morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2019-07-16
From: Pierce Pond

To: Mount Katahdin, Maine 
Miles today: 16.0

Last night was beautiful with moonlight on the water and cool temperatures. I got one of the best night¢s sleep that I could remember in a while. We left later this morning as we only had about 4 miles to trek to make it to the Kennebec River and would only be able to cross between 9am and 2pm. Upon reaching the Kennebec River at about 8:30, we waited for the ferry operator to come and pick us up. The ferry is a canoe. The ferry operator crossed the river, dropped 2 southbounders off and took RALI and Me across to the north shore. After the second trip with southbounders, Ben and another northbounder came across. The crossing only took about 10 minutes and the canoe and operator are provided as a measure of safety to prevent fording due to treacherous river conditions. The ferry guy explained that there is a strong and very cold undercurrent and as a result some have perished in an attempt to ford the river. Once together again we walked a short distance to the Caratunk Bed & Breakfast in Caratunk, Maine. There we got a large milkshake and did our resupply which will enable us to make it to Monson, Maine. We climbed Pleasant Pond Mountain which is at an elevation of 2470 feet. That¢s pretty respectable when starting at 520 feet, especially given the warm weather today. RALI, Ben and I trekked a total of 16 miles today and are stealth camping at the 2052.8 AT mile northbound.
Date: 2019-07-17
From: Mile 2052.8

To: Mount Katahdin, Maine 
Miles today: 24.7

It rained during the night or early this morning. I¢m not sure when or for how long. I do remember waking to the sound of rain on my tent, but was too tired and unphased that I just went back to sleep. This is quite a contrast to earlier in my journey as I would have sat up to make sure my vestibules were closed and all was okay. We hit the trail at about 5:20 with warm humid and still weather. It was one of those mornings that I knew it would rain, it was only a matter of when. Soon we began our ascent to Moxie Bald Mountain and after a climb which seemed to take forever, we summited to a beautiful view. Although extremely overcast, there were several rain shafts in the distance along with sun rays shining through. As always on these summits the wind blew hard and soaked with sweat, we moved on. We descended for some time before reaching the Piscataquis River. I sat on a rock and removed my shoes to put my water shoes on. As soon as I did, the flies, mosquitoes and gnats obviously saw this as fresh meat. I quickly attached my shoes to my pack, donned my pack and forded the river. When I reached the other side, and while putting my shoes back on, it began to rain. If I¢d known this, I wouldn¢t of changed shoes, but then again I would have cheated many of insects.We trekked on and it rained hard for over an hour soaking us to the core. Our original plan was to make it to Horseshoe Canyon, but with the rain I made the decision that I was going all the way to Monson, regardless of what RALI or Ben had in mind. The rain continued intermittently and the remainder of the trek was difficult as we had to slow up a lot with the wet slate, rocks and roots.At about 5:00pm and on our final descent to Maine 15 to meet a shuttle to take us into Monson, Maine, RALI warned us be careful on the slick slate. He was the first to fall. I was so happy that was going to be able to dry out and reset in preparation to continue this journey. We ended the day trekking 24.7 miles and sleeping tonight at Shaw¢s Hostel. It was definitely another day on the trail to remember.
Date: 2019-07-18
To: Mount Katahdin, Maine 
Miles today: 0.0

I woke up this morning at my usual 4:30 after a peaceful night¢s sleep. It did take a while to fall asleep last night as my legs were restless and my feet ached. Yesterday¢s rain ushered another weather system in with cooler temperatures and less humidity. Shaw¢s Hostel has been operating for over 40 years and is one of those ¢go to places¢ for hikers. Breakfast was incredible with 3 eggs, bacon, home style fries and all you can eat blueberry pancakes. Once again, it¢s easy to differentiate between NOBOs and SOBOs. The SOBOs are buzzing about, Tigger like, while the very few NOBOs are more low keyed, out of site and taking every opportunity to rest.I¢ve grappled over the last couple of days over whether to replace my shoes. New Hampshire and Southern Maine have been rough on the soles and they¢re heavier with all the shoe goo and super glue repairs. With that said, I visited the in-house gear shop. They don¢t carry the Hoka brand, but I did try on a pair of Salomons and the difference was real. I hid them and walked back up the hill to the shoe rack to reassess my current pair of shoes. The tread on the soles was worn substantially and when I pressed my thumb into the sole tread I was surprised at how little resistance there was. I then did the math and realized that I had 500 hard miles on this pair, having gotten them in Bennington, VT when Geralyn and Christine visited. I¢ve worn Salomons before and was pleased with their fit and performance so was comfortable with the decision, but still a little apprehensive about changing at this stage of the trek. Similar to other outfitters along the trail, the prices are fair and consistent with internet shopping as the owners are former thru hikers themselves. The remainder of the day was spent resting and eating as the promise to myself was to take two full days off.
Date: 2019-07-19
To: Mount Katahdin, Maine 
Miles today: 0.0

Had another great breakfast on my last day at Shaw¢s Hostel. The staff here is nice and extremely accommodating. Tomorrow I embark on the 100 mile wilderness where rest and resupply are not options. Signage and literature suggest 10 days of food, however to carry that I¢d have to pull a wagon behind me. I¢ll take 5 days of food in anticipation of coming out of the 100 miles then. I¢ll post my journal sometime afterwards. Wishing my Rachael a Happy 33rd Anniversary today. Asking her to marry me remains the best decision in my life. Her saying ¢I do¢ remains my biggest blessing.
Date: 2019-07-20
From: Maine 15 Trailhead 

To: Mount Katahdin, Maine 
Miles today: 19.1

Posted on July 25.Our stay at Shaw¢s Hostel was great allowing me to refuel and rest, but it was time to move on. I coordinated with Poet for an early shuttle back to the trailhead which would allow him to get back in time to handle his breakfast responsibilities. We made it back to the trailhead at 5:35 and began hiking. The weather was warm and humid with little to no breeze. After a short distance of hiking we reached a pond where a Loon was singing her morning song. It was light, but the sun was not up yet. We forded the Big Wilson Stream and continued on.The trail today was moderately difficult until the last five miles when it became extremely strenuous. The trail, combined with the 95 degree heat made it difficult and caused me to have to stop several times to eat and hydrate during a long steep ascent. It was all I could handle, but once again and like I¢ve told myself several times, it was another mountain that I wouldn¢t be climbing again, ever.We made it to Cloud Pond and tenting there after hiking 19.1 miles. The campsite was crowded because a trail maintenance crew was camping there. Although tight, it was a place to sleep after a very long day.
Date: 2019-07-21
From: Cloud Pond

To: Mount Katahdin, Maine 
Miles today: 18.6

Posted on July 26.Once again tenting near a pond made for a cool, but humid night. The tenting areas were hard to come by as there was a trail maintenance crew at the same site. Although the crew has a base camp canopy for cooking, they sleep in individual tents. We headed out at about 5:20 and it took a while to walk the 4 tenths up the blue blaze trail back to the AT. This was not due to the distance, but because of the rocky and boulder cluttered blue blaze trail. The weather was still and warm and it wasn¢t long before I was as soaked with sweat as I was at the end of yesterday¢s trek. By 8:00am a heavy rainfall hit. Although I could hear thunder in the distance there was no lightning close by. The raindrops were big and it wasn¢t long before I was drenched to the core. This lasted for an hour or so, but once the rain ceased, the trees in the forest continued dripping for at least an hour longer. The positive aspect of being soaked is that I didn¢t have to stop and put on my water shoes to ford the two rivers. I just kept walking.The second volley of rain came at about noon and once again, it was heavy and lasted for about an hour. At 1:30pm we finally stopped for lunch. We all sat on individual rocks about 10 feet apart, thoroughly soaked and no one said anything. We only took about 10 minutes and set out again. By late afternoon, the skies had cleared and my spirits were lifted.The trail was difficult today as we conquered the Chairbacks with several ascends and steep descents made more difficult by driving rain, slick rocks and roots as well as a lot of mud. Holding up at a shelter was not an option as the food I¢m carrying will get me through this 100 mile wilderness in 5 days, with none to spare.At about 5:00pm we reached the Sidney Tappan campsite where we are tenting tonight after hiking 18.6 miles. At dinner we talked about the challenges of the day and tomorrow¢s goal. While eating, it became cloudy again and there were dark blue storm clouds once again in the northwest. I finished eating quickly, retrieved my socks, shoes and a few other things I had hanging in tree branches and made it into my tent as the rain started again. I had to close my rain flys as I had everything open, optimistic that we had dealt with the last of the rain for the day. Fortunately the rain only lasted for about 30 minutes or so. While in my tent, I went through my nightly ritual of putting things in order, then setting aside tomorrow¢s lunch and snacks. I then pull out my AWOL guide to figure the mileage accomplishment for the day and look at the elevations for tomorrow. I attempted to journal, but was unable as my fingers were so waterlogged from being wet all day that my phone wouldn¢t respond to touch, so I went to sleep. At 11:00pm I was awakened by what I thought was thunder, but was an airliner flying overhead. I went to the bathroom, then opened my tent flys as the air felt slightly cooler and to reduce condensation inside. I took time now to complete my journal for the day.
Date: 2019-07-22
From: Sidney Tappen Campsite 

To: Mount Katahdin, Maine 
Miles today: 25.0

Posted July 27By 3:00am the remnants of the July 16th full moon was shining brightly through my tent. It was beautiful and regardless of what sort of day I¢ve had, there is always something significant in nature that¢ll happen which reminds me why I¢m out here. I awakened at 4:30 and began packing up while eating my honey bun and protein bar. Normally I get dressed first, but was in no hurry to put on my wet clothes. At 5:15 we headed out. We immediately ascended up to Hay Mountain and then White Cap Mountain where the first view of Mt. Katahdin is possible. There was no chance of that this morning due to the clouds and fog. Approximately 6 miles later we climbed Little Boardman Mountain. At the summit, we ate lunch and I enjoyed my first of Maine¢s wild blueberries. I was beginning to get concerned that I would complete this trek prior to the blueberries ripening. Upon our descent the trail began to level out. With the exception of a few rocky areas, bogs and a couple of streams to ford, the trail was flat and forgiving. The weather today was much improved with a low of 57 and a high temperature in the low 70¢s. I pushed hard so that we could get to camp early enough to dry out our tents before setting up. RALI, Ben and I finished the day trekking 25 miles and tenting at the Antlers Campsite on a peninsula that extends out on a large pond.
Date: 2019-07-24
From: Rainbow Spring

To: Mount Katahdin, Maine 
Miles today: 11.2

Posted July 29. I was awakened last night by what I¢ll describe as a loon festival. At about 11:00pm, the loons on the pond approximately 100 yards away began singing. I grabbed my phone and recorded an audio clip of the singing. Although loud, it was so peaceful and added to the serenity of it all. I stuck my head out of my tent, resting it on my inflatable pillow and looked up through the breaks in the tree canopy at the millions of stars overhead. It¢s moments such as this that can¢t be captured with a camera, but something you¢ve got to experience first hand to truly appreciate. Within an hour, I drifted back to sleep as the two 25 mile days on rough terrain had taken it¢s toll. I got up this morning, packed up and Ben I were on the trail for 5:15. The terrain on the trail had not changed, but our demeanor had as this was our last day in the hundred mile wilderness. We hiked on and after about 8 miles the trail became significantly more pleasant. The rocks and roots had become less prevalent and the trail was lined with pine needles making it spungy and easy on the feet. By 10:00 we crossed the Penobscot River on the Abol Bridge which offered another spectacular view of Mount Katahdin. The feeling of seeing this mountain getting closer is indescribable and continues to stir emotions. A short distance later we reached the Abol Campground covering 11.2 miles. We immediately went to the camp store and bought a coke and chips. We visited again with Goat and Aqua Man until the little restaurant opened at 11:00. While eating, we talked about the loons last night and once again about the incredible encounter with the bull moose. I was happy that Goat and Aqua Man also saw the bull moose. About an hour or so later, RALI joined us. Although he did not get to see the bull yesterday, he did encounter a cow  and a calf moose on the trail this morning at really close range.RALI, Ben and I are sharing a small cabin, similar to a lawnmower shed in a backyard, at the Abol Campground tonight and will trek the 10 miles to Baxter State Park tomorrow.We completed the 100 mile wilderness in four and a half days and I finished with a handful of cashews in a bag and a honey bun remaining in my food bag. My pack is the lightest it¢s ever been.
Date: 2019-07-25
From: Abol Bride Campground 

To: Mount Katahdin, Maine 
Miles today: 9.9

Posted July 30.We hung around the Abol Campground until the restraunt opened at 7:00 as we got breakfast free with our night¢s stay. By 7:30 we were back on the trail and a few tenths later, I was crossing into Baxter State Park with the two guys I agreed to hike the Whites with back in New Hampshire. We hiked the 9.9 miles to the Katahdin Stream Campground where I did a recon for my return later. RALI, Ben an I then hitched a ride to Millinocket. For the first time on this journey, the first vehicle we encountered picked us up. We loaded up and all expressed our appreciation to the driver. When the lady learned that we left Georgia in March and hiked all the way to Maine she became extremely excited, telling us how honored she was to be in our company. She then asked me to tell her about the trek. I responded with a few stories, but ultimately told her that I had not yet had time to fully process or understand yet what I¢ve accomplished.We arrived in Millinocket where we checked into the Appalachian Trail Lodge. I¢ll lay up here until joined by my two sons Jeffery and David as well as a very close friend David Staton. Although the wait will be difficult, the experience and memory of completing this journey and climbing Mount Katahdin with these men will be extremely memorable and forever in my heart.
Date: 2019-07-30
To: Mount Katahdin, Maine 
Miles today: 0.0

Since arriving in Millinocket last Thursday, I used this time to rest, eat and relax. I remain in hiker mode, waking up early daily, going for long walks and enjoying my time in the morning at the local diner. I love old fashion diners as they have a certain personality of yesteryear when times were much more simple.I spent a fair amount of time at the Millinocket library down the street where I am constructing the conclusion to my journal on one of the guest computers. It¢s phenomenal how fast I can write using a full-size keyboard and a computer screen as opposed to my cellphone while sitting in my tent.I also met by a friend, Mike Edes who is retired from the Maine State Police. He took me out to lunch and then to the grocery store to pick up a few things as eating out at restaurants gets old. It was great catching up with him.Although I feel as though I have been in God's best Cathedral over the past several months, I attended Mass. It was good to formally re-connect with my faith. The priest and I had a long conversation about my experiences on the trail and I relayed the sense of peace that I've felt, as well as the self reflection along the way.After discussions with other hikers, I was curious about the number of steps I've taken on this journey. As a result, I walked the Millinocket High School track to estimate my walking pace count. Of the four quarter mile laps, I derived an average pace count of 535 steps per quarter mile, times four equals 2140, times the 2192 mile length of the Appalachian Trail. Therefore, I estimate that I've taken 4,690,880 steps to complete this journey. This estimate is based on flatland walking on a paved surface, not climbing and sidestepping rocks and roots. This combined with the "sideways mileage" as I've referred to before, such as taking wrong turns on the trail, walking miles into town, walking to get water and "in town walking" to eat and resupply, I figure that I have taken over 5 million steps.Tomorrow will be my last day alone here as my sons and friend will arrive during the afternoon. I will sharpen my mind and prepare for "Game-Day" and the culmination of this journey.
Date: 2019-07-31
To: Mount Katahdin, Maine 
Miles today: 0.0

I woke up this morning excited as this was my last day at the Appalachian Trail Lodge. I checked out at 10:00 and waited in the park until I could walk the 920 feet down the street and check in to a house that my sons rented for our stay together. I have not seen these two since I left back in March and I¢m looking forward to the reunion as much as the actual climb of Mount Katahdin. I was also looking forward to seeing my ole friend David. David and I have worked together and around each other for a long time and he¢s become a great friend and confidant, always telling me what I need to hear versus what I want to hear. In my opinion, the marquis of a true friend.The boys and David arrived at about 23;30pm and the reunion was everything I dreamed it would be. We hugged and talked about for some time before heading out to the grocery store and then to dinner. We discussed our hike tomorrow to ensure everyone had what's needed physically and mentally to make the climb.Afterwards we prepared our packs in anticipation for the early morning departure to Baxter State Park. I¢m beyond excited and ready!
Date: 2019-08-01
From: Katahdin Stream Campground 

To: Mount Katahdin, Maine 
Miles today: 5.2
Weather: mist

We arrived at Baxter State Park for the 6:00am gate opening and drove the gravel road another several miles before reaching the Katahdin Stream Campground where we¢d launch from. The weather was cooler than it had been, but the humidity was noticeably lower. The first mile or so of the trail was forgiving, however that soon changed as things became more difficult. Soon I stowed my trekking poles and began scrambling, using my hands and feet.We eventually trekked the 5.2 extremely difficult mile trek to an elevation of 5267 feet and summited Mount Katahdin. The powder keg of emotions I¢d been carrying, especially today, were hard to keep in check. I walked up to the Katahdin sign, grabbed it on both sides and place my head against the sign. The months of adversity, beautiful scenery and every other indescribable feeling now collided with reality. I had completed this incredible adventure. This journey that included 121 days of actual trekking on the trail was now over. As I embraced the sign, I heard my younger son David asking day hikers to step away so that my oldest son Jeffery could take photos. David explained that I was completing my thru-hike. A few people clapped and I eventually composed myself. I then climbed up on the sign frame and took the traditional photo of a successful thru-hiker while standing above the sign. Afterwards I hugged my sons and friend David, so excited and proud to spend this once in a lifetime experience of being with me for the completion of my journey. Their presence made the culmination of the journey that much more special and for that I'll be forever grateful. After eating lunch at the summit, we began the trek down. I went ahead of my sons and David because I needed to register as a thru-hiker with the park rangers. I attempted to when we set out, but the ranger station was vacant. Upon making it down the mountain, I registered as number the 180th thru-hiker to summit Mount Katahdin for the 2019 season. I will soon be home and begin the reintegration back to my life as I once knew it and with the people I love. In the coming day or days, I will post my conclusion on this trailjournals.com/tank2019 site. I¢m uncertain if there will be conclusion tab or if the program will carry it in succession on my journal.
Date: 2019-06-07
From: Route 7, Berryville, VA

To: Start of trail at Route 7
Miles today: 0.0

Woke up with a stiff neck, the start of a headache and a cramp in the left leg. Steve stepped on a rusty nail and cut a half inch gap in his left foot at the base of his great toe. The worst of it is, we haven¢t even started our hike. Mercy. Thought about pushing my Garman SOS, complements of Jackson.  I cleaned and dressed Steve¢s wound with iodine and applied antibiotic ointment and a bandage on it. At this point He did not want to entertain a lighter load or shortened walk. We¢ll see. Carrying 35 to 38 pounds each. Way too much. Most of it is food and water. How heavy is a pound of ice cream anyway? We¢re not out of the woods yet.  But then, we haven¢t even stepped in them! Let¢s see where this day leads us. Start of Day 1.
Date: 2019-06-07
From: Route 7

To: Blackburn AT Center
Miles today: 8.0

The Blackburn AT Center houses trail crew and holds mtgs, seminars and retreats. Chris B, Manager kindly offered plenty of trees to hang our hammock and good water from their well. Along the way we saw maple, sassafras, hickory, pawpaw, tulip poppers and sumac trees. Red raspberry, wild blueberry and wild grapes, mountain laurel, dogwood and ferns. Nothing in bloom, except for bergamot, which I could only smell-amazing aroma. We up-roosted a turkey and white tail deer, saw two black ants arm wrestling and a centipede walking 100 feet a second -much faster then me. Drank from a stream shared by a frog, walked over rock cropping and through fields of fern. Passed several day hikers and some through hikers-Torch, Goodwill and Brock. It was physically hard, but then the 1st day always is. Ate oatmeal for breakfast, power bar for snack, pb and tortilla for lunch and instant something for dinner. Drank pedialite after dinner drink and Ibuprofen for bedtime. 5 other hikers in camp. We set up one hammock which worked well until 2AM when I moved my sleeping bag to the picnic table. Birds up at 5AM. We rolled out at 6:30AM and on trail by 7:30AM.  No water for 15 miles! Need to pack all the water we can. So much weight. But, I think I look thinner. :)