morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-08-14
From: Pleasant Pond Lean-To

To: Hill in the Woods
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Started hiking at 8:30am. If the weather had been better, I was going to start at 6:30am and arrive in Caratunk at 9:30am and pick up a package at the post office (food drop) and take the ferry across the Kennebec before 11am. I got to town at 11am and followed the directions in my book (0.3 mi E on US 201) and someone stopped to see if I needed a ride. I said no, I was just going to the post office and they pointed out I was on the wrong road. I am definitely going to switch guide books. I wasn't far off track and got to the post office in 10 min and my food box was there, but I would have to wait for the 2pm ferry.When I got down to the river, it turned out the ferry operator was the same guy that offered me a ride and gave me directions. Nice fellow. The "ferry" was a canoe. Probably would have fit 5 or so people comfortably, but I was the only one there so I got to paddle too. It was quick, but there was a swift current and the water was deep. Definitely wouldn't have forded that river. I thought the trail had come first and the ferry had come later, but the operator said the canoe ferry had been in operation since 1937 - it was only since 1987 that the ferry was officially contracted thru the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and ran a regular schedule - previously it required reservations.The other hikers said the trail I would cover today was an easy walk for them, but due to the rain, it was like walking down a river. I did pretty well at keeping my feet dry, but at 4:30 I stepped on a rock that sank and I got wet up to my ankle. Oh well. I hiked past the shelter because it was too early to stop and ended up camping in the middle of the woods. Since everything was wet, I took advantage of a section near the top of a hill that was a little higher and drier. Nice and comfy too.
Date: 2014-08-15
From: Hill in the Woods

To: Little Bigelow Lean-To
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Tried to sinch-up my groudcloth around my sleeping bag as an experiment last night. I had sewn some loops along the edges and used some elastic cord to pull up the ends/sides. The idea was to allow my tarp to be high enough to sit up underneath, but not let splashed from raindrops get on my sleeping bag since there would be a gap between the edge of the tarp and the ground. It stayed it place fine, but didn't breathe well, so the areas on the sides/top of my sleeping bag covered by the bivy were wet in the morning. I stayed warm fine, and the majority of the bag itself wasn't wet - just the surface. I probably won't try that again, but instead just lower the tarp so there is little to no space between it and the ground and not be able to sit up well.About midday, an opposite direction hiker told me there was "Trail Magic" ahead at the next lean-to. I was planning to hike right by without stopping, but I took the 100 yard detour to the lean-to and found rice-crispie treats. Someone left a big tupperware bin full of them with a note inviting hikers to take some. People really go out of there way to be nice to hikers around here - quite literally, as the only access to the shelter is to hike in.Almost had to ford a stream due to the higher than normal water level after the rain. You could see rocks just below the surface that probably could have been crossed on a drier day. I hiked up stream a bit and walked across a big fallen tree- about 18 inches across - and almost all the way across, it started to move under me and almost sank before I got across, but I stayed dry.I hiked past the "Carrying Ponds" - they had historical significance (an elderly gentlement gave me the whole story at the Caratunk post office yesterday). During the revolution, this was where Benedict Arnold led 1200 troops up the Kennebec River and on up thru the Maine woods, carrying their boats overland at times. I will have to look up the whole story - but it was interested. I found one sandy beach in the sun and took a nice break there.More "Trail Magic" at a road intersection: a cooler of beer and soda with a sign for hikers to enjoy. I stayed at the next shelter and was going to pitch my tarp outside when it started to rain. Rather than deal with wet gear, I just grabbed my stuff and stayed in the shelter itself. It stopped raining within 10 min, but since I was already in there, I stayed.
Date: 2014-08-16
From: Little Bigelow Lean-To

To: Cranberry Stream Campsite
Miles today: 13.4

Got up and packed. Since I stayed in the lean-to, it was quick so I had time (and the fuel) to cook oatmeal. The 20oz of denatured alcohol I started with at Katahdin has been lasting quite a while.I climbed the Bigelow Mountains today - the first along the trail over 4000' high. There were a couple of peaks - all in the clouds, and it was chilly and windy. I tucked in behind a rock at one of the peaks to eat lunch. At the higher peak, there was a square brick footing, probably a former fire tower, which was a nice little wind shield for a snack. Between the peaks, I was surprised to find a rather nice sized wood cabin. It was labeled a caretaker cabin and was made from logs that clearly didn't come from the surrounding trees. It must have been quite a project to haul all the material in to build it. On the way down the mountain, I passed a shelter/campsite where there was a caretaker tent that looked inhabited (the cabin at the top was locked/empty). Must be an interesting commute to work....(no roads!)About 1.3 miles from the campsite at the bottom, it started to drizzle. Not too bad, but I put on my poncho. I passed the "2000 mi" marker by a stream - probably a bigger deal to those hiking north, but it made me wonder if there will be another one near the south end telling me when I've gone 2000 mi. The campsite was just beyond the marker and the rain actually stopped so that I could put up my shelter and cook dinner.I tried the plastic bag method of cooking I had seen some other hikers use at the lean-tos. After boiling water with the stove, I poured it into the mashed potato package (which was plastic), stirred, and rolled the top over for a few minutes. It seemed to work well, but there were a few dry spots in the bottoms corners where it was hard to stir. I added more water as necessary while eating them and it worked out well. Some people just use ziploc bags for all their cooking so they never have to wash dishes. I supposed it works, but after a few days, their trash bag probably smells worse than mine. Just as I was finishing up, it started to rain again, so I crawled into my sleeping bag.
Date: 2014-08-18
From: Crocker Cirque Campsite

To: Poplar Ridge Lean-To
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: broken clouds

It was quite a while that morning before I saw another hiker. I celebrated as soon as I did though - and thanked the guy for taking care of all the cobwebs in the next few miles. If you are the first one out on the trail in the morning, like I was, you run into what seems like hundreds of spider webs, all conveniently strung at face level. I contemplated carrying a stick and holding it out in front of me, and eventually tried it, but it just didn't seem worth it.Overall it was a chilly, cloudy day. Up and over Spaulding (4000'). Hiked the extra 0.3 miles off-trail to get to the peak hoping to catch a nice view, but it was all trees. There was an unmarked side trail, so I followed it a ways and found a little bit of a clearing where I could look out while having lunch.Decided to stay in a shelter for the night so I could have a quick morning (no packing up my shelter). It also gave me a chance to dry out my poncho since it was still damp from yesterday.
Date: 2014-08-19
From: Poplar Ridge Lean-To

To: Rangeley, ME
Miles today: 10.7

Absolutely gorgeous day. Perfect temperature under sunny blue skies with an occasional puffy white cloud - just picturesque. It was a very steep climb up Saddleback Junior: hand-over-hand climbing, no walking for quite a stretch. Once on top, it was an easy, fast route across to Saddleback and down. Saw some folks trail-running - it was definitely a good area for it. The trail was either smooth packed dirt or smooth rocks with only a few rough spots comparatively to the trails in that section of Maine.Only a half day of hiking - got to the road about 1pm and hiked 0.3 mi to the nearest hostel. It was a cozy place, beautiful yard, but off the grid, so no electricity or running water. They did offer shuttle service though to town, which is what I opted for. Of the two hostels in town, I chose the one downtown so I could walk to the library. Unfortunately, it turned out to be kind of a dump - like a dirty fraternity house. The people were nice, but the accommodations left a lot to be desired. I should have stayed at "The Farmhouse", which was supposed to be very clean and nice. Oh well - it sufficed for what I needed and was cheap.I had dinner in town and resupplied. When I was in the library, there was a lecture on birds, so it was relatively quiet until they played sounds of the bird calls which was amusing to listen to. Also, I overheard the librarian talking to a gentleman returning a book. He asked about late fees and the librarian told him there were none, but referred him to their "Conscience Pig", a piggy bank on the counter where people with late books could ease their conscience by donating what they felt was appropriate for their tardiness. I thought it was a cute idea.
Date: 2014-08-20
From: Rangeley, ME

To: Bemis Stream
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Got up early and walked to the grocery store. It was a bit of a hike, but not terrible. This was the first time resupplying at a real grocery store and there were sooo many options, so I of course ended up with more than I needed.I had picked up my box from the post office with my transient items and cell phone and made arrangements with a hostel for shuttle service back to the trail before mailing away my phone. Spent a little more time at the library, then hunted down my missing package.I had decided to switch trail guides, but the new one was wasn't at the Post Office. The lady said if things get shipped UPS to the Post Office by accident, they have to refuse them, but I should check the visitor/municipal office next door or the sports shop (that has a UPS drop-off). It turned out my package with my new trail guide had been shipped UPS and was at the visitor office.I headed out around 1pm and made great time. The trail was level and easy and I covered 13.9 miles in a half day - my best pace yet. I made arrangements to meet my parents at Grafton Notch on Saturday, so I was trying to make good mileage in case in rained Friday (forecast said it might). I decided to camp just after crossing Bemis Stream and saw one other guy doing the same thing just a bit down-river. It was a nice, comfortable spot, though it took a few tries to hang my bear bag (not many suitable trees).
Date: 2014-08-21
From: Bemis Stream

To: Hall Mountain Lean-To
Miles today: 16.6
Weather: scattered clouds

One of my longer days - still trying to make good time to Grafton Notch. Got up at 5:30 and was hiking at 6:20am. I made good progress, but sacrificed some time for blueberry picking on Bemis Mtn. There were tons! Crossed a few peaks that day, the second of which seemed smaller even though it was the highest. There was a long, constant climb at the end of the day though which is never a good time for one. I got to the shelter as two other folks were leaving (they had been taking a break). I set up my shelter out back because it is softer and more comfortable to sleep on the ground than the hard wood floor of the lean-to, and you don't have to listen to anyone snore.I cooked dinner at the lean-to expecting other hikers to arrive, but no one ever did. As I was cooking dinner and daylight was growing thin, I could hear the mice scurrying around and strategizing how'd they'd get my food. Another good reason not to stay in a shelter alone...no one else to help fight off the vermin...I hung my food bag from in the shelter just to tease the mice. I usually hang it from a tree for bears if I'm alone, but there was no history of bear problems in that area according to the log books. If I'm in a shelter and everyone is hanging their food from it, I figure the group of us will be able to scare off a bear. This shelter had several strings with mice deterrents to use. Mice deterrents are usually cut soda bottle or can with a string hanging down from the middle similar and they function on the same principle as a frisbee on a bird feeder pole to keep away squirrels.
Date: 2014-08-22
From: Hall Mountain Lean-To

To: Grafton Notch
Miles today: 16.3

There was possible rain in the forecast today, but all I got was a short, light sprinkle. It was the first day I arrived places earlier than anticipated. I often estimate my speed and time to the next landmark, but tend to get there later than expected. Today, I would get someplace, check my watch, and be pleasantly surprised. It was probably because the elevation profile looked steep, but the trail itself was in good condition.I ran into a group of folks that inquired about how I attach my water bottle to my backpack. I hang it horizontally using one strap with a friction fastener sewed to my waistband and one loose elastic loop. I had a contoured water bottle, so the skinniest part of the large end goes in the strap and the elastic wraps around the neck to keep it from flopping around. This way, I can access it while hiking since my pack has no water bottle feature I can reach while walking. Long story short, they were impressed with the idea and I was the only person they'd seen like that. Several other hikers had commented on it so far, but these guys liked it enough to give me the trail name "The Inventor". Trail names are nothing more than nicknames and usually assigned by other hikers, not picked out yourself. So, now I had one. They can change over the course of the trail, but usually the first one sticks.It was cloudy, but I climbed out of them and was on top for a while, so I got some nice views. There were a different variety of blueberries on Baldpate Mtn, very low, dense, and bushy, but heavily laden with fruit. A worthwhile delay... I made it to the parking lot around 4pm even though I wasn't due to meet my parents there until 10am the next morning. I skipped past a .75 mi side trail marked "Extraordinary View" because I preferred more time to set up camp than to hike extra late in the day. I have to wonder though, most side trails are marked "View" or "Good View", this was the only one advertised as "Extraordinary", but the quality of the view will remain a mystery.I set up camp in the woods near the parking lot of the state park on a skimobile trail at an existing fire ring and I could hear another group camped elsewhere nearby. I think it was a group of college kids on an school-organized expedition.
Date: 2014-08-23
From: Grafton Notch

To: Mahoosuc Notch (east end)
Miles today: 1.7

Met my parents in the parking lot in the morning and re-supplied. There was no comparison between my Dad's pack and mine. His external frame pack felt like it weighed a ton, despite claims that it was only 32. Regardless, we switched packs to expedite our progress since I had gotten enough endurance lately that a heavy pack wouldn't slow me down much. We got started at a reasonable hour and dropped our packs near the top of Old Speck and took a short 0.3 mi side trail to the summit. There was a lookout tower with a great view which made a good spot for a snack, though remembering the camera would have been a good idea. We also made the descent down Mahoosuc Arm which was time consuming so the day's mileage was rather short. There were many reports of a campsite between the Arm and the Notch, and we found it. We wouldn't have had enough time to go through the notch that afternoon. Many opposite direction hikers told us how long it took to complete the notch and estimates varied widely, from 1.5 hrs to 5 hrs. We were of course going to find out for ourselves tomorrow.
Date: 2014-08-24
From: Mahoosuc Notch (east end)

To: Carlo Col Shelter
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: scattered clouds

The Notch was similar to what was advertised. Lots of climbing over, under, and around boulders. There were reports of ice in the low sections and I was hoping to see some, but I didn't have my headlamp out, so I couldn't tell if there was any in the deep, dark crevices. Other hikers said they saw some and you could definitely feel the chill.Although my Dad opted to take off the his pack (actually my pack because we had switched), I didn't have to take mine off once. Generally when there was and over/under option, I chose over. The notch took 2-2.5 hrs and we stopped for a snack in the middle. We still had to climb a mountain afterwards and made modest mileage overall before getting to a shelter relatively early in the day (4:30pm). It was more of a cabin without a door as opposed to the usual 3-sided shelter and had a big shelf to sleep on. You could accommodate about 12 people (six on the shelf and six underneath on the floor). Other hikers arrived after us, but all opted to set up tents, so we had the place to ourselves. They must have figured Dad would snore (most older guys do).
Date: 2014-08-25
From: Carlo Col Shelter

To: Trident Col Tent Site
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: clear sky

Made better progress today - less difficult terrain and crossed the border into NH. One state down, 13 to go. On the way up one hill the sun was coming through the trees at just the right angle to illuminate a mountain stream with a small pond. The water was running well and formed foam on top of the pond and the water was clear, but due to the color of the pond bed and the lighting, it looked medium-amber. It was just the right combination of factors that made the pond look like a big puddle of beer. It really fit the exact description of a good brown ale. Now I was thirsty...Not many people are hiking south, but one guy caught up to us at a stream and we chit-chatted for the remainder of the afternoon until reaching the campsite. He moved on, and Dad wanted to set up in a grassy area that was not one of the designated tent sites. My only objection was the he chose the closest possible spot to the privy (outhouse). I was afraid the wind might change overnight, but we risked it to have a soft, roomy spot (the other places were hard-packed and small).As we were cooking dinner, we couldn't help but notice the noise from the birds. They looked like very large crows or something similar, but the beating of their wings was LOUD. They sounded exactly like the winged monkeys in the Wizard of Oz movie - the noise they made was almost comical. They were circling our area - perhaps they were deciding whether or not to carry us off....
Date: 2014-08-26
From: Trident Col Tent Site

To: Gorham, NH
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: broken clouds

Overall, a very nice day. As we descended out of the mountains, there was a noticeable change in temperature. It not only got warmer as we approached noon, but the elevation change made it even more dramatic.We stopped at the hostel where I checked in. My aunt and uncle joined us for lunch as well as my mother. After visiting for a bit, I ended up at the library as everyone else headed home. I made arrangements with the hostel to be picked up after having dinner in town.The hostel was very nice and clean.
Date: 2014-08-27
From: Gorham, NH

To: Rattle River Shelter
Miles today: 2.0
Weather: broken clouds

Breakfast at the hostel was excellent and I spent the entire day on their computer preparing my grad school applications. I left at about 5 pm and only hiked 2 mi to the nearest shelter. I set my tent up outside and didn't find many options to hang a bear bag. The first tree was too high and after getting my string over, I realized I didn't have enough rope. It was dark before I got my string over a different tree while standing on a steep grade. At one point between balancing on the hill and trying to untangle a portion of the string and hanging onto my food bag, I lost my footing and tumbled down a little (not far), but I didn't let go of my string, which meant I didn't fall far or lose any progress. It was really rather amusing, if anyone would have been watching, I must have looked pretty funny trying to juggle it all.
Date: 2014-08-28
From: Rattle River Shelter

To: West Branch of the Peabody River
Miles today: 23.2
Weather: clear sky

After sitting all day yesterday, I made up for it through the Wildcats. These are typically considered one of the more challenging mountain ranges in NH and some people told me they found these their least favorite on the trail overall. I had no issues though and made great time and my first day over 20 miles.I dropped my pack near Mt Moriah and took the side trail to the summit - cloudy, no view. The weather cleared though and the view from the bump prior to Carter Dome had amazing 360 degree views. The Dome itself was tree covered. I stopped at Carter Notch Hut for lunch. I had heard a lot about the huts and this was the first one I came to. Usually they are expensive to stay at ($100+ per night) for a bunk and meals. Everything has to be carried in and out, so the hut staff usually gives away leftovers to thru-hikers. Meals are only provided to paying guests. The huts do offer some things for purchase like lemonade, baked goods, and sometimes soup since they don't serve lunch. The girl tending the kitchen offered me leftover oatmeal and I bought a piece of chocolate cake.I hurried down to Pinkham Notch because my guidebook said their snack bar (which had hot food) was open until 6pm. I got there at 5:30 and it turned out that the snack bar closed at 4:30. I was supposed to get picked up at Pinkham notch at 4:30 the next day and had arrived a full day early. I decided to hike on as far as I could by dark and made it across the footbridge over the Peabody River. I was expecting to go another 1.5 miles to the published campsite, but another hiker said there was a site near the river and it was true. It was an official site not in my book and even had a bear box (a metal container rugged enough to stop a bear from getting your food). I finished dinner just as darkness fell and aimed to get up early and attempt the Presidential Range to Route 302 in a day.