morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2011-07-16
From: Edge of town

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

We decide to take a zero day and take advantage of the last town we walk through. We head back into town and get more free pastries from Lou's and then across the strew to Dartmouth Bookstore and get a free cup of coffee.   Went back to the PO and picked up a mail drop from Jim and Lisa, thank you guys for the food and card. We headed to the Green and hung out for a little bit and ran into other hikers, Road Dog and Half Ton. I went to the Bagel Basement and got a free bagel with cram cheese and two more to go. River Rat, Twigg, Hand Me Down and me went to Gusanos for lunch and got free ice cream at the ice cream shop on the same building. Went back to the tents and hung out for the rest of the day.
Date: 2011-07-18
From: Trapper John Shelter

To: Ramblers Rest
Miles today: 18.4

It rained a little lastnight and it looked like more rain this morning. Hit trail magic at Grant Brook, soda, it tasted so good. Had a 2100ft climb up Smarts Mtn and it started to rain. Made it to the summit and took a break at Fire Wardens Cabin Shelter while the rain passed. After that I headed towards Ore Hill Shelter, the goal for the day. Took a break at a road crossing and River Rat and Road Dog caught up to me. We hiked together and crossed Cape Moonshine Rd and a section hikers named Blink was there and offered us a ride to a swimming hole, which was great because it was another hot and muggy day, and back to his camp, Ramblers Rest. The swimming hole was great and then he gave us a ride to the general store and back to his camp. He is trying to get the word out to other hikers and eventually open a hostel. We sat around the fire for the night and went to bed, getting ready for the 3750ft climb up Mt Moosilauke tomorrow and into the White Mans.
Date: 2011-07-19
From: Ramblers Rest

To: Beaver Brook Shelter
Miles today: 16.2
Weather: clear sky

Blink dropped us off at the trailhead and we headed towards Glencliff, NH. A couple hours later we hit the road and went to the Hikers Welcome Hostel in Glencliff. River Rat did laundry and I charged my phone and drank soda. After a short break I left and began the climb up Mt Moosilauke. It was very steep, I hit above treeline and was excited. I could see the summit in the distance and other hikers standing on top. I reached the summit and the view was amazing. The temp was in the 60s and the wind was blowing, sky was clear. I sat with Road Dog and Hand Me Down and River Rat showed up a little later. We all sat there enjoying the view and excited to finally be in the White Mtns. After all the miles of walking and hearing about these mountains I am finally here and excited. We sat there for a couple of hours and went to the shelter and are tenting. The temperature is starting to drop a little and it feels great for the middle of July.
Date: 2011-07-20
From: Beaver Brook Shelter

To: Lonesome Lake Hut
Miles today: 14.9

Woke up this morning and the temp was great. But it didn't take long for the day to get hot and muggy. Had a steep climb down Mt Moosilauke. Made it to Eliza Brook Shelter and had lunch before the climb up South and North Kinsman Mtn. The climb was steep and sometimes was like rock climbing. Both peaks had amazing views, another clear day in the Whites, I hope it lasts. River Rat, Road Dog, Hand Me Down, Caveman and me made it to Lonesome Lake Hut and did work for stay. Regular guests pay around $90. I cleaned some dishes and got to stay for free. Bunkroom, awesome dinner and breakfast, sweet deal. I am going to try to stay at more huts through the Whites. We hung out by the lake and looked up at the next climbs. Little Haystack, Lincoln, Lafayette, and Garfield Mtns. It feels like I am on vacation right now, hanging around the hut.
Date: 2011-07-21
From: Lonesome Lake Hut

To: Lincoln, NH
Miles today: 2.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Woke up and had breakfast at the hut, eggs, oatmeal and cinnamon buns. Walked down to US3 with River Rat and Caveman, had a cooler with trail magic, fruit. Hitched into Lincoln and resupplied. Then we went to Chet's, he runs a hostel for hikers. Hung out the rest of the day while the heat wave was coming through. Just sitting still I was sweating. Went to the outfitter and to the pizza place with River Rat and Hand Me Down. Hung out the rest of the day and other hikers started showing up.
Date: 2011-07-22
From: Lincoln, NH

To: Galehead Hut
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: few clouds

Ate breakfast at Flapjacks and had blueberry pancakes. Took a shuttle back to Franconia Notch with Hand Me Down, River Rat and Caveman. The climb up to Franconia Ridge was another steep one. Made it up to Little Haystack Mtn and walked the ridge above the treeline across Mt Lincoln and Mt Lafayette. Great views all around, another great day. Made it to Galehead Hut. Did work for stay again with River Rat, Twigg, Hand Me Down, Caveman and Amish. Got some good dinner again.
Date: 2011-07-23
From: Galehead Hut

To: Ethan Pond Campsite
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: broken clouds

Had breakfast then left the hut and did a 1200ft climb in .8 miles up to South Twin Mtn, more amazing views. River Rat, Twigg, Hand Me Down and me made it to Zealand Falls Hut and had soup and bread. Swam in pools by the falls. Left and hiked on some flat terrain, the only section like that through the Whites. Took the side trail to to Thoreau Falls, pretty neat. Made it to the campsite but they are full, so we are stealth camping a bit further down the trail.
Date: 2011-07-24
From: Ethan Pond Campsite

To: Lakes of the Clouds Hut
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Left camp this morning and headed down into Crawford Notch. Then I had a 3800ft climb up Webster Cliffs, Mt Webster and Mt Jackson, more great views. Hit Mizpah Spring Hut with River Rat, Twigg and Hand Me Down and had soup. Left and climbed up above treeline and made it to Lakes of the Clouds Hut. Doing work for stay again. Sitting by the lake looking up at Mt Washington (6288ft) a mile and a half away.
Date: 2011-07-25
From: Lakes of the Clouds Hut

To: Osgood Campsite
Miles today: 10.3
Weather: fog

Ate breakfast at the hut and headed up to the summit of Mt Washington. It was somewhat clear but then clouds moved in. It is 45 degrees with a 38 degree wind chill. Hung out at the summit for a couple of hours at the snack bar. Saw the cog train come up the mountain. Headed to Madison Hut for soup. Had a climb up Mt Madison and a lot of rocks. After being above treeline for around 16 miles I finally came below treeline and made it to the campsite. Here with River Rat, Twigg, Hand Me Down and Blue.
Date: 2011-07-26
From: Osgood Campsite

To: Carter Notch Hut
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: fog

The rain finally came through lastnight. Left this morning and the hiking was pretty easy down to Pinkham Notch. Went to the visitor center and got lunch and some snacks. River Rat, Twigg and Hand Me Down decided to go to a hotel in town and I decided to push on. Climbed up Wildcat E, D, C and A. I just had limited views because of fog. Made it to the hut and I am the only one doing work for stay. The hut is by a pond and looks up at Wildcat A and Carter Dome.
Date: 2011-07-27
From: Carter Notch Hut

To: Rattle River Shelter
Miles today: 13.3
Weather: fog

Another great breakfast at the hut. Climbed out of Carter Notch and up to Carter Dome and Mt Hight, but had no views all day because of fog and clouds. Made it to the shelter. Twigg and Hand Me Down showed up, they slack packed from Pinkham Notch to the hostel in Gorham that I am going to tomorrow for a nero. The Whites are over now, I had a great time. Had great weather from Moosilauke to the base of Mt Washington. I think I gained weight after eating at all the huts. Now in only about 18 miles from Maine.
Date: 2011-07-28
From: Rattle River Shelter

To: White Mountains Hostel
Miles today: 1.9

Slept in this morning and headed to White Mountains Hostel. I have been hearing a lot from Soho's about this hostel and I wanted to male sure to stop. I am glad I did, for $25 I got a bunk, showers, laundry, shuttle to Wal Mart, shuttle for dinner and breakfast. I resupplied and hung out for the rest of the day and went to Mr Pizza for dinner.
Date: 2011-07-29
From: White Mountains Hostel

To: Carlo Col Shelter
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Had a good breakfast at the hostel and then headed out. The weather was hot again today with a chance of rain in the afternoon. Had some more hard sections of trail today and then I crossed into Maine. The final state, 13 down, 1 more to go. Made it to the shelter and the rain started, just sprinkling. The tent platforms are full so I am in the shelter tonight. Excited to be in Maine.
Date: 2011-07-30
From: Carlo Col Shelter

To: Speck Pond Shelter
Miles today: 9.5
Weather: few clouds

Had a late start this morning and a slow day. The trail in Maine so far has been mostly rocks and rock faces. With the rain lastnight everything is slippery and I fell twice today. I made it to Mahoosuc Notch which is the toughest mile on the AT. It is a huge pit of boulders. It took me one hour and twenty minutes to go just that one mile. But it was fun. Scrambling up and around rocks and there was still snow in some of the crevices. Then came the climb up Mahoosuc Arm, but luckily the sun came out and the rocks started to dry. I wanted to go further today but I ended short at the shelter. It has a great view overlooking Speck Pond and the surrounding mountains. I did work for stay, I believe this is the last pay shelter until Baxter State Park, I transplanted some young trees into a revegetation area.
Date: 2011-07-31
From: Speck Pond Shelter

To: Frye Notch Lean-To
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: clear sky

Had a late start this morning, didn't leave until 9:00. I was tired and the weather was cool so I decided to sleep in. I had the climb up Old Speck Mtn and then down into Grafton Notch. I climbed up Baldpate West and East Peak and had amazing views, the weather was great today. I am beginning to think that southern Maine is harder than the Whites. All the rocks, rock faces and the roots, feet are starting to hurt.
Date: 2011-08-01
From: Frye Notch Lean-To

To: Bemis Mtn Lean-To
Miles today: 23.3
Weather: light rain

Today was a long day, my longest ever as far as time. I hiked from 7-8:30. A lot of ups and downs today. I climbed down to Dunn Notch, up Wyman Mtn, down to Sawyer Notch, up Moody Mtn, down to South Arm Rd and then up Old Blue Mtn and Bemis Mtn. Got trail magic at South Arm Rd, some snacks, beer and soda. I am whooped tonight but I am trying to get to Rangeley, ME to get my new camera, the screen on my camera got moisture in it and I can't see the picture so Brittany mailed me a new one, and to get food. My resupply wasn't enough, southern Maine took longer than I thought.
Date: 2011-08-02
From: Bemis Mtn Lean-To

To: Little Swift River Pond Campsite
Miles today: 12.8
Weather: light rain

Slept in a little this morning. After leaving the shelter it started to sprinkle, but not for long. It ended up doing this off and on all day. I ran into a bunch of big, ripe blueberries and spent probably about 30 minutes picking them. The terrain was pretty easy today but I was a little slow today after yesterday. I saw a bunch of SOBO's today. Can't wait to get into Rangeley, ME and eat.
Date: 2011-08-03
From: Little Swift River Pond Campsite

To: Rangeley, ME
Miles today: 4.8
Weather: light rain

The hiking thus morning was easy, nice and flat. Made it to ME4 and hitched into Rangeley. I went to the PO and got my new camera from Brittany. I ate a late breakfast at Moosely Bagels, i got everything blueberry, muffin, scone and bagel. Checked into Town and Lake Motel on Rangeley Lake. There are float planes on the lake that do tours and I got to see one take off. I ran into Check List and we hung out the rest of the day. Had lunch at The Shed BBQ, which was really good. I did laundry at the laundromat and ate dinner at Sarges Pub. Just hung out the rest of the night and relaxed.
Date: 2011-08-04
From: Rangeley, ME

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Woke up and went to the IGA to resupply. I ran into Switchback there and he is staying in town today also. After that I went to Backcountry Outfitters and got a new pair of North Face trail runners. I really didn't want to get a new pair of shoes with only 220 miles left but my Merrells have 750 miles on them and the toe box is starting to come apart. When I got back to the motel I ran into Blue and Tanglefoot who had checked in. Went back to Sarges Pub for dinner and now im back at the motel getting ready to head back to the trail tomorrow.
Date: 2011-08-05
From: Rangeley, ME

To: Poplar Ridge Lean-To
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: overcast clouds

I took aadvantage of town and slept in as long as I could in a bed. I hit the trail head around 10. Climbed up to Saddleback Mtn and was back above treeline again. The weather was great and I had good views. Walked across the Horn and Saddleback Junior.
Date: 2011-08-06
From: Poplar Ridge Lean-To

To: Crocker Cirque Campsite
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Nothing to eventful today. Walked along Orbeton Stream for a little this morning. Climbed up Lone Mtn, Spaulding Mtn and Sugarloaf Mtn. Another great day for weather. Here with Tanglefoot and Blue.
Date: 2011-08-07
From: Crocker Cirque Campsite

To: Stratton, ME
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: light rain

Started the morning with a 1300ft climb up Sour Crocker Mtn in 1 mile and then across to North Crocker Mtn. Walked down to ME27 and hitched a ride with Blue into Stratton, ME. I had no reason to go into town, I have enough food and just left Rangeley two days ago, but a SOBO told me about a food challenge in Stratton and that's why I went. Blue and me got dropped off at the White Wolf Inn and Restaurant. We walked in and found out what the deal was. If you can eat three Wolf burgers plus the fries than you get them free. The Wolf burger is 1/2 lb burger with a sausage patty, bacon, cheese and mushrooms. So three of those plus 2lbs of fries in one hour. So we decided to give it a try and we both failed. I had half of a burger left and some fries left but I couldn't finish it. So we decided to stay in town and we split a room at the Inn. I am doing laundry right now and I feel like throwing up. Stratton is a small town, the book says it has a population of 368. Just a few motels and a small grocery. Ready to hit the trail tomorrow after I digest some burger.
Date: 2011-08-09
From: Stratton, ME

To: Little Bigelow Lean-To
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Hitched a ride back to the trail head and got started a little bit after 9. The trail was flat for a couple of miles but then came the climbs up the Bigelow's. South Horn, Bigelow Mtn West Peak and Avery Peak. Another day with great weather and good views. Climbed down and across Little Bigelow Mtn and to the shelter. I am the only one at the shelter tonight and there is a chance of rain so I am decididng to sleep in the shelter. I am excited to be out of the Bigelow's and getting into some flatter terrain.
Date: 2011-08-10
From: Little Bigelow Lean-To

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

I am glad I stayed in the shelter because it poured lastnight. Shortly after I left this morning it began to rain and kept up all day long. I heard loons at Flagstaff Lake and East Carry Pond. I made it to the shelter which is right on Pierce Pond. The rain stopped and I saw a loon close to the shore and got some views of the pond. Once again I am the only one here so I decide to stay in the shelter again, fearing more rain. As I write in my journal I am in my sleeping bag looking out at the pond and mtns in the background. I would have liked to have gone further today but the ferry across the Kennebec River(about 4 miles from here) stops at 4 and I wouldn't have been able to make it.
Date: 2011-08-11
From: Pierce Pond Lean-To

To: Bald Mountain Brook Lean-To
Miles today: 18.7

Heard loons lastnight and it ended up raining again. I left the shelter and when I passed the side trail to Harrison's Pierce Pond Camp I came to a creek and a small bull moose was wading through it eating weeds from the bottom of the creek, I got several pictures. I got to the Kennebec River and waited for the canoe to come pick me up. The guy was very friendly and talkative. As a side note the canoe is actually considered an official part of the AT. Hikers have died trying to ford the river because of the dam upstream that randomly releases water, so the ATC(Appalachian Trail Conservancy) and the MATC(Maine Appalachian Trail Club) pay for the ferry service. I crossed the river and went into Caratunk to the PO. The lady that works at the PO had some trail magic out for the hikers, oatmeal and banana cake. The town is very small and the downtown section is the PO, that's it. Thank you Brittany, Jim and Lisa, Dad and Mark for the mail drops. I have a ton of food, almost enough to get me to Katahdin. It rained a little in the afternoon and I had the climb up Pleasant Pond Mtn. I fell 3 times on the way down because of slippery rocks. I had to ford a stream and walk across a beaver dam to get to the shelter. Tonight I am camping by the river in front of the shelter.
Date: 2011-08-12
From: Bald Mountain Brook Lean-To

To: Monson, ME
Miles today: 22.1
Weather: clear sky

Left early this morning and had a climb up Moxie Bald Mtn, which had great views of surrounding mtns and Bald Mtn Pond. That was the only climb of the day, the trail was pretty flat but full of rocks, roots and mud. I also had to ford 3 rivers. I just walked right in the water since my shoes were already wet, no need to take them off. I got trail magic, soda, from Strider a past thru hiker. I made it to Monson, the last town close to the trail. I am staying at Shaw's, famous for its AYCE breakfast. Tanglefoot and Blue are here and we went to the local bbq restaurant for dinner. At the general store there is a blue grass band playing. Monson is another small town on a lake. Two hostels, PO, general store and the bbq restaurant, thats about it. I am back at Shaw's now resting, my feet are killing me. Being in wet shoes all day, slipping in mud and stepping on rocks and roots doesn't help.
Date: 2011-08-13
From: Monson, ME

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I woke up this morning and ate the famous breakfast at Shaw's. I ordered 3, that is 3 of everything, pancakes, eggs, sausage, bacon and home fries. Tanglefoot and Blue pushed on this morning and I took a zero. I relaxed today and hung around town. I am excited for tomorrow. There is only 114 miles left. Tomorrow I will enter the 100 mile wilderness and then summit Katahdin, I don't know what else to say. I don't think I could put into words how I feel right now.
Date: 2011-08-14
From: Monson, ME

To: Long Pond Stream Lean-To
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: broken clouds

Had breakfast again at Shaw's, ordered 3. Got dropped off at the trail head at 9. Then I entered the 100 mile wilderness. Hiking was fairly easy today with one good view back down to a pond that I hiked around before the climb up to the no name hill/mtn. I made it to the shelter and am here with D Knob, a flip flopper. He hiked north to Pennsylvania then jumped up to Katahdin and is hiking south back to Pennsylvania. I currently have less than 100 miles to go.
Date: 2011-08-15
From: Long Pond Stream Lean-To

To: Carl A Newhall Lean-To
Miles today: 20.8
Weather: light rain

Started the morning with a climb up to Barren Ledges and Barren Mtn. This continued for most of the day. Fourth Mtn, Third Mtn, Columbus Mtn and Chairback Mtn. My weather radio said it was 100% humidity today and I believe it, I was covered in sweat all day. Rain started at 11:00 and has been going all day. More rock, roots and mud.
Date: 2011-08-16
From: Carl A Newhall Lean-To

To: Cooper Brook Falls Lean-To
Miles today: 18.9
Weather: light rain

It rained lastnight and I had to pack up everything wet. Shortly after leaving the rain set in again. I had some more climbing to do this morning. Gulf Hagas Mtn, West Peak, Hay Mtn and White Cap Mtn. There was supposed to be a view of Katahdin on the way down from Whitecap but because of the rain and fog I could see nothing. After coming down the mountain the profile looks pretty flat until Katahdin but I hear from SOBOs that it is a lot of walking through bogs and still rocks.
Date: 2011-08-17
From: Cooper Brook Falls Lean-To

To: Wadleigh Stream Lean-To
Miles today: 21.5
Weather: clear sky

Woke up lastnight and the moon was lighting up the forest, I didn't even need my headlamp. Actually woke up to the sun and blue skies. It lasted all day and my gear was able to finally dry out after the last couple days of rain. The day went by quick, walking in the sun through the woods. I got to Jo-Mary Rd (a logging road) and there was trail magic. Giggles, a thru hiker from last year, and her boyfriend Ryan had all sorts of food. They grilled me hot dogs and an egg, plus I got some fruit, candy and soda. I hiked by Pemadumcook Lake and got my first view of Katahdin. It was amazing and it looks huge way off in the distance. Also, I got to see three loons in the lake. Made it to the shelter, just cooking dinner. Im ready to get some different food. Pasta and rice sides with tuna is starting to get old after almost 5 months.
Date: 2011-08-18
From: Wadleigh Stream Lean-To

To: Hurd Brook Lean-To
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Left this morning and climbed up Nesuntabunt Mtn and had another view of Katahdin. The walking was easier today, mostly flat but still full of rocks and roots. I saw another bull moose today after lunch wading in a small pond. Hiked across Rainbow Ledges and had some of the best blueberries on the trip, they were really ripe. Special Delivery showed up at the shelter tonight. Laws time I saw him was in New York.
Date: 2011-08-19
From: Hurd Brook Lean-To

To: The Birches Lean-To
Miles today: 13.4

I tried to sleep in this morning, knowing that I had a short day ahead of me. I hiked the first few miles to Abol Bridge and the campstore. Special Delivery was there already and Humpty Dumpty and Vegan showed up a little later. We all sat around for a few hours eating some ford and drinking some beer as an early celebration. I left in the early afternoon and finished hiking to Katahdin Stream Campground and to the ranger station. I checked in and found out that I was hiker 159 to summit. Special Delivery and Captain Planets parents met them there and came to the long distance hikers lean-to with us. They had food and beer for us. We made a fire and all sat around talking about stories on the trail and what were doing when we get home, etc. Drum Solo shows up later after doing a 33 mile day. It looks like it will be Special Delivery, Captain Planet, Humpty Dumpty, Drum Solo and me summiting tomorrow.