morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-04-25
From: Home

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0

Today was a good day to rest. Ran some errands but overall just took it easy and planned out the next leg of my journey. May have a change of plans and hike until the end of May and see how far I get. I will re-evaluate at that point. The trail has a tendency to keep pulling you back, and it's great to have the time to be out there. But, it is not really the same going by myself after having Lil'Mak to share it with the last time. We will see how each of us fares being apart for the first time for a lengthy period.For now, I will head to Rt 309 tomorrow and continue my Northbound Journey (and remember to drink even when I'm not thirsty (so says Lil'Mak).
Date: 2015-04-26
From: Home

To: George W. Outerbridge Shelter
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: broken clouds

Popeye: What a beautiful day! I wasn't in a rush today. Lil'Mak and I drove to Rt 309 and started hiking around 9:30. Lil'Mak hiked with me until we hit knife edge (just under 3 miles) where we said our good-byes. Going forward it will now be Lil'Mak entering my journals based on our phone conversations when I get a chance to call her depending on cell signals. Lil'Mak: Leaving Rt 309 heading North, the first mile and a half is like a tourist trail but then the rocks start and they really won't get better until at least half way through NJ. The sun was warm and for the first part of the trail we were even able to walk side by side while we talked. We set a goal of where and when we would like to meet next. That gives both of us something to focus on and look forward to. Turning around and having to hike out without him was really hard! Popeye called at around 4:30 from Outerbridge shelter. He said it was a rough day as the rocks are just unrelenting. Besides looking at rocks all day, he saw a black snake. There were lots of day hikers out today. He also walked through about a 2 mile section that recently burned. He could not find a spot that was rock free to set up his tent so he relented and will sleep in the shelter tonight. He said he feels good and drank plenty of water. I was very happy to hear that
Date: 2015-04-27
From: George W. Outerbridge Shelter

To: Leroy Smith Shelter
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: broken clouds

Popeye checked in around 9:30 after climbing out of Lehigh Gap. He waited at the top for 2 ladies that were at the same shelter last night to make sure they were going to be ok. One was taking the bad weather route up and the other, the rock climb. Once they were reunited, Popeye took off and didn't see them again today.He met up with a couple that are slackpacking the trail (Trailwench and Pops). The conversation made the miles pass somewhat easier. He had planned to camp somewhere around the 13-15 mile mark for the day but due to lack of campsites (and water) he decided to push to the shelter. He assured me he had plenty of water (and was drinking plenty) for hiking this distance today. His feet are feeling the rocks and the distance though but no blister problems. It was cloudy, damp and windy and wasn't really pleasant hiking weather. Can't wait for it to warm up a bit.Popeye got to the shelter around 5:30 and there were 5 young college aged guys just hanging out. He had a pleasant conversation with them before they left to hike back to the road. As much as he dislikes staying in shelters, he opted for this since there is a chance for showers tonight.His plan was to hike into Wind Gap tomorrow and stay for a night. This would have been under 5 miles (a nero day), but he heard that the motel right at the trail crossing was no longer open (the Gateway). I wouldn't be surprised if the place was eaten by rats. When we zeroed there in 2008 we woke in the middle of the night to find that something had gnawed a big hole in the cabinet under the sink. We could't find the owner in the morning, but left him a note that he likely had a big rodent problem on his hands.Since this would mean a few more miles of walking into town when he doesn't really need to resupply yet, the plan is to hike to the next shelter tomorrow and then nero into Delaware Water Gap the day after that.
Date: 2015-04-28
From: Leroy Smith Shelter

To: Kirkbridge Shelter (but in Pen Argyl tonight)
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: clear sky

Popeye took his time this morning. He left the shelter at 8. I first spoke with Popeye as he was hiking out of Wind Gap. He was feeling good and drinking lots He was going to Kirkbridge shelter tonight until an unexpected meeting soon after Wind Gap.He came across a gentleman doing trail maintenance. As they began talking, Marty recognized Popeye. They had done some section hiking together back in 2003 and yearly after that for a few years with some other group of guys. Who would have thought they would meet by coincidence on the trail again. They continued hiking together for about 8 miles. At Fox Gap, Trailwench and Pops (the section hikers he met yesterday) had left about 6 bottles of water as it was unsure whether or not there was water at Kirkbridge. This was much appreciated! They continued to the shelter and talked a bit longer. Marty ended up inviting Popeye to his house. By the way, Marty is exactly Popeye's age, including having the same birth date. What a treat it is for Popeye to get a home cooked meal, a hot shower and a bed to sleep in. It's amazing how these simple things are so appreciated even after just a week out on the trail.
Date: 2015-04-29
From: Kirkbridge Shelter (but in Pen Argyl tonight)

To: Church of the Mountain Hostel
Miles today: 7.0

Talked to Popeye twice again today. He wasn't in a rush since he was only doing 7 miles into Delaware Water Gap. After a breakfast out with Marty, he got on the trail around 9. He caught up to Jane and Melinda, the 2 ladies that he waited for climbing out of Lehigh Gap. They are from Massachusetts and will be getting off the trail early next week. Popeye was glad for the company and he slowed down a bit to hike with them which is a good thing. When Popeye hikes alone he tends to go faster than he really should. He intends to hike with them for the next few days. The 3 of them got settled in at the hostel before 1 today. They grabbed lunch at the diner and then the ladies went to do laundry while Popeye relaxed back at the hostel. For dinner they went to a pizza place just down the road. He got a sub to go for lunch tomorrow. There will be quite a few places to grab a sandwich or burger the next leg of the journey.Tomorrow it's on to the Mohican Outdoor Center, only about a 10 mile day.
Date: 2015-04-30
From: Church of the Mountain Hostel

To: Mohican Outdoor Center
Miles today: 11.0

Popeye didn't have to rush today. Went for breakfast and was on the trail by 9. Its been a lot of town food lately. By 11 he was passing Sunfish pond. The rocks were not as bad as the last few days. It was a pretty warm day and Popeye was dragging a bit. He, Jane and Melinda made it to the Mohican Center around 3:30. There was an event that had just wrapped up and like any other long distance hiker, Popeye quickly noticed that there was an apple pie sitting out with only a few slices missing. I guess he was seen eyeing it, and felt like he won the prize when he was told to take as much as he wanted. The party that brought it did not want to take it with them. Not much else to report. He will get another restaurant meal tomorrow at Culvers Gap.
Date: 2015-05-01
From: Mohican Outdoor Center

To: Brink Road Shelter
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Popeye is having a hard time telling me what to write about his day. He has done the sections he is currently hiking many times, so unless something out of the ordinary happens there is really not much to say. More rocks, more trees, and thankfully more places to get a good meal. Some of the early thru-hikers are passing him now. A few miles after MOC he climbed Catfish Fire Tower. He had his first tick, just on his pant leg. He again saw a snake and a deer today, no bear yet. He is not seeing many people on the trail. He may be hiking alone again once the ladies get off in a day or so.
Date: 2015-05-02
From: Brink Road Shelter

To: Mashipacong Shelter
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: clear sky

Today was another opportunity to get "town" food for lunch. Popeye made it to Culver's gap somewhere around 10:30. There is a bar and they assured him the grill was already fired up and ready to go. When we stopped there 7 years ago, we had a few beers with our lunch and cursed about it later as we were really dragging after that. We blamed it on the beer. This time Popeye decided on a soda with his lunch and he still felt really sluggish for at least an hour afterward. So maybe it's just eating heavy food that you are not used to on the trail and then hiking right away. Beer is ok By the way, the deli named Joe To Go is closed. This place was right next to the trail, (closer than the bar), but the owner hated hikers. I guess he finally had enough of them and moved on.Popeye twisted his ankle today which led to a fall. He was really glad that he had the knee brace on as this may have saved him from really hurting it. After all kinds of thoughts like "this hike is done", "what am I doing out here", "am I really enjoying it", etc. he realized he was ok and hiked on.
Date: 2015-05-03
From: Mashipacong Shelter

To: Secret Shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: few clouds

Popeye hit the trail at 8. The first 5 miles were "brutal" as he described it. There were so many rocks, and puds (hiker term for pointless ups and downs)that he was considering a really short day. But, once he rested, he continued on to his goal for tonight which is the Jim Murry cabin or as hikers call it, the secret shelter. I believe he is a past thru-hiker who owns a bit of land with a small cabin on it and let's hikers use it. It has a well, and an outside (cold) shower. There is a nice porch and plenty of grass area to tent. Popeye commented how much better the last 8 miles were compared to the first 5.Unfortunately, Popeye ended up there alone for the night. Earlier in the day, somewhere near the High Point Monument, Melinda fell and broke her wrist. She had to hike about a mile to where she was picked up by her husband to head to the hospital. Jane decided to continue to Unionville where she would end her hike, about 2 miles past the secret shelter. I am glad Popeye was able to hike with these ladies. I know he enjoyed their company.Now Popeye will have to really slow down since I can't meet up with him until Friday at Greenwood Lake, one of our many favorite spots on the trail. He has 4 days to do just under 30 miles.
Date: 2015-05-04
From: Secret Shelter

To: Pochuck Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.1
Weather: broken clouds

Must slow down, must slow down...This is what Popeye has to keep telling himself if we want to meet in Greenwood Lake, NY on Friday, which is the plan. Not much to report. The trail was not too bad today except that he had to haul a lot of water since the source at the shelter was .6 miles straight down and he wasn't about to go there. The last mile or so was straight up to the shelter and it was hot today. He had made it by 12:30 or so when he called today. Talked to him again in the evening and there was still no one else there. With the weather warming up nicely it can't be long until he encounters people daily (at least section hikers). The thru-hiker herd may be nearing mid PA but with the brutal winter they may be even further south yet.Our cat Fuzzy finally broke down and let ME give her a belly rub this morning. That was always something solely sought from Popeye.
Date: 2015-05-05
From: Pochuck Mountain Shelter

To: St Thomas Church Hiker Hostel
Miles today: 6.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Popeye did end up with some company last night. Two guys (military) came into the shelter who are section hiking. This morning started out with a steep and rocky climb. Once at the top of the ridge the rocks disappeared and walking became enjoyable. Then there was the boarkwalk, which made for fast walking. Popeye was at the road to the hostel by 10 or 10:30. Unfortunately he wasn't able to get a ride so he ended up walking another 2.4 miles.He had a craving for a whopper at Burger King. This is very unusual for him as he never eats fast food. At the hostel tonight is "Chronic" who is 10 years older than Popeye. He is from New Hampshire and hikes a lot in the Whites. They went for dinner together at a nice restaurant. They are both taking zeros at the hostel tomorrow so Popeye will have company.
Date: 2015-05-06
From: St Thomas Church Hiker Hostel

To: Staying Put
Miles today: 0.0

Lazed around today and ate well. Less than 16 miles the next 2 days and will meet up with Lil'Mak. After this weekend I should be well rested and fed which should give me new energy to continue with my hike on Sunday. 2 more hikers came in today making it 4 here tonight.
Date: 2015-05-07
From: Staying Put

To: Wawayanda Shelter
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: clear sky

Popeye carried out a sub from town, half for lunch and half for dinner. He called around 10 after getting to the shelter. He decided to stay for the night. He will have 10 miles tomorrow to meet me at the Bellvale Creamery. Can't wait!He is finally tenting again. Might as well use it since he is carrying the weight. As of 6 or so he was still the only one at that site.
Date: 2015-05-08
From: Wawayanda Shelter

To: Antons on the Lake
Miles today: 10.0

Popeye left camp at 6:30 to try and make it to the Creamery to meet Lil'Mak. By 9:30 it was unbearably hot. The first 4 miles were not so bad but the 3 after that were brutal. The trail was hand over hand climbs on exposed rocks. No shade and no breeze. The last 3 were again much better. When I pulled in at the creamery Popeye had just ordered a coffee shake.Soon after, we got checked in and first thing was a shower for Popeye. I forgot how bad the hiker smell is after being away from it for a while. We went for lunch and Popeye only ordered a grilled cheese. My first thought was, oh no. The last time he didn't feel like eating we ended up in the ER with a dehydration diagnosis. This time he did eat but he wasn't feeling that great. After some rest we decided it was a slight case of heat exhaustion. By evening he was feeling much better especially in the air conditioned restaurant. The sun was extremely hot today. Tomorrow is a day of rest.
Date: 2015-05-10
From: Antons on the Lake

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0

 If things went to original plan, Popeye would have been back on the trail today. However, a number of reasons called him home. First, there was hardly anyone out there. Although he did walk with a few, most of the time he was by himself. The last day and a half he didn't run into anyone. It had gone from winter like weather to summer heat. First he was slightly cold at nights, later he had heat exhaustion from hiking on the exposed rocks in NY. NY also was very dry, making it difficult to carry enough water to keep hydrated. Overall, he was starting to question whether he was really enjoying himself. He didn't make a final decision until the day after Lil'Mak met him at Greenwood Lake. The pull to go home was too great. That doesn't mean he may not go out again. The original, original plan was to start at Katahdin and hike home. Somewhere along the way that turned into leaving from home in April and hiking North. This came about probably with the thought that he would be home earlier in the summer and still have fall to enjoy at home. Waiting until June to hike South though would have meant forming friendships right from the start, and having hiking companions. This will be considered as he ponders his next move.Stay tuned.
Date: 2015-06-19
From: Home

To: Mt. Katahdin
Miles today: 0.0

Popeye had a bit of time to contemplate what to do after he got off the trail. Psychologically it was tough to head North and be walking away from home. When the offer came to get a ride up to Katahdin from Thorny (a friend we hiked with in 2008), he just couldn't pass it up. So, back to the plan as it was originally laid out (to hike home from Maine) was set in motion today. I must say, this time it's much tougher for me. If all goes well for Popeye, I will not see him for 2-3 months.
Date: 2015-06-20
From: Mt. Katahdin

To: Monson
Miles today: 8.0

I received a text at 5:20 am this morning that Popeye, Thorny and Susan finally made it to Millinocket and were heaving breakfast. The plan is to climb Mt. Katahdin today with Thorny and Susan, then drive to Monson tonight to get some much needed sleep I'm sure. Tomorrow Thorny and Susan drive the long distance back home while Popeye heads South. He opted not to do the 100 mile wilderness again, as he has done it 3 times already throughout the years, the last time in 2013 with Thorny. Unfortunately the weather forecast is not so good for Sunday, lots of rain. If it is too bad, he will hike out on Monday. As you can see the weather was perfect today which made that climb all worth it.
Date: 2015-06-22
From: Moxie Bald Lean-to

To: Pleasant Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 13.1

Very tough trail today. Lots of blowdowns made hiking slow. No waterbars made the trail a creek. The slippery mud caused numerous falls. Only ran into 2 other hikers today. One heading North and the other a Southbound section hiker. Looks like reception will be sketchy at best for a while. I think I remember Verizon being better down South and AT&T better up North on our last thru-hike. Popeye recently switched to Verizon. Looks like rain tomorrow but then a nice 6-7 days after that.
Date: 2015-06-23
From: Pleasant Pond Lean-to

To: Caratunk,Maine
Miles today: 5.7

Rainy days make for lots of mud. Talked with Popeye and the original plan today was to make it to the Kennebec river between 9 and 11, the window of time when you can get a ride across in a canoe. This is the official way to cross. Hikers have drowned in the past crossing this wide river and this service was made available to hikers. Popeye made it by 10:30 but decided to take a break from the elements and go into Caratunk and is staying at a B&B.Spent the afternoon doing wash and eating some good food. Later, the owner shuttled him to the resort a few miles away with even more food choices. A little rest today and Popeye will be ready for the next leg of under 40 miles to Stratton.
Date: 2015-06-24
From: Caratunk,Maine

To: West Carry Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 14.0

Trails continue to be very wet. This takes a toll on the feet and stopping and drying out every few hours is a must if you dont want problems to start. This is hard to do since all you think about is getting to your destination so you can finally rest and relax. The terrain is so rough and not having your trail legs yet makes for long days. Popeye remarked about some redness on the feet but it didnt sound like a problem. He finally had company tonight. 5 young guys that hope to thru hike South.
Date: 2015-06-25
From: West Carry Pond Lean-to

To: Safford Notch Campsite
Miles today: 12.6

The weather has improved and will be good for the next couple of days. The cold mornings keep the mosquitoes from making their appearance until about mid-morning. The black flies have not been a problem so far.It was again a long day for Popeye. I have finally gotten pictures from him so have posted those. He is doing great using his smart phone to get those to me. He is posed to climb the Bigelow mountains tomorrow and plans for a short day since those will be tough. The weather will be great until Sunday and plans a zero in Stratton that day.
Date: 2015-06-26
From: Safford Notch Campsite

To: Cranberry Stream Campsite
Miles today: 8.5

Pretty exhausting day. Popeye was really beat after climbing up and down the Bigelows. Maine is tough and even tougher when you don't have the conditioning that you have when you reach Maine thru-hiking Northbound. He is less than 2 miles from Stratton where he may stay until Monday with the weather that's in the forecast.
Date: 2015-06-28
From: Stratton, ME

To: Stratton, ME
Miles today: 0.0

The 2 sisters that Popeye has seen the last few days are also in Stratton. There is also another thru-hiker that came in to town and his trail name is also Popeye. They decided on Sr. and Jr. Town means good eating. They all went grocery shopping and bought chicken thighs. I don't know if Popeye Sr. talked them into it or not, but he was in heaven. There is a full kitchen where they are staying that hikers can use.As nice as it is to head into a town, it is really nice to get back on the trail and Popeye is ready for the next leg. The next town of Rangeley is roughly 32 miles.
Date: 2015-06-29
From: Stratton, ME

To: Spaulding Mtn Lean-to
Miles today: 13.5

Popeye did not have a good enough signal to call but he sent a short text. He made it to Spaulding Mtn Lean-to. Today's terrain is shown in the picture. The direction he hiked is from the bottom right to the left until the second bolded title of the lean-to. I'm sure it was tough. The group of 4 from Stratton planned to hike together but didn't say if all pushed that far today.
Date: 2015-06-30
From: Spaulding Mtn Lean-to

To: Eddy Pond
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: broken clouds

It was another tough day. Popeye went over the Saddleback range which was a climb over Saddleback Jr., the Horn, and Saddleback Mtn. The last 2 take you above tree line. It was over 12 hours of walking.Popeye thought he could make it to the 2nd lean-to but stopped 2 miles short. It started to rain after getting to the campsite. He didn't even try to cook dinner. Just changed into dry clothes and went to sleep.
Date: 2015-07-01
From: Eddy Pond

To: Farm House Hostel, Rangeley, ME
Miles today: 3.7
Weather: broken clouds

Popeye is still meeting up with Popeye Jr at the end of the day. They made it into Rangeley today. The forecast is for nice weather for the next 4 days or so. Maine's trails have been very muddy. Between that and the mountains it has been a challenge.Popeye has lost about 12 lbs so far. That seems like a lot for being out there less than 2 weeks.The next leg will be to the town of Andover, roughly 37 miles.
Date: 2015-07-02
From: Farm House Hostel, Rangeley, ME

To: Sabbath Day Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: light rain

Cell phone service has not been very good. I hear from Popeye every other day or so and when I'm at work I can't always pick-up. Popeye's big toe was bothering him today so he didn't push past the shelter. The trail is drying up a bit. He is really ready to get Maine done. Although, the Whites come next and that is just as tough.
Date: 2015-07-06
From: Speck Pond Campsite

To: Full Goose Shelter
Miles today: 5.1

Got location from a text. Decided the Notch was enough for one day. Coming down the Mahoosuc Arm was slippery. At least he didn't have rain like we did in 2008 (going up the arm that year). It was so wet, you sunk in the moss at least a foot with each step. You literally have only trees to hold unto to navigate this stretch. Our friend Snakebait was saying "trees are my friend" the whole way up. I guess you had to be there to see the humor in it. His tone and the way he would say it was so funny.
Date: 2015-07-07
From: Full Goose Shelter

To: Genital Pond Shelter
Miles today: 9.6

Only got a text again today with nothing but the location for the night. If I remember correctly, I thought this shelter had the best view on the entire trail.This puts Popeye 4.7 miles into NH. I'm sure the town of Gorham will be the goal for tomorrow, roughly 12 miles. This is the start of the Whites.
Date: 2015-07-08
From: Genital Pond Shelter

To: Gorham, NH
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: broken clouds

Made it to Gorham. Lost Waterbug as a hiking partner. He may have had to go home to deal with his backpack issues. Originally they were to meet in Gorham.Planning to slack-pack about 20 miles tomorrow, then maybe take a zero on Friday. Popeye said he feels beat up so I'm not sure why he is planning this. Hopefully he will find someone he enjoys hiking with again. Soon he will be running into some Northbound thru-hikers we met on the trail in PA late May when we were doing trail maintenance. Enough re-supply is needed to get through the Whites. He is looking forward to getting them done in order to be able to up his daily miles.