morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-08-16
From: Stealth Campsite

To: NH 16
Miles today: 5.6

We left our stealth campsite above tree line at 6:15 a.m.   The sunrise was breathtaking. Take a look at the photos I have posted (Left Tab). We took our time heading down the remainder of the mountain. We are beat; but confident of a finish with the good Lord willing.We are resting in Gorham and will head into the Wildcats on Tuesday.
Date: 2015-08-17
From: NH 16

To: NH 16
Miles today: 0.0

We have a bed at the White Mountain Hostel tonight. A very nice place. Tomorrow they will shuttle us back to Pinkham Notch where we got off the trail It will be a two day hike over the Wildcats and we will end up right back at White Mountain Hostel Wednesday night. Thursday morning, we leave here and have a 17 mile hike to Maine which is our last state.I guess I owe all to my wife. Many times, mostly early on, I would call home wanting to quit. She would say "Eat something and keep going". With Philco stealing my donuts, this was somewhat problematic. But I did manage, and here we sit. We hear the Wildcats are rough, but the good Lord has given me the legs to come this far. Hopefully He will bless me for another 319.4 miles.
Date: 2015-08-18
From: NH 16

To: Imp Shelter
Miles today: 13.1

I will display a short journal tonight and fill in tomorrow. I am dead tired and so is the battery in my phone. We are in the Wildcats with eight miles to go to finish the White Mountain endurance portion of the AT hike. Phoned my bride today and told her the Wildcats were kicking my butt. She told me "you are tough-kick back". I think the Wildcats won.
Date: 2015-08-19
From: Imp Shelter

To: US 2 Gorham New Hampshire
Miles today: 8.0

Our campsite departure time was 6:30 a.m. and we arrived at US 2 about 11:00 a.m. About 100 yards east of White Mountain Hostel where we had stayed Monday night, was where we emerged.   The hostel will again serve as our night time accommodation and will head north in the morning. Broke below 300 miles today with 298.3 remaining miles to hike to the finish. It is better that we have the White Mountains behind us. They have kicked my butt. Now I will give the Maine Mountains a chance at what is left of it.The miles come very hard up here. Yesterday was a day that consisted of pulling yourself up with your hands, topping out, then using your hands to get down the other side. We did make 13.1 miles yesterday; but used a lot of energy to get there. We certainly can't kick out the miles up here; but the finish will come.Today we climbed up a gradual mountain and got some beautiful views of Mount Washington and most of the Presidentials we've been in in for the last week or so. Late yesterday afternoon the three of us stood on a summit. I looked down at all the spruce, pine and balsam and quipped that it looked like a large lawn from my standing point. All The Way said "Yes, God's Lawn". Very true. As I passed through the mountains, my faith in the Lord has strengthened.17 miles to Maine!
Date: 2015-08-20
From: US 2 Gorham New Hampshire

To: Gentian Pond Shelter
Miles today: 11.8

After we had eaten a hearty breakfast at the White Mountain Hostel, our departure time was about 8:00 a.m.   This was a great place to stay.Our hike started with about one-half mile or so of "road walking" after which we turned off and started a pretty steep climb on the trail. About halfway up the climb, the chest strap on my pack ripped off where it was attached to the shoulder strap. Yesterday the buckle on the left shoulder strap broke. I have them both rigged up to, hopefully, make it to the finish. This pack sure has not held up well--but if you want a light pack, I guess one has to expect this.Today was a relatively easy day. There were some 1000 foot to 1500 foot climbs. The fooling on the trail, for the most part, was good. With only five miles left to enter Maine, we will have completed all but the last of the 14 states.
Date: 2015-08-21
From: Gentian Pond Shelter

To: Full Goose Shelter
Miles today: 9.6

For some reason when we left the shelter at 6:30 a.m. I thought it would be a good day. Wrong! We started climbing right away and never really stopped going up and down all day long. In a few places, rebar and ladders were in place to help. On one of severe downhills, my pole slipped and when I kicked out with my foot to prevent a bad fall, I sprained my big toe on my right foot. It is sore but it still works. If it is worse in the morning, I will duct tape it to the toe next to it. The tip of my pole was also a part of the casualty.A light rain and fog throughout the day blocked any views we may have enjoyed. I did observe a section hiker throw her pack of a twenty foot cliff so she could climb down without it.The bright spot of the day was crossing into Maine-state number 14 and our last state in the hike.
Date: 2015-08-22
From: Full Goose Shelter

To: M-26
Miles today: 9.7

An extremely rough day with very hard miles. Mahoosic Notch, Mahoosic Arm, and Speck Mountain entail only 9.7 miles but a full low on the effort. Maine is tough as we expected. Dead tired, bruised and bent; but will elaborate more in later posts.It is still my intent to finish. Someday I may write a book--It will be called "A Climb in the Woods" Bill Bryson didn't get to experience this!
Date: 2015-08-23
From: M-26

To: East B Road
Miles today: 10.3

Today was a beautiful day for a hike with sunshine and perfect temperatures. Our hike started with gradual climbing but turned quickly to some rather steep upward climbs up Baldplate West Peak. Once we accomplished that, we tackled more steep climbing up West Baldplate on its granite face. We were thankful it was not raining or the lichen on the rock would have been like grease. We hiked on and off all day with a family of seven who consisted of five children ranging in age from ten to seventeen. What an accomplishment for this family. The views again were fantastic; but the wifi at the hostel isn't working well. Thus, will keep trying to get some pictures out. Check back later for photos.The hike today was a bit easier and more enjoyable than the last few days. 256.9 miles to go. I am ready to get this done and get home.
Date: 2015-08-24
From: East B Road

To: South Arm Road
Miles today: 10.1

When I rose this morning, I did not feel a bit like hiking. It is a good thing that I did because it turned out to be a great day on the trail. Once I topped out after the first climb, I believe I had the best view of the whole trip. When we descended into the notch, Camilea and Ukelale were there. After much prompting, we were treated to a private concert with Camilea playing and singing for us. The songs were very soothing and relaxing. Once departed, we had a long steep climb ahead of us. We did stop at a lean to on the way up to eat our lunch. After that, it was mostly downhill and I ran the last mile or so with my slack pack. It felt great!Last night I had a comment to the effect that this thru hike is hard on Al; but it is also hard on my wife. This is very true. In addition to all the travel and support provided, she has taken care of all the chores at home. Sometimes I sense a tone of loneliness in her voice on the phone and don't know why I ever started an adventure of this magnitude. There will be no more endurance events. When finished, PaPa Al will be a permanent fixture at home. Without her, I would not have made it this far. She is my rock. When I get derailed, she puts me back on track.   I have been blessed with the best. Thank the good Lord for that.246.8 miles to go.
Date: 2015-08-25
From: South Arm Road

To: Maine 17
Miles today: 13.0

We started the day off with a steep climb up Old Blue Mountain. We weren't ten minutes into the trail and we were pulling ourselves up with rebar on the stone walls. There was a light rain on and off all day making for very wet rocks and roots. I fell three times today. They were all bad falls and have new cuts and bruises to display as testimony. On the last fall, I came down hard on a rock with my right knee-which was my good right knee. All in all, my body is wearing down and sore, but it should make the distance. I liken this to the last ten miles a hundred mile race. It ain't going to be pretty; but you know you can make it if you can just keep the wheels turning.Oh, as we came out to Maine 17 to end our day's hike, the sun came out over a large lake that we were overlooking making for a gorgeous view. Also, Philco broke another pole today. I told him that the way he goes through poles, he may as well cut a couple of sticks.233.6 miles to go!
Date: 2015-08-26
From: Maine 17

To: Maine 4
Miles today: 13.2

After a good breakfast, we were shuttled out to the trailhead and , as always, it was a climb. At least this one was short. The rest of the day we hiked on a relatively gentle trail except for the mud. Last night's rain brought out a new batch of black greasy mud. Lots of fun! I felt like a kid again . How many 69 years olds get to lay in the mud all day??Our old bodies are getting tired; but everyday we get a little bit closer. 220.4 miles to finish.
Date: 2015-08-27
From: Maine 4

To: Perham Stream Logging Road
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Today was tough. We hiked three summits -Big Saddleback, the Horn and Little Saddleback. The climbs weren't too bad; but the downs are very slow and tedious.The views were stunning with good hiking weather; but cool on top. I am downloading some pictures of today's hike for those that would like to view. Maine is a lot more mountainous that I would have thought it would be. But, hopefully, in a few days, the hills should smooth out a bit.205.1 to go.
Date: 2015-08-28
From: Perham Stream Logging Road

To: Caribou Valley Road
Miles today: 8.6
Weather: overcast clouds

We slack packed south today. One portion of the trail led us across a larger stream on rocks and wet plank after which we continued on straight up for about one hour. Once we topped out, the views were spectacular. From then on, it was a gradual climb to the pitch up Spaulding Mountain. I was hiking out front alone when All The Way came by. Together we made the descent to the shelter. Once there, Philco came and I soon realized we had about a dozen Nobos (North Bound Hikers)--a sort of gathering of the clan. We are still survivors of the AT 2015. Although, there are many still dropping mainly because of bad knees. Still, as always, it is my intent to finish. Mileage is under 200 today. 196.5 miles to top of Mount Katahdin.
Date: 2015-08-29
From: Caribou Valley Road

To: Maine 27
Miles today: 8.3

3 Miles up. 5.3 miles down. The trail was relatively good going with the ups becoming somewhat better than the downs on my old legs. We hit 2000 miles today. It was an emotional time and I find it hard to believe my old legs have carried me that far. Hopefully, they have a few miles left in them Tomorrow we will go for broke trying to do the Bigelow Mountains in one day. That will put the tall ones behind us except for Katahdin.188.2 miles to go.
Date: 2015-08-30
From: Maine 27

To: East Flagstaff Road
Miles today: 13.0

We arrived at the trailhead at 6:45 a.m. and were treated to a couple of gentle miles before the endurance climbing started. We topped out on four different peaks in the Bigelow Range today. This will be the last of the 4000 footers till we reach Katahdin. The hike should get a little easier. This is a good thing as I am physically, mentally, and emotionally drained. The needle is bouncing on empty. I have been in the mountains for about 240miles. It has been beautiful; but brutal, and even dangerous in spots. All of the "Old Goat Club" have very sore knees and feet and many cuts and bruises etc. We are not complaining; just stating facts. With the Good Lord willing, I will be finishing; but on a wing and a prayer.171.5 miles to go.
Date: 2015-08-31
From: East Flagstaff Road

To: West Kerry Pond Lean To
Miles today: 6.3
Weather: overcast clouds

We had a choice of a shuttle at 7:00 a.m. or 10:00 a.m. We chose to take the 10:00 a.m. one since we were beat from the Bigelows. As it turned out, we did not get to the trailhead until 11:30. The shuttle driver had to pick up an injured hiker from Lone Mountain. Thus the short miles today. But, that is okay. We are in dire need of a rest. Today's trail was relatively flat with sure footing. We are hiking again with full packs and will remain that way till the end. We have an early departure tomorrow morning to catch the canoe shuttle across the Kennebec River which only runs between 2:00 P.M. and 4:00 P.M.This journal is a little late because of poor service. Also, if you checked earlier, I inadvertently had an old journal posted from Day 123 and Day 124.Sorry about the mixup; not always thinking clearly these days!165.2 miles to go!
Date: 2015-09-01
From: West Carry Pond Lean To

To: Stealth Site Mile 2040.6 - Molly Brook
Miles today: 16.6
Weather: scattered clouds

We departed camp at 5:45 a.m. hoping to catch the 2:00 p.m. canoe shuttle across the Kennebec River. We accomplished that with an hour and a half to spare. The trail was flat to rollings hills; but good for the most part. The footing was tough in places, but we managed to crank out some miles today that meandered along some beautiful rivers.The canoe ride was brief, but fun. They shuttle hikers across because it is too deep to ford.l48.6 miles to go
Date: 2015-09-02
From: Stealth Site Mile 2040.6 - Molly Brook

To: Moxie Bald Lean To
Miles today: 16.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Philco (World Famous Donut Thief) and I left camp at 5:50 a.m. this morning and had pretty good going until we hit Pleasant Pond Mountain. Then the going got steep and it took a bit before we topped out. The morning views were spectacular with the lakes and rising sun. Also, I had service; so was able to send a couple days of trail journals home. Unfortunately, I sent a couple of old ones by mistake. Hopefully, that has been straightened out by my wife. This afternoon we climbed Moxie Bald Mountain and although it was only a two mile climb, we were both beat by the summit.We are now tenting on the shore of a big pond. Actually, it is huge but here they call them ponds. I am perched on a large rock at lakes edge this evening listening to the loons singing and watching fish jump. I have this all to myself. This is the life of a thru hiker. One misses his wife and family so much; yet where I am at is a picture book memory I will never forget. I thank the Good Lord for giving me the strength and endurance to make this trip.Tomorrow we will hike into Monson and resupply for the One Hundred Mile Wilderness which is our last leg of the trip.132.4 miles to go
Date: 2015-09-03
From: Moxie Bald Lean To

To: ME 15 Monson
Miles today: 17.9

We departed camp at 5:55 a.m. this morning. It was hard to get any sleep with the loons going all night; but that will be another great memory. During a conversation with another hiker, I learned that if I would have sat on my rock by the pond another 15 minutes longer; I would have observed a moose cow and two calves. Oh, well, it was a beautiful spot.Philco and I hiked a pretty steady pace today over relatively flat trail. Although a mix of small hills took their toll on our worn out legs, we had to ford three rivers; none of which were much more than knee deep. Thankfully, it hasn't rained in a while which has helped with the notorious Maine mud along with the river fords.We hike along a beautiful river for about four miles with one waterfall after another. Beautiful beyond description.Tomorrow we will zero, resupply and rest for the hundred mile wilderness.114.5 miles to go.
Date: 2015-09-05
From: ME 15 Monson

To: Mile 2000
Miles today: 15.3

Got to trail head abut 7:30 a.m. We are slack packing for the next couple of days trying to get the most I can out of this tired old body. I have sore knees; a severely sprung big toe and a few other problems. So carrying a little less weight helps.The weather was perfect today. We made three knee deep fords again. The trail followed a few creeks, rivers and shores of some beautiful ponds. For the most par, rocks and roots were at the surface of the trail we hiked.99.2 miles to go.
Date: 2015-09-06
From: mile 2090

To: Katahdin Ironworks Road
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: light rain

Trail JournalsMile 2090.0 to Katahdin Ironworks Road 14.5 milesAnother hard day on the trail, one more day and we get FLAT for about 60 miles. Maine continues to be my favorite state as it kicks my butt into the ground. Beautiful beyond belief.Got a text from my wife today that I have been waiting for since March, her and my oldest son are on their way to pick me up. My son will summit with me hopefully on Sunday.Thanks for all the comments and prayers they have certainly helped get me to this point. I may be able to get one more journal out before I lose service, so please stay tuned.
Date: 2015-09-07
From: Katahdin Ironworks Road

To: Logan Brook Road
Miles today: 14.9

Trail Journals Katahdin Iron Works Road to Logan Brook Roadside 14.9 milesClimbed four mountains today, the last till we hit Katahdin. From the north side of White Cap Mt. we could see Katahdin it was a emotional moment we walked a long way for this.Another thrill for today was we saw three moose, two cows and one calve. One cow stood in the trail and I got within ten feet of her.We are done with the climbs till Katahdin. Should be at the base on Friday afternoon if things go good. Rain is called for the next few days. Won't have service till weekend so will write a report then.69.8 miles to go
Date: 2015-09-08
From: Logan Brook Road

To: Antlers campsite
Miles today: 18.0

Trail JournalsLogan Brook Road to Antlers Campsite18 miles Left trail head at 8:00 and entered into a wonderful world of flat trail. Couple of small two to three hundred footers otherwise good trail. Hiked along rivers, ponds and lakes Maine continues with her beauty.Had trail magic at a dirt road crossing in the 100 mile wilderness, who would have thought. Weather perfect, forecasted rain did not show up. Camped on the shore of a large lake. Had service so called wife she is in Lincoln, NH and will meet us at Abol bridge Thursday night, you can bet I'm looking forward to seeing her.51.8 miles to go
Date: 2015-09-09
From: Antlers campsite

To: Rainbow Stream Lean-To
Miles today: 21.7
Weather: moderate rain

Trail JournalsAntlers Campsite to Rainbow Stream Lean To21.7 milesAll summer long we have been having late afternoon thunder storms, you can hear them coming usually when you're a couple miles from the shelter or tent site. I always throw my old body into high gear, but have never beat the rain. This afternoon I did got my tent up and everything in it before it broke lose. I was in a full run with my pack on, thank you Lord for letting me win one on my last night in tent. I guess I have about a 135 to 140 nights in my tent. Sleep like a baby in here, it as performed well and may see a couple of nights in northern Michigan yet.Today we thought we had a easy day, but once again the AT surprised us. It was loaded with rocks and roots. Very hard to get any pace going. Had decent mileage though and hiked along some beautiful streams.Tomorrow we will hike 15 miles to Abol bridge where my wife will pick us up, then Friday my son can hike the last ten miles to the base of Katahdin and Sunday he will summit with Philco and I.30.1 miles to go, very hard for me to believe it's almost over.
Date: 2015-09-10
From: Rainbow Stream Lean-To

To: Abol Bridge
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: moderate rain

Trail JournalsRainbow Stream Lean-To to Abol Bridge15 milesLeft camp 6:10, there was a very shakey looking log bridge to cross right away. Philco being the kind person he is suggested I go across first.We covered the 15 miles in record time, I knowing my bride would be on the other end and Philco dreaming of town food. Had a great view of Katahdin from a bluff and Abol bridge.Now in Millinocket will go out in morning to hike the ten miles to Katahdin Stream Campground. Summit Sunday and head home. Hard for me to believe it's coming to a end. Leaving many great friends I have made on the trail will be hard, but it's been a long time, home is calling.15.1 miles to go
Date: 2015-09-11
From: Abol Bridge

To: Katahdin Stream Campground
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: broken clouds

Denise dropped Philco, Craig my son and Papa Al off at Abol bridge and we headed North on the AT. Weather was perfect and trail gentle we covered the ten miles in a little less then four hours. Followed a couple of rivers that once again amazed me with their beauty. Had to ford one.Came out to Katahdin Stream Campground where tomorrow we will start our last day of hiking. Good Lord willing this time tomorrow I will be done.5.1 miles to go
Date: 2015-09-13
From: Katahdin Summit

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

The finishKatahdin Stream Campground to Summit of Mt. Katahdin5.1 milesStarted out 6:45 Philco, Papa Al and my oldest son Craig. Light mist at start. First mile gentle, but right after we crossed the crick it was uphill. Very glad to have my son hiking with me. He had hiked the ten miles from Abol bridge to KSC with us on Saturday, today he got to see what the AT was really like.About three miles up we it the rock scramble and rebar section. It was a little hairy in places, but nothing we haven't seen before. Once up on the tableland the going got a bit better. With the clouds I could not see the sign till we were very close. It was a happy occasion, pictures were taken and my son surprised us with a box of donuts. Several of our group were there or met on our way down. It was sad to say good bye, a better bunch of people I have never known. I will miss them all. I won't mention names for fear of letting someone out.The trip down was slow, but that was okay since I wanted to linger in the moment. In a couple days I will gather my thoughts and write my final journal. Till then thank everyone for prayers, comments and reading my journal. Special thanks to my wife Denise the love of my life, without her encouragement I wouldn't have finished.
Date: 2015-09-18
From: Millinocket, Maine

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0

This will be my last entry in trail journals. I have been home three days now, it is great to be here, but there will certainly be a adjustment period.I want to thank one and all for all the comments, prayers and thoughts. It was a wonderful adventure for this old coot. I knew it would be long and hard. It lived up to my expectations plus. The people on and involved with it definitely were the best part. The world should be like the AT; it would be a much better place.It was fun. Would I do it again? I don't think so, but I've learned never to say never. For now, I will work on the honey do list my wife has for me.Happy TrailPapa Al
Date: 2013-03-22
To: MADE THE DECISION!!!!!
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

One year ago today I set out for a grand adventure, to hike the entire Appalachian Trail. I did just that. Upon the completion of this hike I said I would never thru-hike it again, but I find myself missing it so much that as of today I have set a start date of March 1st 2015. Here we go again!!!!
Date: 2013-07-09
To: TAKING INVENTORY.
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Going through last years gear to see what I have and what I need to replace. what I have: 3 backpacks, REI Flash 50/ REI Flash 65/ Osprey Atmos 65. Will go with the Flash 65 until I reach Damascus VA then send for my Osprey.Sleeping bags: Start with my Big Agnes Lost Ranger 15 degree bag and switch to my 55 degree bag for the warmer weather then back to the Big Agnes to finish up the hikeTent: Retiring my Marmot EOS 1P tent and will purchase a Big Agnes Fly Creek UL2 which has more room but weighs less than the Marmot.Still have my air mattress and pillow case.Will change shoes from Merrill Outlanders to Merrill Moabs.Will stick with the Sierra Silver Ridge pants. Will buy two new pair though.Will buy some new socks. Might stick with the Merino Wool Lite Hiking socks.Have my cold weather gear but will add a warmer nano puff jacket.Will need new hiking shirt but not sure what I am going to do yet.New trekking poles or go with my hiking stick? Yet to be decided.