morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2011-06-29
From: Appalachian Trail Lodge, Millinocket, ME

To: Baxter State Park & Mount Katahdin
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: moderate rain

#3DATE: 6/29/2011TIME: 6:00 p.m.DISTANCE TRAVELED: 40 milesFROM/TO: 30 miles from the Appalachian Trail Lodge in Millinocket via shuttle to the Ranger Station at the Katahdin Stream Campground; hiked to the top of Mt. Katahdin and back down to the campground - 10 miles. WEATHER: The day started overcast and cool with 70% humidity. Then the rain started, and lasted until around 3:00 p.m.MEALS:ROAD/TRAIL CONDITIONS: The road coming into the Baxter State Park was narrow and winding. It was paved until the park entrance. The trail up Katahdin was very rocky and steep. SHELTER USED/SLEEPING QUARTERS: I camped at Katahdin Stream Campground. It is not the site I had planned to camp in - the Park Ranger said that one was for "north-bounders". PEOPLE MET, HIKED WITH OR SEEN: I met 8 hikers. Three are south-bounders like me; and three have been doing section hikes for twelve years, and tomorrow they will be finished. Two were day-hiking with their son who¢s one of the south-bounders. ANIMALS SEEN: I¢ve seen some black birds, mosquitoes, flies, and a field mouse in the talons of a black bird. MONEY SPENT OR SAVED: I left a $3 tip for the breakfast that the A. T. Lodge provided, and $30 for one night of camping. MAIN CONCERN OF THE DAY: At the end of the day, I¢m concerned about how sore I¢ll be in the morning. I had some doubts when I was half-way up the mountain, in the rain, whether I could complete this hike, and if I should even try it. Those thoughts have now passed. SPECIAL NOTES: Katahdin, You were a nightmare that frightened me, until I conquered You. Now, You are my Love, and I still dream of You. SUMMARY FOR THE DAY: My day started at 4:45 a.m. Jumped into the shower, walked down to the A.T. Caf© for breakfast, then read a little while.Left for Baxter State Park at 6:35 a.m., arrived at 7:25 a.m., and signed-in with the Ranger. At 8:45 a.m.I headed up that monster mountain. It was more work than I had expected. The weather sucked, but I made it to the top. My whole body hurt. I only sat down long enough for a snack of peanut butter crackers, the weather was too wet and cold to stay longer. I got back down to the camp ground at 3:45 - 7 hours later. It was a 10-mile day, so I did better than a mile an hour. I have a 10-mile hike to do tomorrow to get out of the Park. Night. 6:30 p.m.
Date: 2011-06-30
From: Baxter State Park & Mount Katahdin

To: Hard Brook Lean-To
Miles today: 22.0
Weather: broken clouds

#4DATE: 6/30/2011TIME: 8:30 p.m.DISTANCE TRAVELED: 22 milesFROM/TO: From Katahdin Stream campground to Hard Brook Lean-to. WEATHER: It was overcast and humid most of the day with the sun peaking out of the clouds at the end.MEALS: I had oatmeal for breakfast; dry Ramen noodles for a snack; and a Chili & Mac MRE (Meal Ready to Eat) for dinner. I drank at least a gallon of water today.ROAD/TRAIL CONDITIONS: The trail was not well marked. I walked on paved road, rocks, roots, mud, in water, up and down hills, and over log bridges (fell once.) SHELTER USED/SLEEPING QUARTERS: I am staying at my first shelter ¢ the Hard Brook Lean-to.PEOPLE MET, HIKED WITH OR SEEN: Met up at the shelter with Dylan, Preston, & Tag. Not to mention the people who picked me up and brought me back 3 miles to get me back on the trail. ANIMALS SEEN: I¢ve seen a few type of birds, about 8 chipmunks, and a baby fox or wolf.MONEY SPENT OR SAVED: I¢ve spent no money today. That means by pushing on past the campsite I had planned on, I saved $30.MAIN CONCERN OF THE DAY: Being so wet was on my mind the whole day. I was afraid of what it could do to my feet. Well, it caused some blisters. Changing into sandals helped, but I stubbed my right toe and broke the nail off.SPECIAL NOTES: Don¢t stray from the Trail. What should have been a 13-mile hike turned into a 22-mile hike.SUMMARY FOR THE DAY:Today started out OK, but due to a few mistakes on my part, I hurt my feet and was hard on my body. Not a good thing. I don¢t know if I have ever been so exhausted, sore and broken. Shear stubbornness got me to camp. I plan an easy day tomorrow to help my feet and body rest. We are at 710 feet above sea level and will be over 1,200 feet tomorrow.
Date: 2011-07-01
From: Hard Brook Lean-To

To: Rainbow Lake
Miles today: 8.0

#5DATE: 7/1/2011TIME: 5:30 p.m.DISTANCE TRAVELED: 8 milesFROM/TO: From Hard Brook Lean-to to Rainbow LakeWEATHER: The weather today was beautiful. Not too hot or too cold and a cool breeze all day.MEALS: I had 3 packs of instant oatmeal and a glass of instant tea for breakfast, and I snacked on a package of dry Ramen noodles while I walked. I ate two packages of Ramen noodles when I made camp. I¢ve downed 2000 mL (about 812 8 oz. glasses) of water so far.ROAD/TRAIL CONDITIONS: Today the trail was still pretty steep for the most part. It passed through a lot of muck, almost like a bog. I crossed some poorly maintained log bridges. A very rocky path, and lots of exposed tree roots, made walking difficult.SHELTER USED/SLEEPING QUARTERS: I camped in my tent in the woods. This place is definitely not a KOA. LOL PEOPLE MET, HIKED WITH OR SEEN: I did not hike with anyone. The guys I met last night were moving too fast for me. They packed lighter so they could. I have packed too heavy to move quickly. There are two fellows from Georgia at camp tonight. They, too, are moving fast.ANIMALS SEEN: I saw a small snake, maybe 10¢ long, and two toads. I have seen, and felt, all kinds of bugs. Maine bugs will be well fed when I leave this state!MONEY SPENT OR SAVED: I¢ve spent no money today, but I would gladly pay for a shower! Looks like, come morning, I¢ll be getting into the lake to clean up.MAIN CONCERN OF THE DAY: I am concerned about the strain on my body ¢ my muscles are sore and I have blisters on my feet. That¢s why I stopped here, at Rainbow Lake, at 1:00 p.m., rather than pushing on 4 more miles to the Rainbow Spring Campsite as planned.SPECIAL NOTES: I have found that my body is much stronger than I thought. I am carrying 15 to 20 pounds more than other hikers, and I¢m still capable of hiking 20 miles in a 12 hour day. SUMMARY FOR THE DAY: I feel that today was a good day for my morale. When my feet heal and I lose 5 lbs. from my pack, I think 15 to 20 miles a day will be my average. That will put me ahead of schedule for finishing. We shall see! Tomorrow I will do 12 miles and it will make up for the day I lost in Bangor.
Date: 2011-07-02
From: Rainbow Lake

To: Wadleigh Stream Lean-to
Miles today: 13.7
Weather: overcast clouds

#6DATE: 7/2/2011TIME: 7:00 p.m.DISTANCE TRAVELED: 13.7 milesFROM/TO: From Rainbow Lake to Wadleigh Stream Lean-toWEATHER: It was a beautiful, sunny day ¢ around 80 degrees.MEALS: I had Raison Bran cereal for breakfast, and I snacked on dry Ramen noodles and peanut butter crackers. For dinner I had dry Ramen noodles.ROAD/TRAIL CONDITIONS: Today¢s trail took me up a mountain that kicked my ass. I went up and down very steep inclines and declines ¢ rocks and roots all the way! My feet just hurt! I swear some asshole with a white paint brush ran up and down that mountain laughing his ass off.SHELTER USED/SLEEPING QUARTERS: I slept in the Wadleigh Stream Lean-to. I almost slept by the lake 12 mile down the trail, but didn¢t want to deal with the sand. I bet it gets cold down by the lake, too.PEOPLE MET, HIKED WITH OR SEEN: I have met a lot of south-bounders, but only talk with them at the shelters.ANIMALS SEEN: Today I saw 3 toads, 1 frog, and a little snake with an orange ring around its neck. And, of course, BUGS!MONEY SPENT OR SAVED: I¢ve spent no money today ¢ there is nowhere to spend it. So I guess I¢m saving it.MAIN CONCERN OF THE DAY: My feet. I am going to hike in my sandals tomorrow to see if it helps. The people who are hiking the fastest, and with fewer problems, are wearing tennis shoes.SPECIAL NOTES: Tomorrow will be an 8-mile day. I will end up at a hostel, take a shower and have a real meal. 60+ Miles to Monson where I can off-load extra gear and send off my notes. So that means 4 or 5 more days. Two or three days from now I¢ll have to hike 6 miles into town to get food.SUMMARY FOR THE DAY: It was a hard day for me. Yesterday was better. I might have given my feet a rest after 6 miles had I known the intensity of the mountain. But I made it to camp at 3:00 p.m., walked another 12 mile to the lake, and took a swim with some soap. Getting my feet clean made them feel better. This trip is pushing me to be stronger mentally My body has not changed much yet, but I¢m sure I will lose more weight.
Date: 2011-07-03
From: Wadleigh Stream Lean-to

To: Antlers Campsite
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: overcast clouds

#7DATE: 7/3/2011TIME: 4:00 p.m.DISTANCE TRAVELED: 13.6 milesFROM/TO: From Wadleigh Stream Lean-to to Antlers Campsite.WEATHER: The morning was sunny and partly cloudy. Around noon, rain clouds moved in. Then about 3:00 p.m., a light steady rain started.MEALS: I had Raison Bran cereal for breakfast. I snacked on peanut butter crackers. And ate dry Ramen noodles for both lunch and a snack. Dinner was macaroni & cheese. I had planned on a big hamburger for dinner, but I pushed past the hostelROAD/TRAIL CONDITIONS: The trail was much better today. That¢s why I made good time ¢ 13 miles in 6 hoursSHELTER USED/SLEEPING QUARTERS: I am sleeping in my tent tonight.PEOPLE MET, HIKED WITH OR SEEN: I have yet to hike with anyone, but at night it seems there are always people. Tonight a couple caught up with me, and it looks like her feet are as bad as mine.ANIMALS SEEN: I have seen a few birds, toads, and LOTS of bugs. I¢ve also seen moose droppings and prints, dog prints and what I believe to be a set of bear prints.MONEY SPENT OR SAVED: I¢ve spent no money yet. I will have to tomorrow, though. I have to go 6 miles off the trail for food ¢ I only have enough for 3 more days, and I need seven days worth. I will probably stay at a motel if I can find one, or I¢ll hike back to the trail.MAIN CONCERN OF THE DAY: My concern for today was how well my feet would hold up in my sandals. The sandals did great, and with the trail a little easier, I pushed for 13.6 miles today. I thought about pushing on to Jo-Mary Road and putting in another 22-mile day, but decided not to. I¢m not ready for that again. Maybe I will be in a week, when my feet heal. SPECIAL NOTES: It occurred to me today that I did not mind not having anyone to talk with. Maybe that will change.SUMMARY FOR THE DAY:It was a good day. I took a few pictures and will take more, but my battery is low. After tomorrow, I¢ll take more.
Date: 2011-07-04
From: Antlers Campsite

To: Cooper Brook Falls Lean-to
Miles today: 10.9
Weather: light rain

#8DATE: 7/4/2011TIME: 4:00 p.m.DISTANCE TRAVELED: 10.9 milesFROM/TO: From Antlers Campsite to Jo-Mary Rd., and then to Cooper Brook Falls Lean-to.WEATHER: Today has been hot and humid for the most part, and an afternoon thunder storm. The thunderstorm blew over quickly.MEALS: I had planned to eat big today. I had oatmeal for breakfast and headed out to get groceries. Anyway, I had a ham sandwich with chips, two popsicles, an ice cream sandwich for lunch, and then one pack of Ramen noodles for dinner.ROAD/TRAIL CONDITIONS: The trail was good and fast, but the road into the Jo-Mary Campsite sucked. The sun beat down as I walked, and the hard gravel road hurt my feet.SHELTER USED/SLEEPING QUARTERS: I am staying at the Cooper Brook Falls Lean-to tonight.PEOPLE MET, HIKED WITH OR SEEN: I met Benny, who is from Germany; a fellow whose Trail Name is Gladiator; and a dog named ¢Jack-be-nimble,¢ along with his owner.ANIMALS SEEN:Today I¢ve seen a dog, an 18¢ snake, chipmunks, and bugs, of course.MONEY SPENT OR SAVED: I spent $2.00 today.MAIN CONCERN OF THE DAY: My concern has turned to food. Apparently the campsite store closed two or so years ago. I looked at my options and I think I can make it to Monson on what I have. I will have to cut back on the amount, but I will not starve.SPECIAL NOTES: Nothing but hoping I am going to make it to Monson with the food I have.SUMMARY FOR THE DAY: I started the day slow, hoping for an easy hike to a campground and its store, but it didn¢t work out that way. I made it to Jo-Mary campground to find that the store was closed. The people there were nice, though, and fed me a ham sandwich with chips, and a cold ginger ale. They also gave me a ride back to the trail, 6 miles away. Now I am here at the shelter with 4 other people and a dog, and planning for a big hike day tomorrow.
Date: 2011-07-05
From: Jo-Mary Rd. and then to Cooper Brook Falls Lean-to

To: Logan Brook Lean-to
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: few clouds

#9DATE: 7/5/2011TIME: 5:02 p.m.DISTANCE TRAVELED: 11.7 milesFROM/TO:I hiked from Cooper Brook Falls Lean-to to Logan Brook Lean-to.WEATHER: The weather today was beautiful. It was around 80 degrees all day, with cool breezes. There were some clouds, but not many.MEALS: I had planned to eat two packs of Ramen and my last MRE, but I only had one package of Ramen. I also ate a can of roasted walnuts another hiker had left at a shelter. Then for dinner, I split my MRE into two separate meals. I ate one, along with some instant mashed potatoes and some sauce another hiker left. The extra food will help make sure that I make it to re-supply without starving. I am good. It just eases my mind.ROAD/TRAIL CONDITIONS: The trail condition seems to be getting better. It is still very steep. Renny (the German hiker) said it¢s easier than hiking the Alps, at least now that we seem to be out of the bogs.SHELTER USED/SLEEPING QUARTERS: I stopped at 3:00 and took a nap at the Logan Brook Lean-to. Renny came by and stopped for 15 minutes. He noticed a group of girls from Quebec, about 12, were hiking the trail. He wished me luck before he moved on.PEOPLE MET, HIKED WITH OR SEEN: I hiked by myself, as usual, and I am good with it. The new people I have met are the girls from Quebec. They are 16 years old, and the counselors seem to be about 20 years old. I passed six north-bounders, not including the girls.ANIMALS SEEN: Birds, frogs, 4 or 5 snakes . . . and people.MONEY SPENT OR SAVED: No money spent today. I believe I have 4 days, max, until Monson where I can re-supply. I should do it faster as long as I don¢t put on my boots ¢ they mess up my feet. MAIN CONCERN OF THE DAY: I kept thinking about pushing harder so I can get supplies sooner, but I want my body to keep up. I think it was a good place and time to stop. I will make Monson OK. Next week I can push a little harder, and make better time.SPECIAL NOTES: I¢m pushing to see if maybe I can finish the trail by Christmas.SUMMARY FOR THE DAY: I think I did a good job with details prior, so I will not bore you with a recap. ¢Night.
Date: 2011-07-06
From: Logan Brook Lean-to

To: Carl A. Newhall Lean-to
Miles today: 6.8
Weather: overcast clouds

#10DATE: 7/6/2011TIME: 5:00 p.m.DISTANCE TRAVELED: 6.8 milesFROM/TO: From Logan Brook Lean-to to Carl A. Newhall Lean-to.WEATHER: It was sunny and around 85 degrees. Clear skies all day.MEALS: I had beef broth for breakfast and dry Ramen noodles for lunch. Later I ate half a can of Brown Bread that someone had left at the lean-to (the can was unopened.) I¢ll eat the rest of it tomorrow.ROAD/TRAIL CONDITIONS: There were lots of up¢s and down¢s today, but the condition of the trail was fair. There were long distances between water. I will have to keep better tabs on that.SHELTER USED/SLEEPING QUARTERS: I took a nap at 1:00 p.m. at the Carl A. Newhall Lean-to, and when I awoke at 3:30, I decided not to hike the next miles and just camped there.PEOPLE MET, HIKED WITH OR SEEN: I have been, and so far like, hiking alone. The farther south I go, the busier the trail seems to get. I passed 4 north-bound hikers, another group of girls hiking, a group of boys camping about a day behind the girls I passed, and the old gentleman I think I¢ll be bunking with tonight. The boys¢ camp is about 200 yards from us.ANIMALS SEEN: I have seen a few birds, toads, snakes, more black flies today, and gnats! And don¢t forget the ever-present wetland mosquitoes!MONEY SPENT OR SAVED: I¢ve had no opportunity to spend any money today. I have traded part of my roll of toilet paper for a candy bar. Does that count??MAIN CONCERN OF THE DAY: I guess it¢s the same as yesterday . . . getting to Monson to re-supply. My feet are doing much better. I did lose that one toenail, but my foot feels better now that I it¢s clean. No infections so far. Yay!!!SPECIAL NOTES: Yes! I love my hiking poles. They¢ve kept me from busting my ass countless times. I took two pictures ¢ one close to the top of White Cap Mountain, and the other at the top.SUMMARY FOR THE DAY: Today was a good day, and an easy one. I am, at the most, three days from Monson. I will spend at least one day in town, if not two. I will also be sending out my logs thus far so they can be posted. TTFN.
Date: 2011-07-07
From: Carl A. Newhall Lean-to

To: Chairback Gap Lean-to
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: scattered clouds

#11DATE: 7/7/2011TIME: 4:05 p.m.DISTANCE TRAVELED: 9.9 milesFROM/TO: From Carl A. Newhall Lean-to, over a mountain, to Chairback Gap Lean-to.WEATHER: It was partly cloudy, and temps were in the 80¢s with a breeze.MEALS: I had hot broth for breakfast, with the rest of the Brown Bread from yesterday. I also ate the candy bar I traded for the toilet paper. I snacked on a pack of dry Ramen noodles throughout the day. Then for dinner I had the last part of my MRE ¢ chicken and mashed potatoes ¢ and hot broth to drink. Tasty.ROAD/TRAIL CONDITIONS: The trail this morning was awesome, and I made great time. Then, about 11:00 a.m., I started up Chairback Mountain, and it kicked my butt. It¢s very steep and rocky, and very close to being rock climbing rather than hiking, with a 45 lb pack on your back!! SHELTER USED/SLEEPING QUARTERS: I stopped early in the day and decided that 9.9 miles was good for me, so I stayed at the Chairback Gap Lean-to.PEOPLE MET, HIKED WITH OR SEEN: I passed a lot of people today. There are apparently a lot of waterfalls near where I was thru-hiking, and people make day-hikes to them like they do to Crabtree Falls in Virginia. Tonight I am bunking with a couple from Tennessee who work for R.E.I. They are hiking the Trail for the second time and testing out some new equipment that will come out in a few years.ANIMALS SEEN: Bugs, two snakes, a toad, a frog, and a yellow-breasted bird about as big as a Finch.MONEY SPENT OR SAVED: I¢ve spent no money today. Two more days and then I¢ll be spending money.MAIN CONCERN OF THE DAY: Making good time and distance is all I¢ve been thinking about. I broke a water bottle this morning, so I can only carry half of the water needed for two hours of walking. It¢s slowing me down. I put a baggy in the broken bottle, and it will hold a little more water, but not all that I need.SPECIAL NOTES: Just tired.SUMMARY FOR THE DAY: As days on the Trail go, it was a good day.
Date: 2011-07-08
From: Chairback Gap Lean-to

To: Wilson Valley Lean-to
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: overcast clouds

#12DATE: 7/8/2011TIME: 7:48 p.m.DISTANCE TRAVELED: 15.7 miles ¢ and it seems farther!FROM/TO: From Chairback Gap Lean-to to Wilson Valley Lean-to.WEATHER: The weather was perfect for hiking, overcast but mostly sunny, with temps in the 80¢s, I¢m guessing. Night temps feel about mid-50¢s.MEALS: I had chicken broth for breakfast, and I nibbled on a package of dry Ramen noodles throughout the day. I came across a couple waiting to meet their daughter on the trail, and they gave me a chocolate Moon Pie and a Diet Coke. Yes, I am taking Benadryl as I go to bed. Then I had two packages of Ramen noodles, cooked, for dinner. That leaves two packages for tomorrow.ROAD/TRAIL CONDITIONS: The trail was mostly rocks and exposed tree roots, and I crossed not more than six little bogs. I walked up and down at least 3000 feet today, over three and a half mountains. SHELTER USED/SLEEPING QUARTERS: I slept in the Wilson Valley Lean-to.PEOPLE MET, HIKED WITH OR SEEN: I hiked alone all day. I came across 9 north-bounders, 7 of whom were hiking. I passed 2 men in the middle of the day, and four women, all headed for the Lean-to I stayed in last night. The other 3 men I met at this shelter, and they¢re headed for their last 100 miles of Trail.ANIMALS SEEN: I¢ve only seen a couple of frogs today.MONEY SPENT OR SAVED: No money spent today.MAIN CONCERN OF THE DAY: At first it was how far I could get, but when I hit the 10-mile mark at 3:00 p.m., I wondered if I should push forward. I chose to go on, but two hours into it, my body was not as graceful as it should have been. I fell about four feet climbing down a ledge, and then my sandal got stuck on the stub of a branch as I climbed over a downed tree. I was tired, hungry, and not in the best mood. I made it to camp, though.SPECIAL NOTES: Had I stopped at the 10.6-mile mark, I would be bunking with four women my age. LOL I¢m not sure if it was a good or bad decision to move on!SUMMARY FOR THE DAY: You will have to write your own ¢ as for me, I¢m going to bed!
Date: 2011-07-10
From: Monson, Maine

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

#14DATE: 7/10/2011TIME: 7:00 p.m.DISTANCE TRAVELED: 0FROM/TO: From Shaw¢s Boarding House To Shaw¢s Boarding HouseWEATHER: It was a beautiful day, with steady breezes all day.MEALS: For breakfast, I had ¢3¢, 3 scrambled eggs, 3 sausage links, 3 pieces of bacon, and 3 blueberry pancakes, along with 3 glasses of water and 1 Sunny Dee.For lunch I had a tortilla shell with 10 pieces of cheese, and a liter of Pepsi. I drank a Dr. Pepper later for a snack.For dinner, I had 3 glasses of red wine and boneless chicken wings, and when I got back to Shaw¢s, I ate more cheese.ROAD/TRAIL CONDITIONS: I didn¢t even see the Trail today.SHELTER USED/SLEEPING QUARTERS: I will spend one more night at Shaw¢s, and they will shuttle me back to the A.T. in the morning.PEOPLE MET, HIKED WITH OR SEEN:ANIMALS SEEN: People and dogs.MONEY SPENT OR SAVED: I have saved no money today. I bought 10 days worth of food for about $65. I picked up some bug repellant, duct tape, and a hose clamp for $12. I paid $26 for dinner with wine. And I also picked up some hiking shoes from the Hikers¢ Shop at Shaw¢s for $50.MAIN CONCERN OF THE DAY: I have been concerned about getting ready and getting back on the A.T.SPECIAL NOTES: Nothing special ¢ just getting ready for the next 70 to 100 miles.SUMMARY FOR THE DAY: Today was a day of rest. I removed the toenail on my left big toe. I was tending to my feet and found that puss was coming out from under the toenail. So I pulled it off to clean and treat the blister beneath. It feels much better now. I spent some time cleaning my clothes and mending my equipment. I am rested, fed, restocked and ready to get back on the Trail. TTFN.