morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-07-15
From: Rt 112

To: Eliza Brook Shelter
Miles today: 7.5
Weather: light rain

"Privys are for yuppies."-on a privy door in Pearisburg, VAWildlife: a mountain hare, or is it a bunny? very large feet and ears-oh, and fresh moose poop--oh, just found out from Feather that it is a Snowshoe Hare that I saw. You know how when you mentally prepare for something to be easy, and then it is not---it seems REALLY, REALLY hard. The footing was gnarly the entire way, just plain gnarly. Mosey and Nana K. are still out walking (and I have been in for 2.5 hours)-God bless them. At least it stopped raining mid day-that was the best part of the day. No sign of Waukeela folks yet-getting worried. I don't even know where they are coming from... Nice Nobos here...Mom-daughter combo: Feather and Wings, Hop-Lite and Pack Rat. They met up about 3 months ago...and they hope to summit Aug 12th. Amazing. I am envious of their fitness and focus.
Date: 2004-07-16
From: Eliza Brook Shelter

To: Franconia Notch
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: light rain

"Never give up."Wildlife: 2 red squirrelsToo tired to write much...we surely are in The Whites...tough, wet, steep, rocky trails. No views today, but soon, we hope! Nice to be in Eaton with our friends, Whit and Heather (who hiked w/ us way back in GA-NC). Nite
Date: 2004-07-18
From: Franconia Notch

To: Liberty Spring Tentsite
Miles today: 2.7

"...in the fullness of time..."-The Book of Common PrayerWildlife: I heard several White-Throated Sparrows, and more exciting, Nana K. saw a Lynx!What a great 36 hours off the trail: A gathering of Waukeela friends at Heather & Whit's Saturday night, a sunset hike up Foss Mountain, a yummy home cooked breakfast and a "coming home" experience at Christ Church in North Conway. (Hence the quote-or part of quote for today...I can't recall the whole thing, but I love those words: "in the fullness of time...". -A perfect time...Our hike was up, up, up but the footing was grand compared to the Kinsmans. The rain didn't begin until we all had our tents up...I couldn't cook, so my Sunday dinner was Tuna in a packet, Peanut Butter crackers and dried apricots for desert-eaten in my tent, lying down (because my tent is too small to sit up!) Got to listen to NPR's Thistle and Shamrock show on my radio-life is good!
Date: 2004-07-19
From: Liberty Spring Tentsite

To: Greenleaf Hut
Miles today: 4.9

"Not all who wander are lost."Wildlife: another snowshoe hareAbove treeline most of the day!-- And NO view--but no rain/lightening, either, so we gave thanks. No wind, either-just an eery fog shrouding all around us. Mosey's sleeping bag got wet, so we came to the hut to dry out...our mileage is sooo low! but these are the mighty White Mountains!
Date: 2004-07-20
From: Greenleaf Hut

To: Garfield Ridge Tentsite
Miles today: 5.0

(3.9 AT miles, 5.0 total daily miles, 835.6 total trip miles)"I believe in Guardian Angels."- Mosey(to be expounded upon later)Wildlife: nothin-really...maybe a crowThe day started out well...happy to wake up dry and warm!Mosey started up Lafayette early- Nana K. left about an hour later, and I left about 30 min later. It's 1.1 miles straight up from the hut, and as I was about 20 min up, right at treeline, BOOM-CRACK-FLASH. A storm came fast up the ridge. The time between the thunder and the lightening was short-so I took my backpack off, covered it, left my poles and ran back to the shelter to wait out the storm. I was worried sick about my friends-couldn't see them. A couple came down off the mountain and told us they were okay. I caught up with them shortly thereafter...walked with them for a short time...hiked ahead a bit until getting to a rather sheer wall of rock. Got up it alone, but it was hard and scarey. I was all set to help my comrades up when along came Camel- a thru-hiker who was able to lift Mosey's pack with one hand and help her, as well. Nana K. got stuck at one point, and he helped her through that...and here we are, safe and sound- "Angels watchin over me, my Lord"
Date: 2004-07-21
From: Garfield Ridge Tentsite

To: Galehead Hut
Miles today: 2.7
Weather: light rain

"...I may not be able to do everything, but that which I can do, I ought to do, and by the grace of God, I shall do."Wildlife: a grey jayThose of you paying any attention to our milage will note the lack of any double-digits in recent days. Welcome to the Whites!- Land of rocks and veritical climbs, often with water running down. We have been humbled. Today we had intended to go to Guyot Tentsite, but we learned that 4 large camp groups are headed there and we can't be guaranteed a place to camp. So we are doing the safe thing and staying here, hopefully working in exchange for stay. The sun is shining brightly and it's 80 degrees. We have all our clothes and gear laying out on the rocks to dry-yeah!We've met more and more Nobo's--met Captain Hook, Leki-Less and Camera Crew yesterday...I had been reading their trail journals the month before I began-and here they are, in the flesh (or what is left of them-many are looking ragged and lean). Met 5 Sobos today, too. They tell us that Maine is tough-rocky and rooty. Somehow, I was picturing an easy walk after Andover, Me. Oh well. For the first time I think I may really have to leave Mosey and Nana K. if I will make it to Katahdin in time (Aug 20th). Even then, I may not make it fast enough. I will stay with them until Mahoosuc Notch and see what to do from then on. I want to lighten my load (same old story!), too. What can I part with? My Pocketmail? My Journal? My rainpants (I hate them-they feel like wearing a garbage bag!) Wanted to change back to lighter boots, but the Sobo's said the footing is hard in Maine, so may keep the heavy boots? At least my feet don't hurt!
Date: 2004-07-22
From: Galehead Hut

To: Ethan Pond Campsite
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: fog

"Day is done. Gone the sun..." -TapsWildlife: A MOOSE! A big bull moose with a BIG rack standing in the pond, eating. Also saw a grouse on the trail.Finally got to do some miles today... had a great view from S. Twin! The weather was perfect by my standards. Too tired to say more.
Date: 2004-07-23
From: Ethan Pond Campsite

To: Crawford Notch
Miles today: 3.5
Weather: fog

"The quality of mercy is not strained; it droppeth as a gentle rain from Heaven..." -Portia from a Shakespere playWildlife: The same moose! The moose was up early, standing in Ethan Pond, grazing.A nice foggy, rainy morning and walk down to the Notch. A shower and laundry at a local campground-and we are waiting to be picked up for a weekend off - to see Caleb (my dog) Dana, Lisa from Pinecliffe and Jill, friend from Peak's and caretaker of Thor and Adam (my cats!) and just to hang out at Waukeela. Here we will sit until Dana comes! Yeah!!
Date: 2004-07-27
From: Crawford Notch

To: Waukeela Camp, Eaton, NH
Miles today: 0.0

"...and wherever you are, there you are not." -T.S. EliotWildlife: two loons, making their lonesome call from nearby Crystal LakeI am here, in 'my' cabin, warm & dry, listening to the steady rain on the roof and trees around me. I have electricity and I am in a bed with proper pillows, listening to NPR's coverage of the Democratic National Convention. Such a different life than the one lived a week ago and for the majority of the last 4 months...so hard to be in this in-between state. When we get off the trail for a day or two, it's no big deal: we do laundry, eat, grocery shop, eat, shower, eat, sleep, eat - you get the idea. But when in town for more time, it is hard to adjust to the rhythm of the 'frontcountry' vs. the 'backcountry'. In the latter, we live a very primal existence: food, water and shelter - no distractions. In the former, we let things bog us down that, in the end, don't really matter in the grand scheme of things. I feel caught in between these two worlds.I made the choice to get off the trail this week and be at Waukeela. Dana brought Caleb, my adorable dog, up. So we are 'working' at camp: canoeing, hiking, etc. Nana K. and Mosey are doing the section from Crawford Notch to Pinkham Notch: tonight they should be at Lakes of the Clouds Hut, summiting Mt. Washington tomorrow! (I have already done that section- and now that I am a section hiker vs. a thru-hiker, it felt like the right thing for me)I plan to meet them on Saturday (my birthday!) at Imp Campsite, near Gorham, NH. We'll then be a few days away from Mahoosuc Notch and officially be in Maine ("The Way Life Should Be ").Dona Nobis Pachem-
Date: 2004-08-02
From: Gorham, NH

To: Trident Col Campsite
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: broken clouds

"Yesterday a child went out to wander, caught a dragonfly inside a jar; Fearful when the sky was full of thunder, and tearful at the falling of a star...". -Joni MitchellWildlife: just a tiny snakeI still love the words to that song...and today I felt like the child who went out to wander (or is it 'wonder'?) Being off the trail always makes me appreciate everything even more: Today was sunny and spectacular in terms of views! We had a direct view of Washington and Madison and we looked down on Gorham and the Androscoggin River...and the wild veery are 'at prayer' tonight as I am in my tent for the night. Day is done, gone the sun... Ah! I caught myself singing aloud on the trail today: The Penguin Song that I learned while at Waukeela last week. "Have you ever had a penguin come to tea? Take a look at me, a penguin you will see. Penguins, attention! Penguins, begin: right arm". (you start flapping your right arm). And there I was today, about 3pm, walking along singing that silly song! It did make me smile...I miss being at camp, I really miss Caleb, but I am so blessed to have these next few weeks.Ciao-
Date: 2004-08-03
From: Trident Col Campsite

To: just before NH/Maine state line
Miles today: 9.0

"and we will soon face the new journey of fitting back into our old skins...only to realize they're probably too tight now." -an entry in the register at Gentian Pond by thru-hiker "Moon-Pie", 7/21Wildlife: a gazillion piles of moose poop (scat), fresh moose tracks and 3 snakesIt has been a very interesting day! Started this morning by ascending Wocket Ledge - offering one of the best views around. I stayed up there for a good hour. Then ran into "Dead-Man-Walking" and "Lovebug" having a snack. They were eating chocolate frosting on sweet rolls! Uh! Whatever gets them going, I guess! Met up with Mosey soon after (at the beautiful Gentian Pond Shelter) and endured a thunderstorm together. Got to the summit of Mt. Success as the clouds were lifting and got some awesome views! Then the fun began: sheer rocks going both up and down. Packs off several times - I found myself doing things I wouldn't have imagined doing alone, but something kicks in when you know someone else is depending on you...such was the case today. And as we scrambled our way down the steepest section in a long time, we ran out of daylight. Thankfully, there was a tentsite nearby - so that's where we are tonight. Nana K. will be worried, but hopefully she knows we just ran out of time. Will meet up tomorrow with her. Night.
Date: 2004-08-04
From: just before NH/Maine state line

To: Full Goose Shelter
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: broken clouds

"...all night, all day, angels watchin' over me, my Lord..." -spiritualWildlife: a mother grouse, standing on top of a rock on Goose Eye Mountain, watching over her two little ones, and more moose poop (how do the moose get up and down these slabs of wet rock?!)What a day! Mosey and I left our makeshift campsite early, so as to find Nana K. to assure her we were fine. A challenging series of slippery downs (all on boulders or wet slabs) greeted us before the sign posted on the tree: "Welcome to Maine, the way life should be."After our little reunion at Carlo Col Shelter, we summitted Carlo (then a steep down) East Goose Eye (then another steep down), then North Goose Eye (and another steep down). Oh, and did I mention the steep uphill/cliff where we took our packs off? Nana K. was the heroine of the day to crawl up first...I was quite scared- slippery rocks, a narrow corrider on which to walk (and a nasty 15 foot drop with a false step.) So, we are all tuckered out. And tomorrow is the infamous Mahoosuc Notch. Talked to some folks today who told us about a guy who fell and dislocated his shoulder...and saw their legs - all banged up, bruised, cut, etc. Should be interesting. We are keeping our guardian angels busy! Question: Do bears eat blueberries sitting down (with their paws), or do they eat them off the bush directly? I was wondering that today (as I stopped to pick a few blueberries).
Date: 2004-08-05
From: Full Goose Shelter

To: Speck Pond Shelter
Miles today: 5.1
Weather: clear sky

"In this world we walk by faith, not by sight."- C. Winter of Peak's IslandWildlife: moose scat, paw prints from a lynx or bobcat (kind of a slim day)Woke early to see a phenomenal sunrise through the trees! We all woke early, eager to begin the day...and off we went, making it to the start of Mahoosuc Notch by 9:30 am. In we went - basically it is a river of boulders with little white blazes on a few of them. We had to crawl over, under, around them...taking off our packs, scooting them along - it was really fun!(of course if it had been raining, I would have used another descriptor!) I saw Bonespur!! I met him 4 months ago today, eating a Mango with April Showers in GA!! It was fantastic to see him - he looked great. Also met Dharma, whose Trail Journal Spike told me to read... good to finally meet him.At any rate, we are safe and sound and tired, so good night, "you kings (queens) of Maine, you princes (princesses) of New England"-from John Irving's The Cider House Rules
Date: 2004-08-06
From: Speck Pond Shelter

To: U.S 26
Miles today: 4.4

Instead of a quote, here is a question for the day: Do moose poop when they stop walking? (There are piles of scat fairly close together.)Wildlife: a big snake, which bit my hiking pole when I tried to nudge it off the trail.A great climb up Old Speck, a mountain that Jo Fiske used to talk about--a great view. Then a long down hill to Grafton Notch where Earle from The Cabin was waiting Nice timing--stopped to get beer and chips. And dinner--Chicken and real mashed potatoes, salad, corn on the cob. Yummmm...and we got to see Bonespur again - what a great guy. Off to sleep...
Date: 2004-08-07
From: U.S 26

To: East Hill Rd.
Miles today: 10.4

Another question: Does anyone know why there is a cresent moon on the outhouse door? Why is it a waxing moon vs. a waning moon? (send all answers to littlefish@pocketmail.com)Wildlife: more moose scat, fresh moose prints, and a toadI loved the hike today! We were dropped off at 8am (we slackpacked), and we headed up to Baldplate...there are two peaks, big and bald with great views---such a nice day! It felt like a hike, not a rock scramble...also good to slackpack! Maybe again tomorrow--
Date: 2004-08-08
From: East Hill Rd.

To: South Arm Rd. (over Wyman Mtn. and Moody Mtn.)
Miles today: 10.1

Question of the day: Why is Moose poop always on the SIDE of the trail? Always!Wildlife: a toad, a snake and a grouse (in that order)Another day of slackpacking from The Cabin. I wonder if anyone has slackpacked the entire AT? It would be expensive, that's for sure. And as nice as it is having a home cooked meal, a shower, and a bed, one misses the getting from 'point A' to 'point B'. I have had a great stay here, but I need to move on...only having days left on the trail makes me want to sleep outside, want to get good and dirty and even want to eat another package of Lipton Sides. I am lovin' Maine. The trails are better maintained, the boulder dancing seems to be over with (all the stuff we did in The Mahoosuc Range between Gorham and Grafton...) I won't say it's easy, cause it's not. But it's more like hiking than playing Spiderman. (Spiderwoman)Said goodbye to Bonespur this morning - wishing him and his buddies good travels. Tonight we'll see Welsh Nomad - yeah!
Date: 2004-08-09
From: South Arm Rd. (over Wyman Mtn. and Moody Mtn.)

To: Sabbath Day Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: scattered clouds

"...in the stillness is the dancing.-T.S. EliotWildlife: a white tailed deer when descending Bemis MountainWhen we left the Cabin this morning, I knew it was probably going to be "good-bye" to Mosey and Nana K. I feel the need to do more miles (maybe not this many!) and need to get to Caratunk by the 20th. I may see them again out here - who knows?I am in the most amazing spot: It's now very dark out, but becasue we are near the pond, the sky is open and I can see a plentitude of stars. Isn't this the time of year for The Perseid Meteor shower? I am looking, but I am soon to fall asleep. In this stillness a loon is making that lonesome call--I am surprised that a loon is out here. They are deep divers, and I thought ponds were shallow?I hiked from 7:45 am to 7:30 pm, with only 2 stops, both lasting about 20 mins. Long day, but so very good...had great views from Old Blue, had my pick of blueberries across Bemis and then had great trail magic:I ran into a woman who had been hiking with her family and dog last week when we climbed Goose-Eye. They have a 'camp'-a rustic cabin nearby...anyway, I am meeting them at the laundromat in Rangely tomorrow at 2ish...Not sure if I will stay with them or just visit? Nice family - nice golden retriever, too!I am sharing the shelter with a southbound section hiker...he's already asleep. I will be soon - Nite
Date: 2004-08-10
From: Sabbath Day Pond Lean-to

To: Rangely, ME
Miles today: 9.6
Weather: clear sky

"When the going gets tough, the tough get going."Wildlife: a snowshoe hare, 2 toadsI do not consider myself tough...at least not compared to many others. And today, I was so very hot and tired (and with the darn blisters again on my left heel!) So, today's 9.6 seemed harder than yesterday's 17. Anyway, I am here, staying in The Rangely Inn - by far the nicest accommodations on the hike so far (though no place has had better food than at The Cabin!) I am doing laundry and will chill this evening...may do a short day tomorrow. We'll see.
Date: 2004-08-11
From: Rangely, ME

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I decided to stay in Rangely - met the nice owner of the local outfitter and she is loaning me her kayak to explore the lake! So cool! I'll be reunited with Mosey and Nana K., too, at least for a day! Will head up and over Saddleback Thursday!
Date: 2004-08-11
From: Rangely, ME

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I am actually in the Rangely Library, doing this entry myself (and many thanks to Spikes daughter for transcribing while Spike is off on her hike!)I had a great night's sleep, listening to the rain, but in a bed with open windows...heard a loon flying overhead in the wee hours...so great. I decided to stay in town today, which means I get to see Nana K. and Mosey this afternoon! I did errands, wrote some postcards, opened my birthday presents and cards that had been waiting for me and just had a realaxing morning...Then wandered over to the Alpine Shop, where Nancy so generously gave me her kayak for the afternoon!!! I rolled it out to the launh area, donned my life vest and off I went in to the great Rangely Lake! It's a huge lake, so I started my exploration in a cove off to the right...saw some merganzers (sp?) . Then headed into the open water, facing some strong wind. A storm was in the distance, but I only got rained upon...felt good, actually. WOW, it just felt so good to be on the water!!!! I have missed water, missed swimming, missed sailing-so this was such a gift, and such a surprise! Tomorrow I'll head off over Saddleback and the next day Sugarlaof, two of the larger, taller mountains in Maine other than Katahdin. In fact, I understand that the next 30 miles are the "toughest in Maine". My legs are still tired from that 17 miler, but my spirit is ready to go! Only a week or so to go!My next entry should come from Stratton, Maine-either on Friday or Saturday, if all goes well. That will be the last phone (town) until I am picked up in Caratunk on the 20th.Am thinking of Welsh Nomad as she is starting the Wilderness today...She skipped up and is meeting her husband to climb Katahdin on the 20th! And my friend Amy is also climbing on the 20th or 21st (a day hike for Amy). Bonespur and his crowd plan on summitting on the 23rd...am sending them joy.So long until Stratton!
Date: 2004-08-12
From: ME 4

To: Poplar Ridge Lean-To
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: light rain

10.7 miles in fog, wind and rain"Peace be with you." --The Book of Common PrayerWildlife: only a few birds, and fresh moose poopI want to find 'peace' when walking, not fear, not desire to be somewhere. Today was tough - foggy and wet and chilly...and steep downhills with wet rock. Wet rock is my enemy. I loathe going down and up wet rocks...I fell twice today, too. I didn't get hurt, thankfully. Nana K. is here (it's 4pm) but Mosey is still out there in the rain, God love her....
Date: 2004-08-13
From: Poplar Ridge Lean-To

To: Oberton Stream
Miles today: 2.7

"We do not see things as they are, we see them as we are."- Anais NinWildlife: moose poopWell, it's been quite a day...I began it in Poplar Ridge listening to the rain beat down on the tin roof - usually one of my favorite sounds. But not when I have to walk up and down steep rocky mountains and ford fast moving streams. We debated if we should just hunker down for the day, but we heard about Charley, the hurricane and we didn't want to get caught up in the shelter for too long (we would have run out of food). Off we went, going slowly down wet steep rocks. About 2 hours later, we came to Oberton Stream, well out of it's banks...and on the other side we heard our friends from last night, Mahoosuc and his dog, Teddy (who Dana, Caleb and I met in Gorham weeks ago), Don and Dominic. They had left the shelter about 3 hours earlier...and on his way down, Ron fell and hut his ankle badly. He made it down in 5 hours (what took us 2), had to cross Oberton Stream (with help from Don and Dominic)...and that's when we heard Don call out: "Hold on, I'm coming." Don came, took our packs and directed us across. (We walked with our boots on, and the water came up to our hips.) It was scary, but could have been worse, I guess. So, we climbed up and found Ron there, waiting...we got his tent up, got him in some dry clothes, had him soak his ankle in the water, Don made him some soup --and Nana K. used her phone to call 911 - help was on the way! (Dominic had hiked several miles to get help.)The Phillips Rescue Squad was amazing...they interviewed him, determined that he was okay, but he could decide about going to the hospital, which he decided not to do.The squad gave us a ride out, and here I am, in a hotel in Stratton,ME.And here is where I may leave the trail...just ambivalent about getting on again with the anticipated arrival of Charley...I don't want to cross another high stream and I don't want to walk in the rain all day, and Don and Dominic can give me a ride to Portland...so, I called my dear friend, The Rabbi---and she was so good: She challenged me, questioned me, comforted me...I may feel differently tomorrow, but this may be my exit from The AT...for now. I'll reflect on it more...