morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-08-24
From: west carry pond lean-to

To: pierce pond lean-to
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Slept like a baby last night! I was woken up once by what I think were snowshoe hares romping around. It was a short day so I didn't get out of my tent until 7:30 or so. It was cool and sunny and I took my time getting going. Enjoyed a couple cups of coffee and headed out sometime around 9.After four pleasant easy miles I reached East Carry Pond....another piece of paradise! There was a sandy beach and I spent about two or so hours here swimming and enjoying the hot sand on my feet. Trashman and Ohibro showed up and just as I was getting ready to leave the three young Canadians arrived. They shared some cake which I thoroughly enjoyed.The next six miles were nice and easy and I eventually arrived at Pierce Pond shelter sometime around 3. Another beautiful place! The lean-to is right in front of the water...I can't wait to hear the loons tonight.Still hungry as ever and I am hoping the Canadians will have lots of leftovers to share....they are getting off tomorrow but still have lots of food to eat. Tomorrow we are all heading to Pierce Pond Cabins for the 12 pancake breakfast!! Food seems to be a consuming thought lately. Trying to figure logistics for when I finish. Got word today BSP is booked for Labor Day weekend....will try and figure out what to do when I get to Monson.Very much looking forward to the 100 mile wilderness! Should be heading out into it Friday or Saturday.Jibitz
Date: 2010-08-25
From: pierce pond lean-to

To: Caratunk
Miles today: 4.0

Pierce Pond is absolutely beautiful! Had a nice view of the pond and sunset from my tent. The loons sounded eerily beautiful during the night. Slept great until about 1 am and than I was wide awake for the remainder of the night. I think overwhelming hunger and the thought of breakfast played a big part in my sleeplessness.Got up early so we could make it for breakfast by 7 am. Trashman, Ohibro, the Canadians and I rolled into Pierce Pond Camps just before 7 and we were greeted by delicious smells of coffee and pancakes. Breakfast was awesome...I got the works...12 blueberry, raspberry and apple pancakes, three sausages, eggs, juice and coffee. I gobbled it all up in record time! Appetite is still totally out of control! Had an easy walk to the Kennebec River where we had to wait for the ferry to take us across. Than I did a two mile roadwalk to the outfitters which is where I am staying tonight. Had a huge plate of nachos for lunch and I am now sitting inside by the fire watching it pour rain outside.Made arrangements for BSP....had hoped to summit sometime on Labor Day Weekend but everything was totally booked....so I will now be summiting on the 6,7 or 8th. That's ok with me because I can still really take my time. Hoping to do some side trips in the 100 wilderness. Jibitz
Date: 2010-08-26
From: Caratunk

To: bald mtn brook lean-to
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke this morning and was pleased to see the rain had stopped and that it actually looked like it was clearing! Enjoyed the breakfast buffet and than got a shuttle to the trail.Started out a little after 9 and my body was feeling very sluggish from the overload of food between yesterday and this morning. Legs did not want to move and my pack felt like a cement block attached to my back. The first several miles were enjoyable non the less and I was pleased to see the sun winning out over the clouds. Took a short break at Pleasant Pond lean-to and than did the big climb up Pleasant Pond Mountain. It should have been easy but I struggled and stopped every so often. One would think after hiking over 2000 that the climbs would be a non issue...still have hard days every once in a while...I blame it on all the food I ate!!! But it was oh so good.The views from the summit were quite nice and I could see back towards all the high peaks in the Rangeley-Stratton area. Beautiful day! Took a nice long break and than continued on. Descending seemed to go on forever and the smooth ledges made for some slippery footing. Managed to stay upright though! The last few miles were very easy going and I am now resting at the shelter. No one else is here and it feels strange to be all alone. I think there is a big bubble of hikers behind me and there are several just a few days ahead. Planning to be in Monson sometime Saturday!Jibitz
Date: 2010-08-28
From: horseshoe canyon lean-to

To: wilson stream lean-to
Miles today: 19.4

Long day but so excited to be in the 100 mile wilderness now...the last leg of this amazing journey. Got up early had a double shot of VIA and was on the trail before 6:30. Eric, Madison and I had an easy three mile walk to Eric's car....it was beautiful trail and it followed along the side of the river.At the car I traded out my heavy pack for Eric's light weight day pack. What a joy not to have weight on my back! The remaining six miles to Monson went by fast...Eric and Madison had driven around and hiked in and met me with about three miles to go.In Monson I picked up my huge maildrop and reorganized my pack. It's a heavy one with way too much food. They say to carry at least 10 days of food but I compromised with about 6 with some extras just in case. Can't go hungry out here! Eric and Madison joined me for the first four or so miles of the wilderness and Eric was kind enough to carry my food for that portion. At North Pond we said goodbye and I continued on with me 40 or so pound pack. It was maybe around 6 or so miles left and it was not bad at all....lots of little bumps but no steep climbs or descents.I went by Little Wilson Falls which was very pretty and in another few miles I had to ford across Big Wilson river....it was easy and my feet enjoyed the nice cold water! I am at the shelter now and there are several folks here who are out to do just the 100 mile wilderness....I doubt I will see any of them after today. Getting so excited to see Katahdin! Just a few more days they say and I will get a viewpoint. Looking forward to finishing but at the same time I am not....must start planning new adventure!Tomorrow I go over Barren and Chairback! Jibitz
Date: 2010-08-29
From: wilson stream lean-to

To: pleasant river
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: clear sky

Long day. Originally planned a 15 mile day but with a super early start and awesome weather I decided to rock out a 20 miler. Not sure if it was a good idea or not. Feet are not very happy because of heavy pack and not so friendly foot path. Rest of body feels good and stomach is extra happy now that it is filled with two dinners. Will I still wake up in the middle of the night hungry? Probably.So I have survived my second day in the 100 mile wilderness and looking at my guide I have just 84.1 miles left. Early on I could bang out that kind of mileage in about four days...I could probably still do that now but I don't want to. It's far to lovely out here! Maine in my opinion is surpassing New Hampshire in beauty and ruggedness. I wonder how long it would have taken me to explore these parts had I not done the trail? The trail went over some beautiful peaks today. The first was Barren which had an awesome set of ledges about half way up. Endless views and so many lakes down below! On the summit of Barren there was an old fire tower and more spectacular views. It was windy up high and very warm compared to the past several days.The trail than went over Fourth Mountain, Third Mountain, Columbus Mountain, Chairback and finally East Chairback. Needless to say there was a lot of climbing and descending which made for a tiresome day with the heavy pack. The views though were well worth all the effort. Oh...I did manage to find one blueberry along the way too.Tonight I am camping out beside a brook very close to the Pleasant River. I hope I sleep well tonight. There are three other folks here so it is nice to have company. It's hard to believe my only night alone since I started was when I got a hotel room back in Massachusetts.White Cap tomorrow....supposedly the last climb I will have until Katahdin. After that...it looks like smooth sailing!Jibitz
Date: 2010-08-30
From: pleasant river

To: logan brook lean-to
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: clear sky

I actually hiked 17.2 miles today but the 5.2 mile side trip through Gulf Hagas was not on the AT. I am so happy I did extra miles yesterday...it allowed me to take the side trip and still be on schedule.Yesterday I met a hiker named Eddie Bear and we hiked most of yesterday afternoon together and we also camped at the same spot last night...wicked nice guy...and we decided to hike together today...it's always nice having company on the trail.We got an early start after a cup of VIA and hot coco. Just over a mile into the day we took the blue blazed side trip through Gulf Hagas....what an extraordinary place! It's a deep gorge with beautiful waterfalls and swimming holes and vistas and overlooks which were at least 200 ft above the water below. Some spots I found terrifying and had to crawl to get near the edge. We spent several hours just taking it all in....so glad I did this excursion. I probably would not have done this had it not been for Eddie Bear...thank you!Returning back to the AT it was an easy four or so miles to the next shelter where we enjoyed a nice lunch break. Leaving the lean-to the hard part started....four climbs which I found tiring. The first was Gulf Hagas Mountain...no views...next was West Peak....no views...than Hay Mountain...still no views....and last but not least was White Cap...wicked awesome views! We enjoyed a nice break on the summit and have lovely views of the Barren and Chairback Range. About 100 yards or so after leaving the summit we got the best part of the day....we could see Katahdin looming in the distance! What a glorious sight! It was somewhat hazy but it was so awesome to finally see it. We sat on some rocks for quite a long time just staring at in silence. Leaving the outlook it was about a mile and a half down to where my day would end. Eddie Bear is hiking with the Warren Doyle group so he moved on so where his group was camping.I am now all snuggled up in my tent. My food pack is getting lighter but my feet and knees are achy from the extra weight and long miles. They say Bigelow was the last big climb before Katahdin but in my opinion these past two days have been just as tiring is not more so. So I have survived day three in the wilderness and it's only 71.4 miles to the northern terminus.Jibitz
Date: 2010-08-31
From: logan brook lean-to

To: white house landing
Miles today: 25.2

Long day. Feet are sore but tummy is full and very happy! Very hot and humid again and I think I got heat rash again on my legs. Went swimming in beautiful Crawford Pond and Jo-Mary Pond. The water was clear and so refreshing! Hiked again with Eddie Bear for most of the morning...not sure I will see him again. Got a beautiful view of Katahdin from the shore of Pemadumcook Lake. Decided to do a big day to White House Landing...lovely place indeed! Battery is running low....lots more to share but gotta keep some charge...Rainbow Stream tomorrow! Survived day 4 in the wilderness!Jibitz
Date: 2010-09-01
From: white house landing

To: rainbow stream lean-to
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: few clouds

Finally saw my first moose today! It's about time....now my hike will be absolutely complete...I have seen bears, deer, rattlesnakes, black snakes, turkey's, grouse, bunnies and of course thousands of daddy long legs. It would not have mattered had I not seen any wildlife on the trail but seeing it certainly has enhanced my time out here. I have had serious thoughts of doing a yoyo (going south back to Springer) but financially it would not be feasible and I want to see and hold my new niece Isabella. In my heart I know I will be doing this trail again...just a matter of when.So the end is ever so near and I am getting ever so excited! The adventure and the experience I have enjoyed and embraced these past few months will never be forgotten.....they will be remembered and retold for many years to come. The heat was unbearable again today and it made me feel sick pretty much all day. The huge breakfast at the White House Landing was awesome but it sat in my stomach like a cement block. The trail went by many beautiful lakes and ponds and had I been feeling better a swim would have been nice. On top of Nesuntabunt Mountain there was a short side path with an awesome view towards Katahdin....it was kind of hazy though. Even though the terrain has been flat the footing has been tedious with all the roots and rocks. Feet are tender and sore again tonight....just a few more days and they will get the break they deserve. I am actually very surprised at how well my feet have held up considering the problems with them when I began. Day five in the wilderness and still going strong! Abol Bridge tomorrow!Jibitz
Date: 2010-09-03
From: abol bridge campground

To: katahdin stream campground
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Slept great last night until about 2:30am when I woke up after having a scary dream about a bear. They had warned me when I checked in that a bear frequented the campground so maybe that is why I had the dream....or maybe there was one outside my tent!Anyway....went back to sleep and slept a little longer. Got up at 5am, gathered my belongings, had a double shot of VIA and headed out just before 7am.I was meeting Eric at 8am and I was a little early so I took the opportunity to dry my tent. My last day on the trail before Katahdin....still having a hard time believing I walked all the way here from Georgia!Eric arrived, we swapped packs and I walked the easy 10 miles to Katahdin Stream Campground. These had to be the absolute easiest miles in Maine! Eric met me just after I passed Big Niagra Falls and we walked together to KSC. About and hour or so later Christine, Andy and Arm arrived and we all than went to Neswadunhunk Campground where we are staying for a few nights. What a way to end my adventure! I get to spend a few relaxing days with my friends and summit Katahdin with them as well.We all just went for a swim at Slide Dam and we are now at the lean-to and Christine is cooking up a storm....I am starving as usual. Rain is in the forecast tomorrow but Sunday is looking good!Jibitz
Date: 2010-09-04
From: katahdin stream campground

To: lean-to
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Four man lean-to in BSP is really a two man lean-to. Cozy but very nice to be with hiking friends from home. Poured rain all night and well into the morning. The ranger said we got at least three inches of rain! Sat in the lean-to and watched it rain....ate lots of food....and took an awesome two hour nap! Sun came out by afternoon but no need to hike today. Tomorrow is my big day!Jibitz
Date: 2010-09-05
To: mt katahdin
Miles today: 5.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke up early as usual and had a double shot of VIA. The rain from yesterday had cleared out and it was cool and very windy. Some low clouds were still hanging around but I could tell they would burn off as the sun got higher in the sky. Eight of us piled into two cars and did the short but long drive to Katahdin Stream Campground. I was expecting the lots to be crowded with people seeing it was Labor Day Weekend and a very favorable forecast but in all my years of coming here the park never really feels crowded and today was no exception. Two other friends arrived and that brought it up to a nice round number of ten! I went to the ranger station and filled out my paperwork.....I am #240 to finish this year. Back in Springer when I started I was #500 and at Harpers Ferry I was #317 or something like that. All of the folks I had hiked with along the way had finished a few days ahead of me and the others are still a few days behind me. I was so happy to have several of my hiking friends from home to join me on my last climb of this amazing journey.Around 8am we all headed out up the Hunt Trail...how exciting! The trail starts off nice and gradual but after a mile or so it climbs very steeply. Lots of large rocks to navigate around and thankfully there were some well placed iron rungs to aid us along. The higher we climbed the colder it got and the wind was blowing pretty hard too. The past week or so of extreme heat was gone and I was very thankful to have all my warm gear with me. This was actually the first day on my trip that I wore most of my clothing....what a shame it would have been to skimp and be cold on such a glorious day. It was nice to just take my time.....no need to rush this day. In fact I really did not want it to end. But all good things come to a close at some point but my finish will mark the beginning of a new and exciting chapter of my life which I am so looking forward to. Finally the steep part was over and before me about a mile or so in the distance I could see the summit! The wind was howling and it was much colder than down low but we were all bundled up so no worries. I got tossed by the wind and sometimes I had to brace myself....the views were amazing and it was all I could do not to run. There were lots more people up high and we passed several as we made our way to the summit.So....just after noon time I walked the last few steps to complete my thru hike. Folks cleared out of the way so I could have a few moments on the summit by myself and so that I could have my photo taken. A glorious day indeed!After my summit celebration we all hunkered down behind some rocks and gazed out towards the Knife Edge and Chimney Pond down below. Of course lots of food was in order too and within minutes I could smell BBQ.....DaveBear packed up his grill!! Whoo-hoo!!Many thanks to all who made the long drive to join me. You all made this last day so very special. I feel so blessed to have so many wonderful friends and family. Thank you all once again for all your support and encouragement....your the best!Jibitz
Date: 2010-09-27
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I thought I would dedicate an entry to feet. The feet need to be somewhat happy and keeping them in a relatively pain free state I think is next to impossible....but I did find ways to help manage and minimize the discomfort along the way. My feet had issues to begin with but at least they were calloused and flattened out from all my hiking. Never once did I get a blister....I saw some folks with some nasty ones and all I can say is eeewwwwhhhh! I think I lost a toenail or at least I will say a few got kind of funky. I got what I think was a corn somewhere in NJ but I bought some corn removers and that took care of that issue. I went through three pairs of boots and I was very happy with my choice of footwear. They were a little heavier than trail runners but the stable platform gave me the stability I needed and some extra cushioning against the roots and rocks. I always made sure I got a wide width so my toes could have space to spread out. I bought several pairs of new socks along the way and always bought the ones with heavy cushioning....yes my feet got hot but they would be hot regardless of my choice of socks.I had two pairs of inserts...my custom orthodics and a pair of superfeet. I switched them out every so often and this helped keep my feet from getting too familiar with one pair. Towards the end though I wore a hole in one of my customs so I ended up wearing one custom and one superfoot for the last two months or so. Spend the money on a good pair of footbeds....I had no choice due to the surgery back in 2008.In CT a friend recommended I carry a golf ball and that I should use it to massage the bottoms of my feet. This was the BEST piece of advice and my most favorite piece of gear on the trail. It made a huge difference on how my feet felt. I think using my trekking poles also helped with keeping my feet sort of happy. I put a lot of my weight on the poles....I think they also help the knees too. Even though I did all this I still wake up with tender feet every morning....its not too bad....kind of take baby steps for the first few minutes and than its back to normal....but than again its been so long I have forgotten what normal is.-Jibitz
Date: 2010-09-29
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

So my last entry I talked about my feet and this one I will dedicate to food.I knew I would be hungry on the trail....I've been hungry before after a couple of days on the trail but day after day of nonstop hiking brought it to a whole new level! Thank goodness I love to eat.My meals were simple and easy and I pretty much ate the same thing every day. Breakfast: Cinnamon and Raisin Bagles....Thomas brand was the best. They would get squished but they were so filling and yummy. I tried oatmeal for about a week but I never felt full after eating it. So bagels it was and it is still my favorite breaky choice.Lunch: Peanut butter and honey sandwiches on the small round flatbreads...they come 8 in a pack...can't think of the brand but they are in the bread isle. Filling and nutricious. If I had no bread I would just mix the peanut butter and honey in the jar and eat scoops. Towards the end I added m&m's and it was a delightfully filling lunch. Tuna packets I had just about every day as well.....the ones packed in sunflower or olive oil were my favorite. Dinner: Mountain House. So glad I did the bulk order. It made my evenings simple and virtually no clean up. I did on occaision have tortellini and couscous. The instant mashed potatos were also a nice appetizer.Snacks: Got hooked on nutty bars for the longest time but finally quit them in VA. Too sugary. Nuts were always a favorite....cashews, walnuts, sunflower seeds. I started eating more nuts the last couple of months when reserves started to dwindle. Granola bars....always had a few in the food sack. Triscuits and Wheat Thins were a staple as well along with Snyders pretzels...yum yum! Fig Newtons were another favorite. I'm not a big candy fan but I did every so often have the mini sized candy bars. Sometimes I would buy small blocks of cheese or pepperoni. Leaving town I would always try and bring something yummy for the first night out....the usual would be a box of crackers and a cheese ball...the red cheese that is rolled in nuts...oh so good! Sometimes I would buy a small box of wine too.Resupply days were always a joy....seriously I would start to salivate thinking about town food and how much I would eat. Arriving at the grocery stores I would get a big cart and walk up and down the isles and just throw stuff in....than I would go around again and take out all the impulse stuff. The food bag is only so big! I didn't mind carrying extra food though...it always got eaten and it was always nice to share with others. I think this covers food. Never seemed like I had enough but it was always enough.-Jibitz
Date: 2010-01-05
To: Detail overload
Miles today: 0.0

For the past 10 years we have been chipping away at the AT as section hikers. The dream of someday getting a chance to thru-hike dominated our thoughts, but like so many others, the reality was we had to wait until a better time. We retire this year, hire a house sitter, get dog care, and pursue our dream. We still have a lot to do in order to leave for so long, but some things are ready to go.We have replaced a lot of gear in an attempt to get our packs lighter having learned that lesson over the years.