morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-09-04
From: Hall Mt. Lean to

To: The Cabin - Andover Me
Miles today: 4.1
Weather: clear sky

Up at 6:30 packed up and on the trail at 7:10. Trail was rocky and downhill. Slow going due to steep, rocky and rooty trail. The trail made for hard footing. Got to Sawyer Brook at 8. There were nice campsites with a nice water source.Headed up Moody Mt. 1400' in 8/10 of a mile. Very difficult with flat trail but full of rocks then we had uphill rock scrambles. Slow going and it was one of those mountains which just kept going up and up. It took us almost 90 minutes to climb the mountain. Called the cabin for pick up. It was 9:45 so I told her we would be at the road at 11:30 since it was 1.8 miles. She had said it would take 1/2 hour from the top. The trail was dirt smooth and downhill. We got to South Arm Road at 10:35 - 45 minutes. Changed shoes and about 15 minutes later, Honey showed up. She took us to the Cabin (hostel).We were the first to arrive so we had a choice of beds. We were on the 1st floor which had a living room area, full kitchen, laundry area, and bath with shower. She offered us leftover pancakes and potatoes which we gladly accepted. Showered and did laundry.   Checked email. Then went to town to the 2 small grocery stores. Limited resupply selection so I got some snack items.Bear (Honey's Husband) offered us Moose Track ice cream when we got back to the hostel. RW arrived but then took a shuttle to Walmart. Sat and read a book about Earl Shaffer's 50th anniversary hike in 1998. He actually stayed at the cabin for many nights during his hike. He also made a comment that he was ready to quit when he got to the cabin, so I'm not alone in my feelings.The next week is going to be hard hiking in the mountains.Dinner at 6:30. Lasagna, salad, corn on the cob, and roasted veggies. And brownie and ice cream for dessert. Pictures in the dining room of hikers including Earl Shaffer and the 1st southbound hiker. Honey and Bear have been running the Hostel since 1989 but may be closing after this season.Another good day with the weather good. Hard slow uphill climb and fast descent. Great hostel with great food and friendly hosts with lots of history. Feeling tired but will continue on the hard climbs.
Date: 2014-09-05
From: The Cabin - Andover Me

To: Bemis Stream Campsite
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Up at 6, packed and went to breakfast. Great breakfast of pancakes, scrambled eggs, biscuit, potatoes, sausage and cantalope. Had little of everything. Checked out and loaded into the truck at 7:40 and on the trail by 8:05.Usual morning climb. This time up Old Blue Mountain - 2200' in 2.8 miles. There were some rock scrambles but the trail was just rocky. Slow going but I felt good. Got to the top at 10:15 which was a good pace for the uphill. We then went down 600' with trail having some difficult tedious areas due to rocks and roots. Had to watch where we were stepping. Saw some moose tracks but no moose.Had a short climb up to Bemis Mountain which was a bald. The trail was across the flat smooth rocks. Stopped briefly at the Bemis Mt. Lean to before heading to 2nd Peak. Again a tedious trail of rocks and roots then a bald on the top of the mountain. Weather was clear and sunny so we again had great views of the mountains. Could see the road where we had started today as well as large pond in the distance. The descent from 2nd peak was good with smooth areas. Stopped to talk with a SOBOer and told him about the Cabin. He told us about the Farmhouse Inn in Rangeley. Had some little ups until 1 mile from the campsite. We then had a steep rocky boulder climb down which slowed us down. When we got near the dirt road we saw trail magic from Rowdy Jack's parents - apples and drinks. Took a couple of apples and drink. Got to our campsite at 5:40. Nice Camp area. Did our usual routine - set up tent, bear bagged, got water from the stream we will be fording tomorrow. Made dinner of tuna, peanut butter, and rice/ramen. Talked with Rowdy on our plans in the next couple of days. It's 14 miles to Rangeley then possible zero to resupply. Or we may camp 2-3 miles out and then go in the next day.Called home and my friend Leon. In tent by 7:45 for a warm nite.Another good day. Had a hard morning climb but we had a good pace. Views were great of the mountains and lakes. Saw moose tracks and a butterfly. This was the first butterfly since Virginia and may be a sign of things improving. Weather was excellent again. Did have some areas on the trail with metal hand holds to help on the climbs. Feeling good but still with a major bruise on my right hip. Maine is starting to get better with less boulders and rock scrambles and great vistas.
Date: 2014-09-06
From: Bemis Stream Campsite

To: Farmhouse Inn - Rangley
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: few clouds

Up at 6:40, packed up and had my cereal. Forded stream but actually didn't need to take off shoes. Had an immediate uphill to ME17 - 700' in 8/10 mile. Got the information and phone number about the Farmhouse Inn. Trail became roots and rocky but smooth in places. Made good pace at times then slowed due to roots.Got to Sabbathday Pond lean to at 9:30. Used privy and left at 9:45. Trail again was flatter and could increased our pace to 2 mph. Then we had a slow descent down the rocks and roots. Got to Little Swift River campsite at 12:10 and had lunch. Met Longhorn and Styles who are also going to the Farmhouse Inn. Called about availability. They told us to hitch since they were doing shuttles. Left at 12:45. Went along the edge of Big Pond. Trail was flatter and less rocky. Met a ridge runner who was also the caretaker at the next shelter.Made fast time down the mountain. Arrived at ME 4 at 2:50 and walked up the hill to the entrance to Hiker Hut. We got a ride from the first car that came by. Arrived at the Farmhouse Inn at 3:15. We were showed around. Given lots of options for sleeping. A 4 bunk outside building, an indoor bunkroom with 4 bunks, 2 queen beds, and a room with a bathroom with 2 bunks. We chose the 2 bunk room. There was a laundry room, a kitchen, and they also had a resupply area. Showered and worked on my food list for the next 5 days.It started to sprinkle but most of the day was clear. Walked to the IGA grocery to get snacks, dinner and breakfast items. Got a ride back from Shawn. They had hamburgers which they cooked up for us for dinner. We supplemented this with potato salad and veggies. Had dinner at 6. After dinner we went over the best plan for resupply. Suggested to Rowdy to do resupply at Caratunk and Monson. Started reading a book about Grandma Gatewood, 1st woman to thru hike. Bed by 9:30. A good day with not an exhausting trail just some ups and downs. Hostel is nice and very accomondating considering they have been open only 7 weeks. We will be zeroing tomorrow to get resupplied and rest before the final push.
Date: 2014-09-07
From: Farmhouse Inn - Rangley

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

Up at 6:45. Made breakfast of pancakes, hash browns,and sausage. Breakfast was good and filling. Did laundry and continued reading the book about Grandma Gatewood. There were some interesting comments from her about the trail. Many of which thru hikers are still saying.Went to town at 11:30. Had a lobster roll and clam chowder for lunch at Sarge's. We then went to the outfitters and got some postcards. We also got some ice cream that was free. This was left over from the Hiker Feed last weekend.Stopped by the IGA for resupply items. Got back at 2. Redid my food and packed up. Had 6 days of food to carry out. Finished the Grandma Gatewood book. Visited with Rowdy and Styles. Helped Rowdy with his mail drops. Affirm stopped by for the night.Took the 6 o'clock shuttle to town for dinner. Went to the Parkside. Had chowder and quesdilla. Having stomach issues from real food.Back at 7:45 called home and packed up till tomorrow.A good zero. Can't believe I finished the book in 2 days. Good resupply, good company and good food. Hard climb tomorrow but the weather should be good
Date: 2014-09-08
From: Farmhouse Inn

To: Oberton Stream Campsite
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: light rain

Up at 6 and had fruit and cereal for breakfast. Finished packing. Headed out at 7:05 with a very heavy and full pack. On the trail at 7:25. Weather was a little foggy and cool. 40 degrees. Started with my fleece top and pant bottoms.Had a short climb up to the shelter. Some rocky areas. Got to Piazza Rock Shelter at 9:20. Checked out the 2 hole privy with cribbage board. We then went along the pond which was big. We then continued to climb to Eddy Pond. Got a little confused here since there were 3 trails and we weren't sure which to take. Fortunately a NOBO camper there gave us directions. We had been climbing from the road at 1600' to 2600' but the trail was gradual and had some flatter areas. From Eddy Pond we started our first major climb of the day to Saddleback Mountain. 1500' in 2 miles. It was a steady uphill with flat rock climbs but not many scrambles. This could be very hard in the rain or with wet rocks since most of the trail was quite vertical. Weather had warmed up and was clear when we summitted Saddleback. Fantastic vistas of all the mountains and lakes/ponds and of the ski areas. We then headed down to the Horn. Very slow steep rocky descent as usual. Had to take our time to get good footing. The climb up the Horn wasn't bad with a few rock scrambles. Got to the summit at 12:30for lunch. Today I had cheese on flat bread and an orange. Left at 1.Our 2nd major descent was like the first. Rocky, steep and slow then we started our final climb up Saddleback Junior. Short climb which was not too steep or rocky. The views from the top were as awesome as before. Maine has some great mountain vistas similar to the Smokies but even more hills. Also it was always interesting that we would look at mountains which we then will climb.On our very steep rock descent we met 2 SOBOs - one who worked at NOC. Very slow 1/2 mile descent then once past the stream the trail smoothed and was less rocky. Still going down to the Popular Ridge Lean to - stopped briefly then went to Popular Ridge. Another 1000' descent but not the usual rocky trail. The trail leveled out and we were keeping a good pace. We had 2.7 miles to the stream and some camp areas so we pushed on. There were a few bumps to slow us down - steep downhill climbs but overall a good trail.We arrived at campsite at 5:50. Checked out the creek but it did not look like there were sites across the creek so we set up on this side of the creek. Set up camp, bear bagged and made dinner. Rowdy had his first Rice/Ramen dinner in a bag. He really liked it. Darkness is coming earlier with sunset by 7:10. In tents at 7:30.A good day with pretty weather of clear skies. Some good climbs and hard down hills but we did well. 13.4 miles. No major aches or soreness other than my feet.
Date: 2014-09-09
From: Oberton Stream Campsite

To: Crocker Cirque Campsite
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: broken clouds

The night got cold and I had to put on my long sleeve blue shirt but stayed in my running shorts. Up at 6:30 to a very cold morning. Started with my fleece top. Packed up and had my cereal. This is becoming the standard routine. Then we headed to ford the stream. I probably could have just rock hopped but I did get one foot wet. I ended up just walking in the water. Feet got really cold. Changed back to my hiking shoes and headed up the hill. Very steep and rocky till we got to woods road which had good flat tent sites.We then had our first morning climb - 700' in 1.8 miles. The trail was good with occasional rocky climbs then it leveled out so we could pick up the pace. We then had our second climb of 800' in 1.2 miles to Lone mountain. It was steady and gradual and we arrived at 9:30. We still have not seen any other hikers all morning. Strange feeling and much different than when I started in Georgia and North Carolina and was seeing other hikers every day.The trail from Lone Mountain then became flat and smooth and fast so we got to Mt. Abraham trail in 25 minutes for 1.2 miles. Trail became favorable to Spaulding Mountain Lean to. Stopped for a break from 10:25 to 10:50. A SOBO stopped and gave us some information about potential campsites further north.We then had our 3rd climb of the day to Spaulding Mountain - 900' in 8/10 mile. Very slow going due to the steepness but the trail was tolerable. Did not take the side trail to the summit. Passed the plague noting the completion of the trail in Maine.Trail remained good with occasional rocks but we maintained a good pace due to the various ups and downs. Got to Sugarloaf Mountain at 12:55 for lunch. Again cheese sandwich. Left at 1:25 for our descent down Sugarloaf. It was a 1600' descent in 2 miles. We didn't realize how steep and rocky it was going to be going down. Extremely slow with difficult foot placements and very sharp inclines. I did slip going down a rounded boulder. I had dropped my pole and when I went to get it my foot slipped. I was able to roll off the rock onto the trail which was flat. If I had slipped forward I would have been down a steep hill. Rowdy also helped me get around a boulder. It was very tiring descent for about 1 mile then it got smoother. Got to the Carrabassett River and was able to rock hop instead of fording due to a wood bridge. We then had another uphill to the campsite - 500' in 1.1 mile. A steep dirt trail. Got to the Horns Pond Lean to at 4:40 after getting water. There were 3 others already there. There were tent platforms but we found nice flat tent areas. Bear bagged, set up tent and cooked dinner. Rowdy really liked his rice ramen and chickent. At at 5:45 and visited with the others for a while until the temperatures started to drop. In tent by 6:45A hard day with lots of climbs and harder descents. Decided to not go further even though we only did 11.3 miles. We could have had a steep uphill and not sure if there were any campsites. Plus we were both tired. Weather is turning colder but today was sunny with great views again.
Date: 2014-09-10
From: Crocker Cirque Campsite

To: Horns Pond Lean to
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: clear sky

Up at 6 then went looking for the privy. Took 20 minutes of searching to find it since it was near the main trail. Packed up and had my usual cereal. Left at 7:30 with an immediate uphill climb to South Crocker Mountain - 1300' in 1.1. miles. Steady uphill with no major rocks just a trail similar to those in North Carolina and Tennessee. Crested the mountain at 8:30 then we had a rocky descent before going up again to North Crocker Mountain. We arrived at 10:30 which showed it was slow going. From North Crocker Mountain we had a 6 mile descent of 2800'. In the 6 miles we experienced all kinds of trails. Steep rocky climb down then a flat favorable trail then a rock scramble. We finally arrived at ME 27, road to Stratton, at 12:40.Met a SOBO who gave us some information on the upcoming days. Rocky climbs and descent then flat trail into Caratunk. Power Boy, a lineman for the power company, stopped by and offered us gatorade and granola bars. We left at 1:25 with the trail flat and smooth for about 2.8 miles. Rowdy got water and I went ahead to the campsite to use the privy. I waited for him for 15-20 minutes but I thought he may have passed me. I headed up the trail. Ran into Mountain Light who was going south. He had not seen Rowdy so I was going to wait there. Rowdy showed up about 10 minutes later.We had our final climb of 2100' in 3.4 miles. Again slow and steady uphill with no major rock action till the very top at 3400'. Lots of hand climbs with no poles. Got to the viewpoint and looked ahead at the Bigelows and looked down and saw Horns Pond. The pond looked far off but was only 1/2 mile hike.Arrived at Horns Pond Lean To at 5:10. There were 2 lean tos with no one in either. We were going stay in the shelter since it was suppose to rain in the morning. Went to get water but the source was dried up so we went to the pond. There were nice tent areas at this site. They had plastic buckets at the tent sites and 2 metal trash cans at the shelter for your food to protect it from small animals. Made dinner at 6:30, filter water and called home. In bags at 7:30.Discussed with Rowdy our plans for tomorrow. Prediction of rain most of the day increasing from 50 to 90% by noon. Not sure if we are hiking or staying we will wait and see. Temperatures are cooling down quickly after sundown.An average day on the trail. We had 5000' of climbs and 2700' of descents. Weather was comfortable not cold or warm just clear and sunny. Trail was tiring but not really tedious. Not sure of where we are going from here just have to wait and see.
Date: 2014-09-11
From: Horns Pond Lean to

To: Horns Pond Lean To
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Awoke at 6:30 to winds and fog. Night was warm in the bag with my liner and wearing my tights and blue shirt. Ready to stay here and not hike due to wind and moisture.Stayed in my bag most of the day. Rain started at 1 and was heavy. Wind decreased in the afternoon but still foggy. Had breakfast for lunch at 1:40. Read a book at the shelter about cleaning up the Bigelows. Stayed warm in my bag.Had cheese and peanut butter sandwich at 6 and hot tea with Rowdy. The caretaker, Ian, came by to what is ahead on the trail. He also brought Rowdy some chicken soup and oatmeal. He was the person who lead the clean up of Avery Peak and the Bigelows. Wind had decreased and the skies are clearing. Have a hard climb to start. Hope to do 10-12 miles to Flagstaff Campsite.Sheltered in place today. Good decision to be in shelter last night rather than tent due to the rain and winds. We could have stayed in Stratton with food and a warm room but we are 5 hours closer. Will be another cold night.
Date: 2014-09-12
From: Horns Pond Lean To

To: Easy Flagstaff Campsite
Miles today: 12.8

A cold night. Awoke at 5 but staying bag till 6. Foggy, windy, and cold 35-40 degrees. Packed up in a hurry, went to the privy, and headed out at 7:10. Wool hat, rain pants, rain jacket, fleece and long sleeve shirt with mittens. Very windy and cold and damp. Not raining but mist from the fog made things wet.Usual morning climb to South Horn - 700' in 1/2 mile with the trail tedious. Steady uphill with some rock climbs on smooth rocks but they were dry. We mad good time. The wind on the top of South Horn was very strong since we were above treeline. Very rocky ascent in the last 200' climb. We had a short down then the climb up West Peak of Bigelow - steady climb with wind but not extemely rocky. Just slow and continued to in the fog when we got to Avery Peak at 9:30. The downhill was tedious with rocks and roots but no major rock climbs. The descent was 2 miles and we arrived at Safford Notch Campsite trail at 11:30.Started our gradual climb up to Little Bigelow. Stopped at a view point for lunch at 12:40. I had cheese and tuna and Rowdy had cheese and sausage and bananas that some day hikers gave us. The skies were clearing so we had good scenery. Left at 1:30 we were on a ridge line off flat rock to Little Bigelow - lots of open views of the lake and mountains below. 3 miles of gradual downhillwith some tedious sections but not really hard. Just slow and steady downhill.From Little Bigelow Lean to to East Flagstaff road the trail was rocks and roots. Got to East Flagstaff Lake campsite at 4:40. There were a few tentsites, a privy, and some benches along the lake. Set up camp, got water from the lake, and had dinner at 6. I gave Rowdy one of my dinners since he only had one left and I had 3. Called about the bunks at Pierce Camp and was told no problem. Beach area was very windy but we were protected in the trees. In our tents by 7.Started out as cold, foggy day but turned out just cool and clear with great views of the valleys and mountain we are climbing. Trail was hard but not as bod as expected. We were glad to not have done it yesterday in the rain and wind. We did 12.8 miles in 9 hours. Not bad considering the climbs. Have a 15 mile day tomorrow but we've heard it's flat and has only 2 minor climbs. Feeling good but still not seeing other hikers.
Date: 2014-09-14
From: Harrison Pierce Pond Camp

To: Sterling Inn, Caratunk
Miles today: 4.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Cold night last night especially when the fire went out. Up at 6:15, packed up and went to breakfast at 7. Great blueberry pancakes, eggs, and sausage. Tim accepted my traveler's check. Hobbit joined us for breakfast and then the 3 of us were on the trail at 7:50.Trail was favorable to tedious at times but we made good time. The trail ran along the stream with great waterfalls. Got to the Kennebec River at 9:25. Waited for the ferry to come back after taking 2 hikers to the far shore. Signed the releases and got in the canoe. Rowdy was in the center and I was in the bow paddling. Minimal current to paddle across. Crossed in about 20 minutes including loading and unloading. Hobbit came over on the next ferry. Continued the 3/10 to the Post Office to call the Sterling Inn for pick up. Got to the Inn at 10.The inn was very nice with a large wrap around porch, living room and dining room downstairs and another living room on the second floor where the bedrooms were. We had a 2 bed room. Did laundry and reviewed my email. Sorted my food box which was too much food for 2 days, more like for 4 days. Not sure what I was thinking. Made lunch of hamburgers for Hobbit, Rowdy and myself. Sorted the clothes then emailed my update. Had some ice cream then showered. Reviewed our next 2 days with Rowdy.The Inn has a good resupply store of all the need items. Probably didn't need a mail drop but didn't know for sure.   Teabag and Firewalker stopped by to resupply as did AffirmAt 6, the six of us went to Northern Outdoors for dinner. Had a beer and mac and cheese and a brownie sundae, which I didn't finish. Visited with other NOBOs who were staying here. Peter Pan was there who I had met in Virginia.   Got trail magic after dinner of coke and bananas. Back to the Inn by 8. Finished packing and journaled. Feeling good with a rest day. Expect to be in Monson in 2 days.   Another good day with overcast skies. Good nero day to rest and do necessary tasks. Also 3 good meals.