morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-09-01
From: Full Goose Shelter

To: Speck Pond Shelter
Miles today: 5.1
Weather: broken clouds

Rained again and most all night. The rain stopped and the wind started blowing real hard. Sometime towards morning I was awake and heard something in someone's food. I announced what was going on and the guys jumped up to check, sure enough it was a mouse. The college group from Amhearst had hung a line for clothes and the mouse had a direct jump to the food bags. Waited for Huff & Puff and Force of Will because they said I could walk through the Notch with them. We got going about 8:20. It was a couple of miles to the notch and that went pretty quickly. When I reached the Mahoosic Notch, Chainsaw was there about to begin too. So in we went to tangle with the boulders. The rocks were still somewhat wet from all the rain sure glad I didn't try it yesterday. Had to take my pack off twice. Once because the area we had to squeeze through wasn't wide enough and the other time was to go in under some boulders and out the other side. Chainsaw was a bit ahead of me most of the way but close enough that if I needed help I could hollar for him. Just took it slow and careful, this was no place to end up with an injury. Made it through OK, my pants have a hole in them and the butt seam is ripping out from all the scooting on the rocks. Have to sew those up tonight because I haven't been wearing undies to prevent getting chaffed. Made it through the one mile notch in 1 1/2 hours which isn't to bad. Then it was the long steep 2.5 mile climb up the Mahoosic Arm. There was so much run off from the rain that the trail was a creek in many places. There were also shear rock faces to climb that had running water pouring over them. That was a real challenge to keep from going backwards. Finally rounded the top and was treated with some wonderful views of where I'd climbed and the whole Mahoosic Range. Called Randy to let him know I'd made it through the notch and up the arm. Reached the shelter and it was 5 1/2 hours from when I started. Not too bad, some had said it took them 6 1/2 and 8 1/2 hours. Chainsaw was at the shelter but was moving on. My knees are sore and my back aches so I am staying here even though it's a little early. Woodstock is staying too.There are several groups of section hikers tenting and a couple just out hiking who have joined us at the shelter. The sun keeps coming and going but it's sure good to see it after several days of overcast and rain. Trying to make a plan for going home but can't decide when to jump off trail. Huff & Puff and Force of Will came in after having their fun in the notch. They had met Leviathan and said he was stealth camping around the pond. He came up to say hi and then went back to make dinner. It's a lot colder tonight than it has been plus the wind is blowing into the shelter, so glad I have my warm bag.
Date: 2005-09-02
From: Speck Pond Shelter

To: Grafton Notch, ME hwy 26
Miles today: 5.6
Weather: few clouds

Woke up not knowing what to do for the day. Huff & Puff and Force of Will offered again to give me a ride into Gorham. After looking at maps and mileages and considering how hard the hitch to Andover might be plus the cost of a shuttle from there to Gorham I decided to hike to Grafton Notch and ride in with the guys. Leviathan came into camp for water and to eat breakfast. Told him my plan and then gave him my extra food. It will be sad not to see him again, he's sort of another son. Had a great hike up Old Speck with more great views of the whole area. Ponds could be seen nestled amongst the evergreens. Took my time hiking because I had taken off before the guys. It was a long somewhat gentle decent for the most part. The last mile followed a creek with numerous cascading waterfalls. Arrived at the parking lot and went to hide my fuel bottle. Wasn't sure if they would take it from me and didn't want to loose it.When Huff & Puff and Force of Will showed up we headed for Gorham. Stopped for gas which had risen to 3.09 a gallon and a Subway sandwich. Checked into the Hiker's Paradise and went right for the shower. Watched a little of the coverage on the Katrina aftermath and then went to dinner and a quick stop at WalMart. Didn't do much today but I'm very tired. Had called home and it looks like it was a good decision to head home when I am. Will be great to be home tomorrow night.
Date: 2005-09-12
From: Grafton Notch, ME hwy 26

To: Grafton Notch, ME hwy 26
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: haze

Went home to my daughter's wedding for these past 9 days. Ready to get back on and finish the trail. Taking the bus back today and will spend the night at Hiker's Paradise. Hope to be back on tomorrow morning.
Date: 2005-09-13
From: Grafton Notch, ME hwy 26

To: East Hill B Road
Miles today: 10.3

Got my shuttle back to Grafton and retreived my fuel bottle from the woods and was on the trail by 8am.Hadn't gone to far up the mtn. when I recognized the back of someone, it was Sleeveless! We hadn't seen each other since Duncannon, PA. My 10 days off put us on the same schedule again. We chatted about everything as we hiked along and had soon caught up on each other. I had thought I might stop at the Frye Notch shelter for a short day because it was my first day back and didn't want to overdue it. The mtns. weren't too bad so went the 10 to the road. Sleeveless was going into Andover to stay at The Cabin so I decided to go along too. Walked down the road a ways and Sleeveless was able to get a cell signal and reached The Cabin for a ride. We stopped at the store and then on to the hostel. When we arrived Jack a roo, J walker, Red Wolf, Chipmunk, Pizza the Hut, Sensei and Spicy were there. Also, Pheonix Rising was working there. Got cleaned up and had a great spagetti dinner with corn on the cob and salad. Turned out I ended up with the private room which had a double bed. Good nights sleep.It was good to see Jack a roo again. He was headed back to Japan when I saw him last in VA.Went to bed early as my body was a little sore.
Date: 2005-09-14
From: East Hill B Road

To: South Arm Road
Miles today: 10.1

Honey and Bear at The Cabin offered to slackpack me and I could come back for another night but I said no.Sleeveless was planning to go back because she was getting a massage for her hip. While we were hiking that morning we talked about hiking together again and decided to. She called and saved me a spot at The Cabin for the second night I could have slacked afterall. The morning hiking was fairly easy and we actually averaged 2 miles an hour again which hasn't been very possible with this terrain. The next 4 miles was another story but we still made it to the road an hour early for our pickup. Back to The Cabin to clean up and wash clothes. Even got to watch the Oprah show much to the comments of the guys when they got back from their slack in the section north of us. Dinner was great again and enjoyed the table conversation. We watched several videos, one on the AT the other about Mt. Katahdin. Both were good and informative. Got to bed kind of late but slept good.
Date: 2005-09-15
From: South Arm Road

To: Bemis Mtn Lean-to
Miles today: 8.7
Weather: light rain

Well, team Coon Fighters set off up the trail together today. This would be a rugged day. The first climb was over 2000 feet in just under 3 miles. To add to the fun it was raining. Rained until around 1pm and we were soaked. Decided to stop for lunch in case it started back up again. After Old Blue Mtn comes Elephant Mt which we were hoping to see a moose. As usual lately we only saw moose poop. Took a fall coming off Bemis Mtn and scraped up one leg and an arm. No views today as there was clouds and fog all around. Here at the shelter so far are Sensei, Adam, Sleeveless and myself. Better stop this and make some dinner.
Date: 2005-09-16
From: Bemis Mtn Lean-to

To: Little Swift River Campsite
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: overcast clouds

The anticipated thunderstorm never came last night. Was glad to wake up to dry weather and blue sky. Got going after 7 and had a mostly downhill hike for three miles with a lot of slippery wet rocks. When we reached the river it was a ford across but wasn't too bad. Adam caught up with us at the road and we got pictures of Mooselookmeguntic Lake and the trees starting to turn fall colors. It was more up over Spruce Mtn. Then we started seeing ponds. What they call ponds are much like good size lakes. Stopped to enjoy the views at Long Pond and then had lunch at the Sabbath Day Pond shelter. Sensei came in a little before we were ready to leave. He may try to go to Rangeley after all. Left there with over 4 miles to the campsite. When we reached the campsite it was nearly 5pm and didn't want to get into Rangeley real late so stayed and camped. Before we finished dinner No Show came. He had wanted to make it to town also but is camping too.Just as I got everything done and into the tent it started to rain. Now it has let up but the wind is blowing. There are some canoes here for use on the pond but don't know what the weather will be like in the morning for using them. Better turn in for the night.
Date: 2005-09-17
From: Little Swift River Campsite

To: Me hwy 4
Miles today: 4.8

Woke up off and on during the night to heavy rain. It was still raining when we got up. Packing up in the rain is not fun and carrying wet gear makes the pack heavier. The trail was mostly downhill but Sleeveless started to have problems with her leg so we took it easy. When we reached the road No Show hadn't gotten a hitch yet. Waited for maybe 15-20 minutes when a truck went by and then turned around and came back. They said they weren't sure we wanted to ride in the back because they had construction stuff and dirt and bricks. We assured them it was ok and No Show and I jumped in the back, Sleeveless rode up front. It's a 9 mile ride into town and the wind was cold as we traveled along. All I could think of to keep my mind off the cold was what if a moose came out onto the road, where would I end up.Once in town we got a ride from a lady out to Gull Pond Lodge to pick up Sleeveless's box and she brought us back into town. Went to the Red Onion and got something to eat. No Show and Adam were there to and then Sensei came in too. After eating we got around town to get our town chores done. That's when we started to talk about doing a slack out of Rangeley so Sleeveless could rest her leg. Proposed the deal to the guys that if we all did it we could do it for less cost. They readily agreed so then it was just to see if Bob had room for us at the hostel and could do the slack.Finished town chores and called Bob to pick us up. His hostel is real nice and Sleeveless and I had a seperate room available to us. That evening Bob gave Sleeveless, Adam, No Show, MJ, Bonfire, Sensei and I a ride to town so we could eat dinner.By the time we got back it was late and sleep was all that was on my mind.
Date: 2005-09-18
From: Me hwy 4

To: Perham Stream
Miles today: 15.4

Got up early to start our slack south. By the time everyone got ready we didn't get on the road until 7. Bob serves a breakfast of misc dry breakfast foods so he doesn't have to worry about health inspections. When we reached the trail it was 8:30 because the ride out there on the bumpy dirt roads takes so long.Within a mile we had to ford a creek but I managed to rock hop and not fall in. It was a long climb up to Poplar Ridge Leanto but we made good time. The day was rainy and overcast so we knew there wouldn't be any views today. The rest if the morning and early afternoon was spent getting up and over Saddleback Junior, The Horn and Saddleback Mt.There is suppose to be a view of Mt. Katahdin from Saddleback but we couldn't see half a mile. Started down from the summit at 3pm with 5 miles to go. It was a rocky steep decent for the first mile or two. Once we were at the Eddy Pond it got much more gradual. Stopped in at the Piazza Rock Lean-to to use the privy, it has two holes and a cribbage board between them. Quite funny to see. Sleeveless had kept going because her hip hurt and she was taking it slow. The guys were at the shelter and we told them we had a ride at 7:30. Ended up getting to the road at 6:30 and tried to hitch. We waited and waited and I walked up the road trying to get a cell signal. Finally someone stopped to get Sleeveless and she got us all picked up and on the way to town again. Dropped us at the grocery and we ran into Bob there with Treetrunks, Slap Happy, Gumby and Pockey. Got groceries to cook dinner and headed to the hostel. By the time I cooked dinner and ate it was after 9pm!Still had to pack things for the slack tomorrow. Bob would shuttle our things up to Stratton for us and leave them at White Wolf. The hostel is full tonight as Low Jack and Mateo also came in.------------------------------Sent via PocketMailEmail Anywherewww.pocketmail
Date: 2005-09-19
From: Perham Stream

To: ME 27
Miles today: 16.8

The shuttle out into the woods didn't get going any earlier even though we got up earlier. Started hiking around 8:30 again. It would be a harder day with long climbs and more miles. At least there wouldn't be any rain today. Passed Florida going south, he had summitted and came back to do the miles he skpped to avoid Katrina rains. At our lunch break Noodle walked up, he and Newheart had summitted yesterday and were back to finish some miles too. They had skipped ahead to be able to summit on a weekend so Newheart's family could summit with him. Adam, Sensei and No Show came quickly down the trail announcing that we had passed the point of only having 200 miles to go. We all hooped and hollared about the milestone.   When we reached the South Branch of the Carabassett River we had a ford. Made it across but just barely without taking off the boots. Talked to Sleeveless about the fact if I didn't go ahead and leave her I wouldn't make it out of the woods before dark. She had carried her tent and stuff in case she was having trouble and needed to camp out. So I took off with 9 miles to go in 4 1/2 hours. There was a big climb up over South and North Crocker and then a 5 mile decent. Was on North Crocker by 4 and then did the last 5 miles in 2 hours. When I reached the road Newheart had just arrived too and was trying to get a cell signal to call his wife. She said she would be out to get us. Before she arrived Adam, Sensei and Now Show came and that would make an over full car. Ended up Newheart's wife sat on his lap and I drove us back into town. They told us about 3 moose the night before bounding up onto the road and they just barely got stopped in time. After not driving for a while and that story, I drove pretty conservatively.It was good to be able to clean up because the trail had been muddy the last 5 miles and my legs were a site. Got some dinner and the info that Sleeveless had called and was going to be able to make it to town. She showed up around 8pm. It was bed for me after a long hard day.
Date: 2005-09-20
From: ME 27

To: Horn's Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 5.2

Got up and headed to the diner for some breakfast. Also worked on my journals as I had gotten a few days behind and wanted to get them sent.Then it was resupply, packing, laundry and trip to the post office before we could think of getting out of town. Made it back to the trail a little after 11am. Our original plan was to go up on Bigelow Mt and stay near the peak. As the day unfolded our plans changed. It was a slow accent and we were only making about a mile a hour. Reached the shelter around 4pm and discovered the shelter that had been described to us as being at the top was in fact 3 miles from the summit.The shelter at the summit had been torn down and there was only a campsite. It was forecast to have thunderstorms and the summit is suppose to be one of the coldest places to stay. That meant a cold, windy wet night. We decided to stay short and take our chances with better mileage tomorrow. Blotter is also here tonight, having come out of Stratton too. Sure enough the wind is gusting hard and it is raining off and on. Sleeveless's thermometer says it's in the high 50's. The days are sure getting noticeably shorter with it being pitch dark before 8 o'clock now.
Date: 2005-09-21
From: Horn's Pond Lean-to

To: Long Falls Dam Road
Miles today: 14.0

This was a good day! Beautiful sunrise, crisp day, awesome views, passed the 2000 mile mark, heard from some of my family and it was my birthday. The climb up the rest of the Bigelows wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be. Maybe all the great views made it more acceptable.I could see 360 over the whole Maine countryside. There were lakes and ponds as far as I could see in all directions. Also had a view of the Sugarloaf ski area. When I reached Avery Peak the wind was blowing so hard that I had to be careful of my footing. Didn't spend to much time there as I wanted to get below the strong winds. Received a message on my phone from Rachel wishing me a Happy Birthday. Was able to call her back later and thank her. Also had something from Sharon but couldn't download it. On the Little Bigelow Mtn we passed the 2000 mile mark for this year.Decided to go beyond the shelter and camp out tonight so we don't have so many miles to do tomorrow. We have to position ourselves for crossing the Kennebec River during the ferry times.Would have liked to have had my special dinner with family tonight but had to settle for ramen with some instant potatoes added and cheese & pinenuts. Did have a chunk of Cadbury chocolate with almonds for dessert! All settled in for the night and just listening to the forest sounds.
Date: 2005-09-22
From: Long Falls Dam Road

To: Pierce Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke up to a chilly damp morning. Wanted to get walking so I could keep warm. The profile for the terrain showed it being an easy day so we weren't pushing hard. The trail wound around and along West Carry Pond where we stopped at the shelter for a break. Sensei, Adam, No Show and Blotter had spent the night there and hadn't gotten going yet. After a half hour break we took off. The trees are showing more evidence of changing color. Thought by this time it would be much more colorful. Arnold Swamp was coming up and we had been warned about two back-to-back bog bridges that would go under water. When we arrived we could see the two in question as they were all wet. Sleeveless tried it first and it was tippy and sinking. There was a log floating nearby so we pushed it down and under the bog bridge. It was enough to stabilize it so it just sunk some and then manoeuver to the other one which was a litle more stable. Well we made it through without falling in. We could here Sensei and Adam coming so we stayed to watch them cross. Everyone made it. There were a couple more miles to East Carry Pond so we waited to eat lunch on the beach. Sat in the sun with a bit of breeze and enjoyed my Nutella sandwich, jerky and cheese. That's funny! Didn't plan that.Finally got to Pierce Pond and found that the Lean-to was right above the pond. That is so unusual, the shelters are never by the lakes or ponds. There is a place called Harrison camps .3 from this shelter and they cook breakfast. Yes we are going there in the morning! Adam walked down and made the reservation for us. We were told tonight by Walrus that there were 60 hikers a day or two behind us. We could only think of 16 we knew.Hoping for a beautiful sunrise on the lake tomorrow. We could hear the loons calling at sunset.
Date: 2005-09-23
From: Pierce Pond Lean-to

To: Caratunk
Miles today: 4.0

Woke up around 4am to rain pounding on the lean-to roof. It rained for a couple hours. Was hoping to see a moose in the pond this morning but none emerged.Walked on down to the Harrison Camps for breakfast. We were a little early so sat on the porch and listened to the falls and the pouring rain. Once inside we were greeted and had a plate of 12 pancakes each set before us. They were great, filled with raspberries, blueberries and apples. Also they used crushed up graham crackers in their batter and that gave them a unique taste. Also included were two eggs, juice and coffee all for $7. Adam ended up eating the last third of my pancakes I just couldn't finish. All stuffed we took off for the ferry. Had to be there by 11am or else wait until 2pm. We hurried along the 3.5 miles and made it to the river with 20 minutes to spare.I was the 13th person to be ferried across this morning, only one of those going southbound. We walked up to the post office to get Sleeveless's box and use the pay phone. Got a ride from an employee of the Northern Outdoors to their place for a motel room. Sleeveless decided she needs a day off to see if her leg will feel better. Also she used the hot tub to relax the muscles. I started walking down to River and Trails to resupply and the owner Steve picked me up. After I picked up some dinner items and snacks he gave me a ride back. Sleeveless had stayed to try and reach her doctor. When I got back, Adam and No Show had come up to Northern Outdoors to get a meal. Been watching the coverage of the new hurricane and who is in danger.
Date: 2005-09-24
From: Caratunk

To: Bald Mtn Brook
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: clear sky

This morning early I sent my journals and didn't realize I never finished yesterday's. Well let's see, Sleeveless ended up getting her doctor and then spoke with her husband and he was coming up to meet her. Not sure if she will go back and see the doctor or just take short days after she sees how different medication works. For me it meant I needed to walk out. Can't be taking any more time off or doing short days. Tried to get a hitch out in front of Northern Outdoors this morning but no luck. Finally walked the mile to Ferryman Steve's place and waited to go with him when he headed down to do the ferry. Got on trail about 9 which is mighty late. The trail tody wasn't too bad, only one mtn and a lot of it was climbing on smooth rock. Made good time and stopped in at the Pleasant Pond Lean-to for a break. Met a hiker named Shootout I had never seen before. He started on April 10th so has been behind me all this way. There were alot of moose tracks in the trail today but no moose. Even passed by several swampy areas but nothing. When I reached the open area where the powerlines went through I stopped and laid on the grass in the sun. There had been a cool breeze all day and the sun felt soooo good. After fording a creek and walking over a beaver dam it was a short distance to the lean-to. I had hoped to make it 4 more miles but with the late start it would have been dark before I got there. The next Lean-to sets right on a pond with a great view. Will just have to stop there tomorrow for a break. So far no one else is here but it is still early.