morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2017-08-11
From: East Carry Pond

To: Bald Mountain Brook lean-to
Miles today: 24.4

After breaking camp and hiking over a never ending trail of rocks and roots, it started to storm again. I went immediately to my rain pants and then my rain jacket. Once all on, I felt better about keeping my shoes dry and trudged on through the rain. I have been told my several locals that the weather in the NE has been unseasonably wet and colder for this part of the year. The big event I was looking forward to today was crossing the river in the ferry. The Kennebec River was about 10 miles from camp and only operated a few hours each day so I hustled along this morning g to make it in time. I have also heard that lines can start to queue up on both sides of the river (NOBO, SOBO) The great part about the ferry is it's a canoe with one operator. The canoe also has a white blaze emblazoned in the bottom just so you know you are still in the official trail! Two hikers go with the operator and I got paddle up front, so I got a great view of the crossing.  After a short hike from the river, I stopped in the Catarina B&B for an early lunch. There was several hikers checking out and checking in, I just wanted to eat. I ordered what they were known for, pulled pork sandwich and a chocolate milkshake. Also had a cherry baked good that looked delicious. I sat outside and devoured all of it. Everything was as advertised and very good. After I payed, I headed back to the trail with a full stomach. I wasn't looking forward to the climb. Hiked up Pleasant Pond Mountain under an overcast sky. Once on top, I wasn't sure if it was going to again or not. I can hear motor boats down on the lake with kids having a good time skiing or tubing. I miss our time on our lake in north Georgia and looking forward to getting back on the boat. The rest of the afternoon was going up and down shirt sections of trail, so easy, some not do much. Later in the day I heard the rumblings of mire thunderstorms heading my direction so I started to dial up my hiking pace so that I could arrive at my target before the rain started. Well, didn't quite make it but the rain held off long enough so I could I set up my camp. Then the storms seem to move in another direction and the evening became more of a pleasant breeze knocking the rain drops onto my tent.  Stopped at Bald Mountain Brook Lean-to. Tomorrow the goal will be to get into Monson and get ready for the 100 mile wilderness. One food related item I forgot to mention earlier was that for this last segment of my journey I only brought freeze dried food made in Maine. The company is only a few years old and the owner is a former chef from NY who fell in love with a hiker and moved to Maine. She didn't like any of the standard freeze dried items so she started her own company called Good-to-Go. They make great dinners (and now breakfast) and are very tasty. I will have one every night until Katahdin.
Date: 2017-08-12
From: Bald Mountain Brook lean-to

To: Monson, ME
Miles today: 22.1
Weather: clear sky

Woke early so I could get into Monson and get my chores done as well as talk to the ATC representative about the 100 mile and Baxter State Park. Went through a very cool cave in the morning that was made by a huge overhanging rock. Hiked over Moxie Bald Mountain. On the way down I banged my left knee pretty good and was sore the rest of the day. Forded two rivers where I changed out of my hiking boots into my camp shoes so could keep everything somewhat dry. Worked out well and the water wasn't too deep. I had heard stories from other SOBO's that said after a good rain that they had to camp overnight wait for the water level to come down or walk a mile or do along the banks to find a shallower crossing. The overcast skies stayed with me all day but didn't rain.  Also ran into an ATC trail-runner from Monson who was walking her route Monson-Caratunk to look over the trail, talk to hikers and probably pick up trash if she found any.   Frankly, I have been impressed by the lack of trash along the trail, the problem is at the shelters and the fire pits.  Made it to the Monson Trailhead in the middle of the afternoon and called the Lakeshore House for a p/u. By the time she arrived three other hikers piled in for a ride into town and they eventually all stayed. I started my chores and then ran over to the ATC office to talk about Baxter. There isn't many options as to where to stay as there is a maximum of 12 long-distance hikers allowed each night at the "Birches". So I sill need to camp very close the night before I intended to camp in Baxter so I can have a better chance at getting one of the 12 spots. Getting a pass to hike Katahdin, is the easy part, camping the night before will be the challenge. My goal is to camp Friday night and the summit Katahdin on Saturday. Hope the weather and camping gods are looking over me this week.  Tomorrow I will start the 100 mile wilderness and come out right at Baxter State Park where Katahdin is located.  I mailed myself enough food to make the 100 mile hike (I hope) to the hostel I am staying at tonight. This will be the heaviest load I have carried so far.  I have no idea if I will have cellular service for the next week, so hang in there for my upcoming and final posting of this fantastic journey.Update: after getting settled into the Lakeshore House, I walked down to the BBQ restaurant I noticed on the way in.  Stopped in and had a great 1/2 rack of ribs, broccoli salad and a few beers.  Walked back to the hostel and chilled for a little bit and then went downstairs to their restaraunt and ordered a few more beers, Mac & Lobster (I am in Maine), side salad and a mix fruit cobbler with ice cream. If there is something a thru-hiker can do well and that is to eat ... a lot.  Good night.
Date: 2017-08-14
From: Cloud Pond

To: Sydney Tappan Campsite 
Miles today: 18.6

Had a hard time leaving the pond this morning but it was time to get going. Hiked over Chairback 4th and 3rd Mountain. After descending the 3rd I only had another mile before the 2,100 mark!  That will be the last major mile marker until I reach the end. Hiked over Columbus and Chairback Mountains and then a long descent down to the Pleasant River. While I was at the higher elevations, I stopped to pick wild blueberries and would usually find the most ripe ones along the trail and in the sun. Forded the West Branch Pleasant River which had more people in each side then I would have imagined. Most folks were south bound and they were either taking their boots off and putting their camp shoes or they were drying their feet and putting their boots back on. I had talked to other SOBO's weeks ago and they said that some if the river crossings in the 100 mile were so bad that they camped on the side of the river to allow the water level to come down. I have not seen anything like that in my crossings and hope it stays that way.  After the crossing, it was a slow steady ascent up to Carl Newhall lean-to and then a very steep climb up to Gulf Hagas Mountain. Stopped at the Sidney Tappan Campsite which didn't have a view or anything special except that it was before the next three peaks which will be the last significant climbs before Katahdin. So after banging my right knee cap into a rock earlier this morning, I am sore and tired. So this campsite is just what the doctor ordered. A few other hikers decided to camp here as well including a father and daughter team (Lula-Bell and Piper). They had summited Katahdin together about a week ago and then she started hiking south and the dad drive his car to the Gulf Hagas Trailhead and started walking north. They met in the middle of the 100 mile wilderness and then are hiking back to the car tomorrow. Not sure my girls would ever do something like this with me but if their reading, I would do it in a heartbeat. There was also a father-son team here and they come out hiking at least once a year and they are almost complete with the New England states. 77 miles to Katahdin!
Date: 2017-08-15
From: Sydney Tappan Campsite 

To: Antlers Campsite 
Miles today: 25.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Hiked over West Peak, Hay Mountain and finally to White Cap all part of the White Cap Range ( including Gulf Hagas from yesterday). It was so quiet and tranquil this morning hiking up Whitecap Mountain. Met another hiker at the top named pick'it. He was also a NOBO and was planning on hiking to the same campsite that was shooting for. We had s very clear morning sky and could easily see Katahdin in the distance (above). Long descent to the East Branch Pleasant River which was a good deal smaller than its brother the west branch. Hiked over Little Boardman Mountain and in the way down I met a woman hiking southbound and she must've been in her early 80's. She told me trail north bound was going to be good and fast. Loved her spirit and could only wish I was in that kind of shape when I become her age. Met some hikers at a forest road crossing getting a food drop from Shaws hiker services from Monson and the gentleman offered me an ice cold A&W root beer and it was so good.  After the Boardman Mountain Trail it is starting to really level off and almost like a magic carpet trail. A mostly easier treadway has made for some faster miles. I made it into the campsite around 3:40.  Stopped at the Antlers Campsite who's on the shore of the Lower Joe-Mary lake. Very beautiful setting and so far only one other hiker is here. I suspect a lot more will show up later. Met Bazinga (Ohio) at the campsite.  He has been here since noon. He is has been hiking the AT for 5 years and this is the final step for him. He is meeting a friend from Virginia who he has hiked most of the AT with a they plan on summiting on Monday.  Bazinga was pointing out a loon on the lake and said I would definitely hear it tonight with an unforgettable streaking noise. I am glad he told me because I would have really wondered what the heck that noise was tonight. There are storms heading in tonight and hoping we don't get too wet and trail doesn't get to muddy. 37.4 miles to Baxter State Park entrance and another 14.3 miles to Katahdin!  The current plan now is to summit on Friday as that is the best forecasted morning weather.
Date: 2017-08-16
From: Antlers Campsite 

To: Rainbow Stream campground 
Miles today: 25.2
Weather: overcast clouds

After I posted on TJ last night, a large system came over our area with thunder overhead and a slow but steady rain for a few hours. I pitched my tent in a good area so the rains didn't flood me but everything was wet in the mornings. Bazinga and the others were all up so I started to get my self organized. Bazinga called me over for a photo of a great sunrise over the lake. It Was one if the better sunrises of the whole trail. The three other hikers were all gone when I left camp this morning after 6:00 am. While hiking, I heard a working sawmill in the distance and wondered how that whole industry was doing as I heard at an early trail town that most of the paper pulp and timber mills had shut down. Walked across a lot of cut timber bridges that were wet, slick and very easy to slip on so I took my time on him. As I was crossing a logging road, several ladies were getting ready to start hiking and as was crossing the road, one of them said to watch for bear butts. I looked at her said that would be a great trail name and she stated laughing and said no that one of her friends was on the trail peeing and was warning me that I might see some Bare Butts. As I passed the lady pulling her pants up everyone was laughing and we all agreed in he new trail name. Passed the Pataywadjo Ridge and should have had a view of Katahdin over the Pemadumcook Lake but there was too many clouds in the way.  The trail actually walks along portions of the shore line of Nahmakanta lake. Great views but you need to watch your step on the slick rocks. Most of the camping in this area is in Maine Bureau of Public Lands. Hiked up Nesuntabunt Mountain which provided a great view of the lake below and a great view of Katahdin. As I have read in Guthook, from this point I am only 16 miles from the famed mountain but the AT takes 35 miles to get there. Pass Crescent Pond.  Hiked along Rainbow Stream where you can see some scenic sluices and cascading falls. Pass more bogs along the trail. I haven't mentioned them much in the my past journals but there have been a lot of bogs in Maine. Some bogs look like beavers have caused them, whereas others look like they may have always been there.  Stopped at Rainbow Stream Campsite around 4:30.  Had the pick of the tent sites between Bazinga, Crazy Larry, Pick'it and myself. A young lady also camped amongst sho just starting SOBO on her third day. She ate dinner with us and asked if she had a trail name. She said no and after a while we decided that Noodles would be a good name based on what and how she was eating ramen meal tonight. We talked AT hiking stories and eventually all went to our tents.  It was a windy and getting colder evening. Short 12 mile day tomorrow to see if I can get on "the Birches" 12 person list.  If I do I will continue hiking and camp at the Birches, if not I will stealth outside of Baxter and hike in early Friday morning so I can be at the Range station in mid-morning.Hard to believe I am almost done !
Date: 2017-08-18
From: The Birches

To: Katahdin Peak
Miles today: 5.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Had somewhat of a restless night thinking about the final summit tomorrow and the end of this great adventure. I left the the Birches Campsite and was at the ranger station by 6:45 and hiking by 7:09. You hike the Hunt Trail which is also the final 5.2 miles of the Appalachian Trail. The weather was a but I've rated but dry. First stop was the Katahdin Stream Falls which was running hard and quite beautiful. The milestone was the treeline which was about 2,000 feet above the where I started from the ranger station. Next stop was The Hunt Spur, then the Gateway and finally the peak of Katahdin. It took about 2:30 minutes to hike up and stayed about an hour. Their were several sections where I was pulling myself to the next handhold or foot placement and was almost a very technical hike except no ropes. There was only two other hikers at the top and one of them was a thru-hiker I met yesterday. I had my picture taken in many different poses around the famous Katahdin Peak sign and thoroughly enjoyed looking out in the endless horizon at the beautiful views from the top. I also really enjoyed watching other hikers come to the peak in full emotion and hugging all of their fellow hikers. After calling home (yes I had Verizon signal from the summit) and thanking my wife for her support in my AT hike, I started down. I met several other hikers; Pick'it, Crazy Larry, Tank, Toe and others. The rain had started to come in slightly which made for wet granite rocks in a very steep descent so I took it slow and was able to make it down without adding to any more of my injuries . Got a shuttle in to the AT Lodge, where I am staying the next two nights to recuperate, eat a lot of real food and possibly a few cold beers.  I will post in a day or two to recap my great journey but for those that have followed me on TJ, I really appreciate it. I made it!
Date: 2017-08-19
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

As I prepare to make my way home tomorrow, I am overcome with gratitude, appreciation and honored to have thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail. Thankful for the opportunity to make this ultimate journey but there are many to thank. Special thanks to all of the great hikers (NOBO, SOBO, Flip-Floppers, Section) I have met and truly enjoyed all of their personal stories and why they are hiking the AT. I am asked often what my favorite part of hiking the AT and my answer has always been the same and that is the people you meet. Also thanks goes out to the trail towns, shuttle drivers, hostels, ridge runners, trail maintainers, trail clubs, trail magic and all of the other people who have made this journey so special. There are also some gear manufacturers/providers that have made my adventure lighter, safer and trouble free so thanks to ZPacks, REI, Delorme InReach, Enlighten and Massdrop.  I also really appreciate my family members (Joel, Jackson, Rich and Steve) and my fraternity brother (Joe) who came out on the trail to share this journey with me. Your company made my trip very special and I looked forward to each of your trail arrivals with great anticipation. I had a great time hiking and camping with each of you and will always remember the memories we created together. I save my biggest thanks to my beautiful wife (Paula), daughters (Alex, Katie) and of course the family dog (Mason) for supporting me throughout my AT hike and "holding down the fort" until I could return. I know my family thinks I am crazy with my past journeys but the AT thru-hike tops the list of the most epic and challenging journey I have ever undertaken. Love you to Katahdin and back!2,190 miles14 States464,500 feet of gain/loss in elevation 111 days of hikingA lot of new friends and a life time of great memoriesHappy Trails to all of those hikers still on the Appalachian Trail. I wish you all safe travels. VISA
Date: 2016-01-21
To: Weights & Measures
Miles today: 0.0

Down to 22 days tomorrow....today we worked on trail prep; as we have been doing for several months. I spent some time weighing new arrivals and I also put a few stitches to our mircofiber trail towels, so they don't fray away(very large, so we cut them in half and to cut weight) Big Cypress worked on his pack, testing equipment and starting to load boxes for mailing to ourselves. We've been reading the journal of SlipKnot, he started hiking north already. We wonder if we will see him along the way?! Praying he's prepared for this big blizzard getting ready to hit the east coast. As a matter a fact, hopefully WE are prepared well enough for a very snowman-esque hike?! We've planned and planned and re-planned, and Farmers Almanac says above normal precipitation for the east coast in 2016....we will soon find out! It's all very exciting!!
Date: 2016-01-28
To: Pack Weights
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

We have been working on our food drops and packing, unpacking and packing yet again our back packs....part of the process. Big Cypress's preliminary back pack weight is 40 and Moonbeam's is 32 pounds, including 6 days of food and 2 liters of water. Today's prep work....Making reservations for the hotel stay, for our night before our grand adventure starts!!
Date: 2016-01-31
To: Follow the White Blaze
Miles today: 0.0

Tomorrow will be 12 days until our start. Tonight we had dinner with my folks & sisters & brother in laws and one of our 3 nephews (on my side). We are blessed that my immediate family lives in the same zip code. This has only come about in the last couple years and I LOVE it!! Big Cypress's immediate family has lived close by, same town, not same zip, for as long as we can all remember!! We are so blessed and very fortunate!!The trail is marked with this white line/mark known as the Blaze. We will be following for 14 states!!
Date: 2016-02-05
To: Shake Down
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

The "shake down", as Big Cypress said, was the norm before the deployment...so that's what we did today!! All necessary gear, 6 days of food, 2 liters of water - ready to walk out onto the AT today, if that was the plan, but we walked 3.7 miles around our piney woods for this days shake down. A few minor adjustments, and still on schedule!
Date: 2016-02-10
To: Trail Terms Part 2 S - Z
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light snow

Shelter -- A three sided wooden or stone building, spaced out a half day's hike apart, near a water source, and with a privy. The AT has many kinds of shelters, from barns to cabins.Skunked -- Failing to get a car to stop when hitch hiking.Slackpacking -- to hike without a pack, which is sent ahead for pickupStealth -- a manner of camping where there is no indication that you are there, and no trace of your being there is left when you've left. Sometimes used as a term for camping illegally on public or private land.Stile -- Steps constructed over a fence to allow people, but not livestock, to pass. Also known as Dodgeway.Tent Pad/Platform -- At some camping sites, tenting is restricted to built up earthen 'pads' or wooden 'platforms' to ease impact on the area.Trail Angel -- Someone who provides unexpected help or food to a hiker.Trail Magic -- Unexpected, but welcome, help or food.Thru-hiking -- is the act of attempting to become a 2,000-Miler in a single, continuous journey.Turtle-ing -- a tumble in which hiker lands on pack and struggles to regain footing.Umbles -- Stumbles, Bumbles, and Mumbles that may signal a more serious malady like dehydration or hypothermia etc.Vitamin I -- Ibuprofin an over the counter anti-inflammatory drug that many hikers use while backpacking.Waterbar -- is a log or rock barrier that diverts water off the Trail to prevent erosion.Web Walking -- to be the first hiker on the trail in the morning, thereby clearing spider webs, usually with one's face.The Whites -- The White Mountains of New Hampshire.Whiteblazer -- A term from the Appalachian Trail to describe a person hiking pure (see purist), that is, hiking past every white blaze - which are the standard trail markers on the AT.Work for stay -- Some hostels, the AMC Huts in the Whites, and a few other places along the AT allow some hikers to work in stead of paying the fee for lodging.Yellow blazes -- Term used to denote the yellow center-line that is painted on a highwayYellow blazer -- Someone who hitch hikes around sections of trail by following yellow blazes.Yogi-ing -- is the good-natured art of "letting" food be offered cheerfully by strangers without actually asking them directly (If you ask, it's begging!).YMMV -- Your Mileage May Vary', hiker jargon for 'this worked for me, but your results/opinions might not be the same.'Yo-yo-ing -- is the act of completing one A.T. thru-hike, then immediately turning around to begin another in the opposite direction.Zero day -- is a day in which no miles are hiked, usually because the hiker is stopping in a town to resupply and/or rest
Date: 2016-02-11
To: Emmett takes Grampa & Gramma to Springer
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

One more sleep until we are taken by our lil grandson, Emmett, and our son, and daughter in-love, to the southern terminus at Amicalola. We are going to miss spending time with our family and especially....yes, E. He's our first and only.Unlimited Power But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wing's like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.Isaiah 40:31
Date: 2016-02-13
To: One Mile Down
Miles today: 0.0

We spent the day sight seeing after a nice breakfast & sleep at the Lodge.Then we hiked our first 1 mile, since you have to take 6.5 miles dirt road to the parking lot, hike one mile South to the start point, then hike back out to the parking lot, then continue north. Tomorrow we will go back to the "continue" part. Emmett decided it was too cold to walk with gramma n grandpa, so he and Amanda stayed in the car. Patrick walked with us and took pictures for us. Butterflies left my tummy, but off the trail they returned!!
Date: 2016-02-14
From: Springer Mountain

To: Hawk Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 8.1
Weather: few clouds

Hello everyone, this is Amanda typing for moonbeam and big cypress. They are doing well but it was to cold to remove their gloves to post! They slept in the shelter last night, but it was very cold and could not sleep well. They are sleeping in the tent tonight, and will attempt to put their sleeping bags together tonight to keep warm. It is very overcast and hard to see. Moonbeam said it is freezing mist. Sunday they started at 9:05 and made it to shelter by 2pm. Today they left around 9:15 and made it to shelter by 3pm so they are making good time. Big Cypress is currently getting the fire started and water boiling for their dinner tonight. They sounded well and send their love.