morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-08-25
From: Gordon Pond

To: Jeffers Brook Shelter
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: broken clouds

Bounced out in the morning, trying to avoid the deep mud. Lasted about 2 minutes before I feel off a log and went knee deep as I did a split in the mud. But managed to get a washing when displaying my impressive water crossing skills in front of another UNH summer backpacking group at Kinsman Notch. Beautiful climb up and over Moosilauke, and enjoyed my celebratory Seadog Blueberry beer that I lugged from Lincoln. Why is all good beer in bottles? Can someone work on this one for me!?Hung out with a crowd of NOBO's and spied on a young couple up there with two babies. Okay so one was just beginning to walk, so maybe a year old, but the other one literally looked like it just fell out of her. On a mountain. A windy, reasonable cold mountain. For like 2 hours. Hmm. And being a rather tricky mountain, we began to discuss the hazards of hiking with a little one. The younger was in a front pouch on her, and the older in a backpack on him. Lets just say, I began to count my tumbles in baby injuring falls from here on. Well down the mountain to my first meadow!! Then into the shelter where I met a guy and his son out for a few nights. The dad easily carried 70 lbs and 3 knives. In all army surplus gear. I was glad when other hikers began to trickle in... Met up with SOBOs Chomp and half full for a brief moment.
Date: 2009-08-26
From: Jeffers Brook Shelter

To: Hexacuba Shelter
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Relatively fast gentle terrain through the day. A little mist on the Cube, but still managed a few wilderness friendly phone calls. Down to the shelter to share it with two NOBOs, a section hiker, and Half Full and Chomp camped nearby. The latter two shared stories of Yak and the rumors circulating in the trail about me. Apparently he was rather chatty about me, and telling people that he gave me trail wings, and yadda yadda yadda. A cold night in the shelter...not my choice design, the 6 sided shape let the wind whip right through it. Boo
Date: 2009-08-27
From: Hexacuba Shelter

To: Moose Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: clear sky

Cold morning, but nothing I couldn't handle. Stopped and chatted briefly with some NOBO's and was reminded by Two Lions that I had to stop for Ice Cream at the blue house. While I enjoyed my snack, Half Full and Chomp showed up, but I later learned that the Ice Cream Lady never came out and gave them any. From this point on, Chomp started hating my luck. Otherwise, a very uneventful day!
Date: 2009-08-28
From: Moose Mountain Shelter

To: Etna NH
Miles today: 5.1

Nero into Etna, then to the General Store for snacks...my jalapeno poppers obbsession began here. Oh and while I was at the trail head I ran into Nordic. However, I knew him as Mike, the RA from the 8th floor when I was a freshman at UNH. Okay NH, enough with the blasts from the past!Karen from Tiggers Tree House picked me up and brought me to The Tank. Awesome place to stay! Showered, ate lots, watched TV, and met up with Aquafresh, Saint, and ?. Karen is awesome BTW.
Date: 2009-08-29
From: Etna NH

To: Happy Hill Shelter
Miles today: 5.8
Weather: light rain

So in lieu of a torrential downpour, I spend a leisurely morning at Tiggers Tree House. Then got a ride into Hanover to hit the Co-op. However, I discovered a fantastic event occuring, and got sidetracked. Hanover was playing host to Chad's Hero Half Marathon. So I stopped to cheer for the kiddies 1 mile race, then sat in the square and watched as over 1,000 people gathered to break the world record for most super heroes in one place! Now I love me some Spandex, and I was rather gutted that I wasn't part of the event, but I got some crazy photos, so it was all good!I hit up Ramuntos for pizza, and a lovely guy treated me to a free lunch and beers. Then to Ben and Jerry's for pumpkin cheesecake ice cream- and yes I am drooling right now. So with a heavy pack and a tummyache, I head back to the trail. Of course I miss the turn once I cross into VT and manage to follow the race cones for half a mile before I realize my error, but I was in a good mood and didn't mind the detour. Got to Happy Hill Shelter where I assumed the fetal position I became accostumed to along the trail, and began to chat to the lovely Swift. Great guy, and Lulu is a b***h.
Date: 2009-08-30
From: Happy Hill Shelter

To: Cloudland Farm
Miles today: 11.1

Another stalled wet morning, but headed off to the general store in West Hartford. Had some delicious home fries, and enjoyed the company of Bambam, You, and Bearbait. Bambam even played me a song on his harmonica. That was a first, and only, along the trail! Made plans for Labor Day weekend with Emily and Bryan, then headed off to Cloudland Farm. Got myself a pint of the most amazing coffee ice cream I ever had, and stayed in the barn stall for the night.
Date: 2009-08-31
From: Cloudland Farm

To: Stony Brook Shelter
Miles today: 19.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Finally, a bigger day! I was in a slump for a while. Left the farm early, then lunched at Wintturi with Tully and Jungli. Off to lookout cabin, where I sheepishly climbed to the roof for a look. I have a slight issue with heights, but it was well worth it! Met up with a SOBO, Restless, at Stony Brook, then NOBO Spirit Fingers. Wierdly enough, I met SF's aunt on Mt. Washinton, and she wanted me to pass on a hello. He was a little shocked. Dinner was Velveta Shells and Applesauce. And yes, I was carring those damn heavy things from Hanover. And it was worth every bite. Hey when you get a craving, you gotta go for it.
Date: 2009-07-20
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Yes, I am a happy camper! This Thursday, I am getting on a train here in Florida and heading to Maine. I should be climbing Katahdin this coming Sat. morning. I am not sure how far I will be going on this trip. I am hoping to hike as far as Harpers Ferry, and then decide whether I am still enjoying myself enough to keep going. I have hiked all of the trail south of Harpers Ferry so that will probably weigh on my decision. We'll see.
Date: 2009-07-22
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

All of my gear is packed, and I will be headed for the train station tomorrow afternoon. To say that I am looking forward to getting out on the trail again would be an understatement. It has been nearly 2 years since my last AT hike and I am really anxious to get this hike started. Hopefully I will get a chance to meet some of the northbound thru-hikers that are keeping a journal online here. I have been following several of the journals from the class of 2009.
Date: 2009-07-27
To: Medway, Maine
Miles today: 0.0

All the bus rides are over. I am in Medway, Maine and will be picked up in the morning by a shuttle from the Appalachian Trail Lodge. I am staying at the lodge tomorrow night and then will start my hike Monday morning. There were 3 other hikers that got off the bus in Medway and went on in to Millinocket (my destination tomorrow) and will probably start their hike in the morning. I was wondering if there would be other hikers starting around the same time as me. I need to see if I can get a tent site reservation in Baxter State park for Monday night. Otherwise I may have a very long hike my first day. The bus rides today wern't too bad, but I am glad they are over. I am really hoping to get nice weather for my climb up Mt. Katahdin Monday.
Date: 2009-07-27
To: Millinocket
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I arrived in Millinocket this morning and have my reservation for Baxter State Park tomorrow night. I couldn't get a tent site at the base of the mountain so I will be hiking up the Abol trail instead of the Hunt trail. It will mean an extra 2 mile road walk on Tuesday morning but I guess in the scheme of things an extra 2 miles really isn't that big a deal. The weather has been very wet here this summer but it looks as if I should get a few dry days this coming week.
Date: 2009-07-27
From: Katahdin

To: Katahdin
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: light rain

Well I climbed Katahdin today and I have to say, it was the hardest 10 miles I have ever hiked. It took me 5 hours to get to the top and 5 1/2 hours to get back down. The weather was pretty good for climbing but it was too cloudy to get a view from the top.
Date: 2009-07-28
From: Katahdin

To: Abol Campground
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I started hiking at 7am this morning. The trail was flat and much easier than yesterdays climb up Katahdin. I am staying at the abol campground, just outside of Baxter state park. I have been camping and hiking with a nice couple from England. They are hiking for a month. I think they are taking a day of tomorrow so I may get a bit ahead of them for a couple of days. The campgrounds here is decent and they offer a hot shower. Although, it is coin operated and costs 25 cents for 3 minutes. There is a storm coming in tonight. I hope it passes through and is finished before morning.
Date: 2009-07-29
From: Monson

To: Monson
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Well, I am holed up in the town of Monson Maine for a couple more days. I got caught in a huge storm a couple nights ago and the eureka ultra light tent I was using couldn't handle it. My sleeping pad and bag got soaked. I managed to get a ride here to Monson and I'm waiting for a different tent. Since I am waiting for the tent I decided to have my wife send me my other pack. The one I'm carrying is very light but not very comfortable. This hike is taking a long time to get under way. The river crossings have been a real challenge for everyone and I am hoping that the water levels will drop in the next couple days. I got a room at Shaws here in town and these people are great. I highly recommend staying here when in this area. There are alot of northbound through hikers here finishing up their long journey, so there is alot of excitement and trail talk throughout the hostel. Hopefully. It won't be too much longer and I can get my hike under way again.
Date: 2009-07-30
From: Monson

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Still in Monson. The new tent is suppose to be in tomorrow. I have my kelty pack being sent also. Shaws is a great place but I am getting a little stir crazy. Dawn, one of the owners, invited me to church so I went. Nice little church with very friendly members. Today would have been a great day to hike. The weather was perfect. There are quite a few northbound thru-hikers coming through this area. They have less than 200 miles left on their hike.
Date: 2009-08-07
From: Monson

To: Horseshoe Leanto
Miles today: 9.0

Finally got out of monson today. It was supposed to be a nice day but it ended up raining most of the afternoon and is raining right now at 5pm. I had one river to ford today that wasn't too bad, about knee deep but the one tomorrow is suppose to be waist deep. I'm not looking forward to that one. My new tent is keeping me dry, so I should sleep good tonight. Looks like I am going to be the only one at this shelter tonight. I've been in Maine over a week and have only hiked 29 miles, that is bad. I hope things improve for this trip.
Date: 2009-08-08
From: Horseshoe Leanto

To: Moxie Bald Leanto
Miles today: 9.0

Had really great weather today. It must have been in the low 70,s with a nice breeze. I ended up having 2 water crossings today but they weren't too bad. Both were about thigh deep and only one had a fairly fast current. I did another 9 mile day today. I actually got to my tent site around 2pm. I probably should have done a few more miles but this is a really nice spot and I hate to pass it up. I am meeting more and more northbound thru-hikers who are about to finnish their long hike.
Date: 2009-08-09
From: Moxie Bald Leanto

To: Pleasant Pond Leanto
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: overcast clouds

The weather was great today, but it was a tough 13 miles. I started at 7am and didn't finish until 5:30. Still a lot of mud on the trail which slows me down. So far the new tent is great, even though it weighs a couple lbs. more than the last one. I can't seem to get my hiker appetite going. At the end of the day, food doesn't even sound good. I have to force myself to eat. If I try to skip a meal, I have no energy to hike. I should be in Stratton in a few days for resupply. Maybe I can find some different food that will be more appealing.
Date: 2009-08-10
From: Pleasant Pond Leanto

To: Caratunk Maine
Miles today: 6.0

Turned out to be a lazy day. I found out from another hiker that there was a Northern outdoors rafting business just 2 miles off the trail at Caratunk. They have rooms for 35 dollars, a resturant, swimming pool, and hot tub. Life is good again. My appetite came back and with a couple showers and clean clothes I feel human again. Oh, and the 6 miles I did do was flat and easy. Great day on the trail.
Date: 2009-08-11
From: Caratunk Maine

To: Pierce Pond leanto
Miles today: 4.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Lazy day today. I got a shuttle back to the trail at 3 pm and crossed over the Kennebec river in a canoe that ferry's hikers twice a day. The first shelter after the river crossing is only 4 miles in but there is a guy that lives close to this shelter that serves a 12 pancake breakfast. So this is where I stopped. Only saw one other person on the trail today and he is sharing the shelter with me. I usually tent but there is no flat ground and only rocks and roots. It is located right on the edge of a lake and the bugs are suppose to be bad here. We will see.
Date: 2009-08-13
From: Carry Pond leanto

To: Safford Notch campsite
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: broken clouds

Real tough 12 miles today. I went over little bigalow today and have the rest of the bigalows tomorrow. I met about 8 north bounders today but I am the only person in this campsite for the second night in a row. The weather was great today and it is suppose to be good again tomorrow. Tomorrow is going to be another tough day.
Date: 2009-08-14
From: Safford Notch campsite

To: Cranberry Stream Campsite
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: few clouds

Today was a very difficult day. I had planned on doing 10 miles, then hitching into the-town of stratton, but it took me 9hrs. To hike 8 miles. I will go into town tomorrow for resupply. I may have to rethink my miles per day if every day is this tough. On the upside, the weather was perfect, and the views were fantastic. This is the third night in a row I am camping alone. I know I smell bad but so do they.
Date: 2009-08-15
From: Cranberry Stream Campsite

To: Stratton
Miles today: 2.0
Weather: clear sky

It was a short 2 mile walk to the road going into Stratton, then a 5 mile hitch into town. I lucked out and didn't have to walk far before getting a ride. I am staying at the stratton motel & hostel. A diner-is right across the street. Time to get some real food in me.
Date: 2009-08-16
From: Stratton

To: Stratton
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I decided to take a day off here in town so I could take my time getting resupplied and eating as much town food as I can get. I still don't have an appetite on the trail and I need to figure this problem out. Don't seem to have a problem with town food. I really need to find a place to do laundry.
Date: 2009-08-17
From: Stratton

To: Crocker Campsite side trail
Miles today: 8.0

I and 3 other hikers got a ride back to the trail head from the lady who owns the motel. Today was pretty tiring but I've had worse. Tomorrow is going to be the problem. I either have to do 6 miles or 14 miles. Neither distance is desirable. I will have to wait and see how I feel after the first 6 miles. I'm at my campsite for the night and again it looks like I will be here by myself tonight
Date: 2009-08-18
From: Campsite

To: Old Railroad Bed
Miles today: 11.0

A few hikers came in late last night so I didn't have to camp alone. I had decided to try for 14 miles today but the sun started going down on me so I had to find a place to pitch my tent. A northbound hiker told me about this place and it will do just fine. I have a good water source and fairly flat ground. Not sure what I will do tomorrow since I am 3 miles short of my plan. Adding it on to tomorrows hike will make the day too long. I am going over the saddle backs, which was suppose to be tomorrow. Might end up doing a really short day tomorrow , then doing the saddlebacks the next day.
Date: 2009-08-20
From: Poplar Ridge leanto

To: Campsite short of rangely
Miles today: 9.0

I was worried about this 9 miles today. Hikers had been telling me for a couple day that this day would be really tough. It turned out that it wasn't bad at all. In fact, it turned out to be one of my best days yet. Going over the saddle back offered some of the best views of the trip. There was a fairly long ridge with amazing sights. Good views make the miles go easier. Tomorrow, 2 miles to the road to Rangley, then a 9 mile hitch into town.
Date: 2009-08-21
From: Campsite short of rangely

To: Rangely
Miles today: 2.0

It was an easy 2 mile walk to the road leading to rangely, but there was road construction where the trail crosses the road. It was hard getting a ride in the middle of road construction zone, so I started walking. I was beginning to think I was going to have to walk the whole 9 miles to town when the owner of the stratton motel picked me up. For a variety of reasons, I have decided to end my section hike here. I have met some great people, and seen some awesome country. Now, back to family and friends.
Date: 2009-01-17
From: Birmingham, Alabama 

To: SORUCK - Nantahala River
Miles today: 0.0

Featured speaker Gene Espy - 81 years young.The exciting book, The Trail of My Life: The Gene Espy Story, showcases Gene Espy¢s life full of adventures including hiking, bicycling, spelunking, boating and motorcycling. From an early age, this Eagle Scout, Georgia Tech graduate, and U.S. Air Force aerospace engineer explored the world around him just for fun. The highlight of all his adventures was his 1951 Georgia to Maine solo hike of the entire Appalachian Trail which made him the second thru-hiker. Gene is a pioneer among the currently 10,000 hikers of the entire trail, encountering much more solitude, wilderness, and difficulties in his hike than today¢s hikers.
Date: 2009-04-16
From: Ice Water Spring Shelter

To: Newfound Gap
Miles today: 3.0
Weather: clear sky

Bill dropped me off about 10:30 at Newfound Gap and he headed off to S.C to visit brother and sister-in-law before he starts his "mancation." Today is the first day thruhikers have seen the sun in a week so they were excited. I couldn't believe my luck starting out on such a pretty day. I got to the shelter about 1pm and there were three section hikers staying for the night. Since this shelter is so close to the Gap there are a lot of day hikers that stop just to see what a shelter looks like. Lots of fun sharing stories and meeting people. Sharing the shelter were thru hikers Naneek, Rugged Shark, Hot Feet, 2 Pack, Honey Do and Up and Adam.
Date: 2009-04-17
From: Ice Water Spring Shelter

To: Pecks Corner Shelter
Miles today: 7.4
Weather: clear sky

I Shared the shelter with thru hikers Shameless & Ace. Also, there were 3 section hikers. I enjoyed all their company and I know they will have fun hiking north. The Three Stooges stopped for an early break. They are brothers from Holland thru hiking this year.
Date: 2009-04-18
From: Pecks Corner Shelter

To: Cosby Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: broken clouds

I shared the shelter with Wrath, Two Pack, Hatchet, Blink, Match Stick and Lucky Star.Two pack borrowed the Trail Maintainers axe and cut up a large amount of wood.It was cold at night and the fire in the fireplace was very nice.
Date: 2009-04-19
From: Cosby Knob Shelter

To: Cosby Knob Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

We woke up to rain and I decided to zero in the shelter. Everyone left except Wrath and me. He kept a fire going all day and during the night. Thank you Wrath and Two Pack. Blackbird and Charlie (Ernie) came in out of the rain to share the shelter and the fire.
Date: 2009-04-20
From: Cosby Knob Shelter

To: Standing Bear Hostel
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: light rain

Blackbird and I arrived at Standing Bear Hostel about 1pm before the rain started. Curtis and Maria were preparing a hiker feed party for about 100 people. A pig had been roasting since 7am and they had enought food for 200 people. I helped out in the kitchen with Maria, her mother and cousin. It was fun getting to know everyone. They had a bluegrass band play music until 12 and everyone had a great time. I shared the cabin with Alamo Rose, Catfish, dog Haley and Blink was upstairs in the loft. This was my third time at the hostel and somehow I always manage to get the cabin. Thank you Rockhound!
Date: 2009-04-21
From: Standing Bear Hostel

To: Elmer's Hostel -Hot Springs
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

I yellow blazed to Hot Springs! Curtis shuttled three of us here this morning and dropped us off at Elmer's. We couldn't believe our luck that Elmer had room for us. Everyone said he was booked for weeks. If you don't show up at Elmer's by 11am he will give your spot away. I know the people that came in later will be upset. Jeannie Wren and husband Chris are working for Elmer for a few months and it was good seeing her again. I met her last spring at Ron Haven's place. We did our laundry together and we both remembered each other. Sonshine and I dropped our gear and went across the street to the diner and had a great lunch. Then we walked to the outfitters to buy a few things. Sonshine went to the post office while I came here to the library to try to update my journal. My time on the computer is up. We had a great dinner cooked by Elmer & Senica. I think there were 18 in the dinning room at two tables. My table mates were Elmer, Sonshine, Rugged Shark, Drew, Tom from Holland, etc.
Date: 2009-04-22
From: Hot Springs

To: Spring Mtn. Shelter
Miles today: 11.0

I shared the shelter with K-Bar, Nature, Soundtrack, Coyote and dog Boomer. There were a lot of people tenting and they enjoyed a fire. I think this was my coldest night so far.Meagan & Scooner stopped for an early dinner before moving on up the trail.
Date: 2009-04-23
From: Spring Mtn. Shelter

To: Hemlock Hollow Hostel
Miles today: 5.3

I stopped by Fal & Hercules house around 10am and stayed until 12:30 visiting and eating. Some of the people were there that I had told about the trail magic.The 3 stooges, Highlander, Meagan, Scooner, Paul, Martha (Mom & Son), K-bar, Nature, Soundtrack (provided music on the piano and can sing!) I hiked a couple of miles to Hemlock Hollows and spent the night. This is the 3rd time I have been here and I love the gourmet coffee & teas. Also, sitting on the porch watching the water in the stream. I read a book I had been carrying and what a relaxing evening. Drew set his tent up by the stream later.I had the bunk house to myself and it was a very nice night. Hattie went to the hen house and got me 3 eggs for breakfast. They were very good with the free coffee Hattie provides. Thanks Fred & Hattie for another nice visit from the trail.
Date: 2009-04-24
From: Log Cabin Road

To: Jerry Cabin Shelter
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: clear sky

I ate my breakfast in the bunkhouse and then had coffee with Hattie and Captain Kanuckles before leaving with Fred for the trail head. He shuttles you to the trail free since they are about .9 away.Captain Kanuckles came in the day before with two friends. They are thru hikers and Captain Kanucles made his own backpack. Great job! I met Spoonman and dog Dagney at Jerry Cabin Shelter. He thru hiked in 2005, but didn't climb Katahdin until 2006. He was about 2 weeks ahead of me and summitted with Mapman & Robin.Two Pack came in to share the shelter. He built a nice fire to keep the bugs away.Also, he uses the fire to cook his dinner.