morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-09-07
From: Bald Mountain Brook

To: Gravel Road Campsite
Miles today: 17.2
Weather: broken clouds

Moxie Bald Mountain is the last big climb in this section. It wasn't as difficult as most but there were spots where you had to look for handholds. The top was flat and had good views to the North. We think we could see Katahdin, all alone, in the distance. The end of the trail is in view but still a long way to go. Dropped 1,700' to the Piscataquis River. There were 3 branches to ford and it looked deep so we took off our boots and crossed knee deep water with slippery rocks in our Crocs. Today I met Freebird, a triple crown hiker. He is a legendary hiker, a nice guy, and I have read his journals over the years. He was hiking south and chatting with the hiker trash. After our last wet ford we climbed out of the river canyon and headed toward the town of Monson. The trail as a wet, boggy mess, all the more difficult to navigate when you are tired. When we reached a gravel road on higher ground we decided to search for a campsite. Wayne found a good one and we went to work setting up as it was threatening to rain. Got the tents up but had to boil water for dinner in the rain and then jump in the tents to eat dinner. Looks like it will be a wet night but just 5 miles to town tomorrow. Only 120 miles left and I feel it getting closer every day. Still no moose.
Date: 2013-09-08
From: Gravel Road Campsite

To: ME 15
Miles today: 4.8

Everything wet but at least the rain stopped. Heading to Monson to dry out and resupply. The trail was a slick slimy mess from all the rain and the always present roots and rocks. Wayne had his head down watching his footing and smacked his head on a low limb across the trail. There was some blood but no serious damage, we think. We called Shaws Hostel where we had a reservation and they sent a shuttle out to pick us up. The whole crew was there including Funkytown group, Kokopelli, Cruise, Applebutter, Corndog, and Fossil. This may be the last time I see many of these folks I have been hiking with for months. We had lunch and dinner at the Lakeshore House Lodge, a really nice place, not expensive, and good food. Tomorrow we begin the 100 Mile Wilderness. Forecast is rain all week. Picked up our last resupply boxes and I bought $30 worth of candy bars. Rebekah, the owner of Lakeshore House Lodge, is dropping off 4 days of food for all of us eliminating the need to carry six days of food. Can't say enough good things about Rebekah.
Date: 2013-09-09
From: ME 15

To: Wilbur Brook Ford
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: broken clouds

Had a good breakfast at Shaws and on the trail by 8:30. I was expecting a fairly good day as the AT Guide didn't show any great elevation changes. AT, as usual, had other ideas with rocks, roots, and mud making for very slow progress. It was never flat with countless PUDs and rocks to climb up and over. There were two streams to fords, the Little Wilson and Big Wilson. I got lost for awhile due to very poor markings at one of them. Wayne was ahead of me and went the right way. When I got to the stream I saw Kokopelli near the other side and assumed he was on the trail. We searched for 20 minutes before someone came by and told us we had crossed too soon. The white blazes were very faint and there are a lot of blow downs in this section. Tomorrow we have another ford early and it looks like rain is on the way. Have to remind myself every mile gets me closer to the finish.
Date: 2013-09-10
From: Wilbur Brook Ford

To: Chairlift Lean-To
Miles today: 13.4

Our day started with a long, swift ford over the Long Pond stream. The stream bottom was covered with slick boulders. Trail was a series of PUDs and climbs up Barren Mountain, Fourth Mountain, Third Mountain and Columbus Mountain. Again we planned on a 15+ mile day and again we were denied by the AT. Staying inside Chairback Lean-To with rain in the forecast. Fossil has rejoined us since Monson. His knees are gone also so we take turns falling. Just three 65 year old farts trying to hold it together for a few more days. We have been told that in the next two days the trail will flatten out until the final climb to Katahdin. I would like to believe that.
Date: 2013-09-11
From: Chairlift Lean-To

To: White Brook
Miles today: 14.0

Woke up to five hikers in the Chairlift Lean-to. There were only three when I fell asleep last night. I vaguely remember one coming in after dark and everyone making room to squeeze him in but not the second guy. It rained hard from 2-4am so staying in the lean-to was a good decision. Leaving the shelter it was very steep, wet, slippery jumble of rocks to climb over. The trail then took us up over Chairback Mountain at 2,180' and all the way down to the West Branch of the Pleasant River for a knee deep ford at 677'. Gulf Hages is a river gorge with many small waterfalls. We climbed up to Gulf Hages Mountain at 2,698', West Peak at 3,178 and Hay Mountain at 3,244'. Each climb was separated by a descent of 300-500'. Some of the best trail today traveling through small pine forest. Our intention was to hit the last peak before Mt. Katahdin late this afternoon. Fossil was in the lead and out of sight for the last three hours. About 5:30pm we came down to White Brook and there sat the Fossil. He was done for the day. To go on we would have 650' climb up to Whitecap and then a 1,200' descent down to Logan Brook Lean-to. The climb would have been bad and the descent worse so we agreed to stop for the night. Our campsite is a poor one. We are in a low spot. It is starting to sprinkle and if we get a downpour we will surely float away on our Neo air mattresses.
Date: 2013-09-12
From: White Brook

To: Cooper Brook Lean-to
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Day began with our last big climb before Mt. Katahdin. It was a climb up and over Mt. Whitecap at 3,600'. Views from here to Katahdin on clear days. Nothing but clouds for us. A 1,200' descent took us to water and a breakfast spot. Today had some of the best trail I've seen since Vermont traveling through spruce forests. There was one more 800' climb and then back down to beautiful Crawford Pond. We walked along the pond for a good mile or two down to Cooper Brook, a major river with a large waterfall below the campsite. Planned to stay inside the shelter as big time thunderstorms and rain are in the forecast but it was full. Managed to get or tents up before a big storm hit. It is raining hard and I am making adjustments to keep the water out of my tent. Storm is a violent one with much thunder and lightning. We are 56 miles from the base of Katahdin. The trail is supposed to be flat but I will believe that when I see it. Today was again not as easy as some suggested. It looks like we won't be able to finish until Tuesday so there won't be any real reason to push the last few miles. I had hoped to be there late Sunday to give myself an extra day in case of bad weather. Baxter State Park rangers control the trail to the summit of Katahdin. If the weather is bad they close the trail and weather can be very bad any time of the year but especially with winter approaching. You must start the climb by 10am to make it down before dark. We would have to hike three 18 mile days to make it by Sunday night for a Monday summit. I really don't know if my knees could handle that so we may just have to take a chance that the weather will be good for a Tuesday summit. Wayne and I have airline reservations for Thursday so we need Wednesday to get to Bangor, Maine.
Date: 2013-09-13
From: Cooper Brook Lean-to

To: Mahar Tote Road
Miles today: 14.0

It rained all night and so hard I was afraid I would be washed down the hillside. It was impossible to keep the rain out and luckily I had my Neo Air mattress to float on as there was a pond in my tent. Even with most of my gear in dry bags I still have some wet clothes, damp sleeping bag, and a wet tent to pack up. As expected the trail was nothing but a river but we still did well this morning and had 11 miles in by 1pm. Fossil was going to the White House Landing to dry out. Wayne and I decided to make that decision when we got to the turnoff. About a mile from the turnoff the skies let loose just as it did last night so the decision was an easy one to head to the Landing. A .9 mile detour is always a hard choice but the thought of a dry bed, hot shower, and real food was a fair trade off. Leaving the AT we hiked .9 miles to a lake where you sound the air horn. In less than 10 minutes Bill picked us up in a speed boat and took us across the lake to the Landing. Within an hour we had the best 1 pound burger on the trail with chips and salad. Four other hikers showed up while we were eating. Our gear is drying out by the bunkhouse stove. This is our third day of rain and some sunshine and dry weather would be appreciated. There are three river fords tomorrow which could be tricky with all the rain and only 45 miles to MK. The AT will lose a great place to stay as Bill and Linda will not be hosting next year. I hadn't heard much about the White House Landing on the trail but I found it to be one of the very best. It was clean, the food was great, and Bill and Linda were very friendly. I hope someone buys it and keeps it open to the public and AT community. I thought it was one of the best Hostels on the trail.
Date: 2013-09-14
From: Mahar Tote Road

To: Rainbow Stream Lean-To
Miles today: 15.4

The rain didn't stop until 5am so we were very happy we made the decision to stop at the White House Landing last night. We had a great breakfast and Bill dropped us off near the trail. The area where we would have camped was a pond. In less than two miles we had two wet fords. The third ford we took our shoes off and crossed a log wearing just our socks to wade through the rushing water. The trail was a mess with mud, roots, and bog after bog. There are logs in the bogs and I slipped off a log and sunk well over my ankles. Wayne had to pull me out of the mud. Just after that he fell on a slippery root. I had no falls today after three dandies yesterday. Climbed 750' up to Nesuntabunt Mountain which was the only time we got away from the ponds and brooks. This was a nice two mile break from the mud and slippery roots. Supposedly there is a great view of Mt. Katahdin from here but again we just had the persistent clouds. All three of us were shot by 5:30 but instead of stopping short again as we have for the past three days, we pushed on to our planned destination. We are camped with our good friends Corndog, Cruise, and Applebutter. They left Monson the day after us but their young legs made up a day on the old farts. For all the crappy trail we have had today, the last two hundred miles was worth it, and we hiked along a beautiful stream up to our campsite tonight.
Date: 2013-09-15
From: Rainbow Stream Lean-To

To: Abol Bridge
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: clear sky

Got in so late last night we didn't get our camp chores done so it took a little extra time getting water and back on the trail this morning. Path took us by Rainbow Lake. It was a very large beautiful lake and the AT follows near the east shore for maybe five miles. The sound of loons echoed as we walked along. There were all sorts of aluminum boats on the shore, as there were at most lakes/ponds I've seen. I've only seen two boats actually in the water. A canoe took me across the Kennebec and the boat shuttle to White House Landing. The trail was heavy mud from all the rain so again very slow miles. On the North shore of the lake we climbed up to Rainbow Peak where we had lunch with a great view of Mt. Katahdin. Trail down the North side was the best we had all day and it got even better as we approached Abol Bridge where we are staying tonight. Today I was the last one into camp. My knees just wouldn't let me move very fast but that was ok because I had plenty of time to finish the 15 mile stretch and I only have two more days until I finish the AT.
Date: 2013-09-16
From: Abol Bridge

To: Birches Lean-To
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke up to wet tent from an all night light rain. We packed up and went over to the store at Abol Bridge for hot coffee and rolls for breakfast. This would be our last long day to the base of Katahdin. Even the rain couldn't dampen our spirits. Wayne, Fossil and I downed our rain gear and headed out about 9am. The trail was very good, in fact it was probably the best I've had in months. Katahdin Stream looked like a river with many tributaries flowing very rapidly due to three days of rain. We were supposed to ford two branches of the Nesowadnehunk stream. We were advised by southbounders to take the blue blaze trail around if the water was high. When we got to the first one and saw that it was roaring so we took their advise. Passed a few large ponds. Many day hikers on the trail. Sun came out around noon and we arrived at the Birches by 2pm. Ten miles in 5 hours was the best we had done in some time. Birches holds campsites for thru hikers and the first day is free. We had to sign in for our free campsite and register to climb Mt. Katahdin tomorrow. The rangers at Baxter State Park control the mountain. If they feel it is too dangerous they close the trail and the park. The mountain sets out by itself so the weather can be very bad. We camped in a group site with Cruise, Corndog, Applebutter, Fossil, and Wayno. Baxter State Park provides day packs and lets you store your gear in their office. Trail passed our campsite so we were able to congratulate through hikers coming off the mountain late in the afternoon. Six to ten hours seemed to be the range of time it takes to get and up and back down. I will need to get an early start to make it down before dark tomorrow and more importantly catch the shuttle to Millinocket at 5pm.
Date: 2013-09-17
From: Gravel Road Campsite

To: Katahdin
Miles today: 5.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Morning was cold, probably low 40s, but clear. Everyone was up and out of their tents before daylight excited to finally climb Katahdin. Wayno, Fossil and I left at daybreak and the first mile was relatively flat with good footing. Trail climbed up to a footbridge over Katahdin Stream that was cascading down the mountain. We could hear the falls roaring up ahead. At this point the trail started to get steep and considerably harder to navigate. We passed "the cave", a slab rock cave and entered the big rock section of giant boulders called the "gateway." This was the toughest 2,000 feet of the 4,200 feet of climb to the summit. Stashed the hiking poles as they were again useless and used our hands to grip the rock. White blazes were very frequent so the route was easy to see, but not easy to navigate. This section is less than two miles but it was the hardest two miles on the AT for me. There were iron bars to grab and pull yourself up the steep rock wall. We were so glad to have only light daypacks with only food, water, and a few clothes. This would have been so difficult with our regular backpacks. There were small cracks to pull yourself up. There was a strong wind gusting that became stronger above tree line. After about two hours of bouldering we finally arrived at the "tableland" section which is the last mile along the ridge. It was a rock path heading up the last 600' to the summit. As we got closer we could see people on the top and finally the sign we had been looking for the last five plus months came into view. Soon we were on the summit with about twenty hikers, half of them thru hikers. Some were crying, some were drinking a toast or had special treats, and everyone was extremely happy with their accomplishment. I think we stayed almost an hour before Wayno and I decided we had better get going. I knew the boulder field would be tough on my knees so I let Wayne go and took my time. When I reached the end of the "gateway" I sat down by the falls and ate my last Milky Way. As I sat there it finally hit me that I had made it and was surprised to tear up a little. I guess I just couldn't relax on the top because of that final descent on my sore, worn out knees. Surprisingly my knees didn't bother me on the way down but I'm sure it was just the adrenaline rush. I continued down the last mile to the Ranger station were everyone was packing up and waiting for the shuttle to Millinocket and the Appalachian Trail Lodge were we have a reservation for tonight. As I was packing up I felt a sharp pain in my foot. I took off my boot and found a roofing nail imbedded in my shoe. They were putting a new roof on the ranger station. Instead of pulling it out I decided my muddy, disgusting, worn out boots should stay in Maine and tossed them in the dumpster.
Date: 2012-11-02
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

In anticipation of my hike next year I solicited the advice and counsel of Ned the Fed, an experienced thru hiker who happens to play at the same golf club. With NTF's help I selected my gear and spent the summer checking it out. Some things were great. The tarptent and ULA pack. Other things not so great (water filter). By the way NTF did not recommend the filter.
Date: 2012-11-03
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

To go hot or cold. The stoves today are ridiculously light and reliable but as I found out this summer lighter is still better. The question is, does a stove add enough variety to your diet to justify the stove and fuel so you can heat water a couple of times a day.   I'm thinking not but will follow NTF's lead and carry one at first and then decide. Speaking of NTF. Great guy. Not only is he giving me the benefit of his experience, he is planing to hike at least the first couple of hundred miles with me. Ned, my wife, family and friends appreciate it.
Date: 2013-01-15
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

The year of the epic hike is here. I'm super psyched and have begun the transition to retirement. I finished my third Ironman (Arizona) in November and managed to do so without injury (knock on wood). 2012 was a great year but looking forward to an even better 2013. Now to get down to the nitty gritty. We have our plane reservations to Bangor and NTF arranged for transportation to Baxter State Park. We still need to follow up on campground reservations in March when they open up. The Plan is to stay a couple of nights to give us some flexibilty in the event there is bad weather etc. that delays our climb of Mt. Kathadin. Last week NTF and I went over the first couple of months. Maine thru Vermont? But more specifically the first few weeks.   How long to get thru The Wilderness? Drop box half way?   Which towns are good for getting supplies etc? Questions. Decisions. It is very obvious you just don't walk out the door and head down the trail. Planning is a big part of this journey.NTF has been really good about bringing everything into focus. The amazing part is he is planning to walk the Camino de Santiago in April as well. Best of luck and don't get hurt! I'm also blessed that NTF has left it open on how long he is going to hike. Originally I thought he would go a couple hundred miles with me but now he may go a couple of months. Cool. I am looking forward to sharing the journey.Until next time.
Date: 2013-06-04
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Looks like we are going to make the start. Picked up NTF at the airport last night. He survived the Camino, literally, although he did have his appendix removed in Pamplona. Me. I decided to try to ruin our plans by crashing a motorcycle a few weeks ago and in the process broke my thumb. Fortunately I should be good as new by the end of June. Oh well. Only thing left now is finish the final days at work and then head to Colorado to visit the kids for a few days before heading back to Texas for final preparations.   Let¢s hike!
Date: 2013-06-30
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Not a particularly good start but finally made it to Maine. Flight leaving Houston yesterday was delayed and we missed our connection to Maine. Due to the holiday this week all the flights were booked but lucked out and got the next flight. Ned the Fed caught the one after that. Stayed at the Bangor Airport Sheraton since we missed our shuttle Saturday and shuttled to Baxter State Park on Sunday. Depending on weather will attempt Katahdin Monday. Forecast calls for thunderstorms and heavy rain so may skip the mountain climb and head straight into the 100 mile wilderness.
Date: 2013-07-01
From: Mt. Katahdin

To: Katahdin Stream
Miles today: 5.2
Weather: light rain

It was a good day bad day. Got to Kathadin Stream on Sunday and had great weather Monday. The hike officially started at 5:59 AM July the 1st. Ned the Fed and I started our climb. With tons of pent up excitement I forged ahead making it to the top. What a climb! The weather was nearly perfect. That was the good. Now the bad. While admiring the view another hiker asked for me and told me Ned had a boulder come down on him near the monkey bars. I hurried down to find him with a dislocated shoulder and badly injured foot. There were couple of hikers with him fortunately a Dr. and nurse. Plus a BSP ranger was with him. Long story short they took Ned out by helicopter in a sling. What a sight. Any way his foot was hurt bad enough they took him straight to Bangor for surgery. The park rangers were great. They came to our camp that might and got his stuff and hooked up a transmitter so I could call Holly and let her know the situation. They also said Ned insisted I continue the hike. It won't be the same but I'll least go Monson.
Date: 2013-07-02
From: Katahdin Stream

To: Hurd Brook
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: moderate rain

Woke up stiff and sore. It was raining and Ned was in the hospital. Are we having fun yet. Anyway I sucked it up and hiked to HB. There were several of us leaving about the same time. Mostly college kids from GA, Mass and Ohio so I don't feel to lonely. Not a bad day. Rain stopped and and the walking was pretty easy. After yesterday I needed a break. The first night we met Rascal another SOBO closer our age. Good guy from Great Bend, KS. His wife is also here, not hiking but supporting him.
Date: 2013-07-05
From: Nahmkanta Stream

To: Cooper Brook Falls
Miles today: 15.7

We have a food cache at mile 63. So no worries on food. If anything I have to much. Weather is nice a little warm but less mud. Bugs aren't to bad either. With luck I just might make it Monson. Met the Soltice Sisters. Sorry I couldn't stay for fajitas. Very tempting.
Date: 2013-07-07
From: Logan Brook

To: Carl Newhall
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: light rain

Not a bad day. Got into camp early enough to wash my shirt and undies. Almost feel human again. Feet are still tender. After I finish this I need to take care of a few blisters. I could use NTFs advice now. Speaking of whom I hope you are getting better. Left you a message when I had service on the mountain. We are having great weather. Almost to warm but I'm not praying for rain. Hope to make it the 9.9 miles to Chairgap LT tomorrow and will try to call from Chairgap Mtn. I think I'm over my cold. Between the stress, vitamin I and the cold pills my gastro system went nuts. Thankfully I had some Imodium or I would still be in the bushes.
Date: 2013-07-08
From: Carl Newhall

To: Chairback Gap
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: broken clouds

Great day today started out in the rain but stopped by the time I got to the Pleasant river crossing. Ford wasn't bad (Knee deep). Then the climb up Chairback mtn. Whew. Feeling better each day. Am taking it slow and enjoying the journey. Will take a zero day in Monson. I think I will be there Friday. Plan to hike to Cloud Peak, then Wilson Valley, and Leeman Brook going into Monson early Friday morning. Ned you are as famous on the AT as the Camino. There are a group of young girls from some little town in Maine camping near here and they send their prayers to you.