morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2017-08-04
From: Leeman Brook Lean-to

To: Monson
Miles today: 3.0
Weather: light rain

8/4/17 Day 69 - 3 milesLeeman Brook Lean-to to MonsonSlept terrible for the 1st time in a long time, it was my own fault though. The bugs bit me all night long in the shelter. I really don't know how people manage to sleep in these every night. I was on the trail by 6:00 and motivated to get to Monson ASAP. Shaws Hostel had said they do their 1st pick up around 8:30 so I was going to be there extra early.  I did the 3 miles in 75 minutes and sat there for the shuttle. I felt better just knowing I was going to be in town soon. Also there was a cooler full of sodas at the trail head. Hollywood came rolling up followed by Mosey and the 3 of us were so happy to be done the most remote section of the entire AT. Poet from Shaws picked us up and gave us the tour of the hostel. It's a big old house with 2 sheds that have been converted to bunkhouses. I got a bed in the main house. I was showered and in town filling up within an hour. Life is so good in town!!We walked downtown about a half mile to Pete's Place where I had a huge breakfast of eggs, sausage,potatoes, biscuits, and a gallon of coffee!  Everything was so good! I stopped back at the hostel and met some of the other hikers here- the place is packed!  There were about 40 hikers here going in all different directions.  Some NOBOs, Some SOBOs, people just doing the HMW.  It's pure chaos.  The commotion was too much for me so I headed back into town for another bite.  I met up with Hollywood at the Shorehouse Pub & Hostel.  We had a table out back on the lake and ate some more and of course I had more coffee.  I came back to the hostel for a nap- this is what town days are for.  Eat, rest, repeat.  Woke up and headed to the BBQ place with Brew. He's out section hiking the HMW + 30 miles south.  It turns out his wife is Jennifer Pharr Davis. She holds or once held the speed record for a female thruhike of the AT. She is a trail legend and I've heard her name mentioned more than a few times on my hike.  After dinner it was time to go to the pub. On the way, I ran into Plant and Cloudview!!! Hadn't seen them since Plants arm was about to explode from a wasp sting.  Her arm was looking much better and it was great to catch up with them about the rest of the Wilderness.  They're taking a double zero here in town and I can't blame them.  The HMW is tough and the time off is much deserved.  I've decided to zero here tomorrow as well.  We sat out back by the lake with about 20 other hikers.  There are some characters out here.  I had just enough room left for a brownie sundae.  Back at the hostel had time to watch a few episodes of House of Cards and pass out.
Date: 2017-08-05
From: Monson

To: Monson
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

8/5/17 0 day in MonsonI felt a 0 day was justified after the long stretch in the HMW so I biked the bunk for another night. I enjoyed breakfast at Pete's Place so much yesterday that I decided to go there again today. Today was about resting and loading up on calories and that's what I did. After my breakfast nap I headed back to Petes to have coffee on the back deck overlooking the lake. As I was getting up to get a refill on my coffee, the owner Colleen asked if my feet were ok. I said my feet were fine but I just have a bit of the hiker hobble (my legs tighten up immediately when I sit down and it takes a few steps to loosen up again). She offered a foot soak with Epsom salts and marbles and I said of course I could use that. So I sat on the deck, overlooking the lake, drinking my coffee, and enjoying the wifi on my phone. It was total happiness for a good 20 minutes.  Off to lunch at the gas station up the road- the gas station has a mini mart with an awesome grill and cheap burgers so I had a few with some fries and grabbed some resupply while I was there as well. I took my burgers to go and sat in the park by the lake on another perfect weather day. Time for lunch nap. When I got back to the hostel, I saw Kate who I had t seen since Franklin NC about 2+ months ago!! It was so early in the trip she didn't even have a trail name yet. She's Lost & Found now. She flipped up to Maine at Harper's Ferry as well and said she saw my name in the registers and was trying to catch up. She's with Tunnel Rat and Chimney- I recognized their names from the registers down south but hadn't met them till now.  We all headed to the Lakeshore Pub for dinner. The pub is tiny and was packed with a mix of locals and hikers. It's so small, it's like you're all hanging out together. Just as we were finishing up it started to pour and the radar said severe stuff was heading out way so we ran the quarter mile back to the hostel. I rushed off to be so quick that I forgot to sign up for the Shaw's breakfast in the morning.  0 Day chores accomplished, I'll hit the trail again in the morning.
Date: 2017-08-06
From: Monson

To: Bald Mountain Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: clear sky

8/6/17 Day 70 - 18 miles Shaw's Monson to Bald Mountain Pond Lean-toRan to Pete's this morning for one last town breakfast and it was a little sad to be leaving town today but it was a perfect weather day and the miles don't walk themselves. Another bonus is that the trail is fairly easy for the next 20 or so miles. Early in the morning I ran into Feathers, Tootsie, Mountain Mama, and Web Buster- I had met the 3 ladies the last night in the HMW and now they had picked up 1 more. Saw a lot of NOBOs today including 2 that flew by and their smell hit me like a wall before they even reached me.  I was surprised a few miles in by a water crossing. I had to to swap the boots for water shoes and walk through. I thought I was done with these in the HMW but here it is. As I was swapping shoes I met Sarah and her boyfriend who were out for a day hike. She was excited to meet a couple thru-hikers (there was a NOBO crossing also) and gave us both a few packs of M&Ms. Food is always accepted and appreciated!!The trail followed the river for about 5 miles and was fairly level so it made for quick miles. Another river crossing with water shoes, I'm glad I kept them. I was thinking of trading them in for a lighter pair. Came to a road crossing where I met up with Little Knife and Karma. They had gotten back on the trail yesterday but weren't feeling the trail anymore so they decided to get off trail, rent a car, and explore more of Maine- they were going back to Shaws for 1 more night though. Got to shelter @ 6 and met Oh Man, Portugal, Michael, and another gentleman- all northbound.  They had questions about the procedure to get to Katahdin so I walked them through the procedure. It's a little too complicated if you ask me. Baxter Park makes it so difficult. It goes like this:You pass Abol Bridge Campground and walk a mile to a sign in sheet. If the sign in sheet is full (12 slots), you have to turn around and walk a mile back to the campground. If there's a slot, you sign up and walk 10 miles to the campsite you just signed up for. Next morning, you walk to the ranger station and sign in. The tricky part is having a place lined up for after you summit- Baxter only wants you in the park for the day. The campsites at Baxter are booked months in advance. They'll do what they can to find you a spot with someone else but they could really use some stealth sites.  Anyway, it was nice meeting the NOBOs and I have an awesome tentsite for the night. I'm going to try to get an earlier start tomorrow to see if I can get more miles in.
Date: 2017-08-07
From: Bald Mountain Pond Lean-to

To: Caratunk
Miles today: 18.1
Weather: light rain

8/7/17 Day 71 - 18.8 milesBald Mountain Pond Lean-to to CaratunkThe loons were active overnight last night. By active, I mean noisy. I think a couple of them were arguing or something. I woke up this morning around 6:00 to the coolest morning yet. Some NOBOs I met later said it went down into the 40's overnight. The options for today are 13 or 18 miles. 13 gets me close to Caratunk where I need to resupply and 18 gets me into Caratunk, but a little later than I normally like to get into town. I like to get my money's worth when I stay at a hostel as opposed to rolling in late and paying just to get a shower and go to bed. If I can get there before 4 or 5, I think I'll do it.  1st climb today was up Moxie Bald Mountain. On my way up I met Rick Tick and Lem Sip, a British couple talking about the Relax Inn in Atkins. As soon as they said that I chimed in that it was the most disgusting place I'd ever stayed in my entire life!! They agreed and we laughed about just how everything in the place was dirty or broken or smelly. We ended up chatting for about 10 minutes.On the way up to Middle Mountain I met up with Dan (now Destiny) who I'd met on the bus to Medway a week or so ago. He was in a group of 3 but his buddies were going a little too slow for him.  I also ran into Feathers, Tootsie, Web Buster, and Mountain Mama ( along with her husband Buckeye) for the 3rd day in a row. Every time I see them, their group has 1 more!!Pushed the remaining 15 miles into Caratunk by 4:15. We walked down the dead end street that the B&B was on and noticed that half the houses were abandoned. It was a little depressing. We eventually came up to a nice looking, well kept House and went in to register. There we met Paul (One Braid) the owner/operator of the hostel. He was very easy going, didn't even make us take our boots off which is SOP at every other place. I took mine off anyway just out of habit. He showed us around and let us know that he can run a shuttle in to town anytime we'd like. Showered up and ready for dinner, we got a shuttle to Northern Outfitters Brewery and Restaurant. The food was ok at best and a little overpriced but the choices are very slim in these parts. Back at the hostel by 7:30 and asleep by 9:00. It was a long day- full miles and a town stop.Side note to Karl- it turns out I never saw 1st Sgt but I did see his name in a register in Monson. Karl and I were both reading his journal back in march/April before I decided to hike. I was hoping to get a picture with him and to let him know that Karl and I were reading along but it never happened. I'll keep an eye out for Beaker.
Date: 2017-08-09
From: West Carry Pond Lean-to

To: Horns Pond Lean-to 
Miles today: 17.9
Weather: few clouds

8/9/17 Day 73 - 17.9 milesWest Carry Pond Lean-to to Horns Pond Lean-toUp at 5:00 and on the trail by 5:45. I have a lot of elevation to climb today so I thought an early start was a good idea. I passed my 1st set of NOBOs by 6:30 and there's always a quick high 5 to celebrate no more spider webs. The 1 bad thing about being 1st on the trail is all the spider webs right across your face. As soon as you wipe one away, it is promptly replaced. Soon after the celebration, I passed another NOBO-Cool breeze. He started the trail May 22! 2 weeks after me and he didn't flip flop!! He said he was thru-hiking unsupported but all he had was a fanny pack? Don't know where the tent or sleeping bag was? In any case, the guy is flying!Around 10:00 I ran into a family thru-hiking. Lightning-he's 12, his little sister Starshine- probably around 8, Mama Pajama, and Papa Bear. I asked them how far they were going and they said "Springer, of course!" Go figure. They were all so clean looking to be thru-hikers. Later on I met Bambi Magnet from Finland. He started May 17 and is another trail legend. I heard his name a couple times- people are always talking about the really fast ones. He even got laid up in VT with Lymes Disease.  The easy miles were over for the day and 1st up was Little Bigelow Mountain. I was pretty whooped from this climb and I still had a few more to go today. There was an awesome view though. I could see Sugarloaf ski resort across the valley and both Bigelow peaks to my south. That's where I'm heading next, but not before I descend 750' just to climb right back up and then some. I climbed Bigelow Avery (4088') and Bigelow West Peak (4145')- both with incredible views!! Both had 360 degree views and the sky was clear. Both were up above tree line too so the windbreaker had to go on as soon as I pass the last tree. As I was traversing the peaks, I passed the ATC group for the 3rd day in a row. They're a nice group of people and we always chat for a few before going out separate ways.  On top of West Peak someone had left an apple!! All mine now!! It was the best apple I ever had!! It was so refreshing probably more so because I was low on water and had a few more miles before I could refill. Came to the campsite around 4:00 which was pretty good time. I was worn out though. I had thought about going another 3 to a tentsite in the valley but they feet were not gonna have it. Destiny rolled in just as I was done setting up. I think we were both a little surprised at how tough the conditions were today. I ate as quick as I could and was in my tent for the night by 5:30. I dozed off and on until 7:30 when I slept through the rest of the night.
Date: 2017-08-10
From: Horns Pond Lean-to 

To: Spaulding Mountain Lean-to
Miles today: 18.6

8/10/17 Day 74 - 18.6 milesHorns Pond Lean-to to Spaulding Mountain Lean-toUp at 5:30, on the trail by 6:15Had a lot of elevation to climb today and wanted to make the 18 miles to stay on schedule for Rangeley due to limited food.Moving along trying to push it and train for the Whites as well. As I was motoring up the hill, a NOBO hiker had some questions about the Caratunk B&B. His name was Gallon because when he did the trail back in '82, he ate a gallon of ice cream as opposed to the customary half gallon at Pine Grove Furnace PA. He said has yet to do that since. He's hiking the entire Eastern Continental Divide Trail. He started in Key West FL on January 1st so that means he did 1900 miles before even stepping foot on the AT. He's going to continue on after Katahdin to the end (not exactly sure how many more miles that is). He was a character and we ended up talking for a good 20 minutes before we went our separate ways. I was still a little worried about making my target for the day but meeting the people is a huge part of the experience.  I was up and over North Crocker and South Crocker by noon which were my major climbs for the day. There was no view on top of North Crocker but what can you do. At South Crocker peak there was a nice ledge with a view so I decided to have lunch there. Just as I sat down the sun came out- it had been cloudy all morning. The pressure was off to make the shelter as I only had a little more than 7 miles. I still had another big climb up Sugarloaf Mountain. 1000' climb in .8 miles- one of the steepest sections I've ever done. It was an ass kicker but I took my time, had no choice really. Some nice views of the mountains I'll be climbing tomorrow. Another huge day tomorrow. On my way down I met Matchbox and Pack Horse. A nice couple from Martinsville WV. The husband was out supporting his wife's section hike by hiking with her. I also passed by the ATC people again for the fourth day straight. Of course we stopped and chatted for a while again. I actually know these people now. It's nice what they do organizing trail maintenance and all. One last 500', .5 mile climb for the day and I was home free. Got to the shelter around 4:30 and not in too bad shape either. Set up, did some camp chores, and hung out with the crew at the shelter while I made my dinner. I do enjoy the early starts, so I'll be asleep by 8:00 hopefully. 5:00am comes early and I still need extra sleep to let my body heal. Reservations are made for the Farmhouse Inn for Saturday night. Snagged the last 2 bunks for me and Destiny.Looking forward to the views coming up tomorrow!
Date: 2017-08-12
From: Piazza Rock Lean-to

To: Rangeley (Farmhouse Inn)
Miles today: 1.9
Weather: light rain

8/12/17 Day 76 - 1.9 milesPiazza Rock Lean-to to Rangeley (Farmhouse Inn)Slept very well in the shelter for a change and I got to sleep in a bit also. We were meeting the Farmhouse Inn shuttle at the road crossing at 8:30 as they drop off the hikers who stayed the previous night. I had my stuff packed up and was on the trail by 7 anyway and at the trailhead by 7:45. On the way I met J2 from OH and we gave each other some intel on the hostels we'd be passing on our respective trips. The shuttle arrived in time and it was a 15 minute drive to the hostel. We got the tour and procedures and had about 30 minutes till the next shuttle to town. This place is nice! Bunk room upstairs, lounging area with TV and recliners, and a full kitchen if you'd rather buy food at the supermarket and cook here. They also run 5 shuttles to the center of town (about 1 mile) everyday. Destiny, Aiden, and myself jumped on the 1st one to get some town breakfast. The town of Rangeley is basically 1 long street and they were having a parade today so it was extra busy. We headed to the breakfast place - I've noticed that all these small towns have a "breakfast only" place that closes around noon. We got the usual- the biggest plate on the menu. 3 of everything with OJ and coffee. We had gotten loaner clothes from the hostel so we stuck out from the crowd a bit and the locals were all very nice to us. We also met a couple, Jim and Barbara from Atlanta who wished us well on our journey and when I went to pay for my meal, the cashier informed me that Jim had just paid our bill!! I went over to thank him and he explained how they do trail magic down in Woody Gap GA as well. It amazes me how many kind people there are out there and Thanks again Jim and Barbara!! I came back to the hostel on the 11:00 and got a shower and my dirty laundry all rounded up and headed to the laundromat on the 1:30 shuttle. Got the laundry started and went to the town pub for lunch and more coffee. I was also able to update my journal with the wifi also. With my town chores all done I headed back to the hostel for the night and stayed off my feet as much as possible. The original plan was to take a zero here but since we got in so early, we're just gonna get back on the trail in the morning. Only about 5 more days to the Whites of New Hampshire!! I took a look at the elevation profiles and must say I'm a little nervous. 2,3, and 4000' climbs will be everyday. For now I'll just enjoy the rest of Maine.
Date: 2017-08-13
From: Rangeley (Farmhouse Inn)

To: Bemis Mt Lean-to
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: scattered clouds

8/13/17 Day 77 - 17.6 milesRangeley to Bemis Mountain Lean-toSlept pretty well last night in the bunk room- you never know how many snorers there will be and last night there was only one. I signed up for the 8:30 shuttle back to the trailhead so I got to sleep in as well. Had a couple cups of coffee before I headed to the trail and was hiking by 8:45. Nice cool sunny morning but the clouds came in quick and we got our 1st shower of the day- a quick soaker. The sun came out immediately after and warmed things right back up. After that I met Pineapple- he was going NOBO and was just a positive type of person. We ended up chatting for a few and I noticed he had a fishing rod. He said there was a canoe in the pond about 4 miles up the trail that is unchained and free to use. He said he caught a nice trout but threw it back because he wasn't going to clean it. By the time I got to the pond, the 2nd shower was passing through. This one lasted a while longer but ended around noon. Soaked again but there's hope that I will dry out by the time I camp tonight. Had lunch at Sabbath Pond Lean-to and met Summer Breeze, Jager, and Queen Vidalia. They were heading North and had some good info for us about the Whites.Climbed Bemis Mt 2nd Peak - these views are incredible. There are open ledges that you walk along for a half mile or so. I got a whiff of fire as I was approaching the shelter and was happy to see that someone had a nice fire and plenty of wood piles up. I arrived around 6:30 which was a little later than I've been doing lately.  At the shelter I met Fallen- he 0'd at the shelter because he's had some knee problems. Not sure how much farther he's going to make it- he seemed pretty down mentally and physically.  I gave him a nice pep talk and gave him some ideas on how to deal with the knee pain for the short term.  His knee pain sounded like mine from the beginning of the trail. Who knows- if you're not having a good time, maybe it's time to take a break. Ate dinner and off to bed immediately after a long, late day.
Date: 2017-08-14
From: Bemis Mt Lean-to

To: Surplus Pond Rd campsite
Miles today: 16.9

8/14/17 Day 78 - 16.9 milesBemis Mt Lean-to to Surplus Pond Rd CampsiteDid not want to get up this morning. I feel like a get to sleep in a little bit longer when I stay in a shelter - No tent to pack up. I was still on the trail by 7. On the list for today are 3 climbs, 2 very big ones. I'm feeling stronger lately and figure that this is the last chance I have to train for the Whites. I hit the climbs pretty hard and felt good at the top, think I'm in shape. There are so many blueberries up here, they do slow me down a bit. I have a hard time passing them by and as soon as I have 1, I keep stopping for more. Oh well, there's no rush. Today was sunny and cool, the best hiking weather! Passed a lot of NOBOs today.  Today was mostly uneventful, just another incredible day in Maine. Endless views, pictures just can't do it any justice.
Date: 2017-08-15
From: Surplus Pond Rd Campsite

To: Speck Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: overcast clouds

8/15/17 Day 79 - 16.8 milesSurplus Pond Tentsite to Speck Pond ShelterUp Baldpate this morning. Steep but the views were worth it. I felt completely weak today - totally opposite from yesterday. I still can't figure out how this works. I think a lot of it is mental, my body is in the best shape it's ever going to be. I do feel worn down sometimes, but I'm still performing on a whole different level. Passed a lot of NOBOs again today, they must be quite a big bubble. Around 2:00 headed down into Grafton Notch where YOLO and Shiela were handing out some trail magic in the parking area!! Soda, cookies, and apples! They even had some chairs to sit in, what a luxury! I sat on the ground because I didn't want to get their chairs all dirty but they insisted so I enjoyed being civilized for a bit. There were quite a few hikers rolling up as I enjoyed my Dr. Pepper but the thunder in the distance got me motivated to move on. Thanks YOLO and Shiela!!! Had a huge climb out of the gap and I could see the dark clouds moving in. I was a little worried to hear the thunder as I was heading up to the top but I wasn't turning around. Just keep moving fast! I could see the rain in the distance but it never reached me, thank god!   Got to Speck Pond Shelter around 5:30 and was pretty beat from the big climb. The weather was still looking a little dicey so I decided to stay here instead of pushing on. This is a maintained campsite which means they have a caretaker and charge $5 to stay here. One of the other campers here said that Destiny had stopped in but decided to keep moving. We were trying to get down the Mahoosuc arm before the rain but I didn't have the energy to keep going.   They just built a nice new shelter and this is the 1st season it's in use - it still has that fresh cut wood smell. Just as I got back with my water, it started raining so it was nice to be in a shelter tonight.  No wet tent to pack up in the morning! I wonder if Destiny made it to the bottom of the arm? We have reservations at The Barn Hostel in Gorham for Friday night so I'm sure I'll see him there.   Chilly night and the rain pattered on the metal roof all night.