morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-09-05
From: Mizpah Hut

To: Madison Hut tentsite
Miles today: 11.8

I slept well indoors, on a bunk mattress. The nice thing about huts are they are clean. I was expecting to have to do some sweeping after breakfast was served, so I hungout till the visitors were all out for their day hikes. I made myself some coffee and had cereal before they even ate, hoping to leave early for the climb over Mt. Washington. The croo didn't give me any work to do by 9am, so I left.The weather was improved, with partly sunny skies to the east. To the west all the clouds were pushed up against the high ridgline I'd hike across all day.When I finally got to the Presidntial Range, above treeline, it was spectacular. The views were not perfect, but nice with the clouds rolling up the west slope over the ridge I was on, and then disappearing. The trail takes you around Mt. Eisenhower, over Mt. Franklin, and around Mt. Monroe before reaching Lake of the Clouds Hut. This hut sits right below Mt. Washington, only 1.4 miles to the summit.A short break at the hut and then it was time to conquer Mt.. Washington. The climb was steep, but my adrenilene was high. The views looking back across the ridge were awesome, and I couldn't help myself but to stop a few times to turn around to look.On the summit I had a quick snack in the summit house. It was pretty crowded there, since people can drive up the mountain or take the Cog railway. This is the oldest mountain railroad of its kind, altough it's quite an eyesore to see all that thick black smoke it spews out. I didn't hangout long up there, since I still had about 6 miles of above treeline hiking to do before I got to my destination.The hike the rest of the day was in and out of clouds, and mostly in. The walk across the Monticello Lawns was beautiful, I really want to see this place on a clear day! After passing by Mt. Jefferson, it was a steep downhill to Edmands Col where I stopped for a quick break.The trail leads you around Mt. Adams before reaching Madison Spring Hut. This stretch of hiking was really nice, with some crazy views with the clouds. I decided to bypass the whole hut situation, and camp below it on the Valley Way Trail.After fetching water, and cooking dinner, it started to rain lightly. It was an early night in my tent, before 9pm. I hope it doesn't rain for my climb over the last of the Presidentials tomorrow, Mt. Madison. It looks steep and rocky!
Date: 2006-09-06
From: Madison Hut tentsite

To: Wildcat Ridge Trail tentsite
Miles today: 8.7

It rained all night, not letting up in the morning. Staying in the hut would have kept me dry, but Id be cold and wet upon leaving. The climb up over Mt. Madison was daunting in these conditions. I was in a rain cloud, with low visibility, and rock scrambling above treeline. One slip and things could have been bad.It took over an hour to do the mile from the hut, to Osgood Junction. This is where the trail descends below treeline, and eventually to Pinkham Notch. The weather started clearing during the descent to lower elevations, but I still got caught in some showers.I got to Pinkham Notch Camp, a small facility with a store, food service, and simple lodging. It was too pricey to stay there, without having my own room and laundry availability. All I need to do is dry my tent and sleeping bag, which I can do camping if the weather co-operates. I stealth camped along a river and NH16, just before the big climb out of here. Climbing up Wildcat is supposed to be the hardest climb in the Whites. I guess I'll find out for myself tomorrow. Praying for no rain!
Date: 2006-09-07
From: Wildcat Ridge Trail tentsite

To: Mt. Hight Tentsite
Miles today: 7.0

Woke up to no rain, and I could actually see some blue sky peaking through the white puffy clouds. It was supposed to be a real tough climb up Wildcat Mountain, which actually has 5 seperate peaks. The climb started with a 2000ft climb in just 1.8 miles. Of course the rocks were still wet, which Ive been used too. It still makes it a slow climb.After the climbs, which were tough but not impossible, I descended down to the lake near Carter Notch Hut. It was a great spot, and I only planned going another 2 miles to camp at a real nice spot. This is the last hut I'll encounter, but I didnt even go the .1 off the trail to check it out.The climb up Carter Dome was steep, but my legs were warmed up from Wildcat. I got water from a spring just before the summit and pressed on to the campsite on Mt. Hight. This is a great spot, and the clouds are trying to clear out. I watched the sun duck down behind Mt. Washington, and the full moon rise over Maine. After eating dinner, a red fox ran by my site. It was interested in what I was up to, having strolled right to within 10ft of me before I noticed it was there. My first fox of the trip.Tomorrow it's on to Gorham, NH the last town stop in NH. I'll be 16 miles from the Maine state line. Looks like Sunday is the day I'll pass into my 14th and final state. 281 miles to go at that point, and at 13 miles per day that should take about 21 days.
Date: 2006-09-14
From: South Arm Road / Andover, ME

To: East B Hill Road
Miles today: 10.1

Today I decided to slackpack 10 miles, since their are a couple big climbs and the weather isnt that nice. It cool and rainy, but I dont feel like taking a zero here.I was dropped off at the trailhead around 9am, and saw Goldfish and Compost heading north. The day started with what looked like a tough climb up Moody Mountain, but it wasnt that bad. It felt great to be carrying such little weight, and to know I was just doing 10 miles. Half way up I saw some guys from VA doing a section hike, and one of them was stopped on the trail talking on his cell phone to his secretary at work. Not the best trail ettiquite.I took a short break after the steep descent down Moody Mountain. There was another steep ascent just after Moody, up to Hall Mountain Lean-to. This ascent looked tough on the profile map, but it was over quickly and wasnt that bad. I was making good time, and there were no more big climbs left for the day so I took a nice break at the shelter.The walk from the shelter to my destination was another 6 miles. It was a nice walk, and the rain that was forcasted never happend which was nice. It was about 65 degrees, comfortable weather to hike. I made it to the road by 245pm, and the van from the hostel was there waiting for me. I headed back to town for a nice half day of organizing my bouncebox and my food maildrop.I talked to my friend Dennis in Colorado, and gave him the scoop as to how my hike is going. It was good to talk to him. I watched my Philadelphia Phillies on TV, and they are still in the playoff hunt. They lost, but it was good to see them play. Ill be in Rangely ME on Sunday, hopefully my Eagles will be on TV. Im ready to get this trail done and watch the games with my friends.
Date: 2006-09-15
From: South Arm Road / Andover, ME

To: Bemis Mountain Lean-to
Miles today: 8.7
Weather: light rain

This morning I had to head to the post office to mail ahead my bouncebox and to send some other stuff home. I was ready to leave for the trail by 10am, but the people at Pine Ellis had to go get a part for their sink which was leaking all over the kitchen floor. I wasnt in a rush since I was just planning on doing 9 miles, so it wasnt a big deal.I got to the trailhead around 1120am, and started up Old Blue Mtn. This was a really steep uphill to start out, and I didnt really have my hiking legs warmed up yet. I struggled a bit, but luckily the trail flattend out a bit before the next steep ascent to the summit. Ontop of the summit, you can see in all directions, although it was still very cloudy so the views werent all that nice.The walk from Old Blue to Bemis Mtn Lean-to wasnt tough, but the conditions on the trail were. Besides all the mud, stepping around all the roots and rocks made it a slow go. I remember the days when i used to be able to move at 4mph, now I struggle to reach 3mph. To top it off, I fell right before reaching the shelter on a rock that didnt look as wet as it must have been. One step and my feet went out from under me, landing me on my back and ass. I was lucky not to hurt my wrists or elbows for sure. The weather is mild, and its supposed to be a warm weekend without rain.
Date: 2006-09-16
From: Bemis Mountain Lean-to

To: Little Swift River Pond Campsite
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Ive been getting up earlier and earlier lately. On the trail by 815, aiming for 13 miles to a nice campsite on a pond. The walk across the last 2 peaks of Bemis Mountain were still a little slippery, and I was extra cautious. I slipped once, but caught myself with my trekking poles. The descent down to Bemis Stream was steep in parts, and still slippery.I took a break at the stream, before heading another 4.5 miles to Sabbath Day Pond. The hiking was very nice in this section, nice terrain and I was able to almost hike at my normal pace. I made good time getting to the pond, and it was a great spot for a long break. Sitting near the water, snacking and watching Iron Wolf washing the mud off his pants in the pond was quite funny. He stepped on a log bridge over mud a little ways north of here, and it sunk cauding him to get stuck in the mud up to his knees. That must have been quite a site.The last 4.6 to the campsite was nice hiking as well. I avoided the log bridge Iron Wolf sunk on, saw many moose tracks, but still no moose in Maine for me. The tent spots were nice, and the pond had canoes you could use. Looks like a nice night with no rain, Ive been lucky so far in Maine. Tomorrow is Sunday, the post office is closed so Im staying in town (Rangley, ME). The post office doesnt even open till 930am Monday, so I wont be able to get an early start for the next big mountain range called the Saddlebacks. I will get to watch my Philadelphia Eagles, if they are on tv though. I love how this worked out for that only reason, otherwise I wish I could get in and out of town without staying the night. With only a couple weeks left, I want to be on the trail as much as I can.
Date: 2006-09-17
From: Little Swift River Pond Campsite

To: ME 4 / Rangely, ME
Miles today: 4.8

The view of the sun rising over the pond this morning was gorgeous. I was in no rush, except to see if the Eagles were on tv in town around 1pm. The 5 miles to the road crossing was great hiking again. Much of the trail was kind enough to not make you look down to watch every foot placement.At the trailhead was the owner of a hostel in Stratton, ME which is the town stop after this one. He was dropping off a hiker, so he offered up a ride to Rangely, 9 miles away from the trailhead. Great timing indeed.I did some food shopping, got a room, and watched the Eagles blow a lead at home only like a Philadelphia team can. Looks like there could be some changing in the weather coming up this week.
Date: 2006-09-18
From: ME 4 / Rangely, ME

To: Piazza Rock Lean-to
Miles today: 1.8
Weather: overcast clouds

While In town Im always tired now, so I try to sleep as much as possible. If Im awake, Im usually eating. Its one or the other. Waiting for the post office to open was a drag, the weather was beautiful and I wanted to be out hiking earlier. But after gettig my maildrop, packing my food bag, and eating what was left over it was already noon. Luckily the hitch didnt take too long, and I was on the trail by 1pm which was bringing me down.My pack was ridiculously heavy for 3 days worth of hiking. It felt like I had enough for 5 days. I was frustrated, and was moving slow. After 2 miles, while breaking at Piazza Rock for water I decided to stay here for the night. There is no water for 6 miles up ahead, while climbing up the Saddlebacks. Its above treeline, and 9 miles to the next shelter. Ill stay here, do 17 miles tomorrow, and still get to the post office in Stratton when it opens on Thursday at 9am. Its also the second to last time Ill have to hitch to get resupplied. Another dry mild night tonight, temps staying in the 50s all night. It cant last for long.
Date: 2006-09-19
From: Piazza Rock Lean-to

To: Spaulding Mountain Lean-to
Miles today: 16.9

First off, Happy Birthday to my Dad!I was on the trail by 8am today, the weather was nice. The morning began with a 2000ft ascent to Saddleback Mountain, 3.9 miles away. It was a good climb, but worth it once you get above treeline. Clouds were building, and the views were just okay. None the less, I love hiking above treeline. On clear days, the summit of Saddleback Mountain is where you can get your first glimpse of Mt. Katahdin, the end of the trail. No such luck today.After a steep descent, followed by the climb up over The Horn, the trail descends once again. Their was a short climb back up to Saddleback Junior, again with no views. I took a lunch break at Poplar Ridge Lean-to, and then started on the second leg of the day, 8 miles to the next lean-to.It started to drizzle a few miles into the hike, and got more steady as I climbed up to the Lean-to. Lots of people here tonight, so I set up my tent in the rain. I cooked under the shelter with everyone, then jumped in my tent. I hope this rain stops sometime during the night. Either way its 13.5 miles to Stratton, ME come tomorrow.Even with the rain, today was a nice day of hiking. It was just warm enough to not make things miserable. Supposedly, some colder air is on the way after this rain.
Date: 2006-09-26
From: Trail to Lake Hebron / Monson, ME

To: Wilson Valley Lean-to
Miles today: 13.7
Weather: scattered clouds

I had a lot to do this morning before leaving town for the last time. It feels quite weird going to the post office for the last food drop, and to be mailing my bouncebox home. First I had a great breakfast at Shaw's, then called home to speak to Linda one last time from the trail. Then I hit the post office, and did the rest of my shopping for the 115 mile finish. Im carrying 7 days worth of food, twice what I normally carry.Finally hit the trail around 1050am, with anywhere from 13-18 miles to do. The hiking wasnt tough, but my knees felt the extra weight I was carrying in my pack. It was a beautiful day to be hiking in the Maine woods, partly sunny skies and temps near 60. The winds were a little chilly, but it beats sweating all day. I took a nice break at Leeman Brook Lean-to, and a longer one at the beuatiful Little Wilson Falls. They were the nicest falls on the trail so far, over 60ft of vertical drop. The last stop of the day was to take my boots off for the fording of Big Wilson Stream, which was cold and knee deep in parts. Luckily it was just 20-30 yards wide, and I didnt slip and fall in.Im at a nice spot tonight under the stars, tenting behind the lean-to. Tomorrow may give my first assured glimpse of Mt. Katahdin, if the weather co-operates.
Date: 2006-09-27
From: Wilson Valley Lean-to

To: Chairback Gap Lean-to
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: scattered clouds

It was a chilly morning, in the mid 30s, but the skies were blue. The first 5 miles of the day didnt include much ups and downs, but the rocks, roots, and mud made it a slow go. I fell twice, and luckily no injuries.The first stop for the day was at Slugundy Falls. It wasnt nearly as nice as yesterdays waterfall, but still a pretty spot. From there it was up over one of the last big mountain ranges, the Barren Chairback Range. I took another break ontop of Barren Mountain, next to one of the last firetowers on the trail. This one didnt look too sturdy, so I stayed off.The rest of the day took me over Fourth and Third Mountain, with tough descents from them both. They wee short, but very steep. Im glad I didnt fall there for sure. I got to the shelter just before dark, after seeing a nice sunset from the top of Columbus Mountain.Still no sign of Mt. Katahdin. Supposedly Ill see it tomorrow, as long as the weather allows, says a southbounder who is at the shelter. The climb tomorrow will be the last significant climb till Mt. Katahdin, my legs are happy about that. They are tired, along with my knees and feet. Im looking forward to being off them soon, with lots of couch time to rest.
Date: 2006-09-28
From: Chairback Gap Lean-to

To: Logan Brook Lean-to
Miles today: 17.1
Weather: overcast clouds

It was a mild, grey morning to start out. It looked like the sun was trying to burn through, but at the same time it looked like it could rain any minute. I got started by 830am, and did the 4 miles down to the West Branch of the Pleasant River in good time. The ground was wet, and I fell once, but the majority of the downhill was nice.The ford across the river was numbingly cold, Im glad it was in the 50s outside. Then began the long steady uphill to the Carl A. Newhall Lean-to. This was a 5.5 mile gradual uphill, and it went by fast. The sun tried to come out a couple times, but more importantly no rain. Then it was onto the last big climb before Mt. Katahdin. Four seperate peaks, all around 700ft of elevation gain. They werent as bad as the climbs yesterday, but offered no views of Katahdin. Im one day late, yesterday I would have seen it for sure.Staying in the shelter tonight since it uninhabited. Tomorrow begins the flat lands, with the exception of one 800ft bump. Hopefully the weather is nice and Ill see my finish line. Im planning on staying at a real nice campsite on a lake also, so dry weather would be perfect. If it rains, I may push 4 more mils to a shelter, we will see.
Date: 2006-09-29
From: Logan Brook Lean-to

To: Logan Brook Lean-to
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

The rain started overnight. It always sounds heavy on a metal roof, but it really came down. It stopped for a little when it started getting light out around 6am, but it was coming down again by 8am. It was cold as well, in the 40s. I wonder if Katahdin is getting snow?I decided to wait it out, and maybe it would let up so I could atleast get 11 miles in if I left by noon. But, it never let up. The longest it stopped for was about 30 minutes. Everytime I started to think about getting ready, it would start up again. After 3 northbounders who I never met came through looking wet, miserable, and cold I decided to zero in the woods for the last time. It ended up being a nice rest, although I hope I didnt eat too much of my food.Hopefully tomorrow will be dry, and I can do big miles to either a wilderness camp for some food resupply and a roof over my head, or to get in position to do big miles again the next day so Im near another resupply place. Whichever, I still plan on summiting on Tuesday.
Date: 2006-09-30
From: Logan Brook Lean-to

To: Potaywadjo Spring Lean-to
Miles today: 23.1
Weather: overcast clouds

The last day of September. It greeted me with mostly clear skies to start the day around 615am. I got up a couple times during the night, and I swear it was snowing lightly around midnight. The next time, around 3am, it was clear skies with stars. I was on the trail by 8am, with easy terrain to cover for lots of miles ahead.After a quick clothing adjustment 4 miles up, I avoided a river ford by crossing on some logs. The river was definitely flowing after all that rain yesterday. Within minutes after, I felt sprinkles. I looked up, and yep, a big gray cloud overhead. I scrambled for my packcover, rainhat, and windjacket and took off. Luckily the showers were isolated and light. After a brief stop ontop of the only climb for the day they ended. Then it was smooth sailing on easy terrain.I stopped for lunch at Cooper Brook Falls Lean-to, a beautiful spot. Big cascading water fall directly infront of the shelter, and the sun was shining. Every now and then it would hide in some clouds, but no rain thank god. After a quick stop at Antlers Campsite, another beautiful spot on a huge lake, I pushed to Potaywadjo Lean-to for the night.It felt great doing good miles, with a much lighter pack compared to a few days ago. Im low on snacks but I think Ill make it another day and a half to the campstore just outside Baxter State Park, the home of Mt. Katahdin. Three more nights on the trail and its all over. Crazy.
Date: 2006-10-01
From: Potaywadjo Spring Lean-to

To: Rainbow Spring Lean-to
Miles today: 18.2

A new month, and the eighth of my journey. The skies looked nice to start out, and stayed that way most of the day. It may have even reached into the low 60s, so it was perfect hiking weather. The plan for today was either 18 or 22, depending on whether or not I wanted to camp out at the 22 mile-mark with a chance of rain overnight. I really dont want to risk it and maybe have to carry a wet tent, so I opted for the 18 mile shelter.Today I had my first look at my destination, Mt. Katahdin. She loomed large over Pemadumcook Lake a half-mile into my day with her summit n the clouds. My next look at her came ontop of Nesuntabunt Mountain, this time standing with clear skies above her so I could make out the summit. To actually see the end of the trail is a feeling that I cant describe. You walk day after day, climbing mountain after mountain, knowing there is an end yet never seeing it. Then you get your first sight of it, and the feeling of acomplishment is overwhelming.This shelter is in a great spot along the most beautiful river Ive seen so far on my journey, Rainbow Stream. I took some nice pictures, which slowed me down at the end of the day. I have no snacks left, and 15 miles till I get to resupply. Luckily I have breakfast and fuel to make a couple extra hot meals with during the day tomorrow before I get to the resupply point in 15 miles, Abol Campstore. Then I will hike an additional 10 miles for a 25 mile day to The Birches Campsite at the base of Katahdin. From there it will be 10 miles, roundtrip, to the summit and back.Mapleleaf, who I first met north of Damascus, left a quote from Calvin Coolidge in the shelter journal that Id like to share."Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful individuals with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent."