morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-08-09
From: Lake of the Clouds Hut

To: Past Pinkham Notch Visitors Center
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: broken clouds

Turns out the crew didn't have me do any work last night, 'though I went back to the kitchen and specifically asked, and they said there'd be no AM work. At 6 AM one croo member was making pancakes and I explained my dilema/guilt, about wanting to leave, despite the fact that I'd stayed there for free, eaten and done no work. He said they had plenty of folks, and I should just hike out. He offered me some of last night's excellent cake, and pancakes which he was making for breakfast. I took some cake, thanked him and left.Before I was gone, the sun was up, above the valley clouds. Our 24 hours of being socced-in was gloriously over.I went up Mt. Washington, in quite breezy, but very clear conditions, marvelling at the views, and only saw one hiking couple in the first two hours. Later everyone was out. It was fairly difficult going over the open ridges, as the trail is mostly boulders. On one stretch I took 3 hours, forty-five minutes to go three miles. All-I-could eat soup (chicken noodle) at the cozy Madison Hut for lunch. Flick and Golden Boy also there. Then over the tough Mt. Madison and a long ridge walk. Finally down into tree line and several miles without blazes. This is odd, as Appalachian Mtn. Club (AMC) runs the whole area (ostensibly) and blazes on both sides of the road are in sad shape. Towards 7:45 down to the Pinkham Notch Visitor Center and had a coke and two junk food items, before cosssing the road into a mile of flat wetlands. Found a campsite (illegal( and crashed. 14 mi.
Date: 2007-08-10
From: Past Pinkham Notch Visitors Center

To: Past Carter Notch Hut
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: broken clouds

Underway at 5:45 on an overcast day; good hiking weather. Soon laboring up the very-steep Wildcat Mountain, which has a ski area and lifts on the opposite side, and a series of peaks to schlep up. Passed by a couple people, but none of them thru-hikers as of yet.Near the top of the first peak I was treated to a close encounter with a spruce grouse/fool's hen. Got a nice foto from maybe eight ft. away. For some reason the bird tolerates us and it's a wonder it's not extinct; in olden days hunters used to bean them with a stick.Down to Carter Notch Hut for soup/lunch. I looked at the map and there's no way I can make town tonight. So am journalling a bit there. WiIl even have to work hard to insure I make the post office by noon, Sat. Potato Soup; good.Resuming my arduous trek in the afternoon, the day went to bright sunshine. Over various of the Carter peaks, then real steep downs, with long rock chutes, sometimes with dampness running down. Grabbing onto limbs, trunks, anything to slow my descent. Sometimes a handy tree would be ready to unroot, having been latched onto and abused by hikers over the years. Was passed by Waffle, Flick and Golden Boy. Late in the PM, passed Imp Shelter and hiked on .8-mi. to a tentsite which was beside a large coin-shaped rock, which was balanced vertically. I left some gear out in case the 10-ton rock fell over and crushed me, at least my presence would be known. 13.9 mi.
Date: 2007-08-11
From: Past Carter Notch Hut

To: Paradise Hostel
Miles today: 7.2

Underway at 5:45. Brisk AM, with clouds around some of the domes I negotiated. Then the day brightened up and we went arduously down, fording the Rattle River and out to U.S. Rte. 2 at 10:30. Took 15 minutes to hitch-hike to Gorham, not really bad as this site usually is a difficult hitch. The driver, from ME, owns a race car and was on his way to Keene, NH for a race. His team has been been doing real well, in picking me up, he was happy to finally learn where the AT crosses this road.Ran into Batchelor, an older hiker in town with his wife, he was looking for a hiker named Doc. (I've seen them at ALDHA Gatherings, and he was kind of the elder statesman of the PCT hikers in '97, 'though I didn't meet him personally).Checked into Paradise Hostel, an adjunct of a motel, run by Bruno. $18 for a bunk, shower and use of a community kitchen, with TV. Ran into Spock, a trail friend last seen in VA. He's one of two Spocks on TrailJournals.com (his proper name is Jim) and I'd been aware that I'd likely meet him as he's doing a flip-flop. Originally from NJ, Spock got off the trail there and went up to Katahdin and is hiking back home to complete his thru-hike.We caught the town's shuttle bus, $1 for unlimited rides, and went over to Wal-Mart. Excellent shopping experience. Later I bought a pair of trail shoes from a discount house; I'm sure they'll serve me well. Threw the running shoes which had gotten me through the Whites away.I bought a large bottle of cheap wine and put out the word that folks could join Spock and I in his room. Bruno, the hostel owner who's an expatriot Pole came over and told us how he'd gotten out from behind the Iron curtain in the '60's and worked his way through a last year of Civil Engineering School. He later worked in South America amd the Orient, and finally retired to Gorham. He'd like to sell the place so he can ski more. A nice couple, Sir Wounded Knee and Lady Green is also in the hostel. They were taking a day off so she could enjoy the relaxation of cooking; to this end she bought a cookie sheet, a huge mess of green beans, some kosher salt (had to buy a 3-lb. box) and some olive oil. She then cooked the beans which she'd coated in oil and salt. Lady Green brought some over to share (they were great and had a dram of wine with us. (Recipe: clean beans & snap ends, coat w/oil, place on cookie sheet at 450-deg. for 15 min.; make an excellent appetizer).Other hikers came to the hostel, such as Flick and Golden Boy, and Buttercup, who volunarily cleaned out the funky hiker box, where hikers can leave excess food, which often is bulk, mystery food. 7.2 mi.
Date: 2007-08-12
From: Paradise Hostel

To: Gentian Pond Shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Had breakfast at the motel and five of us caught the shuttle back to the trail, hiking on a beautiful day. At Mt. Hayes met "Grampa Dude", a nice guy from Jacksonville who's section-hiking the AT southbound. He was nice enough to carry out my B&J ice cream container, as he was heading off-trail for the year. G.D. told me this tale of frustration: when coming down the incredibly-steep Mahoosic Arm, he tried using a trekking pole, placed horizontally on two rocks, to let himself down a ways, by hanging on it. It broke and he fell, then he still had to take the broken pole out of the woods. In the PM, I was approaching Maine, with late afternoon showers which dampened the trail. Hence I decided to stop early at Gentian Pond Shelter, with several hikers and a great view. Present were Knifey-Spooney, BBBeat Box, Yard Sale and a southbounder. Also, a photographer who told us that he'd heard that some outfit was going to build a system of huts/lodges through Maine's hundred-Mile Wilderness, but they'd do it only over his dead body.11.8 mi.
Date: 2007-08-13
From: Gentian Pond Shelter

To: past Mahoosic Notch
Miles today: 12.0

Got up about 1:30 and stepped outside the shelter and immediately saw a meteor. The photographer was out there and said he'd seen but eight in an hour and a half, so I was lucky. He was disgusted as he'd hiked to this very spot to be as high as reasonably possible for meteor gazing.Underway at 5 AM. At 10:10 entered the final AT state, ME. Went over the Geese, as I call the adjoining mtns., Full Goose and Goose Eye. Really nice views. Towards noon I was caught up to and passed by most of the gents who'd been in the shelter. Late afternoon reached the infamous Mahoosic Notch, the toughest mile of trail. Sure enough, it took me two and a half hours to negotiate (vice two hours in '01). This time a dead moose, who's still being eaten by insects adds flavor to the southern end. Otherwise, it was picking one's way over, under and through garage-sized boulders, with many false starts and taking off of the pack to either push it forward or pull it through various crevices. I'd been concerned that my very lightly-made pack would hold up, but it did well. By the way, most young hikers consider the Notch to be fun; I consider it to be a challenge.Towards 8:15 at the far end, and found a tensite. An exhausting day, which I think netted but 12 mi.
Date: 2007-08-14
From: past Mahoosic Notch

To: past Frye Notch Shelter
Miles today: 15.0

Underway at 6; slept in after yesterday's rigors. Soon walked by the camp of the other five guys whom I'd last seen about noon, yesterday; they of course, were sleeping in and would catch me by mid-morning.Up the very arduous Mahoosic Arm, then on to Old Speck,and my first ever sighting of a chick Spruce Grouse, with its mother. More good views. Towards 1 PM down at Grafton Notch, where some fifteen cars were parked at the large trailhead. Had been seeing various day-hikers and short-term hikers. There's a number of trails here and a circuit known as the Grafton Loop.After the road crossing, a nice gentle up of several miles on a sunny afternoon. Then over the viewful Baldpates. Hiked into the evening, stopping at Frye Notch Shelter where I met "Hamburger". He's from that city in Germany and says he doesn't really like that item of food. He also decried the Huts in the Whites (the AMC monopoly) and the trail conditions in this area. (I agree that it could use some work, but at least I have 2 weeks on the Trail Crew up here and made some effort to improve the trail).Hiked 'til near last-light and found a small piece of real estate. 15 mi.
Date: 2007-08-15
From: past Frye Notch Shelter

To: Pine Ellis Hostel/B&B
Miles today: 3.0
Weather: clear sky

Four months on the trail as of today, and I did the math of miles to come; should nothing bad come upon me, could finish on Friday, 31 Aug. We'll see.Underway at 7:30, had slept in to rest my body and not get to the town of Andover too early. Went by a nice waterfall at Dunn Notch; the trail passes by the lower falls, where it goes through a scenic drop-off.I'd just passed a fairly old gent, out for the day who inquired about fords he might have to make. I told him he had it made, then at the Falls, saw where he must have slid a ways, just that trip could have been hard on him.I was out at the road crossing at 8:40, watching a gaggle of teen-agers who'd camped there get underway, as the rain started. Happily, I had my umbrella and spent the next hour hitching.In town, checked into the Pine Ellis B&B/hostel, the sole occupant. Paul, the proprietor of many years has died recently and his son-in-law is helping run the place. I went right over to the cafe/store and had a giant breakfast with Yard Sale, Knifey-Spooney and BBBeat Box. They were all hiking on. (Rain in the AM, better PM; while mentioning weather, a local said it would be around 30-deg. on Sat. I can take the cold, but please, no wet with it, or ever.)Later I saw Waffle and Golden Boy, who were going to The Cabin, a rival hostel. Flick came in and is sharing my room-for-four. 3 mi.
Date: 2007-08-17
From: ????

To: Little Swift River Campsite
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: few clouds

During lunch, several calls of the loon; neat. Also heard a couple coyotes and wondered, were they making love or war?Nice afternoon of hiking, 'though I came to think of this stretch as being ME's "rollercoaster", meaning, it resembles the stretch in Northern Virginia which is so-called for a series of up and downs. Slows one down quite a bit. Towards 6 PM I was about where I thought I'd be: Little Swift River Campsite. I knew it would then be time-for-rain, and so it was. 'Tis a nice, prepared site, with privy and piped spring, as well as a moose-friendly pond. 17 mi.
Date: 2007-08-18
From: Little Swift River Campsite

To: Gull Pond Hostel, Rangely, Maine
Miles today: 0.0

Got up and had breakfast in bed, so it could get more light, thus to see if any moose were in the pond. Yes, a very large cow moose some 100 yards off, browzing in the pond. I walked round the lake a bit to get closer but the moose went further away. I took a couple flash-aided distant shots, but doubt they're any good. Still it was a thrilling sight.Hiking at 6:40 on a coolish, dreary day, with lots of boggy trail. At one point the trail crew had felled a tree and cut in half,length-wise,to make a puncheon over a wet spot. You could tell some whiz with a chain saw had worked all the way down the tree to split it - brilliant.At. 9:20 or so was at the road to Rangely, where, as I was waiting to cross and get to the correct side, here came a gent who stopped for me. Only the second time this VIP-type service has occured. On to town and it rained a bit. The nice gent left me at a breakfast spot and I had a full plate, enjoying a couple orphaned newspapers. Then I walked down the street and found several hikers who've gained a day on me: Yorkie, BBBeat Box and Yard Sale. They advised that Bob of the Gull Pond Hostel would be coming down the road in a bit, and yes, there he came. I hailed him, arranged for stay, and he took my kit so I could go to the library. The day's been sweet!
Date: 2007-08-20
From: Gull Pond Hostel--Rangely, ME

To: Oberton Stream
Miles today: 13.4

After the shuttle, underway at 9:45 on a nice, sunny, breezy day. I saw one couple from Quebec and one southbound gal. Took lunch at Eddy Pond. Soon went over the Saddlebacks, a couple of my favorite mountains, with great views. At 5:15 was at Poplar Ridge Shelter and saw a few tenters, as well as Judo and the Umbrella Lady. There was also a nice family, the mother off which works at L.L.Bean and the whole family volunteers on the stretch of trail in the 100-Mile Wilderness that L.L.Bean maintains. The boy is a good-sized teenager who carries a significant load and refers to himself as a sherpa for the family. U.L. pointed out a snowshoe hare at the edge of the shelter clearing, eating pine needles while on its tiptoes. I had dinner and moved on.It was a great evening and I heard Orbeton Stream, my destination, some 30 minutes prior to reaching it. There I found an outstanding tent site on a roadbed above the stream, and enjoyed a nice sunset. 13.4 mi.
Date: 2007-08-21
From: Oberton Stream

To: Stratton Inn Hostel/Stratton, ME
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Underway at 6 on a nice day. Went by Sugar Loaf Mtn., the summit of which the AT mercifully allows us to bypass, presumably because there are ski runs on the other side, and the AT tries to avoid such signs of the hand of man. Then climbed the very tough South Crocker Mtn., with some 1,300 foot climbed in a mile (what is reasonable is 500 feet per mile, or a grade of about 10%; this more than doubled that), followed by the easier North Crocker. Then downhill for the next five miles and the road crossing, where, with light fading, I got an instant hitch to the hostel in Stratton. It's a nice place, a two-story apartment meant for the manager of the Stratton Inn. The downstairs is the common area and there are a couple rooms upstairs. I shared a room with Hamburger; Lady Green and Sir Wounded Knee the other. Did some shopping at the store across the way, some e-mailing and so to bed.
Date: 2007-08-22
From: Stratton Inn Hostel/Stratton, ME

To: Stafford Notch
Miles today: 10.6

Underway at 8:45 on an incredibly beautiful day. There was a fabulous trail made to climb up the next range, the Bigelows, using every bit of switchback that the terrain would permit. Then up to South Horn, over Mt. Bigelow, and eventually, Avery Peak, named for Malcolm Avery, one of the original dreamers and doers who brought the AT into existence. There were boxed springs near two of the peaks, one so cold I almost got a frozen palette. Met several day-hikers and a few southbound section-hikers. At day's end met four French-Can. kids, who were coaxing one of their gals along; she was rightly concerned about some of the rock-hopping one must do in these parts. Soon was at the Stafford Notch camping area, this at not much later than 6 PM. I didn't want to stop so early, but wasn't sure that continuing on I could find a tent site on Little Bigelow Mtn., so I went the 0.2-mles to this site, reached by going past, and under some huge boulders, possibly of a 100-ton size. The tent sites were mostly taken, with louder, younger kids, but I found a piece of ground, just below "Schwartz" and "Quartz" who were on a tent platform. They're a retired navy couple from SC who are section-hiking the AT, and are real nice. Schwartz said there'd been a bear at this site last year, so there was some bear-bag hanging going on, but not by me. 10.6 mi.
Date: 2007-08-24
From: along the trail in Maine

To: River 'n Trails Hostel, Caratunk, ME
Miles today: 6.0

Underway at 7:40. I slept in as there was no rush to get to the Kennebec river and the ferry (canoe) ride. It was a damp AM. Reached the river at 10:40 and Dean paddled me across this, the trail's most-dangerous river crossing. The ATC contracts for a canoe to be here two hours in the AM and another two in the PM. Once across, I helped Dean stow the boat and he drove me the one mile to Steve "Ferryman" Longley's Hostel. Steve owns the ferry service and has a couple guys paddling for him. The hostel is real nice, but I had it alone, reason, there's a full-service resort a mile away, where most go now. I chatted with Steve, Dean and a southbounder, then did my chores and took a nap in the bunkroom which I had to myself. Later Steve drove me to the resort where I had dinner and saw Crazy Bear and a couple of others. Schwartz and Quartz also there; it was great to see them again. Later Schwartz gave me a ride back to the hostel. 6 mi.
Date: 2007-08-25
From: Shaw's, Monson, ME

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Jon has lost/misplaced his pocketmail device, so I've not been getting any updates to the journal. This entry is just to let you know that he was in Monson on Sunday, August 25. He was to start the 100-mi. wilderness on Monday and anticipated topping Khatadin on about Sunday, September 2. He plans to do some half-day jaunt on a side trail along the way. If he holds off finishing the AT until Monday, September 3, he'll summit (complete his FOURTH AT-thru hike) on his birthday.Joan
Date: 2007-08-25
From: along the trail in Maine

To: Moxie Bald Lean-to
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Underway at 5:35, with a 1-mile walk up a highway to get back to the trail. While doing this, a group of Toyota salesmen, who'd been at the lodge the evening prior passed me. I had breakfast at the trailhead, and hiked on in humid conditions, which eventuated with a shower. Passed Pleasant Pond and its eponymous mountain. Saw a cow moose. Humid PM. Went over Moxie Bald Mtn. and it was bright and overcast; had dinner on the mountain's flank. Toward 7:15 was at Moxie Bald Lean-to. There were three short-term hikers there in tents so I took the shelter. There was a nice moonrise over the lake. Thunder in the distance. A mouse was in the privy, making things ineresting. Loons heard. 19.8 mi.
Date: 2007-08-26
From: along the trail in Maine

To: Shaw's, Monson ME
Miles today: 0.0

A nice day along streams and rivers. Sunny and breezy. Was at the small town of Monson, and Shaw's Boarding House, a trail institution at 3:35; my third time here and it's under new management and brighter and nicer, but of course, more expensive - what isn't? There I met Magellan, whom I've known several years; she's thru-hiking the trail in a sort of leap-frog manner, and after summitting Katahdin, will go back down south to do some easy miles, while becoming the oldest gal to complete a thru-hike. Also there was Blue Bird, a gal from Hershey, PA who's completing her hike from last year; she's an artist for the chocolate company. Went to the store for junk food and resupply and had the community dinner at Shaw's; it was quite good and plentiful. Did some laundry w/the Professor, who's son is hiking the trail; he folded my laundry for me, the only time this was done on the trail (I don't really fold it mysefl, at least not this well); a real nice guy...I don't know his son, but saw his name in the registers. Later I walked to the town's one bar, getting there as it closed, so didn't go in. 16.6 mi.
Date: 2007-08-27
From: along the trail in Maine

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Had a nice breakfast at Shaw's and was shuttled back to the trail, again a nice day. "Professor" was a volunteer shuttler, and had to drive me back to Shaw's from the trailhead, as when we got there I realized I'd left my camera charging at the hostel. Of course we were now enetering the famous 100-mile Wilderness which isn't realy so, but a favorite part of the trail nonetheless. Several wet areas w/puncheon-type bog bridges. Some rough trail. Nice sunset and camping rough on the climb up Barren Mtn. 15.5 mi.
Date: 2007-08-28
From: along the trail in Maine

To: Gulf Hagas Trl. Junction
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

During the night there was an eclipse of the moon, which I happily remembered to look for, and enjoyed. Underway at 5:25 and saw 7 southbounders by 7:00, including CNN, a nice couple whom I met way down south and had seen in NH; we took photos and they hustled on, having a long day ahead. Later walked by "Camel", who's flip-flop and hiking all over the place. It was slow going in this stretch and would take four days to do what I'd thought could be done in three. Nap near a small falls. I learned that the MATC (Maine AT Club) has their trail crews booked with projects 'til 2013! A great day. Down to the West Branch of the Pleasant River and found Trail Magic in the form of a cooler w/beer, cokes and candy; enjoyed same. Then it was time for the easy ford of the river; I watched a family come across; their techinque had two people sharing a hiking stick to fight the current, and it worked well. I chatted them up a bit and they carried out my garbage - thanks. Then made it to the side-trail to Gulf Hagas; I've always wanted to hike this loop trail, but it would entail carying an extra day's rations, so I skipped it again, 'tho I camped at its trail junction. 15.2 mi.
Date: 2007-08-29
From: along the trail in Maine

To: Pleasant Pond Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Underway at 5:40. Coolish AM. Took a morning break at Carl Newhall Shelter where I met a couple southbounders, then went up the mountains and met a northbound group: "Tea-Sip", "Java Man", and a gal. Sunny and warm. Fresh moose tracks. Lunch break and nap at Hay Mountain. Then over viewful, windy White Cap.   Mount Katahidn looks enormous from here, with 67 trail miles to go. Plenty of steps down and afternoon break at Logan Brook Shelter. Then a pleasant evening hike to Pleasant Pond Shelter, which I had alone. Did some sewing on my pack. There were some college kids, tenting; many colleges send groups out during this season to orient them and establish bonds of friendship. 14.3 mi.
Date: 2007-08-30
From: along the trail in Maine

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Hiked to a road crossing where one might hitch-hike to Jo Mary Lake Campground, which I did; got a ride from the first driver and went there, showered, laundry and junk food. Met several of the clan which runs the place; four daughters and the patriarch, who drove me back to the trail. I took one of their bumper stickers, with the intention of getting a photo atop Katahdin with it. While there we had a tremendous rain shower, which I happily dodged while in the camp store. A pair of bear hunters stopped at the camp store; they told of a local land owner who has some 20 blinds set up for hunters; in the past month the owner seeds the bear blinds with donuts, so the hunters, who pay $1,800 per week, can get a kill; this price does not include lodging or meals.