morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-09-15
From: Sterling Inn, Caratunk

To: Moxie Bald Mountain Lean to
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: broken clouds

Up at 6 and packed up. Breakfast at 6:30 of cereal, yogurt, bagel, fruit and muffin. Shuttle to trail and on the trail at 7:35 with Rowdy and Hobbit. Had a gradual uphill of 500'. Weather was cool so I had my fleece and long pants with long sleeve shirt and mittens. Trail was favorable with not many rocks or steep climbs. We continued to climb another 500' to Pleasant Pond Lean to arriving at 9:50. 5 miles in 2 hours and 15 mins - good pace. Back on the trail at 10:05 for our next climb of 1000' in 1.1 miles. It seems that our climbs are still my observation of 1000' in 1 mile or for every 100' climb we go .1 mile. Some are steeper and shorter distance but the majority of climbs seem to fit this model. This climb was harder with more step climbs and rock scramble but there were also some flatter areas. Got to the top of Pleasant Pond Mountain at 11. Took our pictures then the trail went over balds of smooth rocks. Then the trail was roots and rocks so it was slower. Got to Moxie Pond at 1:50 - 2 1/2 hours to do 5 miles. Crossed over Moxie Pond and started a smooth climb up to Bald Mountain Lean To. Hobbit was well ahead of us so Rowdy and I stopped for lunch. Got to the trail for Bald Mt. Lean To at 2:50 but kept going. We weren't sure if we were going to Moxie Bald Lean to or try to cross the Piscataquis River since it was suppose to rain tonight. Last climb of the day was 1300' in 2 miles with an equal down hill. The trail was gradual and mostly smooth rock like walking on a sidewalk. Summited at 3. Great views of the Bigelows and the lakes and ponds. Met Moving On from Asheville. Hobbit called Shaw's about our rooms for tomorrow. We had a 2 mile to the Moxie Bald Lean To. On the descent I slipped and fell onto my back. I thought I landed on a rock but I discovered later that I fell on my cook pot and actually dented it.Arrived at the Moxie Bald Lean To at 5:15. Hobbit, Rowdy, and I were the only ones in the shelter. Moving on and Peter Pan were tenting near by. Got water from Bald Mt. Pond. Cooked dinner of my usual fare of tuna, rice and ramen. Had a coke that we got earlier from 2 trail angels. Again the temperature dropped after sunset. In our bags by 7:30. We expect to do 18 miles tomorrow to Monson with 3 river crossings.A great day of 18.8 miles with 2 climbs. We are doing pretty well but Hobbit is pretty fast. Seeing some NOBOs. Cold morning but warmed up in afternoon. 132 miles to go.
Date: 2014-09-17
From: Shaw's Hostel

To: Bodfish Farm Long Pond Road
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: broken clouds

Up at 6. Took food drop to office then breakfast at 7. French toast, juice, Eggs, bacon, sausage, and potatoes. Shuttle at 8 and on trail by 8:15. Hobbit is slack packing to break in his new shoes. Entered the 100 mile wilderness at 8:15 AM. The trail was flat with few rocks. Went by Spectacle Pond then by Bell Pond and Lilly Pond. Weather was sunny, clear and cool. We were going at a good pace and may be able to do 19 at this pace. Got to Leeman Brook Lean to for a brief break at 10. Firewalker was there after resupplying in Greenville. The trail then was over slate rock which was smooth and wet in some places. Rowdy fell twice climbing the rocks. In addition to the smooth rocks there were some rock scramble. Got to Little Wilson Stream at 12:50 for lunch then forded the stream. Not a difficult ford just cold. I actually crossed 3 times. I gave Rowdy my camera to take pictures so I had to go back to get it. Feet got really cold. We had a gradual climb but was good then a long descent over rocks and roots. The trail ran along the Big Wilson Stream which was awesome. Got to Big Wilson Stream t 2:45. This was a more challenging ford. There was a rope assist but the current was quick and the water was up to my mid thigh. Again it took us about 25 minutes to complete the ford.It was 4 by the time we reached the Wilson Valley Lean to. We had 4.7 miles to the next lean to. Initially the trail was good then we hit a major boulder scramble which slowed us down. We decided to camp at Long Pond Stream since we had to ford this stream. Arrived at 6 but there were not any great tent sites but did find a flat gravel area next to the road. Got water and bear bagged. Cooked dinner of my dehydrated tomato veggie pasta with tuna. Mid way thru dinner my fuel canister ran out so we used the new one. It appeared that there may be better campsites on the other side of the stream but we decided not to ford.Starting to have sundown at 7 so we need to arrive at camps earlier. In the tent by 7:30 14.3 miles today which was a little short of our goal to be 100 miles from the finish, missed by .2. 2 major fords and climbs over smooth rocks but with good weather. Tomorrow we have some more climbs and will try for 15 miles.
Date: 2014-09-18
From: Bodfish Farm Long Pond Road

To: East Chairback Pond Campsite
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Up at 5:40. Rowdy up at 5 but not out till 5:30. Packed had my cereal and was ready at 6:40. Rowdy not quite ready. 7 headed to Long Pond stream to ford. Put on my cold damp shoes to cross. There was a rope assist but it wasn't a difficult ford pretty much a rock hop. Climbed the bank to discover nice campsites on the other side of the stream.The trail was good and ran along the stream. Got to Long Pond Lean To at 8 then we started our morning climb. Some rock scrambles but mostly a tedious trail of rocks and roots. The weather was good with cool temperatures and clear skies, again. Crossed the Barren Ledges with great views of the ponds. The trail then ran on the ridge line along flat rocks. But the rocks were dry so not as difficult. Got to Barren Mountain at 9:30. It was a 600' climb in 1/2 mile but mostly just a slope. We then were on the ridge line to Cloud Pond Lean To trailhead. Got there at 10:10 for a 15 minute break. The trail turned tedious on our descent with the occasional rock scramble to keep us interesting. More tedious ups and downs to 4th mountain Bog. Stopped halfway on the descent for lunch at 12:30.Rock scrambles to 3 1/2 mountain then a short down before the next up to Third mountain. We arrived at Third Mountain at 2:15 for more spectacular views of mountains and ponds. More roller coastering to Columbus Mountain. Arrived at summit at 3 then continued to Chairback Lean To. Got here at 3:40. Decided to continue.Slow going today. Not as quick as expected. The terrain was more rocky than we thought and more up and downs.Arrived at Chairback Mountain at 4 but for once we didn't see any sign noting the summit. This has been routine in Maine. Great signage and directional signs by the MATC. The descent from Chairback was horrendous with very steep boulder fields. Difficult at times to determine where to go. We wondered where these boulders came from since we thought we were done with boulders.The trail turned tedious but it seems like we took a long time to go 2 miles. We finally arrived at East Chairback Pond trail at 5:45. It was .2 mile to the pond and campsite. We finally arrived at 5:55, later than we wanted. There were limited tent sites but we found a couple. Got water and hung our bear bags. Set up our tents in the very small area. Had dinner at 7 of cheese, noodles and tuna. A very active chipmunk was at the site so we moved our food bags so there would be less change of invasion. Feels cooler so it may be a cold night.A hard day due to the numerous ups and downs and rock scrambles. 14.3 miles which was about 1.7 miles short of our destination. We have less than 100 miles to go and will cross the 2100 mile mark tomorrow. Weather became sunny in the afternoon. Going well with 1 week to go. Maine is becoming prettier with moss on the trees, the ponds and the mountains. Hopefully the rocks will go away.
Date: 2014-09-19
From: East Chairback Pond Campsite

To: East Branch Lean To
Miles today: 18.1
Weather: few clouds

Very cold night and morning. 30 Degrees. Put on my fleece over my blue shirt to keep warm. Up at 5:40. Packed up but my hands got really cold. Skipped my cereal due to the cold. Climb up to the main trail getting there at 6:50. Passed the 2100 mile mark and took the usual pictures. Trail was favorable getting to West Branch of the Pleasant River at 7:35. Changed shoes while Rowdy changed out of his warm clothes. Fairly easy ford but did get one foot wet.   Met a section hiker and a ridge runner.Back on the trail at 8:10 with the trail being a flat road then a flat trail. Trail ran along the stream with cascades and waterfalls. Again great scenery. Arrived at the junction of the Gulf Hagas Trail at 9. Very excellent pace. We continued along the stream then a pond. Saw a male moose across the pond but not real clear. Got to the Carl Newhall Lean To at 10:45 for a 20 minute break. We had a steady climb of 800' in 1 mile - steep but not rocky. Made good time to the top of Gulf Hagas mountain. We did that mile in 42 minutes then the 1 mile descent in 26 minutes. Trail was smooth and not many rocks.Arrived at the Sidney Tappen Campsite at 12:05 for lunch. I actually had my breakfast and lunch. Left at 1:05 to a series of ups and downs similar again to the Virginia Roller Coaster. The trail was good with rocks and roots but no rock scrambles. We climbed White Cap Mountain at a good pace. This is the last major climb before Katahdin. Made our call to Shaws about our food drop. Also called Baxter about parking and getting into the park. Found out LouAnn could come in after 1 without a problem. Called home to let here know this info. Also got the latest weather report which didn't change much. May have one or two cold days. It appears that Sept 24 will be the best day to summit.From the summit of White Cap we were above treeline so the trail was extremely rocky with boulders. Very slow descent. Did get a small view of Katahdin before the descent. Passed Logan Brook Lean To and continued on the flat smooth trail.Arrived at our usual time of 6 at East Branch Lean to. Very nice camp area with lots of tent locations. Found a nice site among the boulder. Set up tent and made dinner of pasta, cheese, and tuna. Hung our food in the shelter. There was a group of P.E. Students and their teachers in the shelter. Started to get cold with sunset.Another long day with 1 ford, one mountain, and lots of ups and downs. But we did 18.1 miles. The trail after Logan Brook Lean to ran thru the forest with moss covered boulders and trees. As pretty as near Clingman Dome but for a longer distance.   Felt good but still with minimal heel soreness. Trail seems to be more favorable with flatter terrain. Made do 20 miles tomorrow but at least 17 since we have a ford and will be picking up our food.5 days to go and 68 miles, 3 days in the wilderness, 1 in the park, and 1 to the top.
Date: 2014-09-21
From: Potaywadjo Spring Lean to

To: Rainbow Stream Lean To
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: clear sky

Slept well on a warm night. Up at 5:40 packed up and had my cereal. On the trail by 6:50. Left foot really hurting especially the heel. Rest did not help it. Told Rowdy to go ahead but we stayed together.Got to Pemadumcook Lake at 7 to get a view of Katahdin. There was a cloud covering the mountain. We sat for a while and 15 minutes later the top of the mountain became visible as the clouds moved away. It was a sunny day with a warm breeze. Trail was tedious but flat. Did not have to ford Tumbledown Dick Stream just a rock hop. I was really hurting in my left heel and had no energy. Got to Nahmakanta Stream campsite at 9:05 to take a 15 minute rest.The trail ran along the lake and stream. Got to the south end of Nahmakanta Lake at 10:30. Still feeling slow. Rowdy was well ahead of me. We met up at the sand beach at the end of Nahmakanta lake for lunch from 12:05 to 12:45. Nice lunch spot at the lake. Had my tuna sandwich and cereal for lunch.   Had Rowdy to take the stove and fuel if I don't get to the lean to before him. Switched insoles to the stock ones. Foot felt a little better. After lunch I was able to keep up a good pace. Rowdy stopped and waited for me so we could hike together.We continued along the lake then climbed Nesuntabunt Mountain. A steady climb with some rocks. Got to the top oat 2:10 but Katahdin still in the clouds. The descent down was slow and rocky. We then were along Pollywog Stream.At 4:15 two moose were next to the trail. Mother and her calf then went across the stream to the other side. A highlight of the day and of the 100 mile wilderness. This make 4 moose seen all total.The trail became rocky until we crossed the bridge over Pollywog Stream. We had a gradual favorable trail up hill along a cascading stream. Really great and pretty. Got to Rainbow Stream Lean To at 5:35. Staying in the shelter tonight since this will be the last one and of possible rain. Stream ran in front of the shelter which had a baseball bat floor. Got water and cooked. Had tea and dinner of dehydrated tuna, pasta and veggies with cheese sauce. Gave some of the cheese sauce to Rowdy. Rod n Reel came in for the night. There were nice tent sites above the shelter. Set up my bed and was in my bag by 8:30.A great day. Saw 2 moose and had a great lunch by the pond. Saw Katahdin come out of the clouds. Trail was good with some rocky sections. Moderate climb but the trail also ran along creeks and lakes with great views. Another 18 mile day. Left foot still hurting. Hopefully the some medicine will help. May do 15 miles tomorrow to Abol Bridge. Maine is fascinating and beautiful but still with rocks and roots which makes slow going. I got really emotional this morning starting out. I was recalling the happenings and people of the last 5 1/2 months and that's it almost over. Not sure when we will summit but it looks like on the 24th depending on the weather. Forecast for tomorrow call for rain then cold morning.
Date: 2014-09-23
From: Abol Pines campgrounds

To: Baxter State Park
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: clear sky

The wind did die down but the truck traffic was very loud all night. Kept warm with my blue top and my tights. Up at 6 to use the Privy then back in the bag till 7:15. Rowdy was already broken down. He headed to the store for some tea or hot cocoa. I was ready by 8. Modified my left shoe by making a heel lift from my moleskin. Felt a little better.Left the campground at 8:25 and was at the Kiosk at 8:40. Trail was fast and smooth so we were doing about 2 mph. Trail had some roots which slowed us down. My left foot felt okay. Got to Nesowadnehunk Stream at 10 to ford, mostly a rock hop but we had changed our shoes. Did lengthened our poles which made it easier. Trail was roots and rocks along the stream. Not as smooth as described but we still made good time. Took the side trail to Big Niagara falls at 11:45. Passed Little Niagara falls then the trail circled Grassy pond. Got a view of Katahdin coming out of the clouds again. We went thru some bogs before coming to the road to the campground. Got to Katahdin Stream Campground at 1:10. We were met by Bamboo, Mountain Light, and 2 others. They offered us lunch which was a modified shephard's pie. They also suggested we set up our tents here. This site was right next to the trail and the Birches was about 1/2 mile away. They had summitted 2 days ago but were going up again tomorrow. I walked over to see where the Birches were and stopped by the ranger station. The ranger was there so I got Rowdy and we register for the campsite and for our climb. I was number 607 to summit.Hobbit, Peter pan, Moving on, and others came thru. They were going into Millinocket. Had afternoon tea. At 5 decided to go to Millinocket to make phone calls since we had no reception here. Halfway into town I got reception and had a message from Rowdy's friend at the same time Rowdy was talking with him. I only got LouAnn's voice mail when I got reception. We went to the Katahdin Inn where Rowdy's friend was staying. I kept trying to reach LouAnn with success. I went on the computer to check email and to send email about where to pick me up. The others visited with Rowdy's friend.Rowdy decided to stay at the Inn. I checked availability of this motel for tomorrow and tonight. Rowdy and a couple of others went for ice cream. I stayed trying to connect. Finally got LouAnn who was in the movies. She was in Waterville which was 2 hours south so I booked her a room here.Had some ice cream while Mountain Light and Bamboo got water. Stopped for gas and was back at the campground at 8. Cooked dinner. Sorted my pack and took out all the unneeded items for tomorrow. Bed by 9:30A better day. Less back and foot pain. Quick 11 miles with early arrival. Great lunch and camp location. Got registered for our hike tomorrow and got my number. Saw the mountain without clouds. Good visit with other hikers. Will soon be ending my journey of 177 days. What were the highlights - too many to name. The people, the rivers, the mountains, the foliage, the animals. 5 mile up and 5 miles down and it will be over.
Date: 2014-09-25
From: Mount Katahdin

To: Katahdin Inn
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Had trouble sleeping after being on the trail. Was up at 5:30 to go to breakfast at the Inn. Met Rowdy in the lobby. Other hikers were at breakfast. Talked about our adventures over the last 5-6 months. Dave did make it to the summit and got back around 6:30 last night. It was great seeing the hikers I have met along the way but there were many more who are still on the trail or have ended their hike.Packed up the car and got lunch at McDonalds. Got my last 2 stamps for my passport at the Appalachian Cafe. We are headed to Bangor for a couple of days before spending the week in Rockland, ME. We will be eating lobster.
Date: 2014-09-04
From: santa rosa ca.

To: gorham n.h.
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Here we go again! My 8th and final section of the A.T.!!!!! A short bus ride to San Fran airport then a redeye to Phili with a crying baby the entire flight.A short plane to Boston then a beautiful 5 hour bus ride through the heart of New Hampshire. I got a cheap room in Gorham and found a party of 10 hikers,whiskey,and hair clippers.I avoided the clippers and walked to get beer. Returnd and joined the party. To properly join a hiker party 1) be a hiker 2)set your box of beer by all the others 3)enjoy! I met Griz then Trip from New Zealand.Not a bad start. A party 1st night we moved the hotel furniture all back to its propers and left no trace.Its nice to start out of a hotel rather than stepping off of the bus and going directly to the trail.---------I have 6 more section hikes linking the entire A.T., to access them just type in "INDY".
Date: 2014-09-05
From: gorham n.h.

To: Gentian pond
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Tough climbs today, soaking sweat.To hot for stove so dried foods today.My lille toe became a blister looking like 2 toes.Grouse and chipmunk with vistas.Got in at dark and met Karate kid and Kobioshi. I didn't take in to many calories today as i am walking off 2 airport meals.Journaling on top of my bag was cool and pleasant in just shorts then a big creepy beetle just crawled by. Goodnight.
Date: 2014-09-06
From: Gentian pond

To: Full goose shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Only 10 miles possible today. Roughest terrain yet.Walking only 1mph and not through the elevations of the Whites. Difficult and miserable,thats why we're here!Steep enough that I enjoy the hands on rock climbing but I would rather not have the 30 pound pack.I came in soaked as it cooled so I spent 1 hour in the bag before dinner.In with 7 others all staged up to do the notch tomorrow. Its the topic of the evening.Today we climbed Mt. Carlo and Gooseye Mt.
Date: 2014-09-07
From: Full goose shelter

To: Speck pond
Miles today: 5.1

Most of my journals begin with something about tough miles. Well today was the Mahoosuc notch. The hardest 1 mile of the entire A.T.. I got through it in 2 hours. Its more climbing,crawling,and scrambling.Got to the shelter early at 4:30. A chilling pond bath with blister maintenance. A couple hikers got use of their tackle catching trout for a superfresh dinner.The ATC caretakers are here for their last night of the season.Got me for 8$.In with Cadi and Hobo as Sherpa tents out.
Date: 2014-09-08
From: Speck pond

To: View Entry
Miles today: 6.0

Only 6 miles of rugged trail down to Grafton notch.I spent the day hiking with Hobo,Cadi,and Sherpa as we planned out a hitch to "the cabin". Earl picked us up , made a junk food stop then on to the hostel.About 15 hikers in for the all you can eat (spaghetti,salad,zucchini,ice cream,brownie) and morning trail shuttle.I'm gonna slack pack a little with Earls services and let my feet heal.Almost through the Whites.Journaling in the bunkhouse with a steady snorer.Earl and Marge are awesome trail angels that met on the trail. Earl spent some of his career in Chico, CA., a couple hours from my house. So we spoke of Luther Burbanks achievements. A historical pioneer in horticulture.
Date: 2014-09-09
To: East B hill rd
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: overcast clouds

After a perfect fuel up of pancake,sausage,potato,fruit,and coffee we got our 7:am shuttle.After slacking 10 miles I could really notice the ease of the miles without the weight.Hiked with the shuttle group most of the day. Bald Plate was yosemite like. Got picked up. Back to the cabin for showers, shepherds pie,corn,salad ,and ice cream. 19 at dinner tonight. ;; HaYall,Trilium,Lighterknot,Bliss,Karatekid,Seepy,Ivan the terrible,Hobo,Cadi,Sherpa.
Date: 2014-09-10
From: East B hill rd

To: South Arm road
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: light rain

10 miles of slack packing is quick and smooth. Same crowd , same pace. I met Pop and Spaghetti Monster.Hikers in and out of the cabin all day. there are 4 campers available in the yard here.I will slack again tomorrow as the blisters are healing.the shuttle stops for junk food everyday. dropped my camera on my bunk as i left this morning.Good thing Im staying again!
Date: 2014-09-11
From: South Arm road

To: ME 17
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: overcast clouds

It rained most of the day making the miles slick.I then got picked up by Shane the owner of the"farmhouse". 25 bunks.A shuttle to "Sarges" town pub for red stripes and cheesesteak. Then back for a shower and meet the new bunkies. 3 of us here tonight have fished in the Wabash River in Indiana! I met Pilgrim,Cheese,Sas. Hobo met a fireman on a mountain top from her hometown of Portland Me.
Date: 2014-09-12
From: ME 17

To: ME 4
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: broken clouds

Got the early shuttle out for smooth cool miles. Foliage changing. Mixed gummis and granola. Slacking has involved easy miles with junk-food and beer every night.I met Roundabout today. He has 30 years hiking experience doing key swap crossovers with his wife. I got a hitch back to the farmhouse from a retired local outfitter/trapper.The farmhouse is a historic dairy farm with great views of the lake.Another shuttle to sarges for burger and beers.
Date: 2014-09-13
From: ME 4

To: logging road
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: overcast clouds

15 miles of trail then 1 mile on a logging road.A few miles were above treeline on a low temp. windy day.We all got wet our last mile of the day as I finished with Maggie. An Iditarod dog owned by Dare and Doubledare.After hiking through 14 states I find Maine has its own personality.The last few evenings in Rangeley were awesome with the pub and grocery.Allowing me to carry city food on my slack packs.It seems like a bottleneck of north bounders to finish Oct. 1st, the same as I. Sherpa bought us all dinner tonight! A stop at the IGA for " Maines Best IPA"