morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-08-04
From: Bald Mountain Brook Lean to

To: Stealth Camping by Holly Brook 3 miles N of Rt 201
Miles today: 12.0

We hoped to hike 15 miles to Caratunk despite my faltering knees. (I've been favoring the left one so much that the right one is now aching and swelling just as badly.) Unfortunately, the terrain wasn't as kind to us today. After a gentle descent down to Moxie Pond Road, we ascended Pleasant Pond Mountain, which from the north side approach seemed anything but pleasant! We were expecting a fairly easy climb, but the day was hot and we got fooled several times by false summits. My knees were hurting right from the start this morning, so that didn't help. Dave also is starting to develop some aches and pains (not counting the normal soreness one expects from backpacking). All in all, not one of our best days on the trail, but let's face it-- any day on the trail beats a day at the office! Although we'd hoped to make it the whole way into Caratunk, we got started a bit too late and my knees were just too sore to make the climb and descent over Pleasant Pond Mountain fast enough.   We probably should have stopped at the Pleasant Pond Lean-to on the southern side of the mountain, where there was a nice pond and water source. Unfortunately, we kept on and never found the stealth camping site we'd heard about. We ended up creating a little spot for our tent in a somewhat boggy area along Holly Brook stream. By then, it was nearly dark, and we were too tired to cook. We were also a bit depressed, because we had realized that there was no way we could make it all the way to New Hampshire in the time we had left on our vacation. It was pretty clear that the only way my knees could go on would be if we limited our days to no more than 8 miles/day. Even so, we weren't sure how long they'd last and we were concerned about doing long term damage. For the first time, we were seriously considering the need to get off the trail in Caratunk or Stratton and spend the rest of our vacation doing something different.Needless to say, we were in the lowest spirits of our trip, facing what could very well be our last night on the trail. I decided we should break our steadfast rule about never ever bringing food into the tent, and change our mood with a little tent party. It took a bit to convince Dave, but in the end, he agreed. (I pointed out that we had seen nor heard of any signs of bear activity anywhere in Maine, and much to our surprise, a lot of AT hikers on White Blaze claim they routinely bring their food into their tents unless bear activity is known. While I wouldn't feel comfortable doing that on a routine basis, I was pretty confident that it was safe on this one night, and was willing to take the slight chance in return for a much needed party/boost to our spirits.) After Dave agreed to take the chance, I dug out our dehydrated hummus, some crackers, and our Greenville resupply of wiskey and we had a grand old time!
Date: 2012-08-05
From: Stealth Camping by Holly Brook 3 miles N of Rt 201

To: Sterling Inn, Caratunk, Maine
Miles today: 3.0

Thanks to our little tent party last night, we woke up in much better spirits than when we'd arrived. We quickly broke camp and enjoyed our a leisurely, mostly downhill walk to Route 201. We followed signs to the post office where we called Eric at the Sterling Inn. Eric quickly came by and picked us up in his van. Much to our disappointment, he told us that we had just missed Fugitive (Crystal). It seems she just left about an hour before we arrived. She'd warned him that I would probably be limping, and she was right. Eric just bought the Inn and spent the winter getting ready for the season. From what I understand, he's made quite a few improvements to the place, and we thought they were all wonderful. He showed us to a lovely room with a queen sized bed that overlooked the front yard. The Inn had many, many rooms, including a nice kitchen, dining room, and rec room with a nice tv and comfy sofas and chairs. We met quite a few other hikers there, and at no point did we ever feel crowded. If you're ever considering a stop in or near Caratunk, and are looking for an affordable place to stay, the Caratunk Inn is your place. After arriving, we enjoyed the luxury of a shower and washed off all of our trail grime. Eric's son drove us down to Stratton to pick up our car. (We were very unsure about my knees and the ability to go further, and Eric offered us a 3-nights for the price of 2 stay. We figured we'd pick up the car, and if we decided my knees could handle it, we'd leave the car here and pick it up from whereever we left off.) We enjoyed a nice meal at the White Wolf Inn at Stratton, where we met NutterButter, a really nice solo NOBO. We talked with her for quite a while and secretly bought her meal before we left, feeling like we'd done our trail magic for the day.
Date: 2012-08-06
From: Sterling Inn, Caratunk, Maine

To: Kayaking on Moxie Pond
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

We enjoyed a wonderful zero today in the Caratunk area. After a delicious breakfast with other hikers, we headed north towards the Forks, and found ourselves an outfitter that was willing to rent us 2 kayaks to spend the day exploring Moxie Pond. By the way, people in Maine are not like the rest of us when it comes to naming water bodies. Moxie Pond is huge. You literally cannot see across the entire pond. In most other parts of the country, this would be called a lake.We had a fantastic time on the pond, kayaking around with loons and bald eagles, and having lunch on a nice rock outcropping in the middle of the "pond". We explored the pond all day long, never actually getting all the way to the other end. At one point we saw an eagle fly to a nearby tree top. We paddled over to get a better look and some photos. We snapped a couple of shots and he took off. We were feeling pretty excited about it, and moments later another eagle came out from the nest and swooped right over us. It was a thrilling experience!(If I can ever figure out how to post multiple photos on a single day, I'll post a photo of one of 'our' eagles.) Eventually, we made our way back to shore after a nice day doing an aquablaze instead of a white blaze. We drove back to the Sterling Inn and changed clothes, before heading again for a nice evening meal and beer at the Kennebec River Brewery in the Forks, Maine. We made the staff very, very happy when we purchased a long block of tunes by the Grateful Dead, Old Crow Medicine Show,etc on the juke box. They found it a welcome relief from the pop tunes that normally get selected. We also met several other hikers, and did our little contribution to the trail magic by buying some beers for a couple of NOBO through hikers.
Date: 2012-08-07
From: Kayaking on Moxie Pond

To: Pierce Pond and back to the Sterling Inn
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: clear sky

Sadly, we've decided to save my knees for future backpacking adventures and call it quits for this trip. As our final farewell to the trail, we decided to take a day hike to Pierce Pond and pay our respects to Parkside, the young hiker who tragically drowned earlier this summer as he was nearing completion of his thru hike.We met the Kennebunk River ferryman, who took across the river in a canoe marked with the only moving white blaze on the entire AT. It was pretty cool. The hike to Pierce Pond was stunningly beautiful, with creeks, waterfalls, and moss-covered woods and rocks all around. It was a beautiful day on the trail. We got to Pierce Pond around lunch time, paid our respects at the make shift memorial to Parkside, and distributed some snickers and M&Ms to the hikers who were in the shelter, and hung the remaining trail magic for other hikers who might pass through later in the day.We returned back to the Sterling Inn with mixed feelings, knowing that it was our last hike on this portion of the trail, but also looking forward to the unexpected opportunity to go do some easier hiking at Acadia National Park and visiting with relatives in Boston and the Delaware beaches.All in all, this 162 mile trip has been one of the best experiences of my life. My knees hurt, but my spirits are high, and I can't wait to return to the trail. The world is full of magic and beauty, and the Appalachian Trail is both.
Date: 2012-03-08
From: Jarrard Gap

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Arrived at Neels Gap. Blood Mountain was not as bad as we were led to believe (still difficult tho). Stayed at the hostel at Neels Gap along with 14 other hikers and the 2 resident cats. Had a hot meal - pork chops, pork and beans and new potatoes for dinner, biscuits and gravy for breakfast! Pretty neat outfitter here.
Date: 2012-03-10
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Indian Grave Gap
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: clear sky

Starting to put in longer days. Still having a great time! Still meeting up with Mamaw B in the evening (and leapfrogging each other during the day.) A trail angel (Muldoon) had set up a grill and was fixing veggie burgers for any hikers hiking through. Wonderful sight, great food!
Date: 2012-03-12
From: Deep Gap Shelter

To: Dick's Creek Gap
Miles today: 3.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Hiked to Dick's Gap and caught a hotel shuttle service into town. Had a great breakfast and am staying in a real bed tonight. Hopefully will get a good night's sleep. Am amazed at how blue the views are. Mamaw says this is normal. Also am realizing how high in elevation we have been hiking. Knees are a little sore from all the steep downhills we have encountered...thank you hiking poles! Helps relieve the pressure. Have run into other hikers that are nursing sore feet, blistered feet. Some have had to quit the hike for now. Luckily, Mamawy and I are working into the hike rather than going full bore. Back on the trail tomorrow morning. There are several people catching the shuttle to continue on.
Date: 2012-03-13
From: Dick's Creek Gap

To: Bly Gap
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: broken clouds

Got dropped off by the hotel shuttle and were presented with an "ass kicker" of a mountain right off the bat. Luckily we were fresh. It was an above average in difficulty day of hiking. A few mountains kicked our butts. Around 4:05 PM we crossed into North Carolina....woooohoooo! Wanted to go farther today but there is an 800+ elevation to climb in front of us so figured we'd wait and do it tomorrow.
Date: 2012-03-14
From: Bly Gap

To: Beech Gap
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: few clouds

Nasty climb right off the bat. It has been a tough day, lots of roots, rocks, springs and mud. Lots of steep uphills and downhills. The weather was pretty warm, didn't check the thermometer on my pack but was sweating quite a bit. Reached the top of Standing Indian Mountain and went off to near the fire tower to enjoy the view. It was incredible from all directions! We left Standing Indian and were able to get to Beech Gap in 70 minutes (3 miles). Guess we're picking up the pace!
Date: 2012-03-15
From: Beech Gap

To: Rock Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: clear sky

Most miles hiked yet. Not bad for 2 old codgers! Walked in the rain for the first time. A trail angel, Gingersnap, hung a container with cake, brownies and a log book from a tree. Enjoyed the unexpected treat! Signed the log book. Found out Doc had to quit the trail. He overdid it the first day and his body just wouldn't recover. Guess it's a good thing Mamaw and I are taking it gradually. Should make it into Franklin tomorrow to pick up my resupply at the post office.
Date: 2012-03-16
From: Rock Gap Shelter

To: Franklin NC
Miles today: 3.8
Weather: light rain

Stormed pretty good last night. Glad I was in a shelter. Someone ended up hanging a tarp over the open end otherwise we would have gotten wet. Lots of mice running around during the night. This was a nero day. Caught a shuttle into Franklin, he even stopped at the post office so I could pick up my resupply. Mamaw and I went to an outfitters and bought new sleeping pads that weigh 9 oz. We'll see how they work out! I also picked up water treatment chemical drops and a water container. The outfitter is shipping my old sleeping pad and water purifier back home. This should lighten my pack by 3-1/2 lb. or something to that affect. Of course then I'm adding my newly acquired food supply so the weight will go back up. But you have to eat! Ate a couple good meals in Franklin. Ben and Jerry's ice cream went down very easily! Staying in a motel tonight then back on the trail tomorrow.
Date: 2012-03-17
From: winding stair gap

To: Bartram Trail campsite
Miles today: 10.5

Uphills are not getting any easier. People are trying to figure out why I haven't gotten any blisters. My feet are so used to boots and working the rails that this doesn't seem that much different other than all the steep uphills and downhills. Had my first campfire tonight. Plenty of wood and a fire ring. Rained big time tonight. Lightning is scary at 4902 ft.
Date: 2012-03-18
From: Bartram Trail campsite

To: Wesser Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.1

In a shelter again tonight. Tried out the new sleeping pad last night and had some cold spots but that might have been because I was at a slope, had the pad outside the sleeping bag so was sliding off. Will try inside the sleeping bag tonight and see how it works. Today was a rough hike. Lots of elevation changes. I'm pretty tired. Keep going up to the fire towers to enjoy the spectacular views! Wesser Bald is 4627 ft. Have things drying out on 50 ft of line. It poured last night but my tent stayed dry. Mamaw had some wetness in hers. Not too happy about that! Short hike tomorrow into Nantahala Outdoor Center for a hot meal.
Date: 2012-03-20
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: Locust Cove Gap
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: broken clouds

Big climbs today. I mean BIG climbs today! 1,852 ft. in 4.1 miles. Hearts are pumping, lots of quick breaks on the ascent. Pleasant surprise around Wright Gap. As per sign instructions, we took a dog back to it's owner to keep it from following us and were rewarded with fresh eggs. When we took a break, we boiled them and ate them with mustard, mmm,mmm, good! Stealth camping it tonight to avoid a pair of dogs at the shelter who are not necessarily friendly. One of them growled at me. The Illinois brothers (3 of them) caught up with us as we were taking a break. I have also met the Maine brothers (2 of them). Pretty cool to see siblings hiking together. These ascents and descents are not getting any easier. I don't know where people are coming from who say Georgia was harder than this! I'm still enjoying myself in spite of the challenge. Mamaw informs me we are too early to see the rhododendrums blooming. Darn! The trail leads through huge patches of them and it would have been spectacular.
Date: 2012-03-22
From: Cable Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Dam Shelter (Hilton)
Miles today: 6.6
Weather: broken clouds

Arrived in Fontana Dam and pretty near everything is closed. The Visitors Center is in the midst of a remodel before the season starts. Robin, Mamaw B's friend, greeted us with 12" subs, fruit, yogurt... Food definitely brightens the day! Filled out my permit for the Smoky Mountains - yeehawww! I'll be entering the Smokies tomorrow, after today's nero. Looks like a pretty good climb starting out and I've been told it is a lot more wilderness (translation: not much cell phone coverage). Staying in the "Hilton" shelter tonight. Hikers arriving from both directions to stay here. I'm hiking for my son now. He left March 21st for Afghanistan on a 7 month tour. Lots for me to worry about as I hike.
Date: 2012-03-23
From: Fontana Dam Shelter (Hilton)

To: Russell Field Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: overcast clouds

There was a good climb out of Fontana Dam this morning, quite long. It rained all day making for a cold, wet, slippery hike. There is a reason these are called the Smoky Mountains. The fog was around all day. A trail runner advised us to go farther than planned because the hike tomorrow is difficult, so hiked an additional 2 1/2 miles. The shelter is full tonight. These kids sleep in a few hours later, leave 3-4 hours later then smoke by me on the trail. Hmmm....
Date: 2012-03-24
From: Russell Field Shelter

To: Derrick Knob Shelter
Miles today: 9.2
Weather: broken clouds

Smokies portion of trail doesn't believe in switchbacks: Straight up, straight down. Made it to the shelter early - 2:30. The shelters are beautiful, made of stone (by Conservation Corps?) with open fireplaces inside. Of course, if you build a fire, it gets smoky inside. Had my first popcorn on the trail courtesy of a former Florida fire department chief. He and I had lots to talk about!
Date: 2012-03-25
From: Derrick Knob Shelter

To: Mt Collins Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: broken clouds

Cold and rainy day. As I was hiking, I came across a shelter where I was offered a cup of coffee - I never turn down a cup of coffee! As Mamaw says: go uphill, get hot, go downhill, get cold. Step and slide, were in the clouds, it's wet. The winds were blowing like crazy. At Clingman's Dome (up 1742 el.) we were socked in by fog, so much for a view! No views the whole day. Bummer. Hiked farther than planned becauase it was so cold I didn't want to stop. Thank gawd for warm weather rain gear. Tonight it ended up being a full house in the shelter. Boxhead, Whistler, Mamaw and me along with a couple people who were here when we got here. Two guys from Sweden showed up after we had gotten into our sleeping bags. Tomorrow we hike out to the highway where Mamaw's friend, Robin, will pick us up and take us to Knoxville.
Date: 2012-03-26
From: Mt Collins Shelter

To: Newfound Gap
Miles today: 4.5
Weather: clear sky

The trail guy we saw said the temps yesterday were in the low 30's with a windchill. No wonder I was cold. Glad for smartwool! Today was a short day -4.5 miles to Newfound Gap. Beautiful, clear skies with the temps warming up as we came off the mountain. Lots of blooming wildflowers. Ended up off the trail earlier than planned so hitch-hiked into Gatlinburg. Mamaw B, Boxhead and I were riding in the bed of a pickup! After Robin arrived the four of us went and had Mexican at "No Way Jose's". My 2 cadillac marqueritas were very tasty. Then on to Ben and Jerry's for ice cream. I am now in Knoxville for a zero day tomorrow.
Date: 2012-03-27
From: Newfound Gap

To: Newfound Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Zero day. A very busy zero day. Mowed Mamaw's lawn - lot's of grass!, repaired some hinges, ran errands, planned the next several days destinations. Of course, here we are off the trail and the sun comes out and it's warm. Eating some good, home-cooked meals courtesy of Mamaw. I finally had a good night's rest last night. One more zero day tomorrow.
Date: 2012-03-28
From: Newfound Gap

To: Newfound Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Spent today resupplying, checking out Knoxville, and packing up. Tonight we went out and enjoyed a couple beers and "a night on the town", if that's what you want to call it. Hitting the road bright and early tomorrow knowing there is a 2 hour drive ahead of us to get to the trail. Enjoyed the break but ready to get hiking.
Date: 2012-03-29
From: Newfound Gap

To: Pecks Corner Shelter
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: light rain

Back on the trail after leaving Knoxville early this morning for our 2 hour drive to the trail. This part of the trail has been the most beautiful so far. Changed up my breakfast menu... Now it's raisin bran with powdered milk. A welcome change from oatmeal!
Date: 2012-03-30
From: Pecks Corner Shelter

To: Cosby Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Long day on the trail. It rained all day. (No pain, no rain, no Maine) The trail is rocky and slippery so I spent most of the time watching my footing. It was slower going, couldn't hike at my normal pace. Tomato soup tasted really good at the end of the day - took off the chill. I've changed my evening meal menu as well as the breakfast. Instead of eating freeze dried, I stocked up on grocery store food items as well as some food Mamaw had dried at home. Nice change but will still be eating freeze dried. Variety is good! Smaller group at the shelter tonight. This is still the prettiest section of the trail so far.
Date: 2012-04-02
From: Groundhog Creek Shelter

To: Footbridge Stream Campsite
Miles today: 12.0

Hiking is starting to suck! Spring wildflowers are blooming everywhere. Lots of streams, mild climbing, otherwise a fairly easy day. Max Patch Summit was a highlight. It was like being in the clouds. The clouds were streaming by, it was windy. Got into the campsite early - 4 pm. Sat around the campfire relaxing, good conversation with Cosmic John (his 4th thru hike) and Peanut Man (hiked the PCT, 1700 miles of the Continental Divide, is doing the AT and then plans on going back to finish the Continental Divide!)
Date: 2012-04-03
From: Footbridge Stream Campsite

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: broken clouds

Whooeee! Got to our initial destination and decided to hike on into Hot Springs - I got to chatting with people and Mamaw took off. By the time I got to Hot Springs, she was already sitting down at the Smoky Mountain Diner and had ordered food! We had 3 good climbs today, one right off the bat. Then down, down, down to Hot Spring. I was really cooking the last 3 miles just ahead of a storm which caught up with us as we ate - a real downpour. Mamaw and I are staying in a new hostel which used to be a Jesuit Retreat. It is run by a couple with trail names of Chuck Norris and Tigger and highly recommended by all who stay here. Great place!
Date: 2012-04-04
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Zero day. I got up early and went back to the Smoky Mountain Diner for breakfast. I was so early I was there with the good ol' boys, the regular locals. Spent my day doing laundry, visiting the outfitter (resupplying), checking out the town and enjoying the hot springs. Topped the evening off at the Rock Bottom Grill and Inn enjoying a couple beers with Mamaw. I'm going to try and increase my mileage per day from now on. We'll see how that works out!
Date: 2012-04-05
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Allen Gap
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: light rain

Stealth camping tonight. Hiked in the rain, temps are cold. The trail is fairly easy. Saw a sign put up by trail angels and went down to the log home of a couple that had thru hiked in the past - Hercules and Fal, a.k.a. the Nelsons. They served up a delicious hot meal of pork stew. Was introduced to their golden doodle... big dog! Got back to the trail then set up a stealth camp, glad that I didn't have to worry about preparing food after that much appreciated meal. We wer hiking in a good thunderstorm. At one point huddled down because of all the lighting.
Date: 2012-04-07
From: Jerry Cabin Shelter

To: Hogback Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: clear sky

Last night I slept with my down jacket, long underwear and wool hat. It was cold! Got up this morning to a hard freeze. Today had a 2400+ climb that took me 2 hours. It was rough. Hard time getting cell phone coverage the last couple days...
Date: 2012-04-08
From: Hogback Ridge Shelter

To: Bald Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: few clouds

Started the day out with a little trail magic... There was a note at the shelter last night that a trail angel was going to have breakfast waiting at the road north of the shelter this Easter morning. Got up and headed out as it was getting light. Quiet Paul served up scrambled eggs, hash browns, milk, juice, muffins. It was great! After eating all that food had a hard time covering much distance so ended up short of my original goal. I think my pack has gained weight... seriously. It is still chilly but as long as I keep moving, I stay somewhat warm.