morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-09-08
From: Poplar Ridge Shelter

To: South Carrabassett River Stealth Site
Miles today: 13.1

Today was again hazy, which is unfortunate because we're getting into territory where 'The Big K' is visible from most peaks we traverse. We did took a .5-mile blue-blaze trail to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain which was anticlimactic because of the haze. A ski-hut was at the top, open to hikers but it was a pig sty after a summer of users without garbage removal. There was a cool raised relief map of central Maine encased in a glass box - it really gave us a sense of the terrain we've covered or about to cover, and how far we have to go. Getting closer....We found a great spot for a tent near the S Carrabassett River that we had all to ourselves, where we finished off the bottle of Vodka that Kate & Pablo sent as trail magic. Thanks again guys!
Date: 2007-09-09
From: South Carrabassett River Stealth Site

To: ME 27 - Stratton Hotel
Miles today: 8.4

Woke up early, expecting to be packing up in the rain but fortunately we weren't. We had a climb up both peaks of Crocker Mountain (El. 4100-ft.) in the clouds. On the 5-mile, 3000-ft. descent we caught up with Backfire and G Force, who have been slightly ahead of up for a couple days. We ended up getting a hitch into town from a woman who used to live in Minnesota. After having lunch and a beer at the Wolf Inn, Uff-Da checks her email and gets an alarming message from her dog Elly's caretakers for the summer regarding her health. Without getting into details, roughly a liter of fluid built up around her heart and had to be drained. The cause is unknown, but what we do know is that her life is in jeopardy. Though optimistic, we are sent into a state of shock.
Date: 2007-09-10
From: ME 27 - Stratton Hotel

To: ME 27 - Stratton Hotel
Miles today: 0.0

Mentally and emotionally, today was easily the worst day on the trail. As the seriousness of Elly's condition begins to set in, we spend the day crying and soul-searching for the right thing to do. We are in Stratton, ME and for those of you who aren't familiar, we are a $100 shuttle away from a town where we can catch a bus to city where we can take a plane or a train back to Minneapolis, MN. A costly process that would take anywhere between 2-4 days to get home. A mere 187 miles from the end of a 2175-mile journey, what are we to do? Go home to be with her, or continue on, finishing what we started over 5 months ago? The situation is a reminder that sometimes we must make sacrifices in order to follow our dreams...We're thankful for Scott and Shannon, Elly's fantastic caretakers this summer, Christine, Sarah's best friend, and Steve and Deb, Sarah's wonderful parents for helping us through these trying times.
Date: 2007-09-11
From: ME 27 - Stratton Hotel

To: Horns Pond Shelter
Miles today: 5.1
Weather: light rain

We woke up with a better feeling in our stomachs about Elly. We decided to move on, hoping that her health would hold on long enough for us to finish. We made it back to the trailhead around 8:30, with the day shaping up to be wet, windy, cold and miserable. We made it to the shelter in good time. The view looking out is usually of The Horn, but at this time it was completely socked in the windy fog. We decided that since most of the next 10 miles or so would be at equal or higher elevation, it would be a miserable, viewless day so we decided to stay. We napped, ate, played cribbage, listened to the radio, and enjoyed the company of Spock and Gorbo to pass the time.
Date: 2007-09-12
From: Horns Pond Shelter

To: West Carry Pond
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: broken clouds

When the alarm went off at 6:00, there was a resurgence of pitter-patter on the roof from the night's rainfall, so we slept in 'til the sun came out. We left at 8:00 and first climbed the Horn. Our next task was to climb West Bigelow Peak. Above treeline, we have never experienced such a tempest! Uff-Da was blown to the ground several times, and Sven bent his trekking pole stabilizing himself from a gust. We'd roughly estimate the constant wind to be between 60-100 M.P.H. Great views from the top but we it was unsettling to stick around to enjoy them at all. We slipped into Bigelow Col knowing we'd have to repeat the ferocity going over Mt. Avery. We eventually came back down below treeline and its protection. We flanked Flagstaff Lake, which we had a great bird's-eye view of all day. And the passed the 2000-mile benchmark today! WooHoo!
Date: 2007-09-13
From: West Carry Pond

To: Pleasant Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 19.7
Weather: clear sky

Today the wind died down quite a bit. We got a good start and we were moving fast with hopes to catch the afternoon shuttle across the Kennebec River. The trail was nice on the feet and had pleasant scenery. Passing through several bogs we startled a Great Blue Heron from about 30 feet away. Man that large gangly bird has to expend a lot of energy getting aloft! After a nice lunch at Pierce Pond Shelter, we enjoyed flanking the Kennebec Stream to the Kennebec River crossing. Ferryman Dave got across in no time, and we walked a mile to a small re-supply store run by Steve, the legendary previous ferry operator. We were able to call home and found out that Elly's condition had taken a turn for the worse, and the decision was made to euthanize her that night. Steve gave us a ride back to the trailhead around 5:00 P.M. where we had one more good cry - at least she wasn't suffering anymore and at least we weren't kept at bay wondering. We marched on looking for a place to camp that night when a curious thing happened. We passed a southbound hiker with two dogs who kept barking as if trying to tell us something. The dogs' names were 'Faith' and 'Freedom.' Coincidence?
Date: 2007-09-14
From: Pleasant Pond Lean-to

To: Stealth Camp near Bald Mountain Pond
Miles today: 15.2

Three hikers are sitting around the picnic table at a shelter cooking dinner. They've all got ramen noodles and they start debating which flavor is tastier. "Cajun Chicken," one says. "No, it's Beef Flavor," another contends. The third guy says, "What are you guys talking about? It all tastes the same." He then proceeds to open his ramen package, take out the flavor pack and throw it away. Having never put it into his ramen, it turns out he thought the flavor pack was one of those things that are put into packages to keep it fresh and he never put it in his ramen.
Date: 2007-09-15
From: Stealth Camp near Bald Mountain Pond

To: Shaw's Boarding House
Miles today: 15.8

We woke exceptionally early to get to Monson, ME, the last outpost before Katahdin, for the upcoming hiker feed put on by www.whiteblaze.net.   The hike in was in a light rain, and we had to ford both the East and West branches of the Piscataquis River. We made it early in the afternoon, and were happy to see many familiar faces we've met along the way. 100-mile wilderness and Katahdin, HERE WE COME!
Date: 2007-09-16
From: Monson, ME

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

Well this is our last stop before Mount Katahdin. It has been an incredible journey this far and we look forward to our last 114 miles into the 100-Mile Wilderness and onto the Katahdin summit! We will be updating the rest of our journal and filling in the pieces we left out once we get back home. We would like to thank everyone for their love and support through the last five months and especially the last week with the loss of Elly (the dog). Mom and Dad I can't begin to thank you enough for taking care of her and being there for me. We are going to go out with a bang for her! On a lighter note, thank you Marga for the treats and Champagne. What a celebration we will have. Mary-Jo and Dan, all we can say is wow, you didn't have to do that! But oh how we are planning on some fine Maine lobster. Mom and Dad, the shirts have arrived and there will be a photo shoot at the Northern most terminus of the A.T. Scott and Shannon, there is no appropriate way to show our thanks. So here we go! We can't wait to reach our goal and finish making our dream come true!
Date: 2007-09-17
From: Monson, ME

To: Wilson Valley Lean-to
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: clear sky

After taking care of a couple of loose ends, today we set out to hike the final 114.6 miles of trail. We spent the morning hunting down our final mail drop of food, but apparently it got lost in the mail and is floating around somewhere between Minnesota and Maine. At around noon we got dropped off at the trailhead with Tennessee Jed and Philmont. A few feet in we stopped at Spectacle Pond and drank a couple beers we smuggled in from Monson while enjoying the awesome afternoon. We stopped at Little Wilson Falls which is apparently the highest waterfall on the AT, situated in a 100-ft. slate canyon. Between the falls and the Wilson Lean-to we forded Big Wilson Stream, with the water going above the knee. As dusk settled in it became chilly, so we warmed around a fire as Spock, Dragon and Littlefoot joined us.
Date: 2007-09-18
From: Wilson Valley Lean-to

To: West Branch Pleasant River
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: broken clouds

After waking up a tad chilly we got moving quickly to get the blood flowing and warm up. After a quick 5 miles we took a break at the Long Pond Stream Lean-to. The next task was to climb Barren Mtn. and traverse the series or humps that make up the Barren-Chairback Ridge, bookended by the Barren and Chairback Mountains. Atop Barren was an old fire tower in the process of being deconstructed. It was a great place to have lunch as the view was great. In the Fourth Mountain bog we saw many insectivrous Pitcher Plants to Sven's delight, as he's been searching for them for quite some time. We decided to continue on past the Chairback Gap Lean-to and thankfully it was all downhill as we arrived at the West Branch of the Pleasant River at dusk to call it a day. A nice serene day for hiking where we didn't see too many other hikers.
Date: 2007-09-19
From: West Branch Pleasant River

To: East Branch Lean-to
Miles today: 16.3

Our first task this morning was to ford the West Branch of the Pleasant River. Although it wasn't too deep, we were forced to take off our shoes and socks and wade through the bone-nummingly chilly water; the water was so cold that our feet hurt by the time we got to the other side! We then entered an area of giant pines known as the Hermatage, an area previously unlogged. We then hiked part of the Gulf-Hagas side trail. For all the hype surrounding the loop we were somewhat dissapointed. The ensuing climbs up Gulf Hagas Mtn., West Peak, Hay and White Cap Mountains, for whatever reason, kicked our butts! However, atop White Cap we were rewarded with our first undeniable view of Mt. Katahdin - it was exciting! Until this point we had views of 'The Big K', but we were so far away that we questioned which bump on the horizon it actually was. What a beautiful beast it is!
Date: 2007-09-20
From: East Branch Lean-to

To: Nahmakanta Stream Campsite
Miles today: 23.8
Weather: clear sky

From here on we have our work cut out for us; a large, relatively flat valley lies between White Cap and Katahdin with little to climb. The trail was good to us on an other beautiful sunny day. We passed Lower Jo-Mary Lake and were able to jump in and take a nice relaxing swim from a sandy beach. We would have never thought that we'd be swimming in central Maine at the end of September. Further on we passed Potaywadjo Spring, easily one of the most pristine springs on the trail. Then we got an other inspiring glimpse of Katahdin from across Pemadumcook Lake - we're almost there!
Date: 2007-09-21
From: Nahmakanta Stream Campsite

To: Rainbow Spring Campsite
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: broken clouds

Last night we didn't get the best night of sleep due to the hellacious gas Sven was emmiting. Simply toxic. It was the first sign of a parasite Sven contracted called Gardia Lamblia, that would effect him the rest of the hike and beyond, and that he would eventually recieve antibiotics for. For those of you that have experience with Giardia, you know what we're talking about. And for those of you who don't, trust us when we say it is something you want to avoid at all costs! At Nahmakanta Lake we ran into some fantastic trail magic from past thru-hikers Java and Jeopardy. They treated us to cookies, apples, candy, a fresh omelet and a Pabst to wash it all down. It also turned out that Java was from Minnetonka, MN - what a small world! They would go on to let us stay at their place where they currently reside in Portland, ME after we finished the hike about a week later. We were able to again take a swim, this time in Nahmakanta Lake. After yet an other view from Nesuntabunt Mtn. we ended our day at the Rainbow Spring Campsite on the beautiful Rainbow Lake all by ourselves.
Date: 2007-09-22
From: Rainbow Spring Campsite

To: Abol Bridge
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: overcast clouds

A front moved in overnight, and fogged in all views for the day. We were moving slow today mainly due to the effects of Giardia taking its toll on Sven. With no views over the Rainbow Ledges we made it to the Abol Bridge Campsite and took it easy for the afternoon. Along the way we met Mike and Becky, a couple of day hikers who would go on to let us graciously stay at their place in Boston during our post-hike sightseeing there. Mixed emotions are setting in of being so close to the finish, but mainly we are ready for the hike to come to an end.
Date: 2007-09-23
From: Abol Bridge

To: Katahdin Stream Campground
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: clear sky

When we woke up today, the clouds had fortunately cleared yielding a spectacular view of Katahdin from Abol Bridge. A handful of hikers including Moose, Moon Goat, Bear Spray, Barking Spider, and Plodder rallied at the bridge to take in the view in the early morning sun. A short hike today, we took it slow and enjoyed it as much as possible knowing that in 48 hours we'd be off the trail. We arrived at the Katahdin Stream Campground and found Mrs. Focus waiting for her husband, Focus, to return from his summit today. We met her in Monson and she thankfully transported our champagne & cigars here from Monson, so that we wouldn't have to carry the extra weight through the 100-mile wilderness. Rhode Island Red finally cought up to us after not seeing her on the trail since Gorham, NH. It was wierd setting up the tent for the last time, but at the same time we looked forward to not having to do it for awile...Tomorrow is the big day!
Date: 2007-09-24
From: Katahdin Stream Campground

To: Baxter Peak on Mt. Katahdin
Miles today: 5.2
Weather: broken clouds

Didn't get the best night's sleep; felt like Santa Claus was coming or something! We set out about 8:30 with the wind howling on a clear day. Five miles up 4300 ft., and five miles back. As we approached the treeline about halfway, the wind grew in intensity so much that a few day hikers turned back. Even Moose, about to complete his third thru hike, turned around momentarily which rattled us a little. After about an hours debate of putting off the summit 'til tomorrow, we decided to go on anyway. A crew of hikers passed us and if they could bear the wind so could we. We ditched our packs at treeline and carried on. It was a great fun climb. Once we got to the tabletop it really flattened out, but we could see a group af people around the sign about a mile away. The mile gave us a time to reflect, and we were so overcome with a sense of accomplishment when we finally did make it. Nothing but smiles! What a fitting mountain to climb to cap off an extraordinary journey!!!
Date: 2007-03-01
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I have finally been blessed with the opportunity to fulfil my dream of one day hiking the AT. Now, it is only a waiting game. I am just waiting and waiting...more ready than ever to get on the trail. I will be taking off my first semester of school next year to hike! How awesome it that..cannot wait! As of now, the starting date is set as June 12!
Date: 2007-03-02
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I am still deciding a few more gear details. I have most of my gear; backpack (osprey aether), sleeping bag(Sub-kilo), jacket, pants, shorts, ect. I am still looking to find out more about different tents. I dont want to be confined to staying shelter to shelter. Also, I am deciding between 2 different pairs of shoes. It is either going to be my Keens or Solomons. I am going to have to take weekend hikes to see which ones I like the best. There is nothing worse than uncomfortable feet!
Date: 2007-03-13
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Hello everyone. Finally found plane tickets to Maine and will be departing from ATL on June 7th(Earlier than expected), but I found an excellent deal on the price! Last week I took a few days to go hiking around Woody Gap. I had a blast. I could not have asked for better weather, except the first night or two was a bit on the chilly side! I met several of you NOBO's..Good luck. Sounds like your already having the time of your life. I look forward to seeing Martini and Rossi up north..and also Garrett. These were some very nice people I got the opportunity to spend some time together. I am head out again to the woods this weekend. Leaving Thursday and getting back on Sunday. The time is creaping nearer and nearer till its GO TIME!!
Date: 2007-03-20
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Well I got the opportunity to get back into the woods for the second consecutive weekend. Just to get out away from everything is peaceful and relaxing for sure. The weather was a bit nasty at the beginning of my trip, but this did allow me to get a good test of my new MSR Hubba (which turned out to be great). It seemed to work out great even with the inch and a half of rain we encountered that first night. Just for extra preparation I think I am going to waterproof the seams around the bathtub flooring. Well everyone take it easy until next time¢¦Enjoy your hike!-Everywhere is walking distance if you have the time. ~Steven Wright
Date: 2007-05-05
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Its been a little while since I had last update. Finally finished up with second semester, and have been working 40+ hours a week. Trying to pick up some extra cash before I fly up to Maine in about a month. More excited than ever right now..and ready to get on the trail. Reading Martini and Rossi's(met them down in Ga) journals has really made me want to get out in the woods. Just doing some last minute checks to see that I will have everything I need. Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves. ~John Muir
Date: 2007-05-29
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Its been a while since I last updated so I thought that I would let everyone know where I am standing. I have been reallysick for the past week. Very ill...but I am trying my hardest to recover. Doc says I have strep so I am all drugged up on antibiotics...the Mono test is still in the process(pray for the best..aka negative). But the plan as of now is 9 days out from today I'll be flying from Atlanta to Portland Maine. I will spend several days touring around the area and will probably hike Katahdin somewhere between the 10 and 12th. All planning has gone well minus the random sickness that I have unfortunally stumbled upon. I will think of this more as a blessing though...at least it happend now and not 2 weeks from now or sometime during my hike. But I have been getting all my equipment together and ready, and by the looks of it, I am ready to hit the trail.There is nothing like walking to get the feel of a country. A fine landscape is like a piece of music; it must be taken at the right tempo. Even a bicycle goes too fast. ~Paul Scott Mowrer
Date: 2007-06-04
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

The test results are in...and bad news..I have been diginosed with Mono. I'm already going on 3 weeks with the virus and feeling better, so I hope to be on the downhill side of this whole thing. The plan is still on to fly up to Maine. The plan as of now is still Katahdin on the 12th...and then a few weeks of EASYY hiking until my fatigue caused this virus is out of me. I been laying around sick for going on 3 weeks now. Hope to see you all on the trail. This will be my last entry before I head out. My parents will be keeping everyone in touch in what I am doing through this site while I am out. Happy Trails
Date: 2007-06-12
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

DAY 1. Today marks the first day I have been on the Trail. Left for Katahdin from Millinocket around 5:30 AM..starting hiking around 7:00. Great day on the trail. Could not have asked for more beautiful weather. Despite being sick for the past 4 weeks, I felt good on the trail. Staying in Millinocket for the night with my parents. Hope to see you all out on the trail. Hopefully I head out into the 100 mile wilderness tomorrow.Make your feet your friend. ~J.M. Barrie
Date: 2007-06-15
From: Mt. Katahdin

To: Monson, Maine
Miles today: 45.9
Weather: broken clouds

Stopped for the night at White House Landing Wilderness Camp. Hiking with a guy named "Surge" who was hiking up Katahdin the day before. Saw a bull moose, a couple of snakes, and a mother deer with her fawn. Will be leaving in the morning heading toward Monson, Maine. Hope to get there early next week.
Date: 2007-06-20
From: Monson, Maine

To: Stratton, ME
Miles today: 68.6
Weather: moderate rain

Ahhh. I do not even know where I should begin...I hiked 15 miles into Monson yesterday afternoon after exiting the 100 mile wilderness. My adventures through the wilderness were just amazing. I could not have asked for better weather. A blue sky with a light wind and moderate temperature was the weather of the week. Only one day of rain over White Cap Mt..and this was only an afternoon thunderstorm which proved to be quite refreshing. The crystal clear water is abundant and the wildlife is just as so. I was tired and hungry getting into Monson(which is a small town with one street...population 500). Luckily got picked up by a ranger at the trail head only after 10 minutes of trying to find a hitch. I hear other hikers were not as lucky as I. Town has been full on Pizza, Ben and Jerry's, and buffet-style breakfast. Shaw's hostel is a place of home far away from home. Just a great atmosphere. Last night about five of us hikers spent much of the night sitting around on the balcony porch eating and telling funny stories about the different adventures they have experienced...oh what a good time it was. Got in bed rather late but slept like royalty on my bunk with sheets and a pillow(mmmm). Taking a zero day today to try to refresh my knees and feet before heading into southern Maine. Love town but for sure cannot wait to be back out on the trail. It is a wonderful day..