morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-07-31
From: Libby House 

To: Maine!!!
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Writing this from a tent platform in Maine! More specifically, Carlo Car campsite, at mile 1907.6. Hiked 17 miles from US rt. 2. Woke up early at the hostel. Slept decent upstairs in the barn, grabbed some cereal and was ready to go. Managed to get one of the first rides to the trail from town. We stopped to make coffee on the trail that we had missed in town. The climb to the first peak was easy, and shared views of the Presidentials. The next section was fairly difficult but we managed to keep decent pace. Lunch was good as we packed out way to much food. The next climb was fairly easy but the end had some surprise boulder climbs. I caught up to Potato and Bambi who pointed me to a moose. She was bathing in a pond and was very aware of our presence. After she drifted off we continued up to mt. Success. It was beautiful, and Maine was just down the mountain.After some steep descents we found the border sign. It was a amazing feeling seeing the last state. The myth Maine was real. We celebrated and then continued a ridiculously long .7 to camp. Sleeping in Maine tonight!Fish
Date: 2016-08-01
From: Maine!!!

To: .3 Past Speck Pond
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Writing this from a stealth campsite .3 past Speck Pond Shelter (1917.3). Hiked the hardest mile on the AT, and still managed 10 miles.Woke up from our tent platform at Carlo Col just past the Maine border. We had a slow morning and enjoyed coffee and breakfast in the morning air. Cold Taters hung out for a while before taking off towards the notch.Mahoosuc Notch, a jumbled pit of boulders. Some of which are the size of houses and cars. I don't really remember the day before the Notch. It was some scary fun hiking. Plenty of places to fall and hurt ourselves but thankfully nothing like that happened. It was a battle, a war, but we won. Just outside the boulders there was a campsite signifying our departure from the Notch.I smacked my knee really hard, but we had already past the campsite. We decided to climb Speck Mtn anyways. We got to the shelter which had a good water source and amazing views of the pond. Unfortunately it cost 10 dollars to stay at that shelter which we were not about to fork over. We grabbed water and headed up the mountain to find a stealth campsite. Sleeping tonight on a bed of moss. Catfish
Date: 2016-08-02
From: .3 Past Speck Pond

To: Andover Maine
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: light rain

Writing this from the backyard of the Little Red Hen, in Andover Maine. Hiked a rough 15 miles from our stealth campsite.Woke up on our bed of moss, after 8 hours of solid sleep. We decided to hike to the top of Old Speck Mtn. to have coffee. It turned out to be a steep climb and farther than we hoped. After some rock climbing and bedrock scaling we made it and enjoyed breakfast on the mountain. The decent was pleasant but steep and time consuming. The next climb to Baldpate Mtn. was not so pleasant. Two steep sections of bedrock. To add drama my feet are not feeling the best. We made it though, and enjoyed some views from the peaks.The last section was easier after the shelter. It took some time but we made it to the road only to find it not nearly as active as we hoped. With no food in our bags and weary legs we waited for a car.Took a while but we caught one! Pizza, and pizza and pizza! Staying in the backyard of a breakfast joint.Catfish
Date: 2016-08-03
From: Andover Maine

To: South Arm Campsite
Miles today: 10.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Writing this from South Arm Campsite. Hiked 10 miles after a slow morning in Andover.Awoke to find a hazy morning outside the tent. Popped out and got packed up with breakfast as my motivation. We ate at the Red Hen, which was a good start to the day. Hitching took some time, but a MATC trail worker picked us up.He was a thru hiker from 2001, and went out of his way to pick us up. We got geared up and headed out to conquer some more ME mountains. The day started so smooth. The trail was dirt for a change, and terrain rating was easy.That changed when we hit Moody Mtn. The descent before was brutal. And we saw the gentleman who picked us up had hiked south to look at the trail and we said hello. The ascent and decent took so much out of us that we decided to stop at the campsite before Blue Mtn. Sleep time!Catfish
Date: 2016-08-04
From: South Arm Campsite

To: Little Swift River Campsite
Miles today: 22.0

Writing this from Little Swift River Pond Campsite. Hiked 22 miles from South Arm.Woke up to a beautiful morning, slept great on the sandy beaches of the campsite. We decided to finally get moving around 8. The climb we had been putting off wasn't going anywhere unfortunately.It was tough, but not the worst. Stone steps made it more enjoyable. To make matters more exciting I broke one of my hiking poles which I depend heavily on. My feet were hurting with every step. But that only lasted so long. We ended up getting into a good groove across the relatively flat terrain and doing 22 miles to the campsite. We decided to take a swim in the pond which was equipped with a few beavers. Tent was set and in bed by 9. 5 miles into town tomorrow! New shoes await...Catfish
Date: 2016-08-05
From: Little Swift River Campsite

To: Eddy Pond
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: broken clouds

Writing this from Eddy Pond (1972.3). Hiked 10 miles and hitched in and out of Rangely.Woke up at our tent site and discovered we were the last ones there. It was a full house the night before. We didn't mind but got out early, around seven. The 5 miles into town were quick, although the bugs were getting to us. The sun was also beating down harder than it had in some time. We made it work and strolled up the .3 to the hostel. Can't remember the name, but it was a lovely place. I had a package awaiting me, and tore through that while Bambi picked through the host's handmade jewelry. We finally decided to get food and resupply after a good while at the hostel. We caught an easy hitch into town and the gentleman told us where to find good food. The Little Red Hen was just that, and then off to outfitter. My poles (lack of) had hindered my speed, I was in the market and found a nice new pair of carbon lekis!We hit the trail late, and planned on going further than the pond. Upon discovery of a boat and oars the decision was made for us. Good times on the pond!Catfish
Date: 2016-08-06
From: Eddy Pond

To: Spaulding Mtn Campsite
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: broken clouds

Writing this from Spaulding Mountain Lean to campsite. Hiked 15 miles from Eddy pond.Woke up to some rain, but it dwindled quickly. Finally got our of the tent at around. 8, and got started with coffee. That was a bunk idea because we had ran out of fuel. The morning must go on without caffeine, which it did. Over the mountains we went. First, Saddleback. The views were white and windy! The wind was howling up there. The second mountain also above 4000 ft elevation, was called the Horn. It had some better views, but it was because the weather had cleared up.The decent to the river was easy and skipped by. The five miles up to camp took some time, but we made it. Lots of Sobos, not a lot of room for camping, but we found a spot, like always!Fish
Date: 2016-08-07
From: Spaulding Mtn Campsite

To: Stratton
Miles today: 13.7
Weather: few clouds

Writing this from the Stratton Inn, hiked 13.7 miles from Spaulding Mtn Lean to.After a good nights rest at the shelter we headed out. Water was a little ways so we left without breakfast. Soon out stomachs were full and we were finishing the Spaulding Mtn climb.This was our 200 miles left mark, which was commemorated with a gold plaque. Blueberries were plenty on Sugarloaf, the next climb, which slowed us down! We readied the bodies for two more 4000 footers, the Crockers. The climbs were easy, and we saw Evenkeel, who was not going to town. We chatted for a bit then headed down to the road to try our hitching skills.Just before town, we hit the 2000 miles marker. Can't believe we have come this far!In town, full of food, and happy.Fish
Date: 2016-08-08
From: Stratton

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

Writing this from Safford Notch Campsite. Hiked 10.4 miles from Stratton. Our stay at the Stratton Inn left us refreshed, but hungry. We were up looking for food at 8. After scavenging some breakfast together, and walking most the small town we headed to the grocery store.Resupplied and feeling strong, we looked to get a hitch from the gas station. Didn't take long before we were back at the trailhead. The climb to the Bigelows was easy, at least the climb to get at elevation. The views were impeccable 360 degrees from South Horn. The next mountain, Bigelow itself was just as magnificent. Flagstaff lake was to the west and another mountain range to or right. It reminded me of the white mountains we had left behind.We were trying to get to Littlw Bigelow Lean to, but we took a very long break in the wind on top. There was a small fort constructed out of bricks we hopped in a relaxed, watched to clouds.The decent was easy, and camp is pretty nice (not as flat as I hoped). Fish
Date: 2016-08-09
From: Safford Notch Campsite

To: East Carry Pond
Miles today: 16.0

Writing this from East Carry Pond, from a campsite right next to the beach (2027.6). Hiked 16 miles from Safford campsite.Woke up after another great night in the woods. We got moving earlier than normal, and headed back to the AT. The terrain for the day was flat and manageable. We went up to the top of little Bigelow, which we almost didn't notice we summited. Off the backside the trail was rocky but fairly easy. We hit the bottom and started the Pond walk. We decided we just had to go swimming in West Carry Pond. It was brilliant clear water, and the sun warmed us from the cool water.We continued on looking for a spot which we found after a while. Beautiful sunset on the pond, amazing weather.Tomorrow can't compare!Fish
Date: 2016-08-10
From: East Carry Pond

To: Pleasant Pond Lean to
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Writing this from Pleasant Pond Lean to, at mile 2043.6. Hiked 17 miles today from West Carry.Woke up to a beautiful sunrise to match the sunset. Coffee and poptarts, maybe even a donut, and then we headed north. The terrain is so flat! I don't know what to do with myself. Eager to do miles we set off, past pierce pond and down to the Kennebec River. This River had a ferry service to keep the AT hikers from drowning. It was a fun experience to be in a kayak with my pack beneath me.After the crossing we walked to the B & B in Caratunk. Paradise, with green lawn chairs and a huge relaxin front yard. Paul the owner, has a small hiker resupply there which we used and appreciated. He also let us drive his car to get beer! Amazing stop, but we left and ventured back to the woods. Hiked another 6 miles to camp, and then down to the beach for swimming round 2!Fish
Date: 2016-08-11
From: Pleasant Pond Lean to

To: Moxie Bald Lean to
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: light rain

Writing this from Moxie Bald Lean to. Hiked 13 miles from Pleasant Pond. Woke up after a great nights rest. We had a slow morning, probably because we knew we had a climb or two in the day. Pleasant pond was a nice stay, but it was time to find another. The climb to the top of Pleasant Mtn was all but pleasant. But the views from the top were worth the climb. The descent was long and zig zagged off the backside. Hard bedrock wore our feet a bit, but we made it to our swimming hole. Moxie pond was nice, and there was a small dock to enjoy. We enjoyed the sun and then moved on to the "ford" of the pond, which was merely a rock scramble.The climb to and from Moxie Bald was easy, and the view and atmosphere at the peak was awesome. We sat and enjoyed it for a while, even thought about camping on the top, but our dehydration overcame.We ran the rest of the way to the shelter, which we arrived quite late and set up in the dark.Catfish
Date: 2016-08-12
From: Moxie Bald Lean to

To: Monson (Shaws)
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: few clouds

Writing this from Shaws Lodging, in Monson Maine. Hiked 18 miles from Moxie Lean to.The day started in a slight panic, as I awoke at 5 to the sound of rain drops. Chinese fire drilling out of the tent to get our stuff in the shelter and pack up the tent.It worked out as the rain held up after a minute. We enjoyed the cloudy pond views before heading into town.The 18 miles was so flat it was hard to believe we had come that far when we hit the road. Shaws came and picked us up, so no hitching was necessary. The hostel is one of my favorites. Has a wonderful relaxed Hiker trash vibes. We fit right in. Our friend Push, who came along for the treacherous hail rain storm over Kinsman, in the White Mtns.Relaxing, resupplying, and cleaning the filth away.Catfish
Date: 2016-08-13
From: Monson (Shaws)

To: Wilson Valley Lean-to
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: broken clouds

Writing this from Wilson Valley shelter. Hiked 10 miles from Monson, after a nice late start. Woke up at a decent hour to enjoy Shaws breakfast. It lived up to the hype, and got me energized. It took a long time to get out of Monson, but we finally got a ride at around 3. The 100 mile wilderness has signage preaching the reality of danger. Do not enter with out 10 days worth of food... We pushed on, knowing I have plenty (6 days worth). It was nice for a short period of time, slowly the terrain worsened, as well as my patience with myself. The rocks were slippery from the rain and moss. Down and down I went, falling more times than ever before in a day.There was a struggle, a 7 hour struggle, but we made it. The shelter sign was a welcome relief. Evenkeel and his puppy were in the shelter for company too. To be honest, one of my darker days on the trail. Which means tomorrow will be amazing?Fish
Date: 2016-08-14
From: Wilson Valley Lean-to

To: Shaws Hoster (Otter pond side trail)
Miles today: 5.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Writing this from Shaws Hostel in Monson. Had a tough day which included backtracking and heading to the ER. After a slow start, Bambi and I hit the trail. It continued to rain all night, which made me thankful j was in the shelter. My shoes were still soaking wet however, which delayed our departure further. Finally we hit some miles behind us, and made our way to the biggest climbs in the 100 mile wilderness. The first one (Barren Mtn) was particularly exhausting. I was dripping and had no more to give, when I realized I didn't feel great. My stomach was iffy and I could not hear out of my right ear. Couple that with a high pitch wine in the same ear, and a slight breakdown.Finally we made the call to get out of the woods. We were 1 mile past Otter Pond trail (which lead to a parking lot). We made the decent quick and were on the way to the ER.Unfortunately no answers were given, besides as Eustachian tube dysfunction. Got a prescription, stay tuned...Fish
Date: 2016-08-16
From: Shaws Hostel

To: Carl A Newhall Lean-to
Miles today: 22.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Writing this from Carl A. Newhall lean-to. Hiked a long 22 miles from Otter Pond parking. After a nice deaf zero day at Shaws, we headed back into the wild. My head was still turning from all the chaos, and the ear is still ringing and deaf. It took us a second to get from the hostel to the trail we had left from, but we made it.Start the clock at around 10:00, when we reached the AT. We had a tough day ahead, filled with some of the last mountains we would hit. Barren Mtn, which took my hearing, was the first. Then fourth Mtn. Then third Mtn. Then chairback Mtn. It was tough ten or so miles. So much sweat, but I was thankful for the clouds that kept the heat at bay.We decided to hike the last section alone, which is not always the most enjoyable, it can make the miles disappear. I hit the six mile mark in under two hours. We are staying in the shelter tonight to avoid the rain!Fish & Bambi
Date: 2016-08-17
From: Carl A Newhall Lean-to

To: Jo Mary Road 
Miles today: 23.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Writing this from a stealth campsite near Jo Mary Rd. (2133.1 miles from my start) Hiked another 22.6 miles from Carl A Newhall lean-to. Woke up after a night long down pour. It was not extremely intense, but continued all through the night. We got going after our shelter companions had left. The first climb was up to Gulf Hagas was tough, the temperature was nice and low to keep us cool. It was a short lived warmth, and we dropped down the backside into the campsite, and then back up West Peak. Whitecap Mtn. Where we are supposed to have our first view of Katahdin, was a white out. The wind nearly blew us down the backside as we descended to the shelter. After some food we made the rest of the miles disappear. Found a campsite by the river, home for the night!Fish
Date: 2016-08-18
From: Jo Mary Road 

To: Rainbow Steam Lean-to
Miles today: 26.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Writing this from Rainbow Stream Lean-to, hiked a marathon (26 miles) from Jo Mary Rd.After a decent night sleep by the river, coffee was brewed and the tent was taken down by 8. We got moving regretfully after another big day. Fortunately the terrain was flat, and the body hasn't completely given up on me. We we aiming high for another big day. We had a few small Mtns to conquer but it couldn't slow us down. We made the shelter in great time, and set up in a field of moss and tall pines.Into Abol Bridge tomorrowDeafCat
Date: 2016-08-19
From: Rainbow Steam Lean-to

To: Abol Bridge
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: light rain

Writing this from a stealth campsite somewhere just south of Abol bridge. Hiked 15 miles from Rainbow stream lean-to. Woke up pretty early atop our bed of moss. It was chilly this morning and before I took my sleeping off I could tell it would be a great weather day. The scenery in Maine has been second to none. The general trail views are my favorite. The green tunnel at its best.My ear unfortunately is not at its best. And has been my chief complaint for the last few days. I try my best to put it aside but constantly comes creeping back, bringing some anxiety.I manage okay today, the miles are mellow, and so is the terrain. My body senses the end, and is falling apart at the seams. We hit the golden road and know the 100 mile wilderness is over, and soon we were sitting eating at Abol bridge. We decided not to stay (not that we had a choice) and packed up headed south. The view of Katahdin are making this a reality. The mountain gleams In the distance, and towers atop the trees. It's broad ridge (knifes edge) cuts through the clouds as they pass. 10 tomorrow. Then 4.5 to the top.Fish
Date: 2016-08-20
From: Abol Bridge

To: Katahdin Stream Campsite
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: light rain

Writing this from Katahdin stream campsite, five miles shy of summit. Hiked 10 miles from Abol bridge.Woke up to another beautiful morning. We have been blessed the last few days with magnificent weather. The sun is shining across the river and reflecting up into the tent. We pack up slow because we have to stall to make it to the store after it opens. Coffee was weak but necessary all the same. We meet a lot of northbound thru hikers, some we have known for some time. Congrats is a common phrase as we share some of our best memories. We hit the trail and register for Katahdin at Baxter state park boundary. The trail is flat and well maintained, and we make short work of it. Winding along the river, and poking across small river fords. The mile pass quick. We reach the campsites lower end at one o clock. Where we see some who just finished the hike. They all look relieved, and complete. After paying for the campsite we relax with out buddy Patriot. As we are sitting at a bench he jumps up and exclaims "mom?!" A car that passed by resembled his own and he races to see it. Turned out to actually be his mom, with a ton of trail magic. Hamburgers and hotdogs, even sodas and an ice chest. The day is made and saved, because we have never been to camp this early with nowhere else to go!After some relaxing and Lord of the Rings reading, we hit the sack, for the last time, in the tent.Surreal feelings...Catfish
Date: 2016-08-21
From: Katahdin Stream Campsite

To: Katahdin!
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: clear sky

Writing this from Thoreau Spring, sitting in thick fog on top Katahdin. Decided to write my last journal from the to while its fresh in my mind (Also, Bambi is currently summiting with her parents for a second time).I woke up this morning feeling pretty low. My ear is still full of fluid and I can't hear at all out of it. To make it a little more difficult my ankle which has given me problems in the not so distant past, is also acting out. I got up to drain the bladder and noticed a sharp pain, it hadn't dulled by the morning. I was convinced to at least try to summit.We were packed up and eating breakfast at 6, ready to hike at 6:30. Everyone at the campsite is buzzing with energy ready to finish what they started. I am excited, but nervous, hoping my poor bones will make the finish line.The trail started easy, and smooth. A mile in it turned sour, and rocks became boulders. The incline gradually rose to its Katahdin shape. Soon we hit the falls which were a beautiful tease of the mountain to come. After what seemed like hours we finally hit the tree line. Jagged boulders and slabs sticking out into thin air. The trail made trekking poles unusable. I used my hand more in this section than any other on the trail. It was a lot like rock climbing for the 2 miles or so above treeline.We made it work and hit the top despite my gimp ankle, which was feeling slightly better. The tableland section was gorgeous. With views to Baxter peak and the finish line in sight. It took some time to navigate but finally we reached the last small climb. The end was near, and reality set in. Today would be the last. The trail that beat me down and built me up was almost to a close.So many memories with great people, new places and new things. 2189.1 miles of mountains and valleys. So much of the east coast was behind us as we climbed the last steps and touched the sign. We made it. I was so cold and when we finally headed south to meet Bambi's parents. Where I am resting now. The clouds have eaten the mountain completely. Much of the weight has yet to set in. It still feels like a dream. For now I'm going to recover, and eat my weight in food, for I believe thru hiker hunger will stay with me for a while.More to come from the adventure, once I digest it all.So much love for my trail friends and family. Catfish
Date: 2016-04-03
To: Time for another long hike
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

I haven't done a Trail Journal for a few years. I was surprised I actually remembered my pass word! Last year (2015) I went to Harpers Ferry for the May 1st Flip-flop kick off at the ATC, but hiked south to Daleville, VA. The year before (2014)I hiked from Marion, VA to Daleville and the year before that (2013) I hiked Springer to Marion. So, everything south of HF has been done, for the 3d time and some of those stretches for the 4th or 5th time. I figure that over the years, I have hiked about 6200 miles of the AT. So, it's time to head north from Harpers Ferry again and complete the trail north for the 3d time.Therefore, I'll be heading down to Harpers Ferry for this years ATC Flip flop kick off on April 17. I'll head north with 20 or 30 others and hope to hike as far as Mount Adams in the White Mountains of NH. Once I get to Mt Adams, I can take a 3.5 mile side trail and walk to my front door! So I will be literally be "walking home". Sounds like fun.