morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-06-27
To: Still Getting Ready...
Miles today: 0.0

The last week and a half until we leave and plenty to do! Our gear is all set and ready to pack. Need to assemble our food drops this weekend. Tomorrow is my last day of work, Saturday is Pixie's. Well, that's all for now. Kind of an obligitory post, I think it takes three "prep" entries to have our journals posted.~Led Steppelin
Date: 2013-07-04
To: Food Prep Galore!
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Got our schedule of miles, meals and stops through ME and into NH. We'll see if we can stick to it! For now, it's on to more food bags and preparation. I never thought we would need so much stuff until the piles started becoming mini mountains themselves! We are going to try and get to the movies either today or tomorrow...need a break. Been having a sick stomach, oh, the nerves! But, Led Steppelin and I are troopers and definitely do not want to go hungry. So, onward we will press, package, scoop and seal. One more day closer to departure date. Exciting, nervewracking, overwhelming...breathe. Ahhhhhhh. Happy 4th of July!~ Pixie
Date: 2013-07-08
To: Made it to Maine
Miles today: 0.0

Not a bad day of travel. Out of the house by 6:15 am and made it to the Appalachian Trail Lodge by 8pm.   Interesting small town. It seems like a main source of transportation in town is by ATV.   We walked around the block to stretch our legs now its time to go to sleep. Another early start tomorrow. We both got our first Maine mosquito bites, civil town skeeters, the ones in the next few days will really be nasty.
Date: 2013-07-09
From: Baxter State Park

To: Mount Katahdin
Miles today: 5.2

We left the Appalachian Trail lodge around 7:30 am for Baxter State Park. We debated whether we should climb Mt Katahdin today or tomorrow. We were both nervous!  By 9 we convinced each other we were ready. Up we climbed. It started out as a nice woods hike, constantly uphill. Before long we came to a small clearing that gave us a view like we have never seen. We took advantage of a nice the spot and had a snack. The view was so amazing we were slow to continue. After another hour of climbing up we got to a section that you needed to pull yourself up and over rocks. Some of the rocks had rebar inserted into the rock to help pull yourself up.   We got through this section without any issues. Next we got to a spot that looked like it went straight up!!   So straight up we climbed.   Once we got to the plateau before Baxter Peak clouds started to roll in. It did not look too bad so we continued on to finish the climb and reach the peak.   We reached the summit by 2:30. Wow!!!! Amazing!  With the clouds continuing to build we decided to head down. On the way up we stopped at every view on the way down we just hiked down and down. About five hours up and about three and a half hours down.   Then we settled into our campsite which had a small lean-to. Other than the persistent mosquitoes we enjoyed the spot. Other than the overall beauty of the climb one thing that surprised us both was the diversity of people hiking.   We saw groups of teenagers, a few people well into their upper hiking years and a man with his young son who was maybe ten years old. We can't believe we did it! One of the hardest things Pixie has ever done, both mentally and physically. Hurrah!!!
Date: 2013-07-10
From: Baxter State Park

To: Baxter State Park
Miles today: 0.0

On Wednesday we decided to spend the day at our campsite at Baxter State Park.   Our second day of a long distance hike and we took the day off!   We were surprisingly not sore, just tired...and majorly relieved that this monumental climb had been successfully completed, all body parts intact! The month before leaving was extremely busy and a bit stressful so a day to relax was much needed and well deserved. No checking on the food in the dehydrator, no going over gear lists and finally done with all the planning. It was a nice day, we even enjoyed an afternoon nap. We walked around the park a little bit, prepared dinner and went to bed early ready to head out for our first true day of hiking the AT.
Date: 2013-07-11
From: Baxter State Park

To: Hurd Brook Lean-to
Miles today: 13.4

Thursday we were up and hiking by seven. The forest floors in Maine are covered with pine tree roots. These twisted roots covering the ground looked like narley fingers waiting to grab you and pull you into the forest floor. Straight out of some horror flick. On we continued, the roots did not come to life as if a witch cast a spell but they sure did trip us up. The walk followed a river where we saw a group rafting. It looked like they were having a great time!   The only problem we had were the mosquitoes. We had bug nets on our heads for most of the day. When we were ready for lunch we had to quickly set up our tent for relief from the biting little bastards. After lunch we made good time and stopped at the Abol Bridge Campstore and had ice cream cones. It was a neat little store that reminded me of some isolated outpost. We sat and enjoyed our delicious treats while talking to a group of four northbound thru hikers. Nice guys who seemed anxious to end their hike. It was neat as we at the extreme opposites of our hikes, they were just ending, we were just starting. We said good bye and wished each other well and continued on to Hurd Brook Lean To. The spot had a lot of people!   I was ready to press on but Pixie wanted to stop and we agreed that was the best idea. We searched the area for a spot to pitch our tent and found a spot away from most of the other people. Thirty yards away was a beautiful mountain pond where we sat and enjoyed the view and peace.    Early to bed for an early start the next morning, this quickly turned into our routine. Bed by eight thirty, up by five thirty and hiking by seven.   Our timing is getting a little faster each day.
Date: 2013-07-12
From: Hurd Brook Lean-to

To: Rainbow Stream Lean-to
Miles today: 11.5

Friday. Nice walking today.  We could tell it was going to be HOT!   The forecast was for temps in the 90s and that is where the temp stayed for the next 5 days! The heat slowed us down and we needed to drink a lot of water. Not a big deal when you can turn on a faucet or open the fridge for water, having to filter or treat the water with Aquamira makes it a tedious and time-consuming task. We stopped at Rainbow Lake campsite for lunch and enjoyed a nice swim in the lake's chilly water. It felt soooo good! It was great a remote mountain lake with beautiful views and no one in sight. Soon we needed to continue walking as we had some more miles to hike before stopping for the day. I got a bite on my ankle that was very painful. I assume it was a bee sting, it bothered me the rest of the day into the next day.
Date: 2013-07-13
From: Rainbow Stream Lean To

To: Nahmakanta Campsite
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: broken clouds

What a day!   Long and harder than we expected.   We thought today would be an easy day, but no luck. Slow climb first thing in the morning. Already very hot. The roots, rocks and mud bogs continue. We both got a little grumpy at the end of the day, the last mile and a half was tough.
Date: 2013-07-14
From: Nahmakanta Campsite

To: Cooper Brook Lean-to
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: light rain

Woke up to another beautiful day, already feeling the heat and humidity. Forded a couple of streams but they were not too bad. Talked to a northbounder named Old School from Pittsburgh.   He knew some people from Lititz, small world. We both stink and we are ready for a shower, five more days!   Bandana wipe downs will have to do for now. Gosh, how good would a huge cheesesteak and a heaping of fresh cut fries taste right about now? Ahhhhh, so freakin excellent!!!!!
Date: 2013-07-15
From: Cooper Brook Lean-to

To: Logan Brook Lean-to
Miles today: 11.7

Picked up our first food drop left in the woods by Ole Man, the dude from the AT Trail Lodge. He gave us detailed instructions on where to go and how to find our blue bucket of joy. We crossed a really cool looking beaver dam and caught a much needed breeze on another muggy day. Ahh, nature's a/c! Chowed down at a gorgeous location called Antlers campsite right on the water. It had the first dual privy just in case you wanted to potty with a friend. LOL And, this privy had a nice big friend waiting when you lifted the lid...a giant spider! Could have been quite the pain in the ass! And we finally completed the day with a hellacious partial climb up White Cap Mt. Crabbiness ensued. Terrific cold spring to wash away the nastiness we were feeling up to that point.
Date: 2013-07-16
From: Logan Brook Lean-to

To: West Branch River Campsite
Miles today: 12.8

Thinking of new trail names...Bullfrog for G since he belches often and it sounds like it is coming from a pond down below. Pigpen for C since the flies really like her and she usually has a cloud of them swarming her head at any given time (I know Pigpen is clouded by dirt, but that works as well). Hot and heavy mt climbing today. Continued up the largest mt in the 100 mile stretch, White Cap. I'm not gonna lie, it sucked! Non stop tiers of rock stairs. Did 4 mt climbs total and we are beyond beat. Hoping for a pizza to fall from the sky. A cold beer wouldn't hurt either! Now, where is that shower?
Date: 2013-07-17
From: West Branch River Campsite

To: Cloud Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 11.3

The f'n worst day thus far. Rock scrambles and straight up rock walls, 5 more horrible mt ascents and descents. Super hot again, bugs are biting like they haven't eaten for days. Pissy moods are an understatement. Upon the days end, we are standing on a narrow ledge in the middle of yet another awful rock wall, Mother Nature decides to mess with us and it starts to downpour. So, now we have to dig out our pack rain covers while balancing carefully just to continue upward wet. Dry was just too easy. Ha! But, we dominated the rocks and storm and are becoming stronger hikers each day.
Date: 2013-07-18
From: Cloud Pond Lean-to

To: Wilson Valley Lean-to
Miles today: 8.7

Waking up extremely tired but know we are closing in on Monson! That is our motivation for a day we chose to shorten. It thunder stormed the previous night and we didn't sleep well. The site was slanted and the tent was pitched wrong because of the roots so water was leaking in on poor Pixie's head! Fortunately, rain cleared out and we hiked along on relatively smoother terrain. Although nothing is smooth about ME so far. Truly is rooty and rocky. Trippy and slippy. Falling is part of the deal. Do not worry. We are both fine. Just have scratches, bruises and bites galore. Both of us have been stung by bees twice so far. Pixie got both of hers today!
Date: 2013-07-19
From: Wilson Valley Lean-to

To: Monson!
Miles today: 10.4

Last stretch and finally reached Monson, Rte 15, around 1:00. Started walking before 7, which was our earliest day because we simply could not contain the sheer happiness of obtaining those lovely life essentials we were already missing...cleanliness, food, a bed! Someone from the hostel picked us up and we got in around 2 pm. A storm was overhead but never quite hit. Had some good grub and conversation at the only "pub" in town. Took a dip in the lake. Just thoroughly enjoyed lounging and not hiking!
Date: 2013-07-20
From: Monson!

To: Zero Day in Monson
Miles today: 0.0

R & R in the very small town of Monson, ME. BBQ Fest going on with live band. Hung out at Lakeshore Pub, ate great Reuben & chicken veggie quesadilla. Watched homemade boat race on lake. Did some laundry. Mapped, chilled with other NOBOs & a few SOBOs. Ready to forge ahead in the am after another freshly made breakfast.
Date: 2013-07-21
From: Zero Day in Monson

To: Horseshoe Canyon Lean-to
Miles today: 9.0

Got shuttled back to the trail at 10am, first day free of the 100 mile section. Yea! Easy day in comparison to what we had been experiencing. Also, a much welcomed drop in temperature - only in the low 70s with a nice breeze. Less buggy too. We were actually able to sit outside to make and eat dinner without Pixie going nuts. Getting to bed early since we are both tired from staying up a bit late socializing and catching up with family phone calls in Monson.
Date: 2013-07-22
From: Horseshoe Canyon Lean To

To: Bald Mountain Brook Lean-to
Miles today: 13.0

Slept in a bit longer than anticipated. That was okay and we enjoyed a leisurely morning. Out by 8:30 and we hiked further than we were originally going to. Ended up climbing Moxie Bald Mt., which was quite steep. Had 2 river fords as well , they were chilly and about knee deep so we had to get in. Had lunch after 2nd river because it was just beautiful. Hiked alongside 2 other PA hikers most of the day. Camp was nice for a change, no slope or roots!
Date: 2013-07-23
From: Bald Mountain Brook Lean-to

To: Pleasant Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 9.0

Rainy day, left even later today, 10:30. Just couldn't get motivated. The terrain was super slick and it was slow going. Multiple falls, luckily no major injuries. Tricky river ford, we were soaked anyway so we just went with it. Pleasant Pond Mt was anything but pleasant. Pixie did not have a good day. Shelter was full when we finally arrived, beyond starving and thirsty. No real tent spots either, had to set up on a old grassy side road, everything still wet from this morning. Swell. Hope tomorrow clears up and is much better! We did receive a little bit of trail magic from some campers...Butterball lunch meat variety pack, yummy!
Date: 2013-07-24
From: Pleasant Pond Lean-to

To: Caratunk
Miles today: 5.7

Still rainy this morning. Tons of slugs, yuck! Yet another later start and we decided to hike into Caratunk to pick up our next food supply at the post office and spend the night. Walked a mile to The Sterling Inn. Very nice, clean rooms. Washed all of our wet, stinky laundry and took showers. Bought a DiGiorno pizza and some Cokes from the owner, he was kind enough to throw in a banana when Pixie said that was what she really wanted. Got shuttled to and from dinner to the only pub/restaurant in this tiny town, 5 miles away. Had dinner with a bunch of SoBos and one elderly section hiker. It was fun. Hoping to gain some ground tomorrow since this was an unexpected but enjoyable pit stop.
Date: 2013-07-25
From: Caratunk

To: Pierce Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 4.0

Had a relaxing morning at the Inn. Didn't expect to leave so late, but that is the way it turned out. Got shuttled back to the PO so we could mail our camera and cords home and then we walked up to the trailhead where we had left off. It was 2:00 and we hopped on the "ferry" across the Kennebec River. The "ferry" consisted of a man waiting at the river's side with paperwork and a canoe. We had to put our real names, address, trail names and sign in order to be taken across. It was a gorgeous day and the river was calm. Pixie sat in front to help drive. We safely made it to the other side, we did have life jackets on too. The hike to Pierce Pond was pretty level and we loved having nicer terrain. Weather has been remaining cooler which is much more pleasant than the 90s we walked in during the 100 mile. Not to mention less bugs! Pierce Pond was one of the more picturesque spots and we sat chatting by the water before eating and turning in for the evening. It was an overall swell short walking day.
Date: 2013-07-26
From: Pierce Pond Lean-to

To: West Carry Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 10.0

Got up and out early for a change, hiking by 7. Another cool day and the easiest terrain we've experienced thus far. It is nice to actually walk rather than trip, twist, slip and climb! Got to the shelter around noon to eat lunch before continuing on, but it started raining and we decided to call it a day and to stay dry hanging in the lean-to since it was a clean one. Had good tent sites as well as a treat bucket with awesome homemade chocolate chip cookies!, and we set up late afternoon when the rain let up and before other hikers got in for the night. Ate dinner with a bunch of NoBos and a couple SoBos whom we hadn't met yet. Started sprinkling again and we headed back to our home in the woods to relax before hitting the hay. Want to get an early start tomorrow as well to do the Bigelow Mts that look rather challenging with one very steep uphill climb.
Date: 2013-07-27
From: West Carry Pond Lean-to

To: Safford Notch Campsite
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Climbed the first mountain in the Bigelow range today, Little Bigelow Mt. 2010 ft. It was difficult and we took a long lunch at the Little Bigelow Lean-to. It had water "tubs" you could sit in. Cold, clear stream and if the air was warmer, we would have considered a midday "bath". But, we just had a really good drink and had some noodles and reconstituted veggies and carried on with the climb. Ended the day at Safford Notch Campsite, where there was a really cool rock tunnel you had to pass through upon entering. Camp was at the top of Little Bigelow Mt. and right before the Big Bigelow Mt. range which we will rest up to climb tomorrow morning.
Date: 2013-07-28
From: Safford Notch Campsite

To: Hauled it to Stratton!
Miles today: 10.4

Today we did the BIG stuff...Avery Peak (4090 ft), back down rock scramble to 3800 ft., back up Bigelow West Peak (4145 ft), back down rocks and roots to 3200 ft., just to go up again to South Horn at 3831 ft. All of this before lunchtime!!! Can't believe we made this happen in under 4 hours! Got to the Horns Pond camping area and shared a rice, broccoli, salmon lunch with a shared Snickers as dessert. Jonesing for a big meal and lots more food, which was our motivation for pushing to get into Stratton today instead of tomorrow...and we pushed the remaining 5 hard downhill miles into town. Got a ride to the Stratton Motel by 2 state game wardens who let us know about the missing woman hiker they had a search on for. We hope she is found quickly and found safe!
Date: 2013-07-29
From: Hauled it to Stratton!

To: Zero Day in Stratton
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Took a needed rest day in Stratton. Didn't do much other than eat, laundry and resupply at the only store here. Repacked our stuff ready to head out and into the Saddleback Range tomorrow. Both Led and I are really missing our furry child, Oscar! Too bad dogs can't talk or text! Another shout out to the birthday girl, we love and miss you too...and of course your other half! We cannot express our thanks and gratitude enough for all you have done and all you have yet to do for our journey. More shout outs to the rest of Led's family and to Pixie's family. Encouraging thoughts are also greatly appreciated and we love all of you!
Date: 2013-07-30
From: Zero Day in Stratton

To: Crocker Cirque Campsite
Miles today: 7.3

Had a good breakfast and got ourselves fresh fruit and sandwiches to have for lunch, so so nice to have fresh fruit! Pixie always has fruit and yogurt on town days. Got a ride back to the trail by Bunny, a lady who was trying to finish the trail with a friend because her husband had already completed it in 2011. She had hiked with him, but was unable to physically do it, she was having issues this time as well and was skipping sections. Now she is writing a children's book about her and her husband's AT journey. Got to hiking at 10, had a long steady climb up, about 4 miles, North Crocker - 4228 ft. South Crocker - 4040 ft. We do not enjoy long upward climbs! Rather have them short and steep to get it over with! Had some nice views coming down Crocker Mt. Steep, rocky descent into the campsite. Actually glad to be back in the woods and out of the less than desirable hostel.
Date: 2013-07-31
From: Crocker Cirque Campsite

To: Poplar Ridge Lean-to
Miles today: 14.2

Up and out by 6:50, lots of mountains to climb. These mountains were in the range of the missing woman, had some search & rescue teams out today, asked us if we knew of the situation. Felt rather strange this week knowing we were hiking into the areas she was last seen. Hope she is found soon, been over a week since she went missing. Tough up and down day. Climbed Sugarloaf, Spaulding, and Lone Mts. The last mountain climb was exhausting and we were truly beat upon entering the site. We achieved the most miles today than we had in awhile and we slept soundly tonight! Soreness is becoming a daily issue, more ibuprofen is on the way! Stratton stores were completely sold out.
Date: 2013-08-01
From: Poplar Ridge Lean-to

To: Piazza Rock Lean-to
Miles today: 8.9

A 7:20 departure for hitting the Saddleback Mt. Range. Another tough climbing day with a few miles above tree line! Awesome views today from high up and above the trees. Saddleback Jr. - 3655 ft., The Horn - 4040 ft., Saddleback Mt. - 4120 ft. Saddleback Mt. was a complete out in the open climb above trees - resembled Katahdin but without hand-over-hand rock scrambles and just over 1,000 ft. less. Still plenty difficult and we didn't get as far as we had hoped. Put your treadmill on vertical and that would have resembled our climbs most of the week! Although hard on our ankles and knees, going straight up huge open boulders and rocks gave us phenomenal overlooks and views. Low on food and energy with all this crazy stuff - we are feeling a bit more hungry finally. Making a morning pit stop in Rangeley to get a day's worth of food to get us to South Arm Campsite on Sunday instead of Saturday to pick up our next supply box courtesy of Led's parents. Oh, it is also the first night trying out a wooden tent platform. Took some doing because our tent is a monster! But, we made it work and now it is raining. Rain makes us crabby!
Date: 2013-08-02
From: Piazza Rock Lean-to

To: Nero Day in Rangeley, ME
Miles today: 2.8

Lots of heavy overnight rain led to a leaky tent (1st time) and soggy spirits. The rain continued all morning and we were pretty much out of food. Hiked a flooded, downhill slip 'n slide-like trail to the hiker-friendly, bigger town of Rangeley. Got a ride from a nice woman who, despite our soaking wet bodies and gear, stopped to pick us up and drive us the 7 miles into town and dropped us at the first small grocery store we've seen in Maine, IGA. Led and I were already hungry for lunch at 10:30, so we got our wet gear situated by a picnic table in the parking lot on the side of the store and went in to get fresh fruit, sandwiches and yogurt for Pixie. Met 4 NoBos in the front vestibule hanging out and drying out since the rain had stopped. They came outside to the picnic table to join us and offered us cake and ice cream. Hung out there for awhile to figure out what we wanted to do. Led did the resupply and then we walked a couple miles to an Inn. We relaxed the rest of the day then went out for dinner. Led was in the mood for a ribeye, mashed potatoes and veggies, Pixie had an 8" veggie pizza. It was all good! We walked back to the Inn (it is feeling funny to not have a car and having to plan on how far things are to get to), took ibuprofen, changed clothes and hopped into bed exhausted. We both are in dire need of a good night sleep! Rangeley is the nicest town we've been to thus far on our hiking journey and it actually had multiple restaurants, shops and gorgeous lakes and of course mountains in the distance. Thank you for all of your guest book entries! Keep 'em coming. We like to hear from everyone and love the quotes. Our favorite is from our very talented dog, Oscar, who learned to type since we've been gone...LOL
Date: 2013-08-03
From: Nero Day in Rangeley, ME

To: Much Needed Zero Day!
Miles today: 0.0

Decided to take a full day off in Rangeley. We are both dealing with aches and pains and Pixie has swollen ankles and a yucky stomach. Watched tv most of the day and enjoyed a comfy bed and clean, fairly new room. We have the hardest mountain range coming up this week (harder you are thinking?), the Mahoosucs. Yeah, they are gonna suck! After this final push, we will be OUT of the rocky, rooty, crazy-high climbing, how-the-$&@?-am-I-gonna-get-down-from-here, HELL that has been breathtakingly beautiful Maine.