morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-05-06
To: Goldsmith Road Unionville NY
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I got up early but hadn't shake the nausea even with 12 hrs of sleep. I called the trail boss and she said she was coming to check on me and had already left. It was raining lightly when I headed out. The cool wet was a nice change from the 80 degree days. I didn't know what to do about the nausea so I kept going. On the trail I had to watch my foot falls as I passed 27 red spotted newts eith on the trail or on the should. I got to Goldsmith road and met up with the trail boss who was not happy. She brought me to the Unionville General Store and got me some Gatoraid to get some salt back in my system. I felt a bit better but then she brokered a deal I would go back home with her and get a checkup at the doctors. If I got a clean bill of health she would bring me back to the trail on Saturday. I wasn't feeling well so I went along with. At the doctors he told me I probably depleted all of my sodium and potassium. He gave me something for the nausea so I could eat and drink. The thing that got the trial boss the most upset was when I got weighed in we found out I lost 18 lbs in 4 days. Going to work on that and try to get back out there on Saturday.5.4 miles today
Date: 2015-05-07
To: looking to return
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Yes, I'm back home but am considering this my first zero. I was dehydrated and think I deleted too much sodium and potassium. Put 9 of the 18 pounds lost in the first 5 days back on yesterday and hope that the trail boss will give me the ok soon to head back. I am going to have to be much wiser in the heat. I am lowering my pack weight and figuring out how to keep my salts up. Also going to change to lighter clothing. Was wearing spandex to fight against ticks but think that contributed to my down fall, I will have to figure another way to fight the little critters, not much for deet. Will write when I head back
Date: 2015-06-08
To: MT Katahdin
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Well I've been laying low helping out at home until my wife finished up the school year, which ends on Friday. With that said, I am heading north this weekend looking to summit MT Katahdin on Sunday and start south. Will keep you all abreast on how I make out. Hopefully Plank is back for the long haul
Date: 2015-06-14
From: MT Katahdin

To: Daicey Pond
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: few clouds

Well I'm back on the trail again. Day one, the trail boss drove me to Katahdin Stream Camp grounds and I took the Hunt Trail / AT to the summit. I had to register with the Park Ranger before I headed out and he offered me a day pack after recommending that I didn't take my full pack. Being me, I didn't heed his warning and dragged 26 extra pounds to the summit and back, probably not my smartest move as there were some tight spots and hairy metal rungs to negotiate. Another lesson learned. I did a total of 12.9 miles but only got credit for the 7.7. The day was clear and sunny and you could see for miles (check pics). Tomorrow Mary returns me back to Daicey pond and I hope to be in the 100 Mile Woods by the end of the day. I bought some heavy duty OFF because the Mosquitos are out of control. Not sure if I will have reception in the woods so I will update when I can or when I come out. Met a few southbounders today, Don, Dan, Guiness, and Extra Stout. Hope to see more as I go along. Saw some beautiful alpine flowers and a deer but that was it for flora and fauna. Check my pics for more pictures of my adventure on day one.
Date: 2015-06-15
From: Daicey Pond

To: Rainbow Lake Campground
Miles today: 18.6
Weather: few clouds

Mary dropped me off at Daicey Pond and I began. I was doing well until I came to the first river to ford. I thought it looked unsafe so I opted for the bypass, thinking it was another way around the river. I didn't like it because it would add another 1.8 miles to today's journey, but I did it for safety's sake. I realized that I was going to bypass a part of the trail so I did the trail between the bypasses in reverse in my crocs. Also did the fording in my boxers. I continued on, getting to Hurd Brook lean to by 2:30, and decided to go the additional 7.7 miles. Probably not that smart as I arrived at Rainbow Lake campground at 7 pm. Flora and fauna for the day: I saw a bull moose, a loon, an osprey, a baby bird that fell from its nest, a downy woodpecker, a white and pink lady slipper, and an unknown white flower (pic to follow). I forgot to tell you that Mary Lou and I also saw a black bear run across the road as we drove back to the hotel. 26.3 miles done on the trail and 10.4 of the 100 mile woods. Camped with Hermes and Summertime.
Date: 2015-06-16
From: Rainbow Lake Campground

To: Wadleigh Stream Shelter
Miles today: 11.9
Weather: scattered clouds

I woke at 4:30 because the sun was out. I went for a swim since I was up. Boy it was cold. Packed up and was out by 7. Before I left I was getting water and I watched a humming bird come to the spring. I hiked most of the day in overcast skies. Today I saw several more white lady slippers. Yesterday I thought it was a fluke. Just before I got to Wadleigh Stream Shelter it started to rain so instead of continuing on I spent the night at the shelter. It was a full house; 4 in the shelter and 5 tenting. Four are headed S/B and the rest are just doing the 100 mile woods. There was summertime, Hermes-now hardcore, sex machine, and his brother.
Date: 2015-06-17
From: Waldleigh Stream Shelter

To: Antlers Campsite
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: scattered clouds

The rain had stopped by the the time I got up which was very early, 4:30 a.m., because the sun was up. I'd been up 3 times during the night because I drank 2 quarts of water before bed trying to keep hydrated. It was nice and cool and I headed out by 6:30. Been telling everyone where the name plank came from. My best friend plank. Day was going regular (mud and mosquitoes - both my favorites). I twisted my ankles a half a dozen times and fell twice, once coming down the stairs from the privy on the wet steps. Then at about 1:00 it happened, I heard a crash in the woods about 50 yards ahead of me and saw a 250 lb black bear run up the slope to my right. The only thing was, the bear didn't keep running. It got to the crest of a rise and turned back and looked at me. I hit my hiking poles together but it didn't move. I thought about getting a pic but decided it was better to see what his reaction was to me yelling. I yelled in that deep voice that Mary says doesn't seem like it's coming from me but some crazy person. To my relief the bear ran further up the hill out of sight. I do have to admit I kept checking behind me every time I heard a noise. Just before I got to Antlers Campsite, I flushed out a grouse who beat the ground and then ran into the woods whining like it was injured, I think to lead me away from its nest. I had my phone powered down to save my battery so I didn't get a pic. Flora and fauna today was the bear, a grouse, my first snake, sunning on the trail, and not happy when I pushed him along, and an angry red squirrel. Hope to do 16 tomorrow. Love ya all, walking with plank
Date: 2015-06-18
To: Logan Stream Shelter
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 5 It was a long hard day, I was up by 4:30 and out of camp by 6:30. Hardcore and vacation time had not gotten up before I left. I got my first trail magic today. I was speaking with a guy, mike who was also in camp and I mention I thought oat be short on food so he gave me a fun pack of snicker before I set of. Thanks mike. I got moving and the morning went fast, only a few swamps and a few less mosquitoes. On one marsh I saw a cow moose and a calf see pic.i at Jo Mary road a net a girl that was supporting hummingbird in a trail run, 42 miles in day 1, both from Hi. I made the 7.7 to coopers shelter by 10:15 and the the next shelter by 1530 so I marched on to Logan stream shelter. Here tonight were peaches, Phoenix, Anna, Brendon from Georgia with Anna and a guy tenting I didn't meet. I woke to sprinkles at 5 and thought of the Devo song should I stay or go. Doesn't look like it's going to clear up so I will out by 7 at the latest.
Date: 2015-06-19
From: Logan Stream Shelter

To: chairback gap leanto
Miles today: 17.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 6 The rain had stopped when I started the day but it was still misting. The problem today was the trees were soaked and there were numerous blow downs going up white cap mtn such it was like walking through a car wash. Today Anna and Brendon and I kept taking turns passing each other. At the last hut Brendon wrote in the trail journal that he had seen an eagle in a nest with chicks all wearing Steve Colbert shirts. He said it was a running joke, it didn't hit me till I was head down the trail that the joke was on me because I had told them the night before about all the animals I saw. This pissed me off the rest of the day. When we got to where we were going to camping I told Brenden I was slow on the upkeep buy I got the eagle joke. I then decided to go to the next camp sight so I would burden them. My faith was restored by some awesome trail magic right after I left Breden. I got to the trail for the campsite but it said it was .4 miles and muddy so I forged on to the chair back lean to arriving at 20:15. I met nobos the tortoise and the hare, I think they got mad because I was up so late.
Date: 2015-06-20
From: Chairback Gap Leanto

To: Wilson Stream Lean-to
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: broken clouds

Day7I started the day from chair back leanto looking to put more distance between myself and Anna and Brenden. I met Luis who tented for the night at the lean to. We made over several ups and downs til finally arriving at the 3rd shelter Wilson River lean to. By this time I had really aggravated my shin but had covered 15.6 tough miles. In the lean to were some cool people from Maine doing nobo 100 trip. I told them about Brenden and they said they saw him before Chairback and didn't think much of him however they thought my new trail name should be Eagles nest.
Date: 2015-06-21
From: Wilson Stream Lean-to

To: Monson, Maine
Miles today: 10.4

From the Trail Boss: Plank finally made it to Monson after a grueling, water-soaked hike out of the 100 Mile Wilderness. He's at a hostel tonight, and hopes to dry his boots well enough to begin hiking again tomorrow. From Plank: Left the guys from Maine at the shelter and started late at 8 because it was pouring rain. Luis was not going go but I think that he felt guilty that I was going so he joined me. I was driven by the thought of a warm bed and hot shower at the hostel. We sloshed through the rain. Forded at least 4 rivers because the rain had caused the water level to rise. Things that were a trickle the day before were now raging streams. Luis slipped and fell 3 times and I once. Damn roots. But by the end of the day the rain had stopped and we were in Monson. We went to dinner at the lakeside Hotel which was quite good. Oh I forgot the best part of all the end of the 100 mile woods. This was my first dealing with how the gortex in my boots wasn't working. I had to stop at least twice and wring my socks out and pour about a cup of water out of each boot.
Date: 2015-06-22
From: Monson, Maine

To: Horseshoe Cayon Leanto
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: broken clouds

I hiked the first 3 miles once back on the trail at 10 after picking up reapply at the post office and thought I was going to have to go back to Monson because my shin hurt so much. I called the trail boss and I decided to forge on. I made it to leanto late but was able to squeeze in with the already packed house. Luis had decided to stay behind to nurse his injuries from his falls. In the leanto was Ariel. Athena, bowline. Fireball, Rivet, skywalker, and another young guy from mass. They were all very nice.
Date: 2015-06-23
From: Horseshoe Canyon leanto

To: Horseshoe Canyon leanto
Miles today: 0.0

 Day 10First zero day, was raining all day,everything was damp and I was sitting in the shelter, lunch box stopped as he was nobo and I met Kate and her fianc© I can't remember his name. They stopped and talked about life and seemed like good kids, also met a guy from Michigan that continued sobo. Later in the day two older guys arrived Comanche and just john, I started talking to Just John and told him what I did for work. I then told him I knew a Maine trooper once and when I mentioned his name it was actually Comanche. Later that night the young couple from Winsted showed up also. Not a bad evening talking with Comanche and Just John.
Date: 2015-06-24
From: Horseshoe Canyon leanto

To: Bald Mountain Brook leanto
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 11I headed out early about 5:30 and was going good, the leg only hurt a bit . Was tea bagging it at the first ford so it was a bit close. More mud and blow downs but did 13 miles to bald mountain brook lean to. During the day I passed the guy from Michigan a few times and got his name as Scott. Later at the lean to he mentioned he had started with his dad but his dad got a stress fracture and had to stop. Scott mentioned that I might want to soak my shin so I did and it felt better. During the night two nobos came in but no sign of Comanche and just John or the couple from winsted.Did 13 on the bum leg. See what tomorrow brings.
Date: 2015-06-25
From: Bald Mountain Brook leanto

To: Caratunk
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: broken clouds

The two north NOBOs at the leanto mentioned a brick more of blow downs, which I scoffed at knowing what I had gone through. But later I found out what they meant as I got to a point where I lost the trail several times. I roughed it out up over Pleasant Pond Mountain but I hit the wall at about the 12 mile mark and my shin was red, hot, and swollen. I could barely walk the last two miles. When I got to the roadway rte 201. I stopped a young couple at a business ask to use ther phone but they offered to take me to the sterling inn. Once there I iced my leg and talked to the trail boss about possibly going to see a doctor. That night I spoke with a NOBO Goodnight who showed a pick of his leg and said he got the same shin splints. When asked how he got through it he said he to ibueprofin and walked through it. I was at the Inn Ariel, fire ball and there gang, Scott even showed up that night.
Date: 2015-06-26
From: Cartunk

To: West Pond Carry leanto
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 13 6/26/15Woke with my shin a bit stiff but I was going to give it a shot as it was a nice day. I had thought about taking 2 zeros and having Mary bring me to the hospital to have it checked out but decided to forge on. I was the last to get on the shuttle for the ferry across the Kennebec but I didn't want to slow the sbat pack down. Before I let Comanche and Just John had just arrived. They told me that Luis was on the trail again just behind them. Today went well mostly flat so I made good time. I felt well so I pushed to West Carry Pond leanto 14 miles. At the leanto there was a great view of the lake and a dock. I set up my tent and then went swimming, awesome!!!!. I prefer she tent if it's not going to rain because of the Mosquitos. When I sleep in the leantos I where my big net and then get over heated in my sleeping bag. The sbat pack never made to to the leanto but I met a retired Ibm guy from Fishkill and his brother and friend from Maine. The guy from Maine was very nice, he was a PT and gave me some black sport tape for my shin that seemed to help. The loons that night were eiry but magical at the same time. They are so cool. I slept the best I have this trip that night and woke early as usual
Date: 2015-06-27
From: West Carry Pond leanto

To: Horns Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 17.9
Weather: moderate rain

Notes from the Trail Boss: Plank left Monson last Monday, eager to continue. By the time he arrived in Caratunk, he was suffering from severe shin splints. The plan was for him to take a few zeros to rest the leg, but after only one night's rest, he was ready to get back on the trail. He decided to reduce the number of miles hiked each day, although today he hiked 17 miles. Tonight he is at Horns Pond, and tomorrow he'll hike the five or so miles to Stratton. Overall he's doing well, and is happy to be on the trail.Day 14 6/27/15I woke early and ate breakfast at the dock. I watched a fisherman follow the loons in search of fish. It was a beautiful day so I headed on my way. I had several big climbs today the Bigelows and Avery peak. Until small Biglelow the hike had small ups and downs. I ate lunch on a small sandy beach on Flagstaff Lake, u can't get any prettier than that. Then up the mountains. As I passed people NOBO they mention rain tomorrow so I knew I needed to summit and start back down today so I didn't get caught on the summit in the rain. One guy said it was going to be in the 50s to. I plugged on as my leg felt good but he climbs were tough, the first 4k mountain. I kept passing a couple from Atlanta with the dog Corrine, they had headed out from West Carry before me but I think they stopped at Safford Brook Campsite just below Avery Summit. I continued on and got into Horn's Pond Leanto at about 7:30. There was a young couple from Boston/Saco who had their tent set up in the leanto so I joined them. The couple had been out for a couple day hike. A hard day but some excellent views so it was worth the push.
Date: 2015-06-28
From: Stratton Hostel

To: Spaulding Mountain Leanto
Miles today: 5.1
Weather: clear sky

Day 15 6/28/15. Woke up early and it hadn't started raining yet so I figured I would take my time since I had only 5 miles to go into Stratton. By 6:30 it was pouring and the temp was down in the 50s. I felt bad for the people that were going to try to summit Avery today. You couldn't even see the summit. I made my way down the rest of the mountain in the rain. As in the past my boots filled up again. I made it to the road and called the owner of the Stratton Hostel (Sue Smith). Sue was a bit gruff but the accommodations were ok. Met Bowie, two Popeyes, Apollo, and the two girls from Kansas, flower child and her sister. Did laundry, resupply, went to white wolf for a burger,1/4 burger with sausage patty on at and mushrooms, bacon, and lettuce. Ate way too much felt sick. Nice to be out of rain.
Date: 2015-06-29
From: Stratton

To: Spaulding Mountain Leanto
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 16 6/29/15I woke at 5:30 because we were going to do a group breakfast and I wanted to help prepare as I didn't help with dinner last night. I was psyched as my boots had dried over night. We ate a good breakfast and Sue shuttles everyone to the trail. The Popeyes took off quick but I passed them on the climbs. Popeye jr and I flip flopped during the day. During the day had some good climbs over the Crockers, Sugarloaf, and Spaulding Mountain. I climbed to the summit but like the whole day it was in the clouds and wet. By about 1700 we arrived at the Spaulding Mountain Leanto. Met Temper and Flipfloppers from Austraila.
Date: 2015-06-30
From: Spaulding Mountain Leanto

To: Rangeley, Hiker Hut
Miles today: 18.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 17 6/30/15I got up about 5 did my chores and was out by 6:45. Both of the Popeyes were still sleeping so I'm not sure how far they were going to go today. I was shooting for Piazza Rock Leanto 16.9 over some big peaks so I knew it would be a long day. The day had some tough climbs Saddleback Jr., the Horn, and Saddleback Mtn. I was dragging towards the end but again had great views and it was going to rain tomorrow. When I arrived at Piazza Shelter people were hooting and hollering. I was told there were already 6 in the Leanto and several tents on platforms. Since Mary was coming to pick me up tomorrow I decided to continue into Rangley. It had started to sprinkle and I thought I might as well sleep inside. I got to the road at about 8:00 and no one was driving by so now chance to hitch a ride. I tried to find the hiker hit, .3 miles from the trail but I went the wrong way first. I made it to the hiker hut at about 8:30. Steve the owner couldn't have any a better a host. He gave me dinner, taco soup, a Gatorade and corn bread. I ate well took a dip in the river and then crashed in an awesome bunk. Quite a find.
Date: 2015-07-03
From: Rangeley

To: Height overlook on Rt 17
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: light rain

Left for Maine at 5:28 a.m. The hope is to get 12 in today, and then Mary will pick me up and we will spend the night. Mary dropped me off at the trail head on Rt 4 near Rangeley at 11:30, and I got 13.2 miles done in 6.5 hours. The trail was not that bad going and I wanted to spend as much time with Mary as possible. Mary picked me up at the Height overlook. We went to dinner, then fireworks in Rangeley, then spent the night at the Loon Lodge, a really nice place. Will be back on the trail in the a.m.
Date: 2015-07-04
From: Height overlook on Rt 17

To: Pine Ellis in Andover
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: light rain

Checked out of the lodge and went to breakfast at Keeps in Rangeley. Mary then brought me back to Rte 17 and I was off. Just before I got to the Bemis Mountain shelter I met back up with Luis. He wanted to stop at the shelter but that would have only been 4.5 miles so I went on. At the shelter I met Kbar. I pushed to South Arms Rd where I called Pine Ellis out of Andover and stayed at the hostel. Sketchy place...like staying at a house in Danielson. But it was a bed, even though I didn't get in until 8:30 p.m. Went to the general store, got dinner, and then went to bed.
Date: 2015-07-05
From: Pine Ellis in Andover

To: Frye Notch Lean-to
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: light rain

Up at the hostel at 6:00 a.m., breakfast and then back to the trail by 7:30. Right out of the box was a steep up and then a steep down, followed by another steep up. I felt sapped and I had one more climb to Frye Notch leanto for a total of 14.6. I met NOBOs Tenure, Laugh Track, Shay, and Chewy.
Date: 2015-07-06
From: Frye Notch Lean-to

To: Speck Pond Campsite
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: light rain

Up at 5:30 a.m. and out of camp at 6:45. Just the way to start the day. Straight up to Baldpate East Peak at 3810 feet. Then down to Grafton Notch, Rte 26, where I saw Scott Jurzick who is trying to set the NOBO supported record. Climbed Old Speck, 4033 feet, took pics from the fire tower, then descended into Speck Pond campsite. Met NOBOs Blue Collar, Sunset, the Lorax, and two others with the Lorax, but forgot their names. 14.7 miles for the day. We will see what the Mahoosuc Notch has in store tomorrow.
Date: 2015-07-07
From: Speck Pond Campsite

To: Gentian Pond
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 24 7/7/15 Well they started with a little up and then a big down into Mahoosuc notch. The Notch was the best part of the trip yet. It took me almost 2 hrs, a bunch off rock hopping but it was fun. The temp in the Notch was 30 degrees cooler, there was still ice and snow in the caves in the Notch. Then climbing out of the Notch you got hit with the heat and the climb out wasn't fun. I continued a couple other rises and got in to the Carlo Col Shelter at 16:30 after 9.5 hrs.
Date: 2015-07-08
From: Gentian Pond

To: Gorham, NH
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: light rain

Day 25 7/8/15 Started the day at about 7:15 and as soon as I did it started to rain. I summited Mount Success in the rain. It was cold and my boots started to fill up again. I didn't want to stop and set up camp in the rain so I decided to continue into Gorham. After a few hours of getting soaked the sun came out and I started to dry out. I still had to watch my step on the wet rocks and roots. The day was long, I saw over 30 people pass me headed north today. I made to the White Mountain Inn and hostel without injury doing the 17 miles in 11 hrs. Another long day but doing ok. Going to take a zero day tomorrow with my trail boss and figure out what I'll do in the Whites