morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-07-05
From: Monson

To: Stealth West Branch of Piscataquis
Miles today: 12.0

Her Dudeness, Nightingale, and I were dropped off at the trail head by an alcoholic chef named Chris. Chris wanted us all to stay longer, but we all needed to hit the trail. The trail was nice and flat, which was unheard of in the 100 mile wilderness. A couple of trail maintenance guys recommended a camp spot about 12 miles away. We picked up some stragglers, and by the time we reached camp our numbers totaled 5.I am just going to go ahead with this statement: Nightingale is the best hiking partner that I have had the privilege of packing with this far.In real life Nightingale's name is Becky, and she is an ER nurse who is currently relocating to Seattle. Beck is about the same age as I am. She has a way of making statements about herself that come off as both humble and proud at the same time. She will just casually mention that she competed in an ironman, or that she gets a legacy entry for a certain marathon because she has ran it 9 times. Never once were these things said boastfully thought, which might be the most amazing things about the accomplishments. We also shaved our heads together on the 4th...for freedom.Backpacking is a solitary thing. Talking with someone breaks that up, but sometimes you just want to be left with your thoughts. Nightingale and I could have a very in depth conversation for two hours, and when the silence hit we gave each other distance. We could remain together but separate at once. In fairness we both seem to be struggling with similar things in life right now, so conversation came easy. It was excellent to talk about those things, and I miss her perspective. She ended up having to wait around in Caratunk for an extra day, so I'm currently ahead of her.
Date: 2015-07-06
From: Stealth West Branch of Piscataquis

To: Bald Mountain Brook Lean-to
Miles today: 10.0

I hiked alone for the first part of the day, and then ended up hiking with Nightingale from Moxie Bald on. Moxie Bald was very beautiful, and since Nightingale and I had just shaved our heads we took some commemorative photos beside the summit sign. The hike down was nice and easy going, and I enjoyed the company.Eventually we made it into a pretty full lean-to site. Most of us tent or hammock camp anyways, so it wasn't that big of a deal. Muffin Man had taken a side trail, so he had beat us to the shelter, but missed an awesome summit. On that topic...Muffin Man, whose real name is Colton, hails from the great state of Wisconsin. He recently graduated with a degree in electrical engineering. He paid for school by running his own tree removal company. I still have some student loans, so I have a fair amount of respect for someone who can run a company, and use the proceeds to pay for it.Muffin Man's trail name comes from baking muffins and biscuits every night around the campfire. A homemade biscuit will put you in a pretty darn good mood after walking all day. Muffin Man softened me up on the purist approach. Originally I had wanted to carry my backpack to every white blaze on the trail. Muffin Man has been known to blue blaze, and he warmed me up to the idea of slackpacking, which I will probably do in the whites. I respect the purist route, but have met some NOBOs that have held on to it too dearly. Some of them were a bit preachy, and I decided that it was in my best interest to at least try some slackpacking.Muffin Man and I hike at around the same pace. I take uphills faster, but he goes faster on the downhills. It's pretty consistent that we end up meeting up for lunch at a lean-to, and then hiking the rest of the day together. Colton is very up front and honest, and is always up for a good conversation. This has worked out for me pretty well because I keep to myself in the morning, but am energized by a good afternoon talk. He's been a great hiking partner because we approach trail towns and mileage the same way.I have pictures of these people, but I am going to need to get that sorted out at the next trail town. You can hunt and guess in my instagram for people if you want to.
Date: 2015-07-07
From: Bald Mountain Brook Lean-to

To: Caratunk, ME
Miles today: 14.7

I did my traditional take my time around camp so I can hike by myself thing today. It really suits me, and I don't think this habit will change. I ended up running into Muffin Man during lunch. After lunch Muffin Man and I came some NOBOs from Qu©bec. Really nice guys, and they gave us the weather forecast for the day. We were informed that it was supposed to start thunder storming at 6:00 PM, so we made the choice to book into town. We covered the about 6 miles in around 2 hours, which is a pretty good pace for us.We almost immediately got a hitch to the Sterling Inn from a couple of rafting guides. They earned some Karma on that day, because the second they picked us up it started to rain...good people. The Sterling Inn is around 200 years old, and is quite beautiful. Upon a recommendation from the owner we got dropped off at a place called Three Rivers for dinner. It was an awesome pub, and we lucked out because they had a deal on unlimited tacos for 8 buck. They also had dollar bud drafts. As Muffin Man and I demolished tacos and beer the rain started coming down. We recognized that we had done the correct thing.The bad side to this is that I am now ahead of Her Dudeness and Nightingale. I really enjoyed hiking with them and also our stay in Monson together. I really hope to see them again sometime.The night ended with us demolishing a six pack while watching a documentary about mobsters. It was strange to see a TV, but it was pretty relaxing. Today was a good day.
Date: 2015-07-08
From: Caratunk, ME

To: West Carry Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I am fai9ling miserably at this journal thing. I am currently 5 days behind, so I am going to start at the present, and work my way back. The 4th of July on might have some pretty short and simple entries.Breakfast was included in the stay at Sterling Inn, which made the charge of 25 buck per bunk a great deal. I managed to remember to give the glasses from Moxie to the owner. Their resupply was also pretty good, and I stocked up on sodium rich products for lunch. I have been sweating quite a bit, so I need the salt...plus Cabot Seriously Sharp Cheddar is awesome.Zach from the Inn dropped us off at the trail head at around 10:00 AM. The official path of the AT is to use a canoe ferry service to cross the Kennebec river. After the crossing I ran into some friends that I thought had been hiking a few days ahead. The trail can be kind of strange like that. At any given time the people you are looking for can just be one shelter away.All of us agreed to make it to the same shelter, an it was nice to make the 15 miles and hear their trail stories at the end of the day. NOBOs often make fun of us because we still make fires...but fires are nice, and I hope I never become to extreme to not want them. Their are some pretty good peaks ahead tomorrow, but I still hope to make 15 miles to another campsite.
Date: 2015-07-09
From: West Carry Pond Lean-to

To: Safford Notch Campsite
Miles today: 12.6

It looked as if I would actually get out of camp early this morning, but I ended up having a conversation with Wildcat in the lean-to. We talked of many things, and eventually he gave me a very nice present in the form of a quarter or a piece of paper. On the paper was the Desiderata, which is an old poem. I have read it a few times today, and it has given me some wise things to contemplate.I still had to break down my tent, but by now I have become a pro. I prefer my tent to shelters because it feels like home to me. When it is raining, or I want to get an early start on the day I stay in shelters.Utagg, Muffin Man, and myself ended up walking together for the first 7 miles today. We made really goot time, and I ended up sharing some of my traveling stories to pass the time. I really felt like just being alone, but after a few miles I was glad for the companionship. We passed the 2000 mile mark together, and took a few photos. Mostly the marker is for NOBOs to let them know how far they have come. It isn't quite as exciting when you realize you have 2000 miles to go, but a sign is a sign.My right ankle was bothering me, so I contemplated calling it a day at the first shelter. A good lunch and Ibprofen ended up changing my mind after about 45 minutes of rest. Muffin Man and I continued on at a slower pace, and after a couple of hours we ran into Utagg again. The three of us made it into camp at around 6.LB and Chill Pickle were already set up, and somehow they convinces us to split a hotel room with them in Stratton tomorrow. Tomorrow is going to be a very difficult 10 miles of climbing a series of peaks. The shelter mileage is laid out kind of funny, so our options were hike 7 miles, go into town at 10 miles, or hike 17 miles. Muffin Mand and I both agreed that 15 bucks apiece for a hotel room is worth it. Somebody mentioned the word burger and that pretty much solidified my choice.We ended the day drinking tea by the fire. As I watched the sun sink down behind Avery Peak I couldn't help but think how content I feel doing this. The Desiderata might be something that I have glanced at before, but it is the only that I have to read, because I sent my kindle home. As I reread it I feel a calm take over me, and I smile as I type this. Simplicity breeds serenity.
Date: 2015-07-10
From: Safford Notch Campsite

To: Stratton, ME
Miles today: 10.4

This section of mountain range is known as the Bigelows. It is composed of three peaks, the biggest of which is Avery. Avery is named after the gentleman who wrote the original paper that led to the eventual establishment of the Appalachian Trail.The climb from camp to Avery was a pretty good one. The elevation rose 1900 feet in a little less than 2 miles. The view from the top of Avery was the that I have encountered so far on the trail. As I stood on the top of the peak with the wind blowing up my kilt I felt a bit like the Highlander.The rest of the climb was very nice, and the scenery was probably the best I had see so far. The pain of climbing and descending eventually starts to fade away after some time. Your feet become accustomed to the punishment. It also helps out when you figure out how to maximize your breaks, and how often you should take them. In a way it makes the process of pain systematic, which allows you to just enjoy your surroundings while continuing to pound out miles.The Bigelows end at Horn Pond Lean-to, which is by far the nicest area that I have seen. I found Muffin Man and Chill Pickle there, and we all had a very pleasant conversation with a woman named Teach...who is a teacher...probably not in creative writing.Chill Pickle took off a bit early, which left Muffin Man and I hoofing the 5 miles out together. We lucked out and immediately got a hitch from an old guy in a beat up Ford Ranger. The back of hist truck had a W '04 sticker on it. I don't think much changes around rural Maine.We got into town and eventually found LB. He informed us that all of the hotels were booked, so the cheape route kind of died. Luckily, the hostel was only 25 bucks a person. I had lots of things to do, but instead of doing them the crew ended up day drinking PBR, and bullshitting with NOBOs.A fancy restaurant had a fish fry special, so we wandered down and ate fish until we all felt like dying. A smarter group of people would have called it a night, but unfortunately for them I got the hankering for the pub across the way. We spent the night figuring out who could sing karaoke and who couldn't. I didn't end up singing, because I was to busy getting destroyed at pool by a group of lesbians.This town stop was uncalled for really, but it was nice to hang out with the crew. Well all know that we will have separate more for the upcoming Whites of New Hampshire. Spending a random day together is nice. Even if that random day will generate a hangover.A note about the drinking. It doesn't really take much to get a hiker drunk. We mostly wander about dehydrated, so coming into town and drinking a beer generates a pretty healthy buzz. Normally liquid calories are bad, but since starting the trail I have lost 21 pounds, so I take what I can get. When you find tall PBRs for 2 bucks at a place you have a couple because the calories help. Also beer is great after sweating for 4 or 5 days.
Date: 2015-07-11
From: Stratton, ME

To: Crocker Cirque Campsite
Miles today: 7.3

Waking up knowing that you have to hike isn't that bad. Waking up hungover knowing that you have to hike is miserable. Luckily good breakfast fixes that for the most part. The name of the breakfast joint was the Loose Moose, and it was most excellent.Muffin Man and Itis brought their packs, so they were going to hitch out from there. We all went back to the hostel to put together our stuff. Chill Pickle and Utogg went out next. LB and I went to hitch out about 10 minutes later. LB and I are both pretty big guys. I say all of this because LB and I were the first to get a hitch, which is a very satisfying thing.At the trail head we ran into Wildcat and John Snow. I t was great to see them, and I explained that we would be in Rangely in 3 days. Hopefully they catch up with us. I have taken to calling the loose collection that is our group "Wildcat's Misfits."The hike was not fun. It was mostly up hill, and I was still very much hurting in both my ankle and my spirit. Luckily the miles were short, and we ended up camping in a really beautiful valley. Chill Pickle had picked up stuff for smores, and I had brought hot dogs. We ate a dinner fit for 8 year olds, and all was right with the world.
Date: 2015-07-12
From: Crocker Cirque Campsite

To: Poplar Ridge Lean-to
Miles today: 14.2

When I woke up Itis and Chill Pickle had already left camp. LB was just about to head out. This is a normal thing for me because I rarely get out of my tent before 7.I ended up hiking alone for half the day, and then met up with Muffin Man for lunch. There really isn't much more to say about the day. It was a difficult 14 miles, but my feet didn't hurt that much, so I think they are finally getting tough.I fell behind again on journaling, so I'm not going to write much about the day. Instead I am going to write about my buddy Utogg.Earlier that day Utogg, Muffin Man, and I were drinking coffee around Utogg's tent. Utogg stated that he was to take a zero day and would catch up with us in a few days. Wilderness zeros aren't really normal, but then again neither is Utogg.Utogg, whose real name is Ted, was named by his girlfriend because he exhibits many caveman like tendencies. I could leave the explanation of him to this, and you would get a really general idea of who Utogg is in the wilderness. He is the resident fire maker of the group, and often states things like, "Utogg make fire."Like most things in life Utogg is more complex than meets the eye. He had lived all over the US, was in the army, and is pretty gifted at writing. When he makes a statement, profound or not, the excitement of his voice reminds me of a child opening up gifts on Christmas morning. When he asks a question it is because he is really interested in the answer. One simple question from him had led to hour long talk about subject you would not expect a man named Utogg to know anything about.Utogg exemplifies the spirit of the trail. I have really fancy gear, and Utogg makes due with whatever. I lost my knife, and he gave me his spare. I am much happier with my Utogg blade because it reminds me that simple is good every time I use it. Utogg's pack probably weights twice as much as mine, and Utogg probably complains half as much as I do. He is without a doubt one of the happiest people that I have ever met.I'm very happy to count Utogg as part of my trail family. There is much I could from someone like him.
Date: 2015-07-13
From: Poplar Ridge Lean-to

To: Piazza Rock Lean-to
Miles today: 8.9

Today was a very impressive day of practically going nowhere, and this was all done by going very slow. I didn't manage to get out of Poplar Ridge Lean-to until 11. I really enjoyed my day, and managed to take my time climbing the Saddlebacks. It was a beautiful day, and I am glad that I took my time enjoying it.When I got into camp a bunch of mileage hikers were comparing their times...as this doesn't interest me I went and just laid down in my tent. About an hour later Utagg showed up. He wilderness zeroed the day before, and managed to hike 20 some miles to catch up. I was in the process of gold-bonding my nether regions so we had a 30 minute conversation through the wall of my tent. To some this might be weird, but the trail has a way of normalizing awkward situations.It was a nice relaxing day, and we had laid up a mile and a half from town.
Date: 2015-07-14
From: Piazza Rock Lean-to

To: Rangeley, ME
Miles today: 1.8
Weather: light rain

Utogg, Muffin Man, and I explored the caves early the next morning that Piazza Rock was known for. They were mostly just fallen over granite blocks, but they were still pretty interesting. Also of interest was the privy. Piazza's privy is famous because it is actually a two-holer. This is a term popularized in the great Northern states, so Muffin Man and I had a few laughs over it. Go watch "Escanaba in the Moon Light," if further clarification was needed.The walk into the highway was pleasant, and getting a hitch was pretty easy. Utogg continues to believe my success in hitch hiking is due to my kilt and nice legs...compliments are few and far between on the trail, so you take them whenever you can.Muffin Man went to the Hiker Hut, while Utogg and I ended up at the Farmhouse (this is a great hostel). We resupplied at the IGA (A REAL GROCERY STORE), and ran into Itis, Chill Pickle, and LB. We picked up things for dinner, and were happy to go spend some time with the rest of the gang.I'm writing this from about a week and a half ahead, so there were many other things that happened that evening. The gang got together for bowling, which was awesome, and then Muffin Man and I got into some shenanigans with local women. Most of us ended up in the place we intended to be at, and that was the end of that night.
Date: 2015-07-15
From: Rangeley, ME

To: Rangeley, ME
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

I had a glorious zero day today. I'm not going to go into great details, but I spent quite a bit of time at the local library, which was gorgeous. Wildcat and Nightingale also showed up the night before, so we all went out for lunch together. Wildcat was interviewed by the local paper for being a trail chaplain, which I will write more about some other time. Nightingale and I were also interviewed due to our association with Wildcat. This was probably a good thing because Wildcat is very much a humble, wise hiker, and rarely talks about his good deeds or accomplishments...both of which are very impressive. They ended up taking off later that day, but I was sure that wouldn't be the last I saw of either of them.Other things happened...too long ago. I am super bad about this sort of thing.I would just like to add that Rangeley is such a nice little town. It's very welcoming to hikers, and the location is absolutely beautiful.
Date: 2015-07-16
From: Rangeley, ME

To: Sabbath Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 9.6
Weather: light rain

Muffin Man, Utagg, and I went and got breakfast down the road from the Farmhouse. While there we met two really awesome NOBOs from Arkansas. They were twins hiking the trail together, and they went by the names of Folklore and Link. Both the conversation and the breakfast turned out to be good.Muffin Man went back to the Farmhouse, and Utagg and I went to pick up a new pair of shoes, which is a pretty big thing for a hiker, so Utagg was stoked. We also stopped by a store that let you switch out Darn Tough socks that had warranty failures. I ended up picking up a lightweight ankle brace too. We still had 30 minutes before the library opened, so Utagg and I went for some AM gelato, which was excellent.The Rangeley library is such a great place. It is almost 100 years old, and the building is beautiful. The very first room contains bookshelves filled with early editions. I love the smell of old books. It is by far one of my favorite things. The librarians are great, and they let hikers use the computers past the 30 minute limit.We finished up, and then went and got Thai food. The cook helped get 4 American out of Tehran during the hostage conflict in Iran. He had a really cool story, but more importantly made some excellent Pad Thai. You probably notice from here on out that much of my town writing will revolve around food. My hiker huger has definitely set in. I have lost 23 pounds in a little over 3 weeks, so I eat whenever I can.We hit the IGA for some last minute resupply and then went up to the Farmhouse. The last shuttle to the trail had already left, so we had expected to hitch to the trailhead, which was 9 miles away. Shane, one of the owners of Farmhouse, told us he would take us anyways, because he was heading that way.The trail was relatively flat, but I felt the effects of massive amount of consumed town food. I took more time that I should have going 8 miles, but the walk was pleasant. Willow, Pabst, and Phlatlander were at the lean-to. We had hung out with them at Farmhouse. Also present were a couple of NOBOs.We always bring food to cook in the campfire the first night out of town. We asked the NOBOs to join us, and they were very thankful. I slept in a Lean-to for the fist time since the 100 mile wilderness. All-in-all it was a good day.
Date: 2015-07-17
From: Sabbath Pond Lean-to

To: Black Brook Campsite
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I woke up today rearing to hike some miles. I had felt bad because I had told people we would be doing 18 miles out of town, but due to the late nature of our departure we managed much less than that. I told myself that I would to the 21.1 to the next shelter.I practically flew the next 8 miles to a lunch spot, and then in typical AT fashion the trail got difficult. I soon began to realize that 20 miles days at this point in my can happen, but you really need to hit the trail at 7...not 9. Utagg ended up passing me, and Muffin Man caught up to me on a downhill that was ridiculously steep, and seemed to last forever. We all agreed to camp before our agreed upon destination, and not attempt to summit two more peaks before nightfall.That was a damn good choice.
Date: 2015-07-18
From: Black Brook Campsite

To: Hall Mountain Lean-to
Miles today: 4.1

We woke up to some rain. It was light, but the three of us weren't coming out of our shelters until it let up more. Eventually Utagg called us over for coffee. He reasoned that hiking our planned 16 miles in the rain was uncalled for, and instead we should hitch into town for a hot breakfast. Muffin Man abstained from the vote, and the decision was left up to me. A beer wouldn't get me into town, a hot shower might, but a warm breakfast definitely will. Stupid eggs.We got a hitch almost immediately and were dropped off at The Little Red Hen. The breakfast was excellent, and we reasoned that it was the correct call. After grabbing a few things from the general store we met up with Itis and Bunyan who had stayed in town. They were nice enough to share their shuttle back to the trail head with us. It was nice that we managed to go into a town without staying in it.We ended up hiking a massive 4 miles to the first shelter. The two climbs that we decided to not do last night ended up being pretty intense. I ran into Wildcat and Nightingale on the trail. They had slackpacked, so hopefully we will wall be meeting up tomorrow.It is raining very hard in the shelter that we are in now. I remember the feeling of the rain on the car window glass from family road trips. Like many children I slept with my face smooshed up against the glass. I put my hand up to the corrugated metal roof of the shelter, and can't help but smile. Childhood memories that follow you into adulthood are beautiful.