morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2018-07-09
From: Carter Notch

To: Rattle River Shelter
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: fog

We climbed Carter Dome first thing this morning, and though it was much like our climbs into the Wildcats yesterday we had some added excitement. We saw our first moose! A mother and her calf were crossing the trail, Overdue saw both, but I was watching my footing so I only looked up in time to see the calf canter away, looking like a lanky horse rumbling through the trees! After that excitement the rest of our day seemed pretty uneventful, just the usual ups and downs until we reached our camp for the night where we found the best swimming hole I've seen on the trail thus far! We enjoyed a quick dip (mine very quick in the icy mountain water) before settling in for the night. We have been on trail one month today!
Date: 2018-07-11
From: Rattle River Hostel

To: Gentian Pond Shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: clear sky

After a nice rest day yesterday we climbed Mt. Hayes this morning and cruised over several smaller peaks to Gentian Pond, our planned camp for the day. Only being 12 miles from our start today we weren't sure if we should push past this site, but once we arrived we knew we had to stay. It is a beautiful campsite right on the "pond" (it looked more like a lake to us) that is also just high enough in elevation to give hikers a view into the valley before Mt. Success, which we will climb just out of camp. We parked ourselves by the water and enjoyed a nice afternoon, mentally preparing ourselves for our climb and traverse of the Mahoosuc Notch tomorrow. And we hit 1900 miles today!
Date: 2018-07-12
From: Gentian Pond Shelter

To: Speck Pond Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: mist

We did it! We're in Maine, the final state on the AT. We had a smooth 5 miles over Mt. Success this morning before we crossed into Maine where, after some celebration, we prepared to do "The Notch". The Mahoosuc Notch is considered the "most difficult mile" on the entire AT as it traverses a ravine filled with giant boulders that hikers must either scramble up and over or worm under to cross. We planned to stop for lunch just before the Notch and head into it with semi-rested legs to help us along. That being said, we had a late lunch today and would up starting our traverse around 3:45 (we allotted ourselves about 1.5 hours to comfortably complete the Notch and get to camp, and in a pinch knew we at least had over 4 hours of daylight to get through). About 15 minutes in we passed a group heading southbound lead by an woman who was clearly struggling to lift her pack weight over each boulder and upon spotting us warned that it had taken her 3 hours(!) to get to this point. Uhoh. We pushed on (knowing that even if it took us that long it would at least still be light when we finished) and, to our surprise, popped out on the north end right around 5PM. Sweet! We actually found the traverse to be a lot of fun and we're sad to see it end. With a little extra time we decided to push the 3 extra miles to Speck Pond Campsite, on the shore of the highest body of water in Maine! It was a beautiful spot and we enjoyed it all the more knowing we had conquered the Notch (and that we'd be in Andover tomorrow for some time off with my family)!
Date: 2018-07-13
From: Speck Pond Shelter

To: Andover, ME
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: mist

We're headed into Andover today, but first we're climbing Old Speck and the Baldpates, three peaks above tree line with spectacular views back to the Whites and ahead into Maine (no Katahdin yet)! After that it's smooth sailing into Dunn Notch where we're able to catch a ride into Andover to meet my family for some much needed rest and relaxation!
Date: 2018-07-15
From: Andover, ME

To: Black Brook Campsite
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: light rain

Vacation is over. We enjoyed a wonderful day off yesterday and a breakfast spread that even we couldn't completely devour this morning and it's back to the trail! On our way back we passed two Moose munching on the side of the road, this brings our sightings up to 4! Back on trail our packs are heavy with food and goodies from our resupply and we're taking it slow. After just 10 miles we find a nice spot and settle down for the night, aiming to try and put a dent in our full food bags for tomorrow.
Date: 2018-07-16
From: Black Brook Campsite

To: Long Pond
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: scattered clouds

We had a slow start today, not getting out of camp until around 9. Our fist climb was up Old Blue Mountain, and on our way we were overtaken by a group of hikers we've been hearing about since Vermont..."The Hoard". They are a group of ~15 hikers that has been together, as they tell it, since Damascus; all northbound and almost always together. They are a nice bunch but, as you might expect, are a little overwhelming all together at a shelter or campsite. We leap frog with them periodically today and are glad to be ahead when we reach the most exciting part of our day, trail magic! And, even more exciting, at a dirt road where we would never have expected it! Trail enthusiasts Snowman, Teddy and their friends Meat Man and Baker are set up with cold sodas, hot dogs, hamburgers, bananas and a box full of Little Debbie snack cakes...woohoo! We enjoy some good food and conversation and feel fortified to push the final five miles to camp. Just before the Shelter we've heard about a spot where the trail passes Long Pond where there is a sandy beach and possibly a little campsite overlooking the Pond. We are lucky enough to be the only ones there and we enjoy a peaceful swim and eat dinner by the water before turning in for the night. Perfect.
Date: 2018-07-17
From: Long Pond

To: Piazza Rock Shelter
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: clear sky

We woke up to rain today, bleh. Dragged ourselves out of camp with the goal to get as far as possible before our feet got too soggy. Lickily we didn't have any hard climbs and we made it the 11.5 miles to Piazza Rock shelter without incident. The shelter provided the most excitement for the day, in fact, being the first shelter we've encountered with a two-seater privy! It is a running joke on the trail and is named "Your Move" as it has a cribbage board between the two seats...we didn't play.
Date: 2018-07-18
From: Piazza Rock Shelter

To: Perham Stream
Miles today: 13.5

Despite raging storms last night we awoke to blue skies this morning. And a good thing too, as we had Saddleback Mtn to climb first thing with several miles of exposed ridgeline - not great for bad weather hiking. We summited early but didn't spent too much time up there as it was incredibly windy and cold. We pushed on over "The Horn" and Saddleback junior (both also exposed) and made it to poplar ridge shelter for lunch. This gave us a great opportunity to dry out all our wet gear from the rain yesterday and we made the most of it, entertained by a trivia book the shelter's caretaker had left with fun info about the shelter and its surroundings! We only had arpund 4 miles left for the day so we cruised on to our camp by Perham Stream where we had read there may be the opportunity for moose sightings. Though we didn't see any we saw some fresh tracks and found some wild strawberries growing along the banks. Sweet!
Date: 2018-07-20
From: Mile 2001.0

To: Cranberry Pond Stealth Site
Miles today: 3.8
Weather: broken clouds

We had an easy few miles into Stratton today, looking forward to getting our resupply box and some town food! We got into town so early the post office hadn't opened yet so we scooted over to a small gas station diner for some second breakfast. We were recommended the "Flagstaff Fillup" a hiker-worthy breakfast of two jumbo blueberry pancakes (everything is blueberry in Maine), eggs, hash-browns, toast and bacon...yum. After sufficiently stuffing ourselves we waddled over to the post office to retrieve our Mail Drop which had arrived just in time the day before (thanks Mom and Dad!). Important business sorted out, we stopped by the Stratton Hostel (where hikers can shower for $5), got cleaned up and charged up our electronics in preparation to get back out. On our way out of town we couldn't resist stopping for one more treat, milkshakes! Thoroughly satisfied and feeling fortified by our town scores we hiked a short few miles to the first campsite we could find and called it a day, ready to take on the Bigelows tomorrow!
Date: 2018-07-21
From: Cranberry Pond Stealth Site

To: Flagstaff Lake Campsite
Miles today: 14.7

We hiked the Bigelows today! Ever since we left the Whites we've been hearing that "the tough stuff isn't done yet" because the Bigelows are still over 4K feet and they have some tough exposed terrain for us to cover. They weren't easy, but we had a bluebird day and enjoyed the peaks and all the stunning views they had to offer! There were four main exposed peaks that the trail covers and we've been hearing about rain in the forecast for tomorrow so we were determined to traverse them all today and hopefully make it down to Flagstaff Lake for a swim. The traverse took the entire morning and most of our afternoon but we made it (despite many stops on Little Bigelow - the last peak- to munch on Maine's abundant wild blueberries growing along the trail). Just before we reached our campsite for the night we crossed a gravel road where thru-hiker Irish AF, who just completed his hike yesterday, was waiting with his family, dishing out trail magic on the way home. We had a cold soda each and enjoyed some exciting summit conversation before pushing the final few miles to camp. Our campsite is right on the shore of Flagstaff Lake and we enjoy a refreshing swim before eating dinner on the pebble beach and watching the sun set behind the mountains we climbed earlier in the day.
Date: 2018-07-22
From: Flagstaff Lake Campsite

To: Pierce Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: few clouds

We expected rain and storms this morning but when we woke up (extra early to minimize bad weather hiking) the sun was shining with hardly a cloud in the sky! Still, we got rolling as quickly as possible, anticipating thunderstorms at any time. We made a quick stop at West Carry Pond Shelter for water and discovered some trail magic! A family living across the pond from the shelter boats over a few times a week and leaves goodies for hikers in a (bear proof?) container in the shelter. According to the note inside there are generally homemade sandwiches, baked goods and candy for hikers to take, with the instruction to take some but leave enough for others as well. Unfortunately all of the homemade goods had been cleaned out - but there were some Lindt truffles left so we're not complaining too much! It was a welcome treat and gave us a little boost until lunchtime when, with still no rain in sight, we stopped on the shore of East Carry Pond to take in the views and chow down for the final push to the shelter for tonight. We arrived at the shelter just before 1PM, possibly a record for us completing over 15 miles this early in the day but we're not a minute too soon as the rain starts to drizzle down just after we get under cover. We bunk down in the shelter (only the third one we've slept in so far this year) with hikers Blueberry, Pickle and Buckeye, who all started in Georgia in February this year. Brrr. We enjoy our dry afternoon under cover chatting about summit plans and how early we're all planning to get to the Kennebec river tomorrow for our first and only ferry ride!
Date: 2018-07-23
From: Pierce Pond Lean-to

To: Caratunk, ME
Miles today: 4.0

We awoke to rain today, not unexpected, and finalized our plans for getting to, and across, the Kennebec. The Kennebec River is the only river the AT crosses that is too large to ford but is not spanned by a footbridge or road anywhere near the trail's path. In the early days of the trail hikers would ford the river, but could only do so in fair weather and not during any time when the upstream dam was releasing water (causing a rapid increase in depth and flow). As the trail's popularity increased, the volume of hikers crossing made it clear safe crossing was not always possible and many hikers lost their lives not being willing, or able, to wait for safe crossing. Finally the ATC created a free ferry service for shuttle hikers across, running the entire "normal" at hiking season (May-Oct) from 9AM-2PM. Our camp is only 3.7 miles from the river so if we leave at our normal 7/7:30 time we will arrive too early and be waiting in the rain. Unforunately, a large group of hikers came into the campsite late yesterday, putting the number of people planning to cross today at about 20. Did we mention the ferry is a canoe that can hold 2 hikers at a time? All things considered, we figure we're going to wait either way so we get up and going early, opting to wait for the ferry to start running rather than wait in line behind all those hikers, and at least get into town earlier. Still, as early as we left there are about 7 hikers already waiting when we arrive at the river and we don't make it across until almost 10AM (two people at a time back and forth across the river moves pretty slowly). Difficulties aside, we all made the best of it, laughing and joking as we waited in the rain and dreaming of the milkshakes we've heard are served at the Hostel across the river...Once across we beeline for the Hostel, get our milkshakes and secure a room where we can get showered, dried, warmed up and spend the night out of the rain. All in all an exciting day!
Date: 2018-07-24
From: Caratunk, ME

To: Bald Mountain Brook Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: overcast clouds

After hiking only 4 miles yesterday and enjoying a relaxing day at the Caratunk B&B (fancy name for what is really an awesome hiker Hostel) not only getting milkshakes but a fantastic breakfast of eggs, French toast (with maple and blueberry syrup), home fries, bacon and fruit this morning we are ready to roll out rain or shine. Luckily it's shine and we are able to cruise our first 6 miles to Pleasant Pond mountain, our only climb of the day. Once on the summit our pace really slows as we stop periodically to munch on wild blueberries (quickly becoming our favorite trailside snack here in Maine)! We enjoy lunch at the peak and finally head back down to push out the second half of our day to Bald Mountain Brook shelter where we'll spend the night. We're here with thru-hikers Wandering Dad, Diablo and Prince Honey Bun who tell us there is rain in the forecast for tomorrow, but with clear skies as far as we can see we're hopeful it will hold off!
Date: 2018-07-25
From: Bald Mountain Brook Shelter

To: Piscataquis River Campsite
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: light rain

No rain yet when we wake up this morning and we have breakfast with the other hikers, enjoying watching Wandering Dad start his daily vlog (check him out on YouTube to see us today!) We get going and have a pretty easy day except when we hit our first river crossing that we will have to ford! Every river we have crossed thus far we have either been able to rock hop over or cross on fallen trees and logs so this is a change. Luckily our camp shoes double as fording sandals and we get across without incident and with dry boots. We get to camp early and have time for a quick swim in the river before we have dinner and batten down in preparation for the rain forecast tonight.
Date: 2018-07-26
From: Piscataquis River Campsite

To: Monson, ME
Miles today: 8.6
Weather: scattered clouds

We were up early today and dragged ourselves out into the pouring rain, breaking down camp as quickly as possible and getting moving, with only 8 miles to push into town we were motivated to get through it. We had one more ford today and, though we used our sandals, our boots were soaked before long, slogging through mud and streams. We made it to Monson before lunchtime and checked into Shaw's "the most famous guesthouse on the AT" for the night an a zero tomorrow! We get dried out and head out on the town, checking out a local BBQ joint and then the general store for dessert! We have a resupply box waiting for us at the Hostel (thanks mom and dad!) and a surprise box from Overdue's family with goodies for us to eat as well, woohoo! We'll post up here tomorrow packing food and planning for our foray into the 100 mile wilderness when we leave!
Date: 2018-07-28
From: Monson, ME

To: Leeman Brook Shelter
Miles today: 3.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Between The towns of Monson and Millinocket, ME stretches a 100 mile section of trail with no access to any towns or normal services by public routes. For this time we will be entirely cut off from our usual proximity to civilization; excepting emergency circumstances in which we may be able to be reached by logging roads or water (seaplane) so don't worry mom!
Date: 2018-08-10
From: 100 Mile Wilderness

To: Katahdin - Northern Terminus
Miles today: 110.6
Weather: few clouds

Overdue and I summited Katahdin on August 10th, 2018 after traversing the 100 Mile Wilderness and dilly dallying a day or two in Millinocket to wait for my family to meet us at Baxter. My family wanted to hike the final 5 miles to the summit of big mama K to complete our journey (and then the 5 miles back down) with us to celebrate. We are beyond excited to have completed the AT and so grateful for everyone who has supported us along the way! It is overwhelming to reenter the world after so much time in the woods, but we are excited for future adventures!
Date: 2017-01-12
To: Katahdin
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

The knee is all healed, several pieces of gear updated/replaced, and new plans have been drafted. Looks like I will be returning to the trail for another thru hike attempt! I am feeling better prepared physically to handle the wear and tear on this aging body, as well as being a bit wiser in my approach.I will be returning to Amicalola Falls this coming February - hoping for an early February, weather permitting. Will be looking to spend a couple of days at the lodge (actually, one of their cabins) with my wife, before heading up the approach trail, and beginning my NOBO trek.This year, I will have a new hiking partner. We gained a new family member, a beautiful and loving English/Australian Shepherd we have named Marshall. He is such a treat, and has performed marvelously on the several prep hikes taken this past year. I am really looking forward to sharing this adventure with him these coming months!As with my previous attempt, I will try to keep a daily journal to let my friends and family know that I am still alive, and to share as best as I can describe the details of this hiking adventure.Here we go...again!
Date: 2017-01-18
To: Katahdin
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: fog

Marshall has completed his training, and is now home with us. So excited to have him back home! And very happy with the results of his training!The foundation is solid, and my wife and I are now continually reinforcing through repetition all of the commands taught. And we are having fun with him at the same time - he has such a sweet temperament and is so eager to please!I do plan on keeping him on a leash throughout the hike, but will also be looking for opportunities to "free" him to run and play. I also expect to have significant time and opportunity during this lengthy hike to continually work on his off leash training. And I am sure he will be training me along the way as well...;-)
Date: 2017-01-19
To: Katahdin
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Things are really beginning to fall into place. Travel dates have been set, and the reservations have been made at Amicalola Falls. My wife, Marshall and I will be driving down, visiting the park and local area for a day before starting our trek north.All my gear is ready, and I have packed and repacked to make sure it all fits and I stay within a reasonable weight. My goal is under 35 (with food and water) starting out, and adjusting (lower) as we go forward. I will need to fine-tune the amount of food needed for Marshall, plus some of the cold-weather gear will be swapped out as we move into Spring/Summer.Unless the weather takes a nasty turn, Marshall and I will be on the Approach Trail on Friday, February 10th. I expect and therefore will be prepared for cold and snow, but hopefully will not experience extremes of either!The excitement is really starting to build!
Date: 2017-01-22
To: Katahdin
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: mist

Completed my thru-hike registration with the ATC, and received my tag. Not sure if I will actually carry the tag on my pack, but then again, why not?Discovered that my phone camera is not working...although most of my pictures will be taken on a separate camera, was hoping to take a daily picture with my phone to upload to this journal. Just one more thing to add to my "to do" list before my departure date (hoping they can fix it, versus having to replace the phone!).Will be spending the next several days addressing the ever increasing pile of tasks on said "to do" list - household stuff, tax preparation, vehicle prep for the drive down to GA, etc. I am also updating my gear list when time permits.Getting anxious, but looking forward to kicking off this adventure!Dakota
Date: 2017-02-09
From: USFS 42 Trailhead

To: Springer summit
Miles today: 1.0
Weather: snow

And so it begins!My wife and I (& Marshall!) Made the quick hike up to the summit of Springer Mountain today. Sunny, but windy and cold - but still a fun walk.I registered at the Amicalola Falls visitor center, and am hiker #47. Will be interesting to see what number I'll be given at the halfway point and at the end!Back at the lodge for the night. In the morning, Marshall and I will start our hike, and Diane heads for home. Happy she traveled with us, and hiked that first mile with us...it will be difficult to say goodbye in the morning.
Date: 2017-02-10
From: Springer parking lot

To: Hawk Mt Shelter
Miles today: 7.1
Weather: clear sky

Marshall and I were shuttled to the Springer parking lot this morning, after tough goodbyes with Diane. She drove home as we started our walk.At the parking lot we met another thru hiker - Medicine Man. Our shuttle driver Ron took pictures, and said he would post them on his FB page. Ron is one of the busiest and most hiker-friendly shuttle services in this area...He even had treats for Marshall! I really recommend him if in the area.Forgot to mention in yesterday's entry that we had met a couple of young guys at the top of Springer - Alex and Austin - and that we then gave them a ride to Dahlonega so that they could rethink their pack and drop some weight. Diane's first steps on the AT, and she is already providing trail magic!Back to today's hike...It was good to be back in the woods! Fairly easy hike to Hawk Mt shelter on a beautiful sunny day. Short hike, but decided to start slow and easy. Met several others at the shelter, Medicine Man was there, and Alex and Austin came in before end of day.All in all, a successful start!
Date: 2017-02-11
From: Hawk Mt Shelter

To: Gooch Mt Shelter
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Another great day!Packed up and headed out by 8:30...Slight drizzle throughout the day, but temp was hovering around 50, so not terrible weather.A good workout today, especially up Sassafras and then Justis Mountain...I am definitely not yet in great hiking shape! But that will come...Several times on the uphills, Marshall would stop and give me a look - it was either a "come on, you're slowing me down" look, or one of "hey...You dying back there?". I told him where I kept the food, just in case...Marshall is also becoming popular. I met several trail maintainers as I was approaching the shelter, chatted a bit and thanked them for all their hard work, when one of them yelled out, "hey, it's Marshall!". She remembered him from Ron's Facebook post!Same group here at Gooch Mt shelter, plus about a dozen day hikers. Several of the day hikers had previously thru hiked, so it was fun listening to their stories.Anyway, the rain has started, and it's hiker midnight, so time to hit the hay (tent)!!