morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2018-08-16
From: Nesuntabunt Mt

To: Potaywadjo Spring lean-to
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke up to a beautiful sunrise over katahdin. Really enjoyed having service and catching up with people. I love hiking and having no schedule but definitely will miss Internet and tv. However the no schedule thing made a grumpy day of hiking as we didn¢t get started hiking till 1045. I was suppose to wake Kel up at 9 but my phone died and i was enjoying stretching and just lounging and really had no idea of time. I¢m quite good at doing nothing.Usually I assume 2 mph when backpacking but Maine is covered in roots, rocks, mud and water so we are much slower. The trail volunteers do a great job of laying down planks and stones but you really have to watch your step.Our first stop we made was at Nahmakanta lake to filter water. All of us wanted to swim but only rusty did. We decided our next stop for lunch would be a swimming stop but as we kept walking we realized we would be really late to our campsite. We only have food for 7 nights and there are no easy resupply places in the 100 mile wilderness so we do have to keep a schedule - bummer.It was a beautiful walk over looking lakes most of the time but still hard since we had to push. We did have a beautiful though brief stop at Pemadumcook lake and had the clearest view of Katahdin. We ended about 630 and stayed in our first designated campsite at the Potaywadjo Spring lean-to. It is a nice wooded campsite but there are other people here, we can¢t see them but can hear them, so I have to really watch rusty so he doesn¢t bark. We did have a nice night though looking at pics and deciding on a plan for tomorrow. I¢m waking Kel at 730.Pretty sad but Rusty crawled in Kel's tent and really did not want to join me. Kel's tent is smaller though so he should be with me plus I want him to be so I had to drag him out.
Date: 2018-08-17
From: Potaywadjo Spring lean-to

To: .1 miles past the access to Crawford pond
Miles today: 14.5

This morning wasn¢t nearly as relaxing as the others. I let rusty wander as usual but he heard people so started barking, when we are walking he never barks at people however once we claim our spot he thinks he has to guard it. Rusty ended up crawling in Kels tent. I woke both them at 8 and we started hiking around 845. Our first stop was Jo Mary lake to filter water. Next was Antlers campsite for coffee and a snack. That would have been a great place to camp.Kels feet were really bothering her so we stopped at footbridge to fix her blisters which were huge - 2 she popped and bandaged. I am really glad I switched to Saloman trail shoes though I do have a couple small blisters.I feel bad for Kel because she is really ready to be done and we are less then halfway. We have no service so there is no way out. She is being good about it but just expressing her feelings. She is finding it tedious which I do understand. I¢ll find out next week when I¢m alone if I really do love it but right now I think it¢s great.We stopped at a great lean-to Cooper Book Falls and were tempted to stay there and swim under the falls however our plan was for a spot past Crawford pond that would be on the water too and most likely be private, A nobo told us about it. We did enjoy meeting the 3 people that were staying there though. 2 were already thru hikers and the other had gotten hurt last year and was finishing this year. The guy was a nobo 2013 and trying a Sobo this year - Yay another Sobo and only the 2nd I¢ve met. The 2 woman were nobo and were enjoying finishing the rest of the one woman¢s hike from last year. Their advice was don¢t forget to have fun.Fortunately we moved on because this spot is great. We had planned on swimming but the water and air were cold so just took a quick dunk to clean off. It really made us feel better. We had a nice dinner on the beach but ended quickly with the rain. Hopefully the rain stops before we wake up. It is nice to fall asleep to though. This really would have been a great day if Kels feet weren¢t hurting. I like our many breaks.
Date: 2018-08-18
From: .1 miles past the access to Crawford pond

To: Sidney Tappan Campsite
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: light rain

Since we went to bed so early I woke up around 3. It was still raining so I read in my tent for a couple of hours then fell back asleep until 7. It was still raining so for the first time ever we had to pack up in the rain - no fun at all. Kel bandaged her blisters and put on dry socks but then had to put on her wet boots and wet clothes. It rained on and off most of the day so her blistered feet were wet all day. Fortunately Rusty does not mind the rain or walking through water. This was our hardest day too with many climbs; the downhills are actually the hardest part especially on wet rocks. About 3:30 we stopped at the Carl A Newhall Lean-to for a snack break and to filter to water. We met a flip flopper Bee's Knees and 2 others that were doing the 100 mile wilderness. Pretty funny but the 2 that were doing the 100 mile had met Kel and Rusty at Shaws where Kel got her shuttle. They were just talking about Rusty and were wondering how he was doing. They were very happy to see him enjoying the hike.  I would have been happy to stop there but Kel wanted to get over the next mountain today instead of tomorrow morning which was smart. We did get a great view of Katahdin from halfway up the White Cap Mt and then were in the clouds on top of the mountain which was pretty neat.  Unfortunately the downhill was slippery so we were very slow. We did get to see the sunset on Hay Mt but then had to use our headlamps for the last mile to Sidney Tappan Campsite. We needed water so could not stealth camp. I thought night hiking would be fun but it isn't with Rusty because he barks at noises at night. Like Kel said it is good if he scaring off an animal but its not when going into a camp with others already sleeping. Once I put him on a leash he stopped however it made walking harder for me and unfortunately it was on a rocky decline.We got to camp after 9 and then had to set up wet tents and eat dinner quietly since we had many other campers nearby and already sleeping. Not a fun way to end the day but we actually set ourselves up mileage wise for a nice 3 day distance to end the 100 mile wilderness. For some reason Kel could not get her tent to stand up right. I offer to help but she said good enough and crawled in to sleep. Actually the wet tents ended up being fine to sleep in. Both of our sleeping bags were wet but still cozy. Not sure what happens though when its raining during set up.
Date: 2018-08-19
From: Sidney Tappan Campsite

To: Moose Mountain Inn
Miles today: 7.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke up this morning to everything still wet since it was a foggy night. I did ask someone how to best deal with wet stuff and he said just pack it up and hope for a clear night to dry things up. Kel's feet really look terrible but we have no service so really no way out - 37 miles to go. She took care of her feet as best she could popping some and using moleskin. Really an awful day for both of us. She is in pain limping along and there is nothing I can do to help. She now feels claustrophobic with the green tunnel trapping her inside and I feel like a drill sergeant. Fortunately we have happy Rusty bouncing along looking back at us impatiently. He surprised a hiker who was excited to see a fox until he realized it was a pup - part pom part fox!We did take a nice break along side a running stream where Kel re-bandaged her blisters. She did seem happier after that so I thought they felt better. Then we got to a waterfall where the Gulf Hagas Trail intersects the AT. Kel saw day hikers and realized she could get out. She was so excited!!!At first she was going to go alone and then meet me at the end of the 100 mile wilderness where we had hostel reservation for Tues and Weds night. Instead I decided to go with her then she would bring me back to the parking lot Tues where I would then continue my hike and she would drive back to MD then FL. I asked the first woman I saw if she could give us a ride until we could get service. At first she looked surprised but then I explain to her that we were hiking the trail and Kel just needed to get off to take care of her feet. As soon as she saw Kel feet she said poor baby and gave Kel some spray to help the pain. We were so LUCKY! They, Lindsey and Micky - mom and daughter, were from Bangor ME and had came out here to hike the Gulf Hagas trail and just explore this area of Maine. They take day trips with a destination in mind and then just decide where to go from there. They have no definite schedule and just enjoy each others company. Definitely fun caring family and really saved us. They drove us directly to Shaw's Hikers Hostel where Kel had left her car. All we did was say thank you. I really wish I had gotten there full names and address but at the time was not thinking.  Then we headed to the Lakeshore Lodge and Pub. I hoped I could change my reservation to tonight and tomorrow but was unable to switch it. We had driven through Greenville on our way to Shaw's so we headed back that way and found the beautiful Moose Mountain Inn. We both took long wonderful showers and then headed to a sunset dinner at Kelly's Landing. Had a great dinner and then watched TV in bed drinking Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc - such luxury!
Date: 2018-08-20
From: Moose Mountain Inn

To: Moose Mountain Inn
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Great night sleeping in a comfy bed. Started the day watching sunrise over Moosehead lake. Then used my computer to update my blog. Love my laptop so much better then my phone - so much easier to see. Will be my last time using it though until I'm done my hike.  Rusty was very happy to lounge all day with Kel. About noon we left the hotel to do laundry and get lunch. The laundry mat was family run with twins and their mom and was really a fun vibe. Really enjoyed bumming around the town while doing laundry. Then spent the afternoon at the hotel before heading out to Stressfree Moose Pub and Cafe for a great dinner. Back at the hotel enjoyed watching Rusty doing tricks and watching Bachelor in Paradise.
Date: 2018-08-21
From: Moose Mountain Inn

To: Cloud Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 10.7

Kel dropped us off at the Gulf Hagas parking lot and Rusty and I started off. Rusty trotted slowly behind me looking sad confused as to why we were not waiting for Kel. It took a good 5 mins before he gave up and moved in front and looked happy.   Perfect hiking weather. Really enjoyed hiking today climbing many mountains and overlooking beautiful lakes. Decided to stop for the night at what I thought was Long Pond Stream Lean-to at mile marker 99.4.  I changed my mind because it was a long hike down to get to it, my awol guide didn¢t show tent sites and there was a stream coming up in a mile.  (My favorite camping spots are by running water.).  I get to the top of the Barren mountain in time to see the sunset - so beautiful.  ShaggyDog and Sally Forth were sitting up there admiring the view. Shaggy Dog questions where I¢m going since he had just come up the other way.  I told him I was going to stop at the last shelter but then decided to camp by the stream coming up.  He says the next spot is about 4 miles away down a huge steep decline. He shows me his ap guthooks which shows the next water source. I show him awol guide and he realizes I am completely wrong about where I am. The lean to I just passed was Cloud Pond at the 95.4 mile marker. Ug! It was too late to go 4 miles so I head back with them to Cloud Pond.  We get there right when it¢s getting dark so i get water, set my tent up and make dinner and eat in my tent. Quiet hours are as soon as it gets dark.In my tent thinking about the day I realized that means I averaged about 1mph today. My normal backpacking speed is 2mph. This terrain really is harder then anything I¢ve done. Worse is that because of my stupid mistake we got to camp too late and walked 2 extra miles.  I am getting guthooks next town day.  The positive was meeting great people.
Date: 2018-08-22
From: Cloud Pond Lean-to

To: North Pond
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: mist

I had a great night sleep even though I had set up beside the shelter.  It was drizzling so I had to pack up a wet tent again. I did get started early around 7. I always wake up before 6 so guess this will be my normal start time.   It was foggy and rainy all day so I missed all the beautiful views. You can¢t wait till clear days to hike but I really hope to hit the best spots on a sunny day.  Hiking was fun in the morning but eventually things just became a muddy slippery mess. There were many fords that were impossible to get through without splashing through the water. Thru two I had to carry Rusty because they were knee deep and the current was rushing. I switched to my crocs for them so I could keep my shoes semi dry. It feels horrible sloshing around when your feet are soaked.  However about 2 I slipped on a rock and landed on my butt in the water. Once again my backpack saved me from getting hurt but now it was halfway soaked too. After that I just slogged through the fords without worrying about getting wet just making sure not to fall again.  About 3 all I could think about was getting to the end of the 100 mile and going to a hostel for a hot shower. I had about 8 miles to go then.  I must have fallen at least 10 times so I was a muddy mess. Rusty had just slogged through the mud so he was a mess too.  About 6 I realized I had no hope of making it to town so decided I would just stopped at the next water spot to get water for dinner and then stop at the next place I could set up my tent. About 30 mins later I came to North Pond which was actually a great place to set up my tent too.  Also nice because I could clean up both myself and Rusty.  Even though it was drizzling we got to see the sunset. I took a picture but it didn¢t come out.  We were exhausted and I was really looking forward to a great night sleep listening to the running water however Rusty popped my sleeping pad. I tried to fix it but about 11 woke up to it flat. I really didn¢t sleep much after that.  I¢m a baby and the ground is too hard for me.  Tomorrow I plan to walk the remaining 4 miles and then head to town for a shower! I¢m really hoping the hostel has a private room for me but will deal with whatever.
Date: 2018-08-24
From: ShawÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs Hiker Hostel

To: Moxie Bald Mt lean-to
Miles today: 17.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Woke up, packed up my bag and joined the many other hikers outside waiting for breakfast. At 7 breakfast started being served.  You had your choice of how you wanted your eggs. I was in the last group but when the server came in the room with eggs over easy and no one claimed them I said I¢d love to take them so she gave them to me. The plate consisted of 3 eggs, 3 strips of bacon and a massive amount of hash browns - yum!  And there were pitchers of OJ and coffee.  Next came the best blueberry pancakes which were all you can eat. My hiker hunger has not kicked in but I did have 1.  Perfect way to start a hiking day.   Next Poet started shuttling hikers to the trail. I was ready but he could only take 7 per load so i got on the 2nd shuttle. Poet dropped us off with info on the up coming hike and a great haiku which i will look up when I get service. My hike should be easy for the next 50 miles but then I¢ll hit southern Maine and New Hampshire which are the hardest sections on the trail.  Today¢s hike was much easier; I didn¢t fall once though i did bang up both shins on rocks.  There were 3 fordings where I had to switch to crocs.  The current wasn¢t too strong though so Rusty could swim across. Also nice spots for long breaks.  I did buy the guthooks ap last night but could not figure out how to use it. Fortunately a trail runner came along and set it up for me.  He had done the trail last year and plans to do the PCT next year. I didn¢t need it today but really wanted it just in case.I got to the lean-to right at dinner time and there were 5 other hikers sitting at the table making dinner. Love that this lean to has a picnic table.  Bees knees, who I had met a couple days ago, was happy to see Rusty which made me feel great since not everyone thinks dogs should be on the trail - the dummies.  I set my tent up, got water and then joined them. All were making different crazy meals which is really fun for me to see.  I had a boring but good mountain house freeze dried meal.Rusty wanted to go to bed and since I¢m afraid he¢ll pop my pad again I went with him. I start writing this but hear the boys talking about how beautiful the moon is so have to join them. I¢m so glad I did because it was an orange full moon reflecting over the pond. Also there were frogs all over which were fun to see.Time for bed with my comfy pad all fixed up!
Date: 2018-08-25
From: Moxie Bald Mt lean-to

To: Holly Brook
Miles today: 16.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Woke to the boys joking in the shelter which was nice since they remind me of Dan and his gang though that happened when coming in at night.I started off hiking around 7. Once again a great day for hiking though a bit warm for Rusty.  He cools off by laying in the streams which is very cute. We had some great Mountain View¢s and some nice piney green tunnels that smell like Christmas. There were some places I had to pick Rusty up because they were too steep and high to climb. He¢s really good at figuring out how to scale things but some places were just too hard.  For my coffee/lunch break I stopped at a tiny dock on Moxie Pond. I smelled so I cleaned my shirt there too. Actually felt great putting the damp cool shirt back on though the smell did come back as I sweated through the climbs. It is gross but I was told I will get use to it. Also antiperspirant is a chemical we shouldn¢t be using.  Ha!  And I use to think that about Deet however 3 days now I¢ve used it. The bugs really haven¢t been bad though just those few spots. However there have been annoying nats that love to fly by in your eyes and ears.  I saw my first snake today; just a little one but fun to see. There are frogs all over the path tiny and large.  They aren¢t really afraid of you unless your feet or poles come close.  There are a ton of little squirrels about a third the size of the MD grey ones. They yell loudly at you when you come close.  They are not afraid of people either though do run from Rusty then yell at him from a tree. They are really cute. I¢ve also seen a few chipmunks.It was fun seeing Bee Knees and the boys at various spots today. They showed me the really low blueberry bushes - yum! Rusty likes them too. They are much faster then I am so I probably won¢t see them much though.We also met 2 nobo pups on the trail today. The first was a beautiful Shepard. They said he was doing great but had a hard time at first because he was use to sleeping 18hrs a day. That is probably an issue with Rusty too but he is definitely enjoying the hike.  The other dog was a terrier about Rusty¢s size. He¢s only issues were in the White¢s. He scrapped the fronts of his paws when pulling himself up over boulders. His gang was funny. We met them when they were cooking with a frying pan and sitting in camp chairs. They don¢t worry about how much weight they carry and they cook great meals.  Steak that¢s vacuum sealed can last for 3 days not refrigerated. They were really enjoying their hike.  Ended up finding a great camping spot by Holly Brook. Excited to be going to sleep with the sound of running water. Also it¢s just 8 and I¢m laying in my tent writing this ready for sleep. I have no service though so posting late.
Date: 2018-08-26
From: Holly Brook

To: West Carry Pond lean-to
Miles today: 16.6
Weather: clear sky

Had a great night sleep and nice easy 3 mile walk to the Kennebec River which has a ferry service from 9-2 that takes hikers across. Hikers are not suppose to swim across because the currents can be very strong. A hiker died this year trying. Rusty and I waited for about an hour talking with a fun couple who explore Maine by RV and boat. Of course we had to sign liability wavers before taking the short but nice canoe ride across and we saw an eagle.The hike was beautiful today going by waterfalls and lakes and really nice terrain until the last 2 miles which went back to the roots, rocks and mud. It was really tough mentally and physically ending like that but fortunately ended around 5 for a nice relaxing night. A couple other section hikers are here and it¢s great to talk to them because they¢re more my speed. Also loved Pete¢s attitude about Rusty barking when he came near my tent - he should bark he is protecting you. Thanks!!!It¢s just before 7 and I¢m ready for bed.
Date: 2018-08-27
From: West Carry Pond lean-to

To: Avery memorial campsite
Miles today: 14.9

Started off with a nice and easy 7 mile hike around a beautiful lake then hit the mountains in southern Maine. Tough climb up Little Bigelow with many views though teasers because I kept thinking it was the top.  Finally made it to the top and took a break enjoying the view.  Talk to a nobo up there and was informed the next mt was even tougher.  I thought the last one was tough. He wasn¢t kidding though when I finally made it up there was a good 50yds of ridge walking which was stunning. Unfortunately I could not stay on top long because it was late and I did not want to descend in the dark. Fortunately I did because the descent was all rocks and scary.  I stopped about .4 miles down at Avery campsite.  There are about 6 other campers here but it¢s nice cause all the spots are at least 25yds apart and you cannot see them though you can hear them. Once again 7 is quiet time since a lot go to sleep then. I¢m now sleeping from 8-5 though get up in the middle of the night to write this. I don¢t have the running water to put me to sleep tonight but do have the wind.
Date: 2018-08-28
From: Avery memorial campsite

To: Hostel of Maine
Miles today: 8.1
Weather: broken clouds

Woke up this morning to a cool mist.  Packed up quick and headed out.  I¢m stopping in Stratton, the next town, to get a couple day resupply.  I do have a mail drop coming at mile 220 but no way I can make it there that fast.  I¢m 2 days behind what I expected.  I¢ve been told that through New Hampshire expect slow going.  We got to the Bigelow west peak and when we got above tree line the wind was howling and hard to walk in.  There was about a 25yd ridge walk that would have been beautiful but more scary/thrilling in the wind.  I was definitely glad to go back below tree line.  The walk today was mostly downhill but, because everything was wet, was a slow walk.  A couple of really rocky places I had to pick Rusty up.  We finally got to the road ME 27 and I called for a shuttle to the Statton Hostel.   My phone call was broken up so I called back and left a message.  Within a couple minutes a shuttle arrived but was full; however, he was coming back to pick up two more nobo hikers and I could catch a ride then.  I moved over to sit with them and found out we were actually headed to a new hostel, Hostel of Maine.  What a beautiful place!  Once again greeted by a great dog Zoey.  This place is run to be kept clean.  Shoes and backpacks stay outside. Then you check in on the deck through an open window.  Melody gives you a landry bag. They have loaner clothes so you can clean everything.  Love their delousing system.   Also they have a nice restocking store where I buy my first ramon bomb concoction.  They also have a great selection of beer.For dinner they do takeout but everyone eats together in their kitchen.  After dinner we all enjoy their beautiful porch.