morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2018-08-18
To: View Entry
Miles today: 15.1

Leaving Bangor around 3:00 AM Kyle and I pulled into Katahdin Stream Campground around 6:45, and after checking in with the Ranger for my AT Pass and saying goodbye I began up Katahdin at 7:15. There had been rain all morning, and the climb brought me into the clouds and a constant mist. After the super steep section climbing out above the tree line I hit the tablelands and it got windy. The moisture and the wind was really chilly, so when I hit the summit I stayed long enough to snap a few photos and tell myself that now it is actually beginning. Once I start heading down from the sign I was officially attempting my southbound Appalachian Trail thru hike. I flew down the 5.2 mile Hunt trail back to KSC, dropped of my day pack, got my heavy pack with enough food for the 100-mile wilderness, ate a lunch of tuna and ramen and was on my way. Still having right at 10 miles to get out of Baxter State Park so I could camp made day 1 long, 20 miles, but luckily the was no fordings and it was all pretty much downhill to Abol Bridge. I set up camp at Abol Pines campground on the banks of the Penobscot River and knocked out after a long first day.
Date: 2018-08-19
To: View Entry
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: light rain

After a long first day, I didn't get out of camp until almost 10:00. Crossed over the Penobscot river and down the road until I turned left into the woods and the 100-mile wilderness. It was 100 miles from here to Monson, and my next resupply. The day ended up being fairly slow and easy, with one climb up to Rainbow Ledges and a view of Katahdin, which like the previous day was covered in clouds. I ended up setting up camp at the Rainbow Lake campsite with a lot of NOBOs. There was a really cold piped spring right on the shore of the lake with a beautiful view.
Date: 2018-08-20
To: View Entry
Miles today: 14.9

This day brought some more bogs which became the norm for the 100-mile. It also brought my first somewhat difficult climb since Katahdin up Nesuntabunt Mountain leading to a great view of Nahmakanta Lake below and Katahdin out in the distance. Then down the mountain and along the shore of the lake for the next few miles to where I camped at a campsite near the south shore of the Nahmakanta.
Date: 2018-08-21
To: View Entry
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: light rain

After a beautiful hike along a lake shore the day before this day brought me along the shores of many more lakes and ponds in the aptly named lake region of Maine. The ponds up here can be called lakes if you ask me. The hiking was fairly flat on day 4, all the way into Cooper Brook Lean-to which was my first night at a shelter, even though I set up my tent nearby I got to hang out and chat with other hikers out on the trail. Mostly section hikers were there. I was one of only two thru hikers that night, the other was headed north.
Date: 2018-08-22
To: View Entry
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: clear sky

This day was a short one. 3 miles in brought me up to the top of Little Boardman mountain, down near a few more ponds then the clouds began to roll in. They were thick, and I had my first real mountain since Katahdin, White Cap Mountain. As I started up the 2,400ish-foot climb the rain began to fall and the wind started blowing. After about 3 miles and 1,100 feet I came to the Logan Brook Lean-to and decided to pull in to see if I could wait out the worst of the rain which looked like it was still to come. After waiting for a couple of hours and the rain still coming down I decided that since I was dry at that point it didn't make much sense to go out, keep going, get wet and set up a tent in the rain, I spent my first night in a shelter with 2 NOBOs and 2 section hikers who were at the shelter the previous night.
Date: 2018-08-23
To: View Entry
Miles today: 18.8

Waking up to a humid morning, but no rain got me ready to hike, and when you add the fact that I didn't have to break down my tent I got out pretty early. With 1,300 feet left to climb of White Cap I headed up into the wind and chilly air to get my last view of Katahdin before going down the south side to the West Branch Pleasant River and my first true ford. I had to take off my shoes and socks, put on my sandals and wade across the river. On the other side I ate some food while feet dried, got my shoes and socks back on then kept on walking. This brought me up Chairback Mountain, which was a much more difficult climb that it looked like it would be and into my stealth spot near West Chairback Pond.
Date: 2018-08-24
To: View Entry
Miles today: 17.5

After White Cap and Chairback the previous day I had Third Mtn, Mt. Three and a Half, Fourth Mtn, and Barren Mtn, before dropping down into Wilson Valley. The ridge with the mountains brought some beautiful views and my first cell service since before I started. I had two more fords on this day, across the Big Wilson and Little Wilson streams, but luckily I set up camp on the south side of Little Wilson Stream.
Date: 2018-08-25
To: View Entry
Miles today: 10.1

Day 8 was the day, I was getting myself out of the 100-mile wilderness. I had the intention of trying to get into Monson before 11:00 because I had a package at the Post Office and because it was Saturday that's when they closed. But alas, I was about an hour too late. It was okay though, I got a ride from Gary from Shaw's Hiker Hostel which is where I intend to stay so it worked out in the end.
Date: 2018-08-26
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Haven't been able to update since day 1. Cruised up and down Kathadin as well as the 10 miles out of Baxter on the first day. Abol Pines campsite is where I set up that first night and began into the 100-mile wilderness on day 2. The next 7 days  have kinda all run together at this point, but after about 13 miles on day 2 I camped at Rainbow Spring campsite alongside a number of NOBOs. Day 3 brought me to the south shore of Nahmakanta Lake, and day 4 pushed me over halfway to the Logan Brook shelter around mile 58. The next 3 days were where the ascents and descents began, but I pushed through them feeling quite strong, stealth camping for the next 2 nights until getting into Monson and Shaw's Hiker Hostel last night. Shaw's is an awesome place, hot showers good people, and an even better breakfast. The plan is to get out and start southward towards Stratton, ME today at some point. I'm not sure how service will be in southern Maine, but I will update when I can! But for now, have a nice way!
Date: 2018-08-26
To: View Entry
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: few clouds

Breakfast at Shaw's makes the stay completely worth it, but after right around 24 hrs I was ready to get back on the trail, the Nero was nice but antsy I was getting. Just after 1 I said goodbye to my NOBO friends and headed back towards the trail, up Horseshoe Canyon on my way to Bald mountain. The trail was only slightly inclined for the 10ish miles I put down into a stealth camp spot along the Bald Mountain Stream at mile 128.
Date: 2018-08-27
To: View Entry
Miles today: 18.0

Slept in a hair and got out of camp around 8:15 after a breakfast of some coffee with a breakfast essential packet mixed in, blueberries and cranberries oatmeal and a packet of pop tarts. I had about a 4 mile approach before I hit Moxie Bald Mtn. Which was a steep 1,400 foot climb with a great view from the summit. Down the other side, rock hopped across Baker Stream which if it were any higher would have been another ford, and then began the 5-mile ascent of Pleasant Pond Mtn. Taking the climb fairly easy I got to the top around 4:30 in the afternoon and sat up top for a bit to just take in the scenery and beautiful sunny weather. Deciding to head down I cruised through the descent into Pleasant Pond Lean-to and set up my tent a bit to the south. Leaving roughly 6 miles into Caratunk and the Kennebec River ferry crossing tomorrow around midday hopefully.
Date: 2018-08-28
To: View Entry
Miles today: 16.0

Leaving camp I continued down for about 6 miles into Caratunk, ME and stopped at the Caratunk House B&B for a pulled pork sandwich, coffee milkshake and a two day resupply to get me into Stratton, ME. Just beyond Caratunk is the Kennebec River, which is the largest unbridged water crossing on the AT. There is a ferry service, which consists of a canoe and Joe to paddle you across. Signing the waiver and getting my bag in, and life jacket on we paddled the Kennebec and I got out on the other side. There was no wait, and no one else was there, so now I continue walking south, up a thousand foot climb and to the carry ponds which were used for portage back in the day. I found a nice little stealth spot along the north shore of East Carry Pond.
Date: 2018-08-29
To: View Entry
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: few clouds

Today was fairly flat with a small climb between Middle and West Carry Ponds. Then down around the south outlet of Flagstaff Lake to the base of Little Bigelow Mountain. I got my first trail magic at a road crossing here by Rowdy, who I met at Shaw's, she was dropping off some other hikers and I happened to show up, and got a beer which was a great pick me up! Then I continued up Little Bigelow until the Little Bigelow Lean-to and decided to call it a day, leaving the Bigelow Range for tomorrow.
Date: 2018-08-30
To: View Entry
Miles today: 13.5

This day was my first real Mountain day, the Bigelow Range stood between me and Stratton. So up and over Little Bigelow I went, down the other side and up Bigelow Mountain to Avery Peak at 4,090 feet and eventually to West Peak at 4,145 feet then the North Horn, down past Hors Pond to the Cranberry Stream campsite.
Date: 2018-08-31
To: View Entry
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Getting up early I walked to 2 miles to ME27 and got a hitch into Stratton for a resupply to get myself into Rangeley. It was a quick stop getting back to the trail at noon and heading south up the 4,200 foot North Crocker Mtn and 4,000 foot South Crocker Mtn, then down to the Crocker Cirque campsite.
Date: 2018-09-01
To: View Entry
Miles today: 14.2

This was a big day, right out of camp I had a 600 foot descent and a big steep climb up Sugarloaf Mtn, including the .6 mile blue blaze to the summit, followed by Spaulding Mtn and Lone Mtn, down to Orbeton Stream and a climb to The Poplar Ridge Lean-to.
Date: 2018-09-03
To: View Entry
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: few clouds

Took me a little while to get out of town, decided to stop for some breakfast and finally got a hitch and back on trail around noon, so my hiking day was short, relatively speaking. A long, steady climb took me out of the trailhead and into a few afternoon showers before setting up camp at the Sabbath Day Pond Lean-to.
Date: 2018-09-04
To: View Entry
Miles today: 17.0

Got out of camp fairly early after packing up a tent with a wet rain fly. A steady first few miles took me over ME17 which had a height of land view, pretty cool place. Crossed paths with a Voyager who is on the final leg of his 2nd triple crown and he gave me some fantastic advice: find something to shout about every day, good or bad. I've since taken that to heart, and it helps release that pent up energy or frustration, especially while doing a solo hike. From there up and over Bemis Mtn and Old Blue Mtn to my campsite near Black Brook.
Date: 2018-09-05
To: View Entry
Miles today: 14.6

This day brought a lot of climbing and descending, much of it extremely steep. Immediately went up Moody Mtn, then dropped 1400' over .8 miles into Sawyer Notch, followed by a 2000' climb up to Wyman Mtn, then back down about 2000' and back up 2000' to where I camped near the Frye Notch Lean-to.
Date: 2018-09-06
To: View Entry
Miles today: 12.8

The day started with a climb up the Baldpates, both east and west peak, in the rain, and then back down into Grafton Notch. The skies cleared up, but leaving me with a 2700' climb up Old Speck Mtn which had a good view off the observation tower. Then a bit of a ridge walk and a drop down the Mahoosuc Arm to the Bull Branch campsite on the northern end of the Mahoosuc Notch.
Date: 2018-09-07
To: View Entry
Miles today: 12.3

Starting the day with the most difficult mile of the A.T. Slowed me up a bit, took about an hour and a half to get through that mile, which is just a jumbled pit of boulders you have to go over, under, around, or squeeze through. Then a steep climb immediately afterwards onto Goose Eye Mtn. Following this came Mt. Carlo and dropping down into Carlo Col I crossed into New Hampshire, completing my first state of the A.T. After 282 miles. Maine was rugged, and difficult, but extremely beautiful. I made it another 5 miles or so to Gentian Pond where I set up camp.
Date: 2018-09-10
To: View Entry
Miles today: 15.2

After a zero day in Gorham I was ready to attack the Whites. Immediately off the trailhead I had a 3200' climb to the summit of Mt. Moriah, followed by a descent then climb up onto North Carter, Middle Carter, Hight and Carter Dome before dropping into Carter Notch as the rain really began to threaten. Got lucky and secured some work for stay at the AMC hut in Carter Notch. Scrubbed dishes for some leftover food and a spot on the floor to stay dry.
Date: 2018-09-11
To: View Entry
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: mist

Woke up to pounding rain, but at least I didn't have to pack up a wet tent. So I put on my rain jacket and headed up the Wildcat Ridge in the wind and rain. It was a rough ridge, the trail was super rocky and hard to maneuver. The worst was the descent to Pinkham Notch in the rain. A 2000' drop over 1.5 mi which is very steep, rocky and extremely slippery and no fun when wet. Definitely the most sketched out I have been yet. So I rewarded myself with a coke and a sandwich at the Pinkham Notch visitor center before making my way up to the Osgood tent site where I stopped for the night.
Date: 2018-09-12
To: View Entry
Miles today: 10.3

Today was the day for the worst of the Presidentials. I had to go up over Mt. Madison, Jefferson, Clay and Washington. Of course I was in the clouds the entire day, and visibility was only 1/16th of a mile. I was simply hiking cairn to cairn because I couldn't see any further. It was like hiking on a different planet, eerie but cool at the same time. The weather was good, calm winds and temps in the mid 50s, just in the clouds. Getting to the summit of Mt. Washington I entered "the zoo" and that holds multiple meanings. For us hikers it's a zoo simply because there is so many people that are up there. Then it feels like we are the animals at a zoo, people were literally asking for pictures with me and asking nonstop questions, a very odd dynamic. Anyway, headed down and got to the Lakes of the Clouds Hut and got in for some work for stay up above the tree line.
Date: 2018-09-13
To: View Entry
Miles today: 13.9

Left Lakes of the Clouds in dazzling morning sunlight atop a sea  of clouds. It was simply gorgeous. This day brought the rest of the presidentials and a long descent to Crawford Notch. When I say long I mean it, about 4000' over 10 miles more or less, with the topping of Monroe, Franklin, Eisenhower, Pierce, Jackson and Webster along the way. Once crossing US302 in Crawford Notch I headed up to the Ethan Pond Campsite and probably my best sunset on trail thus far.
Date: 2018-09-15
To: View Entry
Miles today: 15.1

Woke up excitedly due to the beautiful weather and the great views coming up on Franconia Ridge. After climbing Mt. Garfield I got up above tree line on Mt Lafayette, and had 2 miles above tree line from there to Mt. Lincoln and eventually to Little Haystack Mtn. The views were incredible, of what I had Dane over the last few days, and of what I had coming up. I couldn't have asked for better weather, but due to it being a Saturday there were so many people on trail it took away from the tranquility. After Little Haystack I dropped down into Franconia Notch and got a hitch into Lincoln, NH to do a quick re supply before heading back out and up to the Kinsman Pond Shelter.
Date: 2018-09-16
To: View Entry
Miles today: 19.9

After waking up at around 1AM and not being able to fall back asleep I decided to just break camp and start walking. I summited North and South Kinsman before dawn, on a calm, clear, cool night. It was so peaceful, so quiet and utterly inspiring being up there at night. I began down as the pale dawn light broke the night. Got to Kinsman notch and NH112. After hanging around for a bit i started up Mt. Moosilauke and got to the top and just sat there for about 3 hours in the sun before deciding to head on down to where I set up camp at the Jeffers Brook Shelter.
Date: 2018-09-18
To: View Entry
Miles today: 23.2

Today marked exactly one month since I summits Katahdin on Aug. 18th. That seems crazy, the time has moved so slow but so fast at the same time, trail time i guess. It's hard to explain, luckily in my personal journal I carry with me I have delved into that in so many ways. I had a few small climbs and smooth trail all the way into Hanover, NH where i am going to get off trail for a couple of days and stay with some family. After only one day off it will be nice to take a few days to recover from Maine and New Hampshire before attacking the rest of New England and the Mid Atlantic which will bring the autumn colors and a different hiking style than the ruggedness of these last two states. When I get back on trail I'll be starting into Vermont, which is state number 3 of 14!
Date: 2018-04-08
To: Harpers Ferry, WV
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Hoping to leave on April 12th for Harpers Ferry to start another section hike. The plan is to complete Maryland and Pennsylvania.  Except for 30 miles in VA south of Waynesboro, VA this will complete all the miles from GA to Great Barrington, MA. I am driving my vehicle on this trip and will use it as a mid-point re-supply for each 60 to 70 mile segment, shuttling back and forth to move it forward every few days. Plan to catch the 30 miles in VA on the return trip to GA.Here is hoping the weather has begun to head toward spring for MD and PA.Additional editing to follow after May 11, 2018.You will find that a lot of this journal reflects my attitude of walking in rocks for a couple hundred miles. Boring and a pain in the royal butt. With a little luck there may be some humor scattered about. The only enjoyable part of this trip was the people. Made some new friends and renewed relationships with some old ones. The AT is really about the people, not the trail. Looking at your feet day after day is not much fun, especially in Pennsylvania. Here is hoping the next section I attempt proves to be more enjoyable.And I did not stop for the last 30 miles I skipped in VA. Worn down and tired and needing to get home for family stuff. Will try and collect those miles in Sept/Oct this year.
Date: 2018-04-09
To: Harpers Ferry, WV
Miles today: 0.0

Hard to believe this is the 11th year I have been tackling the AT. There was a 5-year hiatus in there somewhere for family and personal elements. Life Happens!If there are no other issues, I should be loaded and ready to leave early Thursday morning for Harpers Ferry. I still need to make up a few bags of trail mix and dig the jerky out of the freezer. Reservations are made for the Teahorse hostel for Thursday and Friday with a shuttle to drop the truck at Penn Mar set for Friday. The first trail segment will be from Harpers ( 14 April) to Pine Grove Furnace State Park. Penn Mar gives me a re-supply point about halfway, that is if my truck is still there when I arrive!!!!!!!!!!A weekend of fun with a bunch of "hangers" is set for the Furnace from 20 to 22 April! Oh yes! More food and fun than a hiker can stand.
Date: 2018-04-11
To: Home
Miles today: 0.0

Packed and loaded today.  Finished the tick treatment on the hammock. Helped sister and brother start the garden at the farm this morning.  Tomatoes, peppers, and okra are in the ground. Pecan trees are blooming so there will be no more frost (old folks tale) in south GA. Travel day tomorrow to Harpers Ferry, WV. Should be about 9-10 hours with stops. Friday and Saturday are looking like good weather.  Sunday and Monday, not so much. It is the trail. Deal with it.
Date: 2018-04-12
From: Home

To: Harper's Ferry, WV
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Long day in the truck. Between road construction and accidents on the I slab, a total of 13 hours. Should have taken the other route - more direct I think. But I hate I-81---- too many trucks and rough in many spots. However, I survived and will have a rest day Friday to move the truck ahead to Penn Mar parking area at MD/PA border.
Date: 2018-04-13
From: Harper's Ferry

To: Harper's Ferry
Miles today: 0.0

Got a shuttle to place my truck ahead at Penn Mar park on MD/PA line. Back to Tea Horse hostel at 12:15. Spent the afternoon walking around Harper's Ferry checking out town history. Thru hikers Bolt and Big Tuna came in to the hostel. They went to Charles Town for re-supply and stopped at the casino and won some money. Late getting back but they were happy.Section hikers in for the night were Achin, Trudger, and Gentle Ben with his wife.Good nights rest and ready for trail tomorrow.
Date: 2018-04-14
From: Harper's Ferry

To: Crampton Gap
Miles today: 11.0

Got out from Tea Horse at 0725 with Achin and Trudger. I had to backtrack to last years start point behind the ATC. Down the slope, around the edge of town, down thru town and across the footbridge over the Potomac. Finally caught Achin and Trudger at the C & O Canal path turn off . Uphill from there to top of South Mountain. Famous for Civil War battles leading down to Sharpsburg battle in 1862.Rest of the day we played tag along the crest of South Mountain and got together again Gatland State Park. Finished the day with a 200 foot climb out of Crampton Gap. Set up hammock and got the usual stuff done before dark.Weather today was a killer - 85 degrees on the ridge with full sun. Tonight in the 60s, upper 50s. Bad storms tomorrow and Monday.
Date: 2018-04-15
From: Crampton Gap shelter site

To: Rocky Run Shelter
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Packed and climbed up to the trail from Crampton site at 0700. Met Achin and Trudger just starting on the trail. They had stealth camped a little ways back down the trail.Weather is supposed to be a killer after lunch. We headed to Rocky Run shelter and arrived at 0930. After looking at the weather radar decided to hang in the shelter rest of the day and night. Great decision as it came a "wall banger" of a storm all night. High winds and lots of rain. Seven other hikers came in before dark. New shelter as nearly full, but we had a good time telling stories and adventures.Bad trails tomorrow - rivers and ponds expected.
Date: 2018-04-16
From: Rocky a Run Shelter

To: PineKnob Shater
Miles today: 7.5

They call me ------- Rockdawg! I'm doing R & R on the AT ( roots and rocks, All Terrain).Another short day due to weather. Drizzle all day until 1400.Left Rocky Run at 0930 in the rain. Temps in the 40's. Good trails today as far as grades and climbs were concerned. Otherwise, there were rivers of running water and ponds all along the trail. Lots of sidestepping to stay dry. Winds driving the drizzle all morning. Made Pine Knob at 1330 and had some lunch. Achin and Trudger were already in and had changed out of the wet clothes. Got some dry stuff for myself and set about looking for a hammock spot. Old, old shelter will only hold 6 plus it leaked badly last night. Another reason to hammock. Seven more hikers arrived later in afternoon. One young guy doing a thru and a couple doing flip-flop thru, having started at Harpers Ferry.Long day tomorrow to try and get back close to my schedule. Now about a day behind due to bad weather.