morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-09-16
From: Frye Notch Lean-to 

To: Andover Guest House
Miles today: 4.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Happy Birthday Linda!The early bird gets the worm. In this case the early bird gets into town quickly. Poor Ursa! I rousted her out at 6 a.m. Our intention was to bop into town, pick up our maildrop, do the necessary sorting and bouncing, and hopefully, bop back out of town the same day. However ~ the best laid plans ... We secured a lift into town immediately from some bear hunters. A direct drop at the post office had me convinced we would be out of town by noon. Alas! No box. No new shoes. No camera for Ursa. Once again, as I was contemplating our options, the Universe answered our needs. Sandra from the Andover Guest House entered the post office carrying a box with my name on the side! A moment of confusion was followed by the realization that Blue was here and staying at the Guest House. She was using one of our old boxes to forward supplies of her own.We decided we'd stay, take advantage of Sandra's slackpacking offer (which Blue was doing today), and wait for our boxes. Fast forward: we learned the Gorham post office sent the box parcel post instead of priority; by getting online at the library this evening I learned New Balance sent my shoes to the post office via UPS instead of via USPS per my specific instructions; we learned Ursa's camera had been returned to its origination only to be sent to Gorham a second time with no notification or instructions. Well, at least nothing is lost ~ yet ~ only complicated. I bounced some journal pages forward to be mailed out from here. I hope the box arrives by Saturday as my e-mails indicate the last journal posting was 8/21. Some dear friends are concerned. I'm ok - doing great - simply not hitting post office hours to get postage to mail them. Sorry. When this box arrives I'll get them mailed out pronto.Blue and Gray Panter have returned and this foursome (they, Ursa, and I) are ready for sleep. Perhaps tomorrow everything will be back to normal.
Date: 2004-09-17
From: ME 17

To: South Arm Road
Miles today: 13.3

Happy Birthday Coz Linda! Happy Birthday Paul! Happy Anniversary Paul!Ursa and I traveled south, Blue and Gray Panter traveled north, all from the same point, ME 17. That puts Blue two full days ahead of us and I doubt we'll catch up this time. I didn't realize that fact when we parted. 'Twas a good thing; my tears flow too easily.Today qualifies for just another day in the life of an AT thru-hiker. We crossed the Bemis Range comprised of: First Peak at 2604', Second Peak at 2915', Third Peak at 3115', East Peak at 3532', West Peak at 3592', and Old Blue at 3600'. We were glad there were not a north and south peak too! The views, although not numerous, were memorable, showing us the surrounding mountain ranges in full glory and majesty.We had asked Sandra to retrieve us at 6:00. Knowing we were well ahead of schedule we allowed ourselves a pleasant leisurely lunch break. In the middle of the trail was a huge flat rock and, except for the slight tilt, it made a perfect tabletop. Lacking the proper tableware and placemats, I had no choice but simply to sit on it, eating my trail mix with a spoon directly out of a baggie like every other day. Certain simplistic moments are the most treasured memories which will remain in my heart forever. The stableness of nature with its gifts of beauty and serenity, and the loving and supportive companionship of my trail sister combined to make this one of those moments. We have returned to Andover and the warm welcome of none other than our trail angels from Gorham. Timex, Lorax, Mr. Potato Head, Grubs, and Jason are here. Great conversation, shared pizza, warm shower, and I've crashed with a smile on my face ... 9 p.m.
Date: 2004-09-18
From: South Arm Road

To: Andover 
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: moderate rain

We had been told this 10-mile stretch was worse than yesterday's 13 miles. Perhaps because we were SOBO's or perhaps because we were expecting a grueling day, it turned out to be quite manageable. Not wanting Sandra to be waiting for us we gave a desired pickup time of 3:30; we beat it by 15 minutes only to find she was already there and had been waiting for us for 15 minutes But she brought good tidings: our box arrived! My huge Melaleuca order came yesterday so, except for my new shoes and Ursa's camera, we're back in business. I'm very distressed however as my journal pages, which I thought should be in this box, aren't here!! Did I lose them or leave them somewhere? ARGH! This is not good. To be so close to the end and to have been so diligent about keeping this journal only to have them go missing is breaking my heart.Today's hike took us over Moody Mountain at 2380', and North Peak of Wyman Mountain at 2945'. Was it today or yesterday (can't even remember!) we met Doc and his friend? Turns out his friend recognized us from a campsite in the Shenandoahs ... a night we were nearly out of daylight before we finally found a spot. He and his brother and son Daniel gave us great companionship that evening. Ursa liked them immediately when they offered her a hotdog and then delivered it right to her tent's doorstep Ah yes, I remember them well. The trail is long, but home to a small and unique community. I'm privileged to be a part of it. We walked in rain today; the trail was muddy and nasty. But as has been our continuous good fortune, we are indoors tonight and have the luxury of being able to dry out before we return to the woods tomorrow.
Date: 2004-09-19
From: ME 17

To: Rangeley, ME
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: light rain

Aha - we've been here before: ME 17, the spot at which we said goodbye to Blue and Gray Panter as they headed north, we south. Now we follow in their footsteps resuming our northbound trek.Some days it does seem as though our solo motivation is to put by the miles. Our newest trail angel, Nuke, friend of Ursa, was meeting us at 3 p.m.; we walked out of the woods at 3:05. We were moving non-stop all day but the terrain was condusive to a speed-hike. I hope I don't regret rushing down parts of the trail on occasion. Most likely I will not as I thoroughly enjoy an all-out fast hustle, unwinding the legs, and releasing the energy in a full gallop. It felt great.Over pizza in town we mapped out our schedule from here to Monson, the start of the 100-mile wilderness. Nuke and his wife Darlene are planning to meet us two more times and then retrieve us in Millinocket at the conclusion of our hikes. We're talking a two to three-hour drive each time. Wow! The trunk of Nuke's car is filled with all our surplus items saving us the task of sorting and mailing anything forward. After he picked us up today we drove back to Andover to retrieve our boxes. Because of this planned return we were able to slackpack one last day. These three days of slackpacking have given Ursa's knees a much-needed rest. Swan appreciated the break too! The less weight, the less chance of injury. Bless you Nuke!We are in a house with shower, bathroom facilities, soft beds, and a telephone. I've figured out that my journal pages are in a box I gave Cygnet to leave for us in Gorham. I found only two boxes at The Barn when there were actually four waiting for me, one of which contained many of her items I had agreed to mail home for her. Now I send my kudos and thanks to Mom, who has agreed to do some phoning for me tomorrow to sort the mess. Hopefully the journal pages will be at the transcriber's and on computer by week's end. She also has agreed to phone New Balance about my shoes which Gorham post office told me had never arrived. Thanks Ma! There are no phone booths in the woods and your help is greatly needed and appreciated.Now I can go to bed and get some sleep. I've kept Nuke and Ursa awake long enough while I've been dealing with these issues tonight. Gosh -- life is much simpler in the woods.
Date: 2004-09-21
From: Poplar Ridge Lean-to

To: Campsite at South Branch of Carabassett River 
Miles today: 13.1

We are sitting at a spot only 191 miles from the base of Katahdin. We had our usual "Wahoo!" vocal celebration at the "less-than-200-miles-remaining" point on Spaulding Mountain. Originally, we had planned to hoof one-half mile to the summit of Sugarloaf Mountain to stay in the summit house tonight. But it was only 3:00. Seeing the steep climb to the summit, we deliberated only a nanosecond to determine we'd keep on trucking. I knew there was a designated campsite 3.3 miles further, but had been told by Mr. Potato Head that there was a sweet site one mile closer. He was right, and here we are with the tranquilizing rhythm of the rushing Carabassett River in the background.Darkness is setting in early. By 6:15 we had eaten and were hoping to get settled in for the night before we needed our headlamps. We succeeded, but with very little time to spare. The cloud cover didn't help, but we figure that same cloud cushion will keep it warmer, so we've no complaints. Two mountains gave us our quota of climbs for the day. Lone Mountain at 3280 feet gave us no vista, but a lovely spot for lunch. Sugarloaf presented us an incredible view of the rocky mountainsides and the river down below in the valley (where we are now). Only the descent from Sugarloaf was difficult today. The two climbs had us panting a bit, but that¢s all par for the course. If we weren't huffing, it'd not be much of a mountain!It seems as though we are in a pocket between hikers. Today we saw no one. However, we've been told that there are about 20 a mere one to three days in front of us and a significantly large pack still trudging along in our wake. I guess we aren't the only ones praying for no early snow on Katahdin!
Date: 2004-09-22
From: Campsite at South Branch of Carabassett River 

To: Stratton, ME - White Wolf Inn 
Miles today: 8.4
Weather: few clouds

Moose, pine needle floor, golden leaves of the birch trees, blue sky, 70-degree temperature, two nice climbs, and a gentle descent comprised our short hiking day bringing us into Stratton. Our transportation trail angel was Rick from New York and once again we are very, very grateful. To him it was "a small thing". To us it was an immense assistance, saving us a five-mile road walk and 2-1/2 hours!The woods today were spectacular. It is a day like today which starts me bemoaning the near completion of my AT thru-hike. My blessings are numerous. To be able to be out here; to be healthy enough to be able to hike, climb and descend these majestic mountains; to have instilled in me by my parents and childhood the determination, perseverance and grit required to achieve what I desire in life; to have the support, love and prayers of so many well-wishers and true friends ~~ the list is endless, a constant reminder of God's presence in my life. I am immensely happy and content.Town duties are calling, which will be followed by a hearty meal and a restful evening. Tomorrow we start our cross of the Bigelow Mountain Range.Today truly was a perfect hiking day with the proper blend of effort and ease. Within 2.5 miles of our departure, we were atop South Crocker Mountain at 4010 feet. One mile further, with a significant elevation drop inbetween of course, we viewed the surrounding mountains from North Crocker Mountain at 4228 feet. Both peaks were above treeline and transported me to the usual "another world" frame of mind. Often we've commented on how amazingly well traffic noise carries for miles. But up on these peaks we are spared that aural pollution, which is so prevalent in our everyday lives. However, it's far from quiet and serene up there! I've yet to be in an alpine zone, which hasn¢t had me dropping my pack and digging for a windbreaker, perhaps even hat and gloves. I always see animal life up there too: birds, grouse, an occasional snake, frogs, and chipmunks. So, great as it sounds to enjoy lunch at 4200 feet, we never do. If we aren't nearly blown off the mountain, our lunch certainly might be!Back down into some beautiful yellowing birch trees, out of the wind, we continued our trek to Stratton. Much of this past week has had us on the lookout for moose. Naturally, when least expected, 30 feet ahead of me a large bull crashed across the trail. Unfortunately, he saw me before I spotted him and he was out of sight in seconds. Truth be known, he most likely was standing only a short distance off the trail because the crashing stopped quickly, but I couldn't spot him again.Here in Stratton we found Sampson and Father Ounce who had flip-flopped to Katahdin and now are southbound to Hanover, NH, which will mark the completion of their hikes. It warmed my soul to see them again. I wish them well and hope to catch up with their goings-on when this journey becomes history. Godspeed, my friends. And now ~~ it's off to the laundromat.
Date: 2004-09-23
From: Stratton, ME - White Wolf Inn

To: Safford Notch Campsite 
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: clear sky

Goodbye 4000 feet! Our final climb to that elevation happened today. How appropriate for it to be Avery Peak (4088 feet), so named to honor Myron Avery, one of the mainstay personalities responsible for the very existence of the Appalachian Trail. As expected, the trail tested our stamina today. From Stratton we climbed to North Horn Trail at 3792 feet, slid down a few hundred feet and climbed again to South Horn at 3805 feet! After another loss in altitude we topped out on West Peak of Bigelow Mountain (4145 feet), made another large dip and completed our final climb to over 4000 feet on Avery Peak. But what goes up must come down and today's descent was a killer on Ursa's knees. She coerced me into taking the lead and, thinking this campsite was fairly close, I did so. The trail just kept going and going with no Safford Notch Campsite in close proximity. The woods through which we descended were extraordinary, full of huge room-sized boulders around or between or under which we skirted. It is unfortunate we needed to rush because of the late hour. Our evening meal was eaten by nightfall, but we were forced to pack everything away by light of our headlamps. The moon is three-quarters full and lighting the woods as brightly as if it were full. Lying here in my tent, I'm attempting to photograph the perfect silhouette of the leaves and branches as outlined by the moonglow. The photos aren't coming out but the picture in my memory of this awesome little visual gift is perfect forever.
Date: 2004-09-24
From: Safford Notch Campsite 

To: Long Falls Dam Road - A Typical Maine "Camp"
Miles today: 8.7

Amazing -- Ursa crawled out before me this morning! What a surprise to see her sitting by her tent when I emerged. Unfortunately, it meant she didn't sleep well, but it did get us out of camp a little earlier. Only one mountain greeted us today and it was first thing on the agenda. That was okay -- we got it done while fresh and rested. Little Bigelow Mountain was uneventful, but Little Bigelow Lean-to was quite nice. There were some sweet tentsites, a two-seater privy with curtained windows for that "homey" ambiance, a dog-house-sized miniature shelter just pleading for a photo shoot, and a stream with several pools of water named The Tubs. Had it been a warmer day, or had we ended there at day's end, we'd have had a delightful bath. As it was, we had lunch and proceeded to keep our northward momentum. It was flat terrain and easy-going to our rendezvous point with Nuke.Highlight of today's hike: crossing the 2000 milestone. Celebrating on the spot with us were Kip and Arms (from Rochester). Mutual response to the landmark was "unbelievable" and "congratulations!".Here we sit in the delightful and entertaining company of Nuke and Darlene, children Katherine and Samuel, and dog Nobody. Darlene has warmed our bodies with homemade blueberry wine, and filled our tummies with fruit, crackers, cheese, beans, Maine hotdogs and sausages, and biscuits. This place is charming -- no electricity, hand pump for water, and a wood burning stove in the center. Some cold frosty night back home this next winter, I'll recall the warmth and ambiance of this locale and I'll smile.
Date: 2004-09-25
From: Long Falls Dam Road

To: Pierce Pond Lean-to 
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Happy Birthday Ursa Minor!Sam told me they were planning a wake-up Happy Birthday song at 12:01 a.m. I'm glad they waited until 5:30! I slipped Nuke a note last week telling him today was Ursa's birthday; they remembered.Had we started a mere 30 minutes earlier this morning, we'd be in Caratunk celebrating at the moment. However, we realized we'd have to hustle non-stop to make the Kennebec River ferry crossing to do so. Coming upon a sandy beach area along East Carry Pond we voted to have an early lunch and "glide instead of sprint" on such a gorgeous day. We are back in summer attire and soaking in the sun's warmth here on the shoreline of Pierce Pond. It's a glorious locale, indicative of the serenity and peacefulness of a Thomas Kinkade painting. The lake is peppered with fishermen quietly trolling back and forth. Shall we tell them there are several fish bobbing to the surface right in front of us? Earlier today at East Carry Pond two fishermen approached and asked if we wanted any food. Silly question to ask of thru-hikers!! We were thrilled to add some crackers, a candy bar and a V8 to our luncheon menu. Combined with the muffin, cherry tomatoes, and bananas from Darlene, we had a scrumptious lunch! This shelter is facing the pond, giving us a beautiful evening view. Thunder is rolling through the mountains on the horizon and I now can see some rain showers blowing our way over the lake. Dingle, whom I haven't seen since Hanover, NH, is in company tonight; it's always exciting to cross paths with fellow hikers and share stories of each other's journey. His hiking partner, Skirt, left the trail and is spending time at the Cabin in Andover enjoying the tales of other NOBO thru-hikers as they pass through town.Two rain showers have passed by now and the mountain peaks have reappeared through the remaining mist. For only the second time I'm hearing the haunting call of loons on the lake. Light rain is dripping on the tin roof of this shelter. We are fed, warm, and feeling exuberant to be so close to our final destination. Before we end the day I must give Ursa what has become the traditional trail birthday cake: a Nutty Bar with a sparkler-type match in the middle. Her card from me is simple but packed with meaning and love. It reads "May you love life ...... and may life love you". Such is my wish for my dear trail sister. Happy Birthday, Ursa Minor!
Date: 2004-09-26
From: Pierce Pond Lean-to 

To: Baker Stream - Campsite
Miles today: 15.9

Oh boy, did the temperature ever drop after the rain last night! In a shelter I usually sleep with my head towards the open end, my feet at the back. About 1 a.m. I did a quick switcheroo to get my head and face out of the wind. The cold morning air makes it tons more difficult to get started, but once out of our bags, it takes only half the time to get packed up and start walking. We were cruising northward by 7:15. The trail circled Pierce Pond on some very slippery wet logs and rocks. I made the mistake of looking around while navigating across the logs. Plop! Nothing was injured and I managed to land to the right on the shore instead of to the left in the water. It would not have been a pleasant way to start a day.We kept leapfrogging with Kip and Gather most of the day through these gorgeous woods. However, at the end they moved forward another three miles; we chose to stop at 4:45. A medium-sized young black bear and I stared each other down for 15 seconds today. He was tooling southward on the AT with not a care in the world as I was cruising northward in my own little daydream. I'm not sure who was the most startled, but after surveying the situation, he decided I wasn't worth his curiosity nor was I a proper dinner entree, so he scurried off the trail. I bid him farewell and stayed the course, feeling very fortunate for having experienced the brief encounter.Our mountain for the day was Pleasant Pond Mountain. At 2480 feet we hardly consider it a mountain, more of a large hiccup in the terrain. Looking ahead in the handbook it appears that we have only four more climbs to over 2000 feet, with the exclusion of Katahdin, which stretches up out of the middle of nowhere to 5267 feet. We're on the homeward stretch.One of today's highlights was crossing the Kennebec River. Because a dam upstream releases automatically when power generation is needed (not on a set schedule), the water level can rise and surge two to four feet at any time and very quickly, faster than a hiker can cross. Because of its unpredictability, it is an extremely dangerous river to ford. Thus, there is in place a ferry service. The canoe ride across, piloted by Steve, is the official AT route. Thanks to Steve for his service and for the Kandy Korn. Welcome Chef Vegan to our humble campsite this evening. It's great to see you again!
Date: 2004-09-27
From: Baker Stream 

To: Horseshoe Canyon Lean-to
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: clear sky

Brrrr ... it was another cold night, this time in my tent. With the sun setting by 6:30, we are in our bags by 7:00. Eleven hours later the sun reappears. But I don't need 11 hours of sleep! So I awaken in the wee hours of the night and lie awake most of the remainder of the darkened night. I watched the moon creep across the sky and listened to some owls making their presence known not far distanced from camp. My feet were uncomfortably chilled and I was glad to see the morning light so I could get up and start moving.We were hustling up the trail at a decent hour and I didn't stop to shed any layers for 35 minutes. It really was cold! But the combination of a glorious sunny day and a climb up Moxie Bald Mountain (2629 feet) generated enough heat to warm me and keep me in summer shirt and shorts all day.Moxie Bald is a beautiful mountain. The trail led to the summit and then had us playing around for better than a half-hour as it wound its course across the top before it started the descent. This area is called Chain of Ponds. From the higher elevations I've been able to see and number as many as eight sizable lakes, all richly blue and photo perfect. Minnesota is home to over 10,000 lakes, but looking down on this country, Maine must be a close runner-up. We've been told the best of the trail is saved to last. I must agree. I'm in love with the woods of Maine. The ensuing rich colors of fall are enhancing the beauty, which is being served to us on a daily basis. Even the songbirds, which I assumed would be migrating south by now, must be hesitant to depart as they continue to serenade us from their red, yellow and orange abodes above our heads.We lunched at Moxie Bald Lean-to with Chef Vegan. This evening here at Horseshoe Canyon Lean-to, once again we share sleeping space with him. Ursa asked what we missed the most. Swan: "hearing classical music". Chef: "being able to eat when I want and not just three times a day". Ursa: "my grandbabies". "What will be the first thing you do when you get home?" Swan: "turn on the radio". Chef: "get a job". Ursa: "schedule a massage".Everyone is ready for this trek to be completed, as simultaneously we are equally saddened by the approaching end. We agree all will miss the deep friendships we've nurtured for six months.But enough of that for now. We still have some serious climbing ahead of us. Tomorrow we begin in wet footwear. In Maine we ford four or five rivers. Today was the east branch of the Piscataquis River. We waded in knee-high cold water for approximately 50 or 60 feet. Because my shoes were coated in mud from the trail, I just sloshed right through. The rocks were slippery so it was a good decision. Tomorrow we ford the west branch of the same river. Great fun!The air is chilling quickly. It's time to snuggle down deeply into my bag and dream of Katahdin. 'Nite all.