morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-01-11
To: An Introduction
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

How did I get to the point of attempting a hike of 2,000+ miles. This Appalachian Trail fixation can be traced to a summer back in 1960 when I discovered the Trail in New York state where I was living at the time. I walked several sections in NY and Ct and the idea of walking the whole thing has been in the back of my mind ever since. I finally retired in 2013, too late to start that year, so here we are.I can't be sure that I will complete this hike, only that I will walk until either I finish or it is no longer fun. I will commit to a "purist" hike (no slack packing, no changes of direction and no avoidable blue blazing). The choice of a southbound direction was arrived at for several reasons: the most important is no time limit as unlike a northbound hike which must summit Mt. Katahdan by mid-October, there is no time limit to a southbound hike. Secondly, tenting sites and shelters will generally be less crowded. The last consideration is psychological as a southbound hike is walking toward home rather than away from it.Please feel free to comment in my guest book and wish me luck as I'm sure I will need it. Thanks for reading.
Date: 2014-02-05
To: Training
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Only four months to go! Living in Florida has some pluses and minuses for hike preparation. The most obvious is weather; one can train right through the winter. The big minus is no hills, so to get the all important leg strength requires basically gym work; lots of squats and lunges. Upper body work is required to get through the tough Maine and New Hampshire mountains. We will see how the prep works out. So far, so good.
Date: 2014-03-04
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I've spent the last few days trying out my stove and experimenting with various add boiling water type meals from the local supermarket. I intend to supply from stores along the way rather than try to dehydrate my own meals. So far mashed potatoes with added summer sausage and various pasta sides seem to work OK. Mac and cheese is so-so while the couscous I tried is a definite no. The hard part is deciding how much of each to carry for the first leg of the hike through the hundred mile wilderness, which will probably be the longest stretch between resupply points.Training is coming along well with two or three 15 mile hikes a week with my base load in addition to exercises. I get 9 miles in three hours mornings, then rest for an hour, then do 6 in the afternoon. The only problem is the lack of hills to practice on.Can't wait 'til June.
Date: 2014-03-21
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Finished making travel details to Millinocket. Not an easy place to get to from Florida. Need to be up at 0530 to make a 0730 flight to Portland via Baltimore on Southwest. Not the most direct but cheaper than other alternatives. Then buses from Portland to Bangor and Bangor to Medway. Pic-up by the Appalachian Lodge crew for an overnight, breakys, and the ride to Baxter.Now only weather, security, lost luggage, and late planes can affect THE PLAN.
Date: 2014-05-13
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Just 18 more days to go. All of the gear has been acquired and checked out under field conditions (well Florida conditions). I notice that a lot of folks actually care about such things, so I will mention some of the stuff I have selected to get me through this adventure. My tent is an Eastern Mountain Sport Eclipse, my bag is a 35 degree down Slumberjack with a Thermarest pad (rehabbed by them on their warranty plan), Water will be purified by a Sawyer SP124 gravity driven filtering system with Aqua Mira for emergency backup, my pack is a Kelty Coyote and I have a MSR Wisperlite Universal with two fuel bottles to get me through the wilderness. One will probably be sent home from Monson. All together with the various bits and bobs and spare clothes the total pack weight is almost 32 pounds ( yeah I know, ouch). I carry this gear on every training hike.Now that summer is here in interior central Florida with the temps in the 90's, the 9 mile training hikes at Lake Manatee Recreation Area are getting tougher. I am actually looking forward to being a bit cold in Maine. The temps there now are roughly equivalent to Florida in January.
Date: 2014-05-29
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Everything is ready for the big adventure. Food for the first 9 days through the wilderness has been bought. The pack weight is now up to 40 pounds but that will drop as the days progress. The bounce box is packed and will be sent on its way to Monson on Saturday. Reservations for Baxter for Monday night are in hand. The only imponderables are SW airlines and the weather. The forecast for Monday is for clouds but no rain so Katahdin should be accessable. Hopefully my next post will be from the Appalachian Lodge in Millinocket.
Date: 2014-06-01
From: Home

To: Millinocket
Miles today: 0.0

The day began in panic mode in a hotel room in Tampa. The hotel alarm didn't go off as planned and my wakeup call backup only allowed 15 minutes to get downstairs for the airport shuttle, but I made it with 2 minutes to spare.After two flights I arrived in Portland, ME via Baltimore and was reunited with my pack. One less worry there. Two bus rides from Portland to Medway via Bangor delivered me into the capable hands of the Appalachian Lodge crew. Dinner was at Subway as nothing else was open on a Sunday night in Millinocket.The lodge is the real deal and should not be missed
Date: 2014-06-02
From: Millinocket

To: Katahdin Stream Campgrounds
Miles today: 4.7
Weather: few clouds

Defeated by the mountain. Made it to within a hairs breadth of the tableland but there is a suicidally tricky section that requires swinging out and scooting up a slick rock face in the wind. This old man don't scoot. Also I was at my limit physically if I wanted to get down in one piece. So I will never officially be a thru-hiker but close enough. At least the weather was excellent with blue skies and great views.The mountain in a monumental rock scramble from start to finish. Do not underestimate the difficulty, especially if you are contemplating a southbound hike and/or are over the age of 50. Take lots of water (I went through 3 liters) and pay attention to the rules as they are for your safety.I will admit to a little joy in seeing some of the cocky 20-somethings find out that they were not as tough as they thought. All who attempt do not succeed.
Date: 2014-06-03
From: Katahdin Stream Campgrounds

To: Stealth site near Abol Bridge
Miles today: 6.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Should have zeroed after the climb of yesterday but I thought I could make the 10 miles to Abol Bridge campground. No way. The thighs just gave out. I know it is illegal to camp outside of approved sites but this was an emergency as far as I was concerned. Ran into Front Row stealthed in her hammock after she fell in the creek.Stopped to filter water in Dacey Pont campsite. Great view of Katahdin.
Date: 2014-06-04
From: Stealth site near Abol Bridge

To: Hurd Brook Shelter
Miles today: 6.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Camped behind the shelter as it was nearly full at 3 PM. Wound up with four in the shelter, 3 tents (one with a couple) and 2 hammocks. It rained during the day and I was really tired. The rocks and roots make it really difficult to get into any sort of pace. I'm finding it very difficult to eat but managed some sausage for dinner and some cold grits in the morning (to save time).
Date: 2014-06-05
From: Hurd Brook Shelter

To: E end of Rainbow Lake Steath
Miles today: 5.6

Can't seem to get up any energy yet. My pack is way too heavy at about 43 pounds of which about 10 is food. Rule 1, don't pack more than you need.A really big wind came up around 2AM which had me up and checking the tend but there were no problems. More rocks and roots but the bugs are not that bad.
Date: 2014-06-06
From: E end of Rainbow Lake Steath

To: Rainbow Stream Lean-To
Miles today: 8.1

Felt better and walked stronger but the pack weight is holding me back. Didn't want to push it because Nesuntabunt Mountain was the next obstacle. Met a nice young couple from Virginia Tech with their little yappy dog Sasha. The dog seems to be bearing up OK for now but I wish them luck in making it all the way to Georgia with a 7 month old puppy.Nothing but roots, rocks and bugs in the rain early in the day. Met two NOBOS at the shelter in the late afternoon but they just wanted to sign in and carry on. I hope I get trail legs soon. Going to be cool tonight as it is 58 degrees F and 4 PM and very humid.Tried to cook a hot breakfast this morning but found the pump for my stove was leaking. Must have gotten knocked around a little too much. The wood was wet so no fire. Breakfast was nuts and raisins.
Date: 2014-06-07
From: Rainbow Stream Lean-To

To: Wadleigh Stream Lean-To
Miles today: 8.1

Can't seem to get past about eight miles a day when I really need 12 or 13. Food is now an issue given my slow pace. I have decided to bail at Jo Mary road and try to get back to Millinocket to resupply and get rid of excess weight.Nesuntabunt Mtn. looks easy in profile but there are some steep pitches. Did get a good view of Katahdin. Had the first fall of the trip but no damage. Managed to cook mashed potatoes for dinner and grits for breakfast, but it is a pain without a stove.
Date: 2014-06-08
From: Wadleigh Stream Lean-To

To: Nahmakanta Stream Campsite
Miles today: 5.8
Weather: light rain

The low mileage is to set up for Antlers Campsite so the run in to Jo Mary will be short. Same 'ole roots and rocks. Just can't seem to get going. The trail conditions are much worse than I expected. It is less a trail that a trace. The route seems to have been planned to be rough on purpose as it is obvious there are better alternatives.
Date: 2014-06-09
From: Nahmakanta Stream Campsite

To: Antlers Campsite
Miles today: 7.8
Weather: overcast clouds

The bugs have finally found me. Hiked almost until noon in my bug net. I also have a bug jacket but the weather is cool enough to wear long sleeves so just the head net will do. I could have done a lot more but I need to be able to get to Jo Mary in the morning. Managed another fire and had grits for dinner. There were actually some pleasant stretches of trail where it was possible to get in gear. I find that one of the things that slows me down is a lack of balance. I have to think about foot placement over streams and rocky patches as I don't feel very secure with the weight on my back. By the way, I have yet to meet another senior citizen on the trail.Met a really pleasant Marine who just left service three weeks ago. As I am a vet also we had fun swapping war stories. Good luck Kyle and thanks for your service.
Date: 2014-06-10
From: Antlers Campsite

To: Millinocket
Miles today: 4.2
Weather: few clouds

Made it to Jo Mary road in really good time (for me). This road is very lightly travelled so I set off on a road march east toward the checkpoint at Maine 11. It rained from just after I broke camp until I got to Millinocket. Two cars going to opposite way said they would pick me up on the way out. The first one to stop was driven by Bruce, who knows the woods up here like the pro he is. I didn't quite catch exactly what he did as my hearing aid has broken. I'll send it off home for repair. It is not a major problem but I don't have spares here. Don't expect to get picked up on Jo Mary. I was really lucky. Also, when you get to ME 11 it is still about 25 miles to Millinocket but the hitching is much better. I'm back at the Appalachian Trail Lodge, which is currently packed with new SOBO's and two NOBO's that have just finished. They started in February and early March respectively. Great hikes guys!
Date: 2014-06-11
From: Millinocket

To: Millinocket
Miles today: 0.0

A zero day today to sort out the pack and get some food for the next leg. Also I am changing out my stove and water treatment system. Also nice to have town food.I went through my pack eliminating items of dubious value based on the last week's experience. The package I sent home from the post office weighed in at 9 lbs. 9 oz. Assuming 1 lb for packing material means I have eliminated about 8 1/2 pounds of stuff. I have decided to go with Aqua Mira for water treatment (as suggested by Ole Man, the Lodge proprietor. I'm not sure yet on whether to get a Pocket Rocket or a JetBoil stove. Without the stove my base weight is now down to about 20 lbs and I have another 11 lbs. of food. I'm ready to see how it works out going over Whitecap, and Chairback Mountains.
Date: 2014-06-12
From: Millinocket

To: Cooper Brook Lean-to
Miles today: 3.1

Did a short one today due to weather. It's raining today and will continue tomorrow according to the forecast. There is a bubble of 5 ahead of me that would reach East Branch ahead of me which would probably mean I would need to tent, resulting in having to pack a wet tent. I'm happy to trade time for convenience.
Date: 2014-06-14
From: East Branch Lean-to

To: Carl A Newell Lean-to
Miles today: 10.8

Met up with Tiger, another old guy, who walks about the same pace as I do. We decided it would be good to stay together for safety purposes. Especially out here in the 100 Mile where cell service is sketchy. It was a cold and wet day.Going over White Cap Mountain was quite interesting as the wind was gusting to about 40 knots and it was misting with rain. Went over Hay Mountain and West Peak in good order but the descent down to the shelter on Gulf Hagas Mountain's south shoulder was really difficult for the two of us as we are still a little unsteady when it comes to finding footing.
Date: 2014-06-15
From: Carl A Newell Lean-to

To: Chairback Gap Lean-to
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: broken clouds

The weather was beautiful for hiking today but it was quite cold in the evening. Forded the west branch of the Pleasant River with no difficulty. Brawny, the ridge runner for this portion of the trail, was stationed at the ford as there was quite a few day hikers out to do the Gulf Hagas trail. This could be a possible bailout spot if it were a pleasant weekend. One could probably beg or buy a ride out if necessary, but it is doubtful it would work during the week.Went up the north face of Chairback Mountain. It's a rock scramble for about 100 feet, reminiscent of Katahdin. There were just two of us in the shelter with one tenting when we went to bed. About 10 or 11 Andrew showed up. At first we thought he was the guy tenting but we discovered the next morning that he had night-hiked the rock scramble. In retrospect he did admit it was not the wisest thing to do.On a personal note, I don't seem to be getting any faster. I wonder if I'm not eating right. I have some protein in the diet but I think I need more. I will sort that out in Monson.
Date: 2014-06-16
From: Chairback Gap Lean-to

To: Cloud Pont Lean-to
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Got a late start this morning at 8:30. We are usually on the trail by 6:30 but slept in. It was hard going over Third and Fourth Mountains so it was decided to stop at Cloud Pont Lean-to rather than try to force it to Long Pond Stream, even though that meant 0.4 miles each way on a side trail. Still cold at night but otherwise not a bad shelter.
Date: 2014-06-17
From: Cloud Pont Lean-to

To: Wilson Valley Lean-to
Miles today: 8.7

The descent this morning took forever. Tiger really has trouble with his footing due to his leg difficulties. He went down a few times but nothing was damaged. The ford at Long Pond Stream was not difficult. The remainder to the day was just a long, hard slog. Nothing of especial note in the way of scenery. The weather was pleasant during the day but we had an overnight rain.Still can't seem to up the daily mileage. We are averaging about 1 mile/hr.
Date: 2014-06-18
From: Wilson Valley Lean-to

To: Leeman Brook Lean-to
Miles today: 7.4

Decided not to push for Monson today but rather wait for tomorrow and arrive in the early afternoon. It rained in the morning but the remainder of the day was fine. The two fords were not terribly difficult, only thigh deep (if you're over 6 ft.). Just another day of roots and rocks. The shelter was full tonight; Tiger, myself and a pack of 4 20-sometings. Youngun's were up at 4 AM to try to get to Shaw's in Monson for breakfast. This is one of the problems in shelter stays. There is no way to not make noise when packing out.
Date: 2014-06-19
From: Leeman Brook Lean-to

To: Shaw's in Monson
Miles today: 6.3

Trail-wise today was the same old stuff. It seems the MATC feels compelled to route the trail over each and every stray rock outcrop they can find. Came in to Monson on Woods' Rd and Pleasant street route.Shaw's is just great. Really clean and very welcoming.The hiker hunger having struck I had BBQ for "lunch" at about 3 PM followed by a great pot roast dinner at the Pub at 7.My general impression of the Hundred Mile Wilderness is that it is the most difficult physical challenge I have undertaken. It is unrelenting. Trail conditions are rough, especially if one is not very nimble. But I am glad I have had the experience.On a side note, Front Row, an older lady from Texas whom I had met on my first day out of Katahdin Stream campground, pulled up to me in the 100 Mile Wilderness Adventure pickup as I was walking into Monson. It turned out that she needed to be pulled out of the wilderness due to leg problems and the owner of the Wilderness Adventure put her on the payroll. Great to see that she made out OK.
Date: 2014-06-20
From: Shaw's in Monson

To: Shaw's in Monson
Miles today: 0.0

Lovely day just eating, relaxing and watching the world cup. This is a great place to just chill. But back on the trail tomorrow. The only problem with a town stay is the expense. Prices here in Maine are higher than I am used to for just about everything, but I guess they have a short tourist season so...
Date: 2014-06-21
From: Shaw's in Monson

To: Horseshoe Canyon Lean-to
Miles today: 6.7

Took a short day as the alternative was 14.6 miles uphill with 2 fords. The trail from Monson was much improved over that in the wilderness. Hope it keeps up. The weather is sunny but distinctly cool in the forest. Good for hiking but a bit cool when sitting still.
Date: 2014-06-22
From: Horseshoe Canyon Lean-to

To: Moxie Bald Mtn. Lean-to
Miles today: 6.9

A good walk until the ford over Bald Mtn. stream. Nothing but bogs and rocks after that. Met Purple Rain at the lean-to. Tough night for sleeping as my hiking partner Tiger snores and as he was right next to me in a crowded shelter. Being passed by every other SOBO out here. We still can't seem to go more than 1 mi/hr. on average due to trail conditions. Every step is a decision as we don't want to get hurt.
Date: 2014-06-23
From: Moxie Bald Mtn. Lean-to

To: Pleasant Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 13.1

We finally broke the 10 mile barrier. The hike up Moxie Bald was quick and easy. Then came Pleasant Pond Mtn. Really tough trail for us. Sheltered with Purple Rain again. She is going to go off trail temporarily in Stratton.
Date: 2014-06-24
From: Pleasant Pond Lean-to

To: Sterling Inn, Caratunk
Miles today: 5.7

Another short day but we needed supplies and the ferry only runs in the morning this early in the season. An easy walk in except for one steep climb. Walked 2 miles to Northern Outdoor because there was no cell service. There were no rooms available but they had a courtesy phone to call the Sterling Inn.Sterling Inn is a very nice old coaching inn with a lot of charm. Bunks are only $25 but pizza and resupply items are a little pricey. Eric and Zack are super friendly. This is a place not to miss.
Date: 2014-06-25
From: Sterling Inn, Caratunk

To: Pierce Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 4.0
Weather: moderate rain

A short but tough walk. Had to wait until 9 AM to get the canoe ferry. Dave the ferryman is a great guy. Because one must sign a release he probably has some of the most accurate numbers on hikers. It started raining just after we crossed the Kennebec and rained the rest of the day and night.
Date: 2014-06-26
From: Pierce Pond Lean-to

To: Pierce Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

It was raining heavily and cold in the morning so we decided to zero in the shelter along with Purple Rain. We had enough food and the water source was good so no worries. The weather cleared later in the day but we didn't think we could make the 10 miles to the next shelter and be sure of a spot. Also the trail would be slick and boggy. Met the wolfpack and added Princess to the group as they were going a bit fast for her. She was a bit hesitant to walk alone.
Date: 2014-06-28
From: West Carry Pond Lean-to

To: Little Bigelow Lean-to
Miles today: 6.3
Weather: clear sky

Tried for bigger miles but Tiger is having some leg problems. Ran into Walker last seen at the AT Lodge in Millinocket. He had some foot issues and zeroed a while in Monson. Said goodbye to Purple Rain. She's getting a ride out of Stratton with a couple of guys that were section hiking. She plans to walk south from Harpers Ferry and maybe flip back later.The usual tough trail. If we had better trail we could crank out some bigger miles. Maybe when we get out of Me, and NH.
Date: 2014-06-29
From: Little Bigelow Lean-to

To: Avery Memorial Campsite3
Miles today: 7.2

Really thought we could make it to Horns Pond today but just couldn't do it. The campsite has just had new platforms installed and we were the first to use them. Also they are working on the caretaker cabin. Tough day. We have to get to Stratton tomorrow as we are out of food. Only ramen and tuna for dinner.
Date: 2014-06-30
From: Avery Memorial Campsite3

To: White Wolf Inn, Stratton, ME
Miles today: 8.1

A great hike over Bigelow Mtn. west peak. The tent site last night is in the Cul between Bigelow and Avery Peaks. Water source is iffy and located 0.2 mi. north of the tentsite in a boulder scramble.There are two steep climbs before a tough descent into Stratton Brook. Then there a two PUDs (pointless up and down) before Maine 27 into Stratton. Hitching was easy. A shout out to Sue at the ski academy for giving two smelly old geezers a ride in her nice clean Subaru.Staying at the White Wolf Inn. Demolished the 8 oz. Wolf burger (burger patty, sausage, bacon, mushroom, tomatoes and lettuce).Forgot to mention that Princess had left us a few days ago but we caught up with her here. Seems there is Norovirus south of use. She caught it and had to turn back. We are being very careful about sanitation and will try to stay out of shelters for a while.
Date: 2014-07-01
From: White Wolf Inn, Stratton, ME

To: White Wolf Inn
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Really needed this zero. With the exception of the zero in the shelter on the 26th which really very comfortable we have been on the move since Monson on the 20th. Town zeroes are very important as it is impossible to get enough calories with just trail food. Also the lack of fresh veg and fruit makes it hard to get proper nutrition. Shipped my broken hearing aid home to my wife for repair.We are having a problem with rooms in Rangely as the 4th of July has most affordable places booked up. One option is to continue to Andover, but that means carrying about 8 days of food (including emergency rations). We'll sort it out somehow.
Date: 2014-07-02
From: White Wolf Inn

To: Carrabasett River Campsite
Miles today: 8.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Got a ride to the trail courtesy of Joe from Samson's Property Management who was on his way to work. Very friendly folks in Maine.It was the usual hard slog up Crocker Mtn and then a rock slide for the descent. At least the water sources were good at the tent site. We did notice that the sickness that has been reported locally has affected two of the hikers camped with us at the tent site.