morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-07-30
From: Maine 27/ Stratton

To: Little Bigilow Shelter
Miles today: 15.5

   Man, we needed the rest......went across the Bigelows today. Mt.Avery and the rest and it was spectacular. The views were amazing andguess what.....saw Mt. K for the first time!! We got to the top offirst peak and came across a group of weekend hikers. The all pointedin the same direction and way, way off you could barely see the peakwith its smaller peak. Man, how cool!! (SB thinks until we are sureit doesn't count but good enough)   Weather was perfect again with temps in the 70's and cool breezes.This is supposed to be the last huge climb until Mt. K and we allhave smiles after hearing that. Looking out you can see the landscapediminishing into lower lake regions towards Mt. K. Speaking of lakes,the lakes are beautiful in this region and the fishing is supposed tobe killer.   Tomorrow is a big day concerning the miles....we are going to cross the 2000 mile mark which is a big thing I think. It is aboutthe smiles and the miles    Anyway, we got to the shelter @ dusk (another great sunset whilewalking down from Little Bigelow).    Laying in my tent and wondering what has happened to the time;starting to think a lot about the end..........   Peace.
Date: 2005-07-31
From: Little Bigilow Shelter

To: Nothern Outdoors / US 201
Miles today: 20.8

   Flat????? We had one of those cuise control days out here.....the terrain was flat for the first time in a long time. We all enjoyedthe walk.   Two things were really cool today.....we did cross 2000 miles today!!There was a 2000 mile marker sprayed painted on some road surface. I decidedto be a smart as* and write in some dirt about 10 ft. further 2000.00001miles. Got some laughs from that....   The other thing was something we all were looking forward to; takingthe ferry across the Kennebec River. Now you can ford this thing ifyou want but the ferry is what they advice you to do. During this timeof year the hours are 9-11 am and 2-4 pm. We shot for the afternoon run.I got there b4 the B's and ferryed across with a thruhiker named "Montana" and Steve Longley who runs the operation. A canoe with paddlesand you have a ferry. Cool experience and lots of fun.   Waited for the B's and we hitched into Northern Outdoors ; a place2-3 miles from the trailhead. A big canoe and whitewater place withfood, beer, pool tables, music, and most important a place to staywith showers.    So you know us by now; chill here tonight and head out in theA.M. towards Monson. Now, it is supposed to rain cats and dogs tomorrow so we will see about the hiking.   **Hope things are going well for you Mike B. and hello toeveryone else out there......    "I have climbed,      the highest mountain,      I have run,      through the fields,      only to be with you....      but I still, haven't found      what I'm looking for.."      U2
Date: 2005-08-01
From: Nothern Outdoors / US 201

To: Northern Outdoors / US 201
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

   You got it, rain today and clearing tonight........we are goingto chill here and enjoy some home made brew.    Team "eat it all" or Team "zero" , whichever you prefer, willbe out early tomorrow and heading towards Katahdin!   **Have a great B Day Tom- - - closer to 40 and all downhill      from here            "I will see you again,      when the stars,       fall from the sky,      and the moon is red      on One Tree Hill....               U2
Date: 2005-08-02
From: Northern Outdoors / US 201

To: Moxie Bald Lean To
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: few clouds

   Okay, I lied......lthere is a computer in Monson. So, I willgive you the last two days and then that will be it untilwe summit Mt. K.   Almost forgot to tell the lightning story......the first night@ Northern Outdoors it was early morning, I got up @ my usualtime to use the facilities. It was raining a bit and I steppedmaybe 10 steps out of the tent we were in and a huge light, almostlike someone was taking my picture flashed to my left downa gravel road. A loud boom and some crackling followed and Istood there, still half asleep and realized lightning hitfairly close. The amazing thing was it actually woke up KBand SB......an impossible thing to do. SB was up running aroundin the tent, first time I think she has been up so early   Anyway, I hitched out of Northern Outdoors; the B's will catchup in Monson. Great hiking day; the highlight was Moxie Bald Mtn.Huge rock faces to play around on, which I did. There was a stormoff to the left of me and after I realized it was slowly movingmy way I hurried off the Mtn. and got to the shelter just asthe rain and thunder hit.   Laying here in the shelter, listening to the thunder roarslowly across the landscape, ready for some sleep.   **Once again, happy early B-Day to Mom and Don....   "a spirit, with a vision,      is a dream, with a mission...."      RUSH
Date: 2005-08-03
From: Moxie Bald Lean To

To: Monson, Maine
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: scattered clouds

   How cool was last night?? After the storm moved on, the coolair moved in and the animals came out. Could hear the loonscalling across the lake and some coyotes howling into the night.Great stuff....   Anyway, very muddy day of hiking; two stream crossings whichfelt great and didn't see many people on the trail. Arrived in thebustling metropolis of Monson, Me early afternoon. The B's arrivedlater in the day and our plan is to leave tomorrow midday and headinto the Wilderness.   Can't deny......looking forward to the 100 mile wilderness. Thisis the last stretch before Katahdin and the excitement level isrising. Everybody has that smile going.......   Got my last drop from the post office (my last drop, man thatis weird to say), ate lots of grub and am trying to get organizeda bit.   Take care everyone and thank you Strider for that trail magic4 miles b4 Monson.......an orange and a mountain dew was perfectafter dragging thru the mud and grime   "What a dream I had,   I wondered empty streets,   past the shop displays,   heard cathedral bells,   dripping down the alleyway,      as I walked on............   Simon & Garfunkel
Date: 2005-08-04
From: Monson, Maine

To: Little Wilson Stream
Miles today: 10.1

   Hello, got a hold of a computer here in Millinocket.........So I'll fill ya'll in on this last part of the journey.   Hung out in Monson, the usual stuff like a half gallon of milkand a huge bag of doughnuts. Came out of the library and saw KBup the street and gave a holler. Some of his buddies from collegecame in to help them out and took us to some town for a greatbreakfast. Goodie (I think that is his name); thanks for the rideand taking me back to the trailhead.    Another beautiful day....I was a few miles behind the B's andstarted where I left off. Into the Wilderness!! Lots of excitementgoing around up here; mixed emotions entering the 100 mile deal.Supposed to be a really cool section but means closer to theend which is a drag.   Anyway, stopped @ Little Wilson Falls area and tented....nextto a stream. The ponds and lakes in Maine are amazing; becomingone of the best states yet.   The B's came by late, they went on to the next shelter and Iplan on getting up early to wake them up. We will see if thatworks..........   Listening to the stream, dreaming of a place called Katahdin.....................   Peace
Date: 2005-08-05
From: Little Wilson Stream

To: Chairback Gap Shelter
Miles today: 19.8
Weather: light rain

   Man, nothing beats tenting next to a stream or river. The soundof falling water puts me in dreamland quick and I slept welllast night.   I was up before dawn I think....got 3 or so miles to thenext shelter and the B's were out of it. Didn't want to botherthem so I'm sure I'll see them later.   The view on Barren Mt. was really cool. Once up there, afterlosing 10 more lbs. on the way up, I layed down and napped fora bit. Woke up and darker clouds were on the horizon. They hadcalled for a chance of serious storms in the afternoon. Somethingabout a cold front with a warm front which I know is not good.So I thought getting off the ridge might be a good idea.   The rest of the day was rain, slipping, stumbling, mud and theusual. One descent I will remember was this little thing called4th Mtn. Man, the down on that in the rain was crazy......straightdown rock climbing. Half way down I yelled out a big f**k so everyanimal could hear me.    Rugged hiking in this area...got to the shelter area and thecool front pushed thru leaving me here with a beautiful eveningto tent. No B's......not sure where they are at.    Life is good!!   "I can hear the cries,   of a million unheard souls,   each one buying things   for the filling of their holes."   Peter Gabriel
Date: 2005-08-06
From: Chairback Gap Shelter

To: East Branch Lean To
Miles today: 21.0

   What a crazy day!! The 100 mile Wilderness brings new suprisesevery day and this day was a gas.   Up early again, I was pumped! Supposed to be a great viewof Katahdin from White Cap Mtn. and there was. Another perfectday of weather........Made a huge climb up to the White Cap Rangeand on the ridge I look down and on a rock somebody had paintedK with an arrow pointing north. I looked up and thru the treesit stood.....my first close look @ the end. Have to admit, eyesgot a bit of water and that moment; time stood still as I gazed @ Katahdin.    Same on top of White Cap.....this is the last huge climb tillMt. K and nothing lays between me and K.....a valley with lakesand ponds. Time has flown by and now each step has a purpose. The big story of the day was @ the end...I was tenting next toEast Lean To late when I heard a familiar voice. I looked upand there stood Overhill....the same guy who went home in Damascuswith shin problems. I couldn't believe it!! This guy had goneback to Missouri, was on cruches for 4 weeks and got back on the trail and here he was. Grit and determination are part ofthis thru hike and what an inspiration....... The down side was he brought news of the B's. SB had turnedhere ankle again and they went back to Monson on a dirt road.So we planned are next 4 days to Mt. K and Overhill and myselfare heading for the end. No communications out here; moving on to the White House Landingin the morning. One thing about the AT.....every day is a new suprise. (Didn't even mention the Molson somebody gave me today and the4 cheese sandwhiches another dude gave me.)   Take care!!
Date: 2005-08-07
From: East Branch Lean To

To: White House Landing
Miles today: 21.8

   Keep this one short....beautiful day.....flat hiking.....nice blue non polluted lakes everywhere up here.   Overhill and myself ended up @ the White House Landing. Thisis slice of heaven in the middle of nowhere. You take a mileside trail to a boat dock....blow a horn and they come acrossand pick you up. Take you to a cabin resort....showers, burgers,beer, soda and the such. Really enjoyed the stay.   This evening I sat on a porch and watched the sun go downbehind the lake and rolling hills. Spent a few hours just thinkingabout this journey, how it is coming to a close soon. The kneedeep snow and the cold nights seem like years ago. Before I lostthe B's we were talking about Wells and Kado and Gel.......speakingof Wells and the such, dude if you are around drop me a line.We all are wondering whats been going on, besides guitar andPhish concerts   We are going to get to K on Wednesday....nice weather windowhere and the time is now!!   Listening to the loons here up in the middle of nowhere......
Date: 2005-08-08
From: White House Landing

To: Past Rainbow Springs Campsite
Miles today: 22.3
Weather: few clouds

   Saw 2 moose today....a huge mom and here little moose, or whateveryou call it. Man, they do look like cows........   Moore great views of K; closer and closer each time. Overhill andmyself were talking about using our pots, sleeping bag, tents, etc.for the last time. Man, my sleeping pad and sleeping bag needto be burned!! Pretty weak on my part but I haven't cleaned themonce on this trip. Thru hikers don't notice this kind of thing,I have gotten used to the grime and dirt.....kind of like it.   We hiked from dawn to dusk.....not much else to say. The smilesare everywhere as we approach. Tomorrow we plan on getting to AbolBridge; then to the Birches campsite @ the base of Mt. K. Every stepis a gas; tripping over roots and rocks is actually funny @ thispoint.....even though Overhill did do a nose dive today and thatwasn't funny..........   Laying here in my tent.....Katahdin only 25 or so miles away....can't sleep a bit.......some animal outside my tent......stillcan't sleep.......Katahdin
Date: 2005-08-09
From: Past Rainbow Springs Campsite

To: The Birches
Miles today: 19.9
Weather: few clouds

   Well, what can I say!! Made it to Abol Bridge....Overhill andmyself ate some grub, got the fluid level back up and then wentinto Baxter State Park to get a space @ The Birches. The Birchesis a place to camp @ the base of Katahdin.   We went back to Abol.....ate some more and the anticipationwas killing us. Talked a lot about the journey; we had lotsof stories to swap. We were sitting here and another thruhiker was stumbling up the road. A young kid from Michigan;had this smile that he couldn't get rid of. Sat with us fora while; never stopped smiling. Laughing and smiling we areall stoked......and @ the same time sad.    No news of the B's and hopefully SB is okay.....finally we movedon and hiked the 9 miles up to The Birches. Registered with the Ranger up there and found out Overhill and myself were #97and #98 on the south to north thru hiker list for 2005. Thefew and the proud as they say; it does mean a lot.   One final thing before we go up K tomorrow.....I didn't wantto bore all of you with blisters, knee pain, back pain, bugbites and all of that crap the last 6 months. But there isno completed thru hike without that stuff and with all thebeauty and fun there is also moments of hard work and sweatfor all the hikers out here, thru or not..........   Can't sleep again and we leaving to summit @ 5 a.m.........
Date: 2005-08-10
From: The Birches

To: Mt. Katahdin
Miles today: 5.2
Weather: scattered clouds

   Overhill and myself reached the summit of Mt. Katahdin @8:04.............We took turns leading and were the first onesup today. Summit was foggy and cool; with high winds.   We got close and I insisted he lead to the top. This guyhas been through a lot to get to this point but he insistedI go.   I saw the sign......thru the fog......started to hike @ a runningpace and reached the sign and gave it a big wet kiss.......   Many pictures later we sadly did our descent....   Journey is over and when I get home next week I'll get allthe pictures up from the last month.   Also I will put a close and give out some thanks to everybodythen.   **Hello Tripod and yea, you know we will be by sometime again**      What an incredible journey.....but the journey never ends............life is always a never ending journey.....   Whats next??????????
Date: 2005-08-15
From: Mt. Katahdin

To: Manchester, NH
Miles today: 0.0

      Quick update......the B's summited on a great day on August, 11th.SB fixed her ankle and they had a wonderful summit.(I will get all theirsummit pictures up soon)      We hitched up with all the families for a huge Friday dinner;Saturday the B's and myself went out in Orono.....their college townup here and we had a few beers Okay, many beers.      After a tearful goodbye.....I didn't expect it but the moment hitme hard. Very tough to say goodbye after everything we went throughthe last 6 months.       I've got some more pictures from the Whites to come and I wantto thank everybody when I get home.      Take care and right now I am trying to get some feeling back in my toes while enjoying a little down time.   **Hello Overhill, hope your bus ride from Boston was smooth andwill talk with you soon.**
Date: 2005-09-02
To: Hello
Miles today: 0.0

   Hey, thanks for the pictures from Ed and Charlene and the B's......Great, great stuff.    Slowly going to add pictures ; check out the summit picturesof the B's   Also Wells sends a deep hello to you all....ya man, the Wells gotin touch. I'll get you his info; allready talking about hiking intoTrail Daze next year.   Take care everyone...............
Date: 2005-02-06
To: First pre hike entry
Miles today: 0.0

Welcome to my 2005 NOBO AT thru hike journal. Springer Mountain will be my starting point on March 18th. That is 40 days from today and I am not ready! Still making a few gear decisions and waiting for things to arrive that I have ordered. I would like to thank some of the people who have helped or encouraged me.First and formost my husband for hiking with me the past couple of years and now helping make it possible for me to thru hike. To our children who have been very encouraging and patiently listening to me talk of gear and places and hikers I've met or read about.To friends and co-workers who have been involved in my plans. Especially to Terry and Suesan who have been great from the begining. Jay, with all of his enthusiasm and helpfulness. Theresa who believed in me from the begining and has been very encouraging. To my trainer Sean who has put up with me week in and week out for the past couple of months. Thanks for all the help and encouragement.To my relatives across the country who are sharing in my dream.To previous thru hikers that have helped me with information and kindness.My sincere thanks to you all and I hope to keep everyone updated along the way.
Date: 2005-02-06
To: It's been a long time coming
Miles today: 0.0

This hike actively began to take shape when I started counting down at 457 days. At that point it wasn't a sure thing just hopeful. As the months rolled along things came more and more into line. Now it's only 40 days away.Most of the big preparations are in place. I've been reading Trailjournals for the past 2 years and have the had the opportunity to meet some of the people I have fallowed. It has been a great place to learn about the trail and gear and other things. Wish I had a better memory for all the things I've read about.Tomarrow begins my last week of work. Decided to take the last month off before I leave to do preparations for myself and my family. Will be hitting the gym even more and getting out to the trails as weather permits. I live in New England so the weather is a definite factor for planning hiking days.More about hiking next time.
Date: 2005-02-06
To: Previous hikes
Miles today: 0.0

My husband and I began backpacking again a few years ago. We have done different sections of the AT within driving distance of our home. Last summer I broke my ankle hiking off Mt. Madison in the Whites during a rainstorm. That pretty much slowed my hiking for a couple of months. Finally got in on some fall hiking and have only gone out once during this winter.Planning on being in Arizona in the next couple of weeks so may get in some hiking there as the weather is milder. I'm so excited for those that are already out there hiking. I know these weeks will go quickly but it is hard to wait. I guess not having everything done helps because there are things to do and keep busy.Well I'm ready for that last week of work.
Date: 2005-02-08
To: socks?
Miles today: 0.0

I'm so proud of myself, I've worn the same socks to workout in 4 days in a row. That is not typical for me. You see I even change my socks everyday at lunch because I am on my feet all day. Trying to prove to myself I don't have to carry alot of socks on the trail. Once that pack weight starts to climb there probably won't need to be any convincing! Speaking of packs, my new pack has not arrived yet!!! There's still 5 weeks but I wish it would come now. Probably should be more worried that the tarp tent has not come. There is my old pack I could use. Skeemer is sending me one of his industrial strength plastic bags for a pack liner so I have my first trail magic already. Better go read some more journals.
Date: 2005-02-11
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Today was a big day. My last day of work. I embraced it with mixed feelings but so glad to be moving closer to the start of the hike. Now my time is my own and hopefully everything I haven't done to this date will fall in place.They had a potluck lunch for me today and a great send off with cards, money, flowers and ballons. Thanks to all of you at DOA. My family took me out to dinner to celebrate being jobless and soon to be homeless! My future son-in-law reminded me that people don't ususally celebrate these things. Hope he doesn't rethink being a part of our family. Got notice that my pocketmail has shipped. Should be fun learning to type on that small keyboard. It has rained here this week and melted most of the snow. The trails should be in pretty good shape. Have to make a trip to NYC tomarrow but maybe the next day can get out there. Still freezing at night so will have to be careful of the ice first off in the morning. Got my pack liner bag from Skeemer today. Thanks Skeemer. Now if that pack would just show up. This is the second day in a row that I haven't worked out and I feel like a bum. Just eating and partying and no exercise. Oh I will pay for that when I get back in there. Better get to bed so I can enjoy NYC.
Date: 2005-02-13
To: The weekend
Miles today: 0.0

Started off the weekend with a trip to NYC. My daughter has changed her major and is thinking of attending in the city. It was a good visit. We also took in Canal Street. If you aren't familiar with it that's where all the knock off stuff is sold. There's also alot of street vendors etc. Well my husband bought me a generic ring that I liked to wear as a wedding ring on the trail. Don't want to wear my diamond ring. Also picked up some other bargains. Today was a whole different kind of day. We were out in the woods. Took a three and half mile hike in the local park. A couple of good heart pumping hills and great views of the area. The weather was in the high 30's so great hiking weather. I had been worried about the ice but it was manageable. The scariest part was the ice under the leaves on a downhill. Never took a bad fall though, just a little slip and slid. Have been considering getting a new sleeping bag. My current one is synthetic but am thinking of going with down. It will be about a pound lighter and 5 degrees warmer. Have so far narrowed it to a M.H. Phantom, Montbell Stretch #1, W.M. Versalite super or a Marmot Helium. If anyone can help with specific experience I'd appreciate it.Guess I better go get ready for my first real day of unemployment.
Date: 2005-02-15
To: Frustration
Miles today: 0.0

Yesterday my pocketmail came. It will take a while to get comfortable using all the functions. Glad that I got it though and think I'll be happy with it. Went last night to work out and over did it somehow. This morning I woke up with a really sore knee. I've had a some minor trouble with it in the past but not sure if it is just strained or something wrong. Today is beautiful 50 degree weather and I can hardly walk! Had planned to be out on the trails but have decided to just do some on the treadmill to keep it moving and on level surface. At least some good news today. My pack came! Loaded everything but food and water and it was 17 pounds. I was sort of shocked that it was that light but really happy. If I change out the sleeping bag I'll loose some weight too.The liner Skeemer sent works great. The part that I'm not sure about is my sleeping pad. I went for the Big Agnes insulated(it's my luxury item), well it doesn't work to well for the formation of the inside of my pack. Will try to keep reconfiguring it. Making a visit to my son's and hope to do some hiking there with him. That's if the knee is better. Will also be going to REI, still need to pick up some knee length gaiters.Better head to the gym.