morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-08-16
From: US 201 Caratunk ME

To: Moxie Bald Lean To
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: broken clouds

Day 156 Avg Mls/Day 13.1Weather: Mostly cloudy, warm and humid. Highs in the 80's. Cool front moved in towards evening then partly cloudy.Today's Nature: Got a nice view off Moxie Bald Mtn. Maine's mountain and pond wilderness is incredible.Falls: Today 0 Total 13One thing I forgot to mention in yesterday's journal. About 3 p.m. yesterday I stopped at Harrison Camps which is on the Trail. It is a hunting/fishing camp out here by itself. Some hikers stop at the last shelter and then come in here for breakfast before going on to cross the Kennebec River. They were selling lemonade for $1 for a large glass with ice...it really tasted good. Chatted with a nice young man, Matt, who works here in the summer.Slept well last night even though it was somewhat muggy. Got up to a great breakfast. The best french toast I have on the Trail. The place is operated by 2 gay guys. One of them, Paul I believe, is a past hiker...nice guy, great cook and friendly. His partner, Jensen, on the other hand, acts like he's pissed off at the world. I heard about him before I arrived from SOBO's. Some hiker must have said something nasty so we're all labled. It's still a great place to stop. They also had a great selection of food and supplies.I hit the Trail at 7:30. It wasn't long before I passed Po Bear and Mr. Milk who were SOBO. Sounds like their truck was parked where I got on and they were doing a short day.I hiked alone all day and only stopped to talk with a couple of weekend hikers. In fact, the half dozen or so I passed all looked like day or weekend hikers.Had 2 climbs today. The first, in the morning, was a 1,000' gradual climb up Pleasant Pond Mtn (2,480') The views were so so.Just before the end of the day I climbed 1,300' up Moxie Bald Mtn (2,529'). Even though there was some haze and clouds the views were good. I'm not sure, but I may have seen Katahdin off in the distance.The climbs were not that bad and the Trail was good...a few roots and rocks but a lot off soft crushed pine needles too. I hear tomorrow I will have to take off my boots and ford at least 2 streams.Got to the shelter after 4. A gentleman weekend hiker, Paul, was already settled in. He is from Portland ME I believe and has done much of the Trail in this area. We chatted and he told me I could make easy bus connections to the airport in Bangor if I wanted.Two SOBO flip floppers stopped by and hiked on...Sundog and Lazy Bob. I think Lazy Bob said he didn't start hiking today until 2 p.m...talk about a late start. They both were headed for the next shelter.Had Mountainhouse spagetti and a side of tuna for supper. There is a resident chipmunk at the shelter that is looking for a handout.Tomorow I'm going in to my last town, Monson. Staying at Shaw's which is famous for great meals. Going to zero there Monday to get ready for the 100 mile wilderness.Thought for the Day: I'm feeling short.
Date: 2003-08-17
From: Moxie Lean To

To: ME 15 Monson ME (Shaw's Boarding House)
Miles today: 17.9

Day 157 Avg Mls/Day 13.1Weather: Mostly sunny, mild, light breeze. High in low 80's.Today's Nature: Saw my 3rd moose (2nd on the Trail) This one wasn't as "friendly", ran into the woods.Falls: Today 0 Total 13Woke up on time at 5. Tried not to disturb Paul as I packed up and hit the Trail by 6. He seemed to be fast asleep as I walked out.The highlight of the hike today was having to take off my boots and ford the Piscataquis River. The Trail today varied between 650' to 1240'...fairly gradual ups and downs. It was before 9 when I arrived at the river. A young couple and their black dog were camped next to the river. They were asleep, but of course, the dog barked at me and woke them up.The fording went well with the water up to my knees at the deepest point. Actually, there were 2 other water crossings that I should have forded, but I found my way around them upstream or just got the bottoms of my boots wet.Met a nice young SOBO thru-hiking couple, Po & Piler. They told me how easy the rest of my hike would be...how it was all level. As I was climbing for a half hour just before ME15 I wondered what Trail they had hiked. I have found that what seems easy to some can be hard for others. I guess I was just tired and anxious to get to Monson.Met another SOBO thru-hiker, Blister Free. I had just gotten a drink from a stream in my Aquamira bottle when he came by. He had thru-hiked the AT NOBO and was now trying it SOBO. Gave me some info on Monson and where he had stayed in the past.About an hour before route 15 I came to this nice red raspberry patch. I took a break and pick several handfulls of nice ripe sweet berries. I didn't mention it before, but yesterday I had wild blueberries on Moxie Bald. Small but good.Got to ME 15 before 2:30 and took 20 minutes to hitch a ride. Got picked up by a nice young man Pat and his German Shephard. How many of my rides have been with guys and their dogs?..quite a few as I recall. He was pulling a small sailboat with his pickup. Seems he had been out sailing and camping for the weekend. Said his boat capsized but he managed to recover. Both he and the dog were wearing lifejackets. Part of the fun of doing the Trail has been talking with the friendly people who give you a lift to town. Thanks Pat!Got to Shaw's and met Mr. Shaw and his son who own/run the place. Got a nice room. Got cleaned up and did my laundry. Elected to opt out for dinner here and ate at the BBQ I had heard about down the street. It was good.Got my mail...Julia's drop box, 4 dozen cookies from Mom and a surprise "trail majic" box from Gretchen & Mike. I don't know how to thank you, Mike & Gretchen for your generosity and interest. You always pick up on what I like and include it with your mailing.Mom, your cookies held up fine in shipment and I already ate one package. They are fresh and taste great! Thanks again.Tomorrow I will spend some time deciding exactly what to pack into the "100 mile wilderness." I don't want to carry any more food than I will need to finish my hike.Thought for the Day: My last Trail town...kind of sad.
Date: 2003-08-18
From: Monson ME Shaw's Boarding House

To: Zero Day
Miles today: 0.0

Day 158 Avg mls/Day 13.0Weather: Absolutely gorgeous...low dewpoint, sunny mild...should be hiking.Great sleeping night...slept with the windows open and a cool breeze. Woke up around 5:30. Mr. Shaw and his son Keith were already working on breakfast. They give you your choice of 1, 2, 3, or 4 of everything...eggs (as you like em), pancakes (reg or blueberry), ham, bacon and sausage. Of course there is OJ, coffee, toast and donuts. I started off with 2 of everything and had some extra pancakes. Fantastic!I thought I was bad about taking zeros. There are 3 SOBO's here Bulldog, Nature Boy and Colonel; Nature Boy has been here 3 days. They had planned to head out today but changed their minds last night. Bulldog, has a pack that weighs 60#. He took 2 zero days in the 100 mile wilderness.Spent the first hour or so sorting through my food, drop box and mail majic. I figure I only need 6 days supply since I plan to stop at Whitehouse Landing. I will end up leaving $25 worth of stuff in the hiker box. I'm not going to overpack...like I have most of the hike.Took a walk around town which took about 15 minutes. Waited for the library to open at 10 where I used the internet service for an hour or so. Visited Eli's articles at Nashvillecitypaper.com. That guy not only can hike but can write also...had me laughing out loud with some of his humorous observations. I had just sent an email congratulating him and asking if he was going to hike the AT SOBO next year. I found he had already answered this in his latest article in which he said, anyone wanting to do it again "should get a life!" Okaaay...guess I'll have to rethink my future.Went to the gasmart where they sell pizza by the slice. Good lunch supplemented with Mom's cookies. Came back and took a short nap. Later went out and bought some gatorade and ice for tomorrow's platypus.About 4, in walks B Rock and Mousebait. They're in the room next door and plan to zero here tomorrow. Also here is The Hiking Viking from Denmark. He remembers seeing me in a shelter back in the Smokies. Since then he has shaved his head. I think he and I are the only ones from Shaw's who will be heading for Katahdin tomorrow. There are 2 other houses in town, so there may be some NOBO's At dinner tonight were Mousebait, B Rock, Hiking Viking, Bulldog and the Colonel. Nature Boy opted out since he's been eating here 3 or 4 days. We had a great roast beef & mashed potatoes meal. They raise their own beef here...have a couple of steers out badkWell, you probably won't hear from me again until after I summit Katahdin. I will post the updated journals as soon as possible.Thought for the Day: Nice last day in civilization.
Date: 2003-08-19
From: ME 15 Monson Me

To: Cloud Pond Lean-To
Miles today: 19.1
Weather: few clouds

Day 159 Total Miles 2077.2 Avg Mls/Day 13.1Weather: Mostly Sunny, mild high i 80's warm in the sunToday's Nature: Almost saw another moose...heard it tromping through the woods running away.Falls: Today 0 Total 13I noticed in the library that the journal's total miles is wrong. Must have entered the wrong miles one day...will have to edit it when I get home.Got up to another traitional fine breakfast at Shaw's...today was french toast instead of pancakes. I had 3 of everything. The only thing that isn't so great is the frozen orange juice. It's too weak and not cold enough. Otherwise a good breakfast.Keith ran me out to the Trail before 7. So, today I started into the 100 mile wilderness. It didn't seem that much different. I guess what makes it a wilderness is the absence of towns, buildings, etc. There were 3 cars parked in the lot on ME15. I did meet 2 couples about my age hiking SOBO around 8 o'clock. They had overnighted at the first shelter in. On fact I saw no thru-hikers today...only a half dozen or so vacation type hikers.Even though the 100 mile wilderness doesn't have the high mountains, there is still climbing to be done. There were several hundred feet of elevation changes in the morning and the climb up 2,000' to Barren Mtn (2,672') at the end of the day. It looks like I have some more ups and downs tomorrow. They say the last 50 miles is a "glide"I did have to take of my boots to ford the Big Wilson stream. It took me awhile to decide...I just couldn't find shallow water with rocks. This time I wore my Teva's and it was a lot easier than going barefoot. I was in well above the kneesI got to Cloud Pond Lean-to after 5 p.m. I was tired and decided to tent while the weather looks good. There were already 2 young men in the shelter and 3 more hikers came in after I set up camp.Had Mountainhouse chicken & noodles for supper...added a package of Sweet Sue white meat. Wasn't real hungry as I snacked several times during the day.Thought for the Day: R&R...stands for roots and rocks.
Date: 2003-08-20
From: Cloud Pond Lean-To

To: Carl A Newell Lean=To
Miles today: 16.8

Day 160 Avg Mls/Day 13.1Total Miles 2094.0Weather: Mostly sunny in the morning, mostly cloudy toward evening. Warm in the sun. High in the 80'sToday's Nature: Nice stand of pine trees just before the shelter.Falls: Today 0 Total 13Woke up as usual at daybreak; broke camp, took down the tent and was hiking by 6:30. For some reason I just couldn't get out of first gear all morning. The terrain for the first 11 miles up to the Pleasant River was difficult...full of rocks and roots...ups and downs. Also some of those jagged boulder fields. I took several breaks.The first break came at the Pleasant Pond Lean-to after 6 miles. There was an excellent spring just before the shelter with some nice cold water. I seemed to be thirsty all day...must not have drank enough last night.The first climb was up Chairback Mtn (2,219'). There were some decent vistas as the Trail passed over the ledges.Ran into one SOBO doing the Wilderness, Bones. Said he had hiked the AT several years back. Everyone else, half dozen or so, looked like "day hikers" or vacationers.The Trail definitely took on a different flavor at a place called "The Hermitage." It is a protected area just before the Gulf Hagas. The gulf was formed by water eroding and sculpting many spectacular waterfalls nestled in a chasm 500' deep. You have to take a 5.2 mile loop to take it in.Just before The Hermitage the Trail crossed Woods Road. I was surprized to see a SUV with some young people in it as I crossed the road. Then, the trail widened and there was a sign to the parking area. For the next mile or 2 I saw a number of "touristy looking" people. Geez, I thought I was supposed to be in the wilderness...like away from civilization. They warn you to pack enough food like you could starve to death and never find your way out. Definitely takes something away from the "wilderness experience" to see so many tourists.I did something stupid today...tried crossing the Pleasant River by "rock hopping." Got wet boots when I slipped in. I should have taken them off and forded it in my Teva's. Got to the shelter around 4. Decided not to tent as there is a chance of rain. Could have hiked on 2 miles to a campsite but was ready to quit.Ran out of Aquamira water treatment. Had enough for tonight...tomorrow's platypus. I always have my Aquamira bottle for drinking and can boil the water for cooking.Having Mountainhouse lasagna for supper. Not that hungry but I have to eat.Tenting out front is a hiker, Triple Action. He thru-hiked a couple of years ago as is just going back and forth in the 100 mile wilderness. Also tenting is a lady doing the wilderness with an unusual name that escapes me. I put my tent up inside the shelter as there seems to be a bold mouse around. He was at our feet before dark.Thought for the Day: Heinz and I have something in common.
Date: 2003-08-21
From: Carl Newell Lean-To

To: Cooper Brook Falls Lean-To
Miles today: 18.9
Weather: broken clouds

Day 161 Avg Mls/Day 13.1Total Miles 2112.9Weather: Mostly cloudy in morning then turning partly cloudy. Humid, highs in the 80'sToday's Nature: The beautiful ponds along the Trail.Falls: Today 0 Total 13Up again at daybreak. Triple Action followed and we walked out of camp together. He said something last night that I find applies to me also. No matter how far I hike in a day, 10 miles or 20, the last 4 miles seem to drag on forever. I guess it's just because I'm tired and the day can't end soon enough.The hardest part of my day today was the first 6 miles. Out of the shelter I continued to climb 840' up Gulf Hagas Mtn (2,680'). Then on and up to the West Peak (3,178') and over to Hay Mtn (3,245'). While I was taking a rest break on Hay, I met SOBO flip flopper, Crossroads. He has most of the south done, jumped ahead to Katahdin to go back south. Nice guy...said the Trail is easy after Whitecap.The final real mountain before Katahdin was next, White Cap (3,654'). I believe it took me 3 and a half hours to do all of the above.I then started downhill and stopped at Logan Brook Lean-to for a break. There was an excellent stream there with good cold water. Once I reach the bottom of White Cap, about 1600', the Trail crossed a road. Just as I was approaching, a semi log hauler went by. So much for being out in the wilderness. With yesterday's tourists and today's loggers, it takes something away from being "out there on your own."Just before the road was another excellent spring. The water was so cold coming out of the pipe (someone had placed in the spring) that I drank it straight from the source. It tasted so good!I stopped at East Branch Lean-to for a lunch break. Although the Trail was pretty flat I still had 2 afternoon climbs Little Boardman Mtn and one that wasn't even a mountain. I guess I'm just getting tired...and ready for the end...Katahdin.This afternoon on the Trail I slammed my left upper shin into a protruding boulder...Ooooouch! Wouldn't that be great...break something during the last week of my hike. I shook it off.Got to Cooper Brook Lean-to about 4:30. Here, in front of the shelter, is an excellent swimming area in the wide flowing brook. First thing I did was go for a nice swim. I felt refreshed and clean.Had my favorite for supper, Idahoan mashed potatoes with added real bacon bits.It looks like I will be here alone tonight as no one else is around. I must be hiking in a void as Crosroads was the only thru-hiker I saw all day. Mabie 4 others that looked like vacationers.Thought for the Day: Damn...that smarts!
Date: 2003-08-22
From: Cooper Brook Lean-To

To: Mahar Tote Rd (White House Hostel) 
Miles today: 13.8

Day 162 Avg Mls/Day 13.1Total Miles: 2126.7Weather: Mostly cloudy in the morning to partly cloudy in the afternoon. Warm and humid...never really cooled down over night. Calling for a cold front to move in tonight...thunder showers then nice for several days.Today' Nature: The view across the pond from Camp White House.Falls: Today 0 Total 13Slept undesturbed last night. I always wake up at least several times it seems. No one else checked in at Cooper Brook Falls.Woke up before 5 and packed up in the dark for the first time since early spring. Was hiking by 6. The Trail is easy through this part...fairly level, a few bumps, some rocky and wet places. I passed only one older couple all morning. We didn't stop and talk. About 11:30 at Jo-Mary Lake met a SOBO sectioner, SG. She had stayed at Whitehouse last night. She didn't look like she was ready to do many miles...talked about stopping at the next shelter.Stopped at the Antlers Campsite to take a picture of the privy. Yes, this hiker's momentos include the picture of an outhouse. It was built like a little log shelter and has a register inside...only trouble was I didn't have to go.I stopped at Potaywadjo Spring Lean-to for water. I'm glad they named the Lean-to after the spring...it was the biggest and coldest spring I've used on the Trail. The water tasted so good...it must be right out of the ground. This is 3 days in a row I've gotten excellent spring water...the best since Virginia.Today I stopped for the day at the White House Landing Wilderness Camp. It is the only camp left from an original 11 from the 30's & 40's. To get here I had to go 1.2 miles off the AT to a boat dock; sound an air horn and be picked up by a power boat and ferried across the water to the camp. I sort of got chewed out by Bill for sounding the air horn too long. It was supposed to be one short blast and I honked it for a few seconds.There is just me and a NOBO section hiker, Orion, here for the night. He is going to zero here tomorrow as he is in no rush. When he summits Katahdin he will have completed the AT. I really am in a void...will be hiking alone the next 3 days.Since it was around lunch time I had one of their homemade pizzas...not bad. They are famous for their 3/4# burgers which is what I had for dinner...outstanding...best burger on the Trail. Followed that with a pint of Ben & Jerry's.The first thing I did was wash a few things out in their tubs using an old wringer. I remember seeing one of these in my Grandma's basement when I was a kid. Now I can say I actually used one.Took a nice hot shower while my clothes hung out to dry. They have propane here but no electricity. The privys are out houses but clean...if that's possible. Thought for the Day: If you've seen one outhouse you haven't seen them all.
Date: 2003-08-23
From: Mahar Tote Rd

To: Rainbow Spring Campsite
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: broken clouds

Day 163 Avg Mls/Day 13.2Total Miles: 2146.3Weather: Wierd day...started out beautiful, sunny, crisp and clear. Became cloudy, then mostly cloudy, then scattered showers and much cooler...dropping into the 50's by early evening with wind gusts.Today's Nature: For some reason seeing lots of rabbits along the Trail last couple of days. Can't remember seeing any until Maine.Falls: Today 0 Total 13Day started out good. Slept in until 6:30 since breakfast wasn't until 8. Orion joined me for a great AYCE breakfast. Everything was good including the OJ. Paid up and Bill ferried me back to the shore .2 mile from the AT. I was hiking by 9.Not a lot to say about the hike and Trail. Stopped at the first shelter, Wadleigh Stream, about 8 miles in for a snack. Made it there in a little over 3 hours.Met one SOBO section hiker in the morning. He was headed for Whitehouse Landing. We chatted for a few minutes. Passed another older couple...looked like sectioners, eating lunch. I hiked alone all day.I did climb over a small mountain, Nesuntabunt (1,520') after lunch. It was gradual and easy. Did get a good view of Katahdin and took a couple of pictures.It was nice and cool hiking today. However, it did get progressively cooler and began to rain lightly about 3. I was going to stop for the day at Rainbow Lean-to, but this campsite was only 4 more miles and it was easy trail.It did contine to rain lightly until I got here. Got the last tent site. Threw up my tent and cooked Ramon with chicken for supper. Someone had built a fire which was nice. Haven't been this cold at the camp/shelter since March.Tomorrow I have a short 11 miles to go to a private campground. They don't have a payphone but I may have time to hitch 10 miles down the road to one. If you see this posted before Tuesday that's what happened.Thought for the Day: I hope it's not like this on Tuesday.
Date: 2003-08-25
From: Abol Bridge Campground

To: Katahdin Stream Campground
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 165 Avg Mls/Day 13.1Total Miles: 2167.4Weather: Mostly coudy & cool. Highs in 60's.Today's Nature: Big Niagra Falls along Nesowadnehunk Stream...I just like saying "Nesowadnehunk."Falls: Today 0 Total 13Feeling kind of...well you know...I am anxious to get home after almost 6 months, but am going to miss the Trail and its lifestyle. For all this time, all I've had to be concerned with is walking. One focus...get out of bed and head north on the AT.   It ain't gonna be easy.Today was easy. Slept in intil just before 7. It was actually colder temperature wise than last night...40 so it was nice staying in my warm cozy bag. The store opened at 7. Had some good stuff...bacon/egg/cheese muffin, OJ, donuts, coffee.   Ramon, Honey Boy and Carolina Scout were all there. They all took off after breakfast.I went back and got packing. Crash woke up too. He gave me his extra Polar Pure in case I needed to treat some water today. Lost N Found was leaving and we walked on the Trail together.At the sign up post we ran into Dave, the ridge runner. We chatted for awhile about the Trail coming up and Katahdin.The hike itself was only 10 miles...mostly flat and easy. So, we took our time stopping now and then and just walking slower. Ran into some red raspberry patches. Have been eating them along the Trail for several days now. At grocery store prices, I've more than covered the cost of my hike in berries.We did stop shortly after noon for lunch on some rocks in the stream. I finally ate some of my peanut butter & jelly over crackers.We also stopped to look at a scenic area .1 off the Trail, Big Niagra Falls...very nice.It wasn't long after that we passed Ramon, Carolina Scout and Honey Boy.We arrived at Katahdin Spring Campround around 2. Checked in with the ranger. I am staying with Lost N Found in a camp shelter he had reserved. This way I don't have to stay .25 away in The Birches. Turns out Carolina Scout, Ramon and Honey Boy are next door.   Plan to hike Katahdin at daybreak.Ramon built another campfire so we hung around where it was warm. Carolina Scout's other son flew in from Colorado for the big climb...got here about 7 p.m.Had mashed potatoes with bacon bits for supper...my last Trail meal...how fitting that it's my favorite.Thought for the Day: Sometimes you can't explain how you feel.