morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-08-30
From: Rattle River Shelter

To: Gorham, NH
Miles today: 1.9
Weather: broken clouds

There was not much to today other than hiking the 2 miles out to the US 2 road crossing and then hitching into Gorham for the day. We got into town in time for the breakfast buffet where we ran into Mojo and Splendora. While doing laundry some strong thunderstorms rolled through late in the afternoon and made me think this was a good day not to be on the trail. Hopefully, tomorrow will turn out to be a good one.Total Ascent:                    0'Total Descent:        480'
Date: 2007-08-31
From: Gorham, NH

To: Gentian Pond Campsite
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: light rain

We got up early and had a good breakfast before hitching back to the trail. The sky was still grey and overcast, but the forecast was for improving conditions in the afternoon. It took us a little longer than usual to get a ride back to the trail, but we were back on the trail and heading north by 9:30. Once on the trail it was not long before it started raining very lightly, and it didn¢t take long until everything was wet from head to toe. There were a lot of ascents, descents, and travel over some very slippery bog boards during the day. The shelter was packed when we got to the Gentian Pond Campsite late in the afternoon, so we decided to set up our tents on the wooden tent platforms. Later in the evening the cloud cover began to break a little, and there were even a few rays of sunshine filtering through. Hopefully, tomorrow will be a much drier day on the trail than it was today.Total Ascent:                 4,160'Total Descent:        2,180'
Date: 2007-09-01
From: Gentian Pond Campsite

To: Full Goose Shelter
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: few clouds

It was still cold and foggy when we woke up in the morning, and everything was still soaking wet. We packed up and got going early anyway because we wanted to make it through Mahoosuc Notch today. Early in the day the trail was very wet and slippery hiking over the rock slabs, and it made for some very slow travel. On top of that the trail was getting uncomfortably steep with little or no handholds to get up and down some of the rock slabs. We did make it to the top of Mt. Success early in the day, but the only view to be had was the fog. It was also very windy with little tree cover, making for a bone chilling traverse of its summit. About noon we finally crossed into Maine, the last and long awaited state to complete on this journey. The sky finally began to clear soon after crossing the state line and the drier conditions helped with the difficult hiking ahead, which involved climbing up and down ladders to cross over some of the steepest rock walls.When we got to the Full Goose Shelter late in the afternoon we decided to stay there for the night rather than push on and make what was already a tough day even tougher. It gave us a chance to dry things out a little and get ready for Mahoosuc Notch first thing tomorrow morning.Total Ascent:                 4,340'Total Descent:        3,570'
Date: 2007-09-02
From: Full Goose Shelter

To: Baldpate Lean-to
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: clear sky

It was another very cool morning, and we hurried to pack up and get on the trail just to warm up. After a short ascent first thing in the morning we descended to a part of the trail known as the Mahoosuc Notch. Going through took about 2 hours for the 1.1 mile section of trail, but it was more a time consuming endeavor rather than a difficult one. But I must say that on a rainy day it could be quite a challenge to make it through unscathed. After the Notch we made the tiresome climb up and over the Arm, and then down to Speck Pond, where we took a late lunch break to enjoy this very beautiful area. We then climbed to a high point near the summit of Speck Mountain, and then proceeded on a long, knee-pounding descent to Grafton Notch. We took a short break there, and then once back on the trail, we were relieved to find some more ¢normal¢ trail leading up to the Baldpate Lean-to, where we stopped for the night. Also coming in shortly after we arrived were Snack Break and Rebel. Overall, it was one great, albeit tiring, day to be on the trail.Total Ascent:        4,720'Total Descent:        4,890'
Date: 2007-09-03
From: Baldpate Lean-to

To: Andover, ME
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: clear sky

We got up early to get a fast start on the trail because we planned on going into Andover today. The sky was still clear, but the wind had increased in intensity overnight. From the lean-to, it didn¢t take us long to finish the climb up to the West Peak of Baldpate Mountain, and once there you could see the trail leading to the summit of the East Peak. A good portion of the trail leading to the summit of East Peak was exposed and crossed giant rock slabs. The gusts of wind made the steep ascent a little tougher than it was already, but the views going up were just spectacular. After enjoying the wide open views from the summit of the East Peak we slowly made our way down to the Frye Notch Lean-to, where we had a mid-morning break with Snack Break and Rebel. After that we made the short climb up Surplus Mountain and then made a long descent to B Hill Road. There we met Rescue, a ¢98 thru-hiker, who gave us a ride into Andover for groceries and a meal. We spent the night just outside of Andover at the Pine Ellis Hiking Lodge, and also there when we arrived was Saggbutt.Total Ascent:        2,810'Total Descent:        4,620'
Date: 2007-09-04
From: Andover, ME

To: South Arm Road
Miles today: 10.1

We got up early to eat breakfast because the shuttle was leaving Pine Ellis at 8:00. The morning was very cool, breezy, and mostly sunny so it looked to be a good day for hiking. Once on the trail Sagbutt zoomed ahead of us, and it was good to see the easier terrain was continuing from yesterday. We caught up to Sagbutt at the Hall Mountain Lean-to, where we took an early lunch break before making the descent to Sawyer Notch. After filling up our water bottles we made the steep climb up to the top of Moody Mountain and then dropped down to a spot near Arm Road, where we found a nice campsite that was too good to pass up for the night. Sven and Uff-da came in a little later and we sat around the campfire catching up on what had happened since we last saw them. I just hope to get many more days on the trail just like today, because you just can¢t ask for any better hiking weather and scenery than this.Total Ascent:        3,660'Total Descent:        3,710'
Date: 2007-09-05
From: South Arm Road

To: Sabbath Day Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: clear sky

It was still breezy and cold when we got up in the morning, but the skies were filled with nothing but bright sunshine. It was five months ago today that I started my AT journey on Springer. It seems as though I have been on the trail a very long time, but at the same time, the end is drawing near far too quickly.After hopping the rocks across Black Brook first thing in the morning the trail led straight up to the top of Old Blue Mountain. The climb was tough, but the views were fantastic from its summit, where we took a break to take it all in. From there the trail followed a series of ascents and descents, while crossing Bemis Mountain and The Third Peak along the way. We stopped at Bemis Mountain Shelter for lunch along with Sven and Uff-da and decided we would go on to the next shelter for the night. After another series of ascents and descents we made it to Sabbath Day Pond Lean-to late in the evening. You can hear the owls in the forest and loons out on the pond gently prodding us to sleep. I think it¢s going to be another cold night here in Maine.Total Ascent:        5,730'Total Descent:        4,850'
Date: 2007-09-06
From: Sabbath Day Pond Lean-to

To: Rangeley, ME
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: few clouds

It was very cool and cloudy again this morning. I was hoping to get some good early morning photographs of the pond, but with the cloud cover it just didn¢t happen. We got going early again, which is what we normally do when we have a planned trip into town. The thought of real food waiting at some local establishment provides all the incentive necessary to get you out of bed and flying down the trail. We stopped at about the half way point for the day at the Swift River Pond Campsite for a break with Sven and Uff-Da. It was still cloudy but the pond looked so peaceful with no one there but us to enjoy it. The rest of the trail to ME 4 was mostly downhill from there so it didn¢t take long to cover the miles. At the road crossing it took only a few minutes to get a ride into town, where we spent the afternoon eating, at the library, and getting more supplies for the next leg of our journey. After all of our ¢chores¢ were completed we called Bob of Gull Pond Lodge to pick us up for a night¢s stay there.   Also there for the night were Waygos, Gorber, and Mountain Jim.Total Ascent:        1,960'Total Descent:        2,730'
Date: 2007-09-07
From: Rangeley, ME

To: Orbeton Stream
Miles today: 13.4

We got up and had breakfast at the Gull Pond Lodge, and afterwards Bob shuttled everyone back to the ME 4 road crossing. When we got to the trailhead it was already much warmer than it had been in a while, and you could see the haze hanging in the warm sunshine. It was a very long climb up to the summit of Saddleback Mountain, and all the effort was rewarded with some great views. I spent some time on the summit as this was one of the rare occasions that the weather was good enough to linger. After that we made the climbs up to the Horn and then Saddleback Jr. before descending down to a real nice spot to set up our tents next to Oberton Stream. Also there for the night, along with Backfire and I, were Church Mouse, Byte Code, Mountain Jim, and Gorber.Total Ascent:        4,640'Total Descent:        4,530'
Date: 2007-09-08
From: Orbeton Stream

To: Crocker Cirque Tentsite
Miles today: 11.5

It stayed fairly warm overnight and the skies were mostly cloudy when we got up in the morning. After eating my usual breakfast of pop tarts and oatmeal, we hit the trail to begin the long uphill climb of Lone Mountain. The humidity was very high, and when I reached the viewless summit, I took off my shirt to wring out the sweat. Later in the morning I met up with Church Mouse and Byte Code at the Spaulding Mountain Lean-to for a long break and to get more water. Normally, I wouldn¢t need to refill my water bottle so early in the day, but with the humidity I was sweating it out as fast as I was drinking it. After leaving and making the climb up Spaulding Mountain, which didn¢t go all the way to the summit, the trail descended, at times very steeply, to the South Branch of the Carrabassett River. In the guide the crossing was listed to be a ford, but I managed to find my way across by hopping the large rocks dotted throughout the wide river. After taking a break on the other side of the river Backfire and I decided to hike on to the Crocker Cirque and camp there for the night. It didn¢t take long to get there, and we set up our tents on the wooden platforms provided. Hopefully, the rain that is predicted to move in will hold off until we get into Stratton tomorrow. Total Ascent:        3,840'Total Descent:        2,820'
Date: 2007-09-09
From: Crocker Cirque Tentsite

To: Stratton, ME
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: overcast clouds

I woke up around 4:00 am to discover a mouse in my tent and discovered it had chewed through the mesh netting on the tent and into my food bag. I was able to get it out by opening the door and forcing it outside. Then I stuffed my bandanna into the hole to keep it from getting back inside, but 20 minutes later I had to go through the same process again to get it out of my tent. This time I got up and put duct tape over the hole and didn¢t have any more problems. Of course I didn¢t go back to sleep waiting for the little bastards to return. It was a cool and crisp morning when I finally drug myself out of my sleeping bag, but just as we were about to hit the trail the fog and clouds rolled in. After making the viewless climbs over the North and South peaks of Crocker Mountain, we made the long descent into Stratton for the night. It wasn¢t long after we hitched into town that it started raining and continued to rain throughout the remainder of the day. It looks like it could rain here all night. Also staying at the Stratton Hostel and Motel for the night are Spock, Sven, Uff-Da, Gorber, Flying Turtle, and Backyard Boogie.Total Ascent:        2,020'Total Descent:        3,270'
Date: 2007-09-10
From: Stratton, ME

To: Horns Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 5.1
Weather: overcast clouds

It had rained most of the night and was still misting in the morning. Never being ones to leave town in a hurry under good conditions, we decided to stick around until about noon to give the weather a chance to clear up before returning to the trail. After eating some lunch we hitched a ride back to the trailhead and began the all too familiar ritual of making the big climb going out of town. We took our time going up, and although the trail was steep at times, it was a decent climb up to the Horns Pond Lean-to. Even though it meant a short day on the trail we decided to stop here for the night. Also coming in later in the evening was Riggy, who we have not seen since leaving Vermont.Total Ascent:           2,400'Total Descent:           630'
Date: 2007-09-11
From: Horns Pond Lean-to

To: Little Bigelow Lean-to
Miles today: 10.2
Weather: light rain

You could tell there would be no views when we woke up today. It was cool and foggy outside with a light mist in the air. We hit the trail after eating breakfast, and it didn¢t take us long to finish the climb up to the summit of South Horn. When we were on its exposed summit, the wind was howling and the light rain was blowing sideways. Needless to say we didn¢t linger to enjoy any views, but rather, descended as quickly as we could to get below treeline. The weather was much the same going over Avery and a little worse on the West Peak of Bigelow. From there we made a long descent to Safford Notch and then ascended once more to follow the ridge of little Bigelow. Eventually we made the long descent to the Little Bigelow Lean-to, where we decided to stay for the night. Riggy also came in a little later and Philmont rolled in just after everyone had settled in their sleeping bags for the night.Total Ascent:        1,930'Total Descent:        2,750'
Date: 2007-09-12
From: Little Bigelow Lean-to

To: Pierce Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: broken clouds

We woke up to the sound of rain pounding on the roof of the shelter early in the morning, and after having hiked in the rain all day yesterday, nobody was in any hurry to venture out of the dry shelter. Eventually, the rain did stop and the skies began to clear. Soon after that we were back on the trail, albeit a little later than normal. The trail stayed in the woods most of the day, but we did pass by some beautiful ponds. Unfortunately, the wind was really gusty making the breeze seem quite chilly as we walked by the ponds. Shortly after eating lunch at the West Carry Pond Lean-to the skies began to clear in earnest, and coupled with the cool temperatures, it made for perfect hiking conditions on the trail. We put in a long day of hiking, and late in the afternoon, we stopped at Pierce Pond Lean-to for the night. It would have been such a beautiful place to stay had it not been for the cold breeze blowing off the pond and directly into the shelter. Also in for the night are Little Foot and Dragon, a mother-son team hiking the AT all the way from Virginia.Total Ascent:        3,550'Total Descent:        2,620'
Date: 2007-09-13
From: Pierce Pond Lean-to

To: Caratunk, ME
Miles today: 4.0

We got up early to be at Harrison¢s Pierce Pond Camp at 7:00 am for the pancake breakfast we heard so much about. It certainly was worth the short hike off the trail to get there as Dragon, Little Foot, Backfire and I were served up a fantastic meal. After eating we made the hike out to the Kennebec River where we were ferried across by canoe. After reaching the other side we followed the road to the Rivers and Trails Store to pick up enough supplies for the next leg of our journey, and then we were shuttled to Northern Outdoors, where we got a room for the night. This evening my stomach is feeling very upset, so much so that I ate very little for dinner. Hopefully, it¢s just a passing thing, and I¢ll feel much better tomorrow.Total Ascent:        230'Total Descent:        850'
Date: 2007-09-14
From: Caratunk, ME

To: Bald Mountain Brook Lean-To
Miles today: 14.7

We got up early in the morning and had breakfast in the Northern Outdoors Restaurant. My stomach still was not feeling right so I was uncertain as to whether I should hike or zero the way I was feeling. I knew from past experience there were times I should have zeroed when not feeling 100%, but with it being such a beautiful morning, I couldn¢t justify not pushing on. We tried hitching back to the trailhead, but for the first time on the trip we were unsuccessful. Consequently, we followed the road as it followed the bends of the Kennebec River back to the trailhead. It was such a beautiful day to be out on the trail, and I was happy with my decision to push on and not be stuck back in a hotel room. From the road crossing the trail followed a long gradual uphill climb to Pleasant Pond Shelter, where I took a break for lunch. Spock showed up just as I was about to leave, so I stayed to talk with him a little before leaving. After leaving the shelter I made the climb up to the summit of Pleasant Mountain, where there were many good views on top and on the way down to the inlet of Moxie Pond. From there I rock hopped across the stream and made the uphill climb to Bald Mountain Brook Lean-to for the night. Also here for the night are Little Foot and her son, Dragon.Total Ascent:        3,550'Total Descent:        2,620'
Date: 2007-09-15
From: Bald Mountain Brook Lean-To

To: Horseshoe Canyon Lean-to
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: light rain

It¢s never very encouraging to wake up during the night and hear rain pounding on the roof of the shelter, but it was expected. As is usually the case when it is raining, we were in no rush to leave the shelter, but eventually you have to make the plunge and start hiking. Fortunately, the temperature held fairly steady overnight making for a more pleasant start to the day. When we got up to the intersection with the Moxie Bald Summit By-Pass we decided to follow it rather than contend with what was sure to be some very slippery going over the rock slabs in the rain. As it turned out the by-pass route was slippery enough. After making the descent from Moxie Bald the day turned into nothing more than walking in the rain and two stream crossings to contend with. The stream crossing turned out to be no problem, and walking in the rain really isn¢t that bad once you are out in it. It¢s just making that initial push to get out into it that is difficult. We got to the Horseshoe Canyon Lean-to later in the afternoon, and considered going on to Monson, but with the likelihood of lodging being unavailable with a late arrival, we decided to stay put for the night. Also here for the night are Little Foot and Dragon.Total Ascent:        2,010'Total Descent:        2,410'
Date: 2007-09-16
From: Horseshoe Canyon Lean-to

To: Monson, ME
Miles today: 9.2
Weather: scattered clouds

It was definitely the coldest night we have had since last spring, which made it difficult getting out of my sleeping bag this morning. I wasn¢t feeling too well when I got up, but once out on the trail I felt better as it turned into a great day for hiking. I found some trail magic just after crossing the East Branch of the Piscataquis River and took a break there to enjoy an orange and a soda. The rest of the day¢s hike involved nothing more than crossing a couple of hills before reaching ME 15, where I hitched a ride into Monson.   I went straight for the hiker feed that had been advertised, but of course, they were shutting it down when I got there. It seems as though that is how it has worked out for me on this entire trip. After that I walked over to Shaw¢s, where Backfire had already arranged for us to get beds in the bunk room. Also here tonight are Tennessee Jed, Sven, Uff-Da, Philmont, and Brisk.Total Ascent:        1,650'Total Descent:        1,720'
Date: 2007-09-17
From: Monson, ME

To: Monson, ME
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

It¢s been an incredible day here in Monson, both in terms of weather and this being such a great trail town. Not that Monson has everything you could possibly want as a thru-hiker, but it¢s just a beautiful and peaceful place to reflect on what you have accomplished and what remains as the journey draws to an end. This was a planned zero today so we could rest up for the final push to Katahdin and prepare for the 100 Mile Wilderness ahead. We bought food for the final leg when we were in Gorham, NH and mailed the package ahead to Monson from there. I spent a lot of time today packing up my food and cleaning up my gear in preparation for entering the 100 Mile Wilderness. Though, I am a little concerned about my trail shoes and if they will make the distance. Luckily, I found some Shoe Goo in the hiker¢s box to ¢patch¢ them up a little, and at this point, all I can do is hope they last until the end. Shaw¢s is a great place to stay and probably one of the best on the entire trail. They served up a chicken pot pie meal tonight that was just out of this world. One last breakfast tomorrow morning and then it¢s back to the usual trail meals, and believe me, trail food is one thing I definitely will NOT miss after finishing!
Date: 2007-09-18
From: Monson, ME

To: Long Pond Stream Lean-to
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: clear sky

We had another fantastic meal at Shaw¢s before being shuttled back to the trail. When Sue dropped us off at the trailhead I was so pumped up about going into the 100 Mile Wilderness that I immediately started hiking but in the wrong direction. It¢s a good thing Backfire was there to point me in the right direction, because who knows how far I would have gone before noticing my mistake. We got off to a good start with real good trail conditions all the way up to the Leeman Brook Lean-to, but after leaving there we slowed down considerably because of all the rocks and roots strewn over the trail. We had to ford Wilson Stream, and it was over my knees at the deepest part. I just went slowly and carefully so as not to fall on the slippery boulders lining the river¢s bottom. After crossing the river the hiking was really tedious all the way to the Long Pond Stream Lean-to, where we decided to stay for the night. Just before arriving we entered the 100 Mile Wilderness and dipped below 100 miles to reach Katahdin. Today was such a beautiful day, and hopefully, will remain so for the rest of the trip. No one else came in tonight, so we have the shelter all to ourselves.Total Ascent:        3,440'Total Descent:        3,630'