morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2017-08-12
From: Jo-Mary Road

To: Mahar Tote Road
Miles today: 10.3

I was on the trail at 6 am. Terminator was still asleep in his tent when I headed out. The terrain was mostly flat but did have sections with a lot of rocks and/or roots. I passed the Antlers Campsite at 4 miles that Poet at Shaw's said was one of his favorite places. It was a large mostly open camping area sloping down to the shore of Lower Jo-Mary Lake. I continued on and reached the Mahar Tote Trail about 10:15 am. From here it was 0.3 miles to the dock on Pemadumcook Lake, the fifth largest lake in Maine, where White House Landing is located. I laid out on the dock and waited for Terminator who got there about 20 minutes later. We called Bill at White House Landing and he came and picked us up in his aluminum boat with a 25 hp Yamaha. We were at the fishing camp in 10 minutes. Bill and his wife, Linda, run the camp. It was a picture postcard setting...absolutely beautiful. They reopened in 2016 after being closed for two years. They live at the camp year-round. The lake freezes over in the winter. They get snowmobilers and ice fishermen in the winter and have a spring fishing season for trout and lake bound salmon, but hikers are the base of their business. We had a one room cabin with a great view of the lake. Linda's zucchini bread made with fresh zucchini from their garden and blueberries picked on site was delicious! For dinner I had a hamburger. Earlier in the afternoon Betty from the next camp over dropped by and told us they had too much food and invited us to come over. We visited with Steve and Betty and Tom, LeeAnne, Tommy and Meagan, all from NH for an hour and a half. They treated us to chips and salsa and a couple of PBRs. Betty packed us a bag with biscuits, cinnamon rolls, and fresh plums for our hike tomorrow. More unexpected Trail Magic! I am looking forward to breakfast tomorrow morning which consists of eggs, bacon, AYCE blueberry pancakes, orange juice, and coffee. More hiker fuel for the next 2 days and 40 miles to get to Mt. Katahdin. It is hard to believe the journey will be over in 3 days. Tomorrow will be our last night to camp out on the trail.
Date: 2017-08-13
From: Mahar Tote Road

To: Rainbow Spring Campsite 
Miles today: 19.4

We had a nice breakfast at White House Landing, then Bill us took back across the lake in his boat and dropped us at the dock on the other side. We were back on the AT at 8:45 am hiking north. We planned to hike 19 miles to the Rainbow Spring Campsite. We had a 800' climb over Nesuntabunt Mountain before lunch. I enjoyed the Trail Magic goodies for lunch that Betty from NH had given us yesterday. The trail was pretty flat other than that although there were a lot of rocks, roots, and mud. We passed a couple of viewpoints where you can normally see Mt. Katahdin, but it was too cloudy today to get a good view. In the afternoon, we walked along Rainbow Stream Cascades, a series of scenic sluices and cascading falls. We reached the campsite around 6 pm. I put my hammock up for the final time on this trip. Tomorrow night we will be at AT Lodge in Millinocket. We have 11 miles to Abol Bridge in the morning and then enter Baxter State Park. From there we have 10 more miles to Katahdin Stream Campsite where the shuttle to the AT Lodge will meet us at 6 pm. Almost there!
Date: 2017-08-14
From: Rainbow Sprimg Campsite 

To: Katahdin Stream Campground 
Miles today: 21.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Terminator and I were on the trail at 6:15 am. We did the 11 miles to Abol Bridge, arriving at 10:30 am and exiting the 100 Mile Wilderness. We stopped in the store there and grabbed a sandwich for an early lunch. A trail steward was there and told us what we needed to do to enter Baxter State Park. We entered the park around 11:45 am and registered. We did the remaining 10 miles and reached the ranger station at Katahdin Steam Campground at 3:30 pm. We got our permits for going up Mt. Katahdin tomorrow. Several hikers we knew had summited Katahdin today and had just come down. We congratulated them and got their advice on which trail to come down on. Everyone goes up the Hunt Trail because this is the AT but there are a couple of different ways to come down. The shuttle from the AT Lodge picked us up at 5 pm and took us into Millionocket. We got showers, started our laundry, and went to the Scootic Restaurant across the street. Again we saw several hikers who had summited Katahdin today and congratulated them. All were in a celebratory mood. Most are heading home tomorrow so there were a lot of parting good-bye hugs and fist bumps. Tomorrow it will be our turn. One big mountain with a 4000' climb and 5.2 miles to go!
Date: 2017-08-15
From: Katahdin Stream Campground 

To: Baxter Peak, Mt. Katahdin 
Miles today: 5.2
Weather: light rain

I was at the AT Cafe at 5 am for breakfast. I had the hiker special - 2 eggs, 2 bacon, 2 sausage, 2 blueberry pancakes, potatoes, and coffee...hiker fuel I would need today. I also ordered a hiker lunch to eat on Katahdin. Ole Man (Paul) from the AT Lodge took us back into Baxter State Park at 6:30 am and dropped us at the Katahdin Stream Campground ranger station. Terminator and I gave each other a fist bump, said "let's do this" and "Vaya Con Dios", and hit the Hunt Trail at 7:30 am. The trail started easy but quickly steepened as we began the 4200' ascent over the 5.2 miles to the top. We had clear skies as we headed up. The first third was rocky and rooty below the tree-line, the second third was climbing boulders above the tree line, and the final third was flatter but boulder hopping similar to in the Whites. It took us 3 hours to do the 5.2 miles to the 5267' summit. We got there at 10:30 am and took pictures at the summit sign. The viewing conditions really change quickly on the summit. One minute it would be clear and a few minutes later a cloud would roll in and obscure the view. I took a few pictures from the top including Knifes Edge, another trail off Katahdin. We started heading down and had our lunch just before climbing down the exposed boulders. We made it back to the bottom of the mountain at 2 pm. I didn't feel that tired after the steep ascent and steep descent over the combined 10.4 miles. Terminator and I both thought we were running on adrenaline. We got a hitch back into Millinocket with the first car we asked. On the hour long ride into Millinocket is when it hit us and we felt tired. We were back at the AT Lodge at 3:30 pm. After getting cleaned up we headed to Angelo's for our celebratory dinner. It feels great to have accomplished a lifetime dream. It will take a few days for this to sink in. In the meantime, I want to thank everyone again for their support, encouragement, and prayers, especially my wife, Kim, without whose support I could never had done this. Volunteer out.
Date: 2016-01-13
From: Internet

To: Internet
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Good morning readers. As we are finalizing the trip, one speed bump has popped up. Our support driver has had to take the year off due to health. Very unfortunate, he is expected to recover though. That leaves us looking for someone to join the team. Feel free to contact me for further details. It is an afventure of a life time.
Date: 2016-03-14
From: The Border

To: Mile 13
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: overcast clouds

The drive out to Crazy Cooke is tough. Not recommended unless you have a 4x4 that you dont mind getting beat up. Flat easy walking through the scrub brush. A good portion is through washes. Not a bad way to start. We passed a few people, odd to see so early on. We make camp and enjoy a beautiful night sky. No cell reception to update water report.
Date: 2016-03-16
From: Desert

To: Water Tank
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: broken clouds

Well i roll into camp about dark everyday. Cowgirl is usually 2 hours ahead of me or more. Shes a champion. Im exhausted and beat. Build my home amd lay down. Bam#! Insomnia. Havent slept good since i hit the trail. Hopefully itll get better as the trek continues.
Date: 2016-03-17
From: Water Tank

To: Desert
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: overcast clouds

The trail so far has been mostly cross country on a very wandering course. Usually well marked, a welcome surprise. A good portion has been on jeep roads lately. Im a big fan of this. As my nights are listless, i get to enjoy some beautiful star gazing. Time to learn some constellations. Cell reception today! I let the world know im alive. And updated the water report.
Date: 2016-03-18
From: Desert

To: Base Camp
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: few clouds

Animal sightings: Javelinas, monstrous jack rabbits, deer, horses, cows, and 2 coyotes. No snakes. Today we head to town to meet Uncle Sparky at basecamp. Shower and steak!! Charge everything, clean clothes. Update these things. Which, i will try to do better on. Photos are up on my facebook adventure page.
Date: 2016-03-19
From: Base Camp

To: Camp
Miles today: 22.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Back on the trail today. Feeling very refreshed. Nothing a hot shower and a hot meal cant fix. We got a late start but no worries, just enjoying being out here. We had Sparky slack us for a few miles then it was time to load up. As we are front runners, we find where there is and isnt water. 5 liters coming out of town! Soooooo heavy. Finally we left the desert wastelands. Scrub tree forest and mountains. Definitely more my style. We met a cyclist doing here own long distance course. Fantastic. A quick trip around an abandon mine. Always fun, no treasure to be had though. Cruised to day for our longest day yet. Looking forward to more of it.
Date: 2016-03-22
From: Camp

To: Camp
Miles today: 22.0

Showered, shaved, and fed it was time to leave town. Sparky drove us to the trail. What will it have instore for us today. Turns out road walking. Half the day atleast. The miles do go fast that way. We met a local man named Glen. Topped off our water and expressed how he wants to do the trail. I wish him the best of luck. After our roads ran out , we found a new kind of landscape. Pines, mountains, shade, and some elevation gain. The views up top of the red orange rock outcroppings glowing in the sun. Magnificent! This is what you want. Conversation was light today. Mainly huffing and puffing with the occasional over here. My mind counting down till lunch or break or dinner. Anything! Cowgirl is a machine! No breaks. Onwards and upwards. I made us Taco Pie for the next couple of days. My taste buds going wild in anticipation! The last part of the day is a climb, big climb. Goes slower than expected and we stop short of thw summit. We find a nice clearing and set camp. Lots of wind. Delicious dinner with music. This is Freedom! Look at that full moon and the stars gleaming! I wish everyone had this experience.
Date: 2016-03-23
From: Camp

To: River
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: scattered clouds

A brisk morning! Clean, crisp air. Birds chirpping. The earth crunching underneath our footsteps. We finish our climb, running into a couple patches of snow. Pop in some music for the decent and we're off. Cruising along to the river. That's where it stops. Oh CDT you cruel mistress! Basically we have to ford the river for the next 12 miles. Slowwwww progress. We managed to cross deep and swift currents without either one of us taking a plunge! Success! We find a nice sunny spot a couple hours before sundown and set up camp. Really our stuff will only stay dry for a few minutes tomorrow. Feels good for now though. With that mostly done, I imagine we will be more diligent about the route we choose.
Date: 2016-03-24
From: River

To: Doc Campbells
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Holy Biscuits it's cold!! 18° Guess whos shoes and socks are rock solid. We wait till the sun is up and shining. Put everything on and go. Bam! 400ft later first river crossing. Hip deep, cold as ice, and flowing like it's late for work. Now we are really awake. Run for the sun and keep moving. No hypothermia for us. Lets continue the rest of the day splashing across the river. All said we had 52 river crossings over two days. Goodbye dry feet. Ohh I am sure i broke physics. The amount of sand and gravel in my shoes is amazing! This must be simular too weighted dive boots. Someone is going to have some sculpted legs. We make our way out of the canyon to the highway. Rolling in to Doc Campbells and there is Sparky! Cool drinks, chow, and resupply. Front door service, this man is top notch. We use the ol internet updating everything, charge our electronics and hit the trail. A few more miles and our first bit of night hiking. Our camp is on a lookout, the morning view should be incredible.
Date: 2016-03-25
From: Doc Campbells

To: High Route
Miles today: 20.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Water was frozen this morning! I'll say this, I may complain about my bag, but it has kept me toasty. The moon last night was as bright as a spotlight. We camped on a bluff and it lit up the valley in an amazing glow. was a bit interesting navigationally. The Guthook app is lacking when an alternate is selected. No notes, profile is incorrect, miles to markers is not reflected. So there was a couple ups and downs that werent expected. Trail was busy today. Ran in to 5 people! Most backpackers, but a couple had a string of ponies. We chatted them up, me hoping for a cool beverage, but to no avail. We found a nice camp spot down by the river. Saving our crossing for the morning. That'll wake you up.
Date: 2016-03-26
From: High Route

To: Mesa
Miles today: 23.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Everything is frozen. A layer of frost on my gear. We wait for the sun to warm up a bit. Two minutes later we are knee deep one last time in the river. Brrrrrr. We climb up and up out of the canyon. We hit Aeroplane Mesa. A flatish mesa with a path to follow. The wind is blowing! A fight for every step forward. Almost as bad as walking up the river. Finally we come down to a drive up camping area. There's a few vehicles, but no people around. We cruise on down hill and hit the road. We follow it for a handful of miles before it takes back to the mountains. "Follow a stream bed" says thw guide. Terrible rodent infested land, just waiting to kill an ankle. Luckily, it's short lived. Back to the road and walking till dark. Our longest day yet.
Date: 2016-03-27
From: Mesa

To: Easter
Miles today: 20.5
Weather: light rain

Happy Easter!! No eggs here, but plenty of spirit. We camped on the wrong side of the road, so sunshine is not quick to come. We hit the road, where we spend mucj of the day. I plug in the headphones and set it to cruise. The miles just melt bye. We stop on the side to filter some water and have a snack. Joe, a shed hunter heading home, stops and asks if we need anything. Drinks and snacks are always welcome! Always. He opens his camper and loads up with crackers, oat bars, peanut butter, and Cowgirls favorite, Dr. Pepper. Thanks Joe!! Lack of water. We end the road walk and head back into the mountains. We set up camp at the base of a big climb for tomorrow.
Date: 2016-03-28
From: Easter

To: Base Camp
Miles today: 16.2
Weather: light rain

Up fairly early. We picked a much better spot. The sun hitting us bright and early. We trudge up the mountain. Then there is a slight wander phase. The trail completely disappears. We pick it up after a while and keep at it. Sparky is only a few hours away. Clean clothes, hot shower, and food. One more big up, then down all the way. The North slope has some snow crossings. Watch the videos on Cowgirls page. Down amd down. We parallel the hwy till we find camp. Beers and my personal favorite Chairs!!
Date: 2016-03-29
From: Base Camp

To: Snow
Miles today: 23.6

It felt good to be showered and warm. We didnt leave till almost 11. The wind was high again. Stealing what little heat the sun was putting out. All dirt roads today. They did go through some scenic areas. We climbed high today! Snow everywhere, of course bone chilling wind. All the water sources had water. Magnas mountain was a monster, and we conquered it! We pushed today so we have a shorter walk into town. Then hopefully a day off and wifi so i can load all these and the photos! It looks like rain, so i pitched my GoLite poncho tarp. Let's hope it only sprinkles if it does rain.
Date: 2016-03-30
From: Snow

To: Pie Town
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: clear sky

Another cold one. We talk to the locals, 19 degrees! Glad we were inside. After some breakfast we head out. Sparky drops us off about 17 miles out. Its all road from here to Grants, so we are taking advantage of it. Turn the music and we go. We walk by a couple of old buildings that are neat. The rest of the place is private ranches with all kinds of keep out and piss off signs. With the notable exception at mile 15 is a Trail Angel that offers water and camping. Back to walking. Miles are flying and we are holding a good pace. Theres a dozen or so cars pass us. All doing about 55mph and never slowing. Thanks you inconsiderate hillbillies. Just before town we run into the owners from the pie place. They stop and say hello. Very nice people. Then we see Sparky! Back to base camp. Showers, beer, Ham Dinner!! Life is good out here. The forecast is snow and madness for the next few days. That will determine how much we do. The morning we will see how it looks.
Date: 2016-03-31
From: Snow

To: Pie Town
Miles today: 16.6
Weather: overcast clouds

So it did not rain last night, but it did hail and snow. Ill take it, easier to stay dry. We hop on the road and head to town. The wind blowing and chilling you straight to the bone. The snow comes and goes. Eventually towards the end of the day it starts to clear and the wind dies down a bit. Sparky meets us a couple miles before town and grabs our packs. We slack into Pie Town. A run down mess of buildings and trailers. There ia two places to grab pie. Its decent but nothing i would call close to world's best. Back at base camp its showers, movies, and beers.
Date: 2016-04-01
From: Snow

To: Arches
Miles today: 24.0
Weather: light rain

Lucky lucky! No winter storm, but somewhere around day 9 of below freezing temps. Sparky made breakfast and dropped us on trail. He also tore down camp and took care of everything. Holding the whole thing together. Road walking. Sun, snow, rain!! We got it all today. Took the barky for the first 15. One wore out pup. More road walk. Hurts my legs and feet. Saw a giant herd of elk. Finally made it to camp. Glad to shower, eat, and sleep indoors. Warm and clean. Supported is fantastic.
Date: 2016-04-02
From: Arches

To: Lava Land
Miles today: 24.0
Weather: light rain

Well good morning. We definitely slept in today. Uncle Sparky dropped us off on the highway where we will be all day. Down thw road we go. Lava on the left, sandstone cliffs on the right. Slack packs holding us to the ground. Warm sunshine and a cool breeze make this the first good weather day in over a week. Miles go by quick. I pull into Arches and take a break. CG still moving on. I head back out music going. I pull out my harmonica and try to play along. Still need just a bit more practice. No animals today, just thw cars whizzing by. Some at 45mph and others at 90mph. Oh traffic. I come to the Ranger Station and talk to Paul. He has a wealth of knowledge, both for hiking, water, and camping. Stop in and say hi to him. Back on the road im a couple hours behind CG. Guess ill see her at the pick-up point. I finally have cell service! Time to update everything and everyone. I talk to Darwin and Snuggles, friends from the AT. They are coming out to do some trail magic!! Fantastic!! Going to be a great day. Finally i roll into I40. Feet sore and blistered. Stupid weak, soft legs. They need to get it together already. Off to base camp for dinner and showers. Ahh what a way to hike.
Date: 2016-04-03
From: Lava Land

To: Grants
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: clear sky

Alright, a short day. All road walk and a good part of it through town. I was able to make contact with some friwnds from the AT, Darwin and Snuggles. They are coming out to do a bit of trail magic. Yes!! Just as we start walking for the day we witness a police chase down the freeway. That's somwthing new on thw trail. We make it half way through town, when D&S show up. Food, beer, and other goodies! These two are amazing! We finish up and evwryone heads back to base camp. Food, drinks, stories, and some music by Darwin. What a fantastic time!! Wish they could have stayed longer, but work must be done. Thanks again for coming our guys.
Date: 2016-04-04
From: Grants

To: Zero Day
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Sleep! And lots of it. Followed by a long, hot shower. We resupply, clean gear, laundry, and use plenty of internet. Busy, but relaxed. Finally got my mail taken, and it feels good to have that off my mind. Going to eat some delicious food and just kick back. A day off spent well. Enjoy everyone.
Date: 2016-04-05
From: Zero Day

To: Snow Camp
Miles today: 20.1

Back on the real trail today. Slack pack heaven over. Naturally, we start with a sun baked climb. Heading up and up towards the heavens. We roll by Mt Taylor and decide to skip the summit. That's ok, we are still close to 10,000 ft and snow everywhere. Atleast waist deep, judging by all the post holing we did. Talk around camp is we may need to look at the cold weather gear we have. Snowshoes could be a real possibility. Just before camp we fill up with water. All full we leave. Oh, there's a gate, just open it. Nope! Damn thing is wired so tight we cant free it. Under the fence we go. Oh CDT and your shenanigans. So we roll into camp wet and cold. Set up and boom! Good night
Date: 2016-04-06
From: Snow Camp

To: Los Indios Spring
Miles today: 25.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Gooood morning! Only got down to freezing last night. Warmer than usual. We pack up and get going. All the snow has frozen so we can just walk on top of it all. Very nice. All we do is lose elevation today. The sun is out shining and only a bit breezy. Wonderful. Half the day is road walking. Easy. Towards the end, a few guys pull up in a truck. What do they have you ask? Beer! So we bask in the sun with an ice cold brew each. Life is good. We fish a full days water ration out of the canyon. Tomorrow looks thirsty. We find camp, have hot chocolate and call it a day. New biggest day!
Date: 2016-04-07
From: Los Indios Spring

To: Cliff Ridge
Miles today: 23.3

Woke up this morning to the sounds of wild turkeys. The sun finally broke through the branches and we rose. Time to walk. We head through the scrub and pines. We hit an opening and the whole valley is before us. A quick 2,000 ft drop later and we're on the valley floor. Sand, canyons, arroyos... Back to that desertesque landscape and water shortages. The ground, rocks, and walls have all been shaped and formed by the wind and rain. Strange yet facisnating forms are left behind. Enjoy the pics. Im worried about flash floods down here. Oh the trail never lets ya have it too easy. Eventually we are on top again. Now I hope my poncho house keeps me dry ish and maybe, just maybe we wont drown tonight.
Date: 2016-04-08
From: Cliff Ridge

To: Trail Surprise
Miles today: 19.1
Weather: broken clouds

Got camp packed up just as it started to rain. Being all ridge walk today, it just blows in youe face. Fun times. After a couple hours thw rain abides and the sun even peeks out. The wind dies down and we are ablw to walk in a nice overcast. The smell of fressh rain in the air. Water is scare today, so we have to make every drop count. We hit a cache! Poue and go is the best! Thanks Cryatal! Back to it. Miles later the last water before town. We fill up and have a break. Time to roll. Today we push so we have a short day tomorrow. We can see cars ahead. Odd. At the road who meets us? Sunbear, Red, Canadia, and Reds Mom!! Trail Magic Surprise!! We laugh, hug, share stories. Eventually we come to town and meet Sparky. What a crew and what a night!