morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-06-13
From: Andover, ME

To: Bemis Mountain Lean-To
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: light rain

Very tough day today. Woke up at 6:30, and David, the caretaker at Pines Ellis Hostel, gave me a ride to the trail head. It was raining steadily. Had been all night. Perfect day to zero and stay in bed. But I had to make miles if I want to reach my summit date.It rained for the first three and a half hours of the day, and then the trees dripped the rest of the morning and into early afternoon. The conditions on the trail couldn't have gotten much worse. I walked in a stream most of the day. Steep, long climbs and descents over wet rocks and running water. My feet were wet all day. I fell five times. One of my falls was onto a broken, pointed tree branch that stuck me in my side. It felt like the wind was knocked out of me. It happened in the afternoon, and I winced in discomfort for the last five miles. I don't think I have any internal bleeding, but I certainly bruised the muscle tissue near my ribs. Hoping I'll feel better tomorrow.Had some late afternoon sun, and I was able to dry some of my gear out. It's supposed to be sunny for the next couple of days.Tonight I'm in the shelter with D and his friend and Swagman. Ate a double dinner, and I know my stomach will be growling in a couple of hours. 19 miles in 13 hours. Long day in Maine.
Date: 2012-06-14
From: Bemis Mountain Lean-To

To: Piazza Rock Lean-to
Miles today: 19.5
Weather: clear sky

Got a late start today. Slept well. Hit the trail by 8:15. My side still hurt from yesterday's fall. The day was sunny and cool, but I struggled to move quickly. The rocks were still slick, and the trail was still wet from yesterday's rain.About halfway through the day my left shin started barking, almost out of nowhere. The good news is that my side started to feel a little better. However, it hurts when I laugh or cough.Hiked some flatter miles today in Maine, but the trail was covered in roots, mud, and Moose poop. Fell a few times. Passed by Sabbath Day Pond. It was a beautiful pond, but it was impossible to stop and admire the beauty because of the mosquitoes.Found a clearing in the trees near a power line and was able to eat lunch in relative peace. The breeze kept the black flies at bay.Caught Goose and Groundhog. They had stopped in Rangely for resupply.
Date: 2012-06-15
From: Piazza Rock Lean-to

To: Spaulding Mtn. Lean-to
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: few clouds

Hit the trail today about 7:15. Another beautiful, sunny, cloudless day. That's two great days in a row. Climbed Saddleback Mtn. and had excellent views of Maine. We were above treeline for several miles.Hiked with Goose and Groundhog today. It was nice to hike with friends after two days of hiking solo.Took an hour and a half lunch break. The climbs today weren't too hard. The downhills were hard though.The good news is that my left shin didn't bother me. My right side, where I landed on the tree branch, continues to bother me. I wince in pain when I take a deep breath, laugh, cough, or generally use those muscles. I think i bruised or cracked a rib. Surprisingly it didn't bother me too much during today's hike. Tonight it feels a little better.Town today tomorrow. Only 14 miles into Stratton. Looking forward to getting my new pair of shoes. My current ones have several gaping holes in them. Also looking forward to eating ridiculous amounts of food. Only ten more days on the trail. Have enjoyed this journey of a lifetime, but I'm ready to stop hiking. Looking forward to seeing my parents in Baxter State Park.
Date: 2012-06-16
From: Spaulding Mtn. Lean-to

To: ME 27/ Stratton, ME
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: broken clouds

Got started about 6:15 this morning. Tough day. Hung with Goose and Groundhog for most of the day, but it was hard to keep up with them during the technical stuff, the rocky, rooty trail.Had a tough climb up South Crocker Mtn. The climb down into Stratton wasn't either easy. But now I'm in Stratton. We got a hitch into Stratton, and now I'm staying at the Stratton Motel & Hostel.My side still hurts. Still think I might have a bruised or cracked rib.We're going to resupply and enjoy some town food and then hit the trail tomorrow morning.
Date: 2012-06-17
From: ME 27/ Stratton, ME

To: Little Bigelow Lean-to
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: clear sky

Woke up around 6:45 to the smell of bacon frying. Groundhog had gotten up about six and started cooking some breakfast. Ate a huge breakfast and a leisurely morning. Goose, Groundhog, and I decided to push our shuttle to the trail head back to 10:30 to allow our food to digest, hydrate properly, call our fathers on Father's Day, and watch a little Sportscenter.Around 9:30 Moses showed up. He had hitched into town. Moses had been chasing us since Hanover, NH, where he'd had to take four zero days to let a bacterial infection in his foot properly heal. Moses had just enough time to resupply, shower, and get some breakfast before Sue, the owner, gave us a shuttle.Sue dropped us off at the trail head about 10:45. She mentioned that she'd heard on the  news that a northbound thru-hiker had drowned at Pierce Pond. Police had not yet released the name. We hoped it was no one we knew, and we knew of most of the people in front us. We were anxious to talk to Southbounders to find out what happened.The first two miles were pretty flat on really nice terrain: dirt and pine needles. Then we started our climb up to Bigelow Mountain. Long, slow climb up the mountain, but we had outstanding views at the top. Sugarloaf ski resort was across from us, and we could see the entirety of Flagstaff Lake. As we traversed the high ridges today, we ran into Southbounders who were able to give us details about what happened at Pierce Pond. Eventually, I met a southbound thru-hiker named Eagle Food. She had been at Pierce Pond on Friday night when the drowning occurred. She shared the details with us and confirmed the identity of the victim. Not sure if the police have revealed the name of the victim, but I won't until the name is released. Suffice it to say that it was someone in his early twenties. It's simply tragic. My thoughts and prayers go out to the victim's family. News like this reminds me of how precious life is and how often I take each day for granted. Hope to fully live my remaining days on the trail in order to appreciate this experience.After a tough day I'm at a shelter tenting. There are several Southbounders here. We're hitting the bubble of Southbound thru-hikers, and I expect the shelters to be full or near capacity from now on.Passed 2,000 miles today. Feels great, but I'm really tired.
Date: 2012-06-19
From: Pierce Pond Lean-to

To: Moxie Bald Lean-to
Miles today: 22.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Woke up to another cloudy day around 6:00. Hit the trail by 7:10. Made it to the Kennebec River by 8:40. The Kennebec is different from every other river, creek, or stream that the AT crosses. At the Kennebec you actually take a free canoe ferry across the river. It's the official AT trail; there's even a painted white blaze to satisfy purists. So today Mav and I were the first ones across from the south side. I paddled in the bow (front), Mav sat in  the middle, and our ferry guide paddled the stern (back). It took about sixty seconds to cross the river. It's only about sixty to seventy yards wide, but it sure beats fjording the river.From that point forward we hiked a little under twenty miles. Two big climbs. It was a long day. The sun came out by noon just like yesterday. We had good views from Moxie Bald Mtn. I'm renting near the shelter with a lot of SOBOs (Southbounders). Still traveling with Maverick, Goose, Groundhog, D, and Moses. Town day tomorrow. Will start early.
Date: 2012-06-20
From: Moxie Bald Lean-to

To: Monson, ME/ Lakeshore House Lodging
Miles today: 17.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Woke up at 4:40 and hit the trail by 5:45. Caught Groundhog at the first fjord. Goose caught us at the second fjord. We had three total fjords. The deepest fjord was up to my knees, but the current wasn't too swift.Terrain was relatively flat for the AT, and we made decent time, more than two miles per hour factoring in breaks, three fjords, and chatting with multiple SOBOs. Got trail magic twice yesterday. The first time we came upon some Whoopie pies, oranges, and granola. The second time we came upon a cooler full of orange and pineapple juice.Stayed at the Lakeshore House and Pub. Nice place but it was very hot last night. No AC. Ate dinner at the pub. Solid food.
Date: 2012-06-21
From: Monson, ME/ Lakeshore House Lodging

To: Cloud Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 19.1
Weather: overcast clouds

It rained pretty hard last night. Very humid night. The hostel was really hot. No AC. Had a great breakfast at Shaw's this morning. Hit the trail by 9:00 am. Trail was challenging today. Three fjords. A tough climb in the heat and the humidity of the afternoon. Highs were in the low 80s, but the humidity made it seem much warmer. My shirt and shorts were soaked through with perspiration. Mosquitoes were worse than they've been in the last couple of weeks. They're probably sensing some thru-hikers are almost done and don't want to let us go without saying goodbye. Had excellent views from the Barren Ledges. Even had 3G coverage. Sharing the shelter with Moses, Groundhog, Goose, D, and Tolstoy. I've been reading Tolstoy's entries in the shelter logs for the entire journey. It was nice to finally meet him. Maverick hasn't gotten here. We think he's staying one shelter back.One of my sandals came off during my third fjord attempt. It floated downstream and went into the hydraulic. It stuck there for a while. Eventually, it came out and floated downstream into an eddy where I retrieved it.
Date: 2012-06-22
From: Cloud Pond Lean-to

To: Logan Brook Lean-to
Miles today: 24.0
Weather: clear sky

Had a terrible night's sleep. It was hot, but the bugs forced me to zip up my bag. Sweated all night long. Should have tented. Never really dried off from all of yesterday's sweating.Woke up today about six and hit the trail by 7:30. Much of today was a slog. The heat and humidity zapped me and many of my companions of most of our energy. Hiked lots of ups and downs in the morning. The terrain was tough enough that I could never get a good pace going. Caught Groundhog before climbing Chairback Mtn., and we hiked together for most of the day. The trail eased up a bit as we headed down into a river valley to do our fjord. Groundhog and I had hoped to eat lunch by the river, but we heard thunder in the distance. I had just enough time to treat my water, fjord the river, and get packed up before the rain came. It rained pretty hard for about forty minutes. I completely soaked, but most things in my pack were pretty dry. The rain was actually a huge positive. It really cooled things down and allowed a late day climb up Whitecap Mtn. to be bearable. Groundhog and climbed roughly 2500 ft. to the Whitecap summit. This was our last climb over 1,000 ft. with the exception of Katadhin. We made it to the shelter around 8:10 pm. About thirteen hours for twenty-four miles. A brutal day in the 100 mile Wilderness.Today was a tough day for me physically and mentally. I didn't rinse off any of the salt buildup on my body yesterday, and I paid for it today with some significant chafing. I learned my lesson and took a quick bath in a creek near the shelter even though the water was cold.Mentally I'm ready to be done. It's even harder to stay positive when it's so hot and my body is chafing. Plus, I'm really tired. I had a strong desire to get off the AT today. If the right opportunity had presented itself, I might have gotten off for a day or two. Yes, even with just three days left in my journey, the mental game on the AT is tough to master! But now lying in my tent, I know that I have gotten over the hump. Even though it's supposed to be really buggy and boggy tomorrow, I know I will finish.
Date: 2012-06-23
From: Logan Brook Lean-to

To: Whitehouse Landing Hostel
Miles today: 25.4

Hit the trail by 7:15. Started out hiking with Groundhog, and we caught Goose at the first stream crossing. He had gotten up early to fish. Today the trail was like a highway, relatively flat by AT standards and devoid of the obstacles that make walking fast difficult. Our group made great time. We hiked about 23 miles in just over ten hours with plenty of breaks and an especially long lunch break. Goose caught three trout in front of Cooper lean-to. It was hilarious watching D kill the fish by bashing their heads with a stick. Goose intended to eat the fish, so D was only putting the fish out of their misery sooner.In the afternoon on the way to the shelter I caught my left shoe on a root sticking up and took a nice tumble. I was okay, but my shoe wasn't. The front half of the shoe almost completely tore to the sole. So that means that almost all the fabric covering and protecting the front of my foot was now torn. I could easily see my sock. It was definitely an "Oh no" moment.Surprisingly I had little trouble hiking the remaining four miles to the shelter, though my foot did flop out of my shoe once.When I got to the shelter, everyone inspected the damage and offered advice. I was concerned about hiking further on the shoe and having it blow out completely, leaving me stranded in the remaining portion of the 100 mile Wilderness. Groundhog offered to do some sewing.  A Southbounder named War Wagon suggested I create a protective bootie made out of duct tape to put over my sock to protect my feet. D suggested I go to Whitehouse Landing, a hostel 1.2 miles off the trail, to see if I could get a ride into Millinocket. In AWOL's guidebook there was an outfitter named Maine Woods Gear. So I decided the most prudent thing to do was go to the hostel to see if I could generate more options.I left the shelter around 6:00 pm, and thirty minutes later I started hearing thunder. I thought I was going to get poured on, but the thunderstorm missed me, and I only got some rain. I hiked an extra 1.2 miles off the trail to a part of a lake. Once there I blew an air horn to let the hostel owner, who lived across the lake, to come get me in his boat. Within about seven minutes he picked me up in his boat and brought me to the other side of the lake. He wasn't very friendly. Apparently I had interrupted his dinner. He told me that Maine Woods Gear had closed, and that the closest store that would sell shoes was 90-100 miles away. He showed me the bunkhouse, turned on the light, and then left to finish his dinner.I was a little discouraged, but I knew the AT was a special place. I was hoping that perhaps one of the names listed under "shuttle" in the guidebook could help me out.I took a nice shower, cooked some dinner, and then settled into my sleeping bag for a good night's sleep.
Date: 2012-06-25
From: Rainbow Spring Campsite

To: The Birches Lean-to
Miles today: 21.1

Hit the trail by 6:30 this morning. This morning's hike to Abol Bridge was more of the rocky, rooty, and muddy trail I've been walking for most of Maine. There were a few ups and downs, but it was mostly flat. It didn't rain much throughout the day even though the forecast was  calling for 80% chance of rain.Today was a tough day in Matt's boots. I slipped off a rock and into a creek that I was trying to rock hop. Then later in the morning I slipped off a plank and fell on my side. Landed in some marshy grass, so I only got wet.Ate some lunch at the campstore and talked to some SOBOs. Eventually I headed up the AT to do my last 9.5 miles before climbing Mt. Katadhin. The first four miles were flat and easy. Then during the last five miles, the AT reverted back to its typical form. I spent thirty minutes trying to fjord the first stream and got mostly wet below my waist. By the second fjord I was really frustrated. My feet had been wet most of the day and were chafing and causing discomfort. The thought of getting my feet wet again and having to sit down and allow the mosquitoes to feast on my body while I took off my boots was really getting to me. Eventually I discovered a path through the rocks and managed not to slip off the rock into the stream.The remaining three miles were a three mile mosquito survival course. I got bitten at least thirty times today and that's with several applications of deet, including some 99% deet.Eventually made it to Katadhin Stream Campground and reunited with Goose, Groundhog, and D. They had summited today. It had turned out to be a pretty decent day. The rain held off until this evening. I was a little disappointed I couldn't summit with them.D and Goose pushed on to Millinocket, so I said goodbye to them. Groundhog decided to stay at the Birches shelter, so I camped here with him. Mav showed up as well. Moses is back at Abol Bridge with his girlfriend. Weather doesn't look very good for the next few days. Maybe it won't be as bad as it's supposed to be. Hoping to summit on Tuesday or Wednesday.
Date: 2012-06-26
From: The Birches Lean-to

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

It rained all night again. Woke up to more rain this morning. Met my parents at Katadhin Stream Campground around 8:45. My dad had the updated forecast, and it was calling for rain most of the day including thunderstorms from 10-12. We decided to wait to summit Mt. Katadhin until tomorrow.We dropped Groundhog off at Abol Bridge so he could make up the miles that he missed yesterday. Staying in town with my parents. Had lunch with Mav and then went back to the park to pick up Groundhog and drop off Moses. My parents are treating everyone to dinner tonight.Now on the eve of summiting I have mixed emotions. I'm so thankful to be out of the mosquito-infested woods and to be sleeping in a bed, but I'm also melancholy about leaving my new friends on the trail. As a way to wrap up my experience, I've decided to list some things I will be glad to leave behind and list some things I will truly miss. Here goes:Things I'm Glad To Leave Behind.- Fjording rivers; I was particularly bad at this and usually wound up more wet than others- Getting bitten 40 times a day by mosquitoes throughout the 100 Mile Wilderness- Slipping and falling on wet rocks, roots, and planks-Using the bathroom in privies- Digging deep in my pack to find my spoon- Putting on wet socks on the morning- Walking in wet shoes and socks almost everydayThings I'll Miss- Summiting a mountain and enjoying the view.Seeing the shelter after a long day on the trail.The feeling of a hot shower after four or five days in the woods.Eating ridiculous amounts of food in town.Eating whatever you want and still losing weight.The satisfaction that comes from hiking a hard day.Meeting interesting people on the trail.Hiking alone.Hiking with friends.Dreaming about finishing.Eating lunch in the sun.
Date: 2012-06-27
From: Millinocket, ME

To: Mt. Katadhin
Miles today: 5.2

Well, I finished the AT. Started my hike around 9:30 that morning and summited Mt. Katadhin around 1:15 with my dad. It was a brutal climb in challenging conditions. Three straight days of rain meant the trail was a stream for large portions of the ascent.  There wasn't much time for emotion at the summit as conditions were rapidly deteriorating. It was raining pretty hard. My dad and I only spent a few minutes at the top, before heading down. We didn't know how long it would take to come down, and we were concerned about hypothermia. But we made it to the parking lot safely in about four hours, making a round trip time of eight hours. My dad was the hero today. His knees hurt the whole way down, but he never faltered.Mt. Katadhin is certainly a challenging climb and arguably the toughest climb on the AT. It definitely took all I had to finish. Looking back, the last week was probably the toughest part of my journey with the mosquitoes, excessive rain, and fjords on swollen creeks. I'm glad I'm done, and only a small part of me is melancholy about the journey being over. I will miss the trail community, my traveling companions, and the many friendships I forged on the trail. My hike is over, and I will return to the working world in a few short weeks. My heartfelt thanks to the countless individuals who read my journal and the people who sent words of encouragement and congratulations throughout my journey. I couldn't have done it without your support.In the final analysis my hike exceeded my expectations. It was the journey of a lifetime that provided joy, excitement, suspense, challenges, and some misery, but it was worth every step.
Date: 2011-12-29
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Tomorrow: city bus to Amtrak Station to Washington D.C. to Gainesville, GA. From Gainesville, taxi or hitch to Amicalola Falls State Park. Weather should be mild for the start on New Year's day from the approach trail. Cat is boarded with long cat-suffering offspring. Bills are paid. All systems are go.
Date: 2012-01-02
From: Springer Mt.

To: Hawk Mt. Shelter
Miles today: 8.4

Here at Hawk Mt. with Tom and Brenda Carrington, Mister and Porcupine and Blackjack. In bed by 6:40 pm. Very cold. It is supposed to get down to 12d. tonight. Porcupine said it's now snowing.
Date: 2012-01-03
From: Hawk Mt. Shelter

To: Gooch Mt. Shelter
Miles today: 7.6

Met Malto trail running. He hiked the Pacific Crest Tral last year in 100 days. This was a hard day: Three mountains in a row. Left Hawk Mt. at 8:30 am. Arrived here 3:45pm. Mister and Porcupine show up. They say Tom and Breanda might get off the trail. It feels colder here than it did last night. Tom and Brenda do not show up.
Date: 2012-01-04
From: Gooch Mt. Shelter

To: Woody Gap
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: clear sky

It warmed up this morning: clear, cold, sunny. Staying at the beautiful Hiker Hostel. Filled up on hiker food left in the hiker box. Spoke with offspring. Porcupine and Mister came in. No other guests here - yet. For the last two days I've been carrying a quart of ice. My water bottle froze over night, and I've had to drink from streams - without water purification.
Date: 2012-01-06
From: Woods Hole Shelter

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 3.7
Weather: clear sky

Nice sunny morning. Picked up my food box. Will relax here and head out at the crack of dawn. Was on the trail today at 7:30 a.m. Porcupine and Miister took a break here then moved on Second Stage is here with Doc rocket. Winter Walker is here. Next morning: It was a tortuous night. We were a snorer, a screamer in an environmental dungeon.
Date: 2012-01-07
From: Neels Gap

To: Whitley Gap Shelter
Miles today: 7.4
Weather: light rain

Met five local day hikers coming out of Whitley Gap on the blue Blazed Trail. They assured me the shelter is in good shape; no bears and no one will bother me. The shelter is 1.2 miles off the A.T. Shortley after I arrived, a day hiker with a camera around his neck and an English accent wandered into camp. I found the shelter area all cleaned up...even the fire pit was clean. Someone had thoughtfully strewn pine boughs over the shelter floor. Water from the spring came gushing out of a PVC pipe. Spent the evening peacefully solo.
Date: 2012-01-08
From: Whitley Gap Shelter

To: Low Gap
Miles today: 5.8
Weather: light rain

Rain sprinkled all day. Put on and took off rain gear three times. It was too hot to hike in rain gear. Started raining heavier just before I got here. This place is always trashed. Thought I'd be by myself, but a section hiker, 29 years old and a tobacco chewer, showed up. Had the company of a mouse, plus the conversationalist. Spent a restful night.
Date: 2012-01-11
From: Tray Mt. Shelter

To: Deep Gap
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: moderate rain

Hiked in rain all day; it even hailed on top of Kelly Knob. Sun poked through, again, for about five minutes. Miister and Porcupine are here. We are sleeping in the loft and hanging wet gear below. All my gear is damp, wet, and dirty. Into Hiawassee tomorrow.