morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-08-04
From: ME 4 (Gull Pond Lodge!

To: Purim Stream
Miles today: 15.4

I hiked this section SOBO. It was a long drive out to the trail crossing. I was aprehensive about my foot, but it held up ok today. So far there has been no redness or signs of infection. The hike up to saddle back jr, the horn, and saddle back was intense but worth it. The view was awe inspiring with most of the saddle back range being above tree line. It took me 10 hours to hike this section, with time off at Poplar ridge lean-to. It is one of the early "baseball bat" shelters left on the trail.As I was hiking down saddle back, I looked to my right and a squirel was about 5 feet from me eating a nut. I tried to get a picture that close, but he moved. Tomorrow I have a long slackpack into Stratton. I will have one maybe two slacks after that...then it's back to the pack.Peace!
Date: 2005-08-05
From: Purim Stream

To: ME 27 Stratton Motel hostel
Miles today: 16.8

Today started foggy and humid. The wind blew all day and I got drizzled on half way through the day. As the day progressed, the wind blew the storms out and it was nice weather. Once I gained the ridge, the walk to Spalding Mt. lean-to was excellent. The hike up Spalding wasn't too bad, and again, the trail to the sugar loaf trail was nice. I saw Brenda (a hiker I met in Andover) She had read my note about my foot and was concerned. Grits asked about it yesterday. Hikers tend to worry and take care of each other. It was a steep, rocky descent to the Carabassett river. Once there, I resupplied water, then stuck my head in the river.Hiking up South Crocker Mt. was pretty steep, then on to North Crocker. After that, it was the long descent to ME 27 and Stratton. I'm 187.8 miles from Katahdin. I'm under 200 miles! I'm eating dinner in the Stratton Diner, then I'll go see if the owner of the Stratton Motel is back yet. I'm tired, but it's been a good day.Peace!
Date: 2005-08-06
From: ME 27 Stratton Motel hostel

To: East Flagstaff Road
Miles today: 16.7

I got a late start...10 AM, which made for a late day...8:15 PM. The views were pretty, but I was in a rush to make it back to Stratton (I hiked SOBO). Today was my last slack (except for summit day at Katahdin).I went to a bar to get pizza...they were wild. I was reading a book, not the party type. Tomorrow is a long day and I'm tired. I will try to get as close as possible to Caratunk. But for now, it's time for bed.Peace!
Date: 2005-08-07
From: East Flagstaff Road

To: Pierce Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: clear sky

Today was the first day hiking with a backpack in 7 days (with a zero day tossed in there). The pack is great, although a little heavy. I'm in my hammock, looking out over the pond as the sun goes down. Life is good! I saw several ponds, this one has leeches in it! Yuck! Grits and I had lunch at West Carry pond and tomorrow will have breakfast at Harrison's camp. It will put me a lilttle behind, but he really wants their breakfast, and we will be the only two. Tomorrow I cross over the Kennebec river in the canoe ferry, pick up a map from the post office, then continue on. Oh, heard loons at almost every pond, including this one. 155.2 miles to Katahdin.Later....Grits built a fire and we just enjoyed the pond and the warmth of the fire. Grits has lead an interesting life, it's been nice getting to know him better. Today has been a good day.Peace!
Date: 2005-08-08
From: Pierce Pond Lean-to

To: Just north of Baker stream
Miles today: 16.0

Today has been a long day. I woke up, broke camp, then grits and I hiked 1/2 mile to Harrison's camp for pancakes. Most of this was on the AT, so no lost mileage. Unfortunately we didn't leave there until 8:15 AM, another late start. I hiked to the Kennebec river and took the ferry over, another milestone. I hiked .6 miles off the AT round trip to the P.O. where I got my map to Monson. I had several thousand feet to climb and I dreaded it. The hike to the first lean-to wasn't too bad, then I had to hike up Pleasant Pond mt....1150 feet gain. This is nothing compared to the whites and western Maine, but still a hard climb. I called Mary at the summit, then hiked five odd miles with lots of PUD'S (pointless ups and downs). I had to loose 1500 feet, it seemed every time I'd lose 50 feet I'd have to go straight back up! I had planned to pull up short of Moxie Pond because of possilbe mosquitos, but my origional stopping place ended up being a swamp. To camp there would have been to open a blood bank! I hiked on, just past Moxie Pond and Baker stream.Peace!
Date: 2005-08-09
From: Just north of Baker stream

To: East branch of the Piscataquis river
Miles today: 18.0

Today began with a climb to Bald Mt. Brook lean-to where I had a long break and second breakfast. I then had a big climb to the top of Moxie Bald Mt, where I laid out in the sun and took a nap. I forded Bald Mt. stream where I took a good long break, then had to ford the West and East branches of the piscataquis rivers. I actually got my legs wet there! I broke my new pack. I was trying not to step in a HUGE mud pit and I stopped on a dime. The pack shifted and the gromet which holds the right shoulder harness popped it's screw. When I got to camp I checked my emergency kit that came with the pack...what do you know, another screw. I happily made the repair. Tomorrow it's 6.7 miles to ME 15 and my last trail town, Monson. Real shower, food and laundry.Later...10:22 PMI just had the crap scared out of me. A SOBO hiker came flying down the jeep road above me, walked through my camap, then proceeded to hunt for the trail. I'm shinning my light like crazy to figure out what's goin on, then he asks me where the trail is. I can hear him fording the river in the dark. Crazy SOBO's! Too funny, but now I'm wide awake.Peace!
Date: 2005-08-10
From: East branch of the Piscataquis river

To: ME 15 (Monson)
Miles today: 6.7
Weather: clear sky

I woke up early and got on the trail by 6:30 AM. The hike today was pleasant, with a few climbs but nothing major. I got trail magic in the form of a coke! I've been wanting that for four days. When I got to ME 15 Humpty Dumpty (friend of Stick and the guy who took Opa home) was there and gave me another soda and a ride into Monson.I checked into Shaws hostel and then went to wash my clothes at the laundry mat. As I was coming out of the laundry, Humpty Dumpty was taking several people to the store, so I hitched a ride to resupply. I went back to Shaw's, took my shower and then ordered a pizza at the general store. I'm going to finish this entry, then go to eat. Tomorrow I enter the 100 mile wilderness and then I will be at the base of Katahdin. I am planning on 8 days to get through the wilderness and summit. We will see what the woods have in store for me. I won't have acess to a computer until after all this, so it will be a while before my next entry.Peace!
Date: 2005-08-11
From: ME 15 (Monson)

To: Long Pond stream lean-to
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: overcast clouds

It took until 8:00 PM to hike the 15.1 miles today. It wasn't exceptionally hard, but the first half of the day the rocks and roots were slick from all the rain. I talked with a High School junior today from Yadkinville, NC who was hiking with his mom's husband. The young man is wanting to study music, so they grilled me for quite a while. They were pretty nice people. Today was a day of river fords. The first one was short but fast. I had lunch at Little Wilson Falls, then proceeded to ford that rushing stream 10 minutes later. There was a rope across the stream, it was that difficult. The next major ford was Big Wilson stream. I had been using my sandals/flip flops to ford in, no more. I've used my trail runners-without socks and orthotics since. Fording Big Wilson, I slipped, tried to keep my footing but couldn't with the flip flops and sat down in chest high water! Fortunately all the protection I give my gear (down bag and camera) worked. I had to ford vaughn stream, which was above a 20 foot waterfall (that was exciting)! I then forded Long Pond stream and climbed to the shelter. Today was pleasant and exciting, just long. I don't like cooking and eating in the dark, but sometimes that's the way it is. It's 99.4 miles to Katahdin.Peace!
Date: 2005-08-12
From: Long Pond stream lean-to

To: West Branch of the Pleasant river
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was a hard day. It seemed like everything gwas in slow motion. The climb up Barren Mt. was steep in the first half and until after the descent of chairback mt it was very rocky with lots of elevation gain/loss. On top of that, I called Mary and there is a 60% chance of storms in the afternoon/night. After hearing this, I resupplied water at a stream and then left my water bottle. I had hiked for about 12 minutes before I realized it. I dropped my pack and went back for it. Grits and I ate dinner with two ladies at Chairback gap lean-to. They are in their late 60's and hiking sections of the trail together. They were pretty neat people. They said that the trail after Chairback mt. was good, so Grits and I decided to go for it. Suddenly a day full of frustration and dark moods had a chance to end on a good note. I hiked extra fast on the excellent trail and we made it to my goal for the day. The river is running about 20 feet from me and I'm in a much happier mood. I just figured out that since May 28th I've hiked 1003.3 miles. It's 84.1 miles to Katahdin.Peace!
Date: 2005-08-13
From: West Branch of the Pleasant river

To: .5 south of East Branch Lean-to
Miles today: 15.8

Happy Birthday Mom! I tried to call you, but I couldn't call out.Today I climbed the last 3,000 foot mountain before Katahdin. It was climbing for most of the day. The gulf hagas brook, which followed most of my early climb was beautiful....with lots of cascades. I took a break at the Newhall lean-to, then continued the climb. I had four major peaks, culminating with White Cap mountain.White Cap was awesome! I dried my tarp in the strong wind and gazed at the beauty of Maine. A North Carolina hiker came up, then another. It was great hearing people that know where home is. He told me you could see Katahdin from the other side. He helped me get my tarp up, then I took off to the other side. There in the distance was this HUGE mountain. I could see all the space in between me and Katahdin and knew that I would be out there in the middle of that soon.I spent a lot more time on White Cap, gazing at Katahdin than I had intended. I walked the 1.4 miles to the next lean-to, ate dinner, then hiked on here. My campsite is in the middle of a mossy forest. I think this area had been clear cut once. There are remnants of old trees, stumps and boulders covered with moss. It's kinda spooky. I'm 69 odd miles to Katahdin.Peace!
Date: 2005-08-14
From: .5 south of East Branch Lean-to

To: Potawadjo Lean-to
Miles today: 20.0

I awoke to the sounds of ducks/geese flying out of the water. I sit in my hammock now (at camp) listening to animals gone wild. They're making all sorts of sounds. The hike itself was long, but over the best terrain I've had in a long time. I climbed the Bordman range, then hit a fiarly flat trail for 13 miles. I then climbed the shoulder of Patawadjo ridge, then descended to the lean-to. All in all, an excellent day. it's 48.3 miles to katahdin.Peace!
Date: 2005-08-15
From: Potawadjo Lean-to

To: Rainbow stream lean-tp
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: few clouds

Katahdin has been on my mind alot the last few days. Every since I saw it at White Cap it has kept popping up everywhere. I had a great morning view of Katahdin at Pemadumcook lake. I again saw the big K on the summit of Nesuntabunt mt. It was only 16 miles (via air) from there.The hike today had lots of rocks and roots. I felt like I was walking an obstacle course. The trail after Pollywog stream up to Rainbow stream lean-to was sweet! The trail followed rainbow stream for several miles.   The cascades were very powerful. Rainbow stream lean-to was on the cover of last year's data book and now I've seen it in person.As I was walking by Crescent pond, I scared a moose. It ran through the edge of the pond, my first sighting of a moose when I wasn't in a car! A SOBO was at the pond, he didn't look too good. he was nauseous and worn out. I talked with him a while, I told him that I've been where he is now and advised him to eat some salty food or dring a gatorade mix. I hope he's ok.A ridge runner is here at the lean-to and we grilled him about Baxter state park and all things Katahdin. He's a nice guy. It's 30.1 miles to Katahdin.Peace!
Date: 2005-08-16
From: Rainbow stream lean-tp

To: Abol Pine campsite
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Today has been a great day! I was able to walk the 100 mile wilderness without resupplying. It was pretty neat coming out of the wilderness to Abol bridge. Humpty Dumpty had left a coke and a sign saying one mile. i didn't know it was him until later.The hike itself was very pleasant by rainbow lake and then over rainbow ledges. After the ledges it was pretty smooth. Humpty Dumpty gave us a ride to the store, then later to Millinocket. I went swimming in the Penobscot river...fast current and cool water. I'm sitting by a fire with stick, humpty dumpty, rhino and his dog ronja. It's been a peaceful night. Tomorrow I hike to the Birches campsite 9.7 miles then on to the summit of Katahdin on Thursday, 5.2 miles. Even though 9.9 miles is short...5.2 miles up the 5.2 miles down would make a 20 miles day and a very hard ascent and descent. Humpty is going to take me to Bangor on Thursday afternoon.Peace!
Date: 2005-08-17
From: Abol Pine campsite

To: The Birches campsite
Miles today: 9.7
Weather: clear sky

I took my time breaking camp and even cooked oatmeal, first time this trip. I walked a short ways back to the store where I met fishing fred and gatorade. fishing fred gave me an AT pendant that he makes....it was nice. I hiked along the raod for a short while, then crossed over into Baxter state park. I signed up for a spot at The Birches campsite for long distance hikers. I spent the rest of the day beside water, either streams, rivers or ponds. It was a great hike, although I got a little tired after Daicy pond. I hadn't eaten enough and that made me lazy. When I got into katahdin stream campground, humpty dumpty was there and gave me a coke. We talked for a while, then I went to the ranger's station to register. I'm now at the birches lean-to, drying out some damp gear from last night. I've been thinking a lot about my hikes over the past three years. I'm not quite ready to put in on paper yet, maybe after tomorrow. The trail has a way of making you think about life and journeys. It's 5.2 miles to the summit of Katahdin. Tomorrow I will hike 5.2 miles up, then begin my journey home.Peace!
Date: 2005-08-18
From: Birches Campsite

To: Katahdin! Baxter Peak
Miles today: 5.2
Weather: overcast clouds

I woke up this morning at 3:30 AM and was unable to go back to sleep. I went ahead and cooked breakfast and packed my pack. I remember as a child getting up early to go to the beach...or as an adult preparing for Easter Sunrise services. The sense of anticipation was a lot like that. I hiked the short distance to the ranger station in the dark, packed my day pack, signed in and waited for daylight. I began hiking the final leg of my journey at 5:23 AM.The initial hike was pretty easy and I was so excited. Around half way up, you reach tree line and the boulder field. I've heard it said this section is like Mahoosuc notch, except it's vertical...this is pretty accurate. I thought at first...this is kinda fun! Then it became work. The wind was blowing hard and the temps were cool. I had my toboggan, gloves and long underwear on, plus my rain jacket. I continued climbing, then saw the climb up to the gateway to the table lands. I used to be afraid of heights, this reminded me of that...but I kept going. Once on the table lands, it was an easy walk, and only one mile to the summit....I got REALLY excited then. Once I reached the summit, I touched the last white blaze, then took my glove off and touched the sign. I couldn't believe it...I had just finished the Appalachian Trail! There was a nice man who had hiked the Abol trail to the summit already there. He took my picture and we talked a long time. I drank my coke that I had carried since Abol bridge and just soaked in the awesome views. I spent a long time at the summit and got to see Montana Lush (thru-hiker) come at a dead run to the summit and many dayhikers. Eventually it was time to say good-bye to Katahdin and begin my journey home.I got a ride from Katahdin stream campground with some nice folks from Maryland. They took me to the visitors center and Humpty Dumpty was there with Rhino and Ronja. We drove to Bangor, had Chinese and now I'm at the econo lodge...clean, getting ready to do laundry. From here I fly in the morning to Boston....Atlanta....then home. I'm going home!Peace!
Date: 2005-08-27
From: home

To: home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I flew home on the 19th of August....lots of turbulence and beautiful sights. I've been in school (teaching) for the past week...trying to adjust to life the way it was before. I'm a different person though. I still have my moments of stress, but I'm finding that I have a different view of difficulties and the everyday things of life. Little things that used to bug me, I look at in a different light. I'm not wet, cold, too hot, or hungry. My body is not in pain and I know things will be ok. It's hard to get upset when your primary needs are met and you are in a safe environment. I don't know how long this will last, but it's a good way to live.I miss the trail and the people I met while hiking. I miss the simplicity of life, but I'm so glad to be home. I went hiking to my sacred place...Hawksbill mt in the Linville Gorge wilderness today. It was great to be back on a trail and in my own mountains. I'm not through with hiking. I look forward to seeing more trails in my home area, and I can't wait to take some day hikes on the AT close by. I've had a love affair with the trail, and it wasn't a fling...it's one of those long term relationships. I've been so blessed. Thank-you for reading my journal. There will be other journeys...exploring new places and possibly the AT once more...however this journey has been completed.Peace!
Date: 2003-03-10
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

The time to start is getting closer and I can¢t wait! I¢m not sure which event I find more exciting: retiring from a job after 27 years or starting a 6-month adventure journey.I finally finalized my gear list, for now anyways. I picked up a pocketmail on e-bay so you can e-mail me on the trail at steama@pocketmail.com I promise to try to answer every e-mail, so keep them cards and letters coming in.I have been doing practice hikes about every weekend and have come to the realization that I won¢t be in ¢trail shape¢ until I¢m actually on the trail. Over the last month, my hiking has been on varied depths of snow. Yesterday, I got to hike on mostly dry ground and it sure felt better then snow. I have been getting tenderness and soreness in the base of my great toe that has been diagnosed as arthritis. So I got an injection of cortisone that should last several weeks or several months. I¢m hoping for the latter.While on a preparation hike just south of Harpers Ferry on Saturday, I met Leeanna, a future through-hiker that will be starting a week before me. It felt good to say that I was a through-hiker in training. Steama
Date: 2003-03-31
To: Springer
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Would someone please pinch me, I think I'm dreaming. The last couple of days have been a big blur. I had my retirement ceremony on Friday, and got to see a bunch of friends I haven't seen for a long time. My time in the Coast Guard was very good for me. I am very grateful for everything in my life.I feel like I am the luckest guy in the world. The plan is to drive down to Springer on Monday and start walking on Tuesday.See you at the top.Steama
Date: 2003-04-01
From: Springer

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Someone famous once said "Planning is essential, most plans are useless"The last 24 hours have not gone according to plan. On the way into Gainsville, GA, the 4wheel high and low warning lights started flashing while we were driving the Explorer on the highway. So we pulled into a gas station and the Explorer started grinding and lurching. AAA sent a flatbed truck and we arrived at the local Ford dealer just as they closed. So we rented a car and went to the Days Inn in Dahlonega where we had a reservation. We got the not-so-good news this morning...blown transfer motor and other parts. Bottom line $700, but they wouldn't have all the parts until Wed. at noon. So the plan is to hopefuly hit the trail late Wed or Thursday morning. The good news is that I weighed by pack (37 lbs) and I'm officialy signed in as thru-hiker. Even got to hike a mile on the AT with Chris where we took a bunch of pictures on the top of Springer Mt. Plus we took the rental car to places rental cars dont't normally go! So it's off to the hotel bar to get a beer and play pool with Chris.Tommorow starts a new day.See you at the topSteama
Date: 2003-04-02
From: Holiday Inn

To: Stover Creek Shelter
Miles today: 2.5
Weather: clear sky

The Explorer was ready at 4:30 so we decided to go for it. After saying good bye, Chris dropped me off in the parking lot at 6:45 almost dusk. With just a glimmer of daylight I made it to the Stover Creek Shelter. After bearbaging my food and a snickers bar for supper I went to bed. I was the only person in the shelter so it took just a couple seconds to fall asleep. The sounds of the forest woke me a couple of times, but overall I had a very nice first night
Date: 2003-04-03
From: Stover Creek Shelter

To: Gooch Gap
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: clear sky

Good walking today, but a couple of hills kicked my arse. After a night by myself last night I caught up with the pack. There are at least 15 people here. I'm going to tarp it tonight, because a mouse nibbled on my shirt last night. I'm sure I will sleep well tonight.
Date: 2003-04-05
From: Woods Hole Shelter

To: Walasi-Yi Center
Miles today: 12.1

Last night I had the first rain of the trip and did it pour. Luckily I slept in the shelter so I stayed dry except for my food bag that I hung on a cable to prevent bears from stealing my food. I started hiking in the rain, then thunder and lighting. About an hour into the day, I was on the highest peak (Blood Mnt) in GA, surrounded by thunder and lightening, pouring rain, walking in a stream, carrying alumin. hiking poles...not one of the smarter things I've done. They say Blood Mnt got it's name from a very bloody battle during the Indian Wars. At the summit the rains stopped, and I got a fantastic view of some of the mountains I had climbed over the past couple of days. It was one of those moments that makes it all worthwhile.The trail runs under the Walasi-Yi Center at Neels Gap in the Chattahoochee National Forest. The Walasi-Yi Center is an outfitter/tourist trap that caters to hikers and bikers. I have a $18 bunk that included a towel, but no sheets. When I checked in, I told the guy I would pay $100 for just the shower. The bunk house is full tonight with 14 thru-hikers, so there should be plenty of snoring. My body is holding up well, couple of small blisters, a little rash and a small scrape. I feel like I am the luckest guy on earth.