morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-09-12
From: Bemis Stream stealth campsite

To: ME 4 stealth campsite
Miles today: 13.9

Well thankfully today turned over a new leaf for our lobster adventurer! Day didn't start out great, headed up to the road that was covered in fog, cold and raining slightly. Well decided, since I was at a road, I would try my phone reception and call my mom- which I did. And for the first time since beginning the trail, I broke down and cried to my mom over the phone (have obviously cried other times along the trail but usually seem to be having a ball when I talk to my parents). I was saying how the last stretch has just felt like punishment, not even enjoyable hiking, etc, etc. I hope I didn't worry my parents- sometimes a girl just has to vent! Serenitina and LJ came not far behind me and I tried the old statue move (if I don't move, maybe they can't see me....) but they knew what was up but I waved them along insisting I was fine. And really I was. It has just been a tough stretch in the end of NH and so far in Maine and I just had to acknowledge that. I was still enjoying myself most of the time, just having a tough few days. And as with all tough days, I knew it would flip around and I'd have great days ahead of me as well- just gotta keep pushing through it!Anyhoo, after hanging up with my mom and composing myself a bit crossed the road to find LJ 'reading a sign'. I insisted I really was fine (which I was) but he offered me his ipod so I decided I'd give it a shot for a while to listen to some different music and get me through the soggy day. Well, as it turns out the sign he was reading was saying that this stretch of trail until the next road was relatively easy by Maine standards. And I actually ended up having a really great day- walking alone, listening to LJ's music from time to time and enjoying my surroundings. We stopped at a campsite for lunch that had canoes in the pond that you could just take out (they seem to have a lot of this along the trail in Maine- very cool!) but the weather a little too cold to stop moving for too long.We arrived at the road later on and Serenitina, LJ and I hitched into town. We had all decided that we would resupply, have some hot food and then return to the trail to stealth camp for the night to avoid a town stay (plus my parents are going to meet us at a friend's cabin in Stratton in a few days, so we'll enjoy a night off the trail there!). So we did just that. Met the Canadian Geese at the grill we had dinner and then hitched back out to the trail. (Hitching at night- not recommended. Luckily the checkout clerk from the grocery store, David (who was randomly from my hometown), picked us up and gave us a lift back. Serenitina had already set up her bivy before we went into town, so me and LJ found a flatish spot in the dark (not so easy...) and set up our tents there.
Date: 2010-09-13
From: ME 4 stealth campsite

To: Poplar Ridge Lean-to
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: light rain

(During the middle of the night - Loud stomping noises next to my tent, branches cracking, heavy breathing right outside my tent)Me: LJ... are you awake?LJ: YeahMe: LJ... do you hear that?LJ: Yeah(more stomping, thrashing, branches breaking and panicked heavy breathing)Me: LJ... is that you?Well of course, it wasn't LJ! In fact, he was slightly offended that I thought he was the one making all that racket! We must have parked our tents in the middle of a moose's usual path, so it obviously saw us and completely panicked! Made for interesting morning conversation though- we wondered if there has ever been an instance where someone in a backpacking tent (they are quite small you know) has been trampled by a moose in their sleep...hmmm.... Anyways, up with a quick poptart breakfast (out of fuel and it was raining again anyways), packed up and off we went. Was a nice walk up a couple miles to the first shelter and we found Q-Tip and AD stealth camped on the other side of the road.Stopped in at the first shelter to get out of the rain a bit and found out there were all kinds of attractions nearby from the hikers taking a relaxing morning start (Scat Tracker, Unicroc, Red Oak and Buttercup). To start the privy was a 2-seater with a cribbage board, and there was a blue blaze to piazza rock and another blue blaze to some caves. Figuring we'd have a little fun and check out these sights near the shelter me and LJ went to explore (isn't that why we are out here anyways?)- rain be damned! The rock was pretty cool but the caves were a bit like Mahoosic Notch and didn't go too far into them (figuring might as well save some energy for the hike ahead).After some fun morning distractions, me and LJ headed up Saddleback Mountain and then the Horn. Climb up saddleback wasn't too bad and the trail was above treeline for a few miles so that could have been cool if it hadn't been raining and we could have actually seen something. Actually ended up having a great day though- just chatting away and hearing some of LJ's interesting jokes. We had a good day and arrived to find the shelter completely packed, as well as most of the campsites not in a puddle. No worries though, we just went a few hundred feet up the trail and found some flat ground on a hill Eureka was camped on and we joined him. Was one of those days I was happy to always carry a dry set of clothes only for sleeping in. After spending all day in the rain, being soaked to the bone and have the temperatures be cold it can actually be pretty dangerous if you can't get yourself dry and warm. So now, dry and warm in my sleeping bag I'm off to bed hoping a moose doesn't trample me during the night!
Date: 2010-09-14
From: Poplar Ridge Lean-to

To: Crocker Cirque Campsite
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: light rain

Was another cold, wet morning- so had a quick breakfast, packed up my gear and started to get moving to warm up! Spent the morning walking with Scat Tracker and chatting with her which was nice (her and Unicroc are so fast though, wasn't long til they smoked me!) We came a beautiful waterfall and checked that out for a little while. There was a bit of uphill after the falls but the grade wasn't too bad at all- was actually a lovely walk along a river. And who did I come across on this walk but.... ACE!! (from the beginning of my hike). Was so great to see her!! Apparently she came down with lyme disease (so many hikers this year got lymes!) and decided to flip so she was headed south to finish up. Walked with LJ in the afternoon. Climb up Sugarloaf wasn't too bad, but the climb down off of it was pretty steep. At the campsite tonight with Serenitina, LJ, Eureka, Red Oak, Butter Cup, Scat Tracker and Unicroc. Had a nice fire and now cozy in my sleeping bag. Goodnight all!
Date: 2010-09-15
From: Crocker Cirque Campsite

To: ME 27 Stratton, ME
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Cold again this morning (seeing a pattern developing here... fall!) but luckily the day started off straight up South Crocker Mtn and North Crocker to get the blood pumping and thaw out my feet (usually takes about a half hour each morning before they de-freeze!). It was a nice gradual walk down to the road where Momma and Papa Lobster were coming up for the night!! A friend of my dad's was kind enough to offer his cabin to us in Stratton so my parents we headed up to do some more trail magic for us.My parents arrived and picked up me, LJ, Serenitina, Scat Tracker and Unicroc to head to the cabin for the night. We had some vegetarian chilli, apple crisp, wine, beer and many cups of tea! And of course the usual shower, laundry, clean gear and quite a few stitch repairs on clothes (it is definitely getting towards the end and the clothes are starting to wear through- guess thats what happens when you wear the same time everyday!) Was really nice to just relax for the evening, hang out and be able to get all our hiker chores done in one spot. Oh and of course, we had another chance to sleep in a real bed which was fantastic! Was a great night and just what the doctor ordered before our final push for the next 180 or so miles.PS- This place is massive! Could comfortably sleep all of us plus could probably fit about 5 more- incredible!
Date: 2010-09-16
From: ME 27 Stratton, ME

To: Horns Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 5.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Up and organizing this morning! (It often feels like that is half of what we do- walk and organize all our crap... with the occasional bit of loitering thrown in for good measure of course! ) Not in a big rush to get back to the trail this morning as we are only planning to go 5 miles today, but attempting to shed and get rid of things in my pack that I definitely know I won't need/use in the next couple weeks (I have a tendency to carry some things I really don't really use- such as a mini medicine cabinet or that 4 lb field guide i carried for months this summer!)Anyways, Momma Lobster cooked us a great breakfast this morning and really enjoyed just sitting around the table with everyone eating and talking. Then we packed up, went off to resupply, head to the P.O., etc etc and then back to the trail again. Sad to say goodbye to Mom and Dad but I'll hopefully see them in a couple weeks in Baxter State Park (!!!). Thanks for everything you guys do!Walk was good on the trail, was flatish for a few miles after the road which was nice and then up, up towards South Horn. The trail was a bit bizarre today though- at times it almost felt like off-road hiking and it was a little tricky to keep the trail- so me, LJ and Serenitina were all shouting to each other about tricky parts or where the trail went one way, but looked to go another, etc. We went by some beautiful ponds today on the way up though- just very quiet and peaceful. Maine must be fantastic place for swimming when the weather is a bit warmer! Well the rain started coming down a bit so we decided to shelter it. Real nice shelter here by the way- double shelters side by side, but me, Serenitina, LJ and AD are all in one tonight. Relaxing evening just hanging out looking at the climb ahead tomorrow morning (shelter points directly to south horn) and AD strummed on his guitar while we dined. He plays a lot of 20s blues I think- very nice to listen to and its always a pleasure to camp around him!
Date: 2010-09-17
From: Horns Pond Lean-to

To: Little Bigelow Lean-to
Miles today: 10.2
Weather: overcast clouds

It was a cold, rainy night so we definitely made the right choice staying in the shelter last night! Motivation was hard to come by this morning though and we sat in our sleeping bags looking out at the rain and cloud we were about to climb into until about 8:30. Once we actually got up and out (AD decided to take a shelter zero), it wasn't so bad though. Even in the rain, once you are moving you warm right up (particularly heading uphill). And I kind of enjoyed the climbs up and over the Bigelows in the clouds.... felt like a REAL mountain climber (though, i suppose i sort of am?)- very exciting! Right after Avery Peak, we crossed the (official) 2,000 mile mark!! So had a little Team LJ (still cant remember why the 'team' got named after LJ...) photo shoot and just enjoyed the moment. We thought the tough part of the day was over, but it actually felt like it took ages to walk the 10 miles today. But in the end, the weather cleared up, we made it to Little Bigelow and saw some views of what we had just climbed over (and possibly a mini-Katahdin in the distance?) and arrived at the shelter. Sheltering again tonight partially out of laziness and partially because there are a lot of people tenting already (okay probably mostly laziness..). This might be a mistake though because the mice are already pretty active and it's not even dark yet! Hmmm...
Date: 2010-09-18
From: Little Bigelow Lean-to

To: Pierce Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Gorgeous day today! We had blue skies, nice cool temperatures for hiking, a nice (dare I say?) pretty flat trail and loads of beautiful ponds and lakes that we passed by. Very idyllic day of hiking actually. Plus, it feels like our first long day in quite a while- plus we actually made it in before dark- so feels good to know I've still got it in me! My knees are slightly sore, but I think that's from all the food I am carrying, as we are going straight on through to Monson.This is a beautiful shelter right on a pond, and as luck (or good planning on the part of the trail maintainers more likely!) would have it, the sun is setting right over the pond so we have a great view of the sunset from inside the shelter. I'd also like to mention how much I am enjoying these hot apple cider mixes in the evening after dinner in this beautiful cool, fall weather- thanks mom! Well off to sleep now, and very excited for the pancake breakfast myself and LJ signed up for tomorrow morning over at Harrisons! Maine is definitely beginning to grow on me...
Date: 2010-09-19
From: Pierce Pond Lean-to

To: Moxie Pond stealth sight
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: light rain

Woke up to one of the most beautiful mornings on the trail. The pond was like a mirror reflecting the trees and I hard my first loon call! A very beautiful and slightly haunting sound. LJ and I were up and out early to head over to Harrison's for our breakfast reservations with Tim at 7:30. 12 (gormet!) pancakes, eggs, delicious sausage, juice and coffee- what a way to start the day! Sat around and chatted with Tim, Yin and Yang over coffee before realizing that we'd better get a move on if we were gonna make the ferry 3 miles away before they closed for lunch!Was a nice walk down to the Kennebec River along some streams and waterfalls (lots of nice side trails that would be good to explore another time when I'm not rushing to catch a boat!). Not exactly the gently sloping downhill that the maps make it out to be but then is it ever? Ferry crossing was fun in the canoe and as luck would have it Craig was the operator! (met him in the Shenandoah's with his wife- he only works Sundays). We were also greeted with a little trail magic from Playboy's mom on the other side of the river- thanks!! Afternoon was a nice walk to Pleasant Road Lean-to where Serenitina, LJ and I had a late lunch. Also saw AD, Scat Tracker (who was the one sporting a unicroc toay due to a sore foot) and Unicroc. We were tempted to stay at the pont for an early day, but since the weather was good and we wanted to make it to Monson for Tuesday instead of Wednesday, we decided to push on over Pleasant Pond Mtn.I read in one of the trail registers yesterday that we are now on the 'escalator to Katahdin' meaning that we've gotten through all the tough stuff and the terrain should be easier now. Well it is a lot easier, but there are still challenging ups and downs on rocks and lots of roots and wet logs to trip over and slip on so still watching my step as wouldn't be good to break an ankle this late in the game! The mountain this afternoon was pretty steep uphill- which I was expecting, but the downhill was not the 'gently sloping downhill over 5 miles' that we had been told either! Lots of up and down steep, slippery rocks and I ran low on water towards the end of the day. Made it down eventually though and had a nice drink at the brook and over to a stealth site that LJ had scouted out. Dr. Rock joined us here tonight s well and we are all trying to pretend that the dead tree in the middle of our tents doesn't exist! Haha
Date: 2010-09-20
From: Moxie Pond stealth sight

To: Horseshoe Canyon Lean-to
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Last day of summer! Beautiful day today- cool and sunny. Started out early, got scared by a grouse (wooo those wings get your heart rate going!), and saw a beaver swimming in his homemade pond all within a few hours! Had a real nice walk up Moxie Bald Mtn where I came across a dog on the trail. He watched me for a while and then ran off. Later he came back and started following us hiking. We thought he might be lost but he turned out to be a hunting dog with roadio collars on- we named him JJ. Anyway, he hung out until lunch and then must have caught a scent of where he came from and took off.Moxie Bald was a beautiful mountain and we were lucky for a clear day to see whats ahead of us. Some people said they saw Katahdin but I'm not si sure- it's a long way away yet! The lean-to just past the mountain was also beautiful were we stopped for lunch and best of all.... there was a picnic table right on the water! Haven't seen many picnic tables in a few days (and I've really come to love and appreciate them) so that was a pleasant surprise!Had our first real river ford today, where we had to cross the river in about knee/thigh deep water- was pretty exciting! We also had an unexpected ford before it as well due to a newly created beaver pond that has flooded the trail! That one was a bit colder and I attempted going through it in my croc- but the mud tried to at it! The croc escaped in the end though and it was all good. Met some nice southbounders who were camped by the river and they offered us smores!! Got another treat tonight as well when I got to the shelter who was here but..... Freeman!! LJ built one of his famous fires that we've all started cooking over (feels more authentic!) and we all had a great old time talking about Spice Girls, post trail life and stirring up a bit of trail gossip. Was a fun night and excited for town tomorrow- our last town stop!
Date: 2010-09-21
From: Horseshoe Canyon Lean-to

To: Monson, ME
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: clear sky

Woke up, ate the last of my food and headed off the 9 miles to town. Had another river crossing today which was interesting. We would have had to ford it, but beavers had built a damn going across the river so we were able to use that as footing (sorry beavers!). Are they the trail maintainers here in Maine? hahaRest of the walk was pretty uneventful- was a beautiful day though- air was cool, sky was blue, foliage is beginning to change- oh yea and it's fall! (my favorite season!) I ahve now hiked in all 4 seasons this year. Spent a great day enjoying my walk and listening to some tunes- until my battery wore out that is. Luckily LJ was nearby and his battery had just done the same so we spent the end of the walk chatting away. Me, LJ and Serentina headed into the Lake Shore House for the night where we met lots of fellow hikers (is it just me or do we all congregate in towns?) Scat Tracker & Unicroc, Red Oak & Buttercup and AD. Went directly to the pub for some lunch before taking care of our hiker chores (shower, resupply (got a shuttle to another town for this) and laundry). Had a fantastic evening with a few beers, some ice cream and watching the Goonies!! Classic movie we all enjoyed and Chunk was even funnier than I remembered him. LJ gets a gold star for great movie choice!
Date: 2010-09-22
From: Monson, ME

To: Wilson Valley Lean-to
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Day started off great with a famous AYCE breakfast at Shaws! Food was delicious but I was a sad excuse for a thru hiker being pretty satisfied with my first plate. Oh well though- it was delicious! Then we packed on up and headed back to the trail to begin the 100 Mile Wilderness!! (or the 100 acre woods as me and fly catcher used to call it- sounds a lot less threatening that way!).Walk turned out to be nice today (despite predicted rain) but boy were our food bags heavy!! Had lunch at Little Wilson Falls- which Serenitina said looked like something from Indiana Jones- and we had another river fording at Big Wilson stream. Went for a different approach this time and just walked straight on through with my boots. Sure, me feet got wet but it was only another 0.7 to the shelter and I attempted to wring my socks out after crossing. All in all- not a bad technique. Here at the shelter tonight with Serenitina, LJ, AD and Eureka and attempting to pretend I don't hear the shelter mice scurrying around!
Date: 2010-09-23
From: Wilson Valley Lean-to

To: Chairback Gap Lean-to
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Woah- today was much tougher than expected! What happened to this escalator we are supposed to be on? Headed out this morning about 8 and pretty much walked all day until just after 6 and was exhausted! Was a nice walk for most of the day though and walked with LJ pretty much all day which made it fun.Saw loads of toads and frogs this morning on the trail as well as a couple grouse who gave my heart a good kickstart. Views were great today and elevation wasn't too high but was just very rocky and rooty for footing. Well its cold, I'm sleepy and the mice are having a field day (sheltering again due to laziness/more predicted rain) and the mice here are like little ninjas tonight!
Date: 2010-09-24
From: Chairback Gap Lean-to

To: Carl A. Newhall Lean-to
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: light rain

Well survived the mice last night and woke up to nasty, cold rain that started overnight and looked pretty set in for the day. None of us particularly wanted to get out of our warm bags into the cold rain so we probably slept in til about 9- the latest I've stayed in bed for a long time! But eventually we sucked it up and got up and moving- except for AD that is, who decided to zero in the shelter again. Serenitina had a nasty fall coming back from this water source this morning and banged up her knee and wrist pretty good. So we got her some tea and painkillers and she said she was feeling good enough to hike.So we decided to just do 10 miles and headed out around 11 o'clock. It was pretty rainy and nasty so just kept moving all day. Had hoped to do the Gulf Hagas side trail but since the weather was so bad decided against it- guess it was god's way of keeping my thru hike pure- haha. Me and LJ took a short trip on it though just to look at one of the falls and it was beautiful! (Grand Canyon of Maine I think they call it?) And to top it all off at the end of the day we saw a male moose about 30 feet away chewing on a tree. It's amazing how they can be so close to you yet they blend in so well it's almost hard to see them (despite them being a massive animal!). Anyways, time for a bit of shut eye and trying to stay warm in the shelter.
Date: 2010-09-25
From: Carl A. Newhall Lean-to

To: East Branch Lean-to
Miles today: 10.8

Had a lazy morning again today. Was up early enough but just took time packing up and of course taking our 2,100 picture- the last 100 mile marker of the trip! Me and LJ probably headed out about 9:30 and it was straight up and over not 1... not 2... not 3.... but 4 peaks!! (mwah-ah-ah-ah... )It was quite humis and looked like it might storm for a while but we lucked out and as we climbed up Whitecap Mtn the cloud cover lifted enough where we thought we could see Katahdin. Then we walked around the corner and actually saw Katahdin- different mountain completely and closer than I thought!After that the afternoon was a nice downhill (with some lovely stone steps- great trail maintenance MATC!) and we were at the shelter by quarter to 4. Was an idyllic walk down. Turned out to be a beautiful fall day and the leaves have all started changing. Tenting down by the tiver tonight with LJ (who would like me to note that he is being very brave not taking his pain killers- ha!) which is a great spot. Feels good to be in my little Hubba again (have been a little lazy recently and staying in shelters) but hoping the moose don't drink at this spot because we are blocking the path a I don't really feel like being trampled in the middle of the night. Well off to bed- early start and long day planned tomorrow.PS- As Serenitina and I were chatting and filling up water by the river this evening, a gust of wind came and blew her bandanna into the water! We were both already in our dry clothes and couldn't run in after it but it snagged on a rock, so I ran and got my trekking pole, climbed over a few rocks, and was able to fish it out of the water- crisis averted!