walks into in the middle of the night. Will try to take a picture of it tomorrow.
Date: 2012-09-15
From: Wilson Valley Lean-to

To: Chairback Gap Lean-to
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: moderate rain

Woke to a sprinkle of rain this morning but I was protected by the boughs of a cedar tree so I was able to pack up dry. Had to ford Wilbur Brook this morning. Like the others it was moving pretty quick and was knee deep. The water is cold but it feels good on my feet. The rain picked up some but not enough to get me wet. I got wetter from the trees and bushes that I brushed up against.I summitted 4 mountains today. By the time I got to the top of the first one, Barren Mt., the rain had stopped and the sun came out. There were some steep ascents and descents. As I started to descend Barren Mt. I fell and broke one of my hiking poles, so now I am down to one. I had to take my time climbing and descending as the rocks are wet and slippery. The other mountains I climbed are named Fourth Mt., Third Mt. and Columbus Mt.I was so happy to get to this lean-to. I am tented where I can get away from most of the wind as the temps are to drop into the 30's. I plan on sleeping in tomorrow.
Date: 2012-09-16
From: Chairback Gap Lean-to

To: Sidney Tappan Campsite
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: clear sky

It was cold this morning. I haven't been this cold since Tennessee. I did everything I could from my tent this morning including cooking my breakfast. I still managed to get a respectable start at 8:05. I even wore my gloves when I started hiking this morning.I climbed to the top of Chairback Mt. and then dropped down to the West Branch of the Pleasant River. This one was different from the others. It was moving slowly and was only shin deep. On the other side was a ridge runner. I sat and talked with her for awhile as I was putting my shoes and socks back on. We exchanged a few trail stories and then I continued on. I had a nice slow ascent up Gulf Hagas Mt. to the Carl A. Newhall Lean-to and sat there to have lunch. Seeing it was only 2:00 pm I decided to go ahead and summit Gulf Hagas Mt. to camp here at the Sidney Tappan Campsite. I arrived here at 3:00 pm and built a little fire. I don't think it got over 62 degrees today. I set up camp and had dinner. The temps are falling again tonight and I am nice and warm in my sleeping bag right now. I will stay in here the rest of the night I hope.
Date: 2012-09-17
From: Sidney Tappan Campsite

To: Cooper Brook Falls Lean-to
Miles today: 17.1
Weather: clear sky

I can't believe it has been 180 days. I wish I had 180 more of them. I forgot to mention that when I crossed the river yesterday it was mile marker 2100. That was the last 100 mile mark I will see. Had to finish my bigger climbs today. I won't see anything higher than 1,600 ft. until the day I summit Katahdin.Great weather again today. I have been truly blessed with the weather over this entire trip.First I went up West Peak then on to Hay Mt. After those two I ascended White Cap Mt. and when I got to the other side I got a great view of Mt. Katahdin. Right after that, as I was descending, I started to feel a pain in my right foot. I stopped to have lunch at the East Branch Lean-to. The lean-to's in Maine are placed in some of the greatest spots. Most of them are within sight of water, whether it is a pond, lake, stream, brook or river.Thought I was going to have to ford the Pleasant River but with no rain over the last few days I was able to rock hop it. There are some nice beaches along some of the lakes. I just wish it was warmer so I could go swimming.I then had 1 more mountain to climb, Boardman Mt. I am now at Cooper Brook Falls Lean-to with Ryan, a south bounder, and Canecutter. Canecutter said that Passionflower and the rest of the crew should be about 8 miles back. They are calling for rain tomorrow night and Wednesday morning so I am going to try to do 21.5 miles tomorrow.I hope my foot feels better in the morning.
Date: 2012-09-18
From: Cooper Brook Falls Lean-to

To: Wadleigh Stream Lean-to
Miles today: 21.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Up and on the trail at 6:40 am. Hard to get started with my foot. I believe it is my Achilles tendon. I hiked along side some streams and ponds this morning. There are some great places to camp but with rain on the way I hope to get to the shelter with a space for me. I can't believe my pace today with my foot the way it is. My hiking average was 2.8 mph this morning. The terrain is pretty flat but has roots and rocks to contend with once in awhile. I had lunch at the Potaywadjo Spring Lean-to which was the halfway mark for me today. I thought about going to the White House Landing Hostel to get some more snacks but figured it would be a waste of time as I can make it with the food I have.I was getting ready to ford two more rivers today but they were both low enough to rock hop. I got here to the Wadleigh Stream Lean-to in 9 hours. It really suprised me to get here that quick. My overall average today was 2.4 miles mph.There are 2 sobo section hikers along with Laura (GA-ME 09) with her dog Bobo and Stephanie with her dog Asia. They arrived just after Canecutter and just before it started to rain. It is coming down so I imagine the the streams will swell some. It is very painful to walk in my Crocs or barefoot so I will wear my shoes in camp. I am also upping my vitamin I (Iburophin) intake in the morning to see if that will help.
Date: 2012-09-19
From: Wadleigh Stream Lean-to

To: Rainbow Stream Lean-to
Miles today: 8.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Slept in until 8:00 am as it was still raining. It was nice to wake up dry. I sat around the shelter and ate a late breakfast. The rain finally stopped and I hit the trail at 10:40 am. My foot was feeling a little better today. Got another view of Katahdin today. It was just 16 miles away as the crow flies but still 36 hiking miles away. After taking some pics I started to head down the mountain and ran into Laura and Stephanie. I went a half mile the wrong way so I had to climb back up again. I think this is where it was getting a little much for my foot. When I got to the road to cross Pollywog Stream there was a coyote there. We saw each other at the same time and he took off.There are quite a few people staying here tonight. Still haven't seen Passionflower and Sparky yet. Thought they would have caught up to me here. I hope they still plan on summiting on Saturday. It is getting dark so off to bed.
Date: 2012-09-20
From: Rainbow Stream Lean-to

To: Hurd Brook Lean-to
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: clear sky

Nice day today. Got a late start but wasn't worried as today was another short day. We had originally planned to summit Katahdin today but after the slowdown in the Whites we pushed it to Saturday.I am still in disbelief that I will be done in a couple of days.Got a great view of Katahdin today from the Rainbow Ledges. Several of us sat there for over an hour having lunch and taking pics.I did get some good news. Passionflower, Sparky, Longstride and Silvergirl will catch up to me tonight. I can't wait to see them.I have been meeting many hikers that started after me and some that were ahead of me the whole time. Seems like there will be plenty of us summiting Katahdin on Saturday. Hope the weather holds off until we at least summit. We will have to see what God has in store for us.
Date: 2012-09-21
From: Hurd Brook Lean-to

To: The Birches Lean-to, Baxter State Park.
Miles today: 13.4

Last day before the summit of Katahdin and the end of my adventure. Passionflower, Sparky, Longstride and Silvergirl caught up to me last night. We all left camp at 7:00 am to get breakfast at the restaurant at Abol Bridge, but when we got there we found out that they don't serve breakfast. Luckily the store does make egg sandwiches on English muffins so I ordered 2 of them. I threw away my broken hiking pole and got rid of my huge bag of trash.We still needed to get to the Birches Lean-to so we headed out again. When we got to the woods line a ranger was there to check us in. I was the only one of our group staying at the lean-to as the others are staying in a cabin near town. There were only 2 spaces left so I got one of them.We will only have 5.1 miles to climb tomorrow but we will have to come back down the same way making it a 10.2 mile day. The weather forecast says rain so we hope it is a late afternoon rain.There are 12 of us here at this site and a few others joined us from another site for our last night on the trail. With me tonight are Purple Rain, Easy Nomad, Jiffy Pop, Bad Penny, Dances with Flies and Flapjack to name a few. Flapjack's father brought 2 coolers full of beer but unfortuntely no sodas. He also had plenty of hot dogs, chips and marshmellows to cook on our last fire of the trip. We had a great time sharing stories of our adventures. Man am I going to miss all of this.
Date: 2012-09-22
From: The Birches Lean-to, Baxter State Park.

To: Mt. Katahdin summit
Miles today: 5.1
Weather: moderate rain

I was up early hoping to beat the rain. It was still dark and most everyone was still asleep so I was being as quiet as possible. I got to the parking lot at a little past 6:00 am but the gang wasn't there yet so I waited until 6:20 then checked in with the ranger and headed up the mountain. I took my time and got some nice pics of the falls. Finally Sparky and his wife Janet caught up to me and said Passionflower was right behind them so I waited for her. I truly believe she was instrumental in me making it physically because her pace early on kept me from hurting myself most of the time. When we finally got above tree line we walked right into a cloud. The terrain has been the most challenging I have faced on the whole trip. We had to be extremely careful as everything was soaking wet and the winds were hitting 40-50 miles an hour with gusts even higher. The temps dropped also. Passionflower and I are the first of our crew to make it to the top. As we are standing there watching people get their pics taken with the sign, I looked over at Passionflower and she is crying so then I start crying also. They are tears of joy that we actually made it. We actually hiked almost 2,200 miles over the last 6 months. There were a lot of people on top and we waited for Sparky, Janet, Longstride, Silvergirl and their son and daughter. It seemed like forever but it was only 30 minutes. The weather was deteriorating and with all our pics taken we started to head back down. The wind tried to blow us sideways and then we ran into driving sleet. We were wishing we could hurry but that would have been too dangerous. We start seeing other hikers we know heading up the mountain but don't talk much as we are all trying to get down. After 1 1/2 hours we finally hit the tree line and the winds calm down and the rain lets up. It figures that the last day of my adventure would be the same as my first. Wet, cold and windy. When we got to the bottom they went to their small cabin and I waited for my free shuttle to the Appalachian Trail Lodge in Millinocket. I am staying here tonight and will catch a bus in Medway which will take me to the Greyhound bus station in Bangor for my 2 day bus ride home. I am still numb to the fact that it is over. I have mixed feelings about going home. I want to just keep going but I also have commitments to keep back in Naples. I am still surrounded by hikers right now but won't have that at home. I have been blessed to have met so many great people and to have had the great experiences with them. I have new friendships which I hope will last a lifetime. May God bless all of my new friends from the APPALACHIAN TRAIL!!!!!!!!!!
Date: 2013-09-22
To: 1 Year Summitversary
Miles today: 0.0

1 year ago today I completed my thru hike of the AT. The past year has been difficult but I have had plenty of support. I miss the trail so much. Having this journal helps me to remember all of the great times and the few trying times. I had so much fun and still stay in touch with many of the people I met along the way. Will be doing it again in 2015 so you can follow me on that journey right here on Trail Journals. I have already started it. I am just as excited now as I was when I was planning this trip. I hope that all of my fellow Hiker Trash class of 2012 is doing well. I miss everyone. Hope to see some of you in 2015.
Date: 2009-04-06
From: Duncannon, PA

To: Mt. Katahdin
Miles today: 1132.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Hi! Yep, it's time for us to get back on the trail. Take It Easy is feeling great following taking a second course of antibiotics for the Lyme Disease he contracted last May hiking the AT. We'd hoped the initial round of medication would do it, but since he still wasn't symptom-free in December, he took another round. That did the trick, thank goodness! Glad we don't have to fret over him not feeling quite up to par while hiking. Another joy is that today I took and passed the National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork-yippee! Whew- all that studying paid off. The biggest plus is that I'll have fun spending time outside with Take It Easy without feeling as if I should be studying. Take It Easy's worked out the details of a car rental, and I got in touch with our Trail Angel to secure our arrival in Duncannon, PA. The plan is to start April 13. Trail Angel Mary is ready to pick us up at the Harrisburg airport(where we'll be turning in the rental car) and will take us to the Doyle Hotel where we exited the trail last May. Thanks in advance, Trail Angel Mary! We're looking forward to seeing you again. It'll be interesting to see the town again, too, as well as the Doyle Hotel & see what's changed. Since we're driving to PA from our home in VA, we won't start walking til midafternoon. So our first night'll be spent at the shelter just a handful of miles north of town. Our packs are ready, legs & feet dancing, minds getting into the hiking groove. Sitting at the computer right now I hear birdsong from outside. Won't be but a few days and we'll be living in the midst of it!
Date: 2009-04-12
From: Newport News

To: Duncannon, PA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Easter Sunday dawned clear and cold. It's 40 degrees this morning--gee, I hope it's above 20 degrees for our starts up north! Today'll be full of getting ready. Actually, we are ready, just gotta go see my parents to give final goodbye hugs and well-wishes, followed by more clockwatching; tomorrow morning we drive to Harrisburg, PA to get shuttled to the trail by Trail Angel Mary! It'll be fun seeing the Masters on tv this afternoon, knowing that we'll be in the woods 24 hours later. It's also been great fun to receive so many encouraging emails from family & friends, and many AT hikers. They do give us a fantastic boost! One new hiking friend, Ryan "Castanada Galactica", we discovered via his trailjournals posting lives in our town & also is hitting the trail this week. We got together for a meal a few days ago. Great guy. His enthusiasm charged us up even more. We wish C.G. and his dog, Vaca all the best. Since they're starting north of us, heading southbound, we're al looking forward to inevidably meeting out on the trail in a week or so--how cool is that! Well, it's time for me to shuffle through my pack again, checking to make sure nothing's missing since my last check. Golly, I just need to close it up and put it by the door--I'm going stircrazy clockwatching!
Date: 2009-04-13
From: home

To: Duncannon, PA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Wow, it's really happening! Picked up the rental car, packs are packed... we're all set! It'll be a little bit tough to roll out of our comfy bed in the early morning, knowing tomorrow night we'll be burrowed down in our sleeping bags in the chilly PA woods. Feet and legs, get rested up...tomorrow you start earning your keep!My next posting will be from somewhere north of Duncannon, PA.Happy trails!
Date: 2009-04-13
From: Duncannon, PA

To: Clark's Ferry Shelter
Miles today: 4.6
Weather: overcast clouds

11;15 a.m. as driving rental car to Duncannon,PA, got call from Trail Angel Mary. She can't pickus up til 2p.m. or so. Oh,well. Killed time by eating lunch at Hardee's. Wited an hour at the airport in Harrisburg, but no call from Trail Angel Mary. Eventually, we secured a taxi to take us to the trailhead in Duncannon. Sure hope all is well with Mary. Started hiking araound 3:30. Cool and cloudy, but got sweaty working climbing up from the road. We were rewarded by discovering 6 cans of Rolling Rock in the shelter waiting for us! Plus there was a pad for sitting, and a sleeping bag to be used as additional padding for Take It Easy's sleeping bag! Ahhh...we're settling into trail life gracefully.