morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-09-26
From: Bald Mtn Brook Lean-to

To: Wild Camp North of Horse Shoe Canyon Lean-to
Miles today: 13.3

Another down jacket and hat night. A night when curling into the foetal position works wonders. A night when you curse your light weight sleeping pad for its lack of padding. A night when your hip bones ache and then, when you seek the comfort of stretching out, the heat escapes and involuntarily, but very necessarily, your knees rise towards your chest, your shoulders hunch inwards, your arms cling to your knees and, of course, the dull ache of hip bone against hard ground is once more your constant companion.I headed up Moxie Bald Mountain; another good climb with great views; another dome of exposed rock. The morning was cold but my spirits high. Mist filled the valleys and with the colourful, tree covered hillsides rising in all directions I was looking out over a landscape of magically rugged beauty.The hills stood much as they always had, rolling away in front of me, off towards the horizon where once again the Bigelows drew the eye. But now, where previously there had been lakes of water there were now lakes of cloud, the valleys in-filled with white, a sea of cloud snaking of into the distance, flowing from one valley to the next and on and on.It was still cold and my sandal glad toes were bemoaning my lack of care and their lack of protection; but I was happy; and I was on a mission. I knew that I was not climbing alone. As I made my way up this sheltered slope, the sun was climbing from the other side; a little further up this path, over the brow of the hill and with clear blue skies above, the sun's warming rays would welcome me its bosom.Onwards towards warmth and to new vistas, to views north and beyond, towards...Was it? Could it be? There was definately a distinct lump of rock up ahead. Was it Katahdin? I think it might be.I continued down a long rock ramp, now walking directly towards that lump, that lump that might just signal the end of my road. It didn't really matter but somehow I hoped I was right. Not because the end would be in sight but maybe that finally the end would have form. That it would all seem real.I pulled into a deserted Moxie Bald Lean-to, no hikers, no packs but then a splash. What was that? My first thoughts were that there must be some hikers down by the lake but it seemed to quiet, too still. I was puzzled but then a new thought dawned, Moose? I quickened my pace while trying to adopt something like a 'stealth' mode. There was more splashing, the sound of something struggling for footing, footsteps. Would I miss it? I turned the corner and came out of the trees, emerging on the lake shore I looked right towards the source of all that splashing and crashing and there they were, mother and calf.They had indeed sensed me (heard me, smelt me, whatever) and decided to be on their way. But having put some distance between us they now just stood there, maybe 40 yards away, on the edge of the lake just before the trees. The mother looked my way as I took a couple of quick photos and then, maybe 30 seconds later, she ambled off into the woods with calf in tow.
Date: 2009-09-27
From: Wild Camp North of Horse Shoe Canyon Lean-to

To: Monson
Miles today: 5.4
Weather: light rain

I made it to Monson today. The last town on the trail and a fitting last town I think. A small town. A peak at how life might have been in many rural communities not so very long ago but also a realisation (a feeling) that it cannot last. I don't know much about it but slowly and surely small towns seem to be withering on the vine. Progress, the movement of goods, the movement of people, the death of rural communities. We love these sorts of places but could we live here? Could we carve out a niche? Could we make a living? What about making a life?I walked the 7 miles to town, stopping for breakfast by the Piscataquis river, fording it barefoot and then following the shore of Hebron Lake towards town; me by the shore, the loons out on the lake. A blue blaze trail led to town and to Shaw's Guest house, another trail traditions, a throw back to the coach houses of old. An oasis of calm and refreshment. A welcome stop for any weary travellerI arrived early, just beating the drizzle and found Nordic, Toubob and Amero already ensconced. They had been here a few days. Watching the TV and watching the weather. Holding on for improved prospects of a pleasant and, more importantly, a dry passage through the hundred mile wilderness and on up Katahdin. With the rain now constant it looked like they had chosen well today but you cannot wait forever and like myself they planned on getting back to business tomorrow.I showered and laundered, went out for snacks and settled down to what would be the first of two football games. More food, more rain, more people - Sarge et al, Dustin and Cattywumpus, and others I had not met before. All here for the night, all glad to be out of the rain.I resupplied and then heading out for dinner it became apparent that town was awash with hikers: at Shaw's, at Lake Shore House and at the General Store. Amero had warned me of the crowds. I was quite shocked. I have seen so few signs of life and of hikers that I simply could not believe they were all here now, most planning to head out tomorrow. The trail I knew; a quiet, lonely and peaceful trail looked like it would be something very different during the next 100 miles. I wasn't all that happy about it but what can you do.
Date: 2009-10-03
From: Rainbow Stream Lean-to

To: The Birches
Miles today: 24.9
Weather: light rain

And so history repeats itself. Here I was planning a big day to the Birches to avoid a crowd on Katahdin. In 2003 a large group was aiming for September the 11th so I did the extra miles to finish on September the 10th. Now I was trying to get ahead of the fair weather Monday hopefuls and to bring the curtain down on Sunday (tomorrow).I've got to wonder if this doesn't show that at some level I would rather things were over and done with, that I was, indeed, ready to put this all behind me and rush back to civilisation, but, honestly, I don't think so. Its just that every journey, even a hike of 2170 miles must end some day, and with 160 odd days behind me and only a couple more ahead I feel that, by and large, the trail has been lived. Its not about standing on Katahdin, or spinning out the last few miles but about all that has gone before, what brought you there, not the last day but the preceding 5 months.In many respects it seems that there is little to be learnt or to be gained in these last few days, just some necessary and unavoidable admin to take care of. And then, when the i's are dotted and t's are crossed, I will be free to head off on a new adventure, the rest of my life. The journey doesn't end on Katahdin. The last day of the trail isn't more important that the first post trail day, perhaps its really the other way round.I was up early and wandered the first 30 minutes by torch light. An easy, rolling walk, keeping an eye out for the white blazes until daylight arrived. The fabled forecast had been for buckets of rain but that wasn't the case: cloudy, yes; misty, yes; drizzly, sure; chilly, definately; just another day on the trail.Rainbow ledges was a pleasant surprise. Its easy to write off these miles, the final approach to the grand finale but the exposed rock of rainbow ledges brought back memories of similar places under bluer skies and with a more open ended itinerary. With the all the cloud it was time to look inwards, to think back, to plan for the future; nothing tangible, just a feeling for the good times gone by and those that lay ahead.Down passed Hurd Brook Lean-to and on, out of the wilderness, to Abol Bridge. Cars, logging trucks, a small shop, hikers sheltering from the drizzle.Sarge, Jade, Walking Home and Chef were waiting for a lady to come to kennel Jade for a couple of days as dogs aren't allowed in Baxter State Park; while 4x4 and One Shoe were planning to head to Millinocket tonight so that they could be part of Monday's crowd.I snacked at the shop, had a bottle of Moxie for old times sake, stocked up on chocolate bars and headed off into the park, on to the Birches, on to my final night of trail living.
Date: 2009-09-01
From: Grafton Notch

To: West Branch of Ellis River
Miles today: 1921.0

Well belive it or not the day has finally come that I return to the trail to see if I can finally Finish What I Started! What a way to start.The moutain I've thought about for over a year now.BaldPate!Not a climb I would want to do in the rain but we were lucky we had great weather.A little chilly when we stopped hiking but not while going up which we did alot of today.The trail was just as I remembered it...Rocky.Rooty & Muddy!We had alot of rain last year but other than a few wet spots the trail was dry for the most part.At Frye Notch lean-to we met Vet & KOA a couple of southbounders and had a late lunch.We wanted to hike a little further trying to get 10 miles but I'm feeling tired.After we hiked off we met the young lady Boots the guys at the lean-to were waiting on.She seemed to be having some leg problems and was happy to know the guys had waited.Hope she'll be ok.We found a nice spot by the river and called it a day.I cooked while Old School put up the tent.What a great husband he is.I can't belive he's doing this with me.We are so out of shape and we haven't been hiking for a long time.I just know I won't be able to move in the morning.Time to crash.                                 Tomorrow is a...                                    New Day!
Date: 2009-09-02
From: West Branch of Ellis River

To: Hall Mountain lean-to
Miles today: 6.8

Woke up a little sore & wobbly this morning.Old School felt the same so we were taking baby steps.After the first mile or so Old School started having a little pain in his knee.Instead of complaining though he tied his extra bandanna around it and kept on moveing.When we got to the lean-to I was feeling every up from the day before and so was Old School.So we called it an early day and said we try again tomorrow.Sure hated wasting the beautiful day but you have to listen to your body!Gonna take some more Motrin and call it a night.                                 Tomorrow is a...                                    New Day!
Date: 2009-09-03
From: Hall Mountain lean-to

To: South Arm Road
Miles today: 4.1

Ok so thinking I could get back on the trail like I left it was totally WRONG!I got up today feeling every step I've taken so far!I forgot about the muscles I haven't used for the past year.Don't worry though I remember them now. We started out thinking it would take 4 days to get to Rangely where we would re-supply so we left with 4 days worth of food only to find out that the mountains of Southern Maine are real Ass Kickers and it was gonna take a little longer.That being said we had to come up with a new plan.At South Arm rd we decided to go into Andover.Not alot of traffic on the road so we called for a shuttle from the High 5 hostle.They picked us up and dropped us at the General store where we got the supplies we needed and Cheeseburgers&fries.Sure was good.And it was late enough where it was an early dinner.Laura from the hostle came back for us and was trying to get us to stay with them but we've only been on trail 3 days so it's too soon.Sounds like a nice place though and the rate is reasonable.We crossed back over the stream and found a campsite,built a fire and looked back on the day.Again the weather was nice and I feel like I wasted the day but I know I can't rush it the miles will come.Besides I can hardly move so I have no choice but to take it slow.Old School is feeling it too but he does a good job of not showing it.Time for Motrin and sleep.                                    Tomorrow is a...                                          New Day!
Date: 2009-09-04
From: South Arm Road

To: Bemis Mountain Lean-To
Miles today: 8.7
Weather: clear sky

The day started with the usual up.Old Blue was the first one of the day.Not as bad as I thought it would be.I'm still taking it easy cause my legs are still sore.Feeling better evey day though.We meet Rookie & Dahota on the trail today & caught up with them later at the shelter.Beautiful weather again today.Sunny & warm in the 70's.I'm not sweating as much as I thought but Old School sure is.He's also having knee & back pain.He says he'll be ok that it will just take a few more days.I hope so cause it's time to pick up the pace so I can Finish What I Started!                                    Tomorrow is a...                                          New day!
Date: 2009-09-05
From: Bemis Mountain Lean-To

To: Powerline stealth site
Miles today: 10.0

The trail was very nice today.There were ups but not big ones.Getting around   the roots,rocks & mud was the hard part of the day.Tomorrow's hike is supposed to be just as sweet.We need it to be to cause we're low on fuel and the Alpine shop closes at 5:30.It's in Rangely where we will be doing our first real re-supply.Can't wait for the Cheeseburger & fries I'll be having. Today was our biggest day yet.10 Big miles!At first I thought we were going too slow but now I realize that these mountains are no joke!Getting stronger every day and most of the soarness is gone and I take care of the rest with 800 mg of Motrin. It's pretty chilly tonight so having hot soup for dinner.Bet it's gonna be Cold in the morning and that will make it hard to get up.I'll just have to remind myself we're going into town!                                       Tomorrow is a...                                             New Day!
Date: 2009-09-06
From: Powerline stealth site

To: Piazza Rock Lean-to
Miles today: 9.5
Weather: clear sky

I was right,it was freezing when We woke up this morning.The temps were in the low 30's and there was ice on the tent!It didn't matter though we were on our way to town!Even though it was cold it didn't take Old School long to shead his layers but for me it took a little more time.The trail was real nice too,just like Old School remembered.Still rocks,roots & mud but the ups were short! We got to the road to Rangely and didn't even have to hitch!A couple just pulled over and offered us a ride!Turned out to be Steady of "93" & her husband.She's a Triple Crowner!They were in town for a vacation and to do a little trail magic.How awesome it was talking to them. We got our fuel and then had lunch at The Red Onion then hitched to the IGA.Did our shopping and called home to check on the family then headed back to the trail. Not much space at the lean-to but we got lucky and the last platform was vacant.Old School put up the tent and I fixed his dinner.I'm not feeling well so I'm just having a cup of coffee then we're gonna call it a night.We want to get another early start.                                    Tomorrow is a...                                          New Day!
Date: 2009-09-07
From: Piazza Rock Lean-to

To: Poplar Ridge
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Wow what a day!Saddleback,The Horn,Saddleback Jr.& Poplar Ridge on accident!The terrain was real rough.My feet & ankles are sore and my legs hurt a little. So the saying is true...If your not in pain you ain't in Maine!But all the pain was worth it cause the Views from Saddleback were awesome!The sky was so clear I could see for miles!Then I looked back from where I came then ahead to where I am heading and the feeling was complete AWE!We ate our lunch on the summit then headed North.We created tonights campsite cause I'm so tired I didn't want to take another step.We want to be in Stratton on thursday so we'll be getting an early start.Won't be long before I Finish what I started!                                 Tomorrow is a...                                    New Day!
Date: 2009-09-08
From: Poplar Ridge

To: Sugarloaf Mountain
Miles today: 9.9

Lots of big ups today.But here in Southern Maine all the ups are big! We had lunch on Lone Mountain right under the summit sign.We've been packing out ready made sandwhiches and chips so it's a meal to really look forward to.Had a afternoon break at the shelter then proceeded up Spaulding Mountain.Wow what a climb!Rocks & Roots everywhere,not to mention the Rock Scramble!After all that madness we then had a hard time finding a place for the tent!But as always we found a spot and called it a day. We want to do a nero into Stratton on thursday and I can't wait cause I'm getting some rest,good food,and the bath I despreatly need!Calling it a night.                                 Tomorrow is a...                                    New Day!
Date: 2009-09-09
From: Sugarloaf Mountain

To: Stream Before Stratton
Miles today: 8.5

Took our time getting started this morning.I had coffee & oatmeal before we took off.Usually we hike awhile then stop but we had time to kill. The down off Sugarloaf was steep and the climb up South Crocker but the climb up North Cocker was nice.Guess it's cause you don't go down that far before you go back up. About 2 miles into the down off North Crocker Old School realized he had left his fanny pack up on the top!He was a little upset but desided other than his snacks there was nothing in it that was a great loss.I told him someone would bring it to him cause the trail has a funny way of taking care of you but he thinks it's wishful thinking.I guess we'll see. Anyway getting up early to get to town for a hot breakfast and most importantly a BATH cause I stink!                                 Tomorrow is a...                                       New Day!
Date: 2009-09-10
From: Stream Before Stratton

To: Stratton Maine
Miles today: 2.1

Chilly start to the morning.Not to hard to get moving though cause we were on our way to town! Had my last cup of coffee without the sugar because like almost everything else I was out.Not as bad as I thought it would be.We didn't have a long hike today.We were at the road by 9 am and a few minutes later we had a ride. Got dropped off at the Stratton Diner and had a delicious breakfast,then we checked into The White Wolf Inn.After a hot shower it was off to do town chores.Walked up to the Laundry Mat and then to the Post Office.We managed to get clean clothes but our package didn't make it.A bit worried but I'm sure it will be here tomorrow.We did get a suprise though,Old School got his fanny pack back!See Old School I told you it would make it down by way a another hiker!Thanks you guys! Did the re-supply at the General Store and now were just laying around.Still have alot to do before heading out so I guess I should call it a night.                                    Tomorrow is a...                                       New Day!
Date: 2009-09-11
From: Stratton Maine

To: Horn Pond Lean-To
Miles today: 5.1

Woke up to beautiful weather with just a little chill in the air.Nice hiking weather.Our box made it so we headed out after another wonderful breakfast.The hitch out was as easy as the hitch in too.Lots of nice people around trail towns.The plan for today was to get to the campsite at Avery Peak but we got such a late start that we called it a day at the Horn Pond Lean-To.I really wanted to get futher cause there is some trailmagic at the end of the Bigelows and they are only gonna be there til sunday.Usually not a problem for a hiker but I didn"t hike here from Georgia this year.As you can tell we are still moving slow.Old School keeps saying will get the miles soon but I feel doughtful. I was feeling a little cranky earlier but managed to keep it to myself so not to argue over stupid stuff that we have no control of.We got a nice spot when we camped.If I get up early enough I think we can see the sun rise.Been hearing alot of Moose but haven't seen another one yet.Maybe we'll have some luck camping around the ponds.It's getting chilly so it's time to get down in my sleeping bag and get some sleep.                                 Tomorrow is a...                                    New Day!
Date: 2009-09-12
From: Horn Pond Lean-To

To: Safford Notch Campsite
Miles today: 5.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Just when you think things are gonna get a little easier here come the Bigelows!The trail really put the beat down on me today.I didn't want to stop as early as we did but it probly would have been dark by the time we made it to the lean-to and I simply didn't have the energy. The campsite is nice but most of the groung sites are real rooty and slanted so we got a platform.The water is awesome here too.We have lots of time on our hands so we just chilled for the afternoon.Boring but the rest felt good.Gonna get over Little Bigelow tomorrow and hopefully we'll be in time for Maine-Style Trail Magic! Time for dinner the off to bed.                              Tomorrow is a...                                 New Day!
Date: 2009-09-13
From: Safford Notch Campsite

To: WestCarey Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 12.2

Today was a day with many milestones.I crossed the 2000 mile mark!Today was our biggest day on the trip this far!We have FINALLY hiked 100 miles!(can't belive how long its taken)And we got thru Southern Maine!Wow!I can hardly belive it.I was thinking the hike up Little Bigelow was gonna be tough like Saddleback Jr. was but that wasn't the case.The moring was kinda easy.We actually had almost 8 miles in by 11am!That's Great for us.And to make the day even better...You guessed it Trail Magic!What magic it was to,I had 2 Cheese Burgers,pasta salad,chips,a couple cups of coffee and wonderful conversation with a few serious hikers.They do this every year around the same time and are part of the Billville Gang.Thanks guys!I was so full but the sky started clouding up so we packed up and moved on up the trail. When we got to the Lean-to it was already crowded and a good tent spot was hard to find.We are a little slanted and got quite a few roots but whatcha gonna do?Hope I'll be able to sleep.                              Tomorrow is a...                                    New Day!
Date: 2009-09-14
From: WestCarey Pond Lean-to

To: Trail to Harrison Camp
Miles today: 10.4

Don't know why but we got moving early again this morning.Our plans were to hike 10 miles to the camp for the Big Pancake breakfast.For a couple of days now I've thought about it alot!Pretty surprising for me cause my life is pancakes!Thr trail was pretty easy going.Still alot of rocks and roots but as flat as Maine has been so far. I can tell we have gotten stronger cause even after bumming around we made it to Peirce Pond lean-to before 2pm.We looked for a spot for the tent but it was to slanted everywhere our tent would fit so about 3 we crossed over the dam and headed for the spot Old School & B-rad camped on at the trail to Harrison Camp.I couldn't belive the sudden temperture change either,It was real cold at the pond but just 3 tents up the trail it was nice and warm.I was glad to be camping here.We decided to go make our breakfast reservation before setting up the tent.When we got to the camp we found the note informing everyone that due to a death in the family they would not be serving breakfast in the morning.Sorry for their loss.We went back to camp and while Old School put the tent up I went back to the shelter to let the others know there would be No Pancakes. So what do you do now?Make other plans.We decided to go to the lodge down the road from Caratunk we're sure we can get pancakes there.Gonna get some sleep now.                                                Tomorrow is a...                                 New Day!