morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-09-06
From: Woods road N of Orbeton Stream

To: Crocker Cirque campsite
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke up slowly today. Seemed like yesterday (or a accumulation of yesterday's) had me worn out. Out of camp around 8:15 am. Definitely hiking in a vacuum today. Saw three older (my age) folks slackpacking south early on and then just a couple groups of day hikers. Trail is most definitely more tame than the first couple days in Maine. Not all easy but nothing like the first couple days when nothing was easy. Up Lone Mountain early today and didn't know I had climbed it until nearly a mile later when I reached the intersection with Mt Abraham trail. Next climb was up Spaudling Mountain (yes, I knew I was there). Took side trail to summit. Nice fir forest but no views. Had limited views from Sugarloft Mountain and then a steep downhill under a very warm Maine sun that just did me in. Reached the South Branch of the Carrabassett River and had a snack and watched the water flow by. That revived me - somewhat- by I decided to leave Crocker Mountain for tomorrow morning. On a Labor Day Sunday I'm the only one so far at this campsite. Planning to turn in early (8 pm?) and get an early start tomorrow. It was a summer day today and tomorrow is supposed to be even warmer.
Date: 2015-09-07
From: Crocker Cirque campsite

To: Stafford Notch campsite
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Wow. That was a long day. Up and away by 7:15 am. Weather quite warm but nice breeze all day. First order of business was to climb South Crocker (4040 ft) and North Crocker (4228 ft). Views were hazy. The climbs weren't a problem but glad it was early and not too hot. The downhills were merciful although it was over 5 miles of downhill from North Crocker and my knees were thankful to see the end of that. Then after a couple miles of relatively level walking it was up to South Horn (3831 ft) over 2,500 ft of climbing. Nice views of Horns Pond. Originally I was going to stay there but the good weather (and the potential of not so good weather tomorrow) convinced me to tackle the Bigalows today. So up it was to the west peak of Bigalow Mountain (4145 ft) with great views and strong winds above tree line. Then down and up to Avery Peak (4090 ft), named for Myron Avery the man who as the plaque says "foresight, leadership, and diligence made the AT possible". What a guy Myron Avery was. The more I learn about him the more impressed I am. It was getting close to 6 pm so I tore myself away from the high country -I love all the time above tree line in NH and Maine - and dropped down to this campsite. Got in at dusk. Surprisingly quite a few folks camping here (didn't see many hikers at all on the trail today). Had to search for a decent campsite, then get water. Put up the tent and cooked in the dark. Stretched out some as I have I feeling I'm going to be sore tomorrow. Great day though and, hopefully, I'm set up for a couple pretty easy days to get across the Kennebec River Wednesday. One other note - I'm now pass the 2,000 mile marker! I haven't paid a lot of attention to those things but 2,000 is significant. This hike is moving on!
Date: 2015-09-08
From: Stafford Notch campsite

To: West Carry Pond lean-to
Miles today: 12.6

Well I knew after pushing myself yesterday (a great day!) that my body wouldn't be too interested in doing that again. At this stage of the journey I'm good for a big day about every other day or when coming out of a town visit. So today I took it lighter. Started hiking around 8:30am. Trail climbed out of the Notch (beautiful place by the way, lots of giant squarish cut boulders) up to Little Bigalow Mountain. Weather was warm but no rain. (We did have several showers last night. Unbelievably the first rain I've had in Maine!). Very nice views from some rock outcrops, one which convinced me to stop and have a snack. Still lots of blueberries in the high sunny places. Dropped off Bigalow, said goodbye to the big mountains for awhile and headed toward the lakes and ponds. Trail went by East Flagstaff Lake, beautiful big body of water. I stopped for lunch and a swim. First swim since maybe PA? It was that kind of summery day here in Maine. Felt very refreshing. From there the trail climbed two smallish hills - although the second was about an 800 ft climb. Got to this campsite about 5 pm and my body and mind said "done". No one here but me. I was going to stay in the shelter due to the chance of rain tonight but it was just too depressing looking. I do love my Tarptent!!! So here I am ready to bed down and treat my body to a - hopefully - good night sleep.
Date: 2015-09-09
From: West Carry Pond lean-to

To: Caratunk, ME
Miles today: 14.0

Amazingly no one else showed up last night at West Carry Pond. That shows you the vacuum I'm in. Bunch of folks a day or two behind who stayed in Rangely for the festivities last Saturday. I'm a little ahead of schedule for this section so decided to stay in Caratunk tonight. From the flat elevation profile I thought 14 miles before the ferry service ended at 4 pm wouldn't be a problem. Yesterday afternoon I encountered a bunch of rocks and roots on the trail which slowed me down so I started having second thoughts. Started on the trail at 7:15 am today and while there were several rooty trail sections overall it was fine. Foggy morning which brought a special feel to the Carry Ponds (East and West). Looking out at them I almost felt I was in coastal Maine! By the time I got to Pierce Pond the sun was out and it was headed toward another quite warm and humid day. Stopped in at Harrison's Camp on Pierce Pond just to look around and ended up talking with the proprietor for almost an hour. Beautiful setting and he has it under a conservation easement with guaranteed public access to the cabins even after he's gone. Nice guy, interesting talk. Next few miles followed Pierce Pond Stream, beautiful cascading stream with several great waterfalls. Had a quick lunch by one cascade and then on to my date with Dave Corrigan who shuttles hikers over the Kennebec River in his canoe for the ATC (Note. That's the official AT crossing since a thru hiker drown in the river a number of years ago). Kind of a slow day for Dave which gave us a chance to talk for awhile. He's a great source of statistics for AT use (estimated thru- hiker numbers up 10-20% this year alone!). Dave's a super nice guy and you can tell he really loves the AT and is concerned about its future. He also passed on the unfortunate news that, in his opinion, this year has had the most self centered, self entitled thru-hikers of any year. It's still a small percentage but I too have encountered too many hikers who because they are thru hiking think they are above everyone else AND above any rules (in town and on the trail). It's the same old story - a few folks can ruin it for the rest of us. Anyhoot, I'm staying at the Sterling Inn bunk room. Very nice. They shuttled us to the Kennebec Pub for dinner so I'm full and ready to hit the hay. Ready for another day on the AT too!
Date: 2015-09-10
From: Caratunk, ME

To: Moxie Bald Mountain lean-to
Miles today: 18.8

I really liked the Sterling Inn. More of a b&b with a bunk room than a hostel. Had nice continental breakfast with fruit, blueberry muffins, eggs, and cereal. Powered by breakfast, and shuttled to the trail by 8am I made good time this morning. Trail was for the most part in good shape with a very slight uphill grade to the Pleasant Pond lean-to. Filtered some water and had a snack break there. The vacuum of thru hikers continued today. I saw only one other NOBOer and a smattering of SOBOers. Two smallish mountains to climb today both with nice views. The first was Pleasant Pond Mountain. Coming down the mountain the trail followed one rock outcrop after another. I was wondering why the next stream after the mountain was 4.5 miles away. I found out as I went up and down rock outcrop after outcrop. Stopped for lunch and thought I might be running short on time. Fortunately the trail really improved past Moxie Pond. Second climb of the day was up Moxie Bald. Again nice views although it remained cloudy all day - cooler than its been though which made hiking easier. Dropped off the bald to this shelter. Because of the forecast of rain tonight and tomorrow morning I had planned to spend tonight inside the lean-to. The quietness of today led me to believe getting space would be no problem. Got here around 6 pm and the shelter was full! Where did everyone come from? I think a lot are coming from Monson headed south. Luckily I found a nice tent site so here I am again snug in my tent. Hopefully the rain won't be too bad and I'll be able to carry a mostly dry pack out of here tomorrow morning.
Date: 2015-09-11
From: Moxie Bald Mountain lean-to

To: ME 15 Monson ME
Miles today: 17.9

The predicted rain came and stayed last night. Not a hard rain but a steady one all night and into the morning. That meant, for the first time in this journey, I had to take down my tent in the rain. Wow! That just shows how great the weather has been. Packed up my bag while in my tent and moved over to the crowded shelter to eat. Went back and packed up the tent and was on the trail by 7:30 am. Light rain finally stopped around 10 am. I already realized it, but today reenforced how easy I've had it in Maine. The rain really made things slick, roots and rocks, plus in the less well drained areas the trail was either a stream or a pond. Early on, stepping from rock to rock along a flooded section I hit a really slick rock and went skidding off and down onto the water. Luckily got my hands down in time and no real damage was done on the landing. Later in the day I stepped,I thought gently, on several flat rocks only to go skating across them but not down. So there was some excitement today but overall the trail was fine, no major or even semi-major climbs all the way to ME15 and Monson, ME. Today also marked the first fords I had to make during the entire trail, first the West Branch and then the East Branch of the Piscataquis River. The West Branch had much more of a current so was more challenging. Plus I lost a croc somewhere south of the Kennebec so I'm fording now with one croc and one tender foot. There was a rope across the stream and I gullibly thought it would help if I held on to it when crossing. Boy, that was a bad idea. So much slack in the rope that the first slight lurch almost landed me in the river. Luckily, I let go of the rope just in time so I only stumbled and dropped my treking poles. Retrieved them and crossed gingerly but successfully steering clear of the rope! Got to the other side, dried off my feet, proud that all was still dry and reached for my boots only to discover that during that initial stumble one of my boots must have dipped into the river as it now had several inches of water in it and my socks, which were stuffed into it, were soaked. Ah well, so much for dry feet. Trail ran along the river for quite some time which was different than your typical AT day. Lots of cascades, quite enjoyable. Got to the road around 5 pm, talked with a quite intoxicated middle aged guy with clothes hanging all over his SUV who offered me a ride to town (I politely declined) and called Shaws. They picked me up, I showered, went to Spring Creek BBQ for a pork sandwich and two pieces of corn on the cob (and then a house salad and a big piece of cornbread) and now I'm back at Shaws and fighting to stay awake. The bed calls, I'll fight no more.
Date: 2015-09-12
From: ME 15 Monson ME

To: ME 15 Monson ME
Miles today: 0.0

Up to a great breakfast at Shaws. New ownership here and I've heard nothing but good things. Breakfast confirmed the good news. Today I decided to "zero". Great weather but I have another mail drop coming today, some chores to do and in no rush. As an extra bonus I talked with Charlie, my hiking partner of 35 years last night and we planned a day hike in Mount Kineo State Park. Charlie got to Shaws a little after 9am and we headed to Rockford, ME. Got there just in time to catch the 10am ferry across Moosehead Lake. Indeed, perfect weather. We hiked up the steep trail to the lookout tower, then down and around the island. Had lunch on picnic table right next to lake. Hiked a little over 6 miles and got back to take the 3:45 pm ferry back to Rockford. Stopped for some ice cream and back to Shaws by 5 ish. A great day! Did laundry, arranged for a food drop 1/2 through the 100 mile wilderness, and packed my stuff. For dinner I went to a hiker feed, put on by a former thru hiker. Spaghetti, burgers, corn on the cob, beans, cake, salad, drinks. He's been doing this for 10 years. Wow! It was great! Now I'm ready for bed and ready to hike!
Date: 2015-09-13
From: ME 15 Monson ME

To: ME 15 Monson ME
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Well. I whimped out. Woke up this morning to rain. Forecast was rain and clouds today, rain tonight, and some rain tomorrow and I decided to "zero". After tomorrow the forecast is looking great so that influenced my decision too. Just drizzling by 9am so I went back over to the hiker feed for breakfast. Great folks and the meals were much appreciated. I'm not a very good zero person and have a hard time just hanging around. That said I actually took a nap, got in a couple nice meals, watched some Colbert Late Show clips on YouTube (I do love that guy but no way I can stay up that late to watch him. We may have to upgrade to a recordable receiver from Dish), and checked the football scores. I'm really really ready to get back onto the trail tomorrow.
Date: 2015-09-14
From: ME 15 Monson ME

To: Campsite near tribitary of Long Pond stream
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: clear sky

Another great breakfast at Shaws - eggs, potatoes, bacon, and all the blueberry pancakes you can eat. Shuttled back on the trail by 9 am and I was definitely ready. I'm much better hiking than "zeroing". As predicted we got a lot of rain last night. Just light rain most of the morning interspersed with a couple heavier spells. The last and hardest ended a little before 1 pm and afterward the sun actually came out for awhile. Clouds came back in later in the afternoon but no more rain - yet. Did see a star before getting in the tent so hopefully the clearing is starting. Trail was MUDDY - in addition to being rooty, and rocky. Couldn't be too hasty while hiking. As it was there were several times when I went sliding down a slanted rock outcrop. Talked with "Five" as he went by during my lunch break and he had already fallen twice and was pretty bummed. Didn't think there would be too many others hiking today as only four of us staying at Shaws took the early shuttle but I went by 7 section hikers doing the 100 mile plus 4 other thru hikers that stayed elsewhere. Three creek fords today - Little Wilson, Big Wilson ( the only real challenging one) and tributary of Long Pond. The one croc, one sandal (from Shaws hiker box) worked well. Got to this campsite around 6 pm. I was going to the lean-to but 1) AWOL didn't mention tent sites there and 2) this is a real nice site a little ways off the AT with the cascades of Long Pond Stream providing quite some background music. Hopefully they will lull me to sleep. I'm looking forward to tomorrow.
Date: 2015-09-15
From: Campsite near tribitary of Long Pond stream

To: Campsite, East Chairback Pond
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: clear sky

Another full but great day. Got very good nights sleep (must have been the roaring cascades next door). Up and on trail by 7:30 am. This was mountain climbing day but first I needed to ford Long Pond stream. Stream was up and rolling along. Luckily bottom was pretty good footing and I made it across without incident. Trail followed the creek for about a mile up to the next shelter. Lots of energetic chutes and cascades along the way. First mountain of the day was Barren Mountain (a 2,000 ft climb from my campsite). The climb wasn't that bad and I had maybe the best views of the day from Barren Slide and Barren Ledges. The first was a whole 250 ft off the trail and I had it to myself, the second right on the trail I shared with 7 others. From there I climbed Fourth Mountain, Mt Three and a Half ( I kid you not), Third Mountain, Columbus Mountain, and finally Chairback Mountain. Slow going. A number of great improvements to trail sections but this is a big, isolated area so it's hard to "fix" everything. Lots of roots, rocks, and boggy areas. I think everyone has gone in at least ankle deep a couple times (okay, more than a couple) into the mud. Fourth and Chairback Mountains had particularly steep downhills. Coming down Chairback back in 2011 a thru hiker named Rusty Bumpers tripped and snapped both bones in his lower leg in two. I was extra careful coming down Chairback. Did have to race darkness to get to this campsite. Made it around 7 pm. It's a great one right on East Chairback Pond. Just a picture perfect setting. I'm here by myself (although something was snorting outside a minute ago). It's 9pm so I'm definitely ready for bed. Another day of fords and mountains
Date: 2015-09-16
From: Campsite, East Chairback Pond

To: Logan Brook lean-to
Miles today: 14.5

Another really good night sleep. That was a beautiful setting- one of the best campsites of the entire journey. Up (the 0.2 mile side trail from the pond) and back on the AT by 8 am. Today the trail definitely had two parts 1) morning walk along streams 2) afternoon walk up mountains. Forded West Branch of the Pleasant River early in the day and then walked over 4 miles beside Gulf Hagas Brook, beautiful stream with lots of cascades. Had lunch besides a small pond just above where the trail and stream went their separate ways. Then it was mountain climbing time - in order, Gulf Hagas Mountain, West Peak, Hay Mountain, and finally White Cap Mountain. All had their steep sections, only White Cap had any views. Great views from White Cap. No more mountains over 2,000 ft until Katahdin! Got to this campsite about 5:30 pm. Thought about heading a little further but decided to call it a day. Give my body a little extra rest and - hopefully - make a big push through the lowlands tomorrow. I also pick up my food drop tomorrow. I'm hoping it's there. The folks at the Lakeshore weren't the most helpful about the whole process. Oh well, tomorrow will provide the answer and in the meantime I'm hitting the hay.
Date: 2015-09-17
From: Logan Brook lean-to

To: Antlers Campsite
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: clear sky

Up and on the trail by 7:15am. Forgot to mention but yesterday the trail improved quite a lot. First couple days there were sections of recent improvements but lots of rough, rocky, rooty trail. Yesterday a lot more nice sections including a extensive rock stairway coming down from Whitetop. Today the trail was great all day. The weather was great, and the trail grade was easy. In all it made for an easy big mileage day. Started the day finishing the drop off Whitetop to the crossing of the East Branch of the Pleasant River. Turned out to be a rock hop which surprised me considering the amount of rain we've had recently. A little ways later I had the only climb of the day up Little Boardman Mountain (1980 ft) and then down to Cooper Brook road where my food drop was supposed to be. I was somewhat worried about this as the staff at the Lakeshore Inn where I made the arrangements weren't the most knowledgable or helpful. None the less the food was there so I breathed a sigh of relief and hiked down to the sandy beach on Crawford Pond. Great place, great beach, great and refreshing swim!! Had lunch there too. It's interesting to me how many thru hikers ignore these spots (right off the trail) and just hike from shelter to shelter. When I stopped at the next shelter a couple miles away to get some water there were 7 thru hikers there eating lunch in the dark shelter none who had stopped at the beach. I know "hike your own hike" but I think folks are missing much of the trail's beauty by all these shelter stops. The rest of the day was great. The trail followed roaring streams, beautiful ponds of many sizes through a wonderful spruce and northern hardwood forest. Sphagnum moss covered the ground with lots of colorful fungi as well. Got to this site a little after 5pm. Lots of folks here but I was lucky to grab the last prime tenting spot near Jo-Mary Pond. Put a major dent in my newly resupplied food bag. Tomorrow is the last big mileage day of the journey. Time to hit the hay so I can be up early.
Date: 2015-09-18
From: Antlers Campsite

To: Campsite, Pollywog Stream
Miles today: 19.7

Up and on trail by 7:30 am. Today's another long day but like yesterday the trail is very nice. Most of the day was spent either hiking along streams and around lakes or ponds. All very scenic plus I've become somewhat obsessed (but in a good way) with the fungi in the 100 mile. Abundant and terrific colors - red, orange, yellow, purple, even the whites! They often have either popped up from a background of black organic soil or through a green carpet of Sphagnum moss. Fantastic. Went for my swim today from the sandy beach of Nahmakanta Lake. Very refreshing. Had a late lunch there also and felt great making the only climb of the day up Nesuntabunt Mountain. Had great view of Katahdin from there! Coming down the mountain my stomach started to cramp. I could ignore it for awhile but coming up the trail here after crossing Pollywog Stream it got so bad that I decided it wasn't worth pushing on any further. Found this spot near Pollwog Stream and set up camp. After resting for maybe 30 minutes things felt much better. I think it might have been the tuna I ate for lunch. Anyhoot I've eaten dinner and all is good. Guess I'll finally state the obvious - this journey is rapidly coming to an end. Tomorrow I'll hike to Abol Bridge, meet Rebecca and spend tomorrow night near Millinocket. Sunday I'll hike into Katahdin Springs campground and Monday, if all goes well I'll summit Katahdin.   I'm excited but, in a way, have been hiking so long it hasn't sunk in yet that I won't be thru hiking after Monday. I am, though, looking forward to getting back home and spending time with my best friend and soul mate, the world's best trail angel (even if she did send that tuna in my food drop!). I'm also looking forward to working on my little section of trail, the Sam Moore shelter, and my section of AT boundary. It's time to give back some love to the AT! But first it's time for sleep and a hike to Abol Bridge!!!
Date: 2015-09-19
From: Campsite, Pollywog Stream

To: Abol Bridge
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: clear sky

Up and on the trail by 7am. The last day in the 100 mile wilderness will do that to you. Another beautiful day - wow how many can we have? Lowland trail again running almost all the time by a lake/pond or a roaring stream. Stopped for a snack along the banks of Rainbow Lake and had lunch in a soft mat of sphagnum moss just pass Rainbow Ledges. Got to Abol Bridge about 3pm. A phenomenal view of Katahdin from the bridge. Last year when No Pants summited the mountain was surrounded by a ring of yellow (fall colors). Everything is still green now but still impressive. It is getting close!!! Went into restaurant and ordered a BLT and as it came out Rebecca and Charlie came in. We all had a late lunch together and then Charlie headed into his campsite and we headed to the Big Moose cabins for the night.