morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-09-22
From: Monson, ME

To: Leeman Brook Shelter
Miles today: 3.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I slept so horribly last night. I wonder if I am just getting used to my sleeping bag and have a hard time adjusting to beds. I can actually only count a handful of nights when I have slept soundly the whole night through. Hopefully I will get so tired one day I will sleep no matter what.I got up for an early breakfast at the Shaw's and then chores. I received a mail drop package and a nice card with a bonus in it from my first trail angel, Liz. It took me some time to sort through the mail drop since I am plunging into the 100 mile wilderness and needed a resupply drop halfway through. I had to do some thinking, which is a different skill all together, rather than walking. I worked it out with them to have a drop 6 days in, seeing as that is about Brown Dog's capacity for carrying and I do not enjoy carrying much more than that. So I have a rendezvous with Keith Shaw on Sunday morning on a logging road to get my rations. The day just whizzed by and before I knew it I was walking in the woods. I had planned on taking a day off in Monson, but I wanted to give myself some time if the weather turned sour the day I plan to summit Katahdin. So here I am a mere three miles both wide eyed and bushy tailed. My spirits are high. I also firmed up my plans on meeting my mom and dad on the fourth. We have several plans so all should go well. I can't believe I am in this magical place I have read and dreamt about for so long. I am truly fortunate.Happy trails!
Date: 2003-09-23
From: Leeman Brook Shelter

To: Long Pond Stream Lean To
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: overcast clouds

I started the day with a goodbye to OFF. He has to be at Katahdin sooner than myself so he is making some tracks. I throughly enjoyed his company and he will be missed. Then I was on the trail. It was a hard morning, just felt out of sorts and off the mark. I finally sat down at 11:00 am and had lunch, took some Aleve for a headache and felt much better the rest of the afternoon. The day has been overcast and it always makes you feel like it could rain any second. I hate that feeling. It is obvious that gone are the long days of summer.I had the best wipe out yet. It was as if I were a ballerina who didn't know the steps. I stepped on a rock to get over a downed tree. It wobbled and I did a pirouette over to my backside where I was wedged between a rock and a tree. As heavy as my pack is right now, I had no chance of avoiding the spill, much less unwedging myself with the pack on. I proceeded to release myself and get to an upright position, where upon I burst into laughter. I will have some bruises from that one. I stumbled along the next mile or so until I regained some balance.Then came the second wobbling rock incident. But this time the stakes were raised. I was fording a river. I was just too lazy to take my shoes off. I rock hopped across until the last rock where upon I stepped, it wobbled and I was in the river up to my knees. So much for dry shoes and socks. Oh well! It was starting to sprinkle and I raced to the shelter and arrived before the majority of the rain. It is raining buckets outside right now and there are six of us in here, dry for the most part. I think it is just sinking in about the vastness of this stretch and how important it is to keep the rubber side down.Happy trails!
Date: 2003-09-24
From: Long Pond Stream Lean To

To: Chairback Mountain Gap Lean To
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: broken clouds

What a difference sun makes!! I had a fantastic day and I even climbed over four mountains. It was a long eleven, but it feels so good. The trail was super wet today and I had a hard time keeping the rubber side down. I slipped and fell several times and some of the trail was reminiscent of the Whites, specifically the steep downs. I didn't see many folks all day, but I had a good radio station and just knocked the miles off. Days like this make me want more.Happy trails!
Date: 2003-09-25
From: Chairback Mountain Gap Lean To

To: Carl A. Newhall Lean to
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Whew, the outstanding feature of this day was coming down Chairback Mountain, enough to make the hair stand up on the back of your neck when looking down. We made it, slow and steady, as always. Brown Dog got lost at the bottom in the boulders for about 10 minutes. I called and whistled, then finally I saw her down in some bushes from the boulder I was standing on. She was looking at me as if to say, "Here I am, now come and help me." I bush wacked to help her out and boy were we glad to see each other.We also forded the west branch of the Pleasant River, wide and cold, burrrr. I took my shoes off, donned the sandals and plunged into water up to my knees. Then it was a slow 5 mile crawl up to the shelter. I sure do like the shelters, especially when you beat the rain. Ahhh to be dry and warm!Happy trails!
Date: 2003-09-26
From: Carl A. Newhall Lean To

To: East Branch Lean To
Miles today: 10.8

The day ahead was to be hard, I thought, up and over four mountains, the last significant ones before Katahdin. It was sunny and I was happy to be hiking. Much to my surprise, even though some of the ups were steep, I was just plugging right along. I actually got my first glimpse of the promised land, Katahdin. Poking up out of the flat land so prominent that there was no mistaking its grandeur. I could not believe my eyes. I must have taken 5 pictures of the same thing, Katahdin. Katahdin is the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail and signifies a huge milestone for me, halfway. For most, it is the end of this long odyssey. I have read about it, talked about it, seen pictures of it, and now, it is on my doorstep. Wow! With new energy I plowed over the next three mountains, hoping for some outstanding views from White Cap, as the guide said. I even saved my lunch for White Cap. But, alas, when I arrived at the peak, clouds had closed in. Never mind, I had my sneak peak. Next week on this day I will be standing atop the big K looking back, looking back on so many things.I can't quite believe it, still.The trail promises to be flatter for the rest of the way, even though they are calling for some significant rain on Sunday. No rain, no pain, no Katahdin. I have been hiking with Kokopelli for some time now and tomorrow she will be putting the pedal to the metal and be off for an October first summit. I will bid her farewell as I have many others. I wonder who will happen around the corner next. Happy trails!
Date: 2003-09-27
From: East Branch Lean To

To: Tenting near Jo Mary Road
Miles today: 11.8

I woke slowly this morning, not in a hurry, just have to make my food drop by tomorrow morning. It was overcast with fog occasionally and we were picking up a good radio station out of Millinocket, so we just walked and walked. Before I knew it I was at Cooper Falls Lean To. Not only was it located at a gorgeous sight of a swimming hole and cascading water, but there was trail magic! Someone had been there just that morning and dropped off sodas, homemade cookies, Snickers, fruit and hard candies. Jackpot! I sat for about an hour snacking and contemplating whether to move on to Jo Mary Road and look for a campsite. It is supposed to rain all day tomorrow and my food drop is not until 10:00 am. Well, I moved on and was rewarded nicely with smooth, flat trail and a nice camping spot next to a stream. The only thing is, Brown Dog just heard something in the forest snapping twigs and is growling and on edge. I hate that. She has her head out under the tarp and won't come in and as much as I know nothing is going to get me, it still makes me edgy. Oh ,well, hopefully whatever it was is gone so we can sleep. More to that story, what ever it was came a little closer and I had to get out of the tarp with my trekking poles and bang them around. Huummm, at least it makes me feel better. Hopefully that is the last of that.Happy trails!
Date: 2003-09-28
From: Tenting near Jo Mary Road

To: White House Landing
Miles today: 10.0

Well, whatever was in the woods last night left us alone. I as glad for that and a peaceful night's sleep.It started raining in the middle of the night as promised and continued through the whole day and still continues. We slept in and had coffee and breakfast in bed. Aaaahhhh, a normal Sunday! About 9:15 am, I decided I'd better get a move on and started packing up. It finally came down to taking the tent down, which I was dreading a bit and Brown Dog wouldn't come out. I didn't raise a fool. So I just took it down and she was a lump in the middle. She reluctantly came out and was sulking while I packed it up. We stayed dry all through the night. I was so thankful, even carrying the yucky wet tent.Keith was right on time with my resupply I had left at Shaw's. It was nice to see him and he took some of my garbage and told me the weather promised to get colder with a frost coming on. It is time to finish up here in Maine before it gets real cold.As we were walking I ran into Mountain Butterfly, whom I nicknamed Iron Butterfly in the Whites. We had lunch at the shelter. I decided to push on through the rain to White House Landing, a small oasis in the wilderness. I cut off on the 1 mile side trail and it suddenly took me into an area that had seen the lumber industry. What an eye opener from the beautiful, majestic trees to devastation. It made me sad that humans need so much. If we saw it every day, the trees all cut down, would we still need so much?The White House Landing is across a small pond and the boat was just pulling off, but Brown Dog ran out and flagged them down and they turned back and away we went.The White House Landing is a beautiful setting. They run off propane, no electricity. It is cool. I had a nice hot shower and a huge burger with a root beer. It is still pouring outside, but I am warm and dry inside. Smile! I might take a day off tomorrow, if it is raining. Katahdin is so close, but yet so far away.Happy trails!
Date: 2003-09-29
From: White House Landing

To: Wadleigh Stream Lean To
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Yummy breakfast this morning. I packed up quickly for the sun was out and he was only giving boat rides back to the other shore for a short time.It was a Monday, just one of those days. Just didn't have much pep in my step. I am still making forward progress, that alone is so important.I have my fingers crossed for good weather on Friday.Happy trails!
Date: 2003-09-30
From: Wadleigh Stream Lean To

To: Rainbow Springs Campsite
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Man, everyone was gone in a flash this morning! I was the last one out by a long time. It was a beautiful walk today. The sun was out and the trail offered vistas of Katahdin as well as much streamside walking. The leaves are becoming more colorful and the trail is just changing faces. The temperatures are dipping into the low 30's at night so I am sleeping with most of my clothes on and contemplating a warmer sleeping bag.I also saw my first moose today, really a moose butt. I was excited because I was beginning to think that moose were fictional. Tomorrow is Brown Dog's last day hiking on this northern section of the trail. Dogs are not allowed in Baxter State Park where Katahdin is, so I will arrange for her accommodations at Abol Bridge.I have seen many hikers lately that I thought I'd not see again - Yo-yo, Zero, Slow Ride and several others. It is nice to see friendly faces. Congratulations to all the others who have summitted and completed their journey.Happy trails!
Date: 2003-10-01
From: Rainbow Springs Campsite

To: Abol Bridge
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: overcast clouds

I emerged from the Hundred Mile Wilderness with misty eyes at how far I and my faithful companion have come. I hugged and congratulated her on completing her northern section of the hike, for she cannot go into Baxter State Park which holds Katahdin. Upon regaining my composure, I raced to the camp store where food and soda awaited!! Slow Ride, Loony and Sven Saw were sitting outside. I said a quick hello and headed for a coke, salt and vinegar potato chips and an oatmeal cream pie. The store is so little, but such an oasis. The payphone had just been installed and was a cell phone payphone, interesting, but it got the job done. The ladies at the store were so helpful finding accommodations for Brown Dog. They made the calls and set her up. She will be picked up in the morning. I will have some separation anxiety, to say the least.There are 12 of us here tonight camping out, sitting around a campfire reminiscing and laughing out loud a lot. It is 15.1 miles to the top of Katahdin, then 5.5 down off the mountain. I am in a bit of disbelief right now, not sure when it will sink in.Happy trails!
Date: 2003-10-02
From: Abol Bridge

To: Katahdin Stream Campsite
Miles today: 10.2
Weather: light rain

The morning started with a goodbye to Brown Dog. Natalie, everyone's grandmother, drove away with her at 7:15 am. She was looking out the back window like, "Aren't you supposed to be in here, what is going on?" I started to cry and Morph put his hand on my shoulder. I had some coffee and donuts and felt good enough to walk. It was weird walking without her and very quiet. I registered at the park boundary and I was in - in Baxter State Park on my way to sleep in the shadow of Katahdin. It has been very cold and it is raining out, some say that means snow up top. I am off to my thoughts for now.Happy trails!
Date: 2003-10-03
From: Katahdin Stream Campsite

To: Millinocket, ME
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

This entry, written by Mom, is to tell you of recent developments with Right On's progress. Right On is in Millinocket waiting for an opportunity to summitt Katahdin. The weather turned messy on top of the mountain. It snowed and park rangers closed the mountain for the day on 10-3. She will try again on 10-4 by driving out to Baxter State Park very early in the morning, waiting in line to enter the park area, and then hoping that the mountain is open to hikers. Her dad and I will be joining her on 10-4 in Millinocket, Maine. We are hoping she has had a summit experience that day.There will be a lapse of timely journal entries while her parents are driving her back down to West Virginia to start the second half of her trail hike. Hopefully, she will be on her way again by 10-15.Happy trails!
Date: 2003-10-15
From: Harper's Ferry

To: David Lesser Shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: clear sky

My mother dropped me off this morning at 10:30 am in the exact location that Jan did 4 and a bit months ago. Wow!! Was I really there four months ago and have I really walked to Maine? It seems a bit hard to believe. Mom and I stopped by the AT headquarters so I could get another picture taken, this time with my dog. They keep a binder of polaroids of all the hikers passing through. Then it was down to the drop off. As she drove away, after a hug and a "Be careful," I was standing there again with only my pack and my dog, who was looking at me as if to say "Didn't we already do this?" All that was left to do was walk. Did I mention it has been 11 days since I last hiked with that pack on - 11 days of town food and lots of it, showers, beds, rest and relaxation. Well, my legs and feet were shouting it out to me. I think I have some adjusting to do. It shouldn't take too long, I hope. We are tucked in tight tonight as it is a bit brisk compared to those cushy hotel rooms.Happy trails!
Date: 2003-10-16
From: David Lesser Shelter

To: Bears Den Hostel
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: clear sky

It was a slow start on a gorgeous day. I am getting this hiking machine back on track, but it is slow going and grumpy at times. I figured I'd have grown wings by now, but still have these pesky feet. Just one foot forward, one at a time, that is what I keep telling myself. Staying the evening at a hostel right off the trail is great - food, to be around others and have some small comforts. Tomorrow is a new day.A shout out to Pershing Middle School for all the wonderful letters and cards I received in Harper's Ferry. They are sure to keep me moving down the trail with a smile.Happy trails!
Date: 2003-10-17
From: Bears Den Hostel

To: Rod Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: overcast clouds

We walked the Rollercoaster today, a 13 mile section of trail that has ten ups and ten downs, a total gain of 5,000 feet elevation. It whipped me. I am so glad the coaster is over. It is raining out now and I am glad to be in the shelter. I'm the only one around for miles.Listening to "Friends" and "Seinfeld" on my radio tonight, I was laughing out loud.Happy trails!
Date: 2003-10-18
From: Rod Hollow Shelter

To: Manasa Gap Shelter
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: clear sky

After a night of rain the day dawned bright, sunny and crisp. It was to be one of those autumn days we all dream about. I got off to a great start. I was working on rearranging my attitude since I have been a little grumpy about the trail. It paid off. I met tons of day hikers and weekenders and that was enough for me. The trail also became more friendly soooo it was a good day. I saw my first hunter today. It is small game rifle season and big game bow season. It was a bit weird to see someone trot past with a gun, but it is everyone's land. After all, we have to share. Therefore, we are decked out it blaze orange. Brown Dog has a bright orange pack cover and a bright orange coat to wear when she doesn't have her pack on. I have a bright yellow pack cover, orange hat and orange vest for around camp. You might be able to see us from where you are. As the seasons change so does the attire for the trail.Happy trails!
Date: 2003-10-20
From: Front Royal, VA

To: Tom Floyd Wayside
Miles today: 3.0
Weather: clear sky

Sweet joy! I am south of the Mason Dixon on a town stop. That means I understand what people are saying, having biscuits and gravy, Dr. Pepper and free refills. I had a wonderful town stop today, a nice sleep-in this morning, a good southern breakfast, a wonderful maildrop and a fantastic ride to the trail. The weather is beautiful! What more could I want? I was in the checkout line at the grocery with my pack in the grocery cart and the clerk asked me if I was hiking. Her nephew just finished the trail. That is just how the trail works. When I relax and let it flow everything just falls into place. The only bad thing is that I missed Sonic and Guana today. They had to come and do a section they missed down here and our paths were due to cross, but unfortunately I was in town. They are going north and I am going south. I read in the shelter register tonight that they were here last night and that Fly and Smoothie made a guest appearance. Guess I was just a day late and a dollar short. I know I will see them again because they will come and visit me when they miss the trail. Right?Anyways, it has been a good day!Happy trails!
Date: 2003-10-21
From: Tom Floyd Wayside

To: Gravel Springs Hut
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: broken clouds

I officially entered the Shenandoah National Park today. I then filled out my backcountry permit and attached it to my pack. The trail is nicely graded and easier walking. Shenandoah has a road running the length of the park called Skyline Drive. The trail crosses several times a day. There are reports of wayside stores with burgers and shakes and I can't wait to see if it is true. Tonight I am sharing a shelter with Tiny, Corsican, Sarge, East, and Captain Leo.Not much to report today.Happy trails!
Date: 2003-10-22
From: Gravel Springs Hut

To: Pass Mountain Hut
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Whew, it turned cold today, cold and windy. Yes, long gone are the days of summer. We stopped at the Elkwallow Wayside today. It is right off Skyline Drive. They had a short order grill, souvenirs, gas for the cars, phone and flush toilets. It doesn't take much to make me happy these days. I had a hamburger, fries and coffee. Then I got some magic. This tour bus of people had stopped and were having a picnic. When they were finishing up they came over and gave me two sandwiches, an apple and a Kit Kat, whew wee. I ate the apple straight away and then packed the sandwiches for a appetizer before dinner for myself and other hikers. An older couple came by and just loved Brown Dog and promptly went and got milk bones for her. They were talking about this being their dog's first road trip. It is so great to meet so many different people. That is my favorite part of the trail, hands down, the people. I forgot, earlier in the day, when I was crossing the road a truck with Texas plates saw me. Well, I was about 20 yards into the forest and I heard, "Hey, are you one of those hikers?" I replied yes and walked back to her. It turns out she is from Corsicana and wanted to take our picture. We talked briefly and asked her to take my regards back to Texas. It is the people, love the people.So the day wore on and the weather was turning south. It started to hail, pea size, and the wind was whipping. It was strange, but we survived and we are all tucked in our sleeping bags. I had a hearty serving of mashed potatoes, beef and peas with cheese on top. Yummy, with a nice coffee to top it off.   Aaahhh, the trail. Hope I'm not a popsicle in the morning.Happy trails!
Date: 2003-10-23
From: Pass Mountain Hut

To: Rock Spring Shelter
Miles today: 15.0

Whew, am I glad I got that warmer sleeping bag. This morning we woke to a light dusting of snow. Burrrr, and it is even colder tonight. I had quite an adventure today getting into town to get my food that I sent forward. I stood by the highway for an hour today waiting for a ride, freezing to death and nobody would stop. Was it the orange hat and yellow jacket combo that scared them off? I decided to go up to the Panarama Wayside and used the telephone to call a ride. Jim came around noon and toted me around until 3:00 pm. He was super nice and helpful. He dropped me past the shelter on a service road where I back-tracked to Big Meadows. I then met Jim and Kim who were there on their honeymoon. They brought me the rest of the way to the shelter. Cooool!It was a nice little adventure.Here I am at the shelter with many others. Hopefully, I will be warm tonight.Happy trails!
Date: 2003-10-24
From: Rock Spring Shelter

To: Bearfence Shelter
Miles today: 11.5

Whew, it was cold last night, but I survived to see a beautiful clear day. We hiked to Big Meadow and had a long sit complete with cheeseburger, coffee, everything. It is so nice to have the convenience of these wayside grills. The only thing is my pack weight doesn't go down because I'm not eating my lunch food. Oh well, it is a small price to pay. Corsican turned up sick today and had to hitch into Waynesboro. Hope he is feeling better. I arrived at the hut to find magic from the newlyweds!!! How excited we all were. Soda, milk, canned beans, some good tuna were amongst other things. What a great surprise! Thanks Kim and Jim. We had a fire and a potluck dinner complete with soda! Whew whee! Now I am tucked in for the night.My friends, Jen and Audra, are meeting me Monday morning for some hiking and some news of home. I am excited about the opportunity to see them and have them walk along with me. So the trail goes on and on and on and on and on....Happy trails!