morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-09-08
From: Conway N.H.

To: Wildcat Mountains
Miles today: 16.2

Having a quick breakfast, doing last minute touch ups and taking one last look at what has been home for the past couple of weeks, we locked the condo door behind us and headed for the trail.I dropped S&F off at Pinkham Notch as they were heading North. I then drove back to Gorham heading south. My day was going to be uphill for most of the day. It took a lot of time to do the 16.2 miles.We have to return the rental car back in Gorham by noon tomorrow. This means that we push today, in order to make it by then. Today I am climbing the North, Middle and South Carter Mountains and one of the Wildcat Mountains. I hiked for 10 hours before reaching the Carter Notch Hut.I ran into Sprite on the trail just before the hut. Somehow Freckles had made a wrong turn and we went looking for her. Not long after, she appearred, No biggee, it happens to the best of us.It was getting late in the day but I decided to push for the extra miles. The sun was already behind the mountain but I climbed it anyway. Eventually I found a stealth site on the ridge and set up camp in the dark. I made dinner then hurried into my bag.Tomorrow is suppose to be another wicked rain day. Most likely no one will be hiking, so another nero may be in store?While driving this morning there was a Moose at the side of the road. I did stop to get a picture.
Date: 2008-09-12
From: Mahoosuc Arm

To: Rumford
Miles today: 8.5

Breakfast was especially good this morning since I didn't have dinner last night. I was heading up the trail before 07:00 and discovered that I was only 12 minutes from the top. There I came across a few hikers still sleeping. Some in tents and some cowboying under the stars. This would have been a great spot, sorry I didn't quite reach it last night.A mile later I reached the Speck Pond Shelter. Sprite & Freckles had already left nearly an hour earlier. I continued on another 5 miles until I came down to Grafton Notch. There was a small parking area here with a few cars as it accessed Maine 26. I was expecting to find the girls or atleast a note?I kept hearing singing, looked around but didn't see anyone. Then like a bat struck upside my head, I recognized it was Rawhide. He and Maverick stepped from their van and yehaw, there they were. We gave each other a man hugand shook hands. What a sight for sore eyes, in no time they made me a bologna sandwich and gave me a Bud-Lite to wash it down. S&F had decided to continue and slack another 10 miles, they had already left when I arrived. I will make the miles up tomorrow, there is no way I'm gonna miss out on this. We drove around the next few hours, stopping at a couple different general stores to get something to eat and drink. We finally parked at the designated trail head and just talked waiting for the girls to arrive.During that time, Johnny Thunder, Chipmonk and Troutfisher arrived. Rawhide quick with a helping hand, drove them into Andover to stay at a hostel.Maverick and I just waited at the road side. Once we were all together, we went to check in at another hostel in which Sprite had already made reservations a couple of days before. Unfortunately, they had overbooked and we didn't have the accomodations as promised. Before leaving I spoke with "Bigglesworth" she was full of energy and smiles. I peeked in on BullDog who had been quite ill and was sleeping. Too bad, I haven't seen him since way back at the Eckville Shelter.Andover is nothing more than a grocery store/grill restaurant and some houses which 2 are hostels. Nice friendly place but tiny.We drove several miles to a larger town of Rumford. We checked into the only motel. The room had one bed for the girls and the 3 guys slept on the floor, barely.We ate at a restaurant across the street, it was good to be breaking bread with old friends, this was truly trail magic to be sure. It's hard to believe we are actually sitting here together. Great though it was, we all felt a void with the absence of TopShelf and Springloaded not being here to join us.
Date: 2008-09-13
From: Rumford

To: Andover
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: scattered clouds

We woke up early, drove back through a small town and had breakfast at a mom & pop restaurant. Afterward we found a Walmart, resupplied and I was finally able to exchange a defective battery for my broken camera that didn't work.Next I was dropped off at the trail head to complete the 10 miles I didn't do yesterday. There were 2 big climbs up Baldpate Mountain West Peak, then Baldpate Mtn East peak. It took me nearly 5 hours. It had rained all night and the trail was especially wet and muddy. While I was gone, they did laundry and rented a cabin next to a covered bridge over a small river. We found this place yesterday while us guys were driving around.It just so happened the owner of the hostel we didn't stay at, lived on the property. After being picked up, we grabbed some pizzas at the Andover general store and had dinner at the cabin. It had a screened in porch where we hung all our wet gear. Inside were 2 beds and a pull out mattress. Up in the loft was another 2 beds. This was a perfect retreat, it was a shame we couldn't stay longer, and not have to break up this party tomorrow.We spent the rest of the night talking and enjoying everyone's company.We called Topshelf whom has since moved to Chicago working 2 jobs, one of which is at MooseJaw Outfitters. It was good to hear his voice. We have been unable to contact Springloaded, however recent word has it, he is a few days behind. Sadly, None of us wanted this day to end, it is with reluctance that we finally called it a night.
Date: 2008-09-14
From: Andover

To: Andover
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

Upon awakening, everyone was busy packing up and avoiding the fact that we would soon have to say goodbye and more painfully once again. The day was grey and bleak and already starting to rain. We took another walk down to the covered bridge, took some pictures then locked up the cabin. We drove to the Andover general store for one last breakfast. Every seat was filled, all with hikers except for 2 locals.Sadly afterward, we drove deeper into the country with the mood of a funeral. It was already raining and the morale was low. We stopped where the trail crossed on this remote road. The plan was to cross a fairly deep creek by rock hopping and find a campsite to pitch our tents. We were going to slack about 10 miles back to this point after being dropped off and saying our final farewells to Rawhide & Maverick.I was the first across and soon found a spot. On my way back to tell the others, Freckles had just fallen in, while crossing the creek and was pretty well soaked. Moments later, she decided she didn't want to hike today.We didn't realize until a while later, but this was actually a blessing in disguise.We drove back to the cabin, dropped our gear, then picked up lunch supplies at the general store and returned. Some things just work out. It was a nasty, rainy day, the trail was flooded and we weren't ready to say goodbye to Rawhide and Maverick. After hot showers we all took a nap then spent the day and well into the evening playing cards on the porch, eating, laughing and just having a good time being together.Sometimes things don't work out the way their planned, they work out for the better. Today was no exception, We were meant to spend another day together. It's unfortunate that Freckles had to suffer like she did, however from her misery came much happiness.
Date: 2008-09-15
From: Andover

To: Andover
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: overcast clouds

We all delayed getting out of bed, but eventually packed up, closed the cabin and headed for the general store in town for breakfast. We were all in much better spirits this morning. Once again the diner was full with 17 hikers and 1 local.Afterward we drove back to Black Brook Creek, off South Arm Road, we crossed it without mishap this time, and set up our tents to return to later. We then drove to our drop off point. There wasn't one dry eye between us. It's hard to understand and even harder to express how strangers can meet and in a short time become closer than family. It happened on the AT.The Okies kept their promise, they waited since Virgina until we got to Maine.Now soon they would be heading back to Oklahoma and continue their lives. I am concerned for their health as a good friend would be. I hope our paths will cross again, friends like these are rare. As I watched them drive off, it was painfully bitter-sweet. I was happy for the time we had shared and sad in knowing it would probably be quite a while and hopefully not for good, until we could shake hands once again.I hiked alone for most of the next 10 miles, I drew inward and deep in my thoughts. So much so, I barely noticed climbing up both Wyman and Moody Mountains. Once arriving back at our camp, we were soon joined by Goose, Hiker Dave, Voo-Doo and Twinkle Toes. I was informed that another hiker named "Pie" got off the trail today. So close and less than 3 weeks until finishing, I hope everything will be ok?The wind is relatively calm compared to earlier up on the mountain. The wind had blown over several large trees. I had turned quickly at one point and watched one crash down behind me, where I had just came from. It is amazing how tall they can grow, with their roots in about a foot of dirt on rock. The sky has been grey all day, it is now drizzling in a forecast of no rain for the rest of the week, We'll see? My tent is set up a few feet from the the bank of Black Brook Creek. I had dinner with Goose and Hiker Dave. It was good to see them, Hiker Dave had run low on food, I shared some of my dinner with him and Sprite hooked him up with some spare vittles until he could hitch into town tomorrow and resupply. The magical beers we gave them went a long way as well.I have lost count on how many times Sprite & Freckles have provided trail magic while they have been hiking? Their packs should have wings to distinguish them as the true Angels they are.
Date: 2008-09-16
From: Andover, Black Brook

To: Bemis Stream
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Hiker Dave has had his Angel with him the past 24 hours. He was able to catch a ride from someone providing a shuttle to hikers being dropped off at the road. I later learned he resupplied and was brought back to the trail right a way.Goose had already left, and I left ahead of Sprite & Freckles. The amount of time taken vs. the mileage seemed way off? The mud, roots, and rocks seemed to be wearing me down, I have noticed my physical condition has since peaked, and is slowly beginning to show signs of wear and tear. In the near future there will come a time when rest and recovery will take place.Another day of surprises, I ran into the New Hampshire Boys, (Corey-Smiles Davis and Taylor-Hot Flashes). Their friend Jack has already left the trail to start a new job. We leap frogged on the trail and later set up camp together after crossing the fjord at Bemis Stream. After we were set up, S&F came by but decided to push for 2 more miles.Shortly there after, 2 guys and a dog appearred. It was Superman and Squirrel and their dog Aurie(sp)? They were friends that met during their 06 Thru-hike and were living together nearby in Rangley. Their place was known as the Riff-Raff Friendly Hostel. It was just turning dark and they said they had brought trail magic consisting of beans, hot dogs, cookies,beer and special herbs and would we like to join them?ARE YOU KIDDING? Heck yes! They set up where Voo-Doo and Twinkle Toes had made camp, back across the stream we went. We talked, joked, shared a camp fire and had a good time in the woods. These 2 guys were terrifc hosts and party providers. Eventually, I made my way via headlammp back through the woods, across the stream and into my tent. A great consolation in ending a day that had started off kind of rough.
Date: 2008-09-21
From: Stratton

To: Safford Notch 
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: overcast clouds

I woke up early and as usual I was hungry. I quietly got dressed as to not wake up Cookie Monster and Spidey. I went across the street and had a big breakfast. I made some calls and afterward went back to the diner and sat with Sprite & Freckles while they had breakfast.We finished up and Sue drove us back to the trail head around 10:30. For it's size, Stratton is good place to spend a little time. The plan was to do about 10 miles and camp at Safford Notch. There would be a few climbs today, first was the South Horn. I'm sure there would have been great views but the cloud cover prevented from seeing anything. Next was Bigalow Mtn West Peak, then Bigalow Mtn Avery Peak. I caught up with Willow and Long Way True. We enjoyed the top of a mountain together for a while, then I leap frogged with Willow most of the day. I had found and broke 2 hiking sticks today. One broke when I really needed it and I took a bad fall. I was able to turn just enough in order for my pack to absorb most of the impact. My foot had got caught on something as I fell and it put a twist and a slam into my ankle. I thought it may be injured, Has there not been a enough drama I thought? Surely, I'm not going to limp to the finish line, But finish I will.It took a little while before I could put all my weight on it, but I kept walking until I could. Soon I was down into Safford Notch, I found the .2 mile side trail that led to a remote camp site. Normally I wouldn't bother taking this side trip but good stealth sites have been far and few in between.It seemed farther off the trail than just .2 miles. I walked around boulders the size of 2 story houses. These weren't rocks fixed to the ground, these were huge mammoth rocks that had fallen down from the mountain and were now resting here in the forset. They must have destroyed a lot of timber when they came down?I arrived into a clearing with a fire pit and tent platform. There was a couple already set up on the platform. Eventually we began talking, They probably had to check me out first and make sure I didn't have a chainsaw and a hockey mask?Sprite & Freckles showed up right at dusk, I was finishing my dinner when they arrived. The forecast indicates tomorrow will be a better day, I hope it doesn't rain tonight.
Date: 2008-09-22
From: Safford Notch 

To: East Carry Pond
Miles today: 16.3

I always think about my kids each day of my life, Although they're not kids anymore, I still think of them in that way. But at times such as today, it is really a strong Vibe.I went ahead and left this morning ahead of Sprite & Freckles. We had planned a 12 mile day to the West Carry Pond Lean-To. The day started with a climb of course, up the Little Bigelow Mtn East end, then another one later on Round Top Mtn. The hike today had been really easy for a change and was level in several areas. About lunch time I arrived at Flagstaff Lake.I walked through the trees and onto the large rocky shore that extended for quite aways. This beautiful blue lake sat between 3 mountains that were covered in autumn colors and reflected onto the water they surrounded. There was a gentle breeze and the water was gently slapping against the shore with a sound that was almost hypnotic. I sat on a larger rock and just took it all in. It was hard to believe that I had this big and beautiful place all to myself?Again I thought how much I would love to share this with someone. I only wish that my family and friends could see through my eyes what I was seeing and enjoying right now.I had lunch here and lost all track of time. It was just so beautiful and the peace I felt was wonderful. When I reached the Lean-To, I didn't want to stop. I left a note for S&F letting them know I was going to keep going. I hiked on another 4 miles and passed 3 ponds. Remember Ponds in Maine are big lakes any where else.After passing East Carry Lake then heading back deeper into the woods, I found somewhat of a clearing next to the trail. I figured 16 miles would be as far as they would probably go, and they would see my camp as they passed? So I set up and walked back to the lake to get water. Today is the first day I have hiked that required me to wear my jacket for several hours. It is definitely fall in Maine and it gets cool. Cool in Maine is cold anywhere else. Speaking of fall, I did that a couple of times and broke yet another stick. Just when you get attached to one and call it your own, SNAP!At around 5:00 p.m. Peregrin came bee-bopping by. She has been doing several slacks, making good miles and enjoying the off trail comforts in the evenings.listening to her Ipod, she cruises like a gazelle. Well my dinner is done, my bear bag hung and the sun is now setting into darkness. The girls didn't make it here tonight. It is only about 9+ miles to the Kennebec River. The canoe ferry operates from 9-11 and 2-4. I'm not sure how far back they are, so I may as well not plan for the early crossing.Settled in for the night, I can't help but be thankful for all that has been given to me, I have enjoyed so much living on the AT.For all that I have done, seen, smelled, heard and felt inside & out, and for the special people who have come into my life, this has been a gift of extraordinary measure. What did I ever do to deserve this?
Date: 2008-09-24
From: Caratunk

To: Bald Mtn.Brook Lean-To
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: few clouds

Enjoyed a good night's sleep, that always get the day started right, except in Maine. I headed up to the lodge to enjoy as big of breakfast as I could. That is another way to get the day started right, no matter where you are.Afterward, I returned to pack up my gear and check my companion to get an idea of what lies ahead today? That's when I discovered that I have lost it? Think, think, where could it be? Then it hit me, yesterday we stopped at the Pierce Pond Lean-To about 4 miles back. The shelter was situated only several yards above a beautiful lake which I'm guessing is called Pierce Pond?The 3 of us sat on rocks on the water's edge admiring the scenery. We were discussing mileage, terrain and other criteria. I walked back up to my pack to get my companion and returned. As we were leaving we passed by the shelter, I picked up the shelter register and began to browse through it. I looked up to have my picture taken and set the register back down. I must have had the companion underneath and never gave it a second thought.Had the name "Papa Sarge" been written on the pages, I would have had it returned to me, as several people had found it but left it behind. Nobody knew who Mark Cox was, and that's what I had written on the edge of the pages.We carried our packs back up to the lodge and were waiting for the shuttle back to the trail head. Thinker and I were hanging outside together talking.The weather looked good so hopefully it will stay that way?We were back on the trail by 9:35, I found another hiking stick and had a good hike. The highest climb today was Pleasant Pond Mountain and that was only 2,470 ft. Thinker and I pretty well hiked together all day.We only did a 14.7 mile day once we reached the Bald Mtn.Brook Lean-To.No one else was there, we each found our own piece of Appalachian real estateto set up our tents.We fixed dinner and ate at the shelter. Later we were joined by Blazing Star & Mas. During the night I had to visit the privy, still half asleep and not having been to it before, I was unaware that the trail leading to it, forked off and rejoined the AT further up? I reached a point where I knew there was no way a privy would be located this far away. So now I'm waking up and back-tracking. It is cold and I'm really wanting to get back into my bag. After that, all was well again.
Date: 2008-09-25
From: Bald Mtn.Brook Lean-To

To: Lake of the Loons
Miles today: 16.7

During the night, the temperature began to get warmer, go figure-but I'll take it anyway. I had some breakfast, packed up and was leaving by 08:00, the others were still eating. "See you down the trail" is the usual way of saying goodbye.Within the first 2 miles would be the biggest climb of the day on Moxie Bald Mountain at a mere 2,629 ft. On top I ran into Willow and Long Way True, and once again we enjoyed a mountain together. The weather was unusually warm all day. The views were the kind that you just wanted to take several pictures of.Can you feel my pain?In the past few days, there have been a few water crossings that have been listed as needing to ford. Fortunately, from a combination of rock, logs and water level, I have managed to cross and keep my feet dry.However today would be the first actual ford at the Piscataquis River West Branch. Back in Gorham, we bought some $5.00 tennis shoes at Walmart. Today they are going to make their first payoff. I can certainly slog in wet boots for days, I have done it many times, but given a choice, I'll take dry feet any day.The elevations are low, ranging from 850-1200 ft. The trail followed a fast moving stream most of the day. It was large in areas and in places had Large rock face cliffs on either side. The tentative plan today was to do 13 miles to the Horseshoe Canyon Lean-To, however I decided to hike on another 2 hours/5 miles to position myself for a shorter walk into Monson tomorrow. I wanted to take full advantage of the town and maximize the use of my down time.Autumn has always been my favorite season especially when backpacking.Today the trail was covered in in a carpet of orange, red & yellow leaves and was all the more magical while going through Birch forests. The colors are everything you would expect, in the fall of Maine, simply beautiful.I crossed another ford, this time it was the East branch of the Piscataquis River. I continued and after a while I started looking for a likely spot to make camp. Nothing really excited me until I came upon a lake that the trail skirted. Once I heard a Loon call out to me, that was it, I knew I found my spot. I set up my tent, gathered water, strung my bear line to hoist my food up later and sat on a rock just looking out onto the water. I made dinner and ate a little extra as tomorrow I would be able to resupply.As I watched the sun lower and cast it's orangey light onto the water, I couldn't help but think once again, that this is too beatiful for one man to have to himself. What I wouldn't give to be able to share this with my family.I was once again provided with a gift, that I could keep always and carry with me wherever I go. This was solitude, this was peace, this was wonderful.As darkness fell I was given one of my most favorite things. The Loons were calling out and their spiritual sound carried across the lake and through the air touching me deep. What made it even more special was the fact that they carried on several times throughout the night. I can't think of a better way to be roused from sleep than to the call of a Loon.