morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-08-19
From: frye notch leanto

To: andover, ME
Miles today: 4.5
Weather: moderate rain

Another nearo, got to andover cutoff relatively easily but had to wait almost 2 hours on a deserted backcountry road for some hikers to return from a day hike and give me a lift into town. Town is a little generous. Main street is a general store, a gas station, and some random buildings but its all I needed. Had lunch in the diner corner of the general store, with country music playing and felt very happy but very very far from home. Met some hikers who pointed me toward a hostel run by an old indian and his mother which is a great spot. The indian showed us his moose poop jewelry business and wares and had the greatest poop joke routine ever. Got a tiny bit on video after I realized the comedy gold ensuing.Hung out on the front porch and watched the perfect hiking weather pass in shadows across the grass, too bad I can't hike. UPS delivery truck brought a hiker care box which was heavy and turned out to be a bowling ball in a gaudy 70s carrying case. We all died laughing and the moose poop proprietor pointed out there were unfortunately no bowling alleys in the whole county so we spent a while coming up with alternate destinations for the ball. Caught up on picture uploads and blog updates, next updates may be in a couple days if I can get back here from another road, or at least a week, this is definitelty the edge of america and there's not much out here. Without the pavement or rare cars this place could be in the 1800s.
Date: 2003-07-18
From: Poplar Ridge Lean-to

To: Crocker Cirque Campsite
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: broken clouds

Felt crappy when I woke up. Todays terrain did NOT help. Straight up and down. The Texas SOBO crew were all still asleep when we left. They're in no rush. Beautiful morning turned cloudy then drizzly as Spork and I descended steep Sugarloaf.   Spent almost 2 hours lunching at Spaulding shelter. I dragged on the uphills all day. Crossed Orbeton Stream and the Carabassett River, both rock hops. They're listed in the book as 'fords', but because of little rain recently, we've had no problems. Started to rain as we got close to the campsite. The weather ended up blowing over and we were treated to a beautiful evening. Train built a lovely fire and im looking forward to diving in my tent. 7 miles to Stratton tomorrow. Im glad i broke up the miles this way. I know if i went for town tonight i'd take a zero tomorrow anyway. Sleeping in my tent for the first time since Davis Farm campsite in Virginia. Trail keeps getting better and better. Its gonna be hard to leave.
Date: 2013-08-20
From: andover, ME

To: south arm road
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: light rain

Did a slackpack from the pine ellis hostel between the two roads leading to andover . Real nice place, ilene a nice old grandmotherly woman owns it and her awesome indian nephew? David makes things run like clockwork. Gonna send them a thankyou card. Did a bunch of knee exercises and stretches I found on the internet which helped immensely. Knee was awesome for the first 5 gentle miles and then fell apart during the rest since it was steep. So plan from here is to limit the miles, do stretches, and possibly mail tent and cold weather gear to next town and risk cold/wet but the forecast is amazingly good. If I get to where I can't walk anymore just hope my food holds out while I sit in a shelter, theory is I won't need as many calories stationary.
Date: 2003-07-19
From: Crocker Cirque Campsite

To: Stratton, Me
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Up and over South and North Crocker Mountain. Big climbs, lots of work, little views. Long 5 mile descent into town. Purchased a wiffle bat and ball and played in the parking lot with team Iowa and Cloudwalker. Lunch at the diner, a pint of B n J's after and some tube to relax. Staying at the White Wolf Inn. Swam in Flagstaff Lake with an insipiring backround view. Dinner at the White Wolf with friends-what could be better?   I didn't appreciate the 3 dollar ATM fee in town tho. I think the last 2 days were probably some of the hardest climbing on the Trail. Saddlebacks, Lone Mtn, Spauldin Mtn, Sugarloaf, Crockers. Straight up and down, limited flat sections.
Date: 2013-08-22
From: bemis mountain leanto

To: little swift river pond campsite
Miles today: 14.6

Really nice day, passed a couple large ponds, one had a "sandy beach" about 10 feet wide that someone had left an innertube, for swimming but it was a little cold. Next pond had three kayaks, one semi seaworthy, one patched a hundred times with silicone, and one sunk in the water. Decided to setup camp and listened to the moose swimming but it started raining so missed my chance to paddle out and see it.
Date: 2003-07-20
From: Stratton, Me

To: Little Bigelow Lean-to
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Feeling very weak and under the weather. Contemplated taking a zero, but its hard to sit around this late in the GAME. Reluctantly got moving around 10am and almost turned around and came back to town. Stopped very often going uphill and drank tons of H2O. Long lunch break at Horns Pond lean-to. Watched Train and Poptart swim at the pond for a bit. Todays hike over the Bigelow range was extremely tiring, but so beautiful. Great view of Flagstaff Lake. Its crystal clear waters matched the sky. Total struggle over Horn Mtn, West Peak, Avery Peak and Little Bigelow.    Got here at 6:15. Had a nice chat with SOBOS Margaret and the Sherpa. Its funny, the SOBOS keep getting more inexperienced as i go further along. The beards are getting shorter and the list of questions to field getting longer. The crew came in at close to 8pm. Also got to meet Running Man. 2000.1 miles is where im at. WOW
Date: 2013-08-23
From: little swift river pond campsite

To: redington campsite
Miles today: 12.8
Weather: clear sky

Good morning, nice downhill into rangeley to resupply, got a ride from a trail angel that was just waiting to give rides at the trailhead. He had set out cokes and bananas I ran into the day before so it was nice to get a chance to thank him. He was really into the AT but being in his 70s it was hard to find hiking partners and so helping out others fit him better which I thought was pretty awesome.Climbed saddleback mountain and the horn, great alpine section, then it got really cold. Like high desert in winter cold. Latitude is catching up to me I think. Got to a campsite that had a group of 20 harvard students on a preorientation trip. Really great program and nice kids, they kinda gathered around asking me questions about being a thruhiker. Made me feel a little old, heh but definitely like I'm a real thruhiker now. Got along real well with the two junior year leaders though and one, India, was hot. helped her cook dinner for her huge crew then went and hid in my sleeping bag from the cold.
Date: 2003-07-21
From: Little Bigelow Lean-to

To: Pierce Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: broken clouds

Set up my tent at 1030 since the bugs were terrible. Hit the Trail at 830 feeling like death once again. Pretty flat-two small climbs totally wore me out. Felt sore all over. Made it to West Carry shelter for lunch. Took a 2 hr nap/relax period with Team Iowa. Trail was flat for the next 10 miles. Couldnt enjoy it because i felt so poor. Drizzled all afternoon, but i never put on my pack cover. Despite feeling ill i was able to make good timing on the flat ground.    5 SOBOs here already and they've made a fire. its so inviting to come to a shelter with a roaring fire. Beautiful setting here with the pond in front of the shelter. A little cold and drizzly for a swim but it makes for a beautiful backdrop. The loons should be a perfect soundtrack for bed time.    In to Caratunk tomorrow to hopefully visit a doctor.
Date: 2013-08-24
From: redington campsite

To: carrabassett river
Miles today: 15.8

Did a bunch of fairly forgettable hills, including sugarloaf ski resort. Did too many miles but wanted to get down out of the altitude. Super dangerous section, if the lost hiker Inchworm is found, it'll probably be in here somewhere or downstream on the Carrabassett river. Screwed up my knees again on the unexpected really steep downhill section that was basically just rockslides and hate. Stopped after crossing the river, found twix, paraguay, sunshine, and notyet about to go to sleep so said hi and went off downriver to setup camp. Had what seemed like a legion of mice grabing things and carrying them off so finally hung everything up and went to bed. Swatted a couple mice and yellled at them at one point which seemed to help. Definitely going to town tomorrow and resting.
Date: 2003-07-23
From: Caratunk, Me

To: Moxie Bald Lean-to
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: moderate rain

Woke up at 5am to hear rain pelting off the roof of the barn. Soo cozy in bed. Paul woke us up at 710 for breakfast. Seemed like the perfect zero day but alas i had just hiked 4 miles the previous day. After an amazing breakfast of blueberry pancakes, fruit, potatoes and homemade biscuits i began packing up. Rain let up a little so i sucked it up and hit the Trail.    Drizzled on and off but i still got soaked. The Trail was a stream in some spots. Luckily no fords but a couple dicey brook/stream crossings.    Ran into Ben and Witt this morning at Pleasant Pond shelter and again at Bald Mt Brook shelter. Steep slippery climb up pleasant pond mtn. Got to the top quick but it took forever to get down. Lots of false summits and tons of open rock face that i almost bailed on multiple times.    Ran into Train and Poptart @ Bald mtn shelter. Apparently i was 30 minutes behind team Iowa all day. Nothing to see unfortunately from Moxie Bald. I heard there was a good Katahdin view. Oh well, guess ill see it when i get there.    Got to the shelter at 5pm after a steep slippery descent. 5 SOBOs here as well as Train and Poptart. I considered moving on but the idea of getting in after 8 doesn't sound appealing to me. I hear the Trail is horrible from here to the next shelter. 2 fords waist deep.   Guess i picked the wrong time to hike this section. Monson tomorrow!
Date: 2013-08-26
From: stratton, maine

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Neroing in stratton, lots of friends showed up today; stinkbug, honeybun, bline, heavyweight, and the whole bearded clams crew back from vacation. Wore awesome loaner outfits while doing laundry and we made grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup in the hostel kitchen. Hoping to get out and do an easy 5 miles in a couple hours.update- nero became zero. Everyone hanging out having a good time.
Date: 2003-07-24
From: Moxie Bald Lean-to

To: Monson, ME
Miles today: 17.9
Weather: light rain

Hey! Im in Monson! The last trail town. 114 more miles remain. Need to write quick before library closes. I was again fighting off some virus i had. Got fed up with feeling crummy and doing short days so i did a 4 miler into Caratunk and finally got to a doctor. He thought i have giardia, which im sure i dont, since i always purify my water, but i decided to take the pills anyway. They seem to be working as im starting to feel like myself again.         Headed out alone into the pouring rain yesterday morning. Felt great to feel good again and i was able to pull out a 19 miler to moxie bald shelter and catch up with poptart and Train. I've never heard rain come down like it did last night. Bugs were bad and i was sleeping under a leaky roof with 3 SOBOS. I got no sleep. Up at 6 and out by 7 i attempted to fly to Monson. The 17 miles were easy as far as terrain, but almost impossible due to the extreme rainfall in the last 72 hours. I kid you not, the Trail was a river. I walked through ankle and calf deep waters all morning. We also got our first taste of fording, having to cross both the west and east branch of the Piscataquis River. The crossing was fast moving and up to my mid-thighs (im 6'2). For 4'10 Poptart the water was at her waist, and i've certainly got a lot of respect for her after those crossings. To make matters worse we got dumped on by Horshoe Canyon shelter and i was soaked to the bone. Atleast we were headed to town. Reunited with Team Iowa as well as Ben and Witt.      Well tomorrow i hit the Wilderness. Im hoping the Trail will dry up somewhat because its gonna be real unpleasant otherwise. Bad weather is slated for the next week (the remainder of my trip) but i guess thats fitting. I should be summiting Katahdin in the next 6-8 days depending on weather. I'm very excited.   One final note. I'd like to congratulate my friends Grunt, Flick, Squirtsy and pretty soon Subman on finishing the Trail. Way to go guys im so damn proud of you! They finished on a miserable july 22nd day. Wish i coulda been there, but some things werent meant to be. Pray for me, follow along and with any luck ill be smilin' on top of Mt K come sunshine or rain next week.      best,         A-train
Date: 2013-08-27
From: stratton, maine

To: little bigelow leanto
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: broken clouds

Got out energized from the rest, kept up with 2000 milers for some of the day which was pretty rewarding. Bigelow range was really pretty and got a great sunset shot. Rolled into the shelter late and tired. Pretty much the opposite of my knee saving plan but had a good day hanging out with the guys.
Date: 2003-07-25
From: Monson, ME

To: Long Pond Stream Lean-to
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: scattered clouds

BIG greasy breakfast at Shaws. Had the 4x4- 4 pancakes, eggs, potatoes, sausage, juice etc. I felt sluggish as the whole group hung around, i think enjoying our last bit of town before the end. Keith Jr dropped Poptart and I back at the Trail at 10am.    The wilderness was stunning right off the bat. Walking leisurely enjoying the sunshine and beautiful streams and lakes. Mountain Man was at the Leeman Brook shelter when i got there. I met him in Damascus. He cooks at the Side Track Cafe (where I ate 3 times!) He came up to hike the 100 mile wilderness and suprise Train, a friend of his.    A couple of nasty fords today. My feet were soaking wet all day. Very uncomfortable to have prune feet 24/7 and to keep pounding their tender selves into rocks, roots and trail.    After I forded little Wilson Stream i sat on the opposite side and took a break, eating lunch until the others showed up. Ended up sitting for 2 hours, one of my lengthier breaks. I helped others across the rushing waters, and occasionally just pointed and laughed.      I rolled into this shelter at 615 to call it a night. I thought for a while that everyone else decided to camp back a ways, but the crew rolled in at 8pm. Ben and Witt, Happy, Train, Team Iowa, Poptart, Luke and Sticky and mtn man. Happy started january 1st. Been following him and his signature register entry (happy is what happy does) since Georgia. what a weird dude! Also first time i've been in a shelter wih Ben and Witt. Those guys are always doing 30's racing to town, but i guess they're enjoying being normal for a bit. They are really funny guys. well goodnight
Date: 2003-07-26
From: Long Pond Stream Lean-to

To: Carl Newhall Lean-To
Miles today: 20.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Long Day! Kicked my butt. The Barren-Chairback range was one of my least favorite. About 5 peaks to go over and all rocks. The little ups and downs between the mountains wore me down. Took 7 hours to go 11 miles to Chairback shelter. We were however treated to great views coming down. Luke swears he saw Katahdin in the distance somewhere.   Flew going down to the Pleasant River, which we needed to ford. As Spork and I started to take our shoes off, a bunch of kids and moms starting fording. Huh? Isnt this the isolated wilderness? with no roads or civilization? I ended up seeing about 40 day hikers in the next mile and realized there is a parking lot .2 off the trail. They all go to see the Gulf Hagas, the "grand canyon of the east". Its a 5 mile loop off the AT. No thank you, ive walked enough miles for one day, and every other day.   4 guys are at the shelter, hiking the wilderness. They are the most stereotypical frat guys from jersey. All they talk about is sex, drugs and booze, although its kinda hilarious and refreshing. This is the stuff i came to get away from, but they really are cracking me up. Im pooped, to bed.
Date: 2013-08-29
From: pierce pond leanto

To: holly brook stealth camp
Miles today: 6.6
Weather: light rain

Rainy day, rolled the last couple miles toward Caratunk. Got to the Kennebec river which is really wide and due to a hydroelectric dam they don't want you trying to swim across so there's a man with a canoe that'll take you across during certain hours. Signed my first liability waiver, tossed my pack into the foot of muddy water at the bottom of the boat, and paddled over. The guys all got a hitch and disappeared before I got to the road so decided to just walk the 2 miles down the road to the outfitters since people usually don't pick up muddy wet hitchhikers. Got halfway and found the guys at a different outfitter getting ready to go whitewater rafting. Said goodbye, humen joined me and we walked another mile up the road, and then a van pulled up and gave us a ride the last 200 yards to the outfitter. Met up with firehands and peaches already eating a huge breakfast and enjoyed two pitchers of cold coffee way too much.Someone figured out the dry towels, hot showers, and hot tub were all free so we all rushed the bathhouse. Did laundry in the sinks, dried things with the hand driers, and spent the rest of the day out in the hot tub. At about 5 we figured the guys had found another place to sleep so got a hitch back to the trailhead and hiked a couple miles in and crashed out.
Date: 2003-07-27
From: Carl Newhall Lean-To

To: Cooper Brook Falls lean-to
Miles today: 18.9
Weather: light rain

It rained all morning making for a very wet walk up the 4 peaks of Whitecap mtn. I was walking up the water trail at Sidney Tappan Campsite when i heard something loud in the bushes. I turned around and out popped a young moose. He stared at me then started following me up the trail. I made a dash for my pack and took off. my 2nd moose. On the way up whitecap i ran into a father and son i met in virginia. They remembered my trail name. The 4th people i've met in 2 different spots on the Trail.    Ran into Trail crew from MATC. They were so friendly and congratulated me on getting this far. They gave me a mini snickers. When i got to Logan shelter i met Rocket. He hiked from springer to Harpers Ferry and i followed his journal before i hit the Trail.    There are beautiful falls here in front of the shelter. Luke was the only brave one who swam. Its enticing, but i just officially dried. I've been wet for 5 days between rain and fords, so im enjoying this semi-comfortable state. The whole group is here tonight. Guitar and laughs, what could be better?
Date: 2013-08-31
From: bald mountain brook leanto

To: horseshoe canyon leanto
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: broken clouds

Did moxie bald mountain, not much happened until we got to the shelter where one crazy old man and his huge overweight golden retriever, and 4 large college groups were already setup trying to avoid the rain. We took over the place and ratcheted the chaos up to 11, everyone was in rare form just being super funny. It was like being part of a really on point improv show and the dozens of college kids were our unwilling audience. Threw up my tent to avoid sleeping next to the crazy guy and enjoyed the night out.
Date: 2003-07-28
From: Cooper Brook Falls lean-to

To: Wadleigh Stream Lean-to
Miles today: 21.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Sun finally came out this morning-what motivation to hike. Trail was flat as a pancake most of the day. Thought it would be great but it actually got a tad boring. The scenary was awesome chocked full with lakes and streams. I was able to resist the temptation of stopping at white house landing. It is the last stop on the Trail and i almost went due to my extreme shortage of food. But i've heard it was a big rip-off. Frankly im tired at this point of spending money and getting nickle and dimed by so called hiker friendly businesses. I've only got 23 miles until the store at Abol bridge, where i'll chow down like i never have. I've really had to ration my food, guess i didn't really pack enough. Its sad that after 5 months on the Trail i cant plan how much food to carry.   Saw my 3rd moose right at Nahmmankanta Stream. I thought it was a canoe moving thru the water but it was a huge one with full rack and antlers running away. About a mile after there Spork, Jam and I decided to go for a dip in the wide stream. It felt so good.    Today was really breezy and cool. The last couple miles skirted the edge of a lake and we were able to walk along a sandy beach. I'm so at peace out here. The scene at the shelter is great. One again we've got a fire, laughs and music from Chickens' guitar.    Today was my last official 20 miler. Tomorrow is close enough. Thank god for that. Big K in 2 more days.
Date: 2013-09-01
From: horseshoe canyon leanto

To: monson, ME
Miles today: 9.0

Did a quick wet 9 miles into town, amazing how fast the miles go when hungry, used up 100% of my food and had to eat 5 pieces of turkey jerkey for breakfast. Got 2 english muffins from another hiker which got me through. Ate 20 hotwings and a giant cobb salad as soon as I got in. Over the rest of the day dozens of hikers just came out of the woodwork, people I hadn't seen in months were showing up. Ran to the next town to resupply since tomorrow begins the 100 mile wilderness. Hugerain storm forecast too.
Date: 2003-07-29
From: Wadleigh Stream Lean-to

To: Hurd Brook Lean-to
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was an amazing weather day. That and the scenary made today one of the best on the AT. I watched Poptart and team Iowa swim in Crescent Pond in its crystal waters. We walked along Rainbow Lake for a couple miles and it was pretty incredible.    In the middle of the day i heard a huge crash in the trees and saw a gigantic bull moose running right toward me. I started freaking out-what the heck do i do if it charges me?? It stopped. 5 FEET from me and ran away. A baby moose followed but stopped and checked me out for a bit before strolling away. About a mile from the shelter i spotted what i think was a fisher. This guy was doing acrobatic flips on a tree branch and seemed a bit agressive. It resembled an anorexic cat/monkey that finally let me pass, free of charge.    Big group around the shelter. About 15 hikers and a trail crew. Im tenting away from the shelter in a bed of soft pine needles. I can't believe 1 full day is left.
Date: 2013-09-02
From: monson, ME

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

So the hostel keeper gave us a $10 stay-on-the-floor-of-the-restaurant downstairs since its a holiday and the hostel is totally full, and the post office is closed so none of us can pick up our packages and its raining like crazy and we're all comfy chilling out, soooooo.... ZERODAY! Hundred mile wilderness can wait for tomorrow. Obviously there will be no reception or services for at least the next week so TTFN.