morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-07-10
From: Katahdin Iron Works tote Rd

To: Pleasnt river rd
Miles today: 15.7

Today was a slack day over the Chairback range. Began with a downpour that soaked us and the terrain, making it tough to hike. Many ups and downs, but did garner some views from rocky ledges. We all stuck together though (except for Steve who took a zero to heal some blister issues) and the AZ guys really helped me up some very slick and dangerous rocks, for which I was grateful. Had some good conversations. But along, tough day and took us 12 hours to hike it. Mailar and Steve met us and we had a late steak dinner at the house.
Date: 2010-07-11
From: Pleasant River rd

To: Monson
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Mailar had sausages and French Toast waiting for us when we awoke. What a great guy. May the blessings return to him. Slacked today also to Monson, developed an ankle issue with tibial tendonitis halfway through. Very painful. Also endured a t-storm in the afternoon. But stuck with the AZ guys and the newlyweds all the way to Rt 15 where the nice people from Shaws picked us up. Ate wings at Lakeshore house and putting ice on my ankle. Hope it will be okay, but have had a tough 2 days hiking, even if it was slacking.
Date: 2010-07-13
From: Monson

To: Piscataquis River
Miles today: 12.1

Had another stellar breakfast at Shaws - got a ride with Ashley to the trailhead where we began hiking. Winging It caught up with us at the first river crossing and we made the joint decision to go beyond the first lean to to cut miles off the next day. Arrived at the river and barely had time to set up the tent before a huge t-storm blew through with copious amounts of rain. had a lake beneath my tent. The AZ guys and Nick and Faye joined us and set up in the rain. Wet, rainy night
Date: 2010-07-14
From: Piscataquis River

To: Bald Mtn Brook Lean-to
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: light rain

The Appalachian River and mud bog would better describe the trail this day. Lots of mud, rain, and high stream crossings to deal with. Ran into Little Buddha hiking NOBO- had not seen him since VA and Trail Days. Stopped for lunch at Moxie Bald shelter. Climbed Moxie Bald for nice views and clearing weather. Saw the mtns before and ahead of us.
Date: 2010-07-15
From: Bald Mtn Brook Lean-to

To: Pleasant Pon Lean-to
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Blueberry day today - tons of ripe blueberries for picking which slowed our hike, but it was all good. Interesting day on the trail along with nice views from Pleasant Pond Mtn. Steep going down to the lean-to where a bunch of SOBOs joined up (14 in all that night). Steve (Papa Bliss) went for a swim in the pond. Some rowdies out on the road in 2 AM which made things a bit tense for me. Not a great night sleep.
Date: 2010-07-16
From: Pleasant Pond Lean-to

To: Caratunk
Miles today: 6.0

Got out early this Am for a quick six mile hike to Caratunk. Got our mail drop and got picked up by the lovely people at Sterling Inn (Kelty who works there and co owner Wallace). Nice old home with many antiques and memories. Wallace shuttled us to Northern Resort for food and laundry. The others are heading out today after lunch, but we're taking to day off to relax. Into the Bigelow region in the AM
Date: 2010-07-17
From: Caratunk

To: East Carry Pond
Miles today: 10.3

Wallace at the Sterling Inn treated us to homemade blueberry muffins from blueberries he had picked the day before. That and great coffee made a good start to the day. Met up with the river guide who feried us across the kennebec in the canoe. Arrived at Pierce Pond shelter to find the entire SOBO flock there. They decided to take a zero and enjoy the nice weahter, but I was antsy to move on. So we visited for about 1 1.2 hrs and hiked on. Met two other SOBOers Gearmo and Pacer and hiked at a rapid pace for a time. Stopped at a gorgeous campsite by East Carry Pond with a sand beach and lovely pine forest. Papa Bliss hung out in his hammock beside the pond. Perfect evening.
Date: 2010-07-18
From: East Carry Pond

To: Little Bigelow Shelter
Miles today: 10.5

Today had an extra half mile due to a relocation of new trail around Flagstaff lake. Beautiful day for hiking with a nice breeze. Took it easy and made good time to Little Bigelow shelter but the rocky "tubs" were too cold for much bathing. Wrongway made it here out of the SOBO flock, and here also with 2 NOBOS.
Date: 2010-07-19
From: Little Bigelow Shelter

To: Stratton
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: broken clouds

Overcast Am but packed up and headed out for the climb up Little Bigelow. SOme views. Saw Avery Peak in a cloud and saw rain coming in. Entered the col and began climbing when the rain began. Did ok until the summit when, the the wind and wet clothes, I had to change and put on rain gear. A 50 mph gust of wind nearly drove me sideways on the open ridge. Went down to Avery campsite and found a bit of shelter at the caretaker hut to eat lunch and put on warmer clothing. Hiked on, saw a few views but mostly overcast. Rocky wet terrain made the going tough. We decided to head all the way for Stratton instead of camping out in it all. Tough going and long day, but finally called Sue who picked us up at 7:30. Took out pizza and got a few treats before she took us to the Maine Roadhouse for the night.
Date: 2010-07-20
From: Stratton

To: Stratton
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Zero today to recover from our long day yesterday and prepare for the rest of the week (and Papa Bliss's last week of hiking). Plan to get off for about a week next weekend to see my mom in NY who is recoverng from a fractued hip. Hope to be back on the Sat. after that.
Date: 2010-07-21
From: Stratton

To: Carrabasett River
Miles today: 8.4

Steve (Papa Bliss) cooked breakfast for us at the hostel, then Sue drove us to our starting point at the Crocker mtns. Day partly cloudy and nice for hiking. Crockers mostly tree covered though so views were limited. Tough going down the face of south Crocker to the Crocker Cirque campsite. Got there early so decided to head for the river. Got site set up and cooked dinner when t-storm rolled in. Rained for several hours but made out ok. Wrongway joined us at our campsite.
Date: 2010-07-22
From: Carrabasett River

To: Railbed near Orbeton Stream
Miles today: 10.3

T-storms during the night so the tent and fly fairly soaked. Found out that a squirrel had chewed through two food bags even though we bear bagged it. I am not a happy hiker by any means as one of the bags was a nice sea to summit drybag. That plus the murderous ascent up Sugarloaf mountain did not boost my spirits. Sugarloaf clouded over so I did not try to make the summit on the side trail. Trail fairly easy at least which was good as later in the day I suffered a horrendous gallbladder attack (my stomach did not like the hard salami we got in Stratton). Found campsite on a railway bed near a stream. Clear night.
Date: 2010-07-23
From: Railbed near Orbeton Stream

To: Rt 4
Miles today: 15.3

Today we headed over the Saddleback range under clear blue skies. But I still suffered from stomach ailment and Papa Bliss has a bad toe hurting him, so we made the decision to head for the road near Rangely and get off earlier than anticipated. Had stupendous views on the ridge and on the mountains. A nice ending for Papa Bliss who finishes his hike here. I plan to get off for a few days to heal up (my knees are hurting as well as my left shoulder, plus my hiking poles are busted up) and see my mom who recently had a fractured hip. We spent the night at The Cabin hostel where our car is parked. We will then head for my in-laws in New York. At the hostel, Honey and Bear are the greatest people with great food and friendly hugs when we arrived from a long and tiring day of hiking.
Date: 2010-07-24
From: Rt 4

To: In-laws, NY
Miles today: 0.0

After a great breakfast at The Cabin, drove to New York and my in-laws. Will go to my parents tomorrow. Stopped at LL Bean at Freeport for new poles. But I am worried about my shoulder as it has become progressively worse as the day has gone by and tonight I can't move it much. I pray I did not tear anything in it.
Date: 2010-07-29
From: In NY

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Still in NY - had a tough week at my parents and now I am delayed again. I injured my left hip as I tried to stop my mom's wheelchair from careening down the road. So I am having difficulty walking. Hiking won't do much good at this point, esp with the tough terrain ahead of me when I return to ME. I am now recuperating at my in-laws in the hopes that by Sunday it will be good enough for me to go back. Wait and see.
Date: 2010-08-01
From: Rt 4

To: Sabbath day Pond
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Back on the trail after trials at home and physical issues. Steve drove me to our parking lot that we departed a week ago and after a tearful goodbye(on Steve's part). We spent the night before at an overpriced Motel at Waterville and we got to the trail head a 11. I was not on the trail very long and I ran into Frosty. it was good to see a fellow SOBO, he was still dealing with a bum foot.The trail was easy but my hip pained me at times. Had a peaceful night at the Pond, one NOBO showed up late.
Date: 2010-08-02
From: Sabbath day Pond

To: Base of old Blue
Miles today: 13.5

Sunny to start today but clouds came in and rain started in the afternoon. I waited out cloudbursts at Bemis shelter and got to talk with an interesting NOBO.Got some nice views in before the rain. Found water and looked for camping. Scarce camping and finally found a small spot beside the trail as it got late. rain overnight
Date: 2010-08-03
From: Base of old Blue

To: Hall Mt.Shelter
Miles today: 8.0

Rain early pinned me in the tent from 5AM to 8AM. The delay and bad weather helped to decide to do only 8 miles today. It was a wise choice the wet trail with treacherous, roots and rocks were a Killer. I happened on a detour neat Sawyer mountain that sent me down a orange trail that was a muddy landslide of a mile. Worst stretch of trail I have seen. When I got to bottom I saw a Sign for the NOBOS to go on a blue route, I was not happy. I found a stream and washed my mud covered body and dragged up Hall Mountain. Made lousy time and got to the lean to face a big group at lean to. Called Steve at 10:30 from my tent after severe thunderstorms kept me up.
Date: 2010-08-04
From: Hall Mt.Shelter

To: East B Rd.
Miles today: 6.0

Severe Storm all night, no sleep, everything was soaked. My Hubba held up through it all. Trail was a mess 6-8 inches of rain everywhere. No way to stay dry so I was glad I had trail runners to slog through everything. Got to road at 11 and was glad that Honey from The Cabin was coming to pick me up. Dried out my tent while waiting. Got to The cabin and was treated to homemade Pizza. Will slack Bald Pate tomorrow with another night at my favorite Hostel.
Date: 2010-08-05
From: East B Rd.

To: Grafton Notch
Miles today: 10.3
Weather: haze

Decided to slack this part as there were threats of t-storms with the muggy weather. Water had gone down so stream crossings and trail ok. Headed up to Baldpate summit to see Old Speck in the distance and heard rumbles of thunder. Hightailed if off the summit. Just south of Baldpate leant-to the skies opened and it rained hard for half an hour. Got down to Grafton Notch where a ranger gave me a root beer and a pkg of crackers. Talked to some other visitors about my hike thus far. Don from The Cabin picked me up and drove me back to spend another night and glad i did as my gear is wet once again.
Date: 2010-08-06
From: Grafton Notch

To: Full Goose Lean-to
Miles today: 9.8

had planned a shorter day and do Mahoosuc Notch the following day but made good time up Old Speck where a fellow SOBO hiker and her dog wanted someone to go through the notch. So I agreed to do it today. We made good progress down Mahoosuc Arm and entered the notch, but the dog did not want to follow and refused to come when called. She went back to look for her dog, I reluctantly went on as I knew the dog would not come to me and I could not physically or emotionally go backwards through the awful terrain. Thankfully another SOBO hiker came and helped her out. Meanwhile it rained and the rocks were terrible. I never had such a bad day and ended up with bruised and battered legs. I looked like I had been through the war. I had to take my back off at least 6 times and my arms were killing me. I was never so tired or frazzled in my life. Finally I made it to Full Goose but everything was taken. At last tow girls volunteered to move their tarp so i could set up on the other end of the platform. I was too tired to eat, so ate what I could then went to bed.
Date: 2010-08-07
From: Full Goose Lean-to

To: Gentian Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 10.2

The At had more surprises in really tough terrain and fearful ledgework with areas where one must know rock climbing skills to get through. Did have beautiful views of the Whites ahead of me. And crossed from Maine to NH yeah! And the triplets of all people were there to snap my picture. But I did so want the day to be over as I was still out of it from yesterday's awful time in the Notch. Tenting tonight.
Date: 2010-08-08
From: Gentain Pond Lean-to

To: Gorham
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: clear sky

I am glad to be headed to town today. Had some mtns and rocks, but nothing like before. Unfortunately did not get a ride to Gorham so walked in and my feet were not happy. Stopped for a burger and shake and to Northern Peaks motel for the night. Knees very sore, am icing them and hope they recover.
Date: 2010-08-10
From: Gorham

To: Imp Shelter
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Got a ride to the trail from Mountain Wildman of White Blaze, so glad I did not have to walk it! Was making good progress when my foot slipped out from under me on a slick boardwalk and I fell directly on my tailbone. it hurt so much I cried. Had pain the rest of the day from it, so decided on a shorter day and stayed at the Imp Shelter. Come to find out, a Dr was there too and told me my injury would not keep me from hiking though it might hurt for a while. Gorgeous evening sunset. Only one in the shelter area
Date: 2010-08-11
From: Imp Shelter

To: Wildcat Mountain
Miles today: 8.5

Awoke to find that some rodent and tore a hole in my Playtpus bottle. I thought I could still carry water but ended up having the insdie of my pack wet. that and my bruised tailbone made for a tough day hiking the Carter region. But enjoyed splendid views of Mt Washington. On advice from a NOBO hiker I stopped at Carter Notch and told one of the croo, Mary Anne about my playtpus. She found a water bottle for me, got me mac and cheese and and we talked. She also write a note for me to stay at Madison Hut as she knows people there. So I was truly blessed!! Found a small campsite up on Wildcat A and spent the night.
Date: 2010-08-12
From: Wildcat mountain

To: Pinkham Notch
Miles today: 5.5
Weather: light rain

A little anxious about the climb down Wildcat but proved nothing different then what I had been doing. made it to Pinkham Notch at a better time then I thought. Got lunch, took an ice cold shower (ugh) and was busy packing up my things when a woman stops by and asks if I would like to spend the night at her condo in Conway. Come to find out, she's M&M who hiked in '07!! So she drove me to her place, we are having lobster and wine and life is so good. Thank you God for Trail Angels.
Date: 2010-08-13
From: Pinkham Notch

To: Madison Hut
Miles today: 7.8

Grabbed breakfast at M&M's of a delicious bagel with cream cheese and a hard boiled egg. Got dropped off early and began hiking. Dark clouds passed over Mt Madison but it remained clear. Good news as the terrain was steep and rocky and a bit scary at times with precarious footing. Headed down to the hut armed with my note from Mary Anne at Carter and got work for stay. Croo happy I did the dishes for them. Had enough leftover food for me and several others who came in. Have a tough day planned tomorrow over the Presidentials.
Date: 2010-08-14
From: Madison Hut

To: Mizpah Hut
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: broken clouds

Got out early by 6:30 AM (earliest start ever) to begin a long day above treeline. Weather good for the hike. Climbed around the Presidentials and up Mt Washington where I met several NOBOS and had a hot dog and bowl of chili. Continued on along the Crawford Path with onslaught of people coming up from Lakes of the Clouds hut. Reached Mizpah, would have had to share a tent pad a Nauman so asked for work for stay at the hut. Had a nice turkey dinner then washed dishes late for a bachelor party the croo was throwing. Don't sleep too good at the huts.
Date: 2010-08-15
From: Mizpah Hut

To: Campsite off Ethan Pond Trail
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Some tough downhill hiking off Webster Cliff trail. Glad the weather continues to help in that respect while trying to negotiate the rocky terrain. Caught a ride with an AMC volunteer to the Highland center to pick up my food drop. Chatted with a young gal in the restroom who had just finished a section hike with her dad and they agreed to take me back the trailhead (God bless these trail angels out there!) Ate a sub sandwich and big cookie, then they took me back to the trail. Camped past Ethan Pond tonight in a nice area. Hope to reach Garfield tomorrow.
Date: 2010-08-16
From: Campsite off Ethan Pond Trail

To: Garfield Campsite
Miles today: 12.3

Rained during the night but tent did ok - it pays to watch where you set up your tent for drainage, etc. Rain off and on during the day as I climbed several peaks. Rested and ate lunch at Galehead hut. Trail a mess from the rain, lots of mud and watery "lakes" to ford. Weather began to clear as I climbed up to Garfield campsite and took a tent pad. Talked to two girls camping next to me out on an overnight.
Date: 2010-08-17
From: Garfield Campsite

To: Franconia Notch
Miles today: 10.3
Weather: broken clouds

Weather stayed dry but I slept poorly as I have lots of aches and pains esp in my knees. Not sure what to do about it. Got up early anyway to make it to town early. Clear beautiful day to do the Franconia Ridge with lovely views. Got down to the notch and called for a shuttle, arrived in North Woodstock. Gt a room and had a fantastic grinder sandwich from the deli across the street. Two people kindly let me have some laundry detergent to do my wash as the machine was busted in the laundromat. Many thanks to the wonderful people out here.
Date: 2010-08-18
From: Franconia Notch

To: Eliza Brook Shelter
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Arrived at the trailhead around 10 AM via the shuttle and climbed an easy hike to Lonesome Lake. Trail then got steep with the usual cliffs, rocks etc up to Kinsman. Again weather stayed perfect for hiking and for views. Ran into a NOBO who had come to our hiker picnic back in May and who had been off trail for a few weeks. Headed to the shelter; full house.
Date: 2010-08-19
From: Eliza Brook Shelter

To: Jeffers Brook Shelter
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: clear sky

Geared up for along day on the trail up and over hills and mtns. Tough climb out of Kinsman Notch that nearly did me in. But arrived on Mt Moosilauke to a wonderful view and very glad to be done with the Whites. But it was a long day and I as bushed by the time I got to the shelter area. To Glencliff in the AM to get my drop and freshen up at the hostel.
Date: 2010-08-20
From: Jeffers Brook Shelter

To: Campsite at the foot of Mt Cube
Miles today: 10.8

Hiked in the one mile to Glencliff to pick up my food drop at the PO. Showered and did laundry at the Hikers Welcome Hostel. But with the nice weather, I didn't want to waste the day and headed out around 10:30 to see how many miles I could go. Terrain so much easier its unreal, but the temptation to go fast can still wreck havoc if your legs and feet aren't used to it. So by 4:30 I found a place to camp, be it swampy with mosquitoes, but better then nothing. Still I am feeling a bit low tonight, maybe because of all the adrenaline flowing the last few weeks with such tough terrain. I'm going through a mental change now with the trail. A bit weepy and all. Weird.
Date: 2010-08-21
From: Campsite at the foot of Mt Cube

To: Trapper John Shelter
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Two climbs today - Mt Cube and Smarts Mtn, weather is holding but it clouding up with forecast of rain the next few days. Not sure how things will work out in Hanover in regards to where I will stay and how I will accomplish all my errands, but will take ti as it comes. Stopped at the Ice Cream man's house for a fudgesicle that hit the spot. In the shelter tonight with a very talkative section hiker who told me his life's story in mayn words and also another SOBO who camped (Edg).
Date: 2010-08-22
From: Trapper John Shelter

To: Hanover
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: light rain

Well it did not rain during the night but I was not but a mile on the trail when the clouds burst and it POURED. On the hill summits was a cold wind and I began to get chilled. Not a good sign, so I hightailed it to Moose Mtn shelter where Edg was there and told him I had to change (one must do things like this or suffer the consequences). But he was good about it and gave me my privacy so I could get out of my wet clothes. Hiked in rain pants for the first time. Rained most of day, so made the decision with all my wet gear to just head for town and hope I could get a room. Made good time arriving in Hanover, got some food at the Co-op and got a room with a hiker rate at the Chieftan Motor Lodge (wow what a nice place!) I had to walk the 2.5 miles there - still can't bring myself to hitchhike. But the hotel guy gave me good directions and made it there safely to dry out. But I am having a calf issue now, happened just a mile from town on the trail, so putting ice on it. Not sure whether to have my hubby overnight my calf bandage or not.
Date: 2010-08-23
From: Hanover

To: Hanover
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

Zero day and glad for it at it is raining all day and my calf still needs somme TLC. Relaxed this AM with a movie - Father Knows Best (the hotel has direct tv and even a sofa in my room!) and now I'm in town to run some errands. The bus system here is nice. Interesting mix of hikers and tourists and students. Sun expected tomorrow so will likely head out by noon at the latest.
Date: 2010-08-24
From: Hanover

To: Thistle Hill Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Dropped off box at the PO and then headed out. Crossed into Vermont via the bridge and after the first shelter, crossed paths with Chicago Bull who I had met back at Eliza Brook shelter. We hiked for a while and talked. He found some apples to eat from some apple trees along the trail which were quite tasty. By the time I reached the shelter, my calf was acting up on me again. I think its either legs getting used to new speed and terrain or possible varicose vein issues. Hope rest and Vitamin I will help.
Date: 2010-08-25
From: Thistle Hill Shelter

To: Campsite Shy of Locust Creek
Miles today: 16.5

Calf seemed ok by the Am so got an early start with Chicago Bull and headed out. We talked for a few miles and then parted company as he is only going to the next shelter and I want to make some miles so I get to RT 4 by tomorrow night. Began to rain and did so off and on, though at least there were no downpours like on Sunday. At the Winturri shelter some NOBOS talked of a campsite near a road 5 miles away, and I decided to shoot for that. On my way down the mountain who should I run into but the newlyweds from way back in those early days of Maine (they summited with us too on July 1)! I was SO surprised to see them again. And it's possible our paths may across again, perhaps this weekend when they are back on the trail with their packs. They have been busy slacking, etc. and enjoying the hospitality of friends and trail angels along their journey. I then found a campsite by a nice water source. Some sprinkles in the early AM.