morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-07-06
From: Katahdin

To: Katahdin Stream Campground
Miles today: 5.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Today I started my flip flop from Katahdin back to Duncannon, PA. Starting from the summit of Katahdin requires climbing Katahdin; the ultimate approach trail. The day started clear and a little bit cool; a perfect day for hiking. The first part of the hike was steep and aided by many rock steps and a few short switchbacks. Soon it got even steeper with lots of rocks, roots and some muddy places. After an hour or so I emerged above the tree line. The sun was bright and the views were awesome with forests and ponds far below and cliff faced mountains all around. Above the tree line it got really steep; mostly a boulder scramble that, in some places, became a technical climb. Following the white blazes was essential as it showed the route (sometimes aided by iron bars embedded in the rocks) to take. After summiting (yes-at first I thought this climb was to the summit) this section I came to a flattish area perhaps a mile across called the Tablelands strewn with boulders and large flat rocks that the trail wove through. In the distance I could see another steep pile of boulders that I assumed was the real summit of Katahdin. As I started across I noticed clouds billowing up the sides of the Tablelands from who knows how far below. They looked like a huge wave lapping at the plateau I was on. As I walked, some of the clouds spilled over onto where I was walking, but they were not thick enough to make it hard to see the trail. After crossing this I started up the boulder pile to the summit. Three or four times I thought I was there only to see another, higher summit ahead. Then I finally saw the iconic sign at the top and knew I had made it. By now the visibility was less than a hundred feet. I took pictures of the sign and the cairn and another hiker and I took pictures of each other at the sign. Then the long climb down began. It was nearly as difficult as the climb up and not made easier by the two dozen or so hikers climbing up. When I arrived at the campground Kathy noticed a walnut sized lump on my left arm between my elbow and shoulder in an area where I had had surgery in the past to bypass a clogged artery. Because of the location we were worried it was a rupture of a vein or artery or some other horrid problem. We packed up and drove off to get medical help. Several hours and multiple doctors later we were told it was probably cellulitis, given a prescription and told to return in 48 hours. So much for hiking tomorrow. We went home and had a glass of wine before heading to bed.
Date: 2016-07-09
From: Grafton Notch, ME-26

To: East B Hill Road
Miles today: 10.3

At yesterday's follow up with my doctor he agreed I could continue hiking but asked me to hike as close to home and medical help as possible. So, instead of hiking 3 plus hours from home near Katahdin I will hike near the NH border (which is much closer to home) and head north from there before coming back and heading south for Duncannon. Today's hike started in a cold, misty rain with a forecast of increasing rain and an afternoon thunderstorm. Not a great day to hike but I need to get going. The hike started with a steep, slippery climb of 2200 feet to the top of Baldpate's West peak. Besides mud there where lots of loose rocks and more than enough tree roots to contend with. Near the top, above the tree line, I had to climb a very steep, very wet and slippery and very exposed rock bald. My trekking poles were useless and my ball cap in danger of being blown from my head so they both went into my backpack. Without my cap, and despite my rain hood, I soon couldn't see through my water streaked glasses so they went in my pocket. It took a long time of carefully placed steps but I finally got to the top. Once over the summit the trail plunged 300 feet to an Arctic Bog crossed by a series of boards. It was beautiful even in the rain and I can only imagine how wonderful it would be to be there on a nice day. From there the trail ascended another 400 feet to another rocky bald at the summit of Baldpate's East peak. This was even more exposed and slippery than the previous. It required lots of hands on the rock climbing and occasionally even hands and knee crawling to get up it. At the top visibility was almost zero and it was mighty windy. I wanted to get to a lower elevation and out of the weather as quickly as possible but, instead, had to carefully inch my way down over the slippery rocks. In all, I was on the two balds for more than an hour. When I finally got back below the tree line, aided in several spots by well placed ladders, I almost welcomed the rocks and roots under my feet. At the bottom of a gap I came to Frye Notch Lean-to where I had lunch and talked to a dozen south-bounders drying out their gear. The rest of the hike was muddy and slow but not terribly difficult until the rain picked up and the wind started howling. I was drenched to the bone when I finally spotted Kathy and the Vanagon at East B Hill Road. By then my arm ached and we decided to go home and give it a day of rest before hiking again.
Date: 2016-07-11
From: East B Hill Road

To: South Arm Road
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: light rain

This morning when I started hiking it was nice and cool with lots of clouds and no rain. By mid morning the sun broke through and the temperature rose into the 70's. It was great hiking weather. The trail started with a very gradual 1270 foot climb up Wyman Mountain. Long stretches of ponded water and ankle deep mud on the trail made the going slow and treacherous. Where the trail was not flooded it was nothing but a mix of tangled tree roots and rocks; something I guess I will have to get used to here in Maine. Half way up Wyman Mountain I stopped for a snack at a very pretty little pond; Surplus Pond. After summiting Wyman Mountain the trail dipped then climbed Hall Mountain where I had lunch at a lean-to. From here the trail plunged almost 1600 feet in less than half a mile to Sawyer Brook. The steepness and slipperiness of this descent made it particularly nasty. By the time I was at the bottom I had slipped several times, had two bloody scratches on my legs and mud on both arms and legs. After washing off the worst of the mud and applying some bandages to my scrapes I started climbing Moody Mountain. This climb was just 1300 feet but was terribly steep; even steeper than the previous descent. I packed up my trekking poles and climbed hand over hand most of the way up; often having to stop and study the next section before committing to a way up. Thank goodness there were a dozen or so well placed iron rungs at particularly steep places. At the summit I took a long (15 minute) breather before starting on the long, much more gradual and easier, descent to South Arm Road where Kathy and the Vanagon waited. We spent the night in the van in the driveway of some dear friends and neighbors summer home in nearby Bethel Maine.
Date: 2016-07-12
From: South Arm Road

To: ME-17, Oquossoc Maine
Miles today: 13.2

Today was another great day for hiking; sunny, mid 70's and no humidity. The trail was starting to dry up as well with water and mud levels down enough that I could see many of the stepping stones to help cross wet spots. The trail started with a steep climb, up 2200 feet, to the summit of Old Blue Mountain. This climb was straight up in many places with no switchbacks to make it easier (come to think of it - I have seen very few switchbacks so far in Maine). There were lots of stone steps and a few iron rungs along with tree roots and rocky crevices that helped negotiate the steepest sections. The views on Old Blue (going up, at the top and going down) were simply wonderful with mountains, lakes and forests as far as I could see. The climb down from Old Blue was every bit as steep and difficult as the climb up but descended only 600 feet to a ridge that went on for six miles. The ridge was a mix of bog, steep rocky ups and downs, and muddy pools of water so that, despite having no huge climbs, the going was very slow. Half way across the ridge I summited Bemis and Bemis Second Peak; both had wonderful views of the surrounding wilderness. After these mountains the trail headed very steeply down 1400 feet to Bemis Stream. Bemis Stream was my first real "ford" on the AT. The stream was wide (probably 30 feet), fast and, luckily, only knee deep at the deepest. It was also the first time that it dawned on me that "ford" meant "wade" (duh...I should have known that). The crossing was tricky but not very difficult and when I was across the mud was gone from my trail runners. A half mile past the ford I met Kathy and we went to a local campground for the night.
Date: 2016-07-13
From: ME-17, Oquossoc Maine

To: ME-4, Rangeley, Maine
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Nice weather again today although it got pretty hot, I'd guess the mid 80's, during the afternoon. The trail, for the first time in Maine (and probably quite a while before Maine) didn't start off with a tough climb; only a routine 400 foot scramble to a ten mile long ridge line. Once on the ridge the trail kind of meandered over several easy ups and downs and near five different ponds; Moxie Pond, Sabbath Day Pond, Little Swift River Pond, Chandler Mill Pond and South Pond. The ponds were all beautiful but very different from one another. A couple had small swimming beaches (I was very tempted but didn't take a dip), one was vey small and one was very large, one was surrounded by bogs and all had loons. The trail between these ponds was much easier than in the past few days with long sections where I could walk without leaping over pools of water, tripping over tangled tree roots or scrambling up slippery rock faces. There were many extended board walks over lovely (as long as you are not walking ankle deep in water through them) bogs and several climbs and descents on fairly uniform stone steps. Overall the hike was quite pleasant and had me feeling like I could survive this trail through Maine after all. When I got about a mile from the trail head I met Kathy and we walked to the van together. Once at the van we headed for our home, now only 90 minutes away, to clean up, resupply and spend the night.
Date: 2016-07-15
From: ME-4, Rangeley, Maine

To: Barmjam Road
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: broken clouds

This morning we left home very early and arrived at the trail by 8:00. The weather was very nice all day long; not too hot and breezy. The hike started with a long climb gaining more than 2500 feet; the first half gradual and the second half very, very steep. At the high point there was a 2 mile (each way) side trail to the summit of Saddleback Mountain which I passed (I had too many miles to go to be adding non AT miles and, besides, I have seen hundreds of awesome views these last three and a half months). From there the trail dove 800 feet before climbing another 600 feet to the summit of The Horn ( I suppose a saddle needs a horn ) then down another 1000 feet before ascending another 800 feet to the top of Saddleback Junior ( that made it three summits ). All of these climbs were wicked steep with lots of rock scrambling but the views made it worthwhile; they were awesome. The 2100 foot climb down from Saddleback Junior to Orbeton Stream was pretty slippery and took a long time. Orbeton Stream was another ford ( wade ) but thankfully it was only calf deep and the rocks not too slippery. Then, as if to top off a long hard day of climbing, the trail rose another 900 feet to Where the trail crossed Barmjam Road. A half mile walk down this gravel road and I caught a shuttle to a local hostel ( the road was way too bad for our van ) where I spent the night. The hostel was an off the grid place, the Hiker Hut, with nice hosts, a hot shower and clean bunks; I highly recommend it.
Date: 2016-07-16
From: Barmjam Road

To: Caribou Valley Road
Miles today: 9.1

Another nice day today; warm not hot, breezy not windy and little humidity. The trail started hard with a steep 1000 foot climb to the summit of Lone Mountain where there were wonderful views. From there the trail followed a rocky ridge for nearly two miles before climbing another 800 feet almost straight up ( apparently Maine has decided that switchbacks add too much trail maintenance for they are rarely used here ) to the NW shoulder ( within 50 foot of the summit ) of Spaulding Mountain. After descending 400 feet I came to a large vertical slab of granite where, in 1987, a bronze plaque was placed commemorating the completion of the last section of the AT between Georgia and Maine. I hadn't realized until I read it that the trail ( then 2054 miles versus the current 2190 miles ) wasn't completed until 1937 and was built in large part by the Civilian Conservation Corps which existed from 1935 to 1939. From this plaque the trail plunged steeply, very steeply another 1500 feet to the South Branch Carrabassett River; another forge which I managed to rock hop across without getting wet. Soon after the river I came to Caribou Valley Road where Kathy and our van were waiting. We drove to a primitive ( no services except a pit toilet ) campground where we spent the night.
Date: 2016-07-17
From: Caribou Valley Road

To: ME-27, Stratton
Miles today: 8.3
Weather: clear sky

Today was pretty darn nice with temperatures in the low 80's and a constant breeze. Surprise, surprise, the trail started today with a steep climb, this one over 1800 feet, to the summit of South Crocker Mountain; another mountain with great views of other mountains near and far. The wind was fairly howling up there; strong enough that I had to loop my ball cap strap through my sternum strap to keep it from blowing away. From here the trail dropped about 300 feet before climbing an even higher, even windier North Crocker Mountain. After North Crocker the trail gradually, but not without the occasional steep section, descended over 5 miles and almost 3000 feet to ME-15; about 5 miles west of Stratton, Maine. Here Kathy picked me up and we went to the same primitively state campground where we had spent the previous night.
Date: 2016-07-18
From: ME-27, Stratton

To: Safford Notch Campground
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Today I started very early, just after 6:00 am, to try to beat the severe thunderstorms forecast to roll into the area at 2:00 pm. The day started cool and breezy and turned almost cold and very windy as I rose in elevation. After I started down, soon after noon, the temperatures and the humidity rose so it became uncomfortable. Today started with a wicked hard climb of over 2900 feet in less than 3 miles with many, many steep sections that caused me to pack away my trekking poles for the rest of the day. The first peak I reached was South Horn at 3831 feet. This summit, as were all of the three summits I would climb today, was entirely above the tree line and had several acres of slabs of weather worn granite covering them. The views here and at the other two summits were great; probably the best I have seen on the entire AT so far. From South Horn the trail dipped about 500 feet before climbing another 800 feet to Bigelow Mountain west peak at 4145 feet. Because it was above tree line and because the howling wind kept me from wearing my ball cap, the sun bore down on me something fierce. After Bigelow west peak the trail dipped again then rose again to Avery Peak; named after the man who, more than anyone else, changed the northern terminus of the AT from Mount Washington to Mount Katahdin. From Avery Peak the trail plummeted 2000 feet to Safford Notch Campground where Kathy and I spent the night in our Vanagon.
Date: 2016-07-19
From: Safford Notch Campground

To: Long Falls Dam Road
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: overcast clouds

This morning it was very cool, almost cold, when I started hiking and turned warm, not quite hot, in the afternoon. The sun shone all day; all in all a great day for hiking. The trail started with an easy climb of 700 feet to the summit of Little Bigelow Mountain and and then along a mile long rocky ridge before descending 1800 feet to the outlet of Flagstaff Lake. Once down to lake level the trail was much more forestry with several long sections of pine needles, sand and lots of tree roots; that sure beats the rock strewn, muddy trails I have been walking for the last couple weeks. The terrain was also much flatter with 300 to 500 foot hills replacing 700 to 2000 mountains. There were also several crossing trails that led to various ponds, streams and local attractions. Kathy met me about a mile from Long Falls Dam Road and we hiked together to the van. We had supper at a pub in Caratunk and spent the night in a local camping area.
Date: 2016-07-20
From: Long Falls Dam Road

To: US-201,Caratunk
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: broken clouds

Today was a nice day all around. With the exception of climbing an unnamed (at least in the guides) 800 foot mountain, the trail was nearly level and maybe even a bit down hill most of the day. The trail was still not easy to walk on with tree roots, rocks, mud and long, skinny planks ( mostly 8 to 10 inch wide slices of tree) to pay attention to. The stars of the day were the ponds that I passed; they were all gloriously pristine. I stopped when first approaching them and searched for moose (they somehow all seemed like places a moose would want be). I passed Great Carrying Pond, East Carry Pond, Pierce Pond and Otter Pond. I also passed by a wooden plaque briefly telling the story of The Great Carrying Place; the 1775 Arnold Expedition portage route. The AT follows part of that route. The climax of the day was the canoe portage across the Kennebeck River; the only only part of the AT that a hiker gets to "ride" on. After the ferry it was but a short hike to meet up with Kathy. We spent the night in the Vanagon.
Date: 2016-07-21
From: US-201,Caratunk

To: Moxie Pond south end
Miles today: 11.9

Today was another good day for hiking; sunny with temps in the 70's. Today was also a two breakfast day. The first, in the Vanagon, was my usual 2-3 bowls of corn flakes, OJ and coffee. On the way to the trailhead we stopped at an outfitter/eatery to use their internet to check the weather. When we got inside and I smelled the food on the grill I was suddenly very hungry again. I ordered and easily consumed thee eggs, hash browns, sausage, toast and coffee. That nearly filled me up. The hike today started with a long climb up nearly 2000 feet (that's 200 stories without nice even steps and handrail) to the summit of Pleasant Pond Mountain. The final half mile of the climb was really steep going up 1100 feet with many rock and root scrambles. The views at the summit were wonderful and the winds fierce. The descent was long and not nearly so steep as going up. At Moxie Pond south end there was a gravel logging road that Kathy had somehow managed (it often took more than 50 miles of driving on some pretty questionable roads to go from one end of a day's hike to the other) to find and was waiting for me. We spent the night in the Vanagon.
Date: 2016-07-22
From: Moxie Pond south end

To: Bald Mountain Road
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: clear sky

Today it looked like rain when I started hiking and, sure enough, it was raining on me within thirty minutes. Even though the rain lasted only an hour it was plenty long enough to soak me and slicken the trail. The first three or so miles was a gentle upward grade but that ended rather abruptly at the base of Moxie Bald Mountain. This was a tough, steep climb,up 1300 feet, with rock and boulder scrambles, not made any easier by the rain. At the summit I was rewarded by some excellent views of neighboring mountains. The climb down was, if anything, steeper than the climb up. Just below the tree line I stepped onto what appeared to be a "no-slipp-um" rock (most rocks in Maine are granite and have a rough surface which allows my trail runners to grab well on even when they are a little wet and the surface is slanted up to 45 degrees) and BANG I went crashing straight down landing right on my tailbone. Usually when I fall I land on my back and my backpack takes the brunt of the fall but this time I fell straight down. After falling I rolled off the trail and down a couple of feet off of the rock onto some of that thick spongy moss so prevalent at these elevations. The minute I stopped rolling I got real clammy and almost sick to my stomach and my tailbone screamed at me in pain. I waited a few minutes before scrambling back on to the trail then took vitamin I's and headed on. At first every step hurt but after a while it got better and only hurt when I jolted my back with an extended step. I took my time, less trusting of my steps, and eventually made it all the way down. Once down it was a 4 mile easy and painful hike to Kathy and the Vanagon. It was a pretty miserable night but I fell asleep from pure exhaustion.
Date: 2016-07-23
From: Bald Mountain Road

To: ME-15, Monson
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: clear sky

Today I started very early to try to beat predicted afternoon thunderstorms. It was warm and humid right from the get go and only got warmer and more humid as the day went on. My tailbone was extremely sore as I started hiking but bothered me less and less as the day went on to the point where it only really hurt when I had to take a big step up or down. The trail today was mostly flat but it was littered with tree roots. I guess that trees growing where the bedrock is covered by only a few inches of soil need to put out a lot of roots and, when there a so many trees as here, it means lots and lots of roots. After only an hour on the trail I had to ford the West Branch of Piscataquis River and, after another three miles, the East Branch of the same river. I kind of like fording as it gives me a bit of a rest on both sides changing shoes ( I carry Crocks as camp and fording shoes ) and the cold water makes my feet feel good. The only real climb today, and it wasn't a big one, was near the end of the day; up a 400 foot hill with lots of loose rock. I got to ME-15 just as it started to rain but before I had a chance to get very wet Kathy was there with the Vanagon to pick me up. We went to Shaw's hostel in Monson where I was checked in and shown around while she did a load of my laundry ( a pair of socks, sock liners, underpants, shorts and a shirt ). We had supper at a local BBQ joint with good draft beer before she left for home and I retired to my room. Tomorrow will be a zero day to rest my body and get ready for the 100 mile wilderness.
Date: 2016-07-25
From: ME-15, Monson

To: Wilson Valley Lean-to
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: light rain

Today was another hot, humid day and, for the first time in a long time, there was not even a little breeze. I was sweating after only a mile or so. Today the trail was a seemingly endless series of small, 50 to 150 foot, ups and downs which, if I were to add them all up, would have totaled 2500 feet or more. This constant up and down along with six days of food on my back (I weighed my pack at Shaw's before I left and it came in at 29 pounds; not as much as some people carry but more than I am happy with) made for a tiring day. Also, without mountain summits, there weren't any of those great views to reward me for my efforts or cool me off with their strong winds. It was hot, humid and very quiet (almost eerie quiet; there weren't even birds singing) most of the day. I started wondering if this wasn't why they call this area the "wilderness". Just before I reached the Wilson Valley Lean-to I had to ford Big Wilson Stream and, because several times I slipped on the rocks on the bottom and nearly toppled into the water, was glad no one was there to watch my gyrations. As I got to the lean-to storm clouds came rolling in so I decided to spend the night there instead of in my tent. By bedtime three other hikers had joined me and we went to sleep to the sound of rain on the lean-to's metal roof.