morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2017-08-12
From: Unnamed Gap Mile 1946.8

To: 1959.1 Sandy Beach at Long Pond
Miles today: 12.3
Weather: light rain

Thank you Lord for minimal rain last night and great sleep! I left my vestibule open and had minimal condensation even in the light rain. Coffee, sausage and cheese roll up and a huge Hostess Berries and Cream Cheese Danish. I was on the trail at 7. There are Springs everywhere. No drought this year. Maine is even more wonderful the second time through but it is still just as hard. Without the heat. I have lost all of my padding (fat cells) and I have terrible sores on my back at my waistband area from my backpack. I put huge bandaids and gauze there and have my buff around my waist to keep them in place. So far so good. I was on top of Bemis Mountain at 8:50 am. Making good time. So a man named Strider, who is SOBO and summited Katahdin 9 days ago, 236 miles averaging 26 miles per day in Maine, told me about trail magic burgers at ME 17 about 3 to go for me. I wish he hadn't told me. I'm sure they will be gone when I get there. And it's not magic if you know ahead. About an hour later a lady named Earlybird told me about the ice chest with trail magic in it. She also said there is nobody making hamburgers though. I still had a mile to go uphill and didn't count on the ice chest. Well, well, well! The ice chest was there! No burgers though. Sodas and beer. Also a bag of assorted chocolate. So amazing and wonderful. I sat at the bench and had a great lunch and called Dave. Awww. Then I hiked up the hill at 4:15 pm. Passed Moxie Pond and while up kind of high I checked my phone. I had a sad call from Ann, my chosen sister. Her husband passed away today. I talked to her for a while. Wish I could fly to her and give her a hug. Right after talking with her I found a lovely camp site for one tent right next to the beach. I waded out in the waves and watched a crazy loon walking on the water and going under making its crazy loon sound. I love the loons. Wish you were here Ann. It is so peaceful but the is a storm coming.
Date: 2017-08-13
From: 1959.1 Sandy Beach at Long Pond

To: Rangeley
Miles today: 9.7
Weather: light rain

The storm hit about 10 pm and it rained hard for a few hours. I set up my tent perfectly and had no water in it just slight condensation as norma. The crazy loon woke me up at 5. It is sprinkling lightly. Rain has stopped and the morning is beautiful. On trail, I repeat myself here a lot, at 7. The trail was really not too difficult today but the rain just kept turning on and off a lot so I really went slow. Got to the road and a quick ride to the Rangeley Inn and Tavern from Susan and Steve who live in Maine. Thank you. Hit a room. Went to Sarges for my burger. Took a shower. Washed clothes, went to the store and then relaxed the rest of the day. Dinner at the Inn was flatbread pizza with blueberries on it and a blueberry pot pie foe dessert! Wonderful place!
Date: 2017-08-14
From: Rangeley

To: Redington Campsite
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: overcast clouds

When I woke up I had to make coffee in my room with my camp stove because there is no coffee maker in the room! Breakfast was served at 7 help your self buffet. I walked to the stores for a few items and mailed some postcards. I got a call from the front seat at 11:15 reminding me checkout was 11. Oops. I hurried and was out at 11:30. Went to Sarges for a sandwich and ran in to Princess Vidalia and Yager who just got in town. Met a man who had also stayed at the Inn and he, Tom, and his wife, Janice, gave me a ride back to the trail. Thank you my trail angels of the day. Was going up the hill at 1 pm. There is a note at Piazza Rock shelter that says do not go up Saddleback after noon. There is not enough time to get back. But I am not coming back and there is a camp ground on the other side of the Horn. Met the Bounders, Pete, Linda and pooch Scout, again. Have not seen them since NY. They also had gotten off trail a few days. As I was going up I met a man named Long Walk who is raising money for a homeless shelter in Maryland. The views going up Saddleback Mountain are breathtaking. I think I saw Mooselookmeguntic Lake in the distance. I finally got up to the top I think about 5 pm. The elevation up on top is 4120'. Then I had to go down a little ways and go back up to The Horn. I remember how hot I was when I did this going south last year. The temperature is great today. The Horn goes back up to 4032' elevation. The sign up here is gone. Did someone swipe it? It was a steep rocky climb down the mountain and I got to Redington Campsite about 7 pm. I found a nice little spot and then went to the water source and soaked my feet while I got some water. I ate my leftover blueberry pizza from from dinner last night at the Rangeley Tavern and a blueberry cake from breakfast this morning. Yay! It is only 8:20pm and I am going to sleep. The only other hikers here are Already Stinky and her husband Lucky Penny. It is very quiet. Oh and I did hang my food bag. And the mole skin had worked perfectly.
Date: 2017-08-15
From: Redington Campsite

To: South Branch Carrabassett River
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: light rain

Saddleback Junior by 7:45am! So sweet up here. Thinking a lot about my friend Teri who passed away two years ago today. I miss her. I arrived at Poplar Lean To at 9am and there is a hiker still asleep in there. I got to the sorbet on Stream and met Morning Song and Tohee who made it across the stream on the rocks. I tried it. Nope. Skipped right in with my shoes on! They are probably in their late 60's too. Oh I should have pulled out a hiking pole. What was I thinking? Oh well. Squeezed them out and hiked on. It took me two hours to get up to Lone Mountain were I had lunch. Tuna in a tortilla and a big Belvita cookie. After leaving Lone Mountain it was a nice ridge walk for about 2 miles then a steep little climb up Spaulding Mountain. I didn't go the 150' up to the summit because a storm was coming and I wanted to get down to camp area. All this area is so beautiful. I passed Sugarloaf Mountain sign and continued the long, long, long two miles hike down. The storm let loose at 6 pm. I was close, very close to the river. I finally got to the South Branch Carrabassett River and walked across the plank. The rocks are super slick and I went super slow. I found a tent spot and tried to set up my tent in the rain. It's just hard to do. I did but got water inside. Ugh. The rain stopped and I used all of my towels to dry out the inside before putting things in. Everything is just plain damp. I may go into Stratton after all tomorrow. I just need to dry out and wash clothes. Rain makes things stinkier. I made rice for dinner and hung the food bag. I pray no overnight rain.
Date: 2017-08-16
From: South Branch Carrabassett River

To: Cranberry Pond 2004.2
Miles today: 11.6

This morning I woke up with a headache. I might have been a little dehydrated. I woke up at 6:30 and got on trail at 8. Latest yet. I went up South Crocker Mountain and didn't summit. Then North Crocker. On the way down I met a young couple who are both pharmacist's. We had a pretty good conversation going down the trail to ME 27. I decided to go into Stratton and get a shower, wash clothes, and eat and get back on trail since it was only 1:30pm. I got a ride quick from Luke and was in town exactly 4 hours. Sea Breeze and Switchback flagged down a man named Jonathan in a truck when I walked away. They told him I was with them and he pulled over for me too and brought us back to the trail. Was going up the hill at 5:30pm and feeling good. I skipped Cranberry Stream Campsite knowing there were several other hikers there and besides the mosquitoes were pretty bad. I went up to Bigelow Range Trail and went the 0.2 west to Cranberry Pond. I think I have been here before but can't quite recall. I got to the Pond and there is a sign saying no camping past the sign due to giardia. Glad I brought extra water with me. I walked back towards the trail away from the Pond and found a sweet spot that feels super familiar. I will have to look at my last years trail journal. I didn't do that ahead of time because I wanted to be surprised again and it's working. My memory is not that great. And going NOBO feels very different. I had a great day today and so happy with my decision not to stay in town. Stratton is not that cute of a town and the motel sure needs a vacuuming! Couldn't hang my food bag and as I was trying to get to sleep some kind of little critter was going up and down a tree. Hope it's not a fisher cat!
Date: 2017-08-17
From: Cranberry Pond 2004.2

To: East Flagstaff Lake 2018.9
Miles today: 14.7

Slept very well. My food made it through the night with me. Got up at 5:40am had pizza and coffee and was on trail at 7:10am. It is cold this morning. My hand warmer from last night is slightly still warm. Going up this morning feels more like the Maine I remember. Beautiful with big boulders scattered and lots of green moss everywhere. I just love this part. It's a cold but beautiful day for the Bigelows. As I go up the big Bigelow I just don't know why I don't remember it. It is amazing! I hiked to Avery Peak and I do remember this spot. It is so clear today I think I see Katahdin from here. Next was a long but nice hike down just to go up some to Little Bigelow Mountain. It felt like Thur ridge up here went on forever! The hike down on this part was beautiful. I arrived at East Flagstaff Lake at 7:30 pm and set up my tent. Walked in the lake, ate food and hung the bag. It's 9 pm and the couple in a tent about 20 feet away are talking and laughing. Another reason I love stealth camping. Hope they get quiet soon. Music time.
Date: 2017-08-18
From: East Flagstaff Lake 2018.9

To: 2034.4
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: light rain

Woke up this morning at 5am and I tried to get off early. Was on trail at 6:30 thinking I might make it to the Kennebec River ferry crossing before the last ride across at 2 pm. The AT Conservancy pays for the canoe service across the river. It is the official route and they don't want hikers fording because the current is unpredictable. I was moving pretty good until the rain began about 9. Now everything is so slick. I decide I might just ford the dangerous river if I don't make it. I can't say much about the trail but it is fairly easy but constant very cold rain. I got to Pierce Pond Lean-to about 1pm and had almost 4 miles to go. I knew it wouldn't happen. I saw a sign that said Harrison's Pierce Pond Camps. What is that? I looked at my AWOL guide and saw the word pancakes. I tried to call but no cell service. I decided to go check it out. I met Tim Harrison and he gave me the scoop. Wow. What a find! Bed, shower, breakfast and I got a whole little cabin to myself! I have to use my sleeping bag but I do get two pillows with pillow cases. This is so wonderful and I get to snuggle on the couch in the great room with a cute miniature poodle named Charlie. Dinner is not included so I cooked at my cabin but as I was sitting in the great room Tim brought me his homemade chicken noodle soup. Delicious. Sleeping very well tonight! But it is cold and the cabin has no electricity. Just a kerosene lamp. I am okay with that.
Date: 2017-08-19
From: 2034.4

To: 2046.4 Stealth
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: few clouds

My theory is correct. No internet, no electricity, and no TV makes for the best sleep ever!!! I love this place! My favorite on the AT even without sheets. I got up at 5 and went to the dining hall for coffee. Hikers showing up at 6:30am for breakfast. I heard the shelter was packed. At my table are Seamstress, Rex, Sumer Breeze, Sweetheart, and Sticks. I was able to eat about 11 of my 12 pancakes. 4 cups of coffee, apple juice, scrambled eggs and sausage. Whew! Hit the trail at 8:30. I really stink. Must wash clothes in Caratunk. I made it to the Kennebec River at 19:30 and Greg ferried me across on the canoe. Took about 5 minutes to hitch a ride to Northern Outdoors from Patty and Roger. Thank you! Resupplied not good at Northern Outdoors but the burger was great. Quick shower and washed clothes. Had lunch with Sweetheart. Got 2 chicken quesadillas to go because they don't have pizza. It is so greasy. Bought some candy bars, packed up, and thumbed a ride from Robert. Thank you Robert from Philly. Back on the trail at 3pm. Great weather but getting warm today. I went up and over Pleasant Pond Mountain. Beautiful fog rolling in. Found a stealth spot going down the other side at 7pm. Ate a quesadilla and hung my food bag. What a great day!
Date: 2017-08-20
From: 2046.4 Stealth

To: Piscataquis River 2062.7
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: scattered clouds

It rained lightly during the night. Was up and on trail at 6:15am. As I was going up Moxie Bald I was met by The Bounders, Pete, Linda, and dog Scout again. They told me they did 19 miles yesterday when they left Monson at 9 am. Wow. I hope to get there tomorrow then. Moxie Bald is beautiful. The views are just amazing. I think I saw Katahdin on my way down the other side but not sure. I got to Bald Mountain Road and there was a cardboard sign that said Congratulations 2017 AT class Beer in the river! What? Yes, it was still there. Funny. I had one and then hiked two more miles to the Piscataquis River and set up my tent. Soaked my feet and ate another quesadilla and brushed my teeth and hug my food bag. This is the earliest I have ever set up camp. 5:30pm. Usually I hike until 7. This was nice though. I talked with a SOBO named Wheez who's husband is a police officer in Kileen TX. He is taking care of their 3 and 4 year olds while she hikes. I don't get that. Well I got me a private room at Shaws in Monson tomorrow night. So excited. 100 mile wilderness is coming up.
Date: 2017-08-21
From: Piscataquis River 2062.7

To: ME 15 mile 2074.7
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: clear sky

Truly, I truly forgot where I was last night I slept so well. Up at 4:45 and forded the river before 6am. Beautiful trail. Beautiful sunshine on the river for 6 miles. Forded the river again at 9:15 and crossed a paved road and found an ice chest with empty cans but one Mountain Dew ice cold all the way underneath! Thank you so much Strider 03 AT! So I haven't had to use much mosquito repellent yet but those mosquitoes sure like Mountain Dew blood. Had to stop and wipe some on. I like wipes better than spray but this stuff eats my fingernail polish off. Imagine how toxic it is for skin! Yuk. The rest of the hike was uneventful but nice and I got to ME 15 at 12:30 and called Shaw's. They picked me up and brought me to the Hostel and showed me around and to my room. Took a shower and went for pizza! Stopped at the AT Visitor Center and got some information for summiting Katahdin. Took a ride to Greenville with Phase II and had a great salmon dinner. Got back and packed up. Will be heading into the 100 mile wilderness after breakfast! So excited!
Date: 2017-08-22
From: ME 15 mile 2074.7

To: Long Pond Stream Lean To
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: clear sky

Terrible sleep. I woke up all night and had a slight headache. I sleep best in the woods. I got up and packed and went down for coffee. Took a bunch of pics of all the hikers. Rex, Summer Breeze, Sasquatch, Kentucky Straight, Rambo, Jaws, Mama and Papa Jaws, Rocketman, Grey Mountaineer, Hop Along, Geordie, and Immram are all here for the big breakfast before we all wander into the 100 mile wilderness. So awesome going to the trail at 8:15 am! I passed by the place where I fell in 2015 at about 11 am. It is so different going NOBO and having dry ground. Arrived at Little Wilson Falls just before noon and found all the hikers having lunch break. Jaws was in the water. Also caught up with Calves So Smooth. He was the kid back at Rock N Sole Hostel who had gone to the clinic trying to get his feet exrayed. So long ago. He is hiking with a girl called Nails. Today was really hot and muggy and there were lots of ups and downs all day long. I can feel my sweaty shirt making my back get heat rash again. I saw a great, big, pile, of bear pooo on the trail so I know there really are bears in Maine! When I got to the start of the mountain going up to Long Pond Stream Lean To I decided I would find a tent spot at the Lean To and leave my backpack in the shelter. I got pretty much the only place to set up a tent. Calves and Nails kept going and Rambo is the only one inside the shelter. He was going to hang his food in the shelter until I told him about the big poo. He didn't see it. Immram showed up about 7 but decided to hike on. I don't think it's a good idea but she seems to be a tough lady. I enjoyed talking with Rambo while I ate pizza. Hung my food bag and called it a day. Rain is coming overnight. Sweet surprise I had phone service and called Dave to let him know where I was. Good first day in the Wilderness.
Date: 2017-08-23
From: Long Pond Stream Lean To

To: West Branch Pleasant River
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: clear sky

Poured like cats and dogs for hours last night. I had a puddle at my feet at 2 am and so bailed to the shelter. Thankful that I stayed near the shelter so I could do that. I slept so well until 2 and unbelievably went right back to sleep and slept until 10 after 6!!!! I checked the stream that Rambo had said was dry and there was water so I made coffee. Ate some pizza, packed, dried my tent the best I could, and got on trail at 8:15 am. Got up to Barren Ledges about 9:15. So happy it's not raining and it is cooler. Beautiful view. Lots of mountains covered today. Barren Mountain, Forth Mountain, Mt Three and a Half, Third Mountain, Columbus Mountain, and Chairback Mountain! I felt really great all day. I made it all the way down to West Branch Pleasant River but I did hike with my headlamp in the dark for about 30 minutes. I found a sweet campsite at 8:20 pm on the south side of the river. I will ford the river in the morning. Washed clothes, took a sponge bath, ate pizza and Oreos and hung the food bag. In bed by 9:30pm.
Date: 2017-08-24
From: West Branch Pleasant River

To: East Branch Lean To
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: few clouds

Last night was very peaceful sleep with the sound of the river. I am so happy I hiked in the dark to get here. I woke up at 5 feeling great. The hard part of every day is putting on my wet shorts in the morning. Cold, wet shorts. Kind of took my time this morning but was still on the trail before 7am. In 6.6 miles, I was up on top of Gulf Hagas Mountain. It was one of the hardest mountains for me because it was so steep. Tons and tons of moose poop up on the mountain but not a single moose. I think the moose bed down here at night. It hide during the day. Went up West Peak than Hay Mountain and the big one of the day was White Cap Mountain at 3650' elevation. This mountain had the first really good view of Mt Katahdin. Beautiful! Very, very sharp rock up on this mountain and it hurt my tired feet. Went 5 more miles and set up my tent near the river at East Branch Lean To. Took a bath and ate dinner. Hung the food bag as usual. Going to bed before 8 pm!
Date: 2017-08-25
From: East Branch Lean To

To: Stealth Near Nahmakanta Stream
Miles today: 23.0
Weather: overcast clouds

This morning is so cold I can see my breath. One of the first items I have to pack is my sleeping bag because it goes on the bottom of my pack. I am having a hard time getting out of it. I did it and was hiking at 6:45am. 9:20 pulled off trail for privacy and getting back on trail I stepped on a log with a yellow jacket nest. OUCH! One in each ankle. Happy it's cold and early. It could have been worse if they were ore active. They stung me through my socks and that may have helped also but they sure pack a punch. So many of the hikers are getting a food drop in the woods. They have to time it just right and a few are having to wait several hours to get it and then a few may not make it to the drop in time. Not sure how it all works. I got a little trail magic by a hiker who got a food drop but didn't want a tuna package. I was happy to take it. And a man drove by and parked and asked us if we wanted an orange! Yes! Please and thank you very much. Today's trail was about the easiest on the entire AT. I realized today the mile numbers from my AWOL guide are a bit off. Hope I am not cheating myself any distance. I passed Mahar Tote Rd about a mile or so and found a nice stealth spot before I have to ford Nahmakanta Stream. I set up and went down and soaked my ankles in the water. They still ache some. As I was down at the Stream Princess Vidalia and Yager passed by. They are so, so, so ready to be finished and get home. It must be a great feeling to have accomplished the whole thing! Made rice pilaf and ate the tuna for dinner. Oreos for dessert again. Took a Benadryl and hope to sleep well. Can't believe there is only 45 miles to the top of Katahdin! Can't wait. I confess, I'm a little homesick.
Date: 2017-08-26
From: Stealth Near Nahmakanta Stream

To: Stealth about 2164.8
Miles today: 20.4
Weather: few clouds

Woke up a little late at 5:45am. Must have been the Benadryl. Eating day 5 Old unrefridgerated pizza for breakfast. I can say I am tired of pizza. On trail at 6:45am. Got to the Nahmakanta Lake before 9 and smelled a lovely campfire. Saw a burgundy truck with a canoe on top and folks who made me miss Rick and Sandra just then. Oh warm breakfast food would be so nice right about now! Went up to Nesuntabunt Mountain and the short side trail to the 16 mile line-of-sight view of Katahdin. Had lunch and was able to update my trail journal while sitting there. Was passed again by Calves and Nails and also Princess Vidalia and Yager. There is a mad rush to get one of the 12 coveted spots at the Birches Lean To for Sunday night. I decided to call the AT Lodge and get a room for Sunday and Monday and if need be, Tuesday night. I will still be summiting on Monday but will have a great big breakfast first. Works for me. I hiked on and got to Rainbow Stream Lean To at 4pm and another hiker gave me some ramen noodles so I made that and some hot chocolate with coffee then hiked another 5 miles to a super stealth spot just past Rainbow Mountain side trail. Made some fetuccini and had Oreos for dessert. I can hear the loons on the lake and critters in the woods. Hung my small food bag and hope to wake early for an early start on the trail.
Date: 2017-08-27
From: Stealth about 2164.8

To: Katahdin Stream Campground 
Miles today: 19.2
Weather: clear sky

Got up at 5 and made rice pilaf, a beef stick, a honey bun and coffee. On trail at 5 minutes before 6am! I caught up with Freight Train, he was the hiker who gave me Ramen noodles. We hiked up to Rainbow Ledges and arrived about 8 am. I hike faster so after talking some I moved on. Arrived at Abol campground at 10:40 am! The restaurant opened at 12 and I had the Rueben sandwich and chips then I had mozzarella cheese sticks and a Mountain Dew. Ridge Runner Long John said they were 6 spots left at the Birches so I called Ole Man at the AT Lodge and cancelled my reservation for tonight. Long John also told me that Crazy Tree and Just Dave were here last night. I guess I won't see them. I bought food for camp, packed, and went to the kiosk to sign in for a spot. Yay! I began my 10 mile hike to Katahdin Stream campground. I met Valley Forge and hiked with him a couple miles until I had to go to the bathroom. It was a beautiful hike and I hiked fast hoping to see Just Dave and Crazy Tree coming down the mountain. On the way I got to see a cow moose in Grassy Pond. I went to the Birches where thru hikers are suppose to go but it was a dump. No water source either so I went back the ranger station and a lady named Cindy offered me a spot at her campsite with no charge! Trail magic. A bunch of hikers I have met are in the next site over. I had dinner with Cindy and brushed my teeth and hung my food bag. Cindy took all of our trash. More magic. Thank you Cindy. It was a long day today. In bed at 8 so I can wake early and go slay the beast, Katahdin!