morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-08-02
From: Harrison's Camp

To: Caratunk, ME
Miles today: 4.0

I love it when a day is planned out, and it makes drastic changes. I had planned to hike 10 miles to the next shelter, but.....I had a wonderful breakfast at the camp: Patriot Breakfast consisting of 12 pancakes (blueberry, raspberry and apple), 3 sausage, two eggs, juice and coffee. Sisyfus and Ketchup stopped by to fill their water bottles, and Ketchup finished me pancakes. Then we left to walk the four miles to the canoe ferry. The Kennebec River has two dams on it that release water thru the day. Hikers are not allowed to ford the river and must take the canoe ferry across. The canoe even has a white blaze on it!!After crossing the river, I ended of going to the Sterling Inn for the night, since more showers are coming in the afternoon. So, everyone is here and we now will to able to slackpack tomorrow. After showers we were shuttled to Northern Outdoors to have lunch. I dined with Sisyfus, Ketchup, Mossey, M, and a south bouncer named Brandon. Then we went back there for dinner with: Grasshopper, Flossie, Grey Squirrel, Valley Girl, Topo, and Ironwill.
Date: 2014-08-03
From: Caratunk, ME

To: Bald Mt Road
Miles today: 22.7

After breakfast at Sterling Inn I got a ride from Low Gear to the trail. He continued to Monson with our packs. Hiking today with Wildflower, Valley Girl and her dog Jake. Wildflower is from Switzerland. Just two climbs today: Pleasant Pond Mountain and Moxie Bald. The trail was mostly tree roots, bogs and rocks, but pretty much dry. I only slipped onto my rear end four times, but no blood today!! No blood, no bones sticking out means I am okay!Low Gear picked us up and took us to Monson, ME. We are staying at Shaw's Lodging for the next few days. Monson is the last town near the trail. It is the beginning of the 100 mile wilderness. Lady Trip was at Camp Lazy F last week where she met Travis. A number of years ago he had hiked the AT. Comparing notes he started to say the place to stay in Monson was...and Lady Trip said at the same time he said it "SHAWS" Not only is this an institution but Lady Trip really does know where I am! For dinner we went to the Lakeshore Pub for half price wings. Also there was Trail Bunny, Long Haul Trucker and Hiker Monkey.
Date: 2014-08-04
From: Bald Mt Road

To: Monson, ME
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Started the day at Shaw's with breakfast. You order breakfast by tell Dawn a number: 1, 2, 3 or 4. Whatever you tell her, that is the quantity of the items you get. Two equals two eggs, two pancakes, two sausage, two bacon and home fried potatoes. After you finish, you can order again! My goodness, they understand hikers here!We shuttled to the trail so slack packed back to Monson. First up to ford the west branch of the Piscataquis River. Followed by fording the east branch. We are entering the "Venice" of the trail - lots of water to get across Pretty easy trail today except for the tree roots. It takes time and energy to watch where to step. We got back to Shaw's for shower and laundry. We hikers can be a clean bunch - well sometimes! I ended the day by going to dinner in Greenville with Trail Bunny and Long Haul Trucker. The Greenville Hwy has the most moose killings by car in the entire state. In July one man was killed and another was seriously injured in two separate accidents when their cars hit/were hit by moose. Amazingly these huge animals can be hard to see in the dark - partly because of their dark coats and also because they are so tall headlights don't reflect light back to the drivers from their eyes (like deer do). On average there are 500 car/moose accidents a year in Maine.
Date: 2014-08-05
From: Monson, ME

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

I am taking a zero day to review my maps and estimate how many days it will take to get thru the 100 mile wilderness. My last resupply box is here, thank you Lady Trip. Can't believe that all those boxes have been sent. Boxes of TP, peanut butter, instant mashed potatoes and new socks. I can hardly believe how many pairs of shoes I have gone through. And then I think of Grandma Emma Gateway who in 1955 at the age of 67 hiked the AT in Keds. She said the only thing in town you needed to get was Vienna Sausage - that everything else could be found along the trail. She did the AT the third time when she was 75. I am not having Shaw's big breakfast this morning but rather I am heading to Pete's Bakery for coffee and muffins. Pete's wife, known as The Pie Lady, makes great pies and also shuttles hikers around. Her pies look pretty amazing too!Trail Bunny, Sisyfus, and I decided to take a cruise on Moosehead Lake. The Katahdin, a 1914 Steamship, was very relaxing for the 3 hour tour. The Katahdin is 115 feet in length, 26 feet at the beam, and draws seven and a half feet of water. She was registered for 500 passengers and weighs 250 tons. The launching took place on August 20, 1914. Back then she was made to get folks from one place to another up and down the Moose Head Lake. Today Ketchup has a fever and is staying in bed. Monson's claim to fame is that the slate quarry provided the slate for John F Kennedy's headstone. When we returned to the hostel we found Lions is here. She finally caught up!We are all excited to get into this last stretch of the trail on our way to Mount Katahdin.
Date: 2014-08-06
From: Monson, ME

To: Shaws
Miles today: 0.0

I am taking a zero day to get ready for the 100 mile wilderness. After looking at the maps and elevation profile, I am planning 9 days to get thru. Some hikers are planning 6 days. I guess I could do it in less time but I have always thought a stroll lets a hiker really experience the trail instead of it flying by you. So, I will leave Monson tomorrow (Thursday) with five days of food. Lakeside Lodge will stash a five gallon bucket in the wood for hikers at mile 59. So I am stashing 3 days of food. They transport it up there. Then I will get that food and leave garbage for them to haul out. It is a nice deal! Now some of you are saying "that doesn't add up", and you are correct. I will be staying at the AMC Gorman Chairback Lodge for one night, and they provide dinner, breakfast, and a sack lunch! I wonder if they leave a sweet note in the sack lunch like Lady Trip does for me. Uh, hope not!Sisyfus and Ketchup headed out today and I heard from a hiker coming in that Sisyfus took her first step at the trailhead and slipped and was covered in mud, head to toe. Valley Girl, Jake and Wildlife went ahead 50 miles in the wilderness. And note to Lady Trip - it is the Hundred Mile Wilderness not the 100 Acre Woods...not going to meet Tigger and Winne the Pooh, except if those are trail names!
Date: 2014-08-07
From: Shaws

To: Wilson Valley Lean-To
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: scattered clouds

After the big 1,2,3,4 breakfast at Shaw's we were shuttled to the trailhead. It was not a bad hike today - actually pretty good. We found the usual - rocks, tree roots and slate. Oh, yeah and a canoe. Hopefully that wasn't a sign of rain to come? But the ground was dry, and I didn't slip and fall even once. Yes, a pretty good day. (Lady Trip says "pride goeth before a fall." She is so biblical)We passed five lakes/ponds. All were very beautiful. Saw Little Wilson Falls and forded two steams. The second stream, Big Wilson, had a rope across so I hooked my pack to it and slid it across. We didn't find Medium Size Wilson. Uffda and I are the only north bounders in camp tonight. There are six section south bounders and one dog. Finn came in at dusk. He summited Katahdin (Yeah!) and is now headed back to Georgia. This is called a Yoyo. Namely you hike the whole AT and turn around and walk back to Georgia. Yes, some call it a YoYo - others call it crazy! Me, vacation and clean clothes and smelling good await me at the end of the trail. Oh, yeah, and Lady Trip!
Date: 2014-08-08
From: Wilson Valley Lean-To

To: Cloud Pond Lean-To
Miles today: 8.7
Weather: overcast clouds

After a couple of hours of rain last night, the trail wasn't too bad. A few muddy spots but all in all a good day. We cruised along for 3 miles and then came a big river ford. Off with the shoes, on with the sandals. I hooked my backpack to the rope and away I went. After the rain last night the river was running fast. I took a break at the first shelter with Birdman (a 500 mile section hiker) and Uffda (a thru hiker from Fargo, ND). We now have only 99.4 miles left to Katahdin!!!!!We got back on the trail and up to Barren Ledges and then Barren Mountain, where there are some remains of a tower. We arrived at the shelter with the thunder closing in. I just had time to wash up, change clothes, and filter water before the rain started.In the shelter tonight are Neckbone, Zooman, Coach and Jessica (no trail name yet).
Date: 2014-08-09
From: Cloud Pond Lean-To

To: Katahdin Ironworks Road
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: light rain

Day 3 in The Hundred Acre WoodsAt daybreak, Coach decided that Jessica's trail name should be Jes Walkin. She is a southbounder (SOBO) who just got out of the Air Force where she was a cargo plane pilot. Climbed up to Fourth Mountain, then down and up to Third Mountain. But, in between those two mountains is a peak called Mt Three and a Half. I think what happened is Fourth and Third Mountains got together and a new peak was born!! On the trail went to Chairback Mountain and down to the road. We walked a mile to the AMC Gorman Chairback Lodge. First hit the shower, washed out my trail clothes, and had cookies, coffee, and scones for a snack. Dinner is served at 6 pm, and breakfast at 8 tomorrow. On the road, I spotted a very skinny red fox.
Date: 2014-08-10
From: Katahdin Ironworks Road

To: Carl Newhall Lean-To
Miles today: 6.1

It is very quiet on the pond at 5 am. Breakfast is at 8 but the coffee is ready at 6. Dinner last evening was BBQ Beef Ribs. Breakfast this morning was French Toast with Strawberry Basil Compote. Lady Trip is wondering why I never report on the freeze dried food and instant potatoes...I think she is worried I am bringing all that home! No way - I will just leave it for some trail magic for other hikers. LT also said that a donation was made in my honor for the Vermont Foodbank. What a nice surprise! See it is like I have said before - its all about the food and I will get the good stuff anywhere I can! So I got my ham and Swiss sandwich for lunch and hit the trail. First up - fording the Pleasant River West Branch. Not very deep but the rocks were very slick. The trail was very pleasant for the first three miles then the roots appeared. When I got to the shelter I met Chris and his German Shepherd. We chatted for a couple of hours over lunch and we both decided to stay here for the night. No need in going too fast...hoping for great weather in a week when I get to the end of the trail.
Date: 2014-08-11
From: Carl Newhall Lean-To

To: East Branch Lean To
Miles today: 10.8

Day 6 in The Hundred Acre WoodsI left camp early to climb up and down four peaks: Gulf Hagas Mountain, West Peak, Hay Mountain, and White Cap Mountain. There are no more 4000 foot mountains until Katahdin. Life is good! Ayuh! In Maine that means YES! I hiked a bit with Switchback, a 16 year old Mainer. (A resident of Maine is called a Mainer). He hikes barefooted. In camp tonight are: Looper, AyCE, Mackerel, and Bubba, who I haven't seen since Virginia. Also there is a father and 14 year old son hiking the 100 mile wilderness. We will be in the same camps for the next three nights.
Date: 2014-08-12
From: East Branch Lean To

To: Cooper Brook Falls Lean-to
Miles today: 8.1

I wore my sandals out of camp because the first thing to do was ford the Pleasant River. Refreshing? Then it was up 800 feet to Little Boardman River. With no view from the top, headed back down and cruised into camp. The Cooper Brook runs in front of the shelter and tent sites with a waterfall and swimming hole. I set up my tent and went to the river to wash my clothes and body. It felt really great. The others in camp last night are pushing big miles to get finished which I don't understand. They didn't even take time for a swim. Maybe they are on a deadline...I have plenty of time to get to the end and Lady Trip said she would wait for me in Millenocket no matter when I got there. She says that things to do in Millenocket include hiking, waiting for hikers, strolling in the woods and avoiding hikers on the road. Patrick and his dad from Nova Scotia are staying here tonight and we will be in the same shelter tomorrow also.The privy here is called Full Moon and has a padded seat!!! Talk about luxury!
Date: 2014-08-13
From: Cooper Brook Falls Lean-to

To: Potaywadjo Spring Lean-to
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Today the first eight miles were great. Just what a trail should be. I picked up my three day food drop. I still had some beef jerky left so I gave the new bag to Chris so Derbish could have a treat. I first met Chris and his German Shepherd dog,Derbish, three days ago. They were in camp last night. I got to Antlers Camp and had cell service so was able to update everything and give Lady Trip a call. I also got a new weather report and it looks like I will be in the shelter tonight instead of my tent as Mother Nature wants to dump 1/2 inches of rain.The privy at Antlers Camp is called Fort Relief and has two seats. Have a seat, no waiting! The last 3 1/2 miles were back to the normal rocks and roots. But, all in all, a great day. The rain began at 7 pm and continued all night, dumping two inches of rain. Mom Nature outdid herself and went beyond predictions!
Date: 2014-08-14
From: Potaywadjo Spring Lean-to

To: Rainbow Stream Lean-to.
Miles today: 18.2

I woke up to the continuing rain. With two rivers to ford, we headed out early. The first stream, Tumbledown Dick Stream, was full and fast. It came up to my waist. The second stream was too high and it had a "high water trail" which we took. I was only planning on going 10 miles but since I was wet anyway I continued another 8 miles. Rainbow Stream Lean-to is a six person lean-to but we still fit 9 people in it. We can snuggle together to stay dry or at least not get any wetter if that were possible. There is a log cabin style privy here. I know, by this time food and privies are high priorities! The rain is to continue thru Sunday so I need to make some adjustments.
Date: 2014-08-15
From: Rainbow Stream Lean-to.

To: Abol Bridge
Miles today: 15.0

Everything I put on this morning is wet. Not damp, wet! More rain fell throughout the night. I went across three steams, but you couldn't really tell when it was a stream with so much water on the trail. Some of the bogs I crossed were three foot deep. Luck was on my side today as I did not slip off any bog logs into the muck. When I got to Abol Bridge the shuttle to the AT Lodge was there with one space left so I grabbed it. Instead of camping in the rain I got a hot shower and a soft bed!! Like I have been telling you - life is good!And real food. I can't forget the real food. I just love real food. I haven't mentioned freeze dried food - nothing to write home about! Tomorrow looks good for weather to be able to finish my hike.
Date: 2014-08-16
From: Abol Bridge

To: Mt. Katahdin
Miles today: 15.1

The weather looks pretty good this morning so I decided take my Appalachian Trail hike to the summit. Most likely this will be the best day with rain coming back on Sunday. The shuttle dropped me off at Abol Bridge and I hiked the 10 miles to Katahdin Stream Campground. I registered with the ranger and I was hiker #244 to summit. We are so close to the end but the real work had just begun. From the ranger station to the summit is 5.2 miles with an elevation gain of 4100 feet!!!! Pretty much straight up. There are some iron handholds that have been placed in the granite rocks to assist. I am a hiker not a climber but no way was I going to miss this! It is what I have been aiming at since Springer Mountain - since I first learned of the trail over 40 years ago. I ran into Shroomer, Birdman and AZ as they were coming down. Check out their picture - those are three happy guys! All three have finished the AT but Shroomer has completed his Triple Crown. That is an award given by ALDA-West, and organization I have been involved with over the years. It is for hiking all three long distance trail. He has hiked the Pacific Crest Trail, Continental Divide Trail and now the Appalachian Trail. It was very foggy at the top and then the rain started. But I reached the top and I am now finished with the Appalachian Trail. It has been quite a journey!
Date: 2014-08-17
From: Mt. Katahdin

To: Millinocket, Maine
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Appalachian Trail LodgeIt feels funny not being out on the trail. No more mosquito bites, freeze dried food, or wet shoes. The consensus among the hikers here is that the AT is not a hiking trail. By definition a trail is a dirt footpath. That is not the AT. Maybe 25% is a dirt footpath. The other 75% is an obstacle course. From the rocks, roots, bogs, and granite rock facings, this is the most difficult "trail" I have ever done. Especially the latter part of the AT. That being said it is also the most amazing journey. This trail is the most social trail I have encountered. The people I have met on the trail, while hitch hiking, in the many towns, and the many prayers I have felt have been amazing. The people along the way and back home have made this experience worth every step. And a special thanks for Lady Trip who encouraged me, edited my journals and put up with my absence. Thanks for joyfully telling me to "take a hike". I want to thank everyone for their prayers and support that have helped me along the way. Please remember, if you don't like what the light is showing you, just "trip the light" for a different perspective!! It's up to you how you see the world! I'll find my way homeOn the Western windTo a place that was once my worldBack from where I've beenAnd in the morning light I'll remember, as the sun will riseWe are all glowing embersOf a distant fireTrip the Light, Break the Night, See With New Eyes.
Date: 2014-06-16
To: Last Section to Katahdin
Miles today: 0.0

In 2007 I did a section from Pa 309 to Glenwood NJ hoping to meet up with my son, Sudoku, thru hiking. During the hike I decided to do a full section hike and worked out a plan to do two weeks a year until I retired and then finish NJ-ME at once. I haven't retired but this year is to be that big finish. My first journal entries will be summaries of those first 7 years to gather it all in one place. July 12th I start off from Glenwood, NJ.
Date: 2014-06-17
From: Pa 309 Blue Mountain Summit, PA

To: 2007 Glenwood NJ
Miles today: 0.0

My first section was really an attempt to meet up with my son, Sudoku, during his thruhike. I got on ahead of him at Blue Mountain Summit PA 309 figuring he would catch me during my 9 days. I didn¢t plan on him zeroing in Duncannon, something I would now have expected. My first day on the trail saw the Knife Edge, Bear Rocks and Bake Oven Knob. On my second day I climbed Lehigh Gap at 7 in the morning and decided it was a dumb thing to have done. The rest of the time gave me a good view of trail life. I got the view of the great kindness you find on the trail by a shower at the Church of the Mountain in Delaware Water Gap and got to the Secret Shelter and met Jim Murray. I destroyed my first pair of hiking boots on PA¢s rocks and have no desire to ever repeat that section. Had one of my worst nights on the trail in the Rutherford Shelter, and wouldn¢t recommend it to anyone; instead continue on to High Point. Some of the thru-hikers I met were Breezy, Handiman, Tony the Tiger and Petey, the dog, Blue and Caboosie, Golden Boy, Insomnia, and Vern, and Moosehead and Cul-de-Sac.My wonderful wife picked me up along the road near Glenwood, NJ and we were finally able to meet up with Sudoku on the way home at Culvers Gap. In October I went up to Baxter State Park to pick up my son and was able to preview the finish, but I didn¢t summit ¢ see elsewhere how I got my trail name.
Date: 2014-06-18
From: US 30 Caledonia State Park, PA

To: 2008 Blue Mountain Summit PA 309
Miles today: 0.0

My second section was to get a few more miles in before committing myself to the whole deal. My wife dropped me off at Caledonia State Park in PA. I stayed at the Pine Furnace hostel, crossed the valley past Boiling Springs, ate at Goodies across from the Doyle Hotel in Duncannon but didn¢t stay overnight in the Doyle. At the 501 shelter just about everyone I met that hike was there and we had a huge pizza order; Gonzo, Mas & Blazing Star, Y & Vigil Auntie, Bandana Man & Speedracer (father and son), Twinkletoes, Party Animal, Gonzo, Swami & Darcy, Candy Man, Rainman and Opop and Franklin. My son picked me up at Blue Mountain Summit where I had started my section the year before. I was glad PA and the rocks were behind me but I had a few more days available so we went down to the Bear¢s Den and hiked a day and a half south to Va. 55, Manassas Gap. The trail down there showed how nice the trail could be by comparison to PA so I decided to continue in 2009 from Springer Mountain.
Date: 2014-06-19
From: Springer Mountain

To: 2009 Fontana Dam
Miles today: 0.0

By now I had my plan settled: to start April 11 from Springer, hike two weeks each year and each year restart at the same location and on the same date as I finished the year before. My intent was to hike North with the Spring as the Thru-Hikers do, and to do it in step with a new batch of Thru-Hikers each year. I would be gaining experiences the same as them (but with 365 zeros now and then) and have the benefit of their company. I planned on finishing in 2014 with a long hike from NJ to Katahdin so I would have a solid pair of trail legs before getting to the Whites.My first hiker community exposure was the great folks at the Hiker Hostel picking me up at the train station, being great hosts and dropping me off at the trail. I was lucky that within a couple days I fell in step with Running Clear and Rabbit, 2 Kids, and later Dodger for the rest of the hike. I met some of the nicest people on the trail in Gary Poteet and his wife at the Blueberry Patch Hostel, you couldn¢t ask more than they provided out of kindness. A few more days got us to Franklin, where we met Ron Haven and Miss Janet and their hospitality. From there we had a brutal night in Cold Spring shelter, a nice stay in NOC, and couple more nice days into Fontana. I started off with Scottish Liz and through the hike also met Team Alaska (Denali John, Northern Lights, and Subzero ¢ 13 year old daughter), Lucky Penny, the Dude from NH, Spicoli, Slapshot, Ned the Fed, Panama Bill, Bubbles and his wife Birdy, Phoenix, and Strong Will (66), Spiceman, and No-Thai. I characterized the weather as Drizmally for most of the time.