morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-09-14
From: Woods Road

To: Caribou Valley Road
Miles today: 9.1

It was nice to have a bagel and yogurt breakfast. Then it was back to the trail. There were all kinds of firemen, policemen and volunteers in the area. They were looking for a woman hiker in her 60s who disappeared last year. The rescuers are stumped and have no idea what happened to her. When I was at Poplar Ridge Lean To yesterday I was asking Hobo about the case. I knew she went missing in Maine but I had no idea where. I was shocked to hear that Poplar was the last place she was seen. She had the same backpack as me and carried her water bottles the way I do....spooky. I really hope they figure out what happened to her. The hike was very easy today. Sugarloaf Mountain was not bad. Hobo and I wanted to go shopping but we forgot it was Sunday late afternoon. So it was back to Sarge's for pizza this time. We treated Sherpa. I was reunited with Sparkle Feet and Gary. Gary had Lyme Disease--and now she has Bells Palsy. So sad. She's handling it well.
Date: 2014-09-15
From: Caribou Valley Road

To: Stratton Route 27-slept @ Stratton Hostel
Miles today: 8.7

Highs and lows today!!!! Late last night a young southbound section hiker from Australia decided to party....he couldn't handle it! He stumbled up the stairs and flopped down in the bed near me. He proceeded to get the spins and got up really quickly. I was horrified! He vomited whiskey all over the floor. Thank goodness he missed my gear. It was a tough nite. Hobo and I were not very quiet when we we gathering our things for an early shuttle! Payback! It was an uneventful hike. We did have gorgeous hiking weather---crisp fall day. Now for the fun part of the day.....Hobo's mother in law,Caroline, and sister in laws, Maryanne and Suzanne, brought us trail magic. They were down at the trail head when we popped out at Stratton, ME Route 27. They brought 6 McDonalds hamburgers, 7 Amato's (everyone from ME knows Amato's ) Italian subs, drinks, chips and cookies. They came with more back pain relief to last me until Katahdin. Caroline brought a photo album of her winter photo shoots, they were hysterical. I loved hearing about Suzanne's golf game. We traded hole in one stories. Unfortunately, I don't have a story so I tell about my Mom's and sis, Linda's, hole in ones. We sat out on the picnic table in front of the hostel eating, laughing and exchanging stories. I enjoyed my visit with the Winch Girls, they are SO proud of Hobo!
Date: 2014-09-16
From: Stratton Route 27-slept @ Stratton Hostel

To: East Flagstaff Rd. -slept @ Stratton Hostel
Miles today: 16.7

There were eight hikers and a dog in the tiny hostel room last night....I'm happy to report that the drinkers drank responsibly!! I slept well. Hobo and I were the first ones up at 5:00 and Sue, hostel owner, brought us back to the trail head at 6:00. We knew we had a long day ahead of us, 16.7 miles, so we needed a head start. I ate 3 McDonalds hamburgers before 10:00 in the morning, a new record for me! Popeye and her mother, Bad Camel, started this hike at 8:00--they're quick. They caught up with us in the afternoon and I really enjoyed their company. It was an overcast, foggy day which is a shame because the views from the Bigelows are spectacular. Hobo and I both agreed that we'd like to come back one day when the weather is nicer. Bliss, Dory, and Rafiki joined the four of us for dinner at The Plaza. Lots of laughs, good food....good people! Oh....we passed the 2000 mile marker!!!!!!!!! I'm so tired, but I wanted to write about the Flagstaff Lake, it's an interesting story so google it!
Date: 2014-09-17
From: East Flagstaff Rd. -slept @ Stratton Hostel

To: Harrison's Pierce Pond Sporting Camp
Miles today: 16.7

Sue brought us back to the trail head. There were eight sharing the cost of the shuttle so it was very reasonable. We heard a moose and checked Flagstaff Lake, but no luck. It was tempting to swim at Cary Pond because the water was warmer than the air, but we decided not to. On we hiked and got in another 16 mile day. By late afternoon the rocks, roots and mud were irritating me! The weather was cool but bright sun all day. We arrived at Harrison's Pierce Pond Camps at around 5:00. It is mainly a fishing camp; built in the 30s. Each cabin has a cast iron wood stove and kerosene lantern. The stars were out and it was great being right on the water. There were hot showers and flush toilets so we were spoiled another day.
Date: 2014-09-18
From: Harrison's Pierce Pond Sporting Camp

To: Pleasant Pond Lean To
Miles today: 9.7
Weather: clear sky

The owner of Harrison's Pierce Pond, Tim, is known for serving a 12 pancake breakfast. Voodoo, Princess Northstar, Pilgrim, Bad Camel, and Popeye were with us. The pancakes were so light and airy with apples, blue berries, and raspberries --red, white and blue. We also got eggs and sausages! Really delicious. We took off at 8:00 and hiked three miles to the Kennebec River. It's extremely dangerous to ford this River so there is a canoe ferry system in place. Look carefully and you'll see a white blaze on the inside bottom of the boat. Last year they had 600 thru hikers cross and this year they're targeted for just as many. We enjoyed talking to the caretaker and learned just how really special it was the other day to see a pine martin. Our next stop was the town of Caratunk...such a cute town with kind people. They were so friendly at the post office. They had an awesome Hiker Box on the front porch .....batteries, tea, band aids, homemade cookies, Kit Kats, PB&J sandwiches made with love. The Trail Angels put a hand written note in with each sandwich. We pressed on to the Pleasant Pond Lean To. We set up camp early in anticipation for the temperature to dip into the 20s. It's been awhile since I've been in my tent...hope I remember how to put it up! I've really enjoyed listening to the loons.
Date: 2014-09-19
From: Pleasant Pond Lean To

To: Moxie Bald Mountain Lean To
Miles today: 13.1

It's getting hard!!! We awoke to frost this morning. I was warm in my tent last night. I finally have figured out how to feel warm but not clammy.....only took me 2,000 miles! Locals are saying that it is unseasonably cold; this is weather that they usually get in October. But we have had such a dry, sunny thru-hike, I'm not complaining. My back is feeling better so I feel fortunate about that. But every day the last 3 miles seem to go on forever....I play all different tricks with my mind, but they still drag. Hobo and I are chipping away at this trail. Today we had to go up two mountains; Pleasant Pond Mountain and Moxie Bald Mountain. We haven't been seeing many other hikers lately---kind of eerie...I'm glad that I'm traveling with Hobo. 'Just John', a section hiker, jumped into Bald Mountain Pond at the end of his hiking day...he didn't cool off from his hike, just jumped in. The air temp was in the 50s and dropping...he let out a whoop. Hobo and I were nervous that he was going to cramp up. We were ready to put our water safety training into use, but luckily he was fine. I added boiling water to my Mountain House Spaghetti and Meatballs and brought it into the tent with me. I climbed into my bag and pretended it was a hot water bottle! I went to bed at 7:15!! The loons were really active. I'm still looking for a moose!
Date: 2014-09-20
From: Moxie Bald Mountain Lean To

To: Monson Rt 15- slept Industry, Maine ---hobo's camp
Miles today: 17.9

We left at 7:00 today and we were able to get almost 18 miles done. The terrain was relatively easy but we knew there was a possibility that we might have to ford Piscataquis River. The River is normally knee deep. It can be dangerous during heavy rain periods. I thought it was cool that trail maintenance workers have rigged a rope going across the River so that you can hold onto it the whole time you're walking across. It's a balancing act with a full pack on your back. But we got lucky and were able to rock and log hop over the River. I've sent my sandals home. If I need to ford, I think I'll put my boot inserts into a pair of socks and schlep across ....cold and slippery...I'm glad that fording for us has been doable and we've been able to keep on our shoes. Well...this is Hobo's and my first time letting our food bag get really low. This morning we figured out that each of us could have---1 granola bar, 6 prunes, 8 small pepperoni slices, 1 ramen noodle and 1 Mentos gum....we had to make it last for 16 miles! But here is the cool part!!!! We popped out at Shirley-Blanchard Road and there was Turtle Tracks with his tiny grill....cooking up some hotdogs!! Big Cheese was already sitting in a chair grinning with mustard and relish in his beard! Turtle Tracks lives in ME and attempted thru hiking last year. He got injured and was a dog walker so now he's unemployed. He misses the trail and all the characters out here so he brings us magic. I had 2 dogs, 1 beer, and 7 chocolate chip cookies! I enjoyed reading his trail log book to see which of my buddies have been lucky enough to bump into Turtle Tracks. When we hiked down to ME Route 15 Monson, there was Hobo's Deb. At that time Big Axe was walking with us, so she made room in the car for him too. Big Axe and I were in the back seat, so I popped cream puffs in his mouth....they were thawed just perfectly so they were wicked refreshing. He put 2 devil dogs and 1 Pepsi in his pocket and we dumped him off in downtown Monson at the Hostel. Monson is at the south end of the 100 Mile Wilderness. I'm not sure how phone reception will be so please don't be concerned if you don't hear from me in awhile. I might not be able to post when I'm in The Wilderness. Debbie took Hobo and me to their camp in Industry. The camp is awesome, so comfortable. Hobo talked so fondly about the camp during our thru-hike so I'm really glad that I got a chance to see it. Debbie, thank you for making me feel so welcomed and for treating me to a scrumptious chicken dinner.
Date: 2014-09-21
From: Monson Rt 15- slept Industry, Maine ---hobo's camp

To: Shaw's Lodging, Monson, ME
Miles today: 0.0

Hobo and I had a zero day today. We decided to take our time and prepare properly for the final leg of this journey. Our day started at Hobo's mother in law, Caroline's, camp. When you walk into her living room the view of Clearwater Lake was stunning. Caroline gave me the tour of this charming, built in the 30's, cabin. Faith, the only sister in law that I hadn't met yet, was there. She whipped us up a 'Faith McMuffin' breakfast! Delicious! Her son and his friends were there for a golf (and croquet) get away. Cousins dropped by....the place was hopping. Deb, Hobo and I hit the laundromat and Walmart. Deb was so patient at Walmart. It was nice to be able to shop more leisurely, usually our shuttle drivers give us 40 minutes to shop and it's a challenge to get everything done in that short time. We pigged out at McDonalds and returned to Hobo's camp to pack up. Deb then drove us back to Monson to Shaw's Lodging. Popeye, Bad Camel, Trillium, Just John...they're all here. Oh....big news...Hobo is going to go back to the Shenendoahs in October to finish the miles she missed when she was dealing with her abscess on her tonsil. Hobo Nobo will be a legitimate thru hiker! And after all Debbie's driving this weekend, she's a certified thru-driver and top trail angel.
Date: 2014-09-22
From: Shaw's Lodging, Monson, ME

To: Wilson Valley Lean To
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Monday 9/22/14--Hobo and I woke up ready to tackle the 100 Mile Wilderness, and it was raining. So we decided to delay our departure from Shaw's for a few hours. I worked on Trail Journals and Hobo made some phone calls. When the rain subsided, I headed out the door. I didn't have any sweet drink or food, and still out of no where, a yellow jacket stung me. I really didn't want that to happen; he got me on the neck. I was nailed in NY on the foot and had quite a reaction . It's scary because.my sister, Laurie, went into anaphylactic shock due to yellow jackets. I took a Benadryl and put some ice on it. I picked some Cortizone Cream out of the Hiker Box and we took off. The warning sign at the entrance to the Wilderness, cautioned you to have at least 10 days of food. We heard of a service that takes 1/2 your food and then will meet us at a gravel road at a designated time---so that's what we're doing! Even with that our packs are stuffed. We lunched at Leman Brook Lean To. At one time there were about 10 hikers there. Since we all just left Monson, we had really interesting food. Hobo and I feasted on Brie and crackers, caramel/cheese popcorn, smoked Gouda, honey crisp apples---yeah, baby living large. Then it was time to ford Big Wilson Stream....Hobo and I couldn't rock hop....we sent our water shoes home...yikes, it was barefoot on cold, pointy, slippery rock time. There was a gang at the Stream when we were there so thank goodness Tattered held the guide line really taut to make crossing easier. By the end of the day, my sting was swollen and stinging but I have no other reactions. Everything seems to be falling into place and I'm looking forward to staring down The Big K!!!
Date: 2014-09-23
From: Wilson Valley Lean To

To: Cloud Pond Lean To----20 miles north of Monson ME
Miles today: 8.7
Weather: clear sky

Tuesday, 9/23/14---Hobo was asleep by 6:57 last night--a new record! We both decided to sleep in the shelter----my no mice streak still stands. Bad Camel showed us her jacket the other day. It had three big holes gnawed in it from mice. We knew we were only doing about 9 miles today, so we didn't have to rush out in the morning. It was chilly when you stopped hiking but really nice when you were moving---a true crisp fall day. Iv'e really enjoyed watching the trees turn colors...such a treat for me. I haven't seen fall foliage in a long time. Our hike was varied and at the end of the day we had fun talking to two 18 year old boys (from Maine hiking to New York) and Just John. We're staying at Cloud Pond tonight, it was .4 off the trail but really beautiful.
Date: 2014-09-24
From: Cloud Pond Lean To----20 miles north of Monson ME

To: Bob and Sonia's Camp---The Pines
Miles today: 10.9

Wednesday 9/24----Today we did four peaks : Fourth mountain, Third Mountain, Columbus and Chairback. My body is hanging in there, but I'm getting tired! When we popped out at Katahdin Ironworks Road...you won't believe this...Trail Magic in the Wilderness. After Hobo retired from the Navy she became a health assistant at Lyman Moore Middle School. Regina Erskine has been a Health Teacher there for many years and thru-hiked in 1997 (when hikers schlepped around 60 pound packs). Well, Regina's parents, Bob and Sonia, were right there at the road with Whoopie Pies, fruit and soda. They brought us to their cool camp and fed us beef stew and apple crisp. No electricity....wood stove, propane lights, double seater outhouse, and a flushable toilet using gravity and rain water.....I swear the camp could sleep 25 people comfortably! Sonia and Bob were so generous....they met all our needs. We even took a nice hot shower. Thank you Trail Angels Bob and Sonia. I'll never forget my stay at your camp. I hope to meet Regina one day too.
Date: 2014-09-25
From: Bob and Sonia's Camp---The Pines

To: Logan Brook Lean To
Miles today: 13.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Thursday 9/25---Sonia is amazing.....She was up early and made us an egg, potatoes, sausages and muffins breakfast. Yum! She also came up with two pairs of old shoes that Hobo and I wore when we forded Pleasant River! Bob tried so hard to find a moose for me. We stuffed more whoopies in our packs and we were back at the trail head by 7:30. We saw Dory, Skippy and Bliss and hiked with them so the day went quite quickly. Everyone is SO EXCITED about summiting! We're all starting to break down though. Even Skippy is slowing down!! Here's our plan....we're hiking hard, we even have plans to hike a marathon (26.2 miles) on Sunday. The terrain is flattening out. I'm on top of White Cap right now and this is our last Mountain that we had to climb with a full pack. We're planning to go up Katahdin with a fanny pack on Tuesday, September 30th. We hope this gorgeous weather continues! I'm so excited. I probably won't be able to post for awhile....don't worry about us we're doing great!
Date: 2014-09-26
From: Logan Brook Lean To

To: Jo-Mary Road
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: broken clouds

September 26----Hobo slept in the shelter last night with three guys and I put up my tent. They were all up at 5:30 this morning talking and laughing ....glad I was in my tent! We left at 7:30. The weather was spectacular! I thought of so many people who would have loved to been out here hiking , instead of working. I felt so fortunate to see all the fall leaves, just gorgeous. I loved talking with Nora V on top of Little Boardman Mountain. She's got it all....college education, good looks, sense of humor, athletic.....she has so many options, she's trying to figure out where she should work and live. She said that she wishes we all lived close to each other so once a week we could have dinner together. I thought that was so sweet. Hobo and I went for a fast (kind of chilly) dip in Crawford Pond to clean up. So refreshing .....I think the air temp got up to 70° today. We made it to Jo-Mary Road. We're ready to receive our food drop tomorrow morning. I can hardly wait to dive into my mixed nuts. We're at a pretty campsite tonight.
Date: 2014-09-27
From: Jo-Mary Road

To: Nahmakanta Lake
Miles today: 17.4

9/27--I'd like to dedicate this entry to Hobo Nobo (she's Homebound Northbound named by Sweep). A couple days ago a young hiker innocently said that he budgeted successfully for his journey. He said he has $4 left in his debit account and $2 in his saving and he has enough food to get himself to Katahdin. Hobo and I stopped simultaneously and Hobo said, "How much?" I said $40 apiece...we felt better that he'll be starting his new life with $86 not $6! We seem to always be on the same page. It was an easy partnership. Never any llama drama .....we got the job done. At the beginning of this hike, I told everyone that my name was Cadi. But no one could remember it until I started hiking with Hobo on May 6th and she called me Caddyshack! She put zip into my name and my hike! I feel as if I've known her my whole life. We've even grown gray together. Our blonde highlights grew out and white, gray and silver strands grew in. Everyone kept asking us if we were sisters and we loved it! I enjoyed listening to her Navy tales, 'disastrous root beer making' story, and childhood memories. I loved her impersonations, fake accents, facial expressions....she makes me laugh. We were 100% committed to helping each other reach Katahdin safely. We want to summit September 30th. Hobo is looking forward to seeing her Deb and Kitty cat, Moxie. I'm flying home on the 3rd and can't wait to see my loving and patient husband, Zumi; supportive family; and beautiful Golden, Winnie! Now about today ....Rambler camped near us last night. He looks awesome. The last time I saw him was on the campground steps in the Shenandoah's. Rambler is thinking of summiting the same day as us. Then we saw Dawn from Shaw's Hostel. She had our food drop, a cold drink, coffee and donuts! I'm not a coffee drinker but this morning I was! Dawn said that a 1/2 mile down the road she saw a bear and 2 moose. It was a gorgeous Indian Summer day. A beautiful breeze was blowing. We hiked and hiked and hiked, we got 17.4 miles in. We stopped at Nahmakenta Lake for the night. We're cowgirl camping under the stars tonight on the beach! Back to Hobo (she's sound asleep of course)...every time I ask her to take a picture of me with my phone she sneaks a selfie...she gets me every time.I've deleted the majority of them but scroll through my Trail Journal photos...when I have enough power I'll download some pictures of the Hobo Nobo! I already miss her! Woohoo, I just saw a streaking shooting star! Now, alls I need is for a moose to step on us and my day will be complete!
Date: 2014-09-28
From: Nahmakanta Lake

To: Hurd Brook Lean To
Miles today: 20.0

September 28---This is my 6th month anniversary on the trail. Every day there is so much the same, but again everything is so different. Tonight I am in a shelter and someone, with a sense of humor, pasted glow in the dark star stickers on the ceiling. We hiked 20 miles today and arrived at the Hurd Brook Lean To at dusk. Hobo and I are the only ones here. Hobo is sound asleep (8:10) and I just saw a mouse......I think it's going to be a long night. When we woke up on the beach this morning, everything was covered with dew. My sleeping bag and clothes were really wet. Hobo also had her tent spread out under her mattress so that was soaked too. Our pack up was not routine. But we really were not upset, oh well it was worth it. We saw a partial sun rise and took off by 6:30. After hiking about 4 miles, Hobo said that Crescent Pond looks like a salad bowl for moose and that maybe we'll see one and sure enough we did! It was a pretty big female who didn't mind us at all. We watched her for about 15 minutes. She dunked her head in the water and came up chewing. She peed up a storm and then she left the water, got onto the AT and stripped some branches bare. I loved it! It was quite a show! The weather is unbelievably warm. Hobo and I had outstanding 100 Mile Wilderness weather. Only 16 miles to go and I'll be standing on top of Katahdin ! We had great views of the Big K today. Oh, I had forgotten how fun fall is. At one point the leaves were twirling all around me. Actually, I really had to watch my footing because the leaves covered the roots and rocks. The colorful trees reflected in the water looked so neat; just like one of Dad's puzzles. I had forgotten the smell of leaves, sun and dirt combined. This thru hike took me awhile but I got to enjoy all 4 seasons! And living in Florida...seasons are a rare thing. I experienced snow in March, all the plants and flowers coming to life in April/May, the heat and swimming in the lakes in July/August, and now fall! Hobo and I were planning on doing a marathon day. It just didn't spill out naturally, not enough daylight hours. We were smart to stop when we did. Why risk an injury? We both agreed that 20 miles was enough for the day. Maine has been my favorite state to hike in....the best for the last!
Date: 2014-09-29
From: Hurd Brook Lean To

To: Katahdin Stream Campground
Miles today: 13.0

September 29---That little mouse was very well behaved. It did not jump up on the sleeping platform; it did not get into our food sacks or jump into our backpacks. Thanks mouse! I actually slept pretty well. We were on our way by 6:45. We stopped at Abol Bridge Campground and Store. We paid $5 to take a shower and it was the best $5 I ever spent! We hiked into the Katahdin Stream Campground and stayed in a little lean to. Dory, Bliss, Rambler and Bottlecap were there too. The hike in was beautiful. I guess a gift from the AT, a flat, rootless path. The foliage was beautiful. We registered with the rangers. I was thru hiker #712 to come through this year. Tomorrow is the big day!!! It just hasn't sunk in yet. I set a huge goal for myself completely out of my comfort zone and I think it's really going to happen. I have such mixed emotions! This journey will soon be over.