morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-09-09
From: long pond lean to mile 2085.9

To: west branch pleasant river mile 2101.1
Miles today: 15.2

Long pond lean to mile 2085.9 - west branch pleasant river mile 2101.115.2 miles84.2 miles to goI don't mind hiking a big up on a chilly mitten morning. Brrrr. A wonderful, crisp, blue sky September day. Today's start was Barren Mtn. See pics. The view from the Barren slide was gorgeous. They called it a slide, see pic, but that seems rather diminutive. I would have called it the Barren Boulder Bash.Leap frogging w/ wild turkey, rowdy & true story, I dawdled along the view points and slowly picked my way over the roots & rocks of the day. In the fourth mountain bog (actually it's name) were some carnivorous plants 2 flip floppers called pitcher plants. See pic (sorry the shadows make it difficult to highlight the plant). I think what I had taken a picture of in VT was the flower part. The next series of mountains to enjoy were fourth Mtn., Mt. Three and a half, Third Mtn., Columbus Mtn, and Chairback Mtn. Now that was a roller coaster day! The trail was mostly on the upturned rock through the beautiful, mature spruce/fir birch forest w/ deciduous forests in the valleys. I quit trying to take pics of the forests as the shadowing wreaked havoc on the effect. However, the views across the valley were beautiful and the rest of the afternoons' walk in addition to white cap Mtn., (14 miles away) which will be the climb tomorrow could be seen. See pic. The way down was a force to be reckoned w/, although much less treacherous & way more fun than that to the Carrabassett valley. See pics. The afternoon was once again a very mature conifer forest, beautiful in the long shadows late in the day. I ended just before a river ford as the north side of the the river is a national landmark of 100 year old growth pines. I suspected they would not like me stringing my hammock up there!All for now,Red Robin
Date: 2014-09-10
From: west branch pleasant river mile 2101.1

To: mountain view pond mile 2119.4
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: overcast clouds

west branch pleasant river mile 2101.1 - Mtn view pond outlet mile 2119.418.3 miles65.9 miles to goI have been hiking for 5 months as of today. Wow!A cloudy, brisk morning got brisker w/ an icy, thankfully, shallow ford of the west branch of pleasant river. Brrr. I had crossed w/ double R & Turtle. Both said they would have been letting out expletives if others hadn't been cowboy camped on the north shore! Once across, I entered the national landmark, 100 year old growth pine forest. See pics. The stand of trees was beautiful even though the pics don't portray such. The trail continued on along the Gulf Hagas brook,( see pic) then continued up the Gulf Hagas mountain. This was the 1st of 4 peaks & not a bad climb. Next peak, west peak, again not a horrible climb as stairs have been placed in the steepest sites. I suspect this trail won't be rerouted anytime soon. Next peak, Hay Mtn., another wooded summit. Maine is good about having summit signs on all their mtns so you know when you have arrived. Last peak- white cap Mtn. See pic of route up. The views were beautifully expansive but too hazy for the pics to turn out. Took a few anyway. Sure was rough to have to enjoy lunch up there. The route down- there was Katahdin. 72.7 AT miles away. see pic. Zoom in to see the barren peak way in the distance. The hike down was an incredible stairway for much of the initial descent. Future thru-hikers, you might as well start walking stairs to get ready! Plenty of them out here.Once descended, the afternoon trail continued through a fragrant mature forest w/ of course boulders, moss and the wonderfully soft red brown carpet of conifer needles for a path. See pic. I ended early at mountain view pond in hopes of seeing a moose and if nothing else, have a pretty view at dinner. See pic. No moose..All for now,Red Robin
Date: 2014-09-11
From: mountain view pond mile 2119.4

To: Nahmakanta stream campsite mile 2141.3
Miles today: 21.9

Mountain view pond outlet mile 2119.4 - Nahmakanta stream campsite mile 2141.321.9 miles44 miles to goMountain View Pond dawn report - no moose Where in Maine are the moose?The stroll took me through some pretty mixed forests. It feels odd to walk on flat land. The trail wound around Crawford pond (see pic), then followed cooper brook for quite a distance. At cooper brook lean to, I had inside info suggesting this was the best swimming hole of the entire AT! No way was I going to pass this opportunity up. See pic. Overcast, spitting rain, & a chilly breeze, in I went. Brrr fer sure! A wonderful icy whirlpool massage at the bottom of the creek drop, then a large, neck deep pool w/ a sandy grit and flat rock bottom! Doesn't get better than this other than perhaps a hot, sunny day! I had to wear my mittens & walk fast to warm up afterwards.The rest of the day was a walk amongst the towering giants of Maine- firs, spruce and cedars. Based on the 100 year old growth pine forest, if these guys grow at the same rate, then they are 100 and many plus that(my expert opinion of course). See a few pics even though they didn't turn out. I had lunch w/ them, dinner w/ them, I even got to nest amongst them at the end of the day see pic.Next fun sighting, potaywadjo spring. (John & Henry, the PATC guys that built the new huts in MD/PA had told me about it) See pic. I suspect the name means something but saving battery power so didn't look it up. Excellent, icy cold water to drink & fun to watch it bubble up through the sandy grit. In spite of the flat lander day, miles are still hard earned in these parts. Took me 11 hrs for the 21+ miles picking my way over the slippery roots, rocks & mud in sections. The last ford of the day, Nahmakanta stream was a good chance to clean my shoes of the day's mud. There on the opposite bank, a gleaming metal stairway w/ OSHA rated hand railing out here in the hundred mile wilderness. See pic. I am sure it was easier to drag that out here than to build something but boy does it look out of place.Darkness comes early these days, especially in a towering forest on an overcast day. Headlamp on by 7pm. Camp chores done. Curfew time it is. All for now,Red Robin
Date: 2014-09-12
From: Nahmakanta stream campsite mile 2141.3

To: Rainbow lake campsite mile 2159
Miles today: 17.7

Nahmakanta stream campsite mile 2141.3 - Rainbow lake campsite mile 215917.7 miles26.3 to go!The wind howled all night in the tree tops, moving the clouds along, swaying the trees back and forth. It was beautiful to watch their shadows dance across the moonlit tarp. However, hopping out into that raw, howling wind the next morning was a whole different story! May I say brrrr again? I watched the sun's rays cast their golden hue onto the treetops across the river, wishing them my way. No luck, so off I struck to warm up. The trail followed the pretty, Nahmakanta stream for quite a distance to its lake & along. The time was spent buoying from rock to root to rock again. See pic. At one point, I slid on a wet, slanted root (my nemesis) & fell partway down an embankment. See pic. No harm, no foul (other than tolerating a wet, cold backside), but a less than graceful reminder to take care, I'm not "THERE" yet! The trail followed along the lake & I met Asparagus, section hiking the hundred mile wilderness. She had already been for a morning swim & in discussing hiking, advised she was no athlete (carries a 36 lb pack), I begged to differ. At one point the lake was a bit protected from the wind. See pic. Wouldn't you take a swim? Was nice. The only thing it had over cooper's brook was the sun. Next up, Nesuntabunt mountain. A 1500 foot Mtn that took me by surprise. To hear the huffing & puffing up that lil hill, you woulda thought I was on Everest! The reward, a lunch time view of Katahdin!! see pics. This is 16 miles "the way the crow flies" & 36.3 AT miles away. It was my first decent look at Katahdin & stirred all the feelings a mountain like that should. Magnificent. The trail continued into what I call a small canyon or gorge, ( See pics) then wound down to Crescent pond. Walking around the pond, lo & behold a female moose at 1:30 in the afternoon!!! See pics. I didn't dare get too close so I wouldn't stress her, thus pics are not optimal. I assumed she is not a morning moose. Along the way, I stopped at pollywog gorge, a100' drop to its stream, but pics couldn't depict because I was too chicken to get close to the edge.The trail then followed Rainbow stream, a gorgeous cascading raucous stream, falling over short drops then furiously through a sluice. See pic. Great rest stop. The trail crossed the creek in front of Rainbow shelter, then continued onto its lake, see pic and my last campsite in the 100 mile wilderness. See pic. That was a hard realization to swallow. All for now,Red Robin
Date: 2014-09-13
From: Birches lean to -mile 2180.3

To: birches lean to
Miles today: 0.0

My Katahdin EveI hiked the Appalachian TrailWhat on earth did that entail?A daily walk without failAll supplies were sent by mailSpringer to KatahdinGeorgia to MaineMany thought me totally insane.Mother Nature did not care That I was planning to be out thereRain and shine. Wind and cold Many times she was boldState by stateAlways something greatPeaks and valleys, Streams & springs,Birds & bears, & other things,Bridges & bogs w/ boards a floor,Towns & stores, w/ food to adoreHostels, homes & huts aroundPlaces of respite for me northboundTrail magic provided along the wayAlways managed to brighten my dayThe walk along from Spring to FallAwoke in me an earthen callTo appreciate all what I can see As so much doesn't come easilySpring bluets & beauties brightened my wayI loved the rhododendrons everydayThe forests of trees from oak to firStood strong & fragrant in the windy stirMany friends whom I adoreGladly opened wide their doorThen Trail angels with help galoreTheir kindness appreciated all the moreWhen friends & familyJoined my hikeThose are timesI really likedAn amazing support came from all around,Notes of encouragement did abound,All for me that I stay strongSo I could hear Katahdin's songAs I arrive, I stare at your peakVery austere & blatantly bleakI thought a joyous sound I would shriekBut instead for nowIt is your solace I seekAt your base I take a seatMy months of respite all completeI now search your entire domeFor the Hunt trail on which I will roamTo the AT's northernmost Home sweet homeRed Robin
Date: 2014-09-21
To: Post trail life
Miles today: 0.0

Post trail life -not so badI have found the sure fire preventative to the post trail blues everyone talks about. Visit Maine! For gosh sakes it took 5 months to get here, might as well enjoy it for a few days! Prescription 1. Eat Lobsta - lotsa lobsta ( see pic)2. Car camp in Acadia to see the sun rise ( see pic) 3. SUP surf (stand up paddleboard) see pics. The surfer is doing what I wish I could do4. When the weather is not right for surfing, go to the Desert - of Maine that is. Yes, they have a desert. See pics5. Enjoy the ocean to your hearts desire. See pics. Headed home on the train. All for now,Red Robin
Date: 2014-10-01
To: Grand Finale
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Grand FinaleWhat better way to end a charmed hike than to compare notes with your 87 year old Uncle -"Tortoise" who had hiked the trail 20 years ago. A pleasant weekend trip planned - meet my mother (Muttie) at Chicago O'Hare airport, drive out to visit Tortoise, and fly home. Hmmm, the fire at the FAA tower kind of put a kink in the cog that day. My flight diverted to Cleveland, while Muttie actually made it to Chicago. Fortunately, I was able to snatch up one of the few remaining rental cars and drive from Cleveland to Chicago, then 2 hours west for the visit. What fun to compare the trail life of 1994 to now! See pics. Tortoise even carved his own hiking stick! See pic. He would likely have scoffed at my carbon fiber, external locking, wonderful swing phase, blah blah blah poles if I had dared show them. It was quite hilarious to see him bring out his box of photos, taken with a disposable camera of course (remember those?) still in their photo envelopes that photos came in in those days. You can imagine his reaction to seeing my photos on the iPad mini! The neatest thing was, so much of the trail hadn't changed. The shelters of course looked the same, & I had taken photos of many of the very same views he did. I know for a fact, my hike was much easier with all of the support I had, not to mention the ultra-lite gear available these days. My pack was typically 25-30 lbs max. His pack started at 60 lb and would have been more, he advised, if he could have fit "more stuff" in there! He gradually decreased it down to the 50's but still-ugh!!! After a wonderful visit, back to the hotel. The following day, since the flights were still in chaos, a drive to Lexington, KY for a mini family get together at none other than Red Robin's restaurant of course! Yummm! See pics.A long drive to NJ the following day. I don't dare guess how long it would have taken me to walk what I had driven this past weekend! Work started October 1st. Odd to earn a buck today after not having done so for 6 months!Thanks to everyone taking the time to read my blog. Was great fun to share my fun on the AT with everyone!! All for now, Red Robin
Date: 2013-03-06
To: First Official Journal Entry
Miles today: 0.0

This is our first official journal entry for our upcoming 2013 NOBO (northbound) AT hike. We are planning on starting around the first part of May which is 2 months away. In the next two months I will post a few updates on our trip planning. This is also a test.GA>ME 2013Trashbag and Codger
Date: 2013-03-09
To: 3rd Official Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

This is our 3rd official entry for our upcoming AT Hike. Heres the story: We (especially Codger) started reading trail journals and got extremely interested in backpacking and hiking the Appalachian Trail.Three years ago we decided to hike from Springer Mountain, Ga. to The Walasi Y and be done. When we actually started hiking it didn't take long to become intrigued amd fall in love with the AT. Excitement mounted when we met many, many other hikers (section hikers and through hikers) and listened to their stories. Everybody is excited in the beginning anyway. Two most impressive and influential hikers we met were Sprout (a past through hiker)and Larry. They were doing the same section we were but they knew a lot mopre than we did since they were more experienced. We ended up at a campsite with them every night. By the time we got to the Walasi Y, we had decided to go on to North Carolina, and we did. That's when our plans started. During the past three years we continued to go back to the AT and hike North every chance we got and last year made it to Dalesville, Va. So in the first week of May we will go back there and continue to hike to Maine. Codger retired 2 years ago after selling his business and I will retire in 6 weeks from working as a registered nurse. We wish we could leave today. Today I am dehydrating a great beans and rice dish that I made from a recipe I got from The Chubby Vegetarian. More to come.GA>ME 2013
Date: 2013-03-20
To: History about Trashbag and Codger
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I thought I would write some history about us. Codger is 66 years old and I am 65 years old. We have been married 15 years (both married before). There are 3 children between us. Rod, Jr. married to Mandy with 2 children - Cameron and Jesse, Lisa married to Volker with 1 daughter - Ella and Jason - still single (cute and available). We have been athletic most of our lives - running numerous marathons, triathlons, 1/2 ironmen, ultra-marathons,and backpacking. We each have a Harley motorcycle and have ridden to all 48 states from Germantown, Tn. (no trailers allowed).    At present time we are hiking as much as possible with our packs weighing 25 lbs. in parks with trails near our house. There are some fair climbs but not like AT climbs. We are both excited about getting started on out hike to Maine.GA>ME
Date: 2013-03-31
To: Still preparing 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Life remains busy. We have been working out places to have mail drops and continue to dehydrate meals. Yesterday I made Indian Lentil Pilaf to dehydrate overnight. Lentils are a great source of protein. All my meals are vegetarian. Codgers are not. He is making his dinners dehydrating chicken and hamburger. We plan on 14 mail drops. It is a lot of fun experimenting with dinners and studying where they should be sent. Plans for my retirement are coming together. It has been a tremendous job getting medicare, social security, and a pension started. I still work for 5 more weeks. My last day is May 2. We plan to leave soon after that.
Date: 2013-04-13
To: Still preparing
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Time to leave is getting closer. Three more weeks to work and I retire. My last day is May 2. I continue to dehydrate meals. I will take inventory this weekend to see how much more I need. I really like my own food so I think I need a lot. I read other journals and everyone is sooo excited about Ice cream. I wonder if I will be like that because I almost never eat ice cream. I am not sure if I even like it. Yesterday Codger and I met with an insurance agent and set up a supplement to medicare. Things are coming together. We rented a car to leave on May 8 and drive to Daleville and hike to Maine. We continue to walk with our packs, ride bicycles, lift weights and walk on the gauntlet at our gym. Very exciting.Trashbag and CodgerGA>ME 2013
Date: 2013-05-01
To: A Great Day
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Leaving for the AT is very close. Next Wednesday we leave for Dalesville, Va. to get back on trail and head to Maine. Today is a great day: Our bicycling group to us to lunch to wish us fare well to the AT, I retire tomorrow (my last day to work), and best of all, I am a breast cancer survivor and this morning I had all my check-ups and I am 18 months cancer free. I believe that is a great day. We can't wait to get started on a great adventure.Trashbag and CodgerGA>ME 2013
Date: 2013-05-07
To: Not long now
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

O my gosh! Time is flying. Last Thursday I worked my last day and really retired. Friday evening our friends had a going away/retirement dinner for Codger and me that was fun and yummy. Saturday the nurses I worked with had a retirement party that was really a good time. My son came in from Atlanta to visit me and help me celebrate my retirement and an early Mothers Day. That was very special. Tonight my stepson and his wife are coming to dinner and finalize what to do with our mail and mail drops. Tomorrow I have to go to social security and dispute the amount they want to charge me for Medicare. Then we finally pick up our rental car to drive to Daleville and start hiking. It is a lot of work and all I want to do is walk with my pack and ride my bike or go for a run or something on that order. I guess I will get a lot of walking with my pack soon.GA>ME 2013
Date: 2013-05-11
From: Wilson Creek Shelter

To: camp site on Cove Mountain
Miles today: 12.0

We left at 0830. Dreary, windy, but no rain. A good hiking day. At Bobblets Gap Shelter we had lunch and met Wicked. Codger and I are Survivor fans and the finale is Sunday. Wicked said her boyfriend was picking her up at Hwy 641 and he would take us to a motel and bring us back to the trail in the am.How exciting if you are a Survivor fan. We hiked to the top of Cove Mountain with Poncho and spent the night there. Another rainy night. Our tent is great. Very windy all night.
Date: 2013-05-13
From: Buchanan

To: Thunder Hill Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: clear sky

Had a hugh breakfast at the Mtn. View Restaurant with Wicked and Jay NOP. Left for trailand hiked 14 miles toThunder Hill Shelter. It started snowing while we cooked dinner. 32 degrees and snow covered our tent, but it was warm and cozy in our tent.
Date: 2013-05-15
From: Glasgow,Va

To: Punchbowl Shelter
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: broken clouds

Left Glascow this morning. The city employees came to the campsite at 9:30am to take all hikers back to the trail head. Hikers are treatede extremely well in this town. Thanks to everyone there. Climbing is hard today. Our packs are full of food. It was hot and water was not plentiful and we we really thirsty. We hiked 10.5 miles to Punchbowl Shelter. We met Souljourner but she left so we had the shelter to ourselves. Little Odies ghost did not visit.
Date: 2013-05-16
From: Punchbowl Shelter

To: Cow Camp Shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Left Punchbowl Shelter at 7:00am. Break at Peddler River Bridge and lunch at Brown Mountain Creek Shelter. Then we climbed for the rest of the day. We spent the night with Souljourner at the Cow Camp Shelter which was .6 miles off trail. Not good but a storm was approaching. We made a good move because a lot of rain came that night.
Date: 2013-05-17
From: Cow Camp Shelter--805.9

To: Dutch Haus B&B--818.4
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: light rain

Left Cow Camp Shelter and hiked 12.5 miles to Spy Rock Rd, there we hiked down a rough gravel road where Earl picked us up to go to the B&B. This is a great place with outstand service. They are extremely hiker friendly, just great people. Tomorrow the Preist.
Date: 2013-05-18
From: Va 56, Tye River--827.5

To: The B&B again--- 818.4
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: broken clouds

Earl took us back to Spy Rock trail head this morning and it was thundering, lightning and pouring rain, he told us to get out, we said "no" take us back to the B&B we want to slack pack. He took us to Va 56 and we headed south back to Spy Rock rd. nice walking with little weight. Another great night at the Dutch Haus.
Date: 2013-05-20
From: Dripping Rock

To: Waynesboro,Va.
Miles today: 7.6
Weather: broken clouds

We left Dripping Rock campsite at 7:00 for Waynesboro. It had rained all night. We were dry and warm inside, but our tent was soaked. More boulder walking today. While walking on slick boulders I managed to slip and catch myself with my right arm and in doing so broke my arm. I heard in crack. I laid on my back and just said "OH S---". I finally got up and broke out in cold sweat and became nauseated, all I could do was sit on a rock with a cotton mouth. After regaining my composure, Codger helped get my pack back on me and we started toward Waynesboro.After about 5 mins. the pain was getting worse, so we decided to put the arm in a split, using two sticks and gauze. Three cheers for a first aid kit. We walked 2 or 3 miles and came to a trail to Humpback Rocks parking area and BRP 1.2 miles off the AT. As soon as we got there an awesome couple took us to the Tree Street Inn B&B, in Waynesboro where we had reservation. I will be foreverindebted to them. Once we got our packs in our room, we called a trail angel from a trail angel list at the B&B and asked for a ride to the ER. The trail angle picked us up, took us to the ER, and waited there with us, later taking Codger to get food, waiting for the xray results, which confirmed the fracture and then waited for the cast to be put on and took us back to the B&B. A TRUE TRAIL ANGEL. I can never thank him enough.Once we were back at the B&B, my arm was hurting so Codger and I went to get a bottle of Advil and a bottle of WINE to help with the pain. We will decide what to do tomorrow.
Date: 2013-05-21
From: Waynesboro,Va.

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

We spent the day in Waynesboro and I decided we should go home and have my arm taken care by an Ortho Doc. After the it heals we will come back and continue north. I am unable to do my share and my arm hurts. Tomorrow we will rent a car and head home.
Date: 2013-06-14
From: waynesboro,va

To: Calf Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 8.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Left Harpers Ferry and hiked to Calf Mountain Shelter. We had a lot of fun there with Spring Bok, Kitty and Kharma. I have to use 1 trekking pole with my broken arm. So far so good. As soon as we leave tomorrow morning we will be in the Shanandoah,s. I am looking forward to that.