morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-08-30
From: Rt 4, Rangeley

To: Poplar Ridge Lean-to
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: scattered clouds

We had a nice relaxing day off and were ready to head back out on the trail. We went to the bagel place for breakfast. It was a great place - lots of choices for coffee and great breakfast. We took Nancy's car out to the trail head and started on the trail around 9:30. First up for the day was the climb up Saddleback. It was warm and the sun was out. We had about a 2600' climb. We slowly started hearing thunder to the west and it started building up as we climbed. When we were just a few hundred feet from the summit, the storm seemed pretty strong so we donned our pack covers and rain jackets but waited there for the storm clouds to pass over the summit. They were moving pretty fast so it didn't take long. We could see the rain coming behind it, but it didn't look like storm clouds. As we started the last climb, it started raining and then it turned to hail. We just booked it over the summit and headed down the other side. The rain let up as we go to tree line. We headed over to The Horn and the wind was pretty strong so we went beyond the summit a little way and found a nice spot to sit and have some lunch. We had some views although it was pretty hazy. We planned a short day so we didn't feel rushed which was really nice. We headed on to do our final climb for the day - down and then up Saddleback Junior. It was actually a harder climb than The Horn. We took a break but not for long. The thunder cracked loudly and we moved on quickly to the shelter. We took the last 3 spots in the shelter. Bo Cephus was there! It was good to see him. Others stopped in and went on - even though it was raining - The Chef and Barry Manilow (also good to see him again!). Grub was here tenting and then Nuclear, Ox, and Leader of the Pack showed up and had to tent. It was raining pretty hard for awhile and then turned to a steady light rain.
Date: 2007-08-31
From: Poplar Ridge Lean-to

To: Sugarloaf Summit House-
Miles today: 10.9

We woke up to rain so we weren't very motivated to get an early start. It had rained off and on all night long so nothing really dried. We finally got up and headed out about 8:30. The rain had stopped but everything was wet and the trees were dripping. The trail wasn't bad though. We dropped down in the valley after Poplar Ridge and walked along streams. I took a couple of videos mainly to capture the sound of the water. By the time we got to Saulding Mtn Lean-to, a misty rain had begun again. We stopped for lunch and I got cold so I had to get moving again. We did the climb to the Spaulding Spur trail pretty quickly with the misty rain off and on. When we got to the bronze plaque marking the completion of the AT, we stopped since it also marked the fact that we had just gone under the 200 mile mark left to complete the trail! We didn't have much further to go for the day. We got to the Sugarloaf spur trail and headed up. There is a spring about half way up where we were able to get water. The summit was mostly socked in when we arrived. At first I couldn't even see the summit house. We went in and got set up for the night. It was nice to have a picnic table for our dinner and to be closed in from the wind. What a great place to stay! The radio worked so we had music for the evening. We swept the floor and had a snack. The clouds started lifting and we were able to get some views. We played a game of Cosmic Whimpout. The winds are pretty strong outside. There is a door that doesn't really close, but it is still pretty protected inside. As the evening went on it got even clearer. We had a beautiful sunset and then walked up to the summit. The winds were getting even stonger so we didn't stay out very long. It is so beautiful up here! It is worth the extra half a mile and 600' of climb to stay in the summit house.
Date: 2007-09-01
From: Sugarloaf Summit House-

To: Rt 27, Stratton
Miles today: 10.6

It was a windy night all night but I was able to stay warm. We woke up to a completely socked in summit though. It was quite a change from laying there looking out the window at the stars last night. We headed out around 8:00 with a temp of about 48 degrees. The wind was no problem once we got back down to the trail. Just before the stream crossing 2 miles along the trail, I ran into Adrian (Spongebob) and his brother Andrew (Ketch-Up). What a small world it is! They figured they would get done hiking Sugarloaf and Spaulding about the same time we would get to Rt 27 so maybe they could give us a ride to town. We climbed up to South Crocker. I had forgotten some of the open spots along the way. It's a good steep climb. Evil Eye and Pootz decided to humor me by "bagging the peak" and going about 50' to the actual summit. Thru hikers rarely do extra unnecessary miles. On to the col and a lunch break at a small spot in the sun - no views but comfortable. We got the climb up North Crocker out of the way and then started the long 5 mile trek out. When we got to the road and crossed over to try for a hitch into town, the first car to come bey was Adrian and Andrew - perfect! They hung out with us at the Stratton Motel while we took care of showers, resupply and gathering laundry...all that fun stuff we have to do when we get to town. Adrian and Andrew joined us for dinner. It was great to see Adrian and meet Andrew (who thru hiked in 1996). Thanks for the help guys!
Date: 2007-09-02
From: Rt 27, Stratton

To: Safford Campsite
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: clear sky

We woke up to a beautiful day today. It was exciting to know I would be doing the Bigelows on such a great day. We had breakfast at the diner across the street and then Sue (the owner of the Motel) gave us a ride back to the trail. We started hiking at just about 9 AM. It's a pretty trail to start out through the pines. Since we are shooting for 9/17 as a finish, counting today I had 16 days left. So I kept singing the line in the song "16 years...." except with 16 days. Harry, you know the song I mean? It took awhile before the trail really started to climb. It was a big climb today. We pushed on to the South Horn for lunch. What a great reward. It's a nice spot for a break. We saw quite a few people out - mostly from Canada. We sat for about an hour for lunch. We still had a lot of climbing left though. We headed over to West Peak hoping for the first glimpse of Katahdin. Sure enough, we were able to see it! What a wonderful thing to see!!!! It was a long way, but we could see it. I took a couple of pictures, but it probably won't show up very well. As I was heading down West Peak to the col, I met Ray from VFTT. He said Rejean was ahead of me with his 2 kids. I had seen him, but I didn't realize who he was. Unfortunately, I never saw him again all day...too bad, I would have liked to have said hello. He also said that he had met Tom and Laurie on Avery Peak. Now that really is a small world. They had gone by the time I got there though. We had spectacular views all day. The Bigelows are one of my favorite places. I was so happy to have such a great day for them. We headed down Avery Peak. The climb down to Safford was difficult. There were lots of rocks and roots and lots of stepping over and around things. Once we got to the Safford Campsite, we decided we had enough for the day. We found a tent platform away from everyone and decided to cowboy camp. I set up my tent and we used it to put the gear in for the night. Let's hope it doesn't rain.
Date: 2007-09-03
From: Safford Campsite

To: East Carry Pond
Miles today: 16.3

Last night stayed warm even with the wind blowing. There was no rain and no bugs so we had a good night, although I didn't sleep much. We had planned for a 12.2 mile day so we didn't worry about an early start. We headed out around 8 and started up Little Bigelow. It seemed like a lot of up and down before we finally made the last ascent. There were some nice views here and there. The clouds were dark and lots of wind but then the sun came out when we got to the summit. We headed on down for about a quarter of a mile where we stopped to celebrate hitting 2000 miles! We are now "Wild Ones". In case you are wondering what that means...it all started because someone told Little Red that once you hit 800 miles you became a man. The Dung Beatle Gang decided to extent that. So here is what they came up with:800 mi. Man900 mi. Mountain Man1000 mi. Badass Mountain Man1100 mi. Trail Boss1200 mi. Keystoners (for PA)1300 mi. Trail Giant (for NY/NJ...Giants from NY play in NJ)1400 mi. Con Man (for CT)1500 mi. Minute Man (for MA)1600 mi. Green Giant (for the Green Mountains of VT)1700 mi. Woodsman (going from Woodstock, VT to Woodstock, NH)1800 mi. White Knights (for the White Mountains of NH)1900 mi. Notch Rockers (for the Mahoosic Notch)2000 mi. Wild Ones (for the One hundred mile Wilderness)2100 mi. GAMErs (GA to ME = GAME)2174 mi. Thru hikers (and I get to be a woman again!)Now we were looking forward to the road crossing where 2000 mi. is painted on the road. As I walked near the road I took a video ending with the writing on the road. We took some pictures and moved on. we climbed over Roundtop Mountain and on to West Carry Pond Lean-to where we stopped for a break. We had planned to stop here but it was only about 3:00 so we decided to go on to shorten the distance to get to the ferry tomorrow by 2:00. The terrain was much easier so we made it to East Carry Pond fairly quickly. There is a nice sandy beach so we set up camp. We were going to cowboy camp again but the bugs got pretty bad so we decided to set up our tents. We are hoping for a nice sunrise in the morning across the pond.
Date: 2007-09-04
From: East Carry Pond

To: Caratunk, ME
Miles today: 9.9

I woke up several times to look out at the stars. I sat up once and saw a shooting star just as I looked out. What a nice night. It was nice being in my tent with a great view of the pond. The sunrise was nice across the pond - not a lot of color, but nice. We heard loons and something howling in the night. Ducks were playing in the water in the morning and then were spooked by something and they scurried across the pond. The main goal for today was to make the ferry (a guy takes you across the river in a canoe that has an official white blaze on the bottom of the boat) that takes you across the Kennebec River. The hours are 9-11 and 2-4 so we planned to get there by 2. We got an early start...about 7:15 AM. I had twisted my ankle (the one with the arthritis) yesterday, so it was a little sore today. Nothing that would stop me from finishing the hike, but it slowed me dwn a bit today. We were at Pierce Pond Lean-to by 9:45. It was a pretty spot but it was very windy and cold. We hung out for about half an hour and decided we were too cold to hang out there any longer. We had lots of time though so we slowly worked our way to the river. There had been a sign at the lean-to saying it was an "easy" one hour hike for the last 3 miles to the river. I would not call the trail easy. It had lots of roots, rocks, and some blow-down to go around. It wasn't difficult, but it was definitely not easy. We took our time, especially since my foot was sore. It was exciting to get to the river. It is one of the milestones on the journey. to take the ferry across the river. I can't believe how far I have come. I am now at 2022.8 miles with 151.2 left to go!!! Wow. I just can't believe it. The plan is to get to Monson on Friday and then maybe take a zero on Saturday. We are still shooting for a 9/17 (exactly 6 months) finish. The dream is really happening. The journey is getting close to an end. The body is happy, but the mind is sad!
Date: 2007-09-05
From: Caratunk, ME

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

It was good to get my online journal caught up last night. I didn't have phone signal, but the Northern Outdoors (where we stayed last night) had a PC to use. They also had the Kennebec River Microbrewery! They provide a shuttle back to the trail at 9AM so we had a good breakfast and started hiking around 9:15. We made good time to the Pleasant Pond Lean-to. The trail was pretty good and the 800' climb was gradual. Sitting at the lean-to we considered going further than planned today. We headed up to Pleasant Pond Mtn to enjoy the views while we had our lunch. It's a nice spot to relax. The trail after the peak was not so nice. it had a lot of ups and downs. It ended up taking us longer than the climb up. We stopped at a rock outlook and all agreed to go back to the original plan. After all, 14.7 is still a good day. We stopped at the bottom of the descent and grabbed some water at a stream. Moxie Pond was next and very pretty. There sure are a lot of large ponds along the trail in Maine. The hike from there to the shelter was easier. We still decided we were ready to be done for the day. We never saw any other hikers the entire day including here at the shelter. I suppose the night isn't over yet though. Today was a beautiful, clear, sunny day and tonight is suppose to be cold - maybe even in the 30s. I'm glad I have my warmer sleeping bag (thanks Nancy).
Date: 2007-09-06
From: Bald Mtn Brook Lean-to

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

It was a chilly night, although I don't think it went below 46 degrees. I heard an owl in the night - not sure what kind. We weren't very motivated to get an early start since it was cold and we didn't have to do big miles today. Nobody else showed up at the lean-to last night. We didn't get started until about 8:45. After I had gone about half a mile I realized my pack was dripping. It turns out I hadn't tightened my water bladder enough and it was leaking. I had to stop and take everything out and wipe things down. At least it wasn't raining although it was starting to look like it might. Moxie Bald Mtn was a nice climb and a nice peak. It's pretty open rock on top. It was our only climb of any significance for the day. We headed on down the mountain and stopped in at Moxie Bald Lean-to for a short break. We agreed to stop in a couple of miles at the Bald Mtn Stream for lunch. When we got there the sun came out for a nice warm break. It was an interesting stream crossing. I took a picture. We were able to cross without taking shoes off or getting wet. Now for only 7 more miles. The trail was pretty good for the most part until we got to the crossing of the West Branch of Piscataquis River. Evil Eye and Pootz each got their shoes wet. I took my shoes off since I knew I wouldn't be able to make it if they didn't. The trail then follows the river but goes up and down several times. We moved along pretty good and were at the lean-to by 3:15. The spring was no good so we had to get water at the river. We decided to have a fire since it had been awhile and we had lots of time. We had a nice relaxing evening. Evil Eye wasn't feeling well so this would give him a chance to rest and get better. Tomorrow we only have 9 miles to get into Monson so we're hoping the rain holds out until we can get into town. This will be our last town stop - amazing!! Only 123.5 miles left to go.
Date: 2007-09-07
From: Horseshoe Canyon Lean-to

To: Monson, ME
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: clear sky

We wanted to get into town early so we headed out around 7:30. The trail was easier today. We had read that fording the East Branch of the Piscataquis is usually up to the knee, but it turned out we were able to rock hop across. When we were within a couple of miles of the road, we were able to get a phone signal so we called Shaw's (where we planned to stay) and asked them to pick us up at the road at 11:30. We were able to get there on time with a couple of stops adding up to about 45 min. It was nice to be able to make that kind of time, but my body really doesn't like doing that pace for long any more. Dawn (one of the new owners of Shaw's) was on there when we got to the road. Shaw's is a really nice place. It's more of a B&B than a hostel. My shoes were there (thanks Walter!) and my shipment was at the PO (thanks Terri!). There is a great BBQ place where we had dinner. Everything is within walking distance so it is a great trail town. The real treat of the day was the music at the Monson General Store. Every Friday night local musicians gather there and play. Anyone can sit in and listen or join them. The place was crowded (it was a very small store). There were at least 6 guitars, 2 mandolins, a slide guitar, 2 fiddles, a banjo and a harmonica player. Ziploc and Nitro (thru hikers) joined in. Ziploc carries a backpacker guitar and played along with them. Nitro sang a couple of songs. The whole thing was awesome!! I am so glad we came into town on a Friday!
Date: 2007-09-08
From: Monson, ME

To: Monson, ME
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: haze

As planned, I am taking a zero day today. There is a fly-in for float planes in Greenville so a few of us got a shuttle there. I was able to get some new socks since mine were pretty worn out. It is hot and humid here today. I am currently at the Greenville Library making these updates and my time is about up. Harry...thanks for the words to the song...I knew you would know the one I meant. We will head into the 100 mile wilderness tomorrow. I will not likely have any way of making updates now until I am done. There is a place in about 70 miles and then again just before Katahdin where I can make a phone call. Nancy agreed to make a quick update on here for me to let everyone know the status so that's what I'll try to do. I still hope to summit on the 17th if the weather is good. Anyone who wants to join me is welcome. Just make sure you understand that it could get moved out if the weather is bad. Only 114.5 miles to go!!!! Unbelievable!!!
Date: 2007-09-09
From: Monson, ME

To: Long Pond Stream Lean-to
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: overcast clouds

After a great breakfast at Shaw's we were able to get back on the trail pretty early - around 8AM. Once again there were a couple of nice ponds (Bell Pond and Lily Pond) early in the morning. We took a short break at Leeman Brook Lean-to and read the nice note Buttercup had left for us. Little Wilson Falls was pretty cool. It was more like a gorge. It was no problem fording Little Wilson Stream with the shoes on. Then we got a bit of pretty nice trail just before Big Wilson Stream. We stopped there for lunch. It was a pretty spot. After lunch we forded the stream. The deepest part was about mid-thigh for me (I'm 5'2" for those who don't know me). It is fairly wide but was no problem crossing. We decided to pass by Wilson Valley Lean-to and just work our way to Long Pond. Long Pond Stream was possible to rock hop although I slipped and got one foot wet. It started raining lightly just after lunch and increased through the afternoon. The trail has lots of roots and rocks but hadn't gotten too wet before we made it to the lean-to. It started raining even more after we got there. Owl was there already then 1/4 Moon, Ohm, and Kosher Frank came in a little later. The red squirrels are pretty aggressive - apparently all through the wilderness. I was happy to be in the shelter staying dry.
Date: 2007-09-10
From: Long Pond Stream Lean-to

To: Chairback Gap Lean-to
Miles today: 10.9
Weather: overcast clouds

It rained off and on all night long. It was hard to get started in the morning but we got on the trail around 8. We headed up Barren Mtn in the clouds and everything was wet. We started with rain pants and jackets on, but it was too warm for that and the rain had stopped even the the brush was wet and the trees were dripping. The climb wasn't too bad. The descent was more difficult. There were so many slippery rocks and roots. Cloud Pond Lean-to was 0.4 miles off the trail so none of us bothered to go back to it. Once again the climb up Fourth Mtn was easier than the descent. We started up Third Mtn and stopped on some rocks to have lunch. After lunch, Evil Eye and Pootz headed on and then along came Hyde! IT was so good to see him. He is planning to finish by 9/14 since his family is coming to get him so he has some big days ahead to get finished. There were a few views from the top of Third Mtn - I took a picture there. There are still lots of clouds though. The descent was again difficult. There are some steep rocky spots that were very slippery and lots of roots don't help. The last 6 miles to the lean-to were slow going. it took a lot longer than expected. We had considered going on to the river to camp, but we heard it was suppose to rain and we were tired. I was happy to stop even though it wasn't a lot of miles.
Date: 2007-09-11
From: Chairback Gap Lean-to

To: Logan Brook Lean-to
Miles today: 17.1
Weather: clear sky

We woke up to light rain, but still got up early hoping to get some miles in. We were hiking shortly after 7 in a light misty rain. Getting up and over Chairback Mtn was probably the worst terrain of the day. There was a boulder slide part way down that was the worst of it. Then the trail got a little better as far as steepness with roots and rocks. Everything was still slippery and wet though. There were a lot of places where the brush was in the trail so we got pretty wet. When I got to the woods road, Nails's husband was there waiting for her and Scarves so he had some trail magic for me! It was a welcome sight. The trail from the road to the river was very easy. Evil Eye and Pootz were waiting for me since the river was a ford. It was only about mid-calf and not moving too fast so it was an easy crossing. The next 5 miles to the Carl Newhall Lean-to were really nice compared to what we had before. The grade was fairly gradual and footing was pretty good. I stopped very briefly for lunch and then moved on since there were still 7.2 miles and you never know how the terrain will be. We had climbed about 1200' to the lean-to. We than went up 800', down about 300', up another 800', down about 300' again, up about 600' down about 400' and finally up about 700' to White Cap. The top of White Cap was very windy, cold, and rainy. There was a bit of freezing rain mixed in too. It had rained lightly off and on all day but it was pretty steady now. Another 1.5 miles down to the shelter to go. Someone did a lot of work with stone stopes along the way...beautiful job. Bo Cephus and his brother were at the shelter when I arrived but moved on to the next shelter. Owl joined us awhile later. The rain seems to have let up but everything is so wet. I hope tomorrow is a better day.
Date: 2007-09-12
From: Logan Brook Lean-to

To: Antlers Campsite
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Last night the mice got into my food bag. Luckily they didn't eat too much, but they did make a mess. It took awhile to clean it up and reorganize. We headed out around 8 AM hoping to get in some miles today. We had heard the terrain was going to be easier and there wasn't much elevation for the day. It had still rained off and on through the night but looked like it might just get better today. Through the morning it would cloud up off and on with a little misty rain. As the day went on it got better and better though. The climbs were easy and the terrain did get better. Roots and rocks would still be thrown in here and there to remind us were were in Maine though. We had lunch a Cooper Brook Falls Lean-to. What a beautiful spot! It has a nice swimming hole right out front with some nice cascades - very pretty. It was too cold to swim though. The day was going well so we decided to push on. We got to Antlers Campsite at 5:20 and Rizzo was there already in his tent for the night. We had great tent sites with views on Lower Jo Mary Lake. It's a very nicely maintained tentsite. It has a great privy named "Fort Relief". The night was clear. The wind was strong when we arrived, but it died down in the evening so I could have both flaps open on my tent for a full view of the lake. We watched a beaver swim by while we were eating dinner. Another great day in the woods!!