morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-08-02
From: West Carry Pond Lean-to

To: Sterling Inn-Caratunk, Me.
Miles today: 14.0

Day 144. Another beautiful day for hiking. Not too cool or too hot. The terrain was fairly tame in elevation, but there were a lot of muddy, root strewn, slippery rock and wet sections of trail to deal with. The plan today is to get to Caratunk, Me. In order to get to Caratunk you have to cross the Kennebec River. This is a large river with dam released water so the flow varies and it can be dangerous to ford. For this reason there is a canoe transport across the river from 2p-4p also a morning time frame as well. There is actually a White Blaze painted in the bottom of the canoe. I was there for the 2:00p shuttle along with Flossie, Grey Squirrel, Grasshopper and Iron Will. Flossie and I crossed together. According to the canoe man it was flowing fast today. Sure was! I was glad to do this one in a boat. I walked to the post office and called the shuttle to take me to The Sterling Inn, which has a hiker bunk room and also is the resupply spot for food for the next 3 days. I ran into a woman, Sara, at the Inn who I actually started with in March. Weird how the trail works. Hadn't seen her since the beginning days. Several other hikers here that I know and also several SOBO's. Everyone went to the Kennebec River Pub and Brewery for dinner. Lots of people staying here to go whitewater rafting and kayaking.
Date: 2014-08-03
From: Sterling Inn-Caratunk, Me.

To: Bald Mountain Brook Lean-to
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 145. Left the hostel and was on the trail by 8:00 along with 4 others. Pleasant Pond Mountain stood in the way at 2400' and I made it up and down safely. There are lots of slick roots and rocks in addition to all of the mud. When I came down to Moxie Pond I saw a cameraman filming a Maine Game Warden. I asked what they were filming and was told it was for the show Northern Woods. Right after this I had to ford a little river. Pretty easy one here. Today's hike total was 14.7 miles and I xm staying at Bald Mountain Brook Lean-to. More blueberries! There are a ton of mushrooms of all different shapes, sizes and colors. It adds color to the forest floor and it's fun to see them just popping through the dirt and moss. Time for bed as it is hiker midnight...9PM.
Date: 2014-08-04
From: Bald Mountain Brook Lean-to

To: Horseshoe Canyon Lean-to
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: broken clouds

Day 146. Woke up early to the smell of coffee that Grasshopper had made, which is normal. I made a cup too and had some Poptarts. Started hiking and it was muddy and boggy in some areas and the roots and slate rock were as slick as snot. Hiked to the top of Moxie Bald and the views were spectacular. I found a large blueberry patch with nice plump blueberries and gorged myself. Enough for everyone hiking through here today! I also found two raspberries on a small bush at lower elevation. There were two river fords today and luckily the rivers were no flowing too fast. I could only imagine if there was a lot of rain how bad they could become. Easy 13 mile hike to Horseshoe Canyon Lean-to. I gathered some firewood and then Grasshopper, Iron Will and I went and washed up in the Piscataquis River. I got more firewood on the way back. Wood is hard to find by shelters, so I hauled a bunch from by the river. Had a real good fire with Flossie, Grey Squirrel, Iron Will, Grasshopper and three younger guys who are section hiking. A bunch of other hikers came in and set up tents. I had gone through most of the firewood when it started to rain. Nice and dry in the shelter though! The mosquitos were there as well as pesky shelter squirrels, Chipmunks and mice. No wild life was injured during our stay, but not for the lack of trying!
Date: 2014-08-05
From: Horseshoe Canyon Lean-to

To: Lakeshore Hostel - Monson, Me.
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: light rain

Day 147. Cruised an easy 9 miles to ME15 road and called for a shuttle to the Lakeshore House. Flossie, Grey Squirrel, Grasshopper and I went to the hostel there. Really nice hiker town here in Monson, Me. There is a restaurant and pub here that is right on Lake Hebron. Later we decided to take the kayaks out onto the lake. A rainstorm struck while we were out there and Iron Will and I took cover at shore under a cedar tree. We stayed surprisingly dry considering the amount of rain. It soon stopped and we started back. I stopped a couple of times and looked back at the sky as the sun had come out. It was a beautiful spot. All of a sudden I see Squirrel straddling his overturned kayak and swimming to shore with it. I quickly paddled to him and grabbed his kayak and tried to do a deep water righting of the kayak, but it was too heavy. I had Squirrel swim to a dock where a guy was watching and I grabbed the back of Iron Will's kayak and held Squirrel's while IW paddled us over to the dock. Grasshopper brought the paddle closer and I went out and retrieved it. We all then started to paddle back. When we were about 100 yards from the Lakeshore House I announced, "Last one there buys the beer!" and the race was on. Squirrel flipped again right in front of everyone at the bar and patio to applause. We had to rescue him again! Fun evening in Monson!
Date: 2014-08-06
From: Lakeshore Hostel - Monson, Me.

To: Lakeshore Hostel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Day 148. Zero day! Got my food drop that my wife sent and added some to it. My appetite is substantially greater than I anticipated when I put together the drops! We helped an older local stack some firewood and in return he drove us to a grocery store and also bought us lunch. In addition, he gave me some of his homemade whiskey which I have placed in a food cache for up the trail. I also put 3 days of food in the cache and Grasshopper did the same. Lakeshore will cache it about 3-4 days up the trail. This is necessary because there is no other resupply until Abol Bridge about 100 miles away. This way you don't need to carry 5-7 days of food all at once. Also, this will probably be the last post until I finish as cell service is apparently non existent in the area.
Date: 2014-08-07
From: Lakeshore Hostel

To: Long Pond Stream Lean-to
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 149. Ate breakfast at Pete's next door to the Lakeshore House. Awesome food and bakery is great. There is also a hiker resupply section that was very good. They are great people there. Got a ride to the trailhead and was hiking by 7:35 AM. The scenery on the trail today was awesome! Waterfalls, ponds, streams and a couple of fords to be done. The weather was perfect for hiking. The trail had a lot of roots and slate rock. A large frog jumped near my foot and scared me and made me jump too! I entered into the 100 mile wilderness section of trail which basically means there is no resupply until Abol Bridge in 100 miles. I hiked 15.1 miles today and am staying at the Long Pond Stream Lean-to. While here I saw Finn who I had met near Fontana and he said is Yo-Yo ing the trail. That is to thru-hike one way and turn around and do it the other way. Crazy! Saw a dead moose carcass near a ford today. About 3 miles before reaching the shelter you could hear thunder and the clouds were getting dark. Made it to the shelter and got water when the rain started and the storm hit. Stayed dry today, but the trail will most likely be a mess tomorrow. Mosey, Grasshopper and a section hiker are also here. Now there is ONLY 99 MILES TO GO!!!!!
Date: 2014-08-08
From: Long Pond Stream Lean-to

To: Mile Mark 2103.3 Campsite near stream
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: mist

Day 150. Not every day on the trail is hunky dory. Today for instance...Barren Mtn, Fourth Mtn, Third Mtn, Columbus Mtn and Chairback Mtn all on muddy trails from last nights rain! Plus, this section is downright difficult with all the steep climbs and descents on slippery roots and rocks. About 2:30 the rain and thunder/lightning hit and it also hailed. Small hail fortunately. I was now soaked so no need to remove my shoes for the ford across the Pleasant River. Now right here is where we wanted to camp, but it's pouring rain big time. Grasshopper suggested we keep going for two more miles because you can't camp on the two miles from the river to Gulf Hagas Trail. We did and found the first legal site after the second GHTrail exit/entrance. About mile mark 2103.3. It had also just stopped raining. Tough day for sure! 17.4 miles in about 10 hrs. and 15 mins. I'm glad to now be nice and dry in my tent next to a stream. The trail will be messy and there is a bigger climb tomorrow. Hopefully we are done with the rain for a while!
Date: 2014-08-09
From: Mile Mark 2103.3 Campsite near stream

To: Logan Brook Lean-to
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 151. Got up and everything was still wet. Grasshopper and I decided to hike the Gulf Hagas Trail and Rim Trail. It was a total of 6 miles including .7 miles of the AT that we hiked yesterday. The waterfalls and River were gorgeous! Blue skies today and the trail wasn't too bad. We climbed Gulf Hagas Mtn, West Peak, Hay Mtn and White Cap Mountain. The best thing today was the first view of Katahdin! My destination for this adventure. It was nice to see it and looking forward to summiting. The staircase made from boulders descending down to Logan Brook Lean-to were a nice touch. I could only imagine what it took to build them. There are many such boulder staircases along the trail. Thanks to all the people who work on them and the trail! Total AT miles today was only 10.6 from where our campsite was, but we also did the 6 miles loop of the Gulf Hagas Trl so 16.6 miles hiked today. We did manage to dry out our stuff at Sidney Tappan Campsite by having a "yard sale" and spreading everything out in the sun. Nice spring there too!
Date: 2014-08-10
From: Logan Brook Lean-to

To: Potaywadjo Spring Lean-to
Miles today: 23.1

Day 152. Last night a section hiker came up to the shelter, which was full, and wanted a spot inside. One by one we said sorry, but it's full. He says there is always room for one more. Well that's not true. It was full. I asked if he had a tent and he said, Yeah a crappy one! No rain was expected and he went and set up his tarp. This guy can snore and he moves around and ends up snuggling with people in shelters when he sleeps. Good thing we were full! Nice downhill section to start the day and then up Little Boardman Mtn slight up. Then a long flat section. We got to Jo Mary Rd and found our food drop. Packed up the food while being eaten by mosquitos and continued on. Hiked 23.1 miles today and am at Potaywadjo Spring a Lean-to. I collected firewood and we all enjoyed a really nice fire. This is one of the best springs on the AT! Very nice water!
Date: 2014-08-11
From: Potaywadjo Spring Lean-to

To: Rainbow Stream Lean-to
Miles today: 18.2

Day 153. Woke up early and started hiking when I ran into Twizzler! I hadn't seen him since Delaware Water Gap. Real good seeing him! He ended up flying by me later in the day. Nice flat trail to start with several views of Katahdin. Hiked up Nesuntabunt Mtn and had another great view of Mt K. I hiked 18.2 miles to Rainbow Stream Lean-to and jumped into a swimming hole next to the shelter! It was awesome and surprisingly warm. There was a nice pool with a rapid that would spin you around and send you along. Very refreshing! After swimming we collected a bunch of firewood and had a great fire to eat by and fall asleep to. Mosey, Grasshopper, Uff Da and several others were here tonight.
Date: 2014-08-12
From: Rainbow Stream Lean-to

To: Abol Bridge Campground
Miles today: 15.0

Day 154. There are a lot of beautiful lakes/ponds in Maine and we passed a load today and many others over the last few days. The climb for the day was up Rainbow Ledges where we were rewarded with blueberries galore! I filled a quart sized baggie full and chowed them down along with an apple pie I had. Mmm mmm mmm! Then there was another great view of Katahdin! We are close!!! We hiked 15 miles to Abol Bridge and set up camp at the campground. (There is a campstore and restaurant here.) This was followed by food, beer and swimming in the Penobscot River! Great day! We saw rafts going down the river and this set a plan in motion. It was supposed to rain late tomorrow and all day the next day. We wanted a nice day to summit Katahdin, so by zeroing tomorrow we might have a good day to summit in 2 days. What to do here on a zero day? Whitewater Rafting down the Class V rapids of the Penobscot River of course!!! Grasshopper put his negotiating skills to work and got us a deal! Lots of mosquitos here tonight, so it was nice being in my tent. Uff Da would not be joining us as he had a deadline. Mosey, Grasshopper and I would be rafting tomorrow! I've actually rafted this river with my friend Pat in the late 80's, but didn't remember too much about it. I just remembered it was awesome!
Date: 2014-08-13
From: Abol Bridge Campground

To: Abol Bridge Campground
Miles today: 0.0

Day 155. Zero day...actually a really cool zero day! The bus came by at 11 and dropped off helmets, vests, and wet suit tops. Good thing because it was overcast and cool today. We got picked up about 1PM and taken to the river for a steak lunch. With the other rafters. Then to the damn and hydro electric plant where we hoisted the raft and carried it to the river. It would be Mosey, Grasshopper, myself, a guide and another raft company employee in our 16' raft. The other raft had 8 people plus the guide. The river was roaring! We practiced a bit and the entered the flow. A class V rapid to start...we hit it wrong...Mosey looked like he was falling out....I fell out instead....got back in real fast...not sure how it happened...,this river was flowing fast! Awesome rafting! It started raining. A bit scary seeing some of the rapids, but really fun! After the trip we went back to the rafting company NEOC and watched videos/looked at pictures that they took and had a few beers. Big water on the Penobscot as is evident from the video! Got a ride back to the camp and it was still raining. It poured all night long, but I was nice and dry in my tent.
Date: 2014-08-14
From: Abol Bridge Campground

To: Millinocket, Me. - AT Lodge
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Day 156. Unexpected zero day! You gotta be flexible on the AT! Good thing I planned my airline ticket with some wiggle room incorporated. It was pouring when we woke up and it was to continue all day long. As a matter of fact it was flooding in places including the trail. Only 15.1 miles to Katahdin, but there would be no hiking today! I was pissed at the weather, but Grasshopper came up with a great plan. We all got a cab and went into Millinocket to the AT Lodge Hostel. It was packed due to the rain, but we got in. It felt good to shower, do laundry and have a roof over our head. Awesome hostel! Real Food and beer today! We booked 3 nights here and would summit Katahdin tomorrow. It was the best weather forecast...30% chance of rain...vs the next days 50% chance. Also, we really had 20 miles to go. the 5.2 miles up and 5.2 miles back down Katahdin. We had the 10 miles from Abol Bridge to Katahdin Stream Campground to complete the trail too! Flexibility equals less stress and hassle. We signed up for the first shuttle to Baxter State Park. There was 6-7 inches of rain and things were wet, muddy and flooded!
Date: 2015-01-30
To: Gear Reviews added
Miles today: 0.0

Just added reviews of the gear I took under each of the items in the gear list. I wasn't super light, but never had a heavy pack. I carried a lot of my cold weather items the whole way as Im a bit cold natured. I loaned some of it out to others too when it was cooler that they expected. Hope this helps some 2015ers. I think of the trail everyday and the people I met along the way. It was an adventure of a lifetime. Thank you to all of the people who helped me along the way! There are Angels and a lot of them!Top O'
Date: 2022-11-13
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Little did I realize upon completing the Appalachian Trail that future thru hikes would be in my future! I thought I¢d be one and done due to how hard a thru hike is on you. Man was I wrong! In 2017 I embarked on a thru of the PCT. Serious snow year! That was literally death defying. 2021 brought the CDT! Totally a different experience and crazy! Not sure what¢s next, but I¢ll keep you posted!Top O¢ (unexpected triple crowner)
Date: 2014-02-03
To: Training Begins
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Zima and I started our training last Wednesday. I switched around my hours at work so we have more time to get out and start walking every day. The important part is Zima wearing her pack, since that was probably the biggest problem on our Superior Hiking Trail hike... I really don't want to carry all her stuff over 2,000 miles.We went for about a 3 mile walk the first day, about a mile the second, but Friday through Sunday have been below 0*F and so we did not walk all weekend. Training in WI is a struggle because of the cold.Our goal is to hike 150 miles in the next 2 months, because that will finish all of Zima's Pack Dog titles, since she is required to carry specific items in her backpack for that (which are not very reasonable for an actual backpacking trip)A couple weeks ago I tried out my new camp stove, which is pretty awesome. Little heavier than I would like, but I don't have to worry about fuel ever, because it uses sticks and it has a battery pack that can charge my phone or kindle out on the trail.
Date: 2014-02-12
To: Shopping at REI
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light snow

This past weekend I went shopping at REI - I love that store! (Ended up going to the store THREE times... Friday, Saturday, and Sunday because I had been strongly leaning toward getting a new sleeping pad and as soon as I saw how small and lightweight Therm-a-rest's NeoAir Xlite was, I bought it.The next big purchase I needed to find was a really good rain jacket. I talked to probably about half a dozen of their employees and with their help, picked out a Marmot Minimalist jacket. My first gore-tex rain gear! (I have always hiked in summer and not given much care to staying dry because it was always warm)Since my week long trip with Zima on the Superior Hiking Trail, I have been debating about what kind of water filtering system to use. I have been using an MSR Miniworks Ex for all my previous hiking, but decided that 1. it is heavy and 2. it takes too much time to filter (I swear Zima is part camel) So I have been trying to decide whether to get a Sawyer water filter or a Steripen... I have heard and read great reviews on both. I bought the Sawyer at REI and I'm going to take that on our practice hikes coming up and I'll decide from there.Overall with my gear, I'm not being overly conservative with my budget because I want high quality stuff and also if I end up with 3 different types of water filters when I am done that will just give me an opportunity to have some great teachable moments and training with my future summer camp trip leaders at camp.I also bought some liner socks and thinner bear hang rope than I had been using.And OF COURSE, I can't go shopping without getting Zima something... so she got an LED light collar cover - spoiled pup.
Date: 2014-03-24
To: Final Preparations
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Zima and I drove to Georgia last Wednesday/Thursday and we have been enjoying the perfect GA weather compared to the snow that WI just got. Zima and I are staying with a camp friend and her family and Zima LOVES a lthe large backyard for playing frisbee multiple times a day.We have gone walking every day since we got here mainly for Zima to get used to a weighted backpack. She has been doing extremely well and not complaining at all. She has been wearing her boots for all the road walks and no boots for the trail walking.Today we hiked about 3-4 miles and found a bunch of geocaches in a nearby state park.The "plan": On Wednesday this week, Zima will be staying at my friends house and I will be going to hike the 7 days (72 miles) through the Smoky Mountains (no dogs allowed) and then I will return here to pick Zima up and we will start our hike at Springer around the first weekend in April. That way, when we get to the Smokies, we can just skip over them.Here we go... day 1 hiking is coming soon!
Date: 2014-03-28
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Change of plans... No more Smoky Mountains, Im just not going to hike that 70 miles for a couple reasons... 1. they dont allow Zima 2. it snowed there this week and 3. im not willing to spend as much money as that would take to drive there and back and the shuttle.New Plan: Zima and I are leaving tomorrow (Saturday) and we are starting our hike on SundayAnd finally, reasons why I am hiking:1. Why not? I have no good reason right now to not hike the AT2. Because I can. Not everybody could hike up and down mountains for 2000 miles, but I can, so Im going to try.3. Quality time with my favorite baby puppy (even though she is 2.5 yrs. old) - this reason also means that for whatever reason, if Zima needs to stop hiking, I will also get off the trail. As much as I would like to complete the whole trail in one year, I understand that it might not happen (Zima can be kinda whimpy and whiney sometimes)... We will hike as far as we can and if needed, we both have plenty of years to finish another summer.My backpack is packed (mostly) and I will be carrying approx. 40lbs. total. Zima's backpack was between 5-6 lbs. with no water in it (Im hoping to add a small water bottle to each side.I just mailed out my first four maildrops today.This is my last pre-trip post if all goes as planned.-Squirrel & ZIMA
Date: 2014-04-01
From: Horse Gap campsite

To: Lance Creek campsite
Miles today: 13.8

Long day, but got to the last campsite before I needed a bear canister, which was the goal for today. Tomorrow we will be tenting behind a hostel at Neels Gap (no dogs in the hostel) Zima has started getting a little sore spot from her backpack strap, but hopefully it wont get any worse.
Date: 2014-04-02
From: Lance Creek campsite

To: Neel Gap - Mountain Crossings
Miles today: 7.4
Weather: few clouds

Up and down Blood Mountain today. Wow, what a climb! But feeling good overall. Showered, did laundry, ate pizza at the hostel, bought a new headlamp - great day Zima has officially fooled the AT hiking community into thinking she is a super well behaved dog! People compliment me on her behavior!! Good dog Zima
Date: 2014-04-03
From: Neel Gap - Mountain Crossings

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Longer day hiking again, but tried to get as far as we could knowing that rain is in the forecast for tomorrow. Overall, the hills went okay, but they just seemed to keep coming. Trail magic at Tesnatee Gap - soda, water, chips & fruit! Zima was tired puppy today and didnt drink as much water as she usually does. She drank a lot when we got to the shelter for the night so hopefully she has energy tomorrow.
Date: 2014-04-04
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Blue Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: light rain

Supposed to rain today so we just went to the next shelter. No rain. Oh well, was a nice easy day. Zima slackpacked today. Lucky dog. She had SOO much energy we had to play frisbee extra long at the shelter. VERY WINDY - my tent felt like it was folding in half.
Date: 2014-04-07
To: Dicks Creek Gap
Miles today: 2.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Everything was soaked and muddy from the thunderstorm last night, so perfect time to come into town. Stayed at the Budget Inn (showered and washed everything). And had my first trail town all you can eat buffet and saw lots of hikers there Heading back out to the trail tomorrow and will update again in about a week when we get to Nantahala Outdoor Center.