morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2017-09-06
From: Spaulding Mtn Lean To

To: Stratton, ME. Stratton Hostel
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: light rain

Packing up in a shelter is a pain.  I had my stuff contained but still hard and it was mostly dark and some hikers still trying to sleep.  Anyway I got it all together, had coffee and breakfast and away by 7:30.  13 miles over two mountains at 4000+ is a grind but weather is bad and a better roof over my head motivates.  Was concerned about a stream ford at 5 miles but there was a board over the main part of it.  Still had to boulder hop to get to board and then finish crossing.  Not a big deal as it turned out.  Light rain all day.  Tried out my umbrella that attaches to head.  Marginally successful.  Hits top of my pack when look up so will have to be a downhill and level ground device.  Crocker Mtns were the challenge.  Climbed 2000 to south Crocker. Grueling but made in normal speed.  Then down 500 and back up 700 to higher north Crocker.  Last of the climbs.  Now just 5 miles downhill to road.  Tried to go faster but slowed down after realizing not worth it.  Only fell a couple times.  The sideways kind into shrubs.  No big deal.  Have been seeing grouse regularly.  Usually flush them before I see but today almost stepped on it.  Got a couple pics cause only flew a shot ways.  Made road by 3:30.  Chili from a trail angel and got a ride from a minister who's church helps hikers.  Found place to stay and supper across street.  Rained all night.  Not getting an early start.  Forecast is for less chance later but not great.  Got to just keep going thru this.  Body doing ok.  Knees and thighs ache but Aleve helps that.  Feet are doing good considering all.  My climbing stamina seems to have weakened. Just hurts more.  Still making time, so I must not be that bad.   Almost forgot, crossed 2000 mile mark, but more importantly also the 200 to go mark.  Yahoo!   Amy booked flight to Boston now, so also working with her dates.  Another good motivator to see her.
Date: 2017-09-07
From: Stratton, ME. Stratton Hostel

To: Stafford Notch Campsite. 
Miles today: 10.6

Rainy morning.  Just like yesterday.  Stayed out and prayed for clearing weather.  Washed dirty socks and dried other stuff best could including tent fly.  Went next door to store and resupplied.  Great small store with good selection of produce, a deli, and a hardware store in back.  What more could you need?  Hitched back to trail and hiking by noon.  This is the Bigelows.  Last major named mountains.  Lots of ups for a while.  Finally got to top of Bigelows, and first mountain. Decided to push on.  Over Avery and then down to tho camp sit.  All around this area are huge boulders.  Neat place. I would come back here.
Date: 2017-09-08
From: Stafford Notch Campsite. 

To: East Carry Pond stealth site
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: clear sky

Rained a little overnight early.  Dry this morning.  Packed up and out by 7:30.  Back the one third mile side trail to AT.  Fun side trail with a walk under a boulder.  Today need to do some extra miles to set up for getting across Kennebec River tomorrow.  The ferry, aka canoe only runs from 9 to 2 and have to get across that and into Caratunk.  So did good today. Only 10 to river in morning. Started with 2 mile climb up Little Bigelow Mtn.  Gradual climb, but rocky as usual.  Top was fairly flat with lots of viewpoints.  Huge lake to west.  Think it is Flagstaff Lake.  I really like these Bigelows.  Nice variety of mountains some above tree line and then the area with boulders yesterday.  That was cool.  Down off mountain and trail flattened out.  Some areas were even smooth.  Got some trail magic from a couple who had lots of food left over from an attempted thru hike earlier.  Quick after lunch to West Carry pond lean to.  Got water and 4 more to camp now.  Beautiful pond.
Date: 2017-09-09
From: East Carry Pond Stealth Site

To: Caratunk House Hostel. Caratunk, ME
Miles today: 10.3

AT Mile 2038.6   151.2 mi to Katahdin Hiked along the shore of East Carry Pond to start today.  Beautiful place.  Several other hikers camped a little farther north.  Went past them and on beyond pond and up over a small mountain. Stopped for a rest after 6 miles at Pierce Pond Lean To.  Nice place but cool due to wind coming off Pond.  My camp last night was sitting on west side and did not get wind thankfully.  Had to walk over a long rough dam of boulders with a wood dam of sorts propped against the stone.  This evidently raised the level of Pierce Pond.  Then about 3 miles along Pierce Pond Stream.  Another pretty area with small falls and some smooth water.   As said before this is a nice area.  Came to Kennebec River and waved to ferry operator on other side.  Canoe came and I was on other side before long.  Swift river and gets swifter when upstream dam releases.  That can be at any time so ferry is the safe method.  Hiked another half mile to hostel.  Here by 1:00.  This is the way I like it.  Plenty of time to get things done and relax a little.  Got shower and laundry.  Pulled pork and an excellent chocolate shake and rested.   Later went to a restaurant brew pub for the usual.  Will resupply in morning and get back to trail for 3 days to Monson.  Last section before 100 mile Wilderness.
Date: 2017-09-10
From: Caratunk House Hostel. Caratunk, ME

To: Bald Mtn Lean To
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: few clouds

AT Mile 2053.3.  136.5 to Katahdin Good breakfast at hostel.  Good hostel overall.  I picked up resupply from them too.  Uturn's friends came in later last night.  They were section hiking south of here and drove up.  Tired and sore. Want a zero today so UTurn staying too.  Hiking out by myself today.  On trail at 9:15.  Hiked 5 miles to a road and wow, trail magic.  A lady who had lived in Wheaton and has been to Sandwich fair.  Small world.  Had coffee and donut and a sweet bread slice.  Moved on and over Pleasant Pond Mtn.  Clear skies and good views.  One more Mtn out of the way.  Not too many more before Katahdin.  Stopped for a break and replied to texts from a couple people including Bob McW who is riding the storm out in his family's condo in Daytona area. He's about 8 stories up and the path appears to be on west side of state. Sounds interesting.  Trail is definitely getting easier.  Get some stretches that are smooth now but still mostly covered with roots and rocks.  Long ups and downs are less numerous.  I also am in a mood of over the hump and on the home stretch. I'm feeling good and able to move faster with better terrain.  I did take a couple more falls today as have been happening.  One scared me.  A pole hung up on a root and spun me around to fall on my back down hill.  Soft landing on pack.  Have been having the sticks catching more.  Wish I could grind down the part that is catching. Later in the afternoon I came to another road and two guys were packing up more trail magic.  Just missed hot dogs.  Oh well, had just eaten lunch.  Did take a bag of potato chips they offered.  Sure is a great state for trail magic. Got to my camp site a little before five.  Talked to some people and did my routines.  Getting dark earlier.  No more getting in tent before dark.  Did almost 15 miles in less than 8 hours with 3 packs off breaks and a few other stops.  A good pace.  Scale at hostel had me at 163 last night but up to 167 this morning after eating a lot in town.  No worries, feeling good and eating lots.
Date: 2017-09-11
From: Bald Mtn Lean To

To: Horseshoe Canyon Lean To
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: broken clouds

AT Mile 2066.3.   123.5 to Katahdin Caught up to Moxie and Tumbleweed after a short time this morning.  Have seen them the last few days.  First met them in southern VA back in May.  Sister/ brother duo from VA.  Hiked and talked some then I went ahead.  Told Moxie I would see her at top of Moxie Bald Mtn which we were starting to climb.  Moxie is Another nice mountain top with tons of bald rock.  Cool and windy here this early.  I found a place out of wind and talked to Amy.  Had to make several calls as kept losing the connection.  After that, Moxie and Tumbleweed got there so took some pics.  She also brought up a can of Moxie soda to drink for the occasion.  It's a local cola with an extra taste that makes it a little different.  I went on down.  Lots of pretty views.  Stopped at Moxie Pond for a short break.  Campsite here was really nice.  On to some trail magic from Energizer Bunny who is slack packing his 50 something daughter Frogger up to Katahdin.  Have seen Frogger quite a bit the last 2 weeks.  She is often going south so easy to cross paths. And have had trail magic from dad previously.  They are from Orlando so got an update on hurricane from him.  A few more miles to the Piscataquis River crossing that looked like would require wading but I rock hopped to a sketchy log across middle and made it dry. Word is that tomorrow wading will be required.  Have avoided that so far.  Last 3 miles to camp were rough with lots of ups and downs over R & R.  Root and rocks.  Along the Piscataquis River which was nice.  Only a couple other hikers here.  One is Family Man from CT.  Meeting his dad to hike the final section. Said dad is 42.  Made me feel old.  Most hikers pushed on to Monson.  I'll be there tomorrow by noon and then head into the 100 mile wilderness the next day.  Final section before Katahdin!
Date: 2017-09-12
From: Horseshoe Canyon Lean To

To:  Monson ME. Shaw's Hostel
Miles today: 9.0

The ford after a couple miles was a non event.  I was able to cross over a beaver dam that may have been started with rocks from human dam builders.  I was able to cross over a beaver dam that may have been started with rocks from human dam builders.  Was happy not to have to take off shoes to get across.  Hiked on and caught up with Knome, Big Wave and Boss.  Leap frogged with them a few miles.  Trying to decide on where to stay Monson.  Trail rumors say that Shaw's has had a lot of sickness.  I'm going to stick there since I have a reservation for a private room.  Above folks met a friend at trail head and I got ride into town with them.  Into hostel by noon.  Showered, and did some organizing.  Hand washed shirt and socks.  Good to go from here for clothes.  Walked down town. Bought a few resupply items. Will be carrying 7 days of food for 100 mile wilderness. Most I've ever had.  Stopped at pub for a good lunch and beer. Want to eat up here before next section.  Got some more resupply at a convenience store and back to hostel.  More down time the repeated above for more resupply and supper. Ate with Boss, Big Wave and Knome along with a couple other hikers I did not know.  Did some food packing. More than will fit in my food bags so will figure out something. Planning to hike out tomorrow.
Date: 2017-09-13
From:  Monson ME. Shaw's Hostel

To: Long Pond Stream stealth site
Miles today: 14.3

AT Mile. 2090.6.   100.2 to Katahdin Had a good breakfast at hostel.  Shaw's Hiker Hostel is a famous one on the trail.  I think the young couple running it are new owners.  Probably the Shaw's were ready to retire.  It was opened in 1977.  Got all my stuff packed.  Had to do some things different to make the 7 days of food fit. Heavier than ever but will manage.  Eat the weight down will be my mission.  Unfortunately the hardest days are at the beginning.  Shuttle back to the trail and hiking by 8:45.  Called Amy from trailhead for one last time.  Got the obligatory picture of the 100 mile wilderness sign about having enough provisions for 10 days.  Many hikers are planning less than me.  Hope they have some extra food.  I also contacted a camp that is about 5 days in.  I had been invited there by the host I had stayed with at a home in Hanover, NH.  Her husband runs the camp.  I'll probably stop there on Sunday night.  Sounds like a neat place.  Average hiking to start things.  Stopped at Wilson Falls for lunch. Pretty place.  Lots of ponds today.  Many thanks to the beaver. And sometimes where the beaver pond is filling in.  Then came to  Big Wilson Stream.  This was a real ford.  I took off shoes and socks and attempted.  Too hard on feet and water at knees.   Dug through pack to get camp shoes.  With them and a different shallower spot, made it.  Will keep my camp shoes easier to get at.  Rest of hike was tiring.  Stopped at this site rather than the lean to I had planned.  It's just a mile farther. Braveheart is only other hiker here.  Weather good today.  Hot at times when going uphill.
Date: 2017-09-14
From: Long Pond Stream stealth site

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

AT Mile 2103.9.  85.9 to Katahdin Wow. Under 100 miles to go.  Really sinking in now.  Today was advertised to be the hardest of the 100 Mile wilderness and I sure hope it was cause it definitely was hard.  Started out with good climb up to Barren Ledges. Good views and first time I really noticed the amount of fall color from above.  Then on up to Barren Mtn.  This was the highest but not hardest of the day.  Rested and talked to Pockey.  Met him in shuttle from hostel and we hiked together a short time yesterday.  I did not see him after we stopped at the falls.  He explained this morning that he hiked from the falls the wrong way.  Over an hour before he met someone he knew and got straight.  Tough way to start this section.  Today is the Chairback mountains.  Barren was first and then started into a series of additional peaks.  None very high, but all had good views and steep up and downs.  There was a bog at bottom of one.  A section hiker alerted me to a parasitic plant there.  Got some pics.  I'm sure Amy will identify more specifically. (AH- A carnivorous Pitcher Plant- very nice!)I started getting tired after lunch.  Leap frogged with Pockey several times. He was tired also but got ahead of me after lunch.  Got to Chairback Gap lean to about 3:30.  Was surprised to see Pockey staying for night.  Also Ski Pole with him.  Both are about my age.  I decided to go on to this campsite.  Seemed easy enough and about 3 miles. I should have known better.  First went up over The Chairback Mtn.  Easy up but the down was hard and dangerous.  Got past that and then just seemed a long way to the campsite.  Finally made it.  No one else here.  I set up and had supper.  Went down by pond and sat a while as it got dark.  Thinking about how this journey is nearing the end.  About that time Venture came in. Xena is usually with him but not today.  Saw her in Monson so not far behind.  We talked a while but getting dark so hiker bedtime.  Weather is still great.  Warm and sunny.  Slept with rain fly partly open to let air in.  And this wilderness is beautiful, wild and remote.  I'm happy and blessed to be here.  Feeling good and being careful and eating a lot.
Date: 2017-09-15
From: East Chairback Pond Campsite

To: Logan Brook Lean To
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: scattered clouds

AT Mile  2118.4.  71.4  To Katahdin Downhill to a road called Katahdin Ironworks this morning.  Was hoping to see Frogger dad there with trail magic but just a rumor.  Easy walk a mile to West Branch Pleasant river.  Changed shoes and waded across.  Filtered water and talked to a couple who had camped there. Forgot names.  Five mile gradual climb mostly along a brook to a Lean To and then a final steep assent to Gulf Hagas Mtn.  Mostly covered with R and R so was not real fast but made good time. Back down and then up to West peak where I had lunch. Lots of steps built into trail.  Always appreciate those.  Next Mtn was Hay and then Whitecap, highest in 100 mile wilderness at 3650.  Just above tree line.  That is getting lower as moving north.  Leap frogged with Ski Poles several times.  He is not at this shelter so went farther today. Pockey caught up at top of Whitecap.  Talked a while and then split up on way down.  He is here staying in Lean To.  Several others here. Sun is only one I have known before.  Autumn colors evident again today.  Seem to be more widespread now from above.  And could see Katahdin as came down Whitecap so guidebook says. Just not sure which peak it was from a viewpoint.  As I get closer it will be more apparent.  Much taller than rest.  Next 4days in wilderness are expected to be easier.  Today hard but nothing like yesterday.
Date: 2017-09-16
From: Logan Brook Lean To

To: Antlers Tentsite
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Planned a 20 mile today and it went pretty well.  Was level most of the way with slight downhill trend.  Some of the trail was smooth but mostly it was the same R and R to step over around and on.  No falls the last 3 days.  Fell just once on first day on wilderness and skinned my left shin a little. Everything always seems to happen to my left side.  Hiked slower in the morning but mainly due to stops.  Contact lens problem that I finally got straightened out and then a stop to air/dry my sleeping bag. I've been troubled throughout this trip with sweats at night. And that leaves bag damp.  Usually airs out good enough in the evening but still needs good dry time every so often. Usually that is a motel or hostel.  Mid day got a good stretch done that was really smooth.  Can make 3 miles an hour on that.  Late lunch and then miles seemed to drag but got to tent site sooner than expected.  This is a gorgeous place. Lots of tent sites on Jo Mary Pond.  Cooked supper on rocks at edge of water.  A float plane buzzed the pond a couple times.  Plenty of room for it to land but did not.  Probably regulations on that. Sun came in and then some guys including Romeo who knew from a ways back.  Now just over 30 miles left in wilderness.  Going to the Debsconeag Lake Wilderness camp tomorrow and then easy 2 more days.
Date: 2017-09-17
From: Antlers Tentsite

To: Debsconeag Lake Wilderness Camp. 10.6 miles. Motel
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: few clouds

AT Mile. 2148.6.  Watched the sun rise over Jo Mary Pond this morning as I had coffee.  This tent site is a good one.  Hiked out a little later than normal.  Trail went around south end a other side of pond.  Stopped for a short time at a beach and had a snack and washed face and hands.  Another nice warm day.  Level trail but plenty of R and R.  Quick stop at a Lean To to read and write in register.  Last 5 miles were along Nahmakanta stream. Going uphill but gradual.  Stopped for lunch a mile short of road to place I'm staying.  Talked to Romeo as he came by.  He knows Deadeye that I haven't seen since Vermont.  Told me he completed hike a few days ago.  Also talked to a couple guys fishing for trout.  Hiked on to road and wow trail magic from Energizer Bunny.  Know him as he is slack packing daughter Frogger.  I should catch up to her tomorrow. Hung around a while and talked to other hikers including Xena.  Then fisherman offered to take me down road to the camp.  Glad I did that as it was farther than thought.  Was not sure I was on right road for a while but had to be, cause not many roads in wilderness. Also happened to be at right place right time when fisherman let me out.  Got a boat ride to camp from their parking lot.  Beautiful old wood canvas freight canoe with motor.  Nate the worker here took me out a little farther in the lake to see Katahdin in the distance.  This time very evident.  Nate showed me to my yurt and I unpacked and rinsed hiking clothes out in lake.  No electric or plumbing, but what's new!  Had some milk and left over bread at the main lodge and talked to Nate more.  Great guy.  Took a shower and explored camp. There are 6 or 7 cabins here used by spring and fall guests.  Eight yurts are used for youth summer camps.  I helped him make chili and cornbread for supper and clean up.  He offered another night here.  Tempting but Amy will be here in 2 days.  Hiking on for sure.  Maybe bring her back here someday. Now in my yurt and ready to sleep.  Another great day in Maine.
Date: 2017-09-18
From: Debsconeag Lake Wilderness Camp. 

To: Rainbow Lake Tentsite
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: clear sky

AT Mile. 2163.5.  26.3 to Katahdin Nate made me breakfast of cheese grits and fried eggs.  Good stuff.  Also gave me some of the left over cornbread and a couple apples.  And got a canoe ride back to the boat landing which saved a little hiking.  Was a really good stay at DLWC and I feel fortunate to get to stay here.  Nate will finish his fall work with the camp and then has a new teaching job in NW Maine to start in October. Foggy this morning and most of the day.  Very muggy. I hiked back to the AT after Nate let me off.  A little over a mile on the gravel road.  Made first few miles quickly.  Stopped at Wadleigh Lean To.  Nobody there.  Read and signed register.  Up Nesuntabunt Mtn.  Not difficult nor too high.  Would have seen Katahdin if no fog.  Caught up to Frogger and talked to her some.  Saw some fresh bear scat.  Stopped at Crescent Pond for a short time.  Saw moose tracks but no moose.  Today met flip flopper Slow And Steady.  Last saw him in VA.  He flipped to Katahdin and now going south back to Harpers Ferry.  We talked a little and turns out his sister lives in town I grew up in.  Also ran into Ellis who I last saw in Hot Springs NC.  Caught up with him on a lot of other hikers I knew early on.  Into camp by five.  Frogger got here after that.  Just one other couple here.  Lake is pretty but fogged in before dark.  My last night in a tent.  Also last cooking, eating trail food, packing up, etc.  Tomorrow hike 12 to Abol Bridge and then planning to meet Amy at hotel she has booked.  I should get there before her.  She is flying to Boston in morning and driving up.  Can't wait!
Date: 2017-09-19
From: Rainbow Lake Tentsite

To: Abol Bridge
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: clear sky

AT 2175.1  14.7 to KatahdinPacked up a little differently from my last night in tent. Put a few things in my trash that I would not need anymore, like olive oil bottle, wet wipes, kleenex... Hiked 5 miles to rainbow ledges. Cell service and sent text to Amy and talked to my Dad. Trail is still full of roots, making normal mph. Stopped for a break Hurd Brook lean-to then down to Abol Bridge/Golden Road(which is a gravel road) Energizer Bunny was there with trail magic again.  Lunch at store/restaurant there at bridge. Had a wild hitchhike ride to Big Moose Inn and Cabins. Girl that picked me up was coming from an assignment in wilderness studying Spruce Grouse. By the way she was driving she was also glad to get out of the wilderness.  She was driving, looking at my picture, gravel flying at at least 40 mph with road that was rocky and like a washboard.  Safely arrived at hotel and checked in, showered, and then waited for Amy to make the trek up from Boston. We went to restaurant at the Big Moose Inn.
Date: 2017-09-20
From: Abol Bridge

To: Katahdin Stream Campground, Baxter State Park
Miles today: 9.5
Weather: few clouds

Never appreciated cotton fabric as much in my life as now. So many days in quick dry polyester with sweat smell embedded in the fabric has made me realize that just like the commercial, "cotton- the fabric of life".First moose sighting today here at the 2184.6 AT mile marker. She was up to her head in water, swimming along. Then came out of the pond and got on the trail just in front of me. Followed her for maybe 100 yds, and then she stepped in the forest and quietly disappeared. Amazing how quiet she was, for such a large animal. Many hikers made the summit today, so there was much rejoicing at the Katahdin Stream Campgrounds.  Tomorrow is the final Katahdin summit for me.