morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-08-01
From: Carlos Col Shelter 

To: Speck Pond Lean To
Miles today: 9.5

August 1Carlo Col Shelter - Speck Pond Shelter9.5Shelter was full last and did not sleep particularly well. Up at 5:30 and getting ready for big day making our way through boulder field at Mahoosuc Notch, which is known as the most fun or most difficult mile on the AT. A couple of small climbs in the morning and great views from Goose Eye Mountain. Incredible amount of great trail work has been done around Goose Eye Mountain. Overall, Maine trail maintenance is better than Vermont and New Hampshire. Mahoosuc Notch is a 1 mile long boulder jumble that is infamous on the AT. I had to take my pack off on two occasions to squeeze through narrow tunnels and lots of butt sliding to traverse rock drop offs. It is very difficult, but I actually took my time and had fun. However, after you complete Mahoosuc Notch you are faced with a climb up Mahoosuc Arm, which involves a 1500 climb in 1 mile. Also it started to rain as we started climb. Many sections are solid granite/slate and when wet slippery. This was a tough/difficult climb, probably my most difficult on AT so far. Made it to Speck Pond Shelter and get out of wet clothes. Satisfied with miles and getting Mahoosuc Notch and Arm done. Took a couple of ibuprofen, ate a sandwich and went to sleep. The amount of lifting your legs do to reach a step/rock, using your arms/shoulders to pull yourself up a ledge has increased significantly. As a result the hiking is difficult, miles hiked are reduced and I am worn out at end of day.
Date: 2016-08-02
From: Speck Pond Shelter 

To: Frye Notch Lean To 
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: scattered clouds

August 2Speck Pond Shelter - Frye Notch Lean To10.4I took me a while this morning to get my hiking mentality. It was a put my head down and hike day. Day started with steep/rocky climb up Old Speck Mountain, followed by long descent to Grafton Notch. My knees were screaming at me, which normally occurs on long descents. Utilized a couple of Vitamin I for relief. Climbed Baldplate West, 1000 feet in .8 miles, i.e., steep. Trail was not as rocky, which helped with climb. From Baldplate West the trail heads up Baldplate East. Baldplate East involes traversing solid rock up the mountain, not rock climbing, but walking up rock plates. Views at top were outstanding. As you look out on Maine I am struck by the absence of homes, power lines or any evidence of civilization. All you see is the green of mountains. Another day of tough hiking, but satisfied with 10.4 miles and reaching Frye Notch Shelter. I have been told by previous thru hikers that the first 80 - 100 miles of Maine are tough. So far they have been spot on. Plan to hike into Andover, Maine tomorrow and resupply.
Date: 2016-08-03
From: Frye Notch Lean To 

To: East B Hill Road 
Miles today: 4.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Short hike today to East B Hill Road for pickup by The Cabin. The trail was fairly easy by Maine standards and we arrived at 9:30 am to a waiting van. The Cabin is run by Earl and Madge, a.k.a., Honey and Bear. Great hosts who have running a hikers cabin for over 20 years. They have tremendous AT knowledge and are a delightful couple. Highly recommend for AT hikers. Madge dropped us off at The Little Red Hen, where we enjoyed a filling breakfastAlso saw Subman,Suds and Rabbit at breakfast. Able to shower, wash clothes and resupply. Dinner was spaghetti, salad, garlic bread snd ice cream, served family style. It was very filling and great hiker "fuel".Met Hopper who provided valuable information about AT in Maine and approximate time it will take to reach upcoming Maine cities and Katahdin. Next stop is Rangeley, Maine, which we plan to reach on Saturday. Thanks again for support and encouragement, it is a tremendous motivation. My wife Jill provides constant motivation and encouragement.
Date: 2016-08-04
From: East B Hill Road 

To: Old Blue Mountain 
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: light rain

August 4East B Hill Road - Old Blue Mountain/Stealth tent site12.9My ATI notes indicated today would have a difficult 7 mile section and the notes were correct. A 1600 foot descent in 1.6 miles followed by a 1400 foot climb in .8 miles followed by a 2400 climb in 2.8 miles. All were rocky and steep. My knees "scream" at me on the long steep descents. To add insult to injury this morning I walked into a tree branch overhanging the trail which knocked me to the ground and left me with a couple cuts on my forehead and a lump. As mentioned southern Maine has been difficult hiking, but pleased with mileage today. Stealth camping on top of Old Blue Mountain.
Date: 2016-08-05
From: Old Blue Mountain 

To: Sabbath Day Pond Lean To 
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: broken clouds

August 5Old Blue Mountain/ Stealth camp site - Sabbath Day Pond Lean To14.2Forgot to mention that yesterday we saw a proliferation of moose droppings on the trail, but so far no "bullwinkle" sightings in Maine. Shared a campsite with Happy Animal, a SOBO from Columbus, Ohio. Enjoyed a clear evening last night on top of Old Blue Mountain in Maine with a sky full of stars, even saw a shooting star, memorable experience. Spent most of the morning and early navigating the undulations of Bemis Mountain. Maine is known for its wild blueberries. The top of Bemis Mountain was covered with wild blueberry bushes. I sampled a few but they were not ripe yet. The hikers behind me will have a feast. It was sunny today with temperatures in the upper 80's. Many sections were exposed which increased the temperature and water consumption. I have said many times that the trail provides in a variety of ways. Mid afternoon we were coming down a long steep descent and were surprised with Trail Magic from Teddie and Bruce, a couple from Maine who pick out various spots on the AT and provide Trail Magic. It was just what we needed on a hot afternoon, hamburgers, hot dogs, chips, bananas, homemade blueberry muffins and cold drinks. I even took a hot dog and muffin for dinner. Big thank you to Teddie and Bruce, a delightful couple. Enjoyed an outstanding view from ME 17. Finished the day with 4 mile hike to Sabbath Day Pond Lean To located on a picture postcard Maine lake. Once again, I am exhausted and ready to go to sleep.
Date: 2016-08-06
From: Sabbath Day Pond Lean To 

To: ME 4 Rangely Maine 
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: overcast clouds

August 6Sabbath Day Pond Lean To - ME 4 Rangely 9.4It rained last night, hard at times. A group of teenage girls from Quebec were tenting near the shelter. In the middle of the night a couple of them let out a blood curdling scream. Everything was OK, but it startled me. They stopped by the shelter this morning and apologized. Clear and sunny this morning with cooler temperatures. Trail was better from a Maine perspective, not great, but easier than the last 3-4 days. Short day into Rangely, Maine. Staying at Farmhouse Inn. Plan to rest and small resupply. Right knee is bothering me on descents. I have a misaligned knee cap and I hope it is not signaling a more serious issue. Subman, Suds and Rabbit are also staying here. Rabbits wife was gracious and shuttled us into Rangely for a restaurant and IGA run, Thank you! Plan to slack pack tomorrow a 15 mile section.
Date: 2016-08-07
From: ME 4 Rangely Maine 

To: Perham Stream
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: light rain

August 7ME 4 Rangely Maine - Perham Stream15.3Slack packed today over Saddleback Mountain and The Horn. Weather was cooler and cooperated to allow outstanding views. About 4 miles of trail today was above tree line and exposed, but fortunately no thunderstorms. Felt very good this morning and handled climbs with no problem. However, later in day as I was descending my right knee became very painful, to the point it was difficult to raise/lift it off ground. At one point it locked up on me and as I fell forward one of my poles went in a hole and snapped in two. Now I had a right knee that was painful and only one pole, not a good afternoon. I basically limped the last 3 miles. I have a misaligned right knee cap that up to this point has not bothered me, it flared up today. I plan to see a Doctor in Rangely, Maine tomorrow. I am concerned, only 200 miles to go and now an injury. I am extremely frustrated and concerned.
Date: 2016-08-08
From: Perham Stream

To: Perham Stream
Miles today: 0.0

August 8Perham Stream - Perham Stream0Visited Rangely, Maine Family Health Center as they opened at 8 am. Hoping and praying they have treatment options. I can deal with some level of pain or discomfort, but what I experienced yesterday afternoon would make it unsafe to continue. I do not want my AT journey to end like this! I weighed 177 lbs. at the clinic. This is good news in that my weight has stabilized in the 180 - 175 range. They referred me to Franklin Health Orthopedics in Farmington, Maine. X rays revealed misaligned knee cap or medical term Patellofemoral Arthritis- Dysplasia. Treatment was a Cortisone shot. I am hopeful and confident this will help me to continue journey. Very appreciative of Stacey from Farmhouse Inn and Steve Coates from Franklin Health Orthopedics for their help today, it may have saved my hike. Plan to hike on tomorrow morning. Some of you may remember a 67 year old hiker with the trail name Inchworm disappearing in 2013 and her remains and journal were found last fall. She left the trail to go to the bathroom and apparently became disoriented and could not find her way back to AT. A large search was conducted at the time of her disappearance and she was not found. She kept a journal for 21 days before she passed away. We hiked by the area where she disappeared and remains were found, sad story.
Date: 2016-08-09
From: Perham Stream

To: Crocker Cirque Campsite 
Miles today: 9.6
Weather: light rain

August 9Perham Stream - Crocker Cirque Campsite 9.6Big Thumbs Up to Stacie & Shane who operate Farmhouse Inn in Rangely, Maine. They provided invaluable help with my right knee issue and repaired broken hiking pole and run a great hiker hostel. Hiked near the US Navy Survival, Evasion, Rescue and Escape (SERE) school, near Rangely, Maine. It is a school to teach Navy pilots, aircrews and SEALS, techniques to avoid capture and deal with capture. It is located just off the AT in remote section of Maine. Today was a test for my right knee. Started with 1000 foot climb in 1 mile up Lone Mountain followed by ridge line walking. Knee felt fine. Next came a 700 foot climb up Spaulding Mountain. As we were descending we passed a bronze plaque marking completion of the last section of the AT from Georgia to Maine in 1937. The real test was a 1500 foot rocky steep descent from Sugarloaf Mountain in 2 miles. Felt some pain and discomfort in right knee, but as I reached the bottom it improved. Only hiked 9.6 today to set up trip into Stratton, Maine tomorrow and give right knee rest and let Cortisone shot take full affect. On balance I am pleased with hike today and minor right knee discomfort. The pain was not close to what I experienced on Sunday. Hopeful improvement will continue. Camping by a babbling brook, literally, very soothing and tranquil. Another "Pine Sol" day in the Maine woods, v ry quiet, peaceful and few people.
Date: 2016-08-10
From: Crocker Cirque Campsite 

To: Stratton Maine ME 27
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: light rain

August 10Crocker Cirque Campsite - Stratton ME 277.3Up early to take on climb up South Crocker and North Crocker Mountains. Elevation 4228 feet followed by 3000 foot descent over 5 miles. This was a big test for my right knee. Some discomfort early in the descent, but combination of Cortisone shot, knee brace and Ibuprofen seems to be working. I believe it takes the Cortisone shot a few days to fully kick in. I am determined to push forward unless pain simply becomes unbearable or poses a safety risk. Reached the 2000 mile mark on AT early this morning. Resting today and plan to hike 17 miles tomorrow which takes us over the Bigelow Mountains. I am told by previous thru hikers that clearing the Bigelows is significant in that the trail relaxes a bit and I am through the difficult section of South Maine. Words cannot express my appreciation for the words of support and encouragement I have received from friends, families and individuals I do not know. Believe me your support drives and motivates me - THANK YOU!
Date: 2016-08-11
From: Stratton Maine ME 27

To: East Flagstaff Road 
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: light rain

August 11ME 27 Stratton Maine - East Flagstaff Road 16.7On the trail by 6:30 am in anticipation of long tough day and high humidity. Today we hiked the Bigelow Range, which consists of South Horn, Bigelow Mountain West Peak, Avery Peak and Little Bigelow Mountain. Ranging in elevation from 4145 feet to 3010. The challenge is that they are spaced in a way that you are constantly going up and down, the roller coaster effect. Pleased to have this section complete. Hiker intel is the trail relaxes after East Flagstaff Road, we shall see. A portion of hike today was above tree line and views were outstanding. I continue to be amazed as I gaze out, in that I see no power lines, buildings or signs of people. You feel very alone in Maine, just mountains, ponds and green trees.
Date: 2016-08-12
From: East Flagstaff Road 

To: Pierce Pond Lean To 
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: scattered clouds

August 12East Flagstaff Road - Pierce Pond Lean To16.3Great burger last night at White Wolf Inn, Stratton, Maine. It was the best burger I have had on the trail. Terrain today was gently rolling and much easier than terrain up through the Bigelows. It rained most of the morning, but the afternoon was cool. Maine has been unusually dry and rain is needed. I have noticed as we reach the summit of our climbs a clicking noise. Could not figure it out initially, but it was the sound of dragonflies. I have never seen this concentration of dragonflies. Reached Pierce Pond Lean To around 3:30 pm. The Lean To overlooks Pierce Pond, which is another postcard scene with no homes on Pond, just an unspoiled setting. In order to cross Kennebec River the ATC provides a ferry, fording is strongly discouraged. However, the ferry operates between 9-11 and 2-4, thus we could go no further today. We plan to reach the Kennebec River in the morning and take 9 am ferry.
Date: 2016-08-13
From: Pierce Pond Lean To 

To: Bald Mountain Lean To 
Miles today: 18.7
Weather: light rain

August 13Pierce Pond Lean To - Bald Mountain Lean To 18.7It rained most of the night and all day. Not a hard or cold rain, but wet. Second day it has rained all day. With the abundance of roots and rocks on the trail they are extremely slick and you must exercise extra caution. I slipped and fell once today, but no damage. Enjoyed a great breakfast at Harrison's Pierce Pond Camp. It is one of the few remaining Maine sporting camps. Breakfast was 12 apple and blueberry pancakes, sausage, eggs and orange juice, great way to start the day. Took the ATC provided canoe ferry across the Kennebec River. There are hydro plants up river that release water, as a result fording is strongly discouraged. Trail was fairly easy based on Maine standards, thus able to complete almost 19 miles. Only significant climb was Pleasant Pond Mountain. Pushing to reach Monson, Maine on Sunday
Date: 2016-08-14
From: Bald Mountain Lean To 

To: Lake Hebron Monson Maine 
Miles today: 18.7

August 14Bald Mountain Lean To - Lake Hebron, Monson, Maine18.7Rained during the night and was raining as I started hiking this morning. It rained as I climbed Moxie Bald Mountain, but cleared up and sun came out as I reached the summit. With rain, rocks and roots are extremely slippery and your foot moves as you step on them. The trail followed the Piscataquis River most of the day and sound of rushing water is soothing/calming. Crossed the river several times that required fording with the assistance of a rope strung across the water. My feet were wet all day. Reached goal of Monson, Maine. Staying at Shaw's Hostel and will resupply tomorrow and arrange food drop for 100 mile wilderness. The 100 miles wilderness is the final stage of AT before you reach Baxter State Park. It has limited road across and is remote, thus the recommendation to carry all food for 100 miles or have a food drop halfway through. Plan is to traverse 100 miles wilderness in 6/7 days and reach Baxter State Park on August 21/23. I imagine cell service will be limited, thus journal entries may be delayed.
Date: 2016-08-15
From: Lake Hebron Monson Maine 

To: Little Wilson Stream Campsite 
Miles today: 10.1

August 15Lake Hebron Road Monson Maine - Little Wilson Stream Campsite10.1Started the day with great breakfast at Shaw's Hostel. AYCE pancakes, bacon, home fries and eggs. Perfect hiker fuel. Spent the morning arranging food drop off on Thursday in 100 mile wilderness and getting food supply for early in week. A little information about Monson, Maine. It is known for its slate quarry. At one time it supplied slate for blackboards in schools around the country. Sadly, the town looks like it's best days were in the past. It sits on a beautiful lake, but does not have the vibrancy of most lake towns. Highly recommend Shaw's Hostel for AT hikers. Today we entered the 100 mile wilderness, which is the "home stretch", hard for me to believe. However, I am ready for this journey to end and return to my normal life. Most AT thru hikers I talk to have the same perspective, they are tired and worn out and ready for it to end. Passed several lakes today that were gorgeous, unspoiled. Trail was constant up and down with normal Maine roots and rocks. We did not get on the trail until 11:30 am, but still completed 10 miles. Camping by a stream with sound water rushing in the background, passed a waterfall near campsite.
Date: 2016-08-16
From: Little Wilson Stream Campsite 

To: West Chairback Pond Campsite 
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: scattered clouds

August 16Little Wilson Stream Campsite - West Chairback Pond Campsite 17.5Hiker intel is that the first 35 miles of 100 mile wilderness are tough and the last 65 are easier and you can make up time.Today was tough/difficult hiking with undulations being the best descriptive term. No big climbs, but constant up and down with multiple rock climbing and scrambling sections, it just wears you done. You never get an opportunity to generate a hiking rhythm. Not complaining, just describing, again the trail is the trail. Mid morning we noticed a sign on a tree announcing trail magic 1/8 down a gravel road. What a pleasant surprise Birdman and Scout were cooking hot dogs and had cold drinks and beer for hikers. They own a cabin in the 100 mile wilderness and were honoring Birdman's son, who passed away last year. He was an AT thru hiker, again the trail provides at the most opportune times. Thank you! Despite tough hiking terrain we were able to complete 17.5 miles. Campsite is on the shore of West Chairback Pond, beautiful secluded Maine Pond. It was spitting rain as I set up tent and then stopped. However, about an hour later the wind picked up and it rained hard with significant winds until about 2 am. Tent held up, thank goodness.
Date: 2016-08-17
From: West Chairback Pond Campsite 

To: West Brook Trail Campsite 
Miles today: 16.2
Weather: scattered clouds

August 17West Chairback Pond Campsite - White Brook Trail Campsite 16.2Day started with light rain/mist, but started to clear by afternoon. Late in the day the sun came out. Another day with undulations as the description, more up and down with 3 good climbs near end of day, another tough day. The kind of day where I keep my head down and just grind it out. Passed through an area called "The Hermitage ", which has white pines that are over 100 years old. This area also included a 2 mile section of trail that was flat and smooth, it felt great to move quickly without rocks and roots. Stopped for the day at base of White Cap Mountain at a stealth camp site near White Brook Trail. White Cap Mountain is the last significant climb before I reach Mt. Katahdin, YEAH! The last several days as we have passed southbound hikers they all offer their congratulations to us for reaching this point, makes you feel good! They have a long journey ahead.
Date: 2016-08-18
From: West Brook Trail Campsite 

To: Jo -Mary Road 
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: overcast clouds

August 18White Brook Trail Campsite - Jo-Mary Road17.7Day started with climb up White Cap Mountain, our last significant climb before we reach Mt. Katahdin. Unfortunately when we reached the summit clouds obscured our view. However, the sun came out and started to clear. On our way down we got our first view of the "finish line", we could see Mt Katahdin in the distance, i.e., about 70 miles away, but very distinctive. It was by far the tallest mountain to the north. My hiker intel was correct in that the trail relaxed after we were up and over White Cap. In fact, in the afternoon the trail surface was flat and easily able to pick up the pace. Walked by another post card pond, Crawford Pond. Beautiful, serene and unspoiled. Our scheduled food drop from Shaw's Hostel arrived at 6 pm and included a couple of Mountain Dews and Root Beer. Also able to unload trash. Tenting next to Cooper Brook with sound of rushing water in the background. Short day tomorrow as we hike 10 miles and get a pick up to stay at White House Landing. an AT iconic sporting camp in the 100 mile wilderness. They pick you up in a boat from the AT.
Date: 2016-08-19
From: Jo -Mary Road 

To: Mahar Tote Trail
Miles today: 10.3
Weather: light rain

August 19Jo Mary Road - Mahar Tote Trail10.3Shorter hike today on trail that was fairly easy, by Maine standards. Walked by Jo Mary Lake, which was yet another postcard setting. Maine has immense sections of unspoiled land from development. It was a clear day with warm temperatures and we were treated to a stunning view over Pemadumcook Lake of Mt. Katahdin (see picture). The finish line is in sight, i.e., 45 miles away. Not long after our Katahdin view two Moose scrambled away as we approached them on the trail. Not able to get a picture, but large animals and jet black in color. White House Landing picked us up by boat and brought us to their cabins. They are one of three remaining sporting camps in Maine. Our cabin is on Pemadumcook Lake, took a canoe ride and able to get a glimpse of Mt. Katahdin from the water.
Date: 2016-08-20
From: Mahar Tote Trail

To: Rainbow Lake Campsite
Miles today: 19.4

Mahar Tote Trail - Rainbow Lake Campsite 19.4 Outstanding stay at White House Landing, great burger, pizza and AYCE pancakes for breakfast. All this on the third largest lake in Maine. What a great reward for your journey through the 100 mile wilderness, highly recommend for AT hikers. Resupply is limited, recommend food drop from Shaw's in Monson. I begin my final push to Baxter State Park and being reunited with Jill, Aubrey and Whitney. Pushing hard to reach Katahdin Stream Campsite by Sunday night, must do 40 miles in 2 days.Hiker intel on trail today was not totally accurate most of the day was tough hiking over roots and rocks with one 700 foot climb. Enjoyed hiking with Mustard Seed today. He is from Robbinsville, NC, which is the home of Jim Tom from TV show Moonshiners. Mustard Seed knows him and said he lives in a single wide mobile home and drives a moped. He also is paid approximately $350,000/year for his appearance on Moonshiners. After the Rainbow Stream Lean To the trail relaxed and I was able to move. Late in the day I was serenaded by a chorus of Loons, what a unique sound. Tenting on Rainbow Lake and again Loons are active. The realization hit me that this may be my last night in my tent on the AT. Hope to be reunited with Jill on Sunday and spend the night in Millinocket, Maine with plans to rest on Monday and summit Mt. Katahdin on Tuesday with Jill, Whitney, Aubrey and Nick.