morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-08-12
From: Baxter Peak: Katahdin

To: Katahdin Springs Campground
Miles today: 5.2
Weather: broken clouds

Today marked the first day of my Southern bound hike to complete the "flip-flop". My trail mileage for today was only 5.2 miles. However, I had to hike north on the trail up to the top of Baxter Peak in order to start hiking south. So, I hiked 10.4 miles total to accomplish the start and complete 5.2 miles toward the total trail mileage. Confusing, isn't it? Just want you to know I wasn't a total slacker today only walking 5 miles :-)It felt good to be back on the trail and the weather was absolutely perfect for the climb up Katahdin.I stayed at the Appalachian Trail Lodge in Millinocket last night and took the lodge shuttle to Baxter State Park this morning. I met up and hiked with my old friend COB as he was scheduled to finish his thru-hike today.We left Katahdin Springs Campground shortly before 8 this morning and began the ascent toward Baxter Peak, the northern terminus for the AT. It was a very exciting climb to the top with very steep grade, rock scrambling, and, at times, crawling up the face of huge boulders. Difficult, but a lot of fun.It was great making the climb with COB and seeing a few other folks I had met earlier on the trail. Today was a big day atop the mountain with over 50 people on the summit and several thru-hikers finishing the long journey. It was great to seeing them and celebrating their finish. Hollywood, Riverdog, Sonic, COB, and several others finished this morning including 4 section hikers who have been hiking the trail together for 23 years! It was awesome and it was a perfect ending with clear skies and endless views from the top.We made the trek down this afternoon and all who finished have begun their journey home. I guess I've also begun...albeit it will be a much slower trip:-)Congratulations to all that have finished or will do so in the next several weeks. I hope to join your ranks later this fall.Tomorrow, I will hike out of Baxter State Park and enter the 100 Mile Wilderness.
Date: 2010-08-13
From: Katahdin Springs Campground

To: Rainbow Lake
Miles today: 17.7

I was awake at first light this morning and I climbed out of the bag at 5:15. It was actually a bit chilly... A switch from the heat in VA lately. I took my time getting ready and got underway around 6:30 AM.The trail was flat most of the morning, however the rocks and exposed tree roots slowed the progress a bit. I had to make two stream crossings early in the day. The rocks were wet and slippery so I managed to fall in both times. Fortunately, the water was only knee deep. There are a lot of crossings and fords along the way in Maine so it could be a wet trip for me :-) Despite the rough treadway and the wet shoes, it was a beautiful walk out of Baxter State Park.I arrived at Abol bridge and camp store around 11am and decided to take an early lunch. I enjoyed chatting with several hikers getting ready to hike into Baxter and summit the mountain in the morning. Or course, they were excited to be so near the finish. After lunch I purchased a few extra items in preparation for the next 6 days or so and crossed the Abol bridge to enter the 100 Mile Wilderness. A few northbounders have recently come through in 5 days so I should be OK with 6 day supply. I really don't want to carry anymore... My pack weighs a ton with all that stuff.This evening I am camped by Rainbow Lake. It is a beautiful setting and a beautiful night. As the sun set, I knew immediately how this lake got its name...the colors reflectimg off the water were spectacular. I took a few photos, but I doubt I captured it.I left the rainfly off the tent tonight to watch the stars. All is clear so I'm praying it doesn't cloud up and storm in the middle of the night. That would be ugly.All told, it was a good day. Maine is beautiful.All is well.PS. There is a loon calling out on the lake. I love their call.
Date: 2010-08-14
From: Rainbow Lake

To: Nahmakanta Lake
Miles today: 17.9
Weather: overcast clouds

The weather was nice today, albeit a little wamer and humid than yesterday. The hike was also nice today and the trail was tame. However, by this afternoon I was beginning to struggle. I think it's going to take a week or so to get my "trail legs" back. I'm hopeful I'll gain stamina soon as southern Maine is a tough section.I was pleased to find cell service on top of Nesutabunt Mountain this afternoon so I was able to speak with Donna a few minutes before we lost signal. Who would guess one could find cell service in the 100 Mile "wilderness". In a way, I'm a little saddened by that. The good news is we were able to chat and check in so to speak.This afternoon I walked around Nahmakanta Lake and I'm camped along the southern shore this evening. It's a nice spot and I enjoyed a nice sunset.I'm camped with Forrest tonight. He is a section hiker doing the 100 mile stretch to Monson. He's a nice young man and I enjoyed chatting with him.The profile for tomorrow's hike looks rather tame without a lot of climbing so I hope to cover 18 miled or so. I'm trying to time my arrival into Monson around Wednesday. If I fall too far off schedule I risk running out of food...that would not be good :-)I'm being brief as it's now 8:45 PM... Getting close to hiker midnight and I'm ready to hit the bag.
Date: 2010-08-15
From: Nahmakanta Lake

To: Crawford Pond
Miles today: 21.2

Moose Moose! I saw two of them today. Thay are the first ones I've seen in Maine despite all the earlier trips. I was about 2 miles out of camp this morning when I spotted them while I walked along a stream that emptied into a large pond. I began walking very slowly and trying not to disturb them. One of them must have heard me as she walked out on the opposite side of the lake and disappeared in the forest. The other one just stared at without moving. She was about 30 yards away so I was able to get a few photos. After a few minutes, I moved on while she continued to stare... Probably thinking "wow, I saw a human today" Sorry, couldn't stop myself :-)Other than the moose, the day was uneventful. It was a rather easy walk with a smooth treadway so I was able to cover a few more miles.Tonight I have a great campsite on a beach at Crawford Pond, a beautiful setting. I arrived around 5:30pm and was cooking dinner when another hiker arrived. I was surprised to see Traveler, a northbounder I met in Tennessee early in the hike and hadn't seen again.Traveler is camped here with me at the pond. As a mmatter of fact he just yelled over from his tent some disturbing news. His guidebook says there is no camping allowed at Crawford Pond. My book didn't say anything like that, there are no signs and it's pitch dark out here so we're not moving. I hope I don't get arrested. There is a nice breeze tonight which should make for great sleeping. Tomorrow I hit mountains so things will be a bit tougher.
Date: 2010-08-16
From: Crawford Pond

To: Sidney Tappan Campsite
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: overcast clouds

The stretch of beautiful weather came to an end last night as rain moved in shortly after I went to bed. The rain continued throughout the night and all day. It is still raining this evening, however the forecast is for clearing tomorrow. I'm hopeful the forecast is correct.The weather coupled with rough terrain made the hike today very difficult. The rocks and tree roots that are so prevelent here become really treacherous when wet. I had several close calls, but managed to avoid falling on the rocks.All total, there were four mountains today. Individually, they weren't really significant. Collectively, however they really wore me out. The grades and degree of ascent are more severe than I experienced down south. The descents are difficult as well... Especially when wet.I had planned to go farther today, but stopped early due the rain and my aching legs and back. I haven't gotten my "hiking legs" back as yet so I'm feeling it. Hopefully, I'll be back in form soon. Meanwhile, I've taken a few Advil and I'm kicking back in the tent listening to NPR...an exciting evening:-)
Date: 2010-08-17
From: Sidney Tappan Campsite

To: Third Mountain, Monument Cliff
Miles today: 14.0

I got a little later start this morning due to the lingering rain. It stopped just after 6:30am so I began the pleasant task of packing up all the wet gear. This is one my least favorite things- but hey, the rain stopped so things were looking up.I finally got going around 7:30am and started up the first mountain. 7:30am may not sound late however, I'm beginning to realize I need all day to make any miles in Maine...it is a tough walk whether going up or down. Despite falling a few times I had an enjoyable walk today. One of the highlights of the day was fording the west branch of the Pleasant River. It is a shallow river making it an easy crossing. Since my pants, shoes, and socks were totally soaked and muddy already, I waded through wearing everything. I looked a little cleaner afterward :-)This afternoon was spent getting up and over Chairback Mountain. It was a tough climb leading to a rocky bald at the summit with excellent views. It is a great spot and I worked so hard to get there I didn't want to leave. Instead, I took a nice break and ate yet another Snickers before starting down.I descended from Chairback and hiked up Third Mountain where I am camped this evening along Monument Cliff. It is a very nice sitting with more views of the mountains and lakes in the distance.I am camped alone tonight so I've been enjoying the quiet while sitting, listening to the wind whisper through the trees, and looking out over this vast wilderness.It is awesome. And, it is a peaceful evening here in the North Country.All is well.
Date: 2010-08-18
From: Third Mountain, Monument Cliff

To: Big Wilson Stream
Miles today: 14.0

Although there was only one mountain today, a small one at that, the rough terrain continues. The rocks, tree roots, and mud bogs took their toll today. I'm beat.The morning started off a little rocky when my foot slipped off a plank and I went into a mud bog...past my knees. It was black, smelly mud that was incredibly hard to get out of. I almost lost my shoe trying to get my foot out of that mess. I could never have retrieved it so I was relieved to get out with both shoes. Needless to say, I was a muddy mess coming down the trail.After hiking over Barren mountain, I came to Long Pond Stream where I was able to wash my pants, socks, and shoes in the river. I was there a while having lunch and waiting for my pants to dry. It was a very nice break and I enjoyed sitting in the sun and dangling my feet in the river...simple pleasures.This afternoon I met EZ Hiker and Trail Trash, a father and son team. They were headed north beginning the 100 Mile Wilderness on the final leg of their thru hike. They are about 6 days from the finish which is great. It was great chatting with them and hearing about some of the places they've stayed along the way. I hadn't seen them since we were in southern VA in late April. EZ has a new grandson who was born during the hike.This evening I am camped by the Big Wilson Stream about 10 miles north of Monson, ME. It's a nice spot and I'm enjoying the sound of the rushing water.I don't think I will have any difficulty getting to sleep. It was a tiring day.Tomorrow I'll be taking a nero in Monson. I hope to get there around noon...cold sodas, ice cream, and all that other stuff.
Date: 2010-08-19
From: Big Wilson Stream

To: Momson, ME
Miles today: 9.7
Weather: clear sky

I finished the 100 Mile Wilderness today. It was a short hiking day as I hiked the final 10 miles to Rt 15 near Monson, ME. I arrived just after 11:30am and waited only a few minutes for my ride to take me to Shaw's Lodging. It is a great place to stay and the staff is dedicated to serving hikers.Upon arrival at Shaw's, I immediately got a shower and started on my laundry. Usually food is the priority, but I couldn't live with myself another hour...I had to get clean. Of course once that was done, food was next so Jimbo and I headed to the Spring Creek BBQ. I normally always get pulled pork when at a BBQ joint, but today I went for a huge bacon cheeseburger with all the toppings. It was awesome. Monson is a small town and very compact so I was able to walk downtown for my food and supplies for the next week on the trail. The rest of the afternoon I spent with my feet up taking it easy. This evening I had a great bruchetta and pizza at the Lakeshore Pub and Lodge downtown. Jimbo, Martin, and I sat outside by the lake. It was a very enjoyable evening and the food was great. Jimbo and Martin are hiking sections here in Maine. Martin's dog, Noah also joined us for dinner. He's a 3 yr old Golden that reminded me of our departed Taylor, our family pet for 12 years. He was a great dog.I enjoyed the rest today and getting back to civilization for a few hours. It was a nice day and I needed the time off my feet. Tomorrow, I'm headed toward Caratunk and Stratton. The maps and profiles indicate the trail will get more strenuous to the south so it may be a tough week. Well, not that tough...it's backpacking and I really enjoy it.Cell coverage is poor so updates may be delayed a few days. I'll post when I can.
Date: 2010-08-20
From: Momson, ME

To: Bald Mountain Pond Outlet
Miles today: 15.8

I had an enjoyable and fulfilling morning at shaw's today. I was up and packed early so I was down stairs for coffee shortly after 6am. Breakfast was everything a hiker could ask for... I had 3 blueberry pancakes, 3 eggs, bacon, sausage, and potatoes. I'm surprised I could get up after all that, but I did and felt great.After breakfast, a few of us sat and chatted while the first few people were getting packed and ready. Since I was already packed, I was able to get a shuttle out early as a hiker called in for pick up from the trail. This allowed me an earlier start.The walk today was really nice; a pleasant break from the rough trail the past few days trudging over rocks, roots, etc. There were no mountains. Instead, it was rolling terrain with good treadway so it was an easier day.I saw a total of 4 hikers all day. I'm beginning to wonder when and if I will meet the crowd of northbounders (nobo's) coming through. I suspect the wave is coming soon.Tomorrow, I plan to get about 15 miles in so I will be in position to cross the Kennebec River Sunday morning using the ferry service which runs from 9 until 11am. It also runs an afternoon shift which I hope I don't need.The ferry is the official route and hikers are discouraged from attempting to ford the Kennebec. The river flow is controlled by upstream dams with rapid and substantive changes in volume and depth making fording very dangerous. Thus, the ferry (actually a canoe) is officially "part of the trail". All is well. I'm in the bag early tonight because it's a little chilly. It's supposed to get to the 40's.
Date: 2010-08-21
From: Bald Mountain Pond Outlet

To: Holly Brook, Caratunk, ME
Miles today: 20.1

Today was a long and productive day. The twenty miles included two mountains and some very rough terrain so I'm feeling good about the progress. I'm also feeling very tired so I'll be dropping off to sleep any minute now... it's after 8pm :-)I broke camp early this morning so I completed the first climb of the day to the top of Moxie Bald Mtn by 8am. The views from there were spectacular. It was a clear morning so I could see for miles in every direction.In the quiet of the morning, the silence was captivating. As I sat there staring out over miles and miles of wilderness, there was not a sound; no breeze, no birds, no insects, no planes in the distance... nothing. It was absolute silence. What a way to start the day.After descending Moxie Bald, I began the long climb up to Pleasant Pond Mountain. It was a gradual climb, but very rough terrain, and it ascended for nearly 5 miles. The descent was not gradual at all. It was very steep covering less than a mile... I was on hands and knees at times climbing down the rocks.Tonight, I am camped a few miles north if the Kennebec River. Tomorrow, I plan to be there when the ferry starts running at 9am. It's beginning to rain so the raindrops hitting the tent will have me nodding off any minute now.The trail in Maine is beautiful, but challenging.I'm enjoying it. But, I'm a little worried as it gets tougher in the southern portion of the state. Stay tuned :-)
Date: 2010-08-22
From: Holly Brook, Caratunk, ME

To: West Carry Lean-to
Miles today: 14.8

I slept in this morning as I had only a few miles to go to reach the Kennebec River. It rained last night so the trail was muddy, but I made good progress. I arrived at the ferry about 10 minutes before he began at 9am. The canoe trip only took a few minutes so, after chatting with the ferry operator for awhile, I was on the trail walking again by 9:30am.The terrain today was easier than yesterday with no mountains or steep sections. There weren't any great views and the weather was dark and gloomy so I just trudged along. It was just a walk in the woods... stepping over rocks, roots, logs, and bogs. It definitely keeps one's attention.Tomorrow, I head over the Bigalows. That should be exciting.
Date: 2010-08-23
From: West Carry Lean-to

To: Bigelow Mountain, Avery Campsite
Miles today: 14.6

I got an early start from the shelter knowing there would be a lot of climbing today. Right from the start I went up the first mountain, Roundtop. It is a small mountain rising only about 600 ft so it was a good warm-up. A few miles later I began the hike up Little Bigelow. It was a long, 3 mile ascent up a few thousand feet. It is not a tall mountain, however the trail going up is strewn with rock, roots, mud and... well, more rocks, roots, etc. :-) What I'm trying to say is it was a tough climb.From Little Bigelow I came down into Safford Notch where I stopped for lunch. There is a nice tent camping area there, but it was a little too early in the day to stop. Besides, I wanted to tackle the big one... Avery Peak, Bigalow Mtn.The trail to the peak climbs a little over 2000 feet to the summit at 4010 ft. It was the first time I've been to the alpine region above treeline since leaving Katahdin. The views from Avery Peak were incredible in all directions. Clouds were rolling in shortly after I arrived and seemed as though they were surrounding me. It felt like the top of the world.From the peak, I hiked a short distance to the Avery Memorial Campsite here on Bigelow Mountain. Myron Avery was a pioneer working on the Appalachian Trail and he is largely responsible for its completion. He died in 1952, a few years after the trail was totally complete.The campsite is at 3800 ft elevation. It is chilly up here tonight with a brisk wind. I'm hitting the sleeping bag early to get warm. Seems hard to believe for the third week in August.Tomorrow, I plan to get of the trail at RT 27 and hitch into the town of Stratton, ME where I can re-supply for the next 70 miles. I will probably stay in Stratton tomorrow night.
Date: 2010-08-24
From: Bigelow Mountain, Avery Campsite

To: ME 27, Stratton, ME
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: few clouds

A chilly morning on the mountain. I tried to get an early start this morning to reach the West Peak at sunrise. I was a little late due to taking too long to break camp and being unable to see well enough to scramble the rocks along the ridge to the summit. It's scary enough in the daylight so I was very slow this morning. Nonetheless, I made it shortly after sunrise and enjoyed a wonderful morning above the clouds. The start to another great day.Leaving the peak and a short descent, I climbed back up and over South Horn. On the way down from the top I was surprised to see an old friend, Saguaro. I haven't seen him since we entered the Smokeys together back in March. We chatted for quite a while swapping stories and our adventures since we last hiked together. He is only a few weeks away from the finish and it was great to see him again.The day became a day of old acquaintences. As I continued down the mountain I arrived at Horns Pond Lean-tos and campsite. As I walked by the caretaker's tent, out walks Otis, my old friend and Ridgerunner for the MATC. He is the caretaker for the campsite and ths section of trail. Otis and I hiked together for several days down in NC in March. We sat and talked for about an hour catching up, enjoying a few cups of fresh coffee, and swapping stories. it was a great visit and we made plans to meet for dinner in town tonight.After all the goofing off, I finally made my way south to the Rt 27 road crossing. (the road to Stratton). I was fortunate today with a very successful hitch into town. Unlike my earlier attempt at hitching, I got a ride from the 4th car coming by.I'm staying at the Stratton Motel with a grocery store and restaurant across the street. I spent the afternoon doing laundry, grocery shopping, snacking, and relaxing. Otis and I had dinner across the street this evening. Today was a relaxing day with only 8 miles of hiking. My knees and akles have taken a beating the last few days so I think the short day will help. Tomorrow, I plan to hike the Crocker and Sugarloaf Mountains. It could be a long day.
Date: 2010-08-25
From: ME 27, Stratton, ME

To: Spaulding Mountain Lean-to
Miles today: 13.5

I slept in this morning as Otis was coming by to pick me up at 7am. We had breakfast at the Looney Moose... or something like that. Afterward, Otis dropped me off at the trail around 8:45am and I began today's hike. The forcast for today called for rain starting mid morning and lasting throughout the day and they were right.. it was a total wash out. I really didn't mind the rain since it was sorely needed, but the treadway became very slick and I was wading in water quite a bit throughout the day. The trail conditions and the climbs slowed my progress and with the late start and the weather factor, it was a low mileage day. It's still raining this evening so it's nice to be in a shelter tonight. Tomorrow, I will be hiking the Saddleback range with a few peaks over 4000 ft. It will be nice to get up above the treeline again.
Date: 2010-08-26
From: Spaulding Mountain Lean-to

To: Eddy Pong
Miles today: 15.0

The rain continued throughout the night, quitting at dawn. Perfect timing. The area really needed the rain and it was a good soaking. That's the good news. Unfortunately, the trail was a muddy mess so the hiking was a little more difficult. Today was another big day for climbs as I hiked the Saddleback range. I went over Saddleback Junior, the Horn, and Saddleback Mountain. All were steep inclines involving rock scrambles near the top.The views from the summits were awesome and I got the opportunity to walk about a mile above the treeline along the Saddleback ridge. I really enjoyed being up there with extended views in every direction. I'm looking forward to more hiking in the Alpine region when I get to the White Mountains in new Hampshire in the next few weeks.This evening I am camped along with a few other folks along Eddy Lake at the foot of Saddleback Mountain. It's a cool evening and I am tired from the hike today so I will be hitting the bag soon. Bedtime seems to be coming earlier and I'm becoming more in sync with the sun.