morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-08-27
From: Sabboth Day Pond Lean-to

To: ME 4 - Rangely
Miles today: 9.4

Day 167 -- One by one we filed out of the shelter, most of us heading north, different people with different plans. Some were going to skip Rangely, some were going in and out, and some were planning on staying. US? We weren't sure exactly but definitely one of the latter two options. After Site passed me a few minutes after I left, I was hiking by myself for half of the morning. Two SOBOs passed me and after I took a quick tree break, I trudged up the next hill. As I neared the top, I slowed, really noticing my back and shoulders being sore. I felt myself falling forward, stopped myself, and whipped around (after making some startled noises). Yup--two days in a row--Wrongway scared me again! He sure does get a kick out of it. He and Uphill passed me there and I followed them out to the road. The three of us walked to an opportune spot on the road and tried to get a ride into town. There was construction in the area, and that could've worked in our favor or against. We tried for an hour and a half, and then decided to walk towards the car at the $5 junk sale. The couple and their dog, Frank, gave us a ride into town. We had a quiet meal at Sarge's Pub and Grub (with Clothesline)and resupplied at IGA (where we saw Jackaroo, Rocksteady, and Bondi, waiting for their ride to Riff Reff). We got our ride to Gull Pond Lodge and hung out. I showered, organized food, and cooked dinner. I made spaghetti and chicken and veggies--I don't think I've chopped veggies in months--felt weird. Actually, it felt like home. I enjoyed a beautiful sunset over the pond. I'm looking forward to using the canoe or kayak tomorrow. We sat around watching TV. Four new NOBO hikers came in: Fred, Rhody, Pod, and Low.
Date: 2008-08-28
From: ME 4 - Rangely

To: ME 4 - Rangely
Miles today: 0.0

Day 168 -- I slept in and well--felt good. Bob made two runs to town and the trail this morning. We took the second one, stopped at the Post Office and went to the diner for breakfast. We visited the library to use the computer and back to IGA so the guys could buy food to cook for dinner. While we were waiting for Bob to pick us up, we saw Iciris, who was hiking back out with the other NOBOs. Back at Gull Pond Lodge we were lazy and watched TV for a bit. Then Uphill took the canoe out and I took the kayak. We played on the pond for a while and then got in the water. While I was drying out on the hammock and talking to Uphill, Mexico and Big Bo Pete (flip-floppers, now SOBO) came in with their two dogs. It was a relaxing evening of food, TV, talk, and another beautiful sunset.
Date: 2008-08-29
From: ME 4 - Rangely

To: Spaulding Mountain Lean-to
Miles today: 18.7

Day 169 -- I enjoyed cream cheese on my everything bagel for breakfast. I write a lot about food in town, huh? We packed up and Bob drove the three of us back to the trailhead. We hiked up to Saddleback, The Horn, and Saddleback Junior--it was a really good hike. Once you got up top, though, it seemed like everytime I thought I was approaching the summit, there was more to climb. It was a beautiful day so I didn't mind too much. On the top of the Horn we met flip-flopper Just Jill. Turns out she hiked with Solo in Virginia. On the way to have lunch at Poplar Ridge Lean-to I met Slow Joe, who's trying to finish his Maine section. There we met another NOBO and a SOBO college group from Bowman. I kept a good pace today and was pretty happy with that. When I got to Spaulding Mountain Lean-to it was pretty crowded with: Uphill, Wrongway, Double D, Jackaroo, Iciris, Butters, Bondi, Boots, Gumbi, Sherlock, and a college orientation group from Colby College. It was a pretty fun evening. PS...I noticed the other day that I have lost my toe nails on both of my pinky toes. How did I not notice this???
Date: 2008-08-30
From: Spaulding Mountain Lean-to

To: ME 27 -- Stratton
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: light rain

Day 170 -- I got movin' early and had a great day of hiking. A great day of hiking means that I enjoyed it for multiple reasons including being happy with my pace, enjoying the scenery, and great social interactions. As I descended Sugarloaf, I was scared out of my zone by two local young men hiking up. Futher down I met Eric and Mary, flipfloppers, and soon after, Wrongway passed me. I followed him down to a river where Gumbi and Sherlock were getting water and resting. I ate an early lunch to fuel up for the last big climb of the day. Halfway up we walked over some boulders and met a father/son pair and enjoyed some blueberries and conversation with them. We climbed the rest of South Crocker Mountain, and as I reached the low between South and North Crocker, I started smelling pipe smoke and figured Sherlock was right around the corner--correct! It's amazing how sharp my sense of smell is out here. The last five miles of mostly downhill seems to go on forever and included two falls. One was pretty scary because it not only jarred my knee but my hip on the way to the ground--it might not have left a mark, but I'm sure I'm going to be hurtin' tomorrow. On the road we saw Iciris being dropped back off to the trail and Sherlock and Gumbi came out to the road just after Uphill. The five of us tried to hitch and after a few minutes Gumbi and Sherlock started walking to split us up--it's easier to get a ride with less people. It still took us half an hour or so--nice people, who said they were hikers, too, and understood.We stayed at the White Wolf Inn. We ate great burgers there too. Site was there with April. Jackaroo came in and joined our table. Gumbi, Sherlock, Double D, and Bondi came in as well. After eating we resupplied and then hung out at the picnic table outside the hostel. I called my brother back and found out he and Courtney are engaged! We planned for tomorrow, set up a shuttle for the morning, and relaxed.
Date: 2008-08-31
From: ME 27 -- Stratton

To: ME 27 -- Stratton
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 171 -- After we packed up, we went across the street to the Stratton Diner where the guys told me they really wanted to zero today. Although I was ready to hit the trail, I agreed. It turns out it was a good thing for me because my leg was pretty sore from my fall (clutzy) and Uphill's knees needed a break. We walked over to the hostel to check out what it was like and decided to stay at the Stratton Motel for our second night in town. We hung out watching Star Wars, TV, using the computer, eating, and relaxing. Butters came in and out of town--we should see him again tomorrow. All the other guys left town today, too. While we were watching TV, two hikers came in looking for a shuttle, one of them being Wade. I met Wade while I was climbing Moosilacke. Small world, huh? While doing laundry, I met Mountain Jam, a Hanover to Monson and back section hiker.
Date: 2008-09-01
From: ME 27 -- Stratton

To: Little Bigelow Lean-to
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: clear sky

Day 172 -- We got up and packed and had breakfast at the diner. We had to wait for Dartman to get ready before we could get shuttled back to the trailhead. We had a fun ride back to the trail with Sue and Knucklehead, the latter of which kept shifting his weight on all of us in the backseat. We hiked together for the first mile or so and then, as we started to climb, we spaced out some. On the way up we passed two sets of dayhikers and a woman who says she monitors the trail corridor--she wasn't happy with the blazing on the way up to the horns. Honestly, I had to stop numerous times because I couldn't tell where to go. The guys were snacking at the Horns Pond Lean-to, and I joined them for a bit, but unfortunately with getting dropped off late, I didn't have time to stop much today if I wanted to get to camp before dark. On the way up we ran into Wade and Luna, from yesterday. We had fantastic views all day--boy were we lucky! I saw Slow Joe as I was starting to descend South Peak--nice to talk to him again. When I finally got to Little Bigelow (I kept thinking I was there, but wasn't :>() I met SOBO Good Ole' Boy and his dog, Jess. All of these people I talked to today really brightened my day (which was very helpful since I started out not very enthused for the day's hike). I finally reached camp around 7 p.m., just before sunset. I'm glad I made it in before dark, but I'd rather have more time to hang out before bed. Instead, I get in, eat, and go to bed. Sorry, I know I'm complaining a lot--I guess it's one of those glass-half-empty days. As soon as I got there Uphill says, "Yeah, she made it!"--at least somebody cares. Then they proceeded to tell me they want to do 27 miles tomorrow, which will include needing to do 22 of them before 3:00 because we need to get the ferry and get to the Post Office in Caratunk before 3:45. WOW--I'm overwhelmed!!
Date: 2008-09-02
From: Little Bigelow Lean-to

To: US 201 (Caratunk)
Miles today: 21.3

Day 173, -- I got up at 5:30 this morning and was out by 6, as the guys were just waking up. I needed to leave earlier than them because I don't move as fast and like more rests (although I only took 1- 5 minute snack/water break). I kept a just-under-3 mph pace, average. As I was heading out, I slipped on a rock and my right foot sumerged--what a way to start the day! The hike went fast, passing ponds, lakes, and swamps. About 8 miles into the day, I ran into SOBO sectioners, Preacher and Pi! This was so cool because I met them doing the same thing as I descended into Damascus, VA! It was great to see them and catch up some. I also passed Me to Maine (flipflopper?) and a SOBO sectioner with dreds (AT NOBO '07), and a SOBO section hiker couple, Blue Meanie and Hikerchick. I got to Pierce Pond Lean-to (17 miles) around 12:15--good job! I ate and waited for the guys. If they didn't make it by 1:30, at the latest, we weren't going any further (because of ferry time and more relevantly, Post Office hours). They were close behind and we left shortly after. The trail followed beautiful waterfalls almost all the way down. We reached the Kennebec River around 2:30, posted the flag, and David brought his canoe over to our side. We hopped in, Wrongway in front to help paddle, and made our way across. The water was moving pretty good and was apparently pretty deep in some section...I can't believe people try to ford it. We walked up the street to the Caratunk Post Office and went through our food boxes--I didn't need as much food as I thought since it took less time to go through that last section. We took so long that Uphill came looking for us. We still had over 5 miles left for the day. It was getting late and we were exhausted. So...we got a ride from a nice local man to the Northern Outdoor, where we got a room. Yuppers--showers, dinner (chicken quesadilla, and prawns as appetizers), air hockey, internet, and pool (billiards). It felt good to play, and I didn't do too badly either. The room didn't have TV, thank goodness--it sucks you in. So we hung out in the room, told stories, and laughed a lot. It feels good to laugh, doesn't it?
Date: 2008-09-03
From: US 201 (Caratunk)

To: Moxie Bald Shelter
Miles today: 18.8

Day 174 -- We had a great breakfast downstairs and then got a ride back to the trail. The first 6 miles were a pretty gradual uphill and we all met at the Pleasant Pond Shelter and snacked. We climbed Pleasant Pond Mountain and Uphill stuck around up top to point out Mt. Katahdin--what I'm considering my first good view of it. From the Bigelows I thought I saw it, but I wasn't sure. It sure was nice of him to make sure I saw it. After the long descent, I got water from Baker's Stream and waited for Uphill, but didn't see him. I also passed a female section hiker picking blueberries (AT '04). Wrongway and I snacked at Bald Mountain Brook Shelter and then headed to climb Moxie Bald. He, of course, got ahead of me, but I caught up to him soon because I was taking a picture of a snake eating a toad. Poor toad (still alive when we saw it), but neat to see. Climbing up to Moxie Bald was pretty fun and when I got to the top, I saw some weird-looking wildlife on the side of the trail, eating blueberries--oh, never mind, it was just Wrongway and Uphill. Uphill had a quart container he was filling up. We picked and ate for a while and then Wrongway and I headed down. He was thinking about night-hking further and wanted to eat at the shelter beforehand and I was looking to get there before dark. Both happened as we waited for Uphill, who arrived much, much later because he stayed up top for sunset. Wrongway made a fire and we listened to the wildlife--owls, etc. (Wrongway decided to stay--his head lamp was too dim.)
Date: 2008-09-04
From: Moxie Bald Shelter

To: Maine 15 (Monson)
Miles today: 17.9

Day 175 -- I woke up just before sunrise and started to get ready. I went over and filtered water and saw the sun just over Bald Mountain Pond--the sun was reflected in the pond--beautiful. Today was the longest hiking day this week, for sure. I just didn't feel much like hiking. Really, though, it started after about 4 miles when I crossed a dirt road and followed what I thought was the trail to a creek/river. I didn't see any blazes and it didn't look like there was a trail on the other side, so I retraced steps to see if I missed the actual trail. I didn't see anything, so I crossed the river by rock- hopping, my feet getting a little wet. When I got to the other side, what looked like could be the trail, actually wasn't. Uphill came down that way, too, and I told him what was up. He went searching on his side of the river and eventually found the trail. So then I, disheartened after expending all that energy and time (it wasn't an easy river crossing) recrossed and followed Uphill to the trail and another mile to an actual fording where Wrongway caught up to us. We changed out of hiking shoes into crocs/sandals (Wrongway went barefoot), crossed, and changed back. Wrongway and I lunched at Horseshoe Canyon Shelter and moved on. The walk in this area is nice by the way, paralleling a river which winds through the canyon. After lunch with Wrongway I felt better--it's amazing how a little positive interaction with someone can affect your mood/attitude/outlook. I kept a pace pretty close to his until the other ford, where Wrongway laid down rocks and trees for people to cross on--so we didn't need to change our shoes. The rest of the hike seemed to drag on, but I finally made it to Maine 15, where the guys were waiting for me. We called Lake Shore House, and Rebekah came and got us. We showered and settled in. We ate AYCE tacos and played songburst and hung out in the restaurant all night. Site ran a trivia game for a little while. I met Leaping Turtle and Peachy who are flipflopping. Icarus was there celebrating his birthday. Others that stayed included Jackaroo, Pathfinder, 10 O'Clock, Quiet Riot, Low, Double D, and Clothesline. Jacakaroo and Site decided to zero tomorrow so we can hike out together. Yeah! I enjoy hanging out with them.
Date: 2008-09-05
From: Maine 15 (Monson)

To: Maine 15 (Monson)
Miles today: 0.0

Day 176 -- Rebekah cooked us a breakfast of pancakes and sausage--woohoo! Good stuff! I don't even like pancakes and I enjoyed it! We watched a movie and used the internet. Uphill and I went down to the General Store and Post Office and then I spent time trying to organize food. Site, Uphill, and I went to a BBQ place for lunch-good food, plus they have paper towels hanging from the trees outside, by the picnic tables! I walked to the General Store later to listen to some bluegrass music put on by locals. I guess they get together every Friday night or so and play...fun! Maize (sp?) was there playing with them. I talked to my parents, the last time before my birthday and before I hopefully finish up. Wrongway took a kayak out on the lake. Rebekah, the lady who runs the place, is awesome!! We also got to meet her boyfriend, Jeremy. It was a nice last zero.
Date: 2008-09-06
From: Maine 15 (Monson)

To: Cloud Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 19.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 177 -- We actually got to the trail at a reasonable time today. I kept up to Wrongway for a good 4 miles, which was nice company. Unfortunately, though, I took 3 diggers. The first agitated my leg injury from just before Stratton. The second, I landed my upper leg on a root, hard enough to cause a 2 X 2 inch bruise. The third included me hitting my head on a rock. I was so frustrated I had to let it out in a hollar. What's up with all the falling? I don't know, but I continued to trip all day, though, luckily, catching myself. Site says he was off today, too, blaming it on the extra weight we carried into the 100 Mile Wilderness today. We sat down for lunch at the first river ford of the day (all successful), and then kept on truckin'. We met Gabriel today, who started in GA in June...wow!! We also stayed with Chris, at the shelter, to which I arrived just before the tropical storm Hannah rain started. The shelter was full, with Maizy (sp?) coming in soaked from the rain.    I'm very tired, I've been realizing--mentally, physically, and emotionally. I've had a great trip, but as things are winding down, I'm getting ready for it to be over.
Date: 2008-09-07
From: Cloud Pond Lean-to

To: Carl A. Newhall Lean-to
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 178 -- Gabriel left really early today, while it was still raining, but the rest of us slept in, not wanting to hike in the rain. It poured all night (nice to sleep to), but we heard it would stop mid-morning, so we waited it out. Wrongway, Uphill, and I were the last ones out at 8:30 a.m. and hiked together all the way to Chairback Gap Lean-to where we lunched with Maizy. (We didn't stay long because we were sweaty and getting a lot of wind, making us pretty cold.) It was so nice having company today hiking. We talked and joked all the way, making it go by fast and fun. I really appreciated it. I've been spending most of my hiking time alone recently and have been missing the companionship. A few miles before the shelter we came across some newly planted trail magic from Amanda and Travis: cookies, Cheese-Its, crackers, and biscuits. Woohoo!!    After lunch, Wrongway and I hiked down the mountain and, right before the final descent, the clouds actually broke up a bit so we could see out some from above-yeah! On the way down we talked a bunch about after-trail plans and so even when we weren't talking about it, I was thinking about it. What will it be like when we are finished? Will we summit with anyone else? What will I do in VT with Pop Pop? I was thinking about how I'll need to start watching what I eat and how much, to try not to gain the weight back. Who will I keep in touch with? Will I see anyone again?   The hike down went by fast. At the river at the bottom we stopped for a snack and then busted out the last 5ish miles of the day, most of which paralleled a beautiful stream. Icarus, Gut (section hiker), and 2 female SOBO sectioners were at the shelter when we arrived, and Maizy never made it here...hope she's okay. We cooked as it sprinkled a little bit and enjoyed a great fire by Icarus.    p.s. Wrongway had a run-in with a hungry mouse in the middle of the night.            Mouse 1      Wrongway 0
Date: 2008-09-08
From: Carl A. Newhall Lean-to

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

Day 179 -- I was the first NOBO to head out this morning. I figured we would be climbing most of the morning and I wouldn't be able to keep up if I left at the same time they did. So, I headed out first figuring I'd see them later and maybe be able to hike with them later in the day. I had a great morning of hiking. It was a little chilly and the trail was narrow and wet, though. Of course this means I was then wet and cold, but I kept moving, trying to keep warm. I enjoyed the terrain, but when I got to the summit of White Cap, there was no view --socked in. Uphill came up behind me and I started moving again because it was windy and I was sweaty. However, as I hiked down the trail, over the summit, around the top, the clouds broke up some and I could see further and further--mountains and ponds. We were supposed to have been able to see Mt. Katahdin, but there was still a good amount of closer to it. So I may have been looking at the base of it, but I'm not sure. I sat down with a view of the base of what I thought was Katahdin, waiting for a view of the rest of the mountain, and waiting for Wrongway. He came later, but was all geared up to fly down the mountain, so I couldn't keep up. Bummer, because I was looking for some company. Icarus and Uphill passed me, but we all stopped soon at Logan Brook Lean-to for lunch. We hiked out of there at 4 mph...I hung in there for 2 miles (downhill), but I had to bail then because I could feel my concentration and energy breaking--I didn't want to hurt myself.    It was a nice afternoon. I was lonely, but thought a lot about the first couple off-trail days' plans/ideas/options, so that helped keep me distracted. This loneliness is interesting to me because I consider myself pretty independent and an introvert, but this trip reinforces the importance of social interaction for me. This doesn't necessarily mean I want to talk all the time, because even just BEING around others is enough a lot of times. Anyway...I made it to Cooper Brook Falls Lean-to in a decent amount of time for me, regardless of not being able to keep up with the guys. Fred, Jeremy, Icarus, Wrongway, and Uphill were already there, and I helped fill the shelter. Two SOBO section hikers came in and camped above. As the name suggests, there is a brook/falls right in front of the shelter, where most of the guys jumped in (too cold for me). Wrongway and Icarus chopped down a dead tree for the fire with a dull hatchet that was left at the shelter. We had a nice fire, and Jeremy's IPod/speakers playing (yeah, music), and the sounds of the waterfall to sleep to.
Date: 2008-09-09
From: Cooper Brook Falls Lean-to

To: Wadleigh Stream Lean-to
Miles today: 21.5
Weather: light rain

Fred's alarm went off at 5:30 a.m. and all (except Wrongway) were up, packing, and out by 6:30. Uphill and I were heading to White House Landing for a burger. Fred and Jeremy were getting resupplied (a lady was driving in their food) and Icarus went with them. The terrain today, especially in the morning was nice -- smooth enough to do 4 mph at least for the first hour. I caught up with Uphill at Antlers Campsite, where we both, separately, visited the fabulous privy (see pictures). We hiked the blue blaze to the boat landing where we blew the air horn and waited for Bill to pick us up. I had a one pound cheeseburger deluxe and a rootbeer - a treat for my birthday today. It drizzled off and on all day, and when we left there, it was wet and windy -- calling for a rain jacket (no major elevation gain either). We hiked back to the trail and soon saw Fred passing us with his umbrella. He looked pretty dry, but I learned later that both of us got pretty wet in the stream just before this -- I slipped in, trying to rock hop on slippery rocks. He, Uphill, and I hiked in cadence for a short while but we eventually parted, but not before I slipped into the mud -- fun, fun! The trail today was nice, following a stream, on the beach at a lake, and had an easy grade. It was pretty rooty, though -- dangerous when wet. Everyone (minus Wrongway), plus Frogcaller, was there when I arrived at the Wadleigh Stream Lean-to. Then it started pouring---shewww. I just missed the heavy stuff. we all huddled under the shelter roof, setting up, talking about random things, the guys drinking tea. Wrongway must've told them it was my birthday because they wished me happy birthday. The mood was jovial (even with Icarus not having a good day) when Wrongway came in, and pretty wet, too. He decided not to move on (his original plan was to do 27 or so--not me!). Yeah for us! I know I spend most days with him, but I was glad to get to spend my birthday with my friend. We cooked dinner, the sun kind of came out, I shared my birthday brownie, and Wrongway made a fire. Before bed everyone sang to me -- awww.