morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-09-07
From: ME 4; Rangeley, ME

To: Orbeton Stream
Miles today: 13.5

We got a shuttle to trail and started hiking about 8:30. It was an easy climb for 2 miles then a bit steeper for the next two miles before the real climb up Saddleback Mtn. for a total of 2500 feet in 5.5 miles. Saddleback Mtn. (4120 ft) is above treeline and we could see all the way into Canada, beyond Rangeley. Great views. The trail went down about 500 feet then back up 500 ft to the Horn (4040 ft) also above treeline with great views. Then it was down steeply for 1000 ft before climbing 500 ft to Saddleback Junior (3655 ft) again above treeline. Got some great pictures of these peaks from each other. Of course, after such vistas there is nothing but downhill. We dropped all the way down to 1550 feet in the next 4 miles to Orbeton Stream which we had to ford. We are tenting in an old RR bed above the stream with She Bear, 42, Lightweight, Slick B, Mule, and Bruiser. May try to add a few miles to tomorrows scheduled 11.5 miles if the climbs and downhills are not too bad. 1968 miles completed!
Date: 2006-09-08
From: Orbeton Stream

To: Crocker Mtn - Stealth Camp
Miles today: 15.5

Woke up to a cool 52 degrees. Started hiking at 8:30 uphill on Lone Mtn, a 1700 ft. climb. The trail then leveled off for 1.5 mile before dropping off about 300 ft to the base of Spaulding Mtn. which was another 1000 ft climb followed by a 500 ft. descent. The next 3 miles was up and down around Sugarloaf Mtn. The trail then went down very steeply, 1000 ft in little over 0.5 mile to South Branch Carrabassett River which we had to ford. I was very tired at this point. I took a 1 hour lunch break. We decided to hike on past Crocker Cirque Campsite, our original destination, and find a tentsite beyond Crocker Mtn. summit. I left the river at 3:35 and started the 2200 ft climb of Crocker Mtn. (4228 ft). We ended up about 2 miles down the mountain, 1500 ft from the summit. I got to camp about 7:00. We got our water from a small pool nearby. She Bear and 42 are tenting with us. We have less than 200 miles - actually 190.8 miles to go! Tomorrow we tackle Bigelow Mtn.- I think this is the last of the big mountains until Kahtadin.
Date: 2006-09-09
From: Crocker Mtn - Stealth Camp

To: Little Bigelow Mtn. Stealth
Miles today: 16.1

It was a warm 60 degrees when we woke up at 6:15. Otter started out at 7:45 and I left at 8:30. The plan was that Otter would go ahead and look for a tent site somewhere on Little Bigelow Mtn. The first 3 miles was an easy 1300 feet downhill to ME 27. I took my first break about a mile beyond ME 27. This completed map/section 6 in Maine, which included 11,200 feet of climbing. So far in ME we have climbed 30,000 feet. From first break it was 1800 feet uphill to Horns Pond Lean-To where I took my lunch break. Then it was up 1000 feet over South Horn to Bigelow Mtn West Peak. It had started to rain halfway up Bigelow Mtn. By the time I got to West Peak it was very windy and cold, especially on top above tree line. Went down 500 feet then up 500 feet to Avery Peak, named in honor of one of the men responsible for creation of the AT. The trail then dropped 1800 feet to Safford Notch before climbing back up 800 feet to Little Bigelow Mtn. The rain had stopped by the time I climbed Little Bigelow but the wind was blowing about 20 mph and the temp had dropped to 53 degrees ¢ very chilly when you are wet. Otter found 2 small tent sites about half way across Little Bigelow. I arrived at 7:45, set up my tent, got out of my wet clothes and into my sleeping bag. Cooked dinner while lying in my tent. The weather is supposed to be better tomorrow. We estimate that we are less than a mile from the 2000-mile mark!
Date: 2006-09-10
From: Little Bigelow Mtn. Stealth

To: East Carry Pond
Miles today: 13.9

It was a balmy 41 degrees this morning, pretty chilly and damp. The only wet clothes I put on were my pants. I did not start hiking until after 9:00. I called my mother, Dora to wish her a Happy 80th Birthday! Sure would like to have been there for the celebration. We got terrific trail magic at East Flagstaff Road: cheeseburgers, sodas, chips, doughnuts, pasta salad, banana, snickers bars, coffee, and orange juice. There was other stuff there, but could not eat any more. Ray and Jan provided the magic ¢ Thanks ¢ it was great and you are truly angels! The next 10 miles was very easy with only 2 ¢uphills¢ of 500 feet and 700 feet. The grade was so good we hardly knew we were going up and down. Passed the 2000-mile mark first thing this morning according to the Thru-Hiker Companion. However, I took a picture of an old 2000-mile mark painted on Long Falls Dam Road. We have only 161 miles to go! In to Caratunk tomorrow to resupply and Nero.
Date: 2006-09-11
From: East Carry Pond

To: Caratunk, ME
Miles today: 9.9

Woke up to a cool 39 degrees. At least everything was not wet. We were in no hurry to start hiking as the Kennebec River ferry only operates 9-11 and 2-4 and we had over 9 miles to get there. The trail was very easy with little or no climbs. We only had to go from 1300 feet down to 500 feet over the 9 miles. Got to the river at 12:15, which meant we had to wait almost 2 hours for the ferry. The ferry is only a canoe that will carry 2 people and packs at a time. After we crossed the river, we walked 0.3 miles into Caratunk to get our mail drops at the PO. Then it was 0.3 miles back to US 201 to hitch a ride to the Rivers and Trails Camp store to complete our resupply. We then walked about a mile further to Northern Outdoors Resort and checked into one of the lodge rooms. We took showers, washed clothes and ate dinner in the restaurant. Ran into Sumo who had been 2-3 weeks ahead, but has taken some time off and is doing shorter days. I have not seen him since Wayah Bald back in NC. Heading back out tomorrow. Only 151 miles to go!
Date: 2006-09-12
From: Caratunk, ME

To: Bald Mtn. Brook Lean-to
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: clear sky

Ate a large breakfast at Northern Outdoors this morning ¢ eggs, bacon, home fries, toast, coffee, and pancakes. Decided to hitch back to the trail since the shuttle did not leave until at least 9:00. Got a ride in the back of a pickup ¢ very cold 2- mile ride! I was on the trail at 8:30. Easy hike today. First 6 miles was a gradual 800- foot climb, hardly worth mentioning. Then it was a noticeable 900 ft over the next 1.5 miles over Pleasant Pond Mtn. The last 7.5 miles was an easy downhill of 500 ft and back up 500 ft. Got trail magic from Wendy at Moxie Pond Road. She had left a cooler with drinks, cookies, roast beef wraps, potato chips, milk, and cheese. Otter and I ate our ¢early dinner¢ there since it was only 3 miles left to the shelter. There was magic at the shelter too. Quixote, Hoagie, and Squeaks were cooking steaks, potatoes, corn on the cob, and hamburgers. We ate our fill again, washing it down with cold Rolling Rock beer. Squeaks did a SOBO in 95-96. He said he remembers Manimal (Bryan Giemza) on his 95 SOBO. Pinata, F-Bomb, Slip & Slide are in the shelter with us. Sumo and Lush are tenting just south of here. Only 136.5 miles to go!
Date: 2006-09-13
From: Bald Mtn. Brook Lean-to

To: Horseshoe Canyon Lean- to
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: scattered clouds

It was a cool 38 degrees this morning. I was on the trail before 8:00 to climb 1400 ft up Moxie Bald Mtn and back down 1400 ft all in 4 miles. Fairly nice trail, with quite a bit of bare rock up and down, especially the top third of the mountain. From there it was a gradual 9 miles walk down a whopping 500 ft. Of course there were numerous short ups and downs, rocky areas, muddy spots, creek crossings, and one river to ford. We had to take off our boots and cross the West Branch Piscataquis River in our Crocs in knee-deep water. It was only 75 ft across, but the water was COLD. Got to the shelter at 3:00. Would have gone further, but according to a SOBO, there were no good tent sites between here and Monson, ME. Should be in Monson by lunchtime tomorrow for a zero. Long knife, Jersey, Pi±ata, Otter and I are in the shelter. Lush and Sumo are tenting. Suppose to rain tomorrow, hope it waits until we are in town. Only 123.5 miles to go! Thought we could see Kahtadin from the summit of Moxie Bald Mtn. It looked a long way from here.
Date: 2006-09-14
From: Horseshoe Canyon Lean- to

To: ME 15; Monson, ME
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: moderate rain

It rained a little overnight. Got on the trail at 8:00. The trail was easy. Had one 350 ft and one 500 ft. climb in addition to several small ups and downs. Took one 15 minute break and made it to ME 15 by 12:00. Took about 10 minutes to hitch a ride 3.5 miles to town. Staying at the Lake Shore House on Lake Hebron. The hostel has the only bar and the only laundromat in town. Ate a 12-inch sub from the A.F. Robinson Mobile Mart for lunch. Picked up my mail drop Elaine sent to the PO. There are several hikers here and more staying at Shaw¢s Lodge down the road. Everyone was here at the pub tonight for dinner and a few beers. Only 114.5 miles to go!
Date: 2006-09-15
From: ME 15; Monson, ME

To: ME 15; Monson, ME
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

I completed my reprovisioning. I have completed Section 4 (still going backwards on the maps), which had 4500 ft of climbs, for the total of 32,200 ft so far in Maine. Hope to finish on 9/23/06 or 9/24/06. I am ready to finish and get home to see the family, especially my 2 NEW grandsons!
Date: 2006-09-16
From: ME 15; Monson, ME

To: Long Pond Stream Lean-to
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: clear sky

Up at 5:30, took a shower, and ate breakfast of 2 bowls of cereal, 1 quart of milk, an egg & cheese bagel, and a cup of coffee. Took about 15 min to hitch a ride back to the trail. The traffic was pretty light on a Saturday morning in Monson. Got on the trail at 7:45. The profile made the trail look easy, but it was ups and downs all day with tons of roots and rocks most of the way. It was hard to get into a good hiking rhythm. Had to ford Big Wilson Stream in our Crocks, our second ford. The water was half way up my thighs and fairly cold with strong current. It was about 75-80 feet across with very slippery rocks. Made it across without falling in. I am pretty tired tonight. Don't seem to have the afternoon energy I had a few weeks ago. The Whites in NH and the first 50 miles of ME were tough and seem to have taken a toll on everyone. Shelter full tonight with me, Otter, Pinata, 42, River Weasel, and Jersey. She Bear and Bruiser are tenting. Egg Shells stopped about 0.5 mile back to camp beside Long Pond Stream. Have less than 100 miles (99.4) to go!
Date: 2006-09-17
From: Long Pond Stream Lean-to

To: West Branch Pleasant River
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: clear sky

Started hiking at 8:00 on a cool, clear morning. It was a 1700' climb up Barren Mtn. Made it to the top in 1.5 hours on a fairly nice trail. Bypassed going to Cloud Pond Lean-to a mile later as it was 0.3 mile off the trail. It was then down 700', then steeply up 500' to the summit of Fourth Mtn on the Barren Chairback Ridge, then steeply down 700' on the other side. It was an easier climb up and over Third Mtn, Monument Cliff before the 500' climb up Columbus Mtn. From there it was steeply down to Chairback Gap Lean-to. I was planning on staying there but decided to go another 4 miles since it was only 4:00. Well, I wasted 30 minutes trying to find the trail from there as it was not blazed very well. I finally made it up Chairback Mtn and started the 3 mile, 1500' downlhill to West Branch Pleasant River. The first 2 miles were initially extremely steep, 0.1 mile down the talus slope of Chairback Mtn. I thought I was back in the Whites scrambling straight down the the huge boulders. The next 2 miles were up and down without any gain in the downhill which left the last 1200' down to be done in one mile. I arrived at dark (7:00), set up my tent, and ate dinner. By now it was 8:30. There are quite a few other hikers here. Not sure who they all are as it is dark. Planning a shorter day tomorrow. Otter and many others will be going on beyond where I plan to camp. They are trying to summit Katahdin on the 23rd. I hope to finish on the 24th. Have completed section 3 which had 5100' of climbs and 5 major peaks. So far in Maine I have climbed 37,700' and summited 31 major peaks. Only 84.1 mi to go!
Date: 2006-09-18
From: West Branch Pleasant River

To: East Branch Lean-to
Miles today: 16.3

Had a hard time getting to sleep last ight. Must have been after 11:00 before I dozed off. Woke up at 6:10 and ate breakfast, coffee, and pop tarts while lying in my tent. Got on the trail about 8:15. Wasn't in a rush because I was only planning to do 12.7 miles. The first 5.5 miles were a gradual 1200' climb to Carl A. Newhall Lean-to. Then began a series of 4 climbs over 5.4 miles for a net 1800'. The total climb for Gulf Hagas Mtn, West Peak, Hay Mtn, and White Cap Mtn was about 2700' ending up at 3650' elevation. These are the last of the significant climbs until Katahdin. I was planning on staying at Logan Brook Lean-to after the 12.7 miles but was egged on by an entry in the shelter register and the begging of 42 and She Bear to do the 3.6 miles to East Branch Lean-to. We left Logan Brook Lean-to at 5:45 and headed down the mountain. Got to East Branch Lean-to at 7:20 having to use our head lamps for the last 0.75 mile. The shelter was full but they scrunched up enough to make room for me. I was pretty tired by the time I got there after the 2400' downhill from the top of White Cap Mtn. I saw Katahdin from White Cap Mtn - a very impressive mtn. Took a picture but don't think it will be very good because of the haze and distance to the mtn. Twelve hiikers here tonight - mostly the same bunch as before. Only 67.8 mi to go!
Date: 2006-09-19
From: East Branch Lean-to

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

Didn't start hiking until 8:30 because again I was planning to do only 16 miles with an easy trail. Had to ford East Branch Pleasant River - was able to rock-hop and not wade across in my Crocks. Only had two 400' climbs all day, one unnamed peak and Little Boardman Mtn. Walked mostly on old logging roads passing by 5 ponds - Crawford, Church, Cooper, Mud, and Lower Jo-Mary Lake. Got to Antlers Campsite about 5:15 where I had planned to camp, but Otter and Lightweight were there begging me to do the next 3.5 miles to the shelter. I gave in again and left at 5:30. Got to the shelter at 7:00, walking the last mile or so with my headlamp. Glad I went on because it started rainng at 8:00 and I would have ended up carrying a wet tent tomorrow. Planning a 18.2 mile day tomorow. Otter, Pinata, and Lightweight are also in the shelter. River Weasel is in his hammock and Bruiser and Rising Sun are tenting. Looks like She Bear and 42 decided to stay at the campslite 3.5 miles back. Hope to get an earlier start tomorrow. Hate to walk 18 miles in the rain - maybe it will stop during the night. Only 48.3 mile and 4 days to go!
Date: 2006-09-20
From: Potaywadjo Spring Lean-to

To: Rainbow Stream Lean-to
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: light rain

It rained very hard during the night. Once again I was glad to be in a shelter. River Weasel and Rising Sun came into the shelter during th night because of the rain. Well, I did start hiking earlier today - 8:00. Didn't get any logging roads to walk on today, just typical Maine trail - tons of roots, many rocks, and muddy areas with bog bridges. Only had one climb of 800'. Most of the trail followed streams. The trees are starting to lose more leaves. The trail has been covered with red and yellow maple leaves. Got another view of Katahdin from the top of Nesuntbunt Mtn. Hope the pictures I took come out OK. Katahdin is quite a massive mountain. Made it to the shelter at 5:30. Pinata, Otter, Baldylocks, River Weasel, Bruiser, and I are in the shleter. Rauch Hour and Fiddlehead are tenting. Only 30.1 miles to go!
Date: 2006-09-21
From: Rainbow Stream Lean-to

To: Abol Bridge
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Very cool 48 degrees when we got up at 6:15. Felt much cooler because of the damp air. Started hiking at 7:45. Had to cross Rainbow Stream on two 6-inch diameter logs over a 15' span first thing this morning. The logs were about 3' above the water and were rather springy. The trail followed the shoreline of Rainbow Lake for about 6 miles which meant lots of roots and rocks. I took two 15-minute breaks and made the 15 miles to Abol Bridge at 2:15. Had 3 sodas, a pint of chocolate milk, 2 bags of potato chips, a pack of crackers (Nabs to us Southerners), and an ice cream cone. David (Resupply) and Tony got to Abol Bridge about 6:00 and we then drove to Katahdin Stream campground for the night in a shelter. David and Tony brought T-bone steaks, potatoes, corn on the cob, bourbon, and wine for dinner. A virtual feast for us. Plan on summiting Katahdin tomorrow since the weather on Saturday is supposed to be rainy. There was snow on Katahdin today and the only trail open was the AT (Hunt Trail) to the summit. With the temp tonight to drop into the low 30's on Katahdin, the rainy weekend might prevent anyone from climbing the big K. We will complete our journey, the 9.9 miles from Abol Bridge to Katahdin Stream on Saturday. Only 15.1 miles to go!
Date: 2006-09-22
From: Katahdin Stream Campground

To: Baxter Peak, Katahdin Mtn
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Started our summit of Katahdin at 8:00 this morning. It is 5.2 miles to the top where you turn around and come back down the same trail. The 1st mile was an easy uphill 500'. The trail then began the steep climb up to Baxter Peak. There were sections that were boulder scrambles, up very steep. The views were tremendous. Once we were above treeline, we could see for miles in every direction. There were sections that were very technical and it was critical that we followed the blazes. There was a section at Thoreau Spring (named for Henry Thoreau who climbed Katahdin in 1834) that was relatively flat. After that, the trail went up steeply, scrambling huge boulders to the summit at 5268'. It was a great feeling to reach the summit of Katahdin, especially since the trail was the Hunt Trail. All togehter it was a 4200' climb over the 5.2 miles. Took pictures at the summit. We had a bottle of Champagne at the top. Otter gave me a box of Cobiha cigars for hiking the trail with him -wow what a thoughtful and great gift! It has been a wonderful and unforgetable experience. Elaine will be hiking the last 9.9 miles with me tomorrow. It will be great to have started the trail with her and finish with her by my side. I would not have been able to complete this without her love and support. Although it has been the experience of a lifetime, I can hardly wait to get home and see the "kids" (actually they are 35 and 30) and the five grandkids, especially the 2 new grandsons that were born while I have been on the trail. Will finish the last 9.9 miles tomorrow!
Date: 2006-09-23
From: Katahdin Stream Campground

To: Abol Bridge
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Got up at 6:30, ate breakfast, and packed up for the last time. Met Elaine, my brother Tommy, and his wife Elaine in the parking lot. Elaine and I started hiking south to Abol Bridge while Tommy drove Otter, David, and Tony to Abol Bridge for them to hike back to Katahdin Stream Campground. It was an easy trail following Katahdin Stream for several miles. We did not take the side trail to either Big or Little Niagara Falls as there was a light rain falling most of the way. It took us about 4.5 hours to complete the 9.9 miles to Abol Bridge where Tommy and Elaine were waiting for us. We then drove to the Katahdin Inn in Millinocket. Got a shower and went to a pub to meet fellow hikers for the last time. It was a bittersweet time knowing I will probably not see any of them again. To all of the hiker friends, thanks for the companionship and good & hard times we spent together. It took me exactly 28 weeks (196 days) to complete my journey, starting on Sunday, March 12 and ending on Saturday, September 23.
Date: 2006-09-25
To: Welcome home
Miles today: 0.0

Well, the journey is over and what an adventure it was. Glad to be home! Feels strange to not have to pack up every morning and spend another day on the trail. It will probably take me a few days to "get back in the groove of retirement". Looking forward to spending time with the five grandkids, relaxing at our beach house, and of course two weeks of "nothing" and scuba diving in Cancun in November. Sure going to miss my fellow hikers. Thanks for your companioship and urging me to do the extra miles the last few days.
Date: 2007-03-12
To: Missing the trail
Miles today: 0.0

Well, it's been a year since I began my journey north. When I finished, I said that I probably would not attempt such another endeavor. Seem to be having second thoughts about it now. Sure do miss the trail and all of the friends I met. Maybe again in a few years.Will be providing trail magic at Scales (a few miles north of Mt. Rogers) on April 27-29 with Otter, my hiking partner, and several other friends. Will be great to meet and talk with this years thruhikers. I will be sure to tell them that the best is yet to come, to "hike your own hike", and to make the most of their trek by taking time to enjoy every mile even on the "bad" days.Planning on making it to Trail Days in May. Hope to see many of the 2006 crowd there.Until next time!
Date: 2005-08-23
To: Interview with a Thru Hiker
Miles today: 0.0

I had the honor this past Saturday evening of having dinner with T-Rex and his wife Merlin. I followed his journal this year after learning that someone from Kalamazoo was hiking the AT. That brought me to trail journals.com and after reading his journal I made contact. Over dinner Beth and I gained a wealth of first hand knowledge from someone who has been there and done it! What a great evening with great people!I'm slightly less than 1 month away from my SNP shakedown hike. Pretty much the last chance for a complete field test of my equipment. Thanks to Boomerang and T-Rex and many other journalists, I've got my pack weight (without food) down to a comfortable 20.5 lbs. including 1 Qt of water. Well, I guess I'll know if I'm comfortable with that when I return from my SNP hike. On successful completion of the SNP, I'll be officially declaring to my boss that I'll be taking a leave of absence next year to hike from Georgia to Maine!