morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-08-10
From: Stratton, Maine

To: Caratunk, ME - Kennebec Ferry Temp. Closed
Miles today: 0.0

August 10, 2008   Caratunk, ME   Kennebec River Ferry (canoe) Service Temporarily Closed.       Alohawk and I hiked for two days in cold heavy rains from Stratton over the Bigelow Mtns and around several large ponds to Tim Harrison's Pierce Pond Camp just past the Pierce Pond Lean-To.    The trail was mostly a watery mess with several deep fast flowing fords.   The AT crosses the Kennebec River just before Caratunk three miles from here. There is a canoe ferry service that runs for a few hours every morning and afternoon to carry hikers across the river. A Maine Guide will paddle two hikers at a time.   It closed for the first time in 21 years last June due to high swift water.   The river is running very high again. They only made one run on Friday and one run on Saturday then closed again due to dangerous river conditions leaving a growing number of north and southbound hikers stranded.    Everyone understands Safety First, but is very frustrating. It is especially tough for those in a tight food, money, and time situations.                    I am getting off the trail for 10 days in Caratunk for my daughters wedding. My son Jon was supposed to pick me up at the Caratunk Post Office at noon yesterday (Sat).    With ferry service questionable - I called him and he met us at Harrison's Pierce Pond Camp yesterday morning.   After breakfast we took Alohawk to Skowegan to buy new hiking shoes then dropped him off at the trail head in Caratunk were is headed up the trail.   At the trailhead we met a southbound thru-hiker who told us the ferry was closed and may not run for a few days.   Jon and I shuttled him and three other stranded southbounders the 34 miles drive around to Harrisons Camps to get them across the river. (Freebird, Driftwood, Earth Surfer, and Nothing)   Yesterday afternoon I made a second shuttle run from Harrisons to Caratunk in Jon's pickup truck for two northbound section hikers.    At Caratunk I ran down to the river crossing to see if any sobo's where camped there. None where there.    I shouted across the river to a group of my hiker friends camped on the southern shore that we would do another northbound shuttle run from Harrisons in the morning. They hiked three miles back up the trail this morning.   Jon and I stayed in a cabin at Harrisons and passed the word to any northbounders at the Pierce Pond Lean-To that we would do a shuttle to Caratunk in the morning if the ferry is closed again.      This morning Tim Harrison called the ferryman and confirmed no ferry today.      After breakfast we shuttled my friends Pipper, Forest Gimp, and Memphis Tim, plus Stripe, Rabbit, and Limeade to the Rt. 201 trailhead in Caratunk where they headed up the trail.   It was sad to not be hiking with them. Hopefully some of my friends from the early days will have caught up with me when I get back on to finish the AT on August 19th.   I should still reach Katahdin by Labor Day.   Jon and I are now heading to his home in Auburn, ME.   I will do a more detailed report soon.   -Wes-
Date: 2008-08-12
From: Caratunk, ME - Kennebec Ferry Temp. Closed

To: Zero Mile Days until August 19th
Miles today: 0.0

August 12, 2008   Auburn, ME   It's 6:00 am and I am quietly stitting in my son Jon's living room. It's good to be here, but I am feeling a little sense of loss that I am not hiking up the trail today.    I have hiked about 2,021 miles over the past five months. I only have about 156 miles to Katahdin.   Actually things are working out the way they are supposed to.    This break has given me an opportunity to help Jon and Morgan with several projects around the house as we get ready to fly down to Wilmington, NC on Thursday for my daughter Jessica's wedding.   Also, a minor toe infection that started on the trail over a week ago has flared up, so I have a doctor's appointment today to get it taken care of.   I am really looking forward to the wedding and to seeing most of my family that I have not seen in 5-6 months.   It sounds like the wedding plans are all coming together nicely. Should be a wonderful event.         We fly back to Portland, ME next Monday, August 18th.    Jon will run me up to the Appalachian Trail on Tuesday, August 19th and I will be back on my way.   If all goes well I will summit Katahdin around August 29th.   Guess that's all for now. Its going to be a very busy week.   Thanks again for all of your Guest Book words of support.   -Wes-
Date: 2008-08-19
From: Zero Mile Days until August 19th

To: Back on the Trail
Miles today: 0.0

August 19, 2008   Caratunk, ME   Back on the trail.      The wedding was Wonderful and we all had a great time in Wilmington, NC.   Now it's time to complete my journey.   I'm not sure how much cell coverage I will have so I'll update when I can.   Bye for now.   -Wes-   Katahdin Bound . . .
Date: 2008-08-20
From: Back on the Trail

To: Summit of Moxie Bald Mtn
Miles today: 0.0

August 20, 2008 Summit of Moxie Bald8:15 am   Hiked from Caratunk to Bald Mtn Lean-to yesterday, then up here this morning.   It is a beautiful crisp, clear, bright sunny morning with spectacular 360 degree views.   The Good news is I can see the summit of Mount Katahdin over the horizon about 135 miles away. Awesome.   The Bad news is that my left knee is really starting to wory me. No falls, sprains, or sweling, it is just starting to get more and more painful to walk on. I have had many days with aching knees, but not this bad.   My plan was to do 23 miles to Monson today but that isn't going to happen. I will do another slow and careful 10 miles to the Horseshoe Canyon Lean-to today, then hobble into Monson tomorrow and see if I can get a ride to a doctor or medical center to check it out.   I'll do another update as soon as I know what the problem is.   -Wes-         -Wes-
Date: 2008-08-21
From: Summit of Moxie Bald Mtn

To: Monson, ME
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

August 21, 2008    Monson, MEAT Mile 2,061.7    114.5 Miles to Katahdin    I arrived at the Rt. 15 trailhead about 11:30 this morning and quickly got a hitch to Shaws Hostel in Monson.    The trail is drying out fast and the river fords are only 1 - 2 feet deep. Not the raging five plus feet deep they were a week ago. There are still some sections of muddy bogs but most of them are only a few yards long.    The last 30 miles were very tough on my left knee. The thing is it really only hurts when I go up or down steep hills with my pack on. I have almost no pain walking around with with my pack off.    Yesterday I met a southbound hiker who happens to be a sports massage therapist. She immediately identified my problem as an inflamed I-T Band. Apparently this is a fairly common problem for marathon runners.    The I-T is a tendon that stretches from the outside of the knee up to the thigh. It can get strained and inflamed if pushed too hard.         She said the standard treatment is usually Ibuprofen, some rest, and she showed me how to massage the I-T.    The nine mile hike today was much less painful, but I am still concerned about trekking into the 100 Mile Wilderness with a weak knee.    Failure to reach Katahdin is NOT an option.I have only 115 miles to go and at least six weeks to do it in. If need be I will use a crutch to complete this journey.       So - I'm taking a Zero Mile Day here tomorrow and I'll see how my knee feels on Saturday morning. If I need a few more days then that's OK. If the knee doesn't continue to improve then I can always get a ride to the medical center in Greenville.    It is frustrating to get this close to the finish line and not be able to keep going. But - I WILL get there soon enough.    Bye for now.    -Wes-
Date: 2008-08-27
From: Monson, ME - Back on the Trail

To: Summit of White Cap Mtn.
Miles today: 0.0

August 27, 2008    1:30 pm   Summit of White Cap Mtn    72.8 Miles to Katahdin    Its a beautiful blue sky day with excellent panoramic vistas, including Katahdin. So close yet it looks so far away.    My knees are sore but doing fine. I am taking it slow, one small step at a time.   Maine is a beautiful state but the trail is a serious challenge.    These past few days the trail has been a very rough rocky, root and muck filled pathway with steep rocky ups and downs over several mountains.    White Cap is the last major mountain before Katahdin. If all goes well my last week on the trail should be as follows:    - White House Landing at mile 45.9 on Aug 29th.   - Abol Pines Campground at mile 15.1 on Aug 31st.    - The Birches Campsite in Baxter State Park at mile 5.2 on Sept 1st.   - Then summit Katahdin on September 2nd.         That's my plan. I hope "The Trail" doesn't have other things in mind for me.    I'll let you all know how it goes.    Bye for Now.    -Wes-    wesriley23@gmail.com
Date: 2008-09-02
From: Summit of White Cap Mtn.

To: KATAHDIN 
Miles today: 187.6
Weather: overcast clouds

September 2, 2008    10:05 am   KATAHDIN ! ! !   At long last I made it to the End of the Trail.   AWESOME . . . I feel Great !      Details to follow soon.   -Wes-   wesriley23@gmail.com
Date: 2006-02-07
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

It is official. I have finally made the decision to hike the AT in its entirety. I say that because I made an attempt in 2004 and hiked an astronomical amount of miles but had to get off and on the trail so many times in between. I had knee problems and kept trying to nurse them along and keep up with my partner. Well, needless to say I was not successful. I had hiked quite a few miles from Springer to Maine but in my heart I knew even if I finished the miles in the next summer, it would not be considered a thru hike in my eyes.I wanted to do the whole trail in one 6 month time period. That was my goal and my dream. I would have to do it again. This time I would know more of what to expect and what to do to be successful.But when would the opportunity come again? After all, I had planned for my previous hike at a time in my life when I was wanting to make a change in my job and could take the time off. I also wanted to hike the trail before I turned 50 for reasons known only to myself!?! So when would I be able to hike again for a 6 month time period. I was not sure and still am not positive of the exact dates. But I know I want to hike it again.......
Date: 2006-02-08
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I am not quite sure what drives a person to want to hike 2,180 plus miles in cold, sometimes freezing temperatures with ice and snow or hot muggy days and nights and the ever present rain, endless rain.I can only feel that whatever that drive is and wherever it comes from, only people who have it can understand it. Those who don't, just think the rest of us are crazy. We have lost our minds and are completely void of any rational thinking.Some just smile and others give the lecture on why would a 50 year old woman with a career and family want to leave all of those comforts and venture out into the "unsafe" outdoors? To be honest, I don't know exactly why- but I know I want to.As I think about going on the trail again I remember the blisters, aching feet and legs, endless mountains to climb and wet gear. I remember being in my sleeping bag shivering because it had gotten colder than expected that night. I remember sweat running down my face and body as I climbed that next mountain in the 90 degree weather. I remember the tears as my knee hurt so bad after injuring it and I had to hike down the mountain. Missing loved ones so much that my heart aches. Yes the trail is hard. Harder for some of us than others. But the drive is the same.Then there are the rewards!!! The fresh smell of pine. The birds singing. Views that take your breath away. Friends you make along the way. A hiking partner dedicated to making sure you succeed. The feeling of pride in yourself at climbing to the top of that mountain you thought you would never reach. Realizing you had completed your first 20 mile day. Now those are reasons a person will hike the trail!!! Reasons to go back and do it again!!!
Date: 2006-02-09
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

A little bit of history is in order I guess. As I said before, I am now 51 and have a career in teaching. I have been teaching about 15 years, give or take a few. I had a late start on my career as I wanted to be able to raise my 3 children. They are grown now and I have 2 grandchildren. I felt that since my kids should not need so much from me now that it was time to start fulfilling some of my goals and dreams in life before I was too old to care. I have always loved being outdoors. I was outside a lot as a kid exploring all the bugs, snakes and other critters.I had often gone to the woods with my father and had walked with him. He taught me about trees and all kinds of things in the woods. He made his living in the timber industry so every chance I got I went to work with him. I loved it.I had read about the trail quite a few years ago and remember thinking how much I would love to hike it. It seemed like it would be a challenge for me even when I was younger. But I would not get the opportunity to even attempt it until I was 49 years old.
Date: 2006-02-15
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I had decided when I turned 47 that I would hike the trail before I turned 50. I planned and planned for it. Buying equipment and reading all the information I could get my hands on. I read "A Walk in the Woods" by Bryson several times. Everything I read just made me want to go even more.   I was teaching in the public school system in PA and took a leave from March to September. Little did I know how much the trail would change me and affect my career. My class decided to send me off on the trail with a supply of Pop Tarts for the journey. I got enough pop tarts to pave the trail from GA to ME. But they were great and came in handy when the trail appetite took over. I didn't realize they made so many kinds of pop tarts.    As the time to hike came closer I was apprehensive about whether I could make it. After all, I was overweight and out of shape. But I knew once I hit the trail I would either get in shape or fall by the way. I was determined to keep on hiking. No matter what.   I had joined up with a partner from the UK who was willing to slow down to my speed to help me realize my dream. We were mismatched to say the least but he stuck by me all the way and did his best to keep me going. Only when my knees gave out did he have to let me behind and move on to reach his own dream.   We shared many happy, sad, angry and just about every other emotion you could think of while on the trail. The rain and cold and the heat and blisters. I really appreciated the way he stood by me and kept me going when I truly wanted to stop.   But once something happens that you have no control of, like an injury, you have to realize that you are human and you can't change the fact that you may not be able to keep going. So I had to stop and take care of my knees. But I knew then that the trail was not finished for me, I would be back and would finish it like I dreamed of someday doing and being with the many who hold the 2000 miler patch. I want to sit on top of the mountain and enjoy the sweet victory of completing something that most would think is beyond their reach. So with that I continue to plan to do it again. A little better prepared thatn before I hope.
Date: 2006-02-22
To: Getting hiking fever real bad!!!!
Miles today: 0.0

Just wanted to add a few things as I have been reading journals a lot recently and am really getting anxious to hike. Realizing that I have to wait for a few years makes me want to hike more. I guess I will have to take some long weekends from work and do some smaller hikes to see if that squashes the urge to just take off and go even though I have responsibilities and a new job. Don't get me wrong, I love my new job as it is one I have been looking for all my life, but I still want to hike. I moved to NC and am teaching at an alternative outdoor school for teens with behavior problems. I love it and I love the challenge. I get to teach outside a lot and go on hikes and canoe trips and all kinds of neat perks of the job. It is however challenging and sometimes a little stressful as is any job. I want to do some smaller hikes this spring and summer to test out my new knees before I tackle the AT again because I want to succeed this time and want to be in shape to do so. If there is one thing I learned from 2004 it is tht I need to make sure I am physically ready to do this. It does have a way of weight reduction when you hike but if you are in better shape to start I think it will help the chances of making it to the end in one piece.And I intend to pack lighter this time. Only what I really need as I have to carry it and that alone wears on the knees. I will post a gear list soon when I have it completely figured out. I just know that ultra light is going to be the way I go.I am rambling now so I will end this and wish all of you who are hiking this year a great hike. Have fun and take time to enjoy it.....
Date: 2006-02-23
To: Spring Fever!!!!
Miles today: 0.0

As I walk in the woods on the trails where I work and smell the fresh air of spring coming, I long to be on the trail heading north. The smell of fresh pine, the sound of birds singing and the sight of flowers popping their heads out of the earth make it even harder to concentrate. As I read journals on my lunch break of those who have started or are starting this year I feel the pull of the trail even more.I will have to plan a weekend hike soon before I burst and try to keep my sanity. For the good of the people around me too.I have decided on a tent that I think will be light enough yet give me the room and protection from the elements that I need. I am going to use a Cloudburst 2 tarptent with a floor. I have used one without a floor but since I tend to move around a lot while sleeping and my Thermarest often was found outside the tent instead of under me, I feel the floor will help solve that problem. I am also going to purchase a zero degree bag for the beginning and ending of the hike as my 45 degree one left me cold at night in 2004. I want to get a bag liner too and maybe that will help keep the bag from smelling so much and it will be easier to throw in the washer in towns. Well, enough thinking outloud for now!!! Write more later!!
Date: 2006-02-24
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

As I remember some of the meals I ate on the trail I think of how it was decided that Snicker Bars packed the most caories and energy to use while hiking. I also know that since hiking the trail I have not eaten many of them again.. I never thought the day would come that I would turn down chocolate!! I plan next time around to use a variety of foods so as not to get bored or develope a disliking for certain foods. We did a lot of mail drops, but soon found out that we needed something different after eating a whole lot of the same foods week after week. I want to use some mail drops but also plan on buying some things along the way for variety. I want to use a bounce box for items I need but do not want to carry all the time. Wow!! Thats a lot of info huh?On a lighter note, it is warm here in NC and I am enjoying it a lot!!! Until next time.....
Date: 2006-03-07
To: Spring is coming!!! I feel it!!!
Miles today: 0.0

It has been a while since I added an entry but I have been so busy at work. It seems that there is a huge demand for what I do!!! I guess that is a good thing, job security! The weather here has been great. Nice for hiking too. It gets cold at night but nice during the day. I am so ready to go for a hike! I smell spring in the air, and I look out from the window into the woods at work and think of the pack on my back and miles beneath my feet. Mmmmmmm! I am dreaming again. But on another note- I have been reading journals of those who have ventured to become a member of the elite group of hikers- the thru hikers of 2006!!! They make you feel like you are right there experiencing it with them. It keeps me sane in a not so sane world.My preparation for 2008 has begun by me starting to get myself in good shape. I have started eating healthy(reserving the calories for the trail) and walking. My knees are cooperating so far and it feels great to be able to ascend the stairs without pain. I even carry a day pack while I walk on trail at work. Fortunately my job lets me be outdoors a lot and I make frequent trips to the campsite to check on kids and of course these are into the woods. Hopefully this will condition me for bigger and better things!So mentally I am so ready. Now to get the body in shape and all the odds and ends done. By March 1,2008 I will be at the starting gate with all those who dared to dream and put feet to their dreams!!!
Date: 2006-03-09
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

At the realization of turning 50, often you start to think about your life. What have I accomplished and what do I still want to do before I can't do any more. I have reviewed my accomplishments- or what I feel are accomplishments. Maybe to others they are just a way of life, normal things that happen. Whatever the case, I reviewed my life thus far - and found out that although I have been successful at raising three wonderful kids, been married for 28 years, obtained a BS and a Master's in education while my children were small, taught in a public achool and now teach in an alternative outdoor school at a job I love to go to in the morning, I am not done yet. I look at all this and being a goal oriented person still see so much more I want to do. I want to hike the AT in its entirety in a 6 month period. I want to obtain my doctorate in special education. I want to hike the Coast to Coast trail in the UK. I want to travel to Africa and photograph as much of it as possible. I want to hike the American Discovery trail. Sounds like a lot to do but if I don't dream big, then why dream? This attitude helps me tackle each day knowing I have something to strive for. So this constant drive to do more is part of what makes me push to tackle things that make others wonder if I am in my right mind. When I first talked about hiking the AT to family and friends they just smiled. Some because they had no clue what was involved and others because they did and were either happy for me or felt envious that I was going to do this. Once they found out I was going to walk every day for six months with everything I needed on my back going up and down mountains in rain, sleet, snow cold temperatures and then the extreme other end of hot humid and buggy there was no doubt in their minds. I was definately certifiably nuts!!!
Date: 2006-11-10
To: Sanity
Miles today: 0.0

Just thought I better add something to let everyone know I am alive and still planning on hiking again in 2008. It has been a very busy time at work and there is always a demand in my job. I have been at some trainings in the mountains but all they did was made me want to keep on walking up those mountains until I reach the end of the trail. I am so ready to go and it seems like such a long way off. I know it will go by fast once I plan and get details straightened out, but for now, it is looking like it is so far down the road. I have been reading other journals to keep touch with things and keep my sense of sanity. I recently adopted a pet snake too so that will be something to fins a sitter for when I am gone on the trail. I guess he could come along!!!! Well I better get back to work. I have made some gear changes and will have to post them soon.Shuffle
Date: 2006-11-14
From: Sanity

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Well I thought I better add an entry since I have not for a while. I am getting Springer feaver so very early this year. I want to be on the trail and when things get really crazy here at work I want to be there even more. I think about how simple life is on the trail with basic needs and goals. Just get up, pack up, and hike. With lots of eating in between. Oh well, I counted the days and I have 473 days left until I head out again. Hope I can wait that long!!!!!