morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-09-28
From: @ Andover, ME

To: @ Sabbath Day Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 17.0

It has been a trying day. Beginning with this morning, I made the call to hike. I feel better and can regularly clear my sinuses. Two days off has also left me restless. I questioned my decision as I stepped on the trail, an uphill start of 2,200 feet. I felt sluggish and winded and was worried I would be like that all day.Fortunately, my legs got into a rhythm, but I struggled with uphills all day; hiking with a cold is not good for the cold, or the hike. Warmer weather contributed to a less irritated nose and throat, though I sweated heavily all day (I kept my fleece on, as I was more worried about being chilly than being hot).I had my most disastrous day in terms of falls, however. I fell three times, in all cases, my feet slid forward downhill, and I proceeded to land on my pack. Though I have never noticed it until today, the location of my sleeping pad was instrumental in preventing me, or my gear, from taking damage. All was not perfect ¢ I bent my left pole on my second fall and bashed my right forearm on a rock. I was able to bend the pole straight and the scratch on my arm was superficial, but the psychological upset had already taken hold.The rest of the day was fine. Maine is beautiful here now. I walked farther than I meant to, but that means a shorter day into town. I hiked past sunset and was rewarded with a beautiful fading daylight reflected on a still lake just a short distance off the trail to my right. The stars are clearly visible, too, as the waning crescent moon hasn¢t risen yet.It¢s not been a perfect day, but it¢s been good. I hope for more good.229.8 miles to go.
Date: 2013-09-29
From: @ Sabbath Day Pond Lean-to

To: @Rangeley, ME
Miles today: 9.4

Waking up next to a fog-covered pond, still water reflecting the opposite shore, is a pretty neat morning view. It wasn¢t too cold either, so I was able to start my hike in just a T-shirt, no fleece.The half-day hike to town was modest and halfway in there was a pond and campsite, a nice place for a break. I sat in a busted canoe on the shore and had a mid-morning snack, thankful for the warm sunshine drying out my sweaty gear.Rangeley is located right on a large lake. I saw my first water plane (floatplane, seaplane) pulling into dock as I walked into town to buy a new knife (to replace the one I had lost yesterday). There are some nice BBS; I¢m at a hotel with a good hiker rate and a relaxing view of the lake. I thought how nice it would be to find a nice spot and not having to walk on.The cold is slowly going away, but it¢s not done yet. I was saving toilet paper today by not using it to wipe or blow my nose. Instead, I would blow a snot rocket then wipe with a freshly fallen leaf. Trust me, wiping snot with leaves is better than the alternative.There¢s a big climb out of town tomorrow, so I¢m unsure as to how far I¢ll go, especially with the lingering illness. I¢m looking forward to the terrain getting easier, though I¢m not even sure it¢s going to happen. I¢ve got too much food, not enough time, but I¢m going to keep on until Katahdin.220.4 miles to go.
Date: 2013-09-30
From: @Rangeley, ME

To: @ Poplar Ridge Lean-to
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Rangeley was covered with a dense fog this morning and my spirits reflected that. I sat in bed for a long time working up the motivation to even move. Titus knocked on my door around 9 AM, so I got moving then and met him at the diner. His lovely wife K, then drove us to the trailhead, where not a cloud was to be seen.The climb up Saddleback was rough. Numerous false summits kept discouraging me. And even after summiting, I still had to hike over the Horn and Saddleback Junior, the latter of which was very steep and sapped me of my last energy.Upon reaching the shelter, I met a Japanese couple who are thru hiking for their honeymoon. Very cool. After Titus showed up, we all conversed on trail life, Japan, etc., in a mix of both languages. It was a nice encounter and I wish them both success on the rest of their hike (a flip-flop to Harper¢s Ferry) and in marriage.I¢m exhausted after today, though I felt a little better after having a big dinner. I hope it is a result of the cold beginning to fade. I could use my endurance back, not to mention simply felling not miserable. So much of my energy is going to fighting this cold that I¢m amazed I can even hike the miles I am hiking. I look forward to a strong finish.209.7 miles to go.
Date: 2013-10-01
From: @ Poplar Ridge Lean-to

To: @ Crocker Cirque Campsite
Miles today: 14.2

One of the first things I noticed when I woke up was that my nostrils were clear and I was breathing through them. Though that didn¢t last very long, it was a small indication of improvement.The cough was still persisting and I thought to myself that I probably would never see a moose with all the hacking I¢ve been doing. I was surprised then when I saw a bull on the trail about and hour after starting. We were able to see his antlers and most of his body, Titus being right behind me. The moose followed the trail north for a minute before taking off into the woods. I saw two females at a distance, later in the day, and hope to get a better view sometime. Today was hot and dry, a surprise for what I expected an October day in Maine to be like. There was some good ascending elevation today and it kicked my ass again. The cold is still keeping me below 100%.Tomorrow, right out of camp, there is a steep climb and perhaps another one at the end of the day, depending on how far I go.As my health improves, as does my mood, I¢m hoping that I¢ll be in good shape soon so that I can up my mileage and ensure a successful hike. Not having to blow a snot-rocket every mile would be nice, too.Less than 200 miles now, 195.5 to go. I feel so close!
Date: 2013-10-02
From: @ Crocker Cirque Campsite

To: @ Horns Pond Lean-tos
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: few clouds

Up, into the clouds, and over two high peaks was how the day started. It was less than fun. Though sweaty and hot, the wind and dampness were cooling me off quickly for an uncomfortable morning.The downhill into Stratton brought T and I out of the clouds and into the weather we¢ve gotten used to ¢ sunny, clear skies with wart temps. I had a resupply box and my bounce bucket in town, so I needed to go in. A fast hitch in, smooth unpacking and repacking, and a fast hitch out to the trail helped to lift my spirits.From town, the goal was 5 miles to a shelter up in the mountains near a pond. The climb was rough, especially considering the added weight of several days¢ food. But in good cheer, we slowly made our way up and the cooperating weather lent to some long-distance views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. In fact, looking out of the shelter, I can see the climb out that awaits for tomorrow morning and it looks like it¢s going be another morning of early sweating.Few big climbs remain on the hike, so the last obstacles are only mileage and times. Really, then, only time. But I¢m confident in my plan for the next two weeks and all I want is good weather to make it ultimately enjoyable. Cold October rain hardly seems like a good motivator.Although I am ready to finish, I know there will be moments that I¢ll miss when it¢s all over, much like this one ¢ sitting snug in a shelter at 7:30 watching the stars and listening to the wind as it passes through the pines. I believe this is a good feeling to remember after the hike is over, a reminder to seek a life and lifestyle that is rewarding and not complicated.Today was also the last major milestone ¢ 2,000 miles hiked. Hard to have imagined it, but here I am.183.1 miles to go.
Date: 2013-10-03
From: @ Horns Pond Lean-tos

To: @ East Flagstaff Lake
Miles today: 12.8

Over the Horn, over the Bigelows and down to the lakeside, today was hard. But the lakeside campsite, calm water and clear sky made it worth it. There isn¢t any rush at the moment because the ferry at the Kennbec River only runs from 9 to 11 AM and there is no way to make that before Friday.After all the peaks and climbs, I¢m ready for some flat trail, some of which I walked today. There are some hills left and a big range in the 100-mile (wilderness), and of course Katahdin, but most of the profile looks good. With my luck, it will be roots, rocks and mud the whole way.Tired, wanting to eat more and still not 100% well, I¢m feeling drained. I wish I had another zero-day in the schedule, but I can¢t take one and finish by the 15th. The best I can hope for is a near-zero into Monson, and maybe one into Abol Bridge. I could use the rest.170.3 miles to go.
Date: 2013-10-04
From: @ East Flagstaff Lake

To: @ HarrisonÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs Pierce Pond Camp
Miles today: 15.5

For no reason in particular, out of camp I took a quick pace, most likely to see how I could take the flatter terrain. The good news is that I can take it pretty well, having done 15.5 miles in 7.5 hours, including some leisurely breaks at shelters, ponds and suitable logs on the trail.This is encouraging because it (hopefully) means that when the elevation stays level, I can make really good mileage, something I feel I need to do to finish by October 15th. There are some big hills and one mountain along the way, but I¢m hoping a mixture of enthusiasm, determination, and the need to meet a deadline drive me forward.After making good time, arriving at Harrison¢s, I wasn¢t sure what kind of experience it would be. I¢m glad to say it has been one of the better post-hike encounters of the trip.The camp is set up primarily for hunters, but owner Tim offers a deal for thru-hikers: $40 for a shower, cabins with beds, wood stoves and oil lanterns, and a pancake breakfast with sausage and eggs. He even surprised us with some chicken soup this afternoon. I¢m looking forward to breakfast, especially considering that we might have to hike a long day tomorrow, not to mention resupply and cross a river via ferry.I still feel rushed, but the time here at the camp has been well spent and Tim¢s good company and support is just what I need to help me finish.154.8 miles to go.
Date: 2013-10-05
From: @ HarrisonÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs Pierce Pond Camp

To: @ Bald Mountain Brook Lean-to
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: scattered clouds

It was a long day, but the 13-pancake breakfast (normally 12) was the best start. Tim sent us off well and we made our first goal, the ferry crossing just after 9 AM.The ferryman, Dave, crossed in a canoe, had us buckle in to our life jackets, sign a release, then t and I got in, and with my paddling assistance, we made it over quickly.The stop in Caratunk, while taking longer than I wanted, was nice. There were freshly made PB & J sandwiches in a hiker box at the post office along with bananas, chocolate milk boxes and captain¢s wafers. I had a box at the Sterling Inn, and after a phone call, owner Eric came out and picked us up, helped us fill a few resupply needs, and got us back to the trail a little before 11 AM.From there, we booked it. It was a draining pace and mixed terrain, so sure footing was rare. I was getting frustrated, constantly thinking about how much more comfortable I¢ be if I didn¢t catch that cold (that even now makes me need to blow my nose throughout the4 day). And with rain expected over the next few days, I can only see myself getting more exasperated.But for now, I¢m well fed and warm and tired. Tomorrow will be shorter and I¢ll be in Monson on Monday. I can¢t wait for clean clothes. My feet in particular, smell awful136.5 miles to go.
Date: 2013-10-06
From: @ Bald Mountain Brook Lean-to

To: @ Horseshoe Canyon Lean-to
Miles today: 13.0

My most pressing concern is time, and it¢s taking away from some of the enjoyment at the end of this trip. That¢s not to say that my experience is now without joyful moments. I simply mean that behind every break, every break, every stop at a viewpoint, and at every morning, the reality of the distance I need to hike is ever present. Adding to this pressure is the uncertainty of the remaining terrain. Mountain profiles portray their challenge clearly enough, but apparently flat ground can be rough, rooty, muddy, even undulating, but to a degree small enough to be omitted in the guidebook.While cooling temperatures contribute to some early morning discomfort, the major worry is rain. If it rains, the situation can become dangerous. Fords can also become more hazardous if water levels rise too much and the cold water can easily induce hypothermia should one slip and fall.I¢m going to finish this hike. Now it¢s just a matter of how favorable the conditions are going to be, and directly correlated to that, how much fun the last week will be.Tomorrow I will stop in Monson after a half-day. I¢ll resupply, clean up, eat a lot, and psyche myself up for the final stretch. Six months has been a long time to hike. I¢m ready to finish.123.5 miles to go.
Date: 2013-10-07
From: @ Horseshoe Canyon Lean-to

To: @ Monson, Maine
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: light intensity drizzle

Rain started at around 9 PM last night and lingered all day. In weather like that, it is hard to leave shelter and willingly walk into cold, damp conditions.The hike went quickly, 9 miles in 3:40. I would like to be able to maintain speeds like that in the 100-Mile Wilderness, but it is unlikely for several reasons. One is pack weight. I¢m carrying out 13-14 pounds of food for the week. Two, moving that fast is draining. This morning I ate my normal breakfast and regular lunch before departing the shelter and I was still hungry by 9:30 AM. Three, terrain is still unknown and it might be slow going.I had expected to take a day off here, but having contracted a cold, I have no time to waste. In a way, I prefer hiking out in the morning and not delaying the inevitable. Even the weather seems willing to cooperate by clearing up tomorrow and staying clear and sunny, albeit cool, for a few days.With the end of the hike so close, I have been giving lots of thought to what I want to do when I finish. I have a plan, but it¢s not perfected, and I¢ll need some time to put it into work. I¢m excited, too, for the possibilities.So, into the wild I go, 114.5 miles remaining.
Date: 2013-10-08
From: Katahdin

To: @ Long pond Stream Lean-to
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: broken clouds

I was trepidatious about starting the 100-Mile Wilderness, but so far my fears are unfounded. It is like all the other miles I have completed with the exception that there is no option to stop a day early. Until I reach Abol Bridge at mile 2170, I¢m on my own. That is not necessarily true, though. For one, Titus and I have meshed schedules again. It¢s good to have the comfort of knowing that in case of emergency, there is another person with me. The moral support is also important; we both fell twice today and being able to curse and laugh it off is vital to pushing on. There are other hikers out here too, many who waited in Monson for one reason or another, and who are now on their final stretch as well. Katahdin could be crowded on the 15th.I felt good today, but there were low moments for sure. Two early slips and falls made me question the sanity of walking into 100 miles of forest. Pack weight was much less of a concern than I anticipated. Water is so available from streams, ponds, etc., that I carry only one liter and can refill quite easily. Physically, there are some knee issues ¢ new ones ¢ but they aren¢t going to keep me from finishing. Finally, the mental aspect ¢ I want to be done and knowing I only have one more week of hiking to do is motivation enough.Despite cold weather yesterday and last night, today was clear and so should the next few days be. Whether or not Katahdin is cloudy on the 15th is irrelevant to me. I will finish that day and hang up my gear for a while.99.4 miles to go. Sub-100!
Date: 2013-10-09
From: Katahdin

To: @ Katahdin Ironworks Road
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: clear sky

It was cold last night, so much so that I awoke around 3 AM, put on my down jacket, and still had trouble getting to sleep. I rose about 6 AM and had to psyche myself up to get ready. The first few miles were uphill, though, the first time I looked forward to an ascent.My frustrations continued today. I fell twice again, bashing my left knee on a rock during one of them. I seem to have great luck, as I didn¢t sustain anything more than superficial injuries. Otherwise, I¢m simply having trouble enjoying hiking. I believe the October 15th deadline is playing a part in that. In an effort to find the positives, tomorrow is the last ¢hard¢ day of the wilderness. There are four big peaks to climb, after which the remaining miles flatten out like a dead man¢s heartbeat. Pack weight lightens a couple of pounds each day, and I only have six days left.I tomorrow turns out okay, I think I can handle the rest of the hike without concern. Getting past the hard miles in one piece is the challenge. One way to do that is to add more hours to the day, so tomorrow I will wake early and hike early, the first obstacle being a 150 foot-wide, knee-to-thigh deep, river ford. I¢ll need some luck for that one.84.7 miles to go.
Date: 2013-10-10
From: Katahdin

To: @ East Branch Lean-to
Miles today: 16.9

This morning¢s ford took place at 7 AM and was extremely cold, so much so that my shins were pained at the touch of the current. The depth was shallow and the water wasn¢t flowing fast at all, so despite the wet shoes (which were later dried on a sunny summit, it was bad.Feet soaked, the first six miles were a steady uphill. It was more frustrating than the four big peaks that came in the middle of the day.I must comment on the big climbs. Though imposing in the guidebook and on my map, they were not as demanding or difficult as I had expected. Yes, I was hiking hard, legs burning, sucking air into my lungs as quickly as I could, but I felt good about each climb and steady with each descent. I¢m not sure what changed my mood either, but I was in such high spirits today, especially after seeing Mount Katahdin from the peak of White Cap.The Appalachian Trail doesn¢t directly approach Katahdin, rather it winds northeast, then northwest again before reaching the end of the 100-Mile Wilderness. Even though the goal remains distant, it is fun to see and to watch its peak slowly grow on the horizon.I feel good about the end of my hike and I hope this lingers until the end. Lots of factors that would potentially effect me, but I will look on my completion of my hike as positively as I can. Today was good; may tomorrow be the same, or better.67.8 miles to go.
Date: 2013-10-11
From: @ East Branch Lean-to

To: @ Potaywadjo Spring Lean-to
Miles today: 19.5

Another good day, both in terms of hiking and feeling. Weather continues to be beautiful and I hope it holds for four more days. Both shins feel like they want to splint again, but since mileage drops each day, starting tomorrow, I¢m not too worried. I¢ve hiked on shin splints before, so I¢ll sure as hell do it again to get to Katahdin.48.3 miles to go. It¢s been neat to see Maine for the first time in my life by hiking through it. There are so many places along the trail worthy of a revisit. The people have been so kind and helpful, too.Tomorrow¢s hike puts me at a shelter; Sunday will be spent at a campground that has a restaurant. I can¢t convey how excited I am to eat there in two days time. I will have consumed everything I brought into the wilderness by then, so I plan on feasting. They also have resupply, which will get me to Katahdin, (15 miles away), and once finished, I can eat town food any time I want. I¢m sure reaching the summit and completing my journey will be a wonderful feeling. But that first bite into a burger will also be quite nice.
Date: 2013-10-12
From: @ Potaywadjo Spring Lean-to

To: @ Rainbow Stream Lean-to
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Rose a little later than usual, out by 7:30 AM for a solid day. Trail was messy in parts, steep in others, and definitely not as good as yesterday.About halfway through our day, Titus and I happened upon some people hauling in some supplies and starting a nice fire at 11 AM. It was a family who was acting as support crew for a young man who was trying to run through the 100-Mile Wilderness in 27 hours, thereby setting the record.One of the women was a former thru-hiker, so they were providing trail magic: whoopie pies, chicken salad sandwiches, sodas, etc. It was perfectly timed meeting and it helped power me through the next 10 miles. If you¢re out there Whispering Pine, thank you and your family.We met our mileage goal today and it feels good to know that the days only get shorter. The end is so close and I¢m so very thrilled to finish this epic personal trip.3 days and 30.1 miles to go.
Date: 2013-10-13
From: @ Rainbow Stream Lean-to

To: @ Abol Bridge
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: overcast clouds

It was cold and misty this morning. My headlamp illuminated the moisture particles as they floated through the air. The moisture lingered and allowed for some beautiful sunray cascades in the forest, especially in the pine section near Rainbow Lake.As the day went on, the mist burned off and gave way to blue sky with puffy clouds. For anyone who went to the summit today, the peak was encased in clouds. The forecast for the 15th reads ¢mostly sunny¢, so I am hopeful.Reaching Abol Bridge today was surreal. Katahdin looms closely, yet nothing about the hike feels different, yet. There are still two days left and 15.1 miles to hike, so in a way, it is the same. But my mind projects and I wonder about what happens after October 15th. My single-minded goal for the past six months will have been achieved, and then? There are many options; I have yet to figure out which will make me the happiest.Some days I have loved hiking and the people that surround me. Other days, I wanted to wait and loathed others on the trail, especially the ones who shortcut and drugged themselves just to make the miles disappear. Overall, I¢ve had an experience unlike any before it. I would tell people to take a long time off from whatever it is they do and to go on an adventure. They won¢t, though, claiming the need for money, security (money), and a host of other reasons. For them, I am sad, but perhaps, they look at my choices and think the same thing. Well, I¢m happy with them and I don¢t think they have adversely affected anyone else.Enough philosophy,Tomorrow brings me to the base of Katahdin, as well as a long list of ¢lasts¢. At least for now.15.1 miles to go.