morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2018-08-13
From: Neuman Campsite

To: Madison Spring Hut
Miles today: 11.8

Crazy BritToday was all about Mt Washington, our climb out from the campsite was pretty tough it had been raining all night so all the rocks were very slippery. The first mountain we came to was Mt Pierce (Mt Clinton), from here we went over Mt Eisenhower from here we saw the sun rising up over Mt Washington, one of the best sights I have seen on the trail so far.These White Mountains are really tough, big ups and even worse big Slippery downs, our next mountain is Mt Franklin this is a 5004 ft climb there is a loop around Mt Monroe so we don¢t climb up and over this one. The trail brings us to the Lake of the Cloud Hut. We get coffee and some baked goods there, by this time we could see that the clouds were going to cover the summit of Mt Washington, such a disappointment. The actual climb to the summit of Washington wasn¢t really hard at all and we were walking into the restaurant just after 8:30 which was great going.One of the Cog Railway trains had just arrived so before they hogged the sign we had our photos taken, then we went to the restaurant and got some food and coffee, hoping that the cloud would lift. It was still really thick when we left, we had to go down the mountain a bit then cross over the railway.Just as we went over the rails and started to hike away the two trains blew their whistles and started down so I ran back and took some photos. The trains look a bit strange as they are up in the front to counter the angle of the slope, one train is Steam and the other is Diesel, cool looking train and carriage set up.These trails are full of stones much worse than Massachusetts, land of rocks. This terrain is like a huge rock field and of course the AT goes right thru it. We have to go around Mt Clay thank goodness, then around Mt Jefferson, over Edmunds Col and down over Adams Mountain to the Madison Spring Hut. We are staying here tonight as most of our gear is wet and it¢s going to be raining again tonight, and in fact all day tomorrow.We have a great dinner with very interesting guests at our table. Hope for a good nights sleep with no snorers, I have a pair of ear plugs just in case.Today was a hard day of hiking and scrambling over rocks, with the bonus of going over Mt Washington, pity no view, but we are told it rarely is clear we have the sunrise photo¢s.I am now in a top bunk in a three trot bunk setup it¢s a long way down.So will say goodnight see you all tomorrow.Anyone can walk on the flat, there are no flat places up here in the White Mountain Range just big rocks , they keep you on the Edge.Only got 327.2 miles to go before we summit Mt Katahdin
Date: 2018-08-15
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Crazy BritNo miles it¢s a Zero day. ¢Yippie"Last night we stayed at Tim¢s House in Ossippee NH. Tim and I worked together at B&R in Sarasota with Lars Bergstrom and Sven Ridder, he has always said if you are passing drop in, so here we are. Of course we are made welcome and after a great late lunch we are settled down, checking out Tim¢s Toys in his yard.His neighbor drives by and tells us to get in the truck we are going for a drive to get an ice cream, really cool!People Charlie hiked the Trail in 2004 so we had a lot in common, his Wife Jeneen said she would do our washing, great day.In the morning we are headed out to breakfast, Tim said best place was at the local Golf club, Boy was he right great food and really great coffee.After breakfast we went shopping then came back, helped with the washing, talked, relaxed and went fishing.Getting ready to tackle the Wildcats and Carter Mountain Range Tomorrow.Anyone can walk on the flat , tough walking on the edge lots of fun and exhilarating.Still got 319.4 miles to go before we summit Mt Katahdin
Date: 2018-08-19
From:  US 2 Gorham NH

To: Gentian Pond Campsite
Miles today: 11.8

Crazy BritGood Hike today we are accompanied now by our Good Friend ¢Mad Paddy¢ His Wife ¢Tea Pot¢ drove him up from Cape Cod to hike with us for a Hundred or so miles, he has been missing the Trail.We met them at the Rattle River Hostel which is right on the trail. We had stayed there last night, great place run very well, in fact this hostel has become the Model that most of the better run Hostels are copying. Before you enter the main house you have to leave your shoes outside, you have a shower using their loner clothes, the pack stays in the outer room which has got fans and dehumidifier in it to help remove any unwanted smells, your washing is done, then you are free to enter the house proper.Nice place very clean, nice kitchen you can use, coffee going all the time, plus a pancake breakfast, and a bonus comfortable bunks with clean sheets and pillow cases, all for $35.00 per night.Anyway I digress from the hiking, Paddy is testing his knee, feeling good so off we go it¢s a nice gentle road walk at first past a Hydroelectric dam, very interesting, big flow of water being discharged back into the river.The Trail then takes a turn to start our climb up the mountain, we are going up Cascade Mountain, the climb is quite good, not to tough for Paddy so we climb up to a view, and take a break for a snack and drink of water, we are all going good.The trail is good so far Not to much mud or running water, it is drying out fast from yesterday¢s rain , there are some good views today from on top of big flat Granite ledges we have lunch. The views are as usual spectacular, there are a few large Beaver ponds that we pass. On a campsite on the first pond David finds a fishing pole just what I need, it¢s a two piece which makes it awkward to carry in my backpack, as it sticks out a bit and catches the overhead branches, so I tape it to a trekking pole, this is a pain so at the next pond I leave it against a tree for someone else to use.We are heading to Gentian Pond Campsite, a nice place with wooden tent platforms. David picks a single and Paddy and I have a double with plenty of room for our tents. Paddy has got a stinger Wall tent the very one that I wanted from Big Agnes back when I started the hike nice tent lots of volume above your head.We are all set up just had dinner and Hot Chocolate, I am sat doing this journal as usual, it takes a lot of work to get this done every night, then sending it to Stacy so she can upload it to the website, hope you all are enjoying it.For me now it¢s time for Bed so I will say Goodnight to you all see you Tomorrow.Anyone can walk on the flat, if you can find a flat place up here it would be a bonus, you can then live on the Edge, it makes the day so much better.Only got 286.5 miles to go before we stand on the top of the big boy Mt Katahdin.
Date: 2018-08-20
From: Gentian Pond Campsite

To: Mahoosuc Notch North End Bull Notch Campsite
Miles today: 12.3

Crazy BritWhat a hard day 12.3 miles took us 13 hours today.Life started out good hiking out of Gentian Pond Campsite, it started to go down hill pretty fast, we had to climb Mt Success, which is hard, but it¢s a great feeling as you know you are getting to the Maine Border.As we were getting closer a few SOBO hikers were Congratulating us on almost getting into Maine. We came up over a short rise and there was Guy Taking the sign down, ¢What¢, it¢s ok, he is just changing out the sign. So we are the last ones to use the old signs and the first to use the new ones.We have our photos taken, with old and new, and on we go, after Mt Success is My Carlo another hard mountain. The climbs are tough but the descents are often a lot harder, going over, damp rocks that would just love to trip you up. Next is Goose Eye Mountain North Peak this is really tough, as usual in Maine.We know that the Mahoosuc Notch is coming up this is a really, Really, REALLY, tough Notch you have to pack up your Trekking poles as they will only get in your way. We came up to the Notch, ¢Oh My¢ this is tough Huge Rocks all piled up, big drops into really dark holes where a person could fall and disappear for ever.This is a tough way to Hike. I love it reminds me of my days on Dartmoor, jumping from boulder to boulder, great times!!!!It takes us 1-1/2 hours to go one mile, we get to a campsite at the end of the Notch and set up our tents. Time to get our dinner, we were so tired it was hard to eat dinner, but we have to eat, to be able to hike tomorrow.I n actual fact I had a great dinner, Chicken Teriyaki, noodles and rice, an apple pie and a dark Chocolate Bar, washed down with a Hot Chocolate drink, life is Good.I just have to tell you that we were warned about the White Mountains and the first 100 miles in Maine they are tough, big up and really nasty Descents, big rocks Slippery and muddy, holes, this State is a CHALLENGE all what we have been told it was.Anyone can walk on the flat, but here it¢s tough to walk anywhere, but the edge is really Cool.Only got 274.2 miles to go before we stand on the dummy of Mt Katahdin
Date: 2018-08-21
To: Pine Ellis Lodging and Camping in Andover
Miles today: 7.0

Crazy BritWell after getting a hammering yesterday and having a great nights sleep, my bloody alarm goes off at 5:00am time to get rolling. Pack up our gear, have breakfast, and we are ready to take on the Mahoosuc Arm. This is supposed to be the hardest climb on the whole AT, after about 30 Mins, I believe it, it is endless. Rock face after rock face, it is really tough and rough.After we get to the summit, 1-1/2 hours, I do my daily live FaceTime, and have a snack and a drink of water. Next on our list of Mountains to conquer is the Spec Mountain , ¢again this is tough".In the Notch there is a beautiful Lake, this is Spec Lake. I am told this is what Maine is like Lakes and Mountains. Going to get a fishing pole in the next couple of days. It is drop dead gorgeous up here unbelievable views and vistas. We are heading to the ME26 road, where we will get a ride to Andover and a Hostel.All is good in our neighborhood, had dinner a beer or two and we are chilling out. I am busy with my Journal, so will say goodnight.In our Hostel now Pine Ellis Lodging and Camping in Andover we are beginning to meet up with a lot of Thru Hikers that we have met on the trail. Really cool to see our old Friends again after all this time. We are almost there!!!!!Anyone can walk on the flat , we are having a problem on the Flat here in the Mountains , but you know what living on the Edge up here is really Cool. Only got 367.2 miles to go before we stand on top of Mt Katahdin, can¢t believe it
Date: 2018-08-22
From: Grafton Notch

To: East B Hill Rd Andover Me
Miles today: 10.3

Crazy BritWe left the pine Ellis Hostel in Andover Me  to drive to the Grafton Notch ME 26 at 5:00 am it was a 30 min drive to our trail head, as soon as we got there it started to rain, not a good sign as we have to go over Baldpate Mountain.This is a pretty tough climb and once on top there is a huge great Bald of rock. The wind was blowing at least 40mph and the rain was coming at us horizontally. The wind at times came in huge gusts and it was hard to stand on the Granite Rock and make progress forward.As you were pushing forward you were looking out for the White Blazes and the Stone Cairns, at times these were hard to distinguish between the scrub pines. I am glad there were three of us to go over this Bald, as doing it on your own would be a bit dangerous, big drops on either side if you went over it would be hard to find your body.Eventually we start going down hill this is now harder because of all the rain, making things very slippery, we all have slipped a few times, but have kept the slides under control. Soon after at least 5 hours we come to the Baldpate lean - to, where we will have our lunch.There were two girls in there that we knew plus a guy who just would not stop talking, ¢Yes Even Worse Than Me". We stayed had our lunch and headed out into the rain, that guy Sucks. We have a small up then we can call the Hostel for a pick up, it¢s about 2 hours from here 4 miles all down hill so we are told ?????The trail is actually pretty good and all down hill so we are happy, it¢s still raining as we make the call for the pickup.It¢s a great walk nice and easy but it¢s still raining. We come to a river that we have to cross the stepping stones are all covered, as the flood water from the rain has made the river to rise dramatically, I just wade thru at least the flood water will wash of the Mud.It¢s not far to the exit point and the van is waiting there for us, Perfect!!!!We all load into the van and are driven at what I would describe as high speed to the Hostel, first thing get a beer, Great!!!We are the first hikers back soaking wet but victorious we got over Baldpate Mountain.Time to eat in the Red Hen have a beer and chill out, it was pointed out that all the hikers on the Porch are of a Mature age, we are all lucky to be here.Well got to go eat again and maybe have another beer and go to bed.Goodnight to you all.Anyone can walk on the flat, but up here walking on the Edge soaking wet is so Exhilarating and fun.
Date: 2018-08-23
From: south arm road

To: East B Hill Rd
Miles today: 10.0

Crazy BritToday we are Slack packing South from South Arm Rd. We get dropped of by David who works at the Hostel, the first thing you find out is that as you enter the forest there is a river you have to Ford, the others wade thro with their shoes on. Me I have bad Arthritis in my big toes, so having my feet wet at the start of the day would be very painful.So I take of my shoes and socks and wade over, then dry my feet and I am ready to go, big climb out at first up and over Moody Mountain. Next on our hike is Wyman mountain, there is a lean-to Shelter, where we are having a break.Wyman is our last mountain today after this we are told it is all downhill to our finish point. It¢s a great trail and as we are heading South we are meeting lots of people coming up North. Some of these people we haven¢t seen for months, there is great excitement in their voices about how close we are to our destination, and the finish to our adventure.We are only doing relatively short distances as there is problems with getting campsites or shuttle rides out, next week will be better and we can start racking up the miles. It¢s not long before we pop out of the Forest on to the road and there is our shuttle driver all ready for us. David is already in the Van as he went on ahead, it¢s a short drive back to the Hostel, where we can shower and get a beer.Today has been the best days hiking for a couple of weeks, perfect cool weather, and a fairly good trail, apart from the Water and Mud left over from the storm yesterday, with today¢s high winds I hope the trail dries out some more.I have called Altra shoes to ask about some of my tread coming of, they are sending me a new pair to the post office in Caratunk, a great company that stands by their product, thank you guy¢s now I have no worries about my foot ware.Well it¢s time to go to the local restaurant for an all you can eat Mexican dinner tonight sounds good to me.So will say Goodnight see you all tomorrow.Anyone can walk on the flat but it¢s so cool walking on the Edge in these Beautiful Mountains.Only got. 246.8 miles to go before we are standing on the top of Mt Katahdin.
Date: 2018-08-24
From: South Arms Road

To: ME 17 height of Land Road
Miles today: 13.2

Crazy BritTough day to day I fell in a Bog up to my Knees, then fell again down. Granite boulder while talking to Janice.We got a ride out to the Trailhead at South Arms Road by David the main driver at the Pine Ellis Hikers Hostel a really laid back place, David had fore warned us about today¢s section.It starts out with a tough climb up to Old Blue mountain. This was a tough climb, good job it was first thing in the morning when we have that extra bit of energy, we need it because the next Mountain is Bemis Mountain, on the descent from the summit I was in the lead. When I stood on a Bog plank which immediately turned and I ended up with one foot in the muddy bog, sat on the plank with my other foot just up to the ankle.This is really not cool as I have been trying to keep my feet dry, as it keeps my Arthritis in my big toes at bay, now they are cold and wet, plus I have hurt my arm when I fell it wrapped around a tree the wrong way, one of the things we have to bare, take another pill it works wonders.We have to call in at little Bemis to get our pick up from David, he has told us that the last couple of miles are really tough, so we will have to be prepared.On the way down to the river we come across a husband and wife doing Trail Magic. These people are awesome they come out 6 days a week to feed and water the AT Hikers, these are really nice people.Crossing over the river we have to start our climb up to the Highway at ME 17 Height of Land View, a great overlook of the huge Lake around Rangeley. David brings us some Lemonade, thank you, back to the Hostel to shower and time for dinner. The boys go to the Little Red Diner, as I don¢t like the sight of Prime Rib, as this was tonight¢s special, I elected to go to the Diner for Hot Wings and Fries, then listen to a Christen family playing under the Pagoda in the town center, they played some great music.Now back to the Hostel to do our washing then it¢s time for Bed, so will say Goodnight, see you tomorrow.Anyone can walk on the flat, just hard to find a flat place up here in the mountains so we always walk on the edge , it is also a lot more fun.Only got 233.6 miles to go before we are summiting Mt Katahdin
Date: 2018-08-25
From: ME 17 Height. Of Land View

To: ME 4 Rangeley ME
Miles today: 13.2

Crazy BritGreat day hiking pretty good trail not to many ups and downs, the only problem was lots of mud still on the trail and lots of roots, I am told we will have lots of roots on the rest of the trip.David¢s damn alarm goes of at 4:30 a.m., this is gradually wearing a bit thin, still we have to pack our bags. As the other David is going to deliver them to our next destination at Fieldstone Hikers Hostel, so the Pine Ellis Hostel will give us loner day bags to Slackpacking to Rangeley, ¢Awesome"!We get all ready have a coffee and load into the van, it¢s a good 45 mins out to the Trail head at Height of Land View, not much of a view today as it¢s all fogged in. We have a climb up a small mountain then it¢s just gentle climbs and descents, the trouble is there are still a lot of foggy parts of the trail, these are a pain as they slow you down a lot, just when you get up to speed.We still have Mad Paddy with us and he is doing great. They are making fun of me after I would not have dinner with them last night, it was a prime Rib special night, and I don¢t like the sight of the fat on Prime Beef, yes I know it¢s supposed to be the best bit, but the thought of a room full of people slurping on a fatty prime beef is not for me.We pass some really Great Lakes they look awesome in the early morning with small wisps of fog and a flat calm surface, but still Moose, we are making good time. Have our lunch and finish off the hike to our take out point, there are several hikers sat around some Trail Angels, but most of the goodies were gone just some snacks left.We are walking up the road when a car stops and gives us a ride to our Hostel, when we get there a guy tells us that the hostel has moved dither into town and they have a large wedding going on 164 Guests. So he gives us a ride to the new hostel, it¢s a cool place, it¢s in the midst of being built but nice and clean bunk beds for eight people, with clean sheets and blankets.Once we are all showered we go into town for a check up if David¢s shoes have arrived, No, so he has to buy a pair then we go up the road to get a late lunch early dinner then shopping for food. Now it¢s time to relax get ready for bed, so will say Goodnight.Anyone can walk on the flat, David Paddy and Myself like walking on the Edge more funOnly got 220.4 miles to go before we climb to the summit of Mt KatahdinGetting closer. !!!!!!!!
Date: 2018-08-26
From: ME 4. Rangeley

To: Popular Ridge lean to
Miles today: 10.7

Crazy BritToday was really tough, after Slackpacking for 3 days, carrying a full pack is tough, plus the terrain was hard.Good start to the day as we had a lay in until 6:15 am, then we got a ride out to the trail head, we started our hike it started out ok then got harder and harder, we were climbing up to the Saddleback Mountain Range, there is only David and myself today as Paddy has to go home.Wow these are some tough mountains, plus they have got so many false summits, you get up to one level, then damn it goes up again, and again, you can only tell your up to the top when you see a sign post telling you your there.We have our lunch on top of the summit of The Saddleback the views are amazing, you can see for a long, long way, all up thru our next range of mountains, the Bigalows. These are again tough climbs, but we have been told that these will be our last of the big climbs thank goodness.Looking North from the summit of Saddleback you can the Horn and Saddleback Junior, this may be Junior in name, but not in tough to climb, once up here it¢s a descent, then a small climb up to our campsite at the Popular Ridge Lean to Shelter. This is the oldest shelter on the AT in Maine, but it has a small stream and some campsites. We are camping tonight, we are all set up just going to have our dinner and in walks ¢Mad Paddy". He has made it here in really good time, seeing that he left an hour and a half after us, we did stop a few times but not that long, great hiking Paddy.It has now started to rain it wasn¢t forecasted but we are up in the mountains, it is also getting colder I have to wear my puffy now in the evenings to keep warm. We are going to go thru the 200 miles to go tomorrow morning there is a Bronze plaque there as this was the last part of the AT to be built.Like I said in yesterday¢s journal, the AT Thru Hikers are now starting to bunch up we are approaching our destination at Mt Katahdin, it¢s pretty cool to listen to the different people, and hear their thoughts on this adventure, it¢s hard to think that we have been out here 5 1/2 months.Time to curl up in my sleeping bag, and listen to the rain, this brings out all the smells in the forest, nice clean Air, going to be strange breathing in the City Air in Bradenton. Good job we have the smell of the sea there to give some sort of balance, time to say Goodnight.Anyone can walk on the flat, no flat spots up here in these Mountains, that is why we love walking on the Edge, more interesting FunOnly got 209.7 Miles to go before we stand on the top of the big Boy Mt Katahdin