morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-08-12
From: Little Swift Pond River

To: ME 4 to Stratton Motel
Miles today: 4.8

¢Brrrrrrr!!!!¢ I didn¢t expect to be so chilly until I had to made a nature call at 3am. It had to be in the 30¢s, but the moon was shining bright and there were a gazillion stars out. It was cold enough that I didn¢t take time to eat breakfast. I just packed up, said Happy Trails to Grits, and then on the trail I went. It took me about an hour to get warmed up, but it only took me 2 hrs. to do 4.8 miles to Rt. 4 to get picked by Susan from The Maine Roadhouse in Rangeley. The ride there was much further than I expected. The Roadhouse was full so Sue took me to the Stratton Motel, in Stratton. Don & Susan own and run the motel & Roadhouse, and they are both very nice and very helpful to all who come. When I got there, Don drove me down to the Stratton Diner for breakfast, and when I was done, the owner of the diner gave me a ride back to the motel. I could have walked it in 5 minutes, but they were to nice to let me do that. Everything here in town is in walking distance, for a hiker anyway. I could have stayed in the hostel in the hotel but I opted for a private room. Navi, Josh, and Leigh will be coming in later tonight. I found out it was 37 degrees last night and another hiker said there was some sleet and light snow in the higher elevations. I was standing outside when a car pulled up and Flashback got out of the car and saw me standing there. I laughed because he couldn¢t believe I was there, and he thought I passed him somehow. Don had to drive him to the Roadhouse because the motel is full. I¢m sure I¢ll see him again. I am disappointed that he didn¢t stay so we could talk about our hikes up to this point. Maybe tomorrow. Now I think I¢ll take a shower, and do some wash, and then chill till Navi gets here.
Date: 2006-08-14
From: Stratton Motel

To: Poplar Ridge Lean-to
Miles today: 11.8

We all got up fairly early this morning and walked across street to have breakfast at a diner. After filling our bellies, we went back to our room and I packed for my hike while Josh & Leigh packed for their hike on the Long Trail which Navi volunteered to drive them back to Vermont to start their hike. ¢ What a Sweetheart!¢ That¢s what friends are for. When a hiker needs help. That spells ¢ NAVI ¢. I will meet Navi back here in a couple of days before I move on to the Bigelow range. The parking lot at the motel is big enough to keep our motor home in a safe place, and Don reassured us we had nothing to worry about. He would keep and eye on it for us. I wished Josh & Leigh well on their hike before they all drove off for the long drive to Vermont. Chances are, I wouldn¢t see them again till my hike was over and headed back to Florida. I got a late start because Susan had to drop a hiker off just north of town and then come back to Rangeley to the trailhead at Maine hwy 4. It was after 10am when I got started and I have three good humps coming out of Rangeley. The elevation gain after Sandy River from 1,595ft to 4,120ft at Saddleback Mtn. proved to be the king of false summits. It certainly was worth the climb because the views were absolutely awesome. The summit to The Horn was the easiest part of the climb, but by the time I reached Saddleback Junior I was worn out. When I reached the Poplar Ridge Lean - to I met up with the Professor and then within 30 minutes, a large group from a Canadian summer camp were out hiking a section of the trail, and tenting at the shelter for the night. A hiker by the name of Mr. Blister came in, and then two young hikers stolled in that are brothers and, the oldest one said they are twins, but not identical. They were very nice and said they were having a great time on the trail.They are the first twins I¢ve ever met on the trail. We had some conversation with the Canadian counselors. They said that they love coming hear to hike with the summer campers so they can meet all the different hikers. It¢s been an interesting day. Hopefully it doesn¢t end in rain. It¢s a full shelter tonight. Just as everyone was getting settled in for the night, Skunk and Nifty, came in for the night
Date: 2006-08-16
From: Stafford Notch campsite

To: Stratton Motel
Miles today: 8.4

I woke up to a clear morning and was ready for the 2,000ft. climb to North Crocker Mtn. at 4,228ft. The professor on the other hand was just crawling out of the sack and I said I would see him up on the trail.The rocky terrain wasn¢t as bad as it was yesterday, but the sore bones are still there. I had a hard time holding my trekking poles because my fingers were so stiff from all the pressure that was applied to them to stop the fall, and my left forearm has a huge knot in it and it hurts just to twist my wrist at a fraction of an inch. ¢Oh well, Vitamin I to the Rescue!!!!¢ I reached an area of trees and noticed many trees down and most of the ones left standing were either dead or decaying very badly. I don¢t know if the cause is global warming, or just all the polution in the atmosphere. I have seen many places like this on my travels all over the country, and it disturbs me. I hope that this is a cycle of nature that will pass in time. Mother Nature has a way of punishing mankind for what we have taken from her, her trees, her rain forest, and so on. She is a force to be reckon with, and we will lose in the end. We all must help to preserve what we have, not just for us, but for all who will walk in our paths when we are gone. Hopefully I¢m not boring anyone, so I¢ll get on with it. I got to the summit by 8:30am and there were some views, but nothing to jump up and down about so I called Navi to tell her what time to pick me up at the trailhead on Maine 27. I thought 10:30 would be a good time but then I saw the sign on Crocker that said I had 4.9 miles to go. The descent was more challenging than I thought it would be,and I think the sign lied about the mileage. At 10:30 the trail was still going on and I didn¢t make it to the road till 11am. It was great when Navi showed up and we went back to the Stratton motel for the rest of the day. We did some food shopping to get ready for my hike to Caratunk, and did some wash, and then just vegged for the rest of the day. Tomorrow the Bigelows. ¢ To The BIGELOWS AND BEYON!!!¢
Date: 2006-08-18
From: Stafford Notch campsite

To: West Carry Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 12.2

.   I was up early this morning and the first thing that came to my mind was, ¢ WoW!¢ the days are flying by. I think I¢m going to slow the hike down just a tadd more by taking more zeros. As I was breaking camp I looked east and the sky looked like it was on fire. The colors were so awesome. I hoped that, that might be an indication of a nice hiking day as I left camp at 6:30am.I made my way back to the first camp and noticed that noone stayed there last night, and if they did, they were on the trail before me. The hike was going real well until I started thinking that I was the only one out here. As I made my way up to Little Bigelow Mtn. I was seeing more and more blueberries, so I ate handfuls as I made my way over the moutain. I thought it was so amazing that all these berries grow in the higher elevations. The time went by pretty fast as I made my way over Little Bigelow Mtn. and then down to Little Bigelow Lean-to by 9:20am. It was time for a short break and to evaluate just how long it would take to get to West Carry Pond Lean-to since most of the hike today will be down hill, with the exception of Roundtop Mtn topping off at 1,760ft. I only have 7 12 miles to go and felt that I could easily make it by 1 o¢clock. At Long Falls Dam Rd. I came apon the 2,000mile mark that is painted in the middle of the road, so you know I had to stop and snap a picture of this momentous occasion. I stopped for a few minutes to reflect back to where and how this whole journey started that brought me to this place in time. It brought tears of joy to think this is really happening. As my good friend JoJo Smiley would say, ¢ Savour the Moment.¢ Well the hike went pretty smooth and I did get to West Carry Pond Lean-to by 1:20pm. I really enjoyed the hike here especially the walk along the pond. I could see a few homes along the waters edge and there was someone out on their jonboat for an afternoon cruise. It¢s the perfect day for that. Even though it was an easy hike today, I managed to sweat up a storm, and when that happens, the hiker funk is unbearable. I can¢t stand myself, so I went down to the pond for a dip and washed my clothes at the same time. ¢What a relief !¢ Up to this point, I haven¢t seen another hiker today. It was a quiet afternoon and I spent some time journaling, and relaxing down by the pond. Tomorrow looks like an easy 14miler down to the Kennebec River.
Date: 2006-08-22
From: RV

To: Caratunk
Miles today: 11.9

Well Navi and I had a great time at the resort campground and the hot tub, not to mention the food, no lipton sides for a couple of days. Today Navi drove me to the trailhead at Moxie Pond Rd. where I would hike south to Caratunk. The drive to the trailhead was absolutely beautiful and on the way we got to see our first moose in it¢s natural habitat in a small pond just opposite Moxie Pond. We stopped to get a picture, but the cow moose had her backside to us, so I asked Navi to blow the of our Tracker in hopes that the moose would turn and look for just a second. I managed to get two shots but not the one I wanted, but at least I did get a shot of this beautiful animal. At that point, all I could think of was getting to the wilderness in a chance that I might get closer to one of these moose. Today I greeted about ten hikers, all in the morning hrs. as I made my way over Pleasant Pond Mtn. at 2,470ft elevation from an elevation of 970ft at Moxie Pond Rd. Pleasant is the key word for that first five miles of the hike, and the descent was fairly easy also. I couldn¢t have asked for a more clear day to hike either, it matched the hike for the day. This is the second time since I entered Maine that I was able to see the tracks of some amazingly large moose, judging from the size of the print in the mud as I made my way up the mountain earlier this morning. Navi was suppose to check at the parking lot at US 201 by 3pm to see if I was there on time. When I got within a couple of miles of 201, I could hear the traffic, but it seemed like it took me forever to reach my goal for the day by 3 o¢clock. Then, at about a mile from the lot I noticed another path that probably led down to the road, but I didn¢t take it, and later found out from Steve Longley that it led right down to his place. Sometimes you have to follow your own instincts and take a chance. Anyway, Navi wasn¢t at the lot at 3, so I started hitching a ride to the Rivers & Trails store and ended up walking the whole way. As I got close to the store I could see the Tracker in the driveway and Navi said she had lost track of time. We talked to Steve for short time and then went back to the campground so I could shower and relax and enjoy my time with Navi. We did go to the resort for a last dip in the hot tub, a beer, and to check our e-mail. Tomorrow I leave hike to Monson and the last part of my journey. ¢How exciting, and What a Rush!¢ Somewhere on the hike to Monson I may run into hikers Quartz & Schwuartz, a coulpe that Navi and I met at the resort lodge. Actually we met Quartz at Steve¢s festival, and Schwuartz at the lodge. They are a very interesting couple. Today we have encountered a problem with the Tracker with a rear main seal oil leak. Hopefully it won¢t be a real problem till this hike is over. This has been avery nice day, and looking forward to tomorrows hike to Monson.
Date: 2006-08-23
From: Caratunk

To: Horseshoe Canyon Lean-to
Miles today: 15.8

Navi and I had a wonderful night together, and this morning it was hard to leave as she dropped me off at the trailhead at Moxie Pond Rd. heading north this time. It was a challenge to stay dry as I made my way across the rocks that were at one point almost longer than my legs could allow me to stretch. If you were a short person with short legs, it would be certain to find yourself in the water heading downstream. Then it was a steady climb to Bald Mtn. at an elevation of 2,629ft where I met Rocky & Swamp Fox again and they laughed because every time they see me, I heading in a different direction. This time, in they¢re direction. We are all hiking to Horseshoe Canyon Lean-to for the night. When I met them, they were talking to a hiker who just happens to be doing his 4th YoYo hike. For those who don¢t know term, it means, hiking north, then turning right back around and hiking south, or in reverce. Better him than me. I would like a change of scenery. There are many other trails to conquer in this country. The hike was going really good until I got to the West Branch Piscataquis River and had to ford it. There was no other way to get across, no walking downstream to cross any rocks. You just had to suck it up and get wet. The current was very strong as I made my way to the middle of the river. Even my trekking poles could bearly keep me from being knocked over. Once I made it to the middle island, I still had to get in the water again, but only another 20ft. Then I sat on the shoreline to take my boots off, and sqeeze the water out of my socks before I could carry on. It really was funny when I thought about what happened in the last ten minutes. I waited a little while to see if Rocky & Swamp Fox were close enough where I might be there if they had a problem crossing, but I waited at least 20 minutes and they never showed, so I had to move on. I was at the lean-to by 4:30pm and had a little surprize when I took my boots and socks off , yup, it was a blister. I knew something was up about thirty minutes after putting on my wet socks after the river crossing. So it¢s patch and go again. I had time to eat and relax some before Rocky & Swamp Fox got in at 6:30 and looking a little warn out. We talked about our day of hiking, some wonderful views and then it was time for some shut-eye. Only 9miles to Monson tomorrow.
Date: 2006-08-24
From: Horseshoe Canyon Lean-to

To: Maine 15 - campground-Rv
Miles today: 9.0

I slept like a log last night. I usually sleep very good, once I put my earplugs in when there is someone else in the shelter. I was on the trail at the usual time, but Rocky and Swamp Fox were waking up as I left.It looks like a nice day brewing, but there is the East Branch Piscataquis River to cross in 1 12 miles. ¢More Fun!¢ It turned out the ford wasn¢t bad at all, even though the water went just above my boots, and I still had to stop and get the water out before continuing on. It was a little chilly this morning when I got up, but it has turned out to be a beautifully clear day. The terrain getting to Monson was about normal, more roots, more rocks, and then a little mud thrown in. Navi was at Maine15 when I came out of the woods. Then we drove to a campground where we would be staying for a few days. I have to say Navi is doing really great with getting the RV hooked up at the campgrounds and also getting the Tracker hooked up to the RV all by herself at times. She is an amazing women, and I am so proud of her, and very lucky to have her supporting me on my hike. There aren¢t many women who would run these logging roads out in the middle of nowhere to find their other half at some road crossing. Our RV site is pretty kool with full hookups. Nice place to zero. Monson is only about 15miles from here, and so we decided we will drive there and to Greenville. Navi planned a steak dinner and so I got some firewood for cooking the steak and for a campfire, which I haven¢t had in awhile. ¢ Um Um!!!!!!¢ what a delicious dinner. The fire was very relaxing and I couldn¢t ask for better company. ¢ Life doesn¢t get any better than this!¢
Date: 2006-08-25
From: campground

To: Maine 15 -campground
Miles today: 0.0

I slept like a log last night. I usually sleep very good, once I put my earplugs in when there is someone else in the shelter. I was on the trail at the usual time, but Rocky and Swamp Fox were waking up as I left.It looks like a nice day brewing, but there is the East Branch Piscataquis River to cross in 1 12 miles. ¢More Fun!¢ It turned out the ford wasn¢t bad at all, even though the water went just above my boots, and I still had to stop and get the water out before continuing on. It was a little chilly this morning when I got up, but it has turned out to be a beautifully clear day. The terrain getting to Monson was about normal, more roots, more rocks, and then a little mud thrown in. Navi was at Maine15 when I came out of the woods. Then we drove to a campground where we would be staying for a few days. I have to say Navi is doing really great with getting the RV hooked up at the campgrounds and also getting the Tracker hooked up to the RV all by herself at times. She is an amazing women, and I am so proud of her, and very lucky to have her supporting me on my hike. There aren¢t many women who would run these logging roads out in the middle of nowhere to find their other half at some road crossing. Our RV site is pretty kool with full hookups. Nice place to zero. Monson is only about 15miles from here, and so we decided we will drive there and to Greenville. Navi planned a steak dinner and so I got some firewood for cooking the steak and for a campfire, which I haven¢t had in awhile. ¢ Um Um!!!!!!¢ what a delicious dinner. The fire was very relaxing and I couldn¢t ask for better company. ¢ Life doesn¢t get any better than this!¢
Date: 2006-08-26
From: Maine 15 -campground

To: campground-RV
Miles today: 0.0

We got up a little late and it didn¢t look like we would make it on time, but lucky for us Dawn & Buddy were still serving breakfast. We met a few more hikers who were finishing their hike, and it turns out we put them on the trail in Dahlonega. We didn¢t remember them, but then we can¢t remember every hiker that went threw the hostel. Once we finished eating, it was time to drive to the road that Buddy gave us directions to. It was a nice drive and at one point we remembered that we were at a road that Keith Shaw senior had dropped us off at for a hike in 2004. That wasn¢t the road we were suppose to be on but we finally made it to the parking area that Buddy suggested. We started up the path to where we saw orange flags that took us to Long Pond Stream. We couldn¢t see where the trail was across the stream so Navi went across and up a hill to see if the trail was there. No luck. We made the decision to go back and find another way. Navi had our GPS but it wasn¢t working out to well, and Navi started to freak out. I knew we were heading in the wright direction, and once Navi calmed down, we were back at the Tracker in no time. By the time we got back, it was about 10am and I decided I wouldn¢t hike today. After thinking more about the directions Buddy & Dawn gave us, we decided to hike up the road until we came to a path that led us up to the trail crossing. It was about 34 of a mile to the crossing. The hike wasn¢t starting out very good so we made a new plan. We went back to the campground for dinner and then drove to the small town of Dover to see a movie called Southbounder. The movie was about a young women starting a thru-hike. She started her hike by planting her face on the ground with her extremely heavy backpack. She did finish her hike, but not as a thru-hike. It was an interesting movie, and it gave a good idea what a thru-hiker will encounter on the AT. It was surprising how many people in the theater were hikers at one time or another. On the drive back we talked about the movie and the reservation we have at Little Lyford Pond Camps, owned by the AMC. I had a little problem with the price to stay there, but it¢s the experience of it that you have to look at. We will also get to hike the Gulf Hagas area which has a 5.2 mile loop hike.
Date: 2006-08-28
From: Little Lyford Pond Camp

To: Cloud Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 9.2

We had a good night for sleeping until that little stove got fired up and it got to hot to keep the blankets on. It must have been one hundred degrees in the cabin. Breakfast wasn¢t till to 8am, so I took a shower, then packed my pack so that after breakfast we could get to the trail at a decent time. The plan is for Navi to pick me up at Long Pond Stream in the morning because I¢m not sure I would make it to my objective on time. I¢ll be doing a short part of the trail over again ,but that¢s okay when you know what to expect. We got to the parking lot and Navi walked with me till it was time for me to make the turn to the trail and head south just before the river. It was about a mile when I got to the Katahdin Iron Works Rd. and croosed it when I saw Some hikers coming towards me. I recognized them as being the hikers Navi and I met at Shaws. They were really surprised to see me, as I was them. We stopped and chatted for a short time and then continued on our hikes. The weather was very good, but at least it wasn¢t raining. The fog was enough to keep me wet most of the time.There were no views till I got to the top of Columbus Mtn. at an elevation of 2,325ft. The fog was so thick that it reminded me of the time I went to Fresno California to see Navi when she had a nursing job for three months. The only thing you could see was the tops of the mountains when flying into the hugh valley. I just had to get a picture of that. I was able to call Navi and tell her I didn¢t think I would make it to Long Pond because I was tired and I still had another 10miles to get there, so I choose to go to Cloud Pond Lean-to for the night. I don¢t know why my energy level was so low, but when your body talks to you, you better listen. It¢s been my experience that your body is usually right. The climb was steady but not bad overall. The fog hung around all day and night. It¢s to bad because it looked to be a very nice area, but right now not worthy of any pictures. It looks like I¢ll be here at Cloud Pond Lean-to by myself for tonight. It has felt like such a long day, I¢m glad it¢s over.
Date: 2006-08-29
From: Cloud Pond Lean-to

To: Katahdin Iron Works
Miles today: 4.0

It was a smart move not to push on yesterday. I had a good night to sleep and I woke up feeling very refreshed and ready to go. It was still to foggy for pictures so I skipped it and started my four mile trek to meet Navi. It was an easy trek and the weather did start to improve. Navi was a little late in getting to the pick up point, but that was okay. When she got there we drove back to the RV park and we started packing up to move by the morning. Tomorrow we will drive back to the gate at the Katahdin Iron Works where Navi will once again drive to the trailhead where I will resume the hike. We had a relaxing afternoon and then drove to a bakery down the road to have a treat and our afternoon coffee. I also bought a few extra treats for the next two days of hiking.We decided that I would hike two days, and on the second day she would meet me at Jo Mary Rd. Tomorrow I head for Logan Brook Lean-to. Today marks two months since I started my 650 grand finale of this amazing journey. What a great afternoon.