morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-08-16
From: Rangeley

To: Poplar ridge shelter
Miles today: 10.7

I have climbed the highest mountains,I have run through the fields,Only to bleed with you.I have stumbled, I have crawled,I have scaled,These sheer walls,Only to bleed with you.But I still haven't found what I'm lookin for.I have bruises on my hips.I have swollen finger tips.You burn like fire.You kill my desire.I have fought with a trail angel.I have held the hand of the devil,Only to bleed with you.But I still haven't foundwhat I'm lookin for.I hiked over the Saddleback mountains, feeling sick, run down. With no appetite and shivering from the cold I stopped at a shelter after just ten miles. Hopefully this will run it's course. I think the cause may have been the moose poop, devil, water I drank from the Sabbath day pond.
Date: 2007-08-17
From: Poplar ridge shelter

To: Carabassett river
Miles today: 13.2

Today's hike is dedicated to my wonderful sister Janice. Your gifts have kept me warm in this cold climate. I love you.I am still not one hundred per cent; threw up on top of Lone Mountain. I am also excreting copious amounts of gas, both orally and anally. (more information than you wanted right?)It should have been a great hike. The sun eventually came out and I saw two immense moose gallop uphill in a mad scramble to avoid the gator. It is amazing that such huge animals can navigate their way through the dense Maine forest.I went to sleep at 4 in the afternoon without any supper. I seem to have totally lost my appetite. I woke at 2 am drenched in sweat from fever. Something is definitely awry inside my body.
Date: 2007-08-18
From: Carabassett river

To: Stratton
Miles today: 8.2
Weather: overcast clouds

I woke to pouring rain this morning despite the local weather prediction of fair skies. It is damn cold in this state, even in mid august. I staggered into the town of Stratton. I find it ironic that Maine's motto is "life the way it should be." If this is true then why do so many people live in Florida? When you live in Florida you are considered a Floridian, in Virginia, a Virginian. When you live in Maine, I guess you are a Maniac.I plan to zero in Stratton tomorrow, hopefully I will feel better by Monday. If I am up to it I plan to interview some of these Maniacs and unravel the real meaning behind this state's motto. This afternoon Flick and Golden boy arrived here. I have also heard that Crazy Bear, Ghetto Blaster, and Paloma are only one day behind me now. It will be good to see everyone one more time before they pass me. If this were the amazing race they'd be telling me "gator we're sorry to inform you, you've been eliminated".
Date: 2007-08-19
From: Stratton

To: Stratton
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Giardiasis is a diarrheal illness caused by a parasite. It is one of the most common causes of waterborne diseases. It is spread through animal feces in drinking water, also through oral or anal sex. I can rule out two of those three causes.Symptoms are loss of appetite, headaches, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. Sounds like my body. I am considering going into a larger town and seeking out a clinic.LESSON 22 future thru-hikers is to ignore lesson 5, treat your water or it will treat you...badly. Hey, I told you before it takes a real man to admit when he's wrong. Just remember; trail angel...good thing. trail anal...bad thing. I did get a chance to interview some of these Maniacs. Stratton is a small haven for bikers; big leathery types with hardened females wrapped around a solid beer belly. I, in my tight, blue long johns, black socks, and blue rubber crocks, looked like quite the ruffian myself. So i approached a group of these "Harley lovers". The leader was introduced as "Knucklehead", his biker bitch was Susan. I addressed him as "Mr. Head...sir." He said that he has lived all over the country and if you want to disappear, say from uncle sam or the long arm of the law, then Maine's a good place. There are more people "off the grid here", as he put it, than anywhere else in the lower 48."Right on", I nodded, as if in complete understanding. It seems that the consensus though is living laid back, in the spirit of Thoreau, in harmony with nature. Maniacs also like to tout the four seasons, but in truth there are only two seasons here, cold and colder. We had frost on the ground this morning and this is August.
Date: 2007-08-20
From: Stratton

To: Horn's pond
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Maine did something today that it rarely does. It allowed the sun to shine all day. It was there in the morning when I went to the clinic to get my medicine and it was there in the afternoon when I got back on the trail.I did not go far, but it wasn't because I couldn't. I came to a rock ledge that overlooked Horn's pond which lies at the base of the twin, horn peaks. (photos are on the way home to weebles)It's beauty stopped me in my tracks. I sat in the sun, took a deep breath, and let the moment imprint deep into my soul. The twin peaks rise toward the clouds like a firm set of... well,... breasts.God I miss you Weebles!!!When I get home I am going to rock your world, I am going to glaze your doughnut, I am going to sugar your sweet berries.Damn I've been out here a long time. Even the best of parties will go stale sooner or later.This evening old friends stopped in to see the gator. Yorkie, Beatbox, Waffle, Yard Sale, and Knifie/spoonie are all still together and it was great to see them one last time before they too pass me by. (see photo)
Date: 2007-08-21
From: Horn's pond

To: Flagstaff lake
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Today was spectacular. I hiked up over the Bigelow mountains, the views were incredible, the sun warm, the air crisp and clean. (photos up soon)I surveyed the distant Flagstaff lake far below. Little did I know, at the time, that a beach along it's shore would entice me to camp there.I hiked with a smile, reminiscing in the juvenile conversations I'd had with the boys the night before.In my attempt to exit the group, I had told them I was going to my tent to read, at which point Yorkie made the universally understood "going to jerk off" motion with his hand while saying; "sure gator, going to read, we get it."The ensuing laughter prompted Yard Sale to proudly exclaim that he has not masturbated once the entire hike. He further stated that when he reaches the top of Katahdin he will probably explode in an avalanche of semen. (Oh my god, did he just say "avalanche of semen", does this man have no moral compass?)I and the others had to educate the poor misguided boy that what would most likely ensue is a small puff of smoke followed by the withering of his testicles like raisins. I said "you should follow the advice of physicians and prostitutes alike, use it or lose it. If you hurry, tonight, there may be time to save one of your nuts."I have greatly enjoyed being twenty again. It is a good feeling to know the gator can still hang with the young hikers.
Date: 2007-08-22
From: Flagstaff lake

To: Harrison camps
Miles today: 15.7

I am elated and concerned. Today I crossed the coveted 2000 mile mark. I am now an official member, despite some white blazer efforts to keep me down, of the 2000 miler club.I am concerned because I hiked over fifteen of the easiest miles Maine has to offer and it took tremendous effort. My energy is depleted, I am running on fumes, no gas in the tank. I can not seem to eat, having only two sandwiches in the last three days. I have been exhausted many times on the trail but never have I not been hungry.The clinic back in Stratton took no blood or stool samples so I have no assurance that I am getting the correct treatment. Tomorrow I will just hike three easy miles into Caratunk so that I may sleep in a warm bed. Then from there it is on to Monson and then the 100 mile wilderness (not the place you want to be if you are sick) then......the big K.
Date: 2007-08-23
From: Harrison camps

To: Caratunk
Miles today: 3.7

Today I crossed the Kennebec river. (photo) I am here at the Northern Outdoor center and I am sharing a tent cabin with none other than the legendary "Habitual Hiker".This man (and his beautiful wife) I met back in Virginia while hiking with Random Man. He is resting up while his wife hikes on. He has been hiking the AT for 27 years, was married on the trail, and has written several books/guides on hiking. I often wonder what could I do long enough or often enough to become a legend? A wise man once said "to live a life fullfilled, pick one subject and make it your passion."This little oasis has it's own micro brewery but due to my medication I cannot imbibe. My mouth waters continuously as I enviously eye the patrons at the bar.One more reason to take my time getting to Monson.
Date: 2007-08-24
From: Caratunk

To: bald mtn. brook lean-to
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Sick.In a tent.Along the Kennebec river.All day rain.Gray sky, ugly.Maine.That's a haiku. Do you like it? Oh what I wouldn't give to be in my own bed, a bowl of homemade chicken soup with a loving, attentive wife by my side.I slugged out almost 15 miles on one box of chocolate covered raisins. I decided to stay in a shelter due to the weather.It is said that when a man with money meets a man with experience the man with experience ends up with the money and the man with the money ends up with experience. There were some local weekend hikers staying at the shelter; taught me a few new card games. I lost 50 dollars; doesn't seem like much to you at home but on the trail it is a fortune.
Date: 2007-08-25
From: bald mtn. brook lean-to

To: Horseshoe canyon lean-to
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: light rain

Life is full of the inexplicable, the mythical, the bizarre.Yesterday it rained all day but today I sit atop Moxie bald mtn., basking in the warmth of the sun. I can see Katahdin mtn., over 100 miles away.I don't know exactly why I took this solo journey, perhaps to prove to myself that my heart was yet strong. I did not come seeking enlightenment or spirituality for I have always had those in my life. She sleeps next to me each night at home and she is all the enlightenment I will ever need. I have been trying for days to reach her by phone but always without success. When I crested this summit I tried several other calls first, none would work.Then, as I gazed at Katahdin, I tried one last number and we connected. I was able to wish my love a Happy Birthday.
Date: 2007-08-26
From: Horseshoe canyon lean-to

To: Monson
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: broken clouds

I guess it is about that time. Early in my journal I posed for a picture standing next to my pool, showing massive biceps and long brown hair.Well honey I am sending you the "after" picture so you can be the judge whether or not the trail has changed my appearance any.Now I should warn you the black eyes and swollen nose are temporary. I was in a hurry to reach Monson and ran head on into a tree limb. Flattened me like Mike Tyson on Robin Givens; near as I can tell I was only unconscious for a minute or two.And I know I am wearing my pants alot higher around the waist than is fashionable, but in the ER today they weighed me and I have lost 36 pounds.And I know my hair has gone completely grey but that is why they make Clairol for men.And yes my tits hang like deflated ballons but I can pump them back up.And our dentist can fix the blackened tooth. The nurse practitioner here says perfect vision will probably return.Oh and those red welts are bug bites which can be treated.Come on now, I don't look that bad do I? Don't cry.
Date: 2007-08-27
From: Monson

To: Monson
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Well the mystery is solved. I have finally gotten to the bottom of this whole "life the way it should be" state motto.It's wishful thinking is what it is.You see Maine is really not suitable for human habitation. What we should do is close down the entire state; turn it back over to the animals.They have very high unemployment here anyway so the national economy won't really be affected. OK...I'll give you the coast, keep the fishing and lobster industries.But the interior, completely shut off. No one goes in but bear, caribou, moose, deer, wolf, etc., for 100 years; kind of like a natural time capsule. Later we send in explorers, see what's happened.I know there will be a few pissed off Maniacs but when they find out there is a whole country beneath them where people don't suffer from trench foot, jock rot, and giardia; they'll forgive us.Now perhaps I am being a bit unfair. It is a beautiful state full of wonderful people. You have to understand my perspective. Maine has eaten my camera, given me some unidentified illness, thrown lots of roots, rocks, and mud in my path, flattened me on my back, frozen my ass off in August, and then drenched me in sweat and rain. EXCUSE MEEEEE if I don't jump right on the "Maine's the greatest state" band wagon.In 1864 Thoreau described the Maine woods as "dark, dank, and wet." Well they haven't changed much in over 100 years so let's give the animals what they deserve... a place to call their own.
Date: 2007-08-28
From: Monson

To: past Wilson Falls
Miles today: 15.2

Today I entered the 100 mile wilderness, actually it is more like a 60 mile and a 40 mile wilderness since there is a resupply campground about half way. I am willing to take back 50% of the derogatory comments that I made regarding Maine. In spite of my illness, today was perfect. I came upon the little Wilson Falls (see photo) to which the eroded shale ledges form a stairway down to a perfect turquoise jewel. I swam beneath the icy, silver cascade allowing nature's peace to flow into me as sunshine flows into trees. The winds, soft and gentle, blew their own freshness while my cares dropped off like the leaves of autumn. Later I came upon an area of flat, shale slabs and still not feeling a 100%, I made my own tombstone. The epitaph was sure to get a chuckle out of Crazy Bear, who I knew was right behind.
Date: 2007-08-29
From: past Wilson Falls

To: near the Pleasant River
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: clear sky

There have been so many interesting, wonderful, and humorous instances encountered by me while hiking this trail that I have struggled to find the silver lining in my illness. My sickness, I kept reminding myself, occurring in the most brutal state of them all was nature's way of evening the score. I have often wondered could I have completed such an endeavor had it not been for the fact that the year of 2007 will go down in history as one of the best years ever to hike the AT, south to north. I know that past hikers have suffered through much more extreme weather conditions.You see this is not the sort of race where you are suppose to skip up to the finish line, doing cartwheels. In this amazing race you stagger, crawl, or even run your emaciated ass up that final mountain. Except for these last days of vomiting over one summit then another, I never considered quitting. You never know, in life, what you can accomplish until you put yourself out there. It is a rare occurrence when you can look back on any experience and say to yourself "I wouldn't change a thing if I could do it over again."
Date: 2007-08-30
From: near the Pleasant River

To: Sidney Tappan Camp site
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: light rain

Today was miserable. I could only go for a few miles then I would have to rest for an hour. I met another hiker during one of my stops. He told me that when he had Giardia it took six months and fifteen days in the hospital to rid it. Thunder and lightning swept in on me quickly. I pitched my tent at 1:00 in the afternoon to ride it out then just decided to stay put. I have an ominous day ahead tomorrow; over four separate 3,000 ft. peaks. Other hikers have told me I must be a "tough old bird" to hike in this condition but to be honest I still feel vulnerable. Even after as far as I have come, I am still not certain I can do another 80 grueling miles.
Date: 2007-08-31
From: Sidney Tappan Camp site

To: Cooper Brook Falls shelter
Miles today: 17.1

Major victory for me today. I pushed my parasite riddled stomach and my bony legs over three mountains and 17 miles. It rained hard all night so all the streams and rivers are running high. I came to the east branch of the Pleasant River and had to wade across. Half way, I felt a presence and looked down stream. The moose had stopped midway and so had I. He looked at me and I nodded at him. It was only for a few minutes but that moment was the essence of wilderness. (See photo)Later I came to an immense area of forest where everything; trees, rocks, and ground were covered by moss. The entire landscape had an eerie sense about it. I expected "Swamp Thing" to jump out and slime me at any moment.
Date: 2007-09-01
From: Cooper Brook Falls shelter

To: White House Landing Hostel
Miles today: 14.0

Trail today was merciful. I am tired and the trail took care of me, passing many lakes all on level ground. I am sixty miles into the so called "100 mile wilderness" and have found my way to a boat dock on the Pemadumcook Lake.Here you sound an airhorn and the White House Landing sends a small motor boat over to fetch you. Trust me future thru-hikers you do not want to blast the horn more than once, it really pisses him off. I was forgiven, as it turns out they have a home in the same town I live in and I promised them free food at my restaurant. It is a small world indeed.
Date: 2007-09-02
From: White House Landing Hostel

To: near pollywog stream
Miles today: 13.0

Tonight is my final night, alone, sleeping in the woods, for quite some time. I have found a level clearing next to a looking glass stream, away from the chance of any human encounter.I tent here in solitude playing the "sound game". It is a game I used to play in the back yard with my daughter where we would sit and count the number of different sounds the night would bring. The wind in the trees, the hoot of an owl, my breathing, the scamper of a small rhodent, a soft rain on my tent...The game has brought to mind a song by Simon and Garfunkle, I hope you like my version.Hello darkness my old friend,I've come to talk with you again.I have visions, something creeping,In my bag while I am sleeping,And the visions, planted in my brainstill remain,within the sounds of silence.I have restless leg syndrome,from trails full of stone.Neath the halo of a moonlit lamp,I turn my collar to the cold and damp.My ears are stabbed from sounds of fright, soundsthat split the night.In the naked light I saw,ten thousand eyes, maybe more.Eyes looking without speaking.Creatures hearing without listening.Now I do not dare disturb the silence.Some had said you should not go,silence like a cancer grows. Hear my words that I might teach you.Stand nearby that I might reach you.But my words like silent raindrops fell.Now I have never bowed and prayed,but in this darkness I am afraid,within the sounds...of silence.
Date: 2007-09-03
From: near pollywog stream

To: abol bridge campsite
Miles today: 17.9
Weather: scattered clouds

It is as though someone came to your table, threw down a spoonful of slop and said "here is your supper, eat it and shut up." The AT in Maine is a mess, a tangled weave of roots, rocks, and muddy bogs which continues unbroken for miles. Then you come to a place called Katahdin and all is forgiven.It is here future thru-hikers, sitting in the late afternoon sun, looking at the grand mountain, that I compose your final and most important lesson.LESSON 23 Only after you have bested the heights of the smokey mountains, the length of Virginia, the rocks of Pennsylvania, the bears of New jersey, the boulders of New York, the mosquitoes of Massachusettes, the mud of Vermont, the spectacular white mountains of New Hampshire, and the extremes of Maine, in one long journey, can you FULLY appreciate the majesty of Katahdin.The name itself is derived from the native americans meaning "greatest mountain" and it rolls off your tongue like royalty. It may not be the highest mountain on the AT but it rises dramatically above all that it surrounds. It is the single biggest climb on the entire trail, rising over 4000 feet in elevation in just a few miles of ascent. It is a fitting end to such and arduous trek.Southbounders, flip-floppers, and section hikers are all honorable achievements but their experience will always be second to that of the Northbound hike. If you intend to hike the AT only once in your lifetime then south to north is the absolute best way to do it.
Date: 2007-09-04
From: abol bridge campsite

To: ranger station, katahdin stream camp
Miles today: 9.5
Weather: broken clouds

Last night, at the Abol Bridge campground, I shared the perfect tent site with Crazy Bear, Ghetto Blaster, Paloma, GG, and Rhodo. You might recall that I met them all very early in my journey. We came through the blizzard on Max Patch together and we celebrated in Hot Springs and then again in Damascus together.We stayed up past midnight telling stories of events and people encountered. Crazy Bear laughed so hard at times he cried. They are a special group and I was privileged to share their warmth.I left camp early as always. I learned long ago that you see the best animals at dawn. When I return home I plan to continue to rise early, enter my concrete, asphalt world and look for the animals.I walked slowly along the final leg of this path as tears rolled down my cheeks. I knew that with each step I was leaving behind the best friend of all,... the trail itself.
Date: 2007-09-05
From: ranger station, katahdin stream camp

To: Millinockett
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

This is not really a journal entry but a message to all of you out there who are reading and who have supported me through this summer. I plan to thank each of you personally. There were times, sitting in a public library, when your messages brought me to tears. Those around me must have thought me manic depressive.I am awaiting the arrival of my family and after the summit will write one final entry. Many of you have asked that Weebles post pictures, you will have to be patient as I will post many when home with the technology to do so. My old camera was found so I should be able to complete the journal upon my return this Sunday.Again my heartfelt thanks and as we thru-hikers say often to one another, "I'll see you on down the trail."
Date: 2007-09-06
From: Millinockett

To: Baxter peak
Miles today: 5.0

AND THE DEED IS DONE!It was never about disrespect,and I deemed not to make it so; therefore those of you who were hoping I would bare-ass the beloved sign atop will be disappointed.I had but two intents, some of you might recall the very first day of my hike Barking Spider ran out of water and I gave him half of mine. In gratitude he gave me what he called an "appreciation stone". It seemed important to him so I kept it. I put your initials on it Dan and it now sits under the sign atop Katahdin.That first day, which now seems like years ago, I found a small note hidden in one of my pockets. The note, from my wife, reads; "gatorgump - I love you so much. I miss you already. Please be safe and hurry home...I'll be waiting. I know you are concerned about extra weight so you can throw this away after you read it, love C"I kept that note safe and dry over 2000 miles. I read it one last time at the summit then in my best Rocky Balboa impersonation I yelled "yo Cindy, we did it!"I shared my victory with my son, we toasted our climb and then a careful descent. There was a TV crew waiting for me at the bottom. They asked, among many other questions, what did I intend to do now? Well I don't know about the rest of you but I plan to take a few "zeroes". AND THE DEED IS DONE!