morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2021-09-01
From: Jerome Brook

To: west of Moxie Pond
Miles today: 28.9
Weather: moderate rain

140 miles to KatahdinSeptember! Really starting to feel autumn looming around the corner. Mornings are starting out cool, sunrise is getting later, and sunset has snuck up on me a couple times in the past week.Woke up at dawn and packed up quickly so I could get to the Kennebec before the canoe service ended for the day. I should explain, the Appalachian Trail crosses the Kennebec River in Northern Maine. There are no bridge crossings for many miles north or south. The river is several hundred feet wide, and knee to waist deep in sections. There is a dam upstream that releases water periodically through the day and the water level can rise suddenly. Hikers have drowned trying to ford this river. For this reason, there is a ferry service (a guy in a canoe) provided by the ATC. The canoe is considered the ¢official¢ trail route, and there is even a white blaze painted on the bottom of the canoe.So now I¢m hurrying down the trail to get to the river well before 2, when the ferry service ends. Luckily this section is flat and very easy, and I make it to the river by noon.The canoe trip is less than 5 minutes long and then I am hiking again on the other side. Here is the ¢town¢ of Caratunk, population 100, I think. There is an inn south of town which sells hiker food. I buy lots of tortillas to replace my bagels, lots of snacks, and what would turn out to be my last pint of Ben & Jerry¢s of the trip. Vanilla Caramel Fudge; that¢s a good flavor to end on.Happiness is sitting in a rocking chair, on a porch, eating ice cream.
Date: 2021-09-02
From: west of Moxie Pond

To: Lake Hebron
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: scattered clouds

119 miles to KatahdinToday was mostly flat, passing many ponds and crossing many streams and rivers. Normally, many of these have to be forded and it was for that reason I had bought flip-flops. As it turned out, all of these streams could be crossed without getting my feet wet, either because the stream had dried up or through rock hopping.Happiness is camping on the shores of a loon-filled lake
Date: 2021-09-03
From: Lake Hebron

To: Barren Slide
Miles today: 20.7
Weather: clear sky

98.1 miles to Katahdin (less than 100 to go)Woke up before dawn, to the sound of loons crying. Broke camp and made for the town of Monson. It drizzled a bit as I walked into town.There wasn¢t a lot in town, just a general store and gas station, and I needed food for five or so days. Neither had much of a selection. It took two trips to the gas station and one to the general store to get enough (hopefully?) food for the rest of the journey. I ended up buying all of the tortillas the store had. Lots of donuts and pastries and small bags of snacks. At this point, I just need fuel to get me to Katahdin.I was able to get wireless outside the local library, just enough to update my weather app and download the latest Ted Lasso.The weather was weird this morning as I walked back to the trail. The sky alternated between patches of bright blue sky and small angry storm clouds.And now entering the 100 Mile Wilderness. 100 miles without crossing any paved roads. No towns or buildings, and no easy way out in case of an emergency.I stopped in the afternoon to filter water from a pretty stream, when I felt a sharp pain on top of my head. Something stung or bit me. The pain was acute, and I quickly had a throbbing headache. No major swelling or sign of allergic reaction, so that¢s good.Climbed Barren Mountain and set up camp on its ridge. It¢s cold now, so I wear a sweater and wool hat to bed.Happiness is brownies. And a fresh supply of peanut butter M&Ms.
Date: 2021-09-04
From: Barren Slide

To: west of White Cap peak
Miles today: 24.25
Weather: clear sky

74 miles to KatahdinIt was cold this morning. So cold that I wore my sweater, wind jacket, and hat even after I started hiking. Most of the morning involved crossing the Chairbacks. Ugh. For details on what this section was like, read Bill Bryson¢s book on the trail. This was the section where he and Katz bailed.After the Chairbacks, I reached the Pleasant River. This river was deep enough and wide enough that I would need to ford it. Finally, this was what I had carried flip flops for. The ford wasn¢t bad, especially since I wasn¢t walking across the riverbed barefoot, and never got more than shin deep.After the river, the trail was easy, and I made good time. By this point is was 70 degrees out and the sky was clear and cloudless. I started to realize that I might make it to the top of Whitecap by sunset. This mountain is important because it is the first point on the trail where Katahdin is very clearly visible. I started to pick up my pace.Whitecap is difficult not just because there is 2500 feet of elevation gain between the river and the summit, but also because the mountain ridge has 4 peaks, each one higher than the the last. After each peak there is a descent, so it¢s about 4000 feet of gain total. I had hiked this section five years ago and remember this climb being particularly arduous, with lots of stops to rest and catch my breath.What a difference five years make! This time round, I found the climbs easy enough that I didn¢t even slow my pace on the steepest climbs. My new cardio fitness, combined with the fact that I was 40 plus pounds lighter, made this section a breeze. The caffeinated drinks and motivational music didn¢t hurt either.I got to the saddle before the final peak and decided to stop. I could have made it to the summit before sunset, but it would be at least an hour of hiking after that to find a campsite. I decided on discretion (for once) and set up camp in a sheltered stand of pine trees.Happiness is river fording with appropriate foot gear.
Date: 2021-09-05
From: west of White Cap peak

To: Antlers Campsite
Miles today: 22.25
Weather: scattered clouds

52 miles to KatahdinIt was very cold this morning, colder than yesterday morning, but thankfully no wind in camp. I packed up and hiked the mile to the summit of White Cap.It was cloudy this morning but there were clear views from the summit. I got my first look at Katahdin, still 70 miles away by trail. Between me and it is a lot of relatively flat land, dotted by ponds and lakes.Then a long east descent off of White Cap, followed by lots of east, flat terrain.I stopped at Antlers Campsite for the night. This is a beautiful campsite that sits on a promontory jutting into Pemadumcook Lake. There are many open areas among red pines to pitch tents, and loons could be heard as the sun set. This had been my favorite Appalachian Trail campsite prior to this year, and was one of my favorite of this year as well.Happiness is falling asleep to the sound of loons.
Date: 2021-09-06
From: Antlers Campsite

To: Rainbow Lake Dam
Miles today: 23.5

28.2 miles to KatahdinWoke up this morning and spent some time on the lake shore, taking in the scenery.The first half of the day was beautiful, the sky alternating between clear blue and puffy white clouds. The trail passed by several lakes and ponds.At lunchtime, I stopped at a beach on Nahmakanta Lake. I went for a dip in the lake (no leeches that I could see) and ate lunch on a picnic table while I dried out. I was really tempted to camp here for the night, but Katahdin was calling.Climbing Nesuntabunt Mountain an hour later, the sky very quickly turned angry. Then it started raining heavily. I wanted to set up my tent at the summit, but the lightning changed my mind. I quickly descended the mountain, getting drenched to the bone.The rain stopped, the skies cleared, and I thought that that hadn¢t been that bad. Then the next front came through, with much harder rain that didn¢t repent for hours. This section of trail followed a stream with many falls and rapids. It would¢ve made for great pictures, but it was raining far too hard for me to take my phone out.Around dusk I found a campsite by a dam at the west end of Rainbow Lake, just as the last of the rain stopped. I got into my tent, changed into what little dry clothes I had left, dove under my quilt, and went to sleep.Happiness is knowing that this was probably the last rain I will have to walk through this trip.
Date: 2021-09-07
From: Rainbow Lake Dam

To: Abol Bridge Campground
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: clear sky

15.1 miles to Katahdin ( holy mother forking shirt balls!)Woke up at dawn. My sweater was still damp beneath me (I had slept on it in the hopes of drying it out). Had to get up to pee; didn¢t want to because it was chilly and my shoes were very wet. Finally got out of the tent. Glad I did, as the sun rising over the lake was unbelievable. Ever see something so beautiful it makes you cry? This did. The sunrise, mists coming off the lake, loons crying in the distance. I took pictures, but none of them could do justice to the view.Changed out of my bed clothes into my hiking clothes. Still soaking wet after laying out all night. Ick. Then packed up and headed north.Most of the morning was along Rainbow Lake. Every so often I could hear (and sometimes see) a sea plane taking off or landing on the lake. Then a couple more hours and I was at the end of the hundred mile wilderness. I reached Golden Road, the first paved road in 100 miles. The trail follows this road for half a mile, in the middle of which it crosses the Penobscot River. The bridge crossing the river has amazing views of Katahdin to the north.Got a campsite at the Abol Bridge Campground, just the other side of the river. The campground has a store and was able to binge on soda, chips, and candy bars. Did laundry (dry socks) and got a shower. I can see Katahdin from my campsite, and I can¢t stop staring at it.I called a shuttle service in the town of Millinocket, to schedule a ride into town tomorrow after I come down from summiting Katahdin. They might not be shuttling hikers tomorrow or for a while to come, due to recent COVID outbreaks in this part of the state. Both of the hostels in Monson, the previous town on the trail, have had outbreaks, and the virus has been spreading amongst thru-hikers. I haven¢t stayed in a hostel since Virginia, I avoid shelters, so I¢m probably not infected. If no one is shuttling hikers, I have no idea how I¢m getting back home. Sounds like a problem for tomorrow.I only hiked 13 miles today on easy trail, I¢ve had too much caffeine and sugar, and I¢m excited about the idea of completing this adventure tomorrow so I don¢t know if I¢ll get any sleep at all tonight. I¢m lying in my tent, staring at the ceiling wide eyed. I don¢t want to sleep, I don¢t want to rest, all I want to do is keep walking.Happiness is being one step away from completing the dream of a lifetime.
Date: 2021-04-15
From: Rockfish Gap

To: Sawmill Run Overlook
Miles today: 10.77
Weather: light rain

Spent night zero at Stanimals Hostel in Waynesboro, VA. Great experience. Pilgrim picked me up from Charlottesville airport and got me squared away for fuel and a bunk. Several Youtubers I follow were also there for the night. Taylor the Nahamsha Hiker, Not Today and Happy. Hiked all day with one of my bunkmates, "Paign". Didn't see any of our other hostel companions on trail. Several got ahead of us, were slack packing or taking a zero.Originally planned to camp at Calf Mountain shelter but it made for too short a day. (8mi).I hiked to the next waypoint in Guthooks, to hit my daily target of 10 miles during the first week. Dinner was a delicious Mountain House chicken fried rice augmented with olive oil. and freeze dried mint chip ice cream samich.
Date: 2021-04-16
From: Sawmill Run Overlook

To: Black rock hut
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Low temp was 36F last night. Kinda wish I hadn't swapped out the winter cover for the bug net. Similar forecasts for the next few days. It occurred to me this hike reminded me of starting a triathlon. Even after months of preparation, anxiety was huge waiting to start. But when I dove in and got in a rhythm, the dark water and swoosh of the water in my ears evaporated all the anxiety. The race was on and would be done in a few hours. Similar feeling today as I hiked.Last water was a mile before I camped last night, the next was 11 ahead at Blackrock, and I only had 1L left after cooking and cleaning up. They say the trail provides, and sure enough, a trail angel left about 6 gallons of water at one of the road crossings.Arrived at Black rock hut first time staying at a shelter. Very rocky with lots of dead yes made picking a hang sure sporty. It's the weekend, so lots of weekend and section hikers in camp. I lost one of my Wal-crocs some place, so no camp shoes. Good thing it's not raining so not running around in wet hiking shoes. Weather is forecast about the same as last night. I have not figured out how to post pics here, so still doing on FB and Strava.
Date: 2021-04-17
From: Black rock hut

To: Pinefield Hut
Miles today: 12.8
Weather: clear sky

Planned to stealth camp at Ivy Spring but decided to press . Water filter was hooked to outside pocket but feel off and lost. Luckily I ran into the section hikers I met at Stanimals. One of the ladies, Deacon was getting off trail and gave me her Sawyer squeeze. Turns out, this is the same group who left water at Turk Gap yesterday, and have pizza to Paign.Fun night with the group. All section hikers for the weekend. Two, Flash and another guy are flipping down to Springer.
Date: 2021-04-20
From: Bearfence Mountain Hut

To: Rock Spring Hut
Miles today: 12.39
Weather: clear sky

Trail Angels Marsha and Charlie "Roundabout". Let me plug my phone and batteries, severe me wine and kept me company for and hour as I cooked lunch. They are the volunteer camp Hosts at Big Meadows campground and former thru hikers posting it forward.
Date: 2021-04-21
From: Rock Spring Hut

To: Luray
Miles today: 14.98
Weather: scattered clouds

Biggest day so far. I'm exceedng my planned average which isn't a good thing, but I feel great. Windy and cold all day. Actually had to add a lyer while hiking (blue actic long sleeve) still have needed the REI blue capeline. Dropped into Skyline Resort for a sandwich and power up my phone. Phone is losing power quickly and I need a new one. Going to pay a fortune to get one retail, so will prob order on line and have Brenda forward. Staying at Open Arms Hostel in Luray hosted by Alison. Great place and accommodating hostess. My bunkmates were Ballpark, Rocket, and Jimmy. All are NOBO flip floppers a little behind me so we may join up again. Paign from day 1 is next door but he is not zeroing and is doing longer miles than I'm ready for.
Date: 2021-04-22
From: Luray

To: Luray
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

I'm finally caught up on the journal. Vistited AT Outfitters for fuel and picked up the AT pocket guide. AT guide pdf and Guthooks are must haves but not suitable for planning. I resupplied for two days to Front Royal but may visit Walmart again and go longer for less town time. Temps in the 20 again tonight, so glad for the roof. Warming up again this week. Hope to synch up with Rocky, Ballpark and Jimmy after they slack pack from Big Meadows.
Date: 2021-04-27
To: Blackburn AT center
Miles today: 13.75
Weather: overcast clouds

This was the end of a poorly anned day. I thought I could get support from the AT. Ok end Bear Den Rock. They didn't open till 5p and had only snacks. You'd think an ATC owned facility would be hiker friendly. But no even a ride to town. I ended up resupply I g I Clear blue at a tiny country store. I bought all their tuna/salmon/chicken packets and mashed potatoes. Btw, I will add the Idahoan potatoes to my resupply list. Delicious, nutritious and super az.  Then second breakfast/lunch at a small diner. Opportunity to chat with some old timers who built several AT shelters back in the day. Damn. The roller coaster was tough. They say is is just a task of the rock on PA and climbo g in New England. This is a real nice facility but a 220 foot decent and the same coming up tomorrow. I woud not have stayed except I needed water. I finally learned not to carry water to water and am cameling up at the water sources. It keep the Katadyn on my shoulder strap. 4
Date: 2021-04-28
From: Blackburn AT center

To: Harpers Ferry
Miles today: 12.58

Made it. Today was also tough. The weather has gotten warm, into the 80s and I was feeling it. My left foot has been swelling and developed some blisters on top of the foot. These last two days have been very rocky and the Lone Peaks are too soft on the bottom. At the out fitter in HF, I got some Altra Olympus. Stiffer Vibram outsole and thick padding. Still has the wide toe box I need and the zero drop which I don't. Probably still use the insoles. Met up again with Pagn who zeroed last night. We had dinner and he showed me around town. I missed the bus to Charles Town and Walmart, so I'll resupply in the morning and 5 mile or so nero (near zero)What a fiasco this has turned to. I called the bus to pick me up at 9 but the dispatcher forgot to tell the driver. Heading to Walmart now and hopefully on trail only 2 hrs late. T-storms this afternoon and tonight. I may end up zero'ing here and start fresh in the morning.
Date: 2021-04-29
To: Harpers Ferry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: mist

I had a few delays this morning with my resupply in Charles Town and was finally walking out of town in the rain at 1330 with a 10 mile hike in front of me. I passed the Town Inn and decided to take a zero. Start fresh Friday, rain or shine. Break in my new shoes sight seeing to boot (sts). Sending my heavy sleep socks home to make more room home in the pack. Keeping the long johns and capelene shirt for a while longer.
Date: 2021-04-30
From: Harpers Ferry

To: Crampton Gap
Miles today: 10.96
Weather: light rain

Well, I finally pried myself out of Harpt Ferry.  I really enjoyed my stay. New shoes seem to have been a good purchase and are working well on trail. Met up with Hawk again for a short chat before he sped off. Also meet Quicksand, another YouTuber.Camping with some new flip floppers from HF. Survivor, Annie, and section hiker Nick. Hopefully some to stick with for a while.  Met the Trout family in HF. Parent and 5 kids age 11 to 17. We sang happy birthday to Stumbles (youngest) at breakfast. They've been on trail sin mid Feb and are letting 15-20 mile days.
Date: 2021-05-03
From: Raven Rock Shelter

To: Pen Mar Park
Miles today: 7.98
Weather: overcast clouds

Rain was not forecast till this afternoon so I strung the tarp on the ridgeline, but left it in its snakeskin so I could enjoy the stars last night. Just before dawn I heard the pitter patter of rain on my bugnet. Got the tarp staked out in time to keep my down dry. As a result, I got an early start today. Passed the 200 trail milestone at about the Mason Dixon line into Pennsylvania. Funny pic of a gal who pitched her tent right on trail to stay dry for second breakfast. Maybe first breakfast,becasut she had her stove running. Even though it drizzled most of the day, it was quite nice for hiking. Short day as planned so I could resupply in Waynesboro and get my Garmin cable at the PO. Another first a General delivery mail drop.
Date: 2021-04-02
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

  After many months of physical and mental preparation, I¢m once again heading out on the Appalachian Trail tomorrow.  I¢m doing a non traditional flip flop thru hike starting just north of Mt Greylock near the mass./Vermont border heading south to Springer, then flipping back north to my starting point and heading north to Katadin.  I¢ve almost had too much time to prep for this hike and have really been chomping at the bit to get going as I¢ve waited for the weather to moderate a bit.  I should be able enjoy some relative solitude on the trail as the majority of thru hikers are still way down south.  Gonna take it relatively easy first few weeks as I drop some weight and get my trail legs.  Looking forward to this adventure, LP
Date: 2021-04-03
From: Phelps ave. North Adams MA

To: Father Tom campground Cheshire MA
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: clear sky

Day 1Phelps Avenue North Adams mile marker 1595.0Father Tom Campground mile marker 1580.8 Total miles 14.2  First day back on trail in three years.  I decided a while back that I should kick off this thru hike with a bit of an epic start, Mount Greylock. My oldest son Andrew dropped me off at the end of Phelps Avenue in North Adams at 10:20 AM, I gave him a hug and said goodbye.  Those first few steps on trail felt like jumping out of an airplane for the first time parachuting.  Mount Greylock welcomed me with a 5.8 mile climb that was really more than I bargained for.  If I had not trained for the past two months my body would¢ve quickly wilted on today¢s hike.  I reaced the top and quickly realized that it was too cold to hang out but the views were limitless on a perfectly  cloudless day.  To my chagrin as I began the dissent I soon realized that the southside of the mountain was largely in the shade.  The result was 3 miles of steady ice and snow sometimes referred to as an ice luge.  I was lucky enough to only fall once and it was relatively controlled and did not result in injury although my Smartwater bottle slid down the trail about 50 feet.  I told myself during all my training hikes I will come to regret starting where I did trying to tackle MT Greylock in very early spring, but I did tackle it.  However the 14.8 miles that I did felt more like 20+.  I Wearily hiked into Cheshire and hoped the town campground would be available to camp at as I really couldn¢t have gone any further.  Luckily it was and I quickly set up camp.My first dinner was a misadventure resulting in a tuna couscous soup which was very unpalatable.  I crawled into my tent and sleeping bag and attempted to do this trail journal, however both of my feet, my left hand,my calves, and my right hamstring we¢re all attempting to cramp!  Well this hike was a bit more than I was prepared for. I was proud to have finished it and be so quickly reminded what a day on AT is like.
Date: 2021-04-04
From: Father Tom campground

To: Kay Wood shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: clear sky

Day 2Father Tom Campground mile marker 1580.8Kay wood shelter mile marker 1569.2Total miles 11.6 All day today I felt the hangover from my hike yesterday and a poor nights sleep at father Tom¢s campground.  It was called getting down to 26° and the spotlights from the public works department shined on me like a convict trying to escape prison.  I was determined to stay in my sleeping bag as long as possible but I simply don¢t sleep well on the trail and ended up getting out of my bag at 7 AM.  Being out of practice in terms of breaking camp it seem to take forever but I was able to start hiking by 8 AM.  The climb out of Cheshire was relatively easy but my legs were heavy and non-responsive.  I managed to push through and get the first climb out of the way and it was a relatively easy 5 to 6 more miles into Dalton mass.  To my great disappointment businesses in Dalton mass that serve food are closed on Easter Sunday, so I enjoy the fine dining¢s of Cumberland Farms.  Again unpalatable.  Somehow my mileage ended me with having to choose to do a short day of 11 or one approaching 20 miles.  I was honestly tempted to shoot for 20 but my body was telling me otherwise.  I¢m honestly feeling pretty good I¢m feeling my knees on the down hills and I really don¢t want to create an overuse injury this early in the hike.  The first 10 miles tomorrow looks very flat so I may try to make up a few miles tomorrow as the weather continues to look perfect until at least Saturday.  Should be 7-8 degrees warmer tonight so hoping I won¢t get as Chilled as last night.