morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2023-05-28
From: Deer Park Shelter 

To: Laughing Heart Hostel
Miles today: 3.2

Waking up to the rain, we decided we were going to stay in a hostel for the night when we arrived in Hot Springs. While cooking breakfast, a skunk wandered into the shelter and climbed over my feet. Closest I've ever been to a skunk that didn't spray. Poor thing was mangy, skinny, and behaving oddly, so I don't expect a great outcome for it. We hiked through the rain, dropped our gear, and went to a taco shop that served pretzels for some reason. The pretzels were pricey, but were the size of an industrial cookie sheet and came with some great mustard and cheese. These delicious pastries were enough to be an entire meal. Checked into the hostel, and once again, the vibe was great. Basically a hiker paradise. Between being able to do laundry, get a hot shower, condition my hair, and wash my dishes, I think I'm the cleanest I've been in a month. Stayed in the bunk room.
Date: 2023-07-18
From: Maine Rt 27

To: Horn Pond Lean To
Miles today: 5.1

Up early in the Millinocket AT Hostel, Honeymoon Phase for the start of this Journey with Recon!  8:00 departure for Stratton Maine couldn't come soon enough. However, at 8:07 I began Praying to the Good Lord to Lead the way and make things go smoothly. Shortly thereafter, our Shuttle Driver Sammy pulled up and popped the trunk, for our packs.  So it began! Well after a brief stop at McDonalds for Recons coffee and breakfast.  Sammy drives a 2006 Subaru much more stout than even my 2010.  Conversation flowed and it was a relaxed trip, although the 3 hour drive seemed like 5.  Finally, we passed the Hostel of Maine where our last attempt was cut short by a family emergency.  Soon we pulled in the Rt. 27 Trail Head.  After, PayPal, a small Tip and our good byes we headed NoBo across the road. Adrenaline carried us the1st mile quickly and we felt like pros when we passed a summer camp of very young hikers.  When asked where they were headed for the day, one girl told me Georgia!  One day I am sure she well do just that.  Another, after hearing Recons story told him, "You Got This!".  We were hiking so well we thought we may even get the other side of Avery Peek.  Silly me, forgetting that Maine will humble you quickly!! The uphill climb actually became a Rock Scramble, using hand to hand pull ups more than poles.  On top of that, the rain started.  Solid drenching rain.  Yet, it caused me to focus and forget hiking speed or any pain moving up the mountain. Just about the time we had enough, the sky would lighten even so lightly as if God were saying, "Keep the Faith, I've got you!"  The. Just to ensure we knew, a few rumbles of ending Thunder would roll as an exclamation. We continue to climb, hit the top of the trail but skipped the summit. Headed for a sharp down,  slight up and then it flattened out. Finally, got to a lean too that had 3 side benches but no center floor.  I was a little depressed, don't know about Recon.  Turns out, it was built in 1936 and now serves as a day use facility. Recon headed on back deeper and finally we came to not just one but two Lean Toos. Got water as soon as the packs came off, in order to beat the next round of storms worse than the first.  Thunder rolled as I finished filling the dirty water bag.  Of course, Recon was already done and heading back, but it gave me a moment for a silent prayer of thanks and the realization that God's Timing is always correct.  Recon had a clothes line stung so we started getting dry, dinner and set up for the night.  SoBos slowly wondered down of the mountain telling harried stories of the storm on the peak of the biggest mountain that we can see from our shelter for the night.  They all took the second lean to, which is great for us!  We, will actually Recon figured milage and we created a plan for tomorrow and possibly the next two nights with better weather in the forecast!  It's off to bed according to each individual age, with Faith and Hope for a great tomorrow!
Date: 2023-07-19
From: Horn Pond Lean To

To: Little Bigelow Lean To
Miles today: 10.2

I don't know what it is about our first night on trail, but at Seth Warner we had torrential downpours.  Wouldn't you know it, last night at Horn Pond Lean To we also had major torrential rain!  Luckily the forecast for today was a good one.  We needed it to get above tree line and cross about four peaks.  It is awesome to be on top of a mountain and Loki g all the way around in a 360!  We were in the clouds but waited for a clearing  before the view disappeared only for a different on to open up.  We really didn't want to leave but forced ourselves to the next and next.  Avery Peak was great because of plaques honoring this pioneer AT Forefather!  The other cool thing is to look backwards at the peaks you've just crossed.  Recon hiked out to a view for lunch that did just that as well as being able to see off the cliff below to the Flagstaff Lakes!  What a way to dine!  We felt great but Maine would humble us in the afternoon.  Up, over, around, down, back up to repeat the process to get over little bigelow, the lowest elevation of them all.  The dreaded .7 left to go took for ever! The worse milage of all!  Yet, we were blessed with some awesome views, especially over to Sugarloaf Mountain. It is also fun to get a break from the ups or downs with granite slabs to hike on.  Spots to find blueberries as well although. Recon said it was still a little early and the taste isn't quite right.  Finally we hit the top of little Bigelow and it was just a sign in some trees with no view at all!  Then the long, long, descent down to the Little Bigelow Lean To. It has a  Flowing river to rinse off dirt and soak sore bodies. It is also so gong a lullaby to lure us to sleep.  Tough day but what views! Pictures just don't do them justice.  We are hoping to make miles tomorrow to set up a Hostel on Friday.  Trying to Keep the Faith because Maine is tough.  Yet by saying Bye to the Bigelows, we have hiked the toughest mountains until Mama K.
Date: 2023-07-20
From: Little Bigelow Lean Two

To: Carrying Place StreamÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ Mile 150.2
Miles today: 13.9

Todays weather was perfect but it brought out the bugs. We made good time down hill, leaving the Bigelow Lean To, until we hit a two mile uphill Slosh Fest. Can't complain, for Maine this was awesome terrain. Soft pine needle stretches until you get close to a pond and then it's a three for one special: Roots, Rocks and Mud. Recon's second trail name could have been Zip, the way he handles the special for the day. Zip-Zip-Zip and he is off and up the trail. While I am back there with the Trail Name Snap, Crash, and Splash. Even with wonderful Bog planks and even Boardwalks, I struggled along.  I also had Fall Number Three when I Slipped on a plank, right trekking pole into the mud and I could get my Rt hand out of it or pull it out of the muck.  Luckily, I was on the left side of the plank so only my legs and thighs went for a swim. I laid across the board, keeping my pack dry and safe, I until I could beach myself like a seal!  The only thing that came out of the pack was a water bottle and the only damage was to my trekking pole that was bent sacrificing itself for me.  Although, if my hand hadn't been threw the strap I do t know if that would have made it better or worse. Usually, my left is the one I strap. Oh well, must have been a sight for Recon!  I joked that I couldn't wait till the beach to swim!  The trail is pretty busy with a couple of NoBo's that blew past us. Some SoBo's that are usually going after miles and can't really talk. Although we had a couple that stopped and asked how long the special was going to last going South.  They also congratulated Recon on being so close to his finish. I ignored it because I don't want to think about it until Monson.  The other cool thing worth noting was a group of Girls hiking South. The leader stepped to the side and called out to the others to do the same.  Recon started chatting and asked what the group was doing. We recounted our experience with a similar group five years ago at the NH/Maine State-line.  The leader said she was on that trip (probably 12 or 13 and look at her now)!  We quit at 4:00 thinking why push it when we have this lovely stealth sight with flowing water to put us asleep again.  Although the bus were a little bad, Recon took care of me by sharing aerosol bug spray that works better than my pump bottle. I'm lucky he is carrying my rear up the trail with him and never saying a word!  So excited to be sharing his journey with him!  We are staged will for the Kennebec River Crossing and a Nero into The Sterling Inn Tomorrow. Not even dark and I'm beat and ready for sleep.
Date: 2023-07-25
From: Monson Maine

To: Monson Maine 
Miles today: 0.0

Woke in Middle of night and thought I would never get back to sleep.  Next thing I knew it was 6:05 am!  The Buff over the eyes worked and I must have need the sleep. Of course Recon got up with age as usual and was chatting with another older couple. We ended up eating the breakfast with them and a gentleman named Ace from Yellow Springs, OH. Three eggs (instead of my usual one), 2 Strips of Bacon and Fried Potatoes, washed down with Juice and Coffee was almost too much to eat. However, I did force almost a complete Blueberry Pancake down. Recon could have put a hurtin on those but no Vt Maple Syrup. Once you have the best, you can go back!  Lazy morning watching everyone part, giving way to relatively more quiet time.  Then a trip to the gas station back up to the Country Store for Resupply items. Sat drinking coffee and prepared a card for home that I mailed later at the Post Office. Back to Shaws to finish the Resupply but Hippie Chick was closing it to get time with the kids.  They have to keep to a schedule or they will never have a life.  Stayed off feet for an hour until Rueben Sandwiches and Chips called our name. Sat at a Gazebo and Chatted with a guy that did part of the CDT and was actually in some YouTube's by Spielberg (Former AT Thru Hiker). Finally, returning to Shaws in a brief rain shower.  Finished our Resupply and tried to figure out how much to pack out and how much to put into a food drop so we don't have to carry the weight. Planning the Drop date is difficult, but they can make adjustments when you text from the Top of White Cap Mountain.  The last significant one till Katahdin.  Squared up our Bill to avoid the rush in the morning (all necessary but expensive) to insure our shoes, gear and food get us to the end. HMW at 6-8 Days is one of the longest sections without a stop. There is one called The White House Landing across a Lake, but most hikers just keep passing thru. Got my Bent Leki Pole repaired under Warranty.  It did snap as we tried to straighten it.  All good now and it collapse, which is nice when not using or traveling.  Finished the Town Chores by Back Flushing the Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter.  It takes time to flush three times, bang the sides to work dirt and grit loose and flush three times, repeating until clear water rushes out backwards.  Time spent her doing this, saves time and increases flow at a stream on trail!  Finally, Dinner at a nearby Pub. Huge Burger and Fries. I skipped the Caesar Salad and of course Recon raved about the dressing and shredded cheese.  I hope he appreciates the sacrifices I make. If I had ordered it, it would have sucked! Place was busy but great WiFi so we didn't care.  Then a walk back to Shaws watching a Thunderstorm roll in, hoping it rolls out just as quick for our departure in the Morning.
Date: 2023-07-27
To: Chair Back Gap Lean To 
Miles today: 15.7

Up and on Trail at 5:30 Ready to make some miles.  Maine had other  ideas.  Crossed a cool Talus Field (Rock Slide basically) and worked our way to a couple of river crossings.  My left leg is really swollen and tender. At the second stream crossing we had to take off shoes so Recon soaked his knees and I soaked my shins. It really help, along with the knee brace, to get me through the day.  Recon also gave me Vitamin I and Tylenol at Lunch and it worked well too!  But the day was the. Filled with ups and downs. Of course more ups, but either direction was rock scrambles! We passed a beautiful water fall that was smaller than yesterday's but still awesome. Then we hit the SoBo's 100 mile sign!  Shortly there after, we discovered the two 2100 mile markers.  One in stone and one in sticks.  This is huge for Recon!  That many miles on the AT needs to be celebrated!  My word for Recon reaching this point is "Tenacity"!  His Journey is one that he has stuck to through so many obstacles, especially being the strongest hiker I know!  We climbed up to Barren Ledges and had a view below.  Cloudy and sprinkling lightly so it would be the only one of the day. There was a new section that was very well laid out. It worked over to a small aircraft plane crash.  The two men made it down the mountain and lived so nothing morbid about it.  We ate lunch and Recon mentioned that the forecast called for Harder rain mainly between 2:30 and 4:30.  Sad to say he was right.  Probably about 3/4 of an inch too!  We just sloshed our way through.  Trail was a stream i parts and puddled ponds  in other!  Nothing easy about it. Had to embrace the Suck of it, but it wasn't easy!  I slowed to a snails pace and Recon would wait up ahead for me to catch up.  It truly was misery!  One of my toughest days on a trail ever.  Soaked to the bone and although the rain has stopped for the night, it's still dripping all over everything.  The shelter was full so we set up a little distance away by ourselves.  We cooked in our Vestibules and now its immediately to bed.  Hoping tomorrow is a brighter easier day.
Date: 2023-07-28
To: Stealth Spot 2124.5
Miles today: 14.6

1st thing Recon discussed this morning was a need to reconsider our Resupply and move it from Sunday to Saturday at a closer location. He had it all worked out, just need to contact Shaws.  We climbed up to finish the Chairbacks and we had awesome morning views. He also had cell service so he was able to make the changes. Shaws was very accommodating and we were set at that point.  Now it was just a matter of splitting the milage over two days and insuring we ate at the drop off point by 3 pm.  The descent down Chair Backs was grueling.  I remembered the Turn Left sign from 2018.  One of the few things I did recall. However, Blueberries were plentiful below and we gorged on what we could. We had a River crossing early on. Wide but not fast and we both had to find a place to soak lower legs. Most of the day was spent in The Gulf Hages  Region that includes the Hermitage (a group of 100 year old White Pines). The place Trail is beautiful and the one are two waterfalls we saw, were Gorgeous!  But the. The day dragged on as we climbed Gulf Hages Mountain which of course had no view.  We dropped into Sidney Tappan Campground at 3:30. Check FarOut because it felt to early and decided to tack on miles, even though it meant a water carry to dry camp. The spring was really flowing through a pipe so it was easy filling up. However the added miles were tough, over West Peak and Hay Mountain. Again no Views.  I must admit the trail was well laid out with switch backs and steps. Someone even said it was Maines version of Amicalola Falls back at the approach Trail. In true Mai e fashion, I would say these are tougher. We did make it to a camp site and during dinner, joined by another hiker that is flipping Southbound now. He read the same comments in FarOut for this place. Glad to be here and in bed. Tomorrow we climb over White Cap, the last Mountain until Katahdin!  Moving closer with each step!
Date: 2023-07-29
To: Cooper Brooks Falls Lean To
Miles today: 14.2

Day started Early, with a climb to White Face.  Some beautiful views back SoBO, but wasn't expecting much on top.  I was Wrong.  The view to the Southeast was wonderful. Sat for awhile and had just enough signal to text Joanie. Then we decided we had had enough and ended around the mountain. Suddenly, Recon shouted, "What's That?"!  Off to the East was one Mountain so much Taller than the rest. The cloud back was wrapped like a Ribbon below it.  The profile of its peak, unlike any other!  It was the great and my ghetto mountain - Katahdin!  I'm sure pictures won't do it justice but hopefully they turn out in the background behind us!  We didn't want to leave but our food drop was our concern for the day. The hiking was just that, hiking!  Beautiful trail and once I took meds, my legs got into a rhythm for the first time this trip.  We had an early lunch at East Branch Lean To!  Beautiful Spot right on trail. Then it was off for more miles. Moving along and occasionally chatting with SoBO's including a guy that is doing the triple crown and Started on the International Trail to the Appalachian Trail. He told us that after the next mountain we would have wonderful Trail for fifteen or more miles.  The next mountain was Little Boardman and while it was a .8 tough uphill, Recon buzzed up it and I was my usual 2-5 minutes behind.  Like the other Mountains today we were treated to Ripe Blue Berries so good straight off the plant.  Best day of all for eating these energy treats. Short break to check weather and we were headed back downhill to the road, arriving a good hour ahead of time. Nice to have a midday break, but the bugs by our ears and occasionally landing on us is driving us crazy!  Ten minutes before Three and here come Poet in the Truck.  Had everything Recon Ordered and then some.  Our Resupply lid popped open for us to grab a spur into our packs. Plus a Coke for me to guzzle!  Everything we could ever want, plus he took our trash for us!  We discussed the Ribbon Laced Katahdin from this morning and then discussed or stopping point at Coopers Brook Lean To, 3+ miles away.  Soon he was driving out of sight and we were hiking down the trail.  Such a smooth accommodation and we are set to hit Abol Bridge next! We put it on Cruise and did a little over 2.5 MPH.  Fastest we have done yet!  Hit the shelter at around 4:30 and are staying inside due to rain from 7-10. It's 6:30 and already started.  So we are set for bed and ready to Hike on in the morning!
Date: 2023-07-31
To: Rainbow Stream Lean To
Miles today: 15.2

Woke refreshed and ready for the day.  Started ok to first Lean To, but needed Vitamin I and Tylenol to even get moving a little. Thank the Lord, Recon had a supply because mine from Shaws had already run out.  Felt good and the trail was ok to start.  But by 10 it was getting to be nothing but roots and rocks as it made its way around Lakes and ponds.  We entered and saw two boats with people fishing.  We walked North and around the corner of the pond and then Circled back to them on the other side!  The. Came the climb up  Nesuntabunt Mountain.  Hopefully the last of even the low Mountains before we Summit Katahdin. We had a partial view of Mama K with clouds covering the top twice.  Only 15 miles as a Crow Flies, but we have 30 plus left to go.  We also didn't have any Blueberry Patches either!  Then we started the trek to get at least the Lean To if not further.  Yeah - Right!  The trail became even more work. Occasional rain spit on us and twice we stopped to avoid a hard wet under an outcropping and then trees.  Nothing long and hard like we have endured previously, so can't complain. It was enough to make rocks treacherous and slow us down by the technical hiking we didn't have the past two days. We followed Rainbow Stream for ever it seemed. The Rainbow Cascades were beautiful to our right, but the hiking was demanding g full attention.  I hit my right knee on rock faces twice and so I had blood trickling down my shin. Yet, it was my left shin and knee causing the pain once the meds wore off. I thought Recon was feeling no pain and hiking like crazy until he stopped and said, "How far is this shelter! I keep thinking it's just ahead and we just keep going and going!  I'm spent!". His phone and died and I didn't have enough juice in my Battery to give him a charge so his was shut down.  I pulled up Far Out and it said .18 miles luckily.  Still that last little Tenth did me in totally! Decided for ease to sleep in the BatFloor lean to.  Hopefully the last 15 to Abol go smoother than today!  Just have to Keep the Faith and Keep HilN^!
Date: 2023-04-03
From: Amicalola Falls Visitor Center

To: Black Gap Shelter
Miles today: 7.3

I arrived to Amicalola Falls VC around 1:30. After registering I started up the Approach Trail. Halfway up the first set of stairs to the top of the falls I discovered I did not have my wallet!I backtracked where I'd been to the VC, asking others along the way (no sign). A kind volunteer offered to help retrace my steps. We did so at more of a combing over pace halfway up the same stairs. Nothing. Then I talked with his supervisor and thought of cancelling my cards. I retraced where my shuttle dropped me off again. Found it in the dirt. Thank goodness!By then it was 4:15, so I decided to try to make it to Black Gap. I got there around 7:15, still enough time to set up in daylight and have dinner in twilight. I watched some people play Uno, then locked up my consumables in the box. Easy 8 hours of sleep after being on a bus all night prior.
Date: 2023-04-04
From: Black Gap Shelter

To: Gooch Gap
Miles today: 18.4

The forecast, which suggested hypothermia rain for about a week, has not held up so far. Except for a few sprinkles yesterday, it was just a little cloudy. Today started out with fog as I made my way from camp to the Springer Mountain plaque, and started the AT in earnest.It was pretty smooth sailing until I started climbing Sassafras Mountain. I had to stop twice to catch my breath. By then the sun was out, and it was getting pretty warm. I was in a T-shirt and wiping sweat off my face as I climbed. I followed my way up, then down to Cooper Gap where I lunched with some other hikers. After a couple more miles, there was a stream where hikers and a family were cooling off. I was feeling hot enough that doping my head in and drinking water just didn't cut it. I stripped to my briefs and waded in, immersing myself twice. I felt much better at that point. I can't believe I have to do this in early April! Come July, I'm worried about being roasted. I don't want to rush, but at the same time, I want to be out of the Mid Atlantic by then. I think a little discipline and fun can be balanced.I continued to the Gooch Mountain Shelter. Nice place, little crowded. Plus, I wanted to try to reach Neel Gap tomorrow. I pressed on another mile to Gooch Gap and found plenty of flat spots to camp with a couple car campers. It's next to a road though. Hopefully there won't be much traffic. I talked with a guy there who said Atlanta was expecting heavy rain Friday through Sunday that might also make its way into the mountains. We'll see.. I've hiked all day in rain, but not for three days straight.