morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-07-22
From: U.S. 2 Gorham NH White Mountain Hostel

To: Gentian Pond shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: light rain

7/22 I took it easy today. I slept in till 6:35 this morning and woke at the White Mountains hostel. I must say that this is now my favorite hostel on the AT. I have not stayed at all of them, but I have sampled many hostels along the way. This place is clean and very accommodating not to mention the best breakfast of all the hostels. So, I got up and had coffee and worked on my TJ while breakfast was being prepared. Also, my laundry from yesterday was cleaned and ready. After a big breakfast I packed my things while everyone else left. I ended up being the last to leave. The trail started fairly easily and then began the 2000 ft ascent of Mt Hayes. This would be the last of the Presidential Mountains. When i got near the top there was a nice clearing to look back at where I had been for the last week. I sat and enjoyed the views for 30 or 40 minutes. I then went down and up Cascade mountain where I repeated the break. Then it was another down and up to Wocket. Ledge where I repeated my break one more time and enjoyed lunch. Just after I packed up, Sisafuss came hiking up. I haven't seen her in 6 weeks or more. It was way back in Palmerton PA. She stopped to chat a bit and moved on. I followed shortly after. For the next couple hours, I went up and down a few more times passing several nice ponds and streams. I arrived at Gentian Pond shelter right at 4 and dropped my pack and went swimming. The water was quite refreshing especially since this was the warmest day in weeks. It was also humid and buggy. I guess rain will come tomorrow. There were 2 southbound hikers at the shelter and I saw 2 others today. There seems to be less each day now. Last week there were 8 a day. Yesterday only 1. This is an older shelter but in a great spot next to a pond and an awesome view. I am laying on my bed working on my TJ and occasionally looking out at the White Mountains. I made my dinner of pasta with tuna and have cleaned everything up already. Another incredible day. Tomorrow, I leave NH and enter ME. Soon after, I will pass Mahoosuc Notch which some consider the hardest section of the AT. Sounds like a lot of fun to me. Today I am grateful that I made it through the Presidential range without serious injury.
Date: 2014-07-23
From: Gentian Pond shelter

To: Full Goose Shelter
Miles today: 9.6
Weather: light rain

7/23 9.6 This morning the shelter cleared out by 6. Wow, today was the first time in a while I was the last one out. The temperature was cool but the humidity was high. I was sweaty by 7. I thought I had planned an easy day, but the miles came slowly. Around 10 I went to the Carlo Col shelter 0.3 miles off trail for water and met all the other North bound hikers that were at the shelter the night before including Sisafuss. I filtered water and had some snacks and hiked on. Still, the miles came slowly. It was all day up and down. Twice, I tossed my hiking poles down a big climb down so my hands would be free. I Finally made the shelter at 2:30 and there were only 2 others there. Within the next hour, 8 others showed up. It was pretty full by 4:00. I thought the crowd would be less as I got closer to Baxter S P but it just keeps getting more crowded. There are 6 section hikers here, 4 South boulders, 1 flipper and 3 North bound hikers. This place is packed and rowdy. I think I should have cooked instead of doing my TJ. Every one is now crammed into the shelter cooking. The rain has started and it may make tomorrow even tougher than it already is. I hope to do another 10 mile day and pass the Mahoosuc Notch and Mahoosuc arm. In another week, I should be out of the big mountains and in the marshes of Maine. Today, I am grateful for a shelter with enough space for me.
Date: 2014-07-24
From: Full Goose Shelter

To: Grafton Notch
Miles today: 9.7
Weather: light rain

Last night's rain was no surprise. I entered Maine. It rained the first day of VT and NH as well. It did, however, cool things considerably. Yesterday, it was 90 and today it barely reached 70. It was nice and cool this morning when I left the shelter just before 7. If it were not so wet, It would have been a perfect day. I climbed Fulling Mill Mountain to find lots of ripe blueberries. I picked a hand full and moved on. This was to be a big day covering the infamous Mahoosuc Notch and Mahoosuc Arm. The next two miles were down, but not too steep. I stopped before entering the Notch to have some snacks and water. I actually really enjoyed Mahoosuc Notch. It was much like caving in a breakdown pile with no mud and no headlamp required. I was lucky to have it to myself and was disappointed when it ended. Next came the Arm. It was basically a 2000 ft climb in less than 1.5 miles. It had a stream running down it much of the way. I believe it was the Steepest section of trail I have done yet. I am so glad I didn't have to come down it. I made it up and back down to Spec Pond shelter where I had lunch. Stopping for lunch reminded me how cool it was so I headed north and up hill to the top of Old Spec Mountain. From there, it was down hill 2500 ft to Grafton Notch. My knees are feeling this day. I know you are wondering why I have reduced my daily miles so much, but the trail and rocks are tough here and I want to enjoy my time here. I am still two weeks ahead of my schedule. I should be finished here in Maine in 3 weeks. I am grateful today. For the cooler weather.
Date: 2014-07-25
From: Grafton Notch

To: Andover ME Pine Ellis hostel
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: scattered clouds

I got an 8:30 start today and it was another cool morning without rain. I had planned to go to Andover, ME which is a small town with a hiker hostel. The day began with a 2200 ft climb. I stopped at Baldpate lean - to (shelter) for a snack and to check the register. I moved on to the first of two peaks for the day. The visibility was lower than any day in several weeks. I think it was the wildfires out west because the humidity seemed low to me. I met a local couple and talked a bit and then I moved on to the East peak which is higher and I ran into Cabo. I had met him a few days back and we are doing similar mile days. We discussed the next few days and I said I wanted to move somewhere warmer out of the wind. He was heading south and I was going north but we both were going to Pine Ellis hostel. I went on to Frye Notch lean - to for lunch where I met a southbound thru - hiker. I am so confused about the southbound hikers. Monday, there was 1, Tuesday 11, Wednesday 13, Thursday 11 and today 5. I continued on to East B Rd where I met Dia, who is doing support for her husband who is also NOBO. She offered me a ride to the hostel. I ask if I could be dropped off at the ice cream place a few blocks away. She said no problem. I got a scoop of raspberry and one of coffee. I enjoyed my ice cream on my way to the hostel. There were 12 others there, many of which I have met. 4 SOBOs. Tonight I will have a beer and a meal in Andover. Today I am grateful for making it all the way to Maine.
Date: 2014-07-26
From: Andover ME Pine Ellis hostel

To: South Arm
Miles today: 10.1

Last week I was looking at my guide book trying to figure out where my next resupply would be and how much food I needed when I noticed this scary looking notch on the profile description. It looked steeper than anything I had seen so I tried not to look too much. I found myself looking at it every day this week. Today was the day I would descend and ascend back out of this notch.So, I have been seeing these two guys Cabo and Trip and we have been hiking about the miles every day. Last night at the hostel, they were discussing the next section and saying the wanted to do it southbound. I decided to join them thinking that I would be able get the Notch done early and I thought I would run into Top O.The hostel was full last night and everyone needed a shuttle this morning. Cabo, Trip and myself were on the second shuttle and left at 7. We were on the trail at 7:30. Within an hour, I was heading down hill into Sawyer Notch. It was 1300 ft down a steep section with ladders and steel rungs for a while, but it was not as bad as I thought it would be and neither was climbing back up the other side. I did see Top O and we made plans to meet later in the day at the hostel to plan our final 3 weeks. The rest of the day went well and it seems like the trail is finally mellowing out. Tomorrow, I will start increasing my mileage again. I'm feeling strong again and Top O and I will be hiking together again. Did I mention how much I enjoy the small trail towns along the way?
Date: 2014-07-26
From: Andover ME Pine Ellis hostel

To: South Arm
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Last week I was looking at my guide book trying to figure out where my next resupply would be and how much food I needed when I noticed this scary looking notch on the profile description. It looked steeper than anything I had seen so I tried not to look too much. I found myself looking at it every day this week. Today was the day I would descend and ascend back out of this notch.So, I have been seeing these two guys Cabo and Trip and we have been hiking about the miles every day. Last night at the hostel, they were discussing the next section and saying the wanted to do it southbound. I decided to join them thinking that I would be able get the Notch done early and I thought I would run into Top O.The hostel was full last night and everyone needed a shuttle this morning. Cabo, Trip and myself were on the second shuttle and left at 7. We were on the trail at 7:30.
Date: 2014-07-27
From: South Arm

To: ME 17
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: light rain

It was another cool morning and Cabo, Trip, Iron Will, Top O and I had planned a slack packing day since we knew rain was coming. Not only was this the first time Top O and I hiked together in a while, it was the first time we slack packed together. The day started with a 2200 ft climb and began early by being on the trail by 6:45. Old Blue was not really too bad and the rain held off. We were not in a hurry because we had a shuttle picking us up at a specific time. We took 2 blueberry breaks because they are getting ripe now. We stopped at Bemis Mountain Shelter for lunch and water and Cabo and Trip showed up to join us. We took a nice long relaxing break. We had only a little over 4 miles left, but there was a 1000 ft notch to go down and up. Not long after we left, the rain began and it was cold. I made it down and up in the rain without busting my but, but Trip twisted his ankle. He made it out on his own, but is still limping. Our shuttle van had a problem and we stood in a cold rain for two hours before getting the 40 minute ride back to the hostel. We are all showered and warm now. Top O and I spent an hour planning our next couple weeks and bought our airline tickets. Yep!! I know about when I will be on Katadin. Tomorrow there are storms and heavy rain predicted, but we are hiking anyway. We have another 13 mile day planned so we can dry our clothing and shoes afterwards. Wow! 234.4 miles left up here and I head back south. Today I am grateful that the two hikers that were injured in our bubble were not seriously injured.
Date: 2014-07-28
From: ME 17

To: Rangeley
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: few clouds

The rain had Cabo and Trip deciding to take the day off but Top O, Iron Will and I decided to go ahead and hike the 13.2 miles we had planned. The night was much warmer but it was not raining when we got on the trail just before 8. The trail was wet but not too bad and we were making good time. There was moose poop everywhere. I mean lots of it. I forgot to mention that we say our first moose yesterday. I guess it was female because it had no antlers. There were lots of other hikers today heading south but I only only saw a couple of southbound thru - hikers. I can't tell what's up with the southbounders lately. I saw almost 40 in three days and only a couple today.We didn't see a moose today, but the trail was nice and smooth with only a few steep areas. We made good time because the visibility was 50 ft and it rained much of the afternoon. We called the Farmhouse Inn and they said they would pick us up and had room for us in the bunk room. Nice! By 3 we had all showered and were warm and dry. Tomorrow, we enter the Bigalo Mountains. This will be our last mountain range until Baxter State park. It seems strange to know everything will be changing in a few short weeks.
Date: 2014-07-29
From: Rangeley

To: Orbeton Stream
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Trip, Cabo, Top O, Iron Will and I decided to hike our next section South. Long Haul Trucker joined us. We wanted to see who is around us and chat with them. It may be the last time we see one of them. We also planned a cook out for the evening at the Farmhouse Inn Hostel later in the day. Shortly after 7 we were in the shuttle and on dirt roads making our way to our drop off spot. We then had 1.5 mile hike in on a logging road to get to the trail. All the rain over the past few days had our driver concerned about a stream we had to Ford so we were happy to see the stream full, but not flooded. Since I had dried my shoes the night before, I took them off and went across barefooted. I am from Tennessee after all. Much of the morning was spent climbing Saddleback Jr. The trail was a stream and the stream was the trail for most of the day so my feet got wet anyway. As we encountered our Northbound friends, they told us of the conditions on Saddleback Mtn. The wind was blowing 40 to 50 mph and the top was in the clouds. Our next obstacle was The Horn and the clouds were lifting some. By the time we got to the top of Saddleback, most of the Clouds had lifted way above us and we had spectacular views. After spending a little time on top with too many day hikers, I headed down and the 5.4 mules down were still in the stream.We were all back by 6 and cooked chicken on the grill and made potatoes with onions and peppers. Shane & Stacy that operate the hostel here are great people and are trying hard to make this place a hikers paradise. I know I love this place. Today I was grateful for a day without rain.
Date: 2014-07-30
From: Orbeton Stream

To: Carrabassett River
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: overcast clouds

We managed to get through another day without rain, barely. The same 6 of us were back for one last time. Cabo finished his section today so he will be going home and Trip will be zeroing tomorrow. LHT is moving ahead so it will be just Top O, Iron Will and I for now. The slinky is coming back together and NOBOs are all around.We had a fairly easy day today with only one peak of 4000 ft. We planned an easy day into Stratton to celebrate with Cabo. There were only a couple SOBOs and only a few blueberries. The trail was kind to us today and we finished early. I can't believe I have been cold for 5 days, knowing how hot and humid it is at home. We had a couple of beers with Cabo and Trip and will say goodbye in the morning. We have 196.5 miles to Katadin. I am grateful to still be out here today.
Date: 2014-07-31
From: Carrabassett River

To: Horns Pond shelter
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: broken clouds

Today started off sunny. It has been a few day since we have had a sunny day. Top O, Iron Will, and I were hiking by 8:15 we met Carl Melzer. He is trying to take back the record for fastest time to complete the AT with a support team. Iron Will had been keeping up with him and expected to see him as he hiked southbound. He said hello and we got a picture with him. We continued our 2,000 ascent of the South and North Crocker Mountains. We enjoyed the views and dropped a few hundred feet and climbed North Crocker Mtn. The next 6 miles were down hill. We stopped at a trailhead parking lot and had lunch. We entered the Bigelow wilderness and began our second 2,000 ft climb. This is an absolutely beautiful area. As I was finishing my last 2 miles it started sprinkling and soon after the Thunder started. I speeded up a bit but I really wanted to just look around. I must have seen a dozen types of mushrooms. I made it to the shelter and went for water. Chef and Top O were there and Iron Will was right behind me. He had hiked in two loaves of pumpkin bread and gave the 3 of us one to share. This counts as shelter magic. We ate it and 10 minutes later, the sky opened up and it rained and thunder stormed for an hour or so. We cooked dinner and talked about how glad we were and how today was the first day we were able to keep our feet dry in the last week. Today was a great day and I am grateful to be in the Bigelow Mountains.
Date: 2014-08-01
From: Horns Pond shelter

To: West Carry Pond lean-to
Miles today: 17.9
Weather: light rain

This morning was an excellent beginning to a great day. We left Horns Pond just before 7 and climbed to South Horn the views were amazing with the clouds below us and just the peaks above with full sunshine. We enjoyed for a while and then headed for Bigelow West peak and then to Avery Peak which is the second highest peak in Maine.We descend 2,000 ft and then back up about 800 ft to Little Bigelow mountain and had lunch at a nice view point where we could see where we had been earlier and a dozen or so lakes all around. We left there and went to Little Bigelow lean-to. I got water, chatted with Chef and moved on. Top O and Iron Will were still at the shelter. I was passing East Flagstaff Lake when I fell trying to cross a bridge and snapped my left hiking stick. Later, I found a place to repair it enough to use and I made my way to West Carry Pond shelter. Grey Squirrel and Flossie were there. We talked for a few minutes and then went for a swim. I came back and went to the spring for water and then cooked. Top O and Iron Will showed up a little after 6 and I was having dinner. Although it looked like rain in the afternoon, it never rained. It was the second day I kept my feet dry in Maine. I saw maybe 6 SOBOs today and a few section hikers. Tomorrow I go to Caratunk for resupply. Only 165 miles to the big one. Today I am grateful for another dry day.
Date: 2014-08-02
From: West Carry Pond lean-to

To: Caratunk
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: light rain

Another day filled with roots, rocks and mud. The trail was pretty mellow this morning. We got off to a 7:00 start and I hiked alone all day. I stopped to take pictures of mushrooms several times. There must be 30 different types that are growing here and they are everywhere. I stopped for a mid - morning snack and continued on to the Kennebec river where I waited on the canoe shuttle. Flossie & Grey Squirrel came up and then Top O and Iron Will came and eventually, the ferry operator showed up and took us across two at a time in a canoe. I went to the sterling inn to buy a resupply. The other 4 showed up and we all went to Northern Outdoors for dinner and a beer. I had Lobster Mac & cheese. We all went back to the inn and socialized a bit and went to bed by 9. Tomorrow we start our 3 day section to Monson which is the last place we can resupply. Wow, the last one before the end. Today I am grateful for something other than tuna in my pasta.
Date: 2014-08-03
From: Caratunk

To: Bald Mountain Brook lean-to
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: broken clouds

8/3 We left the hostel around 7::30 after a good breakfast . The Sterling Inn was a great place to stop by for a resupply, shower and laundry. Today was the nicest weather we have had since in Maine. We planned an easy day, but not a short one. With only one climb of 2,000 ft and 3 days since rain, made for easier terrain. It was much warmer and humid today but it's Maine. The mosquitos seem to be getting worse as the forrest dries out. I have enjoyed the variety of mushrooms I have seen this week. Lots of moose poop but no moose today. We are still seeing Flossie and Grey Squirrel. They had the same destination as we did and we all met at the Bald Mountain Brook lean-to. Later 3 section hikers on their first day heading to Katadin. One of them tented and the other 2 stayed in the shelter with Top O, Iron Will and I. It was an easy enough day to be able to look around and really enjoy hiking in Maine. There was one Ford today that I did barefooted. We are definitely not trying do big mile days, we are just enjoying the days. We built a fire and relaxed the rest of the evening. Today I am grateful for dry feet 3 days in a row.
Date: 2014-08-05
From: Bald Mountain Brook lean-to

To: Monson, ME
Miles today: 9.0

8/6 This morning we left around 6:15 and planned on going to Monson. The mushroom display continued as I made my way north through Maine. An hour or so into the morning, we had to ford the East B1ranch of the Piscataquis River. No moss on the rocks this time. I haven't been mentioning all the ponds we pass every day but there are many. So many, that if I mentioned every one, my journal would look more like a pond tour. We passed Doughty pond along our way and there were two loons swimming there. By lunch time, Top O and I had made our way to ME 15 where I called the Lakeshore House, our last hostel, to come pick us up. Flossie and Grey Squirrel were a few minutes behind us and the 4 of us jumped in the shuttle and went to the small town of Monson where we checked into the hostel. Flossie & Grey Squirrel got a private room and Top O and I got a bunk. I took a shower and started some laundry going and then off to check out the resupply options. I figure 7 days worth of food will be enough for the remaining 114.5 miles plus the 5.9 mile side loop into Gulf Hagas. I have been told by many not to miss this side trail. Some say it is the most beautiful place in Maine and others call it waterfall heaven. I put off buying my resupply because we decided to spend two nights here and zero at the Lakeshore house. I went for a swim in Lake Hebron from the dock which is behind the Lakeshore house. It's a nice old home that was converted into a hostel with a pub downstairs and a patio out by the lake. Later in the afternoon, some of us took kayaks out a mile or so into the lake and it began to rain. Then it began to thunder. It was quit an impressive thunderstorm. I spent the evening in the pub with 15 or so hikers. I had met them all. Some I hadn't seen in quite a while. I guess everyone has to resupply here so why not come to the only pub in town and see some old trail friends one more time. We will be entering the 100 mile wilderness when we leave here and we will be hiking long days to get through. There are two mountain ranges in the first half. The Lakeshore is going to do a food drop for us so we won't have to carry a weeks worth of food. Basically, we fill a 5 gallon bucket with our groceries and they leave it at a designated location in a critter proof box and give us directions to find it. Seems as if no one here is in a hurry to finish. Most of the students have finished. Some had to jump ahead and miss sections of the trail so they could climb Katadin. Top O and I are not skipping a single white blaze. This will likely be my last post for a while. I will try to post before Katadin if possible. Today I am grateful for being able to get a bucket drop in the 100 mile wilderness. It looks like 110 to me.