morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-05-31
From: White Mountains Lodge and Hostel

To: Rattle River Shelter
Miles today: 21.0

Woke up to an amazing breakfast that Marni had made for us. We all took our time and didn't leave the house until 08:20. Marni drove us back to Pinkham Notch where we had left off. It was almost 08:40 when we started hiking. It was about 52 degrees and raining. It stayed like that all day long. Except when we were on Wildcat ridge over 4000 feet up. Then it was about 45 and raining and windy. We couldn't stop to break at all for fear of hypothermia. Extremities hurt it was so cold but they still had feeling in them so we were safe, just not comfortable. Going up and down the 5 Wildcats was extremely hard with extremely steep ascents and descents with slippery rocks the entire time. It took us until past noon just to get to Carter Notch Hut which was only 5.8 miles into the day. It was going to be closed for the night due to the summer staff moving in. We had no choice but to press on. The trail was underwater on the ridges and it was a brook on the ascents and descents. Keeping dry was not an option. Even the wooden planks to keep you dry in boggy areas were a foot underwater. We got to Imp Shelter at 16:30 and I wanted to stay and call it quits with all my heart. I was shivering or the past couple hours, my knees are still screaming in pain from all the rough descents, and my extremities were now starting to lose feeling. If I stayed at Imp Shelter then I would have to hike even further the next day in soggy boots and my feet were already starting to get rubbed raw from not being able to dry out. I figured it would be safer to hike 8 more miles to the Hostel to possibly prevent trench foot. Twiggs could not. He was starting to experience hypothermic symptoms and had to stay. He changed into dry clothes (wet clothes in his pack but somewhat more dry than hat he had on) and had to set up his tent and get inside his sleeping bag to try to warm his core back up. I wanted to stay but I had to focus on myself. 0311 and I pushed the extra 8 miles. We got to Rattle River just before dark and didn't even stop. We decided to go the extra 2 miles to the hostel again. Got in as it was getting dark but I've never been so grateful for a hot shower and dry clothes in my entire life.
Date: 2015-06-02
From: marni's

To: Gentian Pond Shelter
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: light rain

Today Twiggs and I left out very late at after 12:00. We figured we were only planning on 11 miles so no need to rush. The first three miles were fairly easy but as soon as we hit the Mahoosuc Trail we were bombarded with blow downs. It was absurd. It was also raining so the blown over pines collected all that water on their needles and had us completely soaked. It took us almost over 7 hours to go 11.5 miles. Got into Gentian around 19:30 and was surprised with a full house. Not many hikers are out here in the cold rainy weather but there was a group of about 9 at the shelter. Planning on 15 tomorrow to Speck Pond
Date: 2015-06-03
From: Gentian Pond Shelter

To: Speck Pond Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Crossed our 13th and final border today into Maine. It was only 4 miles out but took us until 10:30 to get there. The Mahoosucs are living up to their name so far. Took some pictures, grabbed a snack then got going again. I pulled ahead of Twiggs and didn't see him again until this evening. The Sun came out today finally! The hike to Mahoosuc notch was pretty tough but it was only 15:00 and I only had 3.6 miles left until the Shelter. Mahoosuc Notch is known as "The most difficult or fun mile of the AT". It's a huge boulder field spread over a mile long through the Mahoosuc Notch. It consisted of snow, ice, massive boulders, tight squeezes, caves, and brooks. It took me an hour and a half to complete but I did enjoy doing it! After that I climbed up Mahoosuc's Arm and is easily one of the most challenging climbs of the trail yet, at least when it's wet and slippery. I got into Speck Pond at 18:00 and it's beautiful. The shelter is right on Speck Pond, with a really nice bench area down by the pond. Planning on a 21 mile day tomorrow.
Date: 2015-06-04
From: Speck Pond Shelter

To: Pine Ellis Hostel
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Maine is by far, hands down the hardest part of the trail. With that being said it's absolutely gorgeous. I got a jump on Twiggs this morning and made my way down toward Grafton Notch. I saw that 0311 was only about an hour ahead of me so I kept moving in hopes to catch him. The blowdowns today before and after Fry Notch Shelter were insane. I was once again bush wacking more than I was on the trail. I got to East Bill Rd at about 15:30 and had no gas left. The extra 6 miles sounded impossible. I waited for 2 hours to get a hitch into Andover. This town had one store. Not very big town but at least I had a bed to stay in for the night.
Date: 2015-06-05
From: Pine Ellis Hostel

To: Bemis Mountain Lean-to
Miles today: 19.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Downed a tasty cake, cup of coffee, and oatmeal this morning before getting a ride back to the trail at 06:30. Had a mile and half of really bad blowdowns to start the day off but then it cleared up a good bit. We made it over Moody Mtn and Old Blue and had to ford two streams. We got the hardest part of the day out of the way by 3:00 and it felt good to be making decent time again. The last 5 miles here to the shelter, I pulled a bit ahead of Twiggs and got in just after 17:00. A SoBo here at the shelter told me that the 18 miles into Rangely is easy and nice trail so I'm excited to get in early tomorrow!
Date: 2015-06-06
From: Bemis Mountain Lean-to

To: Rangely, ME
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Well the trail wasn't as easy as Hollywood told me it was going to be. There were still some blowdowns and steep wet trail but I was actually able to keep somewhat of a pace. 0311 and Twiggs both got in before me because 0311 was at a shelter 8 miles ahead of me and Twiggs was about 6. Nonetheless, I made it to the road crossing by 13:45 and the owner of the farmhouse hostel, Shane, picked me up. I went into Rangely to do a 4 day re supply to get me to Monson where I will receive my last dropbox. Then I decided to stay the night at Shane's hostel so I could get a shower and do my laundry. 0311 and I are staying here for the night enjoying the hostel's awesome movie collection!
Date: 2015-06-07
From: Rangely, ME

To: Spaulding Mountain Lean-to
Miles today: 19.7
Weather: light rain

0311 and I got a late start this morning. We took advantage of the coffee maker and bagels left in the hiker fridge. Ate a big breakfast and got back on the trail at about 10:00. Right away we had a 5.8 mile climb to the top of Saddleback Mtn. It went by pretty quick and wasn't as challenging a climb as I was expecting. Saddleback was exposed and 360 degree views. Good weather today and beautiful hiking over the Saddleback, The Horn, and Saddleback Jr. We made pretty good time into camp here at Spaulding Mtn just after 18:00. SoBo here and took a zero here and had a fire going. Nice to enjoy the fire it's actually pretty cold tonight. Going to Horns Pond Lean-to tomorrow. Supposed to be rainy all day I just hope the blowdowns aren't bad.
Date: 2015-06-08
From: Spaulding Mountain Lean-to

To: Horns Pond Lean-tos
Miles today: 18.6

Slept in this morning and I slept through everyone else getting up and leaving. Was a chilly and rainy morning this morning with no visibility which was a shame because we went over Sugarloaf and the Crockers. Hiking in the cold and rain is never fun and I really try to avoid it as much as possible but I am anxious to finish out my hike so I will hike through it. I realized today that I did not buy enough food at the store to last me to Monson so I need to get there possibly a day early if at all possible. About 12 miles in today we came to the 2000 mile marker. It felt great and boosted our morale on such a cold and soggy day.Got into camp early here at Horns Pond and looks like 0311, Twiggs, and myself will be the only hikers here tonight.
Date: 2015-06-09
From: Horns Pond Lean-tos

To: Pierce Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 28.0

0311 and I left out earlier than Twiggs this morning. It was raining when we woke up and lasted all day. Despite the rain and flooded, root ridden, rock covered trail, 0311 and I made good time to West Carry Pond Lean-to. I wanted more than anything to stop there for the day. I was soaked to the bone, being eaten alive, and exhausted. It was 10 more miles to Pierce Pond and it was the last thing I wanted to do. I am low on food and have barely enough to get me to Monson so I pushed the extra 10. I got to camp and unpacked my bag and somehow even with a trash bag liner, my down sleeping bag was soaked. I just can't win today.
Date: 2015-06-10
From: Pierce Pond Lean-to

To: Moxie Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 22.0

Got a late start today due to the ferry we had to catch to cross the Kennebec River. Maine is a beautiful state but I don't think it has adopted the idea of two things: switchbacks and bridges. All of the rivers and streams in Maine must be forded, whether it be ankle or torso deep. Only one River is too dangerous to ford and it is the Kennebec. Well the only way to cross the Kennebec is to use the "ferry" service provided by the ATC. A middle aged man rows a canoe back and forth between 9-11 am every day. Only a small window so hike fast! 0311 and I got there at about 09:30 and caught our ferry ride across. This took a big chunk of time out of our day so we weren't able to make the 31 mile day we had planned. We pulled 22 and got into Moxie at around 18:30. Tonight is by far my most miserable night on the trail to date. Usually the mosquitos and black flies will go away with sundown when the temperature drops. Well tonight the temperature did not drop at all. I sent home my hammock and shelter hop now. Basically I have to make the miles to a shelter if I want protection from the elements. So far I have been fine and can make the miles no problem. The only problem is the 3 walled shelters don't offer any protection from the bugs. I stayed up all night sweating in my 21degree rates bag as the mosquitos and black flies chewed up my face and somehow got into my bag and have done a good number on my legs. I got maybe an hour of sleep and broke camp with the first speck of daylight at 04:30 the next day.
Date: 2015-06-11
From: Moxie Pond Lean-to

To: Monson, ME
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: haze

I woke 0311 (sleeping soundly in his tent protected from the bugs) at 04:00. I apologized for waking him but told him I had to go, I was being eaten alive. He got up, packed his things and we were moving. The trail was completely flooded... not a surprise. We came to our first of three river crossings of the day. We stripped out of boots, threw our Crocs on and waded across. Only about thigh deep, not bad. The trail following the river fording was even more flooded. I gave up trying to keep my boots dry. I slushed my way through the next 6 miles until our next fording. I looked in my AWOL guide to find "dangerous to ford during heavy rain periods". Lucky for us, it had been pouring the past 2 days. I didn't bother taking my boots off. The current was strong and the river was deep. I had to extend my trekking pole (I snapped my other one yesterday) to its fullest to try and keep it in contact with the bottom of the river. It was hard to keep balance, but I finally managed to make it to the other side. 0311 made it safely across as well. We were now completely soaked and had 12 more miles to Monson. 0311 has started to get trench foot again and I am acquiring early stages of it. Just when the sun started to work its magic on my boots, we came upon another river. Actually, it was the same damn river! We had walked a few miles down stream, that was the only difference. Boots on and all, I trudged through the icy waters for the last time today. The trail was relatively flat today. Flat trail is great to walk on but flat trail also means flooded trail. In muck up to our shins, we actually made decent time into Monson today. We are officially at the southern end of the 100mi wilderness. I gave Shaw's Hostel a call at the trail head and they came and picked us up. I have to wait for my drop box to come in the mail tomorrow before I can leave, but I plan on hiking out tomorrow as early as possible. Gator texted me today with bad news. He hurt his back and is having a very difficult time doing easy tasks, let alone hiking. He had to get off the trail until he is in hiking condition again. Unfortunately, Gator will not be summiting Katahdin with us. I've hiked over 1700 miles with Gator and enjoyed his company so it is a shame he cannot finish out this journey with us. If you are reading this Gator, finish the fight man!
Date: 2015-06-12
From: Monson, ME

To: Shaw's
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

I met my first SoBo group last night at Shaw's. They were an awesome group of people. I had to wait today until about noon before I could get my last drop box from the post office. After receiving my box I loaded up my food bag and packed my bag and was ready to go but I didn't want to go. Everyone else was taking a zero and hanging out so I decided to as well. 0311 took the zero with me and Twiggs showed up that day. Monson was a small town with only a few stores. It was also very rich with slate. All the roofs were slate, the driveways were slate, and there was a big slate field with a bunch of quarries that some cool locals showed us. Twiggs, Stanky (new SoBo friend), Zach (local), Damen (local), and I all spent the day playing frisbee, swimming in the quarries, and skipping rocks. More SoBos arrived today as well. Really great people. It is almost a little strange how good of musicians they all are. It's amazing. They all more or less just met each other on the trail, so none of them really knew each other. Yet when they got in a room full of instruments they could all play in perfect tune with each other. They made the room come alive for the rest of the night. The piano, two guitars, one ukulele, and they could all sing pretty well too. It was awesome and I think one of my best Zeros so far.
Date: 2015-06-13
From: Shaw's

To: Long Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 15.0

Got a really late start today due to the Shuttle service being a bit busy. Hit the trail after 10:00. Got a slow start today from some wet and root covered trail. After about 3 miles in we started to hit some river fords. Really slowed us down because all the heavy rain last night and past few nights have made these fords very high. We had a total of seven fords today and four of them were over waist deep and required a rope to be held onto to cross. Changed in and out of my boots and crocs all day long gets annoying but it is definitely worth having dry boots. We got into camp early tonight. Lean-to is right on the river. I can't believe I am almost done with the trail.
Date: 2015-06-14
From: Long Pond Lean-to

To: Logan Brook Lean-to
Miles today: 28.0

I was planning to wake early this morning at around 04:00 but it was Twiggs who shook me waking me at almost 06:00. I jumped up and quickly packed my things, cooked my oatmeal, and hit the privy. We got on the trail just before 07:00. We had 28 miles in front of us and the hardest terrain of the 100mi to cover. We had Chairback to deal with in the morning and White Cap in the evening. I was completely exhausted by mid afternoon. We still had 10 miles to go almost all uphill to White Cap. I wanted more than anything to drop my pack and sleep right there on the ground. I kept pushing, almost delirious with fatigue. I summited White Cap close to 20:00. I knew the previous hours of pain were worth it when I saw Katahdin for the first time towering in the distance. I could see the finish line. I got into camp late with Twiggs and 0311. The shelter was full of SoBos but I awoke them and told them I needed room to sleep so they accommodated me. Plan on another big day tomorrow.
Date: 2015-06-15
From: Logan Brook Lean-to

To: Wadleigh Stream Lean-to
Miles today: 33.2

My daily alarm (the annoying buzz of Mosquitos) woke me right on the mark at 04:30. With a big day ahead of us, we got ourselves together and were moving. We had 33.2 miles to go but they were flat miles... well according to my AWOL guide they were flat miles. The bugs have been absolutely relentless through Maine and especially the 100mi wilderness. If you stop hiking, within seconds a cloud of Mosquitos and black flies form. Needless to say, we have not been taking many breaks. Despite the unexpected ups and downs, rocks, roots, and mud, a good portion of the trail was very flat and we easily made the 33.2 miles. Got into camp at decent time with more SoBo company here. I only have one more night on the trail after tonight, it's kind of strange to think about.
Date: 2015-06-16
From: Wadleigh Stream Lean-to

To: Katahdin Stream and Campground
Miles today: 33.0
Weather: broken clouds

Today is my last full day on the trail. That is what was running through my mind all day long. I didn't know if I wanted to make it last longer or go by quicker. I'm not sure if I am anxious to go home or hesitant to leave my new home. All sorts of mixed emotions were running through my head. The day passed quick and soon we were already 24 miles in at the Abol bridge. I had just finished the 100 mile wilderness. We grabbed a bite at the Abol campground and then pushed 10 more miles to Katahdin stream in the rain. The miles flew by. At 20:30 I was sitting in a lean-to at the base of Katahdin. It was dark and damp and raining. Twiggs and 0311 set up their tents to stay away from the bugs like usual. I took out my sleeping bag in the lean-to and laid there for about 30 minutes before actually cooking. I retraced my journey in my head. It seems like just yesterday I was lying in my hammock looking out over the valley at Overmountain Shelter in Tennessee. Finally, I cooked my shells with cheese powder and ate my packet of tuna before getting ready for bed. A big climb up Katahdin tomorrow.
Date: 2015-06-17
From: Katahdin Stream and Campground

To: Katahdin
Miles today: 5.2
Weather: overcast clouds

All three of us slept in until 06:00 this morning. After all we only had a few miles to go. We cooked our breakfast and slowly got ourselves together. We headed over to the Ranger Station. 0311 and I were NoBo Thru Hikers # 6 and 7 of the year. The ranger offered us day packs to use to climb Katahdin, for it would be a challenging hike up especially with big packs. We all declined. I've carried my pack over 2100 miles, I'm sure as hell not going to leave it behind for a few more miles. We started our ascent up Katahdin right after 08:00. It was breathtaking the whole way up. The first two miles were fairly easy but then it got pretty technical. A lot of rock scrambling and climbing with 60mph winds doing there best to blow us in every direction. We ascended out of tree line and had 2 more miles to the summit. We took our time. We took breaks as much as possible. We didn't admit it, but anything we could do to prolong our journey. Eventually, I saw it in the distance. The A-frame sign with "KATAHDIN" barely legible from the scouring wind taking its toll on the white paint over time. The three of us slowed our pace and climbed the last couple hundred feet in silence. I laid both hands on the sign. My journey had come to an end. I am upset that Gator was not able to summit with us. I wanted to wait for him and I gladly would have if I could. But I have a plane to catch home and I could not waste time. Gator was not there to summit with us, yet the journey I traveled with him was unforgettable. We hiked together for over 1600 miles together and did everything from eating frog legs to camping at a nudist colony together. Just because he was not able to summit doesn't mean we didn't share an incredible journey together. 0311 too! All three of us grew to know each other and live together and somehow not kill each other. Both of them were a pain in the ass a lot of the time but they were the ones who pushed me to continue on. I hope I did the same for them. I've also grown close with Twiggs who has been hiking with 0311 and I since Zealand Falls in the Whites. He summited with us and completed his last section of the AT. After summiting we had to get down off the mountain obviously. We didn't want to take the AT back down since we just came up the AT, so we decided to take Knife's Edge. Wow. Probably the most exhilarating hiking I've done so far! The trail runs over the range of Katahdin and is literally like walking on a big edge. Sheer drops on either side with extremely technical climbing. We finished Knife's Edge then took the Helon Taylor down to the road where we got a hitch into Millinocket. Staying at the AT hiker lodge tonight and parting ways tomorrow.
Date: 2015-01-18
To: Doing it agin in 2015
Miles today: 0.0

My first post of 2015. My plan is to continue on my northbound AT adventure from where I stopped in 2014. Therefore my starting point will be at Laurel Creek, just short of Bland, VA. Interestingly, that point was mile 580.5 in 2014 and is now mile 582.3 in the 2015 AT Guide ( the entire AT has grown from 2185.3 to 2189.2 miles as re-routes are implemented).I have known for some time now that I will be going at it again this year. Of course any physical problems or family situations could alter the plan. But, as of now I plan on starting in mid-March to early April. The starting point is only 300 miles from home. I can begin at the drop of a hat as weather considerations are reviewed. Likely, Wendy and I will drive to Bland some afternoon and spent the night in a motel. Then begin the hike early the next morning. I need to get a fairly early start because the first day will be nearly 10 miles to the first shelter.More info to follow.As for now, I am getting excited, as I was last year, to get going. Of course, now my backpacking experience is vastly greater than at this time last year. So, in many ways I am not nearly as anxious as to what to expect. Certainly, one big difference will be not being in the annual bubble of hikers beginning at Springer Mountain Georgia. It will be a lonelier hike. Not sure how many very early starters who are already in route and/or other section hikers I will be interacting with this time.