morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-08-29
From: east B road mile 1928.4

To: south arm rd. mile 1938.5
Miles today: 10.1

East B Hill rd mile 1928.4 - South Arm Rd mile 1938.510.1 milesBreakfast- see pic to believe. At the trailhead, there was True Story, slack packing w/ a group of friends. We have been leapfrogging for quite awhile A short distance into the hike, I came to surplus pond. See pic. Given the sunny day, I thought I should swim. However, it was so shallow, all I managed to do was bang my knees and stir up the gooky stuff on the bottom. Blah! The trail continued up Wyman Mtn but was difficult to fully enjoy due to some very loud construction noise for a couple of miles. Amazing how sensitive/aware you become to light & noise pollution while on the trail. Was relieved as it finally faded behind. Wyman Mtn was a gradual climb beginning in the typical deciduous forest then morphing into a mostly fir forest, w/ its wonderful fragrance. I had lunch at Gunsite view pt. see pic. The view was that of the opposing Mtn face, & the wind turbines turning slowly in the distance off to the right, mesmerizingly so. I enjoyed the site so much I dozed for an hour in & out of consciousness as I had done on big bald. Back on the trail and headed up moody Mtn., once again, proves that the Maine ATC has the art of trail steps nailed down to a science. See pics. They have the steps if you have the stamina! This was an enjoyable walk up the mountain except for the close spruce saplings and hobble bushes impinging on the trail. A phone call to Bear at the top of Ole Moody & there he was waiting as I crossed the stream to the truck. The stream was somewhat interesting as you had to step down the bank a bit onto the rocks for crossing. Not a lot of margin for error if you are trying to keep dry feet. Back at the hostel, Gizmo had returned after hiking southbound the same section I did northbound & App Man joined us. We have leapfrogged since in the whites.Dinner-delightful shepherd's pie! I am aghast as I have gained 1/2 my weight back so although contemplating staying 1 more night, time to move north.All for now,Red Robin
Date: 2014-08-30
From: south arm rd. mile 1938.5

To: Sabbath Day Shelter
Miles today: 17.0

South Arm rd mile 1938.5 -Sabbath day Pond Lean-to mile 1955.517 milesAnother huge breakfast, I bid farewell to my favorite icons of the trail (see pic) & set off w/ Gizmo & App man from South Arm Rd. Yes full pack, UP Ole Blue. Gizmo borrowed my left knee brace to see if it would mitigate some of the severe knee pain he is having. We were in a bit of a morning fog to start, which gradually burned off by the time we reached the summit. See pics. Ole Blue was steep enough to catch your attention. I stopped for lunch at a clearing that had a bench of all things & a view of Mt Jackson. As Gizmo came along, he wasn't sure the brace was helping but his pace through the afternoon suggested it was. At Bemis Lean to I met up w/ him, T & Gia (I think) & performed my TP delivery duties ( they had seen me at Frye notch lean- to as well so were used to me pulling an entire roll of TP out of my pack). Along the way, I met Little Trickle headed Southbound after she had flip flopped. It was great to see her as I was concerned she was off the trail. Her knees had gotten so bad, she had taken a month off, but now appeared to be doing well. Further down the way as I carefully picked my way down a steep, I met Lucky, a 70 yr old out for a southbound section hike who had previously had stents in his heart and survived cancer. He advised he was thankful he "was still mowing the lawn, not fertilizing it"! What a wonderful gentleman. Meanwhile, Gizmo caught up, as the brace did help the one knee but the other was killing him. The difficulty of the trail after Bemis lean-to was a long stretch along the ridge on barren rock, see pic, that at times was angled downward enough to provide the sheer stress my knees don't like. Shortly after we moved from that to the steep descent. These descents likely appeared comical as we both crept our way down like the 2 cripples we were, knees screaming, brows furrowed in pain. Finally, relief on the flats for a bit. Fortunately the one creek to ford was at low water level and feet stayed dry on the rocks. The view from Rt 17 was wonderful (can't spell the name of the lake). One more steep descent (we both prefer the ups) we survived. see pic. Then we passed Moxie pond, an absolutely huge beautiful pond before camp. I should have stopped for a swim but it was late. Maybe in the AM. Til later,Red Robin
Date: 2014-08-31
From: Sabbath Day Shelter

To: Redington campsite mile 1972.9
Miles today: 17.4

Sabbath day pond lean-to mile 1955.5 - Redington campsite mile 1972.917.4 milesI broke camp just as a light rain began. See pond pic. Walking along under the umbrella, the cool, damp air and freshly fallen leaves gave an air of early Autumn. See pic. The trail, so much more gentle, allowed for an easy stroll. At swift pond, I took a canoe ride for a change of pace. See picsDone w/ the easy stroll, up Saddleback Mtn I strode. First stop was "the Caves" of Piazza rock. See pic even though it doesn't show well. Then onward and upward amidst a light rain and gradually thickening cloud above tree line. See pics. This reminiscent of Franconia Ridge in the Whites but warm. The rugged beauty seen above tree line was amplified by mother nature's dank mood. I continued the beautiful walk, cairn to cairn as I could see no further. However, after attaining the next peak, called the horn, the steep descent was treacherous. See pic (this wasn't the worst of it). The 0.6 miles to camp took me forever as I crept down backwards for much of it, bound & determined not to injure my aching knees.!!!All for now,Red Robin
Date: 2014-09-01
From: Redington campsite mile 1972.9

To: carrabassett river mile 1988.7
Miles today: 15.8

Redington campsite mile 1972.9 - south branch Carrabassett river mile 1988.715.8 milesPromise of a bright day was evident. Gradually the morning fog began to burn off & clouds disperse as I ascended Saddleback Jr. See pics. It was good to see its summit before I arrived. However, the descent was treachery for me. I took forever picking my way down the rocks. See pic. Beyond that, the trail seemed a breeze for a bit as it gradually descended to Orbeton stream (low enough, feet stayed dry) and the gradually steepening ascent up Lone Mtn. Along the trail there ran sluice brook. See pic. At its crossing, I met Tomahawk, a SoBo w/ no evidence of being in a hurry. (I would worry about the whites). On up Lone Mtn., it's grade tiring a bit as a light rain began to fall. At its summit, I decided 2 more miles to camp would suffice. However, along the way, I got better advice. Trail Maintainer, Tony, advised Spaulding Mtn climb was not bad. He had thru-hiked in '99 & was out cutting numerous blow downs. It was good to be able to thank a MATC member for their wonderfully marked & tended trails. Sure some bog boards could be replaced, but I see that is in the works as I rested on a stack of them earlier. I took his advice. I rested at the lean-to meeting up w/ yak & superfonz, then struck out for a wonderful stroll that felt like I was down south only the trail was lined w/ bunch berries & fir!. Beyond Spaulding, I came across the commemorative plaque for the trail which also marked 200.2 miles left of my fun. Still unsure if I should smile or frown!After the ridge walk, the fear of the day - The Carabassett Valley Descent. It was everything I was concerned it would be. 1 mile down a varying steep boulder tumble. See pics. It took me forever once again. Finally, at the bottom, I was rewarded w/ a dry stream ford. see pic. Not sure you can tell but the board is tethered by cable so it can be reset after rising water displaces it. Clever, but wonder whose job that is!A stealth campsite is just up from the north bank and who should I meet - T, Gia, Spot & Bluejay. All had had a similar energy zapping experience down to the Carabassett so stopped a mile early. It was a great site w/ the rushing water just below.All for now, Red Robin
Date: 2014-09-02
From: carrabassett river mile 1988.7

To: cranberry stream campsite mile 1998.9
Miles today: 10.2

Carrabassett river campsite mile 1988.7 - cranberry stream campsite mile 1998.710.2 milesThe morning promised a bright, warm day. The others left before me, as I dawdled enjoying the sound of the river. The walk up South Crocker Mtn began gently through deciduous woods. A sign regarding Inchworm's disappearance last year, put a damper on the day as thoughts of what may have happened to her ran through my mind. Soon, the moss covered conifer & birch woods prevailed, then the grade increased and qualified for a steep. A short boulder crumble offered wonderful views. See pics. Then up & up the trail progressed. At times, the hiking poles fully collapsed were the comfortable length. Suffice it to say, the MATC doesn't believe in switchbacks. However, they do a great job, getting you to summit views! Spot, Blue Jay & I had leapfrogged on the way up. Then on the north side of wooded north Crocker mountain, I stopped for an early lunch (10:30) as I was powering through my snacks feeling ravenous! the stop was at a cute little spring w/ excellent tasting water running down a small hollowed stick. I enjoyed the site for an hr, then proceeded down Crocker's rather gentle slope, meeting a few SoBo section hikers. At Maine 27, I road walked (ugh) 2 miles to a grocery store (not 1 geared toward hikers needs-ie no foil packed tuna) for my first re supply at a store of my trip! My Stratton mail drop would be arriving in Caratunk as the holiday weekend messed up the schedule. May I say, I don't know how the hikers do this week after week! I ambled aisles 3-4 times, trying to piece a few meals together for the next 34 miles. At completion- wow was my bag heavy & whoa was it expensive! Shopped while hungry too, which didn't help. I ended up gravitating to fresh stuff, hummus, cheese & salami in addition to cliff bars and chocolate of course. None of that sounds light does it? See dinner pic. The crowning glory of the afternoon which made the road walk doubly worthwhile - a public library / community center where you could eat, charge electronics, & use their wifi. I stayed there 3 hrs recharging the electronics. The walk back a bit more laborious, still wasn't horrible. The route up to Cranberry Stream campsite was a beautiful rolling path. I met a SoBo section hiker headed to Hanover (sounds like popular section-gee, wonder why? ) that was coming from Avery Peak to Stratton looking beat. An 8 mile distance...should be interesting for me tomorrow!I had the camp to myself and prepped for the ensuing rain. I was startled by headlamps at 9. At least they beat the rain. All for now,Red Robin
Date: 2014-09-03
From: cranberry stream campsite mile 1998.9

To: Safford Notch campsite mile 2007.5
Miles today: 8.1

Cranberry Stream campsite - Safford notch8.1milesNot much walking 'cause I just kept gawking!!!Overnight, a nice rainstorm came through, first a light pitter patter on the tarp, then a more dramatic rain ensued. The winds, high in the trees eventually sent it on its way, allowing for the start of yet another bright day. I puttered in camp again, a delaying tactic I am sure.The trail up to Horn's pond was a gradual beauty. Rock and root steps eased the way for elevation gain. The moss contrasted beautifully against the rain soaked reddish brown trail. See pic. I entered a particularly enchanting portion of the forest much like that of Vermont and found myself withholding pole strikes and willing myself not to breath hard, tiptoeing along so as not to disturb the serene calm in this seemingly magical forest. See pics. Maybe it doesn't look magical but the feeling was overwhelming. Later, a chattering squirrel broke the spell and my breathing and poling resumed.The view of Horn' s Pond nestled below the horns (see pic) was quite a delightful rest site. The climb up the South horn gave wonderful views. It pays to look where you have been. See pic. The climb up The Bigelow West peak was one of my favorites, gradual enough but steep enough and the views from above tree line absolutely stunning. It is here I felt at home and decided to go no further today. Well, ended up at Safford notch campsite 2.3 miles away, but plenty of time to get there as it was only 1:30. The panorama of views from here were breath taking. Flagstaff lake to the North, Avery Peak to the East, the horns to the west and Sugarloaf to the South, w/ rounded mountains in all directions, their visibility hazing into the distance. Not everyday, one gets to absorb this view! See pics-they were difficult to choose. All for now,Red Robin
Date: 2014-09-04
From: Safford Notch campsite mile 2007.5

To: Pierce Pond Lean to mile 2030.1
Miles today: 22.6

Safford Notch campsite mile 2007.5 - Pierce pond lean to mile 2030.122.6 milesI raced the sunrise to the ridge but lost by 1/2 a mile. I had hoped to see its first rays hit Avery peak from little Bigelow west ledges. I'll suggest it was due to my circuitous, technical route vs the sun "just rising". See pic. Oh well, later, on the east ledges I got to bask in the warm rays like a turtle. Last nights campsite was fun. You had to walk under a boulder to get to it. see pics. Cowboy & Trippy ( I had stayed at Maria McCabes) in Salisbury CT w/ them) were there too. Today's trail was good for walking as evidenced by the jump in mileage. What a different part of Maine. First, the traverse of little Bigelow ridge was a beautiful stroll see pic. Gradually I dropped down to the creek at little Bigelow lean to and took a swim in one of "the tubs" of the creek along the way. Good thing as on Flagstaff road, a wonderful bunch of guys had set up shop, providing trail magic for 4 days!!! B/L/D & goodies! See pics. You can see my hair is still wet after the 1.4 mile walk toward them. These guys are previous thru hikers, and section hikers from Maine. Potato man has even section hiked the entire Maine AT in the winter!!! After a leisurely time there I struck out again and came to a beach on the east end of Flagstaff lake. That which I had adored from above I got to sample the swim in below! See pic. How nice. The thermoclines so chillingly refreshing. It pays to keep your swimsuit on for the day. Off again along the lake, into the most mature fir forests I had seen so far. These trees were huge compared to the saplings and stunted alpine & subalpine ones that so capably blocked the wind for me. See pic. The miles clicked by readily to West Carry Pond. Yes, another swim. See pic. The only thing I can say is, this no pond like we have back home. I suspect Maine's definition of "pond" is oval or round body of water. No size or volume limits provided. Next up, East Carry Pond, same idea, 4 miles away. See pics. This one had a sandy beach but it was late in the day and I was beginning to dry a bit. So onward the 6 miles to Pierce Pond Lean to. I didn't mind the cruising speed through these woods as much of it had a lot of deadfall & was not particularly pretty. See pic. However, another stand of beautiful fir trees ( I think) were present in one area. I arrived after sunset but the colors still played across the sky over the pond. See pic. Rough place to sleep. The campsite was crowded as everyone is in position to hike to the Kennebec river 4 miles away. There we will await our turn for the canoe ride crossing. All for now,Red Robin
Date: 2014-09-05
From: Pierce Pond Lean to mile 2030.1

To: Joe's Hole Brook mile 2047.2
Miles today: 17.1

Pierce pond lean-to mile 2030.1 - Joe's Hole Brook mile 2047.217.1 milesI waited until the dawn light had illuminated the pond (see pic) before striking out for the Kennebec River. The walk started w/ a clumsy crossing of Pierce pond dam which consisted of a conglomeration of rocks boards & logs. See pic. After that the walk was gorgeous, following the outflow track of the pond for much of the way. The stream was a boisterous cascade of pool drops w/ a very jagged irregular rocky bed while the forest was one of my favorites w/ conifers, birch, and moss. See pics. A side trail led to its falls (see pic), a miniature version of the great falls of the Potomac (MD/VA). I arrived just before 8( for a 9 am crossing) & yak was already there. Gradually, the line increased as more hikers straggled in, anxious to get across. The ferry crossing is the official route for crossing as the river is dam released, is 7-8 feet deep, & on the opposite side, the current strong & cold. Once across, I walked to the Caratunk post office, my favorite of the trail. See pic. This is not your normal post office. The postmaster lives across the street, in a house built in 1867. She OFFERS to take your hiker trash, let me charge electronics, fill water from her garden hose (excellent cold well water) & there is a hiker box on the PO porch like none other. Instead of just stuff other hikers don't want, towns people put cookies (another "cookie lady-see pic), PB&J sandwiches w/ homemade jam, & fruit etc in there w/ nice encouraging notes! In discussing the pond vs lake issue in Maine w/ the locals, one lady said it best. The term pond has so much more panache.On to pleasant pond for a swim was a pleasant stroll as suggested. See pic. The pond is huge, 1200 acres (inside source) & was choppy today from a fairly strong wind. See pic. The water temperature perfectly refreshing! Hikers I met through the course of the day, Randy, a section hiker finishing in Monson, Huff n puff, works for the AMC, Totallini, thru-hiking w/ her dad.The trail continued up over Pleasant & Middle Mtn. (See pic) through very mature fir/spruce forests and I stopped shy of my intended goal, instead, camping near a brook. I hope you are taking the time too see the moon & stars. They have been beautiful!All for now,Red Robin
Date: 2014-09-06
From: Joe's Hole Brook mile 2047.2

To: mile 2065.5
Miles today: 18.3

Joe's Hole Brook mile 2047.2 - mile 2065.518.3 milesA slower start from camp w/ nice trail gradually leading me up Moxie Bald. Early in the travel, I came across what looked like a bog gone bad. See pic. The trail then was through a continuation of very mature forest on a bed of rock, a narrow strip cleared for the path. See pic. It led along a sheer wall of rock, then through a boulder cave w/ 1 reminding me of an oversized tooth. See pic. On the way up, I met John & Henry. Section hiking into Monson. They build the beautiful lean to's/ structures in MD/southern PA & are way up the food chain of the PATC(hopefully I have that right). Moxie is an exposed rock summit w/ a few hardy, stunted trees. see pics. I had caught up w/ Randy here as he had camped a bit ahead of me. Aquaman & Tricks arrived later. We seem to be on a similar walking plan. Well, I guess we all are. However, I do leapfrog w/ them a lot in spite of them generally moving much faster than me. The trail down was fun as it looked like a sidewalk leading through the wizard of oz. see pic. At the bottom, I lunched at Bald Mtn pond. See pic. The trail terrain was filled w/ slick rocks, roots and some mud making progress slow. Onward, the elevation was much flatter & smoother to walk. Through this section, there were 3 rivers to ford (no keeping the feet dry in these rivers, no matter how hard you try). They were the Bald Mtn Stream, West branch of the Piscataquis (Randy kindly let me take his pic for the blog) & its East Branch near the end of the day. See pics. The trail followed I think the west branch, a wonderful, noisy, tumble of water through small drops. A light steady rain developed after the West Branch ford. It was just hard enough to be thankful for the cover of the rain skirt & umbrella. By 4 PM, I was ravenous, had already devoured the day's snacks, & still wanted to get through the 3rd river ford before stopping, so, dinner came early. That powered me through the 2 miles to the ford in 30 minutes and on to camp, @5 miles from Rt 15/Monson, the southern tip of the 100 mile wilderness! All for now,Red Robin
Date: 2014-09-07
From: mile 2065.5

To: ME 15 Shaws in monson mile 2070.8
Miles today: 5.3

Mile 2065.5 - Shaw's, Monson, ME Rt 15 mile 2070.85.3 milesA cool, crisp bright morning. My wet, icy cold hiking clothes from yesterday, I could not, would not don today. So I wore my PJ's/Town clothes for the rest of the way. (Quite the multitaskers!)The stroll to the town's trailhead was pleasant if a bit muddy. I was shuttled from the trailhead to Shaw's & checked in. They have 1 spot for a hammock, & all the other important aspects needed in a hiker's life. They even have their own shaw collection of clothing for laundry time. Guess they didn't like to see everyone in rain gear. Reorganized for the 100 mile wilderness, I was of course bemoaning the weight of my food bag! Over the last few weeks I have enjoyed getting a lot of encouraging notes from folks everywhere Sorry, sometimes there is not an email address attached for me to reply to. I would do so - eventually.....From the sounds of it, there won't be adequate connectivity in the 100 mile wilderness to enter the journal notes /pics nightly so will do so at the completion. All for now,Red Robin
Date: 2014-09-08
From: ME 15 Shaws in monson mile 2070.8

To: long pond lean to mile 2085.9
Miles today: 15.1

Rt 15 mile 2070.8-Long pond lean to mile 2085.915.1 miles99.4 to go!Powered by the trail famous Shaw breakfast(sorry no pic-phone on the charger), I struck out into the 100 mile wilderness.see pic. I have 6 days of food, many others hiking it w/ 5. I didn't want to "have" to do 20 mile days so am bearing the extra burden. And yes, the pack is heavy. Usually my pack height is well below the length of my umbrella carried in a side pouch. Today it is level w/ it. A cool, blue sky September day. The forest varied between mixed deciduous and that of the spruce, fir & I keep forgetting to mention cedars have started popping into the picture over the course of the last week. The trail was of rock, root & mud (no surprise) making it difficult to establish a good, smooth pace. There were several pretty ponds I passed early in the day. North pond caught my eye w/ the near perfect reflections. See pic. I stopped for lunch at little Wilson falls. (see pic) these falls were beautiful w/ the canyon walls turned up on edge. It was difficult to get a good picture, but an awesome lunch site.Onward and upward, the trail extended up the ledges of the mountain(see pic) leading to another gorgeous conifer forest. See pic. Big Wilson stream was the ford of the day. See pic. It was thigh deep in areas w/ moderate flow. I didn't bother to take my shoes off. Thinking of swift water rescue courses, all I could think of were the dangerous foot entrapments that can occur, so pack unbuckled, phone stored away, facing upstream, I probed over the slippery rocks for secure footing and sidled across. All the other creeks that needed fording were running low enough to rock hop. Just before camp, trail magic had been left at the 100 miles to go point. See picI got into camp so early, I almost didn't know what to do w/ the extra time. All for now,Red Robin