morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-06-23
From: Lake of the Clouds Hut

To: Joe Dodge Lodge at Pinkham Notch 
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 103 -- WORST day on the trail! It started with getting zero sleep at the hut because after lights out people were still playing games then every person seemed to walk past us at night to go to the bathroom. The bathroom door was so loud it kept me up all night. The hut was socked in with weather in the morning -- we were in the clouds. I left at 0630 to climb the formidable Mount Washington (where the world's highest recorded wind speed was taken). The visibility started out about 30 or 40 feet and I was hiking in my rain gear (which I hate). It was very slow going because the rocks were very slippery. By the time I reached the top the visibility was less than five feet and the winds were steady at about 50 knots (gusts much higher). Because of the lack of visibility and the added cold wind, I wandered around to every building for about 30 minutes before I found the trailhead down the mountain. It was frustrating and a little scary! As soon as I started down I took two or three HARD falls due to the high winds and slippery rocks -- UGHH!!!! I took a quick stop at Madison Hut and was treated to leftover scrambled eggs and hot cocoa (I made sure I left some eggs for my hiking buddies behind me). Big rocks and rock scrambles ALL day long. Above tree line I could not see the rock Kairns so I used my watch compass to move in a general North direction until I spotted a kairn. The biggest pain was the over 3,300 foot descent down Mount Madison. The pounding going over the big rocks hurt my knees and to add insult to injury I had to put my rain gear back on because a thunderstorm was forming on top of the mountain. Dirty Mike, Coups and AYCE caught up with me with five miles to go. I was spent by then and running on only 10% energy level. We decided to stay at Joe Dodge Lodge at Pinkham Notch.
Date: 2013-06-24
From: Joe Dodge Lodge at Pinkham Notch 

To: Imp Shelter
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: light rain

Day 104 -- The four of us shared a bunk room together and got a late start because the AYCE breakfast didn't start until after 0800. Since all of our gear was still wet we used the hand dryer in the bathroom for our socks and shoes. It did little good and I put on wet gear again. This weather has got to improve. Since the lodge did not have laundry facilities I wore my clothes into the shower and gave them a good scrubbing before I wrung them out. When I left the weather had cleared, although it was windy on top of Wildcat which did not take much energy to climb. The black flies were especially painful today. These creatures are smaller than mosquitos but their bite is very hard and they usually draw blood -- how wonderful to have them near you??
Date: 2013-06-25
From: Imp Shelter

To: Gentian Pond Shelter
Miles today: 19.8
Weather: light rain

Day 105 -- The bad news for the day is my two falls, one especially hard as I slipped on a two by six piece of slippery lumber and dropped about two and a half feet flat on my back. It knocked the wind out of me and reinjured my rib that I broke about nine years ago. The day was split in two -- the morning was easy and I hiked about 3 miles per hour. We got a ride from White Mountain Hostel into a Walmart to resupply (since I hadn't eaten I purchased way too much). After Walmart we started hiking in rising temperatures and humidity. I did not have enough water to keep up with my persperation rate. Of course it rained again -- a thunderstorm about 2 miles from the shelter (which was crowded).
Date: 2013-06-26
From: Gentian Pond Shelter

To: Bull Branch Campsite
Miles today: 12.3
Weather: light rain

Day 106 -- Good news is I passed the 1,900 mile point and entered Maine (another state bites the dust). Today was the hardest, most challenging hiking on the entire trail -- PERIOD! As I write this I am so exhausted I can barely write. New Hampshire would not let us go easily and made us climb up huge rock scrambles and descent over huge slabs of rock. Maine greeted us with even tougher conditions. Guess what? It rained on and off all day and I had to keep putting on and taking off rain gear. Mahoosuc Notch is a 1.5 mile rock scramble designed as a "fun" diversion. They designed it to make the trail hard to find and even parts where you have to remove your pack and drag it through crevices. This portion is tough enough when dry but dangerous when wet. The area is cold and snow/ice are in large amounts at the bottom. This rock scramlbe makes you use all of your skills and your poles are basically useless. The rain turned into a downpour and we found a cave-like rock area to stay somewhat dry until the rain subsided. When all was said and done, it took us two and a half hours to go a very short distance. Because of the weather we ended early and had a short day. I set up my tent in the rain -- at least the black flies and mosquitos can't get me there. Tidbit: I passed a grouse that was using the fake "my wing is broken" routine to divert my attention away from its young.
Date: 2013-06-27
From: Bull Branch Campsite 

To: Surplus Pond Campsite 
Miles today: 19.2
Weather: light rain

Day 107 -- Since it rained all night I had to pack up a wet tent -- yuck! Mahoosuc Arm was a difficult 1,700 foot climb with many rock scrambles. When my hiking buddies passed me they planned on doing a big 24 mile day. Since I got a late start I knew that it would be impossible for me to do those big miles. Baldplate peak was tough and I even called my wife saying I was having doubts about finishing on the planned date of July 13th. I really pushed it to the daylight limit -- I was hiking in near darkness before I found a suitable campsite near Surplus Pond. Just before the site I crossed near a beaver and he slapped the water with his tail telling me to move on quickly. I set up my tent just in time for it to start raining. The animals were making so much noise it took a long time to fall asleep.
Date: 2013-06-28
From: Surplus Pond Campsite (tenting)

To: Bemis Mtn. Lean - To
Miles today: 16.9

Day 108 -- MISERABLE. Since it rained all night and I was within 15 feet of a lake named Surplus, I kept getting up and making sure I wasn't being inundated with water. I started at 0630 and an hour later a huge downpour began that caused the trail to be filled with water that went over the tops of my shoes. At the four mile shelter guess who I found still in theire sleeping bags? That's right -- Dirty Mike, Coups and AYCE. Old Blue was a long and difficult mountain. On the descent a grouse starting charging me (the opposite of the broken wing strategy). I turned the game around and starting making loud noises and waving my hiking poles in the air. Needless to say the grouse left me alone since he surely had never seen such actions before. I came to a sing on the trail that said that erosion had caused the trail to be rerouted and follow orange streamers on trees. No problem except I could not find a single orange streamer. I ended up rock scrambling some very difficult areas and finally picked up the trail. What a royal pain!
Date: 2013-06-29
From: Bemis Mtn. Lean - To

To: Piazza Rock Lean-To
Miles today: 19.5

Day 109 -- It was nice being in a shelter, especially when everything is wet. What is up with me and the grouse population? This time I noticed a grouse on the trail and I clicked my poles together to get it to leave. As soon as I did about six or seven babies flew out from underneath her in many directions before she flew away -- strange. It was neat to cross Maine Highway 17 in the fog. I was going to take a break at Sabbath Lean-to but I was instantly swarmed by at least 50 to 100 mosquitos so I pressed on. The rest of the guys went into Rangely as I proceeded to the next shelter. Just as I was about to the shelter I tripped on a huge tree root and went flying. Since most of the trail was underwater I was "wooshing" all day long. Wooshing is when your shoes get stuck in the muck and it makes that sound as you pull your foot out it. What fun! Good news -- passed the 90% point.
Date: 2013-06-30
From: Piazza Rock Lean-To

To: Sugarloaf Mtn. (Abandoned Ski Chalet)
Miles today: 19.9

Day 110 -- I got very little sleep last night due to the hot weather and the pesky mosquitos. I left at 0600 and had much climbing (Saddleback, Horn, etc.). Amazing -- the sun came out about noon and it was the first hiking day in Maine WITHOUT rain. The trail conditions were still poor due to the standing water and much muck. I encountered many South bounders (SOBOs)today. It picked up my spirits when they showd much excitement for my accomplishment. The summit of Sugarloaf Mountain is a strenuous .6 of a mile up hill but it is worth it to see the sunset and sunrise from the abandoned ski chalet on top. The structure has been vandalized (broken windows) since I stayed there eight years ago. We swept out a space for our bags and enjoyed some great views. The mosquitos were a problem because of the broken windows. As of tonight under 200 miles to go.
Date: 2013-07-01
From: Sugarloaf Mtn. (Abandoned Ski Chalet)

To: Stratton, ME
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 111 -- I got up early anticipating a town visit. A tough descent off of Sugarloaf was followed by a LONG climb up South Crocker. I was disappointed to have to wait over 30 minutes before some one would give me a ride but it was worth it to get into town and eat like a pig. Note: Although the daily miles show 12.4 above, I only hiked 10.5 (the total miles were off by 1.9 so I added to today's total).
Date: 2013-07-02
From: Stratton, ME

To: Little Bigelow Lean-To
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: light rain

Day 112 -- I splurged and got into a private room so I could attempt to dry out all of my equipment. AYCE came in to use the tub to find and patch the hole in his air mattress (It seems some glass on the top of Sugarloaf flattened his mattress). The newspaper said Maine had its wettest June on record since 1871 -- it continued into July by raining all night long. My dry shoes lasted only one-half of a mile since we had to ford a stream. The temperature only reached 61 degrees and on top of the mountains the winds howled at about 40 knots while I was pelted with rain. I thought it might snow in July! Dirty Mike, Coups and AYCE made a 2,000 mile sign out of branches on the trail and we got a nice group photo passing this important milestone.
Date: 2013-07-03
From: Little Bigelow Lean-To

To: Pierce Pond Lean-To
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: moderate rain

Day 113 -- Although the terrain profile was mostly flat with only one climb it was absolutely miserable going through the mud, muck, roots (sizes bigger than boa constrictors) and rocks. I would rather climb the biggest mountain than deal with a flat area covered with muck! Woosh, woosh, woosh goes Chino all day long. The mosquitos were atrocious by biting the back of my arms, the back of my legs, my ears and especially my hands. I attempted to counter these flying pests with many bandana configurations (the best one under my hat covering my ears and neck). Of course I put up my tent at the shelter to alleviate the bugs.
Date: 2013-07-04
From: Pierce Pond Lean-To

To: Moxie Bald Mountain Summit 
Miles today: 20.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 114 -- Since my tent was on a slight incline last night I was uncomfortable and did not get quality sleep. I slept in late because I needed to cross the Kennebec River and the only officially sanctioned ways is by a canoe piloted by Hillbilly Dave (it even has a whiteblaze on the bottom of the boat)that only runs from 0900 to 1100. The others went to Harrison's to eat some breakfast while I pressed on to the river since I had plenty of food. Needless to say I was the first to cross for the day. It is a miracle -- no rain for a second straight day (you know where must be freezing over). The trail conditions are still mud, muck and standing water. Pleasant Pond Mountain was very tough in 90 degree heat (two days ago the high was 61) and I was perspiring at a heavy rate. Adding to the misery was the fact that there was no water for five miles after the summit. I appreciated Dirty Mike giving me about a pint to hold me over. We cowboy camped on top of Moxie Bald Mountain anticipating seeing some fireworks on the 4th of July.
Date: 2013-07-05
From: Moxie Bald Mountain Summit 

To: Monson, ME (Shaw's Lodging)
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 115 -- What a great decision to stay on top of Moxie Bald Mountain. After dark we watched about 10 to 15 fireworks shows in all directions. It was interesting watching the exploding rockets from above instead of below like I would see them on a typical year. Instead of tenting we just blew up our pads and put the sleeping bags on top. I did not sleep much because I was blown away by all the stars I could see on this clear night. The Milky Way was in full view all night long and the satellites and shooting stars added to the amazing show. An early start got me going with the idea I would be in town today eating real food. Fording of rivers is not my favorite thing since I am an avid NON-swimmer but the guys keep an eye on me and make sure I don't violate rule #1 (one of the fords required using a rope tied across the crossing). Although it was mucky and muddy, it did NOT rain again today -- hooray! As soon as I got to the road to hitchhike into Monson a nice lady (author of upcoming book Wanderlust) offered me a ride. Not only did she take me to Shaw's, but she provided some left over dessert and chips/dip leftover from a party yesterday. The four of us quickly ate the magic before heading to a BBQ place for some much needed calories before resupplying at the gas station.
Date: 2013-07-06
From: Monson, ME (Shaw's Lodging)

To: Camped Halfway up Barren Mtn.
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: broken clouds

Day 116 -- Great breakfast at Shaw's Hostel -- four eggs, four pieces of bacon, four pancakes, coffee and juice. It was a full house in the bunk room split evenly between us and the Southbounders. After a ride to the trailhead the hiking was easy. With the dryer conditions there was less muck but my shoes continued to stay wet with all the stream fords. With less than 100 miles to go coupled with the trail conditions, it has zapped me of my enthusiasm for the trail and I just want the hike to be over. The four of us took two nice breaks at river crossings where we skipped stones and just relaxed by sitting in the water. Initially we wanted to tent near the Barren Ledges but no good places existed so we pressed on another half of a mile and tented just off the trail.
Date: 2013-07-07
From: Camped Halfway up Barren Mtn.

To: Carl A. Newhall Lean-to
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: broken clouds

Day 117 -- Left at 0600 to another sunny day. Although it was hot, there was a nice breeze at the top of Barren Mountain. The first 12 miles were choppy with many climbs and descents. Fording the West Branch of the Pleasant River was no problem (calf deep). Passed the 2,100 mile mark today and a woman overheard that and had to get my picture. It was interesting seeing a large rabbit hopping across one of the bog logs on the trail. I ran into a day hiker who was taking a break at a shelter and he turned out to be a plastic surgeon who used to be a hand doctor. He thinks my ring finger is probably just dislocated and suggests I keep putting it through its full range of motion to help it heal. A big thanks to him for giving me a couple of oranges, chips and a candy bar.
Date: 2013-07-08
From: Carl A. Newhall Lean-to

To: Cooper Brook Lean-to
Miles today: 18.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 118 -- Light rain woke me during the night and I had to close up the rain fly to make sure everything stayed dry. Today is the LAST big mile day on the AT. Believe it or not, the four big climbs today, including White Cap which is the last big climb before Katahdin, were not difficult. The theme for today: Black flies attack! For being in the 100 mile wilderness it is very crowded -- what is up with that? I was shocked to see about 30 to 35 people at or near the shelter (many folks from summer camps). I ended putting my tent up within inches of others. We are really packed in at this shelter!
Date: 2013-07-09
From: Cooper Brook Lean-to

To: White House Landing
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: broken clouds

Day 119 -- Easy hiking -- the first 11.3 miles in less than 4 hours. The mosquitos were atrocious. After killing at least 30 of the relentless beasts I was forced to don my rain top to alleviate the onslaught for about 5 miles until I could not stand the excessive heat and persperation the rain gear causes. It was a hot and sunny day and I pressed on to the boat dock to be picked up by Bill, the owner of White House Landing. After a short boat ride across the lake, I ate a juicy, 16 ounce burger with fries and drank two cokes -- delicious! On this sunny day I sat near the lake writing in my journal waiting for my friends to arrive.
Date: 2013-07-10
From: White House Landing

To: Rainbow Stream Lean-to
Miles today: 15.6

Day 120 -- Last night I consumed a 14 inch pizza for dinner. Unfortunately, I did not get much sleep because the mattress springs were noisy and uncomfortable. Breakfast was at 0730 -- coffee, juice, eggs, muffin and AYCE pancakes. The four of us ate what seemed like a ton of pancakes. The three SOBOs had not yet got their hiking appetites and ate very little compared to us NOBOs. Our return boat trip took us within .2 of the trail, unlike the nearly extra mile I had to walk yesterday. The midday 800 foot climb was tiring but the lack of sunlight and cooler temps cut down on the bugs. Unbelievable -- I ran into Strider going southbound. We stayed together on March 12th at the Hiker Hostel in Georgia the day before we started. He has hiked 500 miles and flipped so he is now going South. A SOBO asked me for some motivational words so I kindly obliged. With only 30 miles to go this was a very easy day.
Date: 2013-07-11
From: Rainbow Stream Lean-to

To: Abol Pines Campsite
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 121 -- I started before 0600 and hiked 15 miles before noon -- whew! What an easy day. Both lunch and dinner was had at the Northern Restaurant (pretty good food). The four of us sat at Abol Bridge looking up at Mount Katahdin and talking about memories from the trail. We stayed at Abol Pines Campsite, a self-pay site operated by the state. My tent was set up about 30 feet from the Penobscot River.
Date: 2013-07-12
From: Abol Pines Campsite

To: The Birches Lean-to
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 122 -- Being a very short day I slept in. After some coffee at the General Store, the four of us hiked out together. Although we encountered two somewhat strenuous fords, the hiking was easy and we arrived at noon. At the Ranger Station I paid my $10 to stay at the Birches (Lean-to reserved for thruhikers) and was told I was the 22nd thruhiker of the year -- not bad since I was 71st at Harper's Ferry (the unofficial halfway point). It was a pleasure meeting Dirty Mike's father and Coups' family (Dad, Mom, Sister and Brother). A big thanks to them for bringing good food, especially the hot dogs and chili. Tomorrow we finish off the hike by climbing the Big K.
Date: 2013-07-13
From: The Birches Lean-to

To: Mt. Katahdin
Miles today: 5.1
Weather: mist

Day 123 -- Awoke at 0600 and packed up and waited for Coups and Dirty Mike's family to arrive since they were climbing up Katahdin with us. Being a Saturday there were many day hikers heading up as well. The climb up was MUCH harder than I remembered -- consisting of numerous rock scrambles and a never-ending climb. The Big K is the biggest and longest climb on the AT (4,100 foot ascent). The famous Katahdin sign was reached at 1021, almost exactly 4 months from when I left Springer Mountain, Georgia. MY SECOND AT THRUHIKE IS COMPLETE.
Date: 2013-07-26
To: Thank You
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

After almost two weeks off the trail I've had much time to reflect on my AT adventure. First of all a quick update on my recuperation -- my ribs on my left side are still very tender which is preventing "recoverable" sleep and limits me from full inhalations. Entering and exiting an automobile is still quite a chore, as is moving around in general. I am quickly getting feeling back into my toes (about 30%) but I realize it will take months before before I am back to normal. I've gained at least 12 pounds since I finished and hopefully will level out at about 162 pounds (about my weight on active duty). I am very thankful for a tremendous experience which challenged me both physically and mentally. My four months of walking meditation provided me with many ideas and solidified my theological beliefs (I hope to publish a concept called WORLD PEACE: THE FIRST 50 YEARS in the next 12 months and work on a children's book called CHEWY AND CHINO'S APPALACHIAN TRAIL ADVENTURE). Although I am unable to thank everyone personally that made this hike a reality, I appreciate everyone that I crossed paths with -- in some way you changed my life for the better. First on the list to thank is my wife who sacrificed by letting me pursue my dream. She supported me wholeheartedly and was, as my sister says, my wing-woman. Without her, I would not have been able to complete this hike. A big thanks to my sister for listening to me vent, especially when I missed my shelter and had to hike a 30 mile day or when I ran out of water. To my fellow hikers -- the mutual support was amazing! Lady Grey, Duffel Minor, Genie, 17, Just Dave, Wild Blue, Sconnie, Paranoid, Dirty Mike, Coups, AYCE (and ALL others I hiked with at some time) all made this experience noteworthy. I wish you all future success and I hope our friendship lasts a lifetime. A big thanks to anyone that provided trail magic in one form or another. Although Nomad's contribution was significant, no one can match Fresh Ground! HUGE kudos to him and the Leap Frog Cafe that provided much needed calories and, more importantly, sincere friendship and caring for hikers. Although I could not respond to them, I looked forward to and treasured the guest book comments which energized me. To the students at Sunflower Elementary School -- remember that you can do anything you set your mind to. A HUGE thanks to the staff of the school for supporting me. I look forward to returning for the upcoming school year (I will keep the beard until the first week of school is complete). To everyone praying for me -- I felt your love "encouraging" me to continue.
Date: 2012-09-03
To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Well, here I go. Somehow starting a Trail Journal makes this hike seem yet a bit more real! I've always loved being outdoors and have been a hiking enthusiast for many years. After finishing the Long Trail in 2007 I decided to set my sights on the AT and somehow settled on the personal goal that by the time I was 55 I'd be out there hiking the trail. I just turned 55 in July so the time has come!
Date: 2012-09-09
To: Summer Hiking
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

What a summer this has been... hot, dry, and sunny. I had the opportunity to go on two "shakedown" hikes this summer to test my gear. In late June my friend Nancy and I hiked in Vermont on the AT from Rte. 4 (north of Killington) to Hanover, NH, a 47 mile stretch. Then on July 31st Nancy and I hiked on the AT from Bear Mountain, CT through Massachusetts to the Vermont border, about 95 miles in 7 days. As in June, we encountered exceptionally hot and dry weather, making water difficult to find at times. Both hikes were great learning experiences, and we especially enjoyed meeting many thruhikers who were so helpful in sharing their knowledge. Thanks to Grey Goose, the Atlanta Brothers, Grumpy Old Man, Spring, Riff Rolf, Castaway, Road Warrior, Rampage, Apollo, Weezer, and Earl Grey (among others) for entertaining and informing us along the trail!