morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-08-01
From: Firewardens Cabin

To: Jeffers Brook Shelter
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: broken clouds

Another great day hiking. Tough climb up Cube mt but the views were awesome. There must be something about New Hampshire that makes the trail seem magical. Had some great trail magic at the Hikers Welcome hostel thanks to Baltimore Jack for all the great food! I find while I'm hiking I think of all kinds of great things to write about in my journal. But at the end of the day when I pick up a pen my mind goes blank. I keep forgetting to thank everyone back home and those whom I meet on the trail for their support and encouragement. I want to especially thank Martin, Jim, Chris, Mom and Dad for the goodies they sent. Also thanks to everyone following my journal. Thanks to the Gaelic Bakery for the scones. And always thanks to Judy for keeping things going at home and keeping me supplied.
Date: 2010-08-02
From: Jeffers Brook Shelter

To: Lincoln NH
Miles today: 8.4
Weather: light rain

Today was the first day in the White Mountains and the climb up Mt Moosilauke was steep, long and tough. Got to the summit about 8:30 and there was limited views. Soon the clouds rolled in and you could not see much. Hitched in to Lincoln to stay at the hostel owned and operated by Chet West. Got a ride very quickly. Stopped by the PO in North Woodstock but it was closed for lunch. I walked there later and picked up my packages. Chet is a real great guy and I enjoyed talking with him. The hostel was full and had people sleeping on the floor. Some of the north bounders staying here include Trashman, Crusher and Phynious.389 MILES TO KATAHDIN1790 MILES From SPRINGER MT/
Date: 2010-08-03
From: Lincoln NH

To: Kinsman Pond Shelter
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: broken clouds

Left the hostel at 7 and went to breakfast. Called for a shuttle to take us back to the trail. Cost $8 for both of us and were on the trail by 8:30. It started raining just as we left the hostel. We had some heavy rains last night. It was cool and damp most of the day with spotty showers. The climbing up and down Mt Wolf and North and South Kinsman was tough. Some sections were pretty technical and I had to grab hold of roots, rocks, and trees to go either up or down. It was slow going and the wet conditions didn't help any. We had planned to try and get to Lonesome Lake Hut and see if we could do a "work for stay" but because we didn't get here till almost 5 we decided to stay here. We did a work for stay here so we didn't have to pay $8 fee. We planted trees for about 1 hour. It finally stopped raining and I am hoping for nice weather tomorrow.
Date: 2010-08-04
From: Kinsman Pond Shelter

To: Garfield Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: light rain

Woke up to a misty morning. Soon after starting it began raining. It rained hard for a couple of hours. Soon after the sun tried to come out. Had some tough climbs today. There were no easy miles. Had good views from the ridge on Lafayette. Sleeping in the shelter. It is full with 12 hikers. Thru hikers staying here are Trashman, Crusher and Ichabod.
Date: 2010-08-05
From: Garfield Ridge Shelter

To: Ethan Pond Shelter
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: fog

Started off with a steep descent on a trail that looked like a waterfall. Got to Galehead Hut and had some left over pancakes and sausage. The weather was mostly cloudy with a few drops of rain. Had limited views off South Twin Mt and Mt Guyot. The walk after Zealand Falls hut was fairly flat and well graded although a little swampy in places. Sleeping in the shelter tonight. Another one that costs $8 to stay. Also staying here are Trashman, Crusher, Ichabod and Pemmi.
Date: 2010-08-06
From: Ethan Pond Shelter

To: Lakes of the Cloud
Miles today: 14.0

Today was AWESOME! Climbed up to Webster Cliffs and had GREAT VIEWS. The weather was cool and sunny. Enjoyed climbing Mt Webster and Mt Jackson. The views on this section of the trail were spectacular. Ate lunch at Mizpah Spring hut. Had two bowls of soup and left ofer ham that the hut was giving away to thru hikers. Soon after leaving the hut I got above treeline and soon there after the weather changed. Clouds rolled in and soon there was limited visibility and strong winds. Made it to Lakes of the Cloud Hut around 4 and was able to get a "work for stay". I washed dishes for about 1 hour. There are about 10 thru hikers staying here also, some that i just met including 96, #1 son, Piece of Cake, Buckwheat, and Dances with Wolfie. Also staying here are Trashman, Ichabod, Crusher, and Pemmi.
Date: 2010-08-07
From: Lakes of the Cloud

To: Osgood Tent Site
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: broken clouds

Got a late start this morning as we waited at the hut to eat breakfast. It was 30 degrees this morning with 20 MPH winds. Last night the wind was steady 40-50 MPH with a couple gusts at 72 MPH. It was foggy when I left this morning until I reached Mt Washington. Soon after reaching the summit the clouds lifted. It was 34 degrees at 10. It was a great day walking over the Presidential range. Camping at the Osgood tent site. Tomorrow will go into Gorham. Will be out of New Hampshire in a couple of days.
Date: 2010-08-09
From: Pinkham Notch

To: Carter Notch Hut
Miles today: 5.9
Weather: fog

Got back on the trail about 10. It rained over night but had stopped by morning. Another tough climb, this time up Wildcat. We got to Carter Notch Hut around 3:15 and asked if we could do work for stay.   Miles, the hut master, said yes, so we are staying here tonight. Trashman was feeling sick climbing up Wildcat. He thinks he had something at breakfast that made him ill. We had a few drops of rain today, but that was it. As I was hiking today I thought that the White Mts reminded me of an amusement park. With all the people, the huts, the auto road, the cog railroad, and Mt Washington visitor center. Soon after I got to the top of Wildcat and the gondola, there were lots of people and several were attempting to climb down the AT on flip flops. The trail was very rocky and steep.
Date: 2010-08-10
From: Carter Notch Hut

To: Gorham
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: few clouds

Another steep rocky climb up Carter Dome. Had good views of Mt Washington. Slept poorly at the hut. On the trail by 6. Got to US2 by 3:30 and to the PO by 4. Picked up my box. Staying at the Northern Peaks Motor Inn. Hopefully I'll get a good sleep tonight. I now have less than 300 miles to go. Will be in Maine probably on Thursday. The end is in sight!
Date: 2010-08-11
From: Gorham

To: Trident Col Campsite
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: clear sky

Last night at dinner I started feeling queezy. I knew something was wrong when I could not finish all my food. I came back to the hotel and went to bed. Slept pretty good. I probably have not slept straight thru an entire night once on the trail and last night was no exception. We were up early and hitched to WalMart for supplies. I was not hungry and all I had for breakfast was an apple and a pastry. We were back on the trail by 11. I bought a foot-long Subway before leaving town and packed it. I ate about 4" at the trail head. I have no appetite and I feel nauseous. I drank about a half liter of water and I felt bad trying to climb. We decided to take it easy and stopped here about 3:30. I set up my tent and took a nap. Ate the rest of my sub for dinner. Hopefully a good nights rest will help.
Date: 2010-08-12
From: Trident Col Campsite

To: Full Goose Shelter
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: clear sky

Woke up this morning still feeling queezy. Found out later in the day that about 6-7 other north bounders are sick with similar symptoms. Some think it may be food poisoning that we picked at one of the huts. despite not feeling well, I hiked some tough miles today over Mt Success and Goose Eye Mt. Some milestones today including crossing into Maine. YEAH!13 states completed. Also over 1900 miles hiked so far. Sleeping in the tent tonight to try and get some sleep. The shelter looks kind of full and is noisy. Tomorrow we cross the Mahoosac notch.
Date: 2010-08-13
From: Full Goose Shelter

To: Bald Pate Shelter
Miles today: 12.0

Great day today weather wise. I woke up in the middle of the night and was drenched in sweat. Still not feeling 100% but am able to eat. The climb through the Notch was fun. I think the climb up Mahoosac Arm was more physically demanding. It only took 1.5 hours to navigate the notch. Ran into White jeep and Seminole at the Grafton Notch parking lot. They gave us chocolate milk and honey buns. Seminole just finished her thru hike. Sleeping in my tent tonight there is a big camp group here and there is limited tent space. I think I found the last tent space. Saguaro, Sherlock, Trashman, and Akido Joe are sleeping in the shelter. I am wearing ear plugs tonight since several of the camp group tents are close to mine.
Date: 2010-08-14
From: Bald Pate Shelter

To: Andover ME
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Great day today. Fantastic views off Bald Pate. I was on top around 7:30 and spent one hour. 360 degree views. It was pretty easy hiking after that. Got to East B Hill road around 1. Staying at the Pine Ellis hostel. Andover has not changed much in 34 years. Still has a general store and that is about it. A new diner opened across the road this year, so there are two food options. Staying here tonight are Trashman, Saguaro, Sherlock, Akido Joe, and Stagger Lee a section hiker. There are also some others here that may be section hikers but don't know their names.
Date: 2010-08-15
From: Andover ME

To: Old Blue Mt
Miles today: 11.0

Left Pine Ellis at 8:30 and were back on the trail around 9. Hiked with Saguaro, Sherlock and Akido Joe to Hall Mt Leanto. Trashman and I moved on and started the climb up Old Blue Mt around 3. We found a place to camp about 2 miles from the summit and decided to stop because it looked like rain and we did not know if there would be any other places to camp. the wind had continued to blow but no rain so far. The forecast looks like scattered thunder showers for most of the week. It was fairly easy hiking today with a good climb up Moody Mt and the beginning of Old Blue. Tomorrow I will go across Bemis.
Date: 2010-08-16
From: Old Blue Mt

To: Sabbath Day Pond LT
Miles today: 16.1

It started raining last night and continued into the morning. Had some hard down pours around 4:30. It slowed by 6 so I got up and packed up the wet tent. Hiked all day in the fog and mist. It was slippery on the rocks and roots so it was slow going. Got to the lean-to around 4:30. Still foggy so I can't see much around the pond. Can hear loons and moose. Saw the biggest piles of moose dung on the trail about 1 mile from the shelter. No views off Old Blue or Bemis.
Date: 2010-08-17
From: Sabbath Day Pond LT

To: Rangely ME
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Short day today. Easy hiking skirting Little Swift River Pond and South Pond. Still no moose sightings. Got to ME4 around 10:30 and got a ride from the second car that passed. Hung out in Rangely most of the day eating, drying out, going to the post office, and getting on the computer at the library. got a ride to Gull Pond Lodge by Bob the owner around 7. The lodge (Bob's House) is on Gull Pond. Had a shower and did laundry, watched the sunset on the pond. Very relaxing.
Date: 2010-08-18
From: Rangely ME

To: Popular Ridge LT
Miles today: 10.7

As I walked over Saddleback Mt I started to compare my hike to reading a book. everyday is like turning a page, never knowing what lies ahead. Soon the last chapter and the entire book will be finished. The walk over Saddleback, the Horn, and Saddleback Junior was great. The weather was perfect, unlike 2 days ago when I climbed Bemis. But that is the magic of this journey The not so good days make the good days seem that much better. I have been really enjoying Maine. It has always been one of my favorites. I am also liking the relaxed pace we have taken. It is great to spend lots of time on the summits enjoying the views. I am also pumped up that I will be done in less than 3 weeks. As much as I like Maine, I miss Chillicothe even more.
Date: 2010-08-19
From: Popular Ridge LT

To: Crocker Cirque Campsite
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: clear sky

I have completed over 90 percent of the trail and now have under 200 miles to go.   Today was another fairly easy day with climbs up Lune Mt and Spaulding Mt. The weather was fine again. Ran into Boo and Scout on the trail. We had met in Andover. Also caught up with Rafi who we met a couple of days ago. He is tenting here. Tomorrow I will go into Stratton for some R&R.
Date: 2010-08-20
From: Crocker Cirque Campsite

To: Stratton
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: clear sky

Had a thunderstorm around 10:30 last night. Woke up this morning and had about an inch of water at the foot of my tent. My sleeping pad elevated me enough so my sleeping bag stayed dry. Got to the trail head about 10. There was great trail magic there by an '08 thru hiker. As we enjoying our goodies, Sue from the Stratton Motel pulled up to drop off Tup a NOBO. She asked if we wanted a ride so we left the food and went into town. Staying at the hostel which is a pretty nice, clean place. Showered and did laundry then went to the White Wolf Inn for lunch. Had a burger and salad. Went back there for dinner and had the special which was an Alfredo and bacon pasta with grilled chicken, spinach gnocchi, and fiddle-heads. I was intrigued by the fiddle-heads, which are ferns, so I had to try it. It was so good. The hostel was full of SOBOs. Three of them ended up sleeping on the couches and floor.
Date: 2010-08-21
From: Stratton

To: Stratton
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

First zero day since Waynesboro, VA a couple months ago. Didn't do much today except grill some burgers and watch some movies. According to the scale at the hostel, I have lost another 8 pounds but I don't know if that is accurate. In case it is, I spend a lot of time eating. Got a tomato and cottage cheese, pint of Ben & Jerry's, chips, Dr Pepper and Oreos. So far only Trashman, me and Homeward Bound are staying here.
Date: 2010-08-22
From: Stratton

To: Horns Pond LT
Miles today: 5.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Left the hostel around 11 this morning and headed back to the trail. My stay in Stratton was great. Very relaxing and I gained a couple of pounds. It rained during the night and there were still a few raindrops this morning. By the time I started walking there was no rain but the temperature seemed to drop. Had a leisurely climb to the lean to. It was windy, cool, and misty up here. Will be a cold night tonight. Spending the night with Trashman and Jibitz. Haven't seen Jibitz since Bromely Mt.
Date: 2010-08-23
From: Horns Pond LT

To: Little Bigelow Lt
Miles today: 10.2

Cool and breezy this morning. Had fleeting views from South Horn and no views from West Peak and Avery. The weather improved slightly by the time I got to Little Bigelow and I had limited views. No rain today and the sun keeps trying to make an appearance. Passed the 2000 MILE mark this morning. It is hard to comprehend how far I have walked. 2000 MILES is a long way. As I get closer to finishing I have reflected on the journey and how I have felt. Early on I missed Judy and home quite a bit and this in a large part resulted in me hiking faster and longer in order to get done. Going home after 6 weeks for a visit helped immensely. Many times I questioned myself, wondering what I had gotten into. I never thought about quitting, but it may not have taken much to do so. After reaching the halfway point, I knew I could do it. But then the hike started to feel like a routine. Some days all I saw were the rocks and roots in front of me. Getting to Maine changed my attitude. I started hiking less miles. There were fantastic views off some outstanding mountains. I still want this to be over because I want to be home. But I think I will miss the woods and mountains. But probably not enough to do another thru hike.
Date: 2010-08-24
From: Little Bigelow Lt

To: Pierce Pond LT
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: few clouds

Another great day for hiking. Passed by Flagstaff lake and West Carry Pond. Stopped for lunch and a swim at East Carry Pond. The trail was fairly easy with a good tread. Pierce Pond LT is close to the water so it has spectacular views. Going to Harrison's Pierce Pond Camp for breakfast tomorrow.
Date: 2010-08-25
From: Pierce Pond LT

To: Caratunk ME
Miles today: 4.0

Stopped at Harrison's Pierce Pond Camps for breakfast. Had 12 pancakes, sausage, eggs, and juice for eleven dollars. Tim was a nice guy and has a great camp with views of the waterfall and right off the pond and the AT. It was an easy hike to Caratunk. Picked up my package at the PO and then got a shuttle to Northern Outdoors where we will spend the night. This is mainly a rafting outfitter but the lodge has a restaurant, pool, laundry and microbrewery. Not too bad of a place to relax. It started raining soon after we arrived and rained steadily all day. It is good to be inside.
Date: 2010-08-27
From: Northern Outdoors Resort

To: Bald Mt Brook LT
Miles today: 14.7

Beautiful day hiking. Trail was fairly easy with one climb over Pleasant Pond MT. Staying in the shelter with Trashman, Buckwheat, and Piece of Cake. Met several SOBO and passed Warren Doyle. Did not know it was him till I got to the lean to. People often ask me how the trail is different today from the 70s. Up north the biggest difference is the trail use to follow more roads and forest roads. The trail used to go straight up and down the mountain. Today there are more switchbacks so it seems like the trail is easier. Another major difference is the trail magic that is prevalent today. Thirty years ago trail magic was almost non existent. In 1976, I never got a cold soda on the trail from a stranger.
Date: 2010-08-28
From: Bald Mt Brook LT

To: Horseshoe Canyon LT
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: light rain

Started raining soon after I woke. It stopped by the time I climbed Moxie Bald. There were great views from the summit. It was partly cloudy most of the day. Ran into Caribou and his dog Yolo at Moxie Bald LT. Caribou is flip flopping. He got off the trail in NJ because of the heat. It was another great day hiking in Maine. Staying in the shelter with Trashman, Buckwheat, Piece of Cake, and a flip flopper named General Sherman.
Date: 2010-08-29
From: Horseshoe Canyon LT

To: Monson ME
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: clear sky

Saw my first moose this morning. It was in a small stream near the Piscataquis River. It was a young bull moose. It ran before I could get the camera out. It was an easy hike to Monson. Got here about 10:00. Staying at Shaw's. Really nice place. There are a lot of hikers and cars here. Many are out for a few days or section hiking NOBO's. Staying here are Trashman, Saguaro, Sherlock, Akido Joe, Buckwheat, Piece of Cake. Also in town are Tequila John and Tillerman. It got hot today. Temperatures in the upper 80s. We were discussing slack-packing a few days ago. I stated that I made a decision at the beginning of my hike that I would not slack-pack. I wanted to go south to north, carrying my pack, following the white blazes. I have nothing against slack-packing. I think it is the easy way out in many cases. I did not want the easy way on this hike. I want whatever the trail has to offer, good or bad. With a little over 100 miles to go, I have not slack-packed. I have stayed "true to the thru".
Date: 2010-08-30
From: Monson ME

To: Wilson Valley Lean To
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: clear sky

Left Monson around 10 after a great stay at Shaw's. It has gotten hot again. I have not missed the heat. It was a good walk today with some ponds, a waterfall, and some views. Tenting tonight. Staying at the shelter with Trashman, Saguaro, Sherlock, Akido Joe, Buckwheat, Piece o Cake, and Little Brown. Counting the days...8 more to go!
Date: 2010-08-31
From: Wilson Valley Lean To

To: Chairback Gap Lean To
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: few clouds

Summer is back in Maine. It was a very hot and humid day. It was also a pretty tough day with climbs over Barren Mountain, Fourth Mountain, and Columbus Mountain. Staying in the lean to with Tequila John. Also camping are Trashman, Tillerman, and Little Brown. Water was hard to come by today. Drank over four liters. Seven more days to go.
Date: 2010-09-01
From: Chairback Gap Lean To

To: Logan Brook Lean To
Miles today: 17.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Did not sleep well last night. I have not slept well for several weeks. It was hot and humid and windy. Got an early start. Still was hot and humid. Views off Chairback Mt. were limited because of haze. Walked over the rock stairs that Judy and I helped build by Gulf Hagas brook and mountain several years ago. We were planning a easier day today but we felt good and kept going. We now have the big climbs behind us.
Date: 2010-09-02
From: Logan Brook Lean To

To: Antlers Camp
Miles today: 19.6

It looks like the weather will be the big story at the end of my hike. I heard that Millinocket has had record breaking heat for the past four days with highs of 92 to 95 degrees. Today was probably the fifth record breaker. Now it looks like hurricane Earle may directly or indirectly impact me. They are calling for rain tomorrow and Saturday. I have heard various reports about wind predictions, but it will depend on the track the storm takes. Right now the weather looks good for Tuesday. Today we did extra miles in case the weather turns nasty. Plus we wanted to camp at Antlers Camp. It is a very scenic spot on a peninsula on Jo-Mary Lake. Jim and I camped here in 1976.
Date: 2010-09-03
From: Antlers Camp

To: Wadleigh Stream Lean To
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Had a little rain last night, just enough to get the tent wet. The heat continued today and the humidity seemed worse. Hiking was easy today so we decided to stop at White House Landing to eat lunch. Got a pizza and pint of Ben and Jerrys. Ate half the pizza and packed the rest for dinner. Also got some homegrown tomatoes. They were so good. According to Bill and Linda at White House Landing, we are supposed to get up to 5 inches of rain starting at midnight and ending tomorrow afternoon. 4 more days!
Date: 2010-09-04
From: Wadleigh Stream Lean To

To: Hurd Brook Lean To
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: moderate rain

The rain started around midnight just as predicted. It was still raining heavily at daybreak. We decided to head out and left around 9:30. It stopped raining around 10 and eventually the sun came out. The trails were in fairly good condition but there were several stream crossings where the water was high. I had my first sighting of Katahdin from the west end of Rainbow Lake. Had a good view from the top of Rainbow Ledges. Arrived at Hurd Brook Lean To just before dark. The place was full of hikers doing the 100 mile wilderness. I had a hard time finding a tent site, but eventually found one.
Date: 2010-09-05
From: Hurd Brook Lean To

To: Abol Bridge Campground
Miles today: 3.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Had a pleasant walk to Abol Bridge Campground. Arrived around 7:45. The campground was full so we asked to be put on a waiting list. By 9 we had a campsite. I can see Katahdin from our campsite and I am right near the Penobscot River. I can see the rafters going by. It turned out to be a very windy day with intermittent sunshine and raindrops. The cold front must have moved in with the wind because the temperature has dropped throughout the day. By early evening the wind died down so it did not feel as cold as it did earlier in the day. I walked to the kiosk at Baxter S.P. (about 1/4 mile away) to see if I could sign up for a spot at the Birches for tomorrow night. I was able and was number 1 on the list. The ridgerunner, CJ, came by later and said I was all set for tomorrow. So no worries about a place to stay at the park.