morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-09-16
From: vt 14

To: vt 12
Miles today: 12.6

I LOVE VERMONT! home to ben and jerry's, the vermont teddy bear, and most importantly a gorgeous stretch of the appalachian trail. the trail is a dream with actual walking up and down hills. slept in until 8, ate my bagel for bkfst and headed over to the country store for a second bkfst at 9. yum. started out on the trail around 10 in the rain, which continued on for about an hour. the woods were beautiful witht he leaves littering the floor like confetti of yellow, orange, and red. the water helped to bring the colors more to life. there were several cute salamanders/newts (i'm not up on my herpetology) on the trail. most were a fiery orange. the trail passed through a lot of clearings and pastures, which are currently in bloom with yellow, purple and white flowers. beautiful.staying in a barn 100yds off the trail tonight. thanks dan!
Date: 2003-09-17
From: vt 12

To: stony brook shelter
Miles today: 13.7
Weather: few clouds

ten years ago a day like this would have started out in the LBHS parking lot with me begging Gretchen and Marcia to join me at the beach. ah. good times. i spent a big chunk of today thinking about them and what great friends they are. i spent some time admiring views, but mostly just walked. of course i didn't get on the trail until 10 because i slept a little too well on that comfy old couch in that old barn. what a large and beautiful old barn. i skipped the outdoor shelter (it's cold out), which i am now regretting. yucki'm sitting in the shelter bundled up in my sleeping bag and the last light of day is leaving the sky. i don't feel or hear any breeze but all the leaves are gently waving up and down in the theater of trees in front of the shelter. a great scene to end a great day.
Date: 2003-09-18
From: stony brook shelter

To: sherburne pass trail
Miles today: 8.1

nice, short day to the inn at long trail. i am in desperate need of a shower so it's great to be here. it's a little pricey (nearly $50) but includes breakfast and my own room and bath (clean!). had lunch, took a walk, did laundry, read, ate dinner, had a beer. it was so nice to have my own room.   i read for two hours and for the first time in 1.5 months forgot that i was on the trail. and then i got out of bed and the pain flashed me quickly back to reality.
Date: 2003-09-19
From: sherburne pass trail

To: clarendon shelter
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: light rain

glad i didn't decide to wimp out and stay at the inn today. the day started out cool, rainy, and windy (20-30mph) due to tropical storm/hurricane isabel's presence down south. the cold and rain helped motivate me on up the trail and the terrain was pretty nice. the ups and downs were far more mellow than the elevation profile made them out to be, so the miles passed more quickly than i anticipated. finally met up with kismet who has been a few days ahead of me since katahdin. we're planning to head to the whistle stop cafe for breakfast i the a.m. and i'm already excited. mmmm... breakfast....
Date: 2003-10-23
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

in baltimore for a few days before heading home (florida) for a few more. i have a round trip plane ticket, but i'm seriously thinking of getting off the trail. the lack of people and cold weather are getting me down. as well as many people saying i should get off the trail (mostly family). i really want to return to hiking but just don't know.... words of encouragement would be appreciated right now.   sad little me.
Date: 2003-12-04
To: done for the year
Miles today: 0.0

guess ya'll figured out that i'm not hiking anymore. i didn't get to feel the brunt of the cold weather because my finances bailed out on me first. i will add the last few entries later. very sad to be off the trail. my body was even more sad. my arthritis flared up severely after a few weeks off the trail. i guess i missed the abuse. i plan to return in one or two years to finish. thanks for your support.
Date: 2003-07-08
To: Traveling to Millinocket, ME
Miles today: 0.0

The journey begins! I'm sitting on the plane at National Airport waiting to leave and think about all that it took to get me here.So many things that could have gone wrong but didn't. That,s how I know this is the right decision. Even when things got a little messed up it all worked out well. Take this morning for instance. Things have been so hectic that I forgot to verify my e-ticket. 2 miles from Dulles Deb realized that my flight was from National. I thought for sure that I checked the Dulles flight before I bought it but what can you do? No problems though. I made it in plenty of time. So now I'm sitting in this small twin engine plane headed for Boston, just looking down at D.C. for one last time, well for three months anyway.Arrived in Boston but was delayed 1.5 hours. That didn't interfere with my plans. I still made it to Bangor (Ban Gor as they pronounce it!) in plenty of time to catch the bus. But I went to get a taxi to go and buy some fuel and then to the bus station and the cabi, Randy, told me he would take me all the way to Millinocket. I thought it would be better so I took the ride, for a small price of course. It was actually worth it because he took me by Stephen Kings house at 47 West Broadway Street. I took some pictures of his house. Deb has that roll of film now. Anyway I made it into Millinocket in time to have dinner at the AT Cafe and then went to the AT Lodge where I would spend the night. Waiting for me there was Corsican, the guy I've been talking with on the internet, and Zig Zag, he's a flip flopper. So we sat and talked about our first hike in the morning.
Date: 2003-07-09
From: Katahdin Stream Camp Site

To: Baxter State Park
Miles today: 10.6

4am and I couldn't sleep so I got up and checked my gear one more time. The cab was comming at 6am to pick us up so we went to get breakfast. By the way @ 4am it starts to get light out and the sun rises about 4:30.Our trip to Baxter State Park took about 45 minutes as our hearts raced and we talked about nothing but the day's goal, Katahdin!7:30 start time. An easy hike for the first two miles up Hunt Trail but got progessively worse around mile 3 and insanely hard around mile 4 and most of mile 5. The last .5 miles was rocky but fair. The toughest part was the 1000 ft face we climbed, not hiked! Anyway, I made it to the peak. I thought the decet would be easy but I was wrong. After my legs were gone, it took everything I had to make it back down. Even the flats were hurting me. But it was worth it and the view was undescribable so I took plent of pics. I'm learning a lot from the two veterans I'm with. Starting again tomorrow at 5am.
Date: 2003-07-10
From: Baxter State Park

To: Hurd Brook Lean-to
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Up just before 5am this morning and hit the trail by 6. That's plenty of time to break camp and eat. The trail was easy today, well for everyone but me. Ok, easier than yesterday! Anyway, the hike was beautiful as we went by Little Niagra and Big Niagra Falls and then along the Penobscott River. I fell back from the other two but made it in 10 hours. Zig Zag had one heck of a pace so he went further on. Corsican and I met up with another hiker named Flip Flop so he is at the lean-to with Corsican and I. Tomorrow is another 11.1 mile trek. Hopefully some of the pain will subside or go away so I can enjoy the whole hike not just the morning.
Date: 2003-07-11
From: Hurd Brook Lean-to

To: Rainbow Stream Lean-to
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: light rain

Today was a terrible day for hiking. It began to rain as soon as I reached the peak of rainbow Ledges. Getting to the peak was an easy hike so I assumed the rest would be easy too. But my energy quickly drained and combined with the rain and muddy bogs, I was hurting badly. The mosquitos weren't too bad today but were still around whenever I stopped. Anyway, I made it here. I need to eat so I can make tomorrows trip but my stomach won't have it. Hell, I think I've already lost 10 lbs. Not eating has never been a problem for me before. Anyway, I took some good pics from Rainbow ledges today.
Date: 2003-07-12
From: Rainbow Stream Lean-to

To: Wadleigh Stream Lean-to
Miles today: 8.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Feeling better today. Spock and Frito gave me some Zantec for my stomach yesterday and that helped. Anyway, I got up around 7:30 and relaxed. I took it slow, force fed myself and stretched before I left @ 9:45. I started of gret with a decent pace when I walked up to Crescent pond. Wow! There was a rock that led down to the pond so I lay in the sun and soaked my feet. Afterwards I ate a snack and pushed on. The climb to Nesuntabunt Mtn. was nice but seemed to go on forever. Just before the summit there was a rock ledge that overlooked Nahamanknta Lake. From 1560 ft., the view was incredible. I could see the whole lake, Mt Katahdin, and lake beyond. Took some good pics. The descent was good until I hit the saddle and began to slow down. All in all, agreat day.
Date: 2003-07-13
From: Wadleigh Stream Lean-to

To: White House Landing
Miles today: 8.2

Glad this place was here about 1/3 of the way through the 100 mile wilderness. A great place for the weary traveler. The Owners, Bill and Linda, are such nice people and the conditions are perfect, just what I needed. After drinking a couple of Pepsi's and eating some pizza I rested, did some laundry using an old ring and tub washer, took a shower and then got a buzz cut. For dinner I had a 1/3 pound burger. Delicious! Spock and Frito changed their plans and are now here as well. The rest will do me good so I can catch up with Corsican tomorrow. A 14 mile day.
Date: 2003-07-14
From: White House Landing

To: Cooper Brook Lean-to
Miles today: 14.4

I woke up around 5am and walked around the WHL (White House Landing) and sat by the lake. Ate a great breakfast, though I didn't sign up I Yogi'd my way in (Yogi Bear and picnic baskets). Ifelt great and made the 14 miler in 7.5 hours. Frito and Spock where not too far behind. When I got to the lean-to I expected to see Corsican but appearantly he decided to do a 20 mile day.
Date: 2003-07-15
From: Cooper Brook Lean-to

To: Logan Brook Lean - to
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: scattered clouds

After Yesterdays 14+ day Iwas a little tired to start but regained my energy once breakfast kicked in. My appetite is back but it's not what it used to be. But I had just enough energy to make it half way up White Cap Mtn. The last 3.6 miles were nearly straight up, 45 degrees and some stretches were steeper than that, but I made it! Tomorrow I sumit White Cap, Hay, West Peak, and Gulf Hagas Mtn's. That's about 7.2 miles.Some bad news today though, I realized that my braces were broken. After borrowing a mirror, I realized that 2 bands were loose and one was broken. That will delay me a couple of days, no problem though! Had a great hike all in all.
Date: 2003-07-16
From: Logan Brook Lean - to

To: Carl Newhall Lean - to
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Up @ 5:30, I ate some granola bars softened in water. Man I wish I had some milk!   Didn't taste too bad though. On the trail by 7:10 to do a little web surfing (spider webs on the trail) up the 1.5 mile stretch to sumit White Cap. Though it was steep, I made it without crying. Seriuosly though, I did well. Great energy and the cardio was good too. When I reached the top the wind nearly blew me off, it was cold and I could see a front moving in. It was still clear enough for some good pics though. I passed about 3 NOBO's (north bound hiker's) today and asked about the trail. Never trust a NOBO! Not that they were malicious they just are in better shape and their judgement is different. Anyway, the rest of the trail was a lot of steep ups and downs through Hay Mtn, West Peak, and Gulf Hagas Mtn to the Lean-to. I got here about 1:15 and thought about moving on when it started to rain. Since the next lean-to is 9 miles away I decided to stay.Today is the first day I've met my objective with time and energy to spare. Usually, I come to the lean-to, cook dinner, and go right to bed but now I have some time on my hands so I'll tell you a little bit about trail life. First of all it stinks! Not hte lifestyle but the smell that comes from me, my cloths, my boots, pack and everyone else. And no matter how often I wash the smell is still there. I think I'm getting used to it so when you all see me again, don't act surprised when you smell it. Some one will just have to pick me up in a pick-up and I'll ride in the bed. Meals are pretty simple, carbs for breakfast lunch and dinner with some protien mixed in at dinner. Top romen is my preffered meal. Breakfast bars, bagels, peanut butter, cheese and peanut butter crackers, and the like are all good. Sleeping is done mostly in the lean-to's unless they are full or the bugs are too bad to sleep. The L2's are mostly clean and so far mouse free from my experience.   Water has to be filtered at all times. Water sources are at all L2's and sometimes along the way. Some are worse than others but some are nearly perfect and ice cold. You have to be careful of water near beaver dams because of giardia (sp), a nasty virus the beavers carry that can put you out of commision fast. As for hiking, it's great! I've learned to go slow and steady to get better millage. When I climb steep hills I count my steps to take my mind of of the pain, it works! Steep downhills are easy if you just go slow. Slow grade are when you get on your horse and move but those are few right now. After the White Mtn Ranges it gets flatter.
Date: 2003-07-19
From: Wilson Valley Lean-to

To: Monson
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: broken clouds

Sick again today. Barely had enough energy to make it to Monson. So sick but I swore that I would not throw-up until I made it passed the 100 mile wilderness. Not 2 minutes past the wilderness, I blew but felt so much better afterwards. Time to rest in monson.
Date: 2003-07-21
From: Monson

To: Piscatquis River
Miles today: 12.1

Left Monson Rte. 15 @ 9am after another big breakfast @ Shaw's. with Goosebump, Rainbow Slick and Corsican. The day was overcast but a great tempurature for hiking. We made it to horseshoe canyon Lean-to (L2) early and we all felt great so we decided to push forward another 3 miles to the Piscataquis River (I call it Piss River because I can't pronounce it properly). It started to rain a little but never seemed to bother me much. We set up camp at the other side of the river after fording it. That was tricky let me tell ya but I made it without falling in. Ther was a family, very new to hiking it seemed, that was about an hour behind us. When they arrived we thought it would be funny to watch them ford. Funny it was! Some just gave up and got wet but the others crossed very slowly. I got a few pics. It poured raining on us later that night but my tent did it's job and I stayed relatively dry.
Date: 2003-07-22
From: Piscatquis River

To: Bald Mountain Brook Lean-to
Miles today: 9.9

Another good day today! Though rainy and soaking wet from head to toe, I felt great again. I'm eating several times a day w/o any stomoch problems at all. I had plenty of energy to tackle Moxie Bald Mtn. With some extra long breaks we made it in early and w/ energy to spare. If all goes well, we should be in Caruatunk the day after tomorrow.
Date: 2003-07-23
From: Bald Mountain Brook Lean-to

To: Caratunk
Miles today: 14.5

In town for a shower and hot meal. Doing great! Out again tomorrow afternoon. Our goal is Rangely in 7 days. Update more then! Traveling with my old pal Corsican, and new pals Rainbow Slick and Goosebump (Married Couple great company). Take care to all, I miss you, and I'll call when I can.Tiny
Date: 2003-07-24
From: Caratunk

To: Pierce Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 5.3
Weather: moderate rain

No zero day today, though I should probably take one. We decided that Caratunk is such a small town that it would not be worth a zero day. So with Rangely on our minds 7 days from now, we pushed on leaving for the ferry to take us across the Kennebec River. This is not a real ferry but that's what they call it. Actually it's just a canoe service that helps us ford the river. The operator and two hikers paddle across the river. To dangerous to ford w/o. Some do ford it alone, most make it across w/o any problems but the river is dam fed and could rise rather quickly. Anyway, I hiked slow and got here in my own time. I sat by a water fall for about an hour thinking about my friends back home. As crazy and messed up you all may be (ha ha) I guess that I miss you. I hope you all are doing well. Take care and be safe!
Date: 2003-07-25
From: Pierce Pond Lean-to

To: West Carry Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Sitting here at the L2 listening to the Loon's echo across the lake and watching the sun set near Round Top Mtn. HAd a great hiking day today. We got started late after a big breakfast at Harrison's Camp. Two Stacks of six pancakes. Couldn't finish it all but wow, was it good! Anyway, the hike was easy w/ a slow uphill grade most of the way w/ only one steep 1/2 mile section up Arnold trail. We stopped for lunch at a small beach on Est Carry Pond. The Sun, which we hadn't seen for days, was hot enough for us to jump in and swimm for a while. We hung our gear to dry in the sun and ate lunch. What a rough life huh? A nice reward after all of the pain and sweat we've experienced lately. Goosebump got a little sick later in the afternoon but is recovering fine. Rainbow Slick, Corsican, and I are all doing fine and can't wait to achive our goal of Rangely.
Date: 2003-07-26
From: West Carry Pond Lean-to

To: Safford Notch Campsite
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Started the day w/ an easy morning hike up a couple of small hills but then on to Little Bigelow Mtn. in the afternoon, about 2 miles straight up. I did great going up. My cardio has never been better and my legs felt great, tired but great. The weather was overcast but I could still see Surgar Loaf across the valley (took Pics). Coming down I had a little muscle strain but nothing serious. Anyway, I was so exhausted from the days hike I went to bed around 6:30.
Date: 2003-07-27
From: Safford Notch Campsite

To: Straton, ME
Miles today: 10.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Up at 5am and after a small breakfast of moldy bagels and PB&J, we started up Bigelow Mtn. What a great and draining climb. 1:45 hours is all it took to go the 2 miles to Avery peak. One there the view was amazing. Corsican was waiting for me with some fresh blueberries he had picked. We sat next to the fire tower huddled to stay warm as we waited for the other two. They arrived 15 minute later but we were so cald we had to leave and couldn't stay and talk. Unfortunately, that was the last time I saw them today. When Corsican and I took off the wind kicked up so hard it nearly knocked me down. I yelled to Corsican in front of me "Well, at least it's not raining" of'course as fate would have it it began to rain. It was hitting our face so hard it stung. The wind blew harder and with each slow step my heart raced with an excitement that I could barely control. My trekking poles were used sideways to keep me from falling over. The wind blew so hard that it caused one of Corsicans trekking poles to colapse. He's ok (Judy). No problems. we made it down safely from both peaks. But what a rush it was. It seemed like a lifetime as we went across both of those peaks, Avery and West Peak. We then began our 5 mile descent to Straton. After my typical Tylenol lunch, the pain subsided and the hike was very nice. The last mile or so was a little tough but it always is. Now in Straton for a meal, shower, meal, laundry, meal and bed we are tired and going to sleep. Heading out in the morning to Rangely.
Date: 2003-07-28
From: Straton, ME

To: Straton, ME
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Corsican woke last night at 3am and decided that his pack needed repair. It had actually broken days back but we were able to rig it to work. So after thinking about it, he decided to play it safe and hitch hike to Rangely where the part was sent. I'll meet up with him there. When He told me this, I began to think that a zero day would be nice so I decided to stick with my original plan to take 1 day off a week. So, I will stay here a day and push out for Rangely tomorrow. This will give my muscles time to relax and me an opportunity to find an Orthodontist to fix my braces. Iv'e added a mail drop in Andover, ME. I know time is tight but if you send it priority, it should get there in time. Ask the Post Office. If not send it to another point along the trail and let me know where so I can pick it up. Sorry I can't be more specific but getting through the Mountains in any predictable time is dificult for me. I'll get better at it later, Tiny
Date: 2003-07-29
From: Straton, ME

To: Spaulding Mtn Lean-to
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: broken clouds

Hit the trail around 9am. The weather was looking good, Corsican, Scarecrow, and I were well rested, but the hike was all up hill. Not bad up Crocker Mtn., though there were no views. Actually, it was 5 miles up but we didn't mind. The descent after both peaks, North and South, was good but the ascent to Spaulding was difficult. I think it was mostly because of the heat. It absolutely drained us. At the summit we rested alittle and fed a Canadian Blue Jay. They come up to your hands and eat out of them. So we put some snickers on Corsicans head and took some pics as it sat there and ate. Later we arrived at the L-2 tired but mustered enough energy to talk with the multitude of hikers staying there as we ate dinner. Tired, I went to bed early.
Date: 2003-07-31
From: Poplar Ridge Lean-to

To: Rangely
Miles today: 10.7

Borrowed a knee brace from Corsican and pushed out early with Rangeley as our final goal. Hike with Seth today. He's 17 just finished high school. Nice kid, like to talk a lot but sometimes the conversation is nice. Great views today from the Horn and Saddleback Mnt's. Anxious to get into Rangeley we by-passed Piazza Rock L-2 quickly and pushed on to town. We found some trail magic at a rd nearby. Someone left sodas and donuts for Thru-hikers. We took one of each and moved on to the rd. After 10 minutes we were picked up by a local electrician who took us the 9 miles into Rangeley. Wondering were to go I bumped into Goosebump and Rainbow Slick. We finally caught up with them! I decided to stay in the hotel tonight, the hostel seemed to hot. Anyway, after dinner everyone went to the hostel but I decided to go to Sarges Pub. Drank a few, sang Karaoke and ended up home by 1:30. Had a blast. Rangeley folks are wonderful!
Date: 2003-08-01
From: Rangely

To: Sabbath Day Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Corsican, Goosebump and Rainbow Slick decided to move out early today. I wanted to stay and rest my knee and enjoy a day at the beach. Unfortunately, the rain came in around noon so I ate lunch and decided to catch up with the others. After grocery shopping and a hitch back to the trail, I started around 3pm. I arrived at the full shelter to find my friends nearly asleep but happy to see me. It was a nice peacefull hike today, wet but nice.
Date: 2003-08-02
From: Sabbath Day Pond Lean-to

To: Bemis Mtn. Lean-to
Miles today: 8.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Not a bad hike today. Still wet and misty but at least it's not hot. I started a little after everyone else. Getting in a little late made me slow in the morning. I caught up with Rslick and Gbump on First Peak and sat with them for a minute. Corsican was on his horse and I arrived at the L-2 just after he did. HAd some good converation with the Weekend Wariors and the Gang wondering if Scarecrow, Ari, and Seth would catch up. Only Scarecrow showed up though.