morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-08-27
From: Andover, Maine

To: Hall Mountain Lean to
Miles today: 6.0

I really had a nice stay at "The Cabin", the food was outstanding and I might add that I indulged to my heart's content. For supper, I had potato salad, a garden salad,BBQ chicken,ice cream,and managed a brownie to end the festivity. Morning didn't come too quickly, breakfast was pancakes, bacon and sausage and all the coffee you could ever desire. The Towne's know how to spread the hospitaliy. After breakfast it was time to get back on the trail and Margie Towne provided the ride for 30-30, Giggles and myself. It was 10:00 and six miles to go, as I planned a short hike today. I enjoyed today's hike and took a lot of breaks and "just a day of leisure on the trail". On the was to Hall Mountain, I met Dragon Slayer and Yoga Monkey, both females, slack packing and both headed North. I arrived at the shelter at 3:30, Bob , a section hiker, hiking to Pinkham Notch was already settled in for the day. Flip Flop arrived at 6:00. There were no major challenges today, just a steady 6 mile climb from 1500' to 2635'. It was a good day to be on the trail, the weather was great.That's all for today,goodnight.
Date: 2004-08-28
From: Hall Mountain Lean to

To: Bemis Mountain Lean to
Miles today: 12.8
Weather: scattered clouds

My calculations are that I have hiked 1936.4 miles. Today was a long day, I left the shelter at 7:00 and arrived at the Bemis Mtn. Lean to at 6:00. When I arrived Giggles, 2 Cents and 30-30 had already arrived. There were two big climbs today, from 1100' up Moody Mountain at 2300' and from 1420' up Old Blue at 3600'. Old Blue is a scrubb covered terrain offering outstanding views. Maine is beauiful and it is tough. There is a whole lot of climbing but the summits provide views unimaginable with rows and rows of mountains. "A true wilderness".I'm tired, goodnight.
Date: 2004-08-29
From: Bemis Mountain Lean to

To: Little Swift River Campsite
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: overcast clouds

7:00 and I'm on my way. I saw my first Moose today (a cow). Wow! They are huge and their ugliness makes them beautiful. I was in awe. I could not have been 10' from the creature and it was picture taking time. What a sight. It looked like it was going to rain all day but it held off until this evening. When I arrived at the shelter there were 8 hikers staying the night. Everyone in tents and I was the only thru hiker. I'm set up in my tent and it has started to rain. It didn't take long until the rain was pouring accompanied with lightening and thunder. The storm was quite soothing as the rain bounced off the tent. My first Moose, goodnight.
Date: 2004-08-30
From: Little Swift River Campsite

To: Rangely, Maine
Miles today: 4.8

It didn't take long to hike to Maine 4 as I left the shelter at 7:00 and started hitching a ride into Rangely at 9:30. It took 30 minutes to get a ride and during that time I had a chat with a section hiker. The third car that passed gave me a ride. She was a young lady and she reported that she always gives hikers a ride. It was sure appreciated, since it is 9 miles to Rangely. Thinking back this could be a good Stephen King "thing". A.T. hikers - young lady gives ride with a fiendish ending. (This would be my brother's thinking), I am just grateful for those "trail Angels" and this young lady was an Angel."Thanks for the ride",I thought when I checked into the Saddleback Motel. I took a shower, did my laundry, bought groceries and directed my thoughts about tomorrow's journey. That's it from Mushroom, goodnight.
Date: 2004-08-31
From: Rangely, Maine

To: Oberton Stream
Miles today: 13.4

I hope that I'm lucky this morning as it is 9 miles to the trailhead. At 7:00, I'm back on the highawy hitching a ride. I should have bought a lottery ticket as this was my lucky day. Grass and a friend of her's stopped and gave me a ride. They were heading toward Stratton to meet Tote (Uncle Ben). Grass took a week off the trail to give her knees a rest. Today, I climbed Saddleback Mountain, it was 3300' climb and it was windy, really, it was very, very windy. I'm above the treeline but no views as it is cloudy and did I say "windy". Too bad as I hear the views from Saddleback are worth the climb. I arrived at Oberton Stream at 6:30, found a tent site and ate supper. There is a stream at Oberton Stream but no bridge, something to think about tonight. That's it from the "Thinker", goodnight.
Date: 2004-09-01
From: Oberton Stream

To: Crocker Cirque Campsite
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: broken clouds

At 7:00, I'm walking in water, the bridge didn't show up. I thought about the crossing, no doubt to get on the other side demanded fording or turn around and walk home. The second option didn't sound so good, I could cross in my sandles , barefoot or leave the boots on and take my chances. Well, I crossed with my boots on. I rationalizd. Hey, your boots are wet and muddy and this is a good way to clean them. I marched on in knee deep water. It was not long until I came to the South Branch of the Carabassett River. Same ordeal as Oberton Stream, no bridge.This crossing had an obstacle course as I rock hopped to the deep part where an engineer designed a board to walk across and then rock hopped on to the bank. Whatever, only the soles of my boots got wet. The climbs were there today as I had a good climb up to Lone Mountain at 3280' and then Spaulding Mountain at 4000'. I kept thinking as I was chugging up Lone Mountain, "Whoever named this mountain has a significant problem with his peripheral vision". Maybe, I'm confused about "Lone", I see mountains every where and dream about them at night. Maybe it's just me, who knows? Whatever, I arrive at the campsite at 5:30 and shared the evening with Hi-Octane, Chimpy, Stretch and Joe Flamingo. I hope my boots dry out by morning, goodnight.
Date: 2004-09-02
From: Crocker Cirque Campsite

To: Stratton, Maine
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: clear sky

I bet you don't know what a "cirque" is? Every geology student that took Geology 101 knows or should know. A "cirque" is a deep steep-walled basin on a mountain shaped like a half bowl. That's what it is. It is sorta confusing but an interesting place to camp. I left the "cirque" place at, "that's right" 7:00 and climbed North Crocker Mountain at 4228'. The views were of the Caribou Valley and Carabassett River, the white birch trees was picture perfect. The descent was a long and rocky tribulation and terminated at Highway ME 27. I saw one Northbounder, Crash, on the way. I arrived at Stratton, Me. about 2:30 and checked into the White Wolf Inn and Restaurant, did the routine and settled in with good company. Giggles and 30-30 were in the restaurant and we talked about the trail,whatelse! Did I mention that it took 20 minutes to get a hitch into town. Well, it did but I had only a five minute wait on the road when another young lady offered me a ride. I'm getting older or the trail Angels are getting younger. I'm not sure why I mentioned that but I really appreciate these "Trail Angels". That's it from the old guy, goodnight.
Date: 2004-09-03
From: Stratton, Maine

To: Safford Notch Campsite
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: clear sky

It's 7:00, on the way is getting to be routine. My hitch to the trailhead took 20 minutes and I was back on the trail at 7:50. I climbed Bigelow Mountain Range today from 1400' to 4145'above treeline and the views were forever. On the way, I met Fireball going south, now this guy is a fast hiker. Two hours later he catches up with me. The last time I saw him he was headed south, he was suppose to be going north. He said this is the second time he has hiked the wrong way. The first time was at Double Springs in the Smokies, he took a break and headed in the wrong direction. I'll say this for him, whatever direction he goes, he goes fast. At the campsite tonight are Stretch, Chimpy, Hi-Octane and Joe Flamingo. That's it for tonight, goodnight.
Date: 2004-09-04
From: Safford Notch Campsite

To: West Carry Pond Lean to
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Today another "hallelujah" milestone, I passed the 2000 mile mark. I might have been hallucinating with joy but I think I saw 2000 written on the pavement after the descent from Bigelow. At the Lean to, my mileage is 2008.9 and my body is starting to feel it. But, I'm having a time of my life. This morning, the hike started out in the clouds and about a minute's sprinkle of rain. Around 10:30, the sky cleared and blue as you dream a sky can be. The views were there. I left the campsite at 7:30 and arrived at the campsite at 5:00.I'm staying in the Lean to tonight, same as a shelter. I guess each State has a shelter or Lean to, you might say "same thing but different State". The Lean to is about 50 yds. from the pond. Now this is another interesting item. Back in Illinois you would call this a lake but in Maine it is a pond. I think you are a pond by depth or probably by size. Whatever, it's a pretty place. I'm the only one in the Lean to tonight, sorta like being at the Ritz. That's it for tonight, goodnight.
Date: 2004-09-05
From: West Carry Pond Lean to

To: Caratunk, Me.
Miles today: 14.0

I departed from the Ritz at 7:00, a nice hike today with no major climbs. At 2:00, I arrived at the Kennebec River, in time for the afternoon ferry crossing by canoe. This river is famous and well known to thru hikers as it is a dangerous crossing resulting from the sudden rise of water from the water control system. There are stories that some have tried to ford this waterway and never made it. Joe Flamingo, Stretch and Chimpy were already there waiting for the ferry. When it was my time, I sat in the front of the canoe and paddled and the "in charge guy" sat in the back. I guess you might say that I hiked and canoed the A.T. or you might not. I arrived in Caratunk at 2:30 and checked into the Caratunk House (a hostel). I did the routine, you know laundry, shower, get supplies. Zipoff and I went to the Northern Outdoors for supper and planned to start hiking in the morning. I told you " these trail names are interesting". The next towm, Monson and then the Hundred Mile Wilderness, I'm so excited but don't tell anyone. I can smell the moss on Katahdin already. Goodnight.
Date: 2004-09-06
From: Caratunk, Me.

To: Bald Mountain Brook Lean to
Miles today: 14.7

Nice breakfast, orange juice, coffee, eggs and French Toast and then back to the trail at 7:30. We started off with a cloudy sky but by noon it cleared I think I saw Katahdin from Pleasant Pond Mountain at 2480'anyway it looked like Katahdin. Whatever it was, it was big. Chimpy passed by me today and is tenting down by the stream, I have the Lean to all to myself. That's it, goodnight.
Date: 2004-09-07
From: Bald Mountain Brook Lean to

To: Horseshoe Canyon Lean to
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: clear sky

I left the shelter at 7:30 and had some great views from Moxie Bald Mountain. At times the clouds were below me, what a sight. This was another one of those water crossing days but no canoe. The first was at Bald Mountain Stream, a 10 yd walk through very cold water and about knee deep. The second crossing at the West Branch of the Piscataquis River. This was a walk knee deep for about 25 yds. I kept my boots on, they were already muddy and this would clean them up. Today's weather was delightful and the hike was rather easy, even with the water walks. There were some rocky places but not bad after all this is the wilderness. Fireball caught up with me, he took a day off to be with his wife. She meets him at various planned destinations with their camper. Not a bad plan, I could do that, I just need a wife and camper. Tomorrow, I strolled into Monson. I have been looking for this event now for several days. I'm in the Lean to and Fireball is tenting about 50 yds. "down wind" from the shelter. See ya in Monson, goodnight.
Date: 2004-09-08
From: Horseshoe Canyon Lean to

To: Monson, Me.
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: mist

I was excited all night and at 7:00, I was hiking to Monson. The hike into Monson was an easy walk, cloudy but no rain. It looked like it was going to rain, but it didn't. I came to the East Branch of the Piscataquis River, West Branch should have been a hint. The wade was not bad as the water level was about ankle deep. Yes, I kept my boots on why not. I arrived at Highway 15, Fireball was there waiting for his wife. I hitched a ride into Monson, after a 5 minute wait.I'm writing now from the comforts of Shaw's Hostel, the name of the hostel is " Shaw's Lodging a Hikers Hostel" just in case you get this way. Shaw's been providing comfort for thru hikers a long time. It's the most famous place in Monson. There are only two North Bounders here tonight, Chimpy and myself. Six South Bounders are here as well, but as you know they are headed in a different direction. I called Hawkeye but had to leave a message. He was going to hike the last hundred miles but that didn't work out with his work schedule.We ate well at Shaw's and this would be the last "supper" prepared by others for awhile. I'm planning to take 10 days to complete my hike. It's an understatement to say that I'm excited. Katahdin, I been chasing since March and the journey is about to be complete. Katahdin, here I come, goodnight.
Date: 2004-09-09
From: Monson, Me.

To: Long Pond Stream Lean to
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: moderate rain

I woke up this morning to the sound of rain, packed my gear and had breakfast. I ordered the 2 by 2 (2 eggs, 2 bacons. 2 ham, 2 saugage, 2 French toast) that's the special at Shaw's. I had a hearty breakfast and I was on my way. The shuttle back to the trail put me on the trail at 7:30.When I left Shaw's my fellow hikers questioned my sanity as starting the 100 Hundred Mile Wilderness on a rainy day. The weather certainly was not appealing. But,walking in the rain is not a novelty after 2000 + miles and I could hear Katahdin ringing in my ear. The rain was not much more than a drizzle compared to the four knee deep stream crossings. As I think back Wilson Stream was up to my "you know what!" and the water was ice cold. I arrived at the lean to at 5:30 and shared the evening with Tote, Chimpy and Patrick. My first night on the last stretch, good night.
Date: 2004-09-10
From: Long Pond Stream Lean to

To: Chairback Gap Lean to
Miles today: 10.9
Weather: overcast clouds

A late start this morning as I left the lean to at 8:00. It was cloudy all day and the sun came out twice for about a minute and the clouds reigned the skies. It looked like rain all day but no rain today. I met Samson and Father Ounce hiking south, the last time I saw them they were at Standing Bear Hostel in North Carolina. They reported that they left the trail at Hanover, N.H. and decided to "do a flip flop" so they went to Katahdin. They are going to complete the trail back in Hanover. Well, there were no views today and the cloud cover resulted in a chilly day. When I arrived at the Lean-to at 5:00, Grass, Tote, Patrick, Chimpy and John were settled in for the evening. That's it for now, goodnight.
Date: 2004-09-11
From: Chairback Gap Lean to

To: Carl A. Newhall Lean-to
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: clear sky

After leaving the lean-to at 7:30, 4 1/2 miles came to the West Branch of the Pleasant River. The ford across was upto my knees, the hike across wasn't too bad but the mosquitos were terrible. Fording a swift current and swatting mosquitos made the journey tricky, but I managed without taking a dip in the cold flowing river. Once acrossed, I met a group of 10 children and 6 adults. I hiked on to the junction where the Gulf Hagas Trail and the A.T. intersect and decided to take a break. The group, I hiked by at the river caught up with me and they started a conversation. One of the adults and I had talked about my hike for about 30 minutes and he shared his mosquito repellant. I was grateful as the mosquitos were vicious. I arrived at the Lean-to about 4:30. Blueberee and a friend came in about 5:00. John was here eating a late lunch and all three moved on after a short break. I decided, I had hiked enough for today and stayed for the night. Later, Tote. Grass and Patrick stopped in at the Lean-to but they hiked on to the Sidney Tappan campsite. That's all for now, goodnight.
Date: 2004-09-12
From: Carl A. Newhall Lean-to

To: East Branch Lean-to
Miles today: 10.8

I left the Lean-to at 7:30, as I hikes by the Sidney Tappan campsite, Tote, Grass and Patrick were having breakfast. Later on, when I reached the top of White Cap Mountain, Blueberee and her friend and 4 day hikers were there and the views were outstanding.There were several major climbs today. Gulf Hagas Mountain was from 1840' to 2680', the West Peak was upto 3178' from 2650' Hay Mountain from 2650' to 3245' and finally from 2900' to 3654' topped White Cap Mountain. From here you could see Katahdin off in the distance with it's peak in the clouds. I arrived at the Lean-to at 4:30. Bob arrived at 6:00 and Tote, Grass and Patrick moved on. Goodnight.
Date: 2004-09-13
From: East Branch Lean-to

To: Potaywadjo Spring Lean-to
Miles today: 19.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Bob and I left the lean-to at 6:45 and we hiked together all day. Bob is retired from the Army, a Lt. Col. and retired from the Civil Service. He lives in Northern Virginia. Tomorrow, I plan to stop at the Whitehouse Landing Wilderness Camp and Bob's plan is to keep trekking on. I'm taking a day of rest. I have heard the Whitehouse Landing is a neat place and I probably will never have the opportunity to see the camp, so now or never. Today is my first 19 mile hike for a while and I can't recall the last 19 miler. Today's terrain was easy with no climbs to recall. Matter in fact today was about as perfect as it gets. No roots to trip on, very few rocks to walk around and a cloudless blue sky. As I think about it, "a great day to be hiking". I arrived at the Lean-to at 4:30 and Bob and I have the Lean-to to ourselves. That's it for tonight. Goodnight.
Date: 2004-09-14
From: Potaywadjo Spring Lean-to

To: Maher Tote Road
Miles today: 2.4

Bob and I left the shelter at 6:45 and hiked together until we reached the Maher Tote Road. Bob continued on and I made a right turn and walked the mile to the Whitehouse Landing boat dock. From there an air horn is provided and this is how you announce your arrival. In about 20 minutes, a boat arrives to take you across the lake. I had heard from some of the South Bounders that this is a good place to stay. I really enjoyed my stay there and recommend it. I had a great view of Katahdin from Pemadumcook Lake. Now, I tallied the miles to go, forty-five point 9 and I figured that in four days my journey will be complete. I'm thinking. I'll return home and enjoy all the memories of this enjoyable and wonderful experience.Today, I sat on the lodge's porch with Meanderthal, he is going home to nurse a sore back and bruised leg before he completes his hike. He lives a hundred miles from Katahdin and plans to finish at the end of the month. We talked for about 4 hours of our experiences and about the many thru hikers we had met on our journey. We both concurred that the memories of this hike will be etched in our minds forever. There are other hikers here tonight, Radio Flyer, Bear, Jalan-Jalan, Bentknees and Relentless, Slips, Lonesome Dove, and 81. 45.9 more, goodnight
Date: 2004-09-15
From: Maher Tote Road

To: Rainbow Stream Lean-to
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: few clouds

I'm on the trail at 9:00 after a boat ride back across the lake. It was only 2 tenth of a mile from the A.T. where we docked. It felt good to start hiking again and knowing that I have 15 miles today and then the next day 9 miles and I would be in Baxter State Park at my last Lean-to (The Birches). Then it's up Katahdin. Today was another good day to be on the trail and I reached the Lean-to at 5:00. Radio Flyer, Bear, Kritter, Caterpiller, Sea Breeze and Litefoot and myself shared the lean-to. This feels real good, goodnight.
Date: 2004-09-16
From: Rainbow Stream Lean-to

To: Abol Bridge Campground
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: broken clouds

I left the lean-to at 7:30 and arrived at the campground at 4:30. This was an easy hike and the adrenalin was pumping. Tomorrow a 9 mile hike to the Birches and then a 5.2 miles to the summit of katahdin. My journey is almost over. When I arrived at the campsite, Hi Octane and Joe Flamingo were there, they had completed the hike yesterday. They were hanging out at the campground and greeting arrivals. At the Hurd Brook Lean-to is Wife and Beater, they were part of the group I hiked with through the Smokies, they plan to join the rest of us at the Birches tomorrow. Tonight at the campground are Caterpiller, Radio Flyer, Litefoot, Sea Breeze, Bear and Kritter.When I arrived at the campstore, I had a hot dog and ice cream. My last bought meal on the trail. Goodnight.
Date: 2004-09-17
From: Abol Bridge Campground

To: The Birches
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: overcast clouds

I woke up to the sound of rain hitting my tent rain fly. The time was 5:00 but by 6:00 the rain had stopped.By 6:15, I was out of my tent, packed and at the campstore for coffee and donuts. At 7:30, I started hiking and at 8 tenths of a mile,I was at the Information Board in Baxter State Park. This is the place where you sign up for a place to stay at the Birches Lean-to. This is a designated Lean-to for thru hikers only. I was the third hikers to sign the list for tonight. There are only 12 spaces and a one night's stay is only allowed. As I hiked on, I took a 200' side trail to the Big Niagara Falls, impressive, took pictures and moved on. I arrived at the Ranger Station at 2:00. I was the 278th Thru hiker to register. At the Birches tonight were; Wife and Beater, Radio Flyer, Catrepiller, Litefoot, Bear, Kritter, Sea Breeze and myself. Later , Batch and his wife stopped by providing sodas, cookies and juice. It was their way to congraduate us for finishing the Appalachian Trail, which will happened tomorrow. Everyone is excited and anxious to get started in the morning. September 17, 2004, and tomorrow on the 18th, a dream realized. Goodnight.
Date: 2004-09-18
From: The Birches

To: Mt. Katahdin
Miles today: 5.2
Weather: snow

Everyone was awake and up by 5:30 trying to get an early start. Sea Breeze was gone by 6:00. I was at the Ranger Station by 6:15. I decided to leave my pack and borrowed a day pack, which is provided for Thru hikers at the Ranger Station. I packed my rain gear, fleece shirt and my water bladder. The Ranger suggested the night before to take a head lamp. Today was a Class 2 day, I guess that means something about the weather. There was no sense in taking my pack as I was returning to the Ranger Station.I started hiking the Hunt Trail, this is the A.T. to the summit of katahdin, it was 6:40. An interesting thought, this would be the biggest climb of the hike, 4000' of elevation to reach the summit, 5267'. I ARRIVED at 10:00. The first two miles didn't seem to bad as the hiking was a gradual ascent. But, that changed into a steep ascent with rocks and a final rock scamble to the Tableland. When I reached the Tableland, the trail appeared flat and rocky and from here was a gentle climg to to the summit. The hike from there was gentle compared to the earlier ascent and rock scamble. I thought, " the rock scambles are behind me, that is until my descent". It doesn't matter, I, by that time will have hiked the Appalachian Trail.I now had 1.6 miles to go and my pace picked up. I was almost there. Finally, I started the final climb. There on the summit were other hikers standing around, I knew then that my journey was almost over. As I drew closer, I heard someone yell my trail name, I raise both arms in the air and pumped twice and continued on. There it was, the sign that I had seen so many pictures of, pictures of other Thru hikers taken by the sign. As I approached, Wife yelled to me to touch the sign. I did and it signified the End of My Journey. A journey that started on march 28th, 2004 and ended on September 18, 2004.Note: I celebrated at the summit with Wife and Beater, Litefoot, Caterpiller, Kritter, Bear, Sea Breeze and Radio Flyer. On my descent, I met 30-30 and Giggles on the way to the summit.This is my last report coming from the trail, GOODNIGHT.