morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-08-29
From: Long Pond Stream Lean-to

To: Mt. Katahdin Iron Works Rd
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: overcast clouds

It was a very cool morning and hard to tear yourself out of a nice warm sleeping bag, so we gave ourselves a few extra minutes and left a bit later than normal, around 7:30a.m. Big Paw joined us for most of the day, which started with a 1700 foot climb up Barren Mtn. The trail today had us climbing and decending 5 mountains, Barren, 4th Mtn, 3rd Mtn., Columbus Mtn., and Chairback Mtn. Thats a lot of up and downs in 14.8 miles. we ran into some wonderful trail magic at the last shelter we passed. A couple informed us they had their truck parked about 4 miles away and that they were looking for thru hikers that might like to go to their campsite for a lasagna dinner and all the Whoppie Pies we could eat. How could we resist. Whoppie Pies are native to Maine and are 2 chocolate devil food cakes sandwiching a marshmellow cream like mixture that is just out of this world. We moved as quickly as possible down to the dirt road their truck was parked on. Two of our old friends, Fish and 2 Paw, were also waiting by the truck to go with us. They drove us about 10 miles to Ma and Pa Pine's campsite. Their daughter was a thru hiker a few years ago and they bring thru hikers here during the Labor Day weekend and give them a feast. Tonight we had lasagne, potatoe salad, baked beans, and some unbeliveably good home made bread...was it ever good. We retired into the Pines cablin when it started to rain to sign their hiker register and use the phone. Our tents are spread out on a nice level area on soft grass. I know I'll be sleeping well tonight on that kind of mattress. Tomorrow they'll drive us back to the trail head and we'll push on again. We have the last of the mountains to cross tomorrow, 5 to be exact, with 3654 foot White Cap Mtn. the tallest. Here's hoping this rain lets up tonight so we can climb without getting poured on. I'll stay optimistic that it will.
Date: 2003-08-30
From: Mt. Katahdin Iron Works Rd

To: East Branch Lean-to
Miles today: 14.8

We woke up to a warm and humid morning at the Pine Family campsite. Ma Pine made us english muffins, eggs, bacon and ham to make breakfast sandwiches, along with lots of coffee and orange juice. She also set up a snack table for us with bananas, hard boiled eggs, boiled potatoes, 4 types of candy bars and, yes of course, Whoppie Pies. I had to have one more....they were awesome. About 8:30, Fish, 2 Paw, Big Paw, Beekpr, and myself climbed into the back of the pickup for the drive back to the trailhead. Within the first 10 minutes of hiking we came to our next river to ford, the West Branch of Pleasant River. Fish, 2 Paw, and Big Paw tried to stone hop across, while Beekpr and me watched from the shore. One by one they all ended up with their boots soaked when they ran out of convienent rocks. Beekpr and I put on our campshoes to wade across after watching the others to keep our boots dry. Todays hike took us over 4 Mtn Peaks, The Gulf Hagas Peak (2680'), West Peak (3178'), Hay Mtn. (3245'), and our last 3000 footer, White Cap Mtn. (3654'). About the time we climbed the first peak the weather changed abruptly. The wind picked up with heavy gusts and the humid warm morning turned cold. Every mountain we climbed was higher than the one before and by the time we summited White Cap it was absolutely freezing on the top. We stopped long enough for a photo then got off as quickly as possible to get into the trees and out of the wind. We got ahead of Fish and Big Paw with 2 Paw a little ahead of us. We found him at the next shelter where he was waiting for Fish and Big Paw. As we approached that shelter a Doberman Pincher came tearing up the trail at me and I was able to keep him at bay with my trekking poles. I'm not sure why the woman who owned it would bring a dog like that onto the trail, but she also had another large dog too. Neither of which were on a leash. She got her dog under control and after a few well chosen words from us we decided to push on to the next shelter about 3.5 miles further where we'll spend the night. Today we had a view of Mt. Katahdin from White Cap. It's exciting to see where this long journey will end soon. One thing I'll say about Maine, the wild blueberries have been great. We usually find them in abundance near mountain tops and since we've done so many summits there has been a lot of good eating.
Date: 2003-08-31
From: East Branch Lean-to

To: Antlers Campsite
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: broken clouds

Man, was it ever cold and breezy this morning. Neither one of us budged from our sleeping bags until 7:00 a.m. When we did get up we made short work of packing up and eating breakfast. We headed out on the A.T. hiking fast to generate a little body heat. We had a climb, almost from the beginning, up Little Boardman Mtn. which warmed us up significantly. It was only an 800 foot climb, but it was the last of the 2000 footers we'll be climbing until Mt. Katahdin. After we decended the mountain, the trail was almost flat with a few ups and downs which really sped things along. There were also a few hundred rough cut logs, cut into planks, that we had to cross over the bogs in the lower elevation These are cut to all widths and shapes so you really had to watch your feet and keep your balance. We arrived at Antler Campsite around 3 p.m. and set up camp on a beautiful lake and relaxed the rest of the afternoon and evening. We were happy to see Big Paw made it here too around 4:30. Tomorrow we're taking a short hiking day and go to White House Landing for a day to rest and to clean up. It's supposed to be a great stop before Katahdin so we're looking forward to the stay.
Date: 2003-09-01
From: Antlers Campsite

To: White House Landing
Miles today: 5.8

The evening spent at Antlers will be one of the more memorable for me. Not only was the sunset spectacular with so many colors reflecting off the lake but when I finally retired to my tent I fell asleep listening to the hauntingly beautiful sounds of the Loons on the lake. It's hard to imagine how many inspirational words have been writen about scenes such as this. We climbed out of our sleeping bags at 6 a.m. to a rather cool morning and was packed up and on the way at 7:00. We only were going about 6 miles today with a planned stop and stay at White House Landing. We heard some great things about this place and they were right. You hike a .9 mile blueblaze to the shore of Permadumcook Lake where you sound an air horn and the owner comes over in a motor boat to pick you up and bring you back. The bunkhouse is clean and spacious and the shower was fantastic after not having one for 4 days. I believe Ive had my biggest cheeseburger on the trail here too, a 3/4 pounder, a thru hikers delight. On the way here we ran into a sign pointing to a path to a lake that said "views of Katahdin." This was my first clear view of the whole mountain with no clouds to obstruct your view, and I must say that it really brought out the emotions. From the start it was hard to think of Mt. Katahdin, being so impossibly far away. So many times on the trail I wondered if I would ever see the mountain. Now here I was looking at it a mere 30 miles away and the reality hit me that this long journey is almost over. It's definitely a bittersweet feeling. Tomorrow we'll be on the trail once again heading for the Mountain. I'll be hiking with Beekpr and Big Paw and we're all feeling the anticipation of the end of this jouney. It's great to be doing it with such great friends.
Date: 2003-09-02
From: White House Landing

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

We slept in this morning until about 6:30, since breakfast wasn't going to be served until 8:00. After a good breakfast of pancakes, home fries, scrabbled eggs, bacon, coffee and orange juice, we were on our way. Big Paw, Beekpr, Wingit, Mightymouse, and her friend all piled into the motor boat to take the ride back across the lake. Once the owner dropped us off, we headed back onto the A.T. and started hiking towards Katahdin again. Big Paw, Beekpr, and myself hiked together and the trail was a bit rougher than we found it the past 2 days. It had many ups and downs with one steep 900 foot climb up to the summit of Mt. Nesuntabunt (1520'). It's shorter than we're used to but 900 feet of steep climbing is 900 feet. From the summit we had a fantastic view of Mt. Katahdin and seeing it get closer is really getting us excited to climb it. After 2142 miles on the trail its really hard to describe the feelings you get when you see this mountain. For us, its the end of a journey none of us will forget and as we get closer to the end one can't help but look back at the good and the bad and embrace them both as the total experience of a lifetime. This is my last journal entry in the 100 mile wilderness and tomorrow I should be at Abol Bridge on the outskirts of Baxter State Park and 15 miles from my destination, the summit of Mt. Katahdin. At the campsite tonight is Big Paw, Beekpr, along with 2Paw, and Fish, who we caught up with again. I'm looking forward to another great day of hiking tomorrow and hopefully the postcard view of Mt. Katahdin were supposed to get on a clear day from Abol Bridge..
Date: 2003-09-03
From: Rainbow Stream Lean-to

To: Abol Pines Camping Area
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: broken clouds

Today was another lovely day for hiking, warm sun and cool air. Beekpr and I got an early enough start at 7:00 and even though the trail wasn't very good, with it honeycombed with roots and rocks, we made pretty good time. We ran into Dave, a section hiker, who camped with us the other night at Antlers Campsite and again last night, and left about 20 minutes before us today. We caught back up with him just before going up to Rainbow Ledges where there is a view of Mt. Katahdin that will knock your socks off. It was so beautiful at the "Ledges" that we decided to stop for an early lunch at 11:15 and took pictures and just relaxed on the rocks. While up there Big Paw caught up with us around 11:30, just as Dave was leaving to keep pushing north. We basked in the sun for another half hour before pushing on ourselves. It sure was hard getting off these warm rocks with such beautiful views but proceed we did and caught up with Dave again just before we exited the 100 Mile Wilderness. We walked out to the Golden Road and onto Abol Bridge for the best photo opt of the day, Mt. Katahdin close up with a beautiful lake in the foreground...sure hope the photo is a good one. From here we walked to the Abol Campstore where we bought some snacks and gator aid to consume. Dave, who had his car parked at the store, was so kind as to offer the 3 of us a ride into Millinocket to go to dinner and visit the local IGA Supermarket to resupply for the next 2 days. Just when you think that the Trail Magic is over, it happens again. Dave waited for us to get a campsite at the State run Abol Pines Campground and set up our tents before we piled into his car and headed into town. We had dinner at the Appalachain Cafe and then went to the IGA. I found one of my favorite Maine foods there, Whoppie Pies, and bought 3 to take back to our campsite. He also brought us to a store where I found an airline bottle size of Peppermint Schnaps to celebrate with when we climb M. Katahdin on Friday. To give you an idea of how great this trail magic was, Dave went 40 miles out of his way...What can I say but Thank You again and we hope you too have a safe and successful climb up Katahdin either tomorrow or Friday. The weather is supposed to get rainy late tonight and through tomorrow with a better day on Friday. We're hikng 10 miles tomorrow to the Birches campground at the base of Mt. Katahdin and will go for the summit early Friday. Of all the mountains we've climbed, this one has the most elevation gain of them all, about 4200 feet in 4 miles...pretty steep! Now we only need one more bit of trail magic....a beautiful day for Friday's last climb.
Date: 2003-09-04
From: Abol Pines Camping Area

To: "The Birches Campsite"
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: light rain

Well, this is almost the end of this journey. Beekpr, Big Paw, and I hiked to the Rangers Station in Katahdin Stream Campsite this afternoon where we gave the attending Ranger there all the pertinent information he needed to fill out the couple of forms required before camping there and climbing tomorrow up Katahdin. After plopping down our $8.00 each to stay at "The Birches" shelter, we hiked about .3 mile to get there around 2:30pm. We made some lunch and then, with nothing else to do, climbed into our sleeping bags to nap and stay warm...it was fairly chilly today. Our hike began this morning at 7:30am as we hiked into Baxter State Park. It was a pretty smooth trail for the most part with a few root and rocky sections to remind us we were on the A.T. Our pace was eating up the 10 miles fairly quickly so we stopped for a bit at the Big and Little Niagra Falls, and for about 45 minutes at the camp library at Daicey Pond Campground. We arrived at the Rangers Station around 12:30 and now all that is left to do is climb the 4200' up Mt. Katahdin tomorrow for a total of 5.2 miles each way. That's all thats left, 5.2 miles....it seems like a dream more than a reality at times. As I was hiking here this morning thoughts about my experiences since Springer Mtn., Ga. have been flooding into my mind. It's become very apparent that this trail is now a part of me and something I'll never forget. The comradeships, the hardships, and the good times we all shared, make me happy to be among the Thru Hikers Class of 2003. Looking back at the long days of rain we experienced and seeing the hikers that perservered to the end of the trail after being cold and wet for those many wet, drenching days, especially April and May, I can't help but respect. We're all looking forward to tomorrows climb up Katahdin. The weather is supposed to change to partly cloudy from today's drizzle and gray skies. It would be nice to finish in good weather and enjoy the views from the summit. One more day...still hard to believe!
Date: 2002-11-03
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

It's hard to believe how fast the years have gone by since the first time i had the idea implanted in my mind to hike the Appalachian Trail. The company I was working for in the Spring of 1974 transfered me to the Washington D.C. area where within a few weeks i visited the National Geographics Building in D.C. There I found the book I would read, reread, and reread again over the next 29 years. It was a new book for that time called "The Appalachian Trail", by Ron Fisher and Dick and Jill Durrance. It was a story of their thru hike and it completely captured my imagination. I wanted to hike the trail then and there but at the time it wasn't practical and I had to suffice with doing some stretches of trail in Virginia, W. Virginia, and Maine. About 20 years ago I moved to Washington State and fell in love with the high mountains which I climbed extensively over the years. Even with all the beauty that the Pacific N. W. holds I still had this obsession to go back and do what I've dreamed about for so long, hike the A.T. and experience the beauty, history, and friendships that the trail would bring.I'm taking a leave of absence from my job and will start my hike on Springer the beginning of March. About 3 years ago I realized the opportunity to actually do this hike would be possible by 2003 and so here I am ready to go. The last couple of years seemed to have turned me into a gear head, trying out different clothing and gear on numerous hiking trips and now I think I have what I need...but I guess I'll find out when I'm on the trail. I plan on keeping my pack weight around 40 lbs with food and water for the few cold months I'll be hiking and will lighten the load by shipping it home when it gets warm. My wife Joni and my 16 year old son Tony have been very supportive and understanding in my goal and obsession to do this hike. Lets face it, how many wives would let their husbands go tramping down a trail for over 5 months...I'm very lucky (thanks hun). My hope for my son is that he will see that dreams can come true if your really want them to. I'd also like to thank my brother in law Jeff for getting me interested in hiking and climbing, many years ago. It was that first hike to Hurricane Ridge in Wash. State in 1969 that did it for me and i've been hooked ever since. I'm looking forward to meeting fellow hikers along the trail and making new friends. I don't have a trail name as yet but I'm sure that'll happen soon enough once the hiking starts. Only 4 months to go...hard to believe, but I can't wait to go.As Benton MacKay said when asked what was the ultimate purpose of the Appalachian Trial: "To walk, to see, and see what you see". I plan on doing a lot of both.
Date: 2002-11-08
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Well, I have the weekend off and will put at least one day to good use. In an effort to stay in reasonably good shape for this hike I have the good fortune to have a mountain within easy driving distance that affords me about 4000 feet of elevation gain in 4 miles of hiking, which makes this trail one steep son of a gun. I started hiking it the beginning of May and have hiked it almost once a week since then and have been adding more weight to my pack every time. I use books for added weight and would you believe one of them is Ray Jardine's, "Beyond Backpacking, Guide to Lightweight Hiking". Don't think he'd be too proud of me toting all those books to the top of that mountain, but this is only for conditioning Ray...smiling! Anyway, the weather in Washington has turned to it's usual gloom for this time of year and the optimum word is rain for these parts. If nothing else it will give me a good oportunity to test my rain gear for the real thing next spring.The only thing I haven't bought is a stove for the hike. I've looked at many and have tried different ones out over the summer from alcohol to white gas but haven't made up my mind yet. They both have their good points and bad, but I've still got some time to think on this one a little more.
Date: 2003-04-21
To: Why?
Miles today: 0.0

It is time to follow my dream. There are no more what if's, I can't because of's or I'll do it next year. Today is all that there is, we cannot relive yesterday and tomorrow is uncertain, so I am creating and planning for my thru-hike. When I was thirteen I read a book, mind you not front to back, but just enough to get that there was a place where people could walk in the woods over the mountains through fourteen different states--amazing. The mustard seed had been planted. As I went through my summer camp counseling days I begin to read more books had opportunities to actually hike on the trail and it was just so certain that I would hike the entire Appalachian Trail. WOW! Here I am now just seven weeks out from the beginning and I'm in action on my dream.Life is such an amazing thing, so many choices and opportunities, I am so thankful to be alive, happy, healthy and creating my life right now.YAAHHOOOWWWEEEEE Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed with the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.-Mark Twain
Date: 2003-04-25
To: My Mind
Miles today: 0.0

My mind is constantly on the trail these days. What will it be like? Who will I meet? What will I see? I guess I will find out in 6 short little weeks. In the next 6 weeks I have oh so much to do. Next week is Fearless Frosty's Freedom Fiesta(I am Frosty to my friends) and it is my Fiesta of Information, Inspirations and Donations. It is going to be huge many of my friends and family have taken on major roles in the party and planning and I have deep felt gratitude that I am surrounded by such wonderful people who can help make my dream come true. After the party comes crunch time -- buying all the food, creating mail drops, making sure I have all equipment needed, moving out of my house, wrapping the school year up, saying my farewells and hitting the road for Harper's Ferry WV. My starting point. I will begin at the traditional midway point and head north to Maine and Katahdin, upon reaching Katahdin I will find a mode of transport back to Harper's Ferry(other than my feet) then head south to Springer Mountain to complete my hike. Planned completion is near December 20th.
Date: 2003-05-01
To: Ready Now!
Miles today: 0.0

May 1st, a big huge part of me wishes it were June 1st, because I would be one month closer to the trail and school would be out. I am ready now, guess I'm just tired of thinking, planning, talking and waiting for the trail. Saturday is Fearless Frosty's Freedom Fiesta--fun fun. All my friends and family have been working so hard to make it come together and be fantastico! I am a bit nervous for the party and all, but once it gets going it will be sooo great. I suppose that is a lot like the trail.On logistical front, I have decided to rent a car and drive one way to Harper's Ferry to get started. My folks are keeping my car in the barn while I am gone and I don't want to fly with my dog. It would freak her out and me even more. I will be on the trail no later than June 8th.
Date: 2003-05-03
To: Fearless Frosty's Freedom Fiesta
Miles today: 0.0

Today is the day for the big fiesta to celebrate the trail---provide information, inspiration about the trail to my friends and family. The fiesta is my project for my Landmark Education, Self Expression and Leadership program--the program has made a huge impact in my life and I am living the life I have always dreamed of and I am totally creating my life right now.Everybody has been working hard and pitching in big time to make this party awesome--so I can't wait for it to begin. So I am going to sign off for now and I will get back to you on all the festivities.
Date: 2003-05-05
To: WOW!!!
Miles today: 0.0

Holy cow--Fearless Frosty's Freedom Fiesta was a wild success!!! I am so touched, moved and inspired by everyone's generous contributions of time, energy and resources for my adventure on the Appalachian Trail. Special thanks to Jan, Mom and Dad, Craig and Oscar, Mary, Kathy and Don, Jen and Audra, Sally and Shirley, Lori, Carrie and Wendy, and Bunny and Natalie for pulling off such a fantastic party. And a huge thanks to everyone who has contributed in many different ways to the success of my journey--my dream is so much sweeter with everyone's well wishes. You know it is right when everything falls into place and all the pieces are there. . . nothing can stop me now!
Date: 2003-05-08
To: Finished SELP
Miles today: 0.0

I just finished a program I have been in for the past 4 months through Landmark Education. The Self Expression and Leadership Program was one of the most powerful experiences I have ever had the pleasure of being a part of. Through the program the reality of my thru hike came to life--the Fearless Frosty's Freedom Fiesta was my project that has made the thru hike possible. The program is all about the possibilities of your life, and living into those possibilities---it is fantastic. I would like to thank everyone in my Landmark Community for sharing their possibilities and supporting me in reaching my fullest potential.   I have also been sharing my hike with my students today and plan on sharing tomorrow as well. I must say the support, encouragement and enthusiasm I am receiving from these beautiful young people will help me fly down the trail. Next month this very night will be my first on the trail for my wonderful journey.