morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-08-19
From: Madison Springs Hut

To: Pinkham Notch
Miles today: 7.8
Weather: scattered clouds

After a rather bland and tasteless breakfast we hit the trail. Straight up Mt. Madison we went and made it to the top about 45 minutes later. The wind must have been blowing close to 50 mph as it tried to knock us down from the top. We started descending on a long rocky ridge, the wind constantly trying to topple us. As we approached treeline we ran into an old friend, Stumpknocker, on a Southbound thru-hike. We stopped and talked for over 30 minutes until the cold wind finally made us move on. We went back below treeline and descended on the steep trail until we stopped for lunch at Osgood tentsites. We really made good time after lunch and got to Pinkham Notch before 2:30. Liteshoe made a quick call to Sue and she came and picked us up for another wonderful stay at her home. Town chores are complete so after a quick stop at the post office in the morning its back to the mountains. Maine is getting closer.
Date: 2003-08-20
From: Pinkham Notch

To: Carter Notch Hut
Miles today: 5.9
Weather: fog

Sue prepared another wonderful meal for us this morning, took us to the post office, and got us back to the notch before 9:30. She's the greatest and the "High Priestess" of the trail. The first part of the hike was flat and went by a pond but then it was straight up and relentless. It took us three hours to do the first 2 miles. We were climbing the Wildcat Range, a series of 6 peaks. When we got to the top of Peak E there was a gondola ride and tourists constantly going up and down the mountain. We ate lunch and got away from them as soon as we could. At 3:30 we finally made it to the top of Peak A and made the steep descent to the hut. It's a unique hut in that they don't serve food but you get to use the kitchen to do your cooking. There are two glacial ponds here and it¢s simply beautiful. They allow swimming but the water is still too cold for me. Bluejay, you were absolutely right about staying here. Liteshoe and I love it. Thanks for the tip! Tomorrow looks like a tough day. Hope we can make a few more miles than we did today.
Date: 2003-08-21
From: Carter Notch Hut

To: Rattle River Shelter
Miles today: 13.3
Weather: broken clouds

We got back on the trail after a good quiet night's sleep and immediately started the steep climb out of Carter Notch. Once again it was tough but we're getting used to it by now. The views were not plentiful today but the ones we got were outstanding. Lunch was atop the Northern peak of Carter Mtn. and then we started a steep descent down to Imp campsite. We got there about 2:00 and decided to try for the next shelter. The climb up Mt. Moriah was not as bad as some we've seen lately, but it was steady and over a lot of slab rock. Once we topped out, the descent was fairly good and included a lot of bog bridges. After the first crossing of the Rattle River it was a sweet trail to the shelter, a welcome relief. Got in by 6:30. Out of the Whites and in to Gorham tomorrow.
Date: 2003-08-23
From: Gorham NH

To: Gentian Pond Shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: clear sky

We had breakfast at MacDonalds and walked out to the street and had a ride in about 2 minutes. We were dropped of at the trailhead before 8:00 and started hiking. The weather has made a dramatic change and it's really made a difference in the walk. For the next few days it will be cool and clear. The walking was great and the climbs were manageable and we made it to the shelter before 5:00 after taking several long breaks during the day. The shelter is near a glacial pond and has a beautiful view of the valley below us. There's already 8 hikers here and more on the way. But it's a Saturday night and to be expected. We were greeted when we arrived by Turnbill and his border collie, Nellie. They had come in to hike with Liteshoe for a day. He also packed in some red wine which I enjoyed very much. Sometimes it pays to be Liteshoe's loyal sidekick. We're really looking forward to crossing in to Maine tomorrow.
Date: 2003-08-24
From: Gentian Pond Shelter

To: Full Goose Shelter
Miles today: 9.6
Weather: clear sky

We awoke to a very chilly morning with plenty of wind. After breakfast Bill made us a fresh brewed cup of coffee, an unexpected pleasure. We got going by 7:30 cold and eager to warm up. The climb up Mt. Success was tough, as were the following climbs all day long. On the top of each mountain the wind would bowl you over. You really had to watch your balance. Bill and Nellie hiked as far as the West peak of Goose Mountain with us. It was entertaining to watch Nellie negotiate the climbs. At one point she climbed a ladder up a ledge all by herself. The highlight of the day, of course, was crossing in to Maine. Bill treated us to smoked Maine salmon to celebrate the occasion. We finally got to the shelter at 4:00 and I was pretty worn out. It's good to be in the final State and there's only 276.5 miles left to go. So far Maine has treated us pretty good.
Date: 2003-08-25
From: Full Goose Shelter

To: Grafton Notch
Miles today: 9.7
Weather: light rain

Out of the shelter by 7:30 to get to the highlight of the day, Mahoosuc Notch. The notch is a one mile section of the trail that is a massive rock scramble. Some call it the toughest mile on the trail. We were met there by Bear, the owner of The Cabin in Andover, and Zapman and Deja-vu. They brought us day packs to wear for the rest of the day and took our packs to the hostel. It was a pleasant surprise and a welcome gesture by old trail friends. Liteshoe and I went through the notch with Gazer and Ostrich. We got through in about one and a half hours and I only slipped and fell one time. Another three or four scrapes on my knees but everything is still in one piece. After the notch was Mahoosuc Arm, a stiff climb up the mountain, which I thought was a lot harder than the notch. After lunch we went up Old Speck Mountain and then the descent to Grafton Notch. When we got there we had about a 10 minute wait and up pulled Deja-vu to take us to the hostel. It's a neat place and Bear and his wife fed us a wonderful supper. We'll be here about three days and slack pack during that time. Looking forward to easy hiking and great food.
Date: 2003-08-26
From: Grafton Notch

To: East B Hill Road
Miles today: 10.3

Up this morning at 5:30 to the smell of food cooking. Upstairs Bear was cooking blueberry pancakes and bacon. We also had omelets, biscuits, and cantelope. After stuffing ourselves, Bear took Liteshoe and me back to the notch for today's hike. We climbed most of the morning and got to the top of Baldpate Mountain for lunch. It was a beautiful morning and we had 360 degree views. After a steep descent (aren't they all that way now?) and a rest break at Frye Notch Shelter we finished the hike over pretty good trail and got to our pick up by 3:30. Back at The Cabin I helped Honey, Liteshoe, and Gutsy in the kitchen preparing supper. I shucked corn, barbecued chicken, and saved a pan of squash Liteshoe was cooking. Needless to say supper was pretty good. Tired tonight so going to bed early.
Date: 2003-08-28
From: East B Hill Road

To: South Arm Road
Miles today: 10.1

Another wonderful breakfast this morning to get us going. We decided to hike from North to South so that we could see some hikers that we knew. We saw Finch {Judy, he really did moon the cog train} and Splash and Cobra. Not too much scenery today and the hike was much easier than we had been led to believe and we were down on the road for pick up by 2:20. We are the only hikers here tonight along with Gutsy so its pretty quiet. One more night at the Cabin and then it will be time to move on. I've enjoyed my stay here more than any other place on the trail. It's more like being home than at someone's business. I'll miss it but I'll be back.
Date: 2003-08-29
From: South Arm Road

To: Maine 17
Miles today: 13.3

Another beautiful, cool day to walk in Maine. The hike today took us over Old Blue, Elephant, and the different peaks of Bemis Mountain. Bear got us out early and along about 10:00 Finch caught up to us and walked with us the rest of the day. We stopped for lunch on top of Bemis and then walked to the shelter to find out there was no water there. Lucky for us Finch was toting a little extra and got us through. The last mile to the highway included a 700 foot climb, exactly what every hiker wants at the end of the day. Another wonderful supper tonight and in the tradition of The Cabin we autographed the underside of the dining table. We'll be leaving here tomorrow but I won't soon forget the hospitality and the friendship of Margie and Earle. I will be back.
Date: 2003-08-30
From: Maine 17

To: Maine 4
Miles today: 13.1

Margie got us back on the trail by 8:00 this morning to meet Finch for today's hike. Loved the Cabin and looking forward to returning some day. We were joined today by Ed, a buddy of Finch. It was pretty benign trail all day and went by several lovely ponds. About 5 miles from the end we were joined by "Ma Finch" (Judy) who came in to meet us for the walk to the parking lot. We got there by 3:30 and proceeded to Finch's house for the night. We had a great meal and great company. I've gained about 5 pounds this week from all the good food I've had and need to stay in the woods for several days to let things get back to normal. We're really lucky to be here tonight though, since it's a holiday weekend and the woods are full of hikers. Looking forward to the Saddebacks tomorrow.
Date: 2003-08-31
From: Maine 4

To: Poplar Ridge Lean-To
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: broken clouds

Judy got us back to the trail this morning after fixing a wonderful breakfast. I can't believe how well I've been fed since getting to Maine. I stopped briefly at Piazza Rock Lean-to to check out the unique privy, a two-holer. All my friends from Lucama would be envious. We stopped for lunch at Eddy Pond, one of about 4 ponds passed today. As we got near the top of Saddleback Mtn we ran in to Turnbill, Mrs. Turnbill, and their wonder dog Nellie. It was good to see him again and I wouldn't be surprised if he showed up once more on up the trail. We climbed Saddleback, The Horn, and Saddleback Jr. under mostly sunny skies with a strong wind blowing. There were a lot of day hikers out, I guess, because it's a holiday weekend. After a couple of stiff downs we reached the shelter. Finch is here, so is Cobra and Splash, Butch, and two Southbounders, Colonel and Bulldog. It's cooling off pretty quickly so it should be a good night for sleep. The floor of this shelter is made of round poles. Hope they are comfortable.
Date: 2003-09-01
From: Poplar Ridge Lean-To

To: Crocker Cirque Campsite
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Went to bed last night at 7 and got up at 6 this morning. I must have needed it since I didn't hardly move all night. The trail was good in a few places and awfully tough in others, especially the downhills. My knees ache all the time. I hope they can hold out just a few more weeks. The only mountain top we crossed today was Lone Mtn. but we skirted the tops of Mt. Abraham, Spaulding, and Sugarloaf. After a steep downhill, we crossed the South branch of the Carabassett River and climbed for a mile to the tentsite. There are about 20 people here tonight so it's kind of noisy. Tomorrow we go in to Stratton to resupply and pick up maildrops. Only two more towns after that!
Date: 2003-09-02
From: Crocker Cirque Campsite

To: Stratton Maine
Miles today: 7.3

A rough night to try to sleep. There was a group of college students on an outing camped near me and they kept walking past me with their lights on until midnight. Oh well, at least I got some sleep. The trail up Crocker Mtn. this morning was straight up and rocky, without views at either summit. We made N. Crocker before 9 and were soon on the down hill side. We reached Maine 27 a little after 11:00 and Ma Finch was there waiting for Finch who was traveling with Jan and me today. It's good to see her so much but it reminds me of wanting to be home everytime I see Finch and her together. She gave us a ride to the post office in town and we said goodbye but I'm sure we'll see her again soon. After getting our drops we walked to the White Wolf Motel for the rest of the day and night. We'll try to get out as early as possible tomorrow to get over Bigelow.
Date: 2003-09-03
From: Stratton Maine

To: Little Bigelow Lean To
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: scattered clouds

We left the White Wolf Inn early so that we could eat a big breakfast and get an early start. Well, the breakfast was good but then we stood out by the road for 45 minutes before catching a ride. We did get on the trail just a little before 8. It was a long day but the views were fantastic. We were above Flagstaff Lake for most of the walk and kept getting magnificent views of it the entire day. The walk across the bare peaks of the Bigelows was truly worth the effort. This was our last big climb and descent for a while and I'm really going to enjoy the easier walking. Easier walking conditions mean higher mileage so it all kind of averages out. Liteshoe and I have the shelter to ourselves tonight so we've got everything spread out. Sure hope no one comes in late. My feet hurt some kind of terrible so I'm off to bed.
Date: 2003-09-04
From: Little Bigelow Lean To

To: Pierce Pond Lean-To
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: light rain

It started raining during the night and was pouring by 6. I finally got up at 7 and dreaded the thought of walking in a downpour. I also discovered the one place the shelter leaked was right over where my sleeping bag was. It doesn't look too wet so maybe it will get dry eventually. Jan finally got up and we lollygagged until after 8 but the rain did just about quit. The day was overcast and everything was wet but the rain finally stopped for the day. There weren't any climbs of significance today and we made good time except for the wet rocks and roots. It seems that all of a sudden the roots are as much an obstacle as any peak we face. And I hear they only get worse until the end. We walked by Flagstaff Lake, West Carry Pond, East Carry Pond, and finally to Pierce Pond where our shelter for the night is. What a view! We're right on the bank of the pond and loons are playing in the water right down from us. These ponds I keep talking about are really fairly large lakes (that's what we would call them back home) and for the most part there is no development around them. Once in a while you can see a cabin but they don't have electricity. Just my kind of place! No one with us again tonight so we can spread out in the lean-to. Neither one of us was brave enough to go for a cold swim, the water felt warmer than the air around us. Across the Kennebec River and into Caratunk tomorrow.
Date: 2003-09-05
From: Pierce Pond Lean-To

To: Caratunk, Maine
Miles today: 4.0

We woke up this morning to the sound of the loons on the pond. During the night we heard some sort of canine howling. It didn't really sound like a coyote but maybe a wild dog or a wolf. I got down to the river first (Jan took a couple of detours to take pictures of waterfalls) and in just a few minutes the canoe ferry was crossing to take me across. Jeremy was the boatman and got me across quickly. Due to a drowning by a hiker attempting a ford of the river, the ATC pays for a canoe shuttle for all hikers crossing the river. There's a white blaze on the canoe so it's the official trail. About the time I got across Liteshoe appeared on the opposite bank. I got several pictures of her in the canoe and Jeremy assured me the canoe sat higher in the water while I was in it. After a short walk, we arrived in Caratunk, a much smaller village than I thought it would be. We got bunks at the Caratunk House Hikers B&B and hopefully will get all chores completed and be ready to leave tomorrow.
Date: 2003-09-06
From: Caratunk, Maine

To: Moxie Pond Road
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: clear sky

Today we made the decision to slack from Moxie Pond Road back to the Caratunk House. Another night here is almost like a ¢zero¢ and the breakfast is delicious. Paul also makes milkshakes on an old drugstore mixer that can make four shakes at a time. I had a chocolate yesterday and a strawberry today after the hike. We were taken to the trail head on Moxie Pond Road this morning. It's a narrow dirt road that follows the banks of the pond for over 8 miles. There were bogs on the other side of the road in several places and right before the trail head we saw a female moose in the water. I got about 10 pictures so some of them should be pretty good. The trail was easy on us and by noon we were on top of Pleasant Pond Mtn. with great views to the North and East, but we couldn't see Katahdin yet¢¦maybe tomorrow on Moxie Bald. We walked down the mountain and had lunch at Pleasant Pond Lean-to but didn't go down to the pond due to the sounds of all the boats. We're spoiled by the quiet ponds with nothing but loons making noise. It was a speedy walk back to Caratunk and we passed Cobra, Splash, Kiwi and Dreamwalker going up the trail. Paul had family and friends in for a picnic today and they had lobster. Liteshoe and I will settle for pizza tonight.
Date: 2003-09-07
From: Moxie Pond Road

To: Horseshoe Canyon Lean-To
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Another enjoyable breakfast prepared by Paul this morning. Scottie and Carol got us back to the trailhead by 9:00. The climb up Moxie Bald was a lot easier than we thought and the views from the top were pretty good. The walk in the afternoon was easy and we even had our first river crossing on foot, the West branch of the Piscataquis River. Got to the shelter after 5:30 and was greeted by a swarm of skeeters. I thought my days of using Deet were over but I'm glad I haven't thrown it away yet. Into Monson tomorrow.
Date: 2003-09-08
From: Horseshoe Canyon Lean-To

To: Monson, Maine
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: scattered clouds

The skeeters got chased away last night by the colder weather. It must have been in the 30s this morning. We got going by 7:00 and the miles went by quickly to Hwy 15. It took a while to get a hitch to town but we were here by noon. I went to Shaws, the legendary hiker hostel, and so far I'm enjoying the stay. Mr. Shaw is a character, kind of gruff and ornery, but nice. We had an all you can eat supper that featured steaks (I had 2). Will take a zero day tomorrow to prepare for this last leg of the hike.
Date: 2003-09-09
From: Monson, Maine

To: Monson, Maine
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

My last zero day on the trail and I'm really enjoying doing nothing. I've completed town chores for the last time and, man, it feels good. Shaw's has been a great place to stay and Mr. Shaw is a hoot. I'm going to need to stay in the wilderness for a week just to lose the weight I've gained from the food you eat here. This is the last entry until I finish. It's a sad time but a happy time also. Talk to you again when I come out on the other side.
Date: 2003-09-10
From: Monson, Maine

To: Cloud Pond Lean-To
Miles today: 19.1
Weather: clear sky

Mr. Shaw got everybody up at 6:00 for breakfast which irritated some of the younger hikers. But I was in the kitchen drinking coffee at 5:30 so I was his buddy. We got to the trailhead by 7:15 and entered the wilderness. The trail was a roller coaster today but with nice scenery most of the time. We must have walked by 5 or 6 ponds. Our group got spread out with me falling behind but I caught up to them at Wilson Creek which we had to ford. I got the bottom of my shorts pretty wet when the water got up to mid thigh but at least I didn't fall in. Liteshoe is about a half day ahead so I hope to catch her tomorrow. I miss hiking with her and I don't know how she is making it without me around to keep her straight. We decided at 4:00 to walk an additional 4 miles across Barren Mtn and got to the shelter a little after 6 worn slap out. The shelter is full with me and 5 section hikers. I expect a lot of snoring but I'm so tired I don't think it will bother me too much.
Date: 2003-09-11
From: Cloud Pond Lean-To

To: Carl A. Newhall Lean-To
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: broken clouds

Got back on the trail this morning and still felt kind of tired from yesterday¢s hike. And I paid for it during the morning as each climb took a little bit more out of me. By noon I had gone just a little over 6 miles. The shelter I'm at tonight looked impossible to make but I kept plugging and the trail got a whole lot easier. One river to ford this afternoon which wasn't too bad. At least I get my feet washed when crossing. Thoroughly exhausted again tonight. Will probably do a much shorter day tomorrow. We're through the Chairback Mtns and there's only one more big mountain to cross tomorrow and then the terrain should level out until Katahdin. Should sleep good tonight.
Date: 2003-09-12
From: Carl A. Newhall Lean-To

To: East Branch Lean-To
Miles today: 10.8

A cool morning that made getting ready to go a bit slower. Soon I was on the trail and climbing Gulf Hagas Mtn. After that I climbed West Peak, then Hay Mtn, and finally White Cap Mtn. Everybody else was already on top, including Liteshoe. We walked around the mountain and I got my first view of Katahdin, 72.8 miles away. Magnificent. I ate lunch on top and then followed after everybody going down. This was our last big up and down until Katahdin and I'm really looking forward to some relatively flat trail for a few days. My big event today was getting stung by a yellowjacket on my knee cap. There is a nest in the ground right on the trail and most of our group got through except for Dreamwalker and me. Well, at least I have something to scratch now. We decided to pull up short since most of us are pretty weary after the last two days and today. I've been traveling with the same group since Monson and I guess we will stay together until the end next week. The group consists of Finch, Dreamwalker, Cobra, Splash and me. Jan moved on to get in a few more miles before dark. Flat trail tomorrow.
Date: 2003-09-13
From: East Branch Lean-To

To: White House Landing
Miles today: 21.9

It was cold again this morning. I don't know how it can be so warm at night when we get to bed and freezing cold by morning. Except for Boardman Mtn, which we climbed first thing, the trail was fairly flat all day. A long section was even free of rocks and roots and we flew through there. By 3:30 we had reached our destination for the day and we decided to walk a few miles further to White House Landing. We all wanted a shower and the great big cheeseburgers we had been hearing about. The side trail to the pick up area was 1.2 miles off the trail so we wanted the cheeseburgers pretty bad. We got to the landing on the pond and blew an air horn there and soon the owner came over in a boat and picked us up and took us to the camp. Our hostess, Linda, cooked the best burger I've ever eaten. It weighed 3/4 of a pound. I topped it off with a pint of Ben & Jerry's Cherry Garcia ice cream and two beers. I'm pretty well stuffed for tonight. We get to sleep in tomorrow as breakfast is not until 8:00. This place has been a great oasis to come to. I watched darkness fall over the pond and listened to the loons and was as calm and peaceful as I've been since I left home. What a great way to begin the end of my journey. Three more nights and I should be through.
Date: 2003-09-14
From: White House Landing

To: Rainbow Stream Lean-To
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: light rain

After a delicious breakfast we were taken back across the pond to a point near the trail. Before taking us over the boatman picked up Liteshoe so I got to see her one more time before the end. I hope she's able to make it without my help. The day was hot and the trail was rocks and roots. We traveled next to water most of the day but I didn't take the time to take in the views, I just wanted to put in miles. I got to the lean-to late in the day and by dark I was more than ready for bed. This was my last shelter on the trail and, to celebrate, the mice partied around me all night. They were as bad as I've seen on the whole trail. Out of the wilderness tomorrow. Two more days and then Katahdin.