morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-07-05
From: White Mountain Hostel

To: Carlo Col Shelter
Miles today: 17.0

Before I start, when I did my consolidated journal entries for the Whites I apparently messed up my cumulative mileage counter. So at the beginning of every journal entry I will give my daily miles and the cumulative total since I started - based on my trail guide. Thanks.Daily Miles - 17Trip Miles - 1900.1I started the morning at the White Mountain Hostel, which is located right on the trail. I was packed and out the door before most of the other guests were stirring, but I did appreciate that the hostel owner made me a breakfast burrito to take with me.Right out the door and on to the trail and who do I see - T, the guy I had been hiking with. We chatted and walked together for awhile, comparing notes on the Whites and what we expected from Maine. He has a date he wants to finish by, I don't and so we said goodbye - he was moving faster than me now and I am not in that much of a hurry.The day was a series of ups and downs, the highest being Mount Success at 3565'. I crossed over the mountain and was rewarded with a simple sign telling me that I had crossed the New Hampshire/Maine border and that it was 281 miles to Mount Katahdin. After months on the trail it was hard to believe that I was walking into my 14th state.I pulled into Carlo Col Shelter and set-up for the night and was soon joined by a South Bound (SOBO) thru-hiker and a couple out for a weekend hike. The SOBO asked about the Whites and I asked about Maine - I still had more than a 125 miles of mountains to deal with in Maine and he wanted to know mostly where to stay while in the Whites. It was a nice evening back on the trail and the fact that I was in Maine made it all that much better.
Date: 2013-07-06
From: Carlo Col Shelter

To: Baldpate Lean-to
Miles today: 16.4

Daily Miles - 16.4Trip Miles - 1916.5I got myself going at first light, I had a big day ahead of me with one of the more challenging sections of the trail coming up.The day was a repeat of the previous day with ups and downs in mountains but with the mountains now at over 3000' and I would cross Speck Mountain at 4038' before the day was over. Most of the mountain trails were extremely steep and I found myself inching down wet slabs of rock on the downhills and climbing hand-over-hand on the uphills. I spent the day mountaineering, not really hiking.I made it to Mahoosuc Notch, a mile long valley filled with boulders ranging in size from your sofa to a railroad car. The objective is to make your way around, over and yes through them to the end - where you are rewarded with a climb up to the top of Speck Mountain. I stowed my hiking poles, I would need both hands for this operation. I made my way thru the valley in about an hour and 15 minutes - without injury. I had to take my pack off three times and push it thru caves and there was still snow and ice in the shaded areas from the last snow on Memorial Day. The notch was followed by a climb up Mahoosuc Arm, a single slab of rock a mile long that runs at a 50+ degree angle up the side of the mountain. It was slick with rain and I took my time making my way up - again I was going hand over hand at some points. But at the end as I stood at the top and looked down on the Arm and the notch I felt pretty good.I finished the day with a climb to Baldpate Lean-to. In Maine they are called Lean-tos but they are the same as Shelters everywhere else. I could tell my day in the mountains had slowed me down, 16.4 miles - not as many as I would have liked but they were hard won.
Date: 2013-07-07
From: Baldpate Lean-to

To: Camped by South Arm Road
Miles today: 18.0

Daily Miles - 18Trip Miles - 1934.5Was up and moving, figured I would get an early start and see if I could get my mileage up a bit. I had only gone a mile or so and climbed up onto Baldpate Mountain.Baldpate Mountain had two peaks about a mile apart and the whole time I would be above the treeline. I was going to get some great views, something that had alluded me my whole time in the Whites ... and alluded me again today because it was fogged in with visibility at about 50 meters and a light drizzle. I found myself moving from rock cairn to rock cairn, but what I could see was very lovely. Drat.I had a steep climb down Baldpate and hadn't been looking forward to it with the wet conditions. The trail in the area is maintained by the Maine Appalachian Trail Club and as I descended I started to find large wooden ladders in some of the more treacherous areas. At first I wasn't sure what to do, I hadn't seen anything like them in the Whites but the first one had a white blaze on it, so I climbed the 35' down it to the trail below. It was wonderful - what had been a white-knuckled event before wasn't that bad. Thank you MATC!Around lunch my pack was digging into my left side pretty bad, a quick check showed that I hadn't made it thru the Mahoosuc Notch the day before unscathed. I had broke one of the straps on my hip belt, probably while dragging it thru a cave. I repaired it with some parachute cord I was carrying and kept moving - I wondered if I looked as beat-up as my gear does after over 1900 miles?Made it 18 miles and camped by South Arm Road next to a small river that I would have to ford in the morning. As I set-up my tent, Old Rainmaker, the light drizzle that had fallen in the morning returned - it really doesn't bother me anymore. I think I am getting used to the rain, if my feet start to web I will get worried then.
Date: 2013-07-08
From: Camped by South Arm Road

To: Sabbath Day Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 17.1

Daily Miles - 17.1Trip Miles - 1951.6More mountains, the good news being that I was running along a ridge so I didn't have to go up and over each and every one - which had been the course of action to this point. I think most hikers have this belief that when you cross into Maine that you are done with mountains, its just going to be walking in pine forests along lakes - watching the moose frolick. Not quite, these remnants of the Whites didn't get the message and stop at the state line.I have also hit a horde of SOBOs, they are everywhere. The crowd reminds me of the crowds when I first hit the trail, mostly in their 20s with a definite granola/hiker/hippy vibe. It must be the beard I have grown but they seem to accept me as one of their own, most of them refer to me as bro - and one quite high gentlemen at the shelter one night calls me brohan. I feel a bit like a anthropologist in a far-side cartoon that has been accepted into a tribe in a strange experiment.I still can't seem to make miles the way I want - starting to get a little frustrating. If I could get the weather and the terrain to cooperate I can make them up.On the plus side, while I am passing Moxie Pond in the evening on the way to the shelter I hear a loon call. A great way to end the day.
Date: 2013-07-09
From: Sabbath Day Pond Lean-to

To: Rangeley, Maine
Miles today: 9.3

I start the day with everything still wet from the rain that has seemed to fall since I left Gorham. I pack up and head out early with a plan though.I walk the ridgeline the nine miles to Maine Highway 4, I was going to hitch into Rangeley. Resupply and get something to eat at the very minimum - if I had a wild hair I might stay the night.I made it down to Maine 4 without incident, and came to a trailhead parking lot right next to the road. A light rain was falling, which I thought might work to my advantage as I tried to hitch into town - who wouldn't pick-up a hiker in the rain? I posted myself on the road, next to the AT sign so that motorist would know I was a hiker and not homeless, stuck out my thumb and waited.Hitchhiking is a bit of a lost art in America, years of slasher flicks and dire warnings from parents not to pick-up hitchhikers have definitely made it more challenging. The good news is that since most locals know about the trail they will usually help a hiker out. With that I straightened myself the best I could and hoped I didn't look too much like a young Charles Manson with my new beard.It took me about an hour before a local, a very nice lady that cleans luxury vacation homes for out-of-staters, to stop and pick me up. I resupplied and building thunderclouds over the mountains made my mind up for me, I stayed in town and got something good to eat.
Date: 2013-07-10
From: Rangeley, Maine

To: Spaulding Mountain Lean-to
Miles today: 18.8

Trip Miles - 18.8Daily Miles - 1979.7I was up and out by the side of the road with my thumb out by 0700. I had to wait to turn in my key to the hotel office and the girl had been running a little late. No worries.I was picked up by a nice older gentlemen after only 15 minutes by the side of the road. The shower and clean clothes must have made a difference. We chatted as he drove to the trailhead, he was getting a new wheelchair accessible van with the assistance of the Veteran's Administration - I was happy for him.I hit the trailhead and it seemed like I was up and over Saddleback Mountain in no time. It was over 4000' and above treeline but again no views, a stiff wind and spitting rain with temps in the low 50s made crossing a bit of an adventure. On the other side I met some SOBOs that asked me how it was, I said great - they looked at my t-shirt and shorts and then at each other skeptically. I stopped at Poplar Ridge Lean-to for lunch, enjoying some tuna on a tortilla with raisinetts for desert. Still feeling good I pushed on to Spaulding Mountain Lean-to, which meant the next day I would have one less climb and be staged to climb up and over Crocker Mountain and down into Stratton, Maine.I had Spaulding Mountain Lean-to to myself, I had made it past the first bubble of SOBOs and there aren't too many NOBOs ahead of me. I made a rice side for dinner and a light rain started on the tin-roof as I finished eating and settled in for the night. I had beat the rain and you can't get any better than that.
Date: 2013-07-11
From: Spaulding Mountain Lean-to

To: Stratton, Maine
Miles today: 12.4

Daily Miles - 12.4Trip Miles - 1993.1I was headed to town for a resupply that would carry me to Monson, my last resupply before the 100 mile wilderness and Katahdin. Between me and town was only 12 miles, I had already travelled almost a 100 miles since leaving Gorham, NH and had crossed an important milestone the day before - less than 200 miles to go. The only thing in my way was Crocker Mountain, two peaks that I had to climb at over 4000'. I had a three mile climb to the top and I was so focused on the climb that I found it a bit anti-climatic when I stopped at a small sign that said Crocker Mountain Summit - although they were over 4000' they weren't above treeline. So didn't get the views that I was hoping for. No problem I have a few more mountains in the days to come and hopefully good weather for Katahdin.On my way down I met two confused day hikers that were lost, we looked at their map and my guidebook and they followed me down the trail to a side trail which led them back to their car.I made it out to Maine Route 27 and hitched into town - this time it only took me about 20 minutes so I must be getting better or the people are less discriminating the farther north you go in Maine. I made it to town and will be here until the 13th, then I will head North again with next stop being Monson. This series starts with me leaving Gorham on the 5th of July. Hope you enjoy.
Date: 2013-07-13
From: Stratton, Maine

To: Little Bigelow Lean-to
Miles today: 15.4

Apparently the mileage counter that hadn't updated fixed itself, so I won't be adding the mileage to the beginning of each entry.I left Stratton feeling good, well rested and supplied for my next leg to Monson. Monson would be my last resupply and the gateway to the 100 mile wilderness - Katahdin was on the horizon.I would have two climbs for the day, with west peak of Bigelow Mountain at 4125'. I started at an easy pace, I had all day to cover three mountains and into a shelter at the 15 mile mark. A steep climb and I was on top of the 'Horn' at 3812' before I knew it. Breathing hard but filled with the accomplishment at looking at my back-trail - thousands of feet below me.Next I climbed up to Bigelow, pausing at the peak for lunch. I sat on a rock, enjoying the views of the valley below - clear skies provided some of the best views I have had since Pennsylvania. The Sun was warm on my face.I was up and over Bigelow and on to Little Bigelow Mountain, which while lower in elevation was the most challenging of the day. Little Bigelow is a series of hills on a single ridge and I found myself climbing up and down for two miles or so on a rocky roller coaster of a ride.It was only 1500 when I made it to the shelter, early but I had a good day and decided to wrap it up on a high note. I had finished the Bigelows and didn't have but a few mountains left before I hit the flat areas that make up the 100 mile wilderness. I had crossed my last 4000' peak off, the next time I would be at 4000' would be when I was climbing Katahdin and knowing that felt good.
Date: 2013-07-14
From: Little Bigelow Lean-to

To: Pleasant Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 27.0

I hadn't put in a big mile day since the Whites, I had hovered at the 18 mile mark or so - stymied from going higher by the mountains that I had to climb up and down. With the elevations and steep trail you just can't go fast, if I did I would probably go tumbling down the side of a cliff like Humpty Dumpty.Today I was hoping that I could put in miles like the 'old days' of just a few weeks ago. The terrain was mostly level with a few small hills of only 1500' or so, plus a few days of sunshine were drying out the trail for the first time in weeks. Finally I wanted to get to the Kennebec River before 1600, if I missed the ferry I would have to wait until the next day at 0900 and I didn't want to waste half my morning waiting to cross a river.I started down what for the first time in awhile looked like actual trail, a little rocky with lots of roots but it was semi-flat and made for quick miles. I felt myself ease into a familiar pace and watched the miles melt away, the trail was good enough that I didn't have to spend all my time looking down to avoid the next hazard and I enjoyed views of the lakes, streams and thick woods around me. It was wonderful.I made it the 20.7 miles to the Kennebec River by 1430 and waited for the ferryman to canoe across to pick me up. Usually in Maine when you come to a river you put on your crocs, make sure you don't have anything in your pockets that can't get wet and wade across - not the Kennebec. A series of three dams that release water at unscheduled times make it unsafe to cross, so Maine Electric and the Appalachian Trail Club hire a ferryman to shuttle hikers across in a canoe. The canoe even has a white blaze in the bottom because it is the official way to cross.I got in and half-way across the water started to rise and current picked up, demonstrating why I was glad I wasn't wading. I dug in with my paddle and soon was across and back on the trail.I felt so good that I just kept going and before I knew it I was setting my tent up at Pleasant Pond Lean-to, 27 miles from where I started the day. It was good to know that I still had big mile days still in me this close to the end.
Date: 2013-07-15
From: Pleasant Pond Lean-to

To: Monson, Maine
Miles today: 27.8

I had been sleeping in my tent for awhile know at the shelter sites, crowds had moved me out of the shelter - hordes of SOBOs had taken over the shelters and reminded me of when I started the trail in March. An added bonus is that the mosquito net in my tent kept the black flies and mosquitoes at bay, which makes for a good nights sleep and I don't wake up a quart low of blood.I was up and moving and while the terrain wouldn't be as flat today, I had a couple of 2000'+ mountains to climb, but I still hoped to make decent miles and get as close to Monson as possible.Clear skies made for great views as I crested Moxie Bald Mountain at 2600', but try as I might I couldn't make out Katahdin to the North. I knew it was there though, calling to me with the promise of a finish to the journey I had started four months earlier.By mid-day it had warmed to the 90s, unseasonable warm for Maine. I was sweating and making sure that I stopped and refilled my water bottle regularly, dunking my shirt in creeks to keep myself cool. It also helped that I forded a creek and two forks of the same river that afternoon. As I slipped into the water it provided a icy but welcome relief to the oppressive heat.I kept moving through the afternoon and made it the 23 miles to Horseshoe Canyon Lean-to by 1600, I was at a decision point hike the last few miles into town or spend the night at the shelter. I was thinking after a hot day a cold Coke would be great and as nice as the shelter was it didn't have a Coke machine so I pressed on.I made it to the cutoff trail to Monson as the Sun was going down over the ridge and two miles later I wandered into Monson proper and headed for the gas station for a cold Coke. A great day and even better I was at my last stop before the 100 mile wilderness and Katahdin.I will spend 16 JUL 13 resupplying in Monson and getting ready for the last 117 miles of my trip. I plan to hit the trail bright and early on the morning of the 17th. Next update will be from Milliknocket, Maine - the other side of the Katahdin and the end of my journey. Thanks everyone for your continued support.PS. No moose yet - but did see a snake for the first time in a long time and have been enjoying the antics of the pine squirrels.
Date: 2013-07-17
From: Monson, Maine

To: Long Pond Stream Lean-to
Miles today: 18.3

I had a nice zero day in Monson, my only glitch was that the General Store had closed a week or two before which put a crimp in my resupply plans. I ended up resupplying at the small gas station/convienience store in town and they didn't have some of the staples I was used to getting - I adapted and overcame and hit the trail.I caught a 0700 shuttle from the hostel to the trailhead which was about two miles from town, a little later start than I was used to but not bad. It was already warm and muggy, Maine had been experiencing a heat wave with temps over the 90 degree mark for the past few days. Not as hot as Texas but I felt bad for the locals, most of their houses didn't have air conditioning.I walked about three miles and hit Maine 15 and the start of the 100 mile wilderness. A sign warned hikers that they were about to enter the 100 mile wilderness and that the area is remote, basically your on your own and make sure you have 10 days worth of supplies - hopefully it wouldn't take me that long to walk thru.Walking was easy with a series of rolling hills, climbs rarely over 1100' and I soon settled into the rythm of the trail. Before long I stopped at Wilson Valley Lean-to for lunch, peanut butter sandwich and chips washed down with cold stream water. I also saw two thru hikers that I would see on and off in the 100 mile wilderness, Hurricane a New Zealander that had also hiked the PCT and CDT and NBC a German that decided to hike the AT after seeing a German documentary a few years ago. Made it to Long Pond Stream Lean-to for the night and spent the night there with Hurricane and NBC, we talked for a bit about our experiences on the trail and other hikes they had done - it was nice. I first set up in the shelter but the clouds of mosquitos had me set-up and retreat to my tent for the evening. Another day done and another day closer to Katahdin.
Date: 2013-07-18
From: Long Pond Stream Lean-to

To: Carl A. Newhall Lean-to
Miles today: 20.8

Out early after a quick breakfast of a peanut butter sandwich and water. I had a series of climbs along a ridgeline with more than a few small mountains, none were over 2500' but the fact that I would be going up and down most of the morning and afternoon was going to make it a long day.First up was Barren Mountain at 2660' and it had a little bit of alpine/above tree line terrain which I always enjoy. It gives you a chance to look around and enjoy the scenery without being crowded in by the thick stands of pine trees at lower elevations. A light drizzle and fog kept me from seeing long distance but I still enjoyed the hike.By afternoon the ground was thoroughly soaked and slick rocks and roots made the trail treacherous in spots. I had a mis-step and went down hard, face first. I took a moment to breath and check that I didn't have any bad injuries, I had taken a sharp rock to my muscle on the front of my thigh - felt a bit like a bad charley horse. I got up and got walking again.An hour later my thigh muscle was killing me, I had to use it for the up and down motion of climbing up and down the hills. A little concerned but I was sure I would be ok.I saw Hurricane and NBC that afternoon, I had left the shelter before them but wasn't moving too fast after wacking my thigh. They passed me and were headed to a campsite on the side of White Cap Mountain, my goal for the next day and the last 3000' mountain before I went up Katahdin.Got to the shelter that night and it was filled with SOBOs, not a problem as I would be putting up my tent for the night. I found a big spruce and was able to set-up under it. I had a quick dinner of ramen and a few hershey minatures and hit the sack, a little while later it started to rain but my tent hardly got wet protected by the lush canopy of the spruce. Hopefully the rain would cool it off a bit.
Date: 2013-07-19
From: Carl A. Newhall Lean-to

To: Cooper Brook Falls Lean-to
Miles today: 18.9

A light drizzle and fog shrouded the forest as I hit the trail, from camp it was a climb for five miles to White Cap Mountain. Before I hit White Cap there were a series of smaller mountains to cover and mentally I checked them off as I went up and over; Gulf Hagas Mountain 2697', West Peak 3137' and Hay Mountain 3243' went by as the morning passed. Finally I found myself standing above treeline next to the summit sign for White Cap Mountain at 3530'. I looked around at the dense clouds that enveloped the peak and limited visibility to 100 meters - no views of Katahdin today. Oh well at least it was nice and cool with temps in the 50s up top.I came down off the mountain and hit the flat ground, from here it was about 70 miles of mostly plain with a few small rises to Katahdin. I had beat the mountains that Maine had thrown at me and even though my thigh felt a little raw still I was feeling pretty good for the most part.That afternoon I was into the shelter early, I could have gone on but I wanted to give my thigh a rest and enjoy some of the afternoon. The shelter was on a river next to a beautiful waterfall and I enjoyed an afternoon of laying and relaxing by the river.