morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-06-04
From: Elkton

To: Further north
Miles today: 0.0

"He who would travel happily must travel light" Antoine De-Saint ExuperyDay 3 of the River Trip.Another casualty today. We had to say goodbye to the 'Hinden-Tanic'. Again, shallow rapids were the culprit, causing several un-patchable holes in her underside. She has been left moored in some cattails on someone's property, to be picked up at a later date.So, we are down to two canoes now. Wonder Boy (captain of the 'Hinden-Tanic') has been transferred to join the crew of 'The Tank That Sank' and we have taken on some extra gear in the 'SS Side Track Cafe' to even things out.Tonight we are camping on someone's property (sshh). It looks like the block is being prepared for the building of a house so it is relatively flat and should be fairly OK.It is still raining, as it has been for most of the day. It is very hard to keep gear dry on the river anyway without having to deal with the rain as well. I foresee gear being in need of airing out by Harper's Ferry!
Date: 2004-06-05
From: Further north

To: Still further north
Miles today: 0.0

" Not all those who wander are lost" J.R.R.TolkienDay 4 of the River Trip.A fairly uneventful day today (compared to some days on the river so far!) although we did get to experience our first "river magic".One glitch today - 'The Tank That Sank' ran aground on a shallow rapid and appears to have sprung a slow leak in the stern. Nothing that a bailing out every now and then cannot handle.We have come across several obstacles during this trip and they are called dams. Our first dam was actually a collapsed one that we were expected to go through on our first day. Now, we usually get out and assess the dams and the portage (lifting the canoes out of the water and carrying them around the obstacle, then putting the canoe back in) to see what the situation is. Apparently we were expected to paddle through this dam as there was no place for a decent portage. There was no way on this earth we were going to paddle this, not with some novice canoers! A narrow gap to go through, sharp right then sharp left. Maybe in a kayak, but not the 'SS Side Track Cafe' - she's good but not that good! The portage for this dam involved dragging the canoes through the woods, then hoisting the canoes over the spillway and back into the river on the other side. Bollocks to this!Today's obstacle was a portage around a 24ft dam. In a way it was good we only had two canoes to move. Still doesn't make the whole ordeal any easier!Come 6pm we were looking for some place to make camp. We asked some people who were fishing if there were any places to camp and they said there was a site about 5 miles downriver. Not appealing, especially when we see the next dam between us and our possible campsite. Ugh. Group vote, we were going to stay on the flat bit of land next to the dam and do the portage first thing tomorrow morning, with empty canoes (something we haven't been doing). So we pull in and start setting up and a car pulls up. We fully expected to be told to move on but we get talking to the guy whose name is Dave. He is extremely generous and lets us stay on this bit of land. Not only that but he brings duct tape and silicone gel to fix the 'Tank', fire starter - still raining so all the wood is wet, hot dogs, chiabasa sausage and gin to warm us up. What a guy!He and his kids joined us for dinner around the fire with their pet ferret. The kids were gorgeous and gave us a rabbit's foot for good luck on the rest of our trip. So sweet of them (did we look that inept?) Thank you Dave and children for your generosity and hospitality, these hikers / canoeists really appreciated it.
Date: 2004-06-06
From: Still further north

To: Luray
Miles today: 0.0

"You know what the trouble with real life is? There's no danger music." Jim CarreyDay 5 of the River TripOK: portages are never easy, but did they really have to put the huge rocks in there to increase the degree of difficulty? Dave arrived this morning with the offer of disposing of our trash (see, I am turning into an American!) so we didn't have to take it with us. Is there no end to the generosity of this man? Thanks again Dave.We had another glitch today, which fortunately could have been more disastrous than it actually was. When we were looking at maps online a few weeks ago, it mentioned a bridge that had a 9 inch clearance. We assumed it was a typo and should have read 9 foot. Nope. Nine inches was all there was! It looked like a footbridge and we couldn't work out why anyone would put it there. Before we knew it, the current had pulled 'The Tank That Sank' up to the bridge and sucked her under, broadside. Luckily the three boys were able to get out and jump over the bridge. Candy Boy and I (after he had to yell at me to paddle - I was just staring in disbelief at what had happened) managed to get to the side and out of harm's way. Of course, everything in 'The Tank' went swimming ,but luckily most of it was tied in. Another portage to get the 'SS' over the bridge and we were on our way again. Gear retrieval down the river meant we found Backdraft's other Croc and a water jug, so we did well.I woke up this morning stiff and sore but assumed it was just the back getting used to sleeping on the ground again. When we stopped for lunch, I did some stretching to try and loosen things up. Still sore. When we got back into the canoe and had passed through the first set of rapids, I noticed that the bottom half of my left leg had gone numb and I could not find a comfortable position to sit in. Not a good sign!We pulled over to a camping area and I hobbled out...there was really no question of me continuing on the trip. I couldn't even sit comfortably in the canoe. Candy Boy and I made our way to the camp area's office and were able to use the phone. I got in contact with Winston and Carol Hensley - Xena's parents - two of the most wonderful people you could ever hope to meet. Winston kindly came and picked me up and brought me back to their house, where I will stay for a couple of days.The boys are planning on being in Harper's Ferry by Thursday and will have to make a trip back to near here to pick up the 'Hinden-Tanic' so will pick me up then. Until then, I am just taking things easy. Ten weeks ago, I never thought I would be saying that hiking is more important to me than canoeing, but it is!
Date: 2004-06-11
From: Luray

To: Damascus!
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

"You're only given a little spark of madness. You mustn't lose it!" Robin WilliamsGuess where I am. Yes, Damascus. The vortex has done it again.I am not entirely sure of the decision making process that brought Trey, Candy Boy and myself back here, but we are. We are leaving again, this afternoon. No, really, we are.Off back to Harper's Ferry for a party tomorrow night, then Candy Boy and I are hiking north from somewhere. Undecided as yet, as we are beginning to cut it fine for me to be able to summit Katahdin before I have to leave the country. We may jump further ahead to give us a bit of a headstart. Will keep you posted.Candy Boy and I have been contemplating taking Trey's dog Cleo with us on the hike for a while. I think that idea has been vetoed for now. The weather has gotten extremly hot here lately...not fair to be taking a black German Shepherd out hiking in this kind of heat. It is going to be difficult enough on both of us without having to worry about Cleo. Sorry girl, I know you would have loved it.
Date: 2004-06-12
From: Damascus!

To: Harper's Ferry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

"Make yourself a better person and know who you are before you try and know someone else and expect them to know you"What a difference a road trip can make! New plan of action: we are now going to skip ahead to Maine and hike south from Katahdin! At least that is the plan at this hour.We did manage to leave Damascus (again) and are on our way to Harper's Ferry. There is a party on there tonight. Lots of hikers are supposed to be there so hopefully we can catch up with some of the people who have come through Damascus. Then on Sunday, we are driving north to Maine.A couple of good things about doing the trip this way: 1) it means we won't have to rush for me to get to the Big K before my visa runs out; 2) it will hopefully be a bit cooler, which is a good thing as it looks like Cleo is joining us!Road trips. Hmmm. As I don't get to drive (some apparent paranoia about me driving on the wrong side of the road), I don't get a choice in the music selection. Consequently we have been listening to both kinds of country music - Country AND Western. I swear they do it to piss me off. (Some of it isn't too bad...tolerable anyway). Candy Boy is driving now so the selection has changed -(at least he has a vaguely decent singing voice...sorry Trey). Never thought I would be pleased to listen to metal/hard rock. Hang on, they just played U2 and The Doors...things are looking up.We are driving through the night again. I am not sure what it is with Trey and night trips. At least we started in daylight.We have been stopping along the way putting up flyers notifying hikers about gear that Trey lost during the canoe trip, last seen with Wilson and WAD. If anyone knows anything about it they can contact the Rockingham County Sheriff's Office (540)564-3800.
Date: 2004-06-15
From: Harper's Ferry

To: Hamburg PA
Miles today: 0.0

"Friends are chocolate chips in the cookie of life"I got to do some Trail Magic on Saturday. We were trying to find Grass and Uncle Ben, who were somewhere around the half way point of the Trail. After checking out some of the areas where they could have been, we were able to work out that they were about a day or so behind, due to the rain. But, we did find out Leki was in the area and that he had left the hostel 15 minutes before we arrived.After getting fuel, Trey and Candy Boy left me at one of the Trail heads with an esky full of beer that we had brought from the shop, and Cleo, while they went back to Harper's Ferry to do some errands.Hoss was at the Trail head, just crossng the road when we arrived. He was very glad to see the beer! Hoss informed me that Leki was about half an hour behind him, and sure enough, he turned up not long after Hoss left. It was so good to see him, especially as he hasn't been well recently. He is looking fit and healthy and seems to be enjoying himself.I made an executive decision that afternoon: there is no way on this earth that Cleo is going hiking with us. I love her, but she is a handful. She is very protective and would go ballistic whenever a hiker approached - not something that we need when we are going to be coming across many hikers in the next few weeks. Sorry baby. Hopefully I will see you soon.We are currently in the Port Clinton/Hamburg PA area, trying to figure out a way to get to Maine. We were able to get a lift here from Bag O' Tricks, a legendary Trail Angel and a genuinely nice guy. He is a friend of Trey's who was at the party on Saturday night. Thanks Tricks for all your help. I hope we run in to you again soon.
Date: 2004-06-19
From: Hamburg PA

To: New York
Miles today: 0.0

"Cookin' at the Side Track Cafe" to the tune of Otis Reddings'"Dock of the Bay":Words by Mike 'Death by Cotton'(Candy Boy)Williams"Cookin' in the morning sun,I'll be cookin' when the evening comes,Watchin' the hikers walk inAnd I'll watch 'em walk away again.I'm cookin' in the Side Track CafeWorkin' for some guy named Trey,Oo-oo, I'm just cookin' in the Side Track CafeWastin' time....I left my home in FloridaHeaded for Damascus VA'Cause I never made pancakes beforeAnd Nuffy flips 'em better anyways'Cause I'm just cookin' in the Side Track CafeWatchin' the hikers walk awayOo-oo, cookin' in the Side Track CafeWastin' time....Looks like we'll be busy today,The menu still remains the same.I can't cook what ten people tell me to cook,So I guess I'll give 'em all the same, yes,This grease just sticks to my bonesAnd this damn Australian won't leave me alone!Over two thousand miles they'll roam,But not before we fill their packs with stones.And I'm still cookin' at the Side Track CafeWatchin' the hikers walk away,Oo-wee, cookin' at the Side Track Cafe,Wastin' time...(whistle...)
Date: 2004-06-19
From: New York

To: Portland, Maine
Miles today: 0.0

"Luck is a matter of preparation meeting opportunity" Oprah WinfreyPlan 1: And so the journey continues: I am currently in New York, about to travel to Maine on my first Greyhound bus trip. Let me tell you, for some strange reason, they don't have seat pockets on the buses. What's with that? I don't carry much with me - I am a hiker after all...but I would like somewhere to put my bottle of water, rather than have it rolling down the aisle.It was sad to say goodbye to Tricks - we have been seeing a lot of him during our time in Port Clinton. He is just the nicest guy. Thanks again Tricks for your help and counsel.So, bus trip from Port Clinton to Bangor in Maine via Reading PA, New York NY (so good they named it twice - sorry, had to do that) and Boston MA. We do eventually get in to Bangor around 11:30am today. Of course, we then have to make our way towards Baxter State Park - keeper of the treasure that is Mt Katahdin.Plan 2: A slight SNAFU in ticketing proceedings means a change in plans...we are going to Portland ME now, not Bangor. No big deal really as Frank 'Stonedust' Allen had offered to take us to Katahdin if we could get ourselves to Portland. Fingers crossed it all works out....Once we arrived in Portland, I rang Cindy, Frank's wife, who was kind enough to come and pick us up. Maine lobster for dinner - how many hikers can say they had lobster during their hike? (and it was divine!). Frank is driving us to Millinocket tomorrow and we will start hiking on Monday.So, it is nearly time to start it all again. Bring it on!
Date: 2004-06-20
From: Portland, Maine

To: Millinocket, Maine
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

" Maturity is the capacity to endure ucertainty" John FinleyWell, this is the closest we have managed to get to Mt Katahdin. We are in Millinocket which is about 17 miles away from Baxter State Park.It has been a beautiful day here. I hope the weather continues for tomorrow for our trip up Katahdin. It was a beautiful day for a road trip with Frank, who dropped us off in Millinocket this afternoon. We also had a couple of side trips to DeLorne, a huge map place which has an enormous globe in the foyer, and to LL Bean, the outdoor store. All very cool.Thank you Frank and Cindy for your hospitality - I hope we can catch up again soon.So, we have resupplied, my pack is packed and I think I am ready to go. We just have to organise a taxi ride to the Park for tomorrow. All systems go! Because we will be heading into the '100 mile wilderness' after climbing Katahdin, I won't be able to send emails for nearly 2 weeks (no phones in the bush). I will be writing them though, just be patient. You can still send me emails, I love hearing from everyone.
Date: 2004-06-21
From: Millinocket, Maine

To: Millinocket, Maine
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: haze

"Time is the coin of life: be careful how you spend it"Welcome to summer.OK, so we didn't leave today. Took a little longer than expected to get things going this morning and before we knew it, it was past what I thought was a reasonable time to leave - ie. time to get to Baxter State Park, do all the stuff we needed to do at the ranger station plus get up and back down Mt Katahdin by a sensible time. Tomorrow, I promise. Taxi is booked, alarm is set for O43O (What does the O stand for? "Oh my God it's early!") We can do this.I also had to get some denatured alcohol as I was of the opinion that 16oz between us for possibly 10 days was not enough. Problem solved.Not going today meant we missed 'Naked Hiking Day' - what a shame. Yes, people do hike naked on the Summer Solstice. Will have to wait until next year I guess...So tomorrow is the day. No, but really. I am a little more apprehensive now than I was 2 weeks ago. Not sure why. Hopefully that will disappear soon.One thing I am looking forward to is catching up with all the northbounders, which I guess will be in about 3 weeks or so. It will be fantastic to see everyone again.
Date: 2004-06-22
From: Millinocket, Maine

To: Katahdin Stream Campground via Mt Katahdin
Miles today: 5.2
Weather: overcast clouds

"Sprinkle, sprinkle little wet. Why am I hiking? I forget." - Candy Boy atop Katahdin.So it was an early start this morning, handled better than yesterday. Breakfast at the diner, which opened at 5am, then a taxi (or should I say the only taxi in Millinocket) picked us up just before 6am.I got to tick off one of my "hope to see while in the States" on the way to Baxter State Park - a moose! He was in a swamp area as we drove past. The taxi driver backed up so we could see and the moose ambled across the road. Score! He disappeared too quickly for a photo, unfortunately.So, Katahdin. She starts off very nicely, running alongside the Katahdin Stream (complete with beautiful waterfall), then her temperament changes. There are some lovely views along the way, but she is not pleasant. When you get about 2 miles from the summit, you have two vicious rock gardens to go through. It really looks like someone has come along with a huge front end loader and dumped tonnes of large rocks willy nilly. There are even metal rungs embedded in the rock in places to assist you on your climb.Candy Boy has problem knees and I am still having problems with numbness in my ankle and lower leg (from the canoe trip). Consequently, it took us ages to get up. I also don't think Candy Boy was impressed by my slow hiking pace, (which I had warned him about). "But you walk so fast normally."We got the obligatory photos at the top and admired the view (when it wasn't obscured by cloud). Bloody cold up there. But it was great to finally see the end. She is beautiful, but she is also horrible. I am not sure if this was because neither of us has hiked in a while, but Springer Mountain is a piece of cake compared to Katahdin.Casualties for the days outing: Katahdin claimed both of the tips from my hiking poles, one on the way up, the other on the way down. As they are not Leki poles I don't like my chances of getting them replaced - made in Italy and I have never seen them over here. They will last me the next eight weeks (I hope).It was dark when we got back, and we were tired and sore. As we walked into the Rangers Station, the heavens opened. Of course, we hadn't been assigned a tent site as yet, so hadn't got the tent up. We were allowed to wait on the porch of the Rangers Station, and made a dash for one of the covered picnic tables nearest the campsite. Candy Boy came up with the brilliant plan of setting the tent up there, and then carrying it over to the tent site, reducing the chance of the inside getting wet. So, it's off to bed, dreaming of Epsom Salt baths.
Date: 2004-06-24
From: Katahdin Stream Campground via Mt Katahdin

To: Abol Bridge
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: overcast clouds

"one of the real secrets of happiness is to be content with what you have" WGPSo, today is the day we started hiking again. For real.We both woke fairly early this morning to a sky that was drizzling. Needless to say, the tent was packed away wet.I was ready to go by 7am - Candy Boy was nowhere near being ready. So, I headed off around 7:30 with the plan of meeting up with him at Abol Bridge, 9.9 miles away.It was quite nice hiking weather today, bu it certainly cooled off when you stopped. Lots of lovely places to stop and take a break along the way. The Trail followed a river pretty much most of the way today. This river had lots of rocks in it. Every time I looked at it I tried to find a way to navigate a canoe through the rapids and every time I couldn't find one. I know the 'SS Side Track Cafe' wouldn't have made it down this river!Big Niagara Falls was beautiful. I love to sit and watch the power of water in action. There were quite a few bridges to go over to cross the river. Most of these bridges are fairly easy to get up on to, but not so easy to get off the other end (especially with a pack on).I made it to Abol Bridge a little after midday and bought an exorbitantly priced sandwich (I didn't really care, I was hungry). So 9.9 miles in a little under 5 hours - I am pretty happy with that. I sat outside and waited for the others to arrive. Let me introduce the cast - we have PM and Ben from Baltimore, Mary and Dan from Tennessee and Turtle from New Jersey.Everyone started filtering in after 2pm, Candy Boy arriving last. He had been having problems with his feet. Not blisters, but aching. It had turned colder by this stage. Dan, Mary and Turtle decided to go on to the next shelter but the four of us decided to stay at Abol Bridge.The two boys wanted to try out their tarps so we selected a site with suitable trees. We also found a good place to hang up the tent to dry it out.Fire roaring and food in our bellies made for happy campers. Especially as we had seen a deer and a moose from our campsite. I have decided that the zoom on my camera isn't as powerful as I would like...not sure how the shots of the deer will turn out - I didn't even bother with the moose, it was too far away.
Date: 2004-06-25
From: Abol Bridge

To: Hurd Brook Shelter
Miles today: 3.5

"Be careful of your thoughts - they may become words at any moment"Surprise, surprise it was raining when we woke up this morning. None of us was in any mood to go anywhere in any hurry this morning.A plan of action was formed for our assault on the 100 Mile Wilderness. For those of you not familiar with it, the 100 Mile Wilderness is pretty much what it says - 100 miles without a chance of resupply. Consequently, you need to carry 10 days' food with you when you enter. There is a treat about half way through the wilderness though. When you get to a certain lake, you blow an air horn and the owners of the place will come and shuttle you across the lake and you can stay with them. It sounds sweet.We have decided to lean towards staying in shelters through the wilderness, especially as it has been raining a lot. Drying out the tent has become a pain. So, we only did 3.5 miles today, to stay at the Hurd Brook Shelter. The boys are using their hammocks again and I wish them luck as I think they are going to be eaten alive by the mosquitos. We were warned about the black flies and how bad they were. Personally, I think the mosquitos are worse. Of course, we haven't gotten to southern Maine where I believe the black flies are worse. We are using 100% DEET which seems to be doing the trick.Dinner tonight was a bit of a treat. We brought hotdogs, rolls and chilli to make chilli dogs - delicious! Could have done with double the amount though!The fire is going and we are trying to keep the smoke going to ward off the insects. Fingers crossed.