morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-09-02
From: Trail to Lake Hebron 

To: ME15
Miles today: 3.3

Today was supposed to be a zero day but I decided to pick up the next three miles without my pack. I will be heading into the 100 mile wilderness tomorrow with a very heavy (7 days of food) pack so I was happy not to have to carry it three additional miles. I wound up hiking about two extra miles as I had trouble finding the trail. I missed the turnoff and eventually found the trail about a half mile south of where I needed to hike. No big deal - what's a few extra miles when you are hiking a few thousand? Anyway, the trail was nice and fairly level but muddy in many spots. It was a beautiful cool and sunny day. While being driven on ME15 I did get to see two moose. They were standing in the middle of the road. Now I want to see one in the wild. The rest of the day was spent getting ready for the next 100 miles. I will be hiking the 100 mile wilderness without resupplying. Meanwhile I am eating well at Shaw's and enjoying my stay. I am heading to bed and hope for a good nigh!ts sleep. Goodnight
Date: 2004-09-03
From: ME15 

To: Long Pond Stream Lean-to
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: scattered clouds

After another fantastic breakfast at Shaw's we headed to the trailhead. I could use a hoist to lift my pack onto my back. I would guess it weighs about 40 pounds. The trail passed a number of ponds at which there were no moose ¢ no surprise about that. The trail was beautifully maintained and laid out. I stopped at the Leeman Brook Lean-to to sign the register and then headed on.Even though there were no big climbs I did have a few nice vistas. Most of the rock through this area was slate. The grain is vertical so it provided excellent traction in spite of my badly worn boots. I stopped to enjoy Little Wilson Falls and then forded Little Wilson Stream. It was the first of many I had to wade across today. While the water level is higher than usual, none were as bad as the crossings of the other day. The Big Wilson Stream was the strongest but was only up to my mid thigh. I bypassed the Wilson Valley Lean-to and continued over some not so recently maintained trail. The trail we!nt up and down continuously for the next few miles. The ups are really tough with the extra weight in my pack. Shortly after fording Long Pond Stream I arrived at the Lean-to. I had wanted to go to the next shelter but I was just too spent. There were a group of college students here but they are tenting. Four other NOBO's arrived and are spending the night. A BIG, BIG milestone passed today - I now have less than 100 miles to go! If all goes well I anticipate finishing on or about September 10th. I will bronze my boots if they make it to Katahdin. I have a big climb first thing tomorrow and need some rest. Goodnight
Date: 2004-09-04
From: Long Pond Stream Lean-to

To: Stealth Campsite near Gulf Hagas Brook 
Miles today: 19.8

It was a long day today. The day started with the climb up Barren Mountain under cloudy and foggy conditions. When I got to the summit you couldn't see the top of the fire tower from the bottom. From that point on it was a matter of climbing up and down all day. I climbed a total of 5250 feet throughout the day. That included the climbs up Fourth, Third, Columbus, and Chairback Mountains. The weather gradually cleared with some nice views toward the end of the day. I took a late lunch at the Chairback Gap Lean-to and decided to continue to the West Branch of the Pleasant River. I intended to camp after fording the river. When I got to the other side there was a sign saying no camping for the next two miles. Duh, you'd think they would put the sign on the other side before you waded across the river. I had less than an hour of daylight but I figured I could do the two miles and stealth camp before dark. I didn't know there would be no level spot within miles. So I wound up nig!ht hiking through mud and roots and rocks. Not something I enjoy doing. After about an hour of hiking in the dark I found a spot that would just fit my tent. It isn't exactly level but I was tired and hungry and figured it would do. I made dinner and am ready for some sleep. It is very chilly - you can see your breath. I have to get into my bag to warm up. Goodnight
Date: 2004-09-05
From: Stealth Campsite near Gulf Hagas Brook 

To: East Branch Lean-to Shelter 
Miles today: 11.8

I wanted to get an early start this morning but it was so cold I just couldn't get my butt out of the sleeping bag. I finally got hiking just before 8AM. It was fortunate that I had found a spot to camp last night as the terrain for the next mile was very rugged. It would have been tough in the dark. When I started hiking there wasn't a cloud in the sky. I was looking forward to the views of Katahdin from Whitecap Mountain. Within an hour the sky was a solid grey and there was no view from Gulf Hagas Mountain. I climbed West Peak, Hay Mountain, and then Whitecap. The summit of Whitecap was breezy and frigid. It was also loaded with day hikers - aka COTTON PEOPLE. I've seen more day hikers in the 100 mile wilderness than all the rest of the AT. Anyway, I met some nice peopletoday and was able to get some info on the Hurricane down in Florida. I did get a partial view of Katahdin. The summit was hidden in the clouds but the mountain still looks quite impressive. I stopped at! the Logan Brook Lean-to and chatted with a SOBO about the next section of trail. He recommended I stop at White House Landing and said I should be able to make it there tomorrow. It will be a 22 mile day but I think I can make it. I continued on to the next shelter and decided to call t a day. I thought I might have the shelter to myself but then four others showed up. While eating my dinner I looked up and saw a moose walking about 150 feet from the shelter. I now know why they poop so much - they are gigantic. I was not able to get a photo as I wasn't keen on chasing an animal ten times my size. So, there really are moose in Maine! I am sure this one wasn't made of cardboard because it was moving its tail. It was a good day today - I saw Katahdin and a moose, and I finished my last big climb until I summit The Big K. Tomorrow I have a 1000 foot climb but that will be over before I break a sweat. It is almost 7PM and I am cuddled up in my bag. It is going to be a cold nig!ht but should be warmer in the shelter than it was in my tent last night. Skies are clear - the clouds moved out as soon as I climbed off the mountain. First thing tomorrow I have to ford the East Branch of the Pleasant River. It will be a chilly start. Oh, and I passed the 2100 mile mark today. No wonder my body is feeling beat and worn out. I'll need a vacation after this hike. Goodnight, pleasant dreams.
Date: 2004-09-07
From: Mahar Tote Road (White House Landing) 

To: Rainbow Springs Campsite
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: clear sky

It was so nice sleeping in a bed last night. Breakfast wasn't served until 8AM so there was no need to get up early. White House Landing is a beautiful place and I am looking forward to going back again someday. After breakfast we loaded into the boat for the trip back to the trail. We didn't have to walk 1.3 miles back to the AT as we were let off about a mile further than where we were picked up. So, we only had to walk a few minutes to get back to the trail. Unfortunately that wasn't until just before 10AM. That is a late start for a day I wanted to put in some miles. My hope was to get within one days hike of The Birches Campsite in Baxter SP. I hiked for a short while with Hobbit. We had a nice chat and it passed the time away rather quickly. She is a fast hiker and it was all I could do to keep up with her. We crossed Tumbledown Dick Stream on a downed tree - like walking a balance beam. Only there was dark murky water below with hidden rocks. It felt good to reach the !other side. It had me wondering what the heck is a "Tumbledown Dick"? Anyway, I passed many beautiful ponds and lakes - some with nice sandy beaches. I stopped at the Wadleigh Stream Lean-to and had lunch and chatted with Hobbit, Hobbs, Tapeworm, and Cotton. After lunch I climbed Nesuntabunt Mountain and had a nice view of Katahdin. The trail that looked so easy on the profile map was turning out to be real tough. There were lots of rocks and roots. And the trail kept going up and down all day.After passing a road I happened to find a can of Pepsi sitting in a stream chilling. It quickly was added to my pack. As I approached Rainbow Springs Lean-to I noticed a hammock set up behind the shelter. I went around to the front of the shelter and there was Hammock Hanger. She had spent the whole day there waiting for me. It was good to see her and I will enjoy her company for the next couple of days. I convinced her to break camp and hike on for another 4 miles. I wanted to stay at a campsite in stead of a shelter. The mosquitoes have been bad and I wanted to use my tent. We knocked off the four miles in about two hours in spite of all the mud and the fact that HH didn't want to get her shoes wet. We set up camp - me in my tent and HH in her hammock. After dinner we walked down to Rainbow Lake and turned off our lights. We sat looking out at the stars for about a half hour. We could see bats flying around looking for bugs to eat. The water was crystal clear. So clear in f!act that HH stepped into the lake when it was time to leave. She saw the pebbles but not the water - and soaked both shoes and socks. At least one of us was laughing. I am inside the tent typing my journal and listening to the constant buzz of the mosquitoes dying to get inside the tent. I can also hear the call of loons back on the lake. I'll listen to them as my eyes roll back in my head. Goodnight
Date: 2004-09-08
From: Rainbow Springs Campsite

To: Katahdin Stream Campsite 
Miles today: 21.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Well I went to sleep with the rain fly off one side of the tent. I was enjoying the breeze and the view of the stars. In the middle of the night Hammock Hanger yelled "Hey LWOP" and I awoke to find it was pouring down rain. She was out fixing her hammock. I had set mine up such that I could just reach outside the tent and pull the fly into position. I wonder how long I would have slept with it raining on me. Anyway, we both got up about 6AM. Since it was still raining we decided to break camp and head 7 miles to the Hurd Brook Lean-to for breakfast. We hiked in on and off rain but did have a nice view of Katahdin from Rainbow Ledges. When we arrived at Hurd Brook the mosquitoes were so bad we didn't linger. At that point we only had a few miles to go to get to Abol Bridge where we could find some food at the camp store. Hammock Hanger had been setting the pace and we covered 11 miles in a little over 4 hours. At the camp store I ordered a double cheeseburger and two hot dogs plu!s a few other goodies. At that point Bea Rogers and my wife (Bonnie) arrived. They knew we would be in sometime today and somehow arrived within minutes of us. HH and I were able to give them our packs and we slacked the remaining ten miles. Bea and Bonnie drove into Baxter Park and planned to hike out to Daicey Pond to meet us again. The view of Katahdin from Abol Bridge was partially blocked by clouds but it was obvious this is a beautiful area. The hike throughout the park was especially nice. The trails were well maintained and followed first the Penobscot River and then the Nesowadnehunk Stream. In spiteof being tired we took the side trails to both the Big and a little Niagara Falls. We met Bea and Bonnie at Daicey Pond and continued on to the campground.The weather for tomorrow calls for a 100 percent chance of heavy rain so we did not register at the Birches Campsite. Instead we stayed at a friends home in Millinocket. We will head back and stay at Baxter tomorrow! night and summit on Friday depending on the weather. But first, a good nights sleep. Goodnight, 5.2 miles to go
Date: 2004-09-09
From: Zero Day Baxter SP

To: Zero Day Baxter SP
Miles today: 0.0

Well, here we are sitting out the remnants of Hurricane Francis. At least one thru-hiker attempted to summit today. He made it to the Table Lands and had to turn back because of strong winds. It has been raining all day and visibility is poor. There are lots of hikers backing up at Baxter waiting for things to improve. With a little luck we may have a chance tomorrow. Right now that too looks unlikely. I don't need a picture perfect day but I also don't want to get three quarters of the way there and have to turn back. So for now I guess I'm on standby - stuck at 5.2 miles to go. Goodnight from somewhere near the invisible mountain called Katahdin.
Date: 2004-09-10
From: Zero Day Baxter SP

To: Zero
Miles today: 0.0

I was up early and headed to Katahdin Springs Campsite just as the park was opening. At the gate we were told "no hiking today above the tree line". We went to the campground and spoke with some of the other hikers. They relayed horror stories from those who had attempted to summit the day earlier. Nobody was making the attempt today so we scratched our plans for today. It was pouring out and very windy. Tomorrow should be better. Goodnight,
Date: 2004-09-11
From: Baxter SP

To: Katahdin!!
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: clear sky

We had been advised by the park rangers that Baxter SP limits the number of vehicles allowed into the park. The park gates open at 5AM but if you are not already in line at that time you may not get in (September weekends are busiest). So, we all set our alarms for 2:30AM. Yes, 2:30AM. Wendy, Bea, Bonnie, and I had to be on the road at 3AM to pick up Hammock Hanger and then get in line at the gate by 4AM. There were already cars waiting - one with a tent set up next to it. There would be a lot of day hikers along with all the thru-hikers who have been waiting for three days to be able to summit. There wasn't a cloud in the sky and temps were brisk - an absolutely perfect day for hiking. We hit the trail shortly before 6. Bonnie, Wendy, HH, and I would be hiking together so the pace would be considerably slower than usual. The first mile was very gently graded. We passed Katahdin Stream Falls. Soon we were passed by Mad Hatter, Dharma, Flora, Fauna, and a few other thru-hiker! After about a mile the trail became a rock scramble with the rocks gradually becoming bigger and bigger. Eventually they were the size of trucks. Since the trail was designed and maintained primarily for COTTON PEOPLE I found the climb to be fairly easy. But then again, the excitement of finishing today had me pumped. Bonnie (my wife) had not ever attempted such a hike but was doing quite well. She had been working out and using the treadmill for the last six months in preparation for this hike. There were sections where rebar was installed so you could reach up and pull yourself up the rocks. This type of (hiking?) scramble went on for miles as we climbed over 4000 feet. Wendy packed it in with about two miles to go. Bonnie did great until about the last half mile but with determination managed to get to the top (Just maybe she has some thru-hiker blood in her veins). Hammock Hanger and I were so pumped we could have jogged the last mile. All the way up we had breath taking views of the surrounding mountains, ponds, and lakes. There were a few puffy clouds, which we eventually climbed above. At the Table Lands we had a short reprieve from climbing. It is a fairly level area above tree line and is about a mile long. By this time there was a line of hikers snaking their way along the trail. Every few minutes we could hear a cheer as another thru-hiker reached the summit and touched the sign indicating such. It gave me goose bumps each time I heard that cheer. Hammock Hanger waited for me but I indicated that she should reach the sign first. She had been at this for three tough years. A loud cheer erupted. They cheered and urged me to head for the sign. It was an exciting moment as I reached out and touched those simple weathered pieces of wood with the words "KATAHDIN - NORTHERN TERMINUS OF THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL". I stood behind the sign, let out a yell, and at the top of my lungs announced "MY NAME IS LWOP. I HIKED FROM GEORGIA TO MAINE!" The end of my six-month adventure and the hard earned fulfillment of a life!long dream. Goodnight, dream BIG, never say "I can't",Lwop
Date: 2004-09-22
To: Home in South Florida
Miles today: 0.0

I just wanted to let everyone know that I have returned home. Everything was intact inspite of hurricane Francis. I have three large boxes of mail to sort through and lots of things to catch up on. I have started to sort through my photos - and there are almost 3000 of them. The better ones will be added to this journal. The drive home was long but we made a few enjoyable stops along the way. We did the Flume in Franconia Notch, Acadia NP, toured a bread factory in Vermont, and visited Harpers Ferry. While in Pa we got blasted by the remnents of hurricane Ivan - part of which turned around and followed us back to Florida. The reports I've received about damage to the Florida Trail indicate that I will be busy for months helping to get the trail opened again. Hey, what the heck, its good training for the Whites...I will be posting more photos and entries as time permits. Thanks to all who have been a part of this adventure. Happy trails,Lwop
Date: 2003-12-02
To: Springer mt.
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Just decided to keep a trail journal on line. I am not good at computers but this site is so interesting that I thoutht I would join in. I am preparing/planning a south-bound hikt of the A.T. starting in late May or early June of 2004. I will be retiring from my job in March of 2004 and I want to hike the A.T. before I get involved in anything else. I have been purchasing geare since January of this year, I couldn't get it all at once (too expensive) so I have been buying along. I have been thinking about this walk for a couple of years but as a thur-hike only about 18 months. I have been so excided about this hike for many months. I started walking 6 miles a day with my pack about 10 months ago trying to get myself in physical shape for this walk. I sometimes think I started preparing too early as time goes on. I am 60 years old and will be 61 when I start my walk from Katahdin next spring. as Christmas approches, and we prepair to celebrate the birth of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ I am geeting more excided about just walking and enjoying the beauty of His creation. I have a lot of planning yet to do and plan to check out others entries to help me with this planning/prepairing stage of my adventure. Will be updating as planning progresses.Macchaeus
Date: 2003-12-03
To: Still planning 
Miles today: 0.0

After reading more Journal entries from others who plan to hike in 2004 I continue to learn things which I need to do. I purchased a digital camera for the trip and realize I now have to learn how to effectivally use it. Transferring pictures from camera to something which I can send home at times. I can't even upload a photo for the Journal. Who would have thought that it would be this much technology involved in hiking the A.T.. Well, I have a few months (6)to learn how to do all of this. My trail name (Macchaeus) where did that come from you may ask (or you may not) anyway. I was hiking once and got ahead of my Wife and her sister and brother in-lay. I was on a trail beside a lake and there was a Sycomore tree there. I clmbed the tree to wait for the rest of the group where I could see further. When my Wife's brother in-law saw me there he called me Macchaeus for like Zacchaeus in the Bible (Luke 19-4) I had climbed a Sycomore Tree (also like Zacchaeus I was just a sinneer saved by grace). Since this was the first name I received on a trail I decided to use this as my trail name. Does that make sence? It does to me anyway. As I continue to plan and wonder if I am doing that right. I get excited about the adventure and all I will see and expeiance. It's cold here (Holly Springs, NC.)today and I hate cold weather. I know there will be days like this and worse on the Trail. How will I handle those days and even worse, when they are accompied with rain? Oh so much to do and learn will I be ready in May? Is anyone else out there like this or am I the only one with these thoughts? I am just doing the best I can and trusting God for the rest. I want to do this for many reasons, but #1 is to see God's creation up close and in some places unspoiled. I fear things like Snakes, Bears, Ticks and outhe unknown dangers along the trail, but I want to do this enought to accept these unknowns and dangers. I will meet many of you along the trail and possibly walk for a while with you and this I look forward to. I must go now I'll add more thoughts later.Macchaeus(Mack Spainhour)
Date: 2003-12-04
To: More thoughts
Miles today: 0.0

Today is one of those days when you start wondering how to deal with cold, rainy, drearry, messy days. It is such a day here in Holly Springs, NC. 32 deg. with rain. I hate cold weather and this will be one of the hardest things to deal with on the Trail next year for me. As I continue to read other journals I get even more excited about the journey. I talked to my friend last night about the walk. We discussed the upcoming talk at R.E.I. by a SOBO thru hiker who compleated the trail. We hope to pick up some tips from the talk. We went to one back in Feb. Or March of this year. I am doing everything I can think of to gain info. on backpacking. I want to be well prepaired for this expedition. I enjoy the feedback I have gotten from some who are reading my journal. The comments from you all help with the planning and the antisipation of this journey. Only 6 more months untill I head to Katahdin to start the trip of a lifetime.More later as the planning/prepairing continues
Date: 2003-12-05
To: Short hike
Miles today: 0.0

I took a short (5 Mile) hike yesterday in the cold rain. Decided I might as well get used to it, I know there will be days of this on the trail. Tried the layering principal for dressing. Naylon walking shorts and shirt, Poly. Pants and Shirt and wind suit worked good didn't get cold did sweet though even in cold rain. Felt good when I got back. My pack didn't ride as good as usual, must have been a wrinkle or maybe the tripple layer of waste band elastic from the three layers of cloths. My pack weights 44 lb. now and I am trying to find where I can shave some whight. That weight is counting 7 days (14 lb.) of food. It doesn't allow for things like tooth brush and past or soap and first aid kit. I may have to carry less clotes and less food. Have I mentioned my family, My wife is so wonderfull. She is so supportave of me doing this, I couldn't think about this kind of trip without her support. She will join me on the trail some and walk with me. She can't retire yet, if she could she would be doing the whole trail with me. The rest of my family (Father Mother Brother and Sister) well they may think I'am an nut, they haven't said that but they just don't understand why I want to walk 2,172 miles not counting the miles into and out of Towns. I hope they will accept the fact that I'll be gone for 5-6 months and a lot can happen in 6 months. My mom and dad are not doing as well as I would like and I hate to leave them in bad health but the timing is right for me while I am still in good health. I fell I must do this now before I get involved in other things after retirement. I know God will work it all out and protect my family while I am gone He has never let me down.Hey, I enjoy hearing from you who are reading my plans and appriciate all the helpfull advice I am receiving especially Lopaka's tips on how to upload photos thanks Lopaka. I am looking forward to seeing some of you next year as out paths cross whether heading South or North. The ones who are leaving from Katahdin, I guess we'll be walking a little ahead or behind each other the whole way. Untill laterMacchaeus