morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-09-24
From: Gentian Pond Shelter

To: Mahoosuc Notch camp
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: clear sky

We were up before anyone else this morning. We walked by the shelter to see if the girls had left already. Nope. They were still sound asleep. 6:30 am walking. We climbed up Mt Success, which was a really enjoyable climb. We saw our first moose on the trail. She just watched us walk by. Then we hit 1900 miles and Maine!!! A big day!!! We climbed Mt Carlo and the east and west peak of Goose Eye Mountain. The trails in Maine are very well maintained, they have built rock stairs in many places and have ladders and lots of boardwalks. Unfortunately, there was one spot where they could have used one. more. board. ... Weirman said to walk where he was walking, and I would be good. I walked into the muck and sunk up to my hip. He turned to help me, and sunk up to his knee. Luckily he had one foot on the board in front of him. I was able go get myself free, but that stuff us nasty. Smells really bad too. So my good leg is now by bad leg. I twisted my knee. We got to the shelter and I was ready to call it a day. It was 3:00. Weirman went to get water while I waited in the shelter. He returned and we decided to push on towards "THE NOTCH". It was only 2.7 miles......it was 3:30.   We got to the south end of the notch at 4:45. The notch is a jumbled pit of boulders that lasts a mile. Some say it is the most difficult, or most fun mile of the entire AT.... There was a good campsite there but we thought we could make it through before dark. WRONG!!! Every time I had to step down I had to Sit Down. My knees were on fire. It was getting dark, and we knew we were close, but all we could see was more boulders. Someone must be watching out for us, because in the middle of all of those rocks appeared a grassy spot just off the trail. Flat and just the size of our tent!!! We pitched the tent, ate a quick bite and fell sound asleep.
Date: 2015-09-25
From: Mahoosuc Notch camp

To: Baldpate Lean-to
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: clear sky

When we woke up this morning, we were still amazed that we had found a tent site. I checked on my Guthooks app and it said we were .1 of a mile from the end of the notch. We packed up our camp and headed for the bigger campsite to eat breakfast. Everything hurts this morning. It was a long .1 mile. When we got to the tent site we met Fire Marshall Bill. He was packing up his gear, and picking up everyone else's garbage as well. What a great guy. Kind of disheartening to see all of the trash fellow hikers leave behind. After our nice breakfast, we got back on the trail. Now we were to climb Mahoosuc Arm. It was rough, but we are so thankful for the wonderful weather we have been encountering. It is usually cool but sunny in the morning. I can't imagine hiking these mountains in the summer heat. We got up to Speck Pond, and got some water from the Brook. From there we began the long downhill. Three and a half miles to Grafton Notch, Hwy 26.we were able to empty our trash in the parking lot garbage can. Always a thrill to get rid of the 4oz of garbage.... Then we finished the day with a pleasant climb up to Baldpate Lean-To. A few of the trees are starting to change color, but it is still green in most places. We got to the shelter with plenty of time to relax. Weirman went to get water, and I got out our gear to sleep in the shelter. I really do not like sleeping in the shelters. We made dinner, and as I was eating, a mouse came running out towards me from under the shelter. I screamed.... I do not like mice ...... We decided to pitch the tent after all. After we had settled in and were resting in the tent, we heard voices at the shelter. Weirman got out to see who it was, and it was Rocket and Happy Feet!!! I yelled hello from the tent. A few minutes layer as we were talking in the tent, Weirman stopped mid- sentence. There was a loud commotion outside. A moose had come towards the shelter, and when he saw Happy Feet's headlamp, she went running. Just then another two hikers arrived. That moose was stuck on the middle. She went hurtling into the woods.   Off to sleep
Date: 2015-09-26
From: Baldpate Lean-to

To: The Cabin
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: light rain

We broke camp and headed to the shelter for breakfast. There was that mouse just waiting for me. At least I didn't scream this time. Everyone was still sleeping in the shelter. We quietly made our oatmeal, and then the others started to rustle. It was cool this morning. 32 degrees. I was glad we pitched the tent. It was warmer that way. We headed up Baldpate. It was good to do that in the cool morning air. Lots of work on this trail. Stairs and more stairs. I think I am doing the Golden Staircase a few times a day out here. Anyways we made it to the top of Baldpate's East peak. That was a fun climb. Above tree line and a rock face. The downhill was another story. Steep for a bit, but they had ladders in some places. We got to the next shelter and took a break. Only 4.5 miles to go till town. My vitamin I seemed to be wearing off and the pain in my knees is unbeatable on the downhill. I had put my hiking poles away a few days back when we were climbing Wildcat, but Weirman suggested I get them back out for this last bit of downhill. They helped quite a bit. When we got to the falls, we called The Cabin, and Bear was waiting for us as we exited the woods. He drove us to the grocery store so we could get a bite to eat. There we picked up Fire Marshall Bill, and headed to The Cabin. We have a nice private room. The shower today felt so darn good. I didn't want it to end. Clean Laundry. Then off to all you can eat pizza. We visited with Bear, Honey, and Hopper, then off to bed. Feels good to have a soft warm bed tonight. Tomorrow we drive north to Katahdin, and we hope to summit the mountain on Monday. Then we will begin our southbound hike back to Andover.
Date: 2015-09-27
From: The Cabin

To: the Birches Campground
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

We were wakened early by the sounds of pits and pans clanging in the kitchen. It was around 4:30 am. Bear was up making coffee and getting breakfast started. We got up and packed up our gear. Grasshopper and Tunaway were arriving this morning for breakfast. It was so delicious. Homemade potatoes and farm animal shaped waffles. Now I know what Bear meant when he asked me earlier if I could eat a cow!!!   Also homemade strawberry preserves and blueberry syrup. YUM!! We had a full table with Firemarshall Bill and Artful Dodger. It was so wonderful to are Runaway and Grasshopper again. We cannot thank them enough for all they did for us. We were planning to take a bus to Augusta, spend the night there, and then bus to Medway, then get a shuttle into Baxter State Park. Instead, they picked us up at the Cabin and drove us to the park!!! Made reservations for a lean to, and had good prepared for the ride!!! We had a really nice drive, it was a warm sunny day. We stopped a few times along the way, and my knees were feeling the pain. We got to a Walmart, where I was able to get some more Ibuprofen. We then drove into Millinocket and went to the cafe that lots if hikers go to after completing their hike. The hikers sign their trail names on a piece of ceiling tile. We looked for and found Runaways name from last year, and many other names we recognized from 2014. From there we drive into the park. There were lots of people there who had just completed their thru hike, and you see the excitement in their demeanor. It was really cool to see. We went to the ranger station to get a weather report, and pick up some day packs for Weirman and I. Runaway and Grasshoppet decided they would join us tomorrow for the climb up Katahdin!!! I was so glad they were coming!! We went back to camp and ate dinner and went to bed early. Tomorrow was going to be a long day. Around 10:15 pm, Grasshoppet, had gotten up to go to the bathroom. She woke us up and we all got up and watched the lunar eclipse. Very cool.
Date: 2015-09-28
From: the Birches Campground

To: Baxter Peak Katahdin
Miles today: 5.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Grasshopper woke us up around 4:45 am. We wanted to get an early start so we could all make it to the top. We set a cut off time of noon. We signed the register at 5:20am, and were on the trail with our headlamps lighting the way. The moon was still out and it was beautiful. We were the only ones on the trail for awhile, then when we got above tree line, people started to catch us and pass us by. We met our neighbor from the campground, Rob, who was hiking alone. He stayed with us most of the day. When we got to the rock climb, Weirman and I went on ahead. It was hand over foot for the whole way up to the Tablelands. When we got there, Weirman turned around and said for me to come to him. I did, and then he said look left. It was a large black bear running along side the trail!! He was pretty close and the wind was blowing so hard, we could see his fur blowing in the wind!!! So many other people around, but at that moment, it was just us and no one else saw it!! We reached the summit around 11:20, and the wind was really whipping up there. We didn't spend much time there, took some pictures, then started down to look for Runaway and Grasshopper. They were coming up right behind us, so we turned around and went back up with them!!! We all reached the summit at 11:55!!! Before our cutoff time!! We were so happy that Grasshopper finally reached the summit, after not making it to the top on her last attempt. We headed back down and began the laborious descent. My knees and downhill do not mix well. It took us a LONG time to get down. Once we got into tree line, Weirman went back up to see if Grasshopper needed some help. Somehow he missed them on the rock maze part of the trail. He went half way back up the mountain before he decided to turn around. Meanwhile they had made it down, and then Runaway went back up to look for him!! When we all got together again, we continued our descent. It was slow going, my knees were done, and I didn't want to take any more Vitamin I, so I struggled through. Runaway went on ahead and got dinner ready and prepared our beds for us!!! So wonderful. We didn't get back to the lean to until 8:00 pm!!! Long day, but so worth it!!!
Date: 2015-09-29
From: Baxter Peak Katahdin

To: Hurd Brook Shelter
Miles today: 13.4

My knees are so shot right now I can barely walk. Should I continue on this journey? Take more Ibuprofen and rub them up with Arnica. In a few hours we decide to hit the trail and see how it goes. The trail is flat for the next 9 miles, so after a slow , painful start, my knees begin to get it together. Grasshopper, Weirman, and I leave camp around 10:30 and Runaway packs up the rest of camp and plans to hike in from the south to meet us. We have to ford two rivers. This is our first time taking off our shoes and wading through shin deep water. It is raining lightly, but still fairly warm. Runaway catches us just before the second ford. He is wet from crossing the river to meet us, so he goes in with his boots on. The rest of us put on our crocs. The rest of the day is a pleasant walk in the woods with two truly wonderful new life long friends. We are so thankful for their kindness and time spent with us. It really warms our hearts to know such people are in our lives. We say our goodbyes just before the ABOL bridge and head into the 100 mile wilderness around 4:30 pm. We have another 3.5 miles to hike to the first shelter. About an hour before we get there, Weirman hears voices. ..... Then someone says "Tom is that you?" It is Rocketman and his wife, Sharon. We had hoped to meet them in the 100 mile wilderness, but not this soon. We visited for awhile with them and sadly said our goodbyes. They were headed to the next campsite, and we wanted to get to the shelter before dark. We didn't make it. We hiked the last 10 minutes in the dark, but I am too stubborn to put on a headlamp. We got to the shelter and it started raining pretty hard. The shelter was full, so we found a spot to pitch the tent between several rocks, and climbed in. Too tired to fix dinner, we ate trail mix. We were able to talk to Laura on the phone. Hooray voices from home.
Date: 2015-09-30
From: Hurd Brook Shelter

To: Rainbow Stream Lean to
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: light rain

It is still raining. HARD..... My knees are slow to move in the morning, and the first thing we run into is a rocky stream crossing. I think it took me 15 minutes to cross that stream.   Long day ahead. The trail is brutal. Flat but so under water, we are walking through a river ALL DAY LONG. We didn't run into too many hikers that day.   I guess we weren't smart enough to zero in a shelter like most of them did. We hiked 11.5 miles in that rain. When we got to the shelter, we had to cross a stream. There was actually a bridge over this steam! The bridge was three logs put together. The stream was high, almost up to the logs. It was slippery and a slow crossing. We both made it across and got to the shelter. Two guys were there. Smoky, who we had met on Katahdin, and another SOBO. A few minutes later another couple arrived. Walden and Little One. We were all soaked and tired and hungry. Food was cooked and devoured and we were all changing our clothes as fast as we could into anything that was dry and warm. Into the sleeping bags we went, and I think we were all sound asleep by 6 pm
Date: 2015-10-01
From: Rainbow Stream Lean to

To: Campsite on Nahmakanta Lake
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: broken clouds

We were up and out of the shelter before any one else was awake. The trail today was flat but still underwater. We started meeting northbound hikers who had spent the day before waiting out the rain. We were hearing horror stories about the river fords ahead. One guy had nearly drowned crossing Prentiss Brook the night before. Needless to say, we were quite apprehensive about continuing. But when we got to the Brook, it was not too tough to cross safely. It is amazing how fast the water levels can change. Some people said we had gotten the storm from hurricane Joaquin. Reports were of 3-6 inches of rain. After a long day of slogging through the mud all day, we came to a campsite out of no where. It was perfect. At the end of a beautiful lake, with picnic tables, and two privies. We could of hiked further, but this was too perfect to pass up. Plus it gave us time to dry out most of our gear and clothes. There was a nice breeze off of the lake and the loons serenaded us to sleep.
Date: 2015-10-02
From: Campsite on Nahmakanta Lake

To: campsite past Jo-Mary Road
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: light rain

We enjoyed this pleasant camping spot. We hit the trail and it was drying out so it made the hiking so much more enjoyable. We started out with a ford of the Nahmakanta Stream.   There was a brand new aluminum ladder leading down to the stream, but no bridge to walk over. Very interesting. The next ford we had was Tumbledown Dick Stream. Weirman was resourceful enough to find four logs stretched across the stream that lead to a land bridge that we could walk across to the other side without having to get wet. It was hairy crawling across the logs, but we did it. There was another hiker on the other side who wasn't so sure that was the way to go. Weirman helped her by taking her pack across for her, then waited until she was safely on the other side. We kept on walking and told everyone we met about our crawl across the stream. We got to the Antlers Campsite, which we heard was a beautiful place to stay, but passed by it because it was still too early in the day to stop. We got to Jo- Mary Road, and crossed it to find lots of great spots right on the river.   There were three guys camping there as well. Weirman went to talk to them while I made dinner. He came back with good news. The weather was supposed to be sunny for the next week!!! We were very excited to get that news.
Date: 2015-10-04
From: Logan Brook Lean-to

To: Chairback Gap Lean-to
Miles today: 17.1

We got moving this morning into the roots of Maine again.Soon after we got moving, we got a nice view of Katahdin. For northbounders, this must be an inspiring view, for us it was a relief, knowing we had already tackled that beast. We climbed up White Cap Mountain, and Smoky passed us on the way up. He was short on food, and on a mission to get to town. The climb was strenuous, but not too long. Lots of stairs, so that was a help. We continued to Hay. Mountain, then West peak. Then the trail was getting nicer, and actually fun to walk on. We met a. Hiker named Pringles who walked with us for a spell he had an interesting trail journey. I fell, and Weirman came back to help me, Pringles made sure I was okay, then he took off. I was moving slow after that fall. We got to the west branch of the Pleasant River to ford it. Pringles was there, and there was a young lady there from the Maine Forestry Department. The water looked friendly, but it was a wide River, probably the widest we had seen so far. We took off our boots and walked across, it was shallow, but very cold. Refreshing at first, but almost painful by the end. We decided to push the last 4 plus miles to the shelter. We crossed the road, and stopped to get water at a great spring. I headed on up the hill ahead of Weirman. I kept thinking we had to be getting close, it was getting late..... But the climb kept going. On paper it looked fairly easy, not much elevation gain,but oh those rocks.......we got out the Guthooks to see exactly where we were, and realized we still had a mile to go. Then we tuned the corner and we're looking at a rock wall. Straight up..I mean STRAIGHT UP! NOOOO, that wasn't in the plan! Deep breath, clam down, you got this......it was getting late, we had to continue. We tackled that wall, and the views at the top were so inspiring, the sun was setting, but we had to push on. Back into the woods to try and get to the shelter before dark. More rocks, roots and just a shitty trail. We actually met another hiker coming north, where the heck was he going? The last straight up climb ended at the shelter.... Thank you Lord, we made it. It was dark we were tired and the shelter was a mess.....we pitched the tent inside and made a quick meal and crashed.
Date: 2015-10-05
From: Chairback Gap Lean-to

To: campsite by Vaughn Stream
Miles today: 12.3
Weather: clear sky

We woke up this morning to get a view of where we were last night. It was dark and we just didn't pay attention to anything around us. This shelter is RIGHT on the trail, no wonder it is so beat up, I'm sure it is a popular place to stop and rest, and abuse. The privys in Maine we have found are quite a long distance from the shelters. We found it on our way out of camp....today we climbed Columbus,Third Mountain, Mt Three and a half, Fourth Mountain, and then Barren Mountain. There is an old fire tower up there, with some views. That downhill was a rock chute, steep and narrow. We got to Barren Ledges, and took some pictures, the weather was sunny but chilly today. We headed downhill and came to a parking spot. We passed the shelter and we're headed toward Long Pond Stream, a ford of course. Right before we got there, we met Socrates and a few other hikers we hadn't met yet. They told us the ford wasn't too bad, and we're to go for the easiest access. We crossed and walked another mile or so to find a beautiful campsite near Vaughn Stream.. We were able to find a nice soft spot with lots of room to spread out our gear. We ate a big dinner and relaxed in the tent...
Date: 2015-10-06
From: campsite by Vaughn Stream

To: Monson. Shaws
Miles today: 13.7
Weather: broken clouds

We broke camp, and began our last day in the HMW. The mud today was everywhere. It wa tricky at times trying to maneuver our way around it. Weirman sunk up to his knees at one point. We met several NOBO's today. We tried as best we could to prepare them for the days ahead for them. They were on their last 100 + miles, and we were so excited for them. When we finally got to hwy 15, we called the Shaws, and they picked us up right away. We had survived the 100 mile wilderness! The rain and the fords and the rocks and the roots........mission accomplished. HoorayWe got settled in our room, and went in search of dinner and some ibuprofen. Dinner was delicious. Weirman got his roast beef that he has been craving, and I got a chicken quesadilla. We saw Smoky in the restaurant, he was eating a weeks worth of food.... He said he had hiked for a day and a half without any food..... No ibuprofen in town, this could get interesting. Back to the hostel to finish the laundry......
Date: 2015-10-07
From: Monson. Shaws

To: campsite at mile 127.4
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: scattered clouds

We got in on the wonderful breakfast at The Shaw's with several other hikers. Then we needed to get packed up and arrange a shuttle back to the trail. I was still in need of some Vitamin I, so we went through the hiker's box looking for some. Nope. Then a guy just got up and left the room and returned a few minutes later and handed me a Baggie with about 20 ibuprofen in it. He didn't say a word...., I thanked him, and he just smiled. More trail magic! We got back on the Thailand were enjoying the nice terrain, and weather. We ran into several NOBO's. We had a couple more uneventful fords, one was just a rock hop. I have been playing a game in my head for most of the trail to help pass the time. I've been searching for rocks on the trail in the shape of every state. Some have been very easy to spot, others a stretch, but I've been looking for Alaska forever. Today I found what was going to be the close. Mission accomplished...
Date: 2015-10-08
From: campsite at mile 127.4

To: Pleasant Pond Lean- to
Miles today: 18.1
Weather: scattered clouds

More fords more mountains. These days are getting to be a regular thing, we should be used to it by now. The water is getting colder, and the days are shorter, so we literally hike from sun up to sun down. The fall colors are in full bloom now, so we are enjoying that. The downhill to the shelter is brutal, the roof of the shelter is such a pleasant eight to see. We kept thinking we were going to run into Happy Feet and Rocket, but sadly we missed them. We found a nice spot to pitch the tent, just off the trail. Flat and soft.
Date: 2015-10-09
From: Pleasant Pond Lean- to

To: Caratunk. Sterling Inn
Miles today: 5.7
Weather: overcast clouds

We got on the trail to try and beat the rain, but we weren't able to. It started coming down round 8:30, and never stopped. We got to the hwy around 10:30, and started hiking towards town. It was only .3 miles to the phone. After hiking for over a half a mile, we turned around and went back and found the road we had missed that went right into town off the trail. We always get lost when we get to town. We called the Sterling Inn, and the shuttle driver arrived a few minutes later. We were soaked. He let us bring our wet packs into the Inn. He showed us our room, and we stripped out of our wet clothes. I immediately went across the hall to the bathroom where there was a big old claw footed bathtub. I filled it with hot water and slid into it for the best soak I have ever had. After getting some snacks, and trying to figure out the TV, I went to the room to rest. Weirman and I have both caught colds this past week, and we are a bit tired and stuffed up. We went to the Brewery for dinner. It was ok, we have had better beer. But the macaroni and cheese I ordered was splendid. Back to the Inn for a quiet night. Midnight snacks. Off to sleep.