morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-10-22
From: Bald Mtn Brook Lean-To

To: Monson
Miles today: 22.5
Weather: light intensity drizzle

Wokeup early and hiked out in the dark with light snow flurries showing in the light of our headlamps. Tough trail up and over Moxie Bald Mtn. Good views from up there, especially of Bald Mtn Pond. Some trail ice. After descending I fell on a log that had a little ice.Ankle twisting miles to Bald Mtn Stream ford where I came upon three women who were just starting to ford from the other side to my side. They warned me not to try fording the Piscataquis River which is further north on the trail. They didn't ford it. One of the groups of southbounders we saw a couple days ago warned us as well. Those 2 guys actually did ford it after spending 3 hours looking for a way around and they said it was a stupid thing to do.When I caught up with Chauncey again it was at the Piscataquis River. It did look bad and it started to snow flurry again. I decided I wasn't going to ford it. Chauncey was OK with that and we hiked back south another 1.5 miles to a dirt road crossing and took it south where it hit Breakneck Ridge Road. That road parallels the AT for a while then goes south to a town with a bridge that spans the Piscataquis River. We crossed the bridge then hiked up another road back to the AT.After another 3 miles we took a 2.5 mile side trail and road walk into the town of Monson, our last resupply of the trip.This hostel, The Lake Shore House Lodging and Pub, is now my favorite of the trip. Nice clean rooms, a laundromat downstairs, a pub with very good food and beer. Ahhhhh. We thought we'd be the only hikers here but there are 2 women from Chapel Hill, NC with their dog who are also going north on the AT. We also ran into those 2 guys who warned us about the Piscataquis. Their trailnames are Grizzly Adams and 7 Dwarves. They were in the Pub but aren't staying in the hostel.Tomorrow we leave for the 100 mile wilderness, our last section of trail for the trip. We hope to do it in 5.5 days.
Date: 2010-10-23
From: Monson

To: Wilson Valley Lean-To
Miles today: 13.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Bought 2 slices of breakfast pizza and some OJ from nearby gas station to consume back at the hostel. Breakfast pizza was surprisingly good.Mailed tent home. Chauncey mailed his home too. We decided to commit to staying in the shelters in the 100 Mile Wilderness. Plus we'd need a little extra food for this stretch, which adds weight.Griz, a thru-hiker working at the hostel, shuttled us back to the trail at 11am. We actually summitted Katahdin same day as Griz finished his thru-hike back on Oct 14. We recognized each other when we checked in to the hostel.More rooty, rocky, leaf covered trail. Fell twice in one mile, both times by slipping on leaf covered roots. Passed the 100 Mile Wilderness sign. Sunny day. Lots more pretty ponds.Passed Biscuit, Frisbee, and their dog while they were taking a break. They were at the hostel with us. Two young women from Chapel Hill, NC.Ford across Little Wilson stream went OK. But the wider, deeper, faster flowing Big Wilson ford did not go so well for me. Halfway across my right croc slipped off and went flying down stream. So I continue the freezing ford with right foot bare. Then 3/4 of the way across my left hiking pole collapsed. What fun. Did that have to happen while fording our most difficult ford? Then as I neared the shore my right bare foot stepped on sharp rock and my left arm shot down into the cold water up to my elbow, soaking the glove. Phew!There are 3 more fords in the 100 Mile Wilderness. I'll have to do them either with my right boot on or barefoot.The shelter tonight is spacious and we are the only ones here.
Date: 2010-10-24
From: Wilson Valley Lean-To

To: Chairback Gap Lean-To
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Wokeup at 12:30am freezing cold. Poor sleep rest of night because of cold.Low energy today despite the sunny skies.Chauncey discovered a very big tree spanning the Long Pond Stream so we didn't have to ford it. There was ice on top of the tree so we had to go over on hands and knees very slowly and carefully. Chauncey went first, and as always more gracefully. When it was my turn I dropped a hiking pole into the stream almost right away. It went downstream quickly and got lodged behind a bolder on Chauncey's side. He nimbly bolder hopped out to rescue it, saying "you owe me one". I made it across the tree without losing any more gear.Saw 2 day hikers with a dog today. They were dressed very warmly. I think I glimpsed a bear at one point late morning up the hill to my right.
Date: 2010-10-25
From: Chairback Gap Lean-To

To: Logan Brook Lean-To
Miles today: 17.1
Weather: clear sky

Rain started around midnight. Supposed to rain off and on for the next 3 days.Biggest concerns today were:1) How bad would the ford of West Branch Pleasant River be?2) How bad is the ice on White Cap Mtn?3) How bad are the leaves on the trail, especially now they are wet?Fell 3 times today, twice by slipping on wet root and once on wet leaf covered rock.Forded Pleasant R. with left croc on and bare right foot. Wide ford, but slow current and no deeper than below knee. Yay!White Cap Mtn. had ice, but not too bad. No views in the cloud up there. It is our last mountain over 3,000 ft. Yay!Leaves weren't too bad today either. Yay!We are alone at the shelter here. It is breezy. Hope we stay warm.
Date: 2010-10-26
From: Logan Brook Lean-To

To: Potaywadjo Spring Lean-To
Miles today: 23.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Rained periodically all night. We got up early in the dark because of our long day hiking planned. On trail by 7:05am, exactly sunrise according to the weather report.My goal today was not to fall. There were some close calls but I managed to stay on my feet.Weather got really warm today and the sun came out for a few hours. During midday I actually hiked in shorts and t-shirt. We had about a dozen miles of easy trail today which was welcome.Saw no other people on trail today. Alone at shelter.
Date: 2010-10-27
From: Potaywadjo Spring Lean-To

To: Rainbow Stream Lean-To
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: light rain

Steady rain all night which continued until around noon. I challenged myself again today not to fall and I succeeded despite all the wet roots out there. I swear some of these rooty sections are like hiking through a mangrove swamp.Saw no other people today. Chauncey saw 3 moose, damn him. I still haven't seen a moose in Maine on the AT. Chauncey is always about 5-45 minutes ahead of me on trail. So he gets to see the moose and scare them away before I get there. The plus side is that he scares away any bear.We are alone here at this old shelter. The rain picked back up. It is weird to think that tonight is our last night. We have 15 miles to go tomorrow to the border of Baxter State Park and the end of our trip. I am so looking forward to clean clothes, a shower, real food, and a comfortable bed in a mouse free environment.
Date: 2010-10-28
From: Rainbow Stream Lean-To

To: Abol Bridge (Millinocket)
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: broken clouds

Cold, mostly clear morning. All I had left to eat after breakfast was 6 ounces of trailmix for the day. I doled it out to myself in meager portions over the 15 rooty, rocky, muddy miles. By the time I arrived at Abol Bridge the sun was out and warm, probably mid 50s. There was a clear view of Katahdin from the bridge so I took a picture. Chauncey was airing out his feet and drinking a big Budweiser at the picnic table next to the Abol Bridge camp store. He handed me a Bud. I went into the store and bought a large bag of Dorrittos and box of Fig Newtons.The helpful lady in the camp store called for our shuttle. Paul from the Appalachian Trail Lodge came out to get us 30 minutes later.I had a tummy ache after dinner. I think it was that bag of Dorrittos. When will I learn to go easy on the food when I get into town?So nice to be clean and warm and dry and done.My flight out of Bangor isn't until the 31st. So I'll be here 3 nights, unless I decide to spend one night in Bangor.I have many pictures to go through. I'll post the good ones on this journal sometime in the next couple of weeks.
Date: 2010-03-06
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

March is here, at last. Looking back, it seems that this month has been an auspicious one for me at many moments of my life. In March of 1968, I made a radical turn by switching my college program and going into Engineering, leaving the safe nest of my family home in Kentucky and heading for Detroit. In the winter of 1971, I got drafted and spent March in Basic Training on the cold windswept fields of Ft. Leonard Wood in Missouri. After being discharged in 1973 at Brooke Army Medical Center in Texas, I left San Antonio on a bicycle and spent March (and April) riding a bicycle home to Kentucky ¢ a marvelous, memorable adventure. In 1975 I believe it was in March, or close to it, that my wife and I announced our intention to marry, surely the most significant event to date. Until, of course in 1976, when in March we decided to begin a family, a decision that began an adventure that continues to this day, with many interconnected trails and surprises. So, March is here. And I am retiring from my job on March 12th after 31+ years. And with the patient understanding and support of my wonderful wife Susan, I am intending to begin this new phase of life by spending some time In The Woods, hiking the AT. My planned starting date is March 17th.    How far I will get is certainly unknown. Perhaps I will only last a week, or a month. Or perhaps I will make it all the way. At sixty years of age, the body is not as reliable as it once was. And although this dream is one that inspires me and I am excited about, it is not a ¢do or die¢ passion. Other priorities may intervene, other responsibilities may come into play. I am OK with the possibilities.   I have been following some of the adventures of the ¢early starters¢, and it has certainly been a challenging year so far. Storms seem to have been pretty severe this year. Some of those folks have shown remarkable perseverance and fortitude that is inspirational. (Snow shoes? Really? OMG.) So I am hoping for some better weather in a few weeks, but am prepared to deal with the adversity also.
Date: 2010-03-15
To: March Madness
Miles today: 0.0

The parties are over, the goodbyes are completed, the gear is almost ready, and I am eager to get started. Friday was my last day at work, today is my first Monday in over three decades without a job. Madness, it must be madness to do this. Surely I will wake up any minute and realize it is all a dream. Can I really get away with this? Retirement is still a strange concept to me, and will take some getting used to, after 31 years of walking the same hallways every day. There were many kind words from many fine people who I will miss. But I'm ready to give it a try. We'll be leaving early tomorrow morning for Amicalola, and I should be on the trail on Wednesday.   A few months ago, I was talking to a guy in another department who has also been working there a long time. He drives quite a ways to work every day, and I asked him whether he was considering retirement. He sort of shrugged his shoulders and said, "A man's gotta have a place to go." I thought about that a bit, and thought, well, that seems very profound. So, thanks for the words of wisdom, Frank. A man's gotta have a place to go. I think I'll go to Maine.
Date: 2010-03-16
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

We are planning on leaving in a few hours for Georgia, and of course I can't sleep. The gear is ready, and I have all the preperations done as well as they are going to be. I've repacked the bag numerous times, trying to figure out the best way to organize stuff. In some ways the entire journey seems preposterous and fantastical,and only a fool's dream. There are a dozen reasons arguing against this. Just look at the list of things I should be doing around the house, instead of hiking. And I keep worrying about the little aches and pains that seem to come with turning sixty. It will be hugely embarassing to start the trip and to crash and burn after a short time. And then on the plus side, the weather seems to be favorable. At least it looks like we will start out without rain, and with mild temps. So, I will begin, and see how far I can make it. I'm not sure how and when this journal will be updated. I'm not high techy enough to go the smart phone route, so will be depending on my amazing support team (my wonderful wife) and periodic access to a computer when I am in town. So it may be very intermittent. Time to begin.
Date: 2010-03-17
From: Amicolola Falls Lodge

To: Hawk Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.8
Weather: light rain

Hiked 7.6 miles from Amicolala Lodge Road to Springer, then 7.8 to Hawk Mtn Shelter. After a nice breakfast in the lodge, Sue, Joanna, Jay and I headed for the Approach Trail, where it crosses near the lodge. After emotional good-byes, I started hiking, along with Jay who was going to walk a way with me. We had intended to drive to the Springer Mtn trailhead, but the Forest Service road to that point was in pretty bad shape and they were saying not to attempt it without a good four-wheel drive vehicle; the alternative was to pay big bucks to a shuttle driver, so I was doing the Approach Trail. Jay walked along for a mile or so, then turned back to rejoin Sue and Joanna for the trip home. The weather was misty but not raining. I remembered the trail up to Springer from hiking it back in 2003, when we brought Clair to the Trail. Today, I was enjoying the many lovely things along the way. The fungus on the trees, rocks, squirrels, birds, streams, plants. I fell over backwards once taking a picture of a plant that had burgundy colored leaves, not knowing what the plant was. Weeks later I found out what it was called. At the base of Springer, near Black Gap Shelter, there was a hiker sort of standing at the trail intersection. I stopped to talk a few minutes. His name was Jason, and he seemed to be standing there, gathering his courage to begin the ascent up Springer. He told me he was "handicapped", but did not elaborate. My first thought was, he will never make it, this is the last time I will see him. I hiked on up the mountain in the mist and a slight occasional drizzle. Near the top I carefully selected a small stone, to carry with me on the Trail and deposit it at Katahdin. At the summit, I was overcome with a feeling of joy and anticipation of the journey ahead of me. There was a Ridge Runner there, Roger Dunton, recording information on people as they came through. Roger, as I recall, was 70-some years old. He spent a few weeks at a time up on Springer living in a tent, greeting hikers, doing a little education, trying to pass on the Leave No Trace philosophy. He had thru hiked some years ago, and I beleive he said that last year he had hiked the Colorado Trail which is about 500-plus miles. A few minutes later Jason showed up, not far at all behind me. We both stopped for some lunch at the Springer shelter. Later he caught up with me at the Stover Creek Shelter, where he decided to stay, and I went on to Hawk Mtn. There was also a couple who were at the Springer Shelter, out for a few days of backpacking, who seemed marginally prepared. They showed up later at Hawk Mtn, as it was getting dark. They did not have a tent, and the shelter was full. Someone staying in the shelter lent them his tent, although giving them a hard time for not being prepared.
Date: 2010-03-18
From: Hawk Mountain Shelter

To: Gooch Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: light rain

About the Man on the Move (no that is not his trail name-he is still waiting for the trail to offer him one): We left Covington at 4:45 a.m. on Tueday, right on schedule. Stopped in Lexington to pick up Jerry¢s brother and headed to Amicalola Falls State Park where the AT begins. The GPS said 6 hrs and 57 minutes.   We also had planned a stop at Mountain Crossing which is about 3-4 days in to the trail. Jerry wanted to drop off a supply box that he would pick up when he got there. This side trip was to add 1.5 hrs to the trip, very doable. We did not account for the rock slides, i.e. road closing rock slides, along the way. This added an extra 1.5 hrs to our arrival at Mountain Crossing. Once there, it was well worth the trip. The AT passes through a breeze way that connects an old historic hiker¢s hostel with the outfitter/supply section of the building. While there we met The operator, Winton Porter. He has written a book of tales about some of the hikers who have passes through. The book called, Just Passin¢ Thru. It is a delightful read. We highly recommended. I just happened to bring our copy with us so he signed it for us. It reads: Welcome to Mountain Time. So on to the Falls, another 1.5 hrs later. Nice lodge, good food, a surprisingly good night sleep, a hearty breakfast and Jerry was on the trail by 8:30 a.m. While some of us drove home - Jerry hiked on. He called Wednesday evening from Hawk Mountain Shelter where he had his tent set up. That means that he hiked about 15.6 miles the first day. All is well. Way To Go Jerry ! During the day I met Tom, who later became Tom Thumb, and we hiked together awhile. We ran into a wildman who said he was called Bowman, because he carried a bow to hunt small game. He sort of lived out on the trail. He asked us if we had any food to spare. I gave him a few granola bars. Later, I met Joe, who I would hike with for awhile. The day was beautiful, the terrain beautiful, the streams and waterfalls beautiful. At camp that night, others there were Joe, Tom, Olive Oil, Smokey, and a strange character named Captain Guts who walked around barefoot. Later that evening who should show up but Jason.
Date: 2010-03-19
From: Gooch Mountain Shelter

To: Woods Hole Shelter
Miles today: 11.9
Weather: clear sky

Hiked with Joe for awhile. He decided to camp at Big Cedar Mtn, I went on. Passed a potential campsite at Jarrard Gap where a forest road crossed, went on to Woods Hole Shelter. There were a number of hikers at the turn-off trail to the shelter, which was .4 mile off the AT, but I don't remember who they were. At the shelter, I met Dan, and we were the only ones who hoofed it back to the shelter that night. It was a pleasant place to stay, nice shelter, nice campsites. I could see Venus in the western sky after sunset. Through the night, I heard owls making quite a ruckus. Don't know if they were hunting or mating. The next morning Dan said he had mice running over the top of his tent all night.
Date: 2010-03-20
From: Woods Hole Shelter

To: Neel's Gap
Miles today: 3.7
Weather: few clouds

"I've stepped away from my desk...If needed, this is where I can be reached [map of AT] just follow the white blazes". This was on a postcard we found at the beginning of the approach trail this past Wednesday. Folks, I think he likes his new office!! He called yesterday (yea, sorry but it is the only way at the moment for us to be in touch) from the top of Big Cedar Mtn where he was enjoying lunch. The sky was clear, the birds were singing. He spoke of a wonderfully clear night the night before full of stars and even a symphony - of snores coming from the nearby shelter.Finally, an office with a view! Report is that his equipment is working out great. (Unlike the couple that showed up at the shelter the first night without a tent, without sleeping bags (they did a have blanket), without a stove - you get the picture. Their plan was to go to Maine...with a little community help they made it through the night- after that, who knows.) His rain gear was only needed for a short time on the first day. Although Sunday looks like it might be a wet one.Sometime this weekend he hoped to make it to Neels Gap about 38 miles from where he started.Hike on Jerry! Happy first day of Spring! Spent the night at Woods Hole Shelter, a great place, only one other hiker there named Dan. I had hiked from Gooch Shelter, and was pretty whupped. The sunset was beautiful, Venus was brilliant in the western sky, the moon was a beautiful Cheshire cat hanging in the sky, Mars was a bright reddish orange orb right overhead, Orion was marching (or hiking?) across the sky. Then, the owls started their night time activities. I don't know if they were hunting and catching the shelter mice, or perhaps it is mating season, but the comotion went on half the night. My gear is working out well, I am learning every day how to organize stuff so I can find it, my food is working out good. My feet - well, things are sort of sore and achey but all is good. I am at the hostel at Neels Gap tonight, just had a hot shower, whohoo, did that feel good. The staff here at Mountain Crossings is wonderful. Miss Janet, who used to run a hostel in Erwin, is working here and serving supper tonight. What a treat. Life is good, and all is well. I am going to go on tomorrow, although the weather is uncdertain.
Date: 2010-03-21
From: Neels Gap

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: light rain

The experience here at Neels Gap has been great. The people here at the hostel include some trail Legends - Miss Janet runs the hostel and cooks a dinner and breakfast for the residents. Baltimore Jack works in the outfitter store. Miss Janet remembers Clair from 2003 when she was operating a hostel in Erwin. She said all the male hikers were talking about Goldberry, one of the prettiest lady hikers on the trail. But she said most of the male hikers were all talk and no action, so Goldberrty was safe. Last night we had a large homecooked meal with all the trimmings courtesty of Miss Janet which was greatly enjoyed by the twenty or so people here. Some hikers came in late last night, and missed the meal, but they had been able to partake of trail magic at Woody Gap earlier in the day where two church groups and a family had set up tables and grills to feed the hikers as they pass through. I missed that, timing is everything. Murray from Australia came in late, carrying his huge pack that must weigh sixty pounds. He is going to do the "shakedown" with the Mountain Crossings staff tomorrow, they will probably have a field day with going through his stuff. At Woods Hold Shelter, there were lots of field miced running around. Dan, who was the only other person there with me, camped near the shelter, and he said they kept running across the top of his tent. He'd wack at them and send them flying, and hear them thump on the ground. Fortunately I was a little farther away and was not bothered by them. When I was at Gooch Shelter, a couple showed up in the morning dayhiking, just out looking for a few other hikers they though were somewhere in the vicinity. Brakeman and Grasshopper, who had thru-hiked in 2008. When I arrived here at Neels Gap, they were sitting at the picnic tables, where the church group was serving hamburgers to the hikers, and offered me cookies. Thanks, Brakeman and Grasshopper! It's three thirty in the morning right now, just couldn't sleep in a bed any longer so thought I'd take advantage of the vacant computer. I'm ready to hit the trail again in a few hours - after Miss Janet fixes breakfast, of course. I'm carrying too much food, I think, but am reluctant to part with any of my "treasures". Must get rid of the duplicates, the non essentials, get down to the bare minimum. Today is Sunday, so I will be out hiking along in Our Lady of the Woods. I have a few song sheets I brought from our parish, so I can sing along with the folk group. It won't matter if I am off key. Not sure when I will have access to a computer again. Hopefully my wonderful wife will continue the great job she is doing of updating. Thank you, Sue!