morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-08-25
From: Spaulding Mountain Lean-To

To: Stratton, Maine
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: light rain

Soaked!Not much excitement on the trail. Just grinding out the miles. The rain started just before noon and developed into a downpour as I climbed up Crocker Mountain. In a short while, I was soaked. The wind was strong, so I put on my jacket for the descent. It took forever to get to the road, thanks to the roots, rocks, and mud that made the going slippery. The trail is overgrown, so my shorts got soaked as I brushed through the overarching shrubs and undergrowth. I hate to snivel, but the trail could benefit from some more maintenance. When I arrived at the road, it was raining hard. Nice SUVs passed me by. Finally a working man in a pickup stopped and gave me a ride to the Stratton Motel where I will spend the night.We know what we are, but not what we may be.-William Shakespeare
Date: 2010-08-26
From: Stratton, ME

To: Little Bigelow Lean-To
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: broken clouds

In the Bigelows, Where I Find BeautyWe were encouraged by a few patches of blue among the flotillas of clouds as our shuttle wound up the mountain. Little Brown and Springkat charged up the trail as Cheese and I started out slowly. The trail meandered gradually uphill around a beaver pond, and then more steeply around huge moss-covered boulders. The rains of yesterday gave the arboreal forest of evergreen, fern, and toadstools a fresh feeling of renewal. I took a side-trail to an overlook and saw the tops of evergreens fading into the mist. I found Cheese at the Horns Pond Lean-to and stopped for a break. There was a frenetic chipmunk that seemed to be begging for food and would venture within inches of me before scooting off. I suspected that the caretaker was feeding this critter.Cheese and I made it to the top of the West Peak of Bigelow Mountain as the clouds were parting. We caught glimpses of Flagstaff Lake far below. We headed down to the col and then up Avery Peak where the sky was clear. We were buffeted by gale force winds as we enjoyed spectacular views. The distinctive profile of Mt. Katahdin stood in the distance to the northeast.We crossed the 2000 mile mark and took pictures at the sign designating this milestone.Cheese was heading for a tenting site just before Little Bigelow. I scrambled another five miles to the next shelter as I need to make Monson in five days.One day the trail beats you down, and, on the next, it lifts you up. After the wet and cold of yesterday, I am glad of the beauty of today. This journey is nearing the end, I can feel it. I will miss the spectacle and wonder of these woods, but will glad to be back home with my family. Tomorrow, I leave the high country and enter the world of lakes and rivers...stay tuned.When we are born, we cry, that we are comeTo this great stage of fools.-William Shakespeare
Date: 2010-08-27
From: Little Bigelow Lean-To

To: Pierce Pond Lean-To
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: few clouds

The Call of the LoonThe day dawned crisp and blue. The wind was raising whitecaps on the ponds. I could hear the distant call of a loon from across the water. It was a great day to be hiking in Maine.We burn daylight.-William Shakespeare
Date: 2010-08-28
From: Pierce Pond Lean-To

To: Pleasant Pond Lean-To
Miles today: 9.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Crossing the KennebecStambler and Mixed Sticks went to Harrisons Pierce Pond Camps last evening and made reservations for us to enjoy the 12 pancake breakfast. The camp is one of the last remaining authentic Maine hunting camps and is located about a quarter mile from our campsite. The lodge was decorated with hunting trophies on the walls and a bearskin rug with the head. It was like a museum. The breakfast was wicked good (Maine lingo) and included sausage, eggs, and a dozen crepe style pancakes that contained blueberries, strawberries, and apples (red, white, and blue).We waddled out and walked a few miles to the Kennebec River where we met the ferryman who would shuttle us across by canoe. He was personable and informative and recommended hitchhiking two miles to the west to Nothern Outdoors, a rafting outfit that also had a brew pub. How could we resist? Plus, it was Poppa Smurf's birthday tomorrow. So Cheese, Poppa Smurf, and I headed down the road after securing a quick hitch. We had another great meal and enjoyed sampling the brewmaster's wares.Cheese headed out before Poppa Smurf and me. When I finally left, I found Poppa Smurf still attempting to hitch a ride. I joined him for half an hour until we gave up and walked the two miles back to the trail. We shared our stories as we hiked the trail to the shelter and the time passed quickly.During supper, we were serenaded by the loons on the nearby pond. What a great day!May God bless and keep you always,May your wishes all come true,May you always do for othersAnd let others do for you.May you build a ladder to the starsAnd climb on every rung,May you stay forever young.-Bob Dylan
Date: 2010-08-29
From: Pleasant Pond Lean-To

To: Moxie Bald Lean-To
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: clear sky

Got Moxie?Today is a day that makes Maine stand out as the favorite state out of the fourteen for many: the pristine blue sky, the wooded mountains extending in all directions, and the many blue lakes and ponds cradled in the high valleys. The hand of man, only evident upon close inspection in the occasional power line cut, and the mosaic patterns of green on the distant ridges that confess recent logging.I climbed over two mountains today that offered panoramic views: Pleasant Pond Mountain and Moxie Bald. Moxie had an extensive rocky crown offering a full 360 degree perspective.A great day of hiking was crowned by a dip in the beautiful Bald Mountain Pond. It was heaven to swim in these cool waters after four days of hiking. My tent no longer smells like road kill when I climb in.Tomorrow I head into Monson: Gateway to the Hundred Mile Wilderness that will take me to the foot of "the Greatest Mountain", Mount Katahdin.Take me on a trip upon your magic swirlin' ship,My senses have been stripped, my hands can't feel to grip,My toes too numb to step, wait only for my boot heelsTo be wanderin'.I'm ready to go anywhere, I'm ready for to fadeInto my own parade, cast your dancing spell my way,I promise to go under it.-Bob Dylan
Date: 2010-08-30
From: Moxie Bald Lean-To

To: Monson, ME
Miles today: 17.9
Weather: clear sky

Monson!It is hard for me to grasp that I am in the final trail town. Now, all that remains is surviving the 100 Mile Wilderness and finally, climbing Mt. Katahdin. It seems that the Wilderness traverse is my final exam. I am going to try to cross it in a bit over five days to reduce the amount of food that I will need to carry. I know that this is going to pose a great challenge, but it is what I have been preparing for all along. I just hope that I pass the test.The walk today was not too difficult. The big feature was Horseshoe Canyon, which is a gorge cut out of slate with dramatic water falls, chutes, and rapids.I'm taking a zero tomorrow to prep for my final assault on this trail. I will fatten up as well since hunger is fairly certain as I cross the 100 Mile Wilderness.Thanks for coming along...You never turned around to see the frowns on the jugglers and the clownsWhen they all come down and did tricks for youYou never understood that it ain't no goodYou shouldn't let other people get your kicks for you-Bob Dylan
Date: 2010-08-31
From: Monson, ME

To: Monson, ME
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

The PlanIt is hard to wrap my mind around the fact that September starts tomorrow and that this adventure started nearly six months ago.I have packed enough food to keep me alive for the next six to seven days. I enter the Hundred Mile Wilderness bright and early tomorrow and hope to pop out in Baxter State Park at the other end within six days. Susan (Ground Control) and Kevin have a campsite reserved at Katahdin Stream on 9/6. I hope to summit with them on the seventh or the eighth.It is unlikely that I will have any communication options to connect me with the outside world upon leaving Monson, so the next updates are likely to occur in a week or two.I appreciate your patience and interest in this odyssey as it draws to a close. Thanks once again for following along. Catch you down the trail...The motorcycle black madonnaTwo-wheeled gypsy queenAnd her silver-studded phantom causeThe gray flannel dwarf to screamAs he weeps to wicked birds of preyWho pick up on his bread crumb sinsAnd there are no sins inside the Gates of Eden-Bob Dylan
Date: 2010-09-01
From: Monson, ME

To: Long Pond Stream Lean-To
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: scattered clouds

WaterfallsI entered the Hundred Mile Wilderness at 6:45AM. My pack was heavy and Maine was experiencing a rare heatwave with temperatures in the 90's. Yes, it was wicked hot, and the humidity was high to boot.Hundred Mile Wilderness SignAnd My ResponseI was planning to do 19 miles today, but fell short because things kept getting in my way, such as an unplanned nap in the Wilson Valley Lean-to and a skinny dip at Vaughn Stream. I will make up the additional four miles tomorrow.There were a number of waterfalls along the way starting with the dramatic slate gorge at Little Wilson Stream. I was surrounded by falls at Vaughn Stream where I bathed. And now, I can hear the falls in the gorge just below this shelter.Time to get some shut eye.At dawn my lover comes to meAnd tells me of her dreamsWith no attempts to shovel the glimpseInto the ditch of what each one meansAt times I think there are no wordsBut these to tell what's trueAnd there are no truths outside the Gates of Eden-Bob Dylan
Date: 2010-09-02
From: Long Pond Stream Lean-To

To: Carl A. Newhall Lean-To
Miles today: 20.8
Weather: scattered clouds

My First Twenty!!I did my first 20+ mile day in Maine. It took me over twelve hours to accomplish, but I did it!There was awesome trail magic left by Whispering Pines at the logging road just north of Chairback Mountain. I had run out of water about three miles before this, so the soda and whoopie pies were a welcome treat. Whispering Pines, you saved my hike!It started raining soon after I set up my tent. My knees hurt and I am tired, so I am going to sleep now. I have a goal of 18.9 miles tomorrow and that includes getting over four or five mountains.Thanks to Ground Control!Ground Control has supported me during this entire journey. She has served as my blog updater and editor, sent me mail drops, and told me to keep hiking when I wanted to give up. She is true, like ice, like fire.My love she speaks like silence,Without ideals or violence,She doesn't have to say she's faithful,Yet she's true, like ice, like fire.-Bob Dylan
Date: 2010-09-03
From: Carl A. Newhall Lean-to 

To: Cooper Brook Falls Lean-to
Miles today: 18.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Out of the MountainsToday was the last day of significant mountain climbing in the The Hundred Mile Wilderness. I got up bright and early and packed up. My tent was wet and heavy, as it rained on and off through the night. The plan was to conquer the last of the mountains and also go nearly twenty miles, not an easy assignment. The hike would also get me past the halfway point of the Hundred Mile Wilderness.I was surprised to find that I had cell phone service from Hay Mountain, so I called Ground Control to get an update on Hurricane Earl and firm up plans for meeting at Abol Bridge on Labor Day. It looks like Earl is going to miss us for the most part-good news!Katahdin could be seen from White Cap, although somewhat obscured by the haze. It is looming closer and finally appears to be within reach.The descent off of White Cap Mountain was long and difficult. I took too long a break at Logan Brook Lean-to which is nearly half way down. Then it was up and over Little Boardman Mountain to Crawford Pond. The profile map showed a steady downhill run to Cooper Brook Falls Lean-to, but I swear that the trail went mostly uphill. I would love to walk alongside of the person who draws up these profile maps and swat them with a whiffle ball bat every time it differs from reality. They would receive quite a bruising.See ya soon!There's beauty in the silver, singin' river,There's beauty in the sunrise in the sky,But none of these and nothing else can touch the beautyThat I remember in my true love's eyes.Yes, and only if my own true love was waitin',Yes, and if I could hear her heart a-softly poundin',Only if she was lyin' by me,Then I'd lie in my bed once again.-Bob Dylan
Date: 2010-09-05
From: Wadleigh Stream Lean-to

To: Hurd Brook Lean-to
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: broken clouds

A Grand ReunionToday was the last big grind through the Hundred Mile Wilderness.Boo and Scout arrived at dusk last night and pitched their tent nearby. They are flip-flop thru-hikers from Texas and would return to Harpers Ferry for a southbound hike after summiting Katahdin in a few days. I enjoyed getting to know them and was uplifted by their positive vibe.I started the hike by chugging up Nesuntabunt Mountain. The climb was relatively short, but steep and coursed between huge boulders and ascended some impressive stone steps. The views from the summit of the surrounding lakes and Katahdin off to the north were inspiring.The trail then skirted the lakes below, crossing many a pine tree root. After grinding out the miles for hours, I arrived at Rainbow Ledges where the image of Katahdin loomed closer. I stopped a while and took many pictures.I arrived at the shelter at dusk. As I was crossing the stream below, I was assailed by familiar voices telling me that the shelter was full and that I should go elsewhere. My old compadres: Sherlock and Saguaro! I knew that I was a half day behind, but figured that they would be camping at Abol Bridge Campground, and didn't expect to catch them before reaching Katahdin. They were hiking with Aikido Joe. I remember sitting in a bar with a group of hikers that included Aikido Joe in Hot Springs, NC near the start of the odyssey. Aikido Joe and Saguaro were smoking celebratory cigars. Also at the campsite were Tequila John and Tillerman. After a bit, Boo and Scout rolled in and searched the area among the pines for a level tent site.I stopped and chatted for a while, and then set up my tent in the failing light. I cooked supper in the dark and crawled into my tent thereafter, as I wanted to get an early start for tomorrow when I would meet Ground Control and Kevin.Well, six white horses that you did promiseWere finally delivered down to the penitentiaryBut to live outside the law, you must be honestI know you always say that you agreeBut where are you tonight, sweet Marie?-Bob Dylan
Date: 2010-09-06
From: Hurd Brook Lean-to

To: Katahdin Stream Campground
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: few clouds

Reunited!I got up with my alarm for a change at 4:45 AM and started to break camp. I set out in the early morning light. Sherlock and Saguaro were peering bleary-eyed from their tents as I headed out. I mentioned that we could meet up at Abol Bridge, but I am not sure that it registered.I charged down the trail with determination. I passed a southbound hiker about a half mile from Abol Bridge who said that my family was waiting. They were about 40 minutes ahead of schedule!As I approached the trail, I could see a cooler and bulging plastic bags, a sure sign of trail magic! As I got closer, I recognized the cooler-hey, that is mine! In a few more yards, Ground Control and Kevin appeared and a joyful reunion ensued. This was the longest time that I was separated from Ground Control in the past 28 years; this proved to be the greatest hardship of the trail experience.After a bit, I realized how hungry I was having emerged onto the first paved road in the past one hundred miles. I shocked and amazed my family by how many beverages and snacks I could put away in a short interval of time. After a bit Tillerman and Tequila John showed up and displayed their calorie consumption prowess. They mentioned that Sherock, Saguaro, and Aikido Joe should be arriving within the next half hour or so. And, we had a real party going once they arrived. Kevin and Ground Control enjoyed getting to know these folks and GC was happy to see Sherlock and Saguaro again.Bellies full, the crew headed down to the store at Abol Bridge for dessert and a burger or two. After a bit, we were joined by Boo and Scout. Kevin decided to hike the final ten miles to Katahdin Stream Campground with me. It was a real treat for him to hike with Aikido Joe, Sherlock, and Saguaro as well. He had a brief, but intensive immersion into thru-hiker culture during the trip. The trail was fairly smooth, so the pace was brisk. We had a couple of interesting fords along the way. About a half mile before our destination, we were treated with a great view of Mt Katahdin. The sky was blue, the streams and waterfalls swift, and the forest green, and it was a great day to be alive.We arrived at site #25 by 4:30 and found that Ground Control had already set up the large tent-I was impressed! Kevin and I set up the fly over the picnic table and GC made supper. We prepared our pack and gear for the final assault that would begin early tomorrow morn.You lose yourself, you reappearYou suddenly find you got nothing to fearAlone you stand with nobody nearWhen a trembling distant voice, unclearStartles your sleeping ears to hearThat somebody thinksThey really found you-Bob Dylan
Date: 2010-09-08
To: Millinocket
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

VINCHERO!Reflections on Hiking the A.T.How does one characterize or define a six month journey traversing the Appalachian Trail?I discovered that it transcended a wilderness experience, and was more broadly, a pilgrimage, as Paul Simon once sang: "to look for America". The heart and soul of America lies not in its edifices, monuments, highways, and bridges, but in the folks who inhabit this great land: the hikers, the trail bums, the kind stranger who gives you a lift, the people living in the small towns, the hostel owners, the store clerks, the policeman, and the rest of the rich mosaic of humankind that one meets along the way. I have a deeper understanding of the spirit of This Land is Your Land and I believe that I have rambled with the ghosts of Woody Guthrie, Jack Kerouac, and John Steinbeck by my side. Sometimes you just have to put down that book, arise from the chair, put on a rucksack, and be.This adventure was unequivocally the most challenging undertaking of my life, and the most rewarding. I was living deliberately as I walked those 2,179 miles; scaling countless mountains, crossing rivers and streams, and living in the woods along the way. My mind, body, and soul were fully engaged during this quest. There were experiences that left me fragmented and disspirited, and there were peak moments when I was made whole. I've been deconstructed and resurrected, and now feel ready to carry on.Until the next adventure...Peace!Trail Epiphanies1) I was fatter than I thought.2) Simplify! Less is More.3) The last mile of the day is invariably the longest.4) Avoid battles, embrace peace, and you will be happier for it.5) I HATE bugs.6) Six months is a long time to be away from your home and loved ones.7) Hiking over 2,000 miles really messes up your feet.8) Seek out the good in each person that you meet.9) The A.T. is a great path to take when you want to discover America.10) I can be my own hero.All along the watchtower, princes kept the viewWhile all the women came and went, barefoot servants, too.Outside in the distance a wildcat did growl,Two riders were approaching, the wind began to howl.-Bob Dylan
Date: 2010-09-14
To: Lewisburg, PA
Miles today: 0.0

Pictures!Thanks to Beach Bum (A.T. '07) for the GOALS poster!I am gradually uploading pictures to this journal, so stop back from time to time and check them out.I am grateful for the all that have joined in for the adventure, and for the kind words posted in my guest book. I hope to attend the ALDHA Gathering in October and hope to see some of you there.Best wishes to all!Not all who wander are lost.-J.R.R. Tolkien
Date: 2010-11-12
To: It's Official!
Miles today: 0.0

It's Official!I was elated to receive my ATC certificate today. I have accumulated a number of certificates over the course of my life. Of this, I am the most proud.And...I picked up maps and a guide for the Loyalsock Trail today. I am looking forward to a three day backpacking adventure after Thanksgiving, just two weeks away!ATC CertificatePatch and 2,000 Mile RockerIt is possible to fail in many ways...while to succeed is possible only in one way.-Aristotle
Date: 2010-11-29
To: Loyalsock Trail Loop
Miles today: 0.0

Loyalsock RambleI just spent three great days walking a loop on the Loyalsock and Link Trails, starting and ending at Meade Road. I joined A.T. thru-hiker alumni Peanut, Powder River (GA->ME 2008), Storm, Rocket, and Baltimore Andy (GA->ME 2009). The weather was cold with temperatures dropping to the low 20's during the first night and snow on the following morning. The trail was spectacular and the hiker fellowship was a blast. A great time was had by all. Special thanks to Storm who carried a bottle of champagne to toast my thru at the Sones Pond encampment. Storm PeanutRocketBaltimore (Arbutus) AndyPowder River Making FireCrossing WaterHaving Fun!Peanut at Worlds End OverlookAt dawn my lover comes to me and tells me of her dreamsWith no attempt to shovel the glimpse into the ditch of what each one meansAt times I think there are no words but these to tell what's trueAnd there are not truths outside the Gates of Eden-Bob Dylan
Date: 2010-03-01
From: Springer

To: Hawk Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 7.8
Weather: overcast clouds

My grandfather dropped my friend Mike and I off at the FS 42 parking lot at around 10:30 am. We hike the .9 mile to summit of Springer to sign the register and take a few photos. We the headed north. The day was sunny and pleasant. We reached Hawk Mtn Shelter late afternoon and was surprised to find only two other hikers there considering the large crowd that was starting March 1. By dusk the shelter was full and the area around the shelter was full. After cooking dinner and turning in it began to snow around midnight, a heavy wet snow and it continued all night and most of the next day. I slept well in spite of all of the snoring from every direction. My first day went really well and I felt good about my hike.
Date: 2010-03-02
From: Hawk Mtn Shelter

To: Gooch Gap Shelter
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: snow

Woke to snow still falling. Hard to get out of the warm bag. Made breakfast and packed up and headed up the trail behind a crowd that really helped break trail in the deep snow. Missed the turn to Gooch Gap Shelter because of all of the snow but met some of the crowd abut a mile past the turn heading back because they had realized they had missed the turn also. Got to the shelter in time to find room in the loft with a fellow from KY with an 80# pack including full size Coleman stove with fuel and 300 slices of bacon. He had hung plastic on the walls to make it warmer inside. I was wet from sloshing through the snow and it really felt good. Later a section hiking father and his 10 year old son came in wet and cold and we squeezed them in the loft and KY fired up a heater. Really made their day.
Date: 2010-03-03
From: Gooch Gap Shelter

To: Gooch Gap Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Woke to cold and windy day with my shoes and socks frozen. The trail conditions had deteriorated and I elected to take a zero on only my 3rd day to thaw and dry my shoes, socks and pants. The wind chill was murder. KY stayed behind also.