morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-06-18
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

After a great wedding weekend in RI said goodbye to family. Missing them already! Spent the night with friends in MA. Got a ride all the way to Millinocket. Thanks Cova. Nothing like a good friend to keep you calm during these final hours. Settled in at the AT Lodge for the evening. Saw Katahdin for the first time. Oh my!
Date: 2012-06-19
From: Katahdin Stream Campground 

To: Katahdin Stream Campground 
Miles today: 5.1
Weather: few clouds

After a full breakfast at the AT Cafe I was shuttled to Katahdin Stream Campground with fellow Sobos Becky and Chris. Got registered and got a loaner daypack and was on the Hunt Trail by 8 am. Steep, difficult climb to top of Katahdiln where the official start of the trail is. Fantastic views. Saw snow in the ravines. It was about 70 on top with no wind. Slightly hazy but no clouds. 360 deg view for miles. Came down the same trail and was setting camp by 3:30. Finally this trip is underway. I don't see this as a journey since my whole life seems to be one, but it is a new chapter. A chapter tht will no doubt have many twists and turns and unexpected rewards. 3.5hrs
Date: 2012-06-20
From: Katahdin Stream Campground 

To: Hurd Brook Lean-to
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Was out of camp by 6 am. Having trouble getting used to all the roots in the trail. Had two. Stream crossings. Stopped at Abol Bridge Campground for lunch. Then pushed on to Hurd Brook. Felt good to soak my feet in the stream. 10 hrs
Date: 2012-06-21
From: Hurd Brook Lean-to

To: Wadleigh Pond Road
Miles today: 16.2

6 am start with 1 1/2 hour climb to Rainbow ledges. On the way down I was attackd by a Maine killer grouse. It was quite a duel, but we called it a draw. Tough going through mud and roots along Rainbow Lake. Hot and humid today and I'm very tired tonight. 10 hrs
Date: 2012-06-22
From: Wadleigh Pond Road

To: Potaywadjo Spring Lean-to
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: light rain

Climbed Nesuntabunt Mt. Then down to Nahmakanta Lake for a swim. Fairly easy hiking this afternoon, but a thunderstorm kicked up and I quit a little early. I was still tired from yesterday anyway. Kept running into Shiloh and Jay, Sobos I met yesterday. 8 1/2 hrs
Date: 2012-06-23
From: Potaywadjo Spring Lean-to

To: East Branch Lean-to
Miles today: 19.5

After a short hike went for a swim in Jo-Mary Lake. Hiked a flat section and got my food drop at Jo-Mary Road. Thanks Paul and Dave. Also was able to talk to Deb for the first time since Katahdin. What a lift that was! Most of the rest of the day was easy hiking so was able to make big miles. Thunderstorms again rolled in. By the time I got to East Branch it was pouring. Shiloh and Jay got there earlier and got their tent up. I opted too stay in the shelter. 11 hrs
Date: 2012-06-24
From: East Branch Lean-to

To: West Branch Pleasant River
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: clear sky

Started hiking with rain gear on. Fairly easy hike to Logan Brook Lean-to. Began to steepen up after that. Climbed into the clouds going up White Cap Mt. Blowing about 30 MPH on top and 50 deg. It was good to get down. Sun started peaking over Hay Mt. Sunny by the time I stopped for lunch at Sidney Tappan Campsite. It was only 2 pm when I reached the next lean-to so I decided to push on another 5 1/2 miles to the West Branch Pleasant River. The most significant ford so far. Thigh high water. On the south side I had a chipmunk come straight up the trail running as fast as he could go. When he saw me he turned right, straight into the underbrush. It was only then that I realized he was being chased by a martin. Bobby pitched his tent in the same area. He's hobbled by a sore ankle. 10 1/2 hrs
Date: 2012-06-25
From: West Branch Pleasant River

To: Cloud Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Long, but pretty climb up to Chairback Mt and then to Columbus Mt. Stopped several times to take pictures. Ate lunch at Monument Cliff. It began to rain and thunder around 3 pm. Got into Cloud Pond Lean-to and set up the tent in cold rain. It felt good to put on a dry shirt and shorts and jump in my sleeping bag. I hope it stops raining by morning so take-down is easier. Today I turned 56. 9 hrs
Date: 2012-06-26
From: Cloud Pond Lean-to

To: Campsite at Little Wilson Stream
Miles today: 12.3

Woke up to continued rain, but I'm dry. Went over Barren Mt and down to Long Pond Stream Lean-to for a break. The rest of the day I had 6 fords. All were difficult with the swollen rivers and streams. A lot of water on the trail. The last ford was at Little Wilson Stream where there is a campsite on the south side. It was not raining hard when I put the tent up. It was good to have a cup of coffee. The high today was 60at deg. 9 hr
Date: 2012-06-27
From: Campsite at Little Wilson Stream

To: ME 15 (Monson, ME)
Miles today: 6.8
Weather: broken clouds

Horrendous rain last night. 4 1/2" in Monson. The trail is one continuous river. I just slogged through it, but cold feet. Got to trail head of ME 15 around 11:30 and got a ride into Monson for resupply. After arriving I found out many hikers were getting out of the woods by RR tracks tracks and logging roads because the rivers are no longer passable. Although there has not been rain today I'm going to zero (no miles) tomorrow with the hopes that the levels will begin receding. I'll use the day to dry out, do laundry and log the last 7 days of my "daily " blog. Nice to be warm and dry. Went to dinner with Jeff, Shiloh and Jay. 4 1/2 hrs
Date: 2012-06-28
From: ME 15 (Monson, ME)

To: ME 15 (Monson, ME)
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Had a big breakfast at Shaw's and began reorganizing and cleaning/drying gear. Jeff, Shilo, Jay and I got shuttled to the grocery store and an outfitter. Ate lunch at a BBQ place and spent most of the afternoon working on blog entries. We ate dinner at Lakeshore House and then back to Shaw's to finish packing. It was a very restful day and recuperative.
Date: 2012-06-29
From: ME 15 (Monson, ME)

To: Moxie Bald Mt lean-to
Miles today: 17.9
Weather: clear sky

After another big breakfast at Shaw's, Dawn brought all four of us to the trail head. We started hiking around 9 AM and the trail was very nice. We came to the first ford at the East Branch of the Piscataquis River quickly. We crossed with no difficulty. We then followed the West Branch up stream for about 6 miles before fording it. We expected this ford to be a problem, but it went well. We ate lunch on the river bank. Had one more unmarked ford later in the day. Had a short thunderstorm just before arriving in camp. Cold rain that felt good. Able to set up tents without rain. We are on a beautiful pond. We can hear and see the loons. Considering our late start, we were pleased with our mileage . 8 hr
Date: 2012-06-30
From: Moxie Bald Mt lean-to

To: Pleasant Pond lean-to
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: few clouds

Began the day with an immediate climb up Moxie Bald Mt. Great views from the top on a beautiful day. On the back side had a ford. By midmorning I was climbing the 5 miles up Pleasant Pond Mt. Long and tiring. Steep on the back side. This is the first time that I have faced limited water sources. When I got to Pleasant Pond Lean-to I set up camp and went for a swim. Then I took a nap. Tried to work out plans for the next several days with Jay and Shilo over dinner. 8.5 hrs
Date: 2012-07-01
From: Pleasant Pond lean-to

To: Harrison's Pierce Pond Camps
Miles today: 9.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Finished coming down off of Pleasant Pond Mt into Caratunk and straight to the Kennebec River. I was there by 8:30 and waited till 9 for the canoe ferry service to begin. All four of us crossed together and hiked up to the Pierce Pond region. Jeff is going to stay at the lean-to and Shilo, Jay, and I are staying at the Harrison Camp. It is one of the old AT camps and has a beautiful view of Pierce Pond Stream with waterfalls and wading pools. I have a small cabin to myself and will be able to shower and reorganize my pack. Looks like I'll be in Stratton for 4th of July, but two very hard days ahead of me for that to happen. My legs needed this easy day. Jeff will meet us here tomorrow morning for pancakes and all the fixins. 4.5 hrs
Date: 2012-07-02
From: Harrison's Pierce Pond Camps

To: Little Bigelow lean-to
Miles today: 18.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Had an incredible breakfast of eggs, sausage, and 12 pancakes filled with strawberries, blueberries, and apples. I couldn't finish my pancakes so Tim (Harrison ) provided a Ziploc bag so I could take it. Sure hate to leave but lots more to see. Left camp at 8 AM. Hiked alone most of the morning. Jeff (now called Floater) caught up and we made good miles until lunch at West Carry Pond. Finished my pancakes. We hiked together most of the afternoon, but his leg is bothering him so I hiked up the first part of Little Bigelow Mt alone. Arrived at the lean-to with no one around. Really a nice setting with a wading pool in the stream. Water real cold though. Just the four of us here. 8.5 hr
Date: 2012-07-03
From: Little Bigelow lean-to

To: Horns Pond lean-to
Miles today: 10.2
Weather: broken clouds

From the lean-to I continued up Little Bigelow. Reached the top in about an hour. Great views of the other Bigelows. Very daunting. Great view of Sugarloaf ski area which I'll climb in a few days. It's a beautiful, clear day although the West Bigelow had a cloud over it at that time. Talked to Deb and ate a big snack. Moved on to the Bigelows with Shilo and Jay. We climbed steadily and had reached the Avery Peak by 11. I had a lot of difficulty negotiating the descent but got to the West Peak by noon. Took a long lunch break and Floater caught up to us. We climbed the Southern Horn and then to Horns Pond. A very well cared for site. Leisurely late afternoon to start looking at future plans. 6 hrs
Date: 2012-07-04
From: Horns Pond lean-to

To: ME 27 Stratton, ME
Miles today: 5.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Although a pretty pre-dawn sky, rain started by 5 AM. Got the tent down quickly so it didn't get very wet. Descended from Horns Pond to ME 27 and got a ride into town. Checked in and got a late breakfast at the diner. Did grocery shopping and laundry and had a quiet afternoon and evening. It was fun to get a care package from home and be able to talk to Deb, Sam, and Luke. I now have less than 2000 miles to go. 2.5 hrs
Date: 2012-07-05
From: ME 27 Stratton, ME

To: Spaulding Mt lean-to
Miles today: 13.5

Had breakfast at the diner and then waited for the PO to open to send home some things. Took a while to get a ride back to the trail and Jay, Shilo, and I didn't start hiking until 10. Stopped for a break at the top of North Crocker Mt and Floater caught up. After South Crocker we had a long descent to the Carrabassett River. We were able to rock scramble across. It was a very steep ascent up the first part of Sugarloaf Mt and it took a lot out of me. I was tired the rest of the day. Did not have good visibility all day. Arrived at the lean-to around 7. After cleaning up and supper it was straight to bed. 9 hrs
Date: 2012-07-06
From: Spaulding Mt lean-to

To: Piazza Rock lean-to
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke up at my usual 4:30 AM but stayed in my bag until 6. Got underway at 7 and didn't feel as tired as I thought I would be. Long descent to Orbeton Stream for another rock scramble. I have had dry shoes for the last 3 days and that hasn't been so since I left Katahdin. Also a lot less bugs. Not having to use DEET. We had to climb 2500 ft to get over the Horn and Saddleback Mt. Great views in all directions and seeing the Rangley Lakes for the first time. Another long 2000 ft down to the lean-to. This site is set up with tent platforms. A lot of people here and we've caught up to several Sobos. 9 hrs
Date: 2012-07-07
From: Piazza Rock lean-to

To: Bemis Mt lean-to
Miles today: 21.2
Weather: broken clouds

Was out of camp by 5:30 this morning. Made good time over relatively flat ground all the way to Sabbath Day Pond. Stopped there for lunch. Also fast going to ME 17. Very steep descent from there down to a stream that I had to rock hop. Then began a long steep ascent to the First Bemis Mt. The second wasn't difficult, but I had slowed down a lot because I was tired. In to camp by 5 PM. 10.5 hrs
Date: 2012-07-08
From: Bemis Mt lean-to

To: South Arm Rd (Andover, ME)
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Slept in a little today. Broke camp and was under way by 7:15. Climbed over Third Bemis and Bemis Mt. Still feeling tired on the up hills. At the top of Old Blue Mt was able to talk to Deb. Long ways down to South Arm Rd where I quickly got a ride to Andover. Had a big lunch at the General Store and then walked to Pine Ellis Lodge. I plan to stay here for the next 3 nights. I will slack-pack for short distances the next 2 days. I'll leave most of my gear at the hostel and just take what I need to day-hike. David, at the hostel, will get me to and from trail heads. 5 hrs
Date: 2012-07-09
From: South Arm Rd (Andover, ME)

To: East B Hill Rd (Andover, ME)
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: clear sky

Had breakfast at the General Store and then David took me to the trail. With just a day pack the going is much easier, especially when going over roots and rocky areas. Stopped briefly at Hall Mt lean-to. Most of the hike was a green tunnel and it was difficult to know where you were on the trail. Finally stopped at Surplus Pond for a leisurely lunch of PB wrap, fig newtons, and an apple that David had given me. I got out of the woods about 45 minutes early so laid down in the grass for a nap. My ride showed up a few minutes later and greeted.me with cold lemonade. Back at the hostel Becky and Chris were there. I hadn't seen them since Monson. Dinner and ice cream at the General Store. It's supposed to be down to 40 tonight! 5.5 hrs
Date: 2012-07-10
From: East B Hill Rd (Andover, ME)

To: Grafton Notch (Andover, ME)
Miles today: 10.3
Weather: few clouds

Got to the trail head at 8. Went down to Dunn Falls and then started a steady climb up Surplus Mt. Stopped to rest at Frye Notch lean-to. The top of Baldpate east peak provided great views including my first look at Mt Washington and the Presidential Range. It was a quick hike to the west peak where views were quite limited due to a full tree top. It was a gradual down to Grafton Notch. I got there 2 1/2 hrs before David was supposed to pick me up, but I was able to get a ride back to Andover. Got laundry and resupply done and I'm ready to move on.5.5 hrs
Date: 2012-07-11
From: Grafton Notch (Andover, ME)

To: Full Goose Campsite 
Miles today: 9.7
Weather: clear sky

Was at Grafton Notch by 6:45 and began the steady climb to the top of Old Speck Mt and then down to Speck Pond shelter. Took a nice break there sitting by the pond. It didn't take long to get? to Mahoosuc Arm. Had a very steep descent to Mahoosuc Notch. Seemed like forever getting there. Mahoosuc Notch is a 1.3 mile boulder maize. It is said to be the single most difficult mile on the AT. I sure hope so! I think it took me two hours to work my way through. It was scrambling over boulders, between. boulders, under boulders, and through caves. I had to take my pack off twice in order to fit through tight holes, pushing it in front . Tere was ice in the caves. I then climbed Fulling Mill Mt where I saw a grouse and her four babies. Full Goose campsite has many campers at it. Quite loud. Have re-united with Shilo, Jay and Floater. 9 hrs
Date: 2012-07-12
From: Full Goose Campsite 

To: Trident Col campsite
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: clear sky

It was a morning of ups and downs as I summited Goose Eye Mt north peak, east peak and west peak as well as Mt Carlo. Reached New Hampshire around 11! One state down and only 13 to go. Stopped for lunch at Gentian Pond after gathering water at a stream before it. Finished up around 4:30. Got a nice bath in the stream before supper. 9.5 hrs
Date: 2012-07-13
From: Trident Col campsite

To: Imp Campsite 
Miles today: 14.9

The usual ups and downs to start the day and eventually summited Mt Hayes. Then went down to Gorham. Crossed the Androscoggin River on the road leading to US 2. Stopped at White Mts Hostel to make arrangements for a ride tomorrow in Pinkham Notch. The climb out of Gorham started on a beautiful and easy trail following the Rattle River. After a few miles it toughened up for the 3200ft climb to Mt Moriah. Then it was mostly down to the campsite. Arrived early so had time to tend to some things before supper. I think tomorrow is going to be a hard day so will be in bed early. 8 hrs
Date: 2012-07-14
From: Imp Campsite 

To: NH 16, Pinkham Notch (Gorham)
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: broken clouds

Was on the trail by 5:30 and moved over North and Middle Carter Mts quickly. Stopped at Zeta Pass for a break and then moved on to Mt Hight and Carter Dome. The trail was steep from there down to Carter Notch Hut. It was a beautiful sight set beside a small pond. I stopped for water at the hut and one of the crew gave me two left-over chocolate chip pancakes. Had a nice talk and then climbed out of the notch to top all five peaks of Wildcat Mt. At an observation platform I got talking with a day hiker. When he saw I was getting ready to eat lunch he gave me a grapefruit, an orange, and an apple. A lot nicer than the menu I had planned. The descent from Wildcat was three miles of steep rock. When I got to Pinkham Notch the folks from White Mts Hostel picked me up. After cleaning up they brought me to town to resupply and eat.Becky and Chris and Shilo and Jay are here tonight. 8.5 hrs
Date: 2012-07-15
From: NH 16, Pinkham Notch (Gorham)

To: Madison Spring Hut
Miles today: 7.8
Weather: broken clouds

After a great breakfast at White Mts Hostel they had me back on the trail at Pinkham Notch by 8. The White Mts are a little confusing because the trail runs along with other trails and its labeled by that other name. You have to be real careful to ensure staying on the correct trail. The first part of the hike was quite easy. Went over a beautifully built suspension foot bridge. Went above treeline to see an intimidating climb ahead. Nothing but boulders. It was steep and slow to the top of Mt Madison Spring Hut. I was able to arrange work-for-stay. I scrubbed a badly burnt pot and cleaned the griddle. In return I got to sleep on the floor in the dining hall and got all the leftovers I wanted. I also can have breakfast in the morning. 5.5 hrs
Date: 2012-07-16
From: Madison Spring Hut

To: Nauman Campsite 
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: fog

When I got up at 5:30 we were in the clouds and it was misting. I packed and ate a light breakfast. By then the rain had stopped. Above treeline white blazes painted on rock tend to fade quickly so trail crews pile up stones to indicate the trail. These are called cairns. In the Whites they appear to be spaced quite closely. Visibility was as low as 200 ft but the cairns were generally 100 ft apart. The biggest problem was that the rock was wet so progress up Thunderstorm Junction and Edmands Col was slow. The sun began to break out more frequently. You could be in bright sunshine one minute and in the clouds the next. I summited Washington around 11 AM. I had a snack of two hotdogs, a bowl of chile and Gatorade. Moved on to Lakes of the Clouds Hut to get more water. The afternoon walking was fairly comfortable until the last mile which was a steep descent to the campsite. Got the last available spot. 7.5 hrs
Date: 2012-07-17
From: Nauman Campsite 

To: Zealand Falls Hut
Miles today: 14.3

Slept in until 5:30 and was underway by 6:30 with blue skies. Within two hours it was raining. I was descending nearly 3000 ft in three miles and the rock was very slippery. It was tedious but I had gotten word that there was trail magic in Crawford Notch. Sure enough, Muldoon was sitting beside his car in a lawn chair since the rain had stopped. He had beer, soda, Pb, pita, grapes and danishes. I enjoyed talking to him. He thru-hiked in 97 and is nearly done with his second section hike completion. The afternoon was easy walking over an old bridle path. I stopped at Ethan Pond for a second lunch. A nobo told me that thunderstorms and hail were predicted for tonight, so I hussled to get to Zealand Falls Hut. I was able to get work-for-stay cleaning the ovens and cook tops. I'll be able to leave whenever I want in the morning. The falls are right next to the hut so I was able to take a desperately needed bath. 8.5 hrs.
Date: 2012-07-18
From: Zealand Falls Hut

To: Garfield Pond Stealth Site
Miles today: 10.6

Had a leisurely breakfast at the hut and didn't get underway until 8:30. Had a gradual climb on a nice trail much of the morning. Ate lunch on top of South Twin Mt. Stopped to get water at Galehead Hut and continued on over Mt Giarfield. Found a nice campsite at Garfield Pond. 7.5 hrs.
Date: 2012-07-19
From: Garfield Pond Stealth Site

To: Franconia Notch (N Conway)
Miles today: 9.2
Weather: overcast clouds

It was 45 degrees when I got up so started out with layers. I could hear the wind overhead so was careful not to get sweaty. I pealed out of clothes as I went along. Within an hour I was a down to my usual T-shirt and shorts. As I began to ascend Mt Lafayette the wind became more of a factor. I began putting layers back on as I became more exposed above treeline. By the time I reached the top I had added my fleece coat and raincoat. For the first time on the trip I had to pull out my gloves and fleece hat. The temperature on top at 8:30 was 51 degrees and the wind was blowing steady at 25 mph with gusts to 40 mph. It was perfectly clear and the views were beyond description. I found a spot in the lee of a boulder to sit and soak it up. I ate a second breakfast while I took it all in. An experience I wish you all could share. Eventually I reluctantly moved on over ridges to Lincoln, Haystack, and Liberty Mts. It was then an inevitable descent to Franconia Notch. I hitched rides to North Conway and then walked about 3.5 miles to White Mt Hotel to meet Deb for the weekend. She arrived, but without luggage that was lost between connecting flights. It doesn't matter. 6.5 hrs.
Date: 2012-07-20
From: Franconia Notch (N Conway)

To: Franconia Notch (N Conway)
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Had trouble trying to sleep in. It was nice to lounge around and have a nice breakfast. We wandered in to town to do some resupply and shopping. We had fresh out of the tank lobster for dinner. Luggage arrived around 11:30 pm.
Date: 2012-07-21
From: Franconia Notch (N Conway)

To: Franconia Notch (N Conway)
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Had a great sleep. I had washed my pack and shoes in the tub last night and today did laundry. Finished resupply in town and had a late lunch at a tavern. We laid out by the pool and had a late light dinner at the hotel. Packed up all my gear so we could leave early in the morning.
Date: 2012-07-22
From: Franconia Notch (N Conway)

To: Dilly Cliff Trail stealth site
Miles today: 15.6

Deb had me on the trail before 8 and headed on to Manchester to fly home. Three weeks till our next visit. It was easy hiking to Lonesome Lake Hut where I stopped for lemonade and water. Continued the climb up and over North and South Kinsman Mts. Ate lunch at Eliza Brook and loaded up with water at the shelter since there would not be other opportunities later in the day. Found a stealth campsite short of Kinsman Notch. 8.5 hrs