morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2018-08-14
From: ME 4/Mile 1970.5

To: Poplar Ridge shelter/Mile 1981.2
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: light rain

Initially the day¢s hike started as if we were walking in the clouds ¢ humid/misty and little visibility.  The first hour was relatively flat and pleasant and then we had long climb up Saddleback Mountain.  Mist, rain and wind picked up especially as we passed over treeline.  Gbolt and I had over a mile of climbing over exposed rock slabs through scrub vegetation until we reached the summit. Then we descended, ran into Badass Betty. This was followed by a climb up The Horn.  Weather was still rainy and breezing with little visibility.After reaching summit of The Horn the descent was long, steep, and difficult ¢ treacherous at times.  We stopped most of the way down the descent for lunch, which was hard to enjoy because of cold and wet.  Dean Archer caught up with us, then Lil Blue and Bearfoot. Although I was soaked to the bone, I added a rain layer for warmth.The descent continued and the we had to climb Saddleback Junior. Bearfoot climbed and summited with Gbolt and me. There were tough sections but easier than The Horn, as was the descent. Just after summit, I took a fall forward that seems to have bruised my chest.We arrived at Poplar Ridge where the ¢lean-to¢ was full of hikers who decided to hole up there for the day including Sailor & Snowshoe and some southbounders. Gbolt and I decided to call it a day. The rain had stopped. The day had been hard, we were very wet, we didn¢t know if rain would return (we could setup while it wasn¢t raining), and this was our planned stopping point for the day anyway.The shelter area was very busy as both north and southbound hikers stopped to tent and hammock. Blue and Bearfoot decided to stay. Betty came in while we were all having dinner. I was relieved to see her arrive safely.  Wet and cold, I needed to get in my tent. BHMHow to follow RTK:Blog:  http://www.rtkchallenge.com/bl...YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channe...Podcast:  http://returningtokatahdin.lib...Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/rtk_...Please consider joining the "RTK AT Challenge":  https://fundraise.appalachiant...
Date: 2018-08-15
From: Poplar Ridge shelter/Mile 1981.2

To: So. Branch Carrabassett River campsite/Mile 1994.3
Miles today: 13.1

Some rain overnight so I had to pack up a wet tent. Gbolt and I got started before 7:00. The sky was clearing and it looked to be a good day. We had a 3-mile descent to a stream and after filtering some water we ran into Geo and Summit at the waterfalls. Then we hiked Lone Mountain. A good climb but the trail was easier ¢ fewer rocks and roots.  Wooded summit, so no views.We then had a modest descent and an easy two miles to the Spaulding Mountain lean-to for lunch. After a few minutes, Sailor & Snowshoe joined us. We then had a climb over Spaulding Mountain ¢ interrupted by a thunderstorm. Again, no views. Shortly thereafter we reached a bronze plaque commemorating the completion of the Appalachian Trail with the completion of that section of the trail in Maine. Coincidentally, this year, that spot also marks where northbound thru-hikers like me have 200 miles left to hike to reach the summit of Katahdin and the end of the AT. The trail continued with no additional climbing to the shoulder of Sugarloaf Mountain (a ski resort mountain).The day ended with a two-mile descent from Sugarloaf to the S. Carrabassett River. What we did not expect was the severe, difficult, rocky nature of the climb down. It was so precarious at times that working out a path down and slowly executing it to avoid dangerous falls was much like the work required at Mahoosuc Notch. Finally, Gbolt and I navigated the descent without incident ¢ thankfully.We were tired, but in reaching the river we had also reached the camping area for the night. We ran into and tented and enjoyed dinner with Bearfoot and Lil Blue (and two southbounders). Tired, I crawled into my tent a little after 8:00 pm. We had severe thunderstorms that evening from 10:30 to midnight. BHMHow to follow RTK:Blog:  http://www.rtkchallenge.com/bl...YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channe...Podcast:  http://returningtokatahdin.lib...Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/rtk_...Please consider joining the "RTK AT Challenge":  https://fundraise.appalachiant...
Date: 2018-08-16
From: So. Branch Carrabassett River campsite/Mile 1994.3

To: ME 27 - Stratton/Mile 2002.7
Miles today: 8.4
Weather: scattered clouds

The prior night involved a significant thunderstorm and hard rain.After breaking camp we had two easy miles then a significant climb up to North & South Crocker Mountains. Tough ascent but good trail (not many crazy rock climbs and a better graded trail). Down and then back up to North Crocker. Few views but the weather was clearing and the sun was coming out.Then we had a long, gradual downhill all the way to the road where we would go into Stratton for resupply. Expecting a nice trail I became very frustrated by the rocks, roots, water and mud that coveted 2 or 3 miles of the trail. There was little ascent/descent but the constant lifting and maneuvering of each step without making much progress became tedious. I fell a few times with the wet conditions, but nothing significant. My patience ran thin and I was eager to be done.  Towards the end we did get some relief with a decent trail.Stratton Motel (Trout) picked us up around 2:00 and brought us to town (5 miles). Gbolt and I spent the afternoon doing resupply, laundry, drying our equipment, pack organization as well as enjoying some town food ¢ deli sandwiches for lunch and burgers for dinner. We visited with a Maine section hiker and Dreamcatcher. Chairman (from Zealand Hut) was there as well as some thru and some section hikers.BHMHow to follow RTK:Blog:  http://www.rtkchallenge.com/bl...YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channe...Podcast:  http://returningtokatahdin.lib...Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/rtk_...Please consider joining the "RTK AT Challenge":  https://fundraise.appalachiant...
Date: 2018-08-17
From: ME 27 - Stratton/Mile 2002.7

To: Safford Notch/Mile 2013.1
Miles today: 10.4

Trout dropped Gbolt and me at the trailhead around 7:30 am. After a very pleasant 2-mile hike on a beautiful morning we started the climb up to the Bigelow Range. We were told these peaks were the last difficult climbs in Maine ¢ and therefore on the rest of our journey. The trail was not overly rocky/rooty and the grade was reasonable for the amount of elevation gain.We reached the South Horn by 9 am and then moved on to the West Peak of Bigelow Mountain, which again was tough but the trail was easier than many we¢ve encountered. We had an early lunch and did a Mighty Blue interview at the West Peak. The day was sunny, blue skies and slightly overcast -the views were excellent. Then onto Avery Peak, which involved a tougher ascent (larger boulders) but only .5. We visited with some section hikers at the peak and then headed down.The descent from Avery Peak was long (over 2 miles) and difficult. Rain seemed to be coming, so we called it a day at 4:30 at the Safford Notch campsite. We got things setup, water filtered and dinner cooked before the rain ( very hard) hit.Overall this was a great day of hiking. I had been down emotionally in Stratton thinking about another tough climb, especially when thunderstorms were predicted. As it turned out we had wonderful weather both for hiking and views. The trails were forgiving so the hiking itself was fun. With wonderful views and cooler hiking weather, it was among my favorite days on the trail. BHMHow to follow RTK:Blog:  http://www.rtkchallenge.com/bl...YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channe...Podcast:  http://returningtokatahdin.lib...Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/rtk_...Please consider joining the "RTK AT Challenge":  https://fundraise.appalachiant...
Date: 2018-08-18
From: Safford Notch/Mile 2013.1

To: West Carry Pond Lean-to/Mile 2025.7
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: moderate rain

The prior night was highlighted by horrendous rain and some thunder & lightening. My tent kept me dry but I was setup on a platform and the rain hitting the platform ran under my tent, so the floor was mostly wet, plus the storm was so violent there was considerable splash on the bottom of the tent.Rain continued in the morning so we pushed back our departure to 9:00 am. By then the rain had stopped and we could pack up in relative dryness. We headed for Little Bigelow, our initial destination for the day and the last ¢ we were told ¢ significant mountain on the trail. Rain picked back up. We we¢re hiking essentially in a cloud ¢ misty, rainy, and no views. The hiking was moderately hard. We had many rock slabs and some hand-over-hand climbing work. With the rain, caution was critical. We ran into a couple of southbounders and Pulitzer slacking south, but generally the trail was quiet.The descent from Little Bigelow was long and it became tedious halfway down. We eventually reached the Little Bigelow Lean-to at lunchtime. After lunch the trail was smooth and slightly downhill ¢ we made very good time for almost two miles. Then the trail became ¢choppy¢ and tedious. There were two moderate climbs in the afternoon but it was the condition of the trail ¢ muddy, standing water, rocks, roots, running water, etc. ¢ that made it slow, tedious and frustrating. There was little ability to hike without just plowing through the water and mud when you weren¢t trying to step over and around the large rocks and roots. I commented at the time it was some of the worst trail anywhere.Tired and frustrated, Gbolt and I finally made it to the shelter area around 5:00 pm. We set up camp, filtered water and prepared dinner. After a day of rain and then overcast skies, the sun peeked out just before sundown. I heard my first loon in Maine. After dark, we had surprise trail magic (ice cream pies and cookies) from someone who canoed over to the shelter area. BHMHow to follow RTK:Blog:  http://www.rtkchallenge.com/bl...YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channe...Podcast:  http://returningtokatahdin.lib...Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/rtk_...Please consider joining the "RTK AT Challenge":  https://fundraise.appalachiant...
Date: 2018-08-19
From: West Carry Pond Lean-to/Mile 2025.7

To: Pierce Pond Lean-to/Mile 2035.7
Miles today: 10.0

This may have been the easiest (non-nero) day on the trail.  We left West Carry Pond a little after 7:00 on a beautiful morning.  We walked along the pond and then headed into an evergreen first.  The first mile ad a half was rocks, roots and mud but no climbs.  The path through the forest for another two an a half miles was reasonably easy but had its share of rocks, roots and mud. We reached East Carry Pond and walked along its west shore ¢ which was an awkward, rocky trail. We took a morning break overlooking the pond ¢ it was remarkably peaceful and quiet. There was no wind, no waves lapping the shore, and little sound from any animals.The rest of the trip to Pierce Pond was uneventful. The trail had a couple of very modest climbs, but for the most part it was flat or slightly downhill all day. We continued to be challenged by water and mud as well as rocks and roots from time to time, but not as severe as the previous day.We took a lunch break around noon and then finished off the day on fairly nice trail. We finished by2:00 p.m. The day continued to be magnificent. Pierce Pond and the shelter area were beautiful. Gbolt and I found tenting/hammocking spots on the lakeshore in a pine needle floored grove of evergreens.We setup, filtered water, and walked over to Harrison¢s Pierce Pond Camps. Then we had a relaxing afternoon. BHMHow to follow RTK:Blog:  http://www.rtkchallenge.com/bl...YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channe...Podcast:  http://returningtokatahdin.lib...Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/rtk_...Please consider joining the "RTK AT Challenge":  https://fundraise.appalachiant...
Date: 2018-08-20
From: Pierce Pond Lean-to/Mile 2035.7

To: Caratunk/Mile 2039.7
Miles today: 4.0
Weather: overcast clouds

This was a most pleasant morning and hike, just four miles from the pond to the Kennebec River. I enjoyed some coffee and breakfast pond side while the sun rose. Gbolt and I packed and departed by 7:00 am. The hike was relatively easy, mostly downhill to the river. We followed the Pierce Pond stream most of the way through pine forest and pine needle path enjoying the vigorous mountain stream punctuated by some cascades and falls.We arrived at the river a little before 9:00 am.  To cross the Kennebec hikers must take canoe ferry (ferryman provided by the AT). We quickly crossed and walked into the village of Caratunk. Our rooms were ready at the Caratunk House. We showered, did laundry, worked on resupply and enjoyed the best BBQ sandwiches and milkshakes. The rest of the day was rest and planning for the finish to this hike. For the first time I was willing to walk through the remaining 150 miles and plan out a schedule to reach Katahdin. I texted with Cheryl to hopefully plan her visit to hike Katahdin with us.  BHMHow to follow RTK:Blog:  http://www.rtkchallenge.com/bl...YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channe...Podcast:  http://returningtokatahdin.lib...Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/rtk_...Please consider joining the "RTK AT Challenge":  https://fundraise.appalachiant...
Date: 2018-08-21
From: Caratunk/Mile 2039.7

To: Bald Mountain Brook Lean-to/Mile 2054.4
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Gbolt and I headed back to the trail around 7:45 after a great breakfast with Bearfoot, Lil Blue, and three other hikers. Bear and Lil Blue were shuttling to Monson due to deadlines. It¢s unlikely we will see them again on the trail. We did enjoy burgers, beer and a few games of pool the previous evening at Northern Outdoors brewery/pub.Today had two objectives ¢ get over Pleasant Pond Mountain and put in about 15 miles. Mission accomplished.The day began in fog and a remarkably easy trail. As the sun burned the fog away we climbed more to the summit. The climb was not difficult and the trail was kind, but it seemed to take a long time to finally reach the top. The sun was out and the views were excellent. We had to descend some and then climb Middle Mountain. We had lunch and picked blueberries.The rest of the day was uneventful. Other than the two from breakfast, we saw only one northbound hiker. We passed some day and overnight hikers and five or six SOBO thru-hikers. We talked with two trail maintenance volunteers.Rain was in forecast for the following day and maybe the evening. Gbolt and I decided to stay in the shelter to help us get out into the rain the next morning. Surprisingly we had the shelter to ourselves and one NOBO was tenting nearby.For really the first time, I¢m starting to count down the miles, look ahead at what the 100 mile wilderness will throw at us, and think about finishing.  BHMHow to follow RTK:Blog:  http://www.rtkchallenge.com/bl...YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channe...Podcast:  http://returningtokatahdin.lib...Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/rtk_...Please consider joining the "RTK AT Challenge":  https://fundraise.appalachiant...
Date: 2018-08-22
From: Bald Mountain Brook Lean-to/Mile 2054.4

To: Horseshoe Canyon Lean-to/Mile 2067.4
Miles today: 13.0

The forecasted rain had held off, but as we packed up it was 99% humidity. We were hoping to climb Moxie Bald (our last mountain climb before the 100 mile wilderness) before the rain materialized. Gbolt and I left the shelter by 7:00 and headed out. The weather was poor but the trail was nice. By the time we summited (it had not started raining) we said that it had probably been the easiest climb on the whole trail. Unfortunately, the summit was in a cloud and we had no views. The descent was relatively easy if long. We took a break at the lean-to and then headed off.The rest of the day was in a light rain that became heavier midday, but never a heavy rain. The trail was a mixed bag of rocks, roots, mud and beautiful trail. At one time I said to Gbolt I thought we were back in Pennsylvania the rocks were so irritating. For the most part the elevation was flat or descending although there were numerous short climbs. The day also included fording two river/streams.We stopped at the shelter and decided to stay. My second straight shelter stay and only my fourth on the whole trip. BHMHow to follow RTK:Blog:  http://www.rtkchallenge.com/bl...YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channe...Podcast:  http://returningtokatahdin.lib...Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/rtk_...Please consider joining the "RTK AT Challenge":  https://fundraise.appalachiant...
Date: 2018-08-23
From: Horseshoe Canyon Lean-to/Mile 2067.4

To: ME 15/Mile 2076.4
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: clear sky

This 9-mile hike was very uneventful. Relatively easy hiking and no special views or features. We did have to ford the East Branch of Piscataquis River. Mostly we were focused on getting to Monson so we could pickup our resupply and plan for our entry into the 100-mile wilderness.We made good time. Shaw¢s picked us up prior to noon. We checked in, showered, etc. My resupply was there but Gbolt¢s was nowhere to be found. We had a pizza and relaxed for the afternoon. (Gbolt had his beard shaved, leaving only a goatee.)BHMHow to follow RTK:Blog:  http://www.rtkchallenge.com/bl...YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channe...Podcast:  http://returningtokatahdin.lib...Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/rtk_...Please consider joining the "RTK AT Challenge":  https://fundraise.appalachiant...
Date: 2018-08-24
From: ME 15/Mile 2076.4

To: ME 15/Mile 2076.4
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Zero at Shaw¢s to prepare for final part of hike. We had famous Shaw¢s breakfast (3 eggs to order, 3 bacon, fantastic home fries, orange juice, coffee and unlimited blueberry pancakes).  We did laundry. Gbolt found his resupply still at P.O. I shipped some items home. Pit Boss arrived. Savage and Po arrived. Dinner at Lakeshore with Darth Vader (section hiker from Nashville getting ready to do HMW and complete the entire AT, started 2001) and Dog Whisperer (Darth¢s son). BHMHow to follow RTK:Blog:  http://www.rtkchallenge.com/bl...YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channe...Podcast:  http://returningtokatahdin.lib...Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/rtk_...Please consider joining the "RTK AT Challenge":  https://fundraise.appalachiant...
Date: 2018-08-25
From: ME 15/Mile 2076.4

To: Long Pond Stream Lean-to/Mile 2091.5
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Gbolt and I got an early shuttle from Shaw¢s and were hiking by 6:20. We passed the 100-mile wilderness sign and headed off.The weather was sunny, pleasant and a little warm. We had some nice views, some beaver ponds, lakes, streams, talus field and waterfalls. Yet, the hiking was a somewhat irritating, inconsistent, mixed bag of roots, rocks, nice trail ¢ interrupted by mostly short climbs and descents. We had one stream to ford. The trail was always changing directions and elevation in a way that was wearing us down on top of the inconsistent foot tread. We were happy to call it quits around 4:30 after hiking a little over 15 miles. Most notably, we now have less than a hundred miles to go. BHMHow to follow RTK:Blog:  http://www.rtkchallenge.com/bl...YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channe...Podcast:  http://returningtokatahdin.lib...Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/rtk_...Please consider joining the "RTK AT Challenge":  https://fundraise.appalachiant...
Date: 2018-08-27
From: Stealth site/Mile 2106.4

To: East Branch Lean-to/Mile 2123.1
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: broken clouds

Again, Gbolt and I were up, packed and hiking by 6:30. This was a big day ¢ if all went as planned we would summit four peaks, including Whitecap (the last mountain before Katahdin). We had planned the day in three stages of approximately 6 miles each ¢ 6 miles to a lean-to at the base of first climb, 6 miles of climbing/descending/climbing the four peaks, and 6 mile descent from Whitecap to campsite.We completed the first stage without incident. It included a ford of a stream and the trail for almost two miles was remarkably flat, smooth, wide and gently graded. Some of the rest of the first stage was tough due to the trail, not the elevation climb. I was a bit fatigued and worried how the day was going to go. We reached the lean-to and rested. Then we were off to climb the first peak ¢ Gulf Hagas mountain (named after the World Heritage site just off the AT, featuring Maine¢s ¢Grand Canyon¢).The climb up Gulf Hagas was short, but very steep, aided by many staircases. Wooded summit so we headed straight down to resupply our water. Then we climbed West Peak, which consisted of three sections ¢ a long, smooth gradual climb, then a severe vertical climb (aided again with extensive staircases), and then switchbacks and well-graded trail to the summit. We headed down and had lunch in the saddle between West Peak and Hay Mountain. We saw the guy trying to break the AT supported recited as we lunched. We ran into and visited with Gregory and Firefly. Hay was a remarkably easy climb, as was its descent. That left Whitecap.The climb up Whitecap was 1.2 miles. I was feeling better than the morning and was motivated if not excited to knock off this last mountain. The day had been clearing all day and now we had a beautiful sky, which we enjoyed as we finally made the summit. Thus was a huge milestone for Gbolt and me. It was hard to believe that we had gotten here. We took time at the summit ¢ photos, a short walk to a view of Katahdin, and we saw Gregory and Firefly again.Then the day got tough. Actually the whole day was tough, but the long descent came at a time Gbolt and I were tired. The hike down was very rocky above tree line and the descended for a long time. The trail was reasonable. It was just a long way down. The trail got tougher with rocks and roots. We walked through a ¢wasteland¢ of downed trees, requiring much ducking and climbing tree trunks. It felt like the descent would never end but eventually we ended up at the lean-to. One SOBO, two FLFPs, a section hiker, Gregory & Firefly, and Gbolt and me. BHMHow to follow RTK:Blog:  http://www.rtkchallenge.com/bl...YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channe...Podcast:  http://returningtokatahdin.lib...Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/rtk_...Please consider joining the "RTK AT Challenge":  https://fundraise.appalachiant...
Date: 2018-08-28
From: East Branch Lean-to/Mile 2123.1

To: Sand Beach (North Shore), Lower Jo-Mary Lake/Mile 2140.9
Miles today: 17.8
Weather: light rain

We were up and out again by 6:30. We had a moderate climb early in the morning up Little Boardman Mountain. I had some cell coverage so I spoke with Stacy about Abol Bridge cabin reservations and with Cheryl about this coming weekend.After Little Boardman the trail descended gently and was otherwise generally flat. Although it had many moments of extended rocks, roots and bog bridges, overall the trail was remarkably smooth. We made good time generally (almost three MPH). There were few attractions to see other than a couple of beaver ponds and some large lakes.The day ended splendidly as we stopped at a sand beach to swim. It had been a hot day and we did over 17 miles. Gregory and Firefly were there. We all decided to tent on the beach (with Gbolt hammocking just off the beach). It was beautiful late afternoon. Thunderstorm threatened but passed us by, dropping just a few drops on us, leaving magnificent clouds and skies, including a rainbow.Gbolt alerted me to the mileage ¢ on this beach we were exactly 50 miles from the top of Katahdin. BHMHow to follow RTK:Blog:  http://www.rtkchallenge.com/bl...YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channe...Podcast:  http://returningtokatahdin.lib...Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/rtk_...Please consider joining the "RTK AT Challenge":  https://fundraise.appalachiant...