morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-08-05
From: Andover

To: Sabbath Pond Lean To
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: overcast clouds

David and Ilene who run the Pine Ellis hostel in Andover are great. David gets up at 430am so you can get a shuttle back to the trail any time after that. Sure enough when I got up at 530am to go to the loo, he was watching tv. I chose the more reasonable time of 730 to get back on the trail. I tend to watch tv late in town so need a bit more sleep. My room did not have cable television however, so after watching some French game shows and a French documentary on Pym Fortyn, the Dutch slain politician, I went to sleep at 830am. I think I needed the extra sleep. David gave me an apple as a goodbye gift. It's Native American and plays a little recorder like pan pipe. Once on the trail I had to climb immediately. I experienced a tightness in my calves. I only had this feeling once before on the trail, when leaving Hot Springs. I think it's a result of having rested then straight away climbing a steep hill with no warm up. Ouch! The trail today was slightly better than the dangerous sectiom I'd been negotiating when I got off near Gorham. It was slightly (only a bit) drier and the rocks were not as steep. Still it was hard going. I fell and got a big bump and scrap down my leg. But luckily that was my only mishap. There was a lot of mud so my feet are all pruny now because they were wet all day. The trail here is surrounded by pine trees so it makes for a fragrant walk. I still didn't see the beauty of Maine until the latter part of day. Finally I got a flatter stretch with some beautiful ponds. I went for a quasi dip in one (it was more of a paddle). There was even a mini sandy beach. I didn't go for a full swim as I can't afford to get cold in the evenings (and the pond was just before the shelter). I sent home most of my warm clothes in Andover. I realise this was a bit foolish but I still have a long sleeve thermal top, my beanie, my rain jacket and my 32F sleeping bag. I met Utah and Pixie two NoBo (northbound) thru hikers planning to finish on 20 August like me. I also met Rob and Matt, SoBo (southbound) thru hikers with no trail names. They gave me some useful information on the upcoming trail and I gave them some southern info.
Date: 2010-08-06
From: Sabbath Day Lean To

To: Stratton
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I had a lovely night in my tent last night. The French Canadian girls camped near me made a bit of noise but I popped in my earplugs and heard nothing more. I wasn't in the slightest bit cold either which was good. I got going at about 630. It was less humid at this time than it has been during the day so that was more pleasant. As I hiked I had an epiphany...I am sick of hiking. I don't want to walk from 630am till 630pm with hardly any breaks. I'm over it. I discussed the issue with Pixie when I saw her having a snack break by a pond. She felt the same way as me but she's hiked every mile so far, so she has incentive to keep going. I don't. I am tired, my feet are sore constantly and I just don't have any enthusiasm to continue. I decided to get off the trail at the next road crossing. I hitched a ride into the town of Rangeley. Two ladies picked me up after about 8 minutes waiting, because they said they felt sorry for me. The I got a shuttle into a nearby trail town called Stratton. I'm spending 2 nights here before heading by car to Monson. I believe I have a week's worth of hiking left in me. So I'll hike the 100 miles of wilderness then summit Katahdin. Can't miss that! So only 114 miles to go. I can do that. Then I can finally rest!
Date: 2010-08-07
From: Stratton

To: Stratton
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Tried to sleep in today but so used to waking up early that I woke up at about 8am. I bought the book "Into Thin Air" by Jon Krakauer yesterday about the 1996 disaster on Everest and finished reading it yesterday evening. I also bought Bear Gryll's account of his ascension of Everest at the age of 23 and I finished it this afternoon. Both these books will give me inspiration on my last few days and show me that it's not that tough. People think it's a nice day here. It might be sunny, but it's only 50F (10C) - chilly! Maine has a very short summer.
Date: 2010-08-08
From: Stratton

To: Monson
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

I got a lift with Sue from Stratton Motel from Stratton to Monson. We went via Waterville to drop some hikers at the bus stop so I got to see a bit of Maine. I think their motto here is "Maine, the way life should be" (or else it's just something they say). Monson is the last trail town before the 100 mile wilderness and therefore before the end of the trail. I got rid of all unnecessary items (which I had been doing every town, so I'm really down to the minimum). Met some nice people at the hostel (Shaw's), mainly old folk. They are remarkable with how much endurance they have. I learnt some interesting things about New Hampshire too. It's the only state in the US where it is not legally necessary for an adult to wear a seatbelt. You also don't need to wear motorcycle helmets, but you do need eye protection. What they figure is that if you don't want to protect your head, then it probably doesn't need protecting. Unless you are going to harm another person, you can do what you like (ie that's why you need the eye protection on the motorbike). Live free and die. They really believe in individual freedom. I think I'd like to live there, apart from the cold weather. I also met a guy from Alaska. Previously all people would ask about was the snow and eskimos and stuff like that, now it's......Sarah Palin. In Alaska, you either love her or hate her.
Date: 2010-08-09
From: Monson

To: Monson
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: broken clouds

It rained all night so I decided to stay an extra night but to slackpack the first 15 miles of the 100 miles wilderness. I got a lift to a logging road with Old School, he is a fellow I have not seen since the Smokies. He offered me a square of chocolate there. He has lost an amazing amount of weight on the trail. He flip flopped from somewhere in Virginia, then started making his way down from Katahdin. He is thinking of giving up. He is sick of walking like me. I told him to make sure he does the Whites as it is definitely worth it. He will probably just skip down there and go from hut to hut. Good idea. We discussed slackpacking as I said I had done a fair bit of it. I said I was an expert. However turns out he was more of an expert. He even had a mini day pack which is so small he can keep it in his main pack then use it when he slack packs. Impressive.For breakfast, Shaw's has a system where you say either "One" or "Two" or "Three" (etc). One means that you get one egg (done anyway), one slice of bacon, one sausage, one serving of home fries, something else, and either one pancake or French toast (they alternate). I just asked for pancakes.Slackpacking was good but the trail was very rooty and rocky. Makes for hard walking. I seriously considered what to do. I am so sick of walking it's not funny. I still enjoy the camping every night and the being out in the open air, however I just don't want to walk. If I was biking or swimming it'd be fine. It's not the exercise but the pounding of my feet on the ground. I met another guy that I'd last seen in the Smokies, he was flip flopping too. He was spending a day in the woods to get his motivation back.So I don't know what to do...will think about either skipping to Katahdin directly just to climb it, or continuing on...
Date: 2010-08-10
From: Gulf Hagas

To: East Branch Lean To
Miles today: 16.5

I had French toast for breakie today. It was ok, but I prefer pancakes. I headed out with Pi and the other two hikers who were being shuttled with me to the trail. I decided to do the rest of the 100 mile wilderness (minus about 10 miles as I thought I'd get a lift with the others to save money). It means I have about 4 twenty mile days (or if I do less on one day, then a little more another day) before climbing the Big K. I drank so much coffee at breakfast (I don't usually do that on the trail) and I really needed to go to the loo during the drive but I didn't want to ask for the car to be stopped as it was only an hour long trip. Luckily Pi needed to go so we stopped. Thank god! We had to ford a stream to start the day. Because I'd looked at the guide and knew this, I took a pair of thongs (Australian term, not underwear but shoes) from the hiker box at the hostel so that my feet would not get wet first thing. I didn't want wet shoes all day long. I walked past Gulf Hagas which is a scenic area with a stream, mossy rocks and lovely pine and other trees. The trail was nice and easy and the sun bright and warm. I felt extremely glad that I'd come back to the trail for my final 5 days. I love hiking in good weather and on nice trail. I had 3 mountains to climb. You climbed one, dropped a little, climbed the next, dropped and then climbed the last one. I found the climbing easy. It was not rock climbing for once! At one stage I felt a little faint so I had some food. Onwards!On the top peak, White Cap, I got to see my first glimpse of Mt Katahdin. Wow! There was no mistaking which one she was! Huge! You could see for miles around, all the lakes and small peaks. I ate a peanut butter sandwich up there and felt very content. On the way down, there was a little rain but nothing bad. When I got to the shelter, I debated tenting or staying in the shelter. I'd told myself to tent every night left as I only have 4 nights out. So even though it was raining, I put up my tent. That was a first! Now that I'm in it, I'm glad i did. I'm snug and watching the rain patter down on the outside is great. I'd like to do a last marathon (26 miles) before I finish. Maybe tomorrow.
Date: 2010-08-11
From: East Branch Lean To

To: White House Landing
Miles today: 23.0

Had a good night's sleep in my waterproof (I can confirm!) tent. It rained in the early night but by midnight it was clear. I felt like the Princess (from the Pea story) however because I pitched my tent last night without considering the ground beneath it. I was smack in the middle of a massive tree root! There was no way I could move much as I had to stay clear of the wet walls of the tent. Still, it was nice to be in my tent for one of the last times ever on the AT. I set my alarm for 500 am to get an early start on my planned 28 mile day. The day went well. I met some southbound hikers who recommended staying at the White House Landing. Previously, the 100 mile wilderness had many camps to which affluent people went to stay and fish and relax. I have really enjoyed the historical parts of the trail so I thought I'd see what it was like. This cut my day to 23 miles! At about 10am I ate 4 hot dog rolls with peanut butter. I was really hungry for some reason. then I felt a little ill walking along. The rivers here are so low due to the lack of rain that I've only needed to ford two. Correct fording technique (as requested in my guestbook): unfasten waist and chest belts, use poles to hold you in case your foot slips (ie make sure they have good grips in the water), face upstream, towards the current if the current is strong. Don't cross if dangerous! There are riverbeds which are obvious as such but many have no water in them.It seems like every man and his dog plans to summit on 14 August, which is now my expected summit day. I was going to delay but have decided that as the weather is good, I'll stick to the plan. The night before climbing Katahdin, thru hikers (defined as people who have done the 100 mile wilderness) at a shelter at the foot of Katahdin called "The Birches". However it only has room for 14 hikers. If you don't get on the list (located 10 miles before the Birches) you have to delay your summit. I could hike fast (and I'm sure beat all the other hikers to get on the list) but I can't be bothered. So I am going to stealth camp. It really will be stealthing too because i don't think you are supposed to camp other than in designated spots. Hopefully the ranger won't catch me. To get to White House Landing this afternoon, I had to blow an air horn and the owner fetched me by boat. The place is situated on a lovely lake. I am in a rustic cabin. You use your sleeping bag. No real electricity. There are some fridges but I think they run on propane or something. I had a great burger for dinner. I had sworn off ice cream after Fat Finger left, but I caved in and had a Cherry Garcia, my fave.
Date: 2010-08-12
From: White House Landing

To: Rainbow Spring Campsite
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: broken clouds

I dreamt of climbing Katahdin last night. I can't remember the exact dream but lots of hauling myself over rocks was involved. I must be excited. I went to the loo at about 10pm and I've rarely seen such a beautiful night sky. The stars were so bright. On the trail, there are too many trees to see them usually. I was too tired to hang around though and I missed the meteor shower which was supposed to be taking place.For breakfast, White House Landing offers scrambled eggs, bacon, English muffin and all you can eat pancakes. I told the owners I only wanted the pancakes. They were shocked. They said it was the first time since 1999 when they opened that someone has refused all the other items. Personally, if pancakes are on offer, I'd rather fill up on them. And I did! Someone told me that I ate 10. I had not been counting but it seemed like a lot. They were small in my defence. I think they are the best pre hiking food that exists. The other stuff makes me feel a bit ill. The White House Landing was worth it for the 2 boat trips. We zoomed across the water to the drop off spot. I think Maine is best seen from a boat. It looked like a film with calm water surrounded on all sides by pine trees. Although I didn't feel much history in White House Landing (as I did with the lodges in the Shenandoah and the Whites), the setting is magnificant. I walked along 2 big lakes most of day. I didn't feel so good though. I felt dehydrated so I took two painkillers for my spliting headache and drank a bit. I felt better and then the miles came easier. I got some fantastic views of the Big K today. Looks foreboding! SO massive in the distance. To think I'll be climbing it in 2 days. Thru hikers are freaking out about not getting a spot at the Birches shelter. I normally worry about such things but it's not even on my mind. I doubt a ranger will stop an Australian finishing such a long hike if I say I have a flight to catch. In such circumstances, it's just best to be discreet. I'll just make sure no one spots me and I'll not announce my presence. Nothing to worry about!
Date: 2010-08-13
From: Rainbow Spring Campsite

To: Abol Bridge Campground
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: broken clouds

I had a good night in my tent. Many squirrels pattered around but they didn't disturb me too much. I got up at 600am which is my normal time, because I had a 22 mile day ahead of me to get to Katahdin Stream (at the base of the Big K). I didn't want to get there too early though as I was going to be stealth camping. The trail was easy. People complain about the roots and rocks in this sectionm but after the Whites and Southern Maine, it's really nothing. On Rainbow Ledges, I had another fantastic view of Katahdin. I ambled on and met Colonel Sherman who I'd last seen before the Smokies. He was flip flopping. He was so pleased to see me. We had a chat and when he found out that I was moving to Hanoi, Vietnam for a job after the trail, he said what many men have said to me in the States: "I spent a year of my life there and I'd never want to go back." Lots of Vietnam Vets on the trail. When I got to Abol Bridge, I was stopped by the ranger. Ahhhh! I'd planned on sneaking by and stealth camping but he waits out for all thru hikers to ensure we don't do that! Of course all the spots at the Birches (the shelter at the base of Katahdin) were taken, so he told me I had to stay at Abol Bridge then do the 10 miles to the base in the morning, then climb. They have safety regulations meaning that only a certain number of people can be on the mountain every day. That didn't quite make sense because I'll still be allowed to climb tomorrow, but I think the extra miles would put off most people and ensure they climb the following day. He also told me about a picturesque short cut which is only 4.5 miles. I could have snuck off in the afternoon but I am camped opposite Katahdin with my tent set up so that the opening looks at the mountain. I've had food from the camp store and a shower. So I'm happy with the situation. I'll get up at 500am to hike the remaining 5 miles. Wow, I'm here! It feels great and only one day of hiking left!
Date: 2010-08-19
To: Thank yous
Miles today: 0.0

Hiking the trail has not been a solo attempt even though I principally hiked alone. This endeavour was only made possible with the help of quite a few people who I'd like to thank now.Family, friends and former colleagues (some people might fit into all categories, hey Jill!)You all gave me so much support and never doubted that I'd go through with my plans. Your continued interest in what I was doing really touched me. Send me an email so that I can call you from Paris before I leave for Hanoi.Guestbook entriesI checked my guestbook whenever I could. The comments from people I'd never met and who didn't know me personally giving me bits of information and advice were so important. I used to think about them all through the day and they really lifted my spirits when I felt down. They made me smile and helped me keep going.Trail magic providers and Americans in generalPeople like Lee, Ernman, Warren Doyle and many others whose names I never caught who helped me out along the way with small acts of generosity and kindness. I believe Americans are some of the friendliest and nicest people in the world. I don't think that I ever met any nasty Amercians. I chose the AT knowing how great the people in the States are and my expectations were exceeded.Fat FingerMy best moments on the trail were mainly with my mum, Fat Finger. I really had a fantastic time with her. She put up with my control freak nature (I mean I even got annoyed at her if she used an incorrect ziplock to stow and item). It's an experience we'll remember forever and I just hope she enjoyed it as much as I did.The ManagerMy number one thanks go to my number one fan. The Manager (aka my little sister) was always there for me. Not only did she look after all my admin in Paris (and believe me there was a lot of it!), but she also updated my trail journal every day from emails I sent to her. When I called her with doubts or loneliness, she was always there for me. She always knew the right thing to say and I felt better every time I spoke to her. Never one did she fail to resolve a problem for me. It is literally true to say that I could not have done the hike without her.So thanks to all I really appreciate it.Next: Gear list. As I had a base weight of 13 pounds at Neel's Gap, the first stop on the trail, I probably have some good advice for any future thru hikers or hikers wishing to lighten their loads.
Date: 2009-06-26
To: Beginning of the beginning
Miles today: 0.0

So here is a first step, starting a journal of this new adventure. The current plan is to start the hike in March of 2010 after attending Gulf Wars in Mississippi. Upkeep of this journal once the hike starts will depend on how well technology and I get along on the trail. Though it means some extra pack weight I plan to keep a pen and paper back up for recording experiences, it may turn into a sketch book of the journey, that would be great.
Date: 2009-12-18
To: Beginning date closing in
Miles today: 0.0

It's beginning to firm up that my feet will actually hit the trail @ March 23, 2010. G and I will be heading down to Mississippi a week and a half before to merchant at an event then once it is done we'll be driving over to Georgia. I recieved the thru hiker planning guide and data book from the ATC and have been pawing through them non-stop. I haven't picked up too much gear and am actually waiting until after the holidays to start checking things off that list. It's easy to walk into a store or enter an online forum and become overwhelmed by gear info.One thing I have picked up is a little spiral bound blank book to use as a journal. There is my wool cloak as well that I'm kicking around the idea of bringing it's not too heavy and has multiple uses, admittedly it isn't a conventional piece of hiking equipment but it can always be shipped home.
Date: 2009-12-21
To: Phone Test
Miles today: 0.0

G and I recently bought new mobile phones. I don't plan on making calls from the trail but it would be nice to touch base with people at home when I get to towns along the way. This entry is being sent from the phone itself, as I get used to the keyboard updating may go more smoothly. Not quite sure the practicality of daily updates via the phone but we will see how it goes. Hopefully family members have listened and instead of random stuff that will sit the shelf while I'm gone they will gift me support along the trail. Have a happy Winter Solstice everyone, Blessed Be!
Date: 2010-01-05
To: Tent
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: fog

The tent has been ordered!!! I'm taking a chance with buying it physically unseen over the internet but it should be here in a week and I'll be able to begin testing it. It is a Eureka Solitaire that I haven't found too much review info online for however, previous models have had good reviews. Now the wait, the daydreaming and more of the wait.
Date: 2010-01-12
To: It's here! It's here!
Miles today: 0.0

The tent came in today and I had no problems setting it up roughly inside to inspect it. It is actually a little more roomy inside than expected but this is me in my living room with no pack or wet boots to figure out what to do with. Speaking of boots, I decided the two places that I won't try to 'dirtbag' gear is going to be on my feet and food/water. I picked up a pair of Keen Targhee II hiking shoes and have started breaking them in. Several people have warned me they wont make the whole trail, including the person who sold them to me, but that is all right. Once these have been broken in and I am confident in them I'll pick up at least one more pair to break in so they can be sent when needed. Unfortunately the budget over all is small and much of my clothing is coming from Savers, Salvation Army and Goodwill. It has meant reading a lot more tags to see what things are made from but reading more means spending less.Shelter, checkFoot protection, semi-checkSustenance, next on the priority list!
Date: 2010-01-28
To: The Menu
Miles today: 0.0

Most of my prep lately has been planning mail drops along the route, the where and when of them. More important is the what, the majority of it food. It was easy to come up with a menu of items to make a day of meals and snacks that would give me a good amount of energy and nutrition. Visualizing all the little packages was no problem, but as I begin to assemble one days menu I'm amazed at the volume and more importantly the weight. Will I really consume all of this in one day? Carrying three days worth of menus is not so bad but in those areas where I'll be relying on carrying 5 days, 7 days worth of food, man that is a lot of grub. Still in research mode though so I'm sure changes will be made. While doing the house grocery shopping today I picked up a bag of Crunchies Roasted Veggies to try. It's roasted corn, peas, carrots, red bell peppers and tomatoes that have been freeze dried so it is extremely light. It was very pasty on the pallet at first but the flavor was fuller than I expected. If I can find a place to buy it in bulk on-line it may be a pack staple. This week the market has Swiss Miss cocoa on sale for a dollar a box! Time to stock up!!!