morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-09-25
From: Bald Mtn Brook

To: Maine Hwy 15--Monson
Miles today: 22.0

I ended up the only one in the shelter last night. Got going around quarter to seven with the intention of getting over the two rivers with potentially bad fords.Climbed to the top of Moxie Bald Mtn and used the cell phone to call home. No answer called Randy's cell. He was out fishing and talked with him a bit and told him I'd call from Monson on Monday. The trail was good and I made good time. The leaves are becoming more colorful on this side of the mtn so the views are more interesting. Oh no, my camera battery says it's exhausted. The cold weather must have made it go quicker. Thought I would have plenty to the end so don't have my charger.After the Moxie Vald Shelter it was a gradual 6 mile decent to the first ford. The book had said if the water is high don't try it. It was swift but not high so I changed into my Waldies and across I went. Not bad, the rocks were slippery and the water was cold but I stayed upright.Then it was on to the Horseshoe Canyon Lean-to. The profile showed it as downhill but the trail went up and down up and down the whole way.It was a somewhat narrow ravine and the river got deep and swift at spots. Someone mentioned they wished they could kayak down it.Next was ford number 2 at the East Branch of the Piscataquis River. It was suppose to be 50' wide ford. When I got there the first part of it was dry and only had to ford the second half. Not bad, just cold. With that behind me I figured I could camp whereever. It was only about 1:30 so I kept going. Ran into Cherry Bomb a ways down and he said he was going on into Monson, they had been taking it easy. Flatus and Tucker were up ahead somewhere. The mileage for the day was up to 19 and had to decide if I should take the short way into Monson or go all the way out to ME15.It was only 3 miles but a couple of hills uphill and I was really tired. Decided I would feel better tomorrow if I had the 3 miles done. Struggled a little and had to rest for a bit 3 times but I made it. When I reached the road the guys were trying to hitch. Finally a Jeep stopped and took Flatus and me in because that's all the room he had. It had been chilly and breezey all day so I stopped at the store and got something hot to drink. Then it was up to Shaw's boarding house for the night. Was I ever done in and my feet were really achey. Felt good to go to bed.
Date: 2005-09-26
From: Maine Hwy 15--Monson

To: Monson
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Decided today would be a zero day. Hadn't had a full days rest and there was a cold rain.Shaw's offers a breakfast for $6 and you can have as much as 4 of everything. That's 4 french toast, eggs, sausage, bacon and potatoes. I just did 2 of everything and I was stuffed. After breakfast it was down to the post office and to do laundry. The fuel situation doesn't look good so don't knw what I'll do.Came back and relaxed and watched some TV. There isn't good cell service here so went down to the Mobile station at the other end of town to use the pay phone. Called Randy and told him I would try and summit on Wednesday the 5th of Oct.From Monson I head into what is called the 100 mile wilderness. It's actually 114.5 miles and it isn't completely a wilderness anymore. There are a few logging roads where people have access and a place called White House Landing.At White House Landing I can get a meal, stay and reupply for the last 3 days.Hoping to get this sent today because there won't be another place to send my journals until I'm done.Thanks to everyone who has followed my journey and to those who signed my guestbook and kept in touch.Hopefully Mt Katahdin in 9 days!Went down with Pokey & Gumby and Slaphappy & Treetrunks to get pizza for dinner. No Show and Adam came in to Shaw's too. They were soaked and muddy from hiking in the rain all day. Got everything packed up and should be able to head out after breakfast in the morning.
Date: 2005-09-27
From: Chair Back Gap

To: Long Pond Stream Lean To
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Breakfast at Shaw's is 6am so I was up early to shower and be ready. After breakfast I went down and sent one last journal entry. We were on the trail by 7:15 am. Pokey, Gumby and me were the only ones dropped off, everyone else had other chores before going out.I knew there were all those fords today so I tried to go as quickly as I could where the terrain was easy. Made to the first lean-to and a couple from Germany were there. They didn't say much just spoke to each other in German.The woods were beautiful this morning with the bright sun shining in. I was off to ford my first stream. It was Little Wilson Stream and it had a rope strung across you could hang onto with a dog leash. I decided to go down stream a little because the current wasn't as swift. Crossing one complete: only got my pants a little wet. Then it was dry the feet and redress them with socks, shoes and gaiters. Past several ponds today but no moose. There was a great view of one of the ponds from some open rock the trail fallowed. Also could enjoy the views of more of the fall colors across the landscape. Oh here came ford number 2, Big Wilson Stream. Sat down to eat lunch before going across and also decided where might be the best spot. The stream was swift and it looked deeper than the last one. In I went and yes it was deeper! Came up to my whole legs. When I would put my hiking poles out and plant them they would just shutter from the force of the water. Glad my legs are strong now and can withstand the pressure. Made it across the 20 feet or so and didn't fall in. Then it was boots back on again, I think I'm starting to get a routine going here. As far as I knew there was only one more ford but I guess with the rain yesterday the next stream was a ford instead of a rock hop. There was a waterfall just below me to my right where the crossing was so I went up stream and crossed where I thought it was safer. Only a half mile further came the last ford. Boots off. I went in with the water coming up over my knees. The water was swift but the crossing was only about 10 feet. From there it was only less than a mile to the shelter.In .2 of a mile I crossed the 100 mile to go--to Mt. Katahdin--spot. Does that ever feel good! I keep hearing people who I think are across the river but not sure. Hope everythings is OK here tonight. I am alone here and in my tent. Finally the yelling got closer and closer and I could see a light coming up the trail. After probably 20 minutes of this the two people connected with each other and settled in the shelter. Now to get some sleep.
Date: 2005-09-28
From: Monson

To: Chair Back Gap
Miles today: 10.9

Had to take my tent down, so got a later start. It was a big climb up Barren Mtn but the views were great. Also got to call and talk to Randy. There was a series of mtns in a row that had sharp ups and downs so they called them the chairbacks. So that was the rest of my day doing one chairback after another. Stopped on a big rock slab and laid in the sun and ate my lunch. There were views there of where I'd come from and the surrounding ponds. Walked on slate rock yesterday and today which is very slippery when wet. It's a wonder I didn't take a bad fall, just some slipping around. Got to the lean-to around 4 but was so tired I couldn't go on. Pokey and Gumby came in around 6. We all went to bed fairly early because we wanted to get up early.
Date: 2005-09-29
From: Chair Back Gap

To: Logan Brook Lean To
Miles today: 17.1
Weather: broken clouds

Well we did get up early and I was on the trail by 6:18 am. It was 4 miles down to the West Branch of the Pleasant River for an early morning ford. The river wasn't very deep but the water was cold and the river was wide. Felt good to put my shoes back on. Then there was the start of an 11-mile climb to the top of White Cap with three other peaks a little lower along the way. The wind had been blowing all day and seemed to be getting more intense as I went higher. I was actually making really good time today. Went past the Gulf Hagus trail which goes into a canyon with great scenery and waterfalls. Didn't bother going in because of the misty conditions figured I wouldn't see anything. Had lunch at the Carl Newhall Lean-to and was headed for the Sidney Tappan Campsite for the night.Part way up the Gulf Hagus Mtn it started to rain a little. Guess I'd be sleeping in the rain tonight. Once I reached the campsite it was still early enough to go on so I did. More than once in the next 5 miles I thought I'd done the wrong thing. Even decided to stop and camp if I could find a spot. No good spots presented themselves so on I went. The wind was very strong and it was getting colder. Oh no! Now I had to worry about hypothermia. One last pitch up and over White Cap was all I had left. Just before I went out into the open ridge I could see how fiercely the wind was blowing. Stopped and put my long sleeve top on under by rain jacket and some gloves on. Out I stepped from the protection of the trees and was almost blown over. Good thing I had my trekking poles or I would have gone over for sure. Even using them I was buffeted around and couldn't walk upright. Made sure my feet were planted on a flat surface and not between rocks in case I was blown over and fell. It was about a quarter mile before I was out of the bad wind area and into some small tree cover. There was suppose to be a view of Katahdin from that mtn too! But not for me to see today. As I worked my way down through the treeline and over the rocks it started to rain. It seemed the lower I got the more it rained. My pants were getting pretty wet and I was getting cold. Just as I was worried I'd missed the lean-to I saw the roof of it. Two guys were there who are section hiking. Got changed into some clean, dry clothes and had a hot cup of cider and I felt better. The next 3 or so hours it really poured hard. Wondering what all that rain will do to my river ford tomorrow.
Date: 2005-09-30
From: Logan Brook Lean To

To: Antlers Campsite
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: broken clouds

It was a cold night and I woke up cold. Then I had to put on my cold wet clothes from yesterday. Needless to say I wasn't feeling very positive. Thanks Ed and Roger for encourageing me. As I went off down the trail all I could do was cry. Why was the end of this trip being so awful? Tried to walk fast so I could warm up but the trail was muddy, wet and slippery from last nights rain. Just as I had gotten warmed up and my pants were dry it was time to ford a swollen river. Yes I was wet and cold again. The trail was easy so the miles slipped by quickly. The forest is full of beautiful color and the trail is a multicolored carpet. Stopped for lunch at Cooper Brook Falls Lean-to. The falls are small but it opens up into a big pool. Too cold to try any swimming! Remembered it was my husbands birthday today. I had called him several days ago and wished him happy birthday because I didn't think I'd have cell service. It was another 8 miles to the campsite but I made my body do it even though my feet, knees, back and shoulders protested loudly. I had decided to try and make Tuesday my summit date so that's the reason for the big miles. After reaching the campsite and getting set up I laid down to rest. That's when I realized I couldn't continue to push so hard. So I decided to go back to te original plan even though the weather probably won't cooperate. It still means a 15 and a 16 mile day but at least not a 20. After this storm it has turned even colder guess the colors will be even nicer.Camped by Lower Mary Jo Lake with a great view of the lake to the east.
Date: 2005-10-01
From: Antlers Campsite

To: Wadleigh Stream Campsite
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: few clouds

Awoke to a fog over the lake. As the sun got a little higher the fog cleared some and I could see the trees on the other side. It was still foggy but it made a great picture. Jack-a-roo a guy thru hiking from Japan asked if he could walk into White House Landing with me. His english is not real good and he has difficulty communicating sometimes. We decided to leave around 8 and be there for the lunch time burger we'd heard so much about. I guess we were hungrier than we thought because part of the time we were doing 3 miles an hour. On the way, there's a sign saying view of Katahdin so out to the beach I go. Wow there it was like you could reach out and touch it. Whoever summitted today had a perfect day as there were no clouds around anywhere. Back to hiking I made the 6 miles by 10:30 and lunch starts at 11. There is an air horn at the dock and you blow it and someone comes over to pick you up. Once at the Landing we saw the Garland 5, met Captain America and DA. They had all spent the night and were waiting for the resupply to come. Sat on the lawn in the sun and chatted until lunch. Ordered my burger and was it ever a big one. Could only manage to eat half of it. Once resupply items arrived we settled up our bill and was shuttled back across the lake to the trail. It was 2 o'clock and still had almost 7 miles to the lean-to. Was I ever dragging, could barely make myself do the miles. When I reached the south end of Nahmakanta Lake, Jack-a-roo was there waiting. He thinks he won't see me again and we say how much we have enjoyed knowing each other. A big handshake and hug and off I go. It's just a couple of miles left to the lean-to but it's up and down terrain and I have to sit and rest periodically. Finally pull in and Captain America is partially set up for the night at the lean-to. I decide to tent because of having to blow my mat up every couple of hours and don't want to wake him up. Made something hot to drink and visited for a while and then retired to the tent.
Date: 2005-10-02
From: Wadleigh Stream Campsite

To: Rainbow Springs Campsite
Miles today: 11.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Knew I had a short day so didn't rush to get out of camp. Didn't sleep well last night, haven't been feeling well. Right out of camp was a steep climb. I had as much difficulty with this as I did with some really big mtns. Hopefully it's because I'm not feeling well and not that my body is eating up my muscles. Today I felt like I wouldn't be able to climb Katahdin with the limited strength I had. Stopped every hour to eat something but would feel sick afterwards. The trail passed several ponds and another view of Katahdin. Then it followed a stream uphill to Rainbow Lake. Walked the bank of the lake for a long ways. The reflection of the colorful trees on the lake was beautiful. Before 3pm I was at the campsite. Set up, got water, cleaned up and changed and then laid down to rest. I think I fell asleep because drool was running down my face.This is the second to the last night to camp out. Won't be staying in anymore shelters. If all goes well this will be done in 3 days. What an adventure but I'm really ready to go home! Here tonight are Captain America, Jack-a-roo, Molasses & Bioman, some section hikers, and the Garland 5 came in late. Not feeling well at all but I know I need to eat. Made some noodles and could only eat half of it. Just want to stay in my bag and rest.
Date: 2005-10-03
From: Rainbow Springs Campsite

To: Abol Bridge
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: clear sky

Started out the morning not feeling too well. Didn't sleep well again last night. Took my time and got going around 7:30. Followed the rest of the shoreline of Rainbow Lake before the trail went up over the hill. Stopped to read the register at Hurd Brook Lean-to and copied some peoples e-mail addresses. The register just began again in mid Sept. so not everyone's addresses were available.It was only 3.5 miles down to Abol and that went quickly. Found I felt better hiking if I didn't eat at all, so I skipped lunch. When I reached Abol Bridge the sign said the store was closed until 3:30. Sat and visited with Captain America and Molasses & Bioman. Later Pokey & Gumby, The Garland 5, DA, and Slaphappy came in. We hear that Treetrunks, 4 other guys, Adam and Know Show all want to summit on the 5th too. Also talked to Peanut and she said her Giardia symptoms started with the way I've been feeling. Hope that isn't what is happening with me. Just need two more good days. There was a beautiful sunset across the river tonight. We are all camped by the banks of the West Branch of the Penobscot River. Only 15.1 more miles to go!!!!!
Date: 2005-10-04
From: Abol Bridge

To: Katahdin Stream Campsite
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: clear sky

Woke up early and Treetrunks and Slaphappy got up to go at 5:30 am. Stayed warm for another 45 minutes and then got up. Went up to the Abol store for some breakfast and coffee. Got started around 7:30 am with Captain America. The rest of everyone was about to pull out too. Got to the sign-in kiosk for places to stay at the Birches and Photo was there he had come down to sign his family in while they got breakfast. The trail was great, no roots or rocks just plain pretty smooth trail. This followed the river up for about 4 miles so made really good time. Then the trail followed another stream with many waterfalls. There was a Big Niagara and a Little Niagara. Took the extra walk out for a good view of Big Niagara and there was lots of water but not as impressive as I expected. Before too long I popped out of the woods at Daicey Pond. Randy and I had driven there when we were in the park last year. I guess my goal was set on Katahdin Stream Campground because I barely stopped to look and kept on going. Ran into 6 people out with their magnum cameras photographing wildlife. Talked with them for a while about their equipment and pictures and they asked me about my hike.Went to the Ranger Station and registered as number 393 to thru hike this year. The others were securing their campsites while I waited for Randy to pick me up. Still not feeling real good today so hope everything works out for tomorrow. The forecast is for mostly cloudy. Waited back at the campsite and one by one the hikers came in who had been at Abol Bridge last night and those who hiked in from Hurd Brook Lean-to. Randy came late in the afternoon and we took Pokey and Gumby into town with us so they could pick up their van. Got settled at the motel and tried to go to bed early as we had an early return to the park in the morning.
Date: 2005-08-04
From: Cooper Lodge

To: Minerva Hinchey Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: clear sky

This was a tough second day for me. Hi temp was 87 with high humidity. I was feeling real good in the morning and did about 8 miles before lunch. I was to pay for this later! Got completely overheated and stopped at Claredon Gorge for a long afternoon break. Finally struggled up to the Minerva Hinchey Shelter area and pitched my tent. Slept like a baby...
Date: 2005-08-06
From: Big Branch Shelter

To: Bromley Mountain
Miles today: 13.5

Had lunch at Peru Shelter, couple of wild dogs. Waited for an hour or so for my hiking buddy to show at Mad Tom Notch. Spent the night on top of Bromley Mountain in VT. Great sunset and sunrise. There was a group of inner-city kids that were also spending the night. A little bit noisy but a great bunch of kids.
Date: 2005-08-07
From: Bromley Mountain

To: Stratton Pond NS Trail
Miles today: 13.5

Hiking in my own little world sobo to Bromley Mountain mid afternoon and I suddenly hear my name being called. It's my neighbor Jeff aka "Crazy Legs" who started at Springer in early April. What are the odds of this happening in the 9 days that I am on the trail in Vermont???? Crazy Legs and his posse are known as the Dream Team and seem to be having a great time on the trail.
Date: 2005-08-10
From: Porcupine Lookout

To: Seth Warner Shelter
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: clear sky

Took a nice long break at Sucker Pond Outlet to wait for a moose that some scouts had scared away. It was good to get into camp where there were about 20 folks. Since a number of us were finishing up in the morning, we had a feast for all hands. It was great fun.
Date: 2005-08-11
From: Seth Warner Shelter

To: N. Adams MA Rt 2
Miles today: 6.9

On the way to N. Adams, Phoenix Song completes the Long Trail (sobo) which is real nice accomplishment. We are walking along the last stream when I scare up a couple of yellow jackets which immediately attack me stinging me twice in the left leg. I yell, stumble and step on one of my trekking poles. Fool!1st Section Hike complete. My wife (Sweet) picks PS and me up and we head over to PS's place to get cleaned up. Then Sweet and me head off to home (Central NY).
Date: 2006-08-14
From: Connecticut River NH/VT

To: Podunk Brook
Miles today: 7.9

My better half (aka Sweet) has joined me for a 5 day hike from the NH/VT line to The Long Trail Inn. We are going to take it easy but is will be difficult for Sweetie since she is pretty inexperienced (but definitely a trooper). Funny story - we drove from Central New York to our friends house in VT and spent the night. The plan was for Phoenix Song to drop us off at the state line. Sweetie is in bathroom and gets nervous and loses her breakfast all over the place! We had originally planned to just get up to Happy Hill Shelter and spend the night there. Sweetie did so well that we stopped for lunch there and then moved on. We made it as far as Podunk Brook before we decided to pitch tent. It was a very restful night as we slept from 8 PM to 8 AM - solid.
Date: 2006-08-17
From: Wintturi Shelter

To: Stony Brook Shelter
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Stopped at the Lookout for nice long morning break. Great 360 views from on top of the shack.Stony Brook Shelter is nice site. We met a local man who was taking his young grandchildren on an overnight hike and were staying at the shelter. Great group of kids.
Date: 2006-08-18
From: Stony Brook Shelter

To: Killington VT US 4
Miles today: 10.0

Nice hike out for the day. Some of the views were amazing. We spent the morning tracking moose droppings - hoping to get my first moose sighting - to no avail.Came across this most stunning stand of white birches (see photo). I have never seen any white birch even approaching the size of these specimens. Beautiful.Spent the night at the Inn at the Long Trail. Great hostess, good rooms, great food in the Irish Pub. Met several NOBO thru hikers the next morning at breakfast.Well that is it for this year - total miles for Sweetie and I : 45.6. Not alot but a most relaxing vacation.
Date: 2007-04-02
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Well - plans are set for this year's section hike -Fontana NC Rt 28 to Springer Mountain, GA, flying downto Knoxville, TN on May 7th, with a plan to get intothe Cable Gap shelter that night. Anticipate that I will be at Springer Mtn on the 17th of May with a couple days of extra time in case of issues.Total hike planned (including to Amicalola Lodge) - 169 Miles.
Date: 2007-05-06
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Well, tomorrow I fly down to Knoxville, get lift to Fontana Dam from the fine folks at The Hike Inn and head south to Springer Mountain. I hope to finish by the evening of the 17th and spend a couple of days at the Lodge at Amicalola Falls. I am hoping to average almost 17 miles a day. My load will top out at 23 pounds with food and water so that should not be a problem. I was hoping to shed another couple of lbs by dumping the tent, but I just hate mice!
Date: 2007-05-07
From: Fontana Dam Visitor Ctr

To: Cable Gap Shelter
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: clear sky

Hi, this is Sweetie.Sour just called, his flight to Knoxville was late, so he started at 1:30 today (instead of noon) at Fontana Dam and hiked to Cable Gap Shelter, got there around 5:30. We didn't talk very long as we don't want to waste the cell battery. Jeff Koch from 'Hike Inn' picked him up at the airport and took him to Fontana Dam for the start of his hike. He said it was a nice ride and the scenery is beautiful in the mountains.Sweetie