morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-08-27
From: Maine 4/Hiker's Hut

To: Farmhouse Inn
Miles today: 0.0

A zero day with much work to be done. I got an early ride from Kate at the Hiker's Hut up to the Farmhouse Inn and checked in with Stacy. Did some more qork on my schedule and talked with Leo and Laura trying to coordinate things as therw will be little to no cell service after Monson. September 15th is the date!!!! I picked out some more things to send home and made a food list for the next 5 days. Then it was time to do laundry and afterwards a shuttle into town. First stop was the post office to mail stuff home and post cards. Then across the street to the Parkside Restaurant for some New England clam chowder and grilled chicken salad. Its so important to get good food while in town. I then wandered over to a coffee shop called the Inner Eye and bad a nice cafe mocha latte and relaxed with the newspaper. I also got the chance to talk to Socrates about trail and life issues. He definitely had some insightful ideas and I enjoyed talking with him. Rangely is another place I would come back to with Laura. Stacey then shuttled us to the IGA for groceries and food for dinner which I ate when we go back - pizza, cottage cheese and ice cream. Then it was time to re pack my gear and read a bit. I didn't sleep well; so much on my mind as this adventure winds down and the outside world creeps in.
Date: 2014-08-28
From: Farmhouse Inn

To: Poplar Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: scattered clouds

After a false start - had to go back for my food in the fridge - if was nice to be back on the trail as it was a cool breezy day which is perfect for hiking. The trail was nice and gradual the first few miles to Eddy Pond which then turned steep as I made my way up the side of Saddleback. It was nice as the trail maintainers had built in steps from stone. Can you imagine the work it took! On top there were amazing views all around of more ponds, lakes and mountains after mountains. It was quite windy so I took a break behind a stone windscreen and enjoyed the view. It was then time to go down and then back up to the Horn where the wind was now really blowing and I had to continually steady myself. There was a Canadian couple with a friendly chocolate lab who followed me down the trail. I had to stop to hold him so the owner could catch up and get him.The descent kept getting steeper and steeper and I took my time to avoid stressing my knees. The next mountain Saddleback Jr., offered views to the north of mountains to come. On the way down I ran into Double R (Recently Retired) and we hiked the rest of the way to the shelter together. Data was already there and Turtle pulled in shortly after us. Double R shared some tasty liquor with us - some fine sipping whiskey. I had bagels with pepperoni and cheese again tonight. I never seem to tire of it along with some crushed potato chips. I took a nice nap afterwards as I didn't sleep well the night before. So much on my mind - the trip itself, going home, logistics etc.... if significantly cooled off about 5 and everyone was in their bags by 6. We are looking at our guides to make plans to resupply and the excitement amongst is building as the end nears. Tomorrow we go under 200 miles left and the next day we go over the 2000 mile mark.
Date: 2014-08-29
From: Poplar Ridge Shelter

To: Crocker Cirque Campsite
Miles today: 14.2

Not sleeping well. My shoulders ached all night even with Ibuprophen. I hope with a longer hiking day today I will be tired enough. The trail down was good except no views because it was all woodland. The bogs remain dry and if not, they are easy to get around. Orbeton Stream was suppose to be another cord but wasn't. No rain is expected until Monday. I hiked up Lone mtn. With a nice trail but still no views. Dix have some views on the other side of ones I nay be doing tomorrow. Up the other side to Spaulding lean to and later found bronze plaque to CCC for work uniting the trail on 8/14/37. Tough descent from Sugarloaf mtn with almost a mile and a half mostly straight down. There were rock slides in a few spots on the trail with washouts below. At the bottom there was suppose to be another cord oc the Carrabassett River but my feet stayed dry again. I talked to Leo and we decided to meet in Millinocket as its a definite location with cell service as opposed to the park. We're then going to my cousin David's in Scarborough. What a great day it will be. Summer is winding down. Took a picture of a maple tree all in red today. Wonder how cool it will get tonight.
Date: 2014-08-30
From: Crocker Cirque Campsite

To: Avery Memorial Campsite
Miles today: 15.4

Today was a big day with some really big climbs. Did S. Crocker - 4040, N. Crocked - 4228, S. Horn - 3831 and Bigelow - 4145! I'd be lying if I didn't admit I was concerned if my legs and knees would hold up. It seems like they run out of juice quicker and quicker each time I tackle the big ones, especially 4 in 1 day. But then again I didn't get this far without putting one foot in front of the other and just grinding it out and that's what I did today. Helping me along besides my daily prays was knowing I would go over the 2000 mile mark today and the views I would get from the top of these peaks. On top of that I knew they would be the last 4000 foot plus grouped together like this. The trails helped make the day manageable and the views were even better than the White mtns. While each state has had its great views, Maine is the jewel of the AT cor o er powering views. The lakes, mountains and overall geography never fail to amaze me. Today was another sunny, cool and windy one for the most part. The wind is blowing pretty hard right now which pushes the tent around a bit because its on a wooden platform. They build these in places where there is no flat ground to be had. One benefit of the wind is drying out my gear (socks, shorts, underwear and boots) which all gets pretty sweaty despite the cooler temperature. A big hello to Phil and Carol who are in Maine at this time. I looked out towards the ocean and waved but don't know if you saw me. Oh well in another month I should see you all. Mix of hikers passing through - colleges, section, SOBO and NOBO and a group of Canadians who have a fire going despite a sign that says differently only 10 feet away! Go figure. 2 more days to Caratunk and then 2 to Monson. I still have to figure out food for the 100 mile wilderness and connecting with Leo and Laura. I'm going to try and stay awake until 8. I haven't been sleeping well because when I get to camp I'm so tired I take a nap then can't sleep. I will also have to nurse my water as the spring here is dry. I'm also charging my phone to hold it for 2 more days until a I get to Caratunk. I will have to watch how I use it. But it's hard with all the great views!
Date: 2014-08-31
From: Avery Memorial Campsite

To: West Carry Pond Shelter
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Windy night but comfortable and a little better sleep. Climbed Avery where the wind was blowing 25 to 30 mph! Had some great views but clouds rolled in quickly and it started to rain. Got pushed around by the wind which continually grabbed at my pack cover trying to rip it off. I had to be real careful with narrow ledges and walkways. The descent was long with little water but got some after 3 miles at Safford Notch. It was interesting getting to it as I had to pass through a rock tunnel made by huge boulders. With fresh water I made a long trudge up little Bigelow where I had more good views. The weather broke but was still overcast and made my way down Little Bigelow where I got more water. It's so warm and humid and I can't drink enough. The trail is in great shape for the next few miles. Glad i have the Bigelow range behind me. Still seeing a lot of snakes and toads on the trail which is strange this late in the summer.Today I took 2 falls and ended up with some bruises and abrasions. The rocks were quite slippery from the rains and I also had 2 close calls where I twisted my ankle to the point I thought I was going to break it. My feet are also taking a pounding from all the roots and rocks and the lack of good foot placement. I was to the shelter around 315 where Silver Stag already was and informed me of the trail magic in the plastic tub where I found homemade cookies. Oh yeah! After eating these I thought about going on to the next shelter 10 miles away but decided to stay put. This ended up being a good idea as it started to rain 30 minutes later. Beat the rain and inside where it was dry. It doesn't get much better than this. Even better was a copy of National Geographic I could read. This helped me stay awake until after 8. Hopefully a solid nights sleep will follow. Caratunk tomorrow with a zero day and a chance to recharge my battery.
Date: 2014-09-01
From: West Carry Pond Shelter

To: Caratunk/Sterling Inn
Miles today: 0.0

Up and out at 606 with blue skies showing. Nice night as I went to bed and woke up to the sound of loons calling out to each other. The trail grade was pretty level but filled with roots and rocks of all shapes and sizes. Given all this pounding I've bruised my left foot again and along with the twisted ankle I've slowed down a bit. I passed a lot of nice ponds and lakes which dot the woods. I had to cross a dilapidated wooden dam at Pierces Pond. It's amazing its still holding up acter all these years. I wanted to get to the Kennebec River 14 miles away by 11 when the morning canoe ferry stops running and doesn't restart until 2. I thought I had a chance until I hit the last 3 miles. What is shown on the profile in the guide book as being flat but was anything but. Along with more roots and rocks than you knew what to do with were several hills that went up and down all day long! And as you probably have guessed I didn't make it. I got there 38 minutes too late.The reason for the canoe ferry is the water level is controlled by a dam which releases water automatically and the water level can go up 2 to 4 feet in a matter of minutes. Those who know me know I hate to just sit around and wait but I've learned to be patient at times like these. So I sat there and had some lunch, posted some cards and watched the river where I saw an American Bald Eagle fly by. Promptly at 2 Hillbilly Dave came to the opposite bank and waved and I waved back. Before you knew it he was hauling a red old town canoe and paddling across the river to me. We loaded up my gear and headed back to the other side. After a short walk into town I was able to use a courtesy phone and call for a ride. Wickie came along and we both got a ride to the Sterling Inn built in 1817 and run by Eric with Dans help. We got a tour of the place and then I immediately headed for the shower to clean off 5 days of sweat and grime down the drain. Then Wickie, Left Turn who I hadn't seen since VA went to the Kennebec Pub and Brewery where I had chicken wing mac and cheese along with a "Deer in the Headlights Ale" in order to get some carbs. I was surprised by having cell reception there and talked to Laura for a while. Ifs always reassuring to hear her voice. I can't wait to see her in less than 2 weeks! Back at 745 and doing laundry and journal. Looking forward to breakfast in the am and more carbs. Will also make reservations for Monson and Millinocket. It becomes more real each day.
Date: 2014-09-02
From: Caratunk/Sterling Inn

To: Sterling Inn
Miles today: 0.0

I'm typing this on 9/5 and looking at my journal book I didn't write in any entry for that day. Now I'm trying to figure out what I did that day. Was up early looking at my guide book still fraughting over the 100 mile wilderness and how much food to carry. You would think that by now I would have the confidence just to make a decision and stick with it. Maybe its because of all the variables I have experienced over those 2000 plus miles I know there is no sure thing and just one thing can change everything. Anyways, I've decided to just stick with my scheduled mileage each day and limit the amount of food I carry. There are 2 mountains I have to deal with early in the 100 Mile Wilderness and since I will have 6 days worth of food at the time weight is an important factor.Breakfast was nice with lots of fruits, cereal, bagels with cream cheese and homemade blueberry muffins with blueberries the size of your thumb. I'm really trying to eat as much as possible and feel a bit like a pig. Afterwards its shower time and organizing my pack. I check out their hiker resupply store and while a bit pricey they have everything you need. Now that foods been bought I relax some by reading the local paper which is interestingly just that - about local news. There is no international or national news to be found anywhere even in the sports section. The night before I had a nice meal at the Kennebec Pub and Brewery, but was not impressed by the amount of food served or their prices. The Inn had a nice special of 2 angus burgers with 2 sides (I chose macaroni salad for both mine) and I got to grill them myself. I also had all of the trimmings, lettuce, tomato, onion and of course cheese on them. More hikers began to show up - Sterling Stag who I had shared a shelter with earlier and Soho who I had met back at the Graymoor Spiritual Center in NY. Its interesting as you run into people who you catch or they catch you for whatever reason as well as the flip floppers. I found out from one hiker that Wet Dog had flipped and I had just missed him in Rangely. I reached out to him on face book and he's in Vermont now. Just want to send out a big hello to him if he's reading this. Spent the rest of the afternoon hanging out with everyone and relaxing.Later in the evening Eric the owner brought some of the hikers to the store, but I ended up having one of the burgers I ate earlier along with a pint of Ben and Jerry's ice cream. I eat one of these whenever I can for the calories (1200) knowing that I won't be able to do this when I get home. We watched Jumangi with Robin Williams in the evening and then I went to bed.
Date: 2014-09-04
From: Bald Mountain Brook Lean To

To: Stealth Site
Miles today: 18.7
Weather: broken clouds

Woke up at 5 to the sound of the logging operation in full swing. Tried to go back to sleep as it was just getting light but was useless and I got up with the others at 6. By 615 I was on the trail with an easy climb marked by a number of false summits. At the top of Moxie Mountain I had one of the guys take a picture for my collection. Moxie Mountain makes me think of my Uncle Bob who is now living in Indiana. He was born in Maine and has an affinity for a soft drink/pop called Moxie. So this ones for you Uncle Bob.Also while on top of Moxie we thought we could see the vague outline of Katahdin to the north, but it was to far away to be sure.The rest of the day was spent making 3 different fords of rivers which required me to take off my boots as wet boots/socks give my feet blisters. I wore my crocs as I crossed and the water actually felt pretty darn good. After that, despite AWOL's guide showing a flat slow descent, I dealt with a number of ups and downs as it followed a major river. Along the way I met a NOBO, Sonic and a SOBO Guiseppe. Guiseppe gave me some tips on what was coming up in the 100 Mile Wilderness and I appreciated it. I also took 2 more falls that afternoon one on the rocks and the other into some moss. Again, no major injuries to report justt the left foot and one jammed finger. The left foot continues to ache from being banged up by all of the rocks and roots. I debated about stopping at Horseshoe Canyon like I had initially planned but I had only done 13.9 miles and it was only 138 in the afternoon. As my good friend Jack would say, It's a no brainer and I pushed on. As I made my way pass Lake Hebron I was serenaded by a number of loons. Their calls or so interesting and enchanting. I finally made it to the stealth location I had been looking for that would position me for an early entry into Monson in the morning. The crew of 4 guys I shared a shelter with the night before showed up shortly after but were pushing on so they could be even closer as they wanted to get to Shaw's for breakfast and then to the post office when it opened. After a bite to eat I did some reading and then went to bed. It was a tough but good day with 18.7 miles done.
Date: 2014-09-05
From: Stealth Site

To: Monson/Lake Shore House
Miles today: 3.3

By being in a tent and actually the only stealthing in this area, I woke up early and started to pack up while it was just getting light. I thought I heard a moose banging around in the woods and quietly sat nearby hoping it would make its way towards me. Alas, after about 20 minutes the sounds appeared to be drifting away so I finished packing up and got back on the trail. I made really good time despite the roots and bogs on the trail and got a quick hitch into Monson from Tom who makes wooden signs. He delivered me right to the door of the Lake Shore House where I checked in and then propmptly went next door to the Pie Lady's for breakfast where I had french toast, homefries, sausage, toast, cinnimon roll and OJ. Man was it good. I also picked up some post cards of the area which I could post today. Back to the Lake Shore Shelter where I got a bunk and found out where I had to stand to get cell reception (Bench at Antique store across the street, bottom of the stairs or possibly out on the dock out back). The bottom of the stairs in the driveway ended up being the best and I was able to talk to my wife Laura. Our conversation earlier when I had gotten to the road was interuppted by my hitch into town. Talked about things and general and meeting up in Millinocket. If you are reading this Laura David B. says to get the lobster the next day on the way home.Back inside I was able to get a shower in and then started my laundry. Both my clothes and myself are not going to get a chance to get washed for the next 6 to 7 days. Anyone care to share a tent? While waiting for the laundry I posted some cards to family and friends. This will be the last posting until I get to Millinocket on 9/13. This will also be my last journal entry until then also as the 100 mile wilderness has little to no cell reception and I will have to nurse my cell phone battery as much as possible. I'm going to spend the rest of the day having a bite to eat, make my final shopping list for my food resupply and then just relax and look forward to the next 7 day as I make my way to Katahdin. It's strange to think or should I say know that the end is in site and short of a major catastrophe I will do this. It's been a long, long, long journey but I'm glad I've done it as I have met people and gone places I would never had gone if not for hiking the AT. Most of all I look forward to seeing my friend Gray Ghost who because of an foot injury had to get off for a bit but is now back on and making his way south. It has really intrigued me how he is more than just a hiking companion but truely a friend.
Date: 2014-09-08
From: West Branch Tentsite

To: East Branch Lean To
Miles today: 16.4

While I haven't been able to spot any moose yet there is one animal that the Maine Woods seems to be saturated with - Chatter Box Rats better known as Red Squirrels. It seems that a hundred times a day you will hear these rodents start screeching as you pass by and a number of them will run along side of the trail as if they want to attack you. Back home they wouldn't survive a day like that but here without any real predators they seem to proliferate. Since I had failed at making a dry crossing the day before I decided to put on my crocs and wade through the water to cross the West Branch. It was no big deal and while it was wide - about 40 yards - it was no deeper than 12 to 16 inches and should be a cinch. That was until I started to cross and realized that through the night the water temperature had significantly dropped to the point that I was amazed not to see icebergs floating pass me. By the time I made it to the other side, which seemed like an eternity, my legs both ached and were numb - yes this is possible, trust me - and felt like I was going to wet myself out of shear self preservation! What a way to start the day.Today I took on the last of the 2000 foot mountains, Gulf Hagas, West Peak, Hay and of course the grand daddy, White Cap. I made pretty good time and while the up on Gulf Hagas was extremely steep it was softened by the hard work of the Maine Appalachian Trail Committee (MATC) Trail Crews who had built stone steps into the side of the mountain. While not normally a big fan of these as they are very hard on the knees, they were especially helpful in getting to the top today and would continue to prove to be so as I had to cover many big ups and downs as well.The day was cool with a lot of sun, but there were few views offered until I got to White Cap. Stitch caught up and passed me again and I also ran into 2 San Fran kids who were going to college at Stanford and wanted to see what the AT was like and said they found it much more challenging than the trails out west. You think? I was a little miffed at Stitch when I met him on White Cap and he asked me if I had seen the 3 moose earlier in the day at the first shelter. He told me he was hustling down the trail when he literally ran into them but they moved too fast for him to get a picture. Man, some people have all the luck. I took a nap up on White Cap and it felt oh so good. My stomach is growling more often and my belt is getting a bit tighter and tighter. I would be interested in seeing how much I am down to now. I figure its probably around 155 again. Oh well only another week and I will be done and I will be able to eat all of the food I want. Yet I definitely do not want to gain too much weight and will have to work hard at keeping it in check.Can't believe there is less than 68 miles to go and a week from today I will be summiting. While I ever wake up from this dream?