morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-09-28
From: Monson, Me

To: Monson, ME
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: overcast clouds

The hostel served a great breakfast of blueberry pancakes, eggs, bacon, sausage, and home fries. We decided to have the hostel shuttle us to the trailhead so that Becca could go to the tire place first thing. By the time everyone was fed and we got back to the trail it was well after 9:00 - a very late start. It was another beautiful hiking day with the cool crisp Fall air and sunny skies. It would also be a day when we had to ford several streams. The first was only 2 miles into our hike when we came to the West Branch of the Piscataquis River. The guide book states "River normally knee deep. During heavy rain periods fording can be dangerous." Thankfully we have not had rain recently so it was only knee deep. The nice thing about this ford is that there was a rope to hold onto for stability. We spent much of the day hiking beside the beautiful Piscataquis River. The first and last part of the trail was in good condition but the middle part was the rocky / rooty show. This was Pressure D's day to struggle. For some reason he wasn't feeling well. Normally he is very upbeat and encouraging everyone else but today he was quiet and hiked at a slower pace. We had lunch at the Horseshoe Canyon Lean-to. A little over 2 miles beyond there we forded the East Branch of the Piscataquis River. This was an easier ford as the water was not as deep. My hydration system sprung a leak today so Thumbalina (Becca's trail name) drove to Greenville and got me a new one. THANK YOU Thumbalina!!! She was waiting for us when we got off the trail. We spent the rest of the evening preparing for our next section of hiking and eating dinner. It is highly likely that this will be my last entry until I complete this epic journey. Tomorrow we will enter the 100 Mile Wilderness and its my understanding there is almost no AT&T cell coverage in the area. Ten miles after coming out of the 100 Mile Wilderness I will be at the base of Mt Katahdin - the crown jewel (or some may say cruel joke) of the AT. The AT ends on top of Mt Katahdin and it is 5,268 ft high. It's a tough 5 mile climb starting at 1,096 ft. When I can actually summit Katahdin is totally dependent upon the weather as it can be brutal up there in bad weather. I estimate that I will summit around Oct 7th or 8th. At that point I will have hiked 2,185.9 miles! Unfortunately my journey won't end there - I still have to hike the 5 miles back down the mountain.
Date: 2013-09-29
From: Monson, ME

To: Wilson Valley Lean-to Campsite,
Miles today: 10.4

The first day in the 100 Mile Wilderness was a tough day. By the time we had eaten breakfast, arranged a food drop (so we don't have to carry so much food - read weight - with us), packed up, and herded all the cats . . . it was 10:00 before we got on the trail. The trail was a constant series of ups and downs. The scenery was spectacular and the weather was terrific but the roots and trail condition was a challenge. It became apparent that we were not going to make the 15 mile goal we had set for ourselves. At Little Wilson Falls (which was anything but little) we revised our plan to stop at 10 miles. We will get up early tomorrow to try to make up the 5 miles. We have to stay on schedule in order to meet our food drop. As we were crossing Little Wilson Stream we ran across Splash and a fellow hiker who had sprained her ankle. It had occurred on one of the higher places so they left their packs and hiked back to the stream so she could soak her foot in the cold water. Walking Stick helped Splash carry their packs back to the stream where they will camp. Tomorrow they will try to get back to Monson. Walking Stick is such a good guy and I'm really glad we are hiking together. The only ford of the day over Big Wilson Stream came near the end of the hike. It was one of the more treacherous fords that we've faced so far. We all made it safely across. We are in camp and I can barely keep my eyes open . . . it's almost 8:00!
Date: 2013-09-30
From: Wilson Valley Lean-to Campsite,

To: Chairback Gap Lean-to Campsite
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: overcast clouds

It was a long hard day and I'm happy to be snug as a bug in my sleeping bag! After leaving the shelter we hiked back to the AT and within a few minutes we could see the roof of the lean-to. We got tickled when we realized we had taken a wrong turn and ended up right back where we started. Hopefully our inauspicious beginning would not be an omen of what was yet to come. It was another perfect hiking day. Barren Mountain was our first climb. It was a hard climb and I was beginning to doubt whether we could actually do the 15.6 miles that we had planned. Barren Ledges was absolutely gorgeous and we lingered for a little while enjoying the sun and the view. We descended to Fourth Mountain Bog and then began our climb of Fourth Mountain. At the top we stopped for lunch and were joined by lots of other hikers. We descended Fourth Mountain and then climbed Third Mountain. I have no idea what happened to First and Second Mountain, but we didn't climb them. Our final climb was over Columbus Mountain but we ran out of daylight so we had to hike with our headlights for the last 30 minutes. The final descent was a little scary in the dark but we made it. It was a very hard day of constant climbs and descents. I am now 88.5 miles from being done and I'm more than ready!
Date: 2013-10-01
From: Chairback Gap Lean-to Campsite

To: Sidney Tappan Campsite
Miles today: 11.7

Today is Tough Cookies' birthday so we all sang to her before we left the lean-to. I had to laugh because no one could find the privy this morning so they went in the woods. I found it right away and it was a better smelling one. I am loving this weather. For that matter, I'm loving the 100 Mile Wilderness. The weather was clear blue skies again. I think I'm growing accustomed to the rooty and rocky trail because it doesn't bother me as much as it used to. We started the day with a climb up Chairback Mountain. Then we began a long descent to the West Branch of Pleasant River. The ford wasn't deep but it was wide. I've even grown to like the fords. The cold water feels good on my tired feet. We hiked for about 5 miles along a stream on a trail with a gentle slope. The trees were particularly pretty with their yellow, orange, and red leaves. When we reached the Carl Newhall Lean-to we stopped for a break. While we were there 3 women came hiking in and one of them was Rainbow Bright. She was the one who was run over by the car at Trail Days in Damascus, VA. She was off the trail for 6 weeks recovering from her injuries and she still has 700 miles that she has to go back and do. It did my heart good to see her happy and on the trail. At the top of Gulf Hagas mountain we had our first glimpse of Mt Katahdin in the distance. It's exciting that we are actually getting close enough to see it!After we got camp set up Pressure D made a really good campfire. Tough Cookie pulled out marshmallows that Thumbalina had sent for Walking Stick. He shared and we all had a wonderful treat of roasted marshmallows. THANK YOU Thumbalina!!!It's been a great day!
Date: 2013-10-02
From: Sidney Tappan Campsite

To: Mountain View Pond Campsite
Miles today: 10.9
Weather: scattered clouds

I was looking forward to today with great anticipation as this will be our last day of major climbs until Katahdin. We started our day with a climb up West Peak (3,178 ft). It wasn't the highest mountain we would climb but it was the steepest. Next we climbed Hay Mountain (3,244 ft) and finally we climbed White Cap Mountain (3,650 ft). The summit of White Cap was windy and cold with occasional sunshine but mostly we were in the clouds. On the way down we had another view of Mt Katahdin. It is so exciting to be that close to our final destination. At the Logan Brook Lean-to we stopped for lunch. From there we had to hurry 1.6 miles to a logging road and then half a mile down the logging road to get to our food drop by 1:00. Not only did she bring our food but she brought us some sodas as well - a real treat in the middle of the wilderness. I chuckled when I saw how our food was labeled "Becca's Group". Becca has a way of connecting with these inn keepers and hostel owners that makes our group well received. Once again, THANK YOU Becca!!!The leaves must be at their peak or near it. The forrest is full of brilliant color! I'm taking pics but I'm sure they will not do justice to nature's masterpiece. The quote of the day comes from Walking Stick's girlfriend's son who is 6 years old: "You get what you get and you don't get upset". We have used his philosophy quiet a few times in the past several days when the trail has given us unexpected surprises. We are camped in the woods next to Mountain View Pond. I walked down to the pond at dusk and watched as the twilight faded into darkness. It was so peaceful. Pressure D built a great fire so I roasted my hot dogs which I usually eat cold - another nice treat!
Date: 2013-10-03
From: Mountain View Pond Campsite

To: Antlers Campsite
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: light rain

I woke up in the middle of the night to the sound of footsteps coming toward my tent. At first I thought it was one of my camp mates getting up to pee but then I realized we were camped too far apart for it to be one of them. I listened intently as the footsteps approached my tent and stopped. When I heard the sniffing sounds I lost my nerve and smacked the side of my tent with my hand. Whatever animal it was ran off into the woods. I laid there and listened to be sure it wasn't coming back and then drifted off to sleep again. Was it a bear? A moose? I will never know. We have been so fortunate with weather and today was no exception. It was another beautiful sunny day. Many hikers are racing for Katahdin and I too am ready to bring this journey to a conclusion. However, my body is weary and I don't want to reach Katahdin exhausted. I am also enjoyingthe 100 Mile Wilderness and don'twant to go through it as fast as I can. Today was some of the best trail since Maryland. Other than a small climb over Little Boardman Mountain, the trail was relatively level and in good condition. We stopped for lunch at the Cooper Brooks Falls Lean-to. There is a beautiful water fall with a swimming hole at the bottom immediately in front of the lean-to. Airborne ate a quick lunch and decided to hike on. He is on a specific timeframe for meeting his family and a friend. We were having a pleasant hike in the afternoon and were approaching Mud Brook when we heard a branch break to our right. We stopped to look and there was a bull moose about 100 ft from us. At first he took a few steps toward us, then turned and stood in the forrest for awhile before nonchalantly walking away. We were all so excited and pumped with adrenaline! It was only another 1.3 miles to Antler Campsite on the shores of Jo-Mary Lake. This is one of the top places I have camped on this journey. I have a spot on a little peninsula with water on 3 sides of my tent. The sun set behind my tent so I'm going to sleep with the front of my tent open in hopes that I can see the sunrise. I will also be able to look up and see the stars if I wake up in the middle of the night. It was nice to be able to bathe in the lake. This is the first time I've been able to wash up since entering the 100 Mile Wilderness. The campsite even has a privy. It is relatively new and is called "Fort Relief". Sly Fox is also camped here. I'm surprised I haven't met her previously. She started later in March and is from St Louis.
Date: 2013-10-05
From: Wadleigh Stream Lean-to Campsite

To: Rainbow Lake Campsite
Miles today: 11.9

I was the first one ready this morning and since we had a climb up Nesuntabunt Mountain and since I'm a slow climber I left ahead of everyone else. It didn't take long for everyone to catch me. From an overlook on the mountain we had a great view of Mt Katahdin only 16 miles line-of-sight away, even though we have 36.3 more miles to hike. The view was especially pretty with the pond in the foreground and the Fall colors. We stopped for lunch at Wadleigh Pond Rd. Orion soon joined us and told us he's thinking about doing a 30+ mile day in an attempt to summit before the rumored bad weather is supposed to hit. No thank you! I'll keep doing my smaller days and wait out the bad weather if I have to. Hipsy Gypsy and Oak also caught up with us - yeah!!!Today was a day of hiking near water. First we hiked along Crescent Pond, then we followed a stream until we came to Pollywog Gorge. We followed Pollywog Stream for awhile and them followed a series of streams connecting ponds. Hipsy Gypsy, Oak, Walking Stick, Pressure D, Tough Cookie and I are camping near Rainbow Lake. We had a nice fire that we sat around while we ate. This is a great group and it makes me happy. I'm lying in my tent listening to the call of the Loon on the lake - one of my favorite sounds in Maine. We are now only 26.3 miles from the summit of Katahdin!
Date: 2013-10-06
From: Rainbow Lake Campsite

To: Abol Bridge/Millinocket, ME
Miles today: 11.2

It was a chilly 38 degrees this morning according to the thermometer in the privy (you find the oddest things in privies!). The loons sung to me all night and continued to serenade me as I broke camp. Pressure D and Tough Cookie were ready first and decided to start hiking in order to stay warm. I was ready next and headed out by myself. I hiked for two hours before Hipsy Gypsy and Oak caught me. I enjoyed the solitude while knowing my friends were around me. It wasn't long before they left me behind and I hiked another hour by myself until Walking Stick caught up. When I reached the Rainbow Ledges Hipsy Gypsy and Oak were taking a break. We walked a short distance further had a great view of Mt Katahdin. It wasn't long before we exited the 100 Mile Wilderness - yeah!!! Soon after that we came out on Golden Road where some thru hikers (Cannon and Lady) who had summited 2 days ago and had become engaged, were there with their families providing us trail magic. They gave us beer (Pressure D had 6!) an 24 hot dogs to cook later. From there we walked down to The Northern Restaurant and had "real" food for the first time in a week. Some other hikers came in and said they had scored a ride into town and the driver was willing to take as many hikers as would fit. We are still 10 miles from the base of Katahdin but the weather doesn't look good for a summit so we decided to go into town and stay at the hostel. I wish I had a picture, but somehow we managed to cram 10 people and 3 packs inside a Subaru Outback. We had to tie 5 packs onto the roof. It was a sight to behold!When we arrived at the hostel we were delighted to find that Whirled Peas and Carrots (her husband - get it, peas and carrots) had summited today and were staying at the hostel. It was great to finally meet Carrots. We had hugs all around and then most of us went to dinner together. It was fun to catch up and congratulate other hikers who had summited today.
Date: 2013-10-07
From: Abol Bridge/Millinocket, ME

To: Millinocket, ME
Miles today: 0.0

It rained most of the night and is supposed to continue to rain today. Pressure D, Tough Cookie, Walking Stick, and I walked down the street to eat breakfast. We decided to zero in town today rather than go back out in worsening weather conditions. Whirled Peas and Carrots soon joined us. They were thinking about staying another day but decided to leave to make room for hikers that might be seeking shelter from the bad weather. It was a wet, windy, chilly day and I think our decision to stay in town was a good one. I spent the day getting my journal caught up and took a 2 hour nap - just what my body needed!To my surprise James West is going to come up and summit with me. He is the one who slack packed me and opened his home to me in New York. He is also a college friend of my dear friend Brian Williams. Our plan is to catch a 10:00 shuttle back to Abol Bridge tomorrow and hike the 10 miles to the base of Katahdin. If all goes as planned I will summit Katahdin on Wednesday.
Date: 2013-10-08
From: Abol Bridge

To: Katahdin Stream Campground
Miles today: 10.0

After another delicious breakfast at the Appalachian Cafe we caught a shuttle back to Abol Bridge and were back on the trail about 11:00. The first part of the trail was extremely smooth and flat. It became a little more rooty and rocky but nothing compared to the 100 Mile Wilderness. We were all pumped with excitement about this final leg of our journey. Katahdin had become a verb in our conversations and we talked about what it would be like to "Katahdin" tomorrow. Our biggest challenge was fording the Lower Fork of the Nesowadnehunk Stream. We had heard from other hikers that this was a difficult ford with a swift current, unexpected deep holes, and water at least mid-thigh or waist deep. The stream wasn't very wide but the current was definitely swift. The rain yesterday further raised our anxiety about making this ford. For some difficult portions of the trail their are blue blaze alternative routes that are safer in bad weather. I haven't used the blue blazed alternatives but this crossing worried me. After careful consideration we decided to be safe and to take the high water alternative blue blaze route. The miles seemed to fly by. We stopped to see Big Niagara Falls and took a lunch break there. We were shocked to realize we only had 3.5 miles left to hike. We began to run into more and more day hikers. One group from Ohio was particularly interested in our hike and what we had encountered along the way. When we arrived at Katahdin Stream campground we went to the ranger station but nobody was there. Thru hikers are supposed to camp at The Birches but it was full and we weren't sure where to go to camp. James arrived and had reserved a lean-to at Katahdin Stream campground. We found our lean-to, which was much smaller than the ones on the trail, and began to set up. Walking Stick, James, and I slept in the lean-to and Hipsy Gypsy and Oak tented near by. Pressure D, Tough Cookie, Cheech, and Chong stayed in other lean-to's. Our lean-to was the first one in the campground so every thru hiker that arrived stopped at our lean-to. We had a large campfire and a crowd of hikers gathered. James had some beer that quickly disappeared so he made a beer and pizza run with Oak and Chong. They returned with 4 pizzas and two cases of beer. We had a great time sitting around the fire for our pre-summit party. I was the first to go to bed. I put in my earplugs as the party was going strong. I smiled as I drifted off to sleep . . . I'll miss my trail community after I Katahdin.
Date: 2013-03-15
From: NOC

To: Locust Cove Gap
Miles today: 9.3

Day 14, 137.3-147.6: Woke up a bit drowsy at the NOC. Late nights happen easily when you've got a warm bed and people to share beers with! We resupplied at the NOC Outfitter, shame to say all they had were Mountain House meals and Clif bars for food, though they did hook us up with a computer to get our Smokey Mountain Nat Park permit. $20 for the permit, I expect their shelters better be as good as the Philadelphia Marriott for that price. We left NOC after a delicious breakfast of donated foods at the Hostel kitchen: Nutella, PB, granola, ham, turkey, syrup on toast. Calories! NOC, at 1749' behind us, we slugged uphill for hours. Pine forests, magnolia tunnels, typical. 4.6 miles and 2000 feet up we had lunch at The Jump-Up. Slapp, Moxie at first, later joined by Road Runner from Germany and Leprechaun. Beautiful views of the Nantahala Gorge kept us occupied. After lunch, put on S.C.I.E.N.C.E. and hiked uphill at least another 1500' to Cheoah Bald. Fly and Papi were already up there with a few others, enjoying the fine weather, sun, and views from 5062 feet. After laying in the grass fields for almost an hour, we walked the last downhill to Locust Cove Gap and setup camp. Water source is a bit slow and a 5 minute downhill walk but it was appreciated, most folks were low or out of water after the 10.3 mile day uphill. Got the fire going, had some dinner and called it a night a little after 8, which I just learned is "hiker midnight". Warm night, glad to be outside. Overcast, hope to wake up to dry conditions!
Date: 2013-03-16
From: Locust Cove Gap

To: Cable Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: clear sky

Day 15. 147.6-159.2. 4am, very windy, loud, I'm awake. 4:15am, CRACK! (oh shit, a huge branch just broke, i could die, begin fear induced defecation) THUD! Turns out hanging food bags on a dead tree isnt a good idea. Leprechaun and I cleaned up the mess and back to bed. Woke up a few hours later, beautiful warm morning, maybe 50! We all cleaned up and left Locust Cove and headed out for the day. Slapp took off, i walked with Moxie for a bit and Lep was last. About halfway for the day I put Hearts of Atlantis back on, ended up finishing it. Great book! 2 novellas and 3 short stories all about a few kids and later adults from CT, with a bit of Dark Tower twist. We hiked up Jacob's Ladder today, a 750ft climb in about 200 yards. Fun. Slapp had to give a weekend hiker water since they ran out halfway up. Amateur hour. Got to Cable Gap Shelter around 2:30 and changed, bathed in the stream for a bit and relaxed. Camp chores later, got plenty of firewood and hung out after dinner with the grand return of Bryce, Leprechaun, Slapp, Moxie, Fly, Papi, Roadrunner, Starskie & Hutch, Woodrow, Roswell, and a new old-timer and Vietnam Vet, Amtrak (cause he's big and slow). A few other folks passed through but missed out on staying at a fine shelter with great people. Later, Leprechaun finally got to use his punch line. "WELCOME TO EARTH" and slapped a mouse, killing it. Good riddance! Tomorrow is an easy day, 5 miles to Fontana Dam! Excited for pizza tomorrow, we've all been fantisizing about our favorite foods for too long now. Woodrow's Cannolis, Slapp's ChickenParm Pizza, more and more.
Date: 2013-03-17
From: Cable Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Dam Shelter
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: broken clouds

Day 16, mile 159-166. Lots of snorers at Gap Shelter! Better than mice I guess, nothing a little Krafkwerk can't fix at 4am. Had a massive bowl of oatmeal, packed and left for the day. Shorter walk today with Fontana Dam being close. Walked with Leprechaun for most of the way and met up with Slapp, Fly on NC 28, the road to get us to our mail drop at the Fontana Dam Park Lodge. Later joined by Starsky, Hutch, Papi, and Woodrow, Slapp got us a hitch on the back of a F150 and we made it to the lodge, cramped. Nice. Got the mail and met an awesome woman Stick-Chick, AT section hiker that helps hikers in the Fontana Dam area every year on her late mother's birthday. We were all able to head to Robbinsville for some Mexican lunch and a Resupply at Ingles. Got back to NC28 and hiked the last mile to Fontana Dam, or Hilton. Place seats 20 and has a bathroom with hot showers! Nice. Had a great night with lots of folks. Woodrow cooked DiGiorno's Pizza over the fire, we had Yuengling, chips, cookies. Life is good...until we leave for the Smokies tomorrow in the 80% chance Rain and Scattered T-Storms!