morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-09-03
From: Kinsman Notch - N. Woodstock, NH

To: Bethleham, NH
Miles today: 0.0

A windy, windy night but we are cozy in the tent. Awake at 6:30 to Righty talking from her tent saying she had heard a rain drop and we should quickly pack up. How fast can an old person roll out of a tent without killing herself? Hanging onto a tree and trying to find her crocs and throwing clothes on all at the same time. I spent the day without my bra on and didn't realize it until we were hiking and it was too late! So, the plan was for me to meet Bill Duston, Skywalker's special almost Brother, and hike into meet them from the opposite at Lonesome Lake Hut. This was to be a surprise for Skywalker.   But since they are not hiking..Plan B..of course, no cell phone service to let Bill know the change and he was driving up from Mass. With Righty and Jericho in on the surprise, we kill some time shopping in Woodstock/Lincoln. We run into Flying Tortoise and Nickname and have to stop the car so Jericho and Skywalker can jump out, hug and chat. Shopping for food with Thru Hikers is always a treat. They read each label for fat and calories, talk about splitting a box of poptarts 3 ways, debate the merits of each kind of cheese and drive me crazy! I have no idea how they will pack all this food with their gear. We arrive at Franconia Notch at 10:45 to find a note from Bill saying he had headed up to Lafayette Campgrounds to climb the Lonesome Lake Trail to the hut. We missed him by 10 minutes. Skywalker finally figured out what was up and wanted to hike up to meet him. Jericho stays behind with the car and to fiddle with a new watch battery. Righty and I plod along and Skywalker wants to catch up with Bill. At Lonesome Lake Hut (run by the AMC) Skywalker sees Bill head into the latrine and surprises him there. A good laugh! We enjoy a delicious chicken soup ($2.00) all you can eat made by the Croo (hut caretakers) and had a good visit. I Want to Be a Cowboy hikes in. Bill hikes down with us to the parking lot and sends us off with Tuckerman Ale as a treat. It was great sharing this with Bill and Skywalker really enjoyed it. But the surprises are not over for Skywalker. We head to Bethleham to our good friend Maddie and Gerry's camp for the night. There awaits our son, Stefan and his girlfriend, Anna to spend the night too. They have driven over from Maine. Showers for all and we feast on lasagna, (Thanks Mad) bread, chicken and salad. We enjoy the Welcome Hikers sign hanging to greet us and as a special treat, a rainbow hangs over the mountains for several hours. I hope my photos come out. Thank you Perron's for the fantastic nero day. Even though they hiked, it was not on the AT so it didn't count!Happy Trails"Himmelwanderer"
Date: 2006-09-04
From: Bethleham, NH

To: Kinsman Mt
Miles today: 10.0

Awoke to rain but on the other side of the Notch it was only drizzly and some sun was poking out. Righty not feeling great. A bit of the stomach bug. I think. But she slings that pack on anyway. I leave them at the trailhead with at least 4 days worth of food supplies and sandwiches hanging off the back. Full rain gear to start. Good Luck !! I have decided that I am an AT Groupie so I will have some thoughts on that coming up. The hiking miles will decrease through the Whites and they hope to hit a few huts along the way .Happy Trails"Himmelwanderer"
Date: 2006-09-04
From: Kinsman Mt

To: Kinsman Pond Campsite
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

   It was a challenging climb 1800 feet to 4358 over the 2 Kinsmans notches then back to 3750 feet to the campsite by 7:15 in the evening. No views today just drizzly rain. It was like shock therapy again with a full pack, Skywalker says. Righty had a difficult time over the 11.5 miles as it was wet and slippery and her knees are hurting. They had to make this campsite as it was the only one in the area. They call it a campsite but it has a caretaker at the shelter and charge $8 per person. There was a bunch of college students that had taken over the shelter to cook in. They were asked to move for the Thru Hikers by the caretaker.Happy Trails"Himmelwanderer"
Date: 2006-09-05
From: Kinsman Pond Campsite

To: Liberty Spring Tentsite
Miles today: 7.4

   Hike out early AM with the same drizzly rain. Stopped at Lonesome Lake Hut for lunch and enjoyed the $2 bowls of soup and endless fresh baked cookies. Met Hollywood there and Just John. Down to Franconia Notch and then another tough climb up to Liberty. Another caretaker tentsite with no shelters but tent platforms. They all squeezed onto one platfrom at $8 a tent. Traveling in a bunch of thru hikers now. Names of Cud, Cat, Hollywood, Redcoat, Misdirection and Forrest. Skywalker is feeling good!Happy Trails"Himmelwanderer"
Date: 2006-09-06
From: Liberty Spring Tentsite

To: Galehead Hut
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: light rain

   Rain during the night. Up to Haystack and onto Mt Lincoln where the sun poked out, the clouds lifted and the scenery was breathtaking. Across Lafayette and Garfield to Galehead Hut. This is the most remote hut in the Whites. By this time Righty is really hurting and her kness are feeling the hike and her arthritis. The guys are spending a lot of time urging her on and waiting for her. Jericho goes ahead to get a spot for them. They were too late to get a "work for stay" spot but the caretaker let them stay anyway.   Work for stay is available for thru hikers at the campsites or shelters that have caretakers. A minimun of 2 thru hikers can take advantage of this on a first come basis but someimes more. It can be doing dishes, sweeping, telling stories of the trail for the paying hikers or even cleaning toilets. Then they get to eat all the delicious leftovers cooked by the "croo" for dinner and breakfast. Good deal! Skywalker has fallen twice in the last few days. He says there isn't a person who hasn't fallen in the Whites and you always hope and pray you don't get injured. One fall was on his back cushioned by the backpack and the other into brush on his side. Tails of who gets injured quickly gets passes along the trail.Happy trails"Himmelwanderer"
Date: 2006-09-07
From: Galehead Hut

To: Crawford Notch Campsite
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: mist

Hiked to Zealand Falls Hut where they had soup and lemonade and had some great views. 200 feet below them the Air Force was running training and they got to see some awesome A10 Warthogs hot dogging thru the clouds. Close enough to see their faces. Skywalker had to answer all the questios about what they were as most everyone knows his Air Force background. This is the 3rd day they have heard them but really got to see them good today. Sadly, Righty has decided to stay behind and do a work for stay at Zealand Falls and hopefully those knees will be better. It is with great sadness that Skywalker and Jericho leave without her. She has been such a part of Team Senile. You go Righty!!!   At Crawford Notch campsite again meet up with Cat, Cud, Redcoat, Misdirection and Forrest. They pool their laundry to do and stock up on 4 days supplies. Skywalker says his knees are hammerered but his feet are good and he is being careful n ot to trip. Discovered Honey Buns have 640 calories and with a Poptart makes 1400 for breakfast. Skywalker's good eating habits are in the cellar at this point in the hike! And a thank you to the guy in the pickup truck who picked up 6 thru hikers at the trailhead without flinching!Happy Trails"Himmelwanderer"
Date: 2006-09-08
From: Crawford Notch Campsite

To: Lake of the Clouds Hut
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Great day with views. Temp warm for in the Mt's. They were able to get work for stay at Lake of the Clouds but Skywalker didn't mention what his job was on the machine.Don't forget to sign the guest book. He still loves all the encouragement!Happy Trails"Himmelwanderer"
Date: 2006-09-09
From: Lake of the Clouds Hut

To: Osgood Tentsite via Mt Washington
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: fog

   A message on the machine that at 10:28 AM Skywalker and Jericho reached the summit of Mt Washington! An accomplishment for any NH hiker and double for a Thru hiker! Weather was foggy and cloudy 50 degrees with 20-30 mph winds. Going below the treeline tonight to Osgood tentsite 5 miles from Pinkham Notch. They are more than 1/2 way thru the 25 miles of ridge walking in the Presidential Range. Weather turning cooler tonight with thunder storms predicted. Skywalker thinks they will be in Maine by Thurs or Fri this week! Tues marks 5 months on the trail!Happy Trails"Himmelwanderer"
Date: 2006-09-10
From: Osgood Tentsite via Mt Washington

To: Pinkham Notch - Joe Dodge Lodge
Miles today: 7.8
Weather: fog

..The day yesterday did not go as planned. After Jericho and Skywalker left the Summit of Mt Washington the weather turned real nasty with increased winds, enough to blow you over! Then it got worse with a thunder and lightening storm which included hail. This was all above tree line and pretty scarey, he says. The wind was pushing him sideways and it was hard to balance and get the poles placed in the ground. It took 1 hour to go 1 mile but they made it to Madison Hut at 5PM, weary and exhausted. AND were able to get work for stay. The place was packed to capacity with paying guests. About 1/2 hr later, the kids arrived wet and cold. Forrest, Redcoat, Misdirection, Orangatan, Stinky, Brock. They were told there was no room for them and they had to move on. Jericho and Skywalker talked to the Croo and they were allowed to stay and sleep on the floor. Skywalker said they were shivering and some hadn't put their rain gear on. Not a good choice in the Whites! So Jericho and Skywalker worked for 1/2 hr in the attic of the hut, pushing non perishables around and washing the place down with a bleach solution. They ended up laughing about it. The Lake of the Clouds job was similiar but took 1 1/2 hrs and they spit shined the place after everyone had retired. After the paying guest eat they pigged out on Ham, Mashed potatoes, salad, bread and carrot cake. Nothing like a full tummy! Then they were entertained by the Croo singing with Guitar and doing a skit. Madison Hut is one of the smaller huts and has a wind generator, solar heat and high tech toilets. Skywalker was impressed! This morning, a full breakfast and they left the kids cleaning the floor but grateful they had stayed the night. About 8 miles down to Pinkham Notch to Joe Dodge's Lodge and the knees are hurting like being hammered by a 2 by 4, he says. Joe Dodges was where we took the AT workshop way, way back in Jan, 06.Skywalker was able to get his AMC discount for himself and Jericho. $57 for the room and all you can eat dinner and breakfast. A good shower felt wonderful. They met 2 SOBO's Storyteller and 46er who said the Dr and Lucy from S. Africa are in Gorham heading south. He also met a section hiker with a yellow lab wearing booties for rock protection. Skywalker reports he has NO blisters now!Happy Trails"Himmelwanderer"
Date: 2006-09-11
From: Pinkham Notch - Joe Dodge Lodge

To: Stealth Camping N. Carter Mt
Miles today: 10.1

A good night's sleep and big breakfast at Joe Dodge's. Skywalker tried to find Hawk who gave the workshop in Jan but no luck. He talked with an admin person who said the next 50 miles were rocky then after Mahoosic it levels off.   The hike from Pinkham Notch was a beaut! Up a couple of thousand feet, over the 2 peaks of Wildcat,and by the ski area and gondola. A difficult section involved actual rock climbing and Skywalker was hanging on by his fingernails at one point and trying to decide which foot to put on a narrow shelf while balancing a 40 pound pack. He felt quite out of his element. That darn Jericho just flew up the wall with no problem. Skywalker later found out he had some rock climbing experience! Skywalker mentions that the AT always seems to go over the most difficult terrain to make it more interesting???!!! A short stop at Carter Notch Shelter to use the privey and get water. It was a cold but sunny hiking day. They stopped 2 mile short of Imp Campsite rather than struggle down a steep section of trail. They found a flat spot to set up their tents. This is called stealth camping which is actually not allowed in the Whites but the thru hikers do it anyway on the sly. Happy Trails"Himmelwanderer"
Date: 2006-09-12
From: Stealth Camping N. Carter Mt

To: Gorham, NH
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: scattered clouds

It was a cold night. 30 degrees but no wind. Skywalker slept in his wool hat and layered clothing and was quite toasty. Up twice to pee and was amazed at all the stars and quietness. When he awoke there was a think layer of frost on the tent. The gear was folded up wet and when he unfolded the tent at the motel the frost was still present!   Stopped at Rattle River shelter to mark the occasion of passing under the 300 miles left mark! This is also the 5 month mark for Skywalker being gone. They got a hitch into Gorham from the trail head. His knees talking to him..enough is enough today. Picked up his mail drop and Jericho and he decided to spring for a motel. Deluxe double cheese burger and fries then plans to go to an all you can eat Chinese place.   He is dreaming of coming home and putting his feet up, chopping wood, and doing nothing for awhile. He and Jericho weighed their packs fully loaded with food for 4 days.Skywalker - 45 lbsJericho - 46 lbs.Happy trails"Himmelwanderer"
Date: 2006-09-13
From: Gorham, NH

To: On the Trail- Reflections of an AT Groupie
Miles today: 0.0

Back to work for me in September and I am having withdrawal of following slack packing and hiking with my AT hiker. So, I confess, I have turned into an AT Groupie and can hardly wait to hit the trail again. Hit the trail in my own fashion. Some thoughts of being a AT Groupie.1. Someone will always eat your leftovers. Somtimes before you are done eating.2. You don't have to hike in the rain3. You get to sleep in a real bed most of the time.4. You can nap in the car.5. Acceptance is peeing in the woods and they wait for you.6. If you have food, everyone is happy to see you7. If you have cold drinks, everyone is happy to see you8. If you have a cold beer, they love you.9. You get to wear a day pack instead of a 40 pound pack10. You get to socialize with all the thru hikers with really cool names.Suggestions:1. Never try to keep up up eating with a Thru hiker2. Never complain of being too tired, or too wet..Been There Done that is the reply 3. Never complain of sore muscles, blisters or the like..Been there Done That is the reply4. And never try to outshine them telling a story - They have you beat by a mile Happy Happy trailsMrs "Himmelwanderer"
Date: 2006-09-16
From: On the Trail- Reflections of an AT Groupie

To: Andover, ME - Hall Mt lean-to
Miles today: 48.2
Weather: broken clouds

I should call this entry "Men on a Mission" Skywalker called last night using Jericho's cell from the Lean-to. Shelters in ME are called lean-to'. They are now 30.9 miles into ME "the Way Life Should Be" state. They did MAhoosuc on the rainy day and it has been miserable hiking. Mahoosuk is said to be the most difficult stretch on the AT. Big boulders have fallen from the mountains to fill the Notch making the climb a pure boulder scramble. Up, over, between and under the boulders all in the rain. They had to attach their poles to their packs to hold on better. Like climbing up a chimney Skywalker said. Then it was onto Mahoosuc Arm, like climbing on concrete and then Baldpate with lots of erosion from it being such a popular hiking spot. Nice weather today but the trail is still muddy and messy. So, Skywalker and Jericho plan to continue 14-16 miles a day. Are they having fun yet?? Their voices are tired and their spirits ready to come home.Plan Rangley by Tues and 7 days to Monson.Update on Righty..She joined up with Just John, was in Gorham yesterday, was picked up by Lefty and Buoy and jumped ahead to Andover, ME. They will all head out today from The Cabin and probably run into Skywalker and Jericho again. Stay tuned.New Photos downloaded yesterday.Happy Trails"Himmelwanderer"
Date: 2006-09-17
From: Andover, ME - Hall Mt lean-to

To: Bemis Mt lean-to
Miles today: 12.8
Weather: clear sky

Foggy start but sunny end. Jericho took a fall and hurt his back. Thinks he pulled a muscle.From Sawyer Notch to Old Blue Mtn. It was a decent hike today. Hiked with Fireman 2 days ago and he entertained Skywalker with 4 letter words all the way up Mahoosuc.Happy trails"Himmelwanderer"
Date: 2006-09-18
From: Bemis Mt lean-to

To: Gull Pond Hostel - Rangeley, ME
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Up at 5:30, stumble around in the dark and on the trail by 7AM for a big milage day. Trail continues to be wet and oozing water and full of roots. So easy to fall. This is not the time they want to get a serious injury. Skywalker feels he is going on will power only. Maine has been tough, emotionally and physically exerting for him. But the foliage is changing and the views are good. I tell him how proud we all are of his accomplishment.Ran into Redcoat, Misdirection, Hollywood and several others slack packing. Got a ride from the trailhead to the Hostel by the hostel owner who was dropping off Cat and Cud. Out to eat with Jericho. Skywalker ate beef stew, fries, asparagus, chili, soup, salad and a big piece of pie. Sam Adams (lg) of course. Tomorrow he will do laundry and food shop. Saddleback Mtn is next.Don't forget to sign the guest book and check out the new photo'sHappy Trails"Himmelwanderer"
Date: 2006-09-21
From: Gull Pond Hostel - Rangeley, ME

To: Crocker Cirque Campsite
Miles today: 24.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Completed the Saddleback Range yesterday with high winds but wonderful fall colors. Today Sugarloaf and the start of many rivers and streams to ford. Hiked with Flying Tortoise, Nickname, Sizzle, Mudflap, Daisy and of course, Jericho. Now it is official under 200 miles to go! The summit climb to Katahdin was closed today due to snow. It should reopen tomorrow. It is getting to be crunch time to finish before the weather gets too bad! Happy Trails"Himmelwanderer"
Date: 2006-09-24
From: Crocker Cirque Campsite

To: Pierce Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 39.9
Weather: light rain

A couple of days to catch up on. Maine has turned out to be much tougher than Skywalker expected. The weather and slick conditions haven't helped either. Bigalow (4090ft) was windy and they had to crawl to the top to get out of the wind and rain. It seemed that every Mt top was rainy this week. The views they were able to see were great though. Jericho has fallen a couple of times and his boots have given out. Skywalker admits to a couple of falls himself. No Moose sightings but lots of fresh poop...almost steaming, he reports. Skywalker says they are hiking smart..taking their time...slow but good.Happy Trails"Himmelwanderer"
Date: 2006-09-25
From: Pierce Pond Lean-to

To: Caratunk, ME
Miles today: 4.0

Started off the day with a full delicious breakfast from the lodge. 12 pancakes, sausage, eggs toast and coffee. A great way to start the day along with the call of the Loons in the distance. Skywalker loves that sound!    They were at the Kennebec River crossing for one of the first ferry trips across. The Kennebec River has no bridge and fording it is most dangerous due to the release of water from the dams upstream. The ferry ride in the canoe is the official white blaze route and it is a free service funded by the ATC and MATC. You have to sign a release. Steve, the Ferryman, also runs the Rivers and Trails Hostel where they are staying today and overnight for a nero day. Pick up of a maildrop for Skywalker and new boots delivered FedX from LLBean for Jericho. Skywalker says a cluster of hikers are about in the same time frame.   Brock, Dandelion, Social, Wolfpaw, Chickadee, Hollywood and Kidsmeal. More later....Happy Trails"Himmelwanderer"
Date: 2006-09-25
From: Caratunk, ME

To: From Hostel to Northern Outdoor center Caratunk
Miles today: 0.0

All the hikers moved over to the Northern Outdoor Center as the Hostel was having trouble with the hot water and no heat. This place also has a restaurant and best of all a Jaccuzzi!! Skywalker says it was heaven on his feet and for Jericho his back which is all black and blue.Plans are to be in Monson on Thurs and then head into the 100 mile wilderness.   Skywalker talked with Peter Duston who will start at Katahdin and hike south to meet them then turn around and hike back with them. Also he might hitch up with our friend Steve Musica outside of Monson. We'll see. Good Mood and excitment about this part of the trail. Happy trails"Himmelwanderer"
Date: 2006-09-27
From: Bald Mtn Brook Lean-to

To: Horseshoe Canyon Lean-to
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: broken clouds

Moxie Bald Mt ( the last 4000 footer until K.) and had the pleasure of doing 2 fords. Hike 3 miles along the west branch of the Piscataquis...ford.. hike some more then ford the east branch of the river. The secret of fording is not to try and cross in your boots cuz it never works. Skywalker says he slings the boots around his neck, wears the crocs and using his hiking poles, very carefully while trying to face the current fords. The water was cold and up to his knees in places. Hiking with Jericho and saw Flying Tortoise, Wolfpaw and Chickadee and a family Sizzle, Daisy and Mudflaps. At the top of Moxie Bald was the first glimpse of Katahdin...the Big K...in the distance so they think.Happy Trails"Himmelwanderr"
Date: 2006-09-28
From: Horseshoe Canyon Lean-to

To: Monson, ME
Miles today: 8.5
Weather: scattered clouds

   A nice cruise into Monson...4 miles south of Monson, Skywalker and Jericho meet Peter Duston hiking to meet them. He had a change of plans and couldn't make the Katahdin time so decided to surprise Skywalker. And surprise him, he did! In Monson by 1PM and who should they run into parked on the main street but "Paddy" from NY. He was delighted to see the guys had made it and had taken a week off from work to do his special trail magic in Maine and wish them well. Paddy is the trail angel who saved their lives during the heat wave in NY when they were so dehydrated.   Peter loaded the guys into his car and they went to lunch and then to a motel in nearby Gilford. Laundry and food shopping and of course eating the day away. Thank you Peter for the supplies especially the beer for Skywalker. The cell phone reception was lousy so we arranged to talk later in the evening. 9:30 PM - Backpacks are all packed with 5-7 days supply of food and the 100- Mile Wilderness awaits. Skywalker says there is a bubble of hikers now gathering behind them for the final push. All trying to make Katahdin before the Oct 15 deadline.The 100-Mile Wilderness is Maine's remote back country with little food supply available. Though Skywalker says there is word of a place 65 miles in. Also wonder if we will hear from him this week. 114.4 miles to go. Can you believe it?Happy trails"Himmelwanderer"
Date: 2006-09-29
From: Monson, ME

To: Wilson Valley Lean-to
Miles today: 10.3
Weather: moderate rain

Report of the morning from Peter Duston. Met at 6:30 for a big breakfast, picked up sub sandwiches for lunch and then headed into the "Wilderness". Bacically rained all morning and the terrain was up and downs and full of the wet Maine roots. But spirits were good on this last challenge. Pete hiked with them till 12:30 and the lunch break and was able to pick up good tips for his thru hike next yr. Thanks for the photo's Peter! Check them out>They had hoped to go 15 miles today but according to Jericho's journal they ran into bad weather (thunder and lightening storm) and Skywalker had fallen while fording Wilson Stream and gotten soaked. Not hurt, though! It never gets any easier!Happy trails"Himmelwanderer"