morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-09-05
From: Grafton Notch

To: East B Hill Rd
Miles today: 10.3

Late last night, Stickman rolled in from Grafton Notch. I haven't seen him in ages, probably back in Hot Springs. Along with him was The General and Sunset. Nice to see them as well.Since they were heading back to Grafton Notch, Bear and I decided to head back there and hike the 10 miles to East B Hill Rd.The hike up over the Baldpate peaks was rough given my hiking endurance. The summit was in the clouds when I arrived. Fortunately, a break was in order and son after the clouds blew out revealing a nice view of the valley below. Stickman also sat on the summit to chat a while and absorb the view.The walk down to Frye Notch Shelter went rather quick, but leaving us just under 4 miles to the road. While that's not a long distance, we had only 1 hour to get there. So a quick H2O stop and onward.The trail down to the road was quite easy, but still took some time to complete the trek. Just before the road crossing, the trail crosses a creek which drops into a lovely notch and forms a great waterfall, Dunn Notch Falls.At the road was our wonderful host, Bear, who shuttled us back to the hostel. Another fantastic day in Maine, the way life should be.
Date: 2004-09-06
From: East B Hill Rd

To: South Arm Rd
Miles today: 10.1

Well, I did manage to get some more hiking in today. We did a 10 mile slack, bringing us back to "The Cabin" for yet another night.It was a bit rough to get rolling this morning. The knees were screaming, the ankle was very sore and I was still sucking wind.The trail was fairly easy to Hall Shelter, where we took a short break before pushing on. The climb down from the shelter and back up the other side made the joints hurt.All-in-all the hike was great passing through some hard wood groves and some pines as well. It was also nice to get out in the woods again.Soon we made the road crossing and were enroute back to our temporary home. After getting back we found Loon in the houe for a few days. It was nice to see him again. The rest of the afternoon was spent catching up with Loon's adventures.Tomorrow, the plan is to do another slack (13 miles) as well and come back here. What can I say?? Honey and Bear are fantastic hosts to us hikers, and I really like it here!! I now know why so many people recommend a stay @ "The Cabin".
Date: 2004-09-07
From: South Arm Rd

To: South Arm Rd
Miles today: 0.0

Today the weather was a little questionable, and there was a few things Bear and I could done. So decided to yet another zero in the comfort of "The Cabin". We could have hiked another 13 miles, but I need something to hike when I come back to visit.For a change there were no other hikers taking zero days. So I was able to catch up on some sleep by napping on the couch. Bear and I also took care of putting away the Tee-Pee for the winter, which belongs to Loon.Other than that not much to report today. What can I say, life is better at The Cabin. And the alternative was to be at work.
Date: 2004-09-08
From: South Arm Rd

To: Monson
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Ok, today it was time to leave ourconfines of our temporary home, "TheCabin". In an effort to meet Bear'sparents we had to do a little yellowblazing and head up the trail a bit.We needed to get from East Andover toMonson, not an easy hitch. When Bearand I first arrived at The Cabin,there was a car there which a hikerleft. The hiker was hiking fromAndover up to Monson. So we werehoping that he'd need his car and wecould drive it up to him. Well, thatplan backfired and he bailed out ofhis trip. He hitched back to his caryesterday.Oddly enough there was a hiker named,Singer who showed up yesterday.Singer hiked the trail in '98. Hestopped by to spend the night thenwas moving on up to Greenville, atown a few miles north of Monson onthe same road. Singer is a pilot andthere is a Fly-in this weekend forfloat planes. Something that I'd liketo see someday.So it all worked out and we managedto snag a ride from Singer up toMonson. Soon I found myself in thedriveway of Shaw's.It has been just under 10 years sinceI was here last, but I remember itfondly. It feels great to be backhere. The Shaws have made additionsand improvements, but for the mostpart it's the same fantastic place.And most importantly, it's the samegreat people, who opens their home tohikers.Now it's just about time for dinner.
Date: 2004-09-09
From: Monson

To: Monson
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Today was an intentional zero day to get food in order, stuff sent home and figure out the hiking agenda for the next few days.The day started with an awesome breakfast. Keith asks what's your number and how would you like your eggs. The number indicates the number of helping of each item on your plate. I ordered up a 2x2, meaning 2 French Toast, 2 Eggs, 2 Sausage, 2 Bacon, 2 Ham and 2 helpings of home fries. Yum!!It rained all day which made the zero day seem worth it, even though we needed to get stuff done regardless.Later in the morning I took care of my maildrop and organized stuff to send home, since this is the last town stop.The next item on the agenda was of course lunch. Bear and I stopped in at the General store for a bite to eat. Small town life certainly is different. When they say, General Store, they mean General Store.Unfotunately the BBQ place is closed until October, so I'll sadly miss out on another trail favorite. I'm still bummed about the Erwin Burrito.On the way back to the Shaw's I decided to stop at the library to check email. What an interesting little library.The dinner was quite a feast and filled me up quickly. The Shaws would just keep bringing food until you are full and it was absolutely wonderful.The evening was topped off with the first regular season football game. Now it's time for bed.
Date: 2004-09-10
From: Monson

To: Vaughn Stream
Miles today: 13.7

After another great breakfast at Shaws, it was time to pack up and head out on the trail. About 8:30 Keith Jr loaded us up in the pickup and shuttled us out to ME15.The hike started out fairly easy and wound through the Maine countryide. Soon Bear and I found ourselves at Little Wilson Falls. The falls are a spectacular site and even more so sine there was plenty of water coming down through the slate canyon.Unfortunately all that water, from the rain the day before, made the stream ford just below the falls impassable. After several attempts to bridge and look for a spot to cross, we opted to blaze around.After finding our way back to the trail, off we headed for Big Wilson Stream. Luckily for us it wasn't flowing as fast. We were able for that one, which was crotch deep. Man, the water was really cold. I can only imagine how cold it must be for the Southbounders in June with the snow melt and run off.After fording Big Wilson Stream, we made our way several more miles to Vaughn Stream. We found this stream to be as the others were, rather high. There was another thru-hiker named Bob who was with us. He managed to ford it, but the water was up to his waist. Instead of getting that wet late in the day as well as all our stuff, we decided to camp here at the stream and wait till the morning. We are hoping the water level will drop. We'll see...
Date: 2004-09-11
From: Vaughn Stream

To: Chairback Gap Shelter 
Miles today: 12.3
Weather: clear sky

Well, the water level dropped at least six inches over night. That enabled us to see the bottom of the stream and some rocks. That made the ford much easier. It was still just below crotch level, but much better than waist deep!A half mile later came the ford of Long Pond Stream. The water was still deep in the morning, flowing quickly and oh so cold. But Bear managed to find a decent spot to cross and I followed without incident.The hike then continued up stream to the Long Pond Lean-to. There we met Father Ounce who had flip-flopped and heading back south. After a quick break, it was time to climb Barron Mtn.After reaching Barron Ledges, I had to sit and absorb the view. Then we made tracks for Barron Mountain. Of course we had to sit and take in the view there as well.Bear and I had lunch at Cloud Pond Shelter. It was just as beautiful as I remember from my section hike years ago.After lunch we headed down the trail for Chairback Gap Lean-to. The next climb was up and over Fourth Mountain. I was able to get my first glimse of what we think was Katahdin. Just the very peak of it was visable in a saddle between two other mountains. Nevertheless, it was a good sight to behold.With 1.8 miles to go before the shelter and my watch showing 5:50PM we put on the afterburners. Bear and I zoomed to the top of the last climb at a 3 mph pace. It's been ages since I've seen that kind of a pace.Last .5 mile sucked, as it was a steep downhill. It seemed as if we would never reach our destination. Once we did, it was empty, leaving it all to us for the evening.Now, it's time for dinner. Gotta lighten the food bag. Long day tomorrow, going for 17 miles over some rough terrain.
Date: 2004-09-12
From: Chairback Gap Shelter 

To: Logan Brook Lean-To 
Miles today: 17.1
Weather: clear sky

Today I was awake by 6AM, but the chill in the air kept me in my sleeping bag until 7. By 7:45 I was hiking north on the AT again.The morning hike took us over Chairback Mountain and down the West branch of the Pleasant river. We had another ford to make, but it was only knee deep.After the ford the AT heads through an area called "The Hermitage", a grove of super old pine trees. From there it joins a loop trail through the Gulf Hagas area. The Gulf Hagas is a deep slate canyon. I would like to see that some time, but with 17 tough miles there was no room for a side trip.Bear and I pushed hard to reach the next shelter and made it by 12:30. It felt good to get 10 miles in by lunch for a change.After lunch we had a steep and rough climb up and over Gulf Hagas Mountain. I'm still lagging a bit on the steep climbs, so I reached the top a bit after Bear. As reached the top I came across Bear sitting in the middle of the trail. He said, "There it is!" And in all her glory was Mount Katahdin! While I haven't walked 2000+ miles to reach it, I have walked just under 1000 miles. That is still a long way to walk and a long time to reach a goal. obviously, we have a few more days yet to hike, but it was wonderful to see Katahdin.After gazing for a few minutes and reflecting back on the past 3 months and 1000 miles, we were on our way and climbing Whitecap.As we reached the summit of Whitecap Mountain, a few clouds started to roll in. We still managed some great views of the surrounding area and Katahdin as well.Unfortunately we had to push on and descend off the summit to Logan Brook Lean-to, our home for he night. Another descent which seemed as if it would never end, but as with the other it did.Now it's time to relax a bit and nod off. Tomorrow is a new day and our only near 20 mile day left on this trip.
Date: 2004-09-13
From: Logan Brook Lean-To 

To: Antlers Campsite
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Man was it cold this morning. I knew we had nearly 20 miles to hike, yet I just couldn't get motivated to leave. After a bunch of moaning and slow moving, I was hiking by 8:30AM. The goal for the afternoon was 12 miles by lunch. Having done the 100 mile wilderness before I knew the hike was an easy one. So the morning and afternoon hike was quite easy.I rolled into Cooper Brook shelter for a quick lunch. I wish the air was warmer and the water a bit warmer as well. Cooper Brook has an excellent swimming hole. But I couldn't bring myself to get in. I did the next best thing, continue hiking north.The trail is really flat from before Cooper Brook Lean-to all the way past our night's destination. It was so easy that I was able to maintain a 3+ mph pace and still look around. I haven't been able to look up at the scenery without fear of falling and/or breaking something in quite some time. The trail winds through some nice pine groves as well as maple and birch groves. I was able see listen to the birds and squirrels chirping, the wind blowing and the trees squeaking. Ah, life on the trail.The hike from Cooper Brook to Antlers was about 8 miles and I cruised it in 2.5 hours. Now, I'm at Antlers Campsite rest and catching up on a few things. To top it off, as I arrived at the campsite a Canadian group was finishing up dinner and offered me their leftovers. I have no idea what it was, but it was good. Just then Bear arrived and I offered him what was left of the food.It's so great to be here in the wilderness and more specifically at Anterlers Campsite.
Date: 2004-09-14
From: Antlers Campsite

To: Whitehouse Landing
Miles today: 5.9

The morning started off with fog everywhere. I guess that's the breaks when you camp on a lake. The cold weather was mixing with the warmer water of the lake forming fog.After getting things packed up and using the famous "Fort Relief" privy, Bear and I made track once again heading north. Our destination for the late morning was Whitehouse Landing. A hunting/fishing camp that is not far off the AT. A few years ago they discovered they could capitalize off the hikers.We wanted to grab some lunch and resupply a bit. So we made it to the road crossing which leads down to Pemadumcook lake. From there we followed a blue blaze trail for a bit to a dock with an air horn. We blew the horn and soon enough a boat pulled up to whisk us off.One getting here, we knew it would tough to leave. An awesome view of the lake, the sun was out, the breeze blowing, and loads of food.After having lunch, which was a 1 pound cheeseburger and 1/2 a pizza, Bear and I evaluated our hiking schedule. We decided to stay the night and make up the milage from today over the next two days.So the rest of the afternoon consisted off hanging some stuff our to air out. We also washed clothes with a wash board and a hand operated wringer. I managed to catch up on email and journal entries as well.After dinner which was another 1 pound cheeseburger, Bear and I got in a canoe and paddled out onto the lake to catch the sunset. A nice change from hiking and sitting.An awesome day, albeit not our original plan. But we certainly enjoyed the day. With only 4 more days left until this trip is over, we have to take some time to enjoy it all.
Date: 2004-09-15
From: Whitehouse Landing

To: Rainbow Stream Lean-to
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: few clouds

Our day started with a good breakfast at the lodge. Scrambled eggs, homefries, bacon, english muffin and blueberry pancakes. Much better than the stuff I've been eating out of wrappers.After breakfast we loaded in the little boat and were whisked off down the lake. Luckily we were taken just a short walk from the trail, where we left it yesterday.Walking northward once again with only three days left to reach our goal of Mt. Katahdin. The trail was fairly flat, but was covered with root and rocks. That made it a little more difficult to watch the scenery pass by while hiking. But level is much better than up or down.Soon I found myself at Wadleigh Stream Lean-to for lunch. A nice relaxing one hour break.After our nice break and lunch it was time to climb over Nesuntabunt Mountain. The climb up was pretty rough but not too long. Once on top I was rewarded to an incredible view of Nahmakanta Lake and of course Mt. Katahdin in the distance too.From there Bear and I and tackled the steep descent down to Cresent Pond, and immediately followed by a nice walk through the Pollywog Gorge.From the gorge we were led down a valley and then up stream to Rainbow Stream Lean-to. The last mile or so was fairly easy and allowed me to look around at my surroundings and enjoy it. With just three more days left on the trail, enjoyment is the name of the game.Tomorow will be the last 15 mile day, so that should be enjoyable and a nice hike as well.
Date: 2004-09-16
From: Rainbow Stream Lean-to

To: Abol Bridge
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: broken clouds

Today was the last day in the 100 mile wilderness, and our next to the last day of true hiking. We'll have one remaining day, but that is more mountain climbing than hiking.Our day started with the usual chores, eating breakfast, packing up, privy stop and signing the shelter register.The hike started with a nice walk along Rainbow Lake. The trail was nrelatively flat, but was also covered with mud. The mud made the walk a little more challenging and slow going. Nevertheless, I did see a couple deer, lots of chipmonks and the like. The forest seemed to be alive with animals as well as a nice country fresh breeze.As I was nearing the end of the lake, I hirst heard some voices. Then I saw two people down by the lake. I didn't want to disrupt their serenity, but as I looked breifly I thought I recognized the older gentleman. So I stopped for a second look. Just then he turned around to look at me, and sure enough it was our good friend Loon!! He and Lizard were hiking south through the wilderness bac to Monson. Soon Bear had joined the reunion and we were laughing and talking about our fantastic journey.Unfortunately time doesn't stand still, so we had to part ways and hike on. That led Bear and I up Rainbow Ledges. That spot is suppose to have a great view of Katahdin, but the humidity made it almost impossible to see the giant mountain.With no view to look at, we pushed on to Hurd Brook Lean-to for some lunch. Once there the bugs were pretty bad so it was more or less and eat and run. I wish we could have spent more time there, since time on this trip is running low.The last 3.5 miles out of the wilderness went quickly and I found myself at the road crossing in an hour. There was cooler just before the road, but I unfortunately missed it. That's ok, it's the thought that counts. I appreciated it without even getting anything. The next stop was Abol Campstore for some eats and something to drink. Now it's time to setup camp and enjoy the time that is left.Only 15 miles to go and two days. Where did the time go?
Date: 2004-09-17
From: Abol Bridge

To: The Birches - Katahdin Stream Campground 
Miles today: 10.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Today started with the sound of rain tapping on the outside of my tarptent. Fortunately by 7AM the rain had subsided and I was able to get thing packed up. After packing it was time to head over to the store at Abol Bridge to get and eat breakfast.Next on the agenda was to head north on the AT for the last day of real hiking. With only 10 miles of easy terrain left Bear and I took our time hiking.About 4 miles into the day, I happened to come upon a cow moose and her baby. They were just down over the bank in the water eating. Mom was unbothered by us and continued as if we weren't there. That provided for some excellent photo opportunities. The baby moose was a little spooked and swam out into the the stream and then down stream to avoid us.Bear and I spent a few minutes watching the moose, and then decided to push on up the trail. The trail enters Baxter State Park and heads for Daicy Pond. It also passes Big Niagra Falls and Little Niagra Falls. Of course we stopped to take in the sights at each one.When we came to Daicy Pond we went up to the pond for lunch. The pond has a fantastic view of Katahdin. So we had to soak in the view. I had a sub for lunch which I got at the store this morning. After lunch I sat on the boat dock at the pond with Bear and had a nice conversation with some ladies who were staying at the cabins around the lake. They were kind enough to offer us some spring water. A little trail magic for us.I even took a small nap on the dock in the sun. It was so relaxing and a nice way to spend 2 hours of my afternoon.Eventually we packed up our stuff and made tracks for Katahdin Stream Campground. The hike was only 2.5 miles and relatively flat. I had make myself walk a little slower to drag things out. Before long I was at the ranger station at Katahdin Stream Campgound. We got checked in and headed for The Birches, which is a set of shelters specifically for Thru-hikers.About an hour before dinner time a nice older couple showed up, the Batchelders. The gentleman has thru-hiked in the past and did some miles in the south this year too. In fact he even started on April 4th this year, the same date as I did.They brought in cookies, fruit, sodas and some other miscellaneous goodies. A nice appetizer for dinner and a great end to a wonderful day.At the shelter tonight is, Bear, 2 section hikers, wife and Beater, Catapillar, Critter, Mushroom and myself. We all plan to summit tomorrow, bringing this leg of the adventure to an end.Later in the evening Bear started up a fire and we sat around talking about our hike. Now it's time to rest up for the big climb.
Date: 2004-06-20
From: Fox Gap

To: Kirkridge Shelter
Miles today: 0.6
Weather: clear sky

It's hard to believe I'm actually doing this - it's all very surreal. Dante get married the day before, I was in Atlantic city esterday, and today I caught up with Eileen and started hiking.I got stopped in Stroudsburg and asked for directions three times. What is it about me having a backpack packed with 40 pounds of shit that makes it seem like I'm going to be able to give you directions?It was a little scary getting off the bus and not knowing anything about where to pick up the trail. I kind of wished I had done a little more research.Leaving Philly this morning, I didn't bother to figure out how to get from the hotel to the bus station - I barely made it in time to get on the bus. Again, it made me wish I had done more research.Cool thing for today - At the bike shop at Stroudsburg, I got a free camelbak. First trail magic- bodes well for the rest of the trip.
Date: 2004-06-21
From: Kirkridge Shelter

To: DWG Backpacker Campground
Miles today: 11.2

I'm wishing now that I would have done a little more, or anything, rather, in terms of preparation. First, half of the day was all downhill, which was tiring, but do-able. The afternoon, however, was a different story. All uphill and rocky, and it definitely kicked my ass.Once we got into camp, we saw a mother bear and three cubs, and another bear on his own. Hopefully, it will be an uneventful night. Everyone else who seems to know what they're doing seems to be hiking in sleeveless shirts. I wonder if they know something we don't. Eileen is a really great hiking partner - among other things, she doesn't talk when it needs to be quiet, and she has amusing things to say when it's time to talk. Plus she complains a lot less than I do - if she complained as much as I do, I don't know how long I'd be able to last. Wandered around the Water Gap, and got lost in town today. Still trying to figure out this whole "map reading" thing. I kinda wish I had bought maps while in town. I shipped home 10 pounds worth of stuff that I had worn at Dante's wedding - it made a huge difference. We spent all day today getting passed by the people we slept with in the shilter last night. I am extremely envious of how great of shape they're in.It's only been a day, but I need to come up with a trailname. I'm tired of just being Gene.