morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-07-14
From: Speck Pond Shelter

To: Frye Notch Lean To
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: light rain

Day 18 - "Welcome back .... Sort of".Speck Pond Shelter to Frye Notch Lean To " (10.4)We had to climb from Speck pond up and over Old Speck Mtn. Pretty good climb - boulders, but manageable.Coming off of Old Speck down to Grafton Notch was like the old AT. Welcome back. Can't say it too loud because the trail God will hear and make me pay. It was a gradual 3.5 miles down. I made great time getting down - it felt great.I felt like I was in a movie coming down. The Wizard of Oz when it switches to technocolor. It was overcast, but the light coming into the forest made the greens come alive. Amazing how many shades of green - moss, ferns, evergreens, grasses. It was so vibrant.I was trying to make it down to Grafton Notch because the Pound Hound was coming back. Because my trail angels gave her their room at the motel she had time to rethink her decision. And she decided to come back. Welcome back.The Pound Hound showed up and she had donuts. Trail magic. Plus, there was a garbage pail so I was able to dump my trash. More trail magic. Having somewhere to dump trash is almost as good as free food.The afternoon was tougher. We had to climb 3 Mtns - called Baldpate. They were incredible. Pure slabs of granite that went up and up. They were above treeline. Alpine zones - baren. Reminded me of Stone Mountain in Georgia. The views were incredible - we could see storms rolling in and out below.While I was sitting on top - I was treated to another life bird. A pair of Gray Jays. Got 2 life birds on this trip - the SQ will be so jealous. We have gotten rained on every day for the past 4 days. Makes the downs very tough. The slick granite becomes even slicker. I wiped out once - it hurts and makes you very tentitive once you get going again. Realized today that I am 17 miles passed the 1900 mile mark. Everyday it just get's more realistic to think it may be over.
Date: 2010-07-15
From: Frye Notch Lean To

To: Hall Mtn Lean To
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: broken clouds

Day 19 - "Hidden Talent".Frye Notch Lean To to Hall Mtn Lean To " (10.5)As I was hiking today, I realized I have a hidden talent that had it been nurtured as I was growing up - I could have been a contender. I decided that even though I am a few inches taller than the required height, a whole lot older and fatter - I could have been an olympic gymnast. I believe if the coach saw me in action - I would still be invited on the team even at my advanced age. Here I am - day after day doing moves those girls would be jealous of. Specifically, the girls who do the beam. Now, they get a 2 inch wide clean beam that they go back and forth on with mats underneath. I on the other hand have a 2 inch wide sappling that gave it's life for the AT - lying across a mud pit. Filled with what can only be described as watery moose dung. I am balancing not only myself, but my pack, the monkey, and a whole lot of fear. Fear that if I fall of - I will be up to my thigh in disgusting (only God knows what it is made of) stuff. And, at this point have made it across hundreds of these obstacles unscathed. How could they resist such talent?Floor exercise is also something that I believe I could excel at. The ballet like manuevers that I have to perform just to stay on my feet would have them begging me to join the team. Go Birch, Go.Today, I traversed thru varied types of forests which was very pleasant. Hardwood - open and airy. Tall Pine - laiden with needles soft and bouncy. Short Pine so thick that I could barely get through. Majestic.The trail was good today.   Town tomorrow.
Date: 2010-07-16
From: Hall Mtn Lean To

To: Andover
Miles today: 4.1
Weather: light rain

Day 20 - "Short Day".Hall Mtn Lean To to Andover (4.1)Today, we had a really short day. Called down to the hostel last night and arranged to be picked up at the trailhead at 11am. It is barely over 4 miles, but the terrain is up and over a Mtn called Moody Mtn. So, you just never know.The up was a killer. I knew that if the trail heard me say that it was getting easy - she would make me pay. And, she did. The mountain was called Moody, but today she could have been called B*tchy.   It was hot, humid, muggy, buggy and gross.   The down was great again. I made it down to the trail head by 9am. 15 minutes later, White Paws came down, and 45 minutes later GM and PH. We were there early, but better to be early than to miss the ride.While sitting there - a doe came out of the woods and was standing not too far from us. The road is not to busy, but what cars were going by were moving. So, we chased it down the road. About a half hour later it was back. Don't know where the momma is. Hopefully, they get reunited.Flushed a grouse while hiking down. I think it may have been a female, but don't know for sure.White Paws is a really nice guy. He met the GM & PH last year when they started their thru. When they left when the PH got sick and then came back is where I met them. He made it to the whites and had to leave because of a family illness. So, he is back to finish.   Nice guy.But, he is hurting. He has so nasty blisters. So, he hiked this portion last year before he got off, so he is taking tomorrow off while we hike ahead. He will meet us the next day. We will only be taking a day and a half of food and he will bring us the rest of our food. Cool.We are staying at the Pine Ellis lodge. Cool place. Great people. The town is really small. Has the PO, a gas station that I don't think sells gas, and a general store. It has enough for me to get my lunches for the next 5 days. I am only dropping dinners and breakfast. So, I lucked out.Our next stop is Stratton. I am on schedule which is good.I want to thank everyone who has sent emails - I can't answer them all, but know that it really means a lot.And, I really want to thank my Peeps.   And, to let them know I am sorry for their loss and am thinking of all of them.SQ and my Peeps thanks - the new canteen got here right on time.   I am good to go.I found two more nickels - up to 55 cents.The Monkey has decided that he wants a trail name. He was thinking about "Pole Dancer". Yikes, I told him let's sleep on that one and decide later.Hopefully, I can post again soon, but service is not good in the back woods of Maine. The signal can't get there from here.
Date: 2010-07-17
From: Andover

To: Bemis Mtn Lean To
Miles today: 8.7
Weather: light rain

Day 21 - "3 weeks in"Andover to Bemis Mtn Lean To (8.7)Today was a pretty easy day. My plan actually had me doing 17 today, but to stay with my pals I changed my plan. I am good with it. Tomorrow we do 13 and are going to camp. Even though the mileage is different the plan is to still get to Stratton on the same day. But, we'll see.Today was a good day. Had a few climbs, but overall a nice trail section. First thing this morning we saw a bull moose right about the same place we saw the phone. Pretty cool this trip that I have seen a bull, a cow, and a baby. Can't ask for anything more.I also so a magnolia warbler and a pine warbler.White paws is resting his feet today and will join us tomorrow. He has most of our food which is good. Lite day today and part of tomorrow. Sitting enjoying and early afternoon.Found 26 cents this morning. Wooo Hooo. Up to 81 cents
Date: 2010-07-18
From: Bemis Mtn Lean To

To: Little Swift River Campsite
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: light rain

Day 22 - "So long again"Bemis Mtn Lean To to Little Swift River Campsite (12.9)We were meeting White Paws at ME 17. Had a couple of great views, but couldn't take any pictures because the sun was directly over them. Real bummer.We were supposed to ford a river with two channels, but the water was low enough to rock hop. That's good. 2 rivers this week that we were supposed to ford, but didn't have too. Yippee.I got a head of Garage Man and Pound Hound and was waiting for them on a dirt road when as they approached I heard the PH say "I will mail your tent to Stratton". Oh no.It's true - the PH decided to leave again. So the GM is on his own once more. We got to the road and they started to divy up gear again. When White Paws showed up - he got out of the car and she got in. Sad to see her go. GM just talked to her - she's in Gorham and will get a bus to Boston in the morning and will be on a flight back to Alaska tomorrow night.I felt good today - got to the agreed upon lunch shelter about half hour before the guys. Once we got going again - I didn't feel so good. I think I ate too much sitting around for an hour.The trail this afternoon was one big mud hole. Pure T disgusting. More of the same tomorrow.We are camping at a small site next to Swift Pond. It's probably going to rain which I hate. Because it's going to rain I have my pack and boots in my tent. Boy does it smell. Lots of red squirrels running around - hope they go to sleep soon.Met a few hikers yesterday who hiked back in March with Seeker - Willard, Nuthatch and Sea Otter. Pretty cool.Some big climbs tomorrow. The book says the next section is the hardest section in Maine.I think Monkey may get wet tonight. He's under the fly, but not sure if he will stay dry
Date: 2010-07-19
From: Little Swift River Campsite

To: Piazza Rock Lean To
Miles today: 6.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 23 - "Bagger Day"Little Swift River Campsite to Piazza Rock Lean To (6.6)We made it through the night without getting rained on. Hit the trail at our regular time. Within a mile we passed a boreal bog. Looked like a swamp to me, but I guess it is the chemical make-up that determines that it is bog versus a swamp.We reached ME 4 in no time and within an hour and a half were at the shelter. I wanted to stop so I could rearrange some things in my pack. It is supposed to rain, so I wanted to get my rain fly to the top of my pack so if it is raining when we get to camp - I can get it without everything getting wet.The guys got here a little while after me. We decided to each lunch even though it was barely 10:30. Figuring that we could sit, relax, get water before heading up Saddleback Mtn. As soon as we sat down it started raining hard. We decided to try to sit it out. We still had over 6 miles to go and a 2000 ft climb. Only to reach a campsite not a shelter. The guys were procrastinating. After much debate we decided to bag the rest of the day. I agreed even though I hate sitting around. It is one thing to head out in the rain to a shelter, but we found nothing appealing about heading out in the rain and then setting up a tent. We still plan to be in town on Thursday.I did go check out the Piazza Rock formation. Looks like a giant table. Pretty cool.It continues to rain - so I am comfortable with our decision. Someone left part of the Sunday NY times - so at least I can read.I bought cookies in town and ate some last night. The date on them was Dec 2009. I probably was sick from the crackers I ate for lunch yesterday. God only knows what the date was on them.
Date: 2010-07-20
From: Piazza Rock Lean To

To: Oberton Stream
Miles today: 11.6

Day 24 - "Opposable Thumbs"Piazza Rock Lean To to Oberton Stream (11.6)Because of our easy day yesterday, we decided we would get up extra early to see if we could get some extra miles in. At 3:30, I heard stirring and thought - not this early it's still dark. I laid there, but didn't hear anything else. Phew - it wasn't until 4:30 that we got up for real.Even though we didn't see anybody all day yesterday - the shelter ended up being full. They all came in later. A couple of older women out doing the same section, but not together. A couple of sobos and a couple of nobos. We hit the trail at 5:30. It was a day of climbing. We climbed up Saddleback Mtn. Lots of granite slabs, but not many boulder scrambles. We made the right decision delaying until today. It was spectacular on the mountain. 360 degree views. We were above tree line again and it was majestic. Next up was the Horn with more spectacular views. Finally came Saddleback Jr. Jr. my butt. It was kick butt tough. Way tougher than the other two which were higher. One big long rock and boulder filled ravine. It was tiring.I decided it was time for the monkey to learn how to use the camera. I am getting sick of doing all of the work and him getting all of the glory by getting his picture taken on most of the summits. He has thumbs - he should be able to handle it. NOT. Even though he does have thumbs - the rest of his mits look like mittens. He wasn't really able to hold the camera correctly. Personally, if you ask me he wasn't really trying to hard.We made it to the next shelter and had lunch. We knew we didn't have enough time to get to the next shelter, so we contemplated stealth camping somewhere in between. I read in the register an entry from a sobo who talked about some nice stealth sites near the Oberton River. We decided to go for it. Another 3 miles or so.After hiking for more than an hour it started to rain. It has rained everyday that we have been in Maine. Enough already. It stopped within 10 minutes - just enough for me to have stopped and put on my pack cover. I finally reached the river. Another fording opportunity missed because of low water. Yeah.It didn't look too promising as far as stealth sites. I heard White Paws call me from way up on the other side. A very steep climb up to an old abandoned railroad bed. The bed was horizontal to the river below and was cut in half by another stream/waterfall that was flowing down to the river below. White Paws had found some sites on the other side of the waterfall. Yippee.Got my tent set up again without getting rained on. Let's hope for the same in the morning. Garage Man found us. Life is good. Some other guys are on the other side of the falls. Stealth city.Tomorrow another 11 miles and we camp again. This time in an official site.I saw a red squirrel this morning eating a mushroom. When I hiked by he dropped it. Very cute. Who knew the ate mushrooms. Haven't seen any gray squirrels
Date: 2010-07-21
From: Oberton Stream

To: Crocker Cirque Campsite
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: broken clouds

Day 25 - "Under 200 Miles"Oberton Stream to Crocker Cirque Campsite (11.5)Today was not one of my favorite days. It was one of those love/hate kind of days. The morning was glorious. The trail was great. We climbed, but the trail was pine needle bouncy. The sun was out - the forest looked alive with color. I even saw a brown creeper. We climbed a few mtns, but it was ok.The afternoon was not much fun. Way too many rocks - rivals PA. I just want to get to town. We got to the campsite and all the platforms were taken. So, we are basically tenting right beside the trail. We thought about trying too continue, but right away it is a climb up 2 4000 peak mtns. I ran into a sobo (south bounder) - Blissful who said it was a really tough steep ascent. She did a nobo thru hike in 2007. I never met her, but had read her journal.We didn't get rained on last night, but we are tonight. It is only 6pm and I am in my tent and there is a T-storm hitting us. Wet tent in the am.We went under the 200 mile mark today. We are sitting at the 195.1 mark. How sweet it is.Body update for all those curious to know. My right foot is great. The toe that was bothering me on the right side fell off. Feels great now.My left foot issue has flared up. It is all the rocks. The pressure on the ball really causes the pain.Other than that I feel good. My knees hurt but not too bad. The pain in my leg is there at night, but I have been taking a tylenol pm and have been able to sleep.Some issues I was having at home are feeling great. Probably all the stretching while hiking has helped or it is a trail miracle.
Date: 2010-07-22
From: Crocker Cirque Campsite

To: Stratton
Miles today: 7.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 26 - "Two and a Half Hikers"Crocker Cirque Campsite to StrattonIt stormed pretty much all night, but my tent made it through with flying colors. It stopped raining long enough for us to get our tents packed up without them getting any wetter than they already were.We did have two climbs, but they were not that bad. Rocky, but no kind of scrambling involved. Thoses sobos don't know a climb yet - to early in their hike.Reached the summit and it was really cold. I was starting to freeze, so I had to stop and put on my rain coat, hat, and gloves. Normally, when I do that I start to sweat. Not this time. It was a good hour before I was warm enough to take the stuff off.Finally, made it down to the road. It was 5.2 miles from the summit of the second peak. I didn't think I was ever going to get there. But, finally, I heard cars. Yippee.White Paws was alread at the bottom waiting. He had been their 15 minutes. There was a sobo there also. They had already called for the shuttle. When Sue from the Stratton arrived, the Garage Man was not down yet. So, I told them to go ahead and I would wait for him.My Northern Support Team was expected to arrive soon. So either we could ride with them or if not - we would call the shuttle.The team got here and soon after, so did the Garage Man. We were off.White Paws is leaving the trail. So, it will just be Garage Man, Monkey and Birch making it the rest of the way. Bummer. I am with the team at their nice place called the Tranquility Barn. Really nice place. Once I finish updating - it's off to diner.Garage Man and I hope to make it to Monson in 6 days. Hard to believe only one more stop until the 100 mile wilderness.
Date: 2010-07-23
From: Stratton

To: Safford Notch Camp Site
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 27 - "These Boots Are Made For Walking"Stratton to Safford Notch Campsite (10.4)The Northern Support Team came through again. I ended up staying with them at the Tranquility Barn. Really nice place. It was great to have someone to spend time with. Thanks Gals.We got started late as is usual when leaving town. Today was a great day. The trail was superb. We did a lot of climbing up and over Bigelow Mtn. It was a long slow climb. First peak over 3750 ft (south horn) and then two over 4000 ft (west peak and avery peak). Great views from them all.Had one nobo blow by very early and then it was nobody except for a few day hikers. When we were coming down the last peak it was a sobo super highway - had to have at least 15 pass by.I realized today that the boots I'm wearing are the same pair that I started at Springer with. They have done a lot of miles. I hope they have enough left in them to get me to the end. I called the SQ - she is trying to find another pair, but is not having any luck. I asked her to send Gorilla Glue to Monson (monkey's idea). Maybe it will hold the seams together.The best part of the day was we passed the 2000 mile mark. Wow.Thanks to everyone for their support and encouragement. I could never have done it without your help - especially the SQ.We are platform tenting tonight (my first). It just started to rain. Heavy pack tomorrow - wet tent plus too much food.
Date: 2010-07-24
From: Safford Notch Camp Site

To: West Carry Pond Lean To
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 28 - "OMG - I should have stayed in bed"Safford Notch Campsite to West Carry Pond Lean To (12.2)Today was one of those days that I should have stayed in bed.Started last night - couldn't fall asleep. Tossed and turned most of the night. My leg was really bothering me.Glad when I got up that it hadn't rained. So, that meant no wet tent. Yeah.As customary once I get the fly off the tent - I pick up the tent and shake it upside down to clean it out. Once I put it down I noticed a hole in the door screen. I assumed I snagged it on the little tree near the platform. Bummed. I put a piece of duck tape on each side of the hole - should hold.As I was packing my pack - I grabbed my food bag and noticed it also had a hole. Garage Man and I decided not to hang our food because we thought it was going to rain.So apparently I didn't snag the tent - something ate through it. And, I determined whatever it was pretty much had to stand on or walk over Monkey to chew the tent. Do you think he would have made a peep? Of course not.Next - I go to put my new water canteen in my pack and can't find the top. (I did find it later in the day - I put it in my bathroom bag).All this before 6am.Got on the trail and hadn't been walking but 15 minutes - caught my foot on a root and bam - face first into the trail. I couldn't get up because my hands were stuck in the straps of my poles and I was laying on them. Finally rolled over and struggled to my feet. Bleeding from the knee.About an hour later - I'm getting ready to climb up a rock and walk into a broken branch on a short tree. Poked me about 1/4 inch from my right eye. Ouch.Rained all morning - got soaked. More fun than a barrel full of monkeys.Once I made it to the next shelter - I pulled out my individual food bags and noticed a chew mark in my snack bag. Saw that inside that bag my gorp bag had a hole in it. And, a light bulb went off. OMG - I found a M&M on my tent floor as I was packing up (before I realized anything was wrong) and I just figured it fell out of my pocket and I ate it. The freakin critter must have pulled it out and dropped it. All afternoon I wanted to hurl. Just can't think about it. Birch just put it out of your head. If you don't die you'll be ok.The last thing - I was stepping up on a mound of dirt and realized at the last second that there was a toad right were I was stepping. As I tried not to step on him full force - I fell forward. Slammed my hand into a rock. Now my knuckles are black and blue. I thought I killed it, but I looked over and it's hopping away.The day wasn't a total disaster. I found 5 pennies. So, I am up to 89 cents. Heard a king fisher on the pond. Got to take the bad with the good.Couple of geeky sobos here with us (PI who actually goes by 3.14... and Homer). And, Ray who is doing a section and going to Monson.Tomorrow is another day. Let's hope it goes better.
Date: 2010-07-25
From: West Carry Pond Lean To

To: Caratunk
Miles today: 14.0

Day 29 - "Row, Row, Row your boat"West Carry Pond Lean To to Caratunk (14.0)It was an easy 10 miles to the Pierce Pond Shelter. We left a little later than normal because it was raining - maybe about 6:15. I made it to the shelter by 11. Trail was great. Met three sobo women. Very cool.Once we got there - decided it was to early and to nice to stop. Plus, the weather was great. And, so was the trail. Flat.We decided to push on to Caratunk. I made the 3.6 miles in about 1.5 hours. Another great trail.Got to the Kennebec River crossing before the canoe guy was there. The afternoon ferry hours are 2-4.Once he showed up, Garage Man and I got in and away we went. Garage Man sat shot gun and had to help paddle. I got to just sit and relax. Hillbilly Dave runs the canoe - nice guy. Looks like a hillbilly - missing teeth and all. We got to the road and tried to hitch - no luck.Hillbilly Dave told us we could call the Northern Outdoor place from the PO. Headed into the trail and realized we were going the wrong way. Needed to go up a side road into Caratunk. We got back to the road and tried to hitch again before we headed up the road. Sweet. Got a ride from a guy in about 5 minutes and he was coming here. This place is a lodge and a wierd place. We are renting a 2 person cabin tent for $12 each. Can't beat it. Took a shower and dried off with a bandana. How sweet is that. Now we are doing laundry.Gotta figure out how to get back to the trail in the am. But, we can worry about that tomorrow.3 more days and we will be in Monson. How sweet it is.