morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-07-09
From: Lakeshore House (Monson, ME)

To: Moxie Bald lean-to
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: few clouds

Up real early, packed, and on to the bakery for a fresh loaf of bread, you have to have your trail treats. Then on to Shaw's for another breakfast and a shuttle to the trail. Had to wait for the Post Office to open so they could resupply and bounce a box forward before we moved on, but a few hours later we pounded out a good day of hiking, 18 miles, and still arrived at camp early enough to have a fire, a couple of beers I packed in, and an assortment of treats that we all packed in. About 5:15, only two miles from the shelter, Scott Jurek walked around the corner in front of us. Before we could say anything he remembered me from Big Bald and even remembered my name. We chatted for a few minutes, and I was really impressed that he took the time to talk with us. I have heard stories of him being a generally nice guy, but really cool to see that in person. Hubble's birthday was today, and we celebrated with lots of treats.
Date: 2015-07-10
From: Moxie Bald lean-to

To: pleasant pond lean-to
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: clear sky

Last stop before Caratunk, and a couple of climbs today. The first wasn't that bad, then we lost Haiku and the second one kicked our ass and we were very happy to get to the shelter. I gathered some wood and went for a swim in the pond to wash some of the days grime off of me. Met a couple of sisters doing a section hike and they played cards with us till dark. Cnt wait to get my tent back tomorrow and cross the river. felt a little sore today but the weather has been great, as it has been for the most part.
Date: 2015-07-11
From: pleasant pond lean-to

To: pierce pond lean-to
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: overcast clouds

good night sleep but feeling a little strange after Haiku told us he's getting off the trail. Resupplied for a few days in Caratunk and picked up my tent, then got a shuttle to get some lunch. The shuttle dropped us off to a closed restaurant, obviously we didnt find out that detail until he was gone. the girls hitched a ride for us, the lady that picked us up accused us guys of using the girls as "bait" to get a ride. Then proceeded to tell us that she would not have picked up us guys by ourselves, (that's why we sent the girls to get the ride!) got to the shelter, pretty crowded, was not feeling the love from the NoBo's who felt that they should not have to share the shelter with the SoBo's because they haven't done the miles, whatever. I love being quiet and have them tell me that I won't make it the whole way, then drop the bomb that I'm actually at 1200 miles and watch their faces change. Oh well, the sunset is amazing dropping over the lake.
Date: 2015-07-12
From: pierce pond lean-to

To: Little Bigelow
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: clear sky

Woke up to a thunderstorm that came out of nowhere, and I only had halfEasy day, relatively speaking, pretty flat and good trail. Knocked out the first 6 miles in two hours then stopped for a long break along a sandy beach at a pond. Was thinking about taking a swim, then saw a leech swim by, decided against the swim! uneventful for the rest of the day, and I did the second half by myself. Hearing rumors about allegedly being back on the trail, not sure if I'm going to hug him or slug him as Haiku would say. Was glad to hear that Jurek set the record. Ready for the mountains, so tired of hearing how bad they are going to be. we are dropping our mileage down a little, and I'm hoping that we can start doing more. Getting to the shelter too early, and I get a little bored. I think the SoBo's area little intimidated by the climbs, I'm much more afraid of the descents.
Date: 2015-07-13
From: Little Bigelow

To: Horns Pond lean-to
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Relatively short day, setting us up to get into Stratton. Beautiful day of hiking, mostly uphill to Avery peak. The top of Avery peak was absolutely gorgeous, you could almost see forever, probably one of the most awe inspiring sights that I have seen on the trail. Took a nice dip in the pon when I got to the tentsite, experiencing for the first time the "cold spots" where the water is warm but has pockets that are like 40 degrees. Really wakes you up in a hurry. Found a nice little tentsite away from everyone else and it was nice to have some peace and quiet.
Date: 2015-07-14
From: Horns Pond lean-to

To: Stratton
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: light rain

Up early and a short walk to the trailhead. Haiku and I walked ahead and of course the girls got picked up first, but they asked the guy to stop for us and we had a ride into town. Secured a room, grabbed a beer, and checked out the resupply options. We all went to dinner together, and there was about 12 or 13 of us, pretty cool, just wish the service was a little better. Went back to the hostel and celebrated Brenna's birthday with some wine and cards.
Date: 2015-07-15
From: Stratton

To: carrabassett river tentsite
Miles today: 8.5

Said our goodbyes to Haiku this morning and hitched a ride to the trailhead. Packed out a lot of treats including a beer for myself and some pork tenderloin which i cooked over the fire. Had a relatively easy day of hiking and even did an extra mile to a campsite near the river. Had a pretty nive feast over the campfire and with the exception of severe stomach pains that lasted about three hours, had a great night. Got pretty chilly early on, and I actually zipped my sleeping bag about halfway for the first time in months.
Date: 2015-07-15
From: Stratton

To: carrabassett river tentsite
Miles today: 8.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Said our goodbyes to Haiku this morning and hitched a ride to the trailhead. Packed out a lot of treats including a beer for myself and some pork tenderloin which i cooked over the fire. Had a relatively easy day of hiking and even did an extra mile to a campsite near the river. Had a pretty nive feast over the campfire and with the exception of severe stomach pains that lasted about three hours, had a great night. Got pretty chilly early on, and I actually zipped my sleeping bag about halfway for the first time in months.
Date: 2015-07-16
From: carrabassett river tentsite

To: poplar ridge lean-to
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: broken clouds

Had a steep climb and a long descent then back up to get to the lean-to, crossed over spaulding mountain in the process and had some great views. Relatively cool day and a cold night, definitely going to need some cold weather clothes for the mountains. The "long island boys' are determined to catch some poor forest animal for dinner, good thing they are not the best hunters. Ate too much to fast and climbed into the sack early, didn't participate in fire time, just ready to get into town for resupply. Finished off all my dinners, and kept just enough snacks to get me into rangeley.
Date: 2015-07-17
From: poplar ridge lean-to

To: Farmhouse Inn (Rangeley)
Miles today: 10.5

Was looking forward to a shower and a bed after a long cold night. Crossed over saddleback mountain that had by far the best views that I have seen on the trail. You could see as far as katahdin to the north and Mt. Washington to the south, was an unbelievable day. Had a little trouble hitching a ride, but was able to get to the hostel, and a shower later we were off to town for a Thai dinner. It's amazing how good a dinner like that tastes after being on the trail for so long. Was able to resupply at a real grocery store, albeit overpriced, including some nice fresh fruit and a bottle of wine for our late night snack.
Date: 2015-07-18
From: Farmhouse Inn (Rangeley)

To: Farmhouse Inn
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

With the impending rain, we decided as a group to spend one more day at the hostel. An old friend who ditched us a while ago showed up, yes Allegedly was still alive, couldn't decide whether to hug him or slug him. Went into town for some lunch, and send a few letters, and have a couple of beers. Picked up some pizza dough at the local pizza joint, didn't turn out nearly as well as I imagined it would. Decided we were getting out early in the morning, so I sat and watched a pretty crappy movie for about 15 minutes, then drifted off to bed.
Date: 2015-07-19
From: Farmhouse Inn

To: Bemis Mountain Lean-to
Miles today: 17.5

Because of the zero, decided to have a big day out of town. 4.5 miles into the hike the rain started, and it came with a fury. Hiking through 8 inches of mud and water puddles does a lot to dampen the spirit. But halfway through the sun came out and gave us some hope. As we crossed over the mountain, the skies grew ominous and thunder rolled, not my favorite place to be when you are the tallest thing on the mountain. Shelter was almost full when we got there, and we knew more were coming so I set my tent quickly before the rain began. Had a quick dinner and climbed into the sack with only a gentle rain falling.
Date: 2015-07-20
From: Bemis Mountain Lean-to

To: Hall Mountain Lean-to
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: broken clouds

The rain did end up coming around around 2 am and holy shit did it hit. It was one of the stronger storms I have been in on the trail. Of course every NoBo tells me how hard he or she has had it and how feeble it is for me to continue my journey because I simply cannot make it. Makes me laugh and makes me angry, oh well, hike your own hike. The rain actually pooled under my tent at one point about an inch or so deep, felt like I was laying on a waterbed. I t drained quickly, but it was a pretty wet mess in the morning. Was not the funnest day on the trail, and actually thought about getting off the trail in Andover. Had two ascents and descents that pretty much kicked my ass. The girls stopped at the base of the mountain, but I didn't want to have the climb in the morning, so I pressed on. tough climb, was pretty banged up when I got to the top, knees are really hurting and generally in poor spirits. Looking forward to getting the hell out of Maine.
Date: 2015-07-21
From: Hall Mountain Lean-to

To: Baldpate Lean-to
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Girls didn't die, but they tried to kill themselves by hiking over a mountain in a thunderstorm. Was relieved when they showed up at the shelter. Crushed out the first 4 miles today, then ran into the long island boys. Went up over the mountain running into a bunch of hikers that I had met in the south. Two really good climbs today including Baldpate, pushing hard to get to the shelter before the rain. The girls made it in around 6, and the storm kinda dissipated before it dropped anything substantial.
Date: 2015-07-22
From: Baldpate Lean-to

To: Full goose Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Long day, real long, with lots of climbs and descents including the famed Mahoosac Notch, The "Hardest" mile of the trail. Turns out to be pretty anticlimactic after all the hubbub that I've heard from the NoBo's. The hardest part was the climb in and climb out. The descent down the Mahoosac Arm just about broke me, but I felt like a kid jumping through the Notch from rock to rock, it was actually kinda fun. Had a fairly quick ascent out, only to find the shelter filled with several youth groups and tent space at a premium. If I was ever to quit the trail, that was the moment. Considered going the 4 miles to the next shelter, but I heard that it was a pretty tough stretch, and it was 5. Do not want to night hike through these mountains. The kids are loud, running around, fighting with each other. It was cold and windy and I had had enough. Ready for a day off and a little time away from the trail talk. Getting more and more tired of hearing about how the trail is going to be very difficult ahead of me.
Date: 2015-07-23
From: Full goose Shelter

To: White Mountain Hostel (Gorham, NH)
Miles today: 21.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke up with very little sleep, seems to be more and more of a problem of late. The group plan was to go about 14 miles and stay just outside of Gorham, I think I already had it in my head that I was moving on, and my goal was to push on to Gorham. First miles were slow and brutal, but ran into a bunch of NoBo's that remembered me and suggested that I stay at White Mountain. Told me to call ASAP as they fill up very quickly, which I did and got the last bunk. So that pretty much committed me to go still having 10 miles left. I left everything I had in reserve out on the trail and did some serious miles, reminiscent of the mega-miles I was doing in the south. When I got to the hostel, the shuttle was leaving for walmart, so changed my shirt and hopped in. Just so everyone knows, if you think it is bad to go shopping when you're hungry, try having the hiker hunger after a 21 mile day and go into walmart, not pretty. Grabbed a few beers for afterward, ordered some food and stayed up late. Already knew in my heart I was going to zero the next day, and looking forward to a day off.
Date: 2015-07-25
From: White Mountain Hostel (Gorham, NH)

To: IMP shelter
Miles today: 7.8
Weather: light rain

The morning breakfast at White Mountain was terrific as usual and since we were only doing a few miles, we didn't want to leave too soon. Mello left first and Smiles Davis and I left a little after and made great time up the hill. The first 4 miles flew by then the proverbial shit hit the fan and the hiking got pretty tough. Had to pay $8 to stay at a shelter run by the AMC, gotta love paying for something you've had for free the rest of your journey. It was chilly and we ended up with a full shelter, laughing most of the afternoon and into the evening. As the sun went down, the temperature dropped and we all hit the sack pretty early expecting rain into the night, hopefully it will be gone in the morning.
Date: 2015-07-26
From: IMP shelter

To: trail
Miles today: 13.3
Weather: light rain

Well so much for having a little easier trail and knocking out some miles, was definitely humbled by the white mountains today. Smiles and French Press pushed ahead of us, Mello and I did the best we could but couldn't make the planned 18 miles. As the sun went down, we had to ditch off the trail and stealth camp along a stream. It was nice because we had a good water supply and a couple of flat tentsites. Fell asleep as soon as we were done with dinner and only woke up to a thunderstorm around 11. Plan for tomorrow is 8 miles to the Madison Hut, we'll see what the trail holds. Seeing the terrain that we have been on, we have to plan on cutting the miles just so we can get through without getting our butts kicked.
Date: 2015-07-27
From: trail

To: madison Hut
Miles today: 8.0

Up at a normal hour and pleased to see blue sky above our heads. Only planned on 8 miles so we decided to have breakfast at pinkham notch visitor center. Nice buffet breakfast then a decent climb over 5 miles to the base of Mount Madison. Our plan was to see if we could do a "work-for-stay", the backup plan was not a pleasant option. If we get turned away, have to go another mile and a half on the trail, then 1.2 off the trail down the mountain. Fortunately, we got the two spots for work for stay, and waited outside until 8:30 until we could eat, then had to stay up till 9:30 to wait for lights out. The food was great and the replacement crew that was at the shelter was so nice to us. Thunderstorm rolled in right around bedtime, really cool to be inside and at cloud level watching the storm come in.
Date: 2015-07-28
From: madison Hut

To: lakas of the clouds hut
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: clear sky

planned on a 12 mile day, didn't happen. It is really hard hiking even though we hear stories of this getting easier. Only took us about a half hour cleaning up after breakfast, which by the way was delicious. Took us quite a long time to get to the top of Mount Washington, fortunately we had amazing weather. Blue skies and almost no wind. This from the place that holds the world record for land wind speed of 231 MPH. We decided to press our luck and try for work for stay a second night, so we stayed on the summit and arrived just in time to get the last two spots. Of course we rolled in at 4:30, and sat there watching the guests eat until we gt to eat at 8:30. Then after lights out, many guests stayed up playing card and reading as we slept on the floor. I think this will be our last hut. However, it is pretty chilly outside, so I am grateful to at least sleep on the floor.
Date: 2015-07-29
From: lakas of the clouds hut

To: Ethan Pond Shelter 
Miles today: 14.0

Well as grateful as I am for the breakfast and a warm floor to sleep on, we didn't leave till almost 10, lots of missed hiking and both Mello and I are in agreement that we do no more huts. Got woken up at midnight, that was fun. Not sure what was happening but glad to be back on the trail. Had a good hike and pounded out some serious miles. actually did an extra 2.5 miles to set us up for an easier day tomorrow. Thought we were going to have a brutal uphill but it turned out not to be that bad.
Date: 2015-07-30
From: Ethan Pond Shelter 

To: Garfield Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: light rain

We did some pretty crazy miles from what we had been used to, then things changed in the afternoon when the clouds and rain rolled in and the terrain turned to shit. Had a really hard downhill going into the Galehead hut and the rain started a little heavier. The miles to the shelter didn't look that bad on a map, but they turned out to be brutal, felt like every step took hours. The last 0.3 were straight uphill almost on a riverbed/waterfall, climbing up with your hands, soaking wet, tired and hungry. On top of that, we had to pay $8 at the shelter. Just felt downright shitty and decided to set up my tent in the rain so I could be miserable in my own little world, I tend to do that when I expect the shelters to be full. Hard sometimes to deal with people when you are in a terrible mood.
Date: 2015-07-31
From: Garfield Ridge Shelter

To: The Notch Hostel (North Woodstock)
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: few clouds

Started the day with another crappy 0.3, then above treeline for a while with a cold wind. Thankfully there was no rain in the forecast. We knew we were going into town and really just wanted a cold beer and some food. Had a hard time getting a hitch into town so we ended up just calling for a shuttle to get us to the hostel. Rented bikes and rode into town for a couple of beers and enough food to feed a family of 6, almost had to wheel us out of there.
Date: 2015-08-01
From: The Notch Hostel (North Woodstock)

To: Eliza Brook Shelter
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: clear sky

Up early after a good nights sleep, had a morning beer in lieu of breakfast. Packed up and back on the trail by 8 and easy going for the first half. Enjoyed a nice lunch on top of the mountain while listening to a thunderstorm in the distance. A few conversations on the way down then the rain came, unexpectedly I may add, and it was double quick time to the bottom. Fell one time and rolled my ankle pretty good to add to the misery. So the tale of the tape is two bad ankles, two bad knees, and the bottoms of my feet feel like I'm walking on broken glass, but loving every minute of it!
Date: 2015-08-02
From: Eliza Brook Shelter

To: Beaver Brook Shelter
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: broken clouds

Walked a short day today on purpose, no need to do any further damage to an already failing, fragile, old body. Setting ourselves up to finish the white's tomorrow so our last ascent of the day was Mt. Moosilauke, or as I like to call it, the gateway to the south. We were more concerned about going down the other side so it worked out the shelter was about two thirds of the way to the top. Gathered some wood and had a fire, have't had one in quite a while, wood was wet and hard to burn however. glad to have a beautiful day, but it does get a little boring sitting at a shelter for 5-6 hours before bed. We could see Mt. Washington from the shelter, and it was a nice farewell to the mountains that had done so much damage to my body. Starting to hit the NoBo bubble and looking forward to full shelters and hostels for a while.
Date: 2015-08-03
From: Beaver Brook Shelter

To: Hikers Welcome Hostel (Glencliff)
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Please kill me now. Seriously, if you're a NoBo telling me how bad the trail is going to be, you need to start hiking your own hike. For you to tell me how bad the mud is in VT, the mosquitos in MA, and the rocks in PA, I have one word for you, MAINE. Take all three and mix them together, then you will experience true pain. But I digress, easy hike up and over Moosilauke and down to the hostel, only to find a large group of Pot-smoking, hippie NoBo's who look at me like I won't make it over the next mountain. It does make me laugh at times, after I can let go of my pride and not have to tell them that I've already done 1400 miles. Seems surreal sometimes that I have actually hiked that far. But looking forward to some easier terrain and getting closer to home. Feels good that for myself, I'm really hiking home, and I may even forgo the trailhead pickup and hike right to my front door, that would be a fitting end to this journey.
Date: 2015-08-04
From: Hikers Welcome Hostel (Glencliff)

To: hexacuba shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: clear sky

Good day today, only excitement was a little thunderstorm that hung off to our right, gave us some thunder and quickened our step but no rain. Had lunch on a grassy knoll with the thunder rolling in the distance, didn't see the second shooter. One of those days where not much happens and you just walk, and walk, waiting for the right time to drop pack.
Date: 2015-08-05
From: hexacuba shelter

To: moose mountain shelter
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: clear sky

Nice shelter last night and a good nights sleep, but feet hurting leaving the shelter, as usual. Trying to keep up on the journaling and having a hard time realizing the scope of how much we hike everyday. Ballpark figure is around 4500 feet of climb and descent. Ended the day with a 1500' ascent and then a "smooth" mile and a half of flat walking. They say the mahoosuk notch is he hardest mile of the Appalachian trail, I believe it is the last mile of every day that you hike, and this was no different.   Met up with smiles Davis, had a fire that only lasted till dinner cause we were exhausted. Nobo came in late and set up a hammock only to have the tree fall on him, lucky he is still alive, the damn thing was 6 inches thick and 3 feet tall, only missed him by a few inches. He decided to come into the shelter after that!
Date: 2015-08-06
From: moose mountain shelter

To: hanover, NH
Miles today: 11.0

Up early and planned in doing a zero, not sure what to expect when we got into town. First stop was the community center to drop pack and shower, get laundry done and think about resupply. Went to the co-op and was wowed by the choices, unfortunately, not the chices you want to see on the trail. Grabbed some cheeses, olives, and salami and went back to pack our bags. The community center let us keep our bags there as we explored town. We returned to collect our packs and find a lace to stay. No lodging available, trail Angels were full and all hotels booked. Went back to the outside of town and camped in the woods like a couple homeless people. Walked back into town for dinner, which was fantastic by the way, but at the end of the day, could have walked so many miles with as much time we spent going back and forth to town.