morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2021-08-07
From: Pinkham Notch

To: Imp Shelter
Miles today: 13.1

M 1886.8 Imp Shelter, 13.1 miles.Paul from The Barn Hostel dropped us off at Pinkham Notch at about 7:45 am. On the way around a pond, before we got to the ascent of the Wildcats, we saw 3 moose, mama and her 2 babies! VIDEO: https://photos.app.goo.gl/758B...Very cool! Mama wouldn¢t let us down the trail until all her babies were on the same side of the trail as her.I had heard so much about the Wildcats that I expected them to be worse than I found them. When we got to the top Wildcat D the Express chair was running. VIDEO: https://photos.app.goo.gl/yJc8...About halfway through the day we arrived at the Carter Hut, an older and relatively remote hut. After we hiked up the other side of the pass holding the hut we had a great view back down on the hut. The afternoon ended with a great 360 from Mt Height. VIDEO: https://photos.app.goo.gl/v1Du...The descent down to the Imp Shelter from the Carter Mountains was terrible! The steep pitches and exposure were actually dangerous, especially given the wet conditions. Fortunately, Forest and I made it to camp safely.
Date: 2021-08-08
From: Imp Shelter

To: US 2
Miles today: 8.0

M 1894.8 US 2, 8.0 miles.Forest and I were up and on our way at a typical 6:30 am start. It did rain last night starting at about 7 pm, but it was a light rain and I don¢t know how long it lasted. The trail, however, was wet and there were standing puddles so I assume we got a fair amount of rain. Now that I¢m first down the trail instead of Finder I think of him whenever I encounter spider webs early each morning. Usually it¢s just a strand that hits me in the face, but today I saw a fully developed web just off the trail and it was beautiful! The other beautiful thing today, besides that it didn¢t rain this morning, is that the last 3-4 miles of our trail today were actually like hiking instead of rock climbing. The trail was along the Rattle River and the tread and gradient reminded Forest and me of the Shenandoah. Ahhh, now that is hiking! Our hike ended about noon with trail magic from Trail Angel extraordinaire, Water Queen. You¢re AMAZING!!
Date: 2021-08-09
From: US 2

To:  Carlo Col Campsite
Miles today: 17.0

M 1911.8 Carlo Col Campsite, 17.0 miles.We paid a Barn Hostel guest $5 to shuttle us to the US 2 so we could get an early start hiking. Good thing because we hiked until 6 pm to make camp. Our day started with a crossing of a damn on the Androscoggin River. VIDEO: https://photos.app.goo.gl/4Xwr...We crossed the 1900 mile marker. Later the same morning we found some wonderful lowbush blueberries. The trail was pretty tough today, full of mud and running water and steep, difficult terrain. VIDEO: https://photos.app.goo.gl/jCVb...VIDEO: https://photos.app.goo.gl/7m22...VIDEO: https://photos.app.goo.gl/6hsC...I think all the water in the form of rain, humidity and sweat may have gotten to me because my beard seems to have been affected. VIDEO: https://photos.app.goo.gl/jNic...At least I only have 1 state left to go! VIDEO: https://photos.app.goo.gl/uyL9...
Date: 2021-08-10
From:  Carlo Col Campsite

To: Speck Pond Campsite
Miles today: 9.5

M 1921.3 Speck Pond Campsite, 9.5 miles.We had a great day of views and challenges. The famous Mahoosuc Notch was more fun than I expected, however, it¢s really a rock scramble, and not hiking. On the other hand, the climb up the Mahoosuc Arm was much harder than I expected. Took a dip in Speck Pond once I got my tent set up. Burned a lot of calories¢it was my second night in a row of double dinners and extra snacks for dessert!VIDEO:https://photos.app.goo.gl/phE6...VIDEO: https://photos.app.goo.gl/zua5...VIDEO: https://photos.app.goo.gl/VnK5...VIDEO: https://photos.app.goo.gl/KTLn...
Date: 2021-08-11
From: Speck Pond Campsite

To: East B Hill Rd
Miles today: 14.9

M 1936.2 East B Hill Rd, 14.9 miles.We got down to the bottom of Old Spec Mountain at ME 26, and guess what, Water Queen was doing trail magic again and also Twister and Doubleshot. We met Papa Bear and Care Bear.  Also at ME 26 was Donna doing her first time trail magic thank you Donna! The day alternated between great views and rain showers. The views were fine; the rain, while warm, made the trail wet, I ended up falling on the descent from East Baldpate Mountain. I think the scores now in the Trail Tumble Tournament are:Kitty Hawk: 5; Forest: 6; MoJoe: 12. Clearly, I¢m running up the score! Jersey, Forest and I got a ride from Roadrunner to the Pine Ellis Hostel in Andover where we could dry out¢yea!
Date: 2021-08-12
From: East B Hill Rd

To: ME 17
Miles today: 23.4

M 1959.6 ME 17, 23.4 miles.Got a ride from Roadrunner back to the trail head at South Arm Road. That should allow Forest and I the time we need to make it to the Height of Land near Rangeley where the Wanamakers are picking us up.Lots of spider webs on trail again. Every time there is I think of how many times Finder must have run into spider webs in 1654 miles! We got some great views today, especially from the Height of Land parking lot. VIDEO:https://photos.app.goo.gl/G8FG...Mike Dewey who gave us some grilled asparagus, red pepper and pork chops¢thanks Mike, trail griller extraordinaire! Mark and Twila Wanamaker picked Forest and me up and we had a wonderful dinner and time together at their Quimbly Pond camp. We even got a dip in the pond! At night we got quite a bit of rain. VIDEO: https://photos.app.goo.gl/xf3F...Trail Tumble Tournament update: Kitty Hawk: 5; Forest: 7; MoJoe: 13. Again today we had a lot of steep, slabby, wet granite!! It¢s starting to get to me!
Date: 2021-08-13
From: ME 17

To: ME 4, The Hiker HuÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂt
Miles today: 13.1

M 1972.7 ME 4, The Hiker Hut, 13.1 miles.Mark made coffee and we had blueberry squares and raspberry turnovers for breakfast. He took us to the IGA grocery store to resupply, we dropped off a bag at the Hiker Hut so we could Slackpack, and then Mark dropped us off at ME 17. What a huge help Mark and Twila have been!! On our hike today Forest and I believe we came upon a moose rack of ribs! Not at all clear what happened!The trail wasn¢t too steep and we had light packs so the day went by in relatively pleasant fashion. It is still hot and humid, but at least the trail was kind.
Date: 2021-08-14
From: ME 4, The Hiker HuÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂt

To: Poplar Lean-to
Miles today: 10.7

M 1983.4 Poplar Lean-to, 10.7 miles.Tough day today. Had 1 hour without rain, then showers and downpours alternating for several hours followed by clearing then more rain and clouds blowing over the peaks. Only took 1 video. Fell twice. But the day ended with sunshine and Forest built a fire¢very nice! VIDEO: https://photos.app.goo.gl/thz7...Trail Tumble Tournament:Kitty Hawk: 5; Forest: 7; MoJoe: 15
Date: 2021-08-15
From: Poplar Lean-to

To: Branch Carrabassett River
Miles today: 12.1

M 1996.5 S. Branch Carrabassett River, 12.1 miles.Today was probably one of the finest weather days on trail. We had blue skies sunshine cool temperatures and low humidity.We met trail runners, Beaver and Jackson, and they were running from ME 4 to ME 27. They¢re Trail Angels for us because they gave us tangerines. Thanks guys!A plaque embedded in a boulder marks the spot where the CCC connected the last pieces of the Appalachian Trail to create a continuous wilderness footpath in 1939. For most of the day the trail gradient and tread was also pleasant. However, the last 1500 feet down to our campsite were torture on the knees. VIDEO: https://photos.app.goo.gl/P7V7WfohFZ3uUX4L6In camp tonight we met Avery and Kaitlyn from Keene New Hampshire. They were super Trail angels for us and treated us to chicken on the fire and potatoes au gratin¢thank you so much!!
Date: 2021-08-16
From: Branch Carrabassett River

To: ME 27
Miles today: 8.4

M 2004.9 ME 27,Nero 9Passed Mile 2000 today! After hitting ME 27 we headed East to the Hostel of Maine. Justin and Melanie are awesome hosts and the facilities are first-rate! It¢s my new #1 hostel on trail!On the way there I stepped off the road for an oncoming car, inadvertently put my trekking pole on a 2 ft twig and promptly tripped tumbling to the ground! I decided to reward myself with a ¢Tumbledown.¢Trail Tumble Tournament scores: Jersey: 2; Kitty Hawk: 5; Forest: 7; MoJoe: 16
Date: 2021-08-17
From: ME 27

To: East Flagstaff Rd
Miles today: 16.6

DAY 114 Slackpack 6M 2021.5 East Flagstaff Rd, 16.6 miles.Tuesday, August 17.Justin from the Hostel of Maine dropped us off at E. Flagstaff Rd. this morning. We plan to Slackpack South until we get back to Maine 27 where he¢ll pick us up again. This will cover the section of the Bigelow mountains which have some pretty steep climbs and several 4000+ peaks. The weather was pretty good although it was o bit hazy and humid. Water was sparse but adequate. Overall a good day. We¢re glad we don¢t have any more 4000+ mountain until we get to Katahdin. VIDEO: https://photos.app.goo.gl/H3k4...VIDEO: https://photos.app.goo.gl/iQzS... VIDEO: https://photos.app.goo.gl/PAbh...
Date: 2021-08-18
From: East Flagstaff Rd

To: HarrisonÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs Pierce Pond Camp
Miles today: 16.7

M 2038.2 Harrison¢s Pierce Pond Camp, 16.7 miles.Wednesday, August 18.The day started with the singing of Happy Birthday¢for Jersey!! VIDEO: https://photos.app.goo.gl/rXFKChKGUdkxtava6Again had a long ride to the trailhead to pick up where we started our Slackpack yesterday. But we ended up at Harrison¢s Pierce Pond Camp where the owner Tim set us up in a cabin! VIDEO: https://photos.app.goo.gl/np81Jan2M8iL2bQbATim is quite a musician and we enjoyed listening to him play. VIDEO: https://photos.app.goo.gl/5hddD95K9FM8as32AI met Tim last Christmas when he was briefly away from camp and shopping at REI in Reading, MA. I helped Tim find some things he needed and at that time he invited me up to his camp. It was great seeing him again!Sunset on Pierce Pond was amazing; hopefully tomorrow will be as nice!
Date: 2021-08-19
From: HarrisonÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs Pierce Pond Camp

To: Bald Mountain Brook Lean-to
Miles today: 18.4

M 2056.6 Bald Mountain Brook Lean-to, 18.4 miles .Thursday, August 19.Tim cooked us up a wonderful breakfast this morning. Here are some photos:  VIDEO: https://www.trailjournals.com/...VIDEO: https://photos.app.goo.gl/ZcFULcHZyUY2Kkwd8  VIDEO: https://photos.app.goo.gl/6a2G...On the way to the Kennebec River Crossing (we got there at about 8:53 AM) we saw a cow moose and her baby in the stream.(VIDEO at end of page)No canoes here but just after nine we see some motion on the other side of the river. Hope to cross soon.Guess who came across on the ferry this morning? Nimblewill! I am in seen Nimblewill since Bear Den hostel. Ferry man Greg took us over once Nimblewill got out.VIDEO: https://photos.app.goo.gl/pE36DpYSTvtd6SSw5On the hiking road again.
Date: 2021-08-20
From: Bald Mountain Brook Lean-to

To: ShawÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs/Monson
Miles today: 22.0

M 2078.6 Shaw¢s/Monson, 22.0 miles.Friday, August 20.The trail wasn¢t too bad today although it was hot and humid! And I saw a blaze that wasn¢t made with paint! Speaking of the trail, the ATC is trying to reroute the trail off private land and off roads, even old forest roads. As a result, for example, the trail into Monson now goes up and down hills to cross the ME 15 north of town instead of going into town. This is what it used to be: Are things better?
Date: 2021-08-21
From: ShawÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs/Monson

To: Otter Pond Trail
Miles today: 15.3

DAY 118 Slackpack 7M 2093.9 Otter Pond Trail, 15.3 miles.Saturday, August 21.We started the day with a great breakfast that Poet whipped up¢eggs, bacon, potatoes with onions, blueberry pancakes, orange juice and coffee. The next 40 miles or so have fairly steep mountains so we decided to Slackpack today. It was supposed to rain today but it didn¢t. Now all the buzz is about Hurricane Henri which is heading our way. We are making plans to stay at Shaw¢s if things turn nasty.
Date: 2021-08-22
From: Otter Pond Trail

To: Katahdin Ironworks Rd
Miles today: 14.6

DAY 119 Slackpack 8M 2108.5 Katahdin Ironworks Rd, 14.6 miles.Sunday. August 22.We headed out at 6 am to Slackpack from Otter Pond north about 15 miles. We weren¢t hiking long before it started to rain. Most of the morning it rained; it seemed like we were hiking in a cloud. Even the spider webs were wet! We passed the 2100 mile marker today which means we have less than 100 miles to go! Most of the day was in the clouds, but we were happy to be heading back to Shaw¢s to dry out!Trail Tumble Tournament update: Jersey fell 5 times today, mostly from wet roots. The scores now:Kitty Hawk: 5; Forest: 7; Jersey: 7; MoJoe: 16
Date: 2021-08-23
From: Katahdin Ironworks Rd

To: Shaw
Miles today: 0.0

DAY 120 Zero 5Monday, August 23.We decided to stay at Shaw¢s and see what Hurricane Henri does to Maine. Hopefully the weather will clear up and we can make the rest of the miles to Katahdin and climb it in decent weather.Poet did another great job of whipping up a fantastic breakfast. Spent the day checking food supplies, trail conditions and weather reports. Time will tell what happens. Hikers who rolled in recently but I met earlier on the trail: Classic and Sunny, Unfiltered, Suds, Nonstop and friend, Sunflower, Cousin Eddy (Grunt is off-trail for a bit), Dirty Pasta, The Last Boy Scout, Whippoorwill and Defcon, and Rocket.
Date: 2021-08-24
From: Shaw

To: Namakanta West Beach
Miles today: 17.3

M 2154.4 Namakanta West Beach, 17.3 miles.Tuesday, August 24.Started the day off with Trail Magic from Biscuit¢thank you!Mike from Shaw¢s had shuttled us back into the 100 Mile Wilderness after our Zero day yesterday and it sure was nice to start off with treats! The trail tread and gradient were pretty nice today and we even got a view of Katahdin!VIDEO: https://www.trailjournals.com/...And the end of the day was nice too¢yet another round of Trail Magic from Water Queen, and a beautiful sunset. Quite a nice day!
Date: 2021-08-25
From: Namakanta West Beach

To: Hurd Brook Lean-to
Miles today: 20.1

M 2174.5 Hurd Brook Lean-to, 20.1 miles.Wednesday, August 25.Last night by the lake was amazing! We had clear weather and a view of the skies over the lake. It was the first night I saw stars and the moon came up over the lake to shine moonlight all night! Awesome! And sunrise was pretty nice too! The birches in Maine have been great. I¢ve seen some of the largest diameter birches since some I saw near VVR in CA when I hiked the PCT. Unfortunately, today I saw a cluster that fell over. My buddy Just Paul from REI knew I¢d be getting to the Rainbow Ledges and he¢d given me a tip to keep my head up. Well I did and was rewarded with my first really good view of Mount Katahdin. In two days I should be standing at the top and my AT trek will be done. Hopefully I can stay injury free so I can get it done.
Date: 2021-08-26
From: Hurd Brook Lean-to

To: Katahdin Stream Campsite
Miles today: 13.4

M2187.9 Katahdin Stream Campsite, 13.4 miles.Thursday, August 26.Woke up at about 5 am; couldn¢t sleep in. Didn¢t have to get up early today given we were able to get service on Rainbow Ledges and we secured a campsite near the Birches. That means we don¢t have to compete for the 12 NOBO slots at the Birches. Some people are lining up at 3 am just to get a slot. A ranger from BSP came down to the AT Info Center in Monson two days ago to assure hikers that only a handful of times had he seen all 12 slots get taken so everyone should calm down. But guess what? When we got to Abol Bridge this morning a hiker we knew said he was #15 and now had to go to a campground by car 15 miles away. Later on 11 more hikers had come out of the 100 Mile Wilderness and were trying to find campsites so they could summit tomorrow. The ¢bubble¢ is here! Heading over Abol Bridge we got another view of Katahdin. VIDEO: https://www.trailjournals.com/...VIDEO: https://www.trailjournals.com/...We picked up a few resupply items from the store and headed to our campsite. On the way we stopped at a picnic table for lunch. Our campsite is 2 miles away from Katahdin Stream and really is a lean-to that¢s supposed to fit 4 people. Three would work nicely; 4 would be tight. Forest started our last fire of the trail. Tomorrow morning we plan to get up at 4 am to head toward the summit and after we descend we¢ll head to the AT Lodge hostel in Millinocket. Amazing!! One more day, and the AT is done. Even though this trail has been very tough (I¢m sure it¢s tough every year but the rain this year was especially tough for me), it¢s kinda bittersweet to see it end. However, I¢m very excited to head home, be with my wife and family, and catch up with friends. Thank you so much to all who supported me in this adventure. I couldn¢t have done it without your encouragement!
Date: 2021-08-27
From: Katahdin Stream Campsite

To: Baxter Peak, Katahdin
Miles today: 5.2

DAY 124 The EndM 2193.1 Baxter Peak, Katahdin, 5.2 miles.Friday, August 27.We woke up at 3:30 am so we could eat, pack and get to the AT Hunt Trail early. Yesterday it was 92 degrees at base camp and, although it was predicted to rain followed by cooling to 72 degrees, it didn¢t rain and it¢s still hot. We want an early start to beat the heat and possible thunderstorms. By 5:50 we had hiked to the ranger station/Katahdin Stream Campground and off-loaded gear from our backpacks. Only the essentials were heading to the summit. We planned to go up and down the AT on the Hunt Trail which is open again now that a new bridge is installed.  The trail started easy enough but there were several false summits. VIDEO: https://www.trailjournals.com/...VIDEO: https://www.trailjournals.com/...VIDEO: https://www.trailjournals.com/...Making it to the summit today was both an emotional high and a relief. VIDEO: https://www.trailjournals.com/...Each of us, Forest, Jersey and I, had our photo taken on the signboard. The skies were fairly clear today but it was quite windy. I got a nice 360 at the top and reminisced about the last time I was there. VIDEO: https://www.trailjournals.com/...We met Fargo at the top of Katahdin and he said he passed 74 people on his climb up here! Many people recognized Forest from his Facebook posts and greeted him. He¢s such humble and unassuming guy¢he never told me he was a Commissioner! :)VIDEO: https://www.trailjournals.com/...Well, we still had 5.2 miles to descend and then about a 40 minute drive to Millinocket. On the way I had my last indignity; I got stung by a yellow jacket! However, all things considered, we had great weather to summit; clear, least haze in weeks, mostly sunny and not hot or humid! At the end of the day, we all said: WE LOVE THE AT! After a celebration dinner and a great sleep at the AT Lodge hostel, (by the way, AT Lodge owner Ole Man bought the first AT thru-hiker, Earl Schaffer¢s VW micro bus!)  VIDEO: https://www.trailjournals.com/...VIDEO: https://www.trailjournals.com/...Trail angels Chris and Wendy arrived in Millinocket to shuttle Forest and Jersey to Boston Logan airport and to take me home. It¢s about a 4.5 hour drive¢so thanks so much for driving both ways to extract us from the end of the trail! That was a HUGE help!It¢s kinda sad to be breaking up the tramily, but we feel great having helped each other hike this trail. Best wishes guys, and Hike On!!
Date: 2021-04-30
From: Long Tail Inn

To: View Entry
Miles today: 1706.0
Weather: light rain

Yes, I am a Lasher (Long Ass Section Hiker). This is my fifth and final year of my section hike of the AT. Last years plan to make it to Katahdin was squelched after completing 150 miles. It was not always easy getting rides into towns, strange looks from the locals, and my own concerns due to Covid took the joy away. So, I'm back this year, 30 miles south of the New Hampshire border, just outside of Killington VT.  I won't have my hiking buddy, Slow and Steady joining me this year, as he is having knee replacement. Good Luck SAS! I'm looking forward to NH and Maine, the Presidentals, Mt. Washington, the 100 mile Wilderness, but not the black flies. Hopefully, there journey will be near completion upon the beginning of my journey.  I plan on starting May 21. Preparation is fairly straight forward after doing it the four previous year. Made only one gear change this year to a lighter hammock. Probably will start with a cook set, but most likely change to cold soaking after a few weeks, as I did the last couple of years. Hot trail food always sounds good, but shedding a few lbs. wins out in the end.
Date: 2021-05-22
From: Long Trail Inn AT access trail

To: Stony Brook Shelter
Miles today: 7.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Back in Vermont, 45 miles south of New Hampshire for the final leg of my AT section hike. Got on trail at 9:30. It was already hot and muggy. What happened to New England spring!After an hour, the humidity was taking it¢s toll. I knew it would be a short first day. As the temperature continued to rise, and the humidity zapped my strength, the mosquitoes decided to come out. As long as I was moving, it wasn¢t bad. But stop, and those tiny blood sucking vampires went to town on me. That¢s right, I didn¢t have any bug spray other than some wipes that didn¢t offer much protection. I stopped at a waterfall for lunch and fortunately someone offered me some bug spray. I never wanted 100% deet on me so bad. About 4 miles in, I came to a 1,200 ft. climb. No big deal, I had just completed a 100 mile training hike in Tennessee. This hill kicked my butt. I had to stop every few hundred feet to rest. I don¢t know if it was the steep grade of the assent, the heat and humidity or combination of the two. I finally made it to the top and I was fried. It didn¢t help that two twenty somethings, flew by me like I was standing still. Three more miles and I arrived at a shelter. It was only three o¢clock, but I decided to call it a day. There was one other hiker there, about my age. He helped lift my confidence as he admitted having a tough time with the climb as well. Quick dinner of pizza that I had packed out from town and off to bed. Hiker midnight came early tonight. 7.8 miles
Date: 2021-05-23
From: Stony Brook Shelter

To: Near Woodstock Vt
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: clear sky

Sunday May 23Quiet night, except for a few small fury creatures running by my hammock. Up early after 9 hours of sleep and on trail by 7:00. The morning air was cool. This made an early morning 5 mile assent more manageable than yesterday¢s death march. After a couple of hours, I crested the climb and was feeling strong. What a difference a day makes. Only saw two other people today, they were heading south. Made 10 miles by one thirty which was my planned stop for the day.  Too early to stop, so I ate lunch and headed back out for an easy 4 miles, down hill.  Plan was to go into Woodstock Vt, four miles away and get some bug spray. No luck, Covid has shut down the shuttles that locals provide for hikers. Fortunately, the owner of an old farm house, a few hundred feet from the trail, let¢s hikers camp in his back yard. My Hammock is set up next to a river, and ready for another early night, and feeling more confident after a 13.8 mile day.
Date: 2021-05-24
From: Near Woodstock Vt

To: West Hartford, VT
Miles today: 13.3
Weather: clear sky

14 miles to West Hartford Vt. Daniel, whose yard I camped in last night brought coffee out in the morning. I¢m not a coffee drinker, but after a cold night it was welcome. It got down to 38 degrees and camping next to a river adds a natural air conditioner. I¢m aware of this effect, but I love listening to the sound of the water. Three decent climbs today. Arrived at the big blue garage with a large AT logo in West Hartford around 4:00 (a road crossing with a few houses) This is a popular hostel on the trail where the owner likes to get you to jump off rocks into the river. I was spared as they hadn¢t opened for the season. Fortunately, they let me stay. Had the entire garage attic to myself. This is definitely early to be this far north. Pizza from Dominos and early to bed. Tomorrow New Hampshire, 9.5 miles.