morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-08-27
From: Camping

To: Grafton Notch
Miles today: 4.0
Weather: clear sky

The past five days on the trail have by far been the most difficult miles to date. On Thursday Grommet and I hiked out with the plan to go 17 miles. By mile four we were both dragging and in disparate need of sleep not to mention that I was just in a foul mood and unhappy with my heavy pack. Somewhere around mile five it started to rain so by mile seven it was an easy decsion to stop early, pitch our tents, and sleep through the rain.The rain continued throughout the night and into late next morning. We waited out a morning downpour and left camp by 11am. We still got dumped on. Ugh! The hike in the rain was a tough one. The trail has gone from a nice dirt trail with some rocks, some boulders, and some roots to being a constant slab of vertical rock spaced between over-sized boulders, gnarly tree roots and rock slab staircases. I didn't realize my thru-hike would involve so much rock climbing with 35 lbs. on my pack. As we reached the summit of Mt. Success the sun was starting to set and the skies were beginning to clear. Our entrance into Maine would have to wait until the morning.The next morning we headed into Maine. As we sat on the border for a snack break it was a moment of reflection. Sureal is the only word that comes to mind. I did it. I have actually walked from northern Georgia to southern Maine. Although I still have 282 miles to go, the accomplishment of making it this far is beyond my comprehension. We made it to camp early after crossing the 1900 mile mark and I passed out at 7pm and slept through to the next morning.On Wednesday morning we headed out early to tackle the Mahoosuc Notch, the "hardest mile on the AT". This mile is hard because it's a series of boulders that hikers must climb over, under, around, and through. It really wasn't hard, just extremely time consuming. So time consuming that we didn't make our miles for the day and stopped short. The weather turned cold overnight, and the thermometer on my pack read 35 degrees. I'm guessing the heat wave is over.By Thursday morning we ran out of food so we went into Grafton Notch where we were treated to an incredible lunch at the Sunday Brewey thanks to some amazing trail angels. After lunch we resupplied for a day and headed to Stony Brook Campsite for the night where we showered and did laundry. It's another cold night, and I'm looking forward to zipping up in my sleeping bag.
Date: 2009-08-28
From: Grafton Notch

To: Dunn Notch
Miles today: 9.5

Today was the perfect hiking day. For the first time in what feels like weeks I was pumped to hike. I was well rested, well fed, and just in an overall good mood. I felt like me again.Our big climb for the day was Baldpate Mtn., and it was well worth the effort (rock scrambling included). As I sat at the summit with Grommet I thought aloud that this was what hiking was suppose to be; a kick your ass climb with a sweet reward for your efforts. The view was spectacular; the kind that makes you realize just how small you really are, but just how great life really is. As I stood looking down and around at the ranges around me I could see what I had accomplished behind me and what my future would hold. Still, nothing was more relaxing then enjoying the very moment I had just accomplished, looking out lush green mountain ranges nestled under clear blue skies, and feeling the fresh cool breeze against my skin. Heaven.Tonight where tenting next to a waterfall, a sweet way to fall asleep."It's a great day to be alive, the sun still shining when I close my eyes....Why can't everyday be just as good?"
Date: 2009-08-29
From: Dunn Notch

To: East B Hill Rd.
Miles today: 0.8

Weather: Rain all dayToday's Hike: Dunn Notch to East B Hill Rd. - 0.8 milesIt started raining at 2am and continued through the morning. We packedup in the rain and made the short uphill hike to the road. Despite theshort distance I still managed to fall on my face once. Dam those wettree roots. What the heck are they doing just stickin' up in themiddle of the trail? Total hiking hazard.Once we made it into Andover we started on our town chores; postoffice, resupply, library..... and a stop over at the Red Hen for anearly lunch. My stopover in the library brought on an unsettlingsurprise; all of the AT pictures previously posted on the blog aregone. It will take some time when I get home to round up picturesagain, but when I do I'll post a note to let everyone know they'reback up.The rain was still coming down once we were done with our chores andthe temperture was quickly dropping. The locals kept telling us howbad the weather was going to get over the next few hours and they werestrongly discouraging us from hiking out. We didn't need muchencouragment and we were soon standing on the front porch of PineEllis Hostel. Apparently every hiker within a 20 mile radius recievedthe same news and they were also in town. We met back up with BillyHoot and Nutmeg, Inc., and Prairiedog and Angry Beaver. We also metWhispy and Gritty McDuff who made for great company.We all ate dinner at the local general store; pizza and Dr. Pepper,and turned in early for the night. The bunk room is full of greybeards, hope we'll catch some shut-eye.
Date: 2009-08-31
From: Southarm Rd. Campsite

To: Southarm Rd. Campsite
Miles today: 0.0

Weather: Sunny, No RainToday's Hike: Southarm Rd. - 0.0 milesOK, I know that I've said that I didn't want to take anymore zero days until we finished this thing, but how can you hike the AT and NEVER take a zero in the woods? You can't. So today Grommet (Grom) and I zeroed in the woods and it was the best zero day on the trail. Nothing but relaxation and pure bliss. Somewhere around noon I finally climbed out of the tent to find Nutmeg and Billy Hoot also still at camp. Sweet, zero day company Unfortunately, Nutmeg was having a migraine. So Grom and I went into town, picked up pizzas for everyone and some med's for Nutmeg and made our way back to camp.After an exhausting 3 hours in town (sense the sarcasm), I took another 2 hour nap and awoke sometime around 7pm, apparently just in time to find David (Pine Ellis hostel owner) at our campsite with an 18 pack of Bud. And of course, Grom was back to knocking down trees and making an out of control bonfire. Didn't I say best zero ever???
Date: 2009-09-01
From: Southarm Rd. Campsite

To: Bemis Stream Trail
Miles today: 6.0
Weather: clear sky

Weather: Sunny, no rainToday's Hike: Southarm to Bemis Stream Trail - 6.0 milesThis morning we were packed and ready to go by 8am and went with the girls (Nitmeg and Billy Hoot), Ink, Blacklist, and Whispy into Andover (for the 4th day in a row) to eat breakfast at the general store. Breakfast was incredible, but it literally took half the day to get there, eat, and get back to the trail. When we arrived back to the trailhead around noon, we were greeted with trail magic from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, the local trail maintainer and former thru-hiker. So at noon, all of us were pounding back the beers and snickers bars that he left for us.Somewhere arounf 1pm Grom and I started hiking up Ol' Blue Mtn., and reached the summit within an hour. There we re-met Nick and Blue who were doing a flip-flop hike (GA to Harpers Ferry then Katadhin to Harpers Ferry). We ate lucnch with him and chilled for about an hour before making our way down the mountain.We hiked until nightfall, and found a sweet stealth site near the Bemis trailhead. Grom made a small fire and we ate the rest of what was in our food bags. I think I ate to much....feelin' kinda sick. Oppss....guess my eyes were bigger then my stomach.
Date: 2009-09-02
From: Bemis Stream Trail

To: Little Swift Rive Campsite
Miles today: 15.6

Weather: Sunny, no rainToday's Hike: Bemis Trail to Little Swift River Campsite - 15.6 milesHappy Six Month anniversary to me!!!!!!! Wow, I've been doing this for six months, incredible and completely uncomprehendible. To think that 6 months ago I stepped out into a freshly snow covered forest at 7am and walked 10 miles to Stover Creek shelter where I would experience the coldest night of my life; it feels like a life time ago. It also brings to mund that I am definitely taking my sweet time finishing this hike. I'm blaming it on all the rain I've had to hike through.Today it was time for some serious hiking, 15.6 miles. I don't think I've hiked this far in weeks. I feel great. I saw 3 snakes today, sweet! Tomorrow Grom and I will hike into Rangely to resupply. Currently, the plan is to hike out......we'll see what happens.
Date: 2009-09-03
From: Little Swift Rive Campsite

To: Rangely, ME
Miles today: 4.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Weather: Sunny, no rainToday's Hike: Little Swift River Campsite to Rangely, ME - 4.8 milesThe plan was to hike into town and walk out. Rangely is expensive and Stratton is not. Therefore we would hike to Stratton and take a shower, do laundry etc. However, we arrived at noon and met back up with Billy Hoot and Nutmeg who told us about their blue-blaze trip from hell, and then informed us that they had a room over at the Saddleback Motor Inn and we were welcome to share. So share we did. But first, we ate lunch and started our chores. We met a wonderful trail angel who shuttled us around tow, and even stopped with us for ice cream. Yum Tonight at dinner we met back up with Early Bear and Little Dipper which was a nice surprise. I haven't seen them since before the Whites (Glencliff, NH). Lil' Dipper also needs to summit on the 19th so we will hopefully be seeing alot of them over the rest of the death march to Katadhin.
Date: 2009-09-04
From: Rangely, ME

To: Reddington Campsite
Miles today: 8.1

Weather: Sunny, no rainToday's Hike: Rangely, ME to Reddington Campsite - 8.1 milesI hiked over Saddleback and the horn today. Incredible!!!!! The views were spectacular. Had we hiked out of Rangely last night we would have camped up there. Oh well. Maybe next thru-hike???We didn't quite make our intended destination today, big surprise. We stopped into Reddington campsite to get water and Grom ran into an old friend from grad school who was doing a southbound hike. She had no idea he was out here. Small world right? So we cut the dat short so Grom could play catchup. Billy Hoot, Nutmeg, Lil' Dipper, and Early Bear also showed up to join the party. Good times.
Date: 2009-09-05
From: Reddington Campsite

To: Carrabassett River
Miles today: 15.7

Weather: Sunny, no rain.Today's Hike: Reddington Campsite to Carrabassett River - 15.7 milesFive minutes out of camp today I turned my ankel and came crashing down on my right knee. I've fallen a lot, but this was the most painful fall ever. I had shooting pains from my foot to my upper thigh. Grommet quickly brought me some aleve and insisted that I lighten my pack weight in order to reduce the strain on my knees which were already swelling. Lightening my pack weight would mean she would have to carry some of my stuff. I was NOT ok with that. I sat there for awhile and argued with Grommet about this but lost. She took her food bag out of her pack put it in mine then gave me her pack to carry. Errrrrr. On the upside I have discovered how much I don't like her pack, which I had been interested in.An hour later we were on the summit of Saddleback Jr., where Grom tried to argue that I shouldn't carry a pack at all going downhill since it was so steep. I drew the line, and made it down with the pack fine.We ate lunch at Oberton Stream with Early Bear and Lil' Dipper,then continued northward. We still had 10 miles to go.The afternoon was long. Our day ended with coming down Sugarloaf Mountain in the dark. I don't recommend it. It sucked. Nothing but huge oversized boulders on a 45 degree slope downward. We crossed the Carrabasset River by 9pm and met back up with Lil' Dipper, Early Bear, Rock Lobster, and Walkabout for the evening.
Date: 2009-09-06
From: Carrabassett River

To: Stratton, ME
Miles today: 8.4
Weather: clear sky

Weather: Sunny, no rainToday's Hike: Carrabassett River to Stratton, ME - 8.4It was freezing this morning when we woke up, and neither one of us wanted to transplant ourselves from the warmth of our sleeping bags into the cold air. So we didn't. We didn't leave camp until 10:30am.We made our way to Stratton by 4pm, and met back up with Billy Hoot and Nutmeg. Grommet and I had no intention on staying in town, but when Nutmeg offered to share their room with us we both didn't hesitate to call it a day. We dropped our packs and went over to Fotters to resupply us to Caratunk then made our way to dinner.Tomorrow we go over the Bigelows, and the weather is going to be great. This means we'll have miles of open ridgeline views of this beautiful state. I can't wait!
Date: 2009-09-07
From: Stratton, ME

To: East Flagstaff Rd.
Miles today: 16.7

Weather:30's in the morning.High around 65 degrees.Sunny, no rain.Today's Hike: Stratton to East Flagstaff Rd. - 16.7 milesAfter eatting breakfast this morning, Billy Hoot and Nutmeg began to figure out how they could canoe past the Bigelow's instead of hiking over them. During their conversation Grommet and I figured out that we could slackpack 17 miles over the entire Bigelow range. So at 9:30am the girls got ready for their canoe trip and Grom and I were putting our days packs together. By 10am we were at the trailhead.The day was beautiful, sunny and cool. We made good timing and I was repeatedly thankful for not carrying a full pack.At lunch we stopped at a viewpoint where we could see the Bigelows. Holms and Watson were also their enjoying lunch. Watson is a huge hound dog. For lunch, Grommet had packed out left over pizza. I pulled the pizza out and laid it on the rock beside me then reached over to grab my camera when Watson came out running out of nowhere and promptly inhaled a piece of pizza. Ahhhhh! Well, thank goodness we also had the fixings for PB&J's. Inc., who was also there for lunch was listing off the "only" foods that Watson liked to eat. Pizza did not make his list, so I was sure to add it.After lunch we made our way over the Bigelows's, our last huge mountain range for a few days. The summits on the East Peak and Avery Peak were incredible. We could see Flagstaff Lake to our right, another stream to our left and beautiful mountains all around us.We made it to the road a little after 8pm and called the hostel to come pick us up. When we got back we cooked veggie faijitas for dinner and took a second shower. It was lights out by 11pm; way way past hiker midnight.
Date: 2009-09-08
From: East Flagstaff Rd.

To: Carrying Place Stream
Miles today: 12.5

Weather: Sunny, no rainTodays Hike: East Flagstaff Rd. to Carrying Place Stream - 12.5 milesThis morning Grommet and I decided to go with Circuit Rider to pick up Billy Hoot and Nutmeg. We couldn't wait to hear about their newest adventure. As we drove up to the outlet we quickly concluded that they really were on an adventure given they weren't there. So.... What happens now? After a few minutes Grom checked her voicemail to find a message from the girls. They got off at the AT trailhead. Sweet. So we drove back around the bend to find them patiently waiting. We helped get the canoe on top of the jeep and Circuit Rider made his way back into town. By now it was 11am, and we were way beyond a late start. Oh well, the laughter of the mornings events were well worth it.Today's terrain was pretty easy compared to what we have been doing. When I say easy it means we didn't have any breath stealing climbs or knee breaking decents. Rather the terrain was rolling and "flat". We did however have to work our way over an endless maze of slippery roots and rocks. Not easy. Rather then being physically challenging it becomes mentally challenging and tideous because you're so focused on your footing.We stopped at West Carry Pond for a break and were surprised to find trail magic; fresh baked brownies and candy. Awesome! We took some time to break at the pond and soak our feet/knees. We also decided we didn't want to night hike so we would just hike until nightfall and setup camp. Regardless of where we ended up we would still make it to Caratunk the next day which was all that mattered.Camp wound up being about 7 miles before the Kennebec River which means we need to be up and out early to catch the early ferry service. The ferry service is a guy in a canoe that shuttles you across the river. A few years ago a hiker drowned trying to ford the river. Since then the MATC has provided a ferry service.I remember seeing pictures of hikers being shuttled across the river before I started the hike. It's so hard to believe that I've now hiked 2,027 miles to be shuttled across the Kennebec. As I near Katadhin everyday seems more and more surreal. My body knows I have hiked over 2,000 miles but I'm not sure if I'll ever be able to comprehend what I have and will accomplished. Incredible.
Date: 2009-09-09
From: Carrying Place Stream

To: US 201/Caratunk, ME
Miles today: 7.1

Today's Hike -Carrying Place Stream to US 201/Caratunk, ME - 7.1 milesWe were hiking by 7:25am this morning and made it to the Kennebec River by 10:20am, 40 minutes before the last morning shuttle. Our ferry guide was David who had been doing the job for years. As we loaded the canoe he said that Grom and I would have to fight it out over who paddles and who rode. I looked at Grom and quickly informed her she was paddling then hopped in the canoe smiling. Not to bad of a fight, definately will not leadcto self destruction.Once we were over the river it was a five minute walk to the road. By 11:30 we were at the Northern Outdoor Center getting a room for the night and gearing up for a hot lunch complete with their own Mico-brewed beer.Later that night Billy Hoot, Nutmeg, Ink, and Holms showed up, and we hung out with them for the evening. By 9pm it was hiker midnight and I crashed. Guess I'll never be a night owl.
Date: 2009-09-10
From: US 201/Caratunk, ME

To: US 201/Caratunk, ME
Miles today: 0.0

Weather: sunny, no rainToday's Hike: Northern Outdoor Center -0.0 milesThis morning we went over to the girls cabin for omelete's and coffee. By 8:30am I was crashing and felt awful. I went back to the room and laid down until 10:30am. Finally, I forced myself up so I could get packed before checkout time. I was feeling better, but certainly not a 100% better.Grom was also feeling awful and by 11am she was on the verge of a full blown migrane. Hiking in the heat of the day over Pleasant Pond Mtn. (an 1100 ft. climb) was not even feasible. By noon, Grom was only getting worse so we got a room again for the night.It's 34 miles between Caratunk and Monson. We had planned to hike the miles in 2.5 days. Now, we will hike the miles in 2 days in order to stay on track. Tomorrow will he tough but the hike into Monson will be easier but longer (20 miles.... maybe). Better to hike when we're feeling good then feeling awful.Just another day in hiker paradise.
Date: 2009-09-11
From: US 201/Caratunk, ME

To: Moxie Bald Lean-To
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Weather:Sunny, no rain.Low upper 30's, High lower 70's.Today's Hike: US 201/Caratunk, ME to Moxie Bald Lean To - 18.8 milesWe are officially back to bad ass status. After a day off the trail we were both feeling great. Today was our longest mile day since our 21 mile slackpack through the Whites and we made great timing. Still, in true Katchup/Grommet fashion we came down our last mountain, Moxie Bald, in the dark. As our summer is turning to fall before our eyes we have also been losing daylight. It use to be sunny until 8:30pm, now we're barely pushing to have enough light after 7:15pm. So, to help we're going to try and start getting up between 5:00 -5:30am and be on the trail by 6:30am in order to get the most out of day light. Tomorrow will be the first dry run.Tonight we're tenting on Moxie Pond. It's incredible. I can step out of my tent and put my foot in the water. Right now the Loons are calling as I get warmed up for bed. The sunrise over the pond in the morning should be breath taking. I can't wait.Tomorrow we'll be in Monson, our last town stop until we summit Katadhin. So hard to believe. There is going to be a hiker feed going on there. I hope they have good vegetarian food.
Date: 2009-09-12
From: Moxie Bald Lean-To

To: ME 15/Monson, ME
Miles today: 17.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Weather:Overcast.Small afternoon drizzle.Today's Hike: Moxie Bald Lean-To to ME 15/Monson, ME - 17.9 milesI woke up at 5:45 am to the most beautiful sunrise over Moxie Pond. It was incredible to sit up in the tent and turn around to see the world waking up with me. This spot definitely takes the prize for the best tenting site along the trail. After taking sunrise pictures for almost an hour Grommet and I got ready and were headed north by 7am; a little later then we had wanted, but well worth the delay.The hike into Monson was easy and included our first ford in Maine over the West Branch of Piscataquis River. As we approached the river we looked as if we may have been able to rock hop across. As we made our way out there we came to about half way and I quickly realized that rock hopping was not an option. The gaps between rocks were to large. Luckily there was a river bank about 10 yards behind me that I quickly made my way over to so that I could change into my crocs. Meanwhile, Grom was still insistent on trying to make her way across w/p taking off her shoes. Unfortunately for her she lost the battle when she slipped on a rock and her foot took a plunge into the water. She finished her ford in her shoes. Sucks for her.The remainder of the day went by fairly quickly. We made it to ME 15 by 5pm and called Shaws for a ride into town. We were standing in our room within 20 minutes. The hiker feed hosted by Whiteblaze was going on at the baseball field in town, but we heard that dinner was BBQ chicken. Sorry, no dead bird carcasses for me. So instead Grom and I headed down to the Lake Shore Pub. After dinner we headed back to Shaws and took our last shower for the entire trip....weird. Also strolling into Shaws that evening were Billy Hoot and Nutmeg, Ink, and Whispy. Awesome to see friends at our last town stop before our summit; also very weird.....Looking forward to the famous Shaws breakfast tomorrow morning.....yum
Date: 2009-09-14
From: Long Pond Tote Rd.

To: Chairback Gap Lean-To
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Weather:Sunny, no rainToday's Hike:Long Pond Tote Rd. to Chairback Lean-To - 11.8 milesThis morning we returned to the bear baited road of many lakes and braved what would most likely be our deepest ford(s) of the day. It was somewhere around 40 degrees and when I stepped into the water my toes went numb. Not exactly how I would like to start the morning, but if that muddy water didn't wake my butt up, I'm not sure what would have.Today we climbed over most of the chairback range, a rocky mess of semi-PUD's (pointless ups and downs). I say semi since our first climb over Barren Mountain afforded spectacular views from the ledges and there were actually views from the other mountains, but you had to fight to see most of them through the trees. In between our steep climbs we crossed the fourth mountain bog which was filled with pitcher plants. Way to cool!The rocks and steep downs made the day slow going, much slower then anticipated. By 6pm we had only reached the Chairback Lean-To which was a few miles short of where we really wanted to be. We quickly regrouped and assessed the situation and came up with a plan for the rest of the week that would allow us to stop at the lean-to for the night. This unanticipated stop at the lean-to was actually a nice surprise. We had the whole place (lean-to and tenting areas) to ourselves. The lean-to had just been renovated with the help of some fellow thru-hike friends. It looked incredible. Good work guys! In addition to the benefit of having the area to ourselves the sky started to spit on us around 7pm. We had made it into the tent just in time. Glad not to be hiking down chairback in wetness. Isn't it nice how everything seems to fall into place? Love trail life