morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-08-28
From: Trapper John Shelter

To: 25A -- Almost
Miles today: 16.0

      What a great night's sleep! It was cool and breezy, and that was the best sleep I have had since I started. Usually I wake early and gradually get rolling. Today I slept in. Boy, it felt good to sleep so soundly. I was ready to climb some mountains! At least I was until I actually had to do it. I get up there somehow, but it isn't pretty. I'm afraid I'm in about as good of shape as I am going to get, and I'm still having a hard time. And this isn't even the rough stuff.... I ran the full gamut of emotions today. I pounded and plodded some pretty good miles, but I'm feeling anxious about what lies ahead. At least it is getting cooler. It won't be long before I'm complaining about how cold it is. I'm camped close enough to the road tonight that I can hear some traffic, and for some reason that seems strange.
Date: 2003-08-29
From: 25A -- Almost

To: Glencliff, NH
Miles today: 10.0

      Made it down to the highway a little after noon. Hitched a ride into Warren to a restaurant to get something to eat. Enroute we passed a lake, down below on the left. I commented that it was a pretty spot. I took another look and realized it was the same lake where the Eastern National Rendezvous had been held years ago in New Hampshire! I recognized the rocks jutting out on the far side where we had gone skinny dipping. There isn't anything more in Warren now than there was then.      I hitched back to Glencliff to the hostel. Tom for Short was there, and we looked around a bit. We waited until the post office reopened, and went to see if our packages were there. I had called my sister, Barb, to have her send some clothes. The good news was the package was there. The bad news was she had sent the wrong long underwear. The good news was she sent a dozen large, thick chocolate chip cookies. I would have traded those cookies for the clothes, but that's how it goes. I'll just have to make do.      Tom was more bummed. His hammock hadn't come in. We consoled ourselves with a couple of cookies. The bunks inside were full, so I set up the tent under the trees out back. Lounged around the rest of the day, socializing with the other hikers. A pizza run in the evening took care of supper. I turned in early, hoping to get rested up for tomorrow.
Date: 2003-08-30
From: Glencliff, NH

To: Glencliff, NH
Miles today: 0.0

      I don't know if it was the way I set up, but for the first time I had a leak in the tent last night. I've been through some tremendous storms, but never got wet before. We had several hours of what can best be described as pounding rain. Water came in one corner of the tent, and worked its way under my sleeping pad. Fortunately my sleeping bag stayed dry. I had to turn on a light, and sponge things up with my bandanna, before settling down for a couple more restless hours. Come morning I had more clean up to do, as did most of the other tenters.       Hiking Buddy, Tom for Short, and myself went into Warren for breakfast and shopping, while things dried out on the line. By the time housekeeping was in order, it was too late to start up the mountain. I rationalized that since I hadn't zeroed in Hanover, a day off here wasn't a bad thing. I probably should have taken a nap during the day to make up for last night's lack of slumber, but instead just goofed off around the hostel. Tom and I shared another pizza for dinner. Not long after dark, I slunk off to my tent for the night.
Date: 2003-09-02
From: Eliza Brook Shelter

To: North Woodstock, NH
Miles today: 9.0

      The morning consensus was that we were all going to head into town for the night. I was up and packed earlier today than usual. At this slower pace I figured I was going to need this extra time. This is no longer hiking; it is more like rock climbing. You have to get up, over, around, and through steep expanses of boulders. A lot of it is hand over hand, and very tiring.       I was trying to keep up with Tom so that we could go into town together, but I was always ten to twenty minutes behind, according to the southbound hikers I met. In the afternoon, I arrived at Lonesome Lake Hut just as a cloud released a few sprinkles. I had expected him to be here, but he hadn't even stopped in. The workers at the hut were aloof and indifferent, and not interested in talking to us, except to give brief directions. I filled my water bottle and went down to the lake, which was picturesque.      I proceeded down to the highway along a muddy, boulder strewn trail that paralleled a stream. There wasn't much traffic on the road, and it took over an hour to get a ride into town. I checked into the Cascade Lodge, which reminded me of the Doyle Hotel, only it wasn't as clean. I couldn't get a room of my own and ended up sharing one with Vic, who I had met at Eliza Brook.      There was no sign of Tom for Short. I showered , and went down the street with a couple of younger guys I had met at Glencliff. We had a couple of cold Long Trail Ales and dinner at a bar/restaurant. It was AYCE pasta night, and we each had two big platters of linguini with clam sauce. For most hikers, the last thing they want when they get to town is more pasta, which is their staple diet on the trail. Since I don't cook, it tasted delicious to me. It was getting hiker late when I got back to the room. Vic and I talked some before turning in for the night.
Date: 2003-09-04
From: Lincoln, NH

To: Garfield Stealth Site
Miles today: 12.0

      The climb out of Franconia Notch was once again stright up. Trying to get up these ridges wearing a backpack is tricky. I just try to maintain my balance and keep my momentum going, which isn't easy. I'm not very good at this sort of thing. At least the weather cleared. My shoes stick fairly well to the dry rocks, but in the rain I think this could really be hazardous.       I don't have a map of this section, but I remembered some spots Bonanza had pointed out on Tom's map. I found a stealth site for the night, although I'm sure it wasn't the required 200 feet off the trail. It had been frequently used, and was hidden from sight though, so I made that my home. As always, I went as far as I could today. Usually I have a goal in mind when I set out in the morning, but that is rarely where I end up. There are too many factors that can alter the best of plans.
Date: 2003-09-05
From: Garfield Stealth Site

To: Stealth Camp
Miles today: 11.0

      I got an early start this morning. I always seem to sleep better when I am camped by myself. After the cool reception at the Lonesome Lake Hut the other day, I didn't bother to stop at either of the huts I passed today.       It was bright and sunny, and I hope this cooler weather continues. The views have been spectacular with little haze. At least there is some reward for the labor and the risk. Any description I would attempt would hardly be close to adequate.       I was fortunate to find a place to camp tonight. It was getting pretty late when I finally dropped the pack for the last time today. I had a couple of granola and rice crispy bars for supper. I was too tired to eat much.
Date: 2003-09-08
From: Lake of the Clouds Hut

To: Peabody River
Miles today: 11.0

      I woke up before it was light, and was ecstatic to find a clear sky with moon and stars shining brightly. The views from the hut into the fog-filled valleys, and up and across to Mt. Washington were sharp and crisp once the sun came up. I had fulfilled my chore obligations last night for my stay, but helped set up for breakfast anyway. Meals are quite a hectic event at the huts. I had some scrambled eggs and cereal before leaving. I can honestly say that staying at this hut was a fun and interesting experience, and I'm glad I had done it. The croo said this was the clearest day they had seen here since early summer.      I made a slow, leisurely climb up to Mt. Washington, pausing frequently to enjoy the scenery. I had worried about crossing this exposed section with its fickle and severe weather, but was blessed to do it in perfect conditions. I took a couple of pictures at the summit, and felt a sense of accomplishment to have gotten to this landmark. I was in high spirits as I continued along the ridgeline before dropping back below treeline after Mt. Madison.       Being alone, I didn't moon the cog train, figuring total lack of dramatic affect. All day I kept marveling at the drastic change in conditions during the night. Certainly there was a feeling of security in camping at the lower elevation. As soon as the sun began dropping, so did the temperature. Once the tent was up, it was time to get into the long sleeves and pants. Crawling into the sleeping bag soon followed.
Date: 2003-09-09
From: Peabody River

To: Stealth Camp
Miles today: 13.0

      Today was a long day of contrasts. In the chill of the morning, I started down to Pinkham Notch. The AMC Center was a quick stop for liquids---coke and water. My main interest was getting up and over Wildcat Mountain. About half way to the ridge, I kept asking myself why I didn't take the gondola. Gauging progress to the top is difficult, and demoralizing, so I just struggle upward until I get there. At least I could justify the frequent pauses with taking in the scenery of the mountains I had crossed in days past.      I sure would like to get back to doing some walking instead of all this constant rock scrambling. I think back to difficult sections of the trail, which they indeed were at the time. But they were nothing compared to the demands and challenges of this area. From what I've heard, the worst is yet to come. I don't know how it could be worse, but I guess I'll find out. I try not to look ahead. I usually have enough to worry about right in front of me. Right now I just want to get to town to wash clothes.
Date: 2003-09-12
From: Gorham, NH

To: Dream lake
Miles today: 10.0

      I really didn't want to leave Gorham. I didn't feel rested. I did have supplies, clean clothes, and everything in order, so I half-heartedly stuck out my thumb to get back to the trail. It figures that I would quickly get a ride right to the trailhead. I knew once I got going I would get back on track. That didn't come to pass. The climbs were too many--the descents were too steep. There were some great vistas though, and I just tried to take it easy. I fell three times today. Luckily, they were nothing serious, but I was sore all over, and my feet and ankles were aching.       I saw a lot of small snakes today, and a spruce grouse sat on a limb and let me approach until I was only a few feet away. It sat and watched me sit and watch it, and it never did fly away. When I got to the lake, I found a campsite. It was still and peaceful. I got the tent set up, and then hobbled down to the shoreline on very sore feet. I sat and ate some sugar wafers as dusk approached, and listened to the frogs begin croaking. It isn't going to be as cool tonight as it has been lately.
Date: 2003-09-18
From: Bemis Stream

To: South Pond
Miles today: 12.0

      Today was a beautiful, clear day. The moose seem to be eluding me. Everyone seems to have seen at least one already. I've seen moose tracks and moose poop, but no moose. I was toying with the idea of going into town, but as evening approached, I found myself sitting at the shore of this lake. The scenery was great, the campsite perfect, and I had it all to myself. I kept scanning the shoreline until dark, but still no moose. I had to settle for listening to the loons calling and a beautiful sunset over the quiet water.
Date: 2003-09-19
From: South Pond

To: Saddleback Brook
Miles today: 11.0

      This was one of those days that started off well enough, but then just got progressively worse. After a great night of sleep, I leisurely set out this morning. I'm entering an area with some bigger mountains, which means bigger climbs again. There were occasional periods of rain all afternoon.       The top of Saddleback was covered in clouds, and I was glad to get down lower again. Without any breaks most of the day, I was tired, and my pace kept slowing until I ground to a halt near a stream. I set up the tent before it started raining again. What a contrast from last night's ideal location. This was a damp, dreary place, but I just couldn't go any farther.
Date: 2003-09-20
From: Saddleback Brook

To: Carrabassett River
Miles today: 14.0

      Rain beating on the tent woke me up early. There wasn't much choice but to lay there and wait it out. A little after eight o'clock it abruptly stopped, and by the time I finished packing, there were spots of blue sky showing. The temperature also dropped, as did the humidity.      I pushed pretty hard today, and my feet let me know it. After a brief rest stop, it would take me several hundred yards to get going again. I got up and over Sugarloaf Mountain, my goal for the day. I camped by the river for the night. I sat on a rock and soaked my feet in the water, while day dreaming about soaking all of me in a hot tub. It's going to be awhile before I see any hot water though.
Date: 2003-09-26
From: Bald Mtn Brook Lean-To

To: Piscataguis River
Miles today: 11.0

      Started out late this morning hoping the tent would dry out. Or perhaps I was trying to put off the big climb up Moxie Bald. The views were spectacular from the summit, though I could see a large cloud bank approaching from the south. It was nice and warm sitting in the sun on the rocks. I stopped briefly at Moxie Bald lean-to. There is a beautiful pond with rocky shoreline and weedbeds extending out into the bays. I had the urge to be casting into the edges of those weedbeds from a drifting boat for northerns or musky, though the lake probably held neither.      I flushed a ruffed grouse onto a branch extending over the trail. I could have reached up and touched it, just over my head as I passed directly beneath. I was expecting it to deposit a dropping on my head, but it just sat there quietly.      Later, as I was moving along, I could hear voices coming up behind me. I stopped and who should appear but Brew and Jenn. I first met Brew back in the Smokies, and the last time I had seen them was in Damascus. I was so hapy to see them again, and we stood talking way too long.       I was able to cross the fords without removing my boots. The trail followed along the river, and when I found a nice campsite, I stopped so I could set up. Since the tent hadn't dried out from last night, I slept with the mesh left open to increase circulation.
Date: 2003-10-02
From: West Branch Pleasant River

To: East Branch Lean-To
Miles today: 16.0

      It was cool and windy today. About noon I got to a designated tent site. For some reason these tent sites, and those at the shelters, are generally very poor. Maine doesn't seem to give much attention to having halfway decent campsites. They do, however, have some of the best privies I've seen. I wonder what that says about the powers that be.       I thought I was climbing White Cap Mountain. There was a new reroute, straight up the side of the mountain. Basically some small trees had been cut and plastic ribbons placed to mark where the "trail" was, a steep, muddy, slippery mess. When I got to the top, I realized I had just come up Gulf Hagas and was still some miles and two peaks away. Eventually I did summit White Cap.      It was raw and windy with clouds scraping across the top. Even so, the views down into the valleys with their beautiful colors and ponds were spectacular. I snapped a couple of quick pictures and started down. I arrived at Logan Brook Lean-to. The chickadees and juncoes were flitting about noisily, and invited me to stay there with them. But with the temperature dropping and the clouds getting darker, I headed for the next shelter three miles away, and 1200 feet lower in elevation. I spotted a nice flat area near the trail, short of the shelter. A light rain had begun, and I quickly got my canopy up and dove inside. Another pine needle area, I hoped to avoid any drainage problems.
Date: 2003-10-04
From: Cooper Brook

To: White House Landing
Miles today: 14.0

      Frustration was the name of the game today. First, I found I would have had several, actually dozens, of campsites to choose from if I had pushed on yesterday. Secondly, I couldn't seem to make any progress today, for all the effort and exertion spent. I figured if I could make it to White House Landing today, I could take a zero there, if I was so inclined.       At Antlers Campsite, I found I would have to push to get there since the weather was deteriorating. Also it proved to be significantly farther off the trail than was listed in the book. By the time I reached the opposing shore of the lake, I was being pelted with wind-driven rain. I touched off a blast on the air horn, and put on my windbreaker. The sign said to be patient, but a half hour later I sounded the horn again. If I was dry or warm, I could afford to be patient. But I was soaking wet and freezing. Another hiker came rushing down, having heard the second signal and not wanting to miss the boat. He needn't have worried. Another blast, and a full hour after the first, the boat finally came across to get us.       I was wet and shivering, and the warmth of the wood stove in the cabin felt great. Strider, Sharon and Paul (plus Bela), Millipede, and I each had a bedroom in the Lakeshore cabin. Wood stove, gas lights, no electricity, no water, hammocky bed--but it seemed like the finest palace. And what a beautiful, isolated location. I went up to the lodge and had the largest cheeseburger I've ever seen. It had all been worth it.
Date: 2003-10-05
From: White House Landing

To: White House Landing
Miles today: 0.0

      It was still cold and blustery come morning. Everyone went up to the lodge for a huge breakfast, including AYCE pancakes. With a full gut, I waddled down to the dock to see off the departing hikers. The weather and wind direction seemed to change every thirty minutes all day. I stepped outside to do some laundry in a wringer wash tub using lake water. Strider knocked on the window and pointed across the lake. On the far shore, near the boat dock, was a large bull moose. I took off running for the lodge to get the binoculars, as it entered the water to swim across the inlet. I got a good look at him as he landed near the point, and walked over to disappear in the trees. Finally I saw a moose!       Some people took a canoe out onto the large main part of the lake. After a sudden reversal of wind direction, the motor boat had to be sent to rescue and retrieve them. Thet never would have gotten back otherwise.       A new batch of hikers arrived in the afternoon. I had pizza for supper, which was great, but I had to pass out the extra because I couldn't eat all of it. I was glad to be here these two cold, nasty nights. I'd like to come back here again sometime--maybe when it is warmer and the lake is up.
Date: 2003-10-07
From: Wadleigh Stream Lean-To

To: Rainbow Lake
Miles today: 12.0

      I was up at first light and headed for the privy. I thought I saw a pine marten in a pine tree back there. Later inside my tent, I heard someone say they saw a ferret. After the others had left, I started up the trail, and encountered a female fisher right outside the shelter area. I thought about these events all day, and when I met up with Strider, we figured that we had come across a female fisher and her youngsters.      It was an odd day, indeed. In the morning I had to climb up Nesuntabunt Mountain, where I got my first good view of Katahdin. The book describes it as "inspiring". I found the snow covered giant intimidating. There at the summit I met a southbound section hiker. As I started down from the top, I found a section of a tent pole he must have dropped. I hollered after him, but with the wind he may not have heard me. There was no way I could ever catch him, so I put a note on it and left it by the trail. After another couple hundred yards, I found more tent poles and left a note on them also. That was all I could do. It took me six hours to go eight miles, which is terrible.       Due to poor trail marking, I crossed a stream on two narrow, bouncing, slippery logs--then had to do it again because the trail turned and paralleled the stream instead of going across. I wasted a lot of time searching and cursing there. Strider and several others did also. Then I fell flat on my face crawling over a big rock. I was still shaking my head and muttering to myself when I came upon Strider soaking his foot in the water at Rainbow Stream. I decided to see if I could make it to the lake.      The campsite was deserted, and I set up on one of the two platforms. I ate two bagels with peanut butter and pepperoni--not because I was hungry, but because I wanted to lighten the pack weight. I went down to the lake shore, filtered some water, and sat on a rock to enjoy the peacefulness of the place. I went up to lay in the warmth of my sleeping bag as a light rain began to fall. I listened to the many loons calling to each other from across the lake. Not to be outdone, the ducks and geese joined in the chorus. I was content, alone in the middle in Maine with on one for miles around.
Date: 2003-10-14
From: Katahdin Stream Campground

To: Falls Church, Va
Miles today: 0.0

      It took most of Saturday to hitch into Millinocket. I spent two days relaxing, eating, and getting myself and my gear cleaned up. Monday morning I took a taxi to Medway where I got on a bus to Bangor. There, I switched to another bus to Boston. Then I caught the business express train to Washington, D.C. Picture me on a train filled with people in suits with large briefcases and laptops and cell phones, and I'm in hiking clothes with an old backpack. I haven't been on any form of public transportation in over thirty years, sophisticated traveller that I am. When I got to Union Station in D.C., a policeman had to talk me through getting a ticket and how to use the metro. I arrived in Dunn-Loring Station after the buses had quit running, so I hoisted my pack and walked the last couple of miles to my sister's house, a casual amble with a full backpack along the concrete retaining walls of a six lane freeway after midnight. I let myself quietly into the house, grabbed a couple of Yuenglings, and went downstairs to sleep in the recliner. In one day I had covered as much distance as it had taken me three and a half months on the trail. It was all a little surreal.
Date: 2002-09-01
To: Gearing Up
Miles today: 0.0

Starting about a year ago, I began looking around and collecting gear. Most of it has come from Ebay and thrift stores. When I finally post my gear list, you will probably laugh. I have duplicates for just about everything: two backpacks, two tents, three sleeping bags, three pairs of boots...you get the idea....I have huge piles of stuff throughout my house. (No wonder nobody ever comes here.) If the price was right (read that, cheap), and it seemed like something I might be able to use, I bought it! Knowing nothing about hiking equipment, and being a full days drive from the nearest outfitter, amassing this mountain of crap has been an ongoing saga. Some of it I will never use, and some of it will be stashed for backup, in case the junk I do decide to lug around doesn't work out. I have weighed it, and fussed with it, cannibalized it, and still have many decisions to make. Non of it is the latest and greatest. You won't find any $700 tents, or $300 backpacks, or $250 jackets in this boneyard. Definitely not a member of the fancy shmancy gear whore cult. Virtually my entire clothing collection, except some of the socks and the boots, were gleaned from thrift stores. I'm not out to impress anyone....and don't worry, I won't.Brown Bess