morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-08-14
From: 112 Kinsman Notch

To: Eliza Brook Shelter
Miles today: 7.5
Weather: overcast clouds

I thought I would show what a bear box looks like. This is more common in this part of the country, rather than bear bagging or the bear poles. I haven't seen any sign of bear in New Hampshire but they are reportedly still around. I have seen lots of Moose droppings (scat) but no Moose. This is the big thing now - everyone wants to see a Moose.We were up early today to get ready for our overnight hike. Blueberry dropped me off at the parking lot of Kinsman Notch with our packs. She then went back to meet up with Bismarck at the Liberty Springs parking area to leave the car. While I was waiting for her, Miss Janet (trail angel extraordinaire) pulled up in her van with hikers for the Moosilauke slackpack I did the other day. I saw people I hadn't seen in weeks - DB Cooper, Brownie - plus got to meet the Florida Flip Floppers. I had heard about them for the last month - a mother and two daughters. They are super nice, friendly people and I hope to see them again. Blueberry returned around 9 and we got on our way. The trail started with a steep uphill and then a lot of ups and downs for todays section. I didn't think it would be too difficult but I was wrong. The Whites are earning their reputation. There are huge rocks, tree roots, streams in the trail, etc. anything but your normal dirt path. Blueberry was pretty amazing. We call her Steady and Slower. She just plugs along on those uphills - never taking a break but just steadily climbing. I was pretty impressed!The weather was cloudy and chilly. At one time, a small bit of rain started but then stopped. When we arrived at the shelter around 5, there were 2 spaces left. Blueberry and I claimed them then set up our sleeping stuff. I made some tea to warm us up and then made dinner (Mac and cheese w/tuna for me, Teriyaki Noodles and Rice for her). It was getting colder and everyone retired to their sleeping bags at 7. We joked that she brought the cold weather so it could be just like it was back in Georgia. Thank goodness that she brought my winter sleeping bag out with her. I was toasty warm in the 20 degree rated bag.
Date: 2013-08-15
From: Eliza Brook Shelter

To: Franconia Notch
Miles today: 8.8

Blueberry slept well for her first night in a shelter. We all stayed cozy in our warm winter bags.Today's hike involved climbing two 4000+ foot mountains - South Kinsman (4358) and North Kinsman (4293). New Hampshire residents love their mountains and the big thing out here is to climb all 48 peaks that are 4000 feet or more. Blueberry and I are off to a good start - she has South and North Kinsman under her belt, I have those and Moosilauke (4802). Again, the trail was extremely difficult, rocky, rooty, with lots of rock climbing. You just have to put the poles away and climb the rock, whether up or down. A lot of the rock is wet from the recent rain or from normal runoff and that adds to the challenge. I think Blueberry gained a little appreciation of what her mother is going through out here and I again admired her gumption as she steadily climbed these tough mountains.The White Mountains have what they call 'Huts' that are rustic, but nice, places for hikers to stay. Even though they are rustic, they are pretty expensive at $100 up. They are run by the 'croo' and typically will accept 1-2 thru hikers for work-for-stay. In exchange for doing various chores, a work-for-stay hiker will receive dinner and breakfast and get to stay in the common room. I have heard all about them and was pretty excited to see my first - which I did today, The Lonesome Lake Hut.Blueberry and I arrived at the hut for lunch. You can buy AYCE soup for $3 and lemonade for $1. We were also given some leftover quinoa salad, which I added to my soup for a very good stew. We sat and talked to a man out for a dayhike. It was a good break.The remaining 3 miles to the car went pretty quick. The trail was relatively free of rocks and roots. We are exhausted but Blueberry got to experience a lot of the trail and I enjoyed her company. We went into North Woodstock and got a place to stay, then showered, dinner and laundry (for me). She is already sound asleep and I should be there. Tomorrow she goes back to Ohio and I continue on my way North. Little by little, I am chipping away at the remaining miles on the Appalachian Trail.
Date: 2013-08-16
From: Franconia Notch

To: Garfield Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 10.3
Weather: light intensity drizzle

Blueberry was pretty sore this morning. Nice to know it's not just the old folks feeling that way. She had a great time experiencing the Whites. We didn't do any of the attractions other than the main event - enjoying nature at her finest. After breakfast at the Cascade Coffee House, we headed up to the trailhead and said our goodbyes. I know I have been very fortunate in having friends and family visit during my adventure. I appreciate each and every one of them.I doubled my 4000+ peaks today! I added Little haystack, Mt. Lincoln, Mt. Lafayette and Mt. Garfield. The first three are part of the Franconia Ridge. The AT follows the ridge for two miles - all of it above treeline. Today was an absolutely gorgeous day! Sunny, temps in the high 60's on the mountain. Walking the ridge was a moment with God. Simply put, it was spectacular!The rest of my hike was tough. I'm lucky to do a mile an hour on these trails. We are climbing rock walls and boulders. I am trying to take my time and be patient at the slow progress. One step at a time....Had a cool moment on Mt. Garfield when I watched a glider plane for a bit. It was so quiet - flying on the drafts.At the shelter tonight with Boo Boo, Cash, Sky Pilot, Grizzly, Professor, Fossil Phoenix. Also about 8 first year Med students from Harvard doing a team building hike. They are all very nice.Tomorrow we have a couple of huts on our hike. Coffee time!Well - since I wrote this I found out Little Haystack doesn't count in the peak bagging. It is considered part of Mt. Lincoln. Boo!
Date: 2013-08-27
From: Grafton Notch - The Cabin

To: East B Hill Rd. (The Cabin)
Miles today: 10.3
Weather: light rain

I'm slackpacking today so after a hearty breakfast, I packed my little day pack. When slacking, I bring snacks, water, phone, light jacket, and headlight. Today I also brought along a book I'm reading in case I had to wait for my pickup.The climb today is over Baldpate, just shy of 4000 ft. This mountain has a rock head that is easy to climb when dry. Fortunately, it was dry. I can't say the same for the backside descent. The rocks going down were wet and slick. I took my time but hate this type of hiking. It is so intense!Once down a bit, the trail was actually pretty nice. I made good time and was finished by 3;30.The Warrior Hikers are staying at the cabin tonight. This is a group of vets trying to get a program going to increase veterans walking the trail. They have a lot of sponsors and do events along the way. Tonight they are going to the VFW in Rumford. They started with about 15 or so but are down to 5. Pretty normal stats for dropouts.
Date: 2013-08-31
From: Little Swift River Pond campdite

To: Rangely, ME 
Miles today: 4.8
Weather: light rain

Last day of August! Wow! I can tell a change is in the air. Fall is coming. I talked to Don (my husband) the other day and between his schedule and mine came up with a meeting date of September 22nd at Baxter State Park - home of Mt. Katahdin. He's going the last five miles with me. I'll most likely arrive before then and will hang around Millinocket. It rained last night - starting around 9 and continuing until morning. Rain is forecasted for the next 5 days. No rain, no pain, no Maine - so they say. But my stuff is soaked and so I hiked with the intent to go to a new hostel in Rangely. I got a hitch pretty easily and all was well except Perry the driver hit a duck. He was devastated. I felt so bad for him but this place is full of ducks! They are everywhere because of the huge lake around this town. There was one very aggressive fellow at the ice cream shack that attacked a little girl feeding it French fries. Kids - do not feed the wildlife.I have everything dried out, clean, food restocked and ready to tackle Saddleback Mountain tomorrow. Rain is forecast for the next four days so I hope this gets me by until Stratton (3 days). I am hoping to meet up with my old friend ODAT who is back on the trail to do Maine. He is with Cash, Boo Boo and Sky Pilot. It would be great to see them all. They should be just behind.The new hostel in Rangely is pretty nice. Bear and Honey aren't there but otherwise it'll do.
Date: 2013-09-01
From: Rangely, ME 

To: Poplar Ridge lean to
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: light rain

Happy September!We have a section hiker, Fancy Pants, that allowed Grim to shuttle us the 9 miles back to the trailhead. Thank you again!Today looks like the best day this week to climb Saddleback, The Horn and Saddleback Junior. The mountains in Maine never quit - you often see 'north peak' 'east peak' etc. The hike up was not bad however. Pretty gradual. And once you got above treeline, you stayed above treeline for three miles. It was beautiful! The weather couldn't have been better. All in all, a good day's hike.I guess we had a little excitement at the hostel after I left.The Hunger ( yeah, strange trail name) was sitting by the road with his pack and someone almost ran him over. They did run his pack over - squishing his cook set. The guy drove off, didn't even stop! Grim called the police and gave a description of the car. It's a small town , they knew who it was. They gave the option for him to replace the damaged equipment. He wouldn't do it so they cited him. What an idiot!I am at the shelter with Sonny, a flip flopper that hiked around me down in N C. We are starting to see that more and more as the clock ticks down on this thru hiking season.
Date: 2013-09-04
From: South Branch Carrabassett River campsite

To: Stratton, ME
Miles today: 8.4

More light rain overnight. I spoke to a section hiker on Saddleback the other day and he said Maine is usually dry during September. I hope that proves true.I had an easy day in store - a hike up the two Crocker peaks and then 5 miles downhill to Stratton. I ran into a MATC (Maine Appalachian Trail Club) work crew at the top of South Crocker but didn't see anyone else until I passed a couple out for 11 days 4 miles later. I am definitely in between bubbles and don't remember a time when the trail has been so devoid of company. I'm going to take a zero in Stratton to see if I can get in the company of other hikers. I don't want to become woods loony!Stratton is a cute little town and I did a bit of exploring. I couldn't remember where I mailed my Mail drop so visited the PO twice before locating it right at the Stratton Motel - duh SAS! Next a trip to the grocery store to stock up on food supplies. Spinach salad and steak for dinner tonight. I am clean and well fed so you know that makes a happy camper. Update on the AT diet. It is out of control - I've lost 40 lbs! Now I definitely could spare the pounds but think I better take the reins on it to slow down. I feel good other than the sore joints ( even young hikers complain about that) and I laugh when I see the television commercials on weight loss. All you have to do is walk the AT for six months.
Date: 2013-09-09
From: Caratunk, ME

To: Moxie Bald Mountain Lean To
Miles today: 18.8

I found Balto's shirt pretty early in my hike today. It was in the middle of the trail. I knew at least two other hikers had gone by it. No surprise, it was pretty dirty and smelly. Nonetheless, I picked it up to take up the trail and hopefully return it to him. About a half mile later I started thinking. He was going 20+ miles that day and then heading into the Wilderness ( the last 100 miles of the trail - very limited access). I would never see him again. What would I do with an old smelly shirt? So I placed it on a log on the trail so one of his friends could get it to him.....to be continued tomorrowWe had a couple of mountains to climb but they weren't bad. The trail is meandering through the Maine woods and we pass a lot of streams and ponds. Everything is green. The day was perfect for hiking and I made it to the target shelter before 4. I felt it was too early to stop so continued on - over Moxie Mountain. The views were beautiful! Nice way to end the day.Moxie Bold Mountain lean to is situated on Moxie Pond. It is a happening place in the wilds. We listened to the loons, coyotes and other unidentified calls all night. I'm here with Hoosier and Rooster. A nice day, all in all.
Date: 2013-09-13
From: Monson, ME

To: Wilson Valley Lean To
Miles today: 10.4

Heading into the 100 mile wilderness today. There is usually a media blackout so I may not be able to post until I reach Abol at the end. So It rained again last night. Will all this rain affect our wilderness experience?Yes, in a BIG way. The streams, brooks and rivers are swollen beyond capacity. They are raging beasts! We got our first sense of this right after Dawn dropped us at the trailhead. We had to ford the first stream that was supposed to be crossed without doing so. Two other 'normal' streams followed that we also had to ford. I passed three southbound hikers and asked about the real fords. 'Just don't do them alone', said the tall man that was wet to his hips. Hmmm,,, I was alone. I had passed a couple that I had never met before but they looked nice. When I got to the first real ford, Little Wilson stream, I thought ' oh boy, I'm in for it now'. The stream was raging! I had my lunch and sat around until the couple arrived. They were foreign - maybe Swiss. They checked out the water passages, trying some, but decided that the stream was impassable. Hmmm... What to do. A short while later Surfer Dude, Neon and Oz showed up. There was a big log suspended about 12 feet above the stream and about 20 feet upstream. You had to wade in the stream to get to it but they thought this was our best bet. All three crossed safely to the other side by shimmying along the log. Count me in - I started my wade and finally made it to the log. Surfer Dude then offered to come back and get my pack. What a nice guy! I took him up on it and made it safely to the other side. The adrenalin was going and I was careful to not look down. There is a picture of the European lady doing it under Photos. The European man fell when getting off the log. He hurt his side but said he could go on. I hope he is okay. We didn't see them after this crossing.So - that was Little Wilson. Big Wilson was still ahead...Big Wilson lived up to it's name. It was deep (up to my thigh), full of big hidden rocks, and swift flowing with a strong current. There was a rope that you could hold onto and that helped a lot. Another hiker named Reboot watched me on this one. It was frightening but wider and so the current was less intense than the previous.We made it to Wilson Valley lean to and I was spent. What an introduction to the Wilderness!til then - hike on!
Date: 2013-09-14
From: Wilson Valley Lean To

To: Stealth Camp 2095.7
Miles today: 13.9

Happy birthday St. Kris!I was the first one out of the shelter - normal since I was with all kids under 25, except maybe Reboot. He might be 29.My thought was get to the ford of the day and then I could wait for someone if it looked bad. Good thought, it was bad. The worst yet. A wide double stream and fast gushing water. Surfer Dude and Neon were on the other side and had waited for me. They are so considerate. There was a rope across and SD indicated that I should hold with both hands. You couldn't talk over the noise.I grabbed the rope and headed across, not even wanting to give the chance to think. The first couple of steps were okay but then the swift current hit. It was very slow going and you are totally working on adrenalin. At one point I was pinned behind a rock by the current and couldn't move. By sheer terror I forced my leg around. This was the only time that I felt I was truly in danger's way. Neon made a video of my crossing and I can't wait to see it ( they will email to me). I said that I probably looked scared but they said that no, I looked confident. I can assure you I was not confident - maybe determined is the word.I was pretty played out after all this excitement but wanted to hike on as far as possible before dark. It is getting dark so early now that our hiking day is really shortened. I planned to stop at a spring just shy of the Chair back lean to (you can usually find camping spots at the springs) and I was happy to see Long Skirt's hammock set up. I pitched my tent next to her and then settled in to hear her story.Long Skirt was not as fortunate as me. She crossed the fords totally alone and the last one capsized her. She was lucky that the current didn't sweep her away but she did lose both hiking sticks. Needless to say, she was very shaken. She said that she would have left the trail right then and there except that she would have had to cross the river again to get back to a road. She is okay and I told her I would wait for her at the next ford which comes up tomorrow. She appreciated that and I think is feeling better. About a half hour later, two young girls that I met at the hostel in Monson walked by - Rome and Trigs (and Trig's dog Grommet). 'I thought you were ahead of me' I exclaimed. They then told me of their harrowing experience. They both fell in the Big Wilson crossing, getting everything wet. They came to the next ford and decided they were camping until the water went down. A man on a day hike chanced by and saw them. He invited them to use his hunting cabin to dry out and get some good sleep. That was timely trail magic!Just when you think you've seen it all, the AT adds a new punch. Never underestimate this trail.
Date: 2013-09-15
From: Stealth Camp 2095.7

To: Carl A. Newhall Lean to
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: overcast clouds

I awoke to a crisp morning but blue skies. Yeah! We need a little sunshine after all this gloom and doom.Today was one of those beautiful days that just make you want to go on a hike. I got off early, headed for Chair back Mountain. I wanted to get this section over with because a couple of hikers have incurred hike ending injuries - Kokopelli's from 2012 and Rusty Bumper's from 2011 (correct me if I'm wrong). All went well and the view from the top was breathtaking. I must say, however, that the descent was a surprise. There was a huge boulder field and I took the wrong way. Not fun when you are navigating rocks the size of your car.I next headed down to the ford and was happy to see it was a wide, fairly shallow river. I crossed with no problem and then sat to wait for Long Skirt. The sun was bright and warm so I set my wet socks and shoes out to dry. We are at the Gulf Hagus area - a beautiful gorge full of waterfalls - so there were a lot of day hikers out. Long Skirt arrived not too much later and we made plans to meet at the next shelter. I am going to finish hiking the Wilderness with her. She goes at a slower pace so it meant juggling my meals to stretch out an extra day but I think I have it worked out.I am now at the shelter. I saw a mouse scurry across the floor as I ate my meal. Long Skirt is hammocking but I am sleeping in the shelter. I guess I won't be alone.
Date: 2013-09-16
From: Carl A. Newhall Lean to

To: East Branch Lean to
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: clear sky

The ridge runner we met at Gulf Hagus yesterday said that the hike up Whitecap was not bad and that see had the hard stuff finished. So far, he has been right. MATC (Maine Appalachian Trail Club) put in a lot of work installing hundreds of stone steps between Gulf Hagus Mountain and Whitecap. Hope the bridges are next.Today started out rainy and it was very cold on Whitecap. Normally you can see Katahdin but today the views were of gray mist.The terrain is getting easier and there is nothing like a cold rainy day to get one to hike fast. I made the shelter by 2:30 and am waiting for Long Skirt. This is all we are doing today. I may walk down to the river .3 miles to see what we have to ford tomorrow first thing - tjsy should wake me up!
Date: 2013-09-18
From: Antlers Campsite

To: White House Landing
Miles today: 6.1
Weather: overcast clouds

We have a short hike today - only 6.1 miles to a side trail and then .9 miles to a dock. You blow an airhorn and then Bill from White House Landing comes to pick you up in his boat. He and his wife run a summer camp on Pemadumcook Lake. We made it in time for lunch and will be packing out leftover pizza. I just couldn't eat all mine, even after 6 days of trail food.We're back lazying at the cabin, bellies full, bodies washed and clothes hung out to dry (we got to be pioneer woman and wash them in tubs with lake water).I had a great view of Katahdin today. I'm eager to climb her. Hard to believe but in two days I'll be at Abol Bridge and then Baxter the next day. The extended weather forecast is promising but then we know Maine weather can change on a dime.
Date: 2013-09-19
From: White House Landing

To: Rainbow Stream Lean To
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Breakfast at the lodge then on the trail by 8:30. We are doing a 15 mile day so we were eager to get going. The profile today looked pretty even but we know not to trust that! We had a lot of ups and downs.The trail is devoid of company. We only saw four SOBOs at the shelter we stopped by for lunch. Today and tomorrow are perfect days for summit ting so we think many pushed on to Baxter State Park (where Katahdin is located).We camped in a spruce forest by Rainbow Ledges Lean To. No one else is here. It's pretty nice..
Date: 2013-09-20
From: Rainbow Stream Lean To

To: Abol Bridge
Miles today: 15.0

Long Skirt was up at 5AM. It takes her two hours to pack up, we have 15 miles today, and she wants to meet her sister around 3. I left about 20 minutes later. I have to have my coffee in the morning.We made plans to meet at Rainbow Ledges for lunch. I caught up with her just as she was starting the ascent so we hiked together. We found a perfect spot at the top here we could sit and watch the clouds over Katahdin. Long Skirt makes great meals out of dried foods and was having a couscous salad that looked delicious. I was having leftover pizza but it was still tasty too. I've been getting some good ideas on meals from her.We made Abol at 2:30 and settled in to wait for her sister. She arrived around an hour later and we had a nice chat. Finally, the time arrived for them to leave and I was on my own again. I enjoyed hiking with LS very much. She is another independent lady who thinks nothing of going on a long hike. She has been out for three months and only has little left to do to complete her AT section hike.I am staying at Abol campground #26 with another great view of Katahdin. There's a pond here and I'm really hoping a moose stops by.