morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-08-15
From: ME 17, Oquossoc, ME

To: ME 4, Rangeley, ME
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: overcast clouds

I'm at a cabin in Rangeley, Maine. It is not to be confused with "the" Cabin of Honey and Bear in Andover. Molar Man, Sweet Tooth, Susquehanna Slim, and I will be here only one night. Tomorrow night MM, Slim, and I will be back in the woods. But for tonight we're living in luxury, at least according to AT standards. A front porch looks out to a scenic lake. A cool, autumn like breeze reminds me to put on long sleeves before walking to the post office. The Blueberry Festival kicked off today. Much is happening in Rangeley, Maine.Earlier this morning the group made its final appearance at the General Store and Diner in Andover for breakfast. Wanting to get to the trail before 7:00, we arrived at the diner at 5:00. The two cups of coffee, however, didn't keep me from getting drowsy on the drive up ME 17. That drowsiness wore off quickly as my buddies and I started up the trail at 6:42. With very little elevation change, today's hike proved to be about as agreeable as any I've experienced since Vermont. Mud continued to force various acrobatic maneuvers to prevent submersion, but it did appear a little firmer since there hadn't been any rain over the past 24 hours.Ponds definitely highlighted the day. First came Moxie Pond followed by the much larger Long Pond. We almost completely circled Long. At one point a sign indicating "Beach" stood just off the trail adjacent to a sandy spot with two benches. We chose to forgo swimming. We also walked past the trail to the Sabbath Day Pond Lean-to. Then at Little Swift River Pond we broke for lunch. I walked down by the water where two canoes were lying next to the bank. Torch, Sinner, and Pumpkin Head lounged by the pond. Still no moose were in sight.Before reaching ME 4 to Rangeley we passed two more ponds in the afternoon: Chandler Mill and South Pond. I took pics of each and as always thought about Don and how much he loved to fish. A reader on trail journals recently commented about my opening page always being of my brother and the big bass. That's no accident. I set it that way. I want all my followers to know what this hike is all about. I want them to see a picture of a man who loved the outdoors all his life. I also want to continuously remind myself of what a fine man he was in all respects. The AT provides the hiker with all that nature has to offer. Most of all it's about the woods, and Don loved the woods.After a rather short 13.2 mile day we found ourselves in Rangeley before 2:30. After showering I walked to the post office to pick up my last pair of Brooks Cascadias Trail Runners. This shoe has served me well throughout the hike. I also bought another pair of smart wool socks and treated myself to a large ice cream cone. Later in the afternoon Molar Man, Sweet Tooth, Slim, and I ate at a bar-b-cue place. We also shopped for some groceries in preparation for our night in the woods. Sunshine and a morning in the 40's awaits us as we continue walking through Maine on the Appalachian Trail.
Date: 2013-08-18
From: Caribou Valley Rd.

To: Stratton Brook Pond Rd.
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: overcast clouds

I am sitting on the porch of the Stratton Motel in Stratton, Maine. There are five rooms here. Hikers fill every one. Slim and I occupy room 2. A hostel attached to the motel houses hikers as well. All the Way and Goose sit at a picnic table along with two hikers I don't recognize. Across the street Fotter's Market displays a sign stating, "Hardware Paint and Plumbing Supplies." Another says, "Groceries Meats Fresh Produce Beer & Wine." The local Lions Club solicits donations out front for some animal cause. Cars steadily arrive and depart. Business appears to be good on a lazy August afternoon in small town America. Earlier today Susquehanna Slim, Molar Man, and I hiked what may be construed as a "nero" day of a mere 9.1 miles over mainly agreeable terrain. Other than a mildly strenuous climb up South Crocker Mountain to 4040 feet, followed by a less difficult ascent of North Crocker to 4228, the day sailed by. The summits are only one mile apart with not much to be concerned with between the two. After the Crockers the trail gradually descended over 5.2 miles to ME 27. With few rocky sections, we covered the total hike in less than five hours.Nothing really noteworthy happened during the hike's duration. One view and a nondescript trail made for a lackluster hike. It was just getting the miles done today. When we reached the road we had lunch and then walked an additional 0.8 miles to Stratton Brook Pond Rd. with no packs. Sweet Tooth was waiting there for the drive back to Stratton. Slim and I then decided to partake of a second lunch at the White Wolf Cafe. We also got laundry done and have the remainder of the day to relax.While I have been writing other hikers have arrived at the hostel. I walked over to introduce myself to several who I have not met. We have walked the same trail for almost 2000 miles and I'm meeting Wolfman, Timex, Red Knees, Toby, and Whistler for the first time. Such is life on the AT. And the AT changes yearly. Since I've been using 2012 standards thus far, I've decided to add the additional 1.7 miles that the trail was lengthened this year to today's mileage. This will make my total accurate for the rest of the 2185.9 mile journey. Tomorrow I'llhit the Bigelows a little farther up the Appalachian Trail.
Date: 2013-08-19
From: Stratton Brook Pond Rd.

To: Bog Brook Rd.
Miles today: 16.1

On a beautiful, sunny warm summer day, Molar Man, Susquehanna Slim, and I successfully conquered the Bigelows, the last major range on the AT in Maine. We knocked off a fairly challenging 16.1 mile day in less than ten hours. And more importantly I passed the 2000 mile mark in the early morning. I haven't used the word "awesome" to describe any hikes lately; however, today's hike was awesome. From the picturesque views of ponds from the peaks of 4000 foot mountains to gently rolling pine straw laden segments, all was good today on the Appalachian Trail.The most difficult part of today's hike occurred at the outset. MM, Slim, and I faced a significant climb of 2600 feet over a little over four miles. Several extremely steep sections made each of us stop occasionally to regain our momentum. Fortunately there weren't any technical issues with which to deal. It was just a long hard climb. Views of lakes and ponds were visible from several vantage points. Under perfect weather conditions, Cranberry Pond and Horns Pond appeared crystal clear from the higher elevation.After reaching South Horn at 3831 feet, we continued working our way up the Bigelows. Bigelow Mountain west peak challenged us with an exposed summit and high winds. Even though the trail traversed close to a precipitous drop off, I never felt like there was any danger. For the most part I was able to walk up the rock ledges without having to use my hands. We took a brief break at the top, but needed to move on quickly due to the wind. From the 4145 west peak the trail dipped slightly before ascending again to Avery Peak at 4090 feet. At the summit of Avery a sign designating the 2000 mile mark stands. The peak is actually about six miles past that milestone according to this year's standards. Even though the trail changes periodically, signs remain in their original places. Some old ones provide inaccurate distances. At the peak I talked with two hikers from New Hampshire, Jeff and Ray, who were climbing all the New England 4000 footers. From Avery peak the trail descended to Safford Notch and then leveled before ascending again to Little Bigelow Mountain. The trail then descended 1200 feet before leveling off over the last two miles to Bog Brook Rd. where Sweet Tooth was waiting. On the descent from Little Bigelow we met section hiker Abe and his young son Abel. Although he was out for only five days, Abe was carrying about the biggest pack I have ever seen. He said it contained beach towels and goggles along with dog food and other sundry items. I'm not quite sure why he needs all the items he mentioned carrying.So as my day winds down I feel a sense of relief over having no more major mountains except Whitecap and Katahdin. Tomorrow's trail looks agreeable on the map. With sunny skies in the AM predicted, we should be able to get in another longer mileage day, headed north on the Appalachian Trail.
Date: 2013-10-07
To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

For the past two weeks I have busied myself with editing parts of my journal in expectation of publishing my writings as a book. The endeavor has been a challenging one. When I was hiking the AT, recording a summary of my day on the trail became second nature. Even when I faced exhaustion or when the hour was late, I somehow found the time and energy to write. And all the writing was accomplished on my iPhone. Now, at a computer and in the comfort of my home, there are often distractions, both physical and mental, that are keeping me from the task at hand. Concentration escapes me. I wonder why. As I replay events from the hike I continue to find myself wanting to be back in the woods. This transition back into the ¢regular world¢ for a 62 year old retiree has been difficult. I have even wondered if I need a job. I¢m always busy and never bored; however, perhaps some routine responsibility would help me take my mind off the trail.So anyway, I¢m editing. I don¢t have a publisher and have been told by a couple of reputable authors that I may need to self-publish. Either way, the book will become a reality within the next few months. I¢m just as determined to publish a book as I was to finish the thru-hike. In fact, there were many times when the thought of completing the hike in order to publish a book motivated me to keep walking. Don inspired me first. The possibility of sharing his life and my hike with others kept me going as well. For now I¢m trying to embrace the idea of finishing a book with the same tenacity as I did finishing a hike. Like the hike, the book is a goal I need to fulfill. The hike took 5 months and 10 days to complete. The book may take longer. Time will tell
Date: 2016-07-20
From: Home

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Greetings from Georgia! When I set out to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail in March, 2013, I had a few goals that I hoped to accomplish. The last of those goals was to publish a book about my adventure and to introduce my readers to my younger brother, Don, who had died the previous August of ALS or Lou Gehrig¢s disease.The book, "Don¢s Brother: A Hike of Hope on the Appalachian Trail," was published in March, 2014. Since its publication I have had the privilege to speak at a variety of venues and continue to pursue speaking engagements wherever they may be available.Many things have occurred in my life since I completed my hike on September 2, 2013. I drove from Georgia to Maine in the summer of 2014 in proximity to the A.T., hiking some, doing a little trail magic, and supporting friends who were on the trail. I also spent much of last summer taking care of my 90 year-old mother. She passed away on August 31, 2015, three years and three days after my brother.Before my mother¢s death I had begun to write again. During her illness the manuscript was put on hold for six months. I resumed the writing last fall and have finally finished the process.Since most of my readers were aware of my somewhat non-traditional approach to my thru-hike, I don¢t think the title of my new book will come as a surprise. Today my second book, "The Don¢s Brother Method or How I Thru-Hiked the Appalachian Trail and Rarely Slept in the Woods," was published. It is now available at createspace.com/6129166 and also at amazon.com. If you enjoyed following along as I hiked from Georgia to Maine, I think you¢ll likewise enjoy this new book. If you do read it, I would be grateful if you would email me your thoughts and write a review at Amazon. I can be reached at donsbrother4@gmail.com
Date: 2013-01-18
To: Tent
Miles today: 0.0

Ok, second entry. Purchased the shelter I plan to carry. Sea to Summit Specialist Duo. Ordered it on line from AU. Can't wait to try it out. I plan to sleep most of the time in shelters, but will carry the Duo as a backup when shelters are full. Will also be using this on my conditioning hikes along with a tarp.
Date: 2013-01-24
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Well, I tested my White Box stove last night. Worked well with two cups of water. Took a bit longer for four cups but this was my first attempt. Plan another try tomorrow with 3 cups. My homemade cozy worked well also. I would love to take my gas stove but I am concerned about the canisters. I hate the thought of carrying an empty gas canister around.I ordered several samples of dehydrated food from Mary Janes Farm today. Will try thes out soon as they arrive.Still waiting for my tent to arrive. Plan to practice setting up a tarp tomorrow also.
Date: 2013-01-27
From: Preping

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Am I possessed? I am beginning to wonder about myself. I have better that a year before I start this journey, but all I can think about is getting prepared. I have looked at so much gear I am having dreams about GEAR!   I have most everything but my sleeping bag. I have just about decided to go with Western Mountaineering¢s Alpenlite 20*. As soon as I make this decision and get my Tent (on order) I can begin to calculate approximately how much my base weight will be.If not looking at gear, I¢m reading trail journals. Thanks to those that have gone before and share their experience so that we may learn. If I am truly possessed, I am with a pretty good group of others that have the same affliction and I am proud to be there.
Date: 2013-02-06
From: Preping

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Received my new Specialist Duo today. I can't believe the weight and size of this thing. I have been using a Hubba Hubba on my motorcyle journeys and thought it was pretty compact, but this thing is amazing. Plan to set it up in the yard tomorrow and cut the ground mat for it. I'm psyched!!!I have been experimenting with my alcohol stoves. I bought a White Box stove and I made a Little Friskies Cat stove. My goal is to boil 3 cups of H2O for each meal on one oz. of fuel. So far (and I am still experimenting)the cat food stove is working best for me. It doesn't bring the H2O to roaring boil, but is gets pretty hot. I am still working on this project so I will update later with my results.Wishing everyone Happy Feet!John
Date: 2013-02-12
To: Sickness
Miles today: 0.0

2/12/13I have to get over this!!! I think I have a new ailment¢¦(¢I can use that on the trail.--- I may need that on the trail.--- That one is better that what I already have.) This has to stop somewhere!! At the rate I¢m going, I will be in the Paupers jail and will not be released in time to do the AT hike.I think I¢ll start a new business, a consignment store for AT through hikers. I will call it ¢What I didn¢t need on the AT but I bought it anyway¢.I now have three alcohol stoves plus the ones I have made from cans. So far the one I like best didn¢t cost me anything.Well, I better close for now. Have to see if I can find any good deals on line. I may need something.ja
Date: 2013-02-18
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

2/18/13I am pleasantly surprised today. My legs still work and I am not in agony when I walk. I did an eleven mile hike with the Great Smokies Hiking and Adventure Group. A great group that I am looking forward to going on future hikes with. I have done three 5 mile hikes previously, but I wasn¢t sure I was up to ten miles. I have a year before I hit the AT so maybe by then I will be in shape.I officially start my training today! I plan to do 3 miles on MWF each week and 4 miles on Sat. I will increase the miles every 3 weeks.   I know this will not happen each and every week, but when I can that is my plan. I found this conditioning program by reading another trail journal. I don¢t remember who it was, but ¢Thank you¢.
Date: 2013-03-04
To: Foot Dr.
Miles today: 0.0

The one sure thing about Plans --- is they change. I have been doing several hikes lately in the mountains and it seems I have a little problem with my foot. I think I have a permanent pebble in the ball of my left foot, and an old motorcycle crash is causing some problems with my ankle. I have an apt. with the foot Dr. tomorrow to have it checked.I have also decided to start NoBo this March 28th.(instead of Mar. 30, 2014) and do a Forrest Gump and just start walking. I want to experience the trail and see how easy/difficult resupplying in town will be. I am not in as good a physical shape as I was planing but maybe that will come.Tomorrow will determine how far this plan goes.Doggie Daddy
Date: 2013-03-05
From: New shoes

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

3/16/13I hiked eleven miles today in the new Salomons that I ordered. I¢m trying to break them in. May have made a mistake, these are Gortex and it makes a difference in how they fit. I plan to give them a couple more tryouts before the 28th. I may be hiking in my old pair.That darn Morton neuroma (sp) didn¢t bother me until I got home and took my shoes off. It isn¢t bad, just a ache---- going to do some drugs tonight.I met with Mamaw B last night for dinner and we talked for 3.5 hrs. She was such a help. Thank you so much, I just can¢t thank you enough.I am a bit apprehensive about this trip mostly because of my foot. My plan is to give it a try and if it gets unbearable then I can get the surgery and have it fixed. Tomorrow is not guaranteed so I am going for the ¢Schlitz¢ gusto. ( These young hikers probably don¢ know what Schlitz is)!!I gone now, have a gooden!
Date: 2013-03-25
To: About ready, foot and all.
Miles today: 0.0

3/25/13I have packed, unpacked--- packed again; unpacked sorted, changed stuff sacks; packed, weighed and ready to unpack again. I have to get this finished by Wed. morning.My new sleeping bag is a bit larger than my old one, I just hope it is warmer that my old one.It snowed here in the valley today and they were prediction up to 8 inches of new snow in the higher elevations. I couldn't help thinking about all those hikers on the trail today. Tonight will be a cold and very windy one on the trail.   Glad I am waiting until Thursday to start.This will be my last post for a while. Thanks to everyone for their support and prayers.Going to test out my foot and see how far it will carry me. Hope to see you on the trail. Got to go, have to unpack and repack again, and again¢¦¢¦.
Date: 2013-03-26
From: Springer Mtn.

To: Springer Mtn.
Miles today: 0.0

Pack is packed and ready. Weight with food, water, fuel is 33.6 lbs. Was hoping for a bit lighter but will go with what I have.Plan to hit the trail on Thursday AM. Don't know how long I will last, but I guess no one knows until the time comes to take that final picture at Mt. Katahdin. Foot is a concern, but I plan to take one day at a time and just see how it goes. I may need to change my name to HOP-A-Long.See you on the trail.
Date: 2013-03-28
From: Springer Mtn.

To: Hawk Mtn.
Miles today: 8.01
Weather: clear sky

Day 1: Springer Mountain to Hawk Mountain Shelter, 8.1 miles. Great day to hike with beautiful weather. Started out cool and trail was frozen. Thawed out later and became slicker than owl sxxx! Almost busted my butt several times. Thank you, Leki, from the bottom of my butt. I love my hiking poles! Made it to Hawk Mtn. Shelter at 3:55p. Have met lots of nice people, including hikers from England and Germany. Trail magic at the shelter; a huge jar of peanut butter and flatbread. I found a pound of Folgers coffee along the trail. Guess someone was lightening their load. Temperature is falling so hopefully my new bag will work well. Met Hiker Girl at the shelter, along with Miles From Nowhere and Sidetracked.
Date: 2013-03-29
To: View Entry
Miles today: 9.2

Day 2: Gouch Gap (mile 17.3). Hiked 9.2 miles today. Damn, I thought I was a bit crazy but today confirmed it. Although the first part of the hike was a killer, the second half was nice. Stopped at Gouch Gap Shelter but decided to go on to the campground at Gouch Gap Road. At camp, I met two brothers from Michigan and a couple from Texas. Fixed myself a hot meal. Rained lightly during the night, lots of condensation inside my tent. Sleeping bag got a little wet but dried out by the campfire. Headed out for Jarrard Gap today.
Date: 2013-03-30
To: Lance Creek
Miles today: 7.1

Day 3: Lance Creek Camp (mile 24.3). Big Cedar Mtn. was straight up - didn't think the legs were going to hold up, but they did. Got to camp at 3:45 and had a filling dinner with hot coffee. Some of the folks from Hawk Mtn. are here also. Good hike today with beautiful weather. Have tremendous pain in left hip. Took hikers' "vitamins" for pain. Luckily, the foot is doing great with no blisters. Sure will be glad when I get my "trail legs". I think I can accomplish this if my legs will hold out. Haven't taken many photos yet. Finding it difficult to hold my camera while trying to catch my breath! Rained last night. Tent and everything else is soaked.
Date: 2013-03-31
From: Lance Creek

To: Neel Gap
Miles today: 7.4
Weather: light rain

Easter Sunday: Pretty tough hike today (7.4 miles). Didn't realize I was hiking up Blood Mtn. until I reached the shelter on top. The hike down was rough with lots of rock hopping. Rain started about a mile before I reached the gap. Have been hiking with two guys I met last night; John (no name) and Mark (Homeward Bound). Both are in their early 20's. We met Daniel at Neels Gap and decided the four of us would stay at the Blood Mtn. cabins for $15 each. A great deal for a nice cabin. I highly recommend this place. The four of us devoured four pizzas. Plan to take a zero day tomorrow, resting and doing laundry. Also met "Mowtown" today on the trail. Heard the church bells ringing in the valley below this morning and paused to thank the Lord for all my many blessings. We named John(no name) today. His new name is Journey.
Date: 2013-04-01
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Day 5: Neels Gap at Blood Mtn. Cabins - Beaver Cabin. Today is a zero day. Just saw Nicole and several of the hikers from the first day at Hawk Mountain. My foot is doing wonderful, but my right thigh is numb. Don't know what that's about but will try to walk through it starting tomorrow.
Date: 2013-04-02
From: Neel Gap

To: Low Gap
Miles today: 11.5

Day 6 - Low Gap Shelter, 11.5 miles todayHit the trail at 9:00am headed for Low Gap Shelter. Hiked with John S. after meeting him along the trail. Arrived at Low Gap at 5:30 and, since the shelter was full, set up my tent on a downhill slope. Slept pretty well with my feet above my head and my pack for a pillow. After I opened the doors of my tent, the condensation problem got much better.
Date: 2013-04-03
From: Helen, GA

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Will have updates later, currently in Helen, GA. Still kicking, still headed North. Having a great time. What I have learned: The trail is a family. Young and old alike have the same aches and pains, the same doubts and fears, the same joys and disappointments. It is an extended family, a family that reaches 2,178 miles.