morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-09-14
From: Camp at mile 2062

To: Monson, ME
Miles today: 12.1

I ended up making it to Monson in 3 days instead of the 4 that I had planned. I'll reward myself by taking a zero tomorrow to rest up before tackling the 100 mile wilderness. The "knee deep" stream today had a rope stretched across it for hikers to hold onto while fording the stream. I skipped the rope and walked about 50 feet downstream. I found that by stepping on rocks I was able to cross without getting my feet wet. It's been a dry year so all of the streams are much lower than usual. While I'm happy to make it easily across I've been looking forward to experiencing the challenge of making it past a tough water crossing. I practiced looking at the trail with "New eyes" today. "What would this feel like if this was my very first day hiking the Appalachian Trail?" I asked myself. I'm trying to enjoy this last part of my journey rather than being so focused on getting done that I don't have good time. Parts of the trail this afternoon follow some old logging roads. It's nice to have some sections that don't have any rocks or roots on them. Wow.. 12 miles and I"m in Monson by 4 pm! I"m now here at Shaw's hostel along with at least 20 other hikers. I'll rest up tomorrow, get my resupply done, and figure out where to have Shaws drop off a resupply for me part way through the 100 mile wilderness. By the time you read this I'll be on my final stretch to Katahdin. My wife is coming up to meet me when I come down after summiting. I can't believe I'm writing this to you.. I'm going to make it!
Date: 2016-09-15
From: Monson, ME

To: Monson, ME
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was a great day to rest up prior to heading North into the 100 mile wilderness. I had another great breakfast at Shaw's Hostel and the extra nice owner Poet fixed the broken tent pole from the one person tent that I still have on hand in my car. It seems that no matter how I plan a rest day there's never quite enough time to get everything done. I did make sure to get the food ready for my pack, the one food drop Shaw's is going to make for me, and I also mailed myself a box to resupply my food at White House Landing. I'm a bit nervous but ready to take on the 100 mile wilderness in the morning.
Date: 2016-09-16
From: Monson, ME

To: Camping at Big Wilson Tote Road
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I still had a few things to finish up this morning including uploading some files that were related to an old work project so I didn't get out on the trail until about 10:30 am. I thought this would be fine until I looked at my 100 mile wilderness schedule and realized that I had planned on doing 13 miles today.I enjoyed the views of North Pond and also stopped off to check out Little Wilson Falls. It was spectacular with perfectly carved out steps for the water to cascade down. I wondered what it would look like in a wetter year with more water coming over it. The terrain included plenty of smaller ups and downs along with the traditional Maine roots and such so I was only able to make it 9 miles by the time it was getting dark today. I found a flat spot on a side trail called the Big Wilson Tote Road and decided to tent there for the night with the hope that no one would be night hiking into my tent which was admittedly blocking the side trail.
Date: 2016-09-17
From: Camping at Big Wilson Tote Road

To: Stealth Camping at mile 2095
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: overcast clouds

I started off today by fording Big Wilson Stream using the rope that's stretched across for hikers to hold on to. This is the first stream that I've had to ford so far if you don't count the one in Massachusetts where the bottom of my shoes got wet. Since I don't carry any Crocks or other type of camp shoe my choices were to either go barefoot or wear my hiking boots. The bottom of my foot on my injured side is still super sensitive to any type of unevenness so I elected to wear my boots.I took all my socks off and also removed the Super Feet insoles, carefully putting everything into the trash bag inside my pack to keep it dry just in case I ended up falling in. The water was only about knee deep but between the fast current and the slippery rocks on the bottom I was quite relieved to safely make it across. This seemed to be a task that would be easier or safer with someone else nearby but I"m hiking on my own so I made it work. Once on the other side I dug out my insoles and dry socks to put back on. I then put on my Goretex waterproof socks so that I could put on my soaking wet boots without getting my socks wet. Pretty cool, huh. The trail today included a few mountains to go over and it was getting later in the day when I made it to the top of Barren Mountain. I laid out my shirt to dry in the breeze and called my wife to check in with her. She really is amazing to support me on this journey. I found a decent stealth spot right by the trail to camp at in the small saddle between Barren Mountain and the next hill or mountain or what ever it is. I'll find out tomorrow when I hike up it.
Date: 2016-09-18
From: Stealth Camping at mile 2095

To: Campsite at mile 2105
Miles today: 9.8
Weather: light rain

Today was a hard day of hiking with numerous climbs over variously numbered Chairback Mountains and Columbus Mountain. I did my best to breath deeply when going uphill and stay relaxed even though it was a harder day. I arrived at Katahdin Ironworks road at 5:15 pm in plenty of time for my 6 pm food drop from Shaw's. Restorer arrived a few minutes later and sat down to chat with me while I was waiting for Shaw's to arrive. Restorer asked if I had a six pack of beer coming with my food and I told him all I had asked for was one root beer. AJ arrived right on time at 6 and brought out my resupplies along with a cooler with my root beer in it. To my surprise the cooler had a can of Budweiser instead, which I don't care for, so I gave it to Restorer to enjoy. Getting a food drop here, about 30 miles into the 100 mile wilderness has allowed me to carry a lighter load over the mountainous tougher section. It feels good to have my resupply and be heading North into hopefully easier terrain. Restorer and I set up our tents about a half mile North from the road along with two other NOBOs for the night.
Date: 2016-09-19
From: Campsite at mile 2105

To: Logan Brook Lean-to
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: light rain

I didn't end up with a photo for today so here's Guthook, yes the guy who created the GPS app that many of us hikers use including myself. I met him at a trail magic dinner that was put on by members of the Maine Appalachian Trail Club a few weeks ago. Today was more climbing up and down a variety of mountains including White Cap, the last big mountain before Katahdin. I had heard from some SOBOs that the trail was easier here than when compared to the mountains I went over yesterday and I was pleased to find that this was true. There was plenty of ups and downs but the trail wasn't too steep or technical. I'm trying to make up a few miles that I lost by getting a late morning start into the 100 Mile Wilderness a few mornings ago. I was happy to hike almost 13 miles over terrain like this. I've been challenged mentally by being "out here" in the wilderness a bit. It's during that morning time that I mentioned previously to you - right when I'm first waking up - that's when I struggle. I don't have a raincoat or rain pants with me (I haven't carried them for most of the last few months) which isn't a problem as long as the weather stays in the 60s or 70s during the daytime. I get wet either from the rain, or, if I do wear my raincoat, I get wet from sweating under it - so as long as I have a dry set of clothes and my sleeping bag (inside its dry bag) the rain won't bother me. Unless the temperature drops down into the 40s or 50s and it rains - then I'd have to hole up in my tent to stay warm. This isn't a problem except that here in the 100 Miles I'd run out of food within a few days. And that's what I've been worrying about.None of this is happening of course, I'm just making it all up during the mini-panic-attack I've experienced the last few mornings. Hiking with a super light pack is a tradeoff. I enjoy not having to carry extra gear like a rain suit but then I don't have the security that I'll have every last thing that I might need to get through the 100 miles without some discomfort or worse. I'm happy to have made it over White Cap today and I'm sleeping in a shelter tonight for the first time in several months. There are two other NOBOs here and it's been nice to have some company tonight.
Date: 2016-09-21
From: Stealth camp at mile 2133

To: White House Landing
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: overcast clouds

I enjoyed hiking today and was able to take my time since it was only 10 miles to my next destination. I stopped along Lake Pemdumcook and took a short path to the beach and was pleasantly surprised to find this awesome view of Mt Katahdin. Today's goal was to reach White House Landing which is an old sporting camp that operates much like a hostel along the AT. It's a fun place to go to because after hiking 2/10 of a mile over to a small dock you call Bill, the owner who then comes over in his boat to pick you up. Bill and his wife Linda made myself and a few other hikers some great hamburgers for dinner and now I'm laying in a hammock that looks out over the lake as the sun is getting closer to going down for the day. It feels good to be here. I have more food in a box that I mailed to myself here and I also sent my raincoat in the same box so that I'd have it for the next few days as well as for Katahdin in case it's windy or cold up there. I'm getting closer everyday and I really enjoy sharing my adventure with you. Thanks so much for tagging along with me.
Date: 2016-09-22
From: White House Landing

To: Camp near Rainbow Stream Lean-to
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: overcast clouds

I enjoyed hiking along today with hardly any elevation changes to deal with. The one small hill I climbed had a note under a rock on the trail that said "The view is totally worth it!" so I went over to see the vista of Katahdin which you can see here.The trail to the shelter followed Rainbow Stream and included numerous cascades and interesting waterfalls. I've seen so many waterfalls lately that I didn't stop to take photos of them. At most I'd stop for 30 seconds to enjoy the experience of seeing and hearing the white water rushing by before continuing to hike.I made it another 15 miles or so arriving at the shelter just as the last bit of daylight disappeared. "Looks like a full house" I said upon seeing the shelter full of sleeping bags and pads. "Yup, it's full" came an answer from the shadows. So I set up my tent and then came back down to the shelter to enjoy a nice fire that was going while eating my dinner of tortillas and pepperoni. I think I'm a bit tired of pepperoni for dinner but, what the heck, I hopefully only have a few days left to enjoy fine camping cuisine like this. I'm up the hill in my tent and just saw the shadow of a mouse running up the outside of my tent. I sent him (or her) flying through the air with a carefully placed whack from the inside of the tent. Ah, the pleasures of hiking the AT.
Date: 2016-09-23
From: Camp near Rainbow Stream Lean-to

To: Abol Bridge Campground
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: clear sky

Another 15 mile day today gets me to Baxter State Park one day earlier than I had planned on. I'm ready and raring to finish this thing up. I had heard that this place had really high prices and despite this warning I paid $81 for "one or two people" to sleep in "the bunkroom". I thought that I might find another hiker to split this with (which I didn't) and I also pictured the bunkroom as similar to other places on the trail. 10 or 2 with at least a few other hikers to hang out with. Nope. I was given the keys to #4 which looked like a tool shed to me. It had 3 bunkbeds inside but nothing else. No chairs, tables, and no electricity or heat. Oh well, at least I could hang up my tent to dry out and be indoors for the night. The campground did have an ok restaurant where I managed to eat twice before they closed at 7 pm. So I'm here alone in the bunkhouse/toolshed ready to hike into the park tomorrow so that I'll be at the base of Katahdin and ready to summit. Once I reach Katahdin Stream Campground tomorrow I was going to take the AT Lodge shuttle into Millinocet but I realized that I can get an earlier start hiking if I camp at The Birches thru hiker shelter instead. That's my plan.Despite my funky accommodations It feels great to be here.
Date: 2016-09-24
From: Abol Bridge Campground

To: The Birches Shelter
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: clear sky

I'm here at The Birches Shelter tonight with two other hikers, Blueberry Crisp and Mogly. It was a beautiful day today with a mostly flat smooth trail through the Park and a few different nice waterfalls to stop by and enjoy. This afternoon I was directed on a short side trip to see Daisey Pond by another NOBO who has hiked through here before. The view you can see in today's photo was only 150 feet up a dirt road from a parking lot that the AT crossed through. I enjoyed sitting by the fire and savoring what appears to be my last night on the trail. Two people with headlamps walked into camp and said they were park rangers. "You got a permit for that fire?" they quizzed. "Uh, no... I didn't know that we needed one." I responded. "You sure do. It's a $30 fine for each person around the fire... I'm going to write up a warning but don't let it happen again." It took me a minute to realize that this was actually just another hiker who was pulling our legs. "Yea, this place has way too many rules, I wouldn't be surprised if they did fine you for something like that." he explained to us. Ha ha.. he had me going on that one. And I don't really mind that Katahdin has rules. Percival Baxter bought up all the land and donated it to the State of Maine so I'm fine with any conditions that are placed upon us through hikers. Sure, it's different than the rest of the AT but so what?The fire's died down and It's getting cold out now so I'm going to go to bed with dreams of sugar plums and climbing Katahdin dancing through my head.
Date: 2016-05-16
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Hopefully this will be the time to successfully complete my section hike of the Appalachian Trail. I will begin at Rangeley, ME and head north! Best news of all is that my hiking buddy Landcruiser will be hiking with me. Our plan is to start hiking Tuesday, June 28. Landcruiser has already completed the AT so her knowledge will be helpful and her support is priceless. Completion will be my biggest celebration for turning 70. When I first started backpacking on the AT, I did not have the goal of completing the whole trail. However as I continued to mark off the miles it became rather obvious that to stop short would be not acceptable. Victory is in sight.
Date: 2016-06-04
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

I am having to do my preparations early for a June 28 "start hiking" date. I am leaving home on June 8 and will not be back until after my AT hike is complete. I will be in NJ, VA, Tucson, and back in VA before I fly to Maine. It is a logistic nightmare but I think I'm getting things figured out. Basically I will be spending time in NJ with our oldest daughter and family. Nothing is more important than family and it's been a long time since we were together at Christmas. Then I will go to VA to get Claire, a granddaughter who is having her turn with Granny and Poppa for an Intergenerational Roads Scholar trip to the White Stallion Ranch in Tuscon. THEN, I get to try to finish the Appalachian Trail. I guess that means I am a Luckydog - family and grandkid time then backpacking. Life is good! (Especially if I get to the trail with nothing essential forgotten :-)
Date: 2016-06-27
To: Piazza Rock Lean To
Miles today: 1.8
Weather: broken clouds

Up at 4 AM to get to the airport to fly to Portland. Life has been so crazy. On June 8 I flew to NJ and hiked 3 days in PA with my son-in-law, John. Then I spent time with my oldest daughter and family. Took train to VA to pick up granddaughter and flew with her to meet husband in Tucson for a Roads Scholar Intergenerational trip (Dude ranch in Tucson). Flew back to VA with granddaughter and now to ME to meet Landcruiser and finish the AT. Whew! Landcruiser and I were met at the airport by Donna and Cindy, friends of Landcruiser (Debbie). Went to lunch then they took us to the trail - ME 4 at Rangeley.The prediction is for rain tomorrow and we had planned to tent camp. Decided to go into shelter tonight and hopefully make it to the next shelter and avoid wet tents. We started hiking at 5 pm but it was a short hike to the shelter.Huge number of people at the shelter and at the campsites. There are two organized boys and girls camp plus AT hikers. Found room in the shelter and enjoyed meeting others. Super glad to see Debbie and to have this journey underway. Tomorrow will be hard but we can do it!
Date: 2016-06-28
From: Piazza Rock Lean To

To: Poplar Ridge Lean To
Miles today: 8.9
Weather: light rain

Started day at 6:30 AM after sleeping soundly. Nice guys in the shelter and no big snorers (unless it was me and that of course was no problem for me). It is light really early - there was light at 4:30 AM.Started hiking and passed 2 small ponds then came to Eddy Pond. Very pretty. Took nice break then started long hard climb up Saddleback Mtn. Lots of boulders. It was better for me when we got above tree line. Beautiful views and nice to see where I am heading. Rocky and tough descent then had a hard climb up The Horn. There was a rebar ladder for which I am grateful. Then another tough descent was required. New England's trail tread is a challenge. It is not "walking" but scrambling. Refilled out water at Reddington Stream Campsite. Water was a long way from trail and the campsite was very wild and not user friendly. Very over-grown and unkempt. We were both pooped and had a long pow-wow over whether to camp here or solder on over Saddleback Jr. Rain is predicted so....on we plodded. We climbed then seemed to be on a ridge with lots of up and downing. Boulders, smooth granite slopes and rocks. We were very slow but persisted and made it. It took us 10 1/2 hours to go 8.9 miles but we did what was a very difficult hike on day one.Only one person in the shelter when we arrived. Shelter is not the best but it feels awfully good to be here.
Date: 2016-06-29
From: Poplar Ridge Lean To

To: Spaulding Mountain Lean To
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Started raining during the night. Debbie slept in (very good since she is a terrible sleeper). Left shelter at 8:30 and rain had stopped. First part of the hike involved descent of very rocky trail. We were very slow to Oberton Spring. The sky cleared and it was a lovely morning. Debbie is complaining of very tight quads. My calf muscles are quite tight. Maybe they are feeling abused.Steep climb out of Oberton Stream then a more gradual climb. Hike along a the stream with waterfalls, gorges - really special. Long climb up Long Mountain but the trail was much more friendly. Steep climb for about the last 1/2 miles. The last 2 1/2 mile to the shelter was great but unfortunately it started pouring rain. Boots and clothes are wet. Is this long distance hiking or what! :-)Space in the shelter again with very nice people. We are meeting both north and south bound hikers. Privy is down the hill from the shelter and coming back I fell and really whacked my Left knee cap on a rock. Hope there is no long term price to pay. Debbie fell twice today - both times landed on her bottom. My first fall. I'm sure it won't be my last. Big question - do we go 6.2 miles tomorrow or 13.5 and get us to Stratton. A few years ago, the answer would be a no brainer. I do feel much slower now but I am out here!
Date: 2016-06-30
From: Spaulding Mountain Lean To

To: Crocker Cirque Campsite
Miles today: 6.2
Weather: clear sky

Discovered that the upside down U shaped frame of my ULA Ohm backpack is broken. It is not carrying too badly but will need to get it fixed. Had good signal today on phone and called ULA. They are shipping the part to Caratunk.Did steady climb this AM up Spaulding Mtn. Trail not bad at all. Then had some distance on the ridge upping and downing. Had a 2 mile descent that was quite steep and quite rocky. It wasn't death defying, though, so I'm grateful. Descent ended at the So. Branch of the Carrabassett River. Very beautiful and was able to rock hop so didn't have to ford. We had a 1 1/2 mile climb up Crocker Mtn to camp site. I really wanted to go on to Stratton but we are moving so slowly. It would have been 7.3 miles more with about 1500 ft gain. Just didn't seem wise. We had time to spread out gear and get it dry. Creek was near our tents so we could clean up.Turning in early tonight so we can get an early start. Hopefull will have a nero day in Stratton - be there by noon or 1PM at the latest. Shower, clean clothes, and real food: will be AWESOME
Date: 2016-07-01
From: Crocker Cirque Campsite

To: ME 27 - Stratton
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: clear sky

Last night we cleaned up in the creek at Crocker Cirque Campsite. We dried out all our gear from the rain. The campsite was very nice and it was a relaxing enjoyable afternoon/evening. Was in the tent by 7:30 - relaxed, wrote in the journal then slept until 5 AM. Two sets of hikers arrived after dark. Not my cup of tea. Started hiking at 6 AM. Steep, steep climb up first half of Crocker Mtn. Last half of the climb was more gradual. We were slow but steady. Hope we are getting stronger. The descent then ascent of North Crocker had a rocky but not scary trail. Lots of slabs of granite. Had 5.2 mies of descentwith varied trail tread. We worked at being faster and made much better time. Actually a little better than 1 mph. (I mention this because much of the AT that we've hiked we average about 2 mph. It bugs me to be so dang slow).Tired but not exhausted as we took the shuttle to the hotel. Shower and real food were as awesome as I knew they would be. Laundry done. Sort of dreading tomorrow. Have long steep climb and work over the Bigelows. Hope we do better than I am expecting.
Date: 2016-07-02
From: ME 27 - Stratton

To: Avery Memorial Campsite
Miles today: 8.1
Weather: few clouds

Slept well. Really no place for breakfast except for gas station / general store. Arranged for Stratton Motel people to pick us up there by 7 AM. After we walked to the general store we found the door locked. Opens at 7 AM on weekends! As we're deciding what to do the woman who was the morning employee said she would fix us a bkfst sandwich and snuck us in the back door! Trail magic that was very, very much appreciated. Was on the trail by 7 AM. I did so much better today. Initially was a slow drudge climb; very hot; dripping sweat; then entered an area of huge small house size boulders that were all covered with thick green moss. It was incredibly mysterious and beautiful. Some switch went on in my head and I quit focusing on how hard it was and was able to capture the beauty of the journey. Big, big mind set change for me.Long hard climb and had some views but then wind began to blow and clouds moved in. Made it to top and took picture. It sleeted on us. The wind was so hard that it was difficult to manage hiking sticks. Had to be at least 40 mph. Took summit picture then started down. Steep descent but not too far to campsite. Very confusing place. Had tent platforms and privy a long, long way from everything. Water source not well marked. Starting to drizzle. Couldn't fit 2 tents on platform so we tented behind a caretaker's deserted cabin. Windy and cold. Debbie slept cold but I did OK. Tent wasn't really level but I managed.Great day on the trail. Frustrating evening at campsite. Felt really good to lie down and relax.