morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-09-13
From: White Mountain Lodge Gorham

To: Gentian Pond Shelter
Miles today: 11.7

Gentian Pond Shelter 10 PM. I was one of the last hikers down at the dining room this morning. Marney made breakfast burritos, potatoes, and a guest made apple crisp. It all tasted good with coffee. No one was in a hurry to leave because it was still lightly raining. I sat at the open garage door and waited for the weather to improve. Around 10:30 I said good bye and headed up the road to the trailhead. It was about a 2000 foot gradual climb to the first mountain. I did not realize how much rain had fallen the last one and a half days. Cascades of water came down the trail. Deep pools were everywhere. Bog bridges were sometimes underwater below my boots. It was slow going and after a heavy downpour I stopped and put on my jacket and ate some choc.   I passed 2 ponds in the cold fog and slogged up another hill. Currents of water were rushing down all around the trail. Mud, slippery rocks, and roots made for one mile per hour. Right before the shelter I met my only hiker for the day. It was Flying Scotsman headed back to Gorham to meet his girlfriend. It was about 6 PM and he would be hiking till one or two in the morning. I told him that was not a good idea but he hiked on. When I first turned to the entrance to the large shelter I saw a shelter full of kids and a few young adults. It was a group out for 3 nights and they told me they would tent and leave the gear in the shelter. I found a spot in the upper rear loft and got water before making dinner. The group also had dinner in the shelter and stayed until about 9. I was tired and cold and spent most of the evening in my bag. This was not a great day on the trail. The trail conditions might have been the worst on this entire journey. I hope the weather in Maine improves so I can hike at least 15 miles per day. None of the hostel people ever came to the shelter so I have it all to myself again.
Date: 2013-09-14
From: Gentian Pond Shelter

To: Full Goose Shelter
Miles today: 9.6

Full Goose Shelter 8 PM. I had another late start but did get out before the group made breakfast in the shelter. It took me 3 hours to climb up to Mt Success on the wet muddy trail. The weather was cold and foggy. A bright spot occurred when I hit he Maine border. No more state borders to cross. I had a hard time descending to Carlo Col on steep boulders. The afternoon consisted of 4 mountains in cold foggy conditions. I would descend one mountain only to see a wall emerge ahead of me and the beginning of another climb. The summits were boggy and the bridges were often under deep water. On one of the last crossings I slipped and my leg sunk in to my thigh. The suction prevented me from getting my leg out but I slowly pulled it out of he brown muck. At 6 I arrived at the shelter and found Ripper, Rambles, Papa Smurf, 2 southbounders, and 2 weekenders. They managed to squeeze me in and I cleaned up and made ramen or dinner. I was frustrated at the one mile per hour pace on the tough trail and tomorrow would be even worse. The dreaded Mahoosuc Notch.
Date: 2013-09-15
From: Full Goose Shelter

To: Grafton Notch Campsite
Miles today: 9.7

Grafton Notch Campsite 9 PM. No one was in a hurry to leave the cold damp shelter and head down to the Mahoosuc Notch. I left around 8:30 and after a short climb to a peak with great views I descended to the notch. It was a 2 1-2 hour crawl through cracks between boulders and at times dragging my pack through a hole. I had Ripper, Rambles and the 2 women from the shelter around me through the experience. At the end, I took off my pack and had a snack before part 2 of the day, a 2000 foot climb up Old Speck. It took me 2 1/2 hours to reach the shelter. I had great views of the notch and surrounding mountains. At the shelter I had a surprise when "15" a flip flopped I knew in VA arrived. He told me that Steady says Hi. At 4 I did the one mile climb to the peak area and by 7 was down at the highway. Since no cars were heading to town I crossed the road and made camp right before dark. I had Chinese noodles and 2 choc. shakes. My food bag is out of candy and deserts.
Date: 2013-09-17
From: Pine Ellis Lodge. Andover 

To: South Arm Rd. 
Miles today: 10.1

Pine Ellis Lodge 10 PM. Today started with a big breakfast at rhe Red Hen with Dr. Who and Camel. By 9 I was on the trail with Rambo for a 10 mile slackpackmto South Arm Rd. at Surplus Pond I found Killer and Haggert still packing gear. I climbed Wyman Mountain and took a short break before Hall Mountain Shelter. I told Rambo I would be done by 2 PM so I had to walk fast. I lost time on the drop into Sawyer Notch and the climb up Moody Mountain. It was steep but not as long as past climbs. The weather was perfect, blue sky and cool temps. I was only 20 minutes late and by 3 I was back at the hostel showering. We walked to the store for a late lunch and I spent the afternoon relaxing in the warm sun. A section hiker named Freebird who lives on Maui and has thru hiked 3 times plus the PCT 3 times arrived. He was a professional windsurfer in the past. I had a light dinner with him at the store and headed to my bunk to pack and rest for a long day tomorrow.
Date: 2013-09-18
From: South Arm Rd. 

To: Bemis Stream Campsite
Miles today: 12.4

Bemis Brook Campsite 8PM. Since my shuttle back to the trail was leaving at 8 I got up around 6 to finish packing and then I went to the main house for coffee with my honey bun. Rambo, Mooch and I left on time and by 8:30 I was climbing Old Blue. It was a 2 hour climb to the summit where I rested in the warm sun and took in the views. The 4 mile hike over Bemis was very rooty and rocky. I grew tired of the difficult terrain and realized that I could not make this a 17 mile day. At the Bemis Shelter I met a section hiker and spent about a half hour. The last part of the Bemis stretch consisted of large rock slabs that dropped slowly until the final drop to Bemis Brook. My legs were tired from the descent and even though it was only 5, I found a campsite next to the stream and cleaned up and had an early dinner. Tomorrow I will truly to make it to the Hiker Hut.
Date: 2013-09-19
From: Bemis Stream Campsite

To: Rangeley hostel
Miles today: 14.0

Rangeley Hostel 9 PM. On the trail early today at 7:30, I did the one mile climb to highway 17 where I got great views of many large lakes. The surrounding trees are starting to show some fall colors too. The trail passed a large pond and by 11 I was sitting at an empty shelter near another pond. The trail was not as muddy but lots of roots slowed my pace. The 9 miles to the next highway took about 4 hours. I flew by a nice camping area with a privy and by 3:30 I was at the Hiker Hut having coffee and cookies with the owner and Lori who has a hostel in town. The hut is next to an artist studio and it felt like a meditation center. It is owned by the brother of Pantry who I hiked with in Virginia. She encouraged me to get a ride with Lori and stay at the hostel. We stopped at the store and I got food for the trail and wine. I found Kobe in the store and he went along to the hostel. The small town had a few shops and restaurants and I headed to a nice restaurant for dinner. Back at the hostel I opened the large bottle of wine and we enjoyed the evening. I met a bunch of new northbounders and Packrat who is helping the owner.
Date: 2013-09-20
From: Rangeley hostel

To: Orbeton Stream Campsite
Miles today: 13.4

Orbeton Stream Campsite. 9 PM. This morning I could smell the sausage and coffee from downstairs. Around 7:30 we all sat around the table and had French toast and an egg casserole.I waited until the outfitter opened at 9 and bought fuel. By 10 Lorrie had me back at the trailhead. It was a quick walko up to Piazza Rock Shelter and I stopped for water. It was a 4 mile, 2000 foot climb up to the peak of Saddleback. The summit area was above treeline for miles and I could see many mountains in all directions. The visibility was great and it was warm with no wind. From the summit I dropped down and climbed to the Horn with Killer and Haggert. It was a steep drop and steep climb to Saddleback Junior. My legs were getting tired but I knew it was only about one mile to the shelter and it was only 3:30. When I of to the shelter it was full of young hikers who I did not know so I did not even stop and kept heading down the mountain to Orbeton Stream. I covered 3 miles in one hour but the stream was in a steep rocky valley with no camping. I forded the river and found a small spot next to a view of a waterfall. My tent barely fit in the spot but it was comfortable and soft ground. I had time to make dinner before dark and plan my miles for tomorrow. I might go over the Crockers and get close to Stratton.
Date: 2013-09-21
From: Orbeton Stream Campsite

To: North Crocker Campsite
Miles today: 14.7

North Crocker Campsite 8 PM. It is cold and raining and I am in my tent at 3300 feet elevation next to a spring. The one good thing is that it is only 4 miles downhill to the road to Stratton. Today I was on the trail about 8 and caught up to Killer and Haggert near my campsite. Up and over one mountain I came to Spaulding Mountain Shelter where I took a break and had a snack,in the warm sun. Somewhere around a trail plaque I passed the 200 mile to Katahdin mark. I also go a great view of the summit of Sugarloaf. The descent to the river was steep and rocky. It seemed long but the yellow leaves on the trees made up for the painful descent. Finally I reached the river and forded without getting wet. Another break before the 2000 foot climb of the Crockers. The wind whipped through the pines as I climbed and my legs were getting tired. I met a small trail crew camping between the 2 summits and by 6 I was at a spring ready to call it a day. I made my last dinner and ate my last choc. candy. I packed my cooking gear and stored my pack under the rainfall. I plan on putting on my rainpants and quickly pack in the morning. No coffee until I reach town!
Date: 2013-09-22
From: North Crocker Campsite

To: Stratton Motel
Miles today: 4.1

Stratton Motel. 8 PM. As expected, I woke up to light rain after a sleepless night in rain and howling winds. It was not that cold but I wore my rain pants and packed. The slow slippery walk to the highway took 2 hours and the rain began again to soak the trail. At the trailhead, after waiting for a half hour, an older trail maintainer gave me a ride and soon I was having pancakes with Ripper. I got my own room and began drying out wet gear and doing laundry. It was great to see Hypsy Gypsy and Oak for the first time since VA. The town had about 20 hikers and in the evening I ate at the White Wolf with Rambo, Mooch, and MunichBear. I had a nice day to rest for the Bigelows.
Date: 2013-09-23
From: Stratton Motel

To: Stafford Campsite
Miles today: 10.4

Stafford Notch Campsite 9 PM. Up early today and walked to the store for coffee and a sweet roll. The good store did not open until 8 so I spent time in the hostel with Tune, a Ripper, and the rest of the group. I waited until 10 to check out and got lucky because Uncle Buck gave me a ride with Tails back to the trail. It was almost 11 when I began the climb from the highway. I wore my jacket, the temp was in the low 40's and the peak wold be freezing. Hypsy Gspsy and Oak caught up to me on the steep uphill. It was 2 when we reached a day use shelter and had a snack. The shelter was full of people resting and it was cold and foggy. I was not looking forward to the summit walk. On the steep climb to the Horn piles of ice from the trees littered the trail. I had to crawl the peak area due to high winds. I prayed to reach the other side quickly. Another windy peak and down to a cold campsite before Avery Peak. One more steep climb and wind swept summit and I was back in the trees.it was about 5 PM and I now got views of large lakes and Little Bigelow. The trail meandered around huge boulders before I reached the side trail. I had plenty of time to get water and make dinner before dark. Frodo made a huge fire which I enjoyed until late and then crawled into my warm tent. This was a long day for only doing 10 miles.
Date: 2013-09-24
From: Stafford Campsite

To: East Carry Pond Campsite
Miles today: 16.3

East Carry Pond Campsite 8 PM. I overslept today and did not get on the trail until 9:15. It took me 3 hours to climb up Little Bigelow and drop down to the shelter. The shelter was full of northbounders taking a break. I met Pressure D, WalkingStick, and a few other hikers. The 7 1/2 miles to West Carry Pond Shelter went fast, even in the mud. It was 5 when I arrived and Hotshot caught up to me at the shelter. I thought she was days ahead of me. By 6 I was at the pond and found a good campsite next to the pond. No one showed up from the shelter. Today it was cold coming over Little Bigelow. It felt warmer along the ponds but with no sun and wind, it still felt cold. I hiked all day in my shirt, sweater, and jacket.
Date: 2013-09-25
From: East Carry Pond Campsite

To: Sterling Inn
Miles today: 10.3

The Sterling Inn 9 PM. Started my day at a lonely campsite by the pond and the sun was shining over the pond. Plus it was not freezing. My knee was painful in my sleeping bag overnight. I think the Bigelows did a number on my right knee. It was an easy but muddy 6 miles to Pierce Pond Shelter. I saw no hikers and the shelter was empty. A few fishermen were on the lake in motorized canoes but it was cold and windy on the pond so I had a brief break. I took a side trail to Harrison's Trail Camp but the caretaker was in town. The hike to the Kennebec River was only 4 miles and it hugged the Pierce Stream for most of the hike. I took a break at a footbridge and soon the parade of hikers began to pass. At the river there were about 8 of us waiting for the 2 PM ferry. A bald eagle flew overhead as I crossed the river. In Caratunk at the PO I had choc. milk and a sandwich from the hiker box as I waited for the shuttle to the Inn. Soon I was in a cozy room and Eric showed me his great resupply room. In the evening I headed to the Northern Outdoors restaurant with Pressure D, Hobo, Walking Stick, qnd Airborn. I had a great meal with wine and a huge dessert. By 8 I was back in my room relaxing on the soft bed. Two days till Monson.
Date: 2013-09-26
From: Sterling Inn

To: Moxie Bald Shelter
Miles today: 18.8

Moxie Bald Mountain Shelter 10 PM. I started my day with a simple breakfast at the inn and waited for the shuttle to the trail. The hikers on the bus needed to resupply at the inn so I did not get back on the trail till after 10. Killer and Haggert were making a morning snack at the trailhead. They had just come over the river. It was a quick 2 hours to the shelter were I took a break with Tails, Tune, Noname and a few others. It was about 12:30 when I began the climb up Pleasant Mountain. It was a 1000 foot climb over rock slabs and there were a few false summits. The views were great even with the high clouds. At Bald Mountain Shelter I decided to push on to the next shelter. It was 4:45 and I had 4 miles over Moxie Mountain. I hurried up the steep rocky trail, creeping between huge boulders covered in moss. Finally I reached the broad flat rocky and windy summit area. It was 6 and I had one mile down to the shelter. The woods darkened as I approached what I hoped was the shelter area. I could see a fire and soon I was unpacking at the shelter. My first night in a shelter since Full Goose which was near the beginning of Maine.
Date: 2013-09-27
From: Moxie Bald Shelter

To: Shaw's Lodging
Miles today: 17.9

Shaw's Lodging. Monson. 8 PM. I was up at 6 but did not leave until 8. I got a great sunrise shot over the pond and could hear moose making a strange sound. Hotshot and Patches were camping near the pond. The trail was easy until I reached a large stream that required getting wet up to my thigh. A rope overhead helped with stability. Frodo and Thumper were just ahead. I continued hiking with wet boots and socks. The trail hugged the river for miles, climbing when the river took sharp turns. I skipped the shelter but did stop by a spring and had a choc. shake. I still had 8 miles to the highway and one easy ford. The trail climbed to a pond view and by 4:15 I was at the highway with 3 other hikers and a ride provided by Uncle Buck. The Lakeshore House was full of hikers. I could not get a bunk so I headed to Shaw's and got a private room. The place was quiet so I showered and headed back to the Lakeshore for a burger and beer. I quick stop at the mini market and I was back on my bed by 7. These two long days have really tired me out. I will take a day off tomorrow and get organized for the 100 mile wilderness and KATAHDIN.
Date: 2013-09-28
From: Shaw's Lodging

To: Shaw's Lodging
Miles today: 0.0

Shaw's Lodging. 9 PM. Started the day with a huge breakfast and then went over to the camping area to find a ride to a real grocery store. Uncle Buck took me and Icarus to Greenville and I bought food for the next 100 miles. Back at Shaw's I did laundry and organized my gear. I spent a good bit of time off my feet so that my legs would be strong for the next stretch of trail. In the evening I went to the Lakeshore bar and had dinner with about 6 other hikers. On the walk back the night sky looked like a planetarium, the Milky Way streaking across the black sky. My first zero hiking day since Gorham.
Date: 2013-09-29
From: Shaw's Lodging

To: Long Pond Stream Shelter
Miles today: 15.1

Long Pond Stream Shelter 8 PM. Today I awoke to the smell of bacon again. I had another huge breakfast and by 9 Tune's father dropped Killer, Hagert and me off at the trailhead.   It was a quick 3 miles to a shelter passing a few ponds. The trail to Wilson Valley Shelter was very rocky and I took my time. I passed a large waterfall and climbed a rocky slab with a nice view of the Barren Chairbacks. I forded a large stream with my boots and hiked on to the shelter in soggy boots. It was 4 PM and I still had almost 5 miles to Long Pond Stream. I slipped in a small stream and soon had to ford another large stream. As it got dark I climbed a steep hill away from the river and soon saw a light coming from the shelter. Cheech and Chong were the only hikers in the shelter. Midway had just arrived and was tenting. I got water, made dinner, and rested in the shelter.
Date: 2013-09-30
From: Long Pond Stream Shelter

To: West Branch Plesant River campsite
Miles today: 15.2

West Branch Pleasant River Campsite. 9 PM. I planned on getting on the trail early today but overslept and did not leave until 9. Bones stopped by before I left and soon I was climbing Barren Mountain. The views from the rock ledges were great and at the top I rested for over a half hour in the warm sun by the old firetower. It took me 3 hours to reach the top. I skipped the side trail to Cloud Pond Shelter and spent the afternoon going up and down rocky trail through rooty forest. I grew tired of the ups and downs and it was 5 when I left the Chairbacks Shelter with Midway for the 2 hour hike down to the river. I got a good view of Whitecap before the descent. As dusk approached we arrived at Killer's campsite and Midway decided to stop. I pushed on to the river passing a few more campfires in the woods. I forded the shallow river in my boots and made camp before dark next to the river bank. Just enough light to get cleaned up and get water. I made a pasta dinner and had a strawberry shake for desert. Tomorrow, the last tough day before the end!
Date: 2013-10-01
From: West Branch Plesant River campsite

To: East Branch Shelter
Miles today: 16.4

East Branch Shelter 7 PM. I was up early today but did not leave until 8. Most of the hikers came over the river while I was packing. It was a quick hike up to a shelter where I took a break before the long section over Whitecap. I had 4 peaks to climb but at least the weather was perfect. By the last climb my legs were dead. It was after 3 when I found Killer and Hagert at the summit. I got a view of Katahdin on the climb but still took the side trail for another view. Skywalker and Midway showed up and I spent an hour in the hot sun taking in the views. It was a quick walk down to Logan Brook Shelter where I made a big choc. shake. I made the mistake of not carrying water over the mountain and I was dehydrated. It was only 3 1/2 miles down to the shelter through yellow birch trees and next to a nice stream. It was only 6 when I arrived so I had plenty of time to clean up and make dinner before dark. Killer and Hagert are in the shelter and Midway is tenting.
Date: 2013-10-02
From: East Branch Shelter

To: Antlers Campsite
Miles today: 16.0

Antlers campsite 6 PM. I had the shelter to myself for breakfast. After rock hopping a river I had one more mountain to cross which took some time but once down in the ponds again the trail was a highway. I met an L L Bean trail crew at the Cooper Falls Shelter. In a few hours I was at the camping area called Antlers . It felt good to be stopping early for a change. I waded in the pond and rested in my tent. Icarus arrived and we stargazed into the night.
Date: 2013-10-03
From: Antlers Campsite

To: White House Landing
Miles today: 6.1

White House Landing Bunkroom 7 PM. Today I took off at 8 with Icarus for the next shelter. Soon we passed a pond view that to my surprise had a fantastic view of Katahdin. On to the shelter with a huge spring for a break and by noon we were sounding the air horn for a ride to the hostel. Bill quickly got us over the pond and were soon drinking and eating pizza. Icharus decided to stay so we found the bunkroom and I unpacked and took a hot shower. After 4 days on the trail I felt renewed. It was only 35 miles to Abol Bridge. I now knew I could finish but the weather is not looking good in 4 days. I rested on the hammock until I heard the horn. Catsup was on the boat. Acorn was the last to make it for dinner. Nice burger and great company.
Date: 2013-10-04
From: White House Landing

To: Rainbow Stream Shelter
Miles today: 15.6

White House Landing Bunkroom 7 PM. Today I took off at 8 with Icarus for the next shelter. Soon we passed a pond view that to my surprise had a fantastic view of Katahdin. On to the shelter with a huge spring for a break and by noon we were sounding the air horn for a ride to the hostel. Bill quickly got us over the pond and were soon drinking and eating pizza. Icharus decided to stay so we found the bunkroom and I unpacked and took a hot shower. After 4 days on the trail I felt renewed. It was only 35 miles to Abol Bridge. I now knew I could finish but the weather is not looking good in 4 days. I rested on the hammock until I heard the horn. Catsup was on the boat. Acorn was the last to make it for dinner. Nice burger and great company.
Date: 2013-10-05
From: Rainbow Stream Shelter

To: Abol Bridge Campground
Miles today: 14.7

Abol Bridge Campground 6 PM. Today I was the next to last to leave the shelter area. Yodi was still asleep in the shelter. The trail followed Rainbow Lake for a least one hour before climbing up to the Ledges. It was noon and I was resting with a great view of Katahdin. The rocks were warm and I could have rested there all day but was anxious to get to Abol Bridge. Stopped at Hurd Brook Shelter and read the register. Everyone was writing the end of the journey and last good byes and thank you's. It was sad to think that this was the last normal shelter on the trail. I dropped down to the road and found Mooch at Uncle Buck's camp. He offered me a ham sandwich. At the Abol restaurant I found Catsup still eating so I joined him for coffee. After my burger I found the number 26 campsite with a view of the mountain. I made camp, took a hot shower, and planned my last days in Maine. At 6 I went back to the restaurant and found Killer and Haggert having a celebratory meal. They had summited earlier. It sounds like a bunch of my hiker friends summited also today. I sat with my red wine alone, thinking about the past, the future, and when to summit.