morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-07-27
From: Valley Way Trail Campsite

To: Mt. Hight
Miles today: 15.8

So the extra 0.5 Miles I had to do uphill that AM sucked! The Climb up Mt. Madison right after was rather rocky and slow and I was happy when I finally hit treeline and somewhat normal trail again! I had a very steep down hill then some pretty good trail to Pinkham Notch Visitors center where I grabbed lunch. I had planned on taking a shower too but was behind schedule and planned to hit town the next day so I figure I would just have to stink for one more day. The climb up Wildcat right after Pinkham was probably the toughest climb of the AT up to that point. It had multiple peaks so you kept getting fooled into thinking you were done. I made it to Carter Notch Hu, again too late for work for stay so I dosed up on Caffeine and started another tough climb I got to a nice stealth spot just before treeline and the Alpine Zone (No camping in these zones) and setup camp right at dark.
Date: 2016-07-28
From: Mt. Hight

To: Gorham, NH
Miles today: 12.3
Weather: light rain

I got up and headed out around 7 am after eating breakfast with a great view on Mt. Hight. I was jacked up on caffeine and motivated to get to town so I hiked pretty dang fast. Almost at a running pace when the trail smoothed out close to town. I got to the hostel right by the trail before noon to find it full, so I called the Barn in town and they picked me up.I walked in to see Squid sitting down, never thought I'd see him again! He was still a day behind me, they got a ride from Pinkham and was planning on slackpacking that part the next day. The barn was pretty cool but had no A/C and it was warm night so I didn't get the best sleep. But it was nice to get a good resupply at Walmart and be walking distance from a 24 hr gas station w/ beer!
Date: 2016-07-29
From: Gorham, NH

To: MAINE! (Full Goose Shelter)
Miles today: 21.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Grabbed a big breakfast at Subway (Thanks to my Mom who sent me a giftcard) and was dropped off at the trail head a little before 8am. I planned to make it too Maine and was pumped. The trail was a little tough but not bad and I was making good time. Bumped into a SOBO who inquired my plans. I told him I was heading to Full Goose for around a 20 mile day but may push on and try to stealth close to the Mahoosuc Notch so that I can knock it out first thing in the AM. He started with "Man I don't know about that the trail is pretty tough coming up" I just shot him a "look" and he said "but you've come this far I'm sure it'll be no problem for you!" Again..Shit SOBOs say. I knew it wasn't going to be an easy day, but I also knew I could definitely do it. I got to the Maine border and right away the Trail got more difficult. The trail pretty much screamed "Welcome to Maine, Bitch!" There was one spot where I had to climb down some rocks, I couldn't figure out where to put my feet and hands and it was way to high to just jump down. I eventually decided to do a sort of control fall/slide and hope it worked out. Luckily it worked! I got to the first Shelter in Maine, contemplated stopping but decided to push on and just stop at Full Goose, it was going to be too late to make it to the Notch. I got to Full Goose and setup on a tent platform for the night.
Date: 2016-07-30
From: MAINE! (Full Goose Shelter)

To: Frye Notch Lean-to
Miles today: 15.0

Got up around 6am and headed to Mahoosuc Notch. It was tricky but overall pretty fun. It is often referred to as the Hardest/Funnest Mile of the AT. After crawling through small crevasses and rock hopping I headed up the Mahoosuc Arm (Which I have been told is the steepest climb for a NOBO on the AT). IT was too bad just hard to keep my footing sometime with my shoes already starting to wear out. Headed out and got to Grafton Notch where I had some awesome trail magic of Soda and little debbies.I got to Frye Notch Lean-to and met two SOBOS, Pumpkin and Rocky Top and some locals that were all pretty cool so I decided to call it a night. Pumpkin ha to leave for around 5:45 am so I slept in the shelter also to help me roll out early since I needed to get into Andover for a resupply the next day.
Date: 2016-07-31
From: Frye Notch Lean-to

To: Bemis Mtn. Second Peak
Miles today: 24.8
Weather: light rain

I rolled out for around 6am. Came to the first road to hitch in and flew past it due to there not being much activity. I got to the second road and was having no luck with hitching. Very few cars, and most headed the wrong way. Finally a guy came drop off hikers and I went speak with him. He said he had actually brought the hikers in because he has a camp right around the corner but he would take me back to town!I got to town and ate a Burger at The little Red Hen, then got a resupply t the two little stores in town. I contemplated staying town but then decided to get back on trail. I started walking the half mile or so to the "T" in the road to start hitching and before I could get there a guy in a truck stopped and told me to hop in the back! He dropped me off and I started up Old Blue Mtn. I was feeling good so decided to shoot for right under 25 miles for the day. I came up on a water source and saw Gentle Ben! It had been a few days so I caught up with him and talked him into coming "ranch hand" camp with me at the second peak of Bemis. Typicaly sleeping under the stars is referred to as Cowboy camping but I found out about this spot from notes in the Guthook App in where someone said "Plenty good spots to Ranch hand camp" Gentle Ben and I found the terminology hilarious. The trail got a little slower and more difficult as we pushed on but I was sticking to the plan. We got to our spot and set up. It was a perfect spot, no light pollution you could see every star in the sky.
Date: 2016-08-01
From: Bemis Mtn. Second Peak

To: Rangeley
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Got up to see blueberries everywhere! I had read that they were loaded in this spot but it was hard to find them when we arrived in the dark. I spent about an hour eating blueberries then headed out towards Rangeley. I was going threw my food a lot faster than I had thought (same with previous resupply) and was not going to have enough to skip town.IT was a pretty quick hike, though I was ready for the town stay towards the end! We rolled into the hiker hut to find it was full so we grabbed a hitch to the IGA to figure out what we would do. We called the Farmhouse to see that they indeed did have space for us, so we grabbed a snack at the IGA and planned to walk the .5 back to the Farmhouse. We were stopped by another hiker who had her husband visiting (i.e. they had a car) so they gave us a ride to the Farmhouse. The Farmhouse was one of my favorite hostels on the AT! Very clean and well run. Gentle Ben and I stayed in a new room in the basement. We got a ride into town to Sarge's Pub for supper which we ate with two SOBOs. One was adamant that I should not take my pack up Katahdin and I should get a day pack. I told him my pack is light and I hadn't slack packed the entire AT so I won't slack pack Katahdin..for whatever reason this seemed to bother him a lot more then it should have (spoiler alert, I took my pack with everything up Katahdin and was perfectly fine). We stopped at the IGA which is the biggest resupply option in Maine close to the trail but still was rather small. Went back to the hostel and ate some more, of course then called it a night
Date: 2016-08-02
From: Rangeley

To: Spaulding Mtn. Lean-to
Miles today: 19.5

Rolled out for 7:30am, the only hiker to jump on the shuttle to the trail. Everyone else was Zero'ing or planning on hitting the trail later. Got up Saddleback where some claimed you could see Kathadin but with Big Mama K still about 200 miles away I didn't even try. Met Champa and Crazy Legs while eating a snack and pushed on to Spaulding Mtn. Lean-to. There was one tent space ont he trail that wasn't ideal but I made it work. I was wore out but glad to put in decent miles.
Date: 2016-08-03
From: Spaulding Mtn. Lean-to

To: Horns Pond Lean-tos
Miles today: 18.6

Woke up late. While picking up my tent, Gentle Ben rolled by and I caught up with him for a bit then ate breakfast and headed out.It was a little after 9am when I did finally head out. The day ended up being a little tougher than I thought it would. I ended up stopping a few miles short of my destination at Horns Pond Lean-to. I would have stopped earlier but I needed water. The camp site was pretty packed so I set up in the overflow area.
Date: 2016-08-04
From: Horns Pond Lean-tos

To: East Carry Pond stealth spot
Miles today: 22.1
Weather: clear sky

Start off with the Bigelows. This was supposedly the last big climbs of the AT until Katahdin. They didn't seen like they would be that tough but my appetite went through the roof and I ate pretty much all the food I had and was running low. I decided that I needed to push as far as I could to make the next day as short as possible since I would have barely any food. I got to West Carry Pond Lean-to to find trail Magic Cookies. The cookies were huge, so I grabbed two and ate them which really helped my food situation. I eventually stopped at around 11pm, planning to go further but I had a nice spot on the Pond with water so I called it a night.
Date: 2016-08-05
From: East Carry Pond stealth spot

To: Caratunk
Miles today: 9.8
Weather: clear sky

Woke up and ate the rest of my food then took off to town. I pushed really hard to try to get in the miles while I still felt fueled. The trail was pretty flat and I was able to make great time. I got to the Kennebec River were hikers take a canoe ride to cross. Once I crossed I met Teddy Bear, a local and hiker who was hanging around to give hikers rides. He gave me a ride to the grocery store then over to the Sterling Inn. I was unsure if I was going to stay or just pick up my package and roll out. Turns out the Post Office did not open until 2pm so since I had to wait a while I decided to just stay in town. Champa showed up later and so did Two Socks and Super T who I had met the night before. I got a ride to the post office and saw Gentle Ben there who also decided to stay in town. Went tot he brewery later for beer and burgers with Gentle Ben, Two Socks, and Super T and was later joined by several others staying at the INN. It was a great stay, especially for the price.
Date: 2016-08-06
From: Caratunk

To: Bald Mountain Stream
Miles today: 20.8
Weather: clear sky

Got up early for a pretty awesome breakfast at the Sterling Inn, then checked out their resupply to finish off my food bag. It was roughly 36 miles to the next town, Monsoon which is a must stop for Shaw's Hiker Hostel and resupply + a little rest prior to the 100 mile Wilderness. Took off feeling pretty good, but it was a little warm. Got to Moxie Bald and took my time tearing up the blueberries! Found a few bushes with some really big berries. Made it down to the shelter where I had planned on staying and met an older couple section hiking that were a little obnoxious. Told me I was hiking told fast, no way I could do the 100 mile Wilderness in 4 days (which is basically the norm for thru hikers), and no way I could summit Katahdin by the 15th ( This would be about the 5th time I was told this... spoiler alert I summited on the 12th and its not like my mileage was anything crazy). So after I ate I had enough of them I decided to hike on. Came to a stream and saw Gentle Ben chilling and eating so I joined him. He was going to camp there so I looked around and didn't see anything. I went ahead and crossed the stream and found myself a nice little opening in the pines to setup.
Date: 2016-08-07
From: Bald Mountain Stream

To: Monson, ME
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Took off early enroute to the world famous town of Monson.It was pretty good hiking, mostly flat and I was able to make good time. I got to the parking area and gave Shaw's a call for a pickup just as rain started to fall lightly. Poet (owner of Shaw's) picked me up and shortly after his arrival showed Badger and Quickstart. I had seen them before at Qu's but never met them until them. They had started on April 1st and were making great time to Big Mama K also. We arrived at the hostel and the Poet offered us the famous free PBR upon arrival. He said he started that because the hostel is his house more importantly than it is a business and if any hikers passed by his house the first thing he would do is offer than a beer/soda. We got the tour then I showered and begin working out my resupply for the 100 mile wilderness. I resupply at the hostel and Pete's place. Gentle Ben showed up later and we went eat at Lake Shore house. Bubbles and Ass Captain showed up (previously met them at the Sterling Inn) and we made space for them to sit with us. Was a good meal with good company. We could over hear others in the restaurant talking about how crazy thru hikers are haha. After the meal we headed to the Gas station where I bought a whoopie pie and a jug of chocolate milk. Walking down the Main street of Monson chugging chocolate milk and stuffing my face with a Whoopie pie I felt like "Exhibit A" of Hiker Trash, I also knew I was going to miss this...
Date: 2016-08-08
From: Monson, ME

To: Stealth near Mile 2095
Miles today: 20.4
Weather: light rain

Smashed and awesome breakfast at Shaw's. Eggs, awesome "home-fries" and all you can eat blue-berry pancakes. Got dropped off at the trail head a little late, close to 11am. Pack weighed in at 32 lbs., about 8-10 pounds heavier than typical but I made sure to carry a ton of food with my eating habits lately and not having any resupply in the HMW. I counted calories and had roughly enough food for 5000 calories for 5 days, I was planning to make it thru in 4 but wanted to make sure I was fueled up.I feel the extra weight in my quads, the HMW Wilderness is always talked about as being flat and easy going but the first 40 or so miles has some steepness, though nothing too crazy. I made decent time for the late start, hit a shelter to get water and aw Gentle Ben there and he was planning on going further too. I got back to trail and it was dark, I took at the headlamp and eventually gentle Ben caught up. We both agree the rocky terrain wasn't for conducive for night hiking and ended up calling it a night after only about a mile. I felt find but I was just moving to slow trying not to trip for it to be worth it.
Date: 2016-08-09
From: Stealth near Mile 2095

To: Stealth Past W Branch Road
Miles today: 25.0
Weather: clear sky

 Took my time getting out of camp, still took off somewhat early. Gentle ben had headed out about 30 minutes or so before me. We both planned to head to around the same place. There were some pretty decent climbs to look forward to for this day and then it would mellow out for the majority of the HMW. I got my first views of Katahdin. I took a side trail and ate supper watching the sun go down. I got back on trail for more great view of Big Mama K. I got to the shelter and it was packed so I kept on. Since I had ate I was feeling good and thought about hiking on a good bit but ultimately only went a few more miles due to the trail getting rocky and rooty again which I struggle with when night hiking. I made it to my destination to see someone else setting up and spoke with them for a bit then decided to push on to the next decent spot I saw. Well the area got kind of marshy and I was thinking I may have to go a good ways but luckily the ground hardened up and went into some pines were I found a perfect spot to set up for the night.
Date: 2016-08-10
From: Stealth Past W Branch Road

To: Stealth Past Wadleigh Pond Road
Miles today: 34.0
Weather: overcast clouds

 Woke up knowing I would have to do a big day today to get on pace for getting out of the HMW in 4 days. I would have a few climbs early on and then it would be cruise mode. The first climbs kicked my butt, they weren't bad but my pack was still heavier than the norm and it was too early for all of that. 10 miles in right before the trail mellowed out there was a neat shelter with a waterfall and swimming hole. I tanked up with water and ate big meal. Another guy that came in that looked familiar, it was Shutterbug! It was neat to see someone again that I hadn't seen since day 2 on the trail. Turns out he was the guy I bumped into the night before also, didn't recognize him then in the dark. I took off from the shelter walking mostly old logging roads. I hit 20 miles averaging just under 4mph for that last 10 mile stretch, I was feeling great with the exception of the last 2 miles or so I started to feel like I needed a nap. I bumped into Gentle Ben and was talking with him about doing 40, it was still early and even at 2.5mph pace we could have 40 knocked out by 11pm. Well the tiredness kept hitting me so I laid back at the shelter ont he bare floor, then looked at my watch and 45 minutes had passed! I hiked on and caught up to Gentle Ben, I wasn't feeling as great anymore so we decided to just hike on as far as possible. I met Dr. Perky who was going for 46 miles. So that he could Summit on the 12th due to weather reports that the 13th would be rainy and the 12th was looking to be a little more clear. I was tempted to join him but my body just wasn't up to it. The terrain ended up getting a little more difficult and it zapped me. I found a decent spot and set up my tent around 12am. Dr. Perky aand Gentle Ben were ahead of me.
Date: 2016-08-11
From: Stealth Past Wadleigh Pond Road

To: ABOL Bridge
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: light rain

Well I didn't sleep much at all. A damn squirrel kept running around and on my tent all night. I had my food bag in there with me due to laziness and I guess he smelt food. I kept trying to scare it off because I didn't want it to chew a hole in my tent. I felt like a zombie as I headed to ABOL, After about a mile I hit the pond to fill up and noticed a tent, it was Gentle Ben. It was about 9:30am and he was still out. He woke up and said he was wore out, that was his first 30 mile day. I headed on to town and stopped after about 4 miles to eat everything pretty much. I just had 2-3 bars left, good thing I brought the extra food! I rolled into ABOL and stood on the bridge in awe of the view of Katahdin! I then headed to the store and grabbed a burger and beer and a few snacks then went to the ABOL Pines Campground. I set my stuff down then headed back to the bridge and met a couple from NH that were amazed of my journey and really nice people. Turns out they also had family back in Louisiana and how been down for a reunion recently. They were very nice and kept trying to find a way to help me but I told them I was setup and just eager to summit! I went back to the campground and had the shelter to myself, eventually the mosquitoes got to bad so I setup my tent.
Date: 2016-08-12
From: ABOL Bridge

To: MT. KATAHDIN
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: broken clouds

I got up around 5:45 am and packed up then headed into Baxter Park. I had a healthy breakfast of a whoopie pie and Mtn. Dew. I wasn't sure what I was going to do, most people stay at the Birches Campground the night before in the park so that you only have 5 miles up Katahdin then back down and you can knock it out early then hitch into town. The weather was getting a little nasty, and ideally I wanted to summit on a nice day. I figured I would get into the park and get an opinion from the Ranger on if I should summit or not. I hiked the ten miles in and wasn't sure exactly were to go, by the time I found the ranger and was all set it was 11:00am, the cut off time to head up Kathadin. The ranger said if I wanted clear weather it would probably be 3-4 days and that today would be better since it would be pretty cold and still cloudy/rainy the next day. He also said being a thru hiker I had more then enough time to make the hike since thru hikers usually knock it out pretty quick. So I headed up Katahdin, alone passing a few thru hikers on there way down from finishing. Once I got above tree line there were some times I felt like I was rock climbing more than anything, added with the misty rain and my worn out grip on my shoes it was pretty tough. I eventually got up to the tablelands were things smoothed out, I couldn't see but a few feet in front of me, I was in the clouds. I saw some steps going up and was like dang, climbing again. As I was almost down the fog cleared a little bit and there was the sign about 20 yards in front me of me. I can't even explain the feeling, I was struggling to keep myself together. Then I realized damn I'm the only one up here how am I going to get my summit picture! I walked up to the sign then Heard "are you a thru hiker" then looked to see the a family tucked away in the rocks shielding themselves from the wind and eating. They congratulated and took my pictures! They also offered me a ride to Millinocket. They were planning to take another trail down that would be much easier than the Hunt Trail (AT). Since I was now done it didn't really matter which trail I took down so I agreed, easier sounded nice. I took off and made it to the parking lot. they ended up being several hours behind me and we kind of had a fiasco because it was too late to get a hitch and their truck was 16 miles away! Eventually one of the rangers gave their daughter a ride to go grab the truck after a lecture on better planning. They kept apologizing saying this probably isn't how I wanted to end my hike and I just laughed and said I might not have gotten a ride otherwise and the chaos just kept things interesting and falls in line with the whole experience. They poured me a celebratory glass of wine and brought me to the Pamola Motor Lodge in Millinocket. IT was near 1am, so I dropped my stuff off in my room, got a shower then headed down the attached bar for a celebratory beer than crashed for the night.