morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2018-05-05
From: Allentown Shelter

To: Windsor Furnace Shelter
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Sunrise was at 0630 over the far ridge. Found a trail magic item when I rolled out of the quilt. Kyle (one of last nights party) had left me a hand-carved small dog. Wrote a note to thank him and made breakfast. Needed a quick start as I needed to get to Windsor Furnace Shelter to shorten tomorrow's hike for shuttle pick up at 1000.A long day with several "rock hops" ahead. Got thru Dan's Pulpit at 0930. Took a couple of pics to the east showing location of the Pinnacle. Rocks on the trail again, maybe more so than usual. Stopped at Eckville Shelter for a snack and water. This shelter is in a guy's backyard - strange. Then a long grade but on a PA game lands road to top of ridge leading to the Pinnacle. Began to see more folks out for a Saturday hike, all heading to Pinnacle. Got there at 1350. Added my rock to the pile folks have created at entrance to Pinnacle - about 15 high and 20 feet across. Took the requisite pics of next ridge across the valley where "The Pulpit" rock resides. Large crowd of day hikers coming up from south side - kids, babies, little kids, teenagers, dogs, and us old folks. None of them know trail rules. Reached the "Pulpit" at 1450 and got some more required pics. Finally, thru the last rock piles and downhill to Windsor Furnace, with piles of folks heading down also.Made the shelter at 1600 and flopped in - dead tired. Cooked supper, laid out my bed and pulled out the iPod for some tunes. Two hours later I'm rolling over for some zzzzzzzs.
Date: 2018-05-06
From: Windsor Furnace Shelter

To: Delaware Water Gap
Miles today: 5.7

Rained last night a few times. Needed to be at Port Clinton by 0930 - 1000 for my shuttle.Got out early at 0650 and headed out in the overcast for a couple of ups and downs before the "big" down. Slick rocks and wet leaves made for an interesting hike. Mostly good trail until I got to the end of the Hogback - then rocks again. Interesting thing happened there, the beds were perfectly flat lying. Looks like the mountain was rolled over instead of beds standing at a high angle. Very unusual for here. Drizzle on and off for a while. Got to the big down at 0900 and dove off the mountain. Well not exactly " dove" but sure seemed like it with the slope. Much like the opposite side of Port Clinton's NOBO slope.Arrived at 0925 and shuttle arrived at 0945. Good timing for both of use. Allen and I worked out well. He was in 82nd Airborne in early 1980's and participated in 307th Engr Bn bridge demolition at Falls Lake reservoir before it was filled. I was a safety engineer on the same demo exercise. Those guys parachuted into the empty reservoir and humped all their gear to the various bridges. Amazing coincidence that we meet here 30 years later.Arrived at Church of The Mountain Hostel around 1200. Said goodby to Allen and went to pizza Resturant for a burger and fries. Matt and Megan arrived while I was gone. They are in for 2 nights to re-supply and rest. Five others were also in. Dinner and a shower made for a good Nero Day.
Date: 2018-05-07
From: Delaware Water Gap

To: Somewhere Near Wind Gap
Miles today: 14.5

Slept late - up at 0800. Headed down to the Apple Pie Bakery in the Gap for a breakfast sandwich. Nothing else open. I' m late getting started. Left the hostel at 0900. First thing I run into another one of those Roads Scholars groups on an outing. They made a path to let me thru and we chatted for a minute. 20 to 25 folks heading up a nasty climb - nasty in the sense it is 1000 feet to the top for an overlook of the Delaware River and Gap. Did not wait around to see how many made it to the top. Another long day ahead meant I had to push hard to set up tomorrow's hike. This section from DWG to Leigh Gap is 36 miles. I need to be there by noon Wednesday. Took a couple of pics from top of ridge overlooking the DWG and then some more further on that showed the river heading downstream.Took a break after 2 hours where there was good trail and better mileage. Got into the rocks and things slowed down immensely. Made Kirkridge Shelter just after 1200 and went for water. No other water for 13 miles until Leroy Smith Shelter which I could not make today. Moving on into more "rocks". Climbed up Wolf Rocks and back down. Not as bad as was led to believe since most of the pile was slabs lying fairly flat. Easy hopping around and off the mess. THEN the trail got really bad. Rocks, rocks, rocks, more rocks for about 3 miles. No place to put your foot, except on or between rocks.Found a camping spot about a mile north of Wind Gap and called it a day at 1600. Feet are hurting today from the hard stepping and fetching. Got out the hammock and cooled my tootsies for a while. Light, cold dinner as I need to conserve water for breakfast. More tunes tonight to keep the boogers away!!!
Date: 2018-05-08
From: Somewhere Near Wind Gap

To: Low Gap Stealth Camp
Miles today: 15.4

Another long day ahead. Need to be within 6 miles of Leigh Gap so that I can get on the road home on Wednesday.Awoke at 0530 and laid around until 0700. Quick breakfast and packed by 0730. Checked the area and loaded out for moving at 0745. Next water is 5 miles away at Leroy Smith Shelter. Some good trail this morning and the usual rocks elsewhere. Got in to Smith Shelter at 1000 to find Tweats there. She had fallen on Saturday and had a black eye. Since be re-named "Brusier". Chatted a while then got water and rested for 30 minutes. Trail got more rocky and kept switching sides of the mountain - PUUDS. Stopped at noon for a 30 minute respite at a road crossing. Then on to Delps Trail where there is a spring 0.4 miles down the Mtn. Did not go for water. As I was leaving, Happy Hermit came up the trail. We meet again for about the 5th or 6th time in last 2 weeks. Got his website address so that I can follow his progress on his thru hike. Pushed on at 1430 to reach a stealth site near Low Gap. Found said spot at 1600 and pitched in for the night. About 1 mile north of Low Gap.Today the following folks passed by me again heading northbound: Brusier, Penguin, Old & Slow, Bobcat, Happy Hermit, and last OB.
Date: 2018-05-09
From: Low Gap Stealth Site

To: Leigh Gap and Truck
Miles today: 5.9
Weather: clear sky

Last day on this section. Git-r-Done!Had a good night even with a short water ration. Done, packed, and moved out at 0700. Down the rock pile to Low Gap and up the smaller pile on the other side. Lots of walking along the west side of Blue Mtn. Many views of the mined areas and Superfund site remediation in the valley. New Jersey Zinc smelted zinc ores in the area from 1890 until 1980. Denuded a lot of the vegetation on Blue Mtn and surrounding areas. Reason for the Superfund Site. Heavy metals everywhere from the process. Got some pictures of the mined areas, tailings piles and process plants. Old plants side by side with the remediation process.Crested the top of Blue Mtn heading to the high rock ridge on the Leigh Gap face of Blue Mtn and took a snack break at 0945. Time finally came to jump off the "pile". Not so much a trail as a Goat path. Glad I was not climbing up with 3 days food and 2 days water. Also glad I have had some rock climbing experience. Came in handy trying to find finger and toe holds in the shear ledge drop offs. Lots of hand work to get through safely. Took a couple of pictures of the rock type and slope.Made the river crossing at 1025 and the truck at the Leigh Valley Nature Center at 1030. Took a bath at the rear of my truck ( top side only) using 1 quart of water and a pack towel. Semi-clean clothes in the truck were a blessing as I stunk/stank after 3 days of woods travel in the heat.Loaded the junk and hit the road at 1100 after calling our Army son (Thomas) to wish him a Happy Birthday.Finally ----- Gotta-r-Done!!!!!!!Home tomorrow.Edits to follow.
Date: 2018-06-10
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Once again I'll be hiking the Appalachian Trail. This year is the 20th and the 10th anniversaries of hiking the AT. It also is the 6th anniversary of hiking the AT as part of the Eastern Continental Trail in 2012. My mix of successful and unsuccessful hikes out west are put on hold for now.   The hike this year will be southbound and will either end at Springer Mountain Georgia or Flagg Mountain in Alabama via the Benton Mackaye and Pinhoti Trails. As always, a hike with Lake is not a hike, its an adventure.
Date: 2018-06-14
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

All ready to head to Maine tomorrow. All packed and house in order. Heartrock and I will stay with her sister in Portland a few days before heading north to Millinocket on Sunday. After lunch at the Appalachian Trail Caf© we will venture to Katahdin Stream Campground. Weather looks good to summit Mount Katahdin Monday morning. Then Tuesday I will head out solo and sobo on the AT. The goal for Tuesday is to exit Baxter State Park (no camping on AT within the park), cross the Penobscot River at Abol Bridge, reach the "100 Mile Wilderness" and camp.
Date: 2018-06-16
To: Cape Elizabeth, ME
Miles today: 0.0

Heartrock, her sister Thunder Island Girl and myself went to purchase food and supplies for our stay at Baxter State Park. We went to EMS, West Marine, Trader Joe's, and Hannafords. Enough shopping for me.      We also took our time hiking around beautiful Fort Wiliams and Portland Head Light. The long rocky beaches took me away. A beautiful weekend in New England. That could be a song.     Tomorrow morning we head north to Katahdin. Weather looks wet for Monday so we'll see if we can get a chance to get a day pass. Our camping reservation are at 1 p.m. so I am hoping we can get in early and hike.
Date: 2018-06-17
From: Mount Katahdin, ME

To: Katahdin Stream Lean-to, ME
Miles today: 5.2

Summited Mount Katahdin just before 3pm with Heartrock and Thunder Island Girl (TIG). Beautiful day.   Celebrated back at our Katahdin Stream Lean-to with Smoked Paprika Chicken courtesy TIG. Also had watermelon, wine and Angry Orchard. A tough beautiful day.   Zero day tomorrow due to rain and sore muscles.
Date: 2018-06-18
From: Katahdin Stream Lean-to, ME

To: Katahdin Stream Lean-to, ME
Miles today: 0.0

A little rain over night and more predicted later today so it is a zero day at the lean-to. Heartrock, TIG, and I went into Millinocket and had breakfast at the Appalachian Trail Cafe. Afterwards we returned to the park and went for a brief hike around Grassy and Elbow Ponds on mosquito patrolled trails.     Around 3pm Heartrock and TIG left and headed home. I was very sad. I did go down a side trail to the road and hitch-hiked as they went by. They stopped and we laughed. I needed one more goodbye.      Back at camp I prepared my gear for tomorrow. I tried for over an hour to get the fire going but it would not cooperate. At 6 the rain returned and I settled in for the night.
Date: 2018-06-19
From: Katahdin Stream Lean-to, ME

To: Hurd Brook Shelter
Miles today: 13.4

Left camp at 8:12 a.m. The day was sunny and windy. The wind was a blessing as it kept the mosquito patrols grounded.    Saw only an English fisherman near Big Niagara Falls on Nesowadnehunk Stream on my way to Abol Bridge.     I arrived at the store for a brief break and a short time to use paid internet. A young English hiker was sitting in front of the store with his mosquito netting hat on and warned me to put long sleeves on. I obeyed but after reaching the 100 Mile Wilderness and having more sweat drops than mosquitoes I returned to the sleeveless shirt.     It was getting hot so I stopped at the vacant Hurd Shelter about 4:30 p.m. The wind was sweeping through camp keeping the mosquitoes away, to my delight.
Date: 2018-06-20
From: Hurd Brook Shelter

To: Crescent Pond
Miles today: 15.7

Another breezy day to keep the mosquitoes at bay. Left camp early feeling tired but better as the day wore on. Beautiful view of Mount Katahdin from Rainbow Ledges. Later, swam a bit at Rainbow Lake. Just as I got out I heard loons calling. So beautiful! After the long hike along the lake I was treated to another awesome view of Katahdin from Rainbow Lake Dam. Rainbow Stream Shelter is situated in a small gorge between ponds in perhaps the most beautiful location along the trail. A Nobo hiker went by just before the bridge crossing to the shelter. A Sobo was in the shelter in his tent and according to his trail register entry having a difficult time already. A nice hike down Rainbow Stream Gorge then a steep, hot hike up to Crescent Pond. A fisherman in a boat waved as I went by. I saw a Nobo down by the water. I went to the east side of the lake and jumped in. I pitched my tent up a side red blazed trail. A long hot day but feeling better though tired.
Date: 2018-06-21
From: Crescent Pond

To: Antlers Camp on Lower Jo-Mary Lake
Miles today: 17.5

Rain overnight and a beautiful morning. The thrush were singing as I climbed Nesuntabunt Mountain. At the top was another view of Katahdin. Met many Sobos and Nobos. A father and son were finishing up their 13 year quest to do the Appalachian Trail in sections. Hotdog and his 69 year old father C-4 will climb Katahdin in a few days. Mosquitoes in places today, even at Lower Jo-Mary Lake. But I was relieved to hit a breeze as I went out the narrow peninsula at Antlers Camp. Surrounded on three sides by water and covered with Red Pines, this beautiful little peninsula has been a favorite camping spot for me I think six times over the years. All I hear are a few waves on the lake and the wind through the pines.
Date: 2018-06-22
From: Antlers Camp on Lower Jo-Mary Lake

To: East Branch, Pleasant River
Miles today: 16.0

Cool morning with a beautiful sunrise over Lower Jo-Mary Lake. I didn't want to leave such a pristine campsite. The thrush were singing again as I headed south on the trail. Lack of a breeze allowed the mosquitoes to resume their attacks. At Cooper Brook Falls Lean-to I took a long break. Its beautiful location made it hard not to. Later took another long break at the rocky outlet of Crawford Lake as I enjoyed the views. After Crawford Lake the trail got rocky and the weather was hot. I was happy to arrive at East Branch Shelter and dip into the east branch of Pleasant Stream. A thrush is singing its beautiful song above me. Its sweet call reminds me of home.
Date: 2018-06-23
From: East Branch, Pleasant River

To: West Branch, Pleasant River
Miles today: 16.8

Today was one brutal section. I've done this section during three nobo hikes with no problem. But, of course, those times I had a few thousand miles on my legs. Today, with less than a hundred miles on my legs, it really drained me. Four peaks that the trail went up one side and down the other steep and rocky. It was a rocky rock and roll trail. Took me from 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. After White Cap Mountain kicked my butt I got punched by Hay Mountain, slapped by West Peak, then hit over the head by Gulf Hagas Mountain. Great view back from White Cap Mountain towards Katahdin, however. I believe that is the last view I'll have of my old friend. 30 miles and I'll be out of the 100 Mile Wilderness and then resting and eating in Monson. Pushed today because of pending rain. Just as I was wading across the river I noticed rain drops hitting the surface of the water. Went a bit further to the first campsite I found. Got the tent set up and inside as the rain got steadier. So glad to be off my feet.
Date: 2018-06-24
From: West Branch, Pleasant River

To: Cloud Pond, ME
Miles today: 10.8

I thought today would be easier than yesterday but it was not to be. The mosquitoes subsided once I got enough altitude while climbing Chairback Mountain. But, like yesterday, a lot of steep rock climbing slowed me down. Then there was Columbus Mountain, Third Mountain and Fourth Mountain. I was drained from yesterday so today was slow. On Fourth Mountain I could see a storm and its sheets of rain heading my way. I attempted to go as fast as I could to hopefully get to Cloud Pond on Barren Mountain. I already was a few hours behind my estimated time of arrival. I arrived at Cloud Pond just as the rain began around 8:30 p.m. Wind began to blow and I was cold. Once in the tent I was grateful to be warm and dry. Thousands of Spring Peepers sang me to sleep as well as the rain on the tent.
Date: 2018-06-25
From: Cloud Pond, ME

To: Little Wilson Stream
Miles today: 12.5

The rain continued into the morning allowing a 2 1/2 hour delay which I was happy about. On the trail I was in the clouds until I began to descend Barren Mountain. Blue lakes and green mountains were in all directions. I sat on the rocks for an hour and made some coffee. At the bottom of the mountain along Long Pond Stream someone made "100" with rocks signifying 100 miles to (or from) Katahdin. I forded Long Pond Stream with Sweet. Sweet is a sobo and we passed back and forth for a few days now. I continued over the mountain and the trail disappeared as it dipped into a new beaver pond. A beaver smacked its tail hard on the water startling me. It smacked two more times as I bushwacked around his new stinky dam. Thunder a few times then rain for an hour. I came to Big Wilson Stream, another ford. Again, I seemed not to be making the miles. I thought I'd be at Little Wilson Stream by 7 p.m. but didn't arrive until 8:15 and forded across. I continued uphill but there were no campsites above the 60' high Little Wilson Falls on the trail's side. I was tired so decided I had to gingerly ford the stream just above the falls to flatter ground. Another tough day but tomorrow is a town stop.
Date: 2018-06-26
From: Little Wilson Stream

To: Monson, ME
Miles today: 6.6

After coffee to warm me up I packed up and forded across Little Wilson Stream. A cold way to start the morning, indeed. I left at 6:21 a.m. and pushed forward to Maine Highway 15. Not a bad hiking morning as it was cool and a light breeze. The coolness and the breeze however kept me from dipping into one of the ponds to clean up for town. I passed numerous Nobos, stomachs full and fresh smelling (most of them) from their town stop in Monson. I arrived at the roadway at 11:15 and called Shaw's Hiker Hostel. "Hippie Chick" said they'll be right up. Her husband "Poet" picked me up. As soon as I said my name he remembered me. The couple hiked the Appalachian Trail the same year as I did, 2008, and we camped together one night somewhere down south. Hiker Chick's parents Navigator and Old Man also were there. Navigator and Old Man own the AT Lodge and the AT Cafe in Millinocket. It was on my way to Maine with Heartrock I read in the AT Companion that Hiker Chick and Poet bought Shaws Hostel. I was amazed they remembered me. At the hostel I took a needed shower then headed into town; I needed a burger. I stopped at the Lakeshore House and had a good burger and listened to the music from the 70's and 80's. I could have sat outside by the lake but I was tired and enjoying the music. My plan was to zero here tomorrow but Thursday heavy rain is expected. I have a few options to consider: I could head out tomorrow, I could slack pack tomorrow or I could zero two days. I'll have to sleep on this one.
Date: 2018-06-27
From: Monson, ME

To: Bald Mountain Stream Road
Miles today: 13.9

Slacker! While not wanting to waste a day nor wanting to get wet tomorrow I decided to slack pack the next section. Tomorrow's weather report calls for 1.5" of rain. So I'll hike today and zero tomorrow. Hiking this next section also will get two stream fords out of the way. Poet shuttled a group of us to Bald Mountain Stream Road. On the way to the trailhead we had to get out of the Chevy Suburban so Poet could maneuver over a deep depression in the road and cross a wooden bridge which was a significant bit higher than the road. At the trailhead four hikers headed sobo and I headed nobo back to the hostel. This section is pretty flat (Appalachian Trail flat). The fordings of the west branch and the east branch of the Piscataquis River went smoothly. Between the crossings the black flies were bothersome, even getting in my mouth and nose at times. Midway I heard frequent warning calls from a big bird. Not sure if it was a falcon, hawk or an eagle but it was not happy with my presence. Back at Gulf Hagas the same breed of bird circled me several times squawking its warning loudly. The bird today was aggressive. It swooped down to head level through the pine plantation. I got out of the way quickly while the bird returned to the forest's canopy. It continued to fling vile epithets at me. After failing to identify the creature and failing to get a picture I decided to continue. As the trail followed the shore of Lake Hebron I took a long break. I could see fish in the water chasing one another. A lone water lily floated in full bloom slowly dancing with the gentle waves. Loons called in the distance. Oh, I reluctantly got up and continued my hike. I arrived back in Monson earlier than I expected. Later I went to Robinson's Market for a meat lovers pizza. It was too much to eat so I shared it back at the hostel.
Date: 2018-06-28
From: Monson, ME

To: Monson, ME
Miles today: 0.0

[NOTE: Don't miss the photo from Barren Mountain on June 25 in the photo gallery.]The rain started before dawn and continued into this evening. Nothing as bad as was predicted.I purchased some food supplies at Monson General Store. I was excited to see Spam single packets and began picking them up. Then Sweet said he wanted some so I shared. I told a female hiker I got Spam packets expecting her to not like the thought but she wanted some. We inquired about more but that's all they had. Almost a Spam riot in Monson. I got the only bag of onion bagels they have also but split it with Sweet. Then I bought more supplies, fuel, and sock liners at Poet's Emporium Gear Shop next to the hostel. I am ready to push to Rangeley, 91 miles away. If short on food I could go two miles off trail near Stratton if necessary. This evening Sweet, Radio and I went to the Spring Creek Bar-B-Q and Blind Dog Saloon. There was a procedure on how to get your food. Like: look at the chalkboard for the menu, proceed to the barmaid to give your order, sit down and wait for your name to be called, go to the kitchen window to pick up your order, if you want a waitress bring one yourself, when finished go to the kitchen entrance and place plates, silverware and trash into the correct bins. I was a bit nervous that I might violate a rule. The food was good and the place became packed. I had a pork barbecue sandwich so full and juicy I had to eat it with a fork. The Moxie soda, a Maine local soda, led to a debate on what it tasted like. The barmaid said it tastes like Jagermeister for children, no alcohol. I agreed. We headed back to the hostel in the rain. I packed up Mav-sen my backpack (top is from old Maverick and bottom from newer Lassen). Looks like tomorrow at 9 a.m. we'll head out to Bald Mountain Stream Road. Since I don't think I'll make it to Caratunk before the river shuttle shuts down for the day Saturday, I'll probably stay in the tiny village overnight.