morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-09-18
From: Gentian Pond shelter

To: Full Goose shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: clear sky

I made it to Maine! Finally. It took us all morning to go five miles which was extremely disheartening but we're working hard and we can only do so much with the tough terrain. It didn't really hit me when we made it to the Maine border because I was so tired and frustrated but as the afternoon wore on I had a few moments where the magnitude of being in the final state made me excited. We were hoping to get more miles in today but the hiking was so slow we had to just shoot for the shelter before the Mahoosuc Notch and Arm because we couldn't risk going through that section in the dark. We had a nice long lunch break at the top of Mt. Carlo and enjoyed the sunshine, which we haven't seen much of lately. Then it was on to climb Goose Eye Mountain. Birch, Dos, Sideways and I are all sleeping in the shelter tonight so we can get up early to start the Mahoosucs. It's supposed to be a difficult and tedious section so our mileage will likely be low again tomorrow.
Date: 2010-09-19
From: Full Goose shelter

To: Grafton Notch
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Though the terrain was challenging today, I had a great day. First we went through the Mahoosuc Notch, which some have dubbed the hardest mile on the AT. The notch is a one mile stretch of gigantic boulders formed by a glacier many years ago and you have to climb over, under and through them. It was actually kind of fun. I wouldn't call it the hardest mile on the trail but certainly the slowest. Immediately following the notch is the Mahoosuc Arm, which I was dreading as many hikers say it's much harder than the notch. It was a steep and technical climb but it wasn't near as bad as I thought and I made decent time on the ascent. Dos and Birch got well ahead of us so Sideways and I stopped at the top of the arm and had lunch with Crafty and Man Dog. Sideways and I decided to bypass Andover tomorrow and instead hitch into Bethel today to zero tomorrow. We're both so exhausted and in need of a rest day before we can approach this final stretch with the enthusiam and gusto it's going to take to finish this thing. So after a nice climb up Old Speck Mountain with some great views, we had a long but nicely graded hike down to Grafton Notch. The first car that passed picked us up and took us all the way into town which was amazing as Bethel is 17 miles off of the trail. We checked into the Bethel Village Motel and went to get some food. I am so psyched about a zero day and though time is closing in and we're going to have to push to make it to Katahdin in time, I'm going to have one of the first guilt free off days I've had in quite a while.
Date: 2010-09-20
From: Grafton Notch, ME

To: Grafton Notch, ME
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Perfect zero day. I really love this town. Everything is within a block or two so walking is kept to a minimum. We watched TV and did a couple of small chores but for the most part I was as lazy as possible. Now I'm ready to get back on the trail and tackle Maine. I'm starting to be able to see myself at the top of Katahdin and I am ready to get there.
Date: 2010-09-21
From: Grafton Notch, ME

To: Surplus Pond
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: few clouds

Unfortunately we weren't as lucky with our hitch out of town. It took us a couple of hours to finally get a ride. The man that did end up picking us up, Doug, was such a great guy though and even took us on a small field trip to some falls on the way to the trailhead. We didn't get started until 11 again, but we hiked hard and still put in a decent day. We had a fairly large climb up Baldplate then stopped at the road after the descent to gear up for a short night hike up to the pond. As I've mentioned, I'm not too fond of night hiking, especially with the difficult terrain, but the two miles were pretty easy and didn't take us too long. We found a campsite close to the pond and set up our tents. I've really missed my tent and I'm pretty excited about sleeping in my little sanctuary tonight. We're starting to get a bit freaked out about making it to Katahdin when we planned on summiting (the 9th or the 10th) but we're dedicated to pushing it as much as we can without hurting ourselves to keep our goal. As Birch put it, thru hikers are like a good mullet- all business in front and party in the back. I'm just about ready for the party to be over.
Date: 2010-09-22
From: Surplus Pond

To: Bernis Stream trail
Miles today: 14.2

Finally a decent mileage day. We're still not able to get over 15 like we'd like to but from what we've heard southern Maine is the toughest section and once we get through the next 30-40 miles hopefully we'll be able to hike steady 15-18 mile days again and gain some time back. We had to climb three mountains today so I feel good about our mileage. We started out with Wyman Mountain which wasn't tough then climbed Moody Mountain. We'd heard Moody was difficult but it wasn't too bad- steep but short. Old Blue Mountain, however, was a bit tougher. There were some steep sections and it was a longer climb. I made it down the mountain and waited for Sideways because we thought we may have to night hike again, which I won't do alone. We hiked two more miles over Elephant Mountain then found a stealth camp spot before climbing Bemis. Sideways made a fire which was really nice as it got really cold up here really quickly. This is my favorite part of every day- tents are up, dry, warm clothes are on and hiking is over for the day.On a different note I'd like to spend a minute on a physical update. All of us that are left are hurting. Hiking over 1900 miles really takes a toll on your body and we're all in pain somehow. My knees ache and when I stand up after sitting or get up in the morning, my body is extremely stiff and complains immensely. It's a strange feeling to feel both broken and very strong at the same time. But I just have to make it for about two and a half more weeks and all of the pain and hard work will be rewarded.
Date: 2010-09-23
From: Bernis Stream trail

To: Little Swift River Pond campsite
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Fall is officially here in the north. The leaves are changing and it's beautiful. Thus far Maine has been ruggid and tough but the colors make it much more pleasant to hike through. It was freezing this morning so we made a small fire to warm up by while we drank coffee and choked down breakfast (breakfast trail food is a chore and is rarely satisfying or appetizing). The terrain was a bit easier today save for a brutal descent down Bemis Mountain so we were able to add a few miles on. The trail is still full of obstacles and mud but we were spared any major climbs for the day. The weather was perfect today as well- the air was crisp and cool but the sun was out- it felt like a true fall day. We made it to the little swift river pond campsite shortly before it started to get dark and were pleasantly surprised to find an amazing spot. There are several perfect camp spots right by the large pond and we snagged one with a great fire ring. We walked down to the pond and found two canoes there for the taking so we took advantage and took one out for a quick trip before it got dark. After setting up our tents we made a huge fire and ate some dinner. We're pretty sure we heard a moose in the pond but when we went down to investigate we couldn't see it. Sideways saw one in the woods this afternoon and we're seeing their scat and tracks all over the place so I hope I get to see one soon...from a safe distance.Tomorrow we have a short five mile hike into Rangeley where we're going to try to resupply and go to the outfitter quickly then get back on the trail for at least five more miles.Another quick body update- for the last few days my right hip has been going numb; presumably from carrying a heavy pack on it for close to 2000 miles. It's a very strange sensation.
Date: 2010-09-24
From: Little Swift River Pond campsite

To: Rangely, ME
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I woke up to soaking wet gear. It rained through most of the night and while usually my rain fly is enough protection, for some reason, I believe I may have been set up in a dip in the ground, everything got wet- the inside of my tent, my sleep pad, my pack, etc. Sideways was in a similar spot so we packed up as best as we could and hiked out. We were going to go into Rangeley to resupply anyway so we got to the road as quickly as possible and started trying to hitch. We heard it was an easy hitch but it took us an hour and a half to get a ride. Meanwhile we had to stand by the road in the cold rain. To make matters worse, we hadn't eaten breakfast because we wanted to just get out of there and get dry so we were starving. We finally got picked up and got into town. We went straight to eat and get inside somewhere to warm up. While we were eating I got a text from Ripple letting me know she and Low Rider, who's back on the trail to hike Maine, were in town. They came and met us for lunch then we went back with them to the hotel they were staying in. The original plan was to hike out today but we need to dry our gear out and we wanted to hang out with Ripple and Low Rider. Our hotel room has a kitchenette so I made some dinner and we had a couple of beers. The hotel is by a lake so we hung out outside and I finally relaxed some. I'd been anxious about our gear and what our plan was and it took me a while to relax and enjoy the company. It turned out to be a pretty good day after all.
Date: 2010-09-25
From: Rangely, ME

To: Popler Ridge lean-to
Miles today: 10.7

We got up and leisurely made our way out of town. We got a hitch back to the trailhead easily and started the long hike up Saddleback Mountain. The ascent wasn't too tough and the weather today was much better which was extremely lucky because the views at the top were incredible. It was a little chilly and windy on the top of the mountain so I threw on my rain jacket and went down the mountain a little for lunch. After Saddleback I climbed the Horn, followed by Saddleback Junior. All of the mountains were above treeline so I was so thankful for a reasonably sunny day. From the tops of all of them you got panoramic views of the surrounding mountain ranges which are all covered with fall colors- it was beautiful. Sideways and I both got into camp pretty early, which was nice for a change. Lobo and Whiskey Slim are both here tonight and we're all sleeping in the shelter due to the threat of rain. Ripple and Low Rider were going to try to make it here tonight as well but it's dark now and they haven't made it here yet. They took a plane ride this morning so I'm not sure when they were able to get back on the trail. Only a few more days of big climbs then we'll get a break.
Date: 2010-09-26
From: Popler Ridge lean-to

To: Stratton, ME
Miles today: 21.5
Weather: overcast clouds

It rained lightly on and off all day. We climbed the first mountain and all met up at the shelter for lunch. Whiskey had the idea to cut a couple miles off of the day by walking a road to Stratton right before Crocker Mountain instead of the trail and Sideways, Lobo and I jumped on board. The weather was crappy and getting into town a day early would allow us to get a little closer to Katahdin, which is all I really care about right now. We had a couple more mountains to climb then we all met at the road to walk the last stretch together. Nightfall was rapidly approaching and we were concerned about getting a hitch to town in the dark so we booked it as fast as we could. We made it to the road into town right as it got dark and there were no cars coming. We stood there for a few minutes and finally heard a car coming. We ended up getting extremely lucky as the man pulled over and piled all of us and our gear in the car and took us into Stratton. We went to the hostel and I was surprised to walk in and see Herro. He and Yum Yum have been ahead of us for a long time and I didn't know if we'd catch them. I asked where Yum Yum was and was even more surprised to find out she left the trail today. She'd gotten sick and decided to end her hike. Herro was obviously very sad but is going to finish on his own. We all went and had some dinner then checked into a room at the hostel. Tomorrow we're going to try to push over the Bigelow Mountain range which looks like a bitch but will be the last of the big mountains for awhile which I'm psyched about.
Date: 2010-09-27
From: Stratton, ME

To: Little Bigelow lean-to
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: overcast clouds

It was a very, very long day. We got up and grabbed a small resupply to take us to Monson then got a shuttle back to the trail. The day started out sunny but after the first climb up South Horn and a quick lunch break, the rain and wind came. When I got up to the top of west peak the wind was strong and I had to use my poles to brace myself as the gusts were blowing me over. I got off the peak as soon as possible but had to go right up to avery peak, which was possibly worse. The rain picked up and the wind was freezing. Once I got back under treeline it was a bit better but it continued to rain for the rest of the day. I climbed Little Bigelow and waited for Sideways so we could night hike together. When he got there he was having bad stomach cramps after taking Aleve on an empty stomach so we took a small break so he could eat something. We threw on our headlamps and tried to make our way over and off the mountain. It was extremely difficult to see anything because the rain and mist obscures the light from the headlamps and we kept feeling lost because the trail seemed to go in circles. Lobo caught up to us and we finally made it to the shelter. Fish was already here and Whiskey and Big R made it in after we got settled so it's a full shelter tonight but I am happy to be here. I'm warm and dry and the big climbs are over. Also of great signifcance- we hit 2,000 miles today! Only 172 miles left!
Date: 2010-09-28
From: Little Bigelow lean-to

To: Pierce Pond lean-to
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: moderate rain

Another long day. Though the climbs are mostly over, the rocks, roots and mud are still in full force which makes for difficult hiking. We hiked hard all day but still had to do some night hiking. We were rushing because we wanted to stay in the shelter because it's supposed to rain again tonight and a bunch of people were behind us so I slipped and slid all over the place in the dark and wound up with soaking wet shoes and socks yet again. Hazzard, Red, HR, and Lobo were all at the shelter when we got there and we grabbed the last two spots. It's a tiny shelter so we're all going to be packed in like sardines, but at least we'll be dry. It smells absolutely terrible in here though. Six wet, filthy hikers produces a smell unlike any other. I can't say much; my socks smell like a dead animal, but it is especially rank in here tonight. I have a feeling between the smell, the tight quarters and the snores I'm anticipating may make for a difficult night's sleep.
Date: 2010-09-29
From: Pierce Pond lean-to

To: Bald Mountain brook lean-to
Miles today: 18.7

The day didn't start out great for me. I didn't sleep well last night, as anticipated, and as I hiked this morning I was really frustrated with the terrain. Maine is no joke and though I felt like I was hiking as hard as I could, I didn't feel like I was going anywhere. All day long I just feel like I fumble around on rocks and roots and try as I might, it's virtually impossible to keep my feet dry due to all of the water and mud on the trail. I got to the Kennebec River and met up with Sideways. Hikers aren't allowed to try to ford the Kennebec River because it's so high and rumor is a hiker drowned at some point in the past, so there is an official trail canoe, complete with a white blaze on the bottom that takes hikers across the river. So we canoed over and walked into Caratunk to get water. The day improved for me some as the weather was warm and sunny and we stopped at a shelter for lunch. We were only planning on going six more miles so we took our time and dried our shoes. After lunch we climbed up Pleasant Pond Mountain and took a break at the top to enjoy the view. Sideways and I decided to push a little further than we planned while the weather is good as tomorrow is supposed to be rainy again. The terrain for the rest of the day was better and we made good time down to the campsite we intended to stop at. Maine did however decide to take it up a notch and have the trail go over a beaver dam, which was a new one. It was dark when we got to the campsite but we decided to push just a little further up to the next shelter so we wouldn't have to set up our tents. I used to really enjoy my tent, and I still do, but with all of the rain it's made me want to stay in the shelters to stay dry and keep my gear from getting soaked. It also helps with getting up and out in the mornings. We expected another large group at the shelter tonight as Lobo, Hazzard, HR, and Red were all supposed to stay here as well, but it's late now and we're still the only people here. We kind of took the place over and hung our gear everywhere but we've left room for them if they show up. One more full day of hiking then it's on to Monson- the last town before the end!
Date: 2010-09-30
From: Bald Mountain brook lean-to

To: Horseshoe Canyon lean-to
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: light rain

Maine is the most beautiful state we've hiked through on the trail. Unquestionably, however, it is absolutely the most ridiclous state to hike through. Yesterday we had to hike over a beaver dam, which I thought couldn't be topped on the ridiculous scale, but once again, Maine has taken things to new levels and shocked me again. I'm so glad we pushed yesterday so we could have a shorter day today as it rained all day. It's still raining. I'm also kind of glad it was raining today so I'd already given up all hope of keeping anything dry because a few miles before the shelter I got quite the surprise when the trail seemed to end right into a pond. I stood there for some time trying to figure out where the trail was and even backtracked twice to make sure I hadn't missed something. While I was standing dumbfounded Sideways caught up to me and we realized the trail was, as I feared, across the pond. So into the pond we go, walking through above knee level water to get to where the trail picked up on the other side. For even bigger kicks, a few tenths of a mile after that we got to do it again when the trail went across the Piscataquis River with no way to cross other than walking our happy asses through the river. I know that the trail maintainers in Maine try to keep the trail rugged but this is a bit much. Maine is like a college final exam that you thought you studied for, only to panic when you have the exam in hand and realize you have no idea what the answer to half the questions are. Dealing with the cold- check, did that in the south. Walking through mud- check, battled that in Vermont. Rocks- yep, see entries from Pennsylvania. Endless ups and downs- check, Georgia and North Carolina took care of that. Sheer rock cliffs, beaver dam crossings, river fords coupled with all of the above....whoa whoa whoa....I didn't study for that! Here we are with a little over 100 miles to go and I swear Maine is going to make sure only the stubborn and tough survive.
Date: 2010-10-01
From: Horseshoe Canyon lean-to

To: Monson, ME
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: heavy intensity rain

It rained all night last night and showed no signs of slowing when we woke up this morning. Lobo, Sideways and I took our time getting ready to hike. Usually on days we know we're heading to town we're up and out early but none of us could get motivated to put on wet clothes and walk back out into the rain. I finally left and just powered through the hike with my head down. We had to ford the east branch of the Piscataquis River today which was even wider than the west branch yesterday. I just tromped through in my soaking wet boots again. I was pleasantly surprised to find trail magic sodas on the other side- I didn't expect we'd get any more trail magic this late in the trip. I stopped and had a soda and got some pictures of Lobo fording the river when he came through. It was a long walk to town but it started pouring even harder after we got here and I was happy I wasn't still out there. Sideways and I ran into Dos, Birch and Ice and we all had lunch before they hiked out. We checked into the hostel and caught a shuttle to a nearby town to resupply. I'm hoping the weather is better tomorrow or it's going to be really hard to get out of here.
Date: 2010-10-02
From: Monson, ME

To: Little Wilson stream
Miles today: 6.8

Not the start into the 100 Mile Wilderness we'd hoped for. We were late getting onto the trail and between the insane weight of our packs, the stream they're calling a trail and the roots, we both crawled down the trail. When I started hiking my boots were fairly dry and I was trying to keep them from getting too wet but I soon realized it was going to take me 10 hours to go the 10 miles we planned on hiking and I'd still likely have soaking wet shoes so I just started walking right through it. The weather cleared today luckily and it was beautiful and sunny, though chilly. I made it to Little Wilson stream, which sounds quite innocent, but is actually a roaring river that you're somehow supposed to ford. It was 5:30 so I stopped to wait for Sideways to see what he wanted to do. He was over the day when he got there and we agreed to stop rather than night hike for hours and ford what is supposed to be a more dangerous "stream" crossing that's coming up in the dark. We set up camp and made a huge fire. It is freezing tonight! I'll take it over the rain any day though. Tomorrow we hit single digits to Katahdin- I can't believe it's so close to being over. I'm ready but I'm going to be really sad to leave this life and the people I've met behind.