morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-06-04
From: Katahdin Stream Campground, Baxter State Park, ME

To: Abol Bridge
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: scattered clouds

This update is a progress report, based on a voicemail message received on 6/5/15. 1Step will edit entries or add new ones when he's able. Thank you, everyone for your good wishes and your questions. Keep them coming!I, PineCone, am learning how to use the journal website, which is an awesome tool to share information! Day 2 - started out early and took the high-water trails to avoid the fording. Spent the day very sore from yesterday's amazing climb up Katahdin. Stretching helps. Grateful for yoga. Made 10 miles by noon, enough for one day. Good shower. From my tent site, I have an amazing view of Katahdin. Watch the sunlight change through out the day with a quiet sunset. Will load pics when I can get to a PC.all in all, an amazing day!
Date: 2015-06-05
From: Abol Bridge

To: Rainbow Lake Campsite
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Started the 100-mile wilderness today. I passed through forests today that had moss totally covering the ground more than I had ever seen. Crossed Rainbow ledges today for a different view of Katahdin. Rainbow Lake is huge, walked around 1/2 of the lake and found Raindbow Lake campsite. Long hiking day. Still very sore.Three other guys at the site playing some electronic pickin' music and some John Denver. Just enough civilization to pick up my spirits a bit. The body is definitely feeling adjustment; Feet hurt some, downhill more than other times; All muscles are sore from the climb up Katahdin; Plan to take it easy to start with about 10 miles a day for a while; so far no problems with bugs!from PineCone...Today begins his hike into the infamous 100 Mile Wilderness, the section of the Appalachian Trail running between Abol Bridge just south of Baxter State Park and Monson, Maine. It is generally considered the wildest section of the Appalachian Trail, and one of the most challenging to navigate and traverse. There is no public transportation. Shuttles must be arranged through private individuals. This is some of the most wild and remote backcountry in the northeast. If you would like to read a little more about this part of the trail, you might enjoy this link (copy and paste into your browser):http://sectionhiker.com/how-to-hike-the-100-mile-wilderness/
Date: 2015-06-06
From: Rainbow Lake Campsite

To: Wadleigh Stream Lean-to
Miles today: 11.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Another day of amazing view, this time from the top of Nesuntabunt Mountain, elevation 1,520. The elevation of mountains in Maine (this part at least) do not seem very high (as mountains go) but the surrounding terrain is quite low, so the elevation change and views are far greater than the peaks of mountains suggest. Great weather today, no sign of bugs; still trying to average 10 miles a day.I met a couple of young guys, Quite Earp and Captain Clutch. The brought along a Martin guitar and other instruments. They are good and fun to listen to. Quiet Earp graduated from high school in 2012 and wanted to do something different from the norm of college, military, work, etc. He set out as an 18-year to hike the American Discovery Trail, a 4000 mile trail from coast to coast (DE to CA). He was 1 of 7 hiking that trail that year and only 2 to finish. At 21, he has already hiked 1000 miles on the Pacific Crest Trail (stopping last year only because he ran out of money), the 1300-mile Florida trail earlier this year, and now is hiking the AT SouthBound (SOBO) and expects to have 10K miles by the end of the year. He has some big dream for more hiking. They are two good guys exploring the world. from PineCone...We put a lot of energy into planning for 'bugs'. If you read or talk to others about hiking in Maine, they all talk about the 'bugs'. People are traumatized by the flying, biting insects there, black flies, mosquitos and ticks! So no problems with the bugs is really good news! He has said he hasn't noticed them too much. I take that to mean he hasn't seen the worst of it yet Nonetheless, he is as prepared as he can be: repellent spray if needed, long sleeves and long pants, treated with Permethrin, sun cap with flaps, head net.As for food, 1Step and I often have decreased appetite on the trail. Other hikers talk about this too. The physical exertion, the sweat, no place to really sit down and eat, too tired to cook, not enough variety, all make for changes in appetite. Sometimes, we just have to be disciplined to drink and eat enough to sustain energy.
Date: 2015-06-07
From: Wadleigh Stream Lean-to

To: Potaywadjo Spring Lean-to
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: clear sky

Day 5 Started the day feeling really good for the walk around Namakanta Lake then along Namakanta Stream, both very beautiful. Crossed some interesting bog bridges today. Weather was great.I passed a guy from Mass. fishing who caught a cop. I asked him again and heard the "r" and reacted with "oh, Carp"! We both laughed as I apologized.Quiet Earp and Captain Clutch in the shelter with me again, more good music, this time mostly on Ukeleli (sp?). "roads are for wild hearts" written on the side of the Martin.I asked Quiet Earp what stays with him after his hike across the country: "the kindness of strangers and the amazing things to see right here in this country".
Date: 2015-06-08
From: Potaywadjo Spring Lean-to

To: Cooper Brook Falls Lean-to
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Very stormy all day. I took this picture of Lower Jo Mary Lake very early (around 7 am). Very windy, you'll see the waves driven by the wind and the every-changing clouds. June weather in Maine can be very chilly. sore, wet, and blistering feet as I found this Lean-to. All said, the falls are beautiful and the water is cold and clear. Good news for today is all the gear stayed dry in the pack so being in the Lean-to is warm and dry. Got here at 1pm today, called it a day. Not much to report except lots of wet slippery rocks and roots and mud on the trail.
Date: 2015-06-09
From: Cooper Brook Falls Lean-to

To: Logan Brook Lean-To
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: light rain

More rain all day today. Very Challenging trail... more wet and slippery roots, rocks, and mud.Picked up a resupply of food so feeling a much heavier pack now.Was glad to get to the Lean-to, but found it almost full with one other person not in yet and arrived before me. Turns out this trail angel is a ridgerunner who insisted on staying in her tent.Good people and conversation. Met two folks from BC, Megan a downhill ski racer and Monk who's working on his Triple Crown (having completed the PCT and the CDT). Also Butch and Brown, Butch from the Galleria in Smyrna GA and Brown a Tri-athlete.Moxie (the ridgerunner for the Gulf Hagas Mountain section) kept us all in good spirits.
Date: 2015-06-10
From: Logan Brook Lean-To

To: Carl A Newhall Lean-to
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: broken clouds

From PineCone: After no news for a couple of days, I received this text from 1Step...Top of White Cap Mountain. VERY windy, cold temp. Wet for 3 days but warm and dry at night!1Step here: Great views from White Cap, lakes, clouds rushing past. Trees are very short up here. Seeing now many more downed trees from the very wet winter and spring. Not as much rain today, actually saw some sun. Called it a day around 3 pm arriving at this Lean-to. Made a big lunch as I moved out this morning with no breakfast, and nothing to eat while walking. Needing the rest, taking advantage of the opportunity to dry out my tent, clean up a bit. Four guys walk into camp, and then Moxie shows up and we all have a great time.Sleep usually comes before sundown and this night was no exception. The dawn begins to break around 4 am and shortly we are usually packing gear and on the trail by 6 or 7. I didn't leave this site until around 10 am or so. The rest was needed.
Date: 2015-06-11
From: Carl A Newhall Lean-to

To: Chairback Gap Lean-to
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Best hiking day so far. The rest did me well. I also find "Tent Yoga" stretches are restorative.Nice hike through forest up Chairback Mountain. Trails are wet, lots of water, fording streams, some pretty wide and quite fast. Up to Chairback Mtn was a 100-foot scramble over boulders at a steep incline (perhaps 50 to 60 degrees that required all four limbs again. Vertigo looking down and back where I'd been. I always feel good when I can keep two hands on solid grips.The views on Chairback were amazing... beyond words. and the lakes are picturesque... can't see this from a car. Had to ford the west branch of the Pleasant River... my first river ford. Not so bad, maybe thigh deep at the deepest part... but swift!. Glad to have the rope.Will get pics up as soon as I have a PC available. All gear performing extremely well.
Date: 2015-06-12
From: Chairback Gap Lean-to

To: Cloud Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: light rain

Voice message from 1Step at 10 a.m. this morning...nice to hear his voice PineConeTop of Third Mountain at Monument Cliff (elevation 2087); having a great time!; so gorgeous!; chilly and windy.Branches don't grow on the wind side of the trees here.1Step here: Even better day (best) hiking. Just amazing views, look for pics soon, from Third and Fourth Mountain. Mt. Three-and-a-half was tree covered. Challenging rock scrambles today again. My first day yet to start and end with dry feet. I've decided to have a daily objective (if there is no rain) to end each day with dry feet. Let's see how that goes.... worked the first day. Fewer miles, but I feel much better.Cloud Pond is gem.
Date: 2015-06-13
From: Cloud Pond Lean-to

To: Wilson Valley Lean-to
Miles today: 8.7

Phone call from 1Step at Barren Mountain where there are remnants of an old tower, elevation 2660...good phone connection for about an hour! PineConeIt rained for hours last night (Cloud Pond Lean-to shelter) but clear and cold today; hiking in rain gear and long sleeved Capilene shirt. It gets hot going uphill but cold when you stop. This is the first day with dry socks for several days. There has been lots of water to cross. Taking off shoes and socks, and sometimes long pants, and walking across in Crocs helps keep more dry. Deepest water so far was waist high. Currents are pretty strong in places. He is staying happy on the trail. He goes until he's tired and before moving on asks the question, "Will I be happy if I go to the next stop?" He averages about a mile an hour being careful and mindful to avoid injury. There are stories of lots of hikers who have already left the trail due to injury. He's happy with his hiking gear and the lighter weight. The research was worth it. Most hikers have much heavier packs, 40lbs plus. His pack was just under 25lbs to start with a full load of too much food. Still working on a better food plan, but he's doing great!Today is Saturday June 13th, 11th day on the trail and should make it to Monson, ME by Monday...the official end of the 100 mile wilderness!1Step here: From Barren mountain, I could see a dozen magnificent lakes and pond (natural of course). My 2nd of 3 fords today was a bit precarious with the amount and speed of water from the rain last night and the water fall about 25 feet downstream from the crossing. So I made my way upstream about 100 yards and shimmied across a fallen log. More difficult, but more secure.
Date: 2015-06-14
From: Wilson Valley Lean-to

To: Leeman Brook Lean-to
Miles today: 7.4
Weather: broken clouds

Too many beautiful, amazing things to describe. Sunny and 70 all day. Forded two rivers, not as tough as yesterday since the water was lower. Managed to keep feet dry.Realization: set no goals for distance each day. Try not to hike more than my body can build back overnight.Looking forward to a zero day in Monson.
Date: 2015-06-15
From: Leeman Brook Lean-to

To: Shaw's Hiker Hostel
Miles today: 6.3

Arrived in Monson, ME today after some great hiking days. I have reached trail mile 117. Only 2100 more to go The ponds, lakes, views, trail and ever-changing forests are almost too much to take in. I am hoping to rest a while so I can take in more. Slowing down and keeping my feet dry has allowed them to heal.I feel stronger and better than when I started, spirits are high.The hike from Katahdin to Monson, ME through the 100-mile wilderness has been a magnitude of difficulty higher than I've hiked in the souther appalachians, but also an incredible and beautiful place. My first time in Maine leaves my wishing I'd found this place sooner. The entirety of the experience and the level of resourcefulness and determination to hike this section is greater than I'd been asked to do with previous hikes. Katahdin alone was a huge challenge, then the endless rocks, roots, mud, bogs, steep mountains ups and downs, boulders and scrambles, at literally every step has been an adventure.The folks at Shaw's Hiker Hostel (Poet and Hippie Chick) are examples of the best the trail has to offer. Kind, generous, loving what they do, loving hikers, and the trail. They are trail magic.Looking forward to the next few days on the trail... I will not try to make journal entries daily as time and accessibility to a computer are limited on my zero days in trail towns.The well wishes and support from all are appreciated and welcomed. Thanks to all. Happy trails, I'll check in again from Caratunk and load pics if I can find a PC.-1Step out
Date: 2015-06-20
From: Shaw's Hiker Hostel

To: Caratunk, ME
Miles today: 33.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Hiking from Monson to Caratunk was at times very easy, smooth hiking. River fords easier that several days have passed since we last had rain. After some practice, I'm getting better at both the actual fording and the before and after changing from hiking shoes to crocks. I managed to keep my feet dry the entire way from Monson, though there were many wet and muddy spots in the trail. Hiking among so many roots, rocks, and mud pits is beginning to feel a bit like a dance. There's a certain asymmetrical rhythm that makes sense in a nonsensical way... like Stravinsky.There were many blow-downs (downed trees) on Pleasant Pond Mountain. Sometimes it was as though the whole forest ate the AT. Even the impromptu port-around trails used to navigate the blow-downs themselves were over blow-downs. All in all, they make us better hikers.Maine is indeed beautiful. This picture just north of Caratunk, ME is of Pleasant Pond. I spent an hour on the edge of this lake in one of the most peaceful settings I can remember. I saw a loon dive but after 10 minutes didn't see it come up. As I was watching for the loon, this wood duck appeared about 30 feet from me. Rising in the middle of the night, I noticed the symphony of stars that dance as we sleep in the wilderness. I'll put a few Pleasant Pond photos in the gallery. You'll also see the Lichen picture, and Holly Brook.All in all, for 150 miles, I've seen one splash from a beaver, 9 snakes, endless brown frogs, one flying grouse, two moose along a highway (while I was riding to the grocery store in Monson, ME), along with several tons of Moose poop, several raptors mostly hawks, while I was sitting, a chipmunk twice meandered under my legs and stared up at me both times (almost like it hadn't seen me), many red squirrels, and probably a few other animals that didn't register. Add to that now a wood duck and a loon or two. I suppose also the majority of what has been in the forests have seen me and I've not seen them.The forests are ever-changing. With elevation changes come the different vegetation. The low-lands have ash and other deciduous trees, the higher elevations have the slender firs, and in between they battle for soil, light and water. Some of the fir forests are covered over completely with the thickest moss I've yet seen. The very higher elevations above the trees have a wide variety of lichen and smaller, more tolerant and hardy green plants. In the gallery is one photo of an interesting mix of three types of lichen and a red and green plants that I thought was a fascinating combination of life.I do look forward to any and all of your comments. Soon I'll figure out how to reply, if possible.So many trails, so little time.Love and peace to all,1Step
Date: 2015-06-29
From: Stratton, ME

To: Rangeley, ME
Miles today: 32.2
Weather: overcast clouds

6/26: Ankle noticeably better after a day off to heal. Hiked over Crocker and Sugarloaf Mtns. then passed a bronze plaque noting where the final section of the Appalachian Trail was completed by the CCC in the 1930's (see pic). I took many pictures of the trail this day, not for any particular reason for this day, but just to convey a sense of the variety of hiking terrain found on the Maine section of the AT.Sugarloaf mountain, seen earlier while hiking into Stratton, is a ski resort. Second highest peak in Maine.6/27: Crossed three mountains on this 16.8 mile day. Saddleback offers 3-4 miles of rugged hiking above the tree line. There were several "stow-and-goes" (stow the poles and use both hands on the rocks) across Saddleback. When the rocks are wet, they are very slippery. I hiked until 10:30 pm, in the dark for about 2 hours, wanting to summit and descend from Saddleback Mtn. in dry weather. Saddleback was windy and cold when I crossed and also offered amazing views and interesting alpine vegetation. Many lakes and mountains could be seen in all directions for at least 50 miles. I could look back to Sugarloaf where I had been 24 hours earlier and realized how far I'd been in only one day. Also, it was interesting to see the AT over the different peaks of Saddleback. By the time I reached the lean-to, everything that was part of my body hurt and I was ready for sleep. I put in to bed without dinner, glad I made it to the lean-to before the rain.6/28: I spent the entire day in the Piazza Rock lean-to resting while it rained. Interesting to sit in a shelter and watch the hikers come and go during the day. Was 42 degrees all day long with rain. A group of 13/14 year old boys settled in by afternoon mostly in tents. 6/29: I hiked the 2 miles into Rangeley and arrived in time for a 6:30 am breakfast at the Hiker Hut. I immediately fell in love with the Hiker Hut setting, the energy, and with Steve and Catherine who manage it, finding a refuge, peaceful, and where I was able to practice a full set of yoga postures - after which I felt I had my body back. The Hiker Hut is off the electric grid. Rangeley is a beautiful town. Showered, washed clothes, and enjoyed some very strong coffee at the "Inner Eye". Rangeley is another town I was to re-visit and hopefully stay again at the hiker hut. I felt if I spent another day in Rangeley, I would never leave. (see pics)
Date: 2015-07-01
From: Rangeley, ME

To: Andover, ME
Miles today: 26.4
Weather: light rain

6/30: Day 28. Hike 17.7 miles, most miles so far. Started out feeling very strong after two days of rest, yoga, and good food in Rangeley. Hiked over Bemis Mtn with some excellent views and in good weather. Nice hike today. In the lean-to, I met a hiking pair (Mother Earth and Between), a mother-son pair from Germany with whom I shared a few Gummi Bears... not many people know of Prum, DE, but they live just to the north of that small town.7/1: First day of July, very windy, very cold, very very wet. After the long hike the day before, the extremely steep and slippery descents wore me out quickly. I was done for the day by noon with just over 8 miles. I was grateful to get enough of a cell signal to call for a ride at South Arm B road 8 miles outside of Andover, ME. David, of Pine Ellis Lodge, saved me and 3 other hikers by meeting us at the trailhead and driving us into town. We wet wet, tired, cold, and hungry. After this particular day, I understand at a different level what's going on with the hikers in pictures with their head down on the terminus plaque at Springer or Katahdin. Nothing can express what I now intimately understand: what it takes to complete a thru-hike over this distance and time. I shed a tear or two during my hike this morning over the closeness and empathy I now feel with other hikers (past, present, future) who have all had many days like this day and yet managed to find away back to the trail to continue the journey. So I took a half-day off to bath, wash clothes, and eat a late lunch. Chili and chef salad, yum. A warm and dry bed, HEAVEN.
Date: 2015-07-11
From: Gorham, NH

To: Pinkham Notch, NH
Miles today: 21.1
Weather: clear sky

7/9 Day 37, 8 miles  M306.3:Easy and slow start out of White Mtns Lodge. I neglected to sign their journal before I left! Marni asked me to send them a card when I finish the hike. I said I would.  The trail changes names all day long, blazing was not clear. Mt. Moriah was nice. Today is my first day in the White Mountains... steep climbs and descents today. Nice to be in NH. Stayed at the Imp Shelter, had to pay a fee of $8 to the AMC (Appalachian Mountain Club) again.7/10 Day 38, 7.3 miles M313.5:Really great views from Carter Mountain. As I decended into Carter Notch, I felt I was looking nearly straight down to the top of the Carter Notch Hut (see pics). I tried to do WFS (work for stay), they said yes, but there was nothing they wanted me to do so I swept the floor and left in the morning.7/11 Day 39, 6.0 miles M3198.4:Hiked up out of Carter Notch onto Wildcat Mountain. Amazing view of the notch from the south side, too. Walking along the ridge afforded some fantastic views of Mounts Madison and Washington. I passed through the Wildcat Ski resort (at the top of the lifts) before turning back into the forests. The blazing was not clear to me, so I ventured a bit down a slope before realizing I was no longer on the AT. Had to climb back up the mountain and look for where the trail went when I lost it. Also, a lookout tower at a four-point intersection had no indication which of the three trails I didn't enter from the intersection were the AT. Just so happened a couple of folks hiking the Wildcat Ridge Trail (what the AT is called on this mountain) approached the tower as I was there. As I descended the very steep trail into Pinkham Notch, Washington and Madison towered even more over the Notch (valley). See pics.  Spent the night at Joe Dodge Lodge ($90 for a bunk, dinner and breakfast. Came with a shower and I washed my clothes in the bathroom sink). Also, I was able to see a very interesting presentation on Moose. Picked up a food drop at the lodge from PineCone...nice to not have to carry that extra 13 lbs for the past 3 days. Having PineCone serve as base camp makes logistics of this hike much more simple. THANKS PineCone!! My resupply box includes an additional pair of toe socks, as the one pair I've been using is thread-bare.So far, my goal to continue healing while hiking the White Mountains is showing small but positive results. I've kept my miles down as the elevation changes increase. The trails are a bit less rugged than I found in Maine.