morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-07-27
From: South Arm Road

To: ME 4, Rangeley
Miles today: 26.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Got up about 4:30 to hit the trail at 6:00. Ate my trail food for breakfast. Got a shuttle ride to the trail, 9 miles out of town, and was hiking by 6:20. It was a long day of hiking and the trail conditions varied. The morning was more difficult and the afternoon was much easier. I saw less hikers today but there are still several south bound thru hikers.I wanted to hike biggeriles today to get to another hostel with creature comforts and not put up a tent. I was instructed by the next hostel owners to call them for a ride twoiles out. I got cell service but when I placed the call the service went to roaming and I was unable to place the call. That is the problem with counting on technology in the woods.I hiked on and went to another hostel 0.3 miles from the trailhead. The owner lives off grid and had no phone. He reluctantly gave me a $10 shuttle ride tothe other hostel. I also had two boxes at the first hostel that were supposed to be picked up the day before by the second shuttle owner. The end of the day was frustrating because they did not go as I expected. It worked out to my advantage because right when I got the shuttle ride a big thunderstorm rolled in. I found out when I got to my destination there was no one there to come and pick me up anyhow. They were out doing other things and did not get back to the hostel until 30 minutes after I got there. I would have been standing in the rain waiting on a ride! Things have turned out like that for me plenty of times on this adventure.There were a lot of faces at the hostel that I thought were a day ahead of me. Lots of hikers go for comfort, especially this late in the hike. Everyone is tired and ready to be finished.
Date: 2015-07-28
From: ME 4, Rangeley

To: Spalding Mountain Lean-to
Miles today: 18.7
Weather: broken clouds

Got up early again to eat my trail food for breakfast. I also had some fruit and ice cream. I thought I was going to zero here because I was tired but the place was very undesirable to me. I ended up leaving a few food items that I had purchased at IGA but I would not leave ice cream. The 7:00 shuttle left at 7:30 sharp! I planned to hike about 24 miles but found I just could not do those miles on these big hills with the heat and another poor nights rest in a hostel.I got to the Lean-to, what is called a shelter in other states, about 5:00pm. Luckily there was a good tent spot near the lean-to. There were at least four hikers that came in after me looking for a tent site. That is the one good thing about ending the day early, more tenting options.There are downsides to staying by shelters or official camp sites. Shelter mice may make a visit to your food bag at night. Other hikers like to talk go a long time. Then there are those that snore. Fortunately I have not lost my earplugs. The upside is the availability of water and a privy. Both make life easier on the trail.
Date: 2015-07-29
From: Spalding Mountain Lean-to

To: ME 27 (Stratton, ME)
Miles today: 13.5

Today ended up being a very tough day. It was warm starting out. The hiking was hard even though I got a pretty good night sleep/rest in my tent. It got hot early on. The day started with a pretty steep 850 foot climb. Crazy with sweat. My shorts looked like they were sprayed with a hose. I had some chaffing from my shorts but did not realize how bad until I got to my motel room. The one without AC. I have another pair of shorts that I will hike in. They are almost identical but in new condition. Lots of my gear is wearing out after so many miles. I got my new shoes at the last hostel too.It was a tough day. I realized today that a finish date is not important. It is important to finish the hike comfortable so my last experience on the trail is a positive one. I will get done when I get done.
Date: 2015-07-30
From: ME 27 (Stratton, ME)

To: ME 27 (Stratton ME)
Miles today: 0.0

Thank you Marian for your support. Thanks for the box of goodies, you sly sister! Mostly thank you for your encouraging comments.Tomorrow when I get to Long falls Dam Road I will officially be a thru hiker. I completely the remaining section to Katahdin less than one year ago. But I would not dream of not finishing the rest of the trail to complete the entire thing in under four months. 188.2 miles left, far from done.Today I moved from one motel w/o AC to one with AC in hopes of getting better rest. In the hour and a half that I was "room less" I walked about ten minutes to The Looney Moose Cafe for breakfast at 10:00. Got the Hiker special. It was a lot of food but easy to eat. Every time I finish a big meal the waitress comments "good job!". Too funny. Several offer to go boxes when they bring the big meals. The only left overs I remember is from mPizza Hut.It rained today as I rested peacefully in my room. Glad I missed that. As I was out getting a few items from the store I saw several new hikers walking to the Stratton Motel next door. Just waved. I also saw two that were at breakfast. They were headed out of town this morning. Rain must have kept them in town.I used some of my zero day to make some tactical plans for finishing the hike which includes the Hundred Mile Wilderness. There are gravel roads that pass thru the 100 miles but no towns or businesses. There is the opportunity to get a mid wilderness food drop done but it can be expensive. Also if something goes wrong it could delay the hike instead of making it quicker. Have to wait and see when I get to Monson Mondey Aug 3rd.The trail for the past week or so has been pretty rugged. Lots of steep, long climbs over rough rocky terrain. Tomorrow is the last day of the major climb/descents until the prize, Katahdin, which means Greatest Mountain.I have missed the abundance of wildlife that was part of daily life in the previous states. There has been very few song birds singing me down the trail. What I see every day is moose droppings an moose hoof tracks in the mud. I plan to do some break of dawn hiking so maybe I will get to see a moose.
Date: 2015-07-31
From: ME 27 (Stratton ME)

To: West Carry Pond Leanto
Miles today: 23.0
Weather: broken clouds

It took an hour to hitch a ride back to the trail. Very nice guy that gives hikers a ride when he sees one. It was nice to climb the last hard mountains until Katahdin. This range is The Bigelows and included Avery Peak. There were lots of hikers out hiking on this beautiful Maine day. I enjoyed talking with several hikers up on a cool and windy Avery Peak. I was surprised to see so many dogs up on the peak too.I ended up camping next to the shelter at West Carry Pond Lean- to. One of the ladies that has a cabin on the lake had brought trail magic cookies and bars to the Lean-to. It was a huge box that she fills regularly and delivers by boat. I had two bars because the first one was so good.As usual I got into camp near dark and had time just for chores and setting up my tent. Nice people at the campsite.
Date: 2015-08-01
From: West Carry Pond Leanto

To: Campsite mile 2052.5
Miles today: 28.5

Started hiking at 4:50am. Wanted to catch the morning(9 to 11) ferry across the Kennebec River. Made it by 10:15 with no waiting on my side of the River. Lots of hikers around waiting there turn or for the rest of their group to cross. I was in such a hurry that I forgot to take a picture of the canoe. I a food drop to pick up at the Sterling Inn in Caratunk. It was just a five minute walk to a phone in the tiny village where there is a free outside phone to call the Inn. The guy comes right over with his van. We ended up with five total headed to the inn. I got my food box and ordered a hamburger. Ends up I had to grill my own burger and five other ones for hungry hikers that followed suit. The Inn is not licensed as a restaurant so the can not cook for customer. It was a good meal with potato salad and chips. It was nice to sit at a table with other hikers instead of on a log or rock.I got back on the trail about 1:00pm. An afternoon isolated thunderstorm dropped sone rain but not enough to soak my shoes??.Later I caught up to a couple hiking that I have seen for the last week. We chated and then leapfrogged the rest of the day.My campsite for the night was right next to a fast flowing brook that provided great white noise. I had a flat and level site that had several small tree roots above ground. My air mattress was enough that I did not feel the roots.There were two other tents and three hikers in the campsite is I used my headphones to escape the small group of boys visiting the two girls at the campsite for several hours. It was still a good nights sleep.
Date: 2015-08-02
From: Campsite mile 2052.5

To: Highway 15 (Monson)
Miles today: 22.2
Weather: few clouds

Got on the trail just after 5:00 am. I like getting an early start. It is much better hiking when it is cooler. Today I wanted to get into Monson as early as possible to get a shower and do laundry. The day started with an immediate 1,000 foot climb up to Moxie Bald with some great views and earl morning sun. There were plenty of muddy sections today and one of my concerns of the mud happened in the morning. My right foot slipped off of a rock into a very small, almost imperceptible. I immediately pulled my foot out of the mud like dozens of time before. My shoe was sucked off of my foot. The shoe was still attached to my leg only by a shoelace connector on my gaiter. The shoe broke free from the mud and I fell over in the abundant mud on the trail. It was kind of funny the way it happened. Get up, clean up and hike on. Later I was crossing a stream on some slippery rocks, the same foot slips into the foot deep water, I lose my balance and fall on my butt, on a big rock. My pack kept me from falling all the way back into the water. I happily walked thru the water in my shoes and washed the mud of. Much of the rest of day the trail was next to fast moving rivers and streams, my favorite hiking environment. There were two fords that required me to remove my shoes to ford. By this time they were pretty dry.It was good to get to Shaws hostel and get cleaned up. Most exciting is that the next part of the trail is the 100 Mile wilderness. So close to the end.
Date: 2015-08-03
From: Highway 15 (Monson)

To: Highway 15 (Monson)
Miles today: 0.0

Thanks SWEAT SWEAT for reading and signing guest book. I think I will have a good finishThanks Mom for your nice comments in my guest book. Nobody gets eaten by bears out here. It just makes for good writing to mention the possibility. They do come around camps from time to time but are afraid of people.Had a very good nights sleep. Went to to Pete's for breakfast and visited with the hiker couple I have seen for the past week on the trail and in town.I sorted my last food box. I was also able to get a mid-wilderness food drop for a reasonable price. The drop is just short of half way but past majority of the elevation changes leading up to Katahdin.The way the food drop works is the hiker is provided a 5 gal plastic bucket with tight fitting lid. Food is placed inside, sealed up and the service provider delivers the buckets to a designated spot near the trail. Hiker takes new food, leaves trash and hikes on wit a small load again. I like it a lot. I should have no problem making it to the base of Katahdin in four days and summiting the next day.I also did some repairs to my pack by adding padding to my hip belt. I believe it will stop the chaffing problem that cropped up recently. The original hip belt padding was compacted. The new owners of Shaws Hostel added hiker gear so I bought a $10 sleeping pad, cut two pieces out and added to the pocket with the old padding. It feels better with a full pack but hiking will tell the truth.This will likely be my last entry until I have summited. Isolated rain is forecast for tomorrow then cooler temps for the rest of the hike. I like that!
Date: 2015-08-04
From: Highway 15 (Monson)

To: Campsite mile 2094.9
Miles today: 20.2
Weather: clear sky

Wanted to get on the trail early. Pete's opens at 5:00 for breakfast. I got there about 5:20 and had coffee and a great breakfast. Went right across the road to hitch a ride for the 3.5 miles to the trailhead. It took forty minutes to get a ride. Lots of traffic but most drivers look the other way. Glad I got a ride. Offered money but he did not take it.Pretty good trail and weather until mid afternoon. The forecast was for thunderstorms, rain and hail. It all showed up with strong winds. Some were tented, others in shelters and few hiked on. I saw three others on the trail the rest of the day, one after I tented right by the trail. I have gotten comfortable hiking in the storms as long as the lightning does not leave the clouds. I wanted to hike further than 20 miles today but got a bit chilly even though the rain had stopped. The trail was mostly ice water from all the hail. Some places I just had to walk thru the water. This was my first experience hiking in that much hail. It was still on the ground the next day.It always feels good to get in the tent for the day but today it was very nice to get out of my wet clothes. Fortunately it stopped raining and the sun came out.Since I was camped by myself I played some Music and talked to Barb for a short time.It was an exciting feeling to be in the 100 Mile Wilderness at last.
Date: 2015-08-06
From: Campsite mile 2131.8

To: Jo-Mary Road
Miles today: 1.4
Weather: light rain

Thanks RC for your prayers. I use them up every day. The storms have been regular but not long lasting.Jeremiah thanks for reading my journal. I think of you five over there every day. Lots of time to think. It would be nice to hike with the girls. Barb. The end was delayed a day but it is very close. Hope I get some good summit pictures. I wonder how I will feel up on Katahdin for the third time but this time as a thru hiker.I covered today's events in yesterday's entry. It has been good to come to town, get cleaned up and eat town food. It was not my plan at all. I will summit a day later now but that is OK. I had ice cream to day????
Date: 2015-08-07
From: Jo-Mary Road

To: Abol Pines Campground
Miles today: 41.0
Weather: broken clouds

Got a ride back to the trail from Bull Moose Taxi. We saw a cow moose on the way back to the trail. Got hiking at 7:30. I had no definite plan, just hike as far as I could. The weather was nice, clear and cool.It did not take long for me to decide to hike all the way to Abol Pines Campground, a 41 mile trek. Then I could finish my hike the next day, Aug eighth, my original plan. I just had almost 24 hours off the trail. I had hiked 37 miles two days ago over White Cap range. I was sure I could do this.I set a fast pace and kept it all day. I tried not to spend much time talking to other hikers but still managed to visit quite a bit. I passed a lot of hikers, many that I had passed two days ago. Some I had never seen. I told a few of my plans to hike 41 miles and summit the next day. Lots of different reactions. It all gave me motivation in one way or another.There were miles of hiking by roaring streams and still lakes and ponds. I recognized much of the trail from last year but some sections were not what I remembered. It seemed much less muddy this year.The miles went by quickly. Soon it was 8:00 pm and I was up on Rainbow being tempted by the last abundant selection of ripe blueberries. I could have stayed there an hour eating berries. I just picked a few. This was also a nice spot to view Katahdin. I was able to hike until about 8:30 without a headlamp. I was surprised that the hike in the dark was only 2 hours long. As I left the woods at the end of the 100 MW I was treated to a beautiful clear star filled sky. I was amazed, in awe and humbled to see the sky like that. I can hardly rember seeing that many stars. It made the hike in the dark and 15 hour trip completely worth it. It was about a half mile road walk to the closed camp store where I filled up on water from their spigot. Then a couple minute walk to the state campground, Abol Pines. I was able to find a good campsite right away. I half expected the place to be full on a Friday night. It was a great day of hiking and visiting with other hikers, even though I planned not to do much trail chatting. I saw some very amazing sites. It ended up being my best day on the trail. I thought my missed food drop had ruined my trip. It actually made it much better than I could have imagined. I did not even fall today.
Date: 2015-01-26
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light snow

This time I'm planning on starting in Harpers Ferry and head Nobo. I'm fortunate to live ~ 1.5 hours from the trail in PA. So, I have the opportunity to start at a different point as to reduce the impact on the path down south. I am an A.T. trail maintainer and after reading what they have to deal with as far as the privy's overflowing etc., I'm more than willing to do my part and start at a different location. Have great respect for the trail volunteers down south. As long as I'm healthy, I'll keep walking.
Date: 2015-02-26
To: Pack weight
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light snow

Greetings ... Still working on getting my base pack weight down. Right now it's hovering around 20 lbs. I'll unpack, go through things, loose an ounce, repack, then do it over again. I'm not carrying a 3 ltr. bladder this time. Was a pain to figure how much water I had left, and also having to pull it out to refill then try to squeeze it back into a full pack. So I decided to use the Platypus 1 liter bottles. They roll up when empty and easier to keep track of my remaining water. I'm using the 'Sawyer mini' filter instead of my Katadyn pump. I fabricated tubing and quick connects so I can connect the Sawyer to a Bottle in the side pocket and use it just like a camelback setup. That cut at least 13 oz figuring the water left in the pump filter. Also figure it will drop a little when I send any cold weather stuff home.
Date: 2015-03-26
To: Getting ready!
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Haven't been as busy as I would like. A bit of a setback with my back. Had a herniated disc in 2010 and with exercises haven't had any issues till now. But working that out and should be good to go by 4-13. Have my base pack weight at 18.5 lbs. So thinking with 2 liters water, and 4 days food, hoping to stay under 30 lbs. most of the time.
Date: 2015-04-03
To: More thoughts
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

10 days until I hop on the trail. My back is 95% better and my foot is holding up. Have been doing short ¢prep¢ hikes, ~ 8 mi., not as much as I¢d like, but, gives me a reason to take it easy out of the ¢starting gate¢. Don¢t have much personal info here as not much has changed since 2011, other than I¢m four years older and added a couple more grandchildren. I have 11 now. What fun they are. I think my daughters¢ would be happier with something other than taking off on a 2200 mile hike in the woods for my ¢bucket list¢, but they are very supportive, as are my brothers and especially my ¢support¢ person and my significant other Dee. She will be taking care of things at home, my cat and sending my mail drops along the way, among other things. Would be very difficult to do this, if at all, without her. Don¢t seem to have the excitement like I did four years ago but am anxious and ready to start my journey. I think in the back of my mind I know from experience how quickly the journey can end. I didn¢t see it coming then, but I am better prepared now for whatever is ¢up around the bend¢.
Date: 2015-04-12
To: Last prep
Miles today: 0.0

This is my last ¢prep¢ posting. Did my last ¢work trip¢ on our A.T. section last week. Said my goodbyes with my family and soon heading to VA to visit with my aunt and cousins. Then tomorrow Dee will drop me off in Harpers Ferry on her way home. I¢m ready to give this another shot. Think I¢m starting at a good spot because I¢ll be walking towards home for a couple weeks. The closest the A.T. is from my place is ~ 33 miles. So, I¢ll be able to swap something out or send things home without the hassle of mailing it. The next journal entry will have trip mileage added. Usually post when in towns or a hostel, but this time I may use my smart phone on occasion.
Date: 2015-04-13
From: Harpers Ferry, WV

To: Ed Garvey Sh.
Miles today: 6.9

Left aunt Edith's ~ 1030. Got to HF, checked in at the ATC headquarters. They took my picture and said I am # 24 'flip flopper'. Finally ~ 1400, said goodbye to Dee and headed down the blue blazed side trail to start on the A.T. Perfect day for hiking. The trail leaves HF and heads north across the Patomac river on a steel RR bridge. Then onto the C&O canal topath for 3 mi. Then up to Weverton Cliff. The shelter is ~ 2 mi further. I arrived at 1800. A family of 5 came in for an overnighter, then Orange Crush, who I met in HF came in at 1900. He started in GA late Feb.
Date: 2015-04-14
From: End Garvey 

To: Rocky Run
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: overcast clouds

~ 0800 by the time I left the sh. Will not see Orange Crush again as he averages 25 + miles/day. Was foggy and light rain when I started. Temps were nice and the terrain wasn't bad. After a couple hours I was starting to get wet under my rain shell and soon the temps seemed to dip. Around noon I couldn't keep warm even though I was walking. But was able to make it to the Rocky Run Sh. ~ 1400 and took my tops off and put dry clothes on. Warmed up soon and made some hot tea. Nice new (couple years old) sh. Decided to stay the night.5 section hikers here tonight. 3 guys fron NC and two sisters fron DC. Have found that for some reason most people there snore, so usually have to wear era plugs.
Date: 2015-04-15
From: Rocky Run

To: Pogo Memorial Campsite
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: clear sky

Nice morning, woke up to some turkeys calling each other. On the trail by 0800 again. No hurry for awhile. A lot of flat walking today. The trail goes past the MD Washington Monument. Built in 1827, before the one in DC. ~ 3 miles further the path crosses over the I-70 A.T. foot bridge. Got to POGO Memorial Campsite ~ 1530. This place looks like a tornado went through. Most all the trees have been cut down due to the fatality a couple weeks ago at the Ed Garvey Sh. when a tree fell on him. One other tenter here, should get some sleep tonight because i won't need ear plugs. Only two blisters so far, but they're on the same toe and beside each other.
Date: 2015-04-16
From: Pogo Memorial Campsite

To: Raven Rock
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: overcast clouds

A bit chilly last night but caught up on sleep. Been hiking alone since H.F. Mostly easy terrain butsome rocks and a very steep climb up to Raven Rock Cliff. Had to take a few breathers on the way up. Nice rock steps though. A lot of hard work and sweat putting it together. Arrived at the sh ~ 1530. This is only a couple years old also and very nice.This whole mountain range is called South Mountain. The elevation ranges from ~ 266' to 1822' in the 40 mi along the A.T. in MD.
Date: 2015-04-17
From: Raven Rock Sh

To: Tumbling Run Sh
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Rain last night butwoke up to the sunrise. Been snacking as I pack up in the mornings. Maybe a cliff bar and a protien bar, Don't prefer to hang out too long. Done with MD and into my 'home' turf. Crossed the Mason/Dixon line ~ 1100 this morning. Our trail club chapter maintains this path for the next 30 + miles. 3 of which are mine and Dee's.Decided to walk the extra 3 miles to get to Tumbling Run Sh. as this is on our section. Real nice double shelters - one for snoring and one for non-snoring. The shelter overseer's stopped by and were surprised to see me there not working but hiking. Dee decided to come here tonight instead of tomorrow morning. She is bringing my supply box with things I put in them weeks ago. She will take me to grab a shower and wash my clothes and treat me to a real breakfast. The picture here is one of my favorites. Love walking in the misty for for some reason. reminds me of an enchanted forest, all alone and not knowing what is up around the corner.