morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-08-28
From: Pine Ellis Hiker Hostel

To: Moody Mountain Back to Hiker Hostel
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Today was another "picture perfect" day for hiking. Again I only did 10 miles to make the shuttle work out. I summited Wyman Mountain and Moody Mountain. Moody is the steepest mountain on the entire AT. You climb about 1500 feet in .4 of a mile. That is really steep! Only 246 miles to go.
Date: 2015-08-29
From: Moody Mountain Back to Hiker Hostel

To: Old Blue Mountain back to Hiker Hostel
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: broken clouds

The weather continues to be flawless. It's been low 70's during the day and low 50's at night. Today's hike started with a 2000 ft vertical climb over "Old Blue Mountain. The rest of the day was a continuance of shorter ups and downs. I didn't mind...there were many long range vista's to enjoy along the way. I hiked about 13 miles today. Only 233 miles to go.
Date: 2015-08-30
From: Old Blue Mountain back to Hiker Hostel

To: Rangeley, MN
Miles today: 13.0

Just another beautiful day of hiking. I passed numerous natural lakes today. Maine seems to have many lakes. I hiked about 13 miles...easy day. I'm staying at the Hiker Hut Hostel just off the trail near Rangeley, Maine. It's a pretty cute little town. I had my first real Lobster roll at Sarge's Tavern. Along with fries with malt vinegar and the best cole slaw I think I've ever had...it was great! This town has the distinction of being exactly halfway between the equator and the North Pole. It's 3,107 miles to the equator and 3,107 to the North Pole. Only 220 miles to go.
Date: 2015-08-31
From: Rangeley, MN

To: Hiker Hut Hostel
Miles today: 15.0

Today was a tough day, windy and cold...but I enjoyed it. I had a couple of miles above the tree line which makes me happy. Even though the wind was hard and cold (I could see my breath) and all I had on was shorts and a thin tee shirt it was invigorating hiking there. The extreme labor keeps you from getting too cold...you just can't stop. I summited Saddleback Mountain, The Horn and Saddleback Junior. The only problem with the day is I learned that hikers were getting very sick drinking the water from the streams through this section even though they had filtered their water. I chose not to drink any so I only had one liter which I had before I started. I was very thirsty by the time I reached a safe water source. I hiked about 15 miles today.
Date: 2015-09-01
From: Hiker Hut Hostel

To: Stratton
Miles today: 8.0

It's about 16 or 17 hard miles to Stratton, ME so I'm going to break it up into two easy days. Today was 8 miles with an additional 2 miles off the trail to a side road for a pick up. I'm going to stay at a Hostel again in Stratton. It's called the Stratton Motel but it's a typical bunkhouse like most Hostels. Good food again tonight! Only 197 miles to go.
Date: 2015-09-02
From: Stratton

To: Hike Then Back To Stratton
Miles today: 9.0

I did the 9 miles today in just over 4 hours. The weather remains perfect.I'm hoping to see more moose. I see moose "droppings" (poop) everywhere along the trail.The most significant thing of the day is I passed the 2,000 mile point. Can you believe it!Only 188 miles to go
Date: 2015-09-03
To: Last day back to Stratton
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: few clouds

Stratton isn't much more than a bump in the road but it did have a great little market for resupply and a great little restaurant called "The White Wolf". I had the best (really big) hamburger I've had on the entire trail!Today's hike was tough especially after two relatively easy days of hiking.It was 17 miles over some really big climbs and descents. It was more than 4,000 feet of elevation over extremely rocky terrain.We crossed "The Bigelo's".The peaks were above the tree line which I love. The panoramic views were some of the best! Big beautiful lakes are everywhere down in the valleys. Maine remains my favorite state.Today's climbs are the last significant climbs till I get to Katahdin at Baxter State Park at the Northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail.I can't believe I'm nearly done with this adventure. It doesn't seem possible.Two more resupply towns and then the Hundred Mile Wilderness to go.The Hundred Mile Wilderness will be the most remote of the hike. No towns, no resupply, no road crossings, no cell service...nothing but wilderness for more than a hundred miles. My pack will be its heaviest since I have to carry 7 days worth of food.When you come out of the Wilderness at the North end, you are basically finished other than the day hike to summit mighty Katahdin...the grand finale!Only 188 miles to go.
Date: 2015-09-04
From: Last day back to Stratton

To: Harrison's Pierce pond Cabins
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: overcast clouds

The terrain is mostly flat now but there are some moderate climbs ahead. However the extreme roots and rocks remain. The trail today meandered along some of the most beautiful lakes I've ever seen. The water in the lakes is extremely clear and inviting. I would of taken a swim but I'm always in too much of a hurry to make miles. I covered almost 17 miles with a destination of, Harrison's Pierce Pond Cabins. It's an extremely remote "fish camp" built in the 1930's. The place is in very poor shape now but it has a permanent care taker who offers hikers a bunk and breakfast. Breakfast includes 12 pancakes, eggs, sausage and coffee. He charges $40 per hiker which also includes a hot shower. Not bad when you consider the breakfast. The cabins are really falling apart and there are no sheets on the beds. You just have to use your sleeping bag...but it's a bed! The cabins and "lodge" look out over a gorgeous rushing stream. I always look forward to going to sleep to the sound of the water. The main lodge is quite nice inside. You can tell it was a swanky place in its day. There are bear rugs (with the head on) and mounted deer on the walls. There is a pool table which has phone books under two of the legs to try and level it due to the building sagging so much. It's kind of a shame it can't be revived. The caretaker lives here year around. He can drive his truck here when there is no snow on the ground but when the snow is deep he has to leave his truck 5 miles from the lodge. He has to drive his snowmobile the remaining 5 miles to get back to the lodge. Imagine that in a snow storm. He's kind of a strange old guy but he's friendly enough. After breakfast tomorrow I'll hike into the little settlement of Caratunk. Only 155 miles to go.
Date: 2015-09-05
From: Harrison's Pierce pond Cabins

To: Sterling Inn Hostel
Miles today: 4.0

It got really cold last night. You could see your breath this morning in the cabin. Breakfast was fantastic! The coffee might of been the best I've ever had. It was a beautiful short 4 mile hike along the same rushing stream to the Kennebec River. We have to cross the wide Kennebec by canoe. For many years the hikers crossed by fording on their own but they had several drownings. They determined they must provide a boat (actually a canoe) and an expert canoe handler for safety. He takes two hikers at a time. They only provide this service between 9 & 11 am and 2 & 4 pm every day during the hiker season. Unfortunately hikers who get there late and don't want to wait still try to cross on their own. The handler said there's been two near drownings this year. Believe it or not you have to sign a waiver to ride in his boat! Once across it was a short half mile walk to Caratunk. I'll stay at the hostel "Sterling Inn" for the night. Only 151 miles to go.
Date: 2015-09-06
From: Sterling Inn Hostel

To: Moxie Bald Mountain
Miles today: 19.0

Day 159 I had a great breakfast at the Sterling before the owner dropped us at the trailhead. I've been hanging with the same guys for awhile now. We're all in our 50's and 60's. We don't hike together but we seem to end up at the same destinations. There's QuaHog (pronounced Koe Hog), Good As It Gets, No Worries, Goats Beard and me Uncle D. They are really great guys. Today was a great day for hiking. The terrain is still very rough but it was mostly easy. I had about 3,000 vertical feet of climbing. The views were stunning as usual in Maine. When I summited "Moxie Bald Mountain" I just sat there on a round rock staring at my surroundings. It was so beautiful! Being here in Maine has started to make me feel a little sad this has to end! I hiked almost 19 miles today. I'll camp near Moxie Bald Lean-to. It's right on a large lake called Bald Mountain Pond. It's a beautiful setting and great for swimming. I'm going for a swim later. I'll go to sleep tonight to the sounds of the Loons (I'm talking about the bird not thru-hikers). I love to hear their call back and forth through the night. I'll hike another 18 miles tomorrow to get into Monson, ME. 37 miles in two days ain't so bad ) Only 132 miles to go.
Date: 2015-09-07
From: Moxie Bald Mountain

To: Monson ME
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Gosh I enjoyed camping on that lake last night. The sounds of wildlife at night in the Maine wilderness is indescribable! Today was a ordinary day of hiking. I did about 18 miles to a road crossing and then hitched into the small village of Monson. I'll stay at a hostel here tonight and take my last zero day tomorrow.
Date: 2015-09-08
From: Monson ME

To: Baxter Park, ME
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I have to hike out of here with my pack weight at its heaviest...with 7 days of food. I'll be heading into the hundred mile wilderness. I've been told that this stretch might be the most beautiful and certainly the most remote of the hike. I've been looking forward to this for a long time. This will be my last journal entry until I come out at Baxter State Park in about 7 days.
Date: 2015-09-09
From: Baxter Park, ME

To: Baxter Park!
Miles today: 15.0

I checked again to make certain I had everything I needed to make the one hundred miles through "the wilderness". After breakfast I got dropped off at the trailhead. Believe it or not it's gotten hot again. The terrain is really nasty for the next 50 miles. I managed to make my planned destination but I am exhausted. I hiked about 15 miles. It doesn't sound like much but this terrain is wearing me out. I had two rivers to ford today so the second one I stripped down to my skivvies and wet for a swim! It's pretty cold so it takes a minute or two to get used to it. But boy did that feel good! I scooted up to a small waterfall and got under it for at least 20 minutes! I camped beside a roaring river. It was a perfect spot. However, no sooner did I get my tent set up and it started pouring rain. There was lots of lightning right on top of me. It actually started to flood a little around my camp site so I had to go outside and dig some trenches to channel the water away. Of course I had no shovel so I used my spoon. It was slow going but it worked. Only 99 miles to go.
Date: 2015-09-10
From: Baxter Park!

To: Baxter Park !!
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: moderate rain

I knew today would be really tough so I got up a little earlier than usual at 5 o'clock. It was still dark but I needed to go. I only hiked another 15 miles but it's all I could do and it keeps up with my schedule. Not only was it nearly 4,000 vertical feet of climbing but the roots and rocks were terrible! I would say, today would be one of the 5 hardest days on the trail. Also since everything was wet from last nights soaking I had to be so careful not to slip. Of course I slipped anyway...many times. Even going slow and careful I still took three hard falls today. I really don't know why I haven't broken something. Cuts and scrapes is all I got thank goodness. I made my destination and I am camped at another perfect spot next to a flowing creek. I can tell the rain is coming again. Only 84 miles to go.
Date: 2015-09-11
From: Baxter Park !!

To: East Branch Lean-to
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: scattered clouds

It started raining about midnight and continued till morning. It would rain off and on for the rest of the day. I rose about 5 again because of the difficulty of the day. I had several summits to climb including White Cap Mountain at over 4,000 ft. It was cold, windy and wet today. Even with all the exertion of the climbs I couldn't get warm. When you're soaked and the temperature is low with the wind howling around you it's downright dangerous. I always had the option of finding a shelter (they are usually 8 to 10 miles apart) and climbing into my sleeping bag to warm up. But I kept going and made my destination at East Branch Lean-to. I might have to wear my down jacket inside my sleeping bag tonight to keep warm in my little tent. It's downright cold tonight! At least the rain has finally stopped. Only 68 miles to go.
Date: 2015-09-12
From: East Branch Lean-to

To: Antlers Tent Site
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I slept in a little since today would be an easy one. I ate and packed up and was hiking by 8. It was a beautiful clear blue day...and it was the perfect hiking temperature. I stopped at a shelter for lunch. The shelter sat right on the bank of a roaring river and waterfall. It was beautiful! I wish it were the end of the day so I could camp here...but I must make the miles. I hiked about 16 miles but stopped a little short to camp at what they are saying is the nicest campsite on the entire trail. I arrived about 4 o'clock and had the place to myself! The campsite was called Antlers Tent-site. It is magnificent! It is a beautiful wooded peninsula with a beach on a very large lake called Jo-Mary Lake. I am literally out in the middle of nowhere. I set my tent up on a small bluff overlooking the lake. There was even a wooden makeshift table to fix my supper on. But first I had to go for a swim! Of course it's cold but it only takes a minute to get used to. I washed up and washed my shirt too! It felt so good to be clean again. The camp also has a two seat privy called Fort Relief! I built a nice fire and thoroughly enjoyed reminiscing over the many experiences I've encountered on this very long hike. I can't believe I've been out here for 5 1/2 months. It seems normal now. My old life seems unreal. Listening to the Loons in the background made it all that more special. I can't believe I'll be at the end in just three more days. I do hear thunder in the distance so I should expect rain soon. Only 52 miles to go.
Date: 2015-09-13
From: Antlers Tent Site

To: Baxter Park soon!
Miles today: 22.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I managed to get my tent put away during a lull in the rain this morning. I wanted to do a 22 mile day today to make up for the short day yesterday. I sure picked a tough one to do the bigger miles! Boy do I hate the gnarly roots! I sure won't miss them when this is over! I got my first glimpse of Mt. Katahdin! What a formidable sight! I'll be summiting soon! Even though I will get to Baxter State Park on the 15th I won't summit Katahdin until the 19th. I'm excited to say my nephew Peter is flying up here on Friday the 18th. We will summit together to share the incredible moment! I am so happy he will be there with me. Only 30 miles to go.
Date: 2015-09-14
From: Baxter Park soon!

To: Mt. Katahdin!!!
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: clear sky

I made it out of the wilderness! It rained again all night. The trail conditions were awful! But I didn't care! I am arriving in Baxter State Park...the home of Mt Katahdin! I only had 15 miles to go to finish the hundred mile wilderness. Even the cold rain couldn't dampen my spirit. I am really here! Five and a half grueling months! I really can hardly believe it! All I have left is a 10 mile hike through the park to the base of Katahdin which I'll do tomorrow. And then the final summit on Saturday. Yeehaa!! Only 15 miles to go.
Date: 2015-09-15
From: Mt. Katahdin!!!

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

I hitched into the town of Millinocket yesterday afternoon following leaving the "wilderness". It comes out at Abol Bridge at the boundary of Baxter State Park. I stayed at the Hiker Hostel there owned and operated by "Ole Man". I shuttled back out to Abol Bridge so I could finish up the 10 miles left to Katahdin Stream Campground...the base of Mt. Katahdin.It was a leisurely stroll through some beautiful terrain on a gorgeous day including a lunch stop at Niagara Falls and Little Niagara Falls (I'm not sure why it's named that). I had to hike an additional 2 miles due to taking a wrong trail...lol!I shuttled back to town to the hostel. I'll continue to stay here through Sunday waiting for my nephew Peter whom is flying here on Friday to summit with me on Saturday. I am so excited he can make it here and join me for my final ascent!
Date: 2015-09-16
From: summit

To: hanging in Millinocket
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: broken clouds

Day 169, 170 & 171I just hung out in Millinocket till Friday when Peter arrived. It was so good to see him. We prepped for our summit tomorrow...and ate some good food at the Scootic In restaurant. Only 10.6 miles to go (it's a 5.3 mile loop).
Date: 2015-09-19
From: Mt. Katahdin!!!

To: summit
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Day 172Pete and I got up about 5am at the bunkhouse. We walked down Main Street to the AT Cafe for an early morning breakfast. We will need plenty of energy to make this hike. We were shuttled to Katahdin Stream Campground in Baxter State Park...the base of Mt. Katahdin. It is 5.3 miles to the summit. We were so fortunate to have a clear blue sky day with minimal wind. It's a perfect day to summit. We got started about 8 o'clock and began the toughest climb of the entire Appalachian Trail. We managed to cover the climb in about 3 hours which is pretty fast...most take upwards to five or more. The final 2 miles was above the tree line...and what an incredible view!This by far is the most spectacular view of the trail. I am finally at the summit of Mt Katahdin (Baxter Peak) at 11am on September 19th, 2015. I can't believe I'm finally here! It was a very emotional moment for me and I got to share it with my nephew Peter. It doesn't get any better than that!We relaxed on top and fixed some lunch while enjoying the amazing views. It was a moment I didn't want to end. Peter surprised me with two miniature bottles of brandy and a couple cigars sent by Sam (my bro/ Pete's Dad) to celebrate the big day. That was so cool! We took our photos in front of the "famous" sign and after an hour or so we headed back down the mountain.
Date: 2014-09-10
To: Finally getting this page up and visible
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

I think I kept this part silent long enough. And I am glad that I have nearly all other aspects of this undertaking just about taken care of. Now it's just a matter of time and taking care of the last few obligations that will need attention while I am away. (something's never really go away, lol).I will be updating my gear list with pictures very soon. Since the last time I added anything to that section I have probably over done it. Anyway, I will post more information soon.
Date: 2014-09-13
To: Spent some time updating my info here
Miles today: 0.0

Wanted to fill out my gear list. Everything is ready. Just waiting for the time between now and Feb 26th to get here. That is my last day at work in D.C. My employer has been very understanding and supportive. A testimony to how great a company Thornton Tomasetti really is. I received some good news from my sister in an email the other day that makes me happy and excited to get started too. She wants to meet me and hopefully my older brother where I get into Atlanta, GA. I was trying to figure out my shuttle plans from Amtrak station to Approach Trail. And she made the suggestion she would love to drive up from Chipley, FL (5+ hour drive one-way) to pick me up and see me off.   I was speechless...and would LOVE it. My brother is in Russellville, TN about 3+ hours North of Approach Trail, so it looks like I will get a special moment that wasn't anticipated. Talk about Trail Magic before I hit the trail....smiling.
Date: 2014-09-17
To: I'm Dizzy...sorting out the drop boxes
Miles today: 0.0

Well, I thought I was ready, to a point. Just now sorting out the drop box allotments. wow. Based on a miles per day...I guess I got it covered..but if I don't meet that expectation....the package will be where I expect it. Hopefully. If I'm faster...well....I wait. Where's the nearest pizza parlor?
Date: 2014-09-20
To: Thanks for the info
Miles today: 0.0

Thanks for the information on journal update methods. After giving it some more consideration and not really wanting to tote the extra weight, I have decided to just use my smart phone as needed. And use what devices become available at places that provide them for such use. I would really like to forego ALL electronic gadgetry and just be detached from it for the hike but spouse would not have any of that. So phone it is.
Date: 2014-09-24
To: Hitting the Back Country at Quantico this weekend
Miles today: 0.0

This weekend doing another back country weekend trip. Prince William Forest. Wife is going with me while it's still pleasant out and not to cold in the evenings (she freezes when it's 70) so we'll see how that goes when it hits 62.She does great and is an excellent partner on weekends when I do my loop trails around here. Looking forward to just getting out into the woods. Love that night air. Will post more when I get back.   I sure hope everyone is as excited and anxious as I am for late Feb or March '15 to get here.
Date: 2014-09-24
To: ...You don't like freeze dried eggs?
Miles today: 0.0

Man, I do. ANYTHING that I just have to add water, cook, and wait. Mmmmmm.Heck, if I could get sliced bread that way...I'm IN.   Ok, OK...I get it. Maybe not the best in the world. But you know, if you add enough Ketchup, even dirt tastes great. So I'm packing KETCHUP. End of story
Date: 2014-10-01
To: 5 Month Count Down
Miles today: 0.0

Anxiety kicking up a notch.When I went into work today, the first thing I saw on the wall next to my desk was the calendar I have the days marked off. A big "5" months to go screamed at me. I know everything physically is ready, I am just constantly going over mentally my list of things that are always needing attention. Not so much trail related, but concerns over items at home while I will be away. Things like lawn care, usual maintenance of house, gutter cleaning, filter changes, etc, etc. Wife assures me all will be fine. I trust her, and I know she is more than capable of getting anything needed done. Going to use these last few months to map out a drop box plan. As I prepared the bulk of my own menu and food items it would be a good idea to know where I will be and where they will be. I don't want to be stuck to a schedule, just want to anticipate where and when I will be for what I may need. I really want to thank all the people that have given such good advice, and shared so much of what they have experienced already. Thank you. Hope everyone else's prep phase is going well and as you planned. Look forward to meeting as much of the 2015 clan as possible. More later.   TSquare
Date: 2014-10-04
To: Tuning my Tuna Boxes
Miles today: 0.0

...well, I couldn't think of another way to express that. I do have Tuna, and Salmon packs. And my god, more pasta and rice than I have ever seen or anticipated eating. Does Peanut Butter go ok with dry pasta? If both are Crunchy? just kidding.....maybe I over thought this food thing.