morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2018-08-31
From: East Branch Lean-To

To: Jo-Mary Road Crossing - Hundred Mile Wilderness 
Miles today: 11.8

2018 Miles: 797.5What a great day! I was up and away from camp by around 7:00 on a cold Maine morning. There were two climbs right away, including Boardman Mountain, but in this section they are small and fairly gradual so I was over them with ¢ease¢. I passed a couple of nice ponds, one with two older gentlemen fishing. There were also several beautiful streams with tumbling water. By lunch time I was at the Cooper Brook Falls Lean-To alone having a sandwich while watching the brook cascading over half a dozen ledges of stone to create background noise in the remote woods. Two day hikers came by and said there was trail magic about four miles ahead at Jo-Mary road. That motivated me to hike ahead quickly, though I was unsure what to expect. Sometimes trail magic can be a chocolate chip cookie. It turns out most hikers thought the road was a remote woods road suitable for off road vehicles, or even less. It is a very remote gravel road that you must pay a fee to access. About a half mile from the road I smelled the unmistakable aroma of grilling burgers.  Dana and Laurie had the best spread we have seen set up and they collected hikers the rest of the day. It was enough for second lunch for me, plus supper.  A real feast! Most hikers could not believe having trail magic in the 100 Mile Wilderness and it is indeed very rare.  We are camped here to collect our food resupply tomorrow morning for the remainder of the trip to Abol Bridge.  So the final sections are about to begin. Really getting excited now. Goodnight Sweetheart.
Date: 2018-09-01
From: Jo-Mary Road Crossing - Hundred Mile Wilderness 

To: Nahmakanta Stream Campsite 
Miles today: 12.0

2018 Miles: 809.5We slept in our tents at Jo-Mary Road and Shaw¢s arrived shortly after 8:00 a.m. with our food drop. So resupply went smoothly and we were on our way.  There was a good mix of streams, small climbs, ponds and lakes, but mostly a rocky and rooty trail thru the Hundred Mile Wilderness. We stopped at Potaywadjo Spring Lean-To for lunch and l left alone to hike ahead.  About 1:00 p.m. I came to Pemadumcook Lake where I got my first view of Mount Katahdin. The thing looks massive. It stands out alone above the countryside around, dominating it.  I looked and looked and got pics and a video.  The view was from about 48 trail miles out but tomorrow we are supposed to get a view from about 16 miles out as the crow flies, line of sight distance. The entire remainder of the hike lies between me and that huge behemoth. A few miles ahead to this campsite. I am set for the night, tenting. Still need to conserve phone battery. Goodnight Sweetheart.
Date: 2018-09-02
From: Nahmakanta Stream Campsite 

To: Rainbow Stream Lean-To
Miles today: 13.9

2018 Miles: 823.4Out early again today and I hiked alone the whole way.  I am really enjoying the time alone with my thoughts as I approach the end. There was more Hundred Mile Wilderness woods and many streams and ponds. The ponds/lakes were particularly beautiful today.  All the hikers were remarking how the terrain today was surprisingly tough. The rocks and roots were particularly nasty and there were more climbs than expected.  The major climb was Nesuntabunt Mountain with a ¢stairway to heaven¢ feel as there were hundreds of feet of elevation gain over straight-up rocks. I was there by 11:30 and had lunch at the overlook where you can see Katahdin, though the upper half of the mountain was somewhat shrouded in clouds. It was 16 miles line-of-sight distance from that overlook, still dominating its neighbors. I also had phone service and traded messages with Marlene so she can make reservations for hotel and the flight home after I summit. Wow! That¢s getting close now. I am set up for the night again, tenting. Still conserving the battery. Goodnight Sweetheart.
Date: 2018-09-03
From: Rainbow Stream Lean-To

To: Hurd Brook Lean-To
Miles today: 11.5

2018 Miles: 834.9Today was the last full day in the Hundred Mile Wilderness.  I heard the raindrops hitting my tent during the night but I was ready for anything.  I put on my headlamp to get an early start on morning chores. I have not mentioned it until now to keep anyone from worrying but I have had severe rashes on both hips in the area where my pack¢s hip belt comes around the outside. The first day in the Hundred Mile Wilderness was very hot and humid and I sweat so much all my clothing was soaked through, causing the rash. I was covering it with duct tape since that is all I had.  Glider had some moleskin tape for blisters but the sores were now raw and running. I ran out of new duct tape so was using the moleskin tape to hold the old duct tape pieces in place. My pack was very heavy so I needed to protect the sensitive sores from the painful rub of the belt.  It was looking pretty grim and nasty. I prayed for help and we met three ladies hiking the HMW on a section hike. They have camped near us most of the nights in the HMW. Turns out one is a VA nurse and the other two work at the VA hospital system in administrative positions. They came up with some breathable tape and some antibiotic cream packets. This helped right away. All that to say that my morning chores have been very elaborate to try and create a bandage for each side to promote healing and protect the sore area from the weight of the pack and the rubbing, on each side an area about the size of an AT white blaze.  Once everything was ready I got out of the tent and wiped it down with a cloth to remove as much water as I could and quickly packed up wet. Soon I was on my way on a hike much like the last few days have been. I did climb to Rainbow Ledges where I had a closer view of Katahdin but the top half shrouded in clouds. Tomorrow we have a short day to finish the HMW and hope to get showers and clean(er) clothes. The next morning we hope to have a quick and early hike to the Baxter State Park Boundary where we want to be one of the 12 thru hikers who can sign up to hike 10 miles ahead and camp at The Birches, right at the base of Katahdin, for an early start to the summit on Thursday.  If not one of the 12 we will have to make other arrangements but camping at The Birches is what will work best for us if we can get it. So that¢s the plan. I noticed that with today¢s hike I have now flipped over to the last page in my AWOL Guidebook. All these things going on and no phone service, so I have not been able to tell Marlene any of it. Goodnight Sweetheart.
Date: 2018-09-04
From: Hurd Brook Lean-To

To: Abol Bridge - Out of the Hundred Mile Wilderness 
Miles today: 3.5

2018 Miles: 838.4Rain again during the night but a drying wind later so my tent was dry. Quickly packed up and ready to hike. This short hike was pleasant because I did not need to be anywhere nor go very far. I just relaxed to enjoy it.  More Maine HMW terrain in a beautiful woods in the still and quiet morning hours.  The woods were often dark like ¢these woods are lovely, dark, and deep¢ but finally ahead I saw a line of light through the tree trunks and knew the end of the Hundred Mile Wilderness was coming.  Sure enough, I came to a smooth, pine needle covered path and the warning sign for those entering the wilderness with the same somber message as 100 miles south of here. A little further ahead into the light and around the corner I step out onto gravel Golden Road and ahead I see Abol Bridge. I am officially out of the Hundred Mile Wilderness. I so wanted to text Marlene that I was out of there but no phone service, maybe none until I get down from the mountain and into town. I pause to take a video of crossing the bridge and half way over I glance to my left and see the sparklingly clear Katahdin standing like a massive behemoth so close it feels like I could reach out to touch it. The emotion of finally coming out of the wilderness and then seeing the mountain, my goal for all these miles, was overwhelming.  Not seeing the mountain itself, but the impact of the end being so near. I cried. My mind races to specific places, events, people and scenes from this journey. It all adds up to being here now and ready for the final miles. What a great feeling. Glider comes in to the camp store at Abol Bridge and we make arrangements for tonight - their bunk house. We shower (impossible to describe after 9 days in the wilderness) and do laundry.  A little resupply done for the 11 miles to the campsite at the base of Katahdin for tomorrow, and then some for summit day on Thursday.  A burger and fries for lunch and we¢ll be back tonight for evening meal. I wonder if I¢ll sleep tonight. Even more unsure about tomorrow night. The mountain and the end of this journey are right there for the taking. There were so many times when I wondered if I could ever get here. Now to do it. I hope I finish well. Goodnight Sweetheart.
Date: 2018-09-05
From: Abol Bridge - Out of the Hundred Mile Wilderness 

To: The Birches Lean-Tos and Campsite 
Miles today: 9.9

2018 Miles: 848.3Earliest start ever. We were both awake at 4:30 and began to pack for the day while it was still dark. When ready we headed out by headlamp.  About a mile ahead a kiosk has a sign-up sheet for up to 12 hikers to enter Baxter State Park and have a place to stay at The Birches for tonight and an early start to the summit Thursday morning.  At the park boundary we found tents in the woods, for hikers apparently hoping to be in line early to sign up for the spaces. They were still asleep and we tip toed by in the dark. The sign up sheet was supposed to be put out around 7 or even 8, we were told in Monson, but when we got there it was already available, and empty. I was first and Glider was second to sign in.  Since that chore was done and we were accommodated we sat down right there to have breakfast from our pack supplies. Then began our 10 mile hike for the day. It was mostly easy trail thru the woods, with a few rocky and rooty sections and some small mountains to climb. We crossed several streams and saw more Maine ponds. Nesowadnehunk Stream had a rocky stream bed with fast flowing water tumbling thru narrow places. Two of these are called Big Niagara Falls and Little Niagara Falls. The woods and the hills prevented seeing Katahdin until we were very close. It¢s too big of a mountain to hide though, so eventually we got glimpses and can now see fairly clearly the task for tomorrow¢s summit day. I am taking a smaller pack to the summit - borrowed from the Rangers.  So I am spending this afternoon selecting what to bring and getting that arranged.  Likely we will get an early start in the morning but maybe not as early as today. I checked as I was hiking along today and saw the miles remaining tick down to single digits.  So the end is near.  The weather gives us some concern as tomorrow shows some likelihood of clouds and rain. We will just take it as it comes. Still no phone service. I so wish I could communicate with Marlene as the final days of this hike wind down. It may be available at the summit tomorrow so I can at least tell her when I make it there. The miles tomorrow have to be hiked twice.  It is over a 4000 foot climb over boulders followed by an above tree line boulder field of over a mile called The Tablelands, then to the iconic sign at the end. Then turn around and retrace the way back down the mountain to the Ranger station. A very full day. I will be so glad to get to Millinocket and call Marlene to tell her I am done. Goodnight Sweetheart.
Date: 2018-12-07
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

It's been several months since I completed my hike to Katahdin. I am recovering well from the aches and pains and have continued to enjoy hearing from folks who followed my trip and also just remembering the time. Near the end of August I was in Monson, Maine preparing to enter the Hundred Mile Wilderness when I was interviewed by Steve Adams, also known as "Mighty Blue", for an episode on his weekly hiking podcast "Mighty Blue on the Appalachian Trail". The interview was published on this week's episode of the podcast. In it Steve asked me about my 2017 hike and the continuation of my hike this year to finish up on Katahdin. I think he does a great job of interviewing, both gathering the information and editing the information into an enjoyable story. If you are interested, I have tried to post a link below to the podcast. Also, you can google "Mighty Blue on the Appalachian Trail" and then select Episode #121. I hope you enjoy it. Steve likes feedback on his podcast offerings so if you could, please take the time to write a review on his site. Thanks. CBiscuitMighty Blue on the Appalachian Trail Podcast link:https://mightyblueontheat.com/episode-121-dave-paumen-cbiscuit/
Date: 2018-02-01
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

The big hike is about 2 1/2 months away. My fiance and I decided to embark on a thru-hike in August for April 2018. Some might call us crazy and others I know at least think we are without saying. We are selling the house, leaving our jobs and have no set in stone plans for our return. We are true vagabonds come April. The start date of April 19th is based on trying to avoid the crowds, as it is a later start than usual. We have considered the miles needed to hike and feel this is realistic that we can make Katahdin before it closes in mid October. We have sectioned hiked about 530 miles of the trail near our home in MA reaching north into N.H. and South into New Jersey. I am the crazy researcher and my partner is the go with the flow. I wish I was a little more like her, I would probably be less stressed but I do love doing the research. I have read countless books and have planned extensively.I have mapped out approximate drop box towns. The plan is to stop once a week for a resupply and every other week for a box that my friend will be mailing us. I am worried about food since I love food. I have read that you burn about 6000 calories a day which means lots of food to achieve energy levels needed to hike 12-20 miles daily with 25-35 pounds on your back.Anyway the jitters have begun. I am starting to think about how much I will miss my family and friends. Like I said, I know lots probably think we are crazy but I feel they understand and are supportive. I'm going to miss my daughter immensely. I have spoken to her on many occasions at this point and I'm comfortable with my decision, though if needed I would change my plans in a heart beat. It has been keeping me up at night, hence I am writing this in the early morning. I will also miss my grandson terribly. He will turn 2 while we are gone. I will miss my mom and worry about her as well, although I have spoken to family that will be helping her. I am making plans to have visits with them during zero days and to stay in touch when reaching towns. I know they will be here when I return and I will carry them along with me on my journey in my heart. I hope to pass on what I learn and discoverer from this adventure to them. Needless to say my biggest obstacle is missing my family and friends. I have made a list of why I am hiking to remind myself when I have moments of despair, worry and guilt that I am surely going to experience. I have started this journal as a way to stay in touch and so that my family and friends can be with me through my days.I will share my list of reasons another time but for now I am going to try to get some sleep before my handsome but very energetic grandson awakes. Happy trails.Jen ( not sure on the trail name yet)
Date: 2018-02-02
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

My research in the last few days has been on estimated daily mileage in the two most difficult states N.H. and M.E. I have approximate estimations for where our boxes will be shipped in every section from Georgia-Vermont. This is definitely a challenge as the trail becomes very difficult causing a significant drop in daily miles. I think I'm going with approx. 10 with a few different options for towns with post offices that are not far off trail, which I have somewhat followed with what I have so far. These states will be less defined, which bothers me. Lol Control issues, possibly. Anyway, this is all estimations based on our hiking history, books, talking to others and reading journals.After this is complete, I'm moving on to best zero day towns which I have some info. on. This will be very important because I will feel more relieved that I have a plan to see my daughter and grandson. Once we are closer to MA they will be coming to us for overnight visits. I'm not sure the exact details but I will feel relieved when I have a few location options to share. So, the list of reasons for the big hike, leaving out a few person reasons.1. The obvious, I love to hike. I love the woods, the mountains, fresh air, cool lakes, amazing water falls sleeping under the stars, being part of nature. The smells, vistas, leaves under foot, being surrounded by big trees especially white birch and conifers. I like hiking long and hard, accomplishing a goal, reaching a destination only to begin again in the morning. I will list the rest another time.Still have not chosen a trail name, any suggestions would be appreciated.Well of to sleep.Happy trails,Jen
Date: 2018-02-03
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

1 . The obvious, I love to hike. I love the woods, the mountains, fresh air, cool lakes, amazing water falls sleeping under the stars, being part of nature. The smells, vistas, leaves under foot, being surrounded by big trees especially white birch and conifers. I like hiking long and hard, accomplishing a goal, reaching a destination only to begin again in the morning.2. To evaluate my life. A new beginning. When I return, I'm hoping to have a better idea of what direction I would like to move in. A clean slate, blank canvas. 3. To reconnect with God. To build a stronger relationship. 4. To rediscover/ discover what I believe in. Discover what changes I can make and what I must accept. Forgiveness of myself and others. To let go. To move on. Ponder what is important to me and to leave behind what is not.5. Process and accept the loss of my Nana. Spend time with her spirit. I will be bringing something with me and leaving it on top of Mount Katahdin.6. Personal growth. I'm sure there will be lessons along the way. I'm hoping to be a stronger person for my daughter. To pass along some kind of wisdom and strength to her.  7. A few other personal reasons.8. The challenge. If I don't make it at least I can say I tried. I realize some of these reasons are corny, but that's me and I don't mind sharing them.Happy trails. ( may be my trail name )
Date: 2018-02-07
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

We have an estimated box drop route with 10 boxes with an approximate every two week pick-up. We continue buying more food for the boxes. I have been dehydrating mostly fruit but will be trying jerky this weekend. Im super nervous about food. I hate being without so I usually end up carrying more than needed which is just dead weight. Im hoping to work on this. We will be carrying 4/5 days of food with two town stops to resupply, then a box with dry food and resupply of fresh food. There is also spots to stop fotr a meal and of course trail magic! I noticed a lot of towns are in close proximity in the south for easy access to food.The shanhandona National Park has a lot of meals along the trail side. The Whites in N.H. have the huts which have meals. My mom is worried that I will get lost or a number of other scary scenarios but my only worry is lack of food. I am not looking forward to Trail hunger but the large quantities of town food adds to the enjoyment of the town stops. After all, you have to love the fact of eating what ever you want in large quantities and losing weight in the process. On to figuring out our Zero and Nero days which I think will end up being the towns we pick up our boxes in. Happy trails!
Date: 2018-03-14
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Looks like it is a go for our trip. The house is on the market but there have been no offers. We have decided to leave anyway and have help to deal with the house while we are gone. We are due to leave in about 5 weeks. We have so much to do. Get our stuff in storage, flight tickets, last minute items. We are almost finished packing our 10 boxes, except for the food we have been collecting. After we finish with the odds and ends we will move onto the food. I will feel better once we have the boxes all set. There is a lot of organizing and estimating that goes into the preparation but we are having fun doing it. I¢m thinking we have extra stuff but we can bounce stuff forward to ourselves of pass on some stuff in the hikers boxes along the way. March is flying by....of course the snow doesn¢t help and three storms in less than 2 weeks takes time away from the business that has become of getting geared up. (Literally speaking) Off to bed. Happy Trails!
Date: 2018-03-18
To: One month from our start in Georgia
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

We are one month away from the start of our hike in Georgia. The trip has been up in the air but we continue to prepare. Even though we have been preparing for approx. 6 months it seems we still have a lot to do. The to do list is shrinking but I¢m feeling a little anxious about time. We put the house on the market mid February but it has not been going well. (Too long of a story) The hope at this point is that there is at least a buyer before we leave. We started looking at storage units and will start moving our stuff in April 1. We haven¢t purchased the flight tickets because although we have decided that we will leave before the house is finalized there are other things that are not completely settled. By April 1, I believe we will have a definite decision made. I really hope this will work out for us but we have a second plan of a June trip from Maine to Georgia. It¢s a weird place to the not knowing if we are coming or going, and exactly where we are going. Lol. It¢s in God¢s hands.
Date: 2018-04-11
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

We are one week away from our trek from Georgia to Maine. We have been prepping for months now and we are down to buying the last of the food we need and packing it in box 7-10. The boxes will be complete and we will fully be prepared. We have had a lot of recent difficulties that have distracted us from preparing. It has been very difficult to say our goodbyes. We had my mom over and I cooked dinner and we played rummie. I dropped my mom off at the airport the next morning for her flight to her brother¢s house in Florida. It was very emotional and I had mixed feelings about not seeing her for six months which included fear, anxiety and sadness. I will stay in touch via messenger which seems to be our main mode of communication. Next is Barkley who we will be bringing to Stacy¢s parents in N.H. We will be staying the night and saying our goodbyes to the family. It¢s difficult to get ready for this trip as well as prep for the house and move our belongings into storage. I¢m looking forward to finally being on the trail Thursday and being with nature and God. I don¢t just want this journey but I need it.