morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2018-06-29
From: Bald Mountain Stream Road

To: Bald Mountain Brook Campsite
Miles today: 8.3

Poet shuttled us back to Bald Mountain Stream Road. In the group was Scot (I think is his name) his son Josh, 17, and daughter Violet, 7. All hiking the AT. Amazing! I headed out at 9:35.  Field Trip and his dog Penny passed by. We'd pass back and forth all day. Thunder near top of Bald Mountain. Then the storm hit. I was about to take the summit bypass when it got worse. I got my poncho out and got underneath. After 10 minutes a bolt hit close and it felt as if the ground slammed against my side. It hurt and I yelled. Then all was fine. I think it must have been a vibration or sound wave. Nothing electrical. But it briefly hurt. Went back and up over the AT to the top. Beautiful. Storm in the distance. Head down the mountain. Ben came up behind me. He was excited because while up on the summit he learned via cell he passed tests to go to law school. I congratulated him as he turned into a shelter. I stopped not far away at the campsites. A mother and two teenage daughters camped there asked me for bug spray. Fortunately I did have an extra bottle. A good day. A little scary. A little beautiful.
Date: 2018-06-30
From: Bald Mountain Brook Campsite

To: Kennebec River at Caratunk
Miles today: 14.8

I left camp at 5:55 a.m. but it wasn't early enough to beat the humidity. The three mile trail to Troutdale Road was easy and well maintained. As soon as I left the road to climb Pleasant Pond Mountain the humidity was bothersome. I expected to reach the top before 11 but it was around noon. I was dripping sweat and soaked with it. Most of the hikers commented about the weather. After two hours without water I came to a stream as I descended the mountain. A short distance later I took the side trail to Pleasant Pond leaving my pack and water. I had 15 minutes for the AquaMira to purify the water. I hiked down to the pond, took my shoes off and jumped in. People were swimming and motorboats were moving about. Then back to my pack and treated water in time to drink. I couldn't believe the sign saying 6 more miles to Caratunk. I headed out and pushed into town. Hoping to get there at 3 I didn't get in until 4:30. I was disappointed there were no rooms and no campsites left at the Caratunk House. I first noticed this house thru hiking the AT in 1998. I loved the design of this old house. I even took pictures of it. Thru hiking in 2008 I saw it again and it was for sale and a hostel. So, lately I heard the hostel was doing great and had a great breakfast. I was so looking forward to staying there in one in the rooms but it was not to be. I was very disappointed. Maybe another time. I had one of their milkshakes then headed out saying goodbye to the hikers. Field Trip gave me a hiker knuckle hit. I went the short distance to the Kennebec River to camp. Then I went down to the canoe shuttle landing for water and to jump in. I'm happy here. Saved some money. All I hear is the river flowing, a pair of woodpeckers on a dead tree near me and occasional traffic up on US 201. I think it was 6 years ago tonight (or within day or two) while on my Eastern Continental Trail hike that I camped on the opposite shore waiting for the shuttle the next morning.
Date: 2018-07-01
From: Kennebec River at Caratunk

To: West Carry Pond, ME
Miles today: 13.7

Today was to be easy until the humidity hit. At the shuttle were Rod, Kayak, Loco, Sunny Side Up (from Quebec), Midwest Momma, Field Trip and Penny, and myself. Kayak and I were the first to get shuttled over the Kennebec River. We thanked the guy who took us over then headed out. Before I got the four miles to Pierce Pond everyone had passed me by. At one point I tripped and fell, snapping off four inches of my trekking pole. I adjusted the pole lengths and it is now functional. Humid and buggy. At East Carry Pond I jumped in the water. I was careful because I saw some leeches swimming around. I continued on the trail which became horribly muddy for several miles. Midwest Momma and I were passing back and forth since lunch. We came to a sign. Apparently this section at West Carry Pond is on the route of Benedict Arnold's doomed invasion route to Quebec. I came to the shelter exhausted. The humidity is brutal and I don't do well in it. I think I'll have to shorten my miles until it gets cooler.
Date: 2018-07-02
From: West Carry Pond, ME

To: Stafford Notch Campsites
Miles today: 12.6

Last night I thought I'd have to take a zero or cut my mileage in half because I felt so hot and tired. But this morning the wind was blowing and it seemed cooler. I packed up and got on the trail at 6:02. I took my time and drank frequently. The morning was cloudy and the breeze continued, allowing pleasant hiking. Going down Roundtop Mountain a moose ran down the trail in front of me. Thrush were singing their morning solos. After following Flagstaff Lake the trail began climbing Little Bigelow Mountain. The route to Little Bigelow Shelter was easier than I expected. At the shelter I dipped into the "tub" which to me is simply a pool of water under a waterfall. It was cold but I needed it. The rest of the route up the mountain was tough. The sun was now beating down on some of the steep barren rock the trail followed. But later clouds and a breeze eased the discomfort. I'd stop for a break whenever I started to sweat profusely, which was frequently. Finally on top, I was happy until hitting the multiple drops and climbs while crossing the ridge. I was getting hot and frustrated. But the trail dropped finally towards Stafford Notch and eventually I got to the campsites. Tomorrow are the tougher climbs over the rest of the Bigelow Mountain Range.
Date: 2018-07-04
From: Eustis

To: Eustis
Miles today: 0.0

Early today I decided to stay one more night. For health concerns I think it is the wisest though most expensive choice I have. Then hitch out tomorrow morning to the trail. Since it is still to be hot and muggy I'll hike two miles to the first stream and sit out the day. Friday the weather is to break and be much cooler. If not too hot tomorrow morning perhaps I can hike the five miles to the top of the Crickets and down the other side to the South Branch of the Carrabassett River and camp. Today I went to the Looney Moose Cafe for breakfast. For a good price I had home fries, western omelet, toast and coffee. And it was great. Then I walked into town to do laundry. I purchased some food at Fotter's Market. On the nearly mile walk back to the motel I was so hot and sweaty. As I walked I commented to a woman how beautiful her flowers were as she was watering her plants. She thanked me. Across the street a little boy yelled "Hi!" just as he did yesterday. After cooling off at the motel I took my gear outside to get dry. Some wetness from the showers yesterday morning and perhaps mostly from my sweating. I stayed in the rest of the day. It is so hot and the guests using the rarely needed individual air conditioner units that the circuit breaker keeps shutting off every few minutes. Then the poor clerk turns the breaker back on. For now it is cool inside.
Date: 2018-07-05
From: Eustis

To: West Branch, Carrabassett River
Miles today: 8.4

There is a heat advisory today so I wanted to be on the road to hitch by 8 a.m. But I got around earlier than expected and thanks to Tod picking me up I was on the trail at 8 a.m. (Tod said no second d in his name as TOD are the initials of his full name). Hot at first but I cooled down after the first mile. The trail is 5.1 miles up to North Crocker's summit and I was determined to take my time and arrive at 1 p.m. I treated water at the 2 mile mark. This is where I though I'd camp if not feeling well but I was feeling very good. Continue climbing but very nice. The trail seemed to stay on the north side of the mountain. At the 4 mile mark the sun was shining right on me through the stunted trees and the trail became steeper and rockier. I was dripping sweat again. But a few minutes before 1 p.m. I went over the top. The smell of the evergreens was strong. I was happy to be back on the trail. The trail dropped then climbed and after a mile from North Crocker I arrived at South Crocker. Time was 1:50 pm. Met sobo Zach who started 6 days after I did. He's a hiking machine. Then met three people who are doing the northeast USA 4,000 footer challenge. They are doing the Crockers and now have climbed 85 of the 115 4,000 footers in the northeast. And they were originally from near where I live, Wellsboro, PA. Also, I saw Midwest Momma slackpacking today. She decided to get back on the trail and finish her goals for this year. She will retry the Bigelow in a few days. Then next year she will do the 100 Mile Wilderness and complete her 13 year quest to hike the Appalachian Trail. (Remember sometime back a father and son team were finishing up their 13 year quest to complete the AT). I'm running into lots of hiking machines today. The trail dropped off South Crocker steeply but not before granting a splendid view of the Bigelows Mountain Range. The trail became so steep and rocky I had to hold on to white birch trees to descend safely. The trail's drop eased up and at 4:20 I came to the West Branch of the Carrabassett River. I was happy and set up camp. I felt a bit lightheaded so I made sure I drank plenty. On the opposite side of the stream (more like a stream than a river) is a very steep and rocky climb up towards Sugarloaf Mountain, so I opted to save that for tomorrow. Tomorrow probability of rain is 100%. Cooler temperatures will certainly help hiking. The rain will determine how far I get. For now hoping to hit Rangeley Saturday afternoon. Its around 24 miles.
Date: 2018-07-06
From: West Branch, Carrabassett River

To: Poplar Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: overcast clouds

I was expecting rain overnight but there was none. But just after daylight there were a few showers. Twice I tried to pack up but had to hastily retreat to the tent. Finally the coast was clear and I packed up and headed out. Shortly after crossing the little river the trail went up. This section I knew was brutal and dangerous. To make it worse it began to rain heavily...torrentially. Muddy water came down the mountain with multiple brown cascades. This was the trail. The rain was warm and I did not put on my rain jacket. I did have the pack cover on and my rain hat.The climb was extremely steep as I remembered. Thunder echoed in the distance and I listened with slight alarm. After a mile the steep trail slackened as well as the rain. At the side trail to Sugarloaf Mountain the rain stopped and the trail became pleasant to walk...for miles. The sun even came out now and then. No rain for the rest of the day. Some places the trail's foliage had not been trimmed in years. I was getting wet from both sides. But the good trail and cooler temperatures made it tolerable. There were lots of downed trees from previous storms. Hikers had made a trail by bushwhacking around them so the detours were easy. The wind picked up in the afternoon and the temperature kept dropping. At Overton Stream the water was above the stepping stones so I just went across acquiring wetter feet. The rest of me dried due to the winds but not my feet. The climb up to Poplar Ridge was almost as steep as that of this mornings but not as boulder bound and eroded. Once over the top I began to get cold. At windy Poplar Ridge Shelter hikers were bundled up. I quickly got water and into my tent. Now I was cold! I made Idahoan mashed potatoes to get some warmth in me. I huddled down in my sleeping bag just wanting to stay warm. Outside the winds were blowing through the forest. It was a good day. If it had rained all day as I thought it was going to, I may not have made it this far. I was content.
Date: 2018-07-07
From: Poplar Ridge Shelter

To: Hiker Hut, Rangely, ME
Miles today: 10.7

Parts of me were cold overnight so I figured those areas must have gotten wet from the rain somehow. I almost dreaded morning for fear of being too cold. But as soon as daylight began I got my coffee going, and the stove helped heat the tent. Two shirts, my vest, and my rain jacket kept my upper body warm. Just wore shorts and wet shoes. I was on the trail at 5:40 a.m. After three miles a steep climb began. But once on top I was standing on Saddleback Junior with excellent views. The winds were howling. Continuing on, the climb became steep again and after a few hours I was on the northern peak of Saddleback Mountain and above the treeline. I could see way back to the Crocketts, the Bigelows and far beyond. The sun was intense and the wind strong. If I hit a patch of trees shielding me from the wind it seemed hot. Then leaving the protection into the openness it was cold again. Dropping down in the saddle I came to two small ponds with what I call wild cotton. They were dancing in all directions energized by the wind. The climb up the main summit of Saddleback was with excitement. The openness of the mountain, the constant wind, and the moon's waning gibbous above the summit stirred me to press harder to reach the top. On top I looked all around with a big smile. How beautiful! I could see forever. I could see the White Mountains in New Hampshire. I could see the mountain boundaries of Maine and Quebec. A wonderful morning. It was a long drop but a delightful drop off the mountain while above the treeline. Once into the trees it was an on and off steep descent to the highway. Finally after several hours I arrived at the road. I walked up a bit to the Hiker Hut. Owner Steve took me into Rangeley. After eating a burger at the Red Onion I went to the IGA for six days worth of food. This will be enough food to get me 80 miles to Gorham, New Hampshire. Steve picked me up and we went back to the Hiker Hut. There were four other hikers there, all Sobos. I haven't seen any Sobos for two days. After chatting I retired to my hut. It has a bed and one side is open overlooking a stream. I think I shall have a good night's sleep.
Date: 2018-07-08
From: Hiker Hut, Rangely, ME

To: Bemis Stream
Miles today: 13.9

The Hiker Hut owner, Steve, lives most of the year in India. He arranges medical services for children in need. The money raised at the hostel goes towards meeting those needs. Catherine, the other owner of the Hiker Hut, made me an egg sandwich for breakfast. After a few pictures I thanked her and headed out. While there I found a new pair of shoe insoles in the hiker box. My right one was deteriorating rapidly. I didn't even need to cut them as they fit perfectly. The trail was gentle for about nine miles allowing me to make good time. I went by several large ponds. After Sabbath Day Pond Lean-to the trail returned to its usual steep and rugged personality. Not only that but it became hot. My goal for today was Bemis Mountain but when I arrived at Bemis Stream I knew it would be too late. So I camped at the stream where I camped in 1998 and 2008. A good day.
Date: 2018-07-09
From: Bemis Stream

To: Black Brook
Miles today: 12.5

Well, I got up and on the trail at 5:43 a.m. I knew it was a tough climb up Bemis Mountain and temperatures were to get close to 90. Not too far into the day there was trail magic! But it was empty. Oh well. Glad I did not go up the mountain last night as originally planned. When I got to the location where I had wanted to camp it was over 2 1/2 hours. I would have gotten up there around dark. For a few miles the route was on smooth rock surfaces. Fairly easy walking. The views were fantastic. The forest was incredibly thick in spots. Sometimes I could only see 20 or 30 feet into the treeline. Sometimes the woods were thin enough I could see for miles. At one viewpoint I could see the Bigelows, Crockers, Saddleback...wow, I can't believe I hiked this far. On top of Old Blue Mountain it was open and very hot. The bugs were bothersome. I headed down at 3:30. I wasn't sure how far down. Different sources had 3 miles or 5 miles. I had thought this would be a short day. I did take some long breaks at the views however. I thought I might camp if I saw a nice spot and there was water. I saw some nice sites but no water. Down and down, sometimes incredibly and dangerously steep. There was no water I would drink all the way down. But I was relieved to come to the road at 5:30, cross Black Brook, and establish camp. It was hot and I was lightheaded. I went back to the creek for water. When I pull the Nalgene bottle out I saw a black thing on the side. I shook the bottle and the thing fell to a rock. Then it spread itself out. Yuck! A leech! No swimming in this creek for me. For supper I made Idahoan Applewood Smoked Bacon mashed potatoes. I have several flavors but that's my favorite. One thing about these mashed potatoes is all the herbs and spices floating around in them. I go by faith that's what floating, not bugs and dirt. Sometimes it can be crunchy...hmmm. Time to ponder those deep questions in life. Today I'm perplexed. Why do they call it Draino? Shouldn't it be Drainyes?
Date: 2018-07-10
From: Black Brook

To: Frye Notch
Miles today: 14.4

Weather forecast called for showers today but we enjoyed just cloudy skies. Only a few times did the sun come out for any prolonged period. The climb up Moody Mountain was not bad but the drop on the other side was difficult. The climb up Wyman Mountain was not bad. I passed a dozen teens going up. At Hall Mountain shelter on top I took a break. The tired teens came in not long behind me. The teen leader was carrying a big topographical map and instructed the others to sit and eat. All pulled out what appeared to be big bags of trail mix. One guy asked if this was what they had for breakfast. Another said "No. We had Grapenuts." The first guy then said "Don't remind me." I took it they didn't like their trail food. I pulled out a bagel and I got the looks. They started salivating. I felt threatened. I picked up my trekking poles and told them "Nobody make a move towards my bagel and all will be well." Then I gave my cougar growl and they backed away. If I had gotten out my Chips Ahoy, Pringles BBQ chips, and Snickers bars I may not have lived to tell you the tale. The trail for the miles to Dunn's Notch was delightful as I made my escape. It did get hot as I crossed a road and a creek. After following the stream I saw a waterfall and huge pool of water. I was in and under as fast as I could. So good to get that sweat off and cool down. The climb up Surplus Mountain was good. But at the end it was a brutal descent down to Frye's Notch Shelter. The shelter was full and tents all around. This is not for me. I did find a place up the trail. It was 7 p.m. Though it was a 13 hour day I felt pretty good. Still on schedule to make Gorham, New Hampshire Friday. Thursday I will hit the infamous Mahoosuc Notch. It takes hours to navigate the truck size boulder filled mile. Also Thursday I will enter New Hampshire. I realized that back at Rangeley I hit a milestone. We are now 10% of the way on the Appalachian Trail.
Date: 2018-07-11
From: Frye Notch

To: Mahoosuc Notch
Miles today: 12.9

Showers overnight. The morning was cloudy which eased the climb up to Little Baldpate and east and west peaks of Baldpate Mountain. What great views in all directions! Dropped 2,400 feet to Grafton Notch. Glad to see a trash bin and get rid of some weight. Now the four mile 2,500 foot climb up to Old Speck Mountain. I knew the trail would not be so steep from hiking it in the past. Before a vista near the top a young day hiker flew by me. At the vista where you could see up to the summit he turned around. I asked why and he responded he was afraid he'd run out of daylight. I told him it is only 3 p.m. and he would be to the top in 30 to 40 minutes. I said he'd be all the way down by 7. He reluctantly said "All right!" and he continued climbing. A minute later a couple came up, saw the summit from the vista and turned around. I tried to encourage them the same as I did the young guy earlier but they headed down anyway. To my surprise, I reached the ridge at 3:30. I dropped my pack and walked to the summit. A bunch of Sobos I met earlier were there. The young guy said he was happy he decided to continue and reach the summit. I climbed the old fire tower, now an observation deck. I slept up here in 2008 on one beautiful star-filled night. At the top the views again were outstanding. I could see way down to the notorious Mahoosuc Notch. I headed out dropping first to Speck Pond. At the outlet I treated some water. Then DOWN the horribly steep Mahoosuc Arm. Brutal, brutal, brutal. I found a place to camp just a short distance into Mahoosuc Notch. It was 7:39 p.m. By the time I got water, had the tent up and cooked supper it was getting dark, being in the notch. It was day 25 so I was reading Psalm 25 by headlamp before I went to sleep. I was tired.
Date: 2018-07-12
From: Mahoosuc Notch

To: Dream Lake, NH
Miles today: 14.4

Morning came too soon...again. I was hiking at 5:25 a.m. The negotiating of the boulders through Mahoosuc Notch went well. Just an hour and a half and I was through the worst mile on the trail. I'd have argued the Mahoosuc Arm was worst than the notch. After a 1,000 foot climb in a mile I came to Full Goose Shelter. There were teens all over the place. I couldn't even get into the shelter to sign the register. I got water and headed out quickly, politely pushing my way through the wild group. Up and over the Goose Eye Peaks. Again, great views. I even cooked potatoes up on the North Peak while taking in the views. I then had two steep climbs. The climbs were more cliffs than a climb. Fortunately they didn't last too long. At 1:40 p.m I crossed the state line into New Hampshire! From Mount Katahdin to this point is 281.8 miles. I was trying to get as close to the next town as possible today so I kept pushing myself. After going over Mt. Success I stopped near Gentian Pond Shelter for water. Then I continued. The trail climbed and had a lot of fallen trees. Finally, through the trees I saw water. There was Dream Pond, my secondary destination. It was too late and I was too tired to go another two miles to Trident Col tent site but this was my backup plan. It was 8:20 p.m. It took 15 hours to go 14.4 miles but it was tough miles. Me tired!
Date: 2018-07-13
From: Dream Lake, NH

To: Shelburne, NH
Miles today: 9.6

This morning really came too fast. But it is a town stop day and that's always a good incentive. Low on food and fuel. But enough for coffee and instant potatoes...yes...for breakfast. If I didn't have enough fuel I was going to make coffee instant potatoes. I thought I'd at least try it if necessary. Thankfully I had enough fuel to do them separately. On the trail at 5:40. As by law, the trail went uphill. Went over Cascade Mountain and Mount Hayes. I could see into Berlin and the Wal-Mart where I'll be tomorrow. The sun had been out and it became hot. The trail dropped over ledges and down stone steps. I came to Hogan Road earlier than expected. I crossed over Androscoggin River. The bridge is right next to the dam and outgoing waters rushed white and loud next to and under the bridge. At Route 2 I turned right and headed towards Gorham. Sounds strange but I was too hot and tired to hitch hike. After a mile or so I stopped for a break at a campground. I got a Coke and a Drumstick (ice cream) at the campstore. I continued another mile or so and got a room at the Town and Country Inn. The AT Companion book said rooms were $40 but it was $95! Second time that happened. I simply didn't want to continue so I stayed. After a shower and doing laundry I headed into Gorham. I saw a Subway and that became my destination. Also stopped at Cumberland Farms for milk and chips. Then the long walk back to the inn in Shelburne. Actually only a half mile but it seemed long. Had pain on my toe and realized it is a corn. Walking sometimes has been painful the last few days but it really is painful walking down the highway. Will take care of that tomorrow.