morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-08-09
From: Maine 17

To: Maine 4
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: overcast clouds

I'm being royally spoiled by my cousin, Rob and his wife, Cheryl. Last evening they took me to the new ice cream place...too many flavors and choices for a simple thru-hiker to take in. I loved my "small" waffle cone with graham cracker crunch, but it didnt necessarily love me back...there was some stomach rumbling later on. So worth it though! This morning Rob made bacon and eggs, and their keurig is a welcome reminder of pre-trail life. This "commuter" hiking I'm doing is a treat beyond measure, with a super light pack and all the comforts of home at the end of the day. I cannot be more grateful for the relative ease it brings to my AT journey. At 7am, Rob starts up his rumbling truck, and he delivers me door to trailhead. Today's section was gentle almost the whole way, so I'm adding that to my blessings count. My finicky stomach, plus the turn of events from yesterday didn't lend itself to hefty, technical work today. The woods were quiet, and spare of hikers. I heard my first loon today, somewhere in the distance on Moxie Pond. There were just 2 SOBO hikers in passing, and one NOBO I've never seen before. A group of trail workers were out building a water - diverting wall of rocks through a particularly muddy section. As I neared the road, a family came up the Trail with their dog. I was dilly-dallying along, yet finished the miles in 4 1/2 hours, way too early to meet Rob in the next parking lot. So when a dad with his 2 young kids came off trail on the other side of the road, heading for their car, I asked if they were, by any chance, heading into Rangely. They were, and offered me a lift. Nice. At the cafe on the edge of town, where I stopped to borrow their wifi, the waitress explained their lunch was just closing, so I couldn't order. I only wanted a drink, and she told me the Sierra mist was her treat, then brought me out an end-of-day donut instead of throwing it out. Nice again. I headed down the street to the coffee shop, and sat in a comfy chair to start answering emails. It wasn't long before Rob showed up, and he was all excited about having found a way to slack me over Saddleback tomorrow. Triple nice. Once back at his place, he ordered pizza while I cleaned up. The pizza place "messed up" the order on our mushroom & pepperoni by adding bacon. No charge, their mistake. Thanks, Rob, for bringing home the bacon  So, the remainder of my hike is being re-invented. I'm searching for every silver lining. I'm eating myself silly, stocking up in advance for that 100 mile wilderness. And that knock on the door means fresh from the oven coffee cake made with fresh from the garden Maine blueberries. Sorry, gotta go...
Date: 2015-08-10
From: Maine 4

To: Woods Road, near Orbeton Stream
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: overcast clouds

This post will be short...but there are plenty of photos to make up for it... Rob had me to the Trail by 7:30 this morning. As I entered the woods I saw a sign posted that the water in this section may be making people sick. I was glad to be carrying water from "home". Off to a good start. However, I did make a point to visit the Piazza Rock privy to check out the double-seater with cribbage board set between. I once knew how to play, but have forgotten. Perhaps they should include instructions as in-house reading material...The Trail today passed ponds. It was generally in great condition, and where it wasnt, in several cases, it was being improved. I was very happy and impressed by the work. Saddleback is one peak of 3, conjoined. They were all spectacular...like a cross between some of the best in the Adirondacks with some of my favorites in the Whites. Fabulous weather, too. I saw and leap-frogged with 7 other hikers I was familiar with, all day, and picture-taking favors were exchanged. I had a nice surprise for the last half mile of my hike: Rob was on the AT awaiting with camera ready as I came down a rocky hill. He had hiked in a side path to meet me, carrying a nice cold can of Dr. Pepper. We were able to walk back out together to the rumbling blue truck. It's been over 30 years since I hiked with my cousin. We're both very happy to reconnect. P.s. I drove a car for the first time today in over 4 months, and managed not to run into anything
Date: 2015-08-11
From: Woods Road, near Orbeton Stream

To: Maine 27, (southbound)
Miles today: 18.7

When you try to make plans on the AT, the AT sometimes throws a curve ball back at you. In this case, I had plans for a 19 mile hike from Orbeton stream, where I left off yesterday, to highway 27 (Stratton). A big day, but doable, in good weather...which was the original forecast for Tuesday. By late afternoon yesterday, however, there was a big rain cloud moving up from the south. The window of opportunity had narrowed, and caused much debate around the kitchen island; we needed a new game plan. For better or worse, our strategy ended up being a 4:15am wake-up call, out the door by 5, and on trail by 6. I think even Airlock would be proud of me for pulling off such an early start! Especially considering the hefty climb awaiting, right out of the gate. But the trail was nice, and I was able to cover over 5 miles to the summit of North Crocker in 2 hours flat. Half an hour later, I was standing on South Crocker. The descent from there (saw Doc and Hot Chocolate in passing) was steep and slow down to Caribou Road, where I could have "bailed out" early if needed...I was moving southbound today because of the "just in case" factor. Since things were still dry, I moved on, and soon ran into Sunscreen, who I had first met on a ridge in Virginia, and haven't seen since. At the Carrabassett River, there were Yoohoo, Rabbit, Cambo and Huey. I gingerly crossed the makeshift plank spanning two rocks, then took a snack/lunch break. It was then that the sky started to spit a little, at only 10am. The heavy rains were due by 1:30. I had my work cut out for me. Ascending the next ridge, I found Magellan and Forward coming down. They warned me about the heavy winds on the exposed rocks above. Ugh. Well, long story made shorter, I climbed, I hiked, I got very wet. Wet and cold. The Trail was a mess, and eventually I stopped avoiding the puddles. At least 3 times I had to ford swollen streams. My shoes were soaked anyways, so I just walked right through. At the shelter junction, I considered stopping for the night, since I had carried gear enough to survive the night. But since the rain was supposed to continue through into tomorrow, it made no sense to me: everything would be even wetter in the morning and I would kill another half day. There was plenty of time to hike out, so I did, arriving at the junction signs by 3pm. Down the road a mile or so, Rob was waiting in my "chariot", his jeep, with my Aunt Marcia, who just flew in for a visit today. What a relief to arrive at "home base" for a hot bath, dry clothes, a pre-supper catnap, more good food, hot chocolate, and the warmth of a family. Oh, plus the anticipation of a zero tomorrow Big achievements today: passed the 2000 mile mark, and there's crossed under the 200 miles to go, standing at 188.2!!!
Date: 2015-08-12
From: Maine 27, (southbound)

To: Farmington, Maine
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I've become quite a slacker lately, and I'm sort of liking it! Slackpacking over some of Maine's best makes the climbs feel freer and easy. Taking another zero day wasn't exactly planned in advance, but certainly made sense after yesterday; all of my gear needed to be dried out. I needed a good, long night of sleep, and got an amazing 9 hours of it. I finally caught up my emails. But all of that pales, when compared to the afternoon treat: I went resupply shopping. Of course, I've done plenty of that over the course of my trip. The difference today was that I drove myself around in a car. Not just any car. A stick shift car. I haven't driven one of those since the 90's, and wasn't sure I remembered how. It all came back to me, like riding a bike, once Cheryl reminded me to step on the clutch before turning the ignition key. Absolutely today's fun moments...not to mention taking as much time in each and every store (including a local bookstore) for as long as I wanted or needed. Bliss. As is the beautiful salad Cheryl just finished dressing, and the grilled hot dogs Rob pulled off the grill. Aunt Marcia, one of my key AT supporters, is here sharing the moments. Ziva, the dog, sits near, companionably. Another good day in Maine.
Date: 2015-08-13
From: Farmington, Maine

To: Long Falls Dam Road
Miles today: 19.5
Weather: light rain

It was another very early rising today, but that was my own fault; I had requested a diner pancake breakfast "sometime soon", and it had to be early in order to fit a long hiking day into the mix as well. So it was out the door at 6, and into a place with Moose in the name just outside of Stratton, for Maine blueberry pancakes and coffee. I just wish a moose sighting was included, as I have yet to see one, although "evidence" of their presence on the trail abounds. Hiking by 8 o'clock, I was destined for the Bigelow range, which includes 3 peaks plus a long, mostly flat tabletop ridge. On the way up the first climb, I met 2 SOBO women hikers who had started in Georgia, gone as far as Harper's Ferry, then flipped up to Katahdin snd started south, lest their more moderate pace didn't leave enough time to summit Katahdin later in the season. One of them was Box Turtle. The other was Inchworm. I first saw her in the very early days of North Carolina, then not again til now. It seemed an eerie coincidence that I saw her now, as she neared the road crossing where a different "Inchworm" disappeared 2 years ago. We've been talking about that here at my cousin's house the past few days, since I just covered the section, over 2 days, where she went missing. The 2 Inchworm ladies are in no way related, by the way. Anyhow, I finished the climb to the South Horn, followed by West Bigelow and Avery peaks. All were spectacular to summit, the views included, and I chose to stop on the middle one for a lunch break to soak it all in, while enjoying some leftover potato salad from last night's dinner. Cheryl has most generously and deliciously supplied me with marvelous trail lunches this week. I think I am probably the heaviest I've been since my hike began, and possibly more! From the time I descended Avery until the Little Bigelow Shelter, the trail seemed slow, and long. I listened to music for a while just to have some company as I saw no NOBOS all day, and only a handful of day hikers besides that. Once the yellow brick road sort of trail opened up, I made up for lost time by going into cruise mode, and even jogging a bit. If I hadn't stopped briefly to talk with Tom, a trail angel waiting for a hiker at East Flagstaff Rd., and quickly eating a peach yogurt he offered (hard to pass up trail magic), I may have made my 5pm meet time on Long Falls Dam Rd. As it was, I arrived at 5:05 and the rumbling blue truck pulled up a few minutes later. Good timing, as Rob had missed the AT crossing on his first pass down the road, and may have again if I hadn't been sitting there. Another wonderful supper awaited after my clean-up shower...followed by brownies with ice cream, thanks to Aunt Marcia...and then a big hiker food sort out was faced by me, as it's nearly time for me to leave this cozy nest and become a "real" thru hiker again. Well, maybe after one more day...p.s. I will add the rest of today's pics tomorrow.
Date: 2015-08-14
From: Long Falls Dam Road

To: US 201
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: light rain

It was a chilly start this morning, but it only took me about 3/4 of a mile to stop and shed mylong sleeved shirt once I began hiking, and the hill was only that: a hill. The sun warmed the air as the day went on. I mention that because virtually all day I was hiking near water. Ponds, streams, cascading waterfalls, and a river were all quite tempting for a swim, but I didn't stop for one, as I was on a schedule. I did have enough time to take a break at the first shelter today, where there was a large plastic tub of trail magic goodies from Mary Ellen across the pond. I chose a very large white chocolate cookie. Later in the day, I had lunch at Pierce Pond, an average structure made exquisite by its location facing the water. Thanks once again to Cheryl, I enjoyed a pulled BBQ chicken sandwich while another thru-hiker ate his tortilla with packaged meat. It's nearly criminal, the trail food I've eaten this week. By 2 o'clock I was at the Kennebec River, which is too dangerous to ford, so the AT route is via canoe. It was a fun trip on a beautiful day, and soon I found myself on the opposite bank, where Ziva, Rob and Aunt Marcia awaited. It was a pleasure to hike the .2 mile back to where the car was parked, with Aunt Marcia accompanying me on the Appalachian Trail. I commented to her that were she a few years younger she would probably accompany me the whole distance, and she agreed it was probably so. In a way she HAS accompanied me, as have many of you. Thanks for that.
Date: 2015-08-15
From: US 201

To: Moxie Bald Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: overcast clouds

I'm back to being a "regular" hiker again, as of today. My backpack is once again loaded with gear, and very heavy. I left the house knowing I wouldn't return for the night, or a shower, laundry, or Cheryl's great cooking. It's been long enough that I felt some nerves as we drove out of the neighborhood. You would think after 2000 miles and nearly 14 states I would feel like an old pro at this. Guess I'm not quite there yet. Rob stopped at Cumberland Farms at my request, to get coffee made to suit my whim, and sip as he drove back to Caratunk. And then I was off, bound for the two peaks for today: Pleasant Pond Mt. and Moxie Bald Mt. The former was a moderate climb with a very long, up-and-down descent. I enjoyed the views with lunch there. The latter had a mostly gradual and easy climb, with about a 5-minute rain shower en route, and a large, open, rather flat bald. I had a snack break while chatting with a local family out for a day hike. I was a bit nervous about a thunderstorm threat for the afternoon when I heard some rumbles, but it never amounted to anything. It was a bit early to stop hiking when I got to this shelter, but in the end I decided to stay, and claimed a spot inside. There's a "pond" nearby which I used to rinse off (in Maine, ponds are more like lake sized), cooking and eating are complete, and darkness has settled. Here's hoping for a quiet night of sleep.
Date: 2015-08-16
From: Moxie Bald Pond Lean-to

To: Monson, Maine
Miles today: 17.9
Weather: few clouds

The lean-to ended up being a good choice for me, as I slept at least 8 hours, and no one snored. Well, unless I did. In any event, no one said anything. I started hiking at around 7:10 and expected a quick and easy mostly downhill hike to Monson. Oh yeah, that's right, this is Maine. Never expect to cruise through here. The early part of the day wasn't difficult, it's just slower on what I've now come to think of as "ruts and jolts" (as in, nuts and bolts). The ruts are the low spots left between roots and rocks. The jolts are the many times a day your toes bump into the rocks and roots. I also came to my first real river ford today: up until now all the ford's listed have been doable as rock-hops. Now they call for removing the backpack, taking off shoes and socks, putting on camp/water shoes, and going across. On the opposite bank, remove pack, take off camp/water shoes, dry off feet, put on socks and shoes, put on backpack. I don't mind walking through the water...in fact it feels good, and refreshing, especially in today's heat and humidity. But it does eat up quite a bit of time. There were 3 ford's today, so it adds up. Partway through the morning I had cause for some concern when the trail split into two paths. Both were marked with white blazes. Which was THE trail???While I was considering that dilemma, I heard some distant cries, or bays, coming from the woods, and moving closer. A few minutes later as I peered down the trail I saw a LARGE black canine form cross the trail. Then 3 or 4 more forms followed, crying all the while. They were definitely on some sort of mission, and kept moving away, but I didn't know what they might do if they knew of my presence. I backed up further down the trail, and tried to text my cousin. No signal. Eventually I talked myself into moving forward, choosing one of the trail randomly. Very quickly I discovered that the 2 trails met again as one...very confusing. Since Georgia, I have never seen such a split on the AT. Hikers choice, I guess. The remainder of the day was pretty straightforward and faster walking. I stopped for lunch at a shelter along the way, and chatted with some SOBO hikers. Then I made my way to the highway, where Rob was waiting, to carry me off on his black "steed" into Monson, where I'm staying the night. Rob also delivered my resupply food, and helped me make some plans for the remainder of my hike, while sipping cold drinks beside the lake out back. Now I'm eating a delicious salad from the pub downstairs, while writing this update. Guess I'll post now and finish up the day.
Date: 2015-08-17
From: Monson, Maine

To: Third Mt. Trail
Miles today: 22.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Take note of the day#...it's out of order. That was done on purpose, because I actually hiked this mileage on Tuesday, out of order. It's rather complicated to explain, but I will try to do so from my next post, which was Monday's hike. I'm posting it this way because I want my mileages and statistics to line up correctly overall. You may want to read the next post before this one so it makes more sense from a reader's point of view.My alarm clock woke me at 4am. That's because our shuttle driver, Buddy, was arriving at 4:30 to pick up Doc, Forward, Klank and myself to the Trail. The 3 guys were being dropped first (majority rules) at one spot, to hike north. I was being dropped at a different spot, to hike south. The reason was so that I could slack pack back to Monson, to stay another night at the hostel. This particular section was hiked Sunday by the above mentioned guys. They said it was brutal. Now I say it was brutal, having done it. There's nothing really different or very difficult about it, except for constant ups and downs, plenty of ruts and jolts trail, and even some boulder scrambles reminiscent of other states. Sometime during the morning, I had a text from Rob, asking if I would like a trail angel house stay tonight, with a shuttle back to the Trail in the morning where I need to start from, which is Logan Brook Rd. I said yes, and am now awaiting my hosts/ride, some relatives of Cheryl's. I'll report about that in tomorrow's post. Meanwhile, I will mention that today (Tuesday) I passed the 2100 mark. I also saw a second set of moose (mama and baby, on the ride to the trail, but no chance for pics). I forded three rivers/streams today. I got about half a dozen new mosquito bites. I need a shower, badly. That's about it!
Date: 2015-08-18
From: Third Mt. Trail

To: Logan Brook Road
Miles today: 21.9
Weather: moderate rain

When I arrived in Monson on Sunday, and checked into the hostel, I found that there were some other hikers staying that I was familiar with, and that they were slackpacking. North of Monson, the AT enters what is known as the Hundred Mile Wilderness. It isn't truly a wilderness, of course...there are roads and logging operations and such back in there. BUT, they are way back in there, and the roads are restricted and vary in driveability, etc. And shuttles are rather expensive, just trust me on this. So, slackpacking is rather a luxury. Have I mentioned before that I like to slackpack? Love to slackpack? That after slackpacking through most of Maine, thanks to my wonderful, awesome, over-the-top cousin Rob, even the thought of hefting a full pack and carrying it around all day makes my knees go weak. (At this stage, my knees go weak at the thought of taking the first few steps each day, but that is entirely beside the point). So any talk of slackpacking, and my ears perk up. Long story short, I got in on the other guys' slack shuttle. Problem is, they had already done the first 22 miles out of Monson, and we're heading out to do the following 22 miles, give or take, on Monday. In order to save shuttle fee (cost is per load, not per hiker, so the more, the merrier, as they say), I decided to skip ahead and go with them. That's why these 2 posts are backwards: I did the second day first, so to speak. It was a big day, with plenty of climbing and descending, ending with Whitecap Mt., the last of the biggies before Katahdin. Although it was long miles and a long day, it was a good hike, and I found myself ahead of the guys by the time I summited. Since it was 2 hours before our shuttle pickup, I was able to sit up there enjoying the view and the cool breeze (Maine is experiencing a heat wave, currently, with temps well into the 80s), catch my first peek of Katahdin in the faint distance, and use my cell phone to text and check email. That is not the case in Monson (the cell service, that is), nor at Trail Angel Greg and Linda's home. As she explained it on the way here, "we live on a farm, and just can't get Internet out here". Like I said earlier, 100 miles of wilderness...it's just a different kind of wilderness, in Maine. The hospitality can't be beat, though...it's adding yet another overnight in a home to my trip statistics (Tuesday night, that is). In other news, saw my first moose of the trip from the shuttle van en route to the trail Monday morning; a mom and baby. Got to the less than 100 miles to go point, too. If you're reading this, I have also by some miracle found a pocket of AT&T coverage to post it. From here to the end, "to be continued"... it's not likely you'll hear from me until I re-enter "civilization". Stay tuned.