morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-08-24
From: Bald Mountain Brook Lean-To

To: Pleasan Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 9.0

The day started off with a continuation of the down from yesterday for the first two miles. There were a few streams to cross but they were all easily rock hopped uneventfully, thank goodness since my shoes are just now dried from my earlier experience a couple days back. Next comes a steady up of 4.5 miles to the top of Pleasant Pond Mountain. I have never seen so many false summits in my life. On the way up I could hear a chain saw up ahead of me but could not seem to catch up to it. It turned out to be a trail maintainer who was sawing all the fallen trees on the trail and then moving on up mountain to the next one. He is a 72 year old Mainer that put me to utter shame the way he handled the mountains. We came to an opening that you could see a summit in front and I said 'good that must be Pleasant Pond Mountain', he said no two mountains short....oh woe is me. I stopped one mountain short of the top and had lunch, he caught up after cutting probably half dozen trees I had stepped over and joined me for lunch. He gave me a brief lesson on forestry, he had taught at the University of Maine, and two ivy league schools. Very sharp gentleman. When I finally got to the top of the real thing and took a picture of the summit sign it was a great relief, now all I had to do was go down the other side, a drop of over a thousand feet of knee crunching boulder drops. I got to Pleasant Pond Lean-to and there was a young German hiker, the only one there and a north bounder. I asked about the water and he said it was 200 yards further down the trail. I grabbed my bottles and headed back to the trail to go for water. It was much further but good water. As I was going back with my full bottles he was headed to the water and as he passed me I told him of his judgement of distance, he smiled sheepishly and went on. When I got back to the shelter I rechecked the and found out the water source for that shelter was 30 yards to the right of shelter, oh well. Later two more hikers came in, JD and his wife Trip. I stayed in the shelter tonight with the German and they tented behind the shelter. JD had been career USAF, then worked retail after retiring from the air force. Part of his retail had been as a district loss prevention associate with WalMart, he had been in law enforcement in the service. We all got acquainted and then hit the bag.
Date: 2013-08-25
From: Pleasan Pond Lean-to

To: Caratunk, Maine
Miles today: 5.7
Weather: few clouds

This is close to what you would call a "nero", which is a hiking day of under 5 miles. I got to the town of Caratunk in the early afternoon and called the Sterling Inn for a pick up to their place. It is a very nice hostel/lodge. While there I met another new southbounder named Highway. A 59 year old gentleman from New Hampshire who carries a much heavier pack than I and is much smaller and lighter than me. I does not slow him down at all since he is always in front of me. Also there were JD and Trip. I took a much needed shower and left my laundry to be done by Eric our host. We went as a group via their shuttle to the Kennebec River Pub and Brewery for supper. I had finished my book a few days before and was going nuts in the tent with nothing to read to help me get to sleep. Eric had a large paperback collection that hikers were offered to select from and take with you. I took Zero Day a book by Baldecci, unfortunately it weighs a ton. Off to sleep because we canoe across the Kennebec river in the morning and keep going south. Next town Stratton a few days away with some big mountains in between.
Date: 2013-08-27
From: East Carry Pond, stealth camp

To: Little Bigelow Lean-to
Miles today: 11.4

I heard crunching sounds in the woods near to my tent around 5 am, it was Highway breaking camp and heading out. He is always 2 - 3 hours earlier than I am leaving. Sometimes he says he has to use his headlamp for the first half hour. If I were to try this my crumpled body would be found at the bottom of the rocks. When it was nearly full light and I was up and going the day started off with relatively level, just the normal rocks and roots to deal with. Within an hour of starting as I was walking on bog boards my heel went out from me on a slimy spot and down I went. Ticked me off but I took a picture of the board for memory sake. A couple of hours later I came to West Carry Pond Lean-to, about an hour before I had three Nobo's tell me to be sure and stop at this shelter because there was a Rubbermaid tote filled with trail magic. The lady that told me I suspect is the trail angel that provided the goodies. The tote had fresh cupcakes, brownies, chocolate chip cookies, and a couple other baked goods I was not familiar with. I sat right there and ate, and ate, and ate. While still there a couple of North bounders came in because they had heard the news also. This was a young couple and when the girl saw my hat (Alabama 2011 Nat'l Championship) she asked where I was from. It turns out that they had lived in Birmingham for the last few years and in the same community or Hoover. I killed an hour and half at the shelter then headed on. A little after 1:00 I came out of the woods and crossed the road that had 2000 miles painted on it with the congrats next to it. The marker is inaccurate as the trail has changed a good bit over the years. But close enough and a good feeling just the same for Nobo's to know they are getting close. At 4:20 I completed 1600 miles of my hike. This is the breakdown, from Springer Ga. to Stormville NY. was 1428, and I have done 172 miles of Maine, hence 1600. That leaves me less than 600 to go. When I got to the Little Bigelow Lean-to Highway had saved me a good tent spot by leaving his pack in it. He had been there for hours and already submerged himself in the cold water 'tubs' of the stream near the shelter. I met another Southbounder there named Frostbite (he had lost three toes to frostbite). The area quickly filled up with hikers, most heading north to Katahdin and the conclusion of their hike. Little Foot another flip flopper was also there, a young guy that is walking fast. Hit the bag before 8 because tomorrow looks like it is going to be the toughest day of the entire hike if I do my planned miles.
Date: 2013-08-28
From: Little Bigelow Lean-to

To: Horns Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 10.2

Yesterday ended at a shelter after climbing 600 feet to get to it. Today began by going up the other 1200 to the summit of Little Bigelow. From the top of there is a rock you can climb and look over at what is coming up. Avery Peak and Bigelow Mountain's west peak, followed North Horn Mtn. I sat down here and tried to see if I had cell service, I did. I called my wife and whined a bit, but the mountain did not shrink or go away so off I went. It took me hours to get to the top of Avery peak, walked most of the day running into Frostbite, we have a similar pace...slow. The views here were incredible and if not for the drop dead exhaustion and realization that I still had two major peaks to descend and ascend I would have been even more exhilarated. Took some great pictures and looked at Sugarloaf Ski mountain miles across the way. When I reached Horns Pond Lean-to Highway had again saved me a tent site. It was getting dark and I had to use my headlamp to finish putting up my tent. I took my stove and food bag to the shelter to cook, if not for the headlamp I would never have found it. It rained most of the night as I slept.
Date: 2013-08-29
From: Horns Pond Lean-to

To: Stratton Me.
Miles today: 5.1

Got up and tried to dry the tent a little before packing up. Since it was still very slightly sprinkling this proved a wasted effort. Packed up a wet tent and headed for town. I walked in the mist and for most of the morning and caught up with Frostbite at a trail crossing where he was having a snack. The intersecting Bigelow trail said 5 miles to Stratton and the AT said 3.2 to where it crosses the highway that goes to Stratton. Frostbite elected the Bigelow trail, but me being a thru hiker that is not an option, I have to followed the 'white blaze' all the way. I called from here for a reservation at the Stratton Motel and asked if I could get a pick up at the highway. Sue said if she was not busy at the time she would come out if so to just hitch hike. When I got to the road I tried to hitch for a few minutes with no luck. I called her and she was there in 15 minutes. I got into my room, took a long shower then across the street to the market for wine/beer/ice cream...hiker town food. Highway was in the room next to me and he and I went to supper together. At the lounge/diner there was a north bound hiking couple named Coach (girl) and Navigator (guy), that I had met back in New Jersey. We four talked for a while about what to expect coming up since we had done what they were about to do and vice-versus. Earlier in the day I had passed another couple who I had spent and evening with at a shelter back in Tn. at Wautauga Lake, these young folks have incredible memories. Finished supper and went to the room for some sleep and rest.
Date: 2013-08-30
From: Stratton Me.

To: Stratton Me.
Miles today: 0.0

Taking a double zero, I will stay here today and tomorrow and head out on Sunday. This morning well before I got up Highway was on his way back to trail. He lives in New Hampshire and left me his contact information and invited me to get in touch when I get close since he may be off trail a few days when he gets there. He said his place is only 6 miles from the trail head. I will definitely try, he was a very nice guy, fun to be around. Later this morning a hiker named Zook came to the motel, he recognized me because we were both in Springer at the same time and started the same day. We split a room at another hotel because the one I was in did not have an opening for another night. I spent a good bit of time (as I am right this minute) at the library catching up the journal. I need the rest today and tomorrow as Maine has kicked my butt. Talk to you tomorrow.
Date: 2013-08-31
From: Stratton Me.

To: Stratton Me.
Miles today: 0.0

Well this may be a first, this entry is being made in real time and current. Zook and I had a 'Hollow Leg' hiker breakfast at the diner this morning. That was a couple hours ago and I am hungry again already. A week before the hike back in March I weighted 242, the most I had ever weighed. In Damascus I weighed 206. In Hamburg Pa. 202. In Monson Me. 198, and yesterday 195. I don't think I have weighed under 200 in over 30 years, back in my thirties. You can't hike out here and carry enough food not to lose weight, at least I can't. It is so strenuous that I sweat profusely from the effort, hence heat and calorie burning...good way to get skinny. I have been watching College Game Day and am looking forward to the Alabama Va Tech game at 5:30. I would truly love to also watch BSU but if I did I wouldn't be able to get up and go tomorrow and that is a must.My oldest son will be joining me in a few weeks and finish the last 2 to 3 hundred miles of the trail with me back down to Stormville, NY. I am looking forward to that very much. Well I will say goodbye for now and try to catch back up after a few more days. Tomorrow starts with over five miles of up, wish me luck.
Date: 2013-09-01
From: Stratton Me.

To: Stratton
Miles today: 8.3

Today I did a slack pack with Kiwi and Bear, a couple from New Zealand. They had a free shuttle to the trail head (normally $40) and had room for me to join them. We drove 30 minutes to the trail head and started the climb of 2 miles steeply up. Had we gone in the other direction it would have been 5.2 miles of up but a little more gradual. This was one of those let's get it over with early in the day. Just after we crested the summit and started down some of the other hikers that were headed out earlier came up, Zook was among them. Zook got his trail name because he was a Zoo Keeper. On one of the steep parts of the descent with a narrow section of trail I was all of a sudden head over heels hanging in the small trees beside the trail hoping I did not fall through them and fall sharply who knows how far. My pack was wedged in the limbs and it took a lot of time and everything I had to get myself level and then up. The reason I said all of a sudden is because I did not even feel the fall coming just the landing. Minor scratches was the only outcome to my physical self, can't say the same for my psyche. Near the bottom I had passed Kiwi and Bear and came across a spring with two cans of coke in them. I drank one instantly and left the other for them. When I got down to the road I waited for them and we called for the ride back to the motel.
Date: 2013-09-03
From: Caribou rd out of Stratton

To: Orbiton Stream
Miles today: 10.5

Got another free ride to the trail from Slack Pack, thank you. Started off with a stream to cross and fortunately even with all the rain the boulders were high enough that you didn't have to ford it but could rock hop. Next was straight up Sugarloaf mountain for a couple of miles with much rock scramble and little walking. When the top was reached and there was some level it was either a stream trail or lake trail from the rain the last couple of days, got some interesting pictures for memory sake. Came to the bronze plaque embedded in stone showing the completion of the last section of the AT, then on up and over the next mountain, Spaulding. Descended 1500+ feet to Orbeton Stream where I found a good place to stealth camp next to the falls. Set up the tent and then found a good rock to sit on and cook, ate and off to bed.
Date: 2013-09-04
From: Orbiton Stream

To: Redington Campsite
Miles today: 5.4

Got up late and as I was about to leave camp I hear "Well look who!", and in walks DB Cooper. He was one of the original 5 of us who hiked from Springer to Franklin together. It was good to see him, we talked for a bit and both headed on, he north and me south. Had a 2000' climb early in the day up from 1550' to 3655' over Saddleback Junior. Once on top of Saddleback Junior the views were incredible. I could also tell from the time of 2:45 that I would never make it to my planned destination with the mountains and miles between me and the next shelter so this became an early day and I stopped at the only campsite in between the two. The weather was threatening also, and I had the tent up before 5. Three other hikers came in one by one over the next half an hour and set up further into the campsite. Did the routine and went to bed.
Date: 2013-09-05
From: Redington Campsite

To: Rangeley
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Started out and over the Horn and onto Saddleback. When I summit the horn I can see down the other side and up to Saddleback a mile and a half away. What a beautiful sight. Mostly because the trail has changed to granite balds 70% of the trail and that is so easy to walk on when dry even if steep. Made for a really fun couple of hours. One of the sections was so steep that it had iron steps drilled into the rock face. When I got to the next shelter and took a break the privy was a two seater with a cribbage board mounted between the seats. Hahaha!! Just after I left there a family out for a day hike came by and the husband asked me what my hat said, I showed him the Alabama 2011 National football champs, and he showed me his 2012 Alabama National football champs. We chatted for a while and he asked if I was going into town (Rangeley). I said yes and they offered me a ride. They were just going on to the rock overlook and would meet me at the highway. He said since I had 3/4 mile further to walk than where his car was parked on a gravel road we would probably get to the highway at about the same time. Didn't work out that way, after waiting for an hour I deduced that the young kids slowed them down a lot. I hitched hiked into town. Stayed at the Gray Beast and got a ride to the IGA to resupply, about a mile up the road. My ride dropped me off and went on. Well who do I see in the store but the fellow Alabamian and he confirmed it was the kids and they game me a ride back to the hostel so I wouldn't have to walk the mile down the road so every thing worked out fine. I had a private room for only $20, which is a great deal, that included breakfast. Off to bed.
Date: 2013-09-06
From: Rangeley

To: Sabboth Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 9.4

After a great breakfast it was back to the trail. The trail appeared to be relatively easy when looked at on the guide. I stopped for lunch at the Little Swift River campsite and was soon joined by a family out hiking for day hikes with their daughter who had just finished her through hike. Nice company and nice people. I walked on to the shelter and found that Frostbite was there, the last time I had seen him was in Stratton and figured he would be a couple of days ahead but he said he had been walking slow. His trail name is because he had lost both big toes and half the first toe to frostbit, surgically removed. I set up my tent as I prefer being in a tent even when at a shelter unless it is pouring rain. Cooked and off to bed.
Date: 2013-09-07
From: Sabboth Pond Lean-to

To: Bemis Mountain Lean-to
Miles today: 8.3

Hiked with Frostbite all day today. I caught up with him for lunch at a fantastic overlook that was at a pull off on one of Maine's major highways, Me 17. While eating a large group of motorcyclist pulled in for group picture taking. Quite a bit of the normal Maine, up and down. If I have not already mentioned it this is by far the toughest state I have experienced on the AT. I noticed that when we got to the shelter the guide showed that I have done 238 miles of Maine's 281, less than 50 to go. Frostbite and I built a fire in the fire pit just for a change of pace and since there was birch bark all over the ground and ample wood. Nice to sit around for a while. Just before pulling into the shelter site I ran into Smoky and Slider a couple that I had hiked with a little back in Pennsylvania, saw them last as we swam at Calendonia State park swimming pool. I have been having mini-reunions almost daily now and keep forgetting to mention them. Still hoping to cross paths with Two Socks my original hiking partner. He should be close.
Date: 2013-09-08
From: Bemis Mountain Lean-to

To: Andover Me.
Miles today: 8.7

Today we are headed into Andover and have had many hikers that we pass tell us to stay at The Cabin. Another reunion day, Rosey Eagle a 72 year old man that does 20's and a few others. Stayed with Rosey at the Vango hostel back in Virginia. Once Frostbite and I got to the top of Old Blue we had a descent from 3600' to 1410' and it dropped like a rock the last half mile. My knees are still hurting and it is 4 days later as I type this. I called the hostel from on top of Old Blue and requested a pick up and Bear the owner of the hostel/home said they would be there. When I got down to the road there were 4 others waiting on him already that had slack packed in from the other direction. He arrived within minutes of me getting to the bottom. Loaded the van and headed in, he stopped for the store for us....beer and wine. Got to the hostel, picked out my bunk, took a shower and had a fantastic meal with a lot of fellow hikers. Hit the bag after watching a little t.v.
Date: 2013-09-10
From: Andover Me.

To: East B Hill Road
Miles today: 10.1

Had listened to some of the other hikers that were here last night and decided to stay here and slack pack the next 10 miles. Did the hike in reverse and hiked north, this had a 5.2 mile gradual up to start with and the tough stuff at the end of the day but not nearly as long. It is sooooo different doing it without a heavy pack, especially the up hills. They picked me up at 4:30 and back to the hostel for a shower, good food and t.v.
Date: 2013-09-11
From: Grafton Notch

To: Andover
Miles today: 10.3

Today with another slack pack, don't get the opportunity that often so I am taking advantage of it. From the notch it was up and over the Baldpate peaks east and west with a big dip between the two. Long hard climb but again with just a minimal amount of weight on you back it was so much easier. Beautiful views from the top of both of the mountains. Then off the top down into Frye Notch shelter for a snack before going the rest of the way onto the pick up point. Back for another shower, food and sleep, going back out for real tomorrow. Hostel has gone from every bunk full to just three of us tonight. Today is my oldest son's 26th birthday and his mother is taking him out to eat. Happy Birthday super-Nat. He will be joining me to hike on the 23rd and I hope will finish with me down to NY.
Date: 2013-09-12
From: Andover

To: Nowhere
Miles today: 0.0

Woke up today with a very bad cold and very heavy rain for most of the night and a forecast calling for thunderstorms all day. I am not going out today because my destination is down Mahoosuc Arm and into Mahoosuc Notch. The word is if it is raining do not even attempt it so here I sit catching up the journal. Hopefully I will be back at it in the morning.
Date: 2013-09-13
From: Nowhere

To: Same
Miles today: 0.0

I have a very bad cold and am taking cold/flu medicine. Hacking up, aches and no energy so I will be here for another day or two. Rode with Don of the hostel to take another hiker to the trailhead and some of us to the store. Got a couple of movie rentals at the store. Lazy lousy day. Also it is still raining.
Date: 2013-09-14
From: Same

To: Still here
Miles today: 0.0

Still have the crud. Still raining. Still here. One good side to this is last night I watched my second favorite team win 42/20, Boise State. Today will be Alabama vs. Texas A M. Hiker came into the hostel yesterday that I had hiked with down in Virginia, Whirled Peas, a very nice young lady whose husband is on his way back from Afganistan..safe and sound. Also was Hobo who I had met in Hot Springs NC. Hobo stands for Homeward Bound as he is from Maine. This will be another rest day.
Date: 2013-09-15
From: Still here

To: Speck Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 4.6

I am catching up the journal from a couple of weeks back without the aid of my pictures which jog my memory. That sd card has been sent home, oops. This was a short day with a big climb. Got a later start because had a long ride by car to the trailhead. Beautiful day to start, said my goodbyes to the wonderful people at 'The Cabin', a place I highly recommend to all A.T. hikers. When I stopped at the Speck Pond Shelter I found that 'Frostbite' was there. He and I were the only ones there that night, I tented and he stayed in the shelter. Went to bed before dark because tomorrow is reported to have the toughest 5 miles of the entire A.T. Mahoosuc Arm and Mahoosuc Notch.