morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-07-05
From: Logan Brook Lean-to

To: Stealth Camp past Jo-Mary Road
Miles today: 15.5

It did not rain last night. Up at 6:00, hiking at 7:00 in 57 degree temperatures, cloudy skies, moderate breeze, and dry trails. It was easy going and fairly level with large areas without roots or rocks. there was only one mountain, Little Boardman, that was a 2000 footer (barely). For the first time on the AT in New England I saw some poison ivy at the outlet of Mountain View Pond. I got water just after that from a very nice spring just off the trail. I hiked on, stopping at a sandy beach on Crawford Pond where I took a swim and then air dried while eating my cheese and crackers lunch. It was only about 72 degrees but felt quite comfortable. After that I hiked on and it showered some but did not amount to much. I reached the Cooper Brook Falls Lean-to at about 3:00 where I prepared and ate dinner. After dinner I hiked on another 3.6 miles to stealth camp just past the Jo-Mary Road. I passed Shadow Man already camped along the way. This should put me in good shape to get to the White House Landing (a sports camp 68 miles into the 100 mile wilderness) for dinner and to resupply. I may even be able to make lunch if I get up at 5:00. The SOBOs I met today are ¢Creamy¢ and ¢Crunchy¢ (they had the same pack as mine - a GoLite Race), ¢Mike,¢ ¢Joe,¢ ¢L¢awin¢ (means hawk in Phillipine), ¢Leah¢, ¢Adrian,¢ ¢Melissa¢and ¢Jesse,¢ ¢Ned,¢ ¢Bob,¢ ¢Shadow Man¢ (a NOBO who caught up and passed me). He should be #14 to finish unless the order changes. Stats for the day: 1860 ft ascent, 3530 ft descent, 3 laps, duration of 10 hr 43 min, and 15.5 miles.I just set my alarm for 5:00, will get into the sleeping bag and tomorrow try to make lunch at the White House Landing. I can hear the rushing water of Cooper Brook in the background.
Date: 2004-07-06
From: Stealth Camp past Jo-Mary Road

To: Mahar Tote Road/White House Landing
Miles today: 10.0

It did not rain last night so I was able to pack up a dry tent this morning.   I was up at 5:00 with a tent temperature of 63 degrees and was hiking at 6:00. I thought if the trails were smooth and dry I could make it the 11.2 miles (includes 1.2 miles of side trail off the AT) by 11:30 in time for lunch at the White House Landing. It started out overcast in the low 60¢s and the trail was smooth and dry for the most part. I stopped to sign the register at the Antlers Campsite and found another privy with curtains and called ¢Fort Relief.¢ There was only one small bump in the Trail today, Potaywadjo Ridge, a gradual climb and descent of only 700 feet. I arrived at the dock at 11:30 where I where I used the fog horn there to summon the boat from White House Landing to come across Pemadumcook Lake and pick me up. Linda was there in less than 5 minutes. I was in time for lunch and ordered their 1 pound cheeseburger deluxe and several cokes for lunch. It was very good and all I could eat. Since then I have taken a hot shower, washed my clothes by hand in a wash tub with an old fashioned hand crank wringer. They were then hung on a clothesline to air dry. I have also resupplied with enough to reach Abol Bridge and eaten a 14 inch pizza with pepperoni for dinner. Actually, two pieces were left over which I am saving to take with me tomorrow for lunch. I am hopeful of reaching Abol Bridge Friday morning and then hiking to the base of Katahdin by the end of Friday. I also hope to meet Highlander II some time Fri. Stats for the day: 620 ft ascent, 770 ft descent, 1 lap, duration of 5 hr 33 min, and 10.0 miles.As far as I can determine the order of finish on the AT this year is 1-Magic, 2-Officer Taco, 3-?, 4-?, 5&6- Solemates, 7,8,9,10- the Dutch Posse, 11- Junior from Maine, 12- Little Tree, 13- Phantom Man, 14- Hog Walker. Today I met ¢Chris,¢ a SOBO, at the White House Landing. He just finished a 6 year stint in the US Marines and most recently time in Iraq. He injured his knee coming down Katahdin and is taking some zero days. Bill and Linda own and operate the White House Landing. They are very nice people and their food is excellent.
Date: 2004-07-07
From: Mahar Tote Road/White House Landing

To: Rainbow Stream Lean-to
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: clear sky

Up at 7:00 to a cabin temperature of 57 degrees because I left the windows open. Breakfast was served at 8:00 sharp and I ate with ¢Chris¢ and ¢Ghost,¢ a SOBO who is flipping (he just completed the middle third of the AT and started the northern third on July 4th). The breakfast was great ¢ bacon and eggs, home fries, English muffins, orange juice, coffee, and AYCE blueberry pancakes. After breakfast Bill took Ghost and me to the other side of Pemadumcook Lake where I resumed hiking the AT at 9:15. It was sunny and clear with almost no breeze and the temperature was in the low 60¢s. The mosquitoes were bothersome so I put Repel on my legs and hands and my bug shirt over my upper body. After an hour or so I was able to take the bug shirt off. The trail today was mostly smooth with only short interruptions by rocks and roots. The rocks and roots don¢t seem to bother me as much, especially if they are dry like today. I just have to slow down and be more careful when they are present. There was a section of the trail this morning where it went through a pine forest next to Nahmakanta Stream, and I was thinking how nice it was to be hiking the AT. I could hear the stream meandering, or rushing, or gurgling, depending on the section, Different birds in the distance were calling for mates. I could hear the crunching of my boots on the pine needle carpet of the forest and the occasional chatter of a red squirrel. All these sounds were punctuated every other step by a click each time I put my worn hiking sticks to the ground. I was all alone with nature. It was just great. Today I went over Nesuntaband Mtn (1520 ft) and got a good view of Katahdin for the first time. I hiked on and arrived at the Rainbow Stream Lean-to at 6:50. No one else was here and as I write this journal I am still alone. Stats for the day: 2290 ft ascent, 1760 ft descent, 2 laps, duration of 9 hr 50 min, and 15.8 miles.It is 9:30 and time to turn my headlamp out.   Tonight I am wearing my wet socks to bed which is a great way to dry them out.
Date: 2004-07-08
From: Rainbow Stream Lean-to

To: Abol Bridge/Abol Campground
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: moderate rain

Today I cut my remaining miles in half - 30 miles to 15 miles. I was up at 5:00 with a 57 degree tent temperature and was hiking at 6:00 in heavy overcast skies with little wind. It was cool and a good hiking temperature. By 8:00 it started to rain and continued until about 1:00. It was a cool rain and I had to put my rain jacket on to stay warm. The trail today had a lot of roots and stones but I managed to make good time in spite of them being slippery. I met a number of hikers doing the 100-mile wilderness and a few SOBOs. I arrived at the Abol Bridge Camp Store at 2:50 and had a 20 oz coke and two hot dogs, (the reddest hot dogs I have ever seen) but they tasted good. I signed in for a campsite at the camp store. I also met ¢Thad¢ and ¢Daniel,¢ SOBOs hiking together with very heavy backpacks and ¢Chris¢ and ¢Alberto,¢ SOBOs hiking together and also with very heavy backpacks. We discussed things they could do to lighten their loads. We also hung out together as we cooked dinner. They were interesting people.Stats for the day: 1570 ft ascent, 2010 ft descent, 2 laps, duration of 8 hr 55 min, and 15.0 miles.It is 9:10 and time to turn out my headlamp. Tomorrow I hike to the base of Katahdin where Highlander II will meet me. He plans to hike with me when I climb Katahdin and complete my AT hike on Saturday. There is a whippoorwill close by (the first one I have heard this year) and it will lull me to sleep tonight.
Date: 2004-07-09
From: Abol Bridge/Abol Campground

To: Katahdin Stream Campground/Millinocket
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: light rain

It rained hard last night but had stopped by the time I got up at 6:00. The tent temperature was 63 degrees. I packed my equipment and the wet tent and was at the camp store at 7:00 when they opened to get coffee and a big cinnamon sweet roll for breakfast. Then Chris, Alberto, and Dave stopped in and we hung out for a while. Shortly after 7:00 it dumped thunderstorm style, so it didn¢t take much for me to stay with them for a few more minutes. I headed out at 7:50 toward Katahdin Stream Campground. The trail was smooth and level for the most part and I cruised. At about noon I crossed the beaver dam on the outlet of Tracy Pond. As I slowed down to cross I had another back attack, the most severe to date but similar to the ones I have had on some previous days. They have occurred near the middle of the day and I have stopped, done my set of yoga exercises, and resumed hiking. As I hiked on they gradually dissipated. Each time one has occurred I had the sinking feeling that the pain would not lessen and it would take me off the trail again like last year. So this time I did the usual ¢ stretched and resumed hiking, but at a much slower pace (this morning I had been averaging well over two miles/hour which is my fastest pace this year). The pain left very slowly so I trekked on to meet Highlander II as he hiked in to meet me. We met at 12.20 and hiked together the 0.3 mi. back to Katahdin Stream Campground arriving there at 12:30 where I signed in at the Ranger Station. Then we headed into Millinocket to get a room (warmth and a real roof over my head) and some town food. I am now in the motel room, warm, dry, and filled with town food. My tent and other equipment have mostly dried and now will be packed up for the hike to the Katahdin summit and the ride home tomorrow. Oh yes, I have taken my maximum dose of vitamin I which will help let me sleep tonight and, hopefully, I will be able to climb tomorrow. We plan to get up at 3:50 in order to arrive at the Baxter State Park gate when it opens at 5:00 AM. Then it is another 30 minute drive to the Katahdin Stream Campground where I will continue, and hopefully, complete my AT hike. It is 7:00 and time to pack up and get some sleepStats for the day: 1060 ft ascent, 550 ft descent, 1 lap, duration of 4 hr 52 min, and 9.9 miles.
Date: 2004-07-10
From: Katahdin Stream Campground/Millinocket

To: Mt Katahdin Summit/Home
Miles today: 5.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Up at 3:50, ate a free continental breakfast at the motel, and on the road at 4:30. Highlander II drove. We arrived at the Baxter State Park just before they opened at 5:00 and were about 12th in line. We were checked in and entered the Park at 5:15. We arrived at the Katahdin Stream Campground at 5:45. We started hiking just before 6:00. It was cool, approximately 60 degrees, no wind, overcast with a few patches of blue, and the summit of Katahdin was in the clouds. The final piece of the trail was 5.2 miles with an elevation change of over 4000 feet. Katahdin means ¢Greatest Mountain¢ and it lived up to its name as it was the single biggest and most demanding climb on the entire AT. I am glad they saved it for last. It started out easy for about a mile and then become steadily more and more difficult. There was much two hand rock scrambling and climbing and many places where my hiking sticks were of no use and, in fact, just got in the way. My progress was intentionally slow because I didn¢t want to aggravate either my back or my right knee, which both had been talking to me off and on during the hike this year. I just wanted to reach the summit and kiss the AT Katahdin sign. Highlander II was very patient with my slow pace and helpful in some of the tough spots that required long extensions of the arms and/or legs to reach iron pins in the rocks that aid the climb in otherwise impossible places. I reached the summit at 10:30 and let out my final yea of my AT hike with a great sense of relief that I had actually made it. And it was a special treat to be able to finish my AT hike with my mentor and strongest supporter, Highlander II. Highlander II then presented me with the much coveted 2000 mile rocker and celebratory 20 oz coke; we shared a cake my wife made with the AT map and ¢Yea Trog¢ on it. There was also the surprise presence of ¢Hog Walker¢ who held off his summit climb for two days due to the weather. It was a special treat to be able to swap congratulations with another AT hiker as we finished our hikes at Katahdin. His wife also hiked Katahdin with him, so the four of us were able to enjoy this special moment together. The summit was in the clouds but the hike up was rainless and for the most part the trail was dry. At about 11:00 Highlander II and I started the hike back down the mountain. It was probably harder going down than going up but we took our time, were very careful, and arrived at the trailhead at 3:30. It did not rain during the hike up and down and we collectively thank the hiking gods for holding off the rain until after we returned to the trailhead. We then drove to Millinocket, got some lunch, and approximately 6:00 headed home, driving through some heavy thunderstorms on the way, and arriving there at 11:00 PM. Stats for the day: 4220 ft ascent, 4270 ft descent, 1 lap, duration of 9 hr 40 min, and 5.2 miles.It is good to be home but I will remember my many adventures forever.
Date: 2003-04-08
To: Why I hike the long trail
Miles today: 0.0

"Well, she's at it again." And they're right. It's high time for another long hike. Why? Well, I hike the long trail because I love to;because there are no traffic jams or signals, no stop signs, parking meters or police.because no where on earth have I experienced lakes so deep in color they appear purple; because in their pristine waters, a log can be seen 25 feet below the surface. because the greens are greener out here, the blues bluer, and images are crisp and sharp.because I like being supported by the earth each night when I rest upon her; because I experience the terrain, vegetation, and wildlife of the land with an intimacy those touring in SUV's will never know;because, alas, campsites are plentiful and free!I hike the long trail because "getting out of town" on a Friday night is a daily occurrence - and it happens every morning at 6AM.because hiking defines freedom, adventure, peace and beauty;because no two days are ever alike.because the toughest executive decision out here is how much water to carry, how many miles to hike, and where to camp -best of all, none need board approval to be put into action.because, mercifully, there are no phones or pagers on the trail;because some of the most awesome people I know walk trails. I hike the long trail because I can gorge myself stupid on wild huckleberries;because I like the idea of carrying all I need to live on my back - which truly isn't much.because opening a re-supply box comes closest to the excitement of Christmas morning I've known since childhood;because starting a day doesn't rely on coffee and unwinding from it doesn't rely on beer - just 400mg ibuprofen;because for every uphill there is a downhill, and for every rocky path there is one padded with soft pine needles¢¦ somewhere.because when no one is around to help me out of a snow bank or up a steep canyon, I discover what I'm made of;because trail mix tastes better out here.I hike the long trail because the sights on a thru-hike are ultimately diverse;because the trail is safer than any metropolitan area I know of; because hikers are patient, adventuresome beings, who genuinely look after one another;because I'm inspired by the footprints left by those on the trail before me;because June 21st (summer solstice) is "hike naked day;"because "taking a walk" will never hold the same meaning again;and finally, not because I regard hiking a long trail as being so terribly important, but because I suspect that many of the other concerns of mankind are equally unimportant -- and not nearly so much fun.
Date: 2003-04-08
To: Preparation
Miles today: 0.0

   In February, while on a roadtrip to San Diego, I had the opportunity to stay overnight and have a little reunion with Joe and Terrie Anderson (awesome trail angels on the Southern California section of the PCT). Driving through PCT country on the way to see them made my heart pound. The itch to hike another long trail was back. After twenty-seconds deliberation, some head scratching and a bit of logistic gymnastics, it looked like I could, indeed, hike the Appalachian Trail this season. I've decided to avoid the hoards of hikers that start in Georgia and take advantage of the seasons by starting mid-way on the AT at Duncannon, PA, and hiking to the Southern Terminus. I'll then jump to Maine and hike South to Pennsylvania. It's only been just two weeks or so since all the pieces have come together, so needless to say, I have been pressed to wrap things up around here to head back East to the trailhead. Luckily, my gear was all set to go. It was yet unpacked it from a 3-month backpacking trip in Europe I was supposed to be on right now. (Whew! That's one airplane I'm glad I didn't catch! It's a tough time to be an American in France or Germany right now.) I leave tomorrow via Greyhound and plan to start the trail Wednesday, April 16.Initially, I had plans to hike the two sections of the PCT I need to complete the entire trail in 2003. As it turns out, I will still be able to do that. I should arrive at the Southern Terminus of the AT the end of June. I have a couple reunions back in Oregon the last week of June and first week of July (including my grandma's BIG 100th birthday bash... I think she's decided to ride on the back of a Harley to her birthday party.) So, while on the West Coast I'll complete the two sections of the PCT (Sierra City, CA to the Oregon border, and White Pass, WA to the Canadian border). This should take about six weeks to complete and then I will make my way to Maine and hike South to Dancannon, PA. I should be off trail mid-November.My ever-lovin', supportive, home-based trail angel will be typing in my trail journal from the notes I send home and will download trail photos. Dennis will also send out regular posts updating my whereabouts via e-mail. I've had a heck of a time tracking down the AT data book and maps here on the West Coast. I ended up ordering them online and had them shipped to Patch Tomassetti in Pennsylvania. He lives near Duncannon and is picking me up at the bus depot and dropping me off at the trailhead. We hiked part of the Southern California section of the PCT together in 2001. Thanks Patch!!
Date: 2003-04-14
To: The Greyhound bus to Pennsylvannia
Miles today: 0.0

I woke up to the sight of "wildlife" this morning. I few years back Dennis and I were traveling in Idaho near Yellowstone Nat'l Park and a roadside sign pointed off to "wildlife viewing area". We followed the dirt road thinking we would be viewing bison, deer, elk, antelope...turned out to be cattle. Wow! Such was this morns "wildlife". We rolled into Brigham City, UT this morning with snow covered mountains everywhere. It's beautiful. The weather is cool and breezy.I managed to freshen up for the day in the ladies room of the bus depot and then got myself a cup of hot coffee (the first coffee I've had in over a month!) I picked up a cup of yogurt, a Nutri-Grain bar and a grapefruit juice for a bus brunch later this morning.It was a short night for me. At 2 a.m. we stopped in Boise, ID and had to exit the bus while it was cleaned and serviced. When we reboarded, the couple in front of me found something to talk about for hours. I eventually drifted of to sleep leaning against my backpack in the seat beside me. Using my sleeping bag liner and my pillow I managed to get comfy. It must have worked. I slept until 6 a.m. Nothing like three hours of sleep on a bus.I spent time yesterday afternoon revising my resupply points based on info in the Appalachian Trail data book which I recently acquired. I've also been reading Brawny and Yogi's trail journals to get an idea of what's ahead of me and some idea of the better spots to stay along the trail. They are a great read!!I'll call Dennis with the revision sometime today, besides it's a wonderful reason to call and hear his voice. Gotta go! Want to drink this coffe before it gets cold...ooops, too late.4/15/03 Somewhere in Kansas...I didn't know that Kansas had oil wells, did you? Yeah,this place is flat,all right! We're crusing right along. I will arrive in Pennsylvania tomorrow afternoon. This is a long bus ride, but in it's own way, it's kinda nice. It affords a more subtle adjustment transitioning from living within four walls and sleeping in a bed, to living out of a 3,100ci backpack and sleeping outdoors. At the Columbus, Ohio bus terminal there is an ice cream vending machine. I thought at the time, it would be a great thing to pack on trail... (Can'tweigh that much, can it??) Wow, ice Cream anywhere! Now,that's MY kind of trail!Coming out of St. Louis, Missouri, an Iraqi War veteran was on the bus on her way to Ft.Mead, Maryland. We visited a little bit. She was part of the 101st Airborne Unit to rescue Jessica Lynch from the hospital in Iraq. She flew to Germany with Jessica and then continued stateside. She is the first non-injured military personnel to return to the states. Talking with her was very interesting and she shed some light on what's REALLY going on over there.Today's Appalachin Trail WORD OF THE DAY: 2,000 miler- A hiker who has hiked the entire length of the Appalachian Trail.
Date: 2003-04-16
To: Pennsylvania, at last! Resupply Points & Itinerary
Miles today: 0.0

The sound of honking horns woke me this morning. Turns out, we were on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, and that's just how people drive around here... one hand on the steering wheel and the other firmly planted on the horn. Nearing the terminal, the bus driver announced over the loud speaker that the final destination of the coach we were on was New York. That is, if he didn't hit the white cadillac in front of him first. WELCOME TO THE EAST COAST! The terrain is different here, as is the vegitation. Walking the Appalachian Range will be a totally different experience for me, and now that I am finally in Pennsylvania, my excitement is growing by the hour. Patch was at the Harrisburg station to pick me us. We didn't recognize each other. Last we had seen one another was on the PCT, and trust me, no one looks the same on trail as they do walking the streets of town. We had a great reunion, sharing stories and talking about what is ahead (Patch hiked the AT in 2000). I'll stay over this evening at his house, and he will drop me off at the trailhead in the morning.The following is a list of resupply points on the southbound portion (Pennsylvania to Georgia) of the hike on the Applachian trail and my estimated time of arrival to receive my supplies and incoming mail:                                    ETA1. Cascade, MD 21719               4/22/032. Lynden, VA 22642               4/25/033. Waynesboro, VA 22980            5/2/034. Troutville, VA 24175            5/9/035. Pearisburg,VA 24134            5/15.036. Damascus, VA 24236               5/22/037. Roan Mountain, TN 37687         5/27/038. Hot Springs, NC 28743            6/3/039. Fontana Dam, NC 28733            6/10/0310. Franklin, NC 28734               6/13/03Mail can be sent addressed in this example:      True North      Appalachian Trail thru-hiker   ETA 4/22/03      c/o General Delivery      Cascade, MD 21719 To send snail mail, address to: True North, c/o General Delivery, (pick a destination from the list and zip code). On the envelope write: HOLD FOR A.T. HIKER ETA (then insert appropriate ETA date)    The Appalachian Trail WORD OF THE DAY: Ankle-buster: A section of trail strewn with small, unstable rocks.