morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-08-26
From: Frye Notch Tent Site

To: Hall Mtn Lean To
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: clear sky

I feel terrible today.  Thought I could fight through it but my throat is killing me and My sinuses are going nuts.  I dont have any energy but we will see how far I can go.  I an going to try for 15 miles.     After 10 miles I call it a day.  Its only 330 but thats all I got.  I tried to tell F100 and Steady to stay on schedule but they said they were stopping also.  Damn, I feel very bad for them.  I could have caught up in a day or two.  However, I am grateful they waited.    I sey up my tent and stayed there all evening.  Now it is getting late but I am also dealing with a probable hurricane heading for my home in Louisiana!!  What else am I going to have to endure along this journey.  I keep telling myself Dania and my brother Mike can handle whats happening down south, it just doesnt seem natural for my watching it progress and I am not there.  It's killing me.  There is nothing more I can do tonight so I am going to sleep. See yaSwamprat
Date: 2012-08-27
From: Hall Mtn Lean To

To: Beamis Mtn tent site
Miles today: 10.5

I feel much better so far this morning.   We will need to go as far as we can today but there are a few very steep ups and downs coming.     I started hiking at 715.  I called Dania several times to get updates on the hurricane.  As Isaac re-entered the Gulf it was deminished to a strong Tropical Storm.  The forecast is for it to strenghthen to a Category 1 and come onshore in Southeastern Louisiana.  I talked with my brother who said he would check on Dania and the house.  Thank God for family!!  I know things will be ok. We have ridden many Tropical Storms out.  Maybe Isaac will not intensify.      The trail is less important to me today. I am hiking to get to Rangely where I will Re-Supply and then head to Stratton.      I am tented on Beamoth Mtn and it is raining.  I still feel pretty ill but it sounds like I am doing better than many others out here.  Apparently the stomach virus is also wiping out many who have been in crowded hostels and shelters.  So far we have avoided that.     I am worried about the storm.  I have no cell service and can not call home to check in.  Dania may have went to work a special needs shelter.  As of 2 pm she had not been called in.  I hate this helpless feeling of not knowing and not being able to do something.  I am very tired of hurricanes thanks to Katrina, Rita and Gustave in the recent past.  Well, I am going to sleep.  I will call home as soon as I can tomorrow.  Swamprat
Date: 2012-08-28
From: Beamis Mtn tent site

To: Sabboth Day Pond
Miles today: 10.6

Damn storm in the Gulf is bearing down on the southeastern Louisiana coastline!!  I am lying here in my tent at the Sabboth Pond site.  It is a beautiful spot but my thoughts are with my family back home.  I have no cellphone service here but I had it most of the day.  I was able to see that Dania got to here sisters house in Hammond and my brother is taking care of my house in Slidell.  I will call tomorrow as soon as I get a signal.  The last I heard was the storm may come ashore as a Category 1 hurricane but deminish quickly as it makes landfall.     I left the campsite this morning about 20 minutes after F100 and Steady.  Awol's mileage in his guide was way off.  It was nearly 2 miles to the shelter and not 4 tenths.  The trail was muddy, rocky and slippery all morning.  I was moving very slow trying to call family back home but had little success the first hour or so.   As I reached the top of the mountain it began to rain again.  Ok!!  Had enough.  I am suffering from a head cold, tired, now wet and would like to be near a TV to monitor this stupid storm.  At this point I decide that when I reach Maine Hwy 17, I will hitch the 11 miles to Oquossoc, ME. and find a ride to Rangely.  Mother Nature is now taking her shot at me but I will overcome and see this through to the end!!  As the rain stopped I caught up with the rest of my crew.  It was about 1.5 miles to Hwy. 17, most downhill.  We were greeted by wet slabs of rock and wet roots, both of which are rediculously slippery.  It didnt take long for me to add yet another fall to my talley.  I've lost count but it is at least 20 now.  This one left me with a left forearm and elbow badly scraped and bleeding.  I have left my DNA across every state along the A.T.  We finally reached the hwy and at this point I am feeling better about things and have strong cell service so I press on.  The next 4 miles were relatively easy with a couple of nice views of ponds.  I am now in my tent without a way to get information on Tropical Storm Isaac or possibly Hurricane Isaac by now.  I will have to wait untill tomorrow to find out how things turned out.   That's about it for today.   Swamprat
Date: 2012-08-29
From: Sabboth Day Pond

To: Rangeley ME
Miles today: 9.6
Weather: clear sky

I had a mouse or squirrell bugging the heck out of me most the night.  Finally slept like a rock from 4 to 6!!  Seldom do I sleep past 5:15.  Anyway heading into Rangeley, ME. I would like to stay in contact with everyone at home.  I also want to watch the weather channel.  As I am typing this I am in town sitting at the TV.   It is exactly 7 years to the day since Katrina hit home.  Looks like each storm has its own life!!  Although only a Cat. 1 Isaac is showing how dangerous these storms are.  I am feeling pretty damn helpless.  I have watched all evening as the situation gets worse.  My family is ok so I am going to sleep.  I hope morning brings better news.  Swamprat
Date: 2012-08-30
From: Rangeley, ME

To: Redington Campsite
Miles today: 8.0

Well morning brought worse news.  It seems that Old Town Slidell is beginning to flood.  The only other time in my lifetime this has happened was after Katrina.  I have spent all morning on the phone instead of hitting the trail.  I am considering conceiding to Mother Nature.  My house will be fine because it was raised when being rebuilt after Katrina.  There are two cars a camper and utility shed that could possibly flood.  We shall see.   It is now 10:00 am here in Rangely.  My friend and old work partner managed to get to my house. The water is to the property line and worse case, I hope, only one car may take a hit.  Having talked to my family, my wonderful wife and brother who is fighting his own storm battles, they assure me that it will be fine. They both want me to keep hiking north because I am so close.  Stratton is the next town and is only 32 miles.  I am heading there.  If need be I can still get home.  I feel there will be no need.  Everything down south is in good hands.  So take that Mother Nature!!!  I will finish this journey!!  Back to the A.T.   I hit the trail at 11 am.  45 minutes into the hike I hear that Tangipahoa Parish may be in danger around the Tangipahoa River because of a dam failing in Percy Quin, Ms.  My wife is in Tangi (short for Tangipahoa) and her family there is beginning to freak out.  I make a few phone calls and yes there is a dam that is failing but there is NO evacuation of 50,000 people as the rumor had it.  Wow! Todays technology, facebook, twitter, amazing how rumors fly.  They were asking people along the river to leave until the danger was over.  Anyway, Wife is safe and I continue north.      I know I should be reporting to you about this beautiful trail that I am on, however, this is how I am seeing it and experiencing it at the moment.  Today I actually do not like being out here.  I am use to handling situations at home and feel so helpless out here.      I did take a few pictures today from Saddleback Mountain and The Horn.  The view of all the area lakes is great.  Since I started mid day, I have only hiked 7 miles.  However, that only leaves 24 to Stratton.  I have two days and the hardest part is out of the way.      I talked with my son today.  The one car may have gotten water, I will not know for sure untill tomorrow.  Tomorrow should be a brighter day.  Please keep everyone down south in your thoughts and prayers.  Many have lost everything AGAIN!!  It is truly unimaginable how powerful these storms can be.  Katrina, a Cat 4 or 5 you expect the worse but Isaac!!  A low Cat 1, should have been a walk in the park but it was moving so slow!!  It will probably be the most devastating Cat 1 storms ever!!     Well, thats it for today.  Good night from the mountains of Maine.   Swamprat
Date: 2012-08-31
To: no name tent site
Miles today: 15.8

Got up this morning and had to get water before hiking.  Actually I had to make a choice fix coffee or cereal first, then get water and fix the second choice.  Yep, coffee first!!     Started hiking around 730.  Much better beginning today.  The storm moved north of LA, Dania is on her way home safely.  No water damage to anything.  Today I hike and enjoy the day.  The hike today included Saddleback Jr, Lone Mountain, Spaulding Mtn and Sugarloaf. Not to many views today. It was cloudy and very windy.  After 15.8 miles I decided to camp at a tent site at South Branch Carrabassett River.   I will get up in the morning and hike the 8.5 miles into Stratton, ME.  I am in the tent about 30 yards from the Carrabassett River.  It's more like a large stream but it sure sounds nice to be near.  That's about it.  Guess I will catch F100 and Steady Tomorrow.  See yaSwamprat
Date: 2012-09-01
From: no name tent site

To: Stratton, ME - resupply
Miles today: 8.5
Weather: clear sky

Sept 1, 2012  Started hiking at 730.  I have 8.5 miles to Stratton and will be picked up at the trail head by F100's parents.  It's partly cloudy but you can see for miles across the mountains.  The two climbs over  Were no problem.  On the downhill I rolled the ole ankle again and went down hard.  I have lost count of the number of falls.  Let's just say I have had my share!!  Well into the twenties!!  No damage to the ankle so I hike on.  I arrive at the parking lot at 11:15.  The exact time I said I would.  They were waiting in the parking lot.  A quick ride to town, a shower and some food.  Does it get any better? I also checked into the White Wolf Inn.  Very old roadside motel but clean and had a restaurant and bar.  The food was great too.     Swamprat
Date: 2012-09-02
From: Stratton, ME - resupply

To: Little Bigalow Shelter
Miles today: 15.3

Sept 2, 2012We hit the trail running this morning.  We plan on picking up the pace and the mileage.  To day will be a 15.3 mile day. The final destination will be Little Bigelow Lean-To.  We had somewhat of a late start at 830.  Our climbs today included South Horn, West Peak and Avery.  The view from Avery was fantastic.  I would have to say it was one of the best views of the entire trip.    It was getting dark as we approached the shelter.  We had to get water and cook after dark.  So now it is time for sleep!!!Swamprat
Date: 2012-09-03
From: Little Bigalow Shelter

To: Pierce Pond Shelter
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: broken clouds

Got up this morning, ate and was packed up by 7.  After getting water it was time to head north.  The plan today is to hike 17.5 miles to Pierce Pond shelter and campsites.  The trail begins to flatten out somewhat today with only a few climbs left between here and Katahdin.      We hiked passed several large ponds today.  We also met a section hiker today that said the trail was going to be flat and smooth for the next 20 miles.  It turns out he was not so accurate in his description.  It was mostly roots and rocks but fairly easy just tough on the feet!!     We finally made it to Pierce Pond around 5 pm.  One of this year's thruhikers drown here several weeks ago.  The say he had hiked many miles that day and jumped in for a swim.  Apparently the cold water caused him to cramp up.  He was unable to get back to shore and drown.  Very said story.    Anyway, this is where we are camped tonight.  It feels good to be doing 15 plus miles a day again.  We will be at Katahdin soon. Swamprat
Date: 2012-09-04
From: Pierce Pond Shelter

To: Bald Mtn Brook Shelter
Miles today: 18.7

Maine is by far the most remote and wilderness state along the A.T.  Don't think for a second your going to cross a road every day and have a convenience store anywhere close.  Heck today we went into the town of Caratunk. There was a post office and several houses (some empty) but there wasn't a coke to be found.  Now having said all that, the pond we camped on also was the home of Harrison's Pierce Pond Camps.  A hiker can walk in the evening and see the owner to order a breakfast for the next morning.  A famous breakfast too.  For 9 bucks you got 12, yes 12 pancakes with coffee and juice.  Another 3 bucks you could add two eggs and sausage.  The next morning you hiked to the camp at 7 sharp and your food is served to you; in a dining room!  It was a very rustic place and the owner was extremely helpful and friendly.  I was able to call home and check on the Pearl River flooding situation.  Since Hurricane Isaac, I found out that the river was cresting near record levels and a rental property may be threatened.  I am happy to report that as of tonight, the river has crested and the house should be ok. Close but this ain't horse shoes.  So tonight I feel almost stress free.  No hurricane and no flood.  Wow such a relief.     After our huge breakfast this morning it was time to head north again.  We had one climb today.  After that, time to head for the bottom around Moxie Pond and set up camp. It is forecast to rain most of tonight and unfortunately tomorrow also.  Like they say, "No rain, No Maine!!".  Hey, this is Maine so go away rain!!  Tomorrow will be another 15 or more mile day setting up for Monson on Thursday.  Then the 100 mile wilderness on Friday!  See ya,Swamprat
Date: 2012-09-05
From: Bald Mtn Brook Shelter

To: Horseshoe Canyon Shelter
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: light rain

Rain, Rain and more rain all night and this morning.  The rain stopped around 830 so by 9 we were hiking.  Really need to do 15 miles today so we get into Monson by noon Thursday.      The trail was a river today!!  The day started with Moxie Bald Mountain.  The summitt was fogged in so there were no views.  I ate lunch behind a large rock that shielded the wind.  Made a quick call from the summitt and the river crested in Slidell at 18.6 ft.  No water in the house or garage.  I have really been blessed that through Isaac and the Pearl flooding I received no damage from either.  I feel bad for those that did.     I woke this morning and think I have pink I in the left eye!!  Go figure.  Never had it before!!  I'll servive.    After getting off the mountain the trail got really wet and muddy.  I gave up trying to keep the shoes dry. Impossible task!!  I started hiking right down the middle of the trail.  Many times it was nearly knee deep! Go Maine, trying to make the swamprat feel right at home.  We had three fordings before the end of the day. The last one was waiste deep and the current very swift. There was a rope stretched across the river to hold onto in case you lost your footing.  After crossing it was 3 miles to Horseshoe Canyon Shelter and tent sites.  I made it there at 545.  I was exhausted from all the slipping and sliding.  YES!!  Took another fall.  Fell forward almost planting the face but caught myself. Matter a fact, don't think I will call it a fall!    Well that's about it.  Tomorrow,  Monson, ME.Swamprat
Date: 2012-09-06
From: Horseshoe Canyon Shelter

To: Monson, ME. resupply
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke up this morning and started hiking around 730. Today is Monson, ME. The last resupply before Katahdin.   We had one river to Ford and it wasn't bad. Put on the crocks and waded across. At the other end we were greeted with trail magic. That was the first in a long time. Cold sodas. After a quick soda it was north to Monson. Just a few miles out I saw two white tail deer. A buck and a doe traveling together. Reminded me that deer season back home opens soon!!    Got into Monson around 11 am. Checked into Shaws and took a shower. Then walked to the Lakeshore house for lunch.
Date: 2012-09-07
From: Monson, ME. resupply

To: Long Pond Lean To
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: clear sky

Friday Sept 7, 2012.   14.3Didn't sleep much at the hostel last night.  Every time someone walked down the hall you could hear every step.  The people at Shaws were great.  The all you can eat breakfast for 7 bucks was fantastic.  After breakfast four of us caught the first shuttle back to the trail.  Someone has recently stolen the nice sign at the parking lot that noted the beginning of the 100 mile wilderness.      The hike was on.  We walked 100 yards and there was our first fording of the day.  Before the day was over I think we had 3 more. One included a pine tree that I decided to walk or should I say try to walk across.  No, I didnt fall but between the tree shaking and the water rushing by underneath I had to ease to my butt!! The second half of the tree I scooted across.  Now on my behalf, the tree was 4 feet high over the water and about 50 feet across.  I made it 25!!   The day was full of ups and downs with many ponds.  I like maine!!  While walking I noticed to hikers south bound.  It was Boots and Melody.  It was good to see them but why were they south bound and only one pack.  As it turns out, Boots' air mattress failed over night so before they got to deep into the wilderness they were going back to town to replace it.  They were laughing saying this would be the fourth time they saw this part of the trail!!  Yesterday they forgot much of their food and had to return to The Lake House to get it.  Hey, everything happens for a reason right?    Finally made it to Long Pond Lean To around 7.  Pitched the tent, ate and went to sleep.  I was surprised, i actually had good cell coverage and was able to call Dania.  She is getting excited about the flight to Main to pick me up.  We're going to spend a few days being a tourist.  No, I will not be doing much walking!!Swamprat
Date: 2012-09-08
From: Long Pond Lean To

To: No Name Tent Site
Miles today: 15.2

Saturday. Sept 8, 2012.   15.2Got up this morning and got packed up just before the rain.  It didnt last to long but it was foggy and misty most of the day.  Apparently Hurricane Isaac's remnants are passing through this afternoon and tonight.  Damn storm,  I wasn't home so it chased me all the way up here!!     Another day full of ups and downs with no views because of the fog.  All those climbs for no reward!!  Oh, many downs also, I busted my butt a few times today on the wet rocks and roots.  I look like I have been mistreated,  bruised, scabs all over my legs from falling and very thin from not eating enough.  I eat alot but no way to consume enough calories!!     Anyway, made it to the river and forded it this evening just in case we get alot of rain tonight.  Now it is time for sleep. I am exhausted.  See yaSwamprat
Date: 2012-09-09
From: No Name Tent Site

To: No Name Tent Site
Miles today: 15.2

Sept 9, 2012    It started to storm last night around 11.  Here is why it is extremely imprtant to check the trees around your tent site.  About 11 last night I heard the terrible cracking sound of a large limb or top of a tree breaking and falling.  All I could do was tense up and close my eyes really tight as though maybe that might make it not hurt so bad!!  LUCKILY, it hit the ground about 25 yards away!!  Too close for comfort.  I thought I had checked.  Check closer next time Swamprat!!   Today was a big climb day.  I started the morning at 800 ft.  First mountain was topped at 2800, second at 3200, 3rd at 3250, and the last at 3650.  The last mountain was White Cap Mtn.  We had a clear view of Katahdin!!! It's real and finally within grasp.  I will be at it's base in just 4 days!!  Also after today the trail flattens out greatly.  The next major climb is Katahdin itself.  It's pretty difficult to put in words how I am feeling today.  My dream of hiking the trail is just about a reality.  I will sum it all up after the big day in a final entry for Swamprat's 2012 Appalachian Trail Thruhike.     Today I missed my first Saints home game in six years!! I lost cell coverage during the 3rd quarter and we were loosing 30-17.  I hope we pulled it out. The NFL sure did the Saints wrong!!      Sorry, I got side tracked!!  I am tented at a no named tent site after crossing the East Branch of the Pleasant River.  From here I have 67 miles to go.  See ya tomorrow on the A.T.Swamprat15.2
Date: 2012-09-10
From: No Name Tent Site

To: Antlers Camp Site
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Sept 10, 2012    Slept great last night!!  Started hiking at 7:15 this morning and the trail was super easy.  I was at the Antlers Campsite by 230 this afternoon!!  15.7 miles by 230 and stopped for water and later for lunch!!  Not much else to report about the day.  Trail was flat and under canopy all day.    Tomorrow we may stop at the Whitehouse lodge for lunch.  I hear the hamburgers are great.  This is where you blow a horn from a dock and the owner comes and gets you in his boat.     Oh well, I am tented on the side of this lake.  It is a fantastic site.  It is getting windy and cold!!  Swamprats don't do well in the cold!!  See ya tomorrow on the A.T.Swamprat
Date: 2012-09-11
From: Antlers Camp Site

To: No Named Tent Site
Miles today: 17.9

There was a beautiful sunrise this morning over the lake.  It was cold and windy.  It was a great start to another great day in Maine.  Maine has become my favorite state along the trail.  The views from the mountains are breath taking with all the ponds.  The ponds themselves are a sight to behold.  If the wind is still the water is like a mirror.    Everybody in camp this morning seems to be planning on a Friday summit.  Jaybird, whom we have seen off and on during most of our journey.  Deep, from Germany.  Easy Rider, High Water, we are all excited about the end of a long journey.     The hike today has been fairly easy.  Most of the day I was walking along a stream bank.  Sounds great but there were roots and rocks everywhere.      At the end of the day we had a short but tiring climb up Nesuntabunt Mtn.  At the top, there was a view of Katahdin like no other so far.  As the crow flys Katahdin's summit was only 16 miles away.  I took a few great photos and decided it was time to head down to Crescent Pond and find a camp site for the night.  We found a spot overlooking the pond.  This is the last night that I will set up camp!!  I actually stopped typing for a second to let that one sink in.  The last night of this journey in a tent.  There are still two full days of hiking before we climb Katahdin on Friday.  However, this is how it will play out.  I hike 18.8 miles to Abol Bridge tomorrow.  Tomorrow evening Dania will pick me up there.  I will spend the night in the hotel and Thursday morning she will drop me off at the trail.  I will meet F100 and Steady; we will leave our packs in the car and slackpack 10 miles to Katahdin Stream campground.  Dania will pick me up there; F100 and Steady will camp at the Birches a quarter mile down the trail.  I will return Friday morning and Dania and I will hike with F100 and Steady to the top of Katahdin.  Sounds like a plan right?  That is THE PLAN!!     I just walked down to the pond.  It is quiet and the water smooth. I did not see any moose but did see a few fish striking the top of the water.  I will be fishing again soon.    For now it is time to get some rest. I was asked to add pictures.  I will be adding many over the next week.  See yaSwamprat