morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2018-07-18
From: Franconia notch

To: Garfield shelter
Miles today: 17.5

my phone has been out of commission from Tues through Saturday so I am just getting to update these days. Special thanks to my technical support wife Heidi who has got my phone up and running from a distance. It sites feels weird to be disconnected for such a long time, especially not knowing whether I would be able to get the problem resolved. Thanks also to my hiking partner Hipcat for the timely use of his phone, also to Seven who got me in touch directly with Heidi. A real group effort to get it fixed.Today we climbed up little Haystack, Mt Lincoln and Mt Lafayette that run along the Alpine Franconia ridge. It was truly awesome in every sense of the word. Sunny and clear with gusting wind - this has been the top hike of the trip so far. The climb up was difficult but so worth it, I will post some pictures but they never do justice.Was up on the ridge for most of the day then headed back down below treeline for camping. There were many hikers out, through hikers section hikers so the campsite was as crowded as some of the ones early on in Georgia but the site caretaker kept everything in line and organized. Gravity, Kenya Seven and double tap caught up to us at the summit of Mt Lafayette so we all camped together at Garfield which was great.
Date: 2018-07-19
From: Garfield shelter

To: Saco River stealth site
Miles today: 17.5

Travelled on and off with the biuge boys today, first up south twin MTN for more stunning views then to Galehead hut for treats. The huts are beautiful structures set up by the American Mountaineering group for paying customers but through hikers can stop in and eat leftovers or buy treats, soup, coffee. These huts are a great place for a break with running water and proper bathroom facilities.The hike continued for 8 miles to the Zealand falls hut for lunch treats and soup. The trail had started to flattiout so we pushed for some extra miles to get down to the Saco River so that we would be able to tackle Mt Washington tomorrow.On the way down at a road crossing there was fantastic trail magic - fruit chocolate soda plus beer! Supplied by Homebound and Double Click - thanks so much boys and congrats on summitting Katahdin! I had actually hiked along with Homebound earlier in the trip but he cranked things up and stormed ahead.
Date: 2018-07-20
From: Saco River stealth site

To: The Perch campsite
Miles today: 16.1

Hipcat had spoken to a local on Franconia ridge who said if you get to Lakes of the clouds hut at the base of Washington before 2pm and it's a good day, you should go for it. Weather can change so fast that by next day it might be clouded over. Well it was a beautiful clear Sunny day with low winds so we got up early to try to make the climb today.Climbing out of the Saco River Valley was the toughest part of the hike - we hit Mt Webster, Jackson then along to Lakes of the clouds. Once above treeline the hiking is actually a little easier, not as technical and you are constantly bombarded with fantastic views which makes the hiking real easy.On top of Washington is a visitor centre with food so we had an early dinner there. There is actually a road and cog train to mass move people up the mountain so it is a pretty busy place.We moved in about 330 to get to the Perch site - it is a 0.9 mile hike off trail with a huge downhill so not the best to tackle on after an already long day. When we got there it was quite crowded and Hipcat and I had to cowboy camp under the stars on one of the tent platforms as there was not enough room otherwise. Thee was no rain so it was quite beautiful getting to see a sunset and the stars come out.
Date: 2018-07-21
From: The Perch campsite

To: Pinkham Notch
Miles today: 9.8

Legs and feet are feeling the last two long days so planning on a shorter day today down to the visitor centre where we can get food and find a stealth campsite.The day started with a climb over Mt Madison then. Along Ricky ridge descent for most of the rest of the hike. It was a relief to finally get to the bottom. Caught a late lunch at th visitor center then set up at a stealth site. Spent the lunch with the bouge unit who had again caught us up and they are planning on taking advantage of the good weather (rain system coming in tomorrow) to go up the Wildcat ridge this evening. It would be a good idea to join them but the legs aren't there so we will have to deal with the rain tomorrow.
Date: 2018-07-22
From: Pinkham Notch

To: Imp campsite
Miles today: 6.7
Weather: scattered clouds

I messed up on inputting the mileage o. Earlier entries so this 6.7 Mile day corrects the total miles. We actually hiked 13.7 miles today. The day dawned with mixed cloud candidate Sun but got steadily thicker as the day went on till we were in a complete fogbank and pouring rain. We set out around 8 after Michael a trail angel, scores us free tickets to the all you can eat breakfast buffet - yahoo! That was the highlight of the day however as all the views were fogged out. Soaking wet and shivery and hungry rolling into camp at 715. It was a wet night in the tent as well which doesn't set up well on these tent platforms. Very slippery and steep terrain made for a bit of a stressful day, one I was glad was finished - tomorrow is supposed to be only a 40% chance of rain.
Date: 2018-07-23
From: Imp campsite

To: Rattle River Hostel
Miles today: 8.0

it rained most of the night, the entire inside of my tent is soaked along with my thermarest and sleeping bag so I am just heading for the hostel to dry out. We need to resupply as well. Forecast is for little rain tomorrow but then back to 100% chance for the next few days..ugh.We have less than 300 miles to go and will be leaving NH in a day or two to begin our last state.This is a great hostel by the way, they are well organized provide shuttle to town and Walmart and are located right on trail.
Date: 2018-07-24
From: Rattle River Hostel

To: Gentian Pond Shelter
Miles today: 11.8

This rain system has stalled over top of us but we got to hike most of the morning without rain but the forest was dark, damp and muddy. Rain overnight, we were grateful to be in a shelter. As usual big climb from the road and this time with full packs (4 days of food) but trail was kind of nice for a change and we made almost 12 whole miles! The pond here is beautiful as is the view from the shelter which got me thinking that as much as I want to get this hike over, I will miss these beautiful Mountain views and living in the forest. Rain is getting old, everything getting damp. Tomorrow we leave NH!
Date: 2018-07-25
From: Gentian Pond Shelter

To: Full Goose shelter
Miles today: 9.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Original plan was to cover about 15 miles today but the trail had other plans. Maine is officially kicking our butts - steep and long up and downs, plus wet roots and rocks create some treacherous hiking conditions that requires all you concentration. Took two more falls today, scrapes, nothing serious, it is more my heart rate that spikes when I go down because the potential for serious falls is high here.We got to Full Goose which was supposed to be our lunch stop at 230. Rain was in and off but really settled in after 330 so we decided to stay put. Good we did because it came down in buckets accompanied by thunder and lightning. Others headed out about 30 minutes beforehand, we felt bad for them being caught in that. The next stretch includes Mahoosic Notch, the toughest mile on the AT so we were happy to leave that until tomorrow morning when legs are fresh.Heavy rain overnight (inches).Maine is the second largest state to cover after Virginia with about 270 ish miles, they can't goquick enough for me.
Date: 2018-07-26
From: Full Goose shelter

To: Stealth site near Grafton Notch
Miles today: 9.7

Light rain on and off as we set out for the notorious Mahoosic Notch. This section is a one mile stretch of huge rocks that requires more rock climbing ability than hiking. It was very difficult but kind of fun too. It would have been more enjoyable if it wasn't so slippery. Google some you tube videos of the notch if you want to get an idea of the conditions. It took us just over 2 hours to get through this one mile stretch! Sections of the notch are quite cold and we saw some ice low down. Water was flowing huge through the bottom section and we had to wade through a 40 metre stretch of thigh high water at the end of it.Next was the Mahoosic Arm which is a long (1600 ') difficult climb which was also really slow going up long stretches of bald slippery granite.We originally were going to go about 16 today, but again Maine kicked out butts and we set up at a stealth site to give the legs a chance to recover.
Date: 2018-07-27
From: Stealth site near Grafton Notch

To: Hall Mountain
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: clear sky

Rocking the mileage today, longest day in a while. Heavy thunder storm in the afternoon, had to set up my tent to ride it out before continuing hiking. Huge water on trail, hopeless to keep your feet dry, like walking through a river, brutal. Stop it with the rain already.Got to shelter about 5, guess what, rain overnight!Hey Jenny, I'd like to get together but this state has my mileage all messed up so I can't really predict as well where iwill be. I know any of the towns along the way will be a long drive for you, what about getting together after I get through the trail? I will need to get to Bangor to catch a bus to Toronto. Should be done around @aug 15 or so. Sorry for the public communications, I don't have an email for you.
Date: 2018-07-28
From: Hall Mountain

To: Bemis MTN lean to
Miles today: 12.8

Sorry for lack of photos, I will load up later when I have better coverage it takes to long to transfer them. Bit of a longer day today as we had a stop over in Andover to resupply and get some town food - Red Hen rocks! Water levels in all creeks and streams are swollen with all this rain so we had to wade across the black Brook, shoes were already soaked and muddy from wet trail walking. After lunch and resupply we climbed Old Blue mountain about 2200'. No rain all day until I got to the shelter area when thunder and lightning and huge heavy rain kicked in - it was brutal, Hipcat was stuck in in for at least an hour and arrived completely drenched. So all day without rain, trail had started to drain a bit and then this - about. 2 inches of rain will make the trail a mess again for tomorrow. Good news is that it is supposed to be clear tomorrow.
Date: 2018-07-29
From: Bemis MTN lean to

To: Hiker Hut Hostel
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Good news is that there was no new rain, just had to deal with the flooding from yesterday's thunderstorms. Heavy muddy Maine muck! The trail levelled out some today so we took advantage and logged a longer day to get out to a road and stayed at the off grid Hiker Hut Hostel - no wifi, electricity. One outdoor shower. They took us into Rangeley to resupply and get a town meal. We had originally made plans with friends Jaimie, Cathy and their daughter Tara to stay at their place near Rangeley but we arrived too early and I have been really pushing to get to the end so want to be on trail again early tomorrow. Thanks so much for your kind offer of hospitality you guys and I'm sorry to be missing out!Hipcat came in late and missed the evening resupply run so will be going in in the morning.
Date: 2018-07-30
From: Hiker Hut Hostel

To: Poplar Ridge
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: broken clouds

A later start getting organized today. Hipcat will be getting ontrail later due to the morning resupply run, so planning a bit shorter day, plus this next stretch has a lot of climbing with Saddleback mountain, the horn and Saddleback junior. It was a mixed sun/clouds day and the views up there were phenomenal. Had an extended lunch break on Saddleback. You are supposed to be able to see Katahdin from there but it was too misty in the distance to make it out but we are inching our way forward.
Date: 2018-07-31
From: Poplar Ridge

To: Crocker cirque campsite
Miles today: 14.2

Today we tackled lone mountain and Spaulding mountain and went down Sugarloaf. There were two rivers to ford today and the second was large enough to bath in so we did. It was warm, no rain and trail is drying up so the real mucky bits are getting smaller and avoidable ( before you had to walk right through). We sat down and mapped out the remaining days and it looks like anywhere from Aug 13-16 could be out end date :-)Going into Stratton tomorrow for more food and charge this phone. Cell service is so poor and expected to be getting worse so only doing updates when in town with wifi.
Date: 2018-08-01
From: Crocker cirque campsite

To: Horn pond Lean to
Miles today: 12.4

Clear day for hiking and after getting over the south and north Crocker mountains was mostly downhill. Stopped mid day to get to a market up the highway near Stratton, got a hot lunch and cold drink then back on trail with a ride from the Stratton chief of police.We had to hike up the start of the Bigelow range after lunch, about 2000', to the lean to. It was a nice spot with a great view of tomorrow's climb. The Bigelow range is the last of the larger mountains until we hit Katahdin, so looking forward to tackling them tomorrow.
Date: 2018-08-02
From: Horn pond Lean to

To: West Pond Lean to
Miles today: 17.9
Weather: light rain

Unfortunately we woke to heavy cloud cover and major mist and high winds so there were noviews from the horns, Bigelow west peak or Avery (the last 4000' mtns above treeline) which was too bad. It finally cleared a bit when I was on Little Bigelow. The day finished at a huge lake and I got a leisurely swim in which felt fantastic.We are still 13-14 miles from the Kennebec river and need to get there before 2 pm to catch the river ferry that will take us across in a canoe so we will start earlier than usual (530) to make sure we make it.
Date: 2018-08-03
From: West Pond Lean to

To: Pleasant pond Lean to
Miles today: 19.3

Some good (fast) hiking today mostly downhill to the Kennebec river. The ATC provides a ferry service (canoe) to cross this river as it is subject to in announced water level fluctuations that make fording dangerous. The service runs from 9-3 pm and we had 13.6 miles to go to get there before they close. We made good time and got there by 1130- moving fast on easy trail.After the crossing we went into Caratunk to a hostel that has resupply, chocolate milkshakes and pulled pork sandwiches- what more can a thru- hiker ask for? We stayed for a couple of hours then headed uphill to pleasant pond together settled before the coming rain.
Date: 2018-08-04
From: Pleasant pond Lean to

To: Moxie Bald lean to
Miles today: 13.1

Why does it have to rain on the days that we are supposed to get good views and when the footing is most difficult? Heavy rain overnight and on off rain all day - trail was a quagmire of mud, deep puddles, slippery rocks and roots. Had to ford three large streams where water was past the knee, crazy. Of course there were no views to be seen at the summits of pleasant pond mountain and moxie Bald. We did get a great sunrise the next morning though to help make up for it.
Date: 2018-08-05
From: Moxie Bald lean to

To: Monson ME
Miles today: 17.9
Weather: few clouds

Heading into Monson today - last spot to resupply before heading into the 100 mile wilderness. A longer hike but we were keen to get into a hostel and dry out. The days are closing fast on Katahdin, hard to believe after so long that we could be this close. My feet on the other hand are telling me it is high time to stop this nonsense. Trail today went straight through the east and west branch of the piscataquis river which was running very high thanks to all the rain we have been getting. The day was sunny and warm though. We are heading for the famous Shaw's hiker hostel in Monson - can't wait for that shower and town food! Only 114.5 miles to go you guys! Oh boyoboyoboyThanks again for all your kind thoughts and well wishes, really looking forward to getting home to see you all again! Rob, after this I am never walking another golf course!
Date: 2018-08-06
From: Monson ME

To: Monson ME
Miles today: 0.0

Staying an extra day at Shaw's hostel to rest up for the final push. Very hot today - high 90s. Rain expected for tomorrow afternoon that might cool it off. We have resupplied for 6 days so our packs will be the heaviest since the very beginning. The last time I had more than 5 days food was at Fontana dam before going into the Smokies. Not looking forward to the extra weight, especially with this heat. A lazy day of napping and eating, the countdown is on tomorrow!
Date: 2018-08-07
From: Monson ME

To: Long Pond Stream lean to
Miles today: 15.1

So I have been stranded without service since going into the wilderness so this is the catch up for a week's worth of entries.....After another fantastic breakfast of all you can eat blueberry pancakes, eggs, bacon, hash browns, the kind folks at Shaw's drove us up to the trailhead. The start had a lot of slippery slate, and the usual Maine roots , rocks and mud. It was rugged but nice hiking with several ponds - I would always check out for moose but no sightings :-(There was rain mid-day, then thunder while climbing the bear ledges that made me nervous but it was a long way off. Got to shelter by 5 when rain started. Everyone said that the wilderness would be easier hiking, bit today was not easy, lots of ups and downs and tiring root and rock scrambling. It didn't help that I was carrying 6 days of food for the wilderness, we decided against the extra cost to arrange for a food drop, so this was the most weight I had on since probably the Smokies that was so long ago!Hip cat arrived later in the evening, he stopped for a trail magic dinner, nice!  Less than 100 miles to go!
Date: 2018-08-08
From: Long Pond Stream lean to

To: Stealth site west branch of Pleasant river
Miles today: 15.5

Today was a series of mountains starting with Barren, fourth, three and a half, third and chairback mountain. I had originally planned a 29 mile day but the mountains and the extra pack weight wore me down. Hipcat didn't catch up tonight so must have camped at the previous shelter. It was also quite hot today but the rain held off and trail has dried somewhat, though not enough to have dry shoes and socks.I had wanted to make faster progress through the wilderness so will try to pick it up over the next few days, I want to get this trail done!
Date: 2018-08-09
From: Stealth site west branch of Pleasant river

To: East Branch lean to
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: broken clouds

It rained overnight last night, so tent is wet- it keeps leaking through the floor- I will aim for a shelter tonight to dry things out - it is supposed to be clear the next few days.I left a message for Hipcat in the logbook of the next shelter to say I would shoot for the east branch shelter with the hope he would catch me there.Today's hike had the last major mountains before Katahdin- Gulf hagas, west peak, hay, and white cap mountain. As usual, morning mist and cloud cover abscures the views from most of the mountains but by the time I got to white cap it had partially cleared for some views but the view I wanted of Katahdin was obscured in the distance. Pack is getting lighter so hike felt a bit better and am making headway. Hip Cat caught up by early evening tonight which was great.
Date: 2018-08-10
From: East Branch lean to

To: Nahmakanta stream campsite
Miles today: 23.8

While packing up this morning Hipcat and I talked about the days plans. He had said for some time that he wants to slow up and enjoy some of the pond campsites, his flight doesn't leave until Aug 20. I have been wanting to ramp up and get done so while we will miss each other's company, we have decided we need to "hike our own hike" and go out separate ways. It would have been great to summit together but that's the way it goes.So I set off and ramped up both pace and miles today as the terrain has started to flatten out. Weather has turned much cooler but that didn't keep me from swimming in the lakes as I passed by. Sorry feet by end of today but glad to get the miles behind me.
Date: 2018-08-11
From: Nahmakanta stream campsite

To: Hurd Brook lean to
Miles today: 25.4
Weather: broken clouds

I think I set my longest distance record today - over 25 miles! There were some great views of Katahdin along the way today, it is so cool knowing it is so close! Passed several lakes/ponds - so awesome, they make me want to paddle!Most of today was head down, watch the footing. Pulling into Hurd Brook was great, it is about 3 miles from the end of the wilderness so I am almost done that segment. Then there is a 12 mile hike to trail that goes up Katahdin, then that trail is only 5 miles! So close!
Date: 2018-08-12
From: Hurd Brook lean to

To: The Birches campsite
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: few clouds

I started hiking at the usual time this morning just before 6 to cover the 3 miles to Abol bridge and the end of the wilderness section. There is a camp store there and I topped up for a socks and breakfast supplies then hiked into Baxter park to register for one of the 12 available spots at the Birches campsite. This site is for NOBO hikers looking to summit next day. I got to the sign-up in time so got a spot and hiked the remaining 10 miles up to the campsite. It was a nice hike following the Penobscot river and others up to the campsite and was there by noon. It was a nice relaxing afternoon - hadn't finished hiking this early in forever so had a nap then sat around the campfire with the other hikers sharing stories of the trail. It was a really nice day, to bed early waiting for the big day tomorrow. It was hard to fall asleep with everything coming to an end tomorrow - I will have been 5 months on trail when I summit Katahdin. As much as my feet and legs want it to be over, it feels weird knowing that it really will be over in one more day.
Date: 2018-02-01
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

This is it - I'm all in. I will be hiking the Appalachian Trail in 2018. I'm reaching the point of no return as I plan to buy my airline ticket within the next couple of weeks. I've also bought some of the major gear I will be using and have told family and friends that I'm going to attempt the AT this year. I have a lot more to do but I am very excited for this opportunity. I am writing this journal mostly to keep friends and family updated on my progress. I realize that other AT thru hikers will be reading this journal also to track my progress. For this reason I will be including some additional information in the pre-hike posts that my friends and family already know to provide background for those who don't know me as well.    Recently, I have been waffling between excitement and thinking what am I doing? I start to get caught up in the details and then get completely overwhelmed by the enormity of what I need to do before I leave. I¢m a list person but in recent years much of my outdoor travel has become so familiar that I can prepare for a week long canoe trip without compiling any lists. I keep having this nagging feeling that I¢m overlooking something really important.  I¢ve read a number of books, blogs and journals that cover a wide spectrum of preparedness prior to the hike. Some have thought (and over thought) every detail of their hike. Others seem to just wing it. It seems that age may be somewhat of a factor in preparation with older hikers planning out more details. Some of the hikers who planned their hike with a high level detail eventually transitioned to just going with the flow. I plan to fall somewhere in the middle with some planning and some winging it.In the next few posts, I'll provide more detail on my training, gear and food strategy.  Taking care of a lot of details over the next couple of months should keep me busy.