morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-09-17
From: South Arm Road, Andover, Maine

To: South Arm Road, Andover, Maine
Miles today: 0.0

My digestive system was out of whack last night, so I thought it better to take a zero today. I was feeling well enough to get a breakfast of blueberry pancakes at the Little Red Hen at 9:00AM. I had a conversation with Hazel who lives near Duncannon, PA but has connections with Andover. She told me the Doyle was the best place to eat there, which I had not heard about while I was passing through. (Did not stay in Duncannon, so didn't need a place to eat.)Last night I got shoes ordered, which will be shipped to a hostel ahead of me. I found them at REI and used my dividend on them because Merrill was out of size 14's. Part of the toecap is missing on one. I tell people I kicked a wildcat. Truth is it happened climbing Wildcat Mountain.I plan to do a slack pack to Rangely tomorrow of 26 miles to make up for today. I need a warmer sleeping bag liner before I spend below 32 degree night out. (Friday morning is predicted 26.) Dave from Pine Ellis Hostel will drop me off at South Arm Road and then drop my pack off at Hiker Hut Hostel in Rangely.By the way I will be 3,107 miles from both the equator and the North Pole when I get to Rangely.
Date: 2014-09-19
From: Hiker Hut, Maine 4, Rangeley, ME

To: Woods Road
Miles today: 13.4

People kept saying "What a great day to hike up on Saddleback Mountain!."That was my initial destination and it required climbing about 3,000 feet. After climbing for a while, I began to wonder how much farther. About that time I entered a new vegetation zone and had signs I was making progress. The top was above the tree line and in the Alpine zone. When I reached the peak I was surprised I made it in a little over 3 hours and still had energy to spare. There is a 360 degree panoramic view. I was told one can see both Mt Washington and Mt Katahdin from this point. I don't know but I could see mountain after mountain. It was a little windy and I put on my jacket while at the peak, but was nothing like the battle with the elements on Bald Pate. The beautiful weather energized me so was able to go beyond the campsite I originally had planned.As I descended Saddleback I found ice on the rocks on the trail. I was okay as long as I was paying attention. But it served as a reminder that cold weather is near.I camped with Little Feet and Feifel who happen to be from Atlanta. I can say I am from Atlanta because I spent the first 4 years of my life there. Feifel and I were born in the same hospital.This is the area where a 65 year old experienced hiker lady named Geraldine disappeared without a trace last year. Knowing she possibly died along this part of the trail, I have treated the area as hallowed ground and remembered her as I walked. I am going to look for more information on the story.I am wondering if the trail was beginning to change me, now that I am nearing the end. Both Katherine and Steve hugged me bye today when I left. Yesterday when I left Pine Ellis, both Naomi and Ilene gave me a big hug. David was good with just a handshake. Many times in the past when I have thought of hiking the AT, I have felt selfish because I was just doing it for me. However, several people have said my hike has inspired then. I never expected that to happen from my hike.Today has been a great day to be hiking and I have enjoyed it.
Date: 2014-09-22
From: Horns Pond Lean-tos

To: Flagstaff Lake Campsite
Miles today: 12.7

Camped by a large lake tonight called East Flagstaff. The winds have been high today and still are. The waves crashing on the beach sound like the ocean. At dusk, the setting sun reflected on the water.I climbed my last 4,000 footer today. The climb was laborious as it often is, but I thought to myself, I need to enjoy it. And I did. Near the peak I passed a man who commented, "it's a wee bit breezy up there." I took him to be a Scotsman. The next man said it is quite blustery on top today. I decided he is from Maine. I found out for myself when I arrived at the top. I hunkered down low and held on to the rocks.
Date: 2014-09-24
From: Kennebec River

To: US 201
Miles today: 0.4
Weather: overcast clouds

I crossed the Kennebec river in a canoe this morning, then walked to the intersection of US 201, a total of 0.4 miles. That is about as close to as zero day as you can get without actually being exactly zero.The shuttle from Northern Outdoors took me by the post office for mail and by the Sterling Inn for my shoes. I didn't quite know whether to stay at Sterling Inn or go to Northern Outdoors. I went ahead to Northern Outdoors and it seemed to have more services. A couple had a room and invited me to join them so the price could be shared.It had been a week since I had been to a regular hostel. I needed rest, shower, laundry, wifi and substantial food. I accomplished all of that and will head north tomorrow in an attempt to reach Monson by Friday evening.I had a hamburger for lunch for protein and iron and a fancy macaroni and cheese for dinner for carbs and calcium.Since I got into Maine I haven't been able to do data in phone because it is off network. I enabled email only, since it doesn't use much data.
Date: 2014-09-25
From: US 201

To: Bald Mountain Brook Lean-To
Miles today: 14.7

I enjoyed the hike up the mountain this morning. I had rested for a day so I was more aware of the beauty. The rising sun was filtering through the red maple leaves and gold birch and beech leaves. All day I kept taking pictures of the leaves. I looked in awe from the top of the mountain down on a sea of color.I took an hour for lunch on top of the mountain including the time to make phone calls. I will be late arriving in Monson tomorrow with one mountain and about 20 miles of hiking. Then I plan to get Shaws Hostel to shuttle me to the AMC lodge in Millinocket on Saturday. Then Sunday (September 28th) AMC lodge will take me to Mt. Katahdin weather permitting. I am going up even if a rainy day unless too stormy also. Some people like to wait on a pretty day for the view.Scout and Yogi are in the shelter with me tonight. First time I met them.I had been hoping to get over the second mountain, my morning went so well, but by the time I got to the Shelter, I was ready for a rest and had very little daylight left. A muscle in my left leg feels like I have pulled it. Day before yesterday, it became sore, but didn't notice it more after a nights rest. This afternoon, it started again, and that encouraged me to stop. The downhills seem to stress it more. I used the trekking poles all day to help take some strain off my legs.I got new shoes (the same Merrill Moab Ventilators) and was going to keep both pairs with me. However they were too large to put in the backpack. I would have used the old ones for mud-pits and creeks. I mailed my old ones home until I can deal with trying to get Merrill to replace them. They sometimes do one pair for AT thru-hikers.While at the PO a lady came by and put some food in the hiker box in front of the PO, then came in and invited me to take some. I got some walnut pumpkin bread with cream cheese and a peanut butter-jelly sandwich. I ate those for lunch. The note with the sandwich said the strawberry jam was made from strawberries picked by a little old lady who climbed Mount Katadin in 1960 and won $25 and a pair of red shoes. I wish I could have talked with that lady more but my shuttle driver was waiting to drive me to the trailhead.I closed my eyes to think of what else I could remember about the day and I noticed the sound of the brook in front of the lean-to. That will be better music to sleep to than the whine of the tires of the eighteen wheeler log trucks passing. The US highway that ran past the lodge last night is a busy road that will take you to Quebec City in a little over 3 hours. Lumber, trees for pulpwood and mulch are some of the things they are hauling. One type of truck with a closed-in bed smells of pine when it passes, so maybe it is hauling pine needles for mulch. Wood chips are also used for heating.
Date: 2014-09-26
From: Bald Mountain Brook Lean-To

To: Maine 15 Monson, Maine
Miles today: 22.0
Weather: overcast clouds

The fall colors from Moxie Bald were not as spectacular as those from Mount Pleasant but the views were spectacular none the less. I had the opportunity to bypass the peak to save time, but I couldn't pass it up on a beautiful day like today. Even though it was only 2,630 feet, it had the vegetation at the top similar to much higher mountains.I shared the view with Dos Equis and Scout.I saw two snakes today. I have seen more snakes per mile in Maine than any other state. I'm just glad Maine has no poisonous snakes. That was an indicator of just how warm it is today. It seems that the cold spell around the 23rd was an anomaly for this time of year, because records were broken in New England. However, once the sun goes down the temperature drops quickly and layers of clothing are added that came off in the morning as we climbed the ridges.There were two beaches of a river I had to cross today. I found a route across that involved stepping stones and small poles. It was so precarious looking, I took off my socks and took the liners out of my shoes in case I slipped into the water. I could feel the vibrations of the current in my trekking pole as I placed it in the stream to balance. The second crossing involved balancing on a fallen tree. I was proud of myself getting across the log. Once again I dodged the bullet of getting my shoes wet by wading across a stream. But I did slip into the mud with my new shoes a couple of times. I have observed that late September is a good time to hike in Maine. There has been less mud in the boggy areas and so far the creeks have been fordable by stepping stones.Through out the afternoon, I debated as to whether to get as close to Monson as I could and then camp or try to make it to Shaw's Hostel. When I got to the side trail taking me into Monson, I still had enough daylight to go for it. I came out of the woods on a gravel road and asked a man walking his dog, which direction was Pleasant Street. He pointed in a direction and I headed off that way. But after at least a half mile the road came to a dead end. I backtracked and after a while discovered I was on an extension of the street and headed off in the correct direction. I was a bit miffed he had cost me an extra mile of walking on the end of a twenty mile plus day. I decided I must have scared him, because he turned around and went in the opposite direction he had sent me. It all worked out for the good however, because a man in a big red pickup stopped and offered me a ride.I was glad I came on into town because I was dirty, sweaty and worn out.After a cold cola, shower and clean clothes I began to feel more like a human being.Chicklet and Solitude were here. The last time I saw them was before Mahoosic Notch. I found another BB with a smily face drawn in the soft dirt today. It was a trail message of encouragement from Blazer.
Date: 2014-09-27
From: Maine 15 Monson, Maine Shaw's Hostel

To: Millenocket, Maine (by shuttle)
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

The folks from Shaw's Hostel shuttled me from Monson to Millinocket to the AT Lodge. The Lodge will shuttle me to Baxter State Park at 6:30 tomorrow morning. I hope to hike to the top of Mt. Katahdin and back to Katahdin Stream Campground where I will spend the night. Monday, I will begin the trek back south to Monson through the Hundred Mile Wilderness back. This will take about 7 or 8 days.I am shooting for 7 days but packed enough food for 8 days. I bought two loaves of fresh baked wheat bread from the bakery along with 2 jars of homemade strawberry jam. I made enough peanut butter and jam sandwiches to have two per day. I packaged each days food in a separate Baggie. I included at least one granola bar, one candy bar, 1 meat (tuna or jerky), 2 carnation essentials and a mixture of nuts, dried fruit and M&M's. There is also some cheese and one left over oatmeal.I will have homemade brownies for a snack on the summit plus cheese, crackers, and apple. Tomorrow 9/28, is the birthday of my mother Iris (deceased) and the death date of my first wife, Wilma. They (along with others) have been with me in spirit this entire journey. I have some malted milk balls which were Mom's favorite. I also have a honey bun which was what Wilma and I had grilled for breakfast at the Carlton in Berea, the morning after we were married.When I walked into the office at the AT lodge to register for a bunk and book my shuttle to Baxter Park, I felt a tinge of excitement run through me. I wanted to summit on the 28th as I mentioned above, but there had been a number obstacles. Yesterday I needed to reach Shaw's Hostel in Monson in time to get a shuttle to Millinocket today. They had said over the phone they would take me, but until I actually got here, I wasn't going to relax.We drove tree-lined back roads, past a few farms and occasional hamlets that grew up around crossroads. I have never seen a more beautiful day as we feasted our eyes on the golds and the reds of the fall foliage. Dick, the driver spoke of how many communities in the area are struggling because of the dire effect on the economy created by the declining timber industry.The climax of the drive was when we pulled over at a mini-rest area by a lake and I got my first look at Mt. Katahdin in the distance with the lake in the foreground. Tomorrow, I will actually walk on the mountain--Lord Willing--which has the status as the "Holy Grail of hiking" as the northern terminus of the AT.I had dinner at the Appalachian Trail Hiker Cafe and afterward, signed the ceiling tile for the class of 2014 which will be placed in the ceiling after hiker season has past. I met Cheevo whom I had hiked with a couple of days. The last time I saw him he was moving forward to go by a lake at dusk to catch sight of a moose. I did the same but I didn't see him nor a moose until today. Still haven't seen the moose, but I have heard them nearby.By the way, I will be surprised if I have phone reception in the Hundred Acre Woods, aka the Hundred Mile Wilderness.
Date: 2014-09-30
From: Rainbow Lake West 

To: Nahmakanta Stream Campsite
Miles today: 15.9

Memories of today book down to seeing a lot of picturesque ponds and the meeting and reunion with several hikers. Fitty Shrimp, Finch, Blue, Daytripper, Bullseye/ladybug (vernon nj), Freckles and Drag'n Fly, Zig, and Tripper (Pearisburg).I have run I into Freckles and Drag'n Fly quite often but today is the first time I got their picture. I heard someone say she wants to be the oldest woman to hike the AT at age 74 but I haven't checked out those details. Fitty Shrimp, whom I last saw at Pine Grove Furnace State Park, camped with me tonight for the first time since June.Finch would have been ahead of me but took time off for illness. We met in North Carolina before the Smokies.I met two hikers today named John and Tony from Boston who were interested in my thru-hike experience. As they left, they gave me two bottles of Seasonal Shipyard. (Trail magic)Today my left knee bothered me noticeably, so I took ibuprofen at bedtime. I bumped it on a rock going up Katahdin and it has felt tender since then. It's been a good day and I am most pleased to have reconnected with Fitty Shrimp and to camp with him.
Date: 2014-10-01
From: Nahmakanta Stream Campsite

To: Cooper Brook Falls Lean-to
Miles today: 15.7

Today, I will continue a section of smooth hiking terrain so I should get in some good miles. I am starting out with the anticipation of intersecting with Sockless and Blazer since I got a message they were at Antler campground last night.I also met the following today: Brace, Kerosene, Twirls, Little Feet. Fiefel (Atlanta, ga), Apollo, and Chicklet.Chicklet told me Solitude went home for his Grandmother's funeral but would come back and finish.Kerosene has been section hiking since 1973 and will summit Katahdin in 2-3 days to complete his hiking of the entire AT. I imagine his anticipation to be higher than some of us thru-hikers.Sockless, Blazer and I had a joyful reunion. We had been separated since I took a zero day just before starting Maine. We reminisced over the highlights of our days together. Tears came to our eyes as we remembered the day we climbed Mount Washington. We parted company tearfully because we would miss each other, even though we hope to get together before winter near our home area.I began to lose my stamina the rest of the day. I didn't understand. I had been so energized by getting to see this couple. Maybe I was grieving the parting of ways in spite of all the joy. I especially anticipated the joy of all three of us completing our thru-hike soon. Also, my knee was annoying me and demanding too much attention as it felt warm and swollen. I think that zapped my energy.When I got to Jo-Mary road, Miss Janet was there delivering some food drops. She took my two empty bottles so I didn't have to carry them the rest of the way to Monson. By eating food and disposing of the glass bottles my pack weight was noticeably declining.A wilderness EMT with Miss Janet examined my knee and diagnosed the problem as bursitis and not torn ligaments. He said take ibuprofen and gave me an elastic brace to put on the knee. The theory being that the fluid build up was compounding the irritation of the knee and the brace would force the fluid to dissipate.They were optimistic I would be okay to continue to Monson. I was worried about how it might impact me however. I didn't want anything to deter me from finishing.I stopped early in the afternoon. I had more daylight hours but not enough energy or time for me to reach the next shelter. I was satisfied it was the right thing to do. The brace seemed to have helped ease the discomfort of my knee.A young bear had been reported to have been curiously peeking in this shelter last night. The occupants yelled at it and it left. I imagined it was looking for a warm place to cuddle up with the hikers on a chilly night.
Date: 2014-10-02
From: Cooper Brook Falls Lean-to

To: Sidney Tappan Campsite
Miles today: 17.1
Weather: broken clouds

Today the easy walking section would come to an end as I started the climbing section. It made the climb greater because I first descended to the level of the Pleasant River before climbing. Today it would be White Cap Mountain. I was also concerned but hopeful the problem with my knee would be okay.Hikers I met are : Beans, Lately and the dog Early, Dos Equis and Giggles and Turtle.I saw Early, a Labordoodle, coming around the turn ahead of lately. I spoke to him and he tasted my hand and seemed happy to see me. I think he relies on taste and smell a lot because of the hair over his eyes. Made me happy that he didn't bark at me this time.Turtle and I met back up also. She and I tented above the Kennebec River after missing the Ferry by 15 minutes. She took my picture holding Dino, a plastic dinosaur her nephew sent with her. She is taking Dino's picture along the trail. After she finishes, she is going to use the photos to make a book for her nephew of the hike of Dino on the AT.The sun has finally returned so I got fantastic views from White Top.I saw McGyver today for the first time since NC. He mentioned he saw two moose today. I looked where he had indicated, so I thought. I was walking along and yelling for a bit. Then I came around the bend and spotted a cow moose grazing in the pond I had just come to.I took pictures and watched for a while then quietly went on my way. It was unusual for her to be out in the day, I thought.I was happy to get 17 miles in in spite of the 2400' climb. Another good day and I had less problems with my knee.
Date: 2014-10-03
From: Sidney Tappan Campsite

To: Unmarked site near Fourth Mountain
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: clear sky

Before the end of the day I was thinking the effort compares to a marathon as I went up and down one mountain after another. My 15 mile total was not shabby, but I had been hoping to make it to Cloud Pond lean-to--reportedly a beautiful site.I had some beautiful views on the peaks. I was texting Marcia about a mountain ahead shaped like a giant loaf of bread. I was hoping I was not going to have to climb ii, especially up the rock face part.But I did. The trail was a rock scramble along the edge of the rocky outcropping.This section is well known as the Chairbacks. A nice side trail is up the Gulf Hagas Canyon noted for waterfalls and other scenery. I am not tired of seeing water falls, but having seen a fair share, I opted to spend my miles getting closer to Monson.My energy ran out between Three and a Half Mountain and 4th mountain and I found a lovely but unmarked campsite to rest up for the completion of the climbing portions.
Date: 2014-10-04
From: Unmarked site near Fourth Mountain

To: Wilson Valley Lean-To
Miles today: 10.2
Weather: clear sky

I had been hoping to meet up with Jo Cool today but was beginning to suspect I passed her at a shelter. However, I got to see her. She was slack packing alone today. B-man was taking the packs around to meet her via Terry's shuttle.Once again, I was feeling tuckered out early in the afternoon. I would love to have got past Big Wilson Creek before ending my day because heavy rain is predicted for tonight and Wilson Creek is notorious for getting dangerously high.But there were not enough daylight hours left to reach the next shelter. I could have made it to a campsite but I value being in a shelter more if there were to be heavy rain.It was already wet and drizzly. All day long the fog or mist condensed on the trees until a breeze came along and shook the water out on me like immature rain showers. I was happy to eat and to snuggle in my warm sleeping bag.I went to bed warm and cozy but with the anxious thoughts of whether I would make it past the rain swollen streams; wait for the water to drop, or find acceptable detours.
Date: 2014-01-17
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Since cold weather and holidays have prevented me from doing my usual 5.5. mile hike "around the block" I have been trying to stay busy cutting wood in our sugar bush in preparation to run sap lines in the new sugar bush. Sugaring will start around the last Saturday in February and last until Mother Nature says its over - April? While I will really miss making maple syrup, this adventure will surely make up for it!
Date: 2014-01-17
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

It's interesting to look back and remember when that first thought to hike the AT was planted and see how it has grown. A simple conversation with a co-worker about hiking the Adirondack Mts. led to him telling me about his hike of the Long Trail which ran with the AT. When I asked him about the AT he gave me a book written back in 1969 by a person who hiked the entire trail evaluating the condition of a number of shelters and water sources at the time and his experiences. After that, I ordered a book from the ATC and after reading that one, I would order another and another and another. Then it was onto websites such as Trailjournals, Whiteblaze and others to experience vicariously the experiences of those who have already made the journey. Then there was the tedious job of researching equipment, seeing what worked and didn't while gaining some trail time. While before the time to start seemed so far off, it now seems like there's not enough time to be ready. Then again are we ever really ready until we take our first step on the trail.