morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-08-30
From: ME 17, Oquossoc

To: ME 4
Miles today: 13.1

A day of slack packing over fairly easy terrain.At 8 a.m., Judy drove my good friend, Ed Germain, and me to the trailhead where we had agreed to meet Jan LiteShoe and Chief. The Trail in this section had few difficult climbs although there were numerous short ups and downs. This was a pleasant day with good company and conversation. The good company made up for the lack of panaramic views and rather uninteresting countryside.MaFinch met us about 5 miles from Route 4. She had hiked in from the trailhead to walk out with us. It is always a pleasant surprise to see her coming down the trail.Brought the gang home to the Finches' nest for the night. About 220 miles to go.
Date: 2003-08-31
From: ME 4

To: Poplar Ridge
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: broken clouds

A perfect day for a hike: partly cloudy, 60 degrees and light breezes.MaFinch left us (Jan LiteShoe, Chief and me) at the Trailhead on Route 4. Soon the trail crossed the Sandy River on a footbridge that was placed in an area that may have, at one time, been a sluice for a water wheel. The stream narrowed between two stone abutments that had obviously been placed there to constrict the flow. After about an hour we reached Piazza Rock Lean-to. I decided to keep hiking to try to get above the treeline while the day was so nice. Jan and Chief decided to look around the area. There are caves nearby and Piazza Rock provides a good viewpoint.The climb up Saddleback was long and steady. At the summit, I met several day hikers and section hikers enjoying the view. The view was extraordinary. The air was clear and the clouds, although low, were not touching the mountains. To the south, I could see Mt. Washington and to the north, I believe, I could see Katahdin. Although the summit was chilly, I lingered there, ate lunch and was reluctant to leave. I felt as though I was standing on top of the world. There were mountains in every direction as far as I could see.
Date: 2003-09-01
From: Poplar Ridge

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

Hiked today in cool, breezy weather with few good vistas but lots of mature, lovely forests. Around noon, I passed a bronze plaque commemorating the completion of the AT in 1937 by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Although I was disappointed that the AT did not go over the summit of Sugarloaf, I did not feel energetic enough to climb up the side trail to the Sugarloaf summit. I had been there about 25 years ago.For some reason my energy level seems low. I have less than 200 miles to go but I don't feel energetic enough to keep going. My knees seem to ache more and my pack seems to keep pulling me back. I am, of course, determined to finish but it just seems like a big chore right now. I know I am strong enough to finish this quest. Most of this journey has been bringing me closer to home but now, for the first time, I've started to walk further from home. Psychologically, I may be pulling myself home. Perhaps I need a day off. Perhaps I simply need to gird myself for the final two-week push for Katahdin.
Date: 2003-09-02
From: Crocker Cirque Campsite

To: Rt 27, Stratton
Miles today: 7.3

A short day today. The long climb today led into the clouds around Crocker Mtn. A few times, I could see the summit of Sugarloaf covered by a cloud that seemed to be stuck to the transmission towers that crown the mountain. The climb down Crocker was very steep in places as the descent took us over several piles of loose rocks. Today, I hiked periodically with Jan LiteShoe, Chief, Cobra and Splash. When we reached Route 27, we found MaFinch creating trail magic.After snacking and checking our maps, MaFinch gave Jan, Chief, Cobra and Splash a ride into Stratton. She and I then returned home to the Finches' nest in Hartford for a day off from the Trail. I need the time off my feet to recoop my energy for the final push to Katahdin. I hope I can catch up with my hiking companions on Thursday.
Date: 2003-09-05
From: Rt 27, Stratton

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

On the trail at 8:30 under partly cloudy skys and cool temps.After two days off the trail, I feel well rested and well fed. I was eager to return but reluctant to leave the comforts of home. There is so much work to do on our house, it was hard to turn my back on it. However, this is to be the final push for Katahdin. I estimate that in 14 days I should reach Baxter and I do not expect to take any days off the trail until I finish this journey.Today's hike was over the Bigelow Mountains. I had been here before - about 30 years ago - but most of the trail seemed new to me. I remembered the vistas of Flagstaff Lake and the wind but some of the trail had been fairly recently relocated.Stopped early tonight at Safford Notch. I am the only one here. This will be a quiet night.
Date: 2003-09-06
From: Safford Notch

To: Pierce Pond
Miles today: 22.2
Weather: few clouds

What a great day! I had an early start at Safford Notch after an excellent night's rest. I must have slept at least 10 hours. The hike out of the notch started gently but ended with a steep climb to the summit of Little Bigelow Mtn. From there I had a clear view of the Bigelow Range and could see the steep climbs I had yesterday. To the north I had a clear vista of Moxie Bald and I am quite sure I could see Katahdin.When I reached East Flagstaff Road, I found the most amazing trail magic. Members of MATC and thru hikers from previous years had set up a series of picnic tables with a grill, hamburgers, macaroni salad, soft drinks, beer, candy bars - anything a thru hiker might need...even T.P. and zip-lock bags were waiting. I was the first hiker to arrive at this amazing banquet so I stayed for an hour eating and enjoying stories about previous thru hikes. I also met Walking Home whom I had heard about from a friend at church. It was hard for me to pull away from the group of fine, generous, new-found friends but I had eaten my fill and I still had miles to go.At the next road crossing someone had painted "2000 mi" on the black pavement. Had I finally reached the 2000 mile mark? Indeed! Only 172 miles to go to the summit of Katahdin.After the Bigelows, the trail leveled off considerably and I was able to make good time. I was surprised to reach West Carry Pond at about 2 p.m. This meant that I had been walking at about a three miles per hour pace for about 2 hours, reaching West Carry, my destination. Reaching it so early in the day left me with a dilemna: to go on for another 7 miles making this a 20+ day or to stop and make this a short day. A tough choice because I was not sure what the terrain was like for the next 7 miles and, once I started, I would have to reach Pierce Pond. After a snack and further studying of the map, I decided to push on. The map suggested a fairly smooth trail and I was still energized by the two hamburgers I had eaten earlier.The trail followed some of the route Benedict Arnold had taken for his ill-fated attack on Canada during the Revolutionary War. I walked on many bog trails through second growth white cedar swamps, flushing some grouse and a big moose. The trail led me around the edge of East Carry Pond which, amazingly, had a real nice sandy beach. Although it was a cool day, the thought of a swim passed my mind. But shadows were getting long and I wanted to reach Pierce Pond before sunset. The trail occasionally followed old tote roads and I was able to keep a 2.5 mile per hour pace. I reached Pierce Pond at 6 p.m. quite tired.Pierce Pond is a lovely place. I could not see any camps along the shore of the pond and the surrounding hills gave it a peaceful setting. Loons called out in the evening and the sunset was lovely. The lake was still and only one lone fisherman was on the lake in a small motorboat. What a priviledge to visit this place.
Date: 2003-09-07
From: Pierce Pond

To: Pleasant Pond
Miles today: 9.7
Weather: overcast clouds

The trail from Pierce Pond followed Pierce Pond Stream for most of the way to its confluence with the Kennebec River. The stream has many waterfalls that form between steep canyon-like walls. The sound of the rapids and waterfalls accompanied me for most of the morning and I often stopped to look over the cliffs to see the rushing water. The trail was beautiful and I was reluctant to keep moving. At 9:30, I reached a high bluff and was startled to look out upon the broad expanse of the Kennebec River. It would indeed be a formidable challenge to ford this river especially with the possibility of a rapidly rising water level. Fortunately the canoe ferry was in business and I had a chance to enjoy my first ride on the AT.When I reached Caratunk about fifteen minutes later, I found MaFinch waiting for me by the roadside. We drove off to Northern Outdoors for a shower for me and brunch for the both of us.I then slack packed five miles of the trail, resupplied at the next trailhead and reached Pleasant Pond Shelter at 2:30. Then, of course, the dilemna: do I go on for the next ten miles over Pleasant Pond Mtn. and get a campsite late or stay at the shelter and get an early start in the morning. Yesterday had been a 22+ mile day, my feet had not yet recovered, so I decided to stay in the Pleasant Pond lean-to.
Date: 2003-09-08
From: Pleasant Pond Lean-to

To: Moxie Bald Lean-to
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: clear sky

A chilly night and chilly morning but the sky is fair...promising a good day of hiking.The trail soon led to the side of Pleasant Pond Mtn which relentlessly led to the summit. There were no switchbacks but often the trail had numerous steps made from the slate-like rocks that seem to make up most of this mountain.After a short descent from the summit, I found myself in a fine old-growth forest of spruce and fir trees. The trees were tall, well spread out and the undergrowth quite thin. The ground was a thick carpet of needles and moss. It was a quiet and beautiful place. I imagine it was too difficult for loggers to reach this forest in the past and now I hope it is protected within the AT corridor.The trail led past Moxie Pond which appeared to have a number of camps near its shoreline.I reached the summit of Moxie Bald Mountain around noon. The air was crystal clear, few clouds and the visibility was unlimited. With my compass and map, I located Sugarloaf, The Bigelows and far-off to the northeast, I could see Katahdin. The "Great Mountain" is still a long way (132 miles) but it is within reach. I stayed on Moxie Bald for about a half hour and I would have stayed longer but the bright sun was beginning to burn.I was surprised to reach Moxie Bald Lean-to at 2 p.m. Here was the same dilemna of the past two days. Probably in 4 hours I could reach the next lean-to but it would be a push and mean a 22+ mile day. Since I did not plan to reach Monson before tomorrow afternoon, there was no reason to rush. After looking around at Bald Mtn Pond and realizing how nice it was, I decided to stay for the remainder of the day.The lean-to is on the shore of Bald Mtn Pond and from this location, I cannot see another house, person or boat. The only evidence of human activity is an area of regrowth forest on the mountains in the distance.
Date: 2003-09-10
From: Rt 15, Monson

To: into the Wilderness
Miles today: 0.0

Note from MaFinch:I dropped Finch off at the trailhead leading into the 100-mile wilderness to Katahdin this morning at 7:30 just behind Dreamwalker, Chief, Cobra and Splash. They aim to complete the wilderness to Katahdin Stream Campground by late next Tuesday (9/16) and summit Katahdin on Wednesday if the good weather holds.We all spent last night at Shaw's Boarding House. There was a lot of excitement and nervousness as they considered their maps, food supplies, warmer clothes ...and their heavier packs needed for this final stretch.I plan to bring any cards or hard copies of any guest book entries for Finch up Katahdin with me to give to him when he summits. If you have any messages, congratulations or tributes you want him to receive at that final summit, send them now and I'll see that your thoughts are there to help him celebrate.Finch's final journal entries through the 100-mile wilderness and summiting Katahdin will replace this entry when he returns home.Thank you for following his dream!
Date: 2003-09-10
From: Monson, ME

To: Cloud Pond
Miles today: 19.1
Weather: clear sky

After a fantastic breakfast of 2 French toasts, 2 eggs, 2 sausages, 2 slices of ham and hash browns, juice and coffee at Shaw's, MaFinch drove me and Jason to the trailhead outside of Monson. Chief, Dreamwalker, Cobra and Splash were a few minutes ahead of me. After saying our goodbyes, we headed north past several quiet little ponds.Much of the stone in the area is slate and there is a minor industry making slate roofing shingles. Because of geological movements, the strata are mostly perpendicular causing many small pieces of rock to sheer off from larger pieces. The terrain is also sheer. Many sharp ups and downs causing much fatigue and frustration because it is difficult to get a good, comfortable rhythmn going.After about two hours, I caught up with Dramwalker and we walked most of the day together. His pace is about the same as mine and he is pleasant company. Jason, sho seems new to long-distance hiking, stayed close behind us.Today we had to wade accross Big Wilson Stream. The first time I have had to ford a stream on the AT. My rubber sandals don't fit very tightly so I almost lost them several times. However, I made it accross the 50' stream only getting my short pants slightly wet.We pushed hard today so that we will not have to do 20+ miles later in our journey through the 100-mile wilderness.
Date: 2003-09-11
From: Cloud Pond

To: Newhall Lean-to
Miles today: 16.8

This morning there was heavy fog over the pond and the tent was damp from the dew. The air felt warm but it was still hard to get the old body moving. Breakfast, packed up and on the trail at 7:00. Chief left about 10 minutes before me but Dreamwalker still had more packing to do.Most of the hike today was rather uneventfull. At a sag near Third Mountain, I saw large clusters of Pitcher Plants that had turned red. The Cedar marsh was sprinkled with cotton-like plants. All the views were obscured by fog so all I had to look at were roots and rocks. Tricky walking today.The ford of the Pleasant River proved to be fairly easy. I managed to find an area downstream where there were enough rocks to walk accross the river without getting my feet wet. I walked past the Hermitage which is an area where many magnificent white pines escaped the wood cutter's saw.As I walked past the Hermitage, a character from a John Wayne movie walked past me. He was wearing a cowboy hat, camouflaged shirt, jeans, cowboy boots and a side arm (probably a 45 caliber handgun). When I said "hello", he simply noded. I did not know if I should ignore him, salute or run. He was definitely not a ranger or other law-enforcement officer. Strange indeed!On the climb to Newhall Shelter, I caught up with Jan LiteShoe. She had taken the side trail to Gulf Hagas but turned back after a few hours to keep going on the AT. When we reached the shelter, Jan cooked a quick dinner but decided to continue up Gulf Hagas Mountain and find a place to camp near the trail.I was quite tired so decided to set up my tent near the shelter to try to get to sleep early. Although I had walked only 17 miles, there were many PUDs.
Date: 2003-09-12
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Note from MaFinch:I had a call from Amble this morning. He has finished his trek and summited Katahdin on Wednesday, September 10 along with Caddis and Nick the Brit. Also finishing on the 10th were Duff, Scottsman and Phoenix. On the 11th, he spotted Songbird, DejaVu, Wench and Super Dave headed for the summit. Zapman and Sparky were expecting to finish on the 13th.I had met Amble several times on the AT well south of here. He is a fine gentleman who just keeps moving at a steady pace. It is said that he would not leave the trail for any length of time because he feared he would not return. Congratulations, Amble. My hat is off to you. May you look back on the last six months with sunshine in your heart and great memories to stay with you forever.
Date: 2003-09-12
From: Newhall Lean-to

To: East Branch Pleasant River
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: broken clouds

Today I had a grand view of Katahdin from the summit of White Cap Mountain. I stayed on the summit about an hour taking in the scene: our destination and the rolling hills in between. This was quite an exciting time because it was the first real clear siting of Katahdin as the mountain stood out clearly from all the rest. 67 miles to go. I'm tired and hungry.Chief and Dreamwalker were stung by bees today.
Date: 2003-09-13
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Note from MaFinch:I just had a call from WalkAbout calling from Monson to find out where Finch is. WalkAbout summitted September 11th along with Fortune Cookie. She had to leave the trail much further south due to injury and rejoined WalkAbout to climb Katahdin. They returned to Monson to hike some of the southern part of the Wilderness and Fortune Cookie did fine. So well, that she now wants to finish her thru hike. "Not with me" WalkAbout told her. Walkabout and Fortune Cookie are returning to Florida tomorrow. Way to go, WalkAbout! Congratulations!!
Date: 2003-09-13
From: East Branch of Pleasant River

To: White House Landing
Miles today: 21.9

Today - a majestic view of Katahdin accross Pemadumcook Lake. A great moment with Chief and Dreamwalker. I sat on a rock at the edge of the lake and just stared for five minutes. How I wish I had a camera - but then without a camera I simply tried to memorize the sight of this great mountain standing among the rolling hills. Have I really walked this far?Today we hiked an extra 1.2 miles to resupply at White House Lading and to indulge in a meal of huge hamburgers. I hated to take the time and extra effort to reach this place but I was feeling weak and suspected I simply needed a high protein meal. Will sleep in the bunkhouse at this hunting camp. Hope it quiets down early.
Date: 2003-09-14
From: White House Landing

To: Rainbow Stream
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: light rain

After a wonderful, high-caloried breakfast at White House Landing, we were given an outboard motorboat ride to the trailhead. As we left the dock, I could see Jan LiteShoe waiting on the far shore expecting to be picked up and taken to the hostel. She had a food drop waiting for her there and she expected to spend the day there as well.Everyone on the trail seems tired and subdued. Most are eager to finish, some have slowed down to make the journey take longer. Feelings are mixed. Some folks seem sad that they will now have to re-enter the real world.My feelings right now are mixed. I'm eager to finish but sad that this adventure is reaching a climax. I know I'm tired and worn down, however, with a few days of rest, I think, I will long for the trail. This has been an all-consuming way of life. I have indeed "lived deliberately" these last six months. I will miss this simple, clearly defined life. Right now, all I can think about is reaching Baxter Peak by Wednesday. The destination has become the journey.
Date: 2003-09-15
From: Rainbow Stream

To: Abol Bridge
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: few clouds

Today, I sat for two hours and watched the light from a setting sun change the color of Katahdin. The mountian stands in front of my campsite and the mountains's size is indeed awesome. The colors change constantly and the clouds form and reform around the summit. It is said that Katahdin makes its own weather.There is subdued joy among the hikers in this campsite as we watch Katahdin. Our journey is almost over. Many hikers are unsure what to do next, while others have plans that are on hold. I'm ready to move on to other projects - for now. However, this has indeed been a wonderful journey, one that I will be sad to see end. On the other hand, I will be glad to have accomplished what I set out to do so many months ago. I am filled with joy to be here but there is also a bit of melancholy. Many good friends will soon be going in many directions. I hope our paths will cross again.If the good weather holds, I will stand on the summit of Katahdin on Wednesday.
Date: 2003-09-16
From: Abol Bridge

To: Katahdin Stream Campground
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: light rain

A good night's rest and an early start brought us to the Abol Bridge Store for a microwaved breakfast of an egg sandwich. The trail followed the West Branch of the Penobscot River for several miles. A pleasant walk past a few rapids and many huge white pines along the river banks. At the confluence with the Nesowadnehunk Stream, the trail starts a steep climb along the Nesowadnehunk, past many beautiful pools and rapids. Two of the falls were called Niagra: Little and Big.MaFinch met Dreamwalker and me near Daicy Pond Campground. She had driven to Katahdin Stream yesterday to be sure to be here when we arrived.Heavy rain this afternoon but we cooked in the shelter occupied by Dreamwalker and Chief. Many are gathering here in the campground in hopes of climbing Katahdin tomorrow.
Date: 2003-09-17
From: Katahdin Stream Campground

To: Mt. Katahdin
Miles today: 5.2
Weather: clear sky

Today - Katahdin, The Great Mountain!!Dreamwalker, Chief and I signed in while MaFinch took pictures. The trail up Katahdin is well used and well maintained. Treeline is around 3,000 feet and above treeline the wind was fierce and climbing over car-size boulders was difficult. MaFinch and I stayed together while Dreamwalker and Chief went ahead. When we reached the Tableland above Thoreau Spring, MaFinch sent me ahead to join Dreamwalker and Chief on the summit. In about 10 minutes, she arrived and we all celebrated the end of this very long journey. The view from the summit was wonderful. We could see to the horizon in all directions. A magnificent day in every respect.This was, indeed, an emotional time for me. An old dream finally fulfilled; a great effort that culminated with success. There is no way to describe my feelings at this moment.I am grateful to many people for their help, good wishes and prayers. I could not have stood on the summit of Katahdin without the help of MaFinch, my wife of 38 years who is always tolerant and supportive of her excentric husband.I am grateful to all the Trail Angels I met from Georgia to Maine, the good friends old and new who fed me, gave me rides to towns in order to resupply, and encouraged this old geezer to keep on walking. And too, the numerous volunteers who have given of their time, effort and funds to make the AT a reality.I am grateful to the good Lord and my mother who were with me every step of the way in the rain, snow, hail, wind, thunder, lightening and bright sunny days. Although there were a few times when I was lonely, I was never alone and was confident everything would be okay. I was never afraid of the things "that go bump in the night".
Date: 2003-02-25
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Dear Diary,Because of all the snow we have pushed our starting date to mid March. We are busy working on making trail food, sewing mesh pockets (made from Ned's brother Stevie's old lacrosse jerseys) to our new Golite packs, and seamsealing practically every seam we can find (Well, Ned's doing that; I'm making the whole-wheat and corn flour pasta - Thank you, Mrs. McGreevy, for the pasta maker!!!).The snow has kept us from practice hiking as much as we should, but I have fun lifting my leg weights on the floor while Ned's five dogs paw at me. Earlier this month we did manage to hike 6 miles in a snow storm, but that was before the huge accumulations. Anyway, dear diary, we both look forward to writing to you often. Writing a diary that the whole world can read is a new thing for me, but hopefully we will manage alright.Yours truly,LydiaINSTRUCTIONS FOR MAILING US THINGS/LETTERS-Click on the maildrops link on this site to get the addresses and estimated arrival dates. -Send things so that they arrive about a week before the expected arrival date and MARK THE EXPECTED ARRIVAL DATE ON THE PACKAGE OR LETTER!!!!!thin Q thin Q