morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-08-12
From: imp shelter

To: rt 2
Miles today: 8.0

Slept like a baby last night until about 2am or so when I was woken up by the snorasaurus beside me. I was overheating anyway so maybe that is what woke me up...and as usual this time of night my dinner bell starts going off too. Can't seem to eat enough!It was a beautiful cool morning and I had an easy 8 mile day to rt 2. Heading Moriah brought back lots of memories from when I was up there this March. I had attempted to climb the peak after a big storm and the trail was next to impossible to follow in most parts. These parts get so much snow and its hard to imagine that at times I was walking on treetops. Needless to say I turned back with just under a quarter mile to go....snowshoing and breaking trail alone can be exhausting. I had fun so it was all good. Today I had no question as to where the trail went. It follows along some open ledges giving sweeping views into Maine, back towards the Carters and off to the other side the Presidentials. Another spectacular day to be in the Whites...my last day in the Whites and they have treated me well. Yes they are hard but so rewarding!I took the short side trail to Moriah and sat up there for well over an hour. It was still cool and kind of windy but I layered up and was nice and toasty. Had a nice hot meal so that helped keep me warm too. Incredible views!It was a long descent down to rt 2 but the trail was beautiful...lots of bog bridges and very green mossy areas. The woods are starting to feel more remote and wild and I like that. I am finding it hard to believe Maine is just a day and a half away! I am having mixed feelings about the end being so close....I am trying not to think about that too much. I just want to enjoy each day for what it brings and I try not to look very far into the future...today is where I am and I will worry about tomorrow when it gets here.At rt 2 Ginny was waiting for me with a trunk full of goodies....oh so wicked yummy! She took me to town and I got my chores done and I am now relaxing at the Mountain House. Thank you mntn mamma....you are the best!Life is good today.Jibitz
Date: 2010-08-13
From: rt 2

To: gentian pond shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: light rain

Enjoyed another fabulous night at the Mountain House! Ginny made a super delicious dinner of chicken marsala and broccoli...what a treat! Laura and Kevin ate with us and they brought a yummy dessert of raspberry puffs and ice cream. I think I may be gaining weight through these parts.Andy met us in the morning and the three of us went to the Water Wheel for breakfast...afterwards they dropped me off at the trail. Thank you again Andy and Ginny....hope you had a wonderful day on Waumbek!The section of trail I walked on today was all new to me. Its amazing how different the terrain can change in just a day or two. I was pleasantly surprised at how foot friendly had become again. It was still steep and scrambly in a few parts but it was nothing compared to some of the sections in the Whites.The trail today went over many open ledges which provided grand views back towards the Carter-Moriah range and the Presidentials. Absolutely stunning views! I took my time and enjoyed several long breaks along the way. The forest has changed again and it is reminding me more and more of home. The ledges were covered in patches of thick brittle lichens and green moss...I am amazed at how little soil there is on these parts for anything to take hold, especially the trees. Most of the trees are pines...not sure which kind but they are the ones that look and smell like christmas trees. They grow so close together which makes the trail the optimal place to travel for hikers and animals. Saw lots of moose poops and prints along the way but still no sightings.The seasons are starting to slowly change and a few times today the woods had the familiar scent of fall. The leaves are not as green anymore and some of the low foliage is starting to show signs that fall is closing in. The bunchberries have clusters of red beads, the clintonia have clusters of blue beads and the trillium have one single large red bead. Maybe they are seeds....they look like beads to me. The hobblehosh is also making clusters of re berries now too. The trail also went by four small ponds today....its so nice to be around so much water! Maybe I will see a moose later on at Gentian Pond! The weather is gorgeous today and I often wonder is the weather gods and goddesses are looking after me. Its sunny yet cool which makes for perfect hiking weather! Still taking my time through theses parts. Why not? I walked a long way to get here and this is the whipped cream and jimmies on top....or if you prefer its the icing on the cake.Jibitz
Date: 2010-08-14
From: gentian pond shelter

To: full goose shelter
Miles today: 9.6
Weather: clear sky

Gentian Pond has to be one of the most beautiful shelters I have stayed at....fabulous views looking toward Shelbourn Moriah, Moriah and the Carters. Off to the side there was a babbling stream which was fed from Gentian Pond. I highly recommend staying here!Had a lazy start to the day and headed out sometime around 8am after a nice cup of hot coffee. The profile looked somewhat easy but I know the profile can be very deceiving. There was a steep climb out of the shelter which was followed by several more steep descents and climbs. The woods through here are quite lovely and I just took my time....no need to hurry when I can't. Lots of mushrooms everywhere and they range in color from white, red, orange, yellow and brown. Some of the tops are rounded like a lampshades and others have inverted tops so the look like fancy wine goblets. A glass of wine would be nice.Mt Success was the first peak the trail went over today. There were many open ledges near the summit so it was not hard to stop and take many long breaks along the way. Awesome views looking back towards the Presidentials and Carters and off into Maine....what a day!At approximately 11:15am today I finally crossed the boarder into Maine! Home sweet home! Just one more state and less than 280 miles to go...whoo-hoo! As I approached the summit of Mt Carlo I heard someone calling my name from a nearby rock....at first I did not recognize who it was but than I realized it was Rocket21 aka Jeremy! So nice of you to surprise me! We hung out at the view point for quite sometime and he also had a bag full of goodies...thank you so much. Tumbler and Ratman were not too far behind and they joined us. The next section up to Goose Eye was steep and slow going but it was nice to have company so it went by fast. The terrain through these parts has changed again and there were lots of boggy spots and thick lush moss. Lots of bog bridges too. Took the small detour to the summit of Goose Eye where I took another long break...said farewell to Jeremy and than continued on.The next bump brought me over the north peak of Goose Eye and about half way up out jumped Frodo! What another awesome surprise! Than I saw Geneva so I knew Christine was not far away. So nice of you two to come out and hike with me. We all enjoyed another nice long break and than made our way to Full Goose Shelter.We arrived at the shelter sometime around 5ish....Frodo disappeared for a bit but when he came back he had some nice cold beer that had been chilling in the stream. Oh so good did it taste! It was so nice to hang out and have a few beers with you....thank you for making this day even better! Just finished dinner and I am now all warm and snuggly in my sleeping bag. Mahoosuc Notch, Mahoosuc Arm and Old Speck tomorrow. Still enjoying my low mileage days....I will pick up the pace soon....maybe.Jibitz
Date: 2010-08-16
From: grafton notch

To: andover
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Well...it was bound to happen at some point here. My stretch of fabulous finally ended today. A front came through last night and brought some rain...some of which ended up inside my tent! It stopped by morning but it was overcast and foggy for most of the day...it sprinkled some but thankfully no big rain fell during the day...and it was fairly warm so that was good too.Today I walked over the Baldpates. I have never been on this section of trail and it was hard...especially with the heavy pack. I knew Maine was going to be challenging and it is at times very discouraging that my travel time is so much slower than what is was down south. Eventually I will be able to do big days again....after the Bigelows is what they say. I am sure the view from the Baldpates was amazing so I will have to come back. The trail was very steep at times and there were lots of ledges most of which were dry....it would have been a nightmare had the trail been wet. Near the end of the day I came to Dunn Notch where there was a big waterfall. It was a pretty way to end a long day.At the hostel in Andover and I finally got my new camera! My camera broke coming off of Madison the other day...I've been using my camera phone which takes ok pictures.Jibitz
Date: 2010-08-17
From: andover

To: south arm rd
Miles today: 10.1

Slept like a baby last night! Woke up early to some morning fog but it all burned off after breakfast. Another beautiful day!The climb out of Andover up to Wyman Mountain was most pleasant. The footing was good and the grade was never steep so I actually made good time for a change....it took me less than three hours to go six miles. I took a nice long break at the Hall Mountain lean-to and also made the side trip up the hill to the outlook. Nice views.It was a steep descent down to Sawyer Notch and than a very, very steep climb up Moody Mountain. There were lots of iron rungs in several rocks to aid hikers traveling on the trail. There was a reroute part way up and the trail crew has done a great job on this new section. There were several outlooks on the way up so it was nice to have views.My days are still short mileage wise but I don't mind...I really do not think I would be enjoying the trail if I was constantly pushing myself. Maine has been tiring and I do not think it will be getting any easier any time soon. I am enjoying getting into camp a little early and just relaxing. My time left out here is winding down and I want to savor all that I have left. No deadlines for me so that means no stress. Some folks are stressing out because they have bought tickets and made reservations so they are putting in long miles. I would also like to thank all the trail crews and trail maintainers for all the work you have done to keep these trails in good shape. I know it is extremely hard work and it does not go unnoticed. Your work is greatly appreciated. Jibitz
Date: 2010-08-18
From: south arm rd

To: sabbath day pond lean-to
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Holy smokies! I actually pulled off my first big day in Maine! My confidence might be coming back. Started the day off with a nice climb up Old Blue Mountain. It switched from being steep in parts to somewhat mellow in other parts. The woods today were very peaceful and quiet. Lots of moose sign again but still no moose sightings. From the summit I had great views back towards Old Speck. After Old Blue I went over the Bemis Range. I was on this section of trail about 20 or so years ago after I graduated from high school. Some parts I remembered and some parts I totally forgot about. Its a very rugged range but very beautiful.I took a long lunch break at the Bemis shelter and was able to dry out all my gear...lots of condensation on my tent and sleeping bag from the night before. Leaving the shelter the trail descends over several smaller peaks. Near the second peak the trail goes over lots of open ledges and the views were incredible! I could see Tumbledown, Abraham, Saddleback, the Crockers and the Horns....its so nice to be in my home state! The trail weaved its way downward and I eventually arrived at Bemis Stream where I had planned on staying for the night. But it was early and I was feeling good so I decided to push on.It was a steep climb up to the height of the land where the trail crosses rt 17. Beautiful views back toward the Bemis Range and down to one of the Rangeley lakes that I can say but not spell. After crossing the road it was an easy four miles to the shelter. The trail passed by a beautiful lake and had it been earlier I would have gone for a swim. The moose frequent a stretch of trail here and have left enormous piles of poop behind. At the shelter now and just finished dinner. Saw a big snowshoe hare and heard a loon singing in the distance. I am tired but I feels so awesome to have finally walked a big day. Hoping the loons sing tonight.Jibitz
Date: 2010-08-19
From: sabbath day pond lean-to

To: piazza rock lean-to
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: clear sky

Thought I would have slept well after yesterdays long day but for some reason I kept waking up. I did get some good rest and I am always energized to hike in the morning even if I do feel kind of tired.I was up early but was content being all warm in my sleeping bag. My friend Eric was coming out to help me today and I was not sure what time he would be getting here but I had a feeling it would be early. I think it was some time around 7 am that Eric and his awesome dog Madison arrived...time to get up now! Got my morning chores done, had some coffee and a bagel and got my pack all packed up. Eric took my fat pack back to his car while I took his much lighter day pack and headed north. What a feeling it was to be a day hiker with a light pack! Thank you Eric!It was an absolutely perfect day for hiking...cool temperatures and endless sunshine. The trail today was very easy compared to what I have been on the past week or so. It was relatively flat with just a few bumps here and there. Lots of moose and fresh tracks everywhere....I know I will see one at some point....I have seen plenty before but its always a treat to experience one while on the trail. About half way to rt 4 the trail went by Little Swift River Pond. It was beautiful and so quiet and peaceful. I took a nice break by the water and enjoyed watching the blue dragonflies dart around. Saw a green frog too...his head was popping out of the top of a mud puddle. No moose though.Continuing on I finally ran into Eric and Madison....they had driven over to rt 4 and than walked in to meet me. Madison has endless energy and I enjoyed watching her romp around. Back at the car Eric had some cold root beer and did it taste ever so delicious! We than went into Rangeley and had lunch at The Red Onion and for dessert we had a wicked yummy ice cream. Did some other town chores and than bought a few groceries to get me to Stratton. Back at the trail Eric and Madison walked with to Piazza Rock lean-to. I had been debating off and on all day if I should go to the summit of Saddleback and camp out up there....I changed my mind at least a dozen times and finally decided to save it all for tomorrow. Eric...thank you for your patience.It was great to have company on the trail today....Eric I am so happy things worked out for trail magic today and I am thankful for all that you did for me today....and it was so nice to see you!I am relaxing peacefully at the shelter and plan on getting a really early start tomorrow....the plan is for a big day! Katahdin is getting a little closer each day that goes by.Jibitz
Date: 2010-08-20
From: piazza rock lean-to

To: caribou valley road
Miles today: 22.1
Weather: broken clouds

Decisions. Sometimes they are easy and other times they are hard. Sometimes I make good decisions and other times I make bad ones. Sometimes I know right away if I made the right choice and other times I will not know until sometime in the future. I often wonder if some of the right decisions I make are based on luck, experience or I sometimes wonder if I have a guardian angel who guides me along to the right choice. I made the right decision yesterday to stay at Piazza Rock...I had really wanted to stay on the summit of Saddleback and thank goodness I did not. Around 11 pm the sky opened up and it poured...lots of thunder and lightening too....but I stayed warm and dry in the shelter. Oh did I mention I was the only one? There was another couple tenting but this was my first night sort of alone.Woke up early and was ready to go by 6 am...had a big day planned and wanted to make sure I had enough time. A mouse had gotten into my pack last night and ate all my vitamins!! It is either dead by now or it might be possible that a super mouse now exists at Piazza Rock. The wind was blowing but it was fairly warm out when I finally left.It was a beautiful climb up to Saddleback and I layered up about a half mile below the summit. It was foggy, damp and very windy but I stayed warm with my fleece and rain jacket on. My legs and hands were chilly but as long as I kept moving I was fine. Took a quick picture at the summit and continued on to The Horn. Slipped on the rocks a few times but escaped injury. It kept looking as though the clouds would break but it was still too early. It was a steep descent off the Horn and I was happy to be back in the trees and sheltered from the wind and fog. Eventually the sun won out and I could finally see bright blue sky above! On top of Saddleback Junior I was welcomed with fabulous views of Sugarloaf, Spaulding and Abraham! Looking back at Saddleback and The Horn though was a different story....the summits were still encased in clouds. What a beautiful day! The trail than descended down to Poplar Ridge where I took a break and than it continued down more to Orberton Stream. After another break at the stream the trail made a gradual ascent through some very pretty woods and after crossing a gravel road it than made a steep climb up Lone Mountain. The footing today was so nice and it felt so great to walk at a somewhat normal pace.I got to Spaulding lean-to around 3, took another break and decided I would continue on. Too early to stop and I was feeling great! The next five miles took me almost to the top of Spaulding and around the cone of Sugarloaf before making a steep descent to Caribou Valley Road.There is a nice tent spot near the river and I think I will sleep well tonight. Jeremy had left some trail magic in the water for me....thank you!! Nothing like a nice cold beer to finish off a long day. Who would have thought I could do such a big day! Feels good!Can't wait for tomorrow....Crockers! Get to see family tomorrow too so very exciting!Jibitz
Date: 2010-08-21
From: caribou valley road

To: rt 27
Miles today: 8.1

It was very nice sleeping by the river last night. Woke up early and really took my time leaving. My sister Sue was planning to walk in and meet me later in the afternoon and with it being such a short mileage day I was in no rush. Not only was I going to see one of my sisters but I was also going to see my Dad who lives down in the valley...I guess I would say it felt like Christmas morning!It was a beautiful morning and on the chilly side. The climb up South Crocker warmed me up fast and I was up at the summit in less than two hours. Took a nice long break and took the opportunity to dry out my gear. It was very peaceful and I was so delighted to have the summit to myself for so long.Its about a mile over to North Crocker and there I took about a two hour break. I made some coffee and did some crosswords to pass the time. It was a nice change of pace from yesterday. The views from these mountains are much better in the winter because with all the snow you can see over the treetops.Around 12:30 or so it was finally time to head out. I passed a few hikers heading south and than ran into a couple I know who were out doing trail maintenance. Continuing on I knew it would not be long until I would meet my sister....and than finally...there she was! It was hard to hold back the tears...and it was so nice to give her a big hug! Well maybe it was two or three hugs. Seeing her gave me that special feeling I get inside on Christmas morning. Excitement and smiles and happiness. Sue, I am so thrilled you came out to see me! I have been looking forward to this day for some time. We chatted and giggled our way down to the parking lot.About ten minutes before reaching the road I encountered a sign welcoming me to Carrabassett Valley that was made by my Dad and that was signed by all his friends who have been following my journey. Arriving at the parking lot I was greeted by my Dad and Ruthie....what a great day! Its taken me a long time to walk here and what a special day it was. I have so many wonderful memories around here and I am so pleased to add another one to my memory bank.After a nice cold beer we did a quick trip to Stratton and than went back to my Dad's place so I could shower....and than we all went to dinner at Tufulio's. I had an awesome meal and am fighting a food coma as I type this...too full for dessert so I guess its brownie sunday's for breaky number one and belgian waffles at the Woodsmans for breaky number two. It's nice being at my Dad's...maybe I will stay a couple of nights.Jibitz
Date: 2010-08-22
From: rt 27

To: horns pond lean-to
Miles today: 5.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Leaving town is always hard but its that much more difficult when I am saying good bye to family. Had a great time with my Dad and Ruthie and my sister Sue.Tried sleeping in and I made it till 7! Got my gear organized, had a yummy brownie and than we all headed to the Woodsmans for breaky. I gobbled down a super delicious cinnamon bun and a belgian waffle and of course lots of coffee! Said farewell to Sue and than my Dad took me to the grocery store so I could pick up a few last minute items. Back at his house I got everything all packed up and than he and Ruthie took me back to the trail. It would have been so easy to take a zero and spend more time with them but the trail continues to call my name. Thank you for a wonderful stay!I have been on the Bigelow Range several times and I know the trail like clockwork....I like knowing what is ahead of me. After tomorrow though it will all be new until I reach BSP.The weather today is not so great but at least it is not raining. Its foggy and breezy and kind of cool but I am nice and warm. I am hoping things will clear out for tomorrow....the views from West Peak and Avery are beautiful. I can always come back though so I am not too worried if I have to walk through fog again.Less than 200 miles to go!!Jibitz
Date: 2010-08-23
From: horns pond lean-to

To: west carry pond lean-to
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: light rain

Crossed the 2000 mile marker today! Had a hard day even though it should have been relatively easy...had a case of insomnia last night so energy ran low all afternoon. Spent the night with Trashman and Ohibro at Horns Pond and they were up early so I got up early too. Had a big day planned so the early start is good. The weather was not so great...windy and foggy...but at least there was no rain and it was relatively warm. I have been over the Bigelows many times but I was still disappointed not have any views. There were several viewpoints on the way off Avery Peak but no point in checking them out today.Dropped down to Stafford Notch and than climbed up Little Bigelow. The trail bumped along the ridge and by now the weather looked like it might clear. There were some nice outlooks and I did get a few nice views finally.Took a well needed break at the Bigelow Lean-to. Appetite has been out of control today! I think the colder temperatures has kicked my metabolism up a notch or two. The next few miles were mellow and somewhat easy but I was feeling ever so tired and of course again I was hungry. It was pleasant walking and the trail followed the edge of Flagstaff Lake for some time.Fall is not too far away and the further I had north the more changes I see in the woods. I am also still seeing changes in me. The trail has been everything I thought it would be and more. I know the end is coming soon and I need to start thinking about it...maybe I will think about that tomorrow. Tomorrow is a new day and I look forward to what it will bring me. Tonight I am staying at West Carry Pond...it is beautiful and peaceful here. Went for a short swim and I hope to hear the loons tonight. Still taking it these next few days.Jibitz