morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-08-04
From: Pinkham Notch

To: Imp Shelter
Miles today: 31.1

August 4th: Hiked 13.1 miles from Pinkham Notch to Imp Shelter. Total miles hiked: 1879.6, 306.3 to go. Had a relaxing (very much needed) 10 days off the trail which included an awesome 8 days down the Cape where I ate too much and did as little as possible at the beach. Came back to the trail totally relaxed and rested. Today marks my 5th month on the trail and the AT gods welcomed me back with high winds, cool temps and a steady rain. The hike from Pinkham Notch started with a really steep climb up Wildcat Mt., the last of the big NH mountains and ran over 4 of its peaks. The real fun began in the early evening, when just 2 miles from the Imp Shelter I began a long steep decent. The rain was coming down sideways and the rock face was slick and downright dangerous. It was one of the few times I questioned the wisdom of moving forward but being above the tree-line with dwindling daylight I really saw no options. Took me almost 3 hours to navigate the the final 2 miles and with headlamp on, I straggled into the Shelter around 9:00, a full 11 hours after leaving Pinkham Notch. Tomorrow should be easier with an 8 mile hike into Gorham for a 5 day resupply and a night at the White Mountains Hostel before hitting the trail in earnest on Tuesday for my foray into ME, my 14th and final state.
Date: 2013-08-05
From: Imp Shelter

To: Rt 2 Gorham
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: clear sky

August 5th: Hiked 8 miles from Imp Shelter to Rt 2. Total miles hiked: 1887.6, 298.3 to go. Last night was surprisingly cold even for the higher elevations. Got down into the 30s with a howling wind and for the first time in weeks I had to huddle in my sleeping bag to stay warm. I will take the cold over the heat anytime so I am hoping this cooler trend continues into ME. Today's hike was largely uneventful. Mostly down hill and below the tree line. Much improved over yesterday's lousy conditions, I still managed to take a nasty fall that after all was said and done only hurt my ego. Made it to the White Mountain Hostel early and was able to kick back and soak up the sun by the duck pond. Seems like a really nice place and with a fridge stocked with pizza and Ben and Jerry's at reasonable prices, definitely caters to the hiking crowd. Really enjoying the down time after the last couple of days but ready to ratchet it up. Should cross into ME tomorrow and then on to Katahdin by months end.
Date: 2013-08-06
From: Rt 2 Gorham

To: Carlo Col Shelter
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: overcast clouds

August 6th: Hiked 17 miles from Gorham to Carlo Col Shelter. Total miles hiked: 1904.6, 281.3 to go. Goodby NH, Hello ME! My 14th and final state. Had a real goodnight at White Mountain Hostel, one of the better hostels I have stayed at during the entire trip. Owned and operated by a really sweet woman named Marni, it is a super comfortable hiker friendly hostel and lodge that includes a breakfast that can't be beat. Get this: Marni only took ownership of the establishment last week. Retired for 2 years, she was growing bored and decided to purchase a hostel after visiting her son on the trail earlier this year. She stayed at the Woods Hole Hostel during the visit and grew so enamored with it that when she got home in Minneapolis, she Googled hostels for sale and voila she is the proud owner of the White Mountain Hostel in Gorham, NH. Her Mom Molly is helping her get started and I'm sure they will be successful as they continue to make hikers feel more than welcome. Had a really enjoyable hike today as I made my way into ME. Aside from a couple of steep climbs, much of the day was spent hiking around beautiful lakes and ponds, expansive pine forest and gentle rolling hills. Sunny skies and comfortable temps only added to the enjoyment factor. I can feel this thing winding down as the miles melt away. Rely excited about ME not only because it is my final state but from what I hear it is the most wild and unspoiled (some say difficult) of the 14 AT states. The first 80 miles are supposed to include some of the most challenging sections of trail encountered to date. We shall see, we shall see.
Date: 2013-08-07
From: Carlo Col Shelter

To: Speck Pond
Miles today: 9.5
Weather: light rain

August 7th: Hiked 9.5 miles from Carlo Col Shelter to Speck Pond. Total miles hiked: 1914.1, 271.8 to go. Today kicked my ass. One of the toughest hikes to date. There were several steep climbs and I am quickly coming to realize that ME doesn't have defined trails like the other states but rather rock strewn clearings through the woods that often need to be navigated on hands and knees. Today's hike featured Mahoosuc Notch trail which is described in the guide book as "the most difficult or fun mile on the AT". Difficult definitely. Fun? Maybe, if you can get in your car, drive home and shower before a steak dinner, after scrabbling over HUGE boulders and crawling on you stomach in the mud. The section of trail is only 9 tenths of a mile and takes most people between 2 and 3 hours. This was truly white knuckle scrambling and the hour and a half it took me to navigate the obstacle course was true misery. Got off to an ominous start when I lost my grip and fell backwards off a huge boulder about 6 feet down before landing hard on my back. The only think that saved me from serious injury was my backpack which absorbed the impact. Once I cleared the boulder field it was a steep hand over hand rock scramble some 1600 vertical feet over a two mile stretch. By the time I reached the summit of Mahoosuc Arm I was both physically and emotionally drained. I had planned to go further today but when I reached Speck Pond I decided to call it a day. Have a great tent site overlooking the pond which is getting me back in the proper frame of mind. I was talking to an AMC caretaker who told me that the 10 mile stretch that I did today was the toughest Maine has to offer. I pray he is right.
Date: 2013-08-08
From: Speck Pond

To: Pine Ellis Hostel, Andover ME
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: overcast clouds

August 8th: Hiked 14.9 miles from Speck Pond to Pine Ellis Hostel in Andover, ME. Total miles hiked: 1929, 256.9 to go. Today's hike was absolutely beautiful with mountain views that left me mesmerized. The trail was decidedly easier than yesterday which made everything seem just a little better. Still had the steep climbs but the trail conditions were excellent which made for quicker (and safer) hiking. The forecast called for intermittent rain and cloudy skies persisted for most of the day but managed to stay dry throughout the afternoon. Then the skies opened up. Torrential. It was at this time that I came to a trail head. A seemingly abandoned road that according to my guidebook led to Andover 8 miles away. I took out my phone and guidebook to call the hostel to see if they had openings and a shuttle service but go figure the rain drenched my book rendering it unreadable (and I had no service anyway). It always seems at these hopeless times that trail magic happens and today was no exception. Sitting in the downpour with no cell service and wondering what I'm going to do, I began to hear voices. I turned around and there was a young guy named Tony, on vacation from Boston walking out of the woods with his wife and 2 young sons. I asked him if he knew which way it was on the road to Andover and he answered with a question that could bring tears to a grown mans eyes: "You need a lift"? Spent the next 15 minutes with Tony and his family answering questions about the trail and the life of the thru-hiker. Dropped me off in the very small center of town where I ordered a ridiculously large fried chicken dinner and for the first time since hitting the trail I had to get a to go box. Spending the night at the hostel before hitting the trail in the morning. Thanks to Tony and his family. They totally made my day. Meeting Jan on Saturday. Can't wait.
Date: 2013-08-09
From: Pine Ellis Hostel, Andover ME

To: Bemis Shelter
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: clear sky

August 9th: Hiked 18.8 miles from Andover to Bemis Shelter. Total miles hiked: 1947.8, 238.1 to go. Today was a big mile day for ME and given the weather and trail conditions, which were horrible, I am pleased with the progress I made. Rained all day with several downpours. By mid day the trail on the mountains were literally running rivers with torrents of water which, in some sections, were knee deep. In the lower elevations mud pits threatened to swallow you whole. No lie, I had to throw a young kid my trekking pole when he stepped in a mud pit and sunk to his waist. Reminded me of the quicksand scenes in the Tarzan movies. There was no avoiding the puddles so I channeled my inner 5 year old and simply walked through it. Must admit it was somewhat liberating and a little bit fun walking in ankle deep water. On a typical rainy day I spend most of my time jumping around the puddles which is time consuming and tiresome but today would have been a lesson in futility so I took the plunge instead. Another first for me today was fording rivers. Apparently Maine doesn't believe in bridges to span large bodies of water so hikers simply jump in and wade across. Not sure if it was the rain that made the rivers run but twice I had to ford rivers in waist deep water with strong currents. Both times I was apprehensive but must admit it was easy once I committed. Just about everyone I encountered on the trail today looked miserable. Call me a glutton for punishment but I really enjoyed today's hike, bad weather and all. Got a little stressful at the end of the day when I was still on top of Bemis Mt and running out of daylight. Managed to make it down with the last flickers of light and opted to sleep in the shelter rather than pitch my tent. Tomorrow I am doing a nearo (low miles) when I get off the trail to hook up with Jan in Rangeley, ME. This will be our last get together before I finish at Katahdin. Jan's visits have kept me going and I probably wouldn't have made it this far without them. Really looking forward to exploring Rangely which is a popular tourist destination. Jan made dinner reservations at a "nice place" so I get to dress up and act civil, scraggly beard and all.
Date: 2013-08-10
From: Bemis Shelter

To: ME 17
Miles today: 4.5
Weather: light rain

August 10th: Hiked 4.5 miles from Bemis Shelter to ME 17. Total miles hiked: 1952.3, 233.6 to go. Had a short but difficult hike to ME 17 where Jan was waiting for me for a day off in Rangeley. We had a really nice time. Rangeley is a really cool trail town with tons of shops and restaurants. The highlight of the entire stay was dinner at the Loon Lodge. We absolutely loved it. Recommended by our friends Dottie and Scott, the place did not disappoint. Scott is an outstanding cook in his own right and a total foodie so we felt good about the recommendation but the place just blew us away. The restaurant is located on Rangeley Lake where we were treated to unbelievable food, a warm and comfortable ambience and a beautiful sunset over the mountains reflecting off the water. Just perfect. Tomorrow I will be back on the trail. Won't see Jan again until I hit Katahdin in just a couple of more weeks. Can't believe I'm almost done. Happy Birthday to Michael who turns 27 today. Be good.
Date: 2013-08-11
From: ME 17

To: Piazza Rock
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: broken clouds

August 11th: Hiked 15 miles from ME 17 to Piazza Rock. Total miles hiked: 1967.3, 218.6 to go. Hit the trail around 9:00 after enjoying a really good breakfast at the Gingerbread Restaurant in Oquossoc, ME. Based on previous trail conditions, I thought I was in for a long day as I made my way to Piazza Rock but I made excellent time on the relatively flat trail. Weather was not a factor for a change with brilliant sunshine and cool temps that made for comfortable hiking. Really enjoyed the terrain which included several lakes and ponds and for the first time in several weeks, the mosquitos were nowhere to be found near the waterways. Tomorrow I will be hooking up with Chapinlara for the duration of the hike. We have hiked together in the past and got on well. Typically we both hike solo but with the several river fords coming up, we both felt it would be safer to partner up. Chapinlara is a really good guy and a total bad ass out here on the trail. From Guatemala, Chapinlara retired from a big corporate job in December at the age of 70 where he traveled the world. With new found time on his hands he decided to mix things up and hike the AT, which he hit with both feet slipping on the ice and snow on February 1st. To say he suffered hardship early on would be an understatement and the fact that he is still out here over 6 months later is a testament to his resiliency and toughness. We are looking to average 15 mile days for the duration which will get us to Baxter State Park on 8/26. With Chapinlara leading the way, I might just have a chance.
Date: 2013-08-12
From: Piazza Rock

To: Spaulding Mtn Lean To
Miles today: 16.9

August 12th: Hiked 16.9 miles from Piazza Rock to Spaulding Mt Lean-to. Total miles hiked: 1984.2, 201.7 to go. Had a real good hike with Chapinlara and Java Man. Day dawned beautiful as we made our way up Saddleback Mt. The 360 view was spectacular with mountain views in all directions. Made several steep climbs but still managed to make good time throughout the day. Rain is in the forecast for tonight so we are opting to sleep in the shelter. Tomorrow we will make our way to Stratton, ME for re-supply, laundry, a hot meal and a good nights rest.
Date: 2013-08-13
From: Spaulding Mtn Lean To

To: Stratton ME
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: broken clouds

August 13th: Hiked 13.5 miles from Spaulding Mt Lean-to to Stratton. Total miles hiked 1997.7 188.2 to go. Thought today would be an easy one because of the short miles but it turned out to be a real challenge. The weather held off but the terrain turned out against us with loose rock which made for slow going. Hiked above 4000 feet which usually offers killer views but today everything was shrouded in gray. Today's hike brought us through the very section of trail where a 66 year old hiker went missing 3 weeks ago. Both Chapinlara and I were left with an uneasy feeling as we made our way down the trail, a troubling reminder that the AT with all of its beauty and tranquility can be an unpredictable and potentially dangerous place. Limped into Stratton a full 2 hours later than anticipated and hit the local tavern to calorie up. Spending a relaxing night in town before hitting the trail to Monson, the last trail town before the 100 mile Wilderness and the final push to Katahdin.
Date: 2013-08-14
From: Stratton ME

To: Safford Notch Camp
Miles today: 10.4

August 14th: Hiked 10.4 miles from Stratton to Safford Notch Camp Site. Total miles hiked: 2008.1, 177.8 to go. Huge milestone when Chapinlara and I crossed the 2000 mile mark. Really hit both of us because thru-hikers who successfully complete their journey become part of the 2000 Miler Club. As Chapinlara pointed out even if fate has different designs on us reaching Katahdin, we still made the 2000 miles. Today's hike was really tough. A carbon copy of yesterday. The terrain and trail conditions were almost identical and with two really big climbs which offered up stunning views. In fact the view from the summit of Bigelow Mt defied description. The most dramatic views I have seen to date. Below us were lakes and ponds tucked away in the valleys surrounded by miles and miles of forest and mountains that disappeared into the horizon from every vantage point. The wind was wild, practically knocking us over as dark foreboding clouds raced headlong into the mountain top, shrouding us in darkness one moment and brilliant sunshine the next. An amazing sight. The entire 10 mile hike took us almost as many hours but I can honestly say I enjoyed every minute of it. As the hike winds down, I am starting to grow sentimental about the natural beauty that surrounds the AT. Really looking forward to seeing my family and friends and getting back on the grid but I think a big part of me is going to miss it out here.
Date: 2013-08-15
From: Safford Notch Camp

To: Pierce Pond
Miles today: 22.7
Weather: few clouds

August 15th: Hiked 22.7 miles from Safford Notch Campsite to Pierce Pond. Total miles hiked: 2030.7, 155.2 to go. Had another good day with monster miles. On the plus side we got all of the steep climbing out of the way early when we climbed Little Bigelow Mt. The rest of the day was relatively flat but the trail conditions, with incessant rocks and exposed tree roots, made for difficult footing. Both Chapinlara and I took tumbles but that is just part of the deal here in ME. Really enjoying my time with Chapinlara. Now I have always been a glass half full kind of guy but next to Chapinlara I am a negative Nell having a bad day. A pile of ankle twisting rocks to him is just another opportunity to improve your rock scampering skills and besides, "isn't it wonderful, that is one less pile of rocks we have to navigate on our way to Katahdin". If we hit a steep incline he remains undaunted and wonders aloud what the view will be like. In short, at this point in the hike, when you are tired and sore and anxious to wrap things up, it is good to be around a guy like Chapinlara. Anyway, we made really good time but our feet (which are still aching) paid the price. Limped into Harrison's Hunting Camp on Pierce Pond by 6:30 where we rented a rustic cabin for the night. The hunting lodge is run by a guy named Tim who welcomed us in and made us feel right at home. According to Tim, there used to be hundreds of these hunting lodges throughout the state of ME but only 30 are still in operation. Harrison's goes back to the 30's and the cabins have lots of character but no running water or electricity. Oil lamps and an old cast iron wood burning stove are the only "modern" conveniences but the cabin itself has a nice feel. Tomorrow's hike will include the famous Kennebec River crossing in a canoe, a ferry service provided by the ATC, complete with a white blaze painted on the bottom of The boat. Another one of those AT experiences I have been looking forward to.
Date: 2013-08-16
From: Pierce Pond

To: Pleasant Point
Miles today: 9.7
Weather: few clouds

August 16th: Hiked 9.7 miles from Pierce Pond to Pleasant Pond. Total miles hiked: 2040.4, 145.5 to go. Decided on a short day to give our feet much needed rest. The long hike yesterday over rocks and tree roots exacted its toll. Started off with a hardy breakfast at Harrison's which included some of the best pancakes I have ever eaten. Made the Kennebec River crossing in the late morning. Really cool. The ferry service is offered free of charge by the ATC. They began offering the service to prevent hikers from fording the fast moving river, a potentially fatal undertaking. The "ferry" is a red canoe captained by a local character named Hillbilly Dave. After signing a waiver and stowing our packs, I paddled up front while Hillbilly Dave steered us safely across. The river is considered part of the trail as evidenced by the white blaze painted on the bottom of the canoe. The rest of the shortened day was hiking past lakes and ponds as we made our way towards Monson, the next and final trail town before the 100 mile wilderness. Tomorrow we hit a couple of smaller mountains where hopefully I will get a cell connection. Haven't talked to Jan in 2 days which is the longest I have gone since hitting the trail. No wonder why I feel out of sorts.
Date: 2013-08-17
From: Pleasant Point

To: Bald Mountain Road
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: broken clouds

August 17th: Hiked 17 miles from Pleasant Pond to Bald Mtn Rd. total miles hiked: 2057.4, 132.4 to go. After a rainy night, the day dawned with warm sunshine and a gentle breeze. Chapin and I began the day with a steady climb up Pleasant Pond Mt. The views from above in the rising sun were spectacular as we made our away across the ridge line. Trail conditions continue to improve and we were able to maintain a good pace throughout the afternoon. Later in the day we made our way up Moxie Mt where once again we were rewarded with beautiful views in every direction. Earlier in the day, Chapin's daughter Melissa, our expedition leader, had made arrangements for us be picked up at a trail head and driven into Monson where we pigged out on a high cal dinner. Spending the night at the Lakeshore House for a goodnight sleep before hitting Shaw's Lodge for their world famous AT breakfast. It's an all you can eat affair where you hold up 1, 2, 3 or 4 fingers and they bring you that many eggs, sausages and pieces of beacon. How Many fingers do you think I will hold up?
Date: 2013-08-18
From: Bald Mountain Road

To: ME 15
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: overcast clouds

August 18th: Hiked 14 miles from Bald Mt Rd to ME 15. Total miles hiked: 2071.4, 114.5 to go. Chapinlara and I made our way back towards Monson for an easy 14 mile slack pack before hitting the 100 mile wilderness, the last stretch before hitting Katahdin. Got dropped off at the trailhead by Buddy, a local who runs a charter business in Monson. A real good guy and a wealth of knowledge about the trail throughout the state of ME, Buddy kept us entertained with his back woods stories during the 30 minute ride. Have to take care of a couple of odds and ends tomorrow, including another breakfast at Shaw's (today I held up 3 fingers, tomorrow it will be 4) before hitting the trail. Plan on reaching Baxter State Park and the base of Katahdin just one week from today.
Date: 2013-08-19
From: ME 15

To: Bodish Farm Road
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: overcast clouds

August 19th: Hiked 14.7 miles from ME Rt 15 to Bodish Farm Rd. total miles hiked: 2085.7, 100.2 to go. Just 100 miles left, doesn't seem possible. Chapinlara and I got a late start but not before another awesome breakfast at Shaw's. this time I held up 4 fingers and yes, I ate every bit of it including a stack of 4 blueberry pancakes. A lot of my friends, including Grampa, Tall Boy, and Java Man were at Shaw's but the typical banter that usually accompanies a thru-hiker gathering was absent. To me everyone seemed a little more pensive and introspective, with the realization that our journey is coming to an end. Today we entered the 100 Mile Wilderness, the last leg of the AT. No more trail towns or resupply until we hit Baxter State Park in the next 5-6 days. For me the day was bitter sweet with a nostalgic feel (if that is possible after only 5 1/2 months) hanging in the air. On the one hand, I really want to get home to my family and friends but as the miles tick away, I find myself longing for the unmatched beauty and solitude that I find out here everyday. Tonight I am camping on the bank of a mountain stream, the water rushing by not 5 feet below my tent. From my tent I can see the night sky and the heavens above, counting my lucky stars and thanking God to have experienced the Appalachian Trail in all of its iterations.