morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-09-12
From: Carl A. Newhall Lean-To

To: Chairback Gap Lean-To
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: light rain

It rained hard all night long, quitting just at dawn. By the time I started walking, the skies were clear and the morning was very cool. The trail was fairly easy, and I was motivated by talk of trail magic at the river crossing. At the river crossing, I met Ridge-runner Brewry who gave me good information about the next four days of hiking. The river was wide, so I decided to take off my boots and wade rather than risk a fall stepping from slippery rock to slippery rock. I made it safely across. Just ahead was Turtle Tracks who was set up under a canopy providing trail magic. I enjoyed a hotdog, a bagel with cream cheese and sausage, two cookies, a honeybun, two packs of crackers, and a root beer. It made my day! Thanks so much for the wonderful trail magic, Turtle Tracks! Later, I crossed over Chairback Mountain with beautiful vistas in all directions. It is very cool at the shelter, and it's only 4PM. Tonight will be a cold one.
Date: 2014-09-13
From: Chairback Gap Lean-To

To: Otter Pond Parking Lot
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: overcast clouds

When I got up this morning, the temperature was in the 40's. I made my coffee and drank it while still in my warm sleeping bag. Today I crossed over Three and a Half, Third, and Fourth Mountains. I'm not sure how these names came about. The climbs were not long, but very steep over large boulders. As I got to mid afternoon, I began to daydream about how nice a hot shower and town food would be. I called Shaw's in Monson, and they told me of a side trail that would lead to a private accessible road. The folks at Shaw's told me when I got close to call, and they would come pick me up. It all worked out as planned, and when I arrived at Otter Pond Parking Lot, there was Dawn and her dog Moxie waiting for me. Thirty minutes later, I was at Shaw's, in a private bedroom with a shared bathroom. After showering and doing laundry, I headed over to Lakeshore House Pub and Restaurant for a wonderful meal there. Since I was still hungry, I got an order of wings to go. Back at Shaw's, I ran into I Believe and her husband Jimmy, who's supporting her on her hike. I first met them at Fontana back in March. I also met Rod-n-Reel for the first time tonight. I've been following him this year through his journal entries. Tonight, I went to bed clean and with a full stomach; a perfect ending to a great day.
Date: 2014-09-14
From: Otter Pond Parking Lot

To: North Pond Tote Road
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Breakfast at Shaw's this morning was wonderful! After an appetizer of two large blueberry pancakes, I had three eggs, sausage, bacon, hash browns, coffee, and orange juice. After breakfast, Sue took me back to Otter Pond Parking Lot, and I resumed my hike. Today, I forded two rivers, one of them requiring wading. There was a rope stretching over the river for you to hold onto as you crossed. Without the rope, I would have fallen several times on the slippery river rocks. It was slow going, but I made it across safely.At 4PM, I made it to North Pond Tote Road and followed it until it came to an accessible road. I call Shaw's, and within 15 minutes, someone was there to get me and take me back to the hostel for the night. I again dined at Lakeshore and had another wonderful meal.Tomorrow, I'll finish my last 4.5 mile of the 100 Mile Wilderness and be leaving Monson, ME, behind. It's about 41 miles to the next trail town, Caratunk, ME.
Date: 2014-09-15
From: North Pond Tote Road

To: Shirley Blanchard Road
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: overcast clouds

After another big breakfast at Shaw's, Dawn drove me to an outfitter in Greenville, ME. I picked up a rain cover for my pack to replace the one lost on Day 111, and then stopped by the local supermarket for a sandwich for my lunch on the trail. By the time we reached North Pond Tote Road and I had hiked back to the trail, it was 10:30AM. Shortly after Noon, I crossed over Highway 15 which is the start of the 100 Mile Wilderness for North-bounders.Today's trail was up and down with plenty of roots, rocks, and mud, but I made pretty good time. Before I reached Shirley Blanchard Road, I called Shaw's and asked for a pick-up. On the way back to Monson, for one more night, we noticed that the leaves were beginning to turn a little bit. Also, we passed several old homesteads with apple trees loaded with bright red apples. Everyone around here is saying that fall is coming early this year. Rain is coming in tonight, so it will be good to be under a roof and dry. My stay in Monson and at Shaw's has been wonderful.
Date: 2014-09-16
From: Shirley Blanchard Road

To: Moxie Bald Mountain Lean-To
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: overcast clouds

The forecasted rain arrived just after daylight. After a last breakfast at Shaw's, Sue carried me back to the trail. It was drizzling, and the sky was gray. The trail was really flat and smooth for much of the day. There were several river fordings today, and one required taking off my shoes and wading. There was a rope stretched overhead to hold onto as you waded across.This afternoon, I saw Movin-On, whom I last saw in Harpers Ferry, WV. She also lost several weeks on the trail due to a leg problem.Tonight's shelter is on the shore of Bald Mountain Pond. When I arrived, I could hear loons calling. It looks like there will be a little more rain this evening, but I am dry and in a shelter.
Date: 2014-09-17
From: Moxie Bald Mountain Lean-To

To: Pleasant Pond Lean-To
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: overcast clouds

I listened to the loons as I went to sleep and heard them as I woke up this morning. The rain from yesterday was gone, and the skies were clear. Today I crossed over Moxie Bald and Pleasant Pond Mountain. The views on Moxie Bald were really beautiful. There are so many lakes and ponds that are always visible from the mountain tops. On top of Moxie Bald, I found wild cranberries. I had to stop and eat a few, as I always do with the wild blueberries. This afternoon, I saw Bismark, Hopper, and Journeyman for the first time since VA. I also met RW for the first time, although I knew of him. Just before the end of today's hike, I came to a trail leading to Pleasant Pond. I went to the water with the intention of taking a swim, but the water was too cool, so I just washed my underarms and face. Tomorrow, I will cross the Kennebec River.
Date: 2014-09-18
From: Pleasant Pond Lean-To

To: Harrison's Pierce Pond Camps
Miles today: 9.3
Weather: broken clouds

Today was a day full of wonderful surprises! As I headed down the trail this morning, I came upon two northbound hikers. I stepped to the side to allow them to pass, and one of the guys asks, "Are you Gray Ghost?" He introduced himself as Dingo, and we shook hands. As it turns out, he knows some of our relatives in SC, and they had sent him a link to my trail journal, and he recognized me. He is within 150 miles of finishing his thru-hike.By late morning, I reached Hwy. 201 at Caratunk. A couple of section hikers from NC were just coming off the trail and had their car parked at the trail head. I caught a ride with them to the Sterling Inn in Caratunk, ME. The Sterling is a beautiful small inn. I talked to the owner for a few minutes to see if he offered a shuttle service. I was thinking about staying there for a couple of nights and slackpacking. As it turns out, Caratunk is on the north side of the Kennebec River, and the town doesn't have a bridge close by to cross over the river. So, to shuttle me would involve an hour's drive. While in town, I bought a few resupply items and made some phone calls.Since the ferry across the Kennebec would not resume service until 2PM, I had plenty of time for lunch. The folks at the Sterling Inn were kind enough to give me a ride to the Kennebec River Pub & Brewery. It's a part of a complex call Northern Outdoors which includes a lodge and other amenities. I set on the deck in the warm sunshine and enjoyed a huge hamburger with fries. While there, I met Princess North Star and Voodoo. I hiked near them and knew of them in NJ.One of the diners at the pub gave me a ride back to the trail. I had less than a mile before I reached the Kennebec River. David, the ferry boat operator, showed up promptly at 2PM. There were two others with me waiting to cross over headed south, and on the other side were three hikers waiting to cross over headed north. I put on a life jacket and jumped into David's canoe. Since this is the official AT route, the bottom of his canoe has a bright white blaze painted on it. Several hikers have drowned in years past trying to cross the Kennebec on their own, so now, this canoe is the official river crossing for the AT. The trip across this beautiful but dangerous river took less than 10 minutes, and I was on my way once again. Tonight, I'm staying in a cabin that is part of an old fishing camp build in the 1930s. There is no electricity here, except for generators used by the camp owner. I am sitting in my cabin writing this by the light of a kerosene lamp. I have a wood burning stove to keep me warm. Tonight will be in the 30s. More about this camp tomorrow.
Date: 2014-09-19
From: Harrison's Pierce Pond Camps

To: Long Falls Dam Road
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: light rain

I woke up to a cold, clear morning. Breakfast was served at 7AM in the main building. Tim Harrison, camp owner, prepared the breakfast for 8 to 10 hungry hikers himself. The breakfast consisted of 12 blueberry/strawberry pancakes, bacon, sausage, eggs, orange juice, and coffee. Sitting next to me were two young hikers, one from Cartersville, GA, and the other from Rome, GA. I wish I could remember their names, but they escape me. The breakfast was delicious and there were no leftovers.Tim bought Pierce Pond Camps 29 years ago and has been operating it every year since. This is definitely a place I recommend, and I hope to revisit it some day.Todays hike was relatively easy as it wound around Pierce Pond and later West Carry Pond. Each day I see 10 to 12 NOBOs as they make their way to Mt. Katahdin.I called Ms. Sue at the Stratton Motel in Stratton, ME, and made arrangements to be picked up at a road crossing. Tonight, I'm at the Stratton Motel. For supper, I dined at the White Wolf Restaurant. Afterwards, I wore my rain pants and rain jacket and washed ALL of my dirty clothes, including my long johns. It's nice to be clean and have all clean clothes. Tomorrow, I tackle the Bigelow Mountains.
Date: 2014-09-20
From: Long Falls Dam Road

To: Safford Brook Trail
Miles today: 9.2
Weather: few clouds

After finishing breakfast at the White Wolf Restaurant, Sue, from the Stratton Inn, arrived to take me back to the trail. She already had a truck full of hikers, so several of us rode in the back of the pickup back to the trail head. It was a bit breezy and cool, but we made it. The 1,800 climb up Little Bigelow Mountain was not bad at all. Near the summit, the trail went over long slabs of smooth rocks making for easy walking. The views were beautiful, but it was beginning to get cloudy. A couples of miles past the summit, I reached the blue-blaze side trail, which I took back to East Flagstaff Road where Sue picked me up.I got back to my room just in time to see Georgia Tech kick a field goal to beat Virginia Tech. Go Yellow Jackets! After the game, I went across the street to the market and bought a big steak, which I cooked on the grill here at the motel. Life has been good here in Stratton. Tomorrow I will hike over Bigelow Mountain, and then be back here in town for one more night. Then it's onward south towards Rangeley and more big mountains.This time next week, my favorite trail angel, Mrs. G.G., will be with me. She leaves GA on Wednesday, and will meet me on Friday. The exact meet-up spot has not been determined yet, but we'll have the specifics worked out before next Friday. I can't wait for her arrival! Please pray for her to have a safe 1,300 mile journey.
Date: 2014-09-21
From: Safford Brook Trail

To: ME Hwy 27
Miles today: 10.3
Weather: clear sky

The weather forecast was calling for rain today, but I awoke to blue skies and sunshine. I climbed 1,800 feet to Avery Peak. The views were beautiful. The top of the was above the tree-line, and it was a little windy. I was quite fortunate though, as the wind on the previous day, on this peak, was gusting up to 60-70mph. The peak is named for Myron Avery, one of the founders of the Appalachian Trail. Shortly after Avery Peak was Bigelow Peak. The next several hours involved a very steep descent. Eventually, the trail leveled out as I neared ME Hwy. 27. At 5:00PM, I reached the highway and my ride, and returned to the Stratton Inn for one final night. This is my last night in Stratton, Me. The Canadian border is just 27 miles west of here. Tomorrow, I head south to Rangeley, ME.
Date: 2014-09-22
From: ME Hwy 27

To: Spaulding Mountain Lean-to
Miles today: 13.5

Last night's rain was ending as I started out. The first mountain was North Crocker followed by South Crocker Mountain. The ascent up North Crocker was 2800'. In the afternoon I crossed over Spaulding Mountain involving a 1900' climb. In the middle of the afternoon it began misting rain. As I looked out across the mountains, I saw a huge rainbow. I stopped and took several pictures. It reminded me of God's covenants with his people. I also noticed that the leaves are changing more everyday.It was nearly dark when I reached the shelter. It was getting windy and colder by the minute. I put on my thermal underwear and my down jacket. After dinner I crawled into my sleeping bag with all of my clothes on. I also put my Sawyer water filters in my bag as the manufacturer warns that if exposed to freezing temps. the filter loses it's effectiveness.
Date: 2014-09-23
From: Spaulding Mountain Lean-to

To: Poplar Ridge Lean-to.
Miles today: 8.0

Yesterday was a long, hard day and I deliberately stayed in bed an hour later than usual this morning. It was really cold and that made it easy to stay in my warm bag. I grabbed my stove, made my coffee, and enjoyed it while still in bed.Today also involved a significant amount of climbing. By early afternoon I was really getting tired. I originally planned to go farther but by the time I reached Poplar Ridge Lean-to, I was ready to stop. I think yesterday's hard day caught up with me today. It was already breezy and cold. I think tonight will be another near freezing night. Tomorrow I hope to be in Rangely, Me.
Date: 2014-09-24
From: Poplar Ridge Lean-to.

To: Maine Hwy 4, Rangely, Maine 
Miles today: 10.7

This morning was cold but not quite as cold as yesterday. The first mountain of the day was Saddleback Jr with a 700' ascent. It was foggy so there was no view. The next mountain was the Horn with a 900' ascent. By the time I reached the peak the fog was beginning to dissipate giving some grand views of lakes and Saddleback Mountain. I ran into Mudder who I last saw near Fontana Dam in March. He also took off several weeks this summer.The next ascent up Saddleback Mountain was 500'. From the peak I could see the Saddleback Ski resort slopes and chair lifts. There was a 2 mile side trail that that led down the mountain to the resort. After cresting Saddleback, the rest of the day was downhill over very rough and ragged trail. Today's hike was only 10 miles but by the time I reached Hwy 4, my legs and feet wanted no more walking. I walked down the road to the Hiker Hut and and Steve, the owner, shuttled me and four other hikers to town. I had him take me to the Town and Lake Motel. The motel is right on Rangely Lake. From my room, I can see float planes landing and taking off on the lake. I got cleaned up and walked to the Shed BBQ restaurant and had a great dinner. Today was hard but I am glad to be in Rangely, a beautiful little town. Only two more days till Mrs, GG arrives!
Date: 2014-09-25
From: Maine Hwy 4, Rangely, Maine 

To: Maine Hwy 17
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: overcast clouds

I had breakfast at Moosely Bagels and then Linda, the owner of the Ecopelagicon Store, shuttled me and several other hikers back to the trail. Several NOBO's had told me that the 13.2 mile section I was doing today was the easiest section in all of Maine's 281 miles. They were right and I was able to finish it in just less than six hours. When I arrived at Hwy 17, there was an overlook with beautiful views of Mooselookmeguntic Lake and the mountains beyond. Linda came and shuttled me back to Rangely. I walked to the IGA Supermarket and bough a bucket of fried chicken and others goodies.I decided that I will take a zero tomorrow and be at the motel when Mrs.GG arrives. This will be my first zero after 20 consecutive days of hiking. I can't wait to see Mrs. GG tomorrow. We will spend tomorrow night in Rangely and then move on to Andover, Me. as I continue south. Only 47 tough miles in Maine and then New Hampshire.
Date: 2014-09-26
From: Maine Hwy 17

To: Rangeley, ME
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I woke up to a beautiful morning excited about Mrs. GG's arrival later today. I had breakfast again at Mooseley Bagels and then headed to the laundromat to get all of my clothes cleaned. As usual, I changed into my rain pants and rain coat so that all other clothing could be washed. With my laundry done, I went to the library to update my journal. After I finished, I returned to my room at Town and Lake Motel. I had only been there about 30 minutes when I saw Mrs. GG drive up. I have never been happier to see her. We ate a quick lunch and then headed out to explore some of the shops in Rangeley. Afterwards, we drove over to Andover to find a place to stay tomorrow night. We reserved a room at the Pine Ellis Hiker Inn. When we got back to Rangeley, we dined outside on the deck overlooking the beautiful Rangeley Lake as the sunset at Parkside and Main Restaurant. What a wonderful day this has been.Tomorrow, I will hike from ME Hwy 17 to South Arm Road, a distance of 13.5 miles and will be picked up by Mrs. GG.
Date: 2014-09-27
From: ME Hwy 17

To: South Arm Road
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: scattered clouds

After breakfast at Mooseley Bagels, Mrs. GG dropped me off at Hwy 17. Today's mountains were Bemis Mountain Second Peak, Bemis Mountain, and Old Blue. The ascents were not too steep, but the descent off of Old Blue was very, very, steep. Today was the warmest day since I started at Katahdin. Tomorrow will also be warm, but temperatures will be lower beginning on Monday. There were not many good views today. Today's 13 miles took 8 and a half hours, while the 13 miles I hiked on Thursday took only 6 and a half hours. It all depends upon the amount of elevation change and texture of the trail.Mrs. GG was waiting when I reached South Arm Road. Tonight we are staying in a private room at Pine Ellis Hiker Inn in Andover, ME. We walked down the street and had dinner at the Little Red Hen Bakery and Deli. It was really good, and I enjoyed their AYCE salad and pizza. Tomorrow night we will be staying in Rumford, ME.
Date: 2014-09-28
From: South Arm Road

To: East B Hill Road
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: overcast clouds

After a quick breakfast in Andover, Mrs. GG drove me to South Arm Road. First thing, I had a 1,000 foot ascent up Moody Mountain, then a 1,400 foot steep descent, and then a 1,900 foot ascent up Wyman Mountain. All of this happened in the first four miles. As with yesterday, there were not many views.I stopped at one of the lean-to's for a snack and a break. While there, I met Cardiac Man, a NOBO. Some trail names have no story, but this one did. Cardiac Man said he previously had a heart attack and is now dating his cardiologist, thus the name.The fall foliage is spectacular. I noticed today that many leaves are already falling, sometimes obscuring the trail.Mrs. GG picked me up at East B Hill Road, and we took a scenic drive on the back roads to our motel in Rumford, where we'll be staying for the next few days. We stopped at Walmart for a few items, and then stopped at a supermarket to buy our supper. Only 25 miles of Maine remaining, but those will be some of the toughest miles on the entire AT.
Date: 2014-09-29
From: East B Hill Road

To: ME Hwy 26, Grafton Notch
Miles today: 10.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Today began with a 2,300 foot ascent up to Baldpate East Peak. Although it was overcast, Baldpate East Peak offered 360 degree views. I stopped on the peak and had the lunch Mrs. GG had prepared. Quite a step up from my usual cheese, summer sausage, and tortilla. Right after Baldpate East Peak, there was a 300-400 foot descent followed by an ascent up Baldpate West Peak. On the steep descent down the West Peak, I was delighted to find that there were hundreds of stone steps making it easier and safer to get down the mountain. As I neared the road crossing at Grafton Notch, I was surprised by Mrs. GG who had parked the car and walked down the trail to meet me. Tonight we will be in Rumford again. Tomorrow I will begin a section that will include Mahoosuc Arm and Mahoosic Notch. Mahoosuc Notch is often described as the toughest mile on the entire AT. For 2 to 3 nights, I will be spending nights on the trail as there are no road crossings. It's time to say goodbye to Maine and hello to New Hampshire.
Date: 2014-09-30
From: ME Hwy 26, Grafton Notch

To: Spec Pond Shelter
Miles today: 4.6
Weather: clear sky

Since my plan called for only 4.6 miles, we slept a little later and had a leisurely breakfast at McDonald's. At 10:25AM, I left Grafton Notch. Over the next three miles, I climbed 2,600 feet to the summit of Old Spec Mountain. The trail going down the mountain was extremely steep for the first half mile. By middle afternoon, I made it to Spec Pond Shelter. This shelter and campsite is maintained by the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC). During the summer. The AMC has a caretaker who stays there. Well, tomorrow comes Mahoosuc Notch, the most difficult mile on the trail. Since this one mile section may take 2 to 3 hours, I'm planning another short mileage day tomorrow. By Friday, I hope to rejoin Mrs. GG in Gorham, NH.
Date: 2014-10-01
From: Spec Pond Shelter

To: Full Goose Shelter
Miles today: 5.1
Weather: broken clouds

Camping at the shelter last night was a very nice group of young people from Carabassett Valley Academy. The academy is a private school located near Sugar Loaf Mountain. Their curriculum combines academics and outdoor activities like snow skiing and backpacking. The students are actually trained in competitive skiing, and among their graduates have been Olympic gold medalists. They too were hiking South and would be going through the Notch behind me. I felt better knowing that if I had an accident, they would find me and could help me.I had dreaded the Notch since I started my hike. It is simply a narrow canyon between two steep mountains and is filled with boulders ranging in size from the size of an automobile to the size of a house. You have to go over them or in some cases crawl under them. It doesn't let up for 1.1 miles. It was not as scary as I imagined, but it was very physically challenging. For over two hours, I used every muscle and climbing skill I knew. I took my pack off 6 to 8 times and pushed it up ahead of me. I tore several small holes in my pants sliding down some of the steep boulders. Eventually, the boulders suddenly got smaller, and I spotted the sign marking the end of the Notch, not a minute too soon. I finished my five mile day at Full Goose Shelter and Campsite. I was exhausted but very excited to be past the Notch. Not long afterwards, the Carabassett Valley Academy group arrived. They had "had a ball" going through the Notch. Oh to be young and fearless!