morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-07-17
From: US 201 Caratunk, ME

To: Bald Mt. Brook Lean to 
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke up for a nice breakfast at the Northern Outdoor Center this morning. The buffet style really hits the thru-hiker appetite. Got a ride back up to the trail from one of the staff at around 9am and started hiking. Trail was fairly smooth and we made pretty good time to the first shelter where at noon we had lunch. We had heard that there was access to a pond via a short side trail after the shelter so we followed the signs and came to a nice public dock and beach on Pleasant Pond. It was beautifully sunny and warm (the first real day of summer we've had) so we took a dip and lay on the dock to dry. Decided we'd better get hiking again by 1:30 and started up Pleasant Pond Mt. It had great views from the top and then a long downhill the other side that also had nice views. Were passed by Postman, Gumby, and Mowgli going down the mountain but saw only southbounders the rest of the day. Passed by a large pond and then had to ford a stream in crocs as the water was two feet deep. Trail was smooth all the way to the shelter though and we got there at around 6pm to find it empty. Spread out in the shelter and set up the tent because of the bugs. Dinner was delicious and we finished the whole routine by 7:30 and were ready to get in bed which was awesome. Read for a little while and then crashed.ME birds: 8 New species: 2 (Tennesee Warbler, White-winged Crossbill)ME list: 65 Trip list: 156
Date: 2009-07-18
From: Bald Mt. Brook Lean to 

To: Monson, ME via side trail 
Miles today: 18.7
Weather: light rain

The weather changed from lovely and sunny to considerably rainy as we slept through the night. Woke up to very wet surroundings outside the tent. Breakfast was easy though as we did everything in the dry shelter. Got off to a late start though around 8:50 and hike up over Moxie Bald. The top of the bald was incredibly muddy and turned my dry boots into mini little pools for each of my feet. The only good thing about being deluged first thing was that I did not worry about where I was stepping for the rest of the day. It was cold, rainy, and foggy at the top as well giving us no views. We got down to the shelter on the other side close to noon and decided to go in to have lunch. There was an outward bound group there about to be sent off on there 48 hour solos. We ate and chatted with them and then changed our plans for the day. We had originally planned to stop at the shelter 6 miles out of Monson and hike in the next day, but, the weather was so crummy and the hiking so easy that we decided to just leg it out in one day and have two nights at Shaws. The afternoon was mostly flat but very muddy. Luckily the rain had stopped but that made little difference. We had to ford four or five large streams/rivers in the afternoon. The deepest of which brought fast moving water up to our thighs. The boots were so wet that I just kept them on as I walked through the streams. Got some trail magic in the form of fruit and sodas on the far side of the last of these fords. Made a brief stop at the shelter where we had originally planned to stay and then headed for Monson...the last trail town. Got to the side trail around 6:45 and went out to a not very busy dirt road where we hoped we would get a hitch but doubtful. We started walking and sure enough the first car that came along was a pickup that offered to let us jump in the back where there were already two men sitting. They offered us refreshing libations as we coasted into town to check in at Shaw's. Booked a room for two nights as our friend Dave Reeve would not be showing up until the next day and then went off to a local pub. Had a great dinner and then watched live music from 8pm to nearly midnight. Unbelievably nice to hear music for the first time in a long time. Went to bed late and consequently slept very well.ME birds: 1 ME list: 67
Date: 2009-07-19
From: Monson, ME via side trail 

To: Monson, ME Rt. 15
Miles today: 3.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Essentially this was a zero day but not officially. We did what is famously known as the Monson to Monson loop. We got back on at the side trail where we had gotten off the day before and finished the last fairly easy 3 miles to Rt. 15. The day started off rather spectacularly though as we had Shaw's famous breakfast. The way that you order is by number. So if you say "three" that means that you would like 3 eggs, 3 bacon, three sausage, and 3 pancakes/french toast. So naturally Birdman ordered a 5 and I ordered an 8. Somehow manageing to avoid cardiac arrest we hit the trail around 10:30. In just three miles I managed to get both boots deep enough in mud for it to slop over the top and fall twice. I also had to use nature's "facilities" at the least opportune time of the day. The weather was great though and we sat in the sun waiting to get picked up after the section. When we got back to Shaw's we cleaned up again and headed to a nice barbecue place for lunch. It was here that Dave Reeve, my godfather, finally showed up all the way from Iowa. The plan for some time as been for him to join us for the 100 mile wilderness that we are about to head into. He is afterall the reason that we embarked on the crazy adventure. He thru-hiked in 1997 and inspired my 8 year old self to do the same. It was great catching up with him over good food. He also checked into Shaw's for the night and then we went to the pub to get half price wings. The night was spent relaxing around the house and watching some movies. Went to bed a little early in preparation for hiking the next day.
Date: 2009-07-21
From: Long Pond Stream

To: Chairback Gap Lean to
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: light rain

Got to see pop's friend Al Driscoll's beautiful view in the daylight this morning. Had a nice breakfast cooked by his wife. The plan for the day was interesting because we have not received our mail drop yet. On top of that our friend Reeve could not afford to start late and make it to the desired location. So pop and Reeve started early and I got a ride back to Monson with Mrs. Driscoll to meet the ups delivary. I found out at Shaw's that the delivary could come as late as 1pm so I sat around with Mowgli and a few southbounders. When it started to get close to 1pm I realized that should the package fail to arrive again we would be in the woods with only Reeve's food. So I started to explain the problem to others, and the incredibly thoughtful hiking community started offering me extra food. I left at 1pm with no mail drop but lots food. Mowgli and Gumby got a ride back to the trail with me and we started hiking at 2pm. We moved pretty fast getting over Barren Mt. And surprisingly caught up with the two old men at 5:30pm. Reeve looked pretty pooped and we still had 6 miles to go. We did a little musical packs to take the burden of his external frame pack away. All the same the going was pretty slow and we had to hike into the night to reach the shelter. The day also ended with a rather pleasant cliff like drop off covered in roots and slippery rocks. By the time we got there Reeve was a ghost of his formal self. He managed to faceplant while setting up his tent and then sat huddled against a pole in the shelter while we cooked him dinner. The fact that it started to rain did not help him. It poured all night.
Date: 2009-07-22
From: Chairback Gap Lean to

To: Carl A. Newhall Lean to 
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Got a reasonably early start with light showers at first and then just overcast skies. Had to get down to Katahdin Ironworks Road by 11am because we contacted Shaw's and they agreed to bring our mail drop to us there. Got down to the road on time hiking with Mowgli and Gumby. Found a trail magic surprise that included sodas and whoopie pies. We sat there and in enjoyed the treat for a few minutes until Dawn (owner of Shaw's) showed up. We were so greatful for her help and unpacked the very large mail drop. Got to read some encouraging notes from the children at Camp Susquehannock. Our friend Reeve was still having a lot of trouble keeping up with a heavy pack so we decided to take this opportunity to get rid of his tent and pot from his pack. Now that pop and I both had significantly heavier loads we hit the trail again in a very smooth flat section. Came to a river crossing that was wide and shallow but impossible to cross with dry feet. Reeve and Birdman removed the boots but I (already having soaking feet) passed on the formality and slogged right across. Shortly after that we came to the start of the Gulf Hagas Loop. It is a side trail that leads to a number of impressive water falls and ravines. Originally we had planned to do the whole loop but because we have been moving a little less rapidly than expected, we decided to just take a quick peak without packs. We went .1 miles to Screw Auger Falls which was very impressive in itself. Reeve then turned back to get a head start up the trail while pop and I went further. Unfortunately we went about a mile without seeing anything exciting and had to turn back and catch up. The last 5 miles of the day were a pretty easy steady uphill and we arrived at the shelter around 5:30 pm. Had a nice dinner since Reeve was not half dead of fatigue.ME birds: 2 ME list: 72
Date: 2009-07-23
From: Carl A. Newhall Lean to 

To: Cooper Brook Falls Lean to 
Miles today: 18.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Got Reeve up early so we could get him a head start on a long day. First thing in the morning we had to go over the 4 peaks that make up White Cap (the last real climb before Katahdin). It was rumored that there is a spectacular view of Katahdin from the top of White Cap but as our luck would have it we ate lunch with about ten feet of visibility through fog. It did not rain today but the trees were so wet from the nights rain that Reeve and his external frame pack got soaked just from bumping into every branch. The rest of the day was on pretty good grades and pop pressed ahead to ensure that I would have a spot in the shelter (Reeve and Pop would share the tent). Reeve and I meandered along covering many topics of conversation and came into the campsite around 7:45pm. There were over 40 people camped there including Carolina, Mowgli, and Gumby. Miraculously I got a spot in a packed shelter. The falls in front of the shelter were very nice and made a great swimming hole. Ate dinner in the dark and then went to bed.
Date: 2009-07-24
From: Cooper Brook Falls Lean to 

To: Wadleigh Stream Lean to 
Miles today: 21.5
Weather: moderate rain

Left very early for our longest day in the wilderness. It started to rain just before we awoke and then continued 17 hours until after we had gone to bed. The terrain was rather easy but the rain was tough on our attitudes. We stopped for lunch at Antler Campsite which is a nice spot on the edge of a big lake. Pop went ahead again in the afternoon and Reeve and I struggled along some rougher sections of trail along a stream bed and lake shore. Met a new thru, named stuff sack, who caught up with us after being a short distance behind us the whole hike. The last 3 miles of the day were particulary rough. It would have been rather humorous if an audience had been able to watch Reeve and I slogging along. I'll give you some examples to paint a clearer picture. At one point Reeve stopped quickly as we were hopping across rocks causing me to run into his back and then fall off into two feet of mud. A few minutes later he fell backwards onto my pole which some how sling shot me onto the ground. The grand finale was when Reeve slipped and fell next to a log face down; his pack effectively pinned him to the ground for about a minute. By the time he had escaped all he could do was jump and scream out to the heavens. His basic message in different words was "What are you all doing out here! This is ridiculous! Go home!". There was of course no one else around but the pouring rain, but I think it was helpful anyway. Despite the tough experience we were both in reasonably good moods(sort of a laugh to avoid crying deal) when we got to the shelter. Unfortunately we found it full and when I went to say hi and ask if there was room, everyone sort of avoided eye contact and did not respond. Most of them knew that I was without a tent and could use some help but the bad weather had brought out the selfish side in them. With no other choice we finally made our three person tent into just that.   Sqeezing three large soaking wet men into a small space in the rain was somewhat comical...in hindsight. Slept terribly, but what can you expect?
Date: 2009-07-25
From: Wadleigh Stream Lean to 

To: East end of Rainbow Lake
Miles today: 15.3

The rain had finally stopped when we left the campsite around 7:45 am. Caught up with Mowgli and Gumby early in the morning and hiked with them at a nice slow Reeve pace for awhile. Took a nice break by a small pond where a little sun came out. Getting on towards lunch time we crossed a stream via a bridge (the novelty) and the sun was fully out. Reeve randomly had a stabbing pain in the hip and jettisoned his pack in the middle of the road. We took the opportunity to sit in the hot sun for a bit and dry. We did not however pull any of our gear out as we wanted to take a longer lunch at the next shelter. When we got there and set up a clothes line the sun of course went away and the sky became overcast. Despite the lack of drying lunch was good and we were back on the trial by 1pm to hike along Rainbow Lake. It is a very big lake and we spent the whole afternoon beside it. As we reached the end, with only 4 miles to go, Reeve decided to stop for a break. As we were sitting there we noticed how nice the breeze and evening sun were. Based on the shelter experience from the night before we were in the mood for some solitude and decided to set up camp on the shore of the lake. We found a perfect camp site with a great view of the setting sun across the lake. The site gave us an opportunity to wash some dirty clothes and wash our dirty selves. The weather was great, and we saw seven loons close by. As we ate a bunch of dinners we had left over, sitting around a fire, we realized that it was evenings like this that made the rest of the trail worth while. It was without a doubt the best evening on the trail.
Date: 2009-04-28
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

We certainly have been having a wonderful Spring here in Maine. We have had some very warm temps. the past few days and it has felt much like Summer. Spring is always an interesting month and it can be lovely one day and then wait a minute and it changes! I will start in June and hopefully catch Birch some place in VA. Then if it works once and if I get to ME I will flip back to Erwin and finish the stretch that I skipped from Erwin to VA. I really wanted to start In April with Birch , but I could not.There are times when you have to compromise and it always works out for the best. I was and still am sad that I could not go in April , but I am working thru these emotions. I am realizing that is is about the journey and not the how and when. I always dreamed of doing it all at onec , but 1 step at a time. I just know that the mountains feed my soul and offer me the solace and peace that I need. I also know that I have to appreciate each day and I always end up finding many things that make me smile! I will close for now and am glad that I am her to enjoy the Spring , but my heart is on the trail and I look forward to June and being able to share it with my family and friends that will hopefully catch me along the way.
Date: 2009-05-03
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

In about 6 weeks as long as all goes well I will be hiking in VA somewhere! I cannot wait to get my pack on and go! I will of course miss my family , but this is a journey that I must do even if it takes me more than 1 year to accomplish! I have a feeling that this is going to just wet my appeteite to hike in other trails ! Carpe Diem - afterall there are no dress rehearsals in life! I will without a doubt miss my family , but I also know that I have to do this for myself and I know that they all support me and that means so much to me! I am extremely fortunate to have the love and support that I do and I hope that I am able to return that in some shape or fomr to all of them!
Date: 2009-05-04
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I have learned that each day we get to hear a bird sing or stop and smell the Mayflowers in the woods is a gift, and that we should not take any of it for granted!I am very fortunate to have a job where I am outside everyday and that I get to expereince the beauty and wonder of Nature. I have also realized that each and every one of us must live our lives for ourselves and that it is not being selfish but nuturing our soul,mind and bodies. Life is such a gift and each day I am reminded how precious it is.
Date: 2009-05-07
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Another rainy Spring Day in Maine! We certainly need the rain and it will make all the plants fat and happy! My gardens are coming alive now and my Elizabeth Magnolia is beautiful! The rain and compost will make my gardens sing! I look forward to Spring every year and the new life it brings back after the long Winter's nap! I am getting excited and nervous again for my hike. I have much to do to prepare , but at least I have all of my gear from last year. I am working on adding e-mails to my Spot so I can keep loved ones infromed! Everyone really seems to enjoy the updates!
Date: 2009-06-14
From: Front Royal

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Pam drove me to Front Royal today after saying a very long sad goodbye to my hubby.It is hard for me to say goodbye to everyone and I am not good at hiding how I feel. It is very nice here, temps in the 80' s and dry. Birch and I will head out tomorrow a.m. and I am very nervous once again. I hope my knees do well. I will close for now and make sure my pac is all set.' a
Date: 2009-06-15
From: Front Royal VA

To: Dick's Dome Shelter
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: scattered clouds

A humid , hot day no rain yet. I have seen Sassafrass,Tulip Tree Flowers,Gentian ,and Snakeroot. Very lush green forests as there has been a lot of rain. Hiked 15.3 miles today and I am tired , but feel okay. My Steripen is more frustration than it is worth so I will have Matt mail me my filter as soon as I can get a signal on my cell. Not nearly as many hikers on the trail now as many have gotten off by this point. One more frustrating moment is trying to get my camelbak out to fill and then stuffed back into a full pak - not fun -makes me fussy!! I will get into a routine and things will get easier , but it will take me some time. One day at a time that is all I can do. I am very tired so will cook dinner soon. Heard lots of thrushes singing today. They have such a beautiful song. Stopped for lunch at Manassas Gap shelter and apparently there is a resident copperhead snake that lives there. Read about it in the shelter log - glad we did not stay there tonight. Saw lots of mulberry fruit on the ground and bear sign too. Hiking is hard work!!!!
Date: 2009-06-16
From: Dick's Dome Shelter

To: Sam Moore
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: scattered clouds

15.3 miles Started hiking @ 6:30 and it was humid , but not too hot - that came later in the day and I felt like an oil slick. Slept relatively well last night , no mice and we were right by the creek. Ate cold oatmeal and no coffee , to humid and hot. I ate chocolate covered coffee beans instead! Thanks to my sweet nephew! I choked down a whole pkg.of instant potatoes with dehydrated hamburger and an olive oil packet.Tasted good , but a lot to eat , but I need to keep my calories up! Ate a snack at Rod Hollow at around 10:30 then got some water and off again. Leaving Rod Hollow starts what they call The Roller Coaster , a 13.5 mile sectin with 10 ascents and descents - and a ride it was! I have 1 blister which I have never gotten with these boots.Birch had some great bandaids made for blisters and it helped. Things I have learned sice hiking the At - never say never as fate can change in an instant. The trail to the shelter is always going to be up or down. It is not about the miles , bt expect pain no matter what. Hiking with your home on your back is tough , physically and mentally. You will always see something that makes you smile if you search! Enough of that! I saw huge Tulip Poplars today in an open field which the trail went thru. It was beautiful. I smelled the beautiful fragrance of honeysuckle which I must say smells better than me! Sam Moore shelter is nice and built from materials from the old Keys Gap Shelter. Glad to be here , the legs are tired and toes are sore! I hope I get adjusted soon. On to David Lesser tomorrow.
Date: 2009-06-17
From: Sam Moore

To: David Lesser
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: moderate rain

What a cold,wet,windy day. I cannot say I enjoyed my hiking today. It pretty much stunk. The wind was so strong and it was hard to keep my balance at times. Took a couple of very quick breaks , but had to keep moving to keep warm.Crossed into West Virginia , big milestone for Birch as she can say goodbye to Virginia with a big smile!!Got to the shelter at 2:30 and then hoofed it down suppossedly 0.25 miles to get water. Not fun when you are wet and cold. Changed into dry clothes and got some cocoa.Hiking is such a mental game and it is tough.I think I am having a hard time with it , but will take it 1 day at a time and whatever happens happens.Not much to say today - into Harper's Ferry tomorrow.
Date: 2009-06-18
From: David Lesser

To: Harper's Ferry
Miles today: 8.6
Weather: scattered clouds

It rained so hard last night and thunder too. We were lucky enough to have Garage Man and Pound Hound(sweet married couple from Alaska) put their tarps up to shield the wind and rain. They are so nice and I enjoy their company.I hope to see them again along the way. Birch and I had a great day today and I am really enjoying hiking with her. We ate lunch at Cannonball Deli then prior to that we went to the ATC and got our picures taken , then off to the outfitteers so Birch could get fuel. We went from lunch to PO then to Comfort Inn. Birch's Friend Elaine picked us up took us to WalMart to resupply then back to her home where we did laundry and had dinner with her husband and daughter. We had a wonderful dinner and they were so sweet and kind, it means so much! Back to C. Inn to repack food,etc. It is getting late , after 9 and I am beat.Would love to come back to H.Ferry , so much history. Before I forget , yesterday even though it was raining I saw 2 beautiful deer.
Date: 2009-06-19
From: Harper's Ferry

To: Rocky Run Shelter
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Had a nice breakfeast at Comfort Inn and then thru historic Harper's Ferry across the bridge over the Potomac. Neat bridge.Stopped for lunch at the Pavillion in Gathland State Park in MD. Got to use the restroom and get water- yeah! I cannot seem to walk without hitting or should I say covering my right calf with mud. There is certainly a lot of mud and rocks around. My feet are sore and I will be so glad when my blisters heal! I saw some Spirea in bloom - the pink flowers reminded of my girls at work.I heard Nuthatch today and of course my favorite Hermit Thrush!The trail was relatively flat today , but many rocks and I could not seem to get my pac comfortable. My pac seems so heavy! I think much of the weight is from food. I am amazed at what I am eating , but I need it for energy.I could not seem to get my second wind today and I pray my knee holds out. It is a bit protesty today , but time will tell. One day at a time. Got to Rocky Run Shelter and it is beautiful! This shelter was rebuilt in 2008 and has a nice porch. Hmmmm- Matt might need to build one - he would love this! He might have some jobs to do as Duchess would say - get busy. Thought of Fly Boy today as a plane went over. Held my inspirational coins and 4 leaf clover too - needed it. Miss my family and love them all dearly. Many thoughts go thru my busy mind while I hike , but the one that keeps surfacing is how lucky I am to have the life I have and my family.