morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-08-21
From: Cranberry Camp Site

To: Otter pond
Miles today: 23.0
Weather: broken clouds

Another early start this morning. Today will be all about getting as close to Caratunk Maine as possible. This state wasn't quite finished with us yet as there were a couple of surprise thousand foot descents in a very short distance. Lots of rocks. Just as I was completely out of water a sign said "spring 250 yards ahead". I'm thinking, where could this be at 3000 feet elevation and giant Boulders everywhere. Then a wooden box appeared. When I opened it sure enough, ice cold, crystal clear water coming from a 1 foot Oasis. As far as water goes it was the best I've ever tasted. Right after filling up my water bottles an older man approached. He looked familiar and we said our pleasantries before he hiked on. Then I remembered where I knew him from. He had a trail magic feast by a pool in Virginia before leaving the trail to take care of his terminal mother back in early June. He had just got back on @ Katahdin to hike South (flip-flop) the rest of his hike.   The views along North Horn Pond and Flagstaff Lake were incredible. Then there was the perfect view of the ski slope side of Sugarloaf. Yesterday I was looking at the south side of the mountain.It's always amazing when you can see off in the distance what you will be climbing in the next day or two. As promised from the southbound hikers in the early afternoon the trail got very easy again. I turned the turbo on and see how far I could get before dark. Managed to cover 23 miles. Which leaves me a scary 12 and a half miles tomorrow morning. The canoe ferry that shuttles you across the Kennebunk stops at exactly 2 o'clock in the afternoon. With the promise of an easy Trail tomorrow I should be okay with an early start. Plenty of stars forming in the sky tonight so I think I'll be fine pitching my tent instead of trying to make that last mile and a half to the shelter.
Date: 2016-08-22
From: Otter pond

To: Caratunk Maine
Miles today: 12.5

(Yesterday and today's journal will be posted now).   Last night's decision to stop short of the shelter turned out to be a very bad one. Around 1:30 a.m. it started to rain very heavy. I was again awakened at 5:30 to water coming through the roof of the tent. Then I looked down to see the only thing keeping me from lying in a pool of standing water was my one inch air mattress. This was going to be a rough morning. Normally I would not be as concerned. I could just go to the next shelter and start drying everything off. But there is no next shelter. I must make the 12.5 miles to the Kennebunk River ferry or I'm really screwed.   As I was literally sitting in a puddle of water two quotes came to mind that I said out loud to give me motivation to get through this day. "When the going gets tough the tough get going". The other quote came from my brother-in-law when I was having a bad day out here months ago. "Suck it up cupcake".  It took me a while to complete the almost impossible task of putting my two ponchos on over myself and my loaded backpack while still inside my dripping, sagging tent. Once accomplished I stepped outside in the pouring rain to break down my tent. What do I do now with this 5-pound bag of mush? I wedged the bag between my hip belt and my chest strap and carried it on the front of me like a mother carrying a baby in a harness. Just one more thing to complicate this now difficult 12 mile trek over slippery rocks and roots, while rain continues to pour down. This once easy trail has turned into a three inch deep stream. Decided for once I would really push the limits and just make believe this was a 12 mile race. Didn't really see any other option. Long story short. While only slipping twice and dipping my foot in 5 inches of mud once, I reached the shores of the Kennebunk River around noon. I could see the lone ferryman sitting in the canoe waiting for his next passenger. I looked at him with a big smile and he hollered back "no lines no waiting". Just what I wanted to hear.    The rains had stopped and now the river had started to rise. My idea of getting an inner tube and swimming across was not meant to be. As I finally emerged to the road I saw my first thru-hikers of the day. Three young men and a girl we're heading into town. They told me the best hostel was right around the corner called The Caratunk House. Boy were they right! This was another hostel that was not in the book and is run strictly by word of mouth on the trail. This place is at full capacity tonight. And for $20 the hot shower, internet and spectacular rooms are a bargain in this 200 year old farmhouse. Probably the best deal on the trail. The caretaker said he had one room left but it's two beds to a room if I don't mind. Pretty funny when when I knocked on the door and saw my roommate for the night. SLOW-JAM! This room with it's private bath would cost $250 at the Mount Washington Hotel. As the day took a 180 degree turn I am now a happy camper.
Date: 2016-08-23
From: Caratunk Maine

To: Bald Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: broken clouds

I'm really going to miss the small-town visits. Had a blast with the Northern Outdoor White Water rafting employees. The resturant we were at had a giant hot-tub next to the outdoor seating. When a family of 5 paid their check and left the other hikers dared me to go over and finish the plates of food they left behind. They really didn't have to dare me. I grabbed a half of cheeseburger and a bunch of left over fries. Yep, I'm a bum! It was delish! The employees then ended up taking Slow Jam and I out and treating us all night. Pizza, beer and hot tubs!   The $7 all you can eat breakfast this morning at the hostel was incredible. And once again, very hard to leave a place like this but it's a perfect day so it's time to get the legs moving.   The plan was to hike 14 miles this afternoon into a nice shelter on a pond. But every day now is getting more exciting as I'm close to the end of this trip. With the exception of a quick dip mid afternoon, I just couldn't stop moving and ended up doing 19 miles. Set up my tent in the dark with my headlamp on. The animals were very busy last night and if I wasn't near a shelter with other people in the vicinity I would have been really nervous.
Date: 2016-08-24
From: Bald Mountain Shelter

To: Monson Maine
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: fog

Hit the trail running this morning. You could literally fly if you wanted to. With flat, soft terrain it was almost boring after a while. Ate my last two snacks in the early morning. It was pretty much planned that way. I was very eager to get into Monson. Arrived here almost two hours ahead of schedule as I hiked at almost four miles per hour. As usual I jumped in a lake right before arriving in town so I felt clean enough to go out and eat at the one and only restaurant in this town.   Really am going to miss these great small town U.S.A places.. Got some of the hikers motivated to gather wood and started the fire pit around 5 p.m. Great conversations, a young man playing a guitar and talked shop with a retired police officer who is also finishing the trail this week.   My last town night on the trail. I'm both happy and sad about that.
Date: 2016-08-25
From: Monson Maine

To: Wilson Valley Shelter.
Miles today: 11.0

Coming down to one of the final legs of this very long journey. Today I will enter the 100-mile wilderness. It is a relatively flat stretch and the most remote section on the entire Trail. Please bear with me on the journaling for the next 5 days. I do have a better chance of getting out than most because of Verizon. Everyone who has Sprint or AT&T has been told that they will have no internet or phone at all until reaching Baxter State Park 5 to 7 days away. When I'm on top of the small peaks or in an open section of trail I will give it my best shot to get on Trailjournals. I will be keeping a handwritten account through the entire wilderness so if I have to post five or six days worth I will remember my daily events. Here we go!!   Got dropped off at the trailhead around noon but forgot my poles at the hostile so had to drive back and try it again with the second group at 2 o'clock. The trail has been a little harder than I anticipated but still nothing like the craziness we had a few weeks ago. Got into the shelter late tonight and immediately went to sleep.
Date: 2016-08-26
From: Wilson Valley Shelter.

To: Pleasant Ridge Camping Area
Miles today: 20.0

As I headed into the Hundred Mile Wilderness yesterday I listened closely to the fading traffic of Maine Highway 13. Probably going to be very quiet this week. It appears I will end this trip the same way I began it, alone. Slow Jam had his mind set on zeroing yesterday in Monson but after already being there 24 hours and having such a beautiful hiking day weather wise, I could not see staying there any longer. My goal is to hike at a slightly slower pace than usual and to make sure I get to my tenting spot early enough to have a good fire.   The five and a half days of food I'm carrying is very heavy but I ate as much as possible last night and again for breakfast this morning. Obviously eating all the heaviest foods 1st. Already heard of two hikers who did not bring enough food and went the last day and a half with nothing. Running into more day and week hikers than I expected. This is a very popular area for a lot of young adventures as they can come out here and test themselves against the Wilderness for a 100-mile week in the woods. Something like the Long Trail which is 100 miles in Vermont. Also noticed an increase in day hikers there. It's 12 noon and as I blog today I'm watching the hawks overhead. They seemed to just float in mid-air riding the warm thermals. It's been a common occurrence throughout the trail when I get to a Mountaintop. Very enjoyable watching them. Time to hike on there is still 8 hours of daylight ahead.   Seems like a very long day for only 19 grueling miles. Set up my tent 5 feet from the trail and once again had mixed emotions about finishing. Everyone is hiking their own hike and no one really cares what the other is doing. It's not a bad thing it's just life. It reinforces how important family really is. It's obvious that no one cares like family. And I'm anxious to get back to mine.
Date: 2016-08-27
From: Pleasant Ridge Camping Area

To: Stealth Camping
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Passed an older couple this morning that I had met twice this season on the trek. After talking a few minutes I found out they started one day after me on April 2nd. Unbelievable for he is 70 and she is 65 years old. Their key to success was taking no zero days at all. They trucked along at 12 to 14 miles a day. As you know I probably took 20 zero days. Happy with that decision.   I am on the last mountain top of the trip except for the big one! A small group of us up here think we can see Katahdin way off in the distance. From all the pictures I've seen I'd say that's it. It sure looks like a lot longer than four days away.   Now it's decision time. The one and only stop of civilization in the Hundred Mile Wilderness is White River Landing. This is where you can ring a bell from shore and a Gentleman will come out on his boat, pick you up and bring you to his island where he has set up a hiker hostel. I've crunched the numbers and looked at my guidebook. I would jump at this opportunity any other time on the trip as it sounds like a great adventure. But it would set me back a whole day and I don't want to be anywhere near Baxter State Park on Labor Day weekend. This is a tough one.   I have decided to press on to Katahdin. The gravity pulling me from Hooksett, New Hampshire is just too much to fight. I have found a great spot to stealth camp again tonight and it should be all downhill, literally for the next 50 miles. We will see if the promise of an easy trail was fact or fiction.
Date: 2016-08-28
From: Stealth Camping

To: Another stealth tent site
Miles today: 30.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Had a hard time going to sleep last night and it wasn't just because I was planning on a big day in the morning. The red tailed squirrels are everywhere and the closer we get to the state park the more aggressive they are becomeing. People are climbing Katahdin with holes in their tents, their backpacks and their food bags. So I took extra precautions by triple bagging everything. Then sleeping with my food. Lying my dirty socks on top of my food bag and then spraying the entire perimeter of my tent with bug spray. I met a couple of hikers who have had to beg for food in the wilderness because the squirrels ate everything. Even while hanging from a thin rope, barebag style. The thing that caused me to lose the most sleep last night was a completely different sound than I'm used to out here. Moose! It sounded like the Clydesdales were doing circles around my tent. I was too afraid to look outside but every time I yelled, slapped the side of my tent and shined the headlamp it seemed to temporarily scare them away. After being awakened 3 times by these extremely large creatures I finally got to sleep.   It's noon time and I'm pleased to announce the trail is as easy or easier than promised. Therefore I'm shooting for a 30 + mile day. The anticipation of finishing is rivaling that of the week before I left my home in March. This time I can channel my energy towards Katahdin. After all we have become hiking machines being out here so long. I never would have thought It would be possible to hike 30 miles in a day and now I'm looking to try to do even more. This is definitely the easiest 50 miles of the entire AT. Having a quick lunch on Mud Pond and it's off to see how far I can get today.   Disappointed to say that the 30 mile day was not in the cards. Just as I was approaching a shelter it started to rain. That's it for the day. 25mi by 5:00 will be cutting it close for the last few days. But I really don't have much choice. Carrying a soaking wet tent is not an option for tomorrow as it's going to be another long hiking day. Feeling good. Another satisfying but unpredictable day on the Appalachian trail.
Date: 2016-08-29
From: Another stealth tent site

To: Rainbow Stream Campground
Miles today: 25.0
Weather: light rain

It ended up raining off and on most of the night. Glad I decided to stay in the shelter. Late into the evening a strange noise woke me out of a sound sleep. Looking over to my left I could barley make out Mother Goose packing up in complete darkness. When I asked him what time it was he whispered back, 4:15. That's when I made the decision to go for the big day. So I sarted packing along with him. Ate my last danish and washed it down with a cup of adrenaline. We were off and running with our headlamps on. As I was keeping up with this young, fast hiker for the first 8 miles told me it was going to be a good day.   I was on a mission. Started passing day hikers like they were standing still. Only took a short lunch break while refusing to look at the mileage or the time. All I wanted to do is get as far as I could. All of a sudden there it was. Rainbow Stream Campground seemed to come out of nowhere. I Immediately went to the cafe to order lunch and charge my phone. When I glanced up at the clock I couldn't believe my eyes. 25 miles by 2:30 in the afternoon. My whole plan was to get to the campground, secure a bunk for the night and then do the last 10 miles to the base camp of Katahdin the next day. This is the route most hikers take on their last 2 days. But it's 2:30 in the afternoon. Could I get to the base camp today and summit even earlier? I sure felt like this was a strong possibility. Back into the woods I go.
Date: 2016-10-17
To: HOME
Miles today: 0.0

Wow! I've been home for 6 weeks and it seems like forever. My knees are at about 95%. But my middle toes on both feet are still numb and only improving slightly. It now all feels like a dream. Hard to believe I was sleeping in the pitch dark forest for the last 5 months.    One of the most common questions asked has been " Are you a different person"? Have you changed in any way"? My response would be that I do appreciate what I have more than I ever did before. Two great children and a wonderful, loving wife. Who by the way approved of me leaving for 5 months while she held down the fort. How much more in life could you ask for?      I'm very much enjoying being home with my family but with a type A personality and adventure calling I believe chapter two is in order. The Trans-America trail is a 4300 mile bicycle trail across the country. No, I don't own a bicycle and have really never ridden but it sounds like fun and covering 60 to 80 miles a day you can see more of this planet than traveling on foot. I'm hoping that trailjournals will allow me to document my next journey on this unbelievably great site. Departure date would be May 1st 2018. Because this bike trip is so spread out and contains less people than a typical thru hike I wouldn't mind a partner or two tagging along. Splitting costs at Motels @ Hotels and just sharing the entire trip with someone sounds like more fun than traveling alone. Am very easy to get along with and a master of just going with the flow. If anybody out there is interested in flying with the Terodactyle across country, get in touch with me thru my guestbook. Man, women, young or old. Doesn't matter. The average time it takes to complete this journey is 10-12 weeks. I'm flexible and like a thru-hike there will be plenty of opportunity to be by yourself. Just the fact that you know someone who is a day behind or ahead of you is comforting. Looking forward to another trip of a lifetime. Google crazyguyonabike.com for more information.    As much as I miss the trail life I'm not sure how much more I could have taken. My body took some real punishment. I'm counting on this bike trip being much easier. With a 60% success rate, I'm looking forward to some downhill coasting. Ha,ha,ha.
Date: 2016-12-31
To: Patriots vs Dolfins Game
Miles today: 0.0

It's hard to believe it's been 4 months out of the woods. Hardly a day goes by that a thought from the trail doesn't zip thru my head. Whenever I start to complain about going to the mailbox for the paper or having to rise from my bed (8:00am). I immediately think back to my adventure. Poping out of my sleeping bag at 5am, freezing and packing up my tent, hungry just to get moving and start another 20 mile day. I am now the exact weight I was before the hike. After 2 weeks of rest, rejoined the gym to make sure those pounds put back on were quality ones. Truly believe I feel the best I have in 20 years. Now when I tell my kids they can accomplish ANYTHING if they want it bad enough, they look at me different. They believe it knowing how hard this trip was and also how much fun it was. Each day that has gone by my toes have gotten better. Within a few more weeks will be 110%. I added the 10% because my right knee feels better than it did before I left in April.      My trail friendships are greatly missed. Also feel I should walk at least 1 hr a day. 2 hrs is better. Never felt like this before.   Would I ever Thru-Hike again??? If I'm still around in 20 yrs, YES!! Would love to be the 75 year old who is having fun on the trail. Of course the hike would be much different. No 20+ miles days hiking. Less beer drank in town. And 6 months on the trail instead of 5. Also go at a slower pace. Just remember out there. IT CAN B DONE IF U WANT IT BAD ENOUGH.   See everyone in 2 years when I journal my Trans America Trail bike trip. Thanks again, bye (for now).     *****It is now 2 weeks before Christmas (2017) and I would just like to wish the class of 2018 GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!*****   **** It is now Summer 2018. My bike has arrived and the planning has started for the Transamerica Trail. May 15 next Spring.   **** It is now March 1st 2019. Looks like this Bike thing is happening. You can follow along on the #1 Bike site crazyguyonabike.com. It's time to ROLL!!  **** It is now Feb 2020. The bike trip has been changed to the Katy Trail. It's the longest rails to trails bike path in America. I feel a lot safer with NO automobile traffic. I will be doing a yo-yo so it will be a 500mi trip. Leaving April 28th. Will journal. Very excited!
Date: 2014-04-26
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I can't believe I have to wait till next march to start the hike. I'll be retired at the end of feb. and ready to go. In the mean time I have lots to do, like everything. Lots of logistics to figure out, mail drops,etc. I've waited about 42 years to do this, I guess I can wait a little longer!
Date: 2014-05-01
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: drizzle

Will be doing a lot of hiking this year to test out my stamina and gear, see what the two can take. Trips planned are in the Rangely me area, the whites and the Metacomet Monadnock trail. The trips will be in the 40 mile range with the exception of the trip to Monadnock which I believe is 114 miles. The focus will be on getting the daily mile count up to the 15 to 20 mile total. I know I can do big miles, I just don't know if I can do it day in day out. I guess I'll find out in about 11 months. Thanks to those who have posted on my journal. I'am sure we will be getting to know each other as the days fly by.
Date: 2014-05-24
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Took advantage of REI's big sale. Picked up a pair of Asolo tps 520 all leather boots. Tried on several light weight boots but they didn't even come close to the asolos in support or comfort. The soles were not very grippy on the store rock. By comparison, the 520's felt like they could walk up the wall without slipping!Also bought a thermarest neoair xlite sleeping pad. Much lighter than my old thermarest and compresses down to the size of a water bottle. My gear list is getting smaller.
Date: 2014-05-25
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

I added to my pile of must have gear. A Samsung galaxy S4 and a charging device for the trail. The phone is amazing. It has more stuff than i'll ever use or figure out how to use. Thankfully, I have 7 months to play with it! The charger is a myCharge ampplus portable charger good for 13 hours talk time or 10 hours browse time. The clock is ticking, just over 7 months to boots on the trail.
Date: 2014-05-26
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Finished purchasing all my gear. Took an overnight trip on the long trail in Vermont a couple weeks ago to check out the pack fully loaded with all gear, 1 liter water, and three days food. It weighed in at 22lbs. I'm thinking it's going to be closer to 30 lbs on the hike. Getting my plane ticket this week and arranging a shuttle at Atlanta. Getting close!
Date: 2014-05-27
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Made my flight reservation. I'l be leaving 03-23-15 into Atlanta. Shuttle service has been arranged as well as lodging. Will be shipping my pack down via ups to the hostel i'l be staying at. Boots on the trail the next morning, not hiking approach trail. Also booked my wife's flight to visit me in Damascus on 04-22-15. All systems go!
Date: 2014-05-28
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Did a weekend hiking trip on the AT in Smugglers notch/Stowe Vt. Discovered my Marmot precip no longer kept the wet out. I pretty much had all the gear I'm starting with and except for the rain jacket, all worked well. The pack weight with 1 liter of water and 3 days of food was 22lbs. I'm thinking that's going to be closer to 30 lbs at the start of the hike.
Date: 2014-11-23
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Decided my old North Face synthetic jacket was too bulky to take on the trail. Picked up a ems Icarus down jacket on sale for $117.00. Doesn't take up much room and its pretty warm for the weight and price. Should work out ok under the rain jacket or by itself in camp. Don't think I'll hike in it, too warm. Just layer up while hiking! Reserved a bunk at the hiker hostel with their hiker special, pick up at the north marta, bunk and meal. Get dropped off near Springer the next day. Well, I hope everyone has a great thanksgiving. Load up on everything, turkey, pie the works, you'll be losing that extra weight soon enough!