morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-09-04
From: Beamis Mountain Lean-to

To: Rangeley, ME
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: clear sky

Today was relatively flat, a few smaller climbs but nothing major. But the mid and roots did slow me up. I manged to reach Hwy 17 as Pine Ellis was dropping off two hikers. I decided against trying to get a ride back to Andover, ME for my packages and instead forwarding them ahead to Stratton, ME. I just hope I get some cell phone reception later today. I kept going at a decent pace and reached the Sabbath Day Pond Lean-to for my first lunch and then to little Swift River Pond Campsite shortly after noon. I did not want to stop so early so I pushed into town.Mrs. Focus was waiting in the parking area and gave me a ride into town. I stopped by the ¢outfitter¢ but it was more of a tourist shop so I called Leki and set up to try and get another piece mailed to me. I still haven¢t received the other one though. Worse case scenario I will just get them fixed when I get home. In town I ate a first dinner at a Thai restaurant but the portion was very small so I went over to Sarge¢s Sports Pub for a second dinner. Burger, fries and a pizza. Not the quickest service here, but it sure beats instant potatoes. That was the only thing I had left in my food bag.Staying tonight with Bob at the Gull Pond Lodge. This place is great. I wish the weather was better, I want to go for a swim in the pond or take one of the canoes out. Oh-well, instead I sit with my foot in a bath of Epsom salt and rest.
Date: 2007-09-05
From: Rangeley, ME

To: Rangeley, ME
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Zero day today in Rangeley, ME. I stopped at the IGA for my resupply and then got a haircut from a lady in town. I tried getting an update up in the library but the internet connection wasn¢t working so I headed back to the Gull Pong Lodge. I am really enjoying this place. Rebel and Snackbreak came in to join me tonight.
Date: 2007-09-06
From: Rangeley, ME

To: Spaulding Mountain Lean-to
Miles today: 18.7

Not a bad start today. I paced myself with Rebel and Snackbreak and we made good time. This got me to Poplar Ridge Lean-to for lunch and then it was a push on to Spaulding Mountain Lean-to for the night. The place is very busy. 4 SOBO and a bunch of NOBOs. I ended up setting my tent up in the woods behind the lean-to. The tent sites were not ideal but I found one where I fit. Alpine and Pony were arguing over her not wanting to set up her hammock and her joining him in his one person tent. I wanted to let her know she was always welcome in mine, it is still a one person, but a bit bigger than Alpine¢s tent. But I thought that my offer would not be well received by Alpine so I left it alone and went back to my tent for the night.
Date: 2007-09-07
From: Spaulding Mountain Lean-to

To: Stratton, ME
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: few clouds

Today was up and over Spaulding Mountain and then Crocker Mountain. The climb over Crocker Mountain seemed a lot longer than it actually was. The day got hot early. But I was still done and by the highway by early afternoon. Got into town and took care of my mail drops. They had arrived in time, so I took what I needed and mailed the rest home along with some other things from my pack. I kept too much, because my pack weighs a ton.Staying at the White Wolf Inn tonight. I want to be over at the Stratton Motel with Pony and Alpine but I have my bed free here because another hiker is treating. So I can¢t turn it down. Real nice guy. Had a real good lunch downstairs when I first got here and then had the fish fry later for dinner. They were proud of its size, so it was if you can eat the whole first plate you get a second free. So me and Rebel made sure to get the second plate down too. (though I did have some fries left over) Less that 200 miles to go, its getting exciting.
Date: 2007-09-08
From: Stratton, ME

To: Stratton, ME
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Zero day in Stratton, ME. I moved over to the Stratton Motel to join my friends. Also coming to the motel tonight is Signage, BBoogie, Flying Turtle, and Marco Solo. I don¢t really need to justify this zero day, but it is extremely hot and humid today. It is suppose to cool off tomorrow. And Pony isn¢t feeling well, so they are zeroing too.
Date: 2007-09-09
From: Stratton, ME

To: Little Bigelow Lean-to
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: overcast clouds

A late start out of Stratton, ME than I normally like but you take what you can get. Today is the Bigelows. The hiking wasn¢t bad at all up to the first shelter (Horns Pond Lean-to). I expect this is where Pony and Alpine will be stopping, she still wasn¢t feeling well. Shortly after I left the shelter it started to rain. It wasn¢t bad at first at east not too bad for the first 2 peaks. After the Avery Peak of Bigelow Mountain it really started coming down hard. I was pretty saturated by the time I reached Safford Notch. This brought me to Little Bigelow Mountain. This climb and the following descent took forever. For awhile I didn¢t expect to ever get there. But I pulled in cold and soaked. Tennessee Jed, Byte Code, Church mouse and Focus were all inside. Unfortunately being the last one in doesn¢t give me choice of space so I got the spot near the leak in the roof. They had placed a bucket under the leak so it wasn¢t getting the floor wet. But oh-well ¢¦ we are past 2000 miles!
Date: 2007-09-10
From: Little Bigelow Lean-to

To: Pierce Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: overcast clouds

The weather doesn¢t know what it wants to do. When we got down to Flagstaff Rd there was amazing trail magic. Good food, games and company. And a fire to warm up/dry out by. Ate and played a couple games of washers (similar to horse shoes). When the sun came out it was time to hike on. A long relatively flat day, but flat but not clear. Plenty of wet rocks and roots made the going slower.At East Carry Pond the sun was shining and it was warm so we (Diamo, Larry, Brew and myself) went for a swim, or really just a dip in the pond. So lately been hiking with this group and finally got to meet focus. So although I miss hiking with Pony and Alpine, I like this group. Tonight it is in at Pierce Pond Lean-to. Tomorrow is breakfast at harrison¢s Camp and then across the Kennebec River.
Date: 2007-09-12
From: Northern Outdoors Resort

To: Moxie Bald Lean-to
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Late start and a small threat of rain in the morning. But it turned out to be a beautiful day. The hiking wasn't bad either. I just kept going and let the miles roll by.The view from the top of Moxie Bald Mtn was breath taking. Another spot I want to come back to someday with friends. Staying at the Moxie Bald Shelter tonight. Tomorrow ... MONSON, ME the last town!
Date: 2007-09-13
From: Moxie Bald Lean-to

To: Monson, ME
Miles today: 17.9
Weather: few clouds

Up real early, watched the sunrise before I started hiking towards Monson. Had our first real ford today. Crossing the west branch of the Piscataquis River. Not hard, shallow water that wasn't moving that fast, just had to get your legs wet. I also saw my first moose today. It was crossing a stream that I was about to cross. I moved out of his way and let him cross and move on his way before I crossed. I didn't even get a picture. He caught me off guard.Rolled into Monson for lunch. Checked into Shaw's and picked up my package from Tau. It was full of goodies. And great homemade cookies. (which I shared)I then proceeded to buy too much food. Oh-well, I'll eat a lot the first couple days. It should be about empty by the time I reach Katahdin. A group is building up for the hiker feed coming up this weekend. I am not staying, I just want to reach Katahdin.
Date: 2007-09-14
From: Monson, ME

To: Long Pond Stream Lean-to
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: clear sky

Had Shaw's Breakfast and then got moving again. Had another good ford today across the big wilson stream. It was the biggest one on the trail (not counting the ferry). I am definitly feeling the weight of this pack. I've been eating all my heavy snacks first and my bulky dinners as well. After tomorrow night it should be back down to a good weight and bulk.Decided to stop early today at the Long Pond Stream Lean-to. My feet have really been bothering me lately. I just keep telling myself ... Less than 100 miles to go. I am shocked that I have the place to myself tonight. I guess everybody else is staying in Monson tonight.
Date: 2007-09-15
From: Long Pond Stream Lean-to

To: Carl A Newhall Lean-to
Miles today: 20.8
Weather: light rain

Wet day. By the time I reacehd the top of Barren Mtn it was coming down steadily. It was a pretty cold, wet day for hiking. But overall not bad. By the time I crossed the West branch of the Pleasant River it had started clearing up and the trail was nice. However it was getting late so no enjoying it. I made it into the Car Newhall lean-to for the night just before dark. It was crowded but they made room for one more.Slid on a wet root between the river and the lean-to and finished off my already broken trekking pole. My right one is now in 5 pieces. Oh-well. Gonna go without them now and just have them fixed when I get home.
Date: 2007-09-16
From: Carl A Newhall Lean-to

To: Cooper Brook Falls lean-to
Miles today: 18.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Cool, but beautiful day. I got to finally see Katahdin, at least the base, that top was in clouds. This was from the top of White Cap Mountain. Then it was a short easy hike for awhile. I wouldn't have believed you if you told me but it even got easier. Awesome section of trail. Rolled into Cooper Brook Falls lean-to relatively early but its an awesome spot for the night. It has some nice falls and an amazing swimming hole. If it wasn't so cold I would go jump in. Its another full shelter tonight ... I can tell we are all ready to finish.
Date: 2007-09-17
From: Cooper Brook Falls lean-to

To: Wadleigh Stream lean-to
Miles today: 21.5
Weather: few clouds

Another day of easy hiking. The trail has been just unbelievable. Stopped in at White House landing. This was a mistake. I missed the lunch and was treated poorly. My recomendation to you is to skip this place. It is expensive, and Bill (?)is a very unfriendly man.Then from there it was more easy hiking. I past so many amazing camping sites that are along the lakes and beaches but decided to set myself up for a good day tomorrow. I want to reach the Abol Bridge Campground tomorrow. I don't want this beautiful weather to pass before I finish.In with just pooch, duley and roxie tonight.
Date: 2007-09-18
From: Wadleigh Stream lean-to

To: Abol Bridge Campground
Miles today: 23.1
Weather: clear sky

Up relatively early. The climbs weren't bad at all but I've been feeling them since it has been flat for so long. I really enjoyed being up on the Rainbow Ledges. There is a good view of Katahdin and full cell phone service. I was able to set up my ride for after I finish the trail and get everything figured out. I then hiked on down to Abol Bridge Campground. Had some microwaved food (which was high in fat and calories). Its the type of food you would get out of one of those wheel of death machines that they have.Another place where hikers are stacking up. Waiting for friends, family, weather (not for us but Im sure others do) and whatnot. After a few rounds of beer its time for bed. It may be a long day tomorrow if I push on for the finish. It depends on the time I get to Katahdin Stream Campground and how I'm feeling.The view of Katahdin from this campground is good. The ground isn't so flat though. Oh-well right now I will take almost anything.
Date: 2007-09-19
From: Abol Bridge Campground

To: Katahdin
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: clear sky

Up early, but not moving. The group in the tentsites next to mine made us all pancakes for breakfast. Then I got moving. Made great time getting over to Katahdin Stream Campground so I picked up a daypack and started running up Katahdin. I was so excited about being there I nearly ran the whole way to the top. And although I started several miles behind the summiting group of the day I managed to get up there for a group photo before people started hiking back down. It was a beautiful day: Sunny, clear, 60 degrees with a light wind. The views were BEAUTIFUL! Such a great ending to such an awesome journey. I do not really want to give up trail life. Its been so much fun, but I am also ready to head home and start preparing for whats next. Which, I am not sure what it will be, so we will see.Thank you to everybody who helped me along the way, who gave me encouraging comments on my guestbook and who I've met. But mostly Thank you to all the other hikers I met/hiked with on the trail. You are the people who really made this journey special. It would not have been the same without such a great group. Stay in touch.
Date: 2007-05-09
From: Springer Mountain

To: Hawk Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.6
Weather: few clouds

Today was my first official day on the Appalachian Trail. I woke up at 6:30, with the sunrise, and immediately got to work. I cooked some oatmeal, which I never knew could taste so good; I used the privy; found the water source and purified a Nalgene bottle's worth (my Camelback had been filled the previous day); broke down my tent; and loaded my backpack. I was now ready to begin hiking the Appalachian Trail!I walked to the peak of Springer Mountain, to the official starting point, and had Roger---ManySleeps, the caretaker for Springer---take some pictures of me (I arrived on Springer the previous evening, at the end of a glorious sunset, from USFS Road 42).I walked only 7.5-miles over rugged mountain terrain {edit: looking back, it was quite easy; my ass got kicked 'cause I wasn't in shape!}. It was such a joy to be out there. That's not to say it was easy! Much of it was pretty intense, especially with my not being great hiking shape.I didn't drink enough water at the start, as my piss looked like Gatorade. All in all, I ended up consuming over 1-gallon of water, making my urine transparently clear before the end of the day.Tomorrow, I hike at least another 7-or-so-miles. Over the course of the next 10-days, I want---need!---to up my daily mileage, hopefully on a semi-daily basis.I didn't do well taking care of my feet today. I used Moleskin for my first time, but I put it on too late, at Stover Creek Shelter. I had someone explain Moleskin philosophy to me today, so I know when to put it on!Before going to to bed, several rabbits sprang out of the woods, cahsing each other. Being out in the wild is a splendiferous experience so far, and I wholeheartedly look forward to tomorrow!
Date: 2007-05-10
From: Hawk Mountain Shelter

To: Gooch Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Another short day was in line, being my second of many more to come. I thought the previous day was hard---due to my not being shape, I'm quite sure. Today, however, covered two mountains which proved to be rather difficult to manuever over: Sassafrass and Justus. Each had seemingly unending steep ups, rocky, too, to be sure!But, I can't focus on the "negative", though; as that's not my experience! Sure, the two climbs were tough-as-nails, but I approach difficult tasks in life with the mentality that doing it will result in my being a better person. So, persevere I do! The forest has been beautiful, with occassional vistas, providing spectacular sweeping vistas of the North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains.I met Sagbutt this morning as I was leaving Hawk Mountain Shelter. I awoke to discover that a mouse ate half of the mouthpiece on my Camelback. I filled it to the brim, put it in the pouch in my backpack, and began loading my gear... only realize that the Camelback is pressurized, resulting in half of the water spewing out! So, I'm delayed as I must refill it again, and rig the Camelback from the outside of my pack, so the gear doesn't force the water out. At Gooch, where a number of us stop for the day, Sagbutt takes a look at my bladder and the moutpiece, and shows me that there is an on/off-valve! What a doofus, I am!Rain is rumored for the night, so I sleep in the shelter, taking the top-level, as there were less mouse-droppings up there. After 5-miles tomorrow, we'll be reaching Woody Gap, where a number of hikers I met yesterday will be getting off: Dave, John, and Jan and Vick (husband and wife duo). So, most of us stay up a little later, just to hang out as who knows if we'll ever see each other again?
Date: 2007-05-16
From: Dicks Creek Gap/Hiawasee Inn

To: Hiawasee Inn
Miles today: 0.0

Today, I opt for a zero-day to give my blisters an opportunity to heal. God bless Ron, the owner of the Hiawasee Inn, for the Epsom Salt!I'm a devout Catholic, and to the best of my ability, I am trying to make it to Mass while on the Trail. Last weekend, on Saturday, I was at Neels Gap for the night, and I pushed out of there on Sunday morning. The closest Catholic Church that I could find was 30-45 minutes away, a distance I wasn't about to try hitchhiking. In Hiawassee, the same Catholic Church is 10-15 minutes away! Ron graciously lets me borrow his van to attend a morning Mass, to "make up" for my absence the previous weekend. Before doing so, I drive Sagbutt to the Trail up at Dicks Creek Gap, then push of to Saint Francis of Assissi Catholic Church in Young Harris.I know I've only been on the Trail for a short time, seven-days to be precise, and yet I'm already "in the swing of things" such where not hiking today feels weird, unnatural. Nonetheless, I try to make the best of things, reasoning with myself that my feet will feel all the better tomorrow when I head back out to the Trail if I let these blisters heal over some. Despite this healthy mentality, I can't wait to get back to the Trail! I absolutely love hiking the Appalachian Trail!
Date: 2007-05-18
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

To: Big Spring Shelter
Miles today: 19.3
Weather: clear sky

Thanks to my learning how to stretch my hamstrings, my knees feel much better this morning, and I feel like seeing what big miles feel like! I have an open schedule, so I'm not really committed to anything just yet, as I'm still getting into good shape. The end of today will mark one-week of hiking!After the descent to Deep Gap begins the climb up Standing Indian Mountain, the first mountain to exceed 5,000'. I expect a killer climb, but am proven wrong! So far, this is eaily the easiest climb on the Trail! The elevation gain is about the same as that of the climb out of Bly Gap, but in twice the distance!Somewhere along the Trail, at a creek crossing, I meet Blake, from Louisiana (well, that's where he's going to graduate school, he tells me). He's hiking to the Nantahala Outdoor Center, where he has several friends employed. He then plans to kayak and hang out for a little while before going back to school.I reach Carter Gap Shelter, 12.5-miles into my hike, and I still feel great. I use the privy, and check the register. I look in Wingfoot, and see that it's 6.8-miles to the next shelter, where I'd like to sleep for the night, which includes two killer climbs, Albert Mountain notably! I know this will be a long day, and that I will be completely exhausted upon finishing, so I cook my dinner here so I can go straight to bed when I get to camp tonight!Almost 2-miles North of here, I meet Blake again, at a beautiful vista reading a book. He must've passed me while I was in the privy! I think he thinks I'm nuts for shooting for 19.3-miles in my first week, especially with the infamously steep climb up Albert!The climb up Big Butt Mountain has several severely steep sections, albeit QUITE short. The views from the ridgeline are breathtaking! I know Albert Mountain is next, which, according to my book, is a 500' climb in .3-miles! I cross the USFS Road, and there begins the steep log steps up the face of Albert. I pray to God that it's not log steps the entire way up, and I then reach a series of vertical rock walls. I wonder if this is really the Trail, and I look up to see a white blaze! Awesome!Up I climb, hand over hand, taking it slowly (how else can one handle a climb like this, other than slowly?). I enjoy the challenge, and meet it with a smile. After the rock walls, I am introduced to steep slabs of rock, much like on Blood Mountain. Through the trees, I can see the firetower, so I know I'm near the top! The views up here are some of the most amazing, but I'm so tired, I don't even think of taking any pictures! What a pity! I'll need to go climb Albert again, if nothing else to take some pictures!.6-miles more until the shelter, my book says, and I can't wait; I'm COMPLETELY exhausted! I reach the shelter, and meet Keith, a friendly guy from Kansas! I climb into the shelter, and pass out, exhausted from my first "big-mile" day, and pleased that I have been able to do it!
Date: 2007-05-19
From: Big Spring Shelter

To: Winding Stair Gap/Franklin Motel
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: clear sky

The day is Saturday, and I know Hwy 64 is just over 9-miles North at Winding Stair Gap, leading to Franklin, a town I have been through and stayed in several times. Keith is out before me, and I catch up with him maybe a quarter-mile before the highway. We have a friendly chat about Scripture and Eastern Orthodoxy. I go to an Eastern Catholic Church, which is 99% identical to Eastern Orthodox. Apparently, Keith has several close friends back home who are Orthodox. Keith says, "Who knows, maybe I'll convert some day."The descent to Winding Stair Gap is fairly easy, and we make great time. Keith presses on, and I stay at the highway to try my luck at hitchhiking again. It isn't as easy as it was at Dicks Creek Gap; but, within 20-minutes a gentleman from Murphy, and on his way to visit his girlfriend in Asheville, gives me a ride. He loves the Trail, and drives this route, he says, hoping to be able to give hikers rides into town. He hopes to hike the A.T. sometime, but just hasn't been able to afford taking off ample time to thru-hike!He drops me off at the Franklin Motel, where I'm treated to a $10 discount since I'm a hiker. The receptionist says, "I tried doing just a day-hike one time, and that was so damn hard! I have so much respect for you hikers!"I do my laundry, and decide to go to Ingles to replenish my food supply. On the way, I meet the fabled family from Scotland! I'd been told about them, and I was always under the impression that they were at least 2-days ahead of me! You have the father, daughter and her boyfriend, and son and his friend (the friends are back at camp). We do our shopping together, and I am thrilled to have met them, as I have much Scottish heritage in my family (our last name is Muir).I ask the receptionist at the hotel about an area Catholic Church, and it turns out there's another Saint Francis of Assissi within walking distance of the hotel. I enter the Church, and hear an elderly lady behind me say, "I bet he's a hiker! Look at that beard!"After Mass, which is beautifully Orthodox, I'm invited to a coffee "hour". It turns out to be a full dinner, and a priest gives a talk on beauty. It turns out I've met this priest in Augusta, GA before, and he's good friends with some of my good friends. I'm the lone Eastern Catholic, so he asks me for my perspective several times during his talk, which is flattering! He quotes one of my favorite novels, "The Idiot" by Fyodor Dostoyevski, as saying, "Beauty can save the world."A lady I meet at the Church, and also good friends with mine back home in Augusta, gives me a ride back to my hotel, where I pass out exhausted in my nice, comfortable bed. Tomorrow, I want to shoot for 21-miles!