morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2011-08-09
From: Maine Rt. 4, Rangeley, ME

To: Gravel Road after Oberton Stream
Miles today: 13.4

Happy Birthday, SherylVery foggy this morning, but it¢s starting to burn off. We have daypacks, borrowed from Sue, and are off for 15 miles. At the trailhead at 0730 and reached Piazza Rock Shelter at 0830. It has been an easy walk to here. Made the summit of Saddleback at 1100 and then the Horn at 1200. Met a kid from Lexington (Hancock Ave) on the summit, as well as Reboot and Omega who are from Canada. On the summit of Saddleback Jr. at 1400. All downhill from here!Very steep down from Saddleback Jr. Met a large group of girls from Montr©al ¢ all speaking French ¢ and jabbering all the way to the top. It was a long downhill to Oberton Stream where we then had a short, steep uphill before a long gradual climb to the Gravel Road. The road was slightly downhill and we reached our pickup shuttle at 1800.Saw a moose (#1) while climbing Saddleback. She was in the edge of the second from last pond and just browsing along, eating twigs. I got several pictures.
Date: 2011-08-10
From: Caribou Valley Road, Stratton, ME

To: Stratton Brook Pond Road, Stratton, ME
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: overcast clouds

For those real familiar with this area, you will notice we did the next section out of order.Debating today¢s plan, it¢s raining. Started hiking at Caribou Valley Road at 0915 with Mofo, Pilgrim, and Guinness. The climb up South Crocker was rocky and steep. After the summit there was a col, then the climb up North Crocker where there was a sign (took Picture). At the summit there was a grouse sitting in a tree that flew as I took the picture. On the way down there was another grouse walking along the trail, and the others said they saw a dead one. The hike down was long, but not difficult. We crossed Rt. 27 at 1330 and Mofo called Sue for a ride in one mile. We finished at 1400.Whamo and I made a plan to get to Monson and the start of the Hundred Mile Wilderness (HMW): Thursday: 10 miles, Spaulding Mtn.Friday ¢ Sat: Overnight for the Bigalows and return to Stratton.Sunday: Backpack, Long Falls Dam road to Pierce PondMonday: Backpack, Pierce Pond to Caratuck to Pleasant Pond.Tuesday ¢ Thursday: Backpack to Monson.We had a nice relaxing afternoon, great for planning and just recovering from the last week of big climbs. This has been the toughest section I have seen, even more so than the Whites. The difference is that the peaks are not connected by ridges, but rather go all the way down into the valleys.
Date: 2011-08-11
From: Gravel Road after Oberton Stream

To: Caribou Valley Road, Stratton, ME
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: light rain

Got up at 0510, ate breakfast and loaded into the shuttle at 0600. Reached the 1 mile road walk at 0715 and began the days hike. We saw a cow and calf moose (2&3) just off the road on the way here.We¢re here at Spaulding Mtn. lean-to at 0930. The weather is in and out, and we just had a brief shower. A moment ago I was sitting in the sun and now it¢s all cloudy and cool. We chose not to climb to the summits of Mt Abraham and Sugarloaf and the clouds kept rolling in. We reached the gravel road at 1310 and called Sue for a shuttle, and then walked the 1.5 miles to the pick up point.
Date: 2011-08-12
From: Stratton Brook Pond Road, Stratton, ME

To: Stafford Notch campsite
Miles today: 9.8
Weather: broken clouds

Had breakfast across the street at the Stratton Diner. Had to wait for the shuttle we had requested for 0800, but didn¢t arrive until 0830, as Sue had the 75-minute run to the Gravel Road after Oberton Stream.Got on the trail at 0845 and made good time to Horn Pond Lead-to where we got water. The climb up south Horn was tough. I thought we were going up the West peak of the Bigelows when two big peaks appeared, which did not make me happy. But, up we went, and soon passed over Bigelow West peak, then stopped for a break at Avery Col campsite. Then it was on to Avery peak and the burned fire tower. Took many pictures, as the views were magnificent. Not a drop of rain today!The climb down was tough but interesting as it took a tour of giant (dump truck sized) boulders. Finally reached the Stafford Notch campsite where I set up my tent and made supper.
Date: 2011-08-13
From: Stafford Notch campsite

To: Long Fall Dam Road
Miles today: 8.9

Got out of camp at 0700 and onto a moderate climb for the first hour. It seems a bit warmer today under a bright sky. Stopped at Little Bigelow Lean-to for a break and then again at Bog Brook Road where we called Sue and asked for a pickup at 1300. There is a nice new trail around the lake, followed by a 500-foot climb and downhill to the road where we will be picked up.Reached the road at 1245, which also happens to be the traditional 2000-mile mark. Got several pictures while waiting for the shuttle. The new trail around Flagstaff Lake is nice, but it needs to be washed out and repaired a few times. We¢re heading back to Stratton where I need Batteries (can¢t find) and nuts.Just ran into Steady who I met in Maryland back in May. She took my picture crossing the I-70 Bridge. She is planning to summit on the 27th.
Date: 2011-08-14
From: Long Fall Dam Road

To: Pierce Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: overcast clouds

We left the hostel in Stratton at 0645 and reached the trailhead at 0730. Passed Carrabassett Valley Academy on the way to the trailhead. Whamo lost a water bottle, he thinks in the car, so will have to deal with that. Saw another moose (#4) galloping down the road. At East Carry pond at 1130 and took a nice break, but there was no activity on the pond. Saw a few houses at the far end of the pond.Just 1500 when we reached Pierce Pond Lean-to. We need to go to Harrison¢s camps where we can make reservations for breakfast. There are entries in the shelter log from: Peach on 7/16, Charlie on 8/4, and Fuzzy Navel on 8/4.Saw another moose (#5) on the new footbridge they just constructed. Gingersnap is here eating and will go tent for the night. Team Mofo is staying at Harrison¢s. Took a swim in the pond and feel good.
Date: 2011-08-15
From: Pierce Pond Lean-to

To: Pleasant Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 10.3
Weather: light rain

Got up at 0600 and hiked the .5-mile to Harrison¢s Camps for breakfast: 12 pancakes, 2 eggs, sausage, orange juice, and coffee for $12. After breakfast it on the trail to the Kennebec river which we reached at 0930. Enjoyed the ferry and then on to the Caratunk, Me post office. Gingersnap was at the PO with all her stuff on the PO floor. I sent my used maps and Maine guide back home, trying to lighten my pack as much as possible. Left for the next shelter, 5.7 miles away, at 1045. Light rain is expected today and tomorrow.The rain started as we reached the PO and continued all day. Reached the Pleasant Pond Lean-to at 1330, where the shelter was full. Fortunately, 3 are leaving giving us room for the night. Waiting for a break in the rain to go the 0.2 miles for water.¢Open Mike¢ died on the trail a few days ago (8/11/11). Here is what he wrote in the Pleasant Pond Lean-to on 8/9/11:¢Thank you to all I¢ve met today that have helped to make this a great day to be alive. To Phoenix (AKA Bearfoot) and Courtney ¢ enjoy the rest of your hike and good luck on that Mom & son thru hike sometime in the near future! At only 10 years old, Bearfoot looks like he¢s going to be an awesome hiker. To Slider and Need Middle ¢ I hope your foot heals nicely and you are more comfortable during the rest of your hike. Maybe we¢ll all see each other again on a trail someplace. Hikers are extraordinary people. Most people don¢t even know there is such a way to spend time. May you all continue to live your dreams ¢ Right here ¢ Right now ¢ Peace¢                                ¢Open Mike¢Here in the shelter tonight are Mofo, Pilgrim, Guinness, Whamo and myself.
Date: 2011-08-16
From: Pleasant Pond Lean-to

To: Bald Mtn. Pond
Miles today: 15.2

Rained hard all night then stopped while we packed up. It¢s raining again just before we leave. Rain all day with a few breaks. Met MrsJoy at 1030 this morning. I¢m so glad we met again on the trail. We all (5) met at noon and planned to meet up again at Moxie Bald Lean-to. Whamo and I took the bad weather route on Moxie Bald and the others took the trail over the Bald. Whamo and I got to the Lean-to first and waited for the others. Meanwhile they came by the side trail to the lean-to and left a note. I went down to the trail and found the note a half hour after they left. We then had to practically run to catch the ride they had arranged into Monson. In fact, I was running down a hill and saw a snake on the trail that I jumped. There was major water on the trail today, so I¢m concerned the 100 Mile Wilderness (HMW) will be interesting. We¢re at Shaws in Monson for the next 2 nights. Just returned from the restaurant where I had a pizza.
Date: 2011-08-17
From: Bald Mtn. Pond

To: Maine Rt. 15, Monson ME
Miles today: 15.8

Today started with breakfast at Shaws. Two pancakes, 3 eggs, 3 sausages, and 3 bacon. We were shuttled to the trail where we left yesterday and started hiking at 0740.Soon we had the first of two fords. I kept my boots on, as they were already wet from yesterday, and wrung out my socks on the other side. This works well with wet boots and is a little easier than using Crooks. The second ford was to be a little deeper, but was about the same, knee deep. After this crossing there was some trail magic and we snacked. The trail continued at a slight downhill until about 3 miles from Rt. 15, when it started a steady climb. By the time we reached the road at 1400, Whamo and I were both hungry and out of water. We hitched a ride back to Shaws, ate some lunch, showered, and made laundry ready. I need to plan food for the HMW.We went to diner in Greenville with Whamo¢s friend John. I had a really big piece of Salmon. On the way back we saw a moose (#6) in a bog next to the road. We stopped at a store for supplies and now I must pack.
Date: 2011-08-18
From: Maine Rt. 15, Monson ME

To: Gravel road north of Montreal, Maine and Atlantic 
Miles today: 10.4

Well, it¢s off to the Wilderness (AKA HMW). Looking like another good day as the sky is clear. Possible thundershowers are forecast for the next couple days. We were at the trailhead at 0830, and had climbs up and down to the Leeman Brook Lean-to, which we reached at 1015. Grandpa was here yesterday. Hikes passed Little Wilson Falls, Little Wilson Stream, and over the ledges. At 1400 I caught up to Whamo who had fallen and dislocated 2 fingers. One he had relocated and the other he worked on until it was back in place. We splinted them with a stick and tape and called Shaws for a shuttle to medical aid. We got picked up at the gravel road just north of the RR, shuttled back to Monson, and Whamo off to Greenville ER to have the fingers checked out. Back at Shaws, I¢m waiting for Whamo to return while team Mofo went for barbeque. Whamo returned with splints for the fingers and a positive outlook. We joined teal Mofo for barbeque.
Date: 2011-08-19
From: Gravel road north of Montreal, Maine and Atlantic 

To: Cloud Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Had another great breakfast at Shaws and then waited for a shuttle back to the gravel road. Whamo is cleared to hike. We were left off at 0840 where we were picked up yesterday. We hiked the 0.3 miles to the trail and once again were off into the HMW. Damn, I slipped in some mud and twisted my knee. Seems mostly OK except for bearing my weight when fully bended. Made it to Long Pond stream Lean-to at 1145.   Whamo is going back to the stream for water while I eat. Made the top of Barron Mtn. about 1500 where I sent out a tweet. Then it was on to the Cloud Pond Lean-to at 1600. Now just chilling out before making supper. Greg from Longmeadow MA came into the lean-to this evening.
Date: 2011-08-20
From: Cloud Pond Lean-to

To: Katahdin Iron Works Road
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Got up before 0600 and will get out of camp by 0700. My knee is sore and stiff ¢ we¢ll see how it does after some hiking warm-up. Sky is clear this morning. 1300 and we¢re at Chairback Gap Lean-to. That was 6 hours for 7.3 miles ¢ tough trail and very humid. Drinking lots of water and Gator Aid. Made a stealth camp at about 1630 a short way after the gravel road. We were just about set up when Guinness and Pilgrim and later Mofo arrived and joined us. We have a front coming through tomorrow night. The timing is important, as it will impact out hike tomorrow. It¢s interesting that Sheryl has never provided weather info to me unless I ask.
Date: 2011-08-21
From: Katahdin Iron Works Road

To: Logan Brook Lean-to
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Left camp at 0715 after picking up a wet tent. Had an easy hike down to the ford and more easy hiking after that. Slightly up hill along Gulf Hass had the usual rocks, roots and mud. Arrived at Carl Newhall Lean-to at 1015. Took a break and got water. Whamo is not here and must have gone ahead. Whamo has gone ahead with Steady. Stopped at Tappan campsite at 1215 for lunch. Will move on quickly as I need to get to Logan Brook Lean-to, 5.4 miles and 3 mountains away. Whamo went on to the next lean-to. Did not see him all day. Hope he is OK. May catch up tomorrow. Made it to Logan Brook Lean-to at 1615, doing a little over 1.6 MPH. Tigger from CA is here at the lean-to for the night. Bob and Sue came in late but are tenting a short distance away. I¢m having a lot of cramping in my hands. I¢m thinking it¢s from holding my poles too tightly.
Date: 2011-08-22
From: Logan Brook Lean-to

To: Cooper Brook Lean-to
Miles today: 11.7

Torrential rain all night made a racket on the tin roof. Just Tigger and me in the shelter plus Bob and Sue tenting. They came up to the shelter this morning very wet. I waited until the rain stopped and then left at 0900. Reached East Branch Lean-to at 1045. The ford 0.3 miles beyond was waist deep and running fast. It was about all I could do to get across.At Mountain View pond I met 2 fishermen while stopped for lunch. This was a great day for hiking. Had a nice breeze and low humidity. I didn¢t have to wring out my shirt once! Made Cooper Brook falls Lean-to at 1530. Hung tent to dry, and my sleeping bag as well.Washed off in the stream ¢ there are leaches in there! Got the Stri-pen working, so did a couple Qts. of water which I will work with for the evening. So far I¢m right on schedule for getting to White House Landing (WHL). Thought I was going to have the lean-to to myself when Cayenne arrived to tent and Jukebox, whom I met in the spring, came into the lean-to.
Date: 2011-08-23
From: Cooper Brook Lean-to

To: Pemadumcook Lake and WHL
Miles today: 12.6

It¢s a bright. Clear morning for a hike to WHL. I got out of camp at 0700 and made the 3.7 miles to Jo-Mary road in 1.5 hours. No wildlife this morning but saw several snakes yesterday.I¢ve been making good time all day. 1215 at Potaywadjo Spring Lean-to for 11.4 miles in 5 hours. It¢s a great day with temps in the mid 60¢s, low humidity, and a nice breeze. Now on to WHL.Made it to WHL at 1400 for 12.6 miles in 7 hours! It¢s good to have all that food out of the pack. The trail into WHL is nothing like the description suggests. If it weren¢t for the business card tacked to a tree I don¢t think I would have found it. It¢s almost 1.5 miles from the trail to the dock.I had to hand-wash my stuff and hang it on a line to dry. I bought the few things I needed to get to Abol Bridge at the camp store. Eat a 1-pound hamburger with onion, lettuce, tomato and pickles for dinner. Good thing this place takes plastic. Looking forward to the AYCE breakfast.Talked to Sheryl and got caught up on the news, including the hurricane that is coming up the coast. We will try to summit on Saturday, as the hurricane is to start reaching us on Sunday. This means a 17, 15, and 10 mile three day hike. But, if we don¢t do it we could possibly be shut out of Baxter State Park until mid next week. Here tonight at WHL are Mofo, Pilgrim, Guinness, Steady, Whamo and myself.
Date: 2011-08-24
From: Pemadumcook Lake and WHL

To: Rainbow Stream Lean-to
Miles today: 17.8
Weather: overcast clouds

It¢s looking like a partly cloudy day. It¢s 0710 and I¢m mostly packed while others are still sleeping. Breakfast isn¢t until 0800 so we can¢t get going early. Looks like a 17 mile day with a late start. My knee is feeling OK after some walking warm-up.Got on the trail at 0900 after the boat ride back to a landing very near the trail. I¢m hiking with Guinness and Pilgrim and making good time. Not a lot of time to write today while hiking with Guinness and Pilgrim. The trail was varied from flat and smooth to very steep and rocky over Nesuntabunt Mtn. We reached Rainbow stream Lean-to at 1630 or 7.5 hours for 17.8 miles, or 2.37 mph!Met a guy at breakfast at WHL who met Seven Dwarfs playing the flute on top of Katahdin.
Date: 2011-08-25
From: Rainbow Stream Lean-to

To: Abol Bridge
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Got up at 0530, just as Mofo and Pilgrim were hiking off across the stream. Guinness left about 20 minutes later. I expect to get on trail by 0630. Reached Hurd Brook Lean-to at 1130. Whamo and I did a fast paced hike. Only 3.5 miles to Abol Bridge. We got a shuttle into Millinocket.
Date: 2011-08-26
From: Abol Bridge

To: Tote Road, Baxter State Park
Miles today: 9.8

Got up at 0500 and met the rest of the group at the restaurant at 0530 for breakfast. Pilgrim¢s wife drove all 5 of us back to Abol Bridge to resume the hike. Got on the trail at 0700. We had two stream crossings, rock hops, and Whamo fell into each. Mostly a nice trail all day, which only lasted until 1100. We were met at Perimeter Road by Ranger Betsy and got passes for tomorrow.The weather tomorrow is not expected to be wonderful due to all the storms. Today there are 50 MPH winds on the summit and it¢s in the clouds. Trying to hitch a ride into Millinocket. Team Mofo has been successful so it¢s only Whamo and me. Took over 4 hours to get out of the park, as there just were no cars leaving.We went to Angelinos for dinner where I had a house special pizza, which was very good.
Date: 2011-08-27
From: Tote Road, Baxter State Park

To: Summit, Katahdin
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: broken clouds

Got up at 0500 again and off to the restaurant for breakfast. We all left the hostel at 0630 and started hiking at 0730. The summit was in and out of the clouds as we approached, which we reached at 1115.We spent about a half hour on the summit, taking pictures and enjoying the party atmosphere. Took many pictures.The return down the mountain was more difficult with serious rock climbing. I reached the bottom at 1515, concluding this adventure.
Date: 2007-10-01
To: mechanical parts
Miles today: 0.0

My plan is to hike south from Harpers Ferry, WV starting October 11 or 12. I¢ll re-supply in Linden, VA 22642 46 miles down the trail. (3 days of food){pick up mail drop} then 113 miles to Waynesboro, VA (goes through Shenandoah National Park most of the distance -- 5 days of food) then 77 miles to Glasgow, VA (4 days of food) then 86 miles to Daleville, VA (4 days of food) then 20 miles to Catawba, VA 24070 (2 days of food){pick up mail drop} then 73 miles to Pearisburg (5 days food) then 90 miles to US#11/VA#683 and The Relax Inn, 7253 Lee Hwy., Rural Retreat, VA 24368 (5 days of food) {pick up mail drop} then 75 miles to Damascus, VA (4 days of food) and Lone Wolf and Gypsy. Deciding the probable town stops gives me a basic plan. I¢ll send out 2 boxes of food and fuel to the two Post Offices of Linden, VA 22642 and Catawba, VA 24070 and 1 box to The Relax Inn. I¢ll probably bounce a box from the first and second Post Offices. I¢ll need to arrive before noon on Saturday, October 15 or Monday, October 17. The Post Office closes at 12 noon. I¢ll be rushing for a Post Office right out of the shoot. I think Monday is when I should arrive in Linden. I¢ll probably spend a day in Harpers Ferry.Then about 16 to 20 Days to my next mail drop. This would put me in Catawba, VA at the end of October. Maybe Monday, October 29? From there it should take me 10 to 12 days to arrive at The Relax Inn (November 9 or 10ish). It looks like a Damascus, VA arrival to be November 15 to 20.I¢ll probably stop at these towns in this order: Linden, VA, Waynesboro, VA, Glasgow, VA, Daleville, VA, Catawba, VA, Pearisburg, VA, Rural Retreat, VA, and then Damascus, VA.
Date: 2007-10-02
To: Equipment and clothes
Miles today: 0.0

Basic Equipment:Backpack ¢ Granite Gear Vapor TrailATC blaze orange pack coverTent ¢ Black Diamond Lighthouse 5¢x8¢ sil-nylon tarpSleeping bag ¢ Kelty 20 degree downSilk liner ¢ Maura/New ZealandSleeping pad ¢ Big Agnes 66x20¢ insulatedStove ¢ Snowpeak Giga Power with self igniterFuel ¢ isobutene and propane mixPots ¢ Snow peak titaniumMug ¢ Coleman insulatedTools ¢ Lexan (great girl name) spoon and knifeClothes:2 pair Wright liners ¢ yellow top2 pair thick Dafeet socks -- yellow1 pair Smartwool socks for in camp3 pair silk undies ¢ yellow, purple, and green1 button down Wintersilk hiking shirt ¢ subdued yellow1 pair wool leggings for in camp -- black1 Smartwool long sleeve shirt for in camp ¢ black1 pair silk/wool blend leggings to wear with shorts in cold conditions1 fleece pulls on shirt -- black1 wool beanie hat -- grey1 pair Maura/New Zealand silk gloves -- black1 pair Campmor fleece gloves -- black1 Alligator Ambles baseball hat ¢ off white1 North Face nylon hiking short ¢ light brown1 rain jacket -- green1 rain pants ¢ full zip ¢ black
Date: 2007-10-11
To: Harpers Ferry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I arrived in Harpers Ferry last evening by Amtrak and stayed at the Hilltop House. Very nice room for $40.00. The trip rom Northeast Harbor was OK. I spent yesterday touring around Washington. Much fun with the Smithsonian musiums. Today I have wandered around town seeing the sights and doing some last minute tweaking of my pack by spending $200.00 at the Outfitter at Harpers Ferry. It is a wonderful store. I went to the ATC Headquarters and obtained a list of water supply spots for Virginia. If I am carefull, I should be OK with this drought that is going on down here. I plan to spend another night at the Hilltop House and tomorrow begin walking south around 8AM. I'll probably poke along until Monday when I'll pick up the first mail drop in Linden. After that I should get a little more involved with the miles. So the excitement builds and tomorrow it's on the trail!
Date: 2007-10-15
From: Harpers Ferry

To: Front Royal
Miles today: 53.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Started out and hiked 13 miles to Black Burn. Then 2 20's to Front Royal. I know not much info, but they are pro-active about time at this libary. No need to stop at any PATC sponsered place, by the way. Just kidding. Hope to say more at Waynesboro. I'm thinking of my friends and Lucky Dog and Miss Janet. And to my loved friends at Embreville Church Of Crist (and food), I'm a coming.