morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-06-27
From: Mizpah 

To: Madison Spring Hut
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: few clouds

What a day - b e a u t i f u l !!!! Hiked in some great weather and hit several huts on the way to Mt Washington (Mizpah, and Lake of the Clouds. Peaks included Pierce, Eisenhower, Franklin, Monroe before Mt Washington and Mt Jefferson after on the way to our final destination Madison Spring Hut. The Washington Mt welcome center was nice - great to get pizza, ice cream and Gatorade in the middle of your hike!! The hiking was slow - major boulder walk, big, small, jagged - all types of boulders. Both up and down. Several mountains we did not summit every peak. Got to Madison Spring Hut late in the day and begged Becca the Hut master for a work for stay. We got to clean the oven and stove and cooking area and the dishes after dinner for our work but then we also go a dry, warm place to sleep and all the food we could eat (dinner left overs!) Unfortunately the hut was full and lots of activity (not good for hikers that want to go to bed at sunset). There was boy scout troop there for the night and the trips to the bathroom that required walking right across our sleeping area (just under the picnic tables used for meals). Also in the middle of the night a trail crew came in at 3:30 and made loads of noise. They were doing a "Hut Traverse" - they hike across all 8 AMC huts in one continuous hike (about 50 miles in the Whites!!! - talk about tough), can easily take more than 24 hours of continuous hiking. Sunset was spectacular and I had to keep running out from my work duties to take pictures!
Date: 2014-06-28
From: Madison Spring Hut

To: Pinkham Notch - White Mtn Lodge & Hostel
Miles today: 7.8

Took off this morning heading straight up Mt. Madison, 500 ft., and then I faced the longest downhill of the trail. 2400 ft down thru a steep boulder field.It was very slow going for a while but at the bottom things flattened a bit and the rest of the day was sort of easy. Heading toward Pinkham Notch I ended up at the Visitor's Center for the day. Hiking now with another hiker, Boulderdash, who is a little slower than I am so I'll have to see where this goes. It would be nice to have someone to hike the 100 Mile Wilderness with. A ride to the lodge, which is very nice, and then a ride into town to grab some food. Answers to some questions: Shoes dry pretty fast but you just have to put them on wet sometimes and let the socks wick the moisture out. I am hoping to reach Mt. Katahdin in 25 days. The altitude has not have any effect on me. And last, snacks-- this can be anything high in calories and hopefully low in weight. Cliff bars, snickers, trail mix, dried fruit, protein bars, nuts, peanut butter crackers, beef jerky, pepperoni, and ice cream treats if I find a store!
Date: 2014-06-29
From: Pinkham Notch - White Mtn Lodge & Hostel

To: US 2 - White Mountain Lodge and Hostel
Miles today: 21.1

Whew! Big day and some tough hiking. boulderdash and I set of for a hike at about 7:30 from Pinkham Notch. We were slack packing but big milage over some very difficult peaks. Right out of the gate was the Wildcat Peaks (3 or 4) on is at the top of a ski area. Views were OK but not great pictures since it was hazy. Also had to do Carter Dome, Two additional Carter peaks. At Carter Notch you had a good overlook of the last AMC Hut in the Whites - took a few pictures on the way down, at the up looking up and then as I hiked out. Also did Mt Hight - this mountain actually had the best 360 views of the day. Finally there was            . When it was all said and done I rolled in at about 6:30 but Boulderdash did not show up till about 9:45 - obviously we hike at very different speeds. I was getting worried about him and when he came in I fixed some pizza for him. Getting to bed at 11 was quite late since due to activity you still end up getting up at about 5 or 5:30 every day. The White Mtn Lodge and Hostel was excellent; clean, organized and a breakfast to die for. This would be a good place to come for a fall outing to see the leaves change.
Date: 2014-06-30
From: US 2 - White Mountain Lodge and Hostel

To: Carlo Col Shelter and Campsite
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Got a fairly relaxed start from White Mountain Lodge, on the trail by 8. Did Mt Hayes and Cascade Mtn. Saw a cool lake full of lilly pads with bright yellow flowers. I got to the first shelter at about 2:30 and left a note for Boulderdash that I was moving on to the next shelter. I wanted to close the gap to the Mahoosuc notch so I would not be doing it late in the next day. Mahoosuc Notch is the funnest or hardest mile on the AT,and the Mahoosuc Arm a steep 1800 ft climb. Also a big plus was the next shelter was in MAINE! The mountain between me and Maine was Mt Success (so that is what success looks like)- actually me smile at the Maine border was success enough for me. Campsite was nice and I was able to sleep in the tent since no rain was in the forecast.
Date: 2014-07-01
From: Carlo Col Shelter and Campsite

To: Grafton Notch - Pine Ellis Hiker Lodge
Miles today: 14.1

About 6 miles of hiking to get to the Mahoosuc Notch and the ups and downs took their toll - more difficult and slower than I expected. But the reward of doing the Mahoosuc notch was worth it. This was a really cool area! Not just interesting, challenging and something new and different but really COOL. The notch is filled with ice left over from last winter - you actually have to walk on ice in places. Despite a 90 degree day the notch was at least 20 degrees cooler and the air coming out of the caves was nature's air conditioning. It took about 2 hours to go a mile - up and down, over and under. A few places you had to take the pack off to fit in the cave opening. I was lucky as I caught up to a threesome that was on a section hike (3 hikers from Dayton Ohio - Yoda, Man of Reason and Cia Breeze. We had fun helping each other through the maze. As much fun as this was we were rewarded with a huge climb up the Mahoosuc Arm and not 30 feet out of the notch you immediately got back into the warmth, huffing and puffing up the Arm. I tried to get the Pine Ellis Hiker Hostel to come pick me up but they did not have drivers available at that time. But not long after the threesome that I did the notch with came along and they were headed out to the road and had a pick up waiting. They offered to give me a ride to Andover. This was quite a generous offer since Andover was about 28 miles from where they were staying. Lots of nice people on the trail!
Date: 2014-07-02
From: Grafton Notch - Pine Ellis Hiker Lodge

To: East B Hill Rd
Miles today: 10.3
Weather: broken clouds

Ride back to Grafton Notch was set for 6AM. Short day but my feet are tender from the last 3 days and thunderstorms are due in for the afternoon. Not 5 minutes after getting out of the car it started to rain. Fortunately it did not last too long and by the time I got to the top of Bald Plate West Peak it was starting to clear. The trail was fabulous - great trail work - some of the best I have seen. This trail club must be quite strong. The climb up the East peak was steep and sheer rock face. The wind was blowing - but in my favor pushing me up the mountain. The balance of the day was fairly easy and just what I needed and I did get back to the Pine Ellis before the afternoon storms. Saw 5 or 6 South Bound thru hikers on the 29th, 18 on the 30th, 2 or 3 on the 1st and about 15 today.
Date: 2014-07-03
From: East B Hill Rd

To: South Arm Rd
Miles today: 10.1

Pretty easy slack pack today, got done the 10 miles in just under 5 hours. I was worried about the thunderstorms that are predicted to roll in and wanted to get an early start. Where are the south bounders when you need them? I was hoping to see a south bounder early - when ever you see someone the other way in the morning means they will have cleared the spider webs. Unfortunately no such luck for me today - went 6 miles before I saw anyone. Also the ground was wet and a lot of moisture on the trees and shrubs. At one point I was drenched, clothes dried by the end of the hike but not the shoes and socks. They are now sitting in the front yard drying. In any case I am supposed to get new shoes delivered from Oboz (6th pair in 11 weeks!) Only took one picture but it was cool, looking out at the mountain range but the clouds were settled into the valley. It almost looked like a lake but it was clouds. Plan to take a zero tomorrow and either hit the trail or do one more slack pack. In any case, the good life here in Andover and at the Pine Ellis will have to come to an end.
Date: 2014-07-04
From: South Arm Rd

To: Pine Ellis Hiker Hostel
Miles today: 0.0

Happy Fourth!Nice day to Zero. It rained off and on most of the day. Got to relax and even take a nap ( and that was after sleeping in till 7:30). The hostel did a cookout. Hot dogs, beer cake and ice cream, can't beat that.
Date: 2014-07-05
From: South Arm Rd Pime Ellis Hiker Hostel

To: Bemis Mtn Lean to
Miles today: 8.7

Morning was a mess. It rained all night so we decided to see what the afternoon brought. It was quite windy but clearing after the hurricane remnants moved on. Boulderdash decided to bag the day but I decided to go out at 2 and go about 9 miles. Boulderdash decided to skip about 23 miles and get on the trail ahead of me on Sunday so we would both land at the same place on Sunday night. Had to go up Old Blue but all in all a pretty easy but still wet day.
Date: 2014-07-06
From: Bemis Mtn Lean to

To: ME 4 - Hiker Hut Hostel
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: clear sky

Had to Ford my first stream but as able to use some logs to get over without wadding. Also enjoyed some trail magic ( just a soda but much needed). The day was long and the trail still wet but the hike was much flatter than what I had been doing. The Hiker Hut was a cool place. No running water or electricity and the owners live a very simple life. I did take a dip in the stream/watering hole. They have gas and they do make dinner. After dinner we had popcorn by the fire.
Date: 2014-07-07
From: ME 4 - Hiker Hut Hostel

To: Spaulding Mtn Lean To
Miles today: 18.7

Really big day but wanted to set up to get into Stratton early and get mail package and do laundry. Boulderdash did not make it to the shelter but expect to see him in Stratton. This shelter is rumored to be a noro virus hot spot - used lots of purell. Two Saddleback peaks, the Horn and then Lone Mtn at the end of the day. I was beat. Had to ford my first stream where I had to change my shoes and wade across.
Date: 2014-07-08
From: Spaulding Mtn Lean To

To: ME 27 Stratton
Miles today: 13.5

The miles from the previous days really took their toll. I was tired and sloppy. The trail was still wet as we did get some additional rain last night. I was slipping all day and fell several times, once in a giant mud pit. I was covered. Had to stop and wash up at the next stream. Fortunately did not hurt myself. May slack pack tomorrow, still waiting to hear from Boulderdash.
Date: 2014-07-09
From: ME 27 Stratton

To: E Flagstaff rd
Miles today: 16.7

Boulderdash was still 10 miles out so I decided to Slack the Bigelow's. Rained a little last night but the trail was not too bad today. (Always better without 30+ pounds on your back. The views today were awesome. Bigelow is the last 4000 ft peak till Katahdin. Early in the morning the top of the peaks were cloud covered but by the time I got there it was clear. Beautiful views off Avery Peak of Flagstaff lake and of the Sugarloaf ski area. Tomorrow we start our push to Monson, last resupply before going into the wilderness.
Date: 2014-07-10
From: E Flagstaff rd

To: Harrison's Pierce Pond Camps
Miles today: 16.7

Land of the lakes today. Flat relative to what we have been doing. Still lots of roots and rocks but things are drying up. Still seeing quite a few SOBOs. Usually ask their start date and sometimes trail names. They talk about how tough the climbs are and we just smile, they haven't seen much yet. Quite a few did survive the hurricane in the wilderness so they are pretty tough, just need their legs. Harrison's camp was a great reward for the end of the day. Nice remote camp with cabins. Tim has been here 29 years. Beautiful setting, lots of humming birds, waterfalls etc. He had some left over clam chowder and some homemade cookies he shared. Breakfast the next day is what he is known for - hikers come in just for that meal.
Date: 2014-07-11
From: Harrison's Pierce Pond Camps

To: Bald Mtn Brook Lean To
Miles today: 18.3

Ate Harrison's breakfast and set off for the Kennebec River. You cannot ford this river, too dangerous. Instead you queue up for a canoe ride. River was fairly low and round trips were taking less than 10 min. Hikers going N and S. I got across about 9:30 and set off for another 14 miles. Many take a side trip into Caratunk but we had plenty of food and the micro brewery probably would have ended our day! I am sitting atop Moxie Bald to make these posts. Beautiful day but I better get moving.
Date: 2014-07-12
From: Bald Mtn Brook Lean To

To: Horseshoe Canyon Lean To
Miles today: 13.0

Only peak today was Moxie Bald. Really nice views. I took a picture looking NE but really do not know if you can see Katahdin. Most of the trail showed flat and slightly down hill but it did not seem that way. Lots of small ups and downs as you followed the Piscataquis river. I was a little sluggish today, probably the lack of coffee. It was only a 13 mile day.
Date: 2014-07-13
From: Horseshoe Canyon Lean To

To: ME 15 Monson
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Got up early (actually typ 5 :25). Hit the trail hard - TOWN DAY! Also, due to supply box coming tomorrow the pack was light today. Left at 6:15 but got here by 10:30, including the 3.5 mile hitch to town. Monson does not have much to offer and has no AT&T service. Fortunately the hostel has wifi. Glad I have a box coming from home, resupply is limited to a gas station or a small hiker pantry from the bakery next door. Basically 2 places to eat, both closed on Monday's. Hope to slack pack the first 15 miles of the 100 mile wilderness tomorrow. Basically, the 100 mile wilderness is a section of the trail with no towns, limited roads, no phone service etc. I am guessing it will take us 5 hiking days, 4 nights minimum. We will plan food for 6 in case weather causes us to shelter in place for a day. Still hope to summit around July 22 (could be as early as the 21st and hopefully no later than the 23rd). Probably will post tomorrow but you may not hear from me again until post summit.
Date: 2014-07-14
From: ME 15 Monson

To: Otter Pond
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: light rain

Rained last night and what a difference it made. Rocks and roots were slippery. Right out of the gate Boulderdash slipped and almost did a face plant. Fortunately he had a light pack and was able to catch himself in a full push-up position right over the muck! The shuttle driver told us of a "short cut" and Boulderdash decided to take it, even though we were hiking up a .8 mile side trail to get to the AT, I decided to stay on the designated trail. When I got to the first ford I assumed that Boulderdash was about 20 min ahead of me. I then expected to catch him 2 to 4 miles in. When that did not happen I started to worry. Turns out he turned the wrong way at the river off the short cut and ended up even further from the trail. Good thing for him he came out on a road AND had cell phone service. He called the hostel and they came and got him. All that worry for nothing - he ended up having a pretty easy day. Knocked out the 15 miles by about 2:30 and hitched back to town. We contemplated taking a zero tomorrow but weather looks worse on Wednesday, so it is off into the wilderness tomorrow. Could have very full packs but for $25 you can get a bucket dropped in the wilderness with your own food so Boulderdash and I are looking to do that and lighten our load for the hike.
Date: 2014-07-15
From: Otter Pond

To: Chairback Gap Lean-to
Miles today: 10.7

Calling for rain over the next two days and the trail was already wet and slippery so we decided to only do about 11 miles. Wanted to get to a shelter early enough to ensure we get spots and would not have to tent in the rain. The day started with a 1500 ft climb but the slope was not too bad. Still had a lot of ups and downs, with the low points usually full of mud and muck. Pretty slow going but got to the shelter by 2:00. By 5 we had 5 of 6 spots filled and it was starting to rain. It was pretty dark with the clouds and the rain on the shelter roof made for perfect sleeping conditions - we were all out by 6:30. At about 8 the rain leg up and another hiker stumbled in and we had a full shelter. It rained off and on thru the night - would mean more fun tomorrow.
Date: 2014-07-16
From: Chairback Gap Lean-to

To: Logan Brook Lean-to
Miles today: 17.1

The hiking was again a challenge and more rain on the way. Dropped as low as 780 ft elevation but then climbed to 3700 up Gulf Hagas Mtn, West Peak, Hay Mtn and finally White Cap Mtn. After White Cap you were supposed to get sight of Katahdin, but all I got was cloud soup. I got to the 6 person shelter before 4 and there were already 5 women there, 2 young girls going south and 3 ladies in there 40's/50's going north. Knowing rain was still due that night I asked to take the last space in the shelter. Of course they said yes, as long a I was comfortable sharing with 5 women. I proudly stated that I grew up with 3 sisters and this would be no problem for me! It was interesting to hear there conversations, especially about how much food and gear they were all carrying. I think they all had packs over 40 lbs. Not sure I ever hit 40. The 3 north bound women were section hiking and complaining they had brought too much food. They made a giant pot of pasta that in the end provided a full bowl for me and a full meal for a late arriving guy from the UK who decided to setup his tent. Also about this time up walks Boulderdash, who plays on there sympathies and begs for a shelter spot. I left it up to the women and they were gracious in allowing him in so we slept 7 in a 6 person shelter - cozy to say the least.
Date: 2014-07-18
From: Antlers Campsite

To: Rainbow Lake Campsite
Miles today: 25.5

Got up early to catch the sunrise and then push out a big day. With some luck I could be out of the wilderness by lunchtime Saturday. Weather was perfect and the trail was drying quickly. The terrain was mostly flat but the line to Katahdin was anything but straight - always a pond or lake to go around and still lots of R&R. The wind was so strong that it was creating some small whitecaps on Lake Nahmakanta. Also at the top of Mt Nesuntabunt you could see Katahdin - very cool. 16 mile line of sight but with lake detours it was about 36 miles to hike. The Rainbow lake campsite was nice, with a cool spring and good lake access. I actually jumped in with most of my clothes on just to desalt and get some of the grime off. Another Southbounder had a fire going - it was great.
Date: 2014-07-19
From: Rainbow Lake Campsite

To: The Birches
Miles today: 21.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Looking forward to a burger at the Abol Bridge Campstore and restaurant, I hoofed it! Also getting a spot at the Birches, the thru hiker camp closest to Katahdin is on a first come first serve basis. Sign up is at the boundary of Baxter State Park about 0.8 miles from the Campstore. I had a spot reserved at the campground just in case the Birches was full, this also allowed me to get a shower and refuel my body before the last 10 mile push to the Birches. Since I was #4 (Birches holds 12 plus one tent spot) I was in so I double back to the store for my shower and lunch. At 2:30 I set off for the Birches. I had 2 more fords (one was thigh deep, the other I rock hopped) and some tough hiking but got there at about 6:30. Believe it or not Boulderdash beat me to the Ranger station, later conversation revealed he took another trail that was 5 miles shorter and had no fords. Hike your own hike.
Date: 2014-07-20
From: The Birches

To: Katahdin Summit
Miles today: 5.2

We hit the trail early, I was jacked with adrenaline. We hit the registration box for the hike at 6:30 and then it was off to the races up the mountain - 4100 foot climb over a 5 mile stretch. (of course my trail miles show 5.2 miles but need to do a round trip so another 10+ mile day!) I made the summit at about 9:15 and was alone for about 45 min, then hikers started coming from all directions. As I approached the summit, the top of Katahdin was covered in a cloud and the in general the views were pretty obstructed. I took some selfies and then decided to walk a bit on knive's edge. I did not go all the way around (about 2 mile hike) but did work my way out for about 1/2 mile. As I was waiting for the sun to burn off the clouds I enjoyed the summit cigar that David at the Pine Ellis Lodge and Hostel gave me - it was excellent. As more hikers came up the mountain I worked my way back to the summit and took some more pictures. Boulderdash and many others were there by about 10:15 - many happy faces. We actually found someone to take us into Millinocket as we were talking at the top of the mountain. Boulder and our new friend set off the start the decent at about 11 but I stayed around and talked with other hikers for about another 25 min. I was a little apprehensive about the down hill - it was very steep and as I was coming up I kept thinking that the down hill would be the worst part. In reality it was not too bad and I passed Boulder and his new friend just at the shoulder of Table land and the steep shoulder. I knew I would make the bottom at least 30 min before them. When I got there I decided to leave a note for them to pick me up if I was still in the road hitching but to go ahead and give it a try. Got picked up be the first car that went by - a husband and wife from Wisconsin who had driven out to ME to do some hiking as part of their vacation. They caught me up on all the latest news and asked many questions about the trail and trail life. Once in Millinocket I was not even checked in when another hiker was giving me a beer to celebrate my summit! Once settled in we headed off to the local pub for a pitcher of beer and some Lobster rolls and home made onion rings. It was a nice conclusion to the day. I had lots of things to do to figure out logistics for the next day, also laundry etc. I did find a taxi service to take me from Millinocket to Bangor (~70 miles) and would have to get a 3:00 AM pickup to get the 5:20 AM bus. fortunately the beers did not couse me to over sleep and I made the connection. 15 hours of bus travel and I would be home!
Date: 2014-07-21
From: Katahdin Summit

To: Doylestown
Miles today: 0.0

Started home as planned with the 3:00 AM pick up. Got home about 9:00 that night. Plan to take a week off then back to the trail. From the knees down I am sore and my feet really swelled up on the bus - lack of tight fitting shoes, limited movement for so many hours etc. Will take some time to recover.