morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-07-10
From: Full Goose Shelter

To: Baldpate Shelter
Miles today: 12.0

Weather: Cloudy all day. Started raining about 10 for several hours...stopped in the afternoon, then rained on and off through the evening.Hike-O-Meter 12.0 Okay, it's now 3 days in a row with rain and wet boots. One of the reasons I came back to re-hike the last 500 miles was to see the Maine I missed due to 20 days of bad weather last year. No views today.Today started out dry and I made it through the notch easily...much better than last year. It hadn't started to rain yet and I took a little different approach this time...I followed the "beaten path" and looked for the easiest way around the rocks. I actually kind of enjoyed it this year. The climb out of the notch up Mahoosic arm wasn't bad either. But, I was about a mile before Speck Pond Shelter when it started to rain. I tried to go as fast as I could but still ended up getting soaked. I spent a half hour or so in the shelter with a SOBO drying off and waiting for the rain to let up.About 11:30 I put on my rain parka and took off. Like the past two days it was cold and windy on top with no views. I made pretty good time coming through Grafton Notch...passed a lot of day hikers since it is Saturday. The parking lot looked full when I went by.I got to Baldpate Shelter around 3:30. Trek was already set up drying his stuff out. I could have gone on but I only have 8 miles tomorrow to Andover where I plan to stay at The Cabin again. Mousetrap rolled in tired as hell about 7 pm, he came from the shelter 4 miles before ours.People Met: Did not stop and talk to anyone in the rain. Did meet Warren Doyle, his wife and friend in the Notch. I had seen him at The Gathering but had never met him. If I'm not mistaken he is one of the founding fathers of ALDHA and has hiked the Trail many times.Did stop and talk to two SOBO's just before reaching the shelter...Turtle & Lazarus. They skipped going into Rangeley and Stratton and stayed at The Pie Lady's in Monson.Food: Poptarts for breakfast; Snickers Marathon and Payday for lunch; Beef stick on crackers and peanut butter & jelly on pita wit Famous for dessert.
Date: 2004-07-11
From: Baldpate Shelter

To: East B Hill Andover
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: clear sky

Weather: First nice day in Maine...some morning clouds then mostly sunny and warm.Hike-O-Meter 8.0 It's too bad I couldn't do more miles today but I had to stop at The Cabin in Andover...one of the friendliest hostels on the Trail. I remembered too just how great the food was last year, and besides, I was out 3 days in the rain and ready to dry off and get cleaned up.Trek was up and out shortly after 6...I followed about 6:45. Mousetrap, still in his bag, said "we start much too early."The Baldpate peaks were mostly clouded in although it started to lift some as I was crossing the East peak. At least last year I had decent weather and some views here. I was at Fry Notch Lean-to in a couple of hours. Stopped for a snack and talked to Mystic Onion who was just packing up. He and Cowboy were the only ones there last night.I flew through the rest of the 8 miles. When I got to the road Cowboy was taking a break before going on. He was not going into Andover. He said Trek had gotten a hitch and would send someone from the hostel back for me. I did get a ride after 15 minutes or so in the back of an older guy's pickup. As he was dropping me off in town, up from behind pulls the truck from The Cabin with Dirty Bird at the wheel. Charlie and I hiked with Dirty Bird (aka Neely) last spring on our hike. She is presently helping Bear and Honey at The Cabin.They are great here at the Cabin. The first thing they did was offer us left overs to eat...I never met a hiker that turned down food and it is good here. We hung some stuff out to dry, then I showered & shaved. Trek and I did our laundry together.A hiker from last year who stayed here, called Bump, dropped by. He gave all of us rides into town to resupply. Thanks Bump!Tomorrow will be a first for me...I am going to slackpack the next section...23 miles SOBO. Slackpacking is when you only carry what you need on the Trail for the day and the hostel picks you up at the end of the day for a return visit.People Met: I passed no one on the Trail today. Coming into the hostel with Trek I met Puffy & Stumble for the first time. A SOBO called Jack Straw is also staying here. Happy, who I ran into briefly at a shelter, is here too. There are a couple of hikers doing the 23 mile slackpack today that will also be here tonight. One is Bone Dancer who I got to hear play his banjo tonight...he is good. Just as we were eating Mystic Onion shows up for the night. Also met Rock Steady who did the 23 mile slackpack.Food: Famous Amos and Snickers for breakfast. Hamburger, potato salad, lemonade and strawberry shortcake for lunch. A pint of Ben & Jerry's as an afternoon snack. Dinner was...how can I emphasize it...Fantastic! Beef roast, real mashed potatoes & gravy, garden salad, peas, fresh cooked carrots, hot rolls & butter and cake and Moose Tracks ice cream.
Date: 2004-07-12
From: ME 17

To: East B Hill Rd
Miles today: 23.4

Weather: Partly cloudy, warm and humid...afternoon sprinkles.Hike-O-Meter 23.4 These WERE NOT easy miles even though it was my first "slackpack" experience. Last year, I took 2 days to do this section and it seemed fairly easy. It is all together a different story to try to hike it "fast." Mousetrap and I started just before 8 am and he was ahead of me all day. I took a few short breaks and only ate one candy bar for lunch. With all the roots, rocks, muddy spots and steep sections it was difficult for me to average more than 2 mph. He finished about 5:45 and me 6:20. There was also 6 or so decent peaks...a couple very steep. I was tired when I finished and am tired now...I'm going to sleep well tonight.I did pass Mystic Onion, Cowbow, Happy, Stumble and Puffy as I was doing this section SOBO.People Met: None on the Trail...there are 3 new SOBO's I was introduced to at dinner but I don't remember their names.Food: Fantastic breakfast...omlet, blueberry pancakes, bacon, OJ, coffee, biscuits and melon. One Butterfinger for lunch. Spagetti & meatballs, salad, corn on the cob, cake and ice cream for dinner.No wildlife and no Moose today.
Date: 2004-07-13
From: East B Hill Rd

To: ME 4 Rangeley
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Weather: Mostly sunny, warm and breezy in the morning. Partly cloudy to mostly cloudy in the eveningHike-O-Meter: 13.1 Things pretty much went as planned. I remembered this section from last year...no hard climbs, some muddy spots completed easily in 6 hours.Dirty Bird dropped Mousetrap and me off at the Trail before 8 after another fabulous breakfast at The Cabin. This is her last day...she is going home...they will miss her as she has really been a big help. Don't know if I mentioned it before but we hiked some together last year.I took it pretty leisurely today...stopping at one lean-to and to chat with 3 SOBO's. There was a nice swimming spot at Long Pond if I had just arrived there later in the afternoon instead of the morning. There were really no views except at the road before I left and somewhat around the pond.People Met: I did stop and talk with 3 young men SOBO's...all nice guys. The first was Soco...who really hwad some bad luck. His wallet was lost or stolen back in Stratton...ID, money, credit card. Since you need a picture ID to get mail drops this is posing a particular problem for him. He said he had heard all about The Cabin and would probably try to stay there. I gave him 20 bucks...he refused to take it...I told him to consider it "trail magic"...hikers have to look out for each other.The next SOBO I met was Gator. We chatted for quite awhile...mostly about the hikes in store for each of us.The last guy was Bulldog Nelson. He had hiked with Soco and was well aware of his situation. He did not stay in Rangeley and seems to be enjoying his hike.I got to ME4 around 2:30. Got a ride with two vacationers, Bob & Lisa from West Virginia, into the IGA. Thanks Bob & Lisa. Picked up a few items and called the Gull Pond Lodge Hostel. I had to leave a message for pick up. In the meantime, Mystic Onion showed up. He is staying there too. I had to wait almost 3 hours. Bob, the proprietor, was taking a hiker who had fell and broke his ankle to a hospital in the next town. Food: The same great breakfast as yeaterday. For lunch two brownies and Gatorade...gifts from The Cabin.Split a large pizza with Mystic Onion in town. I did buy some fruit at the store and a box of Cheerios with berries for in the morning.It's supposed to rain for at least 2 days. I hope to be in Stratton Thursday.
Date: 2004-07-14
From: ME 4 Rangeley

To: Spaulding Mtn Lean To
Miles today: 18.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Weather: Overcast, cool and cloudy. Rain in the morning and evening and all night.Hike-O-Meter: 18.7 Before I cover today's hike a few words about Gull Pond Lodge. Bob is a great host and this is one of my favorite stops. Bob has 2 beautiful house dogs...Gwendelyn, a chocolate lab and Marcus, a large hound mixed breed. They are so lovable and really part of what makes a stay here special. They like to hog the couch, but are good dogs and fun to be around.One other thing. My boots are beginning to fall apart so I asked Bob if he had any adhesives. He must have brought me 10 different products. I used the "shoe goop" which really worked well.Bob took Mystic Onion and me to the Trail at 8. We knew it would probably be a wet day as the forecast called for 2 days of rain.The main attractions of this section were The Saddleback Mtns and The Horn...they were terrible...30-40 mph winds...100% humidity...misty rain...cold...miserable. I said to myself as I was freezing and fighting to keep my balance, "I should have my head examined for being out here!" When I finally got off the peaks there were plenty of ups and downs. It did quit raining so at least I didn't get soaked. Since I was barely able to do 1 mph over the mountaintops I didn't arrive at Piazza Rock Lean-to for lunch until 1:30. There were 2 SOBO's there and Mystic Onion came in right behind me.The rest of the hike was uneventful...just woods and rocks. About a hour before I reached camp it started to rain and blow. When I got to the shelter it was full of French Canadian kids, but they did move over and make room as they were sleping in their tents and just hanging out in the shelter due to the rain.Mystic Onion stopped by but decided to hike on to a cabin about 3 miles further.People: Met 2 SOBO's, Tyler and Matt. Nice young men. We chatted briefly about the hostels and towns.Food: Had cereal, fruit, a donut and coffee at Bob's. Ate cashews and chex mix for lunch and tuna on pita bread for supper.
Date: 2004-07-15
From: Spaulding Mtn Lean To

To: ME 27 Stratton
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: light rain

Weather: Rained all last night and most of today...steady rain with some downpours through mid day. Cool in the mountains.Hike-O-Meter: 13.5 This is going to be a "whiney" entry. Since I arrived in Maine, every day has been cloudy, overcast and rainy except 2...and one of the two was the "hard" 23 mile day while the other had no views anyway.My dry socks today lasted little more than an hour. Everything was wet from last night and it started raining steady around nine. The problem is the Trail takes you over all these peaks with great views...except there are no views...it's worse than last year. Ever since Charlie went home the weather turned lousy...I think he knew something.I have an idea for the MATC (Maine Appalachian Trail Commission). Some trails to peaks have alternate routes through the low lands called "bad weather trails." Maybe Maine should re-route the AT through the easier terrain and have "good weather" trails to the top for when the sun is out (about once a month) and all the work is worthwhile. I mean, for the past week I've climbed these steep rock slides to get to the top, and just to find it clouded in with high winds. The Crockers, Sugarloaf, Spaulding, The Saddlebacks, The Baldpates and Old Speck...all for naught. Today I almost decided to quit and go home early. Unlike yesterday when I was just wet, today I was soaked throughout. They are even talking about "the lack of sunshine" in Maine this summer on the news.I wish I had more to say about the hike but alI I was doing was watching the the ground and slippery rocks. I really do enjoy hiking...now if I could only learn to enjoy it in the rain.When I got to the road I took off my gators and put my thumb out. Not a lot of traffic and it took me 15 minutes or so to get picked up. A friendly local guy, Steve was nice enough to take me to the front door of The Spillover Motel. Thanks Steve.After I dried off some I walked into town and had dinner a the White Wolf Inn. Saw Mystic Onion coming out of the store...he is heading out tomorrow.People Met: The only hikers I passed today was a SOBO couple, Flatlander (her) and Flannel Goose (him).Food: Bannana cake and cookies for breakfast. Some Chex mix and a Snickers for lunch. Salad, cheeseburger, fries and a hot fudge sundae.
Date: 2004-07-16
From: ME 27 Stratton

To: Stratton ME Zero Day
Miles today: 0.0

I don't always talk about the weather on zero days since I'm not hiking in it. It was better than the last two days but there was still several thunder storms in the afternoon and evening. The mountains had clouds in the morning although there was some sun down here.I slept in, watched some Imus and then had breakfast at Mainely Yours down the street. Took a walk about a mile further down the road into town. There are a couple of good resupply stores there, one with a deli. I bought some fruit, nuts and snacks.I went to the library to use the internet. It was open only from 2:30 to 5:00 with a 20 minute time limit. That was barely enough time to check flight schedules and car rentals. I found round trip air fares from Bangor to be half the cost of one way. I guess you buy a round trip, just ignore the return flight and don't tell anyone. I ended up reserving a National rental car for July 31st for about $80 without a drop off fee. If anyone reading this knows of any hiker summiting on the 29th who needs a ride anywhere between Bangor and Cleveland, have them look me up at Shaw's in Monson on the 20th or at Katahdin on the 29th.
Date: 2004-07-17
From: Stratton ME Zero Day

To: Little Bigelow Lean-to
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: light rain

Weather: Mostly cloudy warm and humid. Afternoon and evening isolated thundershowers.Hike-O-Meter 15.3 Not a bad hike since it was dry on the Trail. It did start raining about an hour after I arrived at the shelter. I was up at 5:30 and walked into town to pick up a sub sandwich for supper. Had breakfast at Mainely Yours and started hitching by 7:30. Not much traffic but got a ride in about 15 minutes from Jeff and his 13 year old retriever Sully. Thanks Jeff.The Trail was easy for a few miles, then the climb into the Bigelows. The clouds were high enough that there were still some good views...but not as good as last year when I decided Maine was my favorite state along the AT. (I think I'll change that to Virginia where the trail is better maintained.)I did have a pretty good spill today...head first...only damage was a skinned knee.I met up with Stumpknocker coming SOBO at 4 pm. I met him last year on the Trail and again at Trail Days this spring. He is also on trailjournals. We chatted for a few minutes, then hiked on as it was thundering all around us.I got to the shelter at 4:30 and set up camp. I ate supper then did this journal. One other SOBO couple is in the Shelter with me and another NOBO, Happy. One young girl, the ridge runner, is tenting outback.People Met: I stopped and talked with several SOBO's today...the ones I can recall were Suntag, Commando, Cobweb, Lunchbox and Adrianne.Food: Big breakfast at Mainely Yours...eggs, bacon, potatoes, toast, sausage gravy & biscuits. Snickers on a break. Ham & cheese sub, bing cherries and an apple for supper.
Date: 2004-07-18
From: Little Bigelow Lean-to

To: US 201 Caratunk
Miles today: 21.3

Weather: Partly sunny, warm and humidHike-O-Meter: 21.3 A hard days hike...I was beat by the time I arrived at Caratunk House Hostel around 4 pm. I got up a little after 5 am and was on the Trail shortly after 6. The hills were not an issue today, it was the condition of the Trail itself. The Trail goes by several ponds. After the first one, Flagstaff Lake, the Trail became muddy, rocky and difficult. In fact, I was thinking it is the poorest maintained section of the AT I have seen. The timbers over swamps and bogs are old, covered with moss, rotting and slippery. There are many wide mud holes that don't have timbers that need them badly. There is also a lot of overgrowth...I guess the MATC doesn't believe in trimming back along the Trail like some other clubs in other states.At a stream crossing there were 2 timbers laid down as a bridge high above the stream. Someone had left signs in plastic at both ends warning hikers not to use the "bridge" because it was so slippery and dangerous. I used it anyway.I did pass a beach on East Carry Pond and almost stopped to take a swim, but I knew I had to make sure I arrived at the Kennebec River in time to catch the canoe "ferry." The Kennebec is dangerous to wade across because the power company releases huge amounts of water upstream unannounced...one hiker drowned as a result a few years back. So now, they shuttle us across in a canoe.Last year I stopped at Harrison Camp for a lemonade...not this time when I could have really used one.The Caratunk House is a great stop! This year Paul added fantastic milk shakes. I had one before I took a shower and one after dinner before bed. They're the best milkshakes I've ever had. He also has a beautiful yellow lab, Bailey and is one of the friendliest hostels on the Trail.People Met: I passed one group of young people in the morning and two young men SOBO's in the afternoon...that was it and we didn't stop to talk. There is a young SOBO here at the hostel with his parents visiting.Food: A plum, boiled egg, and donut for breakfast. Some trail mix, a plum and cashews for a mid morning snack. Of course, a strawberry milkshake, and 2 cans of soda at the hostel.   Went out for dinner...haddock, real fries and slaw...and of course a chocolate shake back at the hostel. Breakfast in the morning will be Paul's famous french toast.
Date: 2004-07-19
From: US 201 Caratunk

To: Moxie Bald Lean-to
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: light rain

Weather: Steady rain at daybreak continuing for several hours. Overcast, warm and humid through afternoon and early evening. Partial clearing at dusk.Hike-O-Meter: 18.8 It rained all morning...I took two spills, my worst yet...the mosquitoes were at their peak this trip...other than that it was a great hike.I can't say enough about Caratunk House...it was a great stop and I knew Paul's breakfast would be outstanding. After breakfast I purchased a few food items from his store and walked out in the rain.I wore the $1 Wal-Mart emergency parka knowing I had a gradual first 5 miles and it wouldn't be too warm. I also skipped wearing the sock liners and gators as they just get soaked. It worked as well as could be expected...everything above the waist was kept reasonably dry while everything below it was soaking wet.The Trail was a great improvement over yesterday, especially the early miles. With few rocks and mud holes and a wide trail, I almost enjoyed walking in the rain. I did not stop at either of the two lean-to's prior to my destination as neither was located directly next to the Trail. I would have eaten supper at Bald Mtn Brook Lean-to but the mosquitoes were so bad when I stopped that I continued on to Moxie Bald Mtn. There I took a nice break and for the first time ever, stopped and ate supper on the Trail before reaching my destination. There were no bugs and the sky was opening up some...with views of neighboring mountains.I did slip on flat rocks and fell twice today. The first time I banged up my left arm pretty good between my wrist and elbow. It is sore, but that is the extent of the damage.I am tenting tonight because it is warm and I want to avoid the bugs...if it rains so what, I'll pack out a wet tent and I'll be in Monson tomorrow.People Met: Stopped and chatted with SOBO's Fu and Freedom Man. An hour or behind them was Larry from TN, an older guy taking it easy. At the shelter is a long time thru-hiker, Chainsaw (I hope his name isn't due to his snoring) and a section/vacation hiker out for a week or so. There is a foreign speaking couple tenting also that I haven't met.Food: Of course there was Paul's fabulous breakfast of French toast, fried potatoes, fresh melon & bananas, real OJ and fresh ground coffee. I didn't stop to eat on the Trail until supper when I had peanut butter & jelly on pita, a boiled egg, apple and a Snickers. Depending on the weather forecast and how I feel I may get off the Trail in Monson and go home. I will get there tomorrow...I'll decide then.
Date: 2004-07-20
From: Moxie Bald Lean-to

To: Trail to Lake Hebron
Miles today: 13.1

Weather: Cloudy, warm and humid...clearing then afternoon and evening thunder showers.Hike-O-Meter: 13.1 sleeping in the tent last night was a good decision...it was humid and the bugs were out. I rolled up the sides so there was plenty of ventilation and it didn't rain.I was up at 5 and hiking by 6. The first couple of miles had its muddy wet spots but the real fun started after that. There was a section where the Trail was nothing but mud, water and rocks...no way around it and no boards or timbers. I know I complain a lot about the condition of the Trail but it was bad enough to soak my boots when it wasn't even raining. I did cross two rivers today the West and East branches of the Piscataquis where I had to take off my boots and ford them.As I was about halfway into Monson on the blue blaze trails a car stops and waves me in...it's old man Shaw. I throw my stuff in his car and he takes me back to the house. I sign up for dinner...we're having steak tonight. He tells me he can shuttle me to Bangor tomorrow so I've decided to get off and go home. I've been out over a month and the SOBO's tell me the Trail in 100 Mile Wilderness isn't in any better shape.I was surprised to see Happy show up at Shaw's around 5...he did over 20 miles today to get here. People Met: All SOBO's. Met Torch as he was fording the first river. Said he got his name because someone passed a lighter on to him that had been passed down from another hiker. Also met Johnny V, Rocks, and a couple of people at Shaws. One of those at Shaw's was a gentleman called Bigfoot who follows hiking on the internet when he's not on the Trail.Food: Pastry, fruit cup and donut for breakfast. Snickers for lunch and a Dr. Pepper when I got to town. A steak dinner at Shaws tonight but the best part was desert...fresh raspberry pie.
Date: 2005-04-06
To: Heading Out
Miles today: 0.0

I'm going back to the Trail for a couple of hundred miles. After stopping at Miss Janets I'll get someone to take me back to Newfound Gap where I got off last Spring. I'll hike north to Erwin jump ahead (over the section I re-hiked in the fall of '03) to 10 miles north of Kincora and hike on from there. Will do a daily update at libraries along the way or when I get back.