morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-09-24
To: Donna Stimmel
Miles today: 0.0

Phone call from Ryan/Backdraft this evening..Friday the 24th. Ryan called from Andover,ME. He had actually hiked in to Andover on Thursday, but had to wait until today to pick up a package that contained his camera discs so he could make pictures of the end of his thru-hike. Instead of a zero, he and DigDug slack-packed to about 15 miles south of Rangeley. They are planning a work for stay, so will work on Saturday in Andover, then return to the path south of Rangeley on Sunday to hike out. He said they were doing great and feeling good and ready to get on with the hike. Backdraft is more anxious to get on and be done, but DigDug is cautioning against being in a hurry to plow through the most pristine part of the trail which is the 100 mile wilderness. He said it is getting downright cold in the mornings and evenings, but can still get up to the 70's in the middle of the day. He asked about his cats and family members and looks forward to spending time with them all when he returns. Hopefully summiting will occur around the 15th of October and then they both plan to bum around Boston a few days with some of DigDug's family that live there, then home and back to whatever the future may hold....I'll update when I know more. Getting ready to make my last mail-drop box.....kinda sad, to mail to Monson. Hike on boys....you're almost there!
Date: 2004-10-13
To: Donna Stimmel
Miles today: 0.0

Well, I can finally rest easy again. Ryan called me this afternoon from Millenocket (sp). He summited Mt. Katahdin early today. He said they had actually started their hike in the wee hours of the morning with the intent of reaching the summit in time to watch the sunrise from the top of the Northern terminus, a fitting choice, to begin the day...with the end of the journey. The weather the day before had been overcast and rainy, and the rain had continued into the night. They began their summit attempt around 2 to 2:30a.m., (Ryan can fill in the details when he gets home in a few days). By the time they reached the tree line, the wind was whipping and the mist was stinging and the 40 degree temperatures, when mixed with the wind, made for about a 20 degree windchill factor. Backdraft and DigDug intelligently decided these were not the best conditions to try to climb a mountain in especially when it was still dark. So, they crawled under a rock and climbed into their sleeping bags and caught an hours sleep or so and continued their ascent when they could see what they were doing. Backdraft said that by the time they reached the summit, the skies had cleared and they were privy to some incredible views. I'm not sure about the exact time of reaching the summit, but they did so with some of the friends that they had traveled with the last few hundred miles of the trip. But most importantly, they carried with them and will for the rest of their lives, the memories of all the people they met all along the trail, from the first step to the last. I couldn't be more excited for my son! I would like to thank all those that kept him in their thoughts and prayers while he lived out this dream, and for all those that showed him kindness, anonymously provided trail magic, imparted wisdom, and gave him shelter. His life, as well as my own, is fuller and richer for the part you have played in his journey.
Date: 2004-10-26
To: Home again
Miles today: 0.0

Hello to anyone that might have shared part of my experience along the way whether through this journal or actually being out there with me at some point in time. I'm home and safe and same goes for DigDug. I've uploaded our summit pics and will be working to put many more pics and several leftover entries up by the end of the month. I'm also going to go back and rework a few of my older posts while I'm at it. If you're interested check back here in a week to see what's new. Peace and love, Ryan (Backdraft BongRamen GA-ME 04)
Date: 2004-05-11
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Well I finished the Florida trail this year and have all this nice gear lying around so I decided I might as well use it. On Memorial day I'll get up to Baxter and head on south to Georgia. I've thu-hiked North and section hiked North. Its a different trail southbound. I know because twice I went th ewrong way by accident and didn't figure it out for a while. It will be fun to meet all the flies and maybe see some hikers too. I think its a little early for a start but I would like to be home for thanksgiving.
Date: 2004-05-12
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Another day of watching the Redsox and playing online Poker. Have the idea of getting bug pants instead of just a bug shirt. Those flies can be nasty. Now that Judy's gone back to work and the TV is broken it seems that the woods is the place for me. The AT diet and exercise program ought to slimbe down a bit as well.
Date: 2004-05-21
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Nine more days. Actually wait a week, drive to Maine and start hiking. Still have to get some food. My gear weight will be 20 pounds, I added a rain cover, although I dont know why because they never seem to work. If anyone knows of a raincover that really works please let me know. I expect I'll dump mine in Monson. Lining the pack with a trash bag has always worked well. I'll now pontificate about pack weight, so change the channel if you heard it before. Long Distance Hiking requires a balance of good hiking and good camping. If you want to have very nice cozy comfortable camping than you will have a heavy pack and a ragged hike. If you want to skip down the trail like Peter Pan than your pack will be very light and your campimg will be Spartan.So everyone has to come to the correct balance for own good time. For me, I like to get light gear and a lot of food. If I keep the weight less than 30 pounds, I'll be a happy hiker and camper too. Although starting out I'll need seven nights food to get to Monson so I'll be closer to 35 than 30. But at least I get to eat the weight!! I AM UP FOR THIS TRIP!!
Date: 2004-05-27
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I added a list of Mail Drops. I have no intention of using mail drops unless something breaks and needs to be replaced. BUT if I need to these are the ones I find most conveniently located. This being America you can usually find an outfitter or Walmart within an hour of any point on the trail. I've never understood people mailing stuff from home and plotting out their food for six months. Its part of the fun I guess but is really not necessary. Some hikers will spend $10 postage to send $5 in Liptons to the next town where the Winn-Dixie is next to the PO. BUT bounceboxes are nice!
Date: 2004-05-30
From: Baxter State Park

To: Hurd Brook Shelter
Miles today: 13.0

An easy walk from Katahdin Stream to this baseball bat shelter. The flooring is rounded but really not noticed under my thermarest. The nice cool breezy day got me here in 6.5 hours. No black flys but an outragious number of mosquitoes. I got to use my new Bug Baffler bug shirt, its a definite keeper. I expect to need it in MA, CT, NJ for sure. It weighs little. It also will let me sleep in buggy shelters instead of using my tent. Eventually it may allow me to switch to a tarp instead of my tent. I could get rid of two pounds that way I think. I had a fun surprise when Judy met me at Abol Bridge with lunch from Subway! We had donuts for desert. After leaving her I felt homesick for the rest of the day. When I opened my pack tonight and found a card from Judy I felt loved and very lonely. I saw ten day hikers today but expected to be alone tonight. To my surprise a hiker from Indiana showed up his trail name was long and I shortened it to Fort Yahoo. He has a lot of gear, including a chair. Its cooling down and looks like rain. I'm not hungry after my big lunch. I know there are three AT'ers behind me a day and two ahead. I hope I meet up with some people but I have scant hope of that.
Date: 2004-05-31
From: Hurd Brook Shelter

To: Wadleigh Stream Lean-to
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Up and out by 6:00 AM. My watch seems to have slowed so it may be later. I overestimated my speed by about 30% so it took me until 6:30 to get here (or later) The wilderness is tough going in many spots. I'll tone it down tommorrow. The best thing is hearing loons in the evening! There's a young hiker here. He has a tent AND a hammock. Don't expect to see him in the morning. I'll be long gone before he's ready to go.
Date: 2004-06-01
From: Wadleigh Stream Lean-to

To: Antlers Campsite
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: light rain

I'm hoping that the breeze from the lake will dry my tent when the rain stops. It's rained lightly all afternoon. My Redledge rain gear works very well. It's better than anything I've used in the past. Only my socks are wet which is no surprise since I'm wearing sandles. The reality is that even with leather boots, rain means wet socks. The terrain is difficult and I'm not doing much better than 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 mph. The trail has been OK, a lot of streams to ford but no problem for me after hiking in Florida. I really miss having a hiking partner and expect to see Corncob around the next bend saying it's break time. No one today seen by me. I'm too lonely to keep this up if it's going to be like this the whole time. I may go even slower in the hope that someone will catch up.
Date: 2004-06-02
From: Antlers Campsite

To: Logan Brook Lean-to
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: overcast clouds

A wet day. I hiked more miles than I wanted to get here. The mist from the waterfall in front of the shelter makes it even wetter here. It's also too cold. I see my breath. I've hung up the wet tent and clothes etc and have all my remaining dry clothes on. I don't expect much drying tonight. I saw the spot where Haze gave Judy his remaining Advil in 2002. This is a trip down memory lane for me. Also where the bees stung Judy too, and where we met the Prince of Whales. I met five hikers today. Three going North and two kids going south very slowly. No one else is here so I'm wet, cold, and lonely too. I dread the AM and having to put on the very cold wet clothing. The hiking is fine but the weather makes this a mistake I think. I'm already thinking of turning this SOBO into a section hike instead.
Date: 2004-06-03
From: Logan Brook Lean-to

To: Chairback Gap lean-to
Miles today: 17.1
Weather: broken clouds

Day started damp but finished sunny and breezy. Here alone. Saw two day hikers and a squirrel. Waded many sterams. Bite sandles are great. I feel at home in the AT with the white blazes. Today's twelve-hour trip over rough ground seems normal if not rapid. Nothing flat about today. Took a picture of where we camped in 2002 along Gulf Hagas stream. I knew the spot as soon as I saw it. I hope I catch up with someone soon. A bit of a tooth ache today. Perhaps I should wait in Monson for Macias and Charlie Tuna.
Date: 2004-06-04
From: Chairback Gap lean-to

To: Wilson Valley Lean-to
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: broken clouds

A grueling thirteen-hour day. Very tough climbs and declines. After Barren Mt I could not recall one thing I had seen before on my previous trip. I can't believe that this is the same section that Judy tried to do with me. Best part of the day was meeting Magic, the first NOBO of 2004. He's almost done. He started 2/16 and here he is already. His second trip northbound. Maybe he'll yoyo and come south now. Looking forward to Monson, Shaws, and skipping some rain.
Date: 2004-06-05
From: Wilson Valley Lean-to

To: Monson
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: broken clouds

Here at Shaws I'm thinking about whether I need a Zero day. I'm here a day early and I did plan one. The tops of my toes are sore from miles and the rubbing of stitching on my liner socks. One thing they are not supposed to do is cause abrasions. The last ten miles of the Wilderness were rougher than I remembered, also all the streeams are deep plus the number of blowdowns is huge. I'm about the tenth SOBO so the path is not well beat on. All that meant eight hours to go ten miles. I also had to walk one third of the way to town before I got a hitch. A couple gets rides easily even a couple of old men. A single is not wanted by drivers I guess. My daughter says I'm the only father who tells her kids to pick up hitch hikers. I'm in a six-bed bunkroom for $20 but I have it to myself. Another hiker, Brotherman, a young guy, he hitched out of the wilderness at Jo-Mary Road. I feel bad for him because he "wants" to go back to Jo-Mary but it's so much easier just to continue south from here. I'm glad I did a NOBO with all the white blazes. Now I can not worry about being pristine. My rule is Dont go Back!
Date: 2004-06-06
From: Monson

To: Moxie Bald lean-to
Miles today: 17.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Beautiful site on the lake. First picnic table too. But alas, it;s just me so I'll cook in the shelter. It's quite cool out. had to put on my longys and fleece vest. There was no one on the trail today from Monson. This section has some perfect trail and some rocky wet parts too. Also 3-4 wadings including one fairly deep one. The wind off the lake is cool and keeps the bugs down too. This was the first somewhat buggy day. But not real bad. My three different falls in the Wilderness plus one sit down in a creek may have accumulated. My feet are not OK from a lot of ankle rolls. I have some foot soreness. That may be from bigger mile days on the rough terrain. The sandles may not be thick enough for rough work. I thought the Long Trail was a good test though. I think my liner socks have rough seams that are abrading my toes. That's the main problem otherwise I don't know why the feet hurt. My tooth is acting up again.
Date: 2004-06-07
From: Moxie Bald lean-to

To: Pleasant Pond lean-to
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Met Kentucky and Menace here tonight. The Cheech and Chong of the AT. Well equipped with a 1/2 gal bottle of whiskey, a pile of smoke, and plenty of food. They march north one shelter at a time. These guys know how to a have a good time. Also very nice people.
Date: 2004-06-08
From: Pleasant Pond lean-to

To: Caratunk
Miles today: 6.7

I was going to stay in Caratunk for a few days to heal my toe abrasions but they had a truck and drove me to Skowhegan. It's a few hours by cab, bus to Boston. We had a nice big breakfast at the Empire Cafe. The cab went to Waterville and then the bus home. I expect to repair myself. Maybe switch boots. and get my toothache tended to. I'll be back in Caratunk in a week or so.One of the advantages to starting from the North is that the trail is close to home for at least two months.
Date: 2004-06-15
From: Caratunk

To: Pierce Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 4.0
Weather: clear sky

A five-hour bus ride, 90-minute car ride, and canoe ride across the Kennebec River plus two hours hiking to here. Finished at 8:30 PM. Beautiful Lake, many, many loons calling, and 10,000 mosquitoes. My bugshirt saves me. It's good to be back.
Date: 2004-06-16
From: Pierce Pond Lean-to

To: Little Bigalow Lean-to
Miles today: 17.3

A nice day, perfect weather, a green, blue, and yellow day. Seventeen plus miles of sometimes very rooty trail around very beautiful lakes. I saw a very large Moose with little new antlers and got to watch him for a long time. I met Otto and his dog Raven. I hiked with him in 2000. Here tonight is Chris from Texas, whom I saw on day three of this trip. Also Head, i.e. Pot Head, from N.C. and two Canadians. An all around good day. I expect to skip Stratton as I have a lot of food and need no resupply.
Date: 2004-06-17
From: Little Bigalow Lean-to

To: Horns Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 10.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Happy Birthday to Emily. A very hard day of ten hours of climbing up and down. Two shelters for sixteen people but it's just me. Eventually Chris showed up. Another beautiful day. Many on the trail. It was hot, but a cool breeze just came up. First very buggy day. Pooped. In 2002 Tim was at the trailhead and brought me into Statton. I'm not going to Stratton but I'll look for Tim anyway. I think he also brought beer. That would be good.
Date: 2004-06-18
From: Horns Pond Lean-to

To: Crocker Cirque Campsite
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: light rain

A very nice campsite with platforms, privy, and a stream. I washed in it after a hot hard day--12.4 miles in 11 hours. Barely an improvement over yesterday. The North and South Crockers are very tough going. I wonder why they're not mentioned much. Met some 4K peakbaggers (Lady and Tramper), the same dayhiker as yesterday, and two weekenders. There was a dead moose on the trail--a big pile of fur and bones, nothing else, not even a bad smell. I'm alone here, so I bear-bagged my food--another feeble attempt, but it's up there, hanging over an empty platform.
Date: 2004-06-19
From: Crocker Cirque Campsite

To: Poplar Ridge Leanto
Miles today: 14.2

Rainy night, rainy day. Packed up my wet gear and set out. 14.2 miles took 11 hours over rocky, steep trail in the a.m., OK nice trail in the middle, and very steep climbing to get here. Rained off and on but got sunny near 5 p.m. Had a chance to dry things in the wind, but it got very cool. Why is it that when you misjudge time and distance, it's never in your favor?
Date: 2004-06-20
From: Poplar Ridge Leanto

To: Rangely (The Cabin)
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: overcast clouds

A windy cool day and hard work over the Saddleback Mts. The wind kept trying to knock me down on the ridge. Beautiful views but too windy to look. Met a few dayhikers, some who came up a ski gondola. 14.3 miles took nine hours. Great fun to be at the Cabin again. Communal dinner, lots of conversation. Fort Yahoo, whom I spent the 1st night with, is here, plus Otto and dog, Sayco, who thruhiked 14 times, and 4 NOBOs, plus section hikers and Bob McCaw from Mass., whom I met on the Long Trail. I named Bob Lead Dog because he's out in front of the rest.
Date: 2004-06-21
From: Rangely (The Cabin)

To: Oquossuc (The Cabin)
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: broken clouds

A great 13-mile day in 7 hours, mostly at 2 mph. It's nice to move on the trail again. Saw my 3rd, 4th, and 5th moose including a little baby one. Today is a nice stretch in Maine, and I recommend it for a day hike or an overnight at Sabbath Pond. There are four ponds, no big mountains, and mostly hard packed trail. It was a perfect day.
Date: 2004-06-22
From: Oquossuc (The Cabin)

To: South Arm Road (The Cabin)
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Great hike over the Bemis Mts. but rain in the afternoon over Old Blue made for slippery going on this 13-mile piece. No trail magic like yesterday's beer in stream, but it was so cool I didn't need it. Another primo AYCE dinner and breakfast.
Date: 2004-06-23
From: South Arm Road (The Cabin)

To: East B Hill Road (The Cabin)
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: few clouds

Another huge breakast and a 10-mile day that took me 7 hours instead of the expected 6. But a beautiful day--sunny, warm, bug-free, big views, big dinner. Got my Mt. House dinners from home--good to go.
Date: 2004-06-25
From: Grafton Notch (The Cabin)

To: Gentian Pond Shelter
Miles today: 19.3
Weather: broken clouds

A rainy day to be going through Mahoosic Notch--a long, long day in any event. Got cooler too as the day went on. Finally made it here, fearing I somehow missed it (a common hiker delusion when you walk too far or too long). There are two packs here but no people. The pond is very low and there are no moose either. I've got enough food to get to Pinkham Notch. I forgot to note that Earl put new points and baskets on my poles , so I'm good to go in that department. Howere, I've got a lateral problem in my right knee after today. I hope it just needs some rest. I feel energyless at this point.
Date: 2004-06-26
From: Gentian Pond Shelter

To: Mt. Moriah--stealth tenting
Miles today: 17.7

Wet day--rainy from the start. Another too long day, but I want to get in and out of the Whites ASAP. I've somehow built this distaste for the Whites and the AMC, even though I'll stay at Pinkham Notch.
Date: 2004-06-27
From: Mt. Moriah--stealth tenting

To: Pinkham Notch
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: fog

Got here much faster than I expected but regret it already. Much smarter to go into Gorham and stay instead of just resupply, but I reserved by phone and it's not refundable. Two easy hitchesand resupply at Rite-Aid. From my last trip I knew that Rite-Aid was the place. The 4-bed bunk rooms are nice, but it's very nisy here with many day hikers and no AT people at all.
Date: 2004-06-28
From: Pinkham Notch

To: Nauman Tentsite
Miles today: 19.8
Weather: broken clouds

A very nice day. First a foggy, cold, misty time, but above treeline it was nice and clear. Now it's very overcast and may likely rain. I liked this day a lot--above treeline, a nice well-maintained trail. It is weird with all the hut hikers and again no AT people to be seen.
Date: 2004-06-29
From: Nauman Tentsite

To: Zealand Falls Hut
Miles today: 14.1

It rained starting at 3 a.m., so in the morning I packed up in the rain. Wet gear is not fun. I decided to stay at Zealand, but they were full. However, they offered work for stay and I said OK as long as the work is in the evening, so I can still get on the trail early. I'll eat with the "croo" and sleep on a table. The work is an hour of setting the tables, etc. I'm sitting on the porch watching the thunderheads build. I'll cross Franconia Ridge tomorrow, or at least a lot of it. I could push all the way to North Woodstock. I'll shoot for it or more likely to Garfield. I have enough supplies to skip North Woodstock.
Date: 2004-06-30
From: Zealand Falls Hut

To: Garfield Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 9.7
Weather: broken clouds

Short miles but tough trail. Happy to stop here where this is my 3rd time. Very buggy. Have bug shirt on and legs too. Too hungry for words--it's really kicked in. So far I'm alone here. Did see 5 NOBOs today--all young guys, early starters and fast hikers. I think I'll skip North Woodstock to get to Glencliff earlier.
Date: 2004-07-01
From: Garfield Ridge Shelter

To: Kinsman Pond Shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: few clouds

A very nice day. Started with hard climbs over Mt. Garfield and Mt. Lafayette. After that I had a treat at two huts. I was low on food but got nicely fed at both huts--coffeecake, coffee, beef stew, and homemade bread to go. Lots of people to talk to too! Bug city again, but I'm well-fed for the next day until a resupply in Glencliff at Judy's visit. Also, I should point out that this 3rd trip through the White Mts. has been great with the hut croos. I think they were happy to see me and very friendly and helpful. I think it's because it's too early in the season for them to be tired of dealing with thruhikers.
Date: 2004-07-02
From: Kinsman Pond Shelter

To: Beaver Brook Shelter
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: scattered clouds

A very hard climb to end the day. First leg-hurting day in a while. Looking forward to a break tomorrow. This is my first crowded shelter. Seven NOBOs plus me and Fort Yahoo. This shelter has perhaps the best view of any shelter on the AT. Also a fantastic sunrise. You see the Whites and you see the color changes at sunrise and sunset. In a word, awesome.
Date: 2004-07-03
From: Beaver Brook Shelter

To: Glencliff
Miles today: 7.9

Met Judy at the trailhead. The day started with a hard uphill but easy enough in the AM. Mt. Moosilauke is a bald, above tree line at the peak. Very windy and cold so I put my jacket on for a while. A long gradual down. On this day it was socked in at the peak but sunny all the way down. Met a few NOBO's and about 40 day hikers. Glencliff has a fine hostel but we're at the Warren Inn, a B&B. We took a short trip to the Hikers Welcome hostel. Moonbow sells gear and I wanted to get a new tent because the floor on mine is leaking. Its got about 3000+ miles on it. They only make to order so I just got a piece of tyvec as an inside floor cover. It will do I think until I find something I really like. I did buy a new rain cover. I did get to say hello to people and Judy gave the hikers some food.