morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-08-23
From: Madison Springs Hut

To: Wildcat E Mountain
Miles today: 10.5

0823Madison Spring hut to Wildcat E mtn.10.5 milesWhile my dinner cools I thought I would start this. I am done with the huts. They're just too noisy. Although you can't beat the chow, there's just too many people getting up too early. I skipped breakfast at the hut and got out of there at 7:00 sharp. Right out of the hut Mount Madison rises 500' in a short half mile. The early start paid off as I was rewarded with 100 mile views. The usual clouds circling Mount Washington drifted by fast. Whenever I got my camera out for a snap, the clouds would shroud the summit. Before starting my decent, I stopped and slammed a bunch of bars and snacks. Since I was picking up a mail drop today in Pinkham Notch there's no sense carrying extra food around. The climb down to Pinkham was my steepest yet, I think. 3,000' in 2 miles. This really put my legs through the wringer. Been taking ibuprofan like candy. Hope it's just a thing. From what I hear, the terrain continues rough well into Maine. The weather today was stunning. Great vistas all day. Hooked up with Curley and Swainson at Pinkham Notch. They were going back to Crawford Notch after being off the trail for a week with some sort of virus. I gave Swainson back the $7.00 we gave me back in Hanover in case the pizza dude came back with beer. He didn't. I had some lunch, sent some postcards, picked up my maildrop, and got out of there. Hiked another 4 miles or so up to the top of Wildcat. I set up on a ski slope just below the lift. I am just off the top, out of the wind. I should be able to make Gorham in 2 tough 11 mile days. There's a bat flying around up here at 4,200'. Wonder where he came from.
Date: 2006-08-24
From: Wildcat E Mountain

To: Imp Shelter
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: broken clouds

0824Wildcat E to Imp Campsite10.5 milesThe wind howled thru the ski lift last night but could not keep me awake. I was beat after climbing out of Pinkham Notch. It was cloudy this morning when I was leaving I noticed the ski patrol hut was unlocked. Wish I had known that last night. At around 9:15 I noticed the sound of jets in the area. This was strange since I hadn't heard any for awhile. Suddenly there was a loud explosion. About 10 minutes later the same thing. Being on a news fast I had no idea what was happening. I found out later they were sonic booms coming from fighter jets in the area. Up on the ridge the visability was unbelievable. You could almost see the ocean. Even the summit of Mount Washington looked clear. After a 1,500' scramble down and back up out of Carter Notch, I hiked the Carter ridgeline for the rest of the day. Down and up all afternoon. Got to camp about 4:30. Was planning on going a little farther but my legs protested. The Celebrex I took for breakfast had long since worn off. One by one thru hikers started showing up. Gwalk, Ponch & Moe, Rock Chalk, and Berkinstock rolled in. Spent a little while catching up and turned in for a cold night.
Date: 2006-08-25
From: Imp Shelter

To: US 2 Gorham NH
Miles today: 7.9
Weather: fog

0825Imp campsite to US2 Gorham 7.9 MilesI put on everything except my raingear and was just barely warm enough. It was in the upper 30s last night. I got up early and made it down the mountain in about 3 hours. Everyone else was close behind. Met Mayfly and his daughter Sierra at the trailhead. Mayfly thru hiked back in 94' gave me a cold beer and we chatted for a little bit. Got a ride into town and split a room with Gwalk. A bunch of us hit the chinese buffet, followed by the beer store. I have a couple of chores to do. Once I've resupplied and sent these journals out, I will be sucking down cold ones out by the pool with friends. I hope to be back on the trail tomorrow, but I may get talked into a zero instead. Have to see how my knee feels in the morning.
Date: 2006-08-26
From: US 2 Gorham NH

To: Zero in Gorham/Note from K'ache
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Well it sounds like everyone made it through the Whites fairly safe and sound. Bama sorry to hear about your fall. I hope you are alright. My leg is getting better and I can detect progress, but it seems incredibly slow. Yesterday I was able to walk downstairs without having to do one stair at a time or hold onto a railing. Now I need to get the same power going downstairs. See what I mean ¢¦slow. I saw the updates of Pi¢s journal and I know I am missing a tough but beautiful part.If nothing else this hike and non hike has really brought to light something that I guess I really always knew but maybe didn¢t appreciate enough. Pi and I have always been a great team. Whenever we decided to do something, whether to hike the AT or work on our house, it¢s incredible. We are always there to help one another, each one taking on tasks, each one supporting the other when things get dreary. Pi having to hike alone and me having to recuperate alone has been hard because normally we have each other to fall back on. Not that we¢re never apart. It¢s just that doing the big things together with someone you love really makes a difference. It makes life wonderful. I know that may sound a bit sappy (a bit foo-frage), but together Pi and I are astonishing. And I miss him.
Date: 2006-08-28
From: US 2 Gorham NH

To: Gentian Pond Shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: overcast clouds

0828Gorham to Gentian pond shelter11.7 milesWell, I ended up taking 2 zeros in Gorham. The weather was really sloppy on Sunday so pretty much everyone stayed another day/night. It rained all afternoon and most of the night. Was glad to rest another day but more glad to be back on the trail. At least at first. My knee started bothering me almost immediately even thought I bought one of those strap things. The rocks were still wet so I managed to fall an unprecedented 4 times today. Nothing serious, just aggravating. Also was able to slip in a swampy area at the end of the day submerging both feet up to the shin. I cursed the trail with just about every expletive I could think of. It was cloudy so the views were nonexistent so the hike sucked mostly. Got to the shelter around 4:00 and Swansons and Curley were here. Eventually everyone else from town showed up. There are about 12 of us in the shelter and another 4 tenting. I'm only doing about 9 tomorrow but want to stay ahead of the crowd. We'll try for an early start.
Date: 2006-08-29
From: Gentian Pond Shelter

To: Full Goose Shelter
Miles today: 9.6
Weather: overcast clouds

0829Gentian pond campsite to full goose shelter9.6 milesOne drag about sleeping in a shelter is there's always someone who gets up really early. No matter how hard they try they end up making enough noise to wake me. Usually it's when they are stuffing things in a plastic bag. Or my favorite, dropping a pot or a spoon on the floor.Today was another dreary day. Fog and mist throughout. The trail remained wet and slippery. Many steep ups and downs. With my right knee giving me trouble I took it slow. The forecast called for afternoon clearing but it never happened. I guess the highlight for today was crossing into Maine. Hard to believe. Southbounders have been telling me the southern part of Maine is harder than the Whites. And from what I have seen today, they are correct. In an effort to lighten my load, I skipped the vodka on this leg. I was relieved when Tecumseh tossed me his bottle of Maker's Mark and warmed me up. Tomorrow's walk will include Mahoosuc Notch. Supposed to be the toughest mile on the entire AT. Better try and get some sleep.
Date: 2006-08-30
From: Full Goose Shelter

To: Baldpate Camp
Miles today: 12.0

0830Full Goose shelter to Baldpate Mtn. Shelter12 MilesWoke to yet another cloudy day. Windy though. Had about 2 miles of down to warm up on going into the notch. I was under the impression the hard part was going to be the climb out of the notch, but it turned out to be the notch itself. Huge boulders everywhere. Like an ant in a jar of broken marbles. It reminded me of caving only the rocks were just wet not coated in mud. I managed to make it thru the mile or so in about 1 1/2 hours leaving the rest of the pack to tangle with the rocks. Tecumseh and I took a break and then began our 1300' ascent of The Arm. It just kept going up! Close to topping out the clouds blew out and we were washed in sunshine and great views. Made it to camp around 4:00. Not bad considering the obstacles. When we got there, Homeward was there. He had hitchhiked 17 miles to Bethel; picked up a case of beer, chips and hot dogs, and had it waiting for us when we got there. Sort of a "welcome to Maine" party. All the others who were bottlenecked back at the notch never showed. Suspect they're back at the last shelter having taken too much time in the notch. We were forced to drink all the beers and eat the hot dogs.
Date: 2006-08-31
From: Baldpate Camp

To: East B Hill Rd Andover 
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: overcast clouds

0831Baldpate to B hill rd Andover8 milesThe wind never let up last night. I have been putting the fly on the tent but not staking it out. It helps keep my body heat in the tent. It dipped into the upper 30s but was about 43 in the tent. Since it was only 8 miles to the road today I slept till almost 8:00 and didn't start hiking till 10:30. My knee was still sore so I took it real slow, Tecumseh dusted me quickly. It was all good because today the trail paid out. Windy, cool, but VERY clear and sunny made for one of my best days to date. An absolutly awesome climb up East Baldpate revealed my first glimpse of Katahdin, 263 miles away. True alpine climbing above treeline and panoramic views; I am beginning to think the best really is yet to come. It's also depressing to think the end is near with only about 3 weeks left. I miss my wife but the pain in my legs distracts me. And the views and the climbs distract me from that. But then when I am all alone on the top, with no one to share the moment, the cycle repeats itself.
Date: 2006-09-01
From: East B Hill Rd Andover 

To: South Arm Rd
Miles today: 10.1

0901B hill rd to S. Arm Rd10 milesTec and I are gonna slackpack today. We will leave are packs here at the hostel and borrow a couple daypacks we'll fill with snacks, water, and maybe a couple beers for the day. We got a ride to the trailhead for around 10:00 so we'll hike north 10 miles to the next road crossing and hitch back to Andover for the night. This will give my knees a rest. Kathy mailed me a smaller, lighter tent and a smaller alcohol cookset. I will be bouncing the 5.5 pound 2-person tent and cookset forward to Monson. I talked to Kathy last night. The plan is still that we hook back up for the Hundred Mile Wilderness. A friend of ours from South Carolina is heading to Baxter SP on the 10th. Maybe K'ache can get a ride with them to Monson, or spend a week in Baxter and wait for me.Need to get my stuff together. I plan to be in Rangeley in 3 days; Stratton on 6; Caratunk in 9; and Monson around the 11th.It's Labor day weekend and that means I will be missing OTR for the first time. I hope all my friends there will drink extra for me.
Date: 2006-09-02
From: South Arm Rd

To: ME17
Miles today: 13.3

0902S. Arm rd to ME1713.3 milesWith the weather being so crappy, and my knee still giving me hell, the accomodations were right, so Tecumseh and I decided to slack another day. I am still moving North, only with a 4 pound pack as opposed to 40. We got dropped off at South Arm Rd where we finished yesterday. After a serious 2200' climb we were soon in the clouds. Topping out at 3600' there were no views atop Old Blue so we decided to ascend a little before lunch. My knee is feeling a little better and the views are looking great so we knocked out the 13 or so miles to the road in no time. We arrived about 2 hours early but just sat on the hill staring out at the vastness. Maine is cool.
Date: 2006-09-03
From: ME17

To: Rangeley 
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: light rain

0903ME17 to ME 4 Rangely13.1 MilesStayed up late last night drinking good beer and watching college football. Slammed a couple breakfast bars and some coffee and took the 45 minute shuttle back to the trail. Yesterday the driver was hauling ass down the road. I think we caught some air a couple times. Today he was a little more reserved. I think because he had his grandchildren with. On the trail at 8:45 we had a somewhat flat day to Rangeley, making good time in the rain. I passed several lakes and every time I stopped for a snack it just rained harder. But I did hear my first loon. Kind of eerie. When Tecumseh and I got to the road it was pouring. Taking the advice from our previous hitch, we decided to remain at the trailhead. After about 5 minutes, Ponch, Moe, Berkinstock, Fiddlehead, and Brainfreeze showed up. They were slackpacking for a third day. We made them hang out in the woods so they wouldn't scare off any rides (they had a shuttle coming for them) and shortly got a ride. We rode in the back of a flyfisherman's pickup, and enjoyed a couple local "Grits Halloween Ales" on our ride into town. I resupplied at the local IGA, then called Bob Obrien at Gull Pond Lodge. He picked us up and were soon relaxing at his cabin with feet up in front of the fire enjoying a couple vodka tonics watching Law and Order on TV. Sometimes life is good.
Date: 2006-09-04
From: Rangeley 

To: Gull pond
Miles today: 0.0

0904Zero at Gull Pond lodge.0 MilesAll packed and ready to go right? Well not exactly. This place is just too nice. We are right on the water, with lousy weather; knee not feeling too great, I decided to take a zero. Bob reminds me of my uncle Paul. Extremely laid back, he lives here year round with his 2 old dogs, Wendy and Marcus. He has a couple kayaks but I think I'll just stay inside today. I did go into town and had lunch with Sumo and Lush. Afterwards I went to the local fly shop and picked up a nice 7 piece; 4 wt. flyrod. I called my good friend Russell back in MD and he is putting a package together with line, a reel and an assortment of flies. My fishing license doesn't start till the 10th, but I should be in Caratunk by then.Well, I got a 12 pack to drink so I think I will go outside and practice casting without a line and see if I can break something.
Date: 2006-09-05
From: Gull pond

To: Poplar Ridge Lean-to
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: overcast clouds

0905ME4 to Poplar Ridge leanto10.7Even after a late night of drinking I still felt great getting up this morning. Staying off my feet along with the past few days of hiking without a pack has done me well. My knee is feeling much better. Bob took us up to the trailhead along with Sumo, Lush, and Uphill, and we hit Saddleback Mountain. A sharp 2000' climb we were on top on no time. The sun was out and you could see Katahdin and Mount Washington. That's supposed to be 1/6th of the whole AT. Doesn't feel like it. Tecumseh is gonna push on as I am moving slow with my bum leg. So I will take it all in today. Maine has been the best so far. It has had the most challenging mountains and simply unbelievable vistas. There is nobody around and lots of open spaces. Reminds me of out West. Just wish my K'ache could be here for it all.
Date: 2006-09-06
From: Poplar Ridge Leanto

To: Crocker Cirque 
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: overcast clouds

0906Poplar Ridge leanto to Crocker Cirque campsite 14.2 milesAs predicted it rained last night. I slept in a full shelter with Bama, Professor, Jesse James, Uphill, and someone else. About 9:00, a group of about 10 showed up. There was no room but they managed to find a nice muddy spot nearby. They talked late keeping us all up. They were up early making a lot of noise so I decided I would get out of there. The rain had quit but things were still pretty slippery as I made my way up Poplar Ridge and down again. My knee was feeling much better so I managed to get in a decent day. It is hard to believe I have less than 200 miles left. Seeing Katahdin the other day kind of set things straight. If I just make it to that pimple out there on the horizon...Things are in extremes. The hills are either straight up, or straight down. It is either sunny or raining; hot or cold. Even my emotions go from wishing this was over to not wanting it to end. My mind, like the mountains of Maine are just one big rollercoaster. Tough climbs, falling, get up and climb some more. Day after day after day. My body wants to know when this is all going to stop. My heart seems to know the answer.
Date: 2006-09-07
From: Crocker Cirque 

To: ME27
Miles today: 7.3

0907Crocker Cirque Campsite to ME27 Stratton7.2 milesWrong Way showed up last night just as I was turning in. It was a long day for me and I needed to get to bed. We did talk for a little though. He is section hiking. This morning the sun came out but I decided to sleep in. That idea got squashed when a woodpecker found a rotten birch tree near my tent to drum on. Wrong Way was still asleep as I got my stuff together and hit the trail about 7:00. A hefty 2000' climb was on the breakfast menu this morning climbing out of a glacial cirque. Got a nice view of the Bigelow Range. That should be the last of the big mo-fo's for awhile. I was feeling fine till I took a nasty fall coming off South Crocker sending me ass over tits down some rocky scree, ending up face down in a bog. And why am I still doing this? It's a lot easier helping Kathy back up on her feet and telling her it's OK then it is to tell myself the same. I cursed the trail one more time, brushed myself off and got on with it. Now the knee decides it doesn't want to go any more so I shut the bitch up with some ibuprofan and kept on walking. Down, down, down I go slogging thru mud and wet brush finally getting to the road. Now do I try and hitch with the kilt and smelly shirt, or do I change into the long pants and clean shirt. Apparently they don't have a problem with hikers wearing kilts up here cause I got a ride in about 2 minutes (must be a Maryland thing). Checked into the White Wolf Inn, and bought a six of Carrabassett Pale Ale, washed my socks in the sink and took a nice, long, hot bath to soak my knee and loosen the dirt from my skin before taking a long shower.It's nice coming into a small town like this and not having to worry about resupplying since I had a maildrop waiting for me (thanks Carolyn). Got a sweet card from my beloved that made me cry. Was forced to get another six of the Carrabassett so I have the strength to make it downstairs. It's prime rib night at the White Wolf and I'll be hittin' it hard!As far as I can tell, I should be in Caratunk on Sunday, the 10th; Monson the 13th; and with a little luck summit Katahdin on the 21st. It's still 188 miles and big hills to go. I'll take mine over easy...
Date: 2006-09-08
From: ME27

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

0908ME27 to Safford notch10.4Woke up to fog. Didn't sleep well last night. Logging trucks were running all night about every 5 minutes.with my knee feeling a little better I had a pretty good hike today.I climbed Bigelow Mountain and Ridge walked most of the day. It was partly cloudy and a bit hazey but I'll take it. There were lots of trout in the pond I passed today. Too bad I have a new rod but no line or reel to go with it. Be getting that soon in Caratunk. Looks like FDR is ahead of me by about half a day. There are a lot of people in front and behind me. Lots of people slackpacking. I don't see the reason. First of all it costs money, by the time you are on the trail most of the morning's gone. I don't mind it when my legs needed a day or two off, but much rather prefer sleeping out here in the woods. It's much quieter. I am tenting with Sumo and Lush tonight. Tomorrow is supposed to be nice again. I'll be starting my dat climbing Little Bigelow, then drop down to lower elevations and some easier hiking-I hope. Trying to get 15+ and make it to the Kennebec River the day after. There is a canoe ferry across 70 yards of swift moving water and I have to be there before 4:00.
Date: 2006-09-09
From: Safford Notch

To: Pierce Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 22.2
Weather: light rain

0909Safford notch to Pierce Leanto22.2 milesWell it's official. I am a 2000 miler. Got up this morning to breezy but hazey skies. With my leg feeling good I popped a couple trail candies (ibuprofan) and hit the ground running. Well, not running just faster than I have in a couple weeks. I topped Little Bigelow in no time, and then an easy descent. Around 9:00, right when the clouds opened up, I crossed the 2000 mile mark-in the rain. Just some white paint in the road (yeah, you see the picture) but what a mood lifter. I carried my ass up here from Georgia can you believe it?! Freezing cold, rain, heat, mosquitoes, no K'ache and I'm still here. Every time I hit a milestone I'm lifted but bummed because Kathy can't be here to share it with me. This is a journey for both of us and I know we will be together soon. This is gonna sound morbid but I hope I die first because I don't know how I could go on without my sweetheart. If you have something you love, don't EVER set it free. Set yourselves free instead. Blaa, blaa, blaa, cut the shuck and jive. So, I ate some food and passed a couple lakes. Crystal clear lakes you can drink out of. Actually they call them ponds but they are huge. I am carrying this flyrod and jonsin' to fish. I have to wait till Monday when I pick up mail at the Caratunk PO. Took a break about 10 minutes before 4:30 and had about 6 miles to the next shelter. Lo and behold I was carrying one of those 16 oz. Energy drinks and a Mocha GU shot. Slammed the energy shot and started walking with poles in one hand; drink in the other and started bookin'. I made it to Pierce Pond Lean-to in about an hour and twenty minutes. I was cookin'! I am falling to sleep to the sound of loons.
Date: 2006-09-10
From: Pierce Pond Leanto

To: US201 Caratunk 
Miles today: 4.0

0910Pierce Pond to US201 Caratunk 4 milesI got sucked into breakfast at some fishing lodge this morning out in the middle of nowhere. I put down 12 pancakes and a couple eggs along with juice and coffee. Hiked an easy 4 miles to the Kennebec and caught the last morning ferry across the river. It looked like an easy wade but apparently the dam releases unannounced and can flood very fast, so I decided to take the free canoe shuttle. Got a lift up the mountain and am hanging at the bar of the Kennebec Brewery. Good beers. The bubble of people I have been chasing stayed here last night and I think they wore out their welcome cause they were all leaving. They are heading to another hotel tonight since it's opening NFL football. Don't know what I am gonna do. Just sucking down these lagers. I will be taking my time the next few days fishing and chillin' hoping to stay in between the crowds before the big Kat.