morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2011-06-29
From: Carter Notch Hut

To: White Mtn Hostel, Gorham NH
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Another fantastic (but rough) day in the Whites. The weather held out one more day for us and gave us some beautiful views. Right out of the hut there was a super steep climb up Mt. Carter, we stayed up on the ridge for a little while with lots of ups and downs. Carter gave us some great views of Mt. Washington and the other Presidentials looking back across the valley. Finally descended out of the park to Gorham NH. We are staying at White Mtn Hostel which is great so far, really nice people. taking a zero tomorrow... posssssibly two? This will be our last real stop until Katahdin!
Date: 2011-07-01
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Well the double zero happened. Teddy needed to wait on new boots to cone in so I waited with him. Dart headed out today and we'll catch up with him in a bit. Kodiak actually went home today. He's been planning it for a while and has some obligations at home for a bit. He'll be back in a few weeks to finish up though. Teddy and I got all the errands done today, resupply etc.'looking forward to the last state! We have calculated a finish date of July 17th. This will definitely be our last zero until the end. It's crazy actually being this close to the end, probably the first time I've ever felt truly close =)
Date: 2011-07-02
From: Gorham NH

To: Carlo Col Shelter
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: broken clouds

Ugh I hate the day coming out of town...especially after a double zero. Didnt really feel like hiking too much and was weighed down with 4 days of food. Either way the day wasn't too bad but it was rougher than expected. Constant up and down with lots of mud. Soo glad I got my boots back in Gorham. I can't believe that I hiked so long in trail runners. I love my boots. Passed into Maine today though!! Totally psyched on that. Also hit the 1900 mile mark. Tomorrow is the Mahoosic Notch, supposedly the toughest/slowest mile on the AT. Lots of scrambling, climbing under and over huge boulders etc. We got a small taste of it today. I think it will be kind of fun, but tiring. Weather is good for the morning so we should be fine. 280.9 miles left! =)
Date: 2011-07-03
From: Carlo Col Shelter

To: Full Goose Shelter
Miles today: 4.4
Weather: thunderstorm

Yes that mileage says '4.4 miles'. Today a lot of crap ended up with us basically wasting a day. We were still feeling tired this morning and the terrain was still rough. Lots of mud, roots and sketchy boardwalks and ladders. We decided to take a little nap at Full Goose. Then it started pouring and kept it up. So we decided to stay here and go through the notch in drier conditions tomorrow. Still on schedule to summit the 17th but we are going to have to bust out some good days coming up. If nothing else I feel our laziness recently will be good motivation for the up coming two weeks haha.
Date: 2011-07-04
From: Full Goose Shelter

To: Frye Notch Shelter
Miles today: 15.5

A much better day today. Teddy and I both felt a lot better. Early in the day we went through the Mahoosuc Notch which wasn't as difficult as it's hyped to be but it was pretty slow going. I think we did the 1 mile in about 1 hour and 40 min or so. I think the climb out of the notch up the Mahoosuc Arm may have been tougher than the Notch. After that we went through some beautiful territory. Speck Pond was beautiful and so was Baldpate Mountain later in the day. It was a lot of rock slab climbing with some spectacular views. All exposed and above tree line. Really glad it didn't rain today because those slabs would have been treacherous.
Date: 2011-07-05
From: Frye Notch Shelter

To: Andover ME
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Nothing too special about today. Crossed our first roads in Maine and the trail got a little bit better, less mud anyway. Last climb of the day over Mt. Moody was pretty rough. Crazy steep and lots of damage to the trail because of erosion and fallen trees. We did have a crazy experience with a hostel owner at the first road crossing. He was dropping some hikers off and we kind of got ourselves roped into staying at his place because he offered a ride from the next road crossing. Anyway we figured it couldn't be too bad but it was...he basically had us staying in a sketchy camper in his front yard with no A/C, well water that needed to be treated, among other bad things. We ended up leaving him money for the ride and got out of there. Walked into Andover (tiny, tiny town) and are staying at a legit hostel, Pine Ellis Hostel. Resupply in town is terrible though, short stretch to Rangely where there is actually an IGA Grocery for resupply.
Date: 2011-07-06
From: Andover ME

To: Sabbath Day Pond Shelter
Miles today: 17.0

Got up early and got a decent breakfast in one of the two restaurants in town. Then the owner of Pine Ellis took us back to the trail. The day was pretty much endless up and down. I think there was probably 0.2 miles of flat out of the 17 today. Nothing too spectacular today though. Lots of mud and roots and rocks. I don't think we've been able to keep a 3MPH pace since Vermont. We planned to go another 4.5 miles further to a nice campsite but we barely beat a huge thunderstorm to the shelter and decided to stay. From what we heard about the terrain we should be able to make it up pretty quickly in the morning. Shelter is near a real nice pond, but apparently it's infested with leeches... Into Rangely for a quick resupply tomorrow and hopefully a breakfast or lunch and then back on the trail. Maine has been much rougher than we expected. My handbook describes it as a "magical, mystical place", but I would describe it as a pain in the butt, so far =P
Date: 2011-07-07
From: Sabbath Day Pond Shelter

To: Poplar Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 20.1

Much better day today. It was still real rough but with some rewarding views. We did about 9 miles in the morning to Maine 4 and hitched into town. We got an awesome ride from a woman whose husband hiked the trail before. She has her 5 year old son in the car who held his Bose the entire car ride because of our smell haha. In Rangely we resupplied and got lunch. Then got another amazingly lucky hitch out. The rest of the day was climbing up and down steep mountains. The highlight was from Saddleback Mountain. It was above tree line and had beautiful views of Maine. We could see Sugarloaf Mtn from the top and supposedly you could see Katahdin, too.
Date: 2011-07-08
From: Poplar Ridge Shelter

To: Stratton ME
Miles today: 21.5
Weather: broken clouds

Really long day today. Don't have too much to say as I'm quite tired and looking to sleep! More endless up and down today, as well as roots and rocks. No real good views. Trail didn't have any highlights despite all the peaks today. All were blocked by trees or with side trails we didn't do. Anyway, finally to Stratton, splitting a cheap hotel. Just ate absurd amounts of food and now for a shower. Back at it tomorrow. Over the Bigelow Mountains...hooray =\
Date: 2011-07-09
From: Stratton ME

To: Little Bigelow Shelter
Miles today: 15.3

Pretty good day today, actually. Was expecting much worse. Teddy and I got out of town pretty late after a nice breakfast. Sue at The Stratton Motel gave us and two other NOBOs a ride back to the trail. It was basically up a big climb to the Bigelows and then up and down between the different peaks. Great views from Bigelow mountain and Avery Peak. Beautiful day today as well. Almost felt like fall, nice and cool with a steady breeze. Tenting tonight, several other NOBOs here (Peanut, Flying Squirrel, Avatar and Handstand). Have to do a short-ish day tomorrow due to the ferry hours across the Kennebec River. Finally some flat tomorrow though. Oh, and also passed the 2000 mile mark today! (my mileage on here is 8.8 off because I included the approach trail).
Date: 2011-07-10
From: Little Bigelow Shelter

To: Pierce Pond Shelter
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: clear sky

Mediocre day today. Just more endless roots, rocks and mud. At least it was a lot flatter today. No big climbs or anything. Crossing the Kennebec tomorrow morning on the ferry and then a long, long day. Teddy and I really have to book it now to make our July 17th summit day. I think there is a possible breakfast tomorrow at a nearby cabin but we didn't make reservations for it. We're going to get there early and see if we can squeeze in. A nice pancake breakfast would make a 32.7 mile day a liiiiitle bit easier haha.
Date: 2011-07-11
From: Pierce Pond Shelter

To: Somewhere in Maine
Miles today: 28.6

Pretty awful day. No pancake breakfast. Kennebec Ferry was fine. Hitched to a small town for a small resupply. Walked the rest of the day through scorching heat, mud, roots and rocks. Went over two mediocre mountains. Then walked through more bogs and poorly maintained trails. Finally ended up stopping short and stealth camping at about 11:30 PM. In my tent dripping with sweat. So far I think Maine and Pennsylvania tie for worst states on the AT.
Date: 2011-07-12
From: Somewhere in Maine

To: Monson ME
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: clear sky

More crap trail, mud and bugs today. Still blazing hot and 1000% humidity. Teddy has had two horseflies buzzing around his head for literally 2 days straight. They can be killed and then come back from the dead, it's awful. I have gnats constantly flying into my eyeballs, also. Made it to Monson and decided to push our finish day back to the 19th. We stayed here with a bunch of other NOBOs at a pretty nice hostel. Really hating Maine so far =\ Looking forward to finishing up in one week though!
Date: 2011-07-13
From: Monson ME

To: Long Pond Stream Shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Much better day in pretty much every way. Woke up early and had an all you can eat dinner at Shaws (the other hostel in town) which was delicious. Then got out on the trail an headed into the 100 mile wilderness. The trail was significantly better today, much less mud. Also it was cooler. Had two fords today, one of which we had to use sandals and wade across, the other was just rock hopping. I managed to slip a boot under water after almost falling off a rock though =\ Under 100 miles left today though. Feeling MUCH better after pushing the finish date back to the 19th, we were rushing for no reason and not enjoying it. Hopefully another good day tomorrow!
Date: 2011-07-14
From: Long Pond Stream Shelter

To: Carl A. Newhall
Miles today: 20.8
Weather: broken clouds

Another pretty good day today. Was cooler still with a nice breeze. We left camp pretty late today which made for us getting in late tonight but, oh well. We had some decent climbs over our next to last 'true' set of mountains. Mt. Barren and the following mountains were nice and we finally got our first glimpse of Katahdin through a gap in the next mountain range over. We go over Whitecap Mountain tomorrow which should give us a real good view. Had one ford today which resulted in my first leech experience. I was going to put my boots on on the other side and thought it was just a wet leaf but turned out to be a big, black leech. I tried flicking it off but had to have Teddy pull it off with two sticks because when I would try to pull it off it would stretchhh out my skin and LOOK painful but didn't actually hurt haha. Anyway there was a decent bit of blood leaking out of my foot but it didn't hurt at all--strange. I don't think we're going to do anymore swimming in Maine, though...
Date: 2011-07-15
From: Carl A. Newhall

To: Cooper Brook Shelter
Miles today: 18.9

We had our last real mountain today (other than Katahdin). Feels good knowing that it's quite flat all the way there. We got a real good view of Katahdin from White Cap Mountain, too. It looks pretty huge! No other substantial mountains around it. Other than that the day was pretty uneventful. After our descent it was pretty flat all the way to the shelter. Nice and flat tomorrow as well. It's amazing how much better the 100 Mile Wilderness is than southern ME. MUCH better trail maintenance. The trail coming down White Cap had some serious stone work in the form of  beautiful staircases. Must have been a lot of hours involved. Starting to like Maine a lot more! =) The bugs are still horrendous though...
Date: 2011-07-16
From: Cooper Brook Shelter

To: Wadleigh Shelter
Miles today: 21.5

Not much to talk about today. Trail was almost dead flat the whole way, which was nice, but often times covered in crazy amounts of roots and rocks, which was not nice. Had another good view of Katahdin from a lake shore, only 38.2 miles from the summit tonight! I believe Dart finished today according to some SOBOs, so congrats to him! Teddy and I are still going to summit the 19th, although I think we could make the 18th pretty easily. Only other thing from today is that I had two or three deer flies buzzing around my head and in my hair for about 10 hours straight. Pretty sure I almost went crazy and lost it around hour 8, haha.
Date: 2011-07-17
From: Wadleigh Shelter

To: Hurd Brook Shelter
Miles today: 19.6

Pretty much deja vu today. More flat and endless roots and rocks. Walked by hundreds of identical lakes and ponds today too...or maybe it was the same one, I dunno. Once again had a deer fly buzzing around my head from about 10AM till camp at 6PM. And of course Teddy had the same problem. Only 18 miles left though. Looking forward to Katahdin and getting out of Maine.
Date: 2011-07-18
From: Hurd Brook Shelter

To: The Birches
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: few clouds

Last real day on the trail! It was a short one and it was cooler today. Trail was pretty much the same. Two fords once in Baxter that weren't bad at all. Took a good long break at Abol Bridge Campstore for a small resupply and to eat a lot of food. Teddy and I were both completely out of food after the 100 Mile Wilderness (which wasn't 'wild' at all, by the way. We saw several cars and lots of day trippers, etc.) But anyway, at The Birches now. 5.2 from the summit of Katahdin! Teddy and I were numbers 39 and 40 for the season. Handstand, Peanut, Flying Squirrel and Hermes are all at The Birches, too. Should have several NOBOs on top. Supposedly beautiful weather tomorrow. Coming down the Knifes Edge after the summit tomorrow where Teddy's dad will pick us up. Looking forward to 'The Big K'! =)
Date: 2011-07-19
From: The Birches

To: Katahdin!!!
Miles today: 5.1
Weather: clear sky

Perfect day! Up early. Up Katahdin in 3 hours or so. On top with Peanut, Teddy, Billy Goat, Handstand, and Bigfoot. Couldn't have been better. Down the Knifes Edge was amazing as well. Teddy's dad picked us up and now we're in Bangor. Flying home tomorrow. CDT and PCT here I come! (eventually) =) Amazing trip and even more amazing people along the way.
Date: 2011-03-23
To: Pre-Hike
Miles today: 0.0

A month has flown by. I am now officially retired. My former colleagues were quite gracious and supportive celebrating my retirement with a cake. Not just any cake, but a cake with a map of the AT replicated in the icing. It was most impressive!I'm working feverishly to complete some projects while putting the finishing touches on organizing mail drops. The first mail drop went in the mail today and the second heads out the door on Monday. It is hard to believe I will be on the trail in 9 days. Tomorrow evening Laura, Bob and I will be attending an AMC event in Brunswick, Maine where we will attend a presentation by Wayne Newton...a three-time AT thru hiker. Laura and I will spend Thursday evening in Portland since I have a continuing education program I will be attending in Portland on Friday. Not sure if I will have a need in the future for my professional credential as a marriage and family therapist, but I worked hard and long to obtain it so I will do what it takes to remian in good standing.Next Wednesday Laura and I will leave NH and drive south to RI and spend the evening with my sister Susan and my broter-in-law Joe. Thursday morning we will pick Bob up bright and early and head for Harpers Ferry. We plan to arrive mid-afternoon, attend to any last minute needs and, of course, check in at ATC headquarters. Be well
Date: 2011-03-31
To: Pre-Hike
Miles today: 0.0

Amazing. Thought I was having dinner with two of my sibs...should have known better. A farewell party with 5 of 6 sibs, nieces and nephews, extended family and dear friends. What a great surprise. Tried to enlist last minute recruits but after they checked the pack...they passed. It is great to have such support. Had a wonderful dinner with NH friends last Saturday as well. Should have planned on hiking the trail earlier! Off to WV in the morning and looking forward to visiting ATC headquarters tomorrow afternoon. Be well.
Date: 2011-03-31
To: Pre-Hike
Miles today: 0.0

Last pre-hike entry. Arrived in Harpers Ferry 30 minutes ago. Had the obligatory class of 2011 picture taken and it is now on file at the ATC. One last stop at a local outfitters and we're on the trail tomorrow morning. Raining today and the forecast is for clearing weather and a bit warmer in the 50s.Be well.
Date: 2011-04-01
From: Harpers Ferry

To: Blackburn Trail Center
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Left Harpers Ferry this morning and completed 12 miles to the Blackburn Center. Nice location. The day was cool and dry; great for hiking. After we were settled in the hostel one of the caretakers provided an ice cold beer to go with dinner...first day and trail angels already! This was a great first day. We flew up the climb to Loudoun Heights above Harpers Ferry with great views. Held a good pace throughout the day and arrived at Blackburn Hostel around 3:00. It feels so good to actutally be on the trail after all the planning.
Date: 2011-04-02
From: Blackburn Center Hostel

To: Bears Den
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: light rain

Cold night and we weren't eager to get started. Finally hit the trail pretty late at 10:45. It remained fairly cold throughout the day with showers and hail. We got into a section known as the rollercoaster. 10+ ascents and descents over 13.5 miles. We're staying at Bear's Den Hostel tonight. Real bunks, pizza, ice cream, and hot showers. Look to get an early start tomorrow to get the rollercoaster in the rearview mirror. The weather forecast looks like a string of warmer days with no rain!
Date: 2011-04-03
From: Bears Den

To: Rod Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 9.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Bears Den was awesome. Great accomodations. Ran into two guys from Maine who encouraged us to call Sharon Johnson in Front Royal. Sharon provides shuttle services and will host hikers in her home. We will stay in Front Royal on April 5. Left Bear's Den for Rod Hollow Shelter...10 miles on the rollercoaster. Lots of ups and downs. Glad it's in the rearview mirror. Had the shelter to ourselves. Two young guys from Natick, Massachusetts arrived late but elected to tent. The forecast is for serious thunderstorms tomorrow afternoon so we plan to be up and out early to get to Dick's Dome Shelter before the weather hits. Be well.
Date: 2011-04-04
From: Rod Hollow Shelter

To: Dick's Dome Shelter
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: broken clouds

Arrived at Dick's Dome Shelter early. Beautiful day...felt like summer...warm with bright blue skies. Hiked through Big Meadow State Park and worked on an early season hiker's tan. We've seen tons of deer tracks but no deer...just one lone turkey at a distance. Shared the shelter with Ted from New York and hig dog, Callie. Couldn't have asked for better helter mates. Thunder, lightning and rain late. We pick up our first mail drop in Linden, Virginia tomorrow.
Date: 2011-04-05
From: Dick's Dome Shelter

To: Linden
Miles today: 6.9

Raining when we awoke...so we rolled over. Slowly pulled gear together hoping rain would stop. Left the shelter at 10:45 and shortly after that the rain stopped! By the time we arrived at Manassas Gap Shelter for a quick break the sun was out and we put away our raingear and pack covers. We continue to remark about the quality of the trail. Made it into Linden for our maildrop at 2:50 p.m. after a 1.2 mile road walk. Visited a convenience store nearby and waited for Sharon Johnson. I had called her to check on her arrival and she was pulling into the lot! She drove us to her house in Front Royal a short distance away. There is a separate loft with a bathroom for hikers. We treated Sharon to dinner at a local Mexican restaurant. We're now organizing our gear and watching the NCAA women's final. Tomorrow we head for Tom Floyd Wayside. Be well.
Date: 2011-04-06
From: Linden

To: Tom Floyd Wayside
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: few clouds

Got a late start out of Linden. Forgot the trail guide in our host's car and spent time chasing it down. In the process, we ran into a guy we met at Bear's Den. He offered us the pages from his Wing Foot guide to get us through Shenandoah National Park. We didn't get his name but he's from Portland and was in the area slack packing with his buddy (Ted) who was section hiking. We've been on the trail less than 1 week and have met some great people. Long hike to a gread shelter... Tom Floyd Wayside. Fixed dinner on the porch and watched the lights come on in Front Royal.
Date: 2011-04-07
From: Tom Floyd Wayside

To: Gravel Springs Hut
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: scattered clouds

It was a hot one today. Bright and warm...no humidity yet. Registered for Shenandoah shortly after leaving Tom Floyd Wayside. Spent a good part of the day walking through an extensive forest fire area (2000-3000 acres)...largest fire in northern Shenandoah. The fire had occurred in late February. Spent the night at Gravel Springs Hut (all shelters in Shenandoah are called huts.) Wonderful spring made getting the water we needed very easy. All of the shelters so far have had "bear poles"...tall poles with hooks at the top to hold food bags. There is a separate pole to hoist the food bags...a great convenience! Met three guys from Maryland who are section hiking. Looks like we will see them again at Pass Mountain Hut. Met Chris who is training for the Pacific Crest Trail.
Date: 2011-04-08
From: Gravel Springs Hut

To: Pass Mountain Hut
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: light rain

Our longest day yet...13.5 miles from Gravel Springs to Pass Mountain Hut. It was raining lightly when we left and continued to rain throughout the day. Just one view at Hogback Overlook. In the clouds the balance of the day. Arrived at Pass Mountain Hut around 3:30 and briefly met two guys who had planned to spend the night but did not believe their sleeping bags would handle the temperature. It was 40 degrees and falling when we arrived. We quickly set up and fixed hot food since we were cold and wet. Not sure just how cold it got, but our 30 degree bags with extra clothing got us through the night. I have been reading a book I brought and when I finished a section, I'd tear it out and give it to Boppa. After reading in my sleeping bag last night, I put the book on the platform near me. In the middle of the night, I heard a mouse nearby and scared it off. In the morning we discovered the mouse ate Chapter 97. Boppa will miss that part!