morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2011-09-09
From: Poplar Ridge Lean to

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

Wow - below 299 miles! 190 till the Katahdin summit walk.My current plan is to resupply in Stratton, skip Caratunk, and go into Monson for my dropbox and final resupply for the 100 Mile Wilderness.It really is getting closer...yea!Big climbs today: Lone Mtn., Spaulding Mtn. And part of South Crocker Mtn. Also two water crossings: Orbeton Stream and South Branch of Carrabassett River. The down to the river was l-o-n-g and tedious. Felt like it was much more than two miles.Beautiful day, sunny for the most part. Windy all day and the wind is picking up again. I'm at the Crocker Cirque Campsite, it's a bit more protected than the ridge last night. That was really windy, my flies were snapping all night and packing up was interesting this morning fighting that wind. I started off with a long-sleeve shirt, jacket, hat and gloves. It didn't last long cause there was a big climb immediately.I saw one section hiker shortly before lunch and not another person till about 30 minutes ago when another hiker appeared at the campsite. Not sure where everyone has gone.I saw a ribbon snake today - that was a surprise. Bugs still out, I got a few new bites.The water crossings were interesting. The first one was a bit above knee deep, cold but short distance. The second was thigh deep; my shorts got wet and my feet hurt from the cold water - it was quite a tromp through that current. I'm glad I took off my boots and put on my crocs both times. That way I had dry socks and shoes.Forgot to mention the wind farm I saw yesterday. Looked like it was on two mountain. I'm sure some people are not happy about it but I think it's great. I definitely wNt to looks into those windmis like on the huts in the Whites - mounted on the roof peaks.Tonight I'm grateful for the mileage.Hike on!Scribbles
Date: 2011-09-10
From: Crocker Cirque Campsite

To: White Wolf Inn - Stratton
Miles today: 7.2

It was a chilly night. The wind died down and it actually was pleasant around midnight. In the early morning hours the wind came back, temps dropped and I was definitely chilly.Good early start this morning, about 6:47. Another big climb up South Crocker Mtn to start the day. Followed by North Crocker then almost 5 miles down. I thought I would never get to the road.I was hiking with a long-sleeve shirt, rain jacket as a wind breaker, hat and gloves. The wind was really blowing. I kept thinking I would get farther down the mountain and it would die down. Nope.Met a couple from Gardner, ME out for a day hike, very nice and encouraging. Then I met 5 folks from Augusta, ME headed for the Crocker campsite, testing out equipment. They, too, were very nice and interested in my hike.Got a hitch with 3 folks who were going golfing on Sugarloaf. The woman was very sweet - she was concerned I'd been truing to hitch for a long time. It was less than 10 minutes.Stratton is very small. I'm staying at the White Wolf Inn - had lunch and dinner there. The grocery is catty-corner and the laundromat about a block down the street. It's ok. Managed to get resupply to take me Monson.Tonight I'm grateful for getting close to 2000 miles!Hike on!Scribbles
Date: 2011-09-11
From: White Wolf Inn - Stratton

To: To be added
Miles today: 15.4

I'm so excited I can hardly stand myself! Crossed the 2000 mile mark today! Also did 4 big peaks: North Horn, Bigelow Mountain, Avery Peak and Little Bigelow. Quite a day. The weather was perfect.Got started about 9 am after a great breakfast at the local diner. I had already eaten yogurt and a donut along with a glass of chocolate silk. Then I had a cinnamon roll, 3 blueberry pancakes, 2 eggs, ham and coffee. I was really full and I didn't eat any snacks before lunch.Got a ride to the Trail from Susan who owns the Stratton Hostel; Circuit Rider was with her, nice to see him as it's been a while. He does relief work for some of the hostel owners to give them breaks. Nice.Met a section hiker, Flying Turtle, who is headed to VT and a guy who is up his 6 year thru-hike in Andover. Later in the day I talked with 2 former thru-hikers out doing the HMW.At the diner this morning they were asking everyone to sign the register and write where they were 10 years ago. Hard to believe it's been 10 years since the World Trade Center disaster.Fabulous views today. 360 of nothing but mountains and lakes. Amazing! What I really wNted to see. I'm blessed.MT and I walked together today. We made the 2000 mile marker in the Maine muck where we estimated 2k would be. Got some good pics - the '2' is made from sticks and the 3 zeros are mushrooms - clever. MT hD carried in two beers - we drank half, and when we got to a good spot at Avery Memorial Campsite, we had a Steve's Double Chocolate Whoopie Pie and the other half of our beers. Fun little celebration!Saw the first 'day use only' shelter today: Horns Pond. It's actually an historic site becUse it was built by the CCC. There is a huge campsite with a caretaker at Horns Pond; the caretaker is Jonathan - he gave MT a maple pop tart.Saw a chipmunk today and heard some song birds.Lord! I am so grateful for the perfect day You gave me and all Your continued blessings!Hike on!Scribbles
Date: 2011-09-13
From: Harrison's Pierce Pond Camps

To: Campsite
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: clear sky

Gracious goodness I M tired. Not sure what happen to me today - I had no energy. I slept well, maybe too well. Had a great pancake and eggs breakfast. Tim fixed apple, raspberry and blueberry pancakes - serves platters of 12 - they were delicious and I thought sure I'd have lots of energy today. Not so. I was feeling tired by the time I got to the Kennebec River for the canoe crossing. The 3 miles there was beautiful along the Pearce Pond Stream. Multiple falls and just nice sounds of rippling water.Beautiful day. Got quite warm and sunny with nice breezes all day.The river crossing was fun. Dave, the canoe ferry person, is interesting. Wears an old brown felt had and definitely looks like he grew up in the back woods of Maine. We crossed without incident and I hope I got good pics.The climb up Pleasant Pond Mountain had some steep rocky sections and several of those 'bald' rock slabs. Nothing I haven't done before - just too little energy. The climb down was a roller coaster - up/down/over - I was exhausted. Finally made it to this stream and decided I was calling it a night. Mosquitos back out - I got about 10 bites getting water and setting my tent.Tonight I'm grateful for endurance.Hike on!Scribbles
Date: 2011-09-14
From: Campsite

To: Horseshoe Canyon Lean-to
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: scattered clouds

I felt much better today - just not sure what was the issue yesterday.It did rain last night: came in 4 waves and was clear by morning. Of course that meant a wet tent. The Moxie Bald MountIn Lean-to had some good sunny spots so I strung my line up and dried my tent and ground cloth.I'm in for the night at the Horseshoe Canuon Lean-to and can hear the Piscataquis River. I forded that river earlier today - got wet up to my crotch - the current was flowing pretty good - got my heart thumping for sure.The Mosquitos are out - I've gotten at least a dozen new bites. Would have thought it was way too late for them.In addition to the Piscaquis River I also forded Moxie Pond and Bald Mountain Stream. Lots of boots on/off today.Moxie Bald Mountain was today. I was concerned the rocks would be really slippery with last night's raIn - but it was a good climb. The clouds moved in and wind picked up when I got to the summit so my stay on top was short. I did get a few pics.Boise-Cascade does major logging in this area. I could hear the equipment most of the day. Makes me sad to think of the trees being cut. I know they reforest and it all evens out.MT said there was a moose came down the path where we had pitched our tents - it was headed straight formhis tarp and then veered off toward my tent. I didn't hear it. I did see the hoof prints.Tomorrow is in to Monson. Last Trail town. I've got to decide how many days I think it will take me to make it to Abol Bridge. I may do a food drop half way thru the Wilderness so I don't need to carry all that food.Tonight I'm grateful for getting close to Monson. Not too long and I'll be home in my own bed with my Sweetie. As I was rinsing my legs off earlier today I was thinking it may take a dozen baths before I really have all the Trail dirt off.Hike on!Scribbles
Date: 2011-09-15
From: Horseshoe Canyon Lean-to

To: Northshore Hostel
Miles today: 9.1

Monson, last Trail town. Got to say, it ain't much for being so popular. The resupply options are slim pickins at best.I was determined to be here by lunch time and made it happen. Took right at 4 hours to do the 9 miles.Too funny, it was just starting to rain when MT and I hit the Trailhead. I said if we called the hostel they would come pick us up. So I called, got Rebrkah and she said she would love to come pick menup but she was 30 minutes away on a treadmill then we got disconnected. She called back and asked if we were on ME15. I said yes. She asked I'd I could see a big red and silver pick-up truck. I said yes. She asks if I drove a stick and I said yes. She said it was her truck, the keys are in it, just drive it to he hostel and go up, shower And make ourselves at home. It was just too funny. We loaded our packs and MT drove us to the PO and then on to the hostel. There are maybe 3 buildings between the two and the PO is before the hostel. We each took a shower and got partly settled. Rebekah showed up and opened the pub. We had lunch, started doing laundry and went in search of supplies. First step was Shaws for reservations for AYCE breakfast tomorrow. Then the general store -- not much to offer. The gas station/convenience store had a bit more. Ugh! Going to be mainly sandwiches for the 100 Mile Wilderness. It's ok. Bread is light.Lots of hikers in town. There is a hiker feed here starting tomorrow night. Ms Janet is here with Charity and City Slicker who knows Turtle from REI, they hiked together.I think we've found a guy to do a food drop half way thru the HMW for $40. Good deal - we will finalize tomorrow.Plan is to have breakfast, PO, finish supplies and hike out. I want to do at least 7 miles tomorrow, maybe 10.Today was good. The second crossing of the Piscataguis was shallow and no issue. Right after was Trail Magic from Strider. Thanks again for that Barq's! I said yesterday I feel like a pinball must feel - just getting bounced around from rock to root and back again. The topography is not bad - it's the ground itself. It is very labor intensive to constantly be thinking about where to place each foot and pole while lifting and climbing - lots of energy expended.Only 114 miles left. In 2 weeks I'll be home. Yea!G sent me a beautiful card in my food drop. Made me cry as soon as I saw 'Believe'. Every goal that has ever been reached began with just one step...believe in yourself and remember that I believe in you, too. Whew! Tears and more tears, this man is too good and God, do I love him...for that I am grateful tonight.Hike on!Scribbles
Date: 2011-09-16
From: Northshore Hostel

To: Wilson Valley Lean-to
Miles today: 10.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 1 of the Hundred Mile Wilderness is done. Made it to the Wilson Valley Lean-to, a bit over : miles more than I had planned. It's all gravy at this point.Very pretty day but it was chilly and windy. Couldn't figure out what was the right combo of clothing.3 water crossings - boy was that water cold - my feet were frozen.Had breakfast at Shaws this morning. It was okay. I would have liked all my food together I stead of pancakes then eggs, potatoes and bacon/sausage. But, for $8, it was ok.Rebekah gave us the truck to go back to the Trailm- we loaded up, drive out there and left the truck where we found it yesterday. She was great. Would definitely recommend staying with her.Just not much to write tonight.I'm grateful for being close to home.Hike on!Scribbles
Date: 2011-09-17
From: Wilson Valley Lean-to

To: West Chairback Pond Trail
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: few clouds

Day 2 in the HMW done! Big miles yesterday and today so I'm good for 10 miles each of the next 3 to reach Cooper Brook for the food drop.Another beautiful day today. It was flipping cold this morning - I got up and stokes the fire from last night so I could have hot water for my oatmeal. I realized the hot food does warm my insides and a stove now might be nice, too late. It's ok. I either warm it over a fire or someone will boil water for me.Big Brook ford today, the Wilber Brook. The hem of my shorts got wet and the water was really cold. Something about cold wYer on my legs and feet when the temps are chilly is not right.Barren Ledges, Barren Mountain, Fourth Mountain and Third Mountain, oh, and the Third Mountain Monument Cliff - big climbs today.Ended up doing the last mile in the dRk - just ran out of daylight and needed to be in a campsite with water so here I am, West Chairback Pond, in my tent. Chilly night.Down to 90.1 miles.I had a teary moment today - MT said something about when I touch that sign the dream will be over. Wow! When I touch that sign - made me think how special a moment that will be and how thankful I'll be.Tonight I'm thankful for fires to boil water and give my tummy warm food.Hike on!Scribbles
Date: 2011-09-18
From: West Chairback Pond Trail

To: Carl L Newhall Lean-to
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: clear sky

It was a chilly night stealth camping on the trail to West Chairback Pond. I had another day with not much energy. I made it through with no problems.I was concerned about Chairback Mountain - the ascent was not a big deal and the view from the top was beautiful. Took a nice break there where we met up with Swamp Dog and Ray Pan. I didn't remember them as part of Team Indecision frm outside Harpers Ferry till Ray Pan reminded me.A cold crossing of the West Branch Pleasant River; easy walking across but the coldest water yet.Got some good Trail Magic today: a gentleman and his daughter from AMC have us homemade chocolate chip and pecan cookies. Shortly after we met 5 guys from Ireland and one from Italy who are here to do Trail work - they gave us two apples and a smoked turkey sandwich. After crossing the river we met a guy with AMC and MATC who gave us 4'or 5 granola and cliff bars. I had given Swamp Dog a Payday cause he was short of snacks - I got back triple what I gave. Thanks, Lord!So, it's basically the same crowd: Coyote, Four Beard and Lady Sherpa; tonight wenalso have SnakeFarm and Manx. Lumiere and Ruffels are on the way. I think this will be the group close when I summit.Day 3 in the HMW is over.In for the night at the Carl A Newhall Lean-to.I'm so thankful for the beautiful weather.Hike on!Scribbles
Date: 2011-09-19
From: Carl L Newhall Lean-to

To: Cooper Brook Falls Lean-to
Miles today: 19.9
Weather: clear sky

Another very chilly night and the temps never got above 60 today I don't believe. Being in the woods, with the sunshine unable to penetrate all the tree canopies, it stays quite cool. I wS looking for sunny spots to stand or sit in all day when I took breaks. Late this afternoon was the crossing of the east branch of the Pleasant River. Man, was it cold and, at the other bank, deep. I got wet up to my crotch. I sat in the sun on a nice warm rock to dry out and have a snack. That felt really good.I made amazing time today. Originally I'd planned to do just about 11 miles cause I thought the 4 mountains would take all day. I was finished with White Cap, the last ND largest one, by 11:30 and went another 4 miles before lunch which is how I ended up doing 19.9 today.After the ford there was one more mountain and the Trail has been rerouted - not very pleasant walking but then ce Crawford Pond and I thought I would tent there. I realized it was only another 3 miles to Cooper Brook Falls Lean-to which is where I need to be for my food drop tomorrow so I decided to come on. So now I'm cozy in my tent. Very nice.Today I got to see Katahdin. My first siting. From White Cap it is visible. The weather is good so it was pretty clear, the clouds that were over the top cleared and I had a good view of the entire mountain. Awesome and a bit scary.I cried. Of course. And, now the pull is that much stronger which, obviously, was part of the reason I did an almost 20 mlie day. Crazy.The goodness is as soon as the food drop comes I can dash off to White House Landing; it's about 14 miles. Be nice to spend tomorrow night there then push on. I'm so ready and excited.The past couple of days I've heard Blue Jays! Really nice to hear them along with the wrens and the crows. Still seeing the adorable red squirrels and hearing them. They really chatter. Also lots of toads/frogs. And grouse.I don't think I mentioned Zeus. He was at the shelter two nights ago; an older gentleman who told us he was having dizzy spells. He called his son who was coming to get him. I hope he got out ok. We offered to walk him and his gear up to the road but he said his son told him tonstay put and he would come tomthe shelter for him. Zeus has Spot. Guess this is a good example of why it is a useful toy.Also don't think I mentioned the 700'stepsmstory. A few days ago it was rocky, rooty and mucky; I was frustrated and talking to God said I would take 700 stone steps instead of this mess.'well, about 5 minutes later, what should appear but a bunch of stone steps. I laughed and said to myself be careful what you ask for. Since then I've walked up and down about 200+ stone steps. Guess I still have 500 more...LOL. So glad You have a sense of humor, Lord!Good day today. I walked by myself and took breaks and lunch alone. I like it that way.Tonight I'm so grateful to be in my tent - cozy, warm and quiet.Hike on!Scribbles
Date: 2011-09-20
From: Cooper Brook Falls Lean-to

To: White House Landing
Miles today: 14.1

Somehow when I pushed on to the Brook Falls Lean-to I missed the part about 'falls'. It was like white noise all night which was just fine the down side is I was tenting within 20 feet of the river so the tent was very damp this morning. I couldn't see the falls last night - I did today; 5 cascades, not huge but certainly pretty and damp. First time in years I slept without earplugs. Guess I just need a waterfall to sleep by every night.I'm at White House Landing tonight. Very neat place. Had to walk .9 miles, off thr Trail, to their boatdock then blow the airhorn; they boat across for the pick-up. Got here just in time to relax for a few minutes then eat dinner. I thought dinner was suppose to be 'special', meaning it was ammeal they prepared for overnight guests. It's their lunch menu: pizza or burgers. Luckily they have a boca burger. It was fine. Also had a whoopee pie; not as good as Steve's. Linda did make a tomato and cucumber salad,'fresh from her garden, which was delicious;'and, she had fresh zucchini breD that was very good. I'm definitely full.Their hot water heater is very hot; I had a nice shower. So good to be clean again. No laundry but my clothes aren't that dirty.It was overcast today. Had some very light sprinkles this morning which, fortunately, didn't turn into anything.The walk was easy enough. Basically rolling ups and downs all day with nothing major. Lots of mucky spots and rocks and roots. They are still very frustrating and I really had to scream at one point today cause the footing was awful. You can't just walk, every step has to be placed or you end up sliding off roots or rocks into muck or water and/or twisting and ankle or falling.I did something to my left ankle yesterday. I think it was during the river ford. It was hurting today when I placed my foot down at a certain angle. Not good.All kinds of aches and pains. Not too much longer though and I can start healing.I saw a moose here at Whitr House; she was by the boat dock. We heard the male (bull) but didn't see him maybe in the morning.The food drop was delivered today. Could have been a fiasco. Luckily we were able to divert the provider to Jo-Mary instead of Hermitage. About an hour delay. It was 12:30 by the time I started for White House. Did the 10 miles in 4 hours and 20 minutes. I was determined to be here tonight.I had a cloudy view of Katahdin this afternoon.No cell service today till I got here. Sent G a quick text but there is no electricity in the bunkhouse. Linda took my phone to charge it. No opportunity to update TJ either. Oh well.My plan is to do 15 miles tomorrow and Thursday then 10 on Friday to get me into Millinocket. If the weather is good I'll summit on Saturday, 24 September.Tonight I'm happy to be clean and warm.List of Lasts:Last full moon - 12 SeptemberLast hostel - AT LodgeLast night in tent -Last night in shelter -Last campfire -Last food drop - 20 September Hike on!Scribbles
Date: 2011-09-21
From: White House Landing

To: Rainbow Stream Lean-to
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: clear sky

11:30. Taking a break on sandy beach shore of Nahmakanta Lake. It's a picture perfect day. I couldn ask for more; sunny, nice breeze, water lapping at the shore. Emotions running high.Saw the female moose last night, heard the bull. Heard the loons calling this morning. Saw the mist rising off the lake. So beautiful. I want to capture these moments in time. Imprint them in my brain forever.Next Wednesday when I'm sitting in my own home, how will I feel?This morning I felt I could live at White House. It's for sale, $1.2m. Lake, mountIns and a job. Also cold, remote and it's a job.Definitely a few teary moments already and more to come I'm sure...hike on!19:17. L-o-n-g day. I felt like I was dragging myself the last 2.5 mikes; they just went forever. Lots of ups and downs with rocks and roots. Thankfully not too much muck today.It truly was a beautiful day. Sunny all day with nice breezes.I had lunch on a sandy beach on Lake Nahmakanta. Very nice as long as I was in the sun. Still chilly in the shade. I still manGed to work up a lather today on the steep rocky climbs. More of my 700 steps today, lots more!I'm in for the night in my tent at the Rainbow Stream Lean-to. Closest shelter to a stream I've seen. It's crowded. Looked like at least 7 people: Coyote, Lady Sherpa, Ruffles, Lumiere, 4 Beards and Manx Long with a guy I'd never seen. Also 3 guys tenting up here on the hill near me.I had spectacular views of Katahdin today. Oh my, that baby is huge. The line of site view is suppose to be 16 miles. I can't imagine how it's going to look standing at the bottom. I'm so ready to be there. Really, really tired. Tired of walking right now. Beautiful as White House is I just did t sleep well. It's the bunkhouse sleeping arrangement - just not good for me. Glad to be in my tent tonight.Had a cute encounter with a red squirrel - he w as very curious and sat watching me attempt to take his picture. Very cute. I also saw 3 ducks in a stream. I probably could have gotten a really good pic of them except my poles starting falling so I grabbed them which made a racket and scared the ducks. They turned and swam upstream. Saw grouse, too. No moose.The leaves are just starting to get color. I don't think I'll see peak color up here. Thought I might but they haven't had any freezes yet so no real color.I'm hanging in. Determined to see this through. As I said, I'm tired - physically, mentally and emotionally. Praying for a couple of good night's sleep so I'll be strong and ready to summit.Tonight I'm grateful for God's faithfulness - I can do anything with Him by my side.Ready to be with my Sweetie! And Danie - I miss her and my Jake!Down to two pages of guide - I will be on the last page before tomorrow is done...unbelievable.Hike on!Scribbles