morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2018-08-27
From: Poplar Ridge Lean

To: South Branch Carrabassett River
Miles today: 13.1

Crazy BritGreat day today we went thru the 200 miles to go mark and we saw Pappy the 87 year old attempting to be the oldest Thru Hiker.Well our day started at 5:00 am, packed our gear had breakfast and was on the trail at 6:00 am daybreak of course we had a big up to Lone Mountain, on the way we came across Team Pappy¢s support crew, his Granddaughter and a hiker, click click.They told us that they were supporting Pappy on his attempt to be the oldest person to thru hike the AT at 87 years of age, his Granddaughter said he was just behind, we heard voices and there was Pappy with Greyghost and another guy ¢can¢t remember his name¢ all talking, when we got there it was all old guys together, we had a singsong ¢we want to go home¢, took photos, should have videotaped it.It was a hard long climb up to the summit, and when we got there no view, there was a sign saying summit up a side trail 150 yds, well I walked up there damn!!! Still no view Oh Well!!!!!From here it was a downhill, then an uphill to Spaulding Mountain another hard climb, again no view from the summit, now it was a downhill to the Carrabassett river, our campsite is just across the river, we set up our gear MADD Paddy is already there tent up all smart and clean. He is sat by the river having a wash and washing his socks and top, I got water and washed in the river your legs get covered in mud hiking on these trails.Now it¢s time to have dinner and write my Journal so will say Goodnight.OH Forgot on Spaulding Mountain there is a Bronze Plaque stating that around this area was where the last part of the Appalachian Trail was finished, also it¢s 200 miles to the Summit of Mt Katahdin, and we are now under the 200 mile Barrier.Anyone can walk on the flat , but it is special to walk on the Edge you get more out of life.Only got 196.6 miles to go before we both stand on top of Mt Katahdin
Date: 2018-08-28
To: View Entry
Miles today: 8.4

Crazy BritNot a great lot of miles but really tough climbs, they said that Maine was tough boy were they spot on.Our day started at the 5:00 am alarm call, just as I am getting sorted out it starts to rain, so I take a deep breath, get my food bag that was hanging in a nearby tree, light up my stove for a cup of coffee and start to pack.I can hear Dave over on my left hand side he is busy packing up, he is always first, can¢t hear Mad Paddy.I make my coffee and even have a cherry pie left lots of energy. Dave is first to leave, me i am still drinking my coffee I will catch him on the trail.It¢s a tough climb up, it¢s always up, we are heading to South Crocker another 4000 ft mountain, climbing these are tough there are lots of boulders that you have to climb over, lots of mud in the hollows, always lots of loose roots. It was a tough 8.4 miles, when you look out over South Crocker, Oh No there is North Crocker another 4000 foot + Mountain standing right in your way.Hard Hard Day then we come out on to the Highway ME 27 and we are trying to thumb a lift to Stratton, soon a truck stops we pile in the back and we are of to our Hostel.We are in the Stratton Motel Posh name for the hiker hostel. We have our own room so we shower have a sandwich, chill out for a bit then later head to the Restaurant for dinner, good food good beer we are set.Mad Paddy is leaving us here as he was only going to do this section, he is heading home in the morning. Going to miss him and his humor, I know David finds it hard sometimes with the Brit - Irish humor. Paddy is a cool guy will miss him on the trail.So after a Beer or two a great Dinner I will say Good night.Anyone can walk on the flat, it takes a nutcase to be walking for Six months living on the Edge every day, and still smiling , OH Well. !!!!Only got 188.2 miles to go before We stand on the Summit of Mt Katahdin
Date: 2018-08-29
To: over the Bigalows Mountain Range
Miles today: 16.7

Crazy Brit16.7. Miles Tough -Tough miles over the Bigalows Mountain RangeDay started great as usual David¢s alarm goes off before mine 4:30 am, can¢t stand this time of day. I wait for another 15 mins then get gear ready we are going to Slackpacking over The Bigalows From North to South 16.7 Miles. Tall task in this Terrain, we get our ride out to the Trail headand start our hike in, it¢s a great trail for a couple of miles.Then as you look up you see coming out of the Mist the First of the Bigalows, Little Bigalows, tho is. Tough climb, slippery Rocks, slippery Roots, we eventually get to the top. Man what a view, now it¢s down again and once down we are going to climb once again up to Avery Peak summit.The views from ghetto summit are spectacular a 360 degree panoramic view, and if it was. Clearer we could have seen Mt Katahdin, on we went over to, Bigalows South Peak, up down, up down on to South Horn. I am getting a bit tired at this time, still on we go to ME 27. As we come out of the woods there is a guy driving out of the parking area, he stops and gives us a ride to town, after he tells David to be ready by 6:00pm and we are invited to Dinner at his house.This is Awesome he picks us up and we are taken with another Hiker to his home on the Menu is Lobster/steak.And all the trimmings, nice Wine, we are in heaven , thank you Tom a true Trail Angel.After that feast I am now back in the Hostel writing my Journal, it¢s time for Bed.GoodnightAnyone can walk on the flat, ask some one on the AT they Zlove living on the Edge, they do it every Day.Only got 171.5 miles to go before we are standing on the summit of Mt Katahdin
Date: 2018-08-30
From: Flagstaff Rd

To: Pierce pond Lean to campsite
Miles today: 16.3

Crazy BritWe are finding it hard to get Cell phone coverage up here so Journal may be a day or so late .Once again we are up at 4:30am get all our gear packed up, full packs to day!!! Our driver picks us up at 5:15 am and we are off. James our driver is a Marine Corps Veteran, he will be leaving the hostel in a month after season ends he then travels around the country helping out Marines in need, all free work, some people say he is hard to get on with, we got on fine with him.He told us that this work he is doing helps him out, without it he said he would be one of the statistics of Ex military personnel blowing their brains out. He is a cool guy even more so now we know his work, we get to the Trailhead and it¢s time to hit the Trail.Well for a change today we are going to have a relatively flat trail just three small climbs, but there is always a price to pay. Wet slippery rocks and equally wet slippery tree roots, Oh and gooey Black Mud. Our put in was at Flagstaff Rd and we are heading to the Pierce pond Lean to campsite some 16.3 miles away. This will set us up for our ferry across the Kennebec river.We are making great time on this Terrain, just like being down South where you can do good miles before lunch. I am having a bit of a problem with a pain in the back which is causing me to take some more pills, just another pain we have to bare, good job this Trail is nearly over, our bodies are beginning to tell us to slow down and take it easy. This is just not David and Myself, everybody is feeling the aches and pains.We arrive at the Pierce Pond, actually it¢s a 9 mile long lake, I set up my tent and David is going to sleep in the shelter. I need a good nights sleep, and it¢s tough in a shelter for me, as there are snorers and squeaky air mattresses, me I like my tent.Some people in the shelter have just come back from booking a breakfast at Harrison¢s fish camp, David walks over and books us in for the 7:00 am feast, I have to walk over and check the place out, such a cool place full of fishing and hunting parifinalea. Can¢t wait for my breakfast, well had my dinner, Teriyaki rice and pasta, pretty good, washed down with Hot Chocolate and some pieces of Lindt Dark chocolate with sea salt , ¢Yes Janice I do eat¢. So I'm camped with in about 20ft from the lake waiting for the Lions to start calling, I love their calls, will lay in my sleeping bag, where it¢s warm, so Goodnight see you all tomorrow.Anyone can walk on the flat , but out here in the Wilderness it¢s really living on the Edge I love it.Only got 155.2 miles to go before we are standing on top of the Big One MT Katahdin.
Date: 2018-08-31
To: View Entry
Miles today: 4.0

Crazy BritNot a lot of miles, but this as it was set up to be. I am having a pair of shoes sent to the post office in Caratunk ME From Altra on Warrenty, just had a problem with the sole and no questions asked I have a new pair being sent.Only problem is the post office here in this sleepy village is only open from 2-4 pm so UPS says it is out for delivery before end of day hope Mr Brown comes when post office is open?????.Back to the Trail :- had a lie in today until 5:30 am a luxury, packed up my gear and headed over to the Harrison lodge, we have booked in to have breakfast. There are eight other hikers here all ready and hungry, plenty of coffee all ready. Breakfast is served at 7:00am, a stack of 12 pancakes each with scrambled eggs and sausages, Awesome! I eat all mine would never have believed it, the owner Tim has lived here for 39 years a really Cool Guy, it¢s a hiker- fishing and hunting lodge, real rustic Love it!!.We are on the trail just after 8:00am we hike all along a river best hike we have had in Maine so far, very nice with pine needles on the ground making for nice soft walking, just short climbs, perfect and it¢s only 4 miles.It¢s not long and we are at the Kennebec river. We have to use a canoe to cross over this 400 yard piece of water, the problem is there are a couple of Hydro dams up river and they let the water out a odd times, so it comes rushing down, a person has already drowned here this year, he tried to wade across and got caught out.From here it¢s a short walk to the town of Caratunk it¢s a really small town, no store or even a gas station. There is a brew house about 5 miles away where we will have dinner tonight, we are staying at the Caratunk House B&B, good to hikers, with great pulled pork sandwich¢s and milk shakes, plus a great family breakfast.So I am now sat in a rocking chair on the porch waiting for me brown to drive to the post office just up the road.Today was a good day with a Nero will be made better if I get my shoes??See you all tomorrow.Anyone can walk on the flat, but living on the Edge with a frog getting ready to climb Mt Katahdin is so much more funOnly got 151.2 miles to go before we climb that iconic Mountain Katahdin.
Date: 2018-09-01
From: US 201. Caratunk

To: Bald Mountain Lean To Campsite
Miles today: 14.7

Crazy Brit Had a great breakfast today at the Caratunk Hikers B&B, lots of good healthy food, this will set us up for today¢s hike. We are told it will be an easy 14.7 miles out to the Bald Mountain Lean to, we shall see.The trail starts off nice winding through a pine forest, with a nice bed of pine needles on the floor, it gives a bit of a cushion effect there is only one small mountain in our way, Pleasant Pond Mountain. This must be a real local point as there were lots of people up there and a whole lot of young kids, having a great time. One family gave me a slice of fruit cake, we got lots of praise for our journey.The trail takes us past a couple of beaver ponds, these are really cool! You can see where the beavers naw away at the trees around the pond, felling every one into the lake so they can get at the new branches and leaves, very smart creature.We are still passing Southbounders and Flip flippers. Most will finish their thru hike at Harpers Ferry a long way South, they are envious of us only having 136 Miles to go.After the descent from the mountain the trail once again levels out with just small ups and downs. We still have plenty of Roots and Rocks to contend with but all in all a great trail, we get to the shelter and there are a few campsites dotted around, I have a nice one all nice and level makes a change.I set up my tent all ready and take a 1 1/2 hour nap, what a luxury! Wake up and go to the river and get some water to cook my dinner and hot Chocolate filter some for tomorrow¢s climb up Moxie Bald, looks like a bit of a climb up and over we shall see.Well had dinner and my 2 cups of hot chocolate now it¢s time for Bed. We have an early start tomorrow as we have 17 miles to do to set us up for a Nero into Monson and prepare us for the 100 mile wilderness, so I will say Goodnight see you all tomorrow.Anyone can walk on the flat, but up here in the Northern Forests you are always walking on the Edge I Love it.Only got 136.5 miles to go before we are standing on the Big Boy Mt Katahdin
Date: 2018-09-02
From: From Bald Mountain Lean To Campsite

To: The East Branch of the Piscataquis River Stealth Camping
Miles today: 15.3

Crazy BritHad a good nights sleep and the alarm went off at 5:00am. We have a 15.3 mile day today starting with a climb up to Moxie Bald Mountain. On the way we had to go by the Bald Mountain Pond this was a Beautiful Pond with Loons calling each other of course as soon as I made a video, no Loons Calling, walking up the mountain you could hear their haunting calls.The views up to the Bald were stunning with all the low valley cloud, the mountains were sticking out like islands in the ocean, right on the summit were a group of teenagers Cowboy camping, in their sleeping bags, they had hiked up to watch the sunrise, it must have looked Awesome.Our trail to the campsite is quite good. Still have the Roots and Rocks but at least they are spread out a bit today, we have to ford over the West Branch of the Piscataquis river it was only up to our knees in one place, they have a rope for high water after the Snow melt and rains, thankfully not needed today.We have a great campsite right on the bank of the river where we have another Ford tomorrow only David has been out and placed some stepping stones, don¢t mean we will not get wet, so will have to wait and see what tomorrow brings.Had a great dinner spicy beef and Mac cheese noodles, an orange some Lindt dark chocolate a kit kat and two cups of hot chocolate, living right. Tomorrow we are headed into Monson and the South end of the 100 mile Wilderness, we may Zero there to get prepared for this last section of the trail.We will be heavy coming out of Monson, as there is no resupply in the wilderness except for White House Landing, but more about that later.Bugs are out it¢s time for Bed, so will say Goodnight.Anyone can walk on the flat but out here in the wild with the Roots and Rocks we are always on the Edge it¢s Awesome.Only got 121.2 miles to go before Mr Big Mt Katahdin
Date: 2018-09-03
From: East Branch of the Piscataquis River

To: ME 15 Monson ME
Miles today: 6.7

Crazy BritWe are up at the ungodly hour of 5:00am and ready for our hike into Monson, but first we have to Ford the river. David has moved the rocks so we have stepping stones to try to keep our feet dry, David as usual is first out of our camp, he makes it across fine.I am finishing my coffee and breakfast of miniature doughnuts, and a healthy food bar that tastes like cardboard. Alright my turn to Ford the river, of course I get almost all the way over and one foot slips in the water I try to compensate and the other foot goes in. Not a lot but enough to get my toes wet, Great. We have a good trail just a few up and downs, before we know it we are approaching our destination for the day. We come out to a carpark and make the call to Shaw¢s Hostel, in a few minutes a suv is there ready to take us to the hostel.Shaw¢s is the last place to stay to replenish your food and rest up before taking on the 100 mile wilderness. We have a private room two beds, we fill out the registration, take off our shoes and are asked if we want a complementary soda or Beer. Yes you guessed it we took the beer at 9:30 am, tasted great!We then walk to the down town area, most places are closed except the deli, they made the best sandwich¢s ever, came back to the hostel and chilled out. Then in the evening out came all the instruments and there was lots of singing. A pair of great musicians on guitars they could play any tunes Awesome! Of course the beer helped out made the singing sound a lot better!!!!!!After this we sat around a fire pit it was a great evening, lot of good times, Wow I am up late tonight it¢s 11:00 well past my bed time so will say goodnight.Anyone can walk on the flat, but out here the Edge is never far away it¢s Awesome.Only got 114.5 miles to go into we summit The BIG ONE ,Mt Katahdin.
Date: 2018-09-04
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Crazy BritNo miles today we took a much needed Zero day.Had a lie in until 6:30 am then down for a feast of a breakfast. All you can eat and boy do we eat a lot, then it was just a rest up day. Took a walk around the town of Monson, not a lot to see but a really nice place, everything was open today after the Labor Day weekend.We have lunch at the local pub good food. Then it¢s get everything organized ready for our hike thru the 100 mile Wilderness. There is a big air of excitement buzzing around the Hostel, everyone is getting their gear ready, we are Slackpacking the first 30 miles which should put us over the worst of the Terrain and give us Two days to get into Whitehouse for a night stay then out for hiking into Baxter park.Now ready for dinner then rest up an early night then on into the last 114 miles.Will say goodnight.Anyone can walk on the flat, here the atmosphere is getting hot we are all living on the edgeStill got 114 miles to go before we get to climb that iconic Mt Katahdin
Date: 2018-09-05
From: ME15. Monson ME

To: Otter pond parking
Miles today: 15.3

Crazy Brit Another great breakfast by the staff at The Shaw¢s Hiker Hostel, the whole scene is fully charged with hikers going out on the shuttles to complete this last 100 miles of Wilderness. And when they emerge from this Section they are in Abol Bridge. From the entrance it¢s a manicured trail to Baxter park and Mount Katahdin the final 5 mile climb to its peak, and to stand on the summit sign, Oh My.Back to reality we still have 115 miles from Shaw¢s to Katahdin, so today we are doing a 15.3 mile Slackpack heading South, so we meet all our hiking friends on the way, it¢s still tough miles this is an introduction to the last 100 miles, in fact there are only 3 bad days then it flattens out a bit ???????.We have to ford a couple of rivers today the first is an easy walk over stepping stones, the second is a bit different you can tell it has a rope safety line!!!! David is first, I am watching and can¢t work out how he will not get his feet wet, sure enough he is in the river and just continues to wade across, I take off my shoes and socks, I don¢t want to walk in wet shoes all day.The trail is a bit tough not for the big long climbs we are used to just short sharp ups and downs, no time to get your breath back, we will have this for at least 3 more days, Nice.Today is hot up in the high 80 degrees, not good hiking weather.We eventually come out to the pickup point and a young man is there with his truck and offers us a ride, Cold Beer in the back, I Refuse a beer I have some at the hostel, YES I Refuse a beer!!!!!!!!!!!!In no time we are at the Hostel, have a shower, time for Dinner, now pack our gear for tomorrow. It¢s a 5:45 am start so will say good night to you all see you tomorrow.Anyone can walk on the flat, really cool to walk on the edge so much FunOnly got 99.2 miles to go before we stand on top of the big boy Mt Katahdin.
Date: 2018-09-06
To: View Entry
Miles today: 14.5

Crazy Brit14.5 miles. Tough day lots of ups and downs, very steep, plus it rained made it worse.We were up early as we were headed out to our drop off Point, had coffee and we got going. Got dropped at 6:30 am, we then had to walk 8 10ths of a mile to the AT Trail. We knew it was going to be a hard day, had a great view of the valleys at the Barren Mountain ledges did a face time there.It was then on to the summit of Barren mountain, of course as we were almost there it started to pour with rain, then the mist started to roll in with the wind it was terrible. Took a video to prove it, put on waterproofs and carried on walking, what else can you do.?????The descent was over rocks now made super slippery by the rain, it was a big drop and not very safe. On to Fourth mountain, more of the same, the rain is stopping good news. Next mountain is Mt Three and a half, then Columbus finally Chairback mountain, makes for a tough day.We are now camped by the Car park at Katahdin ironworks road. This is where they brought all our gear, so we have set up our tents, collected and filtered our water, had dinner and a hot chocolate. All is good with the world, bugs are out so it¢s into the tents. Me I have to do my Journal, then it¢s into bed, so I will say Goodnight, from a very tired Colin, need to get some sleep another tough day tomorrow I am afraid, so Goodnight see you Tomorrow.Anyone can walk on the flat, not many flat places out here , but that is what living on the edge is all about,Only got 84.7 miles to go until we summit Mt Katahdin getting closer
Date: 2018-09-07
From: Katahdin Ironworks Road

To: East Branch Lean to camping site
Miles today: 16.9

Crazy BritYes you got it up at 5:00am packed up tent and gear, had breakfast and were on the trail at 5:45am. It was going to be a tough day, from the start we had to Ford a river. I took off my shoes and socks and started to walk across I was wearing a cheap pair of Sandler¢s just for this.It was Freezing cold I could feel my Arthritis kicking in, I got across fine bit slippery but ok. Now I had to dry my feet and get my shoes on. I started to walk, my feet were really sore for a long time they have to get hot for the pain to stop, it happens every day it helps to take Ibuprofen.We were on the Gulf Hagas Trail, this then splits off to the At trail, our first mountain was the West Peak a tough climb up, even worse down slippery rocks and loose ground. Next was Hay Mountain, hard up and down, another mountain coming up was White Cap. The best thing about White Mountain is you could see Mt Katahdin from here, which was really cool, to see this huge lump of rock standing all on its own was something really special, after 6 months it was great to see it all be it a long way away.We were headed to the East Branch Lean to camp, we found a great campsite perfect for two tents, we cooked our dinners had a hot chocolate, we were done in after all this climbing especially with full packs and 4+ days of food and snacks, it was really heavy. Oh forgot add water at 2 lbs a liter, that¢s 4 lbs already.We went to bed really early about 7:00 pm, so will say goodnight to you all.Anyone can walk on the flat but today up and down these mountains today is certainly walking on the Edge.Only got 67.8 miles to go before we climb that mountain we saw in the distance Mt Katahdin.