morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-09-16
From: West Carry Pond Lean-to

To: Caratunk, ME
Miles today: 14.0

Everyone was up early, except for Tink. Tink likes her sleep. Oh, she gets up at a decent hour but not the crack of dawn like everyone else. Now, I've come to realize that Tink and I have become hiking partners. We've been hiking together for many miles, even within the group. She and I have about the same pace and we usually walk together. I have found that I wait for her in the morning and, on those rare occasions, she waits for me. Because of this, Gypsy was out first again today, at 6:15 AM, just as I had woken Tink and asked if she was going to sleep all morning! She was a bit indignant when she found out it was only 6:15! All morning indeed!, was her comment, said with an icicle stare. We did get out of there by 7:00. We had one of the bigger days we have done in awhile planned for today. 14 miles into Caratunk. Pretty funny when we call a 14 miler a bigger day! Based on the terrain profile it looked like it could be done easily. Off we went, on a close to, 3 mph pace. It had stopped raining but it was still overcast. No big deal, at least we weren't getting wet! It was easy ging and we made the first 10 miles, to Pierce Pond Lean-to by 11:00. This place is pretty neat. The shelter is nestled amongst the pines, right next to the pond. We decided to take a long lunch here because the ferry across the Kennebec River wouldn't start up again till 2:00 and it was only 3 miles away. This is the only spot on the trail where the official trail consists of a canoe which takes you across the river. The canoe even has a white blaze painted on it. This came about when a hiker died, in 1985, while trying to ford the river. It isn't because it is a particularly hard river to cross. It is because there is a dam upstream and they release water from the dam at unexpected times. The river can rise 2 to 4 feet quickly, when they do this. We stayed at the shelter till 12:30 and then made our way to the river. Longhaul, Fancy Pants, and Goosebump, were already there and at 2:00 the caoe began its trip from the other side. Tink and I took pictures while the others went across and then it was our turn. Not a bad little journey and quite fun. After the canoe trip we headed into Caratunk to do a little resupply, get something to eat, and then head out again. That was the plan at least. We did everything but the last part. The heading out never happened because we ran into Gypsy, Touk, Mouth, and Thrifty. They were going to stay and there was "room in the inn", for only nine bucks apiece. It didn't take much to convince Tink and I to stay. All of us did agree that we were going to do two 18 milers so we could get to Monson on Sunday, where we planned to take a zero on Monnday and head into the 100-Mile Wilderness on Tuesday. Based on that, we ejoyed the rest of the afternoon and evening.
Date: 2005-09-18
From: Moxie Bald Lean-to

To: Monson, ME
Miles today: 17.9
Weather: broken clouds

Longhaul and Hairball were out early. I had originally planned on getting out real early and meeting Tink in Monson but Longhaul told me we had a couple of potentially hairy river fords to do, especially with all the rain lately. Once I heard that I told Tink I would wait and walk out with her. While Tink slept I went down to the pond and sat for awhile trying to spot my moose. No luck and my chances at a moose sighting were dwindling fast! You don't know how many times we have come across a great moose place, a place where any self respecting moose would be more than happy to hang out, but no moose! I finally gave up and went back to the shelter. Tink was up and we got going around 7:30. The trail was horrendous! Basically a river, a very muddy river. We eventually gave up trying to keep our feet dry and just started sloshing through. We couldn't figure out where all the water was coming from because we didn't get rained on at all while hiking yesterday and it had only rained a little during the night. We reached the West Branch of Piscataquis River, the first fording, and it was going to be a fording! A potentially hazardous fording! We stepped int the water together and slowly made our way across. The current was strong and baby steps were neccessary. It was also deep, mid thigh on me and waist deep for Tink. We inched our way over helping each other out and finally we got to the other bank. This was much more dangerous than the Kennecbec but we did follow fording procedures. If you have to ford a river you should unbuckle your packs waistbelt, loosen the shoudler straps, and only use one pole as a balancer, with the strap off the wrist. This way, if you fall, you can shrug off the pack, drop the pole, and not be dragged under by them. We rested for a minute on the other side and then continued on. We were really flying and we figured we would have the 18 miles done by 3:00! We stopped for a quick break at Horseshoe Canyon Lean-to and then came to the East Branch of Piscataquis River. Another fording, but this one was a piece of cake compared to the last one. Not as deep and not as swift. From there we blasted through the last six miles to the road to Monson. We got a hitch pretty easily and the driver took us right to where we wanted to go. Shaw's Boarding House. I talked to the driver about the rain and he was shocked to hear that we had not been rained on in the last two days. He said the area had gotten almost 2 inches of rainfall since the we left Caratunk. No wonder the trail was the quagmire it was! Tink and I must have been living right to have missed all the rain! Well, here we are. Monson, Maine. The last town before the end of the trail. From here we enter the 100-Mile Wilderness and then we climb Katahdin. The end is near and the thought of it is getting real now. Tomorrow we plan on taking a zero day and entering the Wilderness on Tuesday.
Date: 2005-09-19
From: Monson, ME

To: Monson, ME
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Not much to write about. Basic town day. In town are, Longhaul, Kokomo, Hairball, Thrifty, Mouth, Gypsy, Touk, Tink, Ox, York, and I. Most are planning to stay today. From here, the next postings will be after we summit the "Big K". Thanks to all that have followed me and there will postings for the final days!
Date: 2005-09-20
From: Monson, ME

To: Wilson Valley Lean-to
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Up early again. Not that we were in a hurry to leave. We were only going to go 10 miles today so we didn't plan on an early departure. The weather was a little iffy in the morning, overcast and threatening rain. Longhaul, Hairball, Crickett(whom I hadn't seen since VA), and Pan left early. They were going to do 15 today. Gypsy also left early but she was going to meet us at the days goal. Touk, Thrifty, Mouth, Tink, and I finally got motivated enough to leave around noon, just as it began to pour. Great timing! Nobody wanted to pick us up and we got wetter. Finally, Tim, from the General Store, came out and offered to take us to the trailhead. We gladly accepted! As we arrived at the trailhead the rain stopped and we headed into the woods. I had a case of the slows so I lagged behind the others for awhile. It didn't last long and I caught up soon. Seems like we all had a case of the slows today. We were excited to be entering the final part of our hike and we were relishing the fact. After four miles we came to Wilson Falls, a great little waterfall with some heavy water flow, especially with all the rain we have had in the last couple of days. Great photo ops! From there we reached our first river fording of the day, The Little Wilson. Two days ago this was a raging torrent due to the rain. Kokomo had actually been swept under trying to cross it. He had returned to Monson and told us what a terrifying experience it had been. The river had gone down quite a bit but we were still cautious going across. Someone had tied a rope across which aided greatly in the crossing! After the Little Wilson, Tink and I fell behind. It was three miles to the Big Wilson and we passed the time talking. When we reached the Big Wilson, Mouth had already made it over and Touk was halfway across. We got ready to cross also, Tink first, then me. the rocks were slippery and the water was mid thigh high on me but if you took little steps there was no problem. We made it across this one without mishap. Last fording of the day. Tomorrow there would be another. The shelter wasn't far after the river and we made it there just as it was getting dark. Gypsy and Thrifty were already there and no one else. We all piled into the shelter because rain was still a possibility for the night. After eating people settld down pretty quickly. Usually there are headlamps shining on books or journals writing but everyone was pretty tired tonight. Tomorrow we drop under triple digits for miles left to go!
Date: 2005-09-21
From: Wilson Valley Lean-to

To: Chairback Gap Lean-to
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: scattered clouds

It did rain again during the night but, by morning, it had stopped. It still wasn't going to be a bright and beautiful day but at least it wasn't raning. We all ate breakfast and packed up. People left at different times and Tink, Thrifty, and I were the last to go. Thrifty has a pretty quick pace so we let him go ahead. We meandered along, passing by a small watefall by Vaughn Stream. From there we came upon our only river fording for the day. Gypsy, Touk, and Thrifty were already on the other side. I went upstream a bit and found a place where I could rock hop most of the way. Where I did have to ford the water was thigh high and moving pretty swiftly, but not as bad as it could have. I amde it over and walked back to the group where Tink was about halfway across. Gypsy and I took pictures of her finishing the crossing. Mouth must have had a case of the "go" because he was already across and hiking again. I did manage to get across without losing another water bottle. For the last 4 days of hiking I have lost a water bottle. I left one at the shelter before the Kennebec River. I lost my 2 liter soda bottle(which I had carried all the way from Springer) the next day, when Tink and I did the 18 miler. The day after that I lost the gatorade bottle I picked up in Caratunk, when Tink and I made the first river fording. Then I lost the second 2 liter bottle before I even got on the trail out of Monson! Needless to say, Tink has been giving me grief about it! I told her someone must not want me to drink water anymore! The five of us reached the Long Pond Stream Lean-to where we had second breakfast. It wasn't real warm out so Gypsy and Tink headed out, followed a little later by Touk and Thrifty. I brought up the rear. For the rest of the day we all played leapfrog, depending on when someone stopped and rested. We passed by Barren Slide which had some great views. Then we climbed Barren Mtn., where the top of the firetower had been blown off. We joked at how it would have sucked if you were sleeping up there the night that happened! From there we climbed Fourth Mtn, Third Mtn, and Columbus Mtn., finally rolling into Chairback Gap Lean-to around six. The climbs weren't as bad as some we have done recently but it still made for a long day. York and Ox were already at the shelter, as well as Longhaul and Hairball. I decided to set up my tent becaue the shelter was going to be crowded and I wanted a little room. By time we all got set and ate it was dark. Darkness hits around 7:00 now. Not pitch dark but enough where you need to use your headlamp. I miss the long summer nights!
Date: 2005-09-23
From: Carl A. Newhall Lean-to

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

We were all out on th trail by 7:30. There were a lot of miles to do today and we had the climbs first thing this morning. Gypsy had already left along with Thrifty so, with Tink in the lead, we headed up the first mountain, Gulf Hagas, an 800 foot climb. This one wasn't too bad but it still was not something you want to do first thing in the AM. Then we came to West Peak and this one did kick our butts. Straight up and rocky. Not a whole lot of fun and we were huffing and puffing by time we got to the top. We took a short break and moved on. Up Hay Mountain, where we caught up with Thrifty and Gypsy. Second breakfast time! It was too cold and foggy to hang around long so we were up and at it quickly. Time to climb our last mountain before we climb Katahdin! The six of us surged ahead, climbing quickly and steadily. It wasn't long before we came to the summit. If it had been a clear day we would have had a view of Katahdin from there but all we had was fog and wind. We started over the ridge and down when the wind picked up. It was as if we could read each others minds because we all said, "Flashback" or "Madison here we come". The wind and fog reminded us of our day in the tropical storm. Needless to say, we didn't hang around long at all! Lunch was at East Branch Lean-to. The terrain had leveled by then and the rest of the day loked like a cake walk. Same with tomorrow! Good thing! We have been ready for some easy terrain. Everyone ate and left at various times. I was last to go because I was trying to finish up a couple of chapters in my book. Once I did get going I flew! I've mentioned before about being in the zone. Well, I thinked I even topped the zone. It was as if my feet had eyes of there own. It seemed I didn't have to think at all where I was stepping. I love getting into the zone like that! You can't consciously enter it, at least I can't, it just seems to happen. I passed everyone until I ran into Tink, drawing an arrow in the ground. She looked at me and said, "Sandy beach." Boom, drop out of zone, sandy beach by lake, here I come. By now the sun had come out so sitting by the lake was pleasant. Thrifty came by and a little later Gyspy came by. We all sat there reading and enjoying the quiet as well as the scenery. I can cross number two off my list, seeing the leaves change color. More and more trees are changing, adding yellows, reds, and oranges to the palette. I have gotten some good pictures. Eventually we did have to head out. There were still three miles to go and we wanted to get in before dark. We did get in before dark and went through the usual rituals. By 7:30 everyone was bedded down. Long, tiring day, but tomorrow's terrain looked excellent. We are getting so close to the end!
Date: 2005-09-26
From: Rainbow Stream Lean-to

To: Hurd Brook Lean-to
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: light rain

It started raining last night and was still raining some this morning. We were do a shelter hop. Only 11 miles so there was no big hurry. I still marvel at how miles have changed for us. Eleven miles is no big deal. We say we "only" have 11 to go, which means we could leave at noon and still get there before dark. We say this even in tough terrain. A big day is 20 plus and a normal day is 15 to 18. When we started a big day was under 10 and a 20 was unheard of. Right now, an 11 would be like me waking up at home and deciding to walk to the next town. I wouldn't even think twice about it and I would be there before noon! As it was, I started getting antsy and immediately started getting grief. It was almost in unison that the group told me to chill out. No need to leave early, etc., etc. So I chilled and we left around nine or so. We hiked as a group and the topics of conversation revolved around favorite holidays, foods, food types, etc. You can tell we are coming to the end when we start talking real world stuff! It was a rainy day so we didn't stop for our usual dozen breaks! By not stopping we arrived at our destination at 2:00. Getting to shelters early, especially on a rainy day, is great. We get to do a lot of relaxing but today was special. We had two blueberry cheesecakes, that I had received in "care package" maildrop from Krispy Kritter, that we were going to do up. I had enlisted Gypsy to be in charge of making them which she did after we all had a hot lunch. We grabbed our spoons and passed the cheesecake around. It reminded me of how we passed the Ben&Jerry's back when we were holed up in the motel in Erwin. After the cheesecake we relished in the sugar rush. Then a strange thing happened. People started coming into the shelter area. People were catching up to us and we didn't know a lot of them. We did see the Sequin Sisters, whom we hadn't seen since NY. All told, seven other thru-hikers came in and they were all planning on summitting on the 28th, same as us. 2 days to go! Tomorrow we go to The Birches, the campsite in Baxter State Park, just before we climb up Katahdin. Still no moose! Things are looking bleak!
Date: 2004-10-30
To: Pre #1
Miles today: 0.0

Pre #1Welcome to my trail journal. My name is Richard Smith and I am preparing to hike the AT trail, 2,174 miles, on March 7th, 2005, when I retire. I will be 59 when I start and if I am lucky I might be able to summit Katahdin on August 22nd on my 60th birthday, but I am not going to plan on it. I started thinking about hiking the trail after getting my son Stephen the book A Walk in the Woods by Bill Byron, for a Christmas gift 4 years ago. I¢m married and have a son, daughter, son-in-law and two grandsons. My wife will be retiring after 36 years of teaching in 2005, but will not be joining me on the trail. I am working on her to come up and do part of the Shenandoah Valley section with me since it should be easy hiking.In my working life I was a controller for a number of years, eventually working my way into the software side of the business doing conversions and implementations. I currently work for a software company in the Health Care industry and eventually will end my career as an implementation and conversions specialist with them. I am hoping that my son will be able to spend some time with me on the trail. He has done some hiking and we went to Glacier National Park for a week in August for hiking and camping. I have most of my gear now and used the Glacier trip as the shake down hike for my gear and saw what it¢s like to camp. I have never hiked before and am counting on my running experience to get me through the hiking and common sense the camping parts. I have been an ultra runner for about 12 years and have been running for 17 years. During that time I have run a number of 100 mile races. It will be fun to slow down and see the scenery and not be running by just keeping my eyes on the trail so I wouldn¢t fall.I started reading journals of hikers after reading about one of our running club member ¢Gazer¢, who completed his hike in 2003. At that time I started following a number of hikers in 2003, and have started reading journals of hikers going this year. I found it so much fun and motivational that I decided that I would maintain a journal myself.I hope you will follow along with me as I make the transition from employed to being ¢homeless¢ for 6 months as my friend Ray refers to my hike.
Date: 2004-10-31
To: Pre #2
Miles today: 0.0

Pre# 2Well we made it back from our Glacier camping and hiking. Everything went fine and I did not come up with any real glitches. We only did day hikes everyday, four and half to five and half-hours, but I could tell that using hiking poles is going to be a real big help. We did see a lot of wild life and have a great video and pictures. It was quite beautiful and I expect to go back there again. It will be interesting to see how the scenery compares and contrasts on the AT to what I saw at Glacier. I am now in the process of planning meals and food to take, trying some dehydration of foods and how and what to cook. I need to do some more work on my Pepsi stove. It seems to be taking to much fuel to boil water and cook meals. The cozy worked great. It kept my food warm for over twenty minutes like they say. The tent, sleeping bag, and pad were no problem; I even slept the 2nd night only waking up once. It was my son snoring in his tent next to me that did it. We did get some rain and it seemed to splash under the rain fly which could be a problem with a down bag. I didn¢t have the tent fly staked down as far as I think it should go and assume that will take care of it. I¢ll test it out in the back yard but not in a hurricane like we had last week. The tent is a Big Agnes SL 1 and weight in at 3 lbs 6 oz with the footprint, half the weight of my son¢s tent. For any of you young women reading this my son is 27, single, and likes to hike. He has a yellow lab called Hambone and graduated from FSU and So. Alabama for his masters. When he reads this I¢ll never hear the end of it.
Date: 2004-11-19
To: Pre #3
Miles today: 0.0

I took the time this evening to count the days until I retire, which will be in 73 more days and 108 days until I start my hike. I still find it hard to believe how fast the year went. When the year started I didn't think it would ever get to this point, now it¢s here. Also the other reason to update the journal is I need the third journal enter so I can have it posted. I've been telling everyone about the hike and that I would be keeping a journal. Now if they go to Trailjournals.com they will find it.I received my PocketMailer last week and did some practicing on it. I found with some patiences and practice you can type on it like a normal keyboard, just slower. My job had me traveling to Exeter, NH last week and I purchased a Polartec Wind Pro hat. I think it may have had more to do with the temperature be in the 20's that day then really needing it. I'm not sure how cold it may be in March for the start, but I can always send it home. The only gear left to get is miscellaneous small items and a water bladder.Welcome to my journal and I hope you will follow along on my hike.
Date: 2004-12-12
To: Prep #4
Miles today: 0.0

For My Non-hiking FriendsFor those non-hikers here are a few things to help you become familiar with what I will be doing and how I¢ll be going about it.The A.T. began as a vision of forester Benton MacKaye and was developed by volunteers and opened as a continuous trail in 1937. Nearly 4,000 people have successfully thru-hiked the length of the AT since Earl Shaffer's famous 4 month hike in 1948. With luck I will be able to add to that number.The trail is approximately 2,172 miles long and covers 14 states. For north bound GA>MA05 hikers it starts at Springer Mountain in GA and ends at Katahdin Mountain in Maine. The trail is marked by white blazes and follows along the Appalachian Mountains. The highest peak is 6,643 feet and the lowest point is 123 feet.My pack will weight anywhere from 25-35 pounds, depending on the season. I will resupply in towns along the trail about once a week. I will also have packages mailed to post offices along the way. I will be carrying the Appalachian Trail Thru-Hikers¢ Companion, which has all information for shelters, food, water sources, hostels, hotels, restaurants, post offices and distances between shelters. I will be sleeping in my tent, shelters, hostels, hotels and under the stars. I will try to average 15 miles per day. It should take me between 5 and 6 months to complete. I expect snow, rain, cold, heat, wind, humid all to make me uncomfortable. I will be sore, dirty, unshaven, tired, bug bitten and unwashed. I will be burning 5,000 calories a day, which means I should be getting rid of my extra weight (This is a good thing). Yes, the bears and I will be sh..¢¦g in the woods.In spite of all that, I hope to have the adventure of a life time, meet fellow hikers that are sharing the same experiences, have the experience of trail angels and be one of the approximately 200 - 250 people a year that completes a thru-hike.