morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-09-15
From: Monson, Maine

To: Monson, Maine
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Zero Day in Monson, MeToday was one of the best relaxing days on the trail. I spent last night and today with Paddler. He lives in Greenville Maine and the surrounding area reminds me of a small town on the coast of Alaska. Moosehead Lake, a 50 x 20 mile lake is the center of attraction where float planes come in and out on the water. I just could not believe I was inland instead of a coastal town. Paddler and I did laundry, re-supplied for the up coming hike into the 100 Mile Wilderness and checked the local outfitter for last minute gear. We drove up to the local ski resort, currently closed, to get my first confirmed view of Katahdin. The mighty Katahdin was in the background rising above the other surrounding mountains. Paddler and I had dinner at a local restaurant called the ¢Black Frog.¢ The rest of the evening was spent getting ready for the last stretch of the AT - the 100 Mile Wilderness.
Date: 2004-09-16
From: Monson, Maine

To: Long Pond Stream Lean-to
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: scattered clouds

"Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and places to pray in, where nature may heal and cheer and give strength to body and soul." ~ John MuirPaddler and I got up early and drove to Shaw's so I could make the planned meeting for breakfast with Catdog and Quest at 6:30. When I arrived at 6:33 Catdog and Quest had already had their breakfast and were heading out the door to get a ride for the trailhead. I was disappointed they didn't wait for breakfast, and I was disappointed they couldn't wait for me to have my breakfast. Passing one another Quest said I could catch up with them. I said my goodbyes to Paddler and sat down with the other hikers for a good breakfast of coffee, juice, pancakes, bacon and sausage. Since there was no rush, I took my time and enjoyed my last hours in a trail town. Keith Shaw drove me to the trailhead and I entered the 100 Mile Wilderness. The sign at the trailhead reminded the hiker of the remoteness of this 100 mile stretch and suggested the hiker carry enough food supplies for 10 days. Within minutes of walking on the trail, a pain developed on the bottom of my left heel. I could not think of a reason for this pain. All I knew was each time I stepped the pain was there and it was not going away. I took deep breaths and focused on pushing the pain out. I even thought about turning back. NO! If I had to crawl, I was going to Katahdin. I eased the pain with meds and by walking on the ball of my foot. It took me 3 hours to travel 3 miles to the Leeman Brook Lean-to. This was going to be a long day.During this time, I asked the Spirit-That-Moves-Through-All-Things to give me a sign. I found my sign at the lean-to in the form of a discarded section of a closed cell sleeping pad. I cut out a section and placed it inside my boot. The pain didn't go away, but it could be tolerated. In my life there seems to be a balance. In today's balance of pain I was rewarded with beautiful streams with waterfalls and pools. I stopped and soaked my foot in the pools. This helped. Upstream from Little Wilson Falls not only did I soak my foot but I jumped in a small pool and let the cool water flow over me. I was in a baptism, a renewal of faith between Mother Nature and me. I got dressed and continued up the trail. I crossed several more streams, and followed a stream that runs through Slugundy Gorge. Daylight was ending as I approached the Long Pond Stream Lean-to. Quest and Catdog were there and thinking about doing a 20 mile day tomorrow. I declined. I promised myself not to do another 20 mile day. I could still be at Baxter State Park on the 23rd without doing a 20. Spiceman, Party Girl, Lorax and Joker were also at the lean-to. I went over the 100 Mile Wilderness Plan with them, since their summit date for Katahdin was the same as mine. It looked good to me as long as my body could hold up for 7 more days.
Date: 2004-09-17
From: Long Pond Stream Lean-to

To: Chairback Gap Lean-to
Miles today: 10.9
Weather: overcast clouds

"Where you end up isn't the most important thing. It's the road you take to get there." ~ Tim RileyDue to the early morning rain, I gave myself a treat and slept in until 7:30 at the shelter. I knew with the moisture on the trail that the rocks and roots were going to be extra slippery going up Barren Mtn. 8:30 I was on the trail and climbing into the fog. Party Girl was right behind me and we spent the morning hiking up Barren Mtn. (2672 ft.). The summit contained the remains of an old fire tower. I was hoping to get a view of Katahdin but, the views were limited due to the clouds from the cold front moving in. So, we continued up the trail. Lunch thirty was approaching and we decided to have our meal on a place called The Ledges. We had a view of the mountains in the westerly direction and the warmth of the afternoon sun as we basked on the rock face. Joker, Lorax and Spiceman soon joined us for a relaxing hour of watching the world go by. Party Girl and I hiked over several mountain summits in the 2000 foot range. On Columbus Mtn. (2326 ft.) I believe we saw the peak of Katahdin. 4:30 and we were in Chairback Gap Lean-to. This lean-to was very small, only held 6 people and had a small front area before dropping down a steep ledge. By dark-thirty hikers were still coming in. The last count before going to bed was 17 thru-hikers at, or in the tent sites surrounding the lean-to. Looks like the AT in the 100 Mile Wilderness is going to be a highway towards Katahdin.
Date: 2004-09-19
From: Logan Brook Lean-to

To: Cooper Brook Falls Lean-to
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: broken clouds

Day #189"But our lakes are bordered by the forests, and one in every day called upon to worship God in such a temple." James Fenimore Cooper, The PathfinderWoke up this morning feeling very cozy in my 20 degree sleeping bag. When I unzipped the tent fly and stuck my head outside, I realized why I was cozy. The temperature was in the frigid range of mid-thirty's. The low temperatures made my gloveless hands numb, making it hard to break down the tent and pack all the gear into the backpack. I was on the trail by 8:30. Party Girl left early to make Cooper Brook Falls Lean-to for a spot in the shelter. We are hoping Spiceman, Joker and Lorax make it to the same lean-to. All the major climbs and descents are behind me now, except for Katahdin. Today's walk crossed over the East Branch of Pleasant River, through forested rolling hills and along the shores of several ponds. The cold gusty winds blew white caps on the ponds causing swells to break on the shoreline. Crawford Pond was especially wind blown giving the pond a wintery look.I am quite surprised of the large number of hikers in the Hundred Mile Wilderness. It felt more like hiking in the Smokies than in the Wilderness. Ever since I started planning for this hike there was this mystic, almost reverend, approach to the 100 Mile Wilderness. When I crossed the border and entered the Wilderness I expected a sudden change, a feeling of being alone in the wilds. The landscape did not change; in fact, it was a continuation of what I had been walking through in Maine. And, I was not alone. There are so many thru-hikers with the same itinerary that the shelters are overflowing. Most of the hikers seem to bee in ¢the tunnel¢; at the end of that tunnel all they see is the light of Katahdin Mtn. They see an end to their hardships and misery of being out here. They are missing the beauty of the ponds and the woods surrounding their tunnel. I, on the other hand, am enjoying my last days with Mother Nature and have renewed my love for her. I could easily stay here with her!However, I have a stronger love waiting for me, Lady Kritter. As I walk these last 5 days, I know each day brings me closer to the waiting arms of my wife Lady Kritter, where my paradise truly lies.
Date: 2004-09-21
From: Mahar Tote Rd. - White House Landing

To: Rainbow Stream Lean-to
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: broken clouds

Day #191"By now I have learned to listen to silence. To hear its choirs singing the song of ages, chanting the hymns of space, and disclosing the secrets of eternity." ~ Kahlil GibranCrash Bang, Joker, Skippy, Poppins, Enigma, Lorax, and I stayed up in the bunkhouse last night playing a Trivia Pursuit game while reminiscing about our journey. People, places and trail names were bounced around the game board often triggering memories I shared with hikers and the locations I visited during my trek. Today was going to be an easy day of hiking, so I slept-in late. The owners of Whitehouse Landing, Bill and Linda prepare an ayce breakfast each morning (well worth the price) for the hikers before the boat ride back to the trail. The meal of eggs, bacon, blueberry pancakes, English muffins, toast, juice and coffee was a thru-hikers delight. After breakfast I said goodbye to Bill and Linda, rode the motor boat across the crystal clear waters of Pemaaadumcook Lake, and once again headed north seeking that last white blaze on top of Katahdin. The trail meandered through rolling forest and boulders of various sizes left in their places by glaciers from long ago. Silence would be broken by the bubbling conversation of brooks and streams, or the ever present chirp of the squirrels and an occasional song of a bird. Crash Bang hiked with me throughout the day. We had lunch sitting on the pebble shore of Nahmakanta Lake with several mountains rising up as scenic views. That afternoon the trail followed several streams until at last I arrived at Rainbow Stream Lean-to. Tonight¢s guests at the lean-to are Wipeout, Spiceman, Party Girl, Lorax and Joker. The large group of hikers I have been traveling with through the wilderness have broken up into several pods. One group has their heads down and can only think of Katahdin and ending this ordeal. The other group, who are now my traveling companions, are slowing down to enjoy these last days for as long as possible and still make our dateline to summit on Katahdin.The leaves are quickly changing their colors from greens to bright yellows, flames of oranges, scarlet reds and browns. Fall is here and with it the last days of being a nomad whose home has been the Appalachian Trail.
Date: 2004-09-23
From: Hurd Brook Lean-to

To: Katahdin Stream Campground
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: clear sky

Day #193"One doesn't discover new lands without consenting to lose sight of the shore for a very long time." ~ Andre Gide"Finite to fail, but infinite to venture." ~ Emily DickersonExcept for the climb on Katahdin, today was my last day on the trail. Emotionally, I was both sad that my adventure was in the final moments of its last chapter and elated that I was within hours of being with Lady Kritter again.Spiceman, Joker, Lorax, Party Girl and I were up early for several reasons. One: no one could sleep with the proximity of Katahdin magically drawing us to its summit. Two: we had supplied at White House Landing for two days with the third day in Abol. So, according to schedule, everyone was out of food and the 3 mile hike to Abol Bridge meant re-supply and food in our stomachs. Third: with so many hikers in the 100 Mile Wilderness and only 12 spaces at the Birches Campsite, we wanted to be at the sign-up sheet early enough to reserve space. And, of course, for me - to see Lady Kritter.I was the first one out of the shelter and into the woods. The morning was crisp and sunny. In no time, I am standing on Abol Bridge awe struck at the beauty before me. A massive, gray monolith of granite rose from the foothills of trees preparing to change colors. The calm waters of the moving West Branch of Penobscot River reflected the mirror image of that imposing mountain - Katahdin. I had a quick breakfast at the Abol Bridge Camp store, said goodbye to Spiceman, Joker, Lorax and Party Girl. The remaining miles are a blur to me, my mind bemusing my conscious being in flashback clips of six months of life on the Appalachian Trail. I will have to return one day and walk those final miles as a hike of walking in beauty, instead of a culmination of 2174 miles.I hitchhiked into Millinocket and got a ride from a gentleman named, Gary. We talked on the way into town, but for the life of me, I cannot tell you what our conversation was about. I can tell you I was galvanized to the thoughts of ending one life style and renewing another. Gary took me to the Katahdin Inn and waited for me as I went in to see if Lady Kritter checked-in. The desk clerk said yes, but she had left to meet me at the Birches. Foiled, again! Gary was willing to drive me back out to the Birches Campsite in Baxter state Park, a good half-hour drive, to look for Lady Kritter. Pulling out of the parking lot my eye catches an alluring woman walking out the inn's door. "STOP THE TRUCK," I tell Gary, "it's my wife!" I don¢t think the truck was at a full stop as I bolted out of the truck into the astounded arms of Jacquie, Lady Kritter, my wife.
Date: 2004-09-24
From: Katahdin

To: Where Else the Big K
Miles today: 5.2

Note from Lady Kritter: Just to let all you wonderful loyal readers know that KrispyKritter (and I) summited Katahdin today which was just as exquisite an experience as was the weather and Krispy's sense of accomplishment... but this is not the end of his journey ... yet. We will be spending a little time in Maine together on a "re-acquainting" tour before returning to the rat-race (and Krispy's round-to-it list). Please be patient with us as final colorful updates and many more pictures will be made available for all of you to enjoy. Give us a couple of weeks ... and thank you, each and every one of you, for your support and enthusiasm.Krispy and Lady Kritter
Date: 2004-02-16
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

About a week ago I packed up my car with all of my worldly possessions. I left my job and friends there (NC) to come here (IA) and visit family and friends for the next two weeks before the hike. I have almost all of my gear for the hike. I just need to weigh things and eliminate all but the essentials. I don't know exactly where to begin with my preparations over the next two weeks. This morning I finally unpacked my sagging car. Now I have a huge mess to sort through. Crap! Well, I better get to it.
Date: 2004-02-16
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Well, a little bit about how I got here. I need to thank John R. and Steve A. for taking me on my first backpacking adventure. Their trail names were Squeaky and Jo-Jo. Just kidding, they don't have trail names. We hiked for a few days in the smokies. Since then, backpacking has become my sole reason for living. If I didn't have backpacking I think I would probably do something dangerous. Just kidding, it's really just a nice hobby.    Anyway, eventually I met a guy named Steve B. He hiked the AT in 2002. So "Gravy", as he was called on the trail, and I became good friends and he taught me a lot about thru-hike preparation. We've done a few hikes together in the smokies. So ultimately, any failure or success on my part rests entirely on Gravy's shoulders.   In conclusion, my aim is to not end up like Ralph Feinnes from the movie "Spider", mumbling to myself and living in some imaginary world inside my head. If I can do that then yippee! I'm a winner.Gotta go get some grub. Goodnight.
Date: 2004-02-17
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Went to Scheels today in Iowa City. Bought the Ridgerest. I thought it might do better than the z-rest since it's an ounce lighter, according to the manufacturer it's warmer and I can roll stuff up in it. Bought some other random junk I probably won't use as well. Oh and a canister of fuel.   I talked to one of the managers who was helping me out and he said they'd post this website and my name on their bulletin board. Pretty cool. He said they'd be able to help me out if i'm ever in a tight spot. I'm going to hold you to your word Jim. I've got your business card.   I had a funny thought as I walked into the store. The place is huge. It has two levels and I took the escalator which had stairs right next to it.
Date: 2004-02-18
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Went hiking for a little over an hour today. There's a park nearby that has some great views of the majestic Cedar River. A lot of my effort went into not slipping in the 8-10 inches of snow on the ground.    There was no one at the park so I got a good feel for what it's going to be like alone with my thoughts on the trail. I've heard that your mind does some weird stuff when you're alone for such a long time. Here's a list of things I suspect will cross my mind as I slowly go insane on the trail: 1. Hey look, another tree. Woohoo! 2. Who's the idiot that decided to make the blazes white? Why not azure? 3. Maybe I do wish a bear would jump out of that thicket. If he were a singing bear.......and he had some pizza. 4. "Life changing experience" my butt. There's nothing out here. 5. What's that smell? Is that me? 6. Everyone with a titanium spork must face my wrath. 7. Well hello Mr. President. Have you been tanning? Your skin is thick and covered in bark. Are those leaves shooting out of your arms...Oh my gosh!! Call the Secret Service! Someone turned the President into a tree!?! 8. All walk and no blaze makes Sean a lost boy. 9. If you spell kilt backwards it's Tlik. This could be the greatest trailname ever. I'm a genius. 10. This is all your fault Steve....your's and Hero's. Anyway, when i'm really out there suffering my loneliness i'll have to write down a revised version.
Date: 2004-02-29
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Only one more week until I hit the trail. I'll be starting monday morning next. I'm goning to be spending the week in SC, then from there heading up to Amicalola Falls State Park to start the trip. Today I weighed my pack with everything in it (and on it) and it weighed 33lbs. I'm excited about that, but it does leave me only 2 more lbs. of room according to the manufacturer. I'll be having someone transcribe my journal entries so I may write one more from SC before I leave but after that I'll be on the trail and my entries will be made from someone from home.
Date: 2004-03-08
From: Amicalola Falls State Park

To: Springer Mountain
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: clear sky

I met my Mom and Dad in Dahlonega, Georgia, about 15 miles from Amicalola Falls State Park (the terminus of the Appalachian Trail). They drove me to the park, where I registered and headed out for Springer Mountain with a pack weighing 35 pounds. The weather was sunny with an expected high of 48 degrees - good hiking weather. The forecast is for some light rain and snow later. More later...
Date: 2004-03-08
From: Stover Creek Shelter

To: View Entry
Miles today: 11.3

Today is day one. And what a good day it is too. This morning I left Amacalola Falls State Park at 8:30. At first the trail was really unimpressive. I thought only yesterday that my mind would turn to thoughts of home or family and friends. Strangely though I began singing "We're off to see the wizard." Then I thought how did DOrothy manage to get anywhere without a pack. None of her misfit friends carried a pack either. Then I thought am I losing it already?The last mile to Springer was the hardest. I took a couple pictures. I decided I would at least make it to Stover's Creek SHelter and maybe Hawk Mt. Stover's Creek is beautiful. Nice full stream surrounded by rhododendrin with nice flat pine needle ground upon which I am currently sitting. The company has been sparse. The few thru hikers I've met are quiet and "keep to yourself" kind of people.
Date: 2004-03-09
From: Rainbow Springs Campground

To: View Entry
Miles today: 17.5

3/9/04My knee was hurting yesterday from all the fast downhill I was doing. Today was worse. I should've taken it more easily. I'm now at Gooch gap shelter. The clouds are gray and my legs are sore. All reason says to stay here for the night, but I'd like to do another 4 miles to Woody Gap because it's only 2:30. I hate hangning out half the day at shelters.-I took some Ibuprofen and walked the extra 4 miles. It snowed, rained, sleeted and hailed. Right now it's gusty. There's no place to put stakes in the ground so I had to use rocks to support my tent. I hope it lasts through the night. I did about 11.5 miles yesterday. Today I made 17.5. Tomorrow an easy 10 miles to Neels Gap.
Date: 2004-03-10
From: Rainbow Springs Campground

To: View Entry
Miles today: 10.7

3/10/04This morning I woke to snow. I couldn't feel my fingers. It's amazing how many tasks require fingers that aren't numb. The snow was beautiful, the sky was blue and it warmed up pretty quickly. I started out at WOody Gap with Neels Gap as my destination. I came to slaughter Gap and realized something was wrong. The people who built the trails in Georgia seem to think the quickest way from point A to point B up a mountain is in a straight line. They are painfully mistaken. Their trails go straight up. The absence of switchbacks is confusing and agonizing. I thought if a bear attacked me I'd be defenseless. I'd cry out like a little girl, make one Richard Simmonsesque swing at the bear and fall down defeated. -I made it to blood mountain which was incredible. The views were awesome. Some day hikers took my picture. Right now I'm sitting in the hiker hostel doing laundry and talking to Harmony. She's popping a blister. She made fun of my kilt. Does no one understand?
Date: 2004-03-11
From: Rainbow Springs Campground

To: View Entry
Miles today: 17.8

3/11/04Said my goodbyes to Shot, Harmony, Sevy, Uncle Ben and Numbers. Here I am in Blue Mountain shelter. Right out of the front of the shelter is an incredible view. I'm here with two girls on spring break. MDiv students from Emory and an older thruhiker named RUnning Bear. Today I hiked roughly 18 miles from Neels to here. I didn't see anyone for 7 hours.
Date: 2004-03-12
From: Rainbow Springs Campground

To: View Entry
Miles today: 18.3

3/12/04Decided to hike 18 miles to Dick's Creek Gap today. One of my blisters healed up and was feeling good. I had my first experience with trail magic. A guy named Bluebearee was waiting at Unicoi Gap with water and an orange. At various times throughout the day I found empty coolers. I met King Alabar at Tray Mt shelter. I had lunch and chatted with him. At Addis Gap I met a techie from Atlanta who was section hiking. He gave me an orange. I came to Dick's creek thinking there would be nice campsites but no there weren't. I hitchhiked into Hiawassee. Spent the night at the Holiday Inn.
Date: 2004-03-13
To: View Entry
Miles today: 6.8

Started today from Dick's Creek Gap at 11:30. Got a ride from Hiawassee. I wanted to make it to Bly Gap but fell about a mile or two short. I met a couple that were doing an overnight and they gave me some bottled water and some pain reliever. Right now I'm at an awesome campsite. Very isolated with a great view. I built a fire and am sitting next to it. It might help to keep the bears away, although I'm wearing my kilt so I could probably take on a bear right now: "A man in a kilt is a man and a half." I met Mother Nature. She was doing trail maintenence. Right now there are owls hooting in the distance and there's a nice breeze. The firewood is great here. Lot's of dead hardwood. Not like that pine junk all over most of NC. Pine is a week of the tree world. Seek Mahe Mahe in this matter, he has much knowledge. Well, I've got to collect more firewood and cook some dinner. I hope the owl shuts up so I can get some sleep.
Date: 2004-03-16
To: View Entry
Miles today: 14.2

Hiked today with Eric the Red for a while this morning. Finally made it to Wayah Bald. Met the "Slackers", a retired couple that are slack packing their first few hundred miles. Camping just a bit past the bald with some other hikers. Built a nice fire for everyone to get warm by. Supposed to be a lot of uphill tomorrow. But the weather's supposed to be nice.