morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-06-23
From: Full Goose Shelter

To: Grafton Notch (Andover, ME)
Miles today: 9.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Pa Bert is struggling. Yesterday we did a tough one up Mt Success, over the Gooses and to the shelter in some serious heat.This morning we started with a 1.5 mi walk to Mahoosuc Notch, went through the Notch (great fun) and then did a gnarly 1000' + climb out of it. The toasted Pa, and I started to get concerned. I suggested that we get some water at Speck Pond, and head for Grafton Notch, get a hitch into Andover to get a meal and take a zero. Pa is one of the proudest, most determined guys you will ever meet, and the last thing he wanted to do is take a zero.  But he finally agreed that he just needed to rest a while (as well as eat some red meat), and so that is why we are in Andover, ME. To chill.Coming down from Old Speck we had some super trail magic provided by '08 thrus and triple crowners Dave and Becky. They had bananas, apples, strawberries, soda, Little Debbies, and then even brought Pa Bert and I to this hostel. True angels. Thanks, you two. We'll hit again on Monday morning, and see how it goes. Three reasonable days should get us to Rangely.
Date: 2012-06-24
From: Grafton Notch (Andover, ME)

To: Andover, ME (Zero Day)
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Classic hiker zero day. Rest up so you can eat. Eat to help you rest some more. Repeat. Here is what I consumed today:To eat:3 eggs over medium2 pieces buttered rye toast1 order corned beef hash1 order home fries1 bowl Cinnamon Toast Crunch (w/whole milk)1 cinnamon and sugar pastry3 pancakes with butter and syrup2 hotdogs with relish, onion, mustard1 order fries1 ice cream sandwich1 order clam strips1 large chef's salad1 bacon cheeseburger 1 bag potato chips2 scoops maple walnut ice creamTo drink:6-pack of Geary's Ale20 oz Gatorade2 coffees with cream and sugar20 oz bottle of MoxiePretty typical. And delicious.
Date: 2012-06-25
From: Andover, ME (Zero Day)

To: Hall Mt Lean-to
Miles today: 16.3

The rest was very good for Pa Bert. Today he once again became the machine he usually is. Despite rain and a couple of bold steeps he soldiered on, always on the move.  This is excellent news. We are on schedule. The day began with a pretty stiff climb up the Bald Pates. As it was raining the rock faces were a bit challenging, but we got it done, rewarded by surreal views of cloud formations. The last 6 miles of the day saw some of the nastiest, rocky  and rooty trail  we've seen to date. Add to this a non-stop torrential downpour  and you have some world class fun.
Date: 2012-06-26
From: Hall Mt Lean-to

To: Bemis Mt Lean-to
Miles today: 12.8
Weather: light rain

The rain started when we left this morning and has not stopped as of writing this. The trail is a mess. It is actually a stream at this point. The rain will make the ford crossings dangerous over the next few days. Every step takes focus and care. I was soaked through all day and had to move to stay warm.  Got to this shelter, well short of our goal for today, and it was full. No one wants to be out in this. And I think it is supposed to continue. Hopefully we'll make Rangeley tomorrow, per sked. I saw my first moose today. A cow. On the ascent of Old Blue. That was good, at least. The fun factor is long gone after today's cold wet groan-fest. I want to finish this thing and go home. Sorry. Bad day. It'll get better.
Date: 2012-06-27
From: Bemis Mt Lean-to

To: Rangeley, ME
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: light rain

Today was a good day, all things considered. The trail became marginally less gnarly after the ME 17 crossing. It continued to rain off and on all day but not as bad as yesterday, which was my worst day on the trail. I know this because I found myself saying nasty things to inanimate objects such as rocks, roots, and swampy bogs. They didn't talk back. Getting into Rangeley was great. We caught a hitch in from a local school teacher; and we are staying at the North Country B & B. Our host is Warren, a real delight. For 99.00 per room (which Pa and I are splitting), we get a full breakfast, and a ride back to the trailhead. Good deal. We had beers and meat at Sarge's for dinner. Ass kickingly good food. The landscape around here is gorgeous. Verdant mountains embracing every manner of lake. Eye-popping.
Date: 2012-06-28
From: Rangeley, ME

To: Rangeley, ME (Zero Day)
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

We decided to take another day here in town. It'll give the weather a chance to settle. The main reason, though, is that we received information that two of the fords we had to make are impassable. So we feel that giving the rivers another day to reduce their aggression is a good idea. Fords can be hairy in the best of conditions. We don't want to screw with them when they are emboldened by rains. Plus, this is s cool little town. Much to explore. Back to it tomorrow. Should be in Stratton on Saturday afternoon.
Date: 2012-06-29
From: Rangeley, ME (Zero Day)

To: Spaulding Mt Lean-to
Miles today: 18.7

The trail was tough today but not as sadistic as it has been in the past. Bright sun and temps in the 70s made for a nice hiking day. We climbed Saddleback, the Horn, Saddleback Jr, and Lone Mt. Stunning vistas from the ridges.  Our ascents totaled 4700'. Seemples. It's me, Pa, and Aloha Grandad at the shelter tonight. At 50 yo, they call me "the Kid."Tomorrow we have a 13 mile day into  Stratton, where I should have a mail drop waiting.  We also will be dropping  below 200 miles remaining, tomorrow morning.
Date: 2012-06-30
From: Spaulding Mt Lean-to

To: Stratton, ME
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: clear sky

I lost my tent poles today. I've been carrying the blasted things in the same way for over 2000 miles and today they disappear. Evil gnomes are at fault I'd imagine. Actually, I must have screwed up some way in securing them to the pack. But all is not lost. Sue, the proprietress at the hostel is going to lend me her tent for the duration. Kindnesses found on the trail never fail to amaze me. Thanks, Sue!Stratton is mellow and very enjoyable. So I'll sit here and enjoy it as I silently seethe about my tent poles.   Tomorrow we are on the road again. Should be in Monson on the 4th.
Date: 2012-07-01
From: Stratton, ME

To: Little Bigelow Lean-to
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: few clouds

Today was a beautiful hiking day in Maine. After a great stay at the Stratton Motel/Hostel we got a late-ish start and hit the trailhead on ME 27 at 8:45. And off we went.The hike took us up into the Bigelows where we summited The Horn, West Peak, Avery Peak, and Little Bigelow. The vistas were simply magnificent. Lots of altitude gained. I had many chats with people throughout the day. The caretaker at Horns, CJ, was very friendly and full of information about these mountains. Then I spoke with a huge Outward Bound group about their collective experience (they dig it), which was followed by a discussion with some camp counselors on their day off. Nice folks one and all. Tomorrow it seems we have a less climby day as we make our way north to Pierce Pond. It will be sad though, as this is the place where Parkside drowned two weeks ago. A moment of silence will be in order.As an aside I'm pleased to say that we went over 2000 miles as of today. About 173 left to go. So there's that.
Date: 2012-07-02
From: Little Bigelow Lean-to

To: Pierce Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: scattered clouds

I'm pretty sure when the Maine tourism slogan creators came up with "Maine. The way life should be." they didn't have in mind slogging, climbing, and cursing one's way through the wet and windblown Mahoosucs. Nor did the idea of  black flies trying to mate with my cornea aid the sloganeering effort. They probably had the idea of the treelined and fragrant calm, but breezy, mountain pond. Of a little hut on this pond where you are laying back and enjoying a Geary's while the lobsters boil, the chowder simmers and the rib-eye continues to marinate until you put it on the grill. This latter scenario is  the one that came to mind during the day's walk. It was a whole lot of flat today, punctuated by some little hills, some mud bogs, a few summer showers, and several ponds festooned with little huts. We even saw a moose and her calf away on a distant shore of this pond.  Really pleasant overall. Still. We are at the shelter where Parkside and his friends stayed on the day he drowned. Though the green and fragrant sylvan aesthetic of the place is undeniable, it is made opaque and eerie in knowing that a young man died here. I didn't know him, but we shared over 2000 miles of the similar aches, pains, and mental challenges brought to the fore by this trail, not to mention the profound beauty we experience every day. It makes me sad. Rest well, young journeyer. May eternity's silent embrace comfort you.
Date: 2012-07-03
From: Pierce Pond Lean-to

To: Moxie Bald Lean-to
Miles today: 22.8
Weather: scattered clouds

This day began with a quick 3.6 mile saunter to the south side of the Kennebec River. There is a canoe ferry that runs there for a couple of hours a day, and it is the only safe way to cross. Once across I pushed hard all day going up and down Pleasant Pond Mt, up Moxie Bald to witness some galactic views of where we have been and where we are going in Maine. Hard to believe I have come this far. Got to the campsite around 4:30. I had the strangest wildlife experience today. I was hiking normally through a wood, at a slight incline. I hear the squawk of a bird, look up and see a big beautiful bird of prey (not sure what kind, but I think it was a hawk) up on a branch, eyeing me. She soars down toward me coming about 20' away and goes to a different branch. Interesting, I think to myself. She is protecting her eggs or hatchlings.  Then she does it again coming about 10' away. Clearly not happy with my presence there. She dives at me again, 5'. Again, a foot away from my head, talons out - I had to duck. I knew she was going to do it again, and as I didn't want my throat ripped out or eyes excised by the raptor, I defended myself with my hiking poles when she came in. Too close. I increased my speed and got out of there. I have never heard of a bird doing this. Disconcerting. Bugs are horrible lately. Black flies and mosquitos want their pound of flesh. So, I've been tenting for the past couple of nights. I'm using the tent Sue lent me after I lost my poles south of Stratton. . It is big and spacious. Not super light but I like it.
Date: 2012-07-04
From: Moxie Bald Lean-to

To: Monson, ME
Miles today: 17.9
Weather: broken clouds

Happy 4th, everyone! Especially my British friends. Juggernaut day. I managed to sustain 3 mph for 6 hours including 2 significant river fords. I am definitely in "gitterdun" mode with this thing. The plan is to summit on Tuesday the 10th. We leave to push through the 100 Mile Wilderness tomorrow morning. Hey, God. Hook us up with the weather, please. Thanks.
Date: 2012-07-05
From: Monson, ME

To: Cloud Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 19.1
Weather: light rain

This was a great day on the AT. It was warm, we were nicely cooled by three fords, and I was serenaded not by birds but by college girls. Let me explain. So, on the AT, one develops regularities and routines which become unwaveringly consistent over time. Some may call these routines compulsions. I have many, but the most bizarre one is that I listen to The Sound of Music soundtrack whenever I ascend a significant mountain. I've been doing this since the halfway point or so (btw, feel free to mock me mercilessly in the comments). So I was climbing Barren Mountain and sweating up a storm. I came upon a group of about 12 college girls relaxing during their ascent. I asked them how they were enjoying the beautiful day, and apologized for sweating buckets near them. They laughed it off. They saw that I had my iPod clipped on and one of them asked me what I was listening to. "Do you really want to know?", I said.  "Yes!", said several of them together. So I told them. They thought that was the coolest idea in the universe and praised me for it. And as I made my way up the hill I heard a wonderful refrain of "Climb Every Mountain."  I'm pretty sure they weren't actually serenading me, per se.  But I can pretend.  Only on the trail. Thanks, ladies. You made my day. Beyond that, just hoping the great weather and good stories continue over the next five days or so. Oh, also of note is that we went under 100 miles remaining. Boo to the yah.
Date: 2012-07-06
From: Cloud Pond Lean-to

To: Carl Newhall Lean-to
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Beautiful weather. Bad attitude. The descents were infuriatingly steep and rocky. The climbs were pointless; and the flats were interminable.  I even snapped a pole. I'm sure my bad mood is related to this AT gig ending. It's all I've known for the past five months. Everything I've needed to survive was on my back.  Now it gets complicated. Reintegration with real life will be the next challenge. Instead of rocks and roots I'll be dealing with home ownership,  finances, job, being husband/dad/son, myriad life decisions  and all the rest. Let's just get on with it. BTW, the 100 Mile Wilderness isn't. There seems to be plenty of road access for fisherman and others around here.  I've seen lots of families and groups of friends out for the day. It doesn't seem to be much different from the rest of the trail.  Parts of it are stunning. Other parts are a colossal pain in the ass.
Date: 2012-07-07
From: Carl Newhall Lean-to

To: Cooper Brook Lean-to
Miles today: 18.9

Today I enjoyed some nice climbs ending on the top of Whitecap. Though we were somewhat socked in, I did get my first glimpse of Katahdin. I saw its southern shoulder. It is big. More views of it tomorrow.I got a chance to hike for an hour or two with Lakeland Nidahtak. Lake is a pretty special fellow. This is his third thru, but this time he is actually doing the Eastern Continental Trail (ECT) which runs from Key West to Newfoundland. The AT is merely a part of it. Once he summits Kathadin, he'll still have 1800 miles to go. He has also done the PCT and CDT. Beyond that he runs ultras. Lake is 55. Supremo. Here at the shelter there is a large warm brook within which I took a nice  soapless bath. I think I smell less offensive, at least.  The falls are falling, the chipmunks are scavenging, and I am preparing for tomorrow's hike. Looks like a very flat day. In Maine that means bogs and bugs. Still on track to summit and finish this thing on the 10th.
Date: 2012-07-08
From: Cooper Brook Lean-to

To: Wadleigh Stream Lean-to
Miles today: 21.5
Weather: scattered clouds

This was by far the fastest day on the trail for me. Some of the beloved rocks, roots, and bog we've all come to appreciate, but mostly flat soft pine. Two remarkable things about today's walk. First was looking at and drinking from the  Potawadjo Springs. These springs actually bubble up from a sandy floor. You can see the sand on the pool floor flow like lava as the spring water bubbles up. The water is so cold, clear, sweet, and fresh. Best I've had yet. Even better than Aqua Fina (owned and bottled by the Coca Cola Corporation).The second thing was a spectacular view of Kathadin. There was a viewpoint set up by a high lakeside and it afforded a direct view of the mountain. It is massive and beautiful and will be a great place to finish this very long walk. Tomorrow, I'll hike 23.1 miles and link up with Pa Bert and his wife, Shirley, who will then take us into Millinocket. We'll get refreshed, eat a good dinner and rest before the big summit day on Tuesday.
Date: 2012-07-09
From: Wadleigh Stream Lean-to

To: Abol Bridge (Millinocket, ME)
Miles today: 23.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Tomorrow is the day we summit. No problems physically and none mentally, beyond the usual. I'm curious to see how I will react. I honestly have no idea. This thing has cruised past. It seems like yesterday that Jonathan dropped me off at Springer. I'm sitting in the Blue Moon Saloon enjoying a beer and talking to locals. I seem to do that well. Today was a nice walk. Lots of mud and bog. I got absolutely spectacular views of Kathadin at various places along the trail. I'll post them. Looking forward to finishing in the morning.
Date: 2012-01-26
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

The prep continues. I am amazed at the mild weather the south seems to be expecting. Suches Georgia was a rainy 58 degrees. I may have a warm start in February. I am fortunate to have my dear friend Weaverbird starting with me. She has agreed to hike the first week with me, and help with my pace. She is all for the warmer weather. I guess time will tell.
Date: 2012-02-04
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Well I thought I would list my gear, in case anyone is interested.Backpack- Deuter ACT lite 65+10Tent- Big Agnes Fly Creek UL2Puffy jacket- Outdoor ResearchDown pants Goosefeet GearDown socks with overshoes- Goosefeet GearLong sleeve icebreaker top and bottomdry socks- REI Merino Woolextra pair of socks and liners- REI Merino WoolBuffhatglovesRain jacket - Marmot PrecipRain pants- REI packableRain cover for pack- Sea to SummitSleeping bag.Marmot Plasma 15Liner- Sea to SummitAir mattress - Exped UL7Bear bagropefoodstove- MSR Windprofuelpotcupspatulasporksoap dishpan/sinknotebookpencilmaps guidebook sectionbandannaheadlampextra batteriesfirst aid kitduct tapeTPtrowelwater bottle4 liter bladderAquamiracompasswhistle2 phones (ATT & Verizon)batterycamera
Date: 2012-02-17
From: Springer Mtn.

To: Three Forks
Miles today: 4.25

Well the adventure has begun. I drove to The Hiker Hostel with Weaverbird, where we parked her car and got a shuttle to Springer. We left around 8:30 along with 4 other hikers. They were fun to start with. There were the Grangers, Benson, and Willie. They were kidding Willie about his $250 pants, but he looked like a million bucks. Our Shuttle driver also happened to be called Willy, a super nice guy. The weather was a perfect sunny 63. We couldn't have asked for a better start. We were dropped off in thge parking lot which is .9 miles from the top of Springer. We went up and signed the register, and then began the adventure.We took it slow, and just enjoyed the trail. We stopped at Three forks, and had a wonderful tent site between two streams. Had a wonderful dinner of pemmican and pasta.
Date: 2012-02-18
From: Three Forks

To: Horse Gap
Miles today: 6.0

Had a delicious oatmeal breakfast, and then headed north. We stopped a mile up the trail, and took the side trail to Long Creek Falls. It was a beautiful fall, and I am glad we did not pass it by. The day grew cloudy as we hiked. We met up with thru hiker Hawkeye80255 at a stream crossing, where we had stopped to gather water. He caught up with us again a little later when we stopped at Hawk Mountain Shelter for a warm mid day snack. He said he would stay at the shelter, and start out fresh the next day. We continued on, as we were trying to cover some ground before the rain set in. We met a local hiker later in the day and inquired on nearby tent sites. He said there were a couple near Horse Gap, and the one on the west side of the trail was nicer. We found the site he had suggested, and it already had a fire ready to start. It had several split logs, kindling, and extra wood. We set up our tent, and lit the fire. A perfect ending to the day. The rain began just as the fire was winding down. It is amazing how easy it is to sleep 12-13 hours.
Date: 2012-02-19
From: Horse Gap

To: Gooch Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 5.2
Weather: light rain

Slept great, and got off to a nice cool start. Had our toughest climb so far, up Sassafras Mountain. It was a wonderful day of hiking with light showers. We rolled into Gooch Mountain shelter as the wind picked up. Weaverbird had a light case of hyperthermia, and we had to get her dry and warm. The shelter was not crowded, so we set our tent up in the shelter. This gave extra warmth and protection. It was a cold windy night, with light flurries. We met Maniac, who was an 09 veteran. He was back doing a section. There were three other section hikers there as well.
Date: 2012-02-20
From: Gooch Mountain Shelter

To: Big Cedar Mountain
Miles today: 6.3

We had a beautiful sunny hike. It was a great day, that ended with a very strenuous climb up Big Cedar Mountain. The view was amazing. We had a tent site which was protected by large boulders. We could hear the wind racing thru the trees all night, but it went over us. Had a delicious dinner of pemmican and sweet potatoes.
Date: 2012-02-21
From: Big Cedar Mountain

To: Jarrard Gap
Miles today: 4.6

We had a nice hike to Jarrard Gap. We chose to take a blue blaze trip down to a campground. It was a mile down to the campground, and it was closed when we got there. No showers, but a nice spot to camp beside a stream. We were joined by another hiker, Josh. Some other hikers had given him the trail name No Sweat, because of his steady pace, but it didn't seem to be sticking to him. We introduced him to Paleo, and pemmican. I also let him try my Biltong, which is dried beef from South Africa. He definitely preferred our food over his dehydrated meal.
Date: 2012-02-22
From: Jarrard Gap

To: Neals Gap
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: light rain

We hiked the mile back up to the trail, then prepared ourselves for the climb up Blood Mountain. We heard other hikers talk about it, and feared it would be an ordeal. We were pleasantly surprised to find it was a long steady climb. The shelter on top was cold and damp, and storms were rolling in, so we continued on. Going down the other side proved to be more difficult. We made it down the other side, and decided to spend the night at Walasiyi-Inn hostel at Mountain Crossings. We were glad to see Biscuit, whom we had met on top od Blood Mtn. Biscuit was a 2010 veteran, and she was doing another thru before heading off to law school. Congratulations Biscuit. It was a fun night at the shelter. Weaverbird got an epson salt foot bath from Pirate. Pirate is a veteran thru hiker, and keeps things going at the hostel. He cooked BBQ chicken, then got everyone into a game a scrabble.....no rules. A great time was had by all.
Date: 2012-02-23
From: Neals Gap

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Took it easy today. Weaverbird and I did a slack pack hike, and just enjoyed the sunny weather. This would be our last day together on the trail. We hike up Levelland Mountain and back. We did the famous Mountain Crossings pack shakedown, and lost a couple of pounds. We were actually in good shape gear wise. I tried some different boots, and ended up sending my other pair home. I am in good shape for my next section. We were scheduled to be picked up at 5:00 to be shuttled to the Hiker Hostel. We learned that Willy arrived a couple of hours early so he could go up Blood Mountain. He actually likes to run it, and it only takes less than than 90 minutes for him to run up Blood Mtn, and back down. We had a wonderful stay at The Hiker Hostel.
Date: 2012-02-24
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Took my first official zero day. We got off to a slow start, then ran errands. I needed to ship a few things home, and get my next box of food. I am relying on food drops for the duration, as I am gluten and dairy free. There is very little in a trail town that I can safely eat, so I hike from box to box. I have done laundry, switched to my lighter tent ( Big Agnes Fly Creek UL2) and repacked my pack with my new food supply. I will get dropped off back at Neals Gap in the morning, and head north. My next food drop is Hiawassee.Oddbird is headed north.
Date: 2012-02-25
From: Neals Gap

To: Low Gap
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: broken clouds

Weaverbird dropped me off back at Neals gap. I headed out solo. I kept looking back at times, expecting to see her smiling face. I met up with Jump Bird, and we hiked together. We stopped at Low Gap. There were about 20-30 boy scouts. It looked like a tent city. Met Willy Boy, Old Boots, reverse,and Veggie at the shelter.Jump Bird hung his hammock, and I found a spot for my tent by a stream.