morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-09-23
From: Logan Brook Lean-to

To: Antlers Campsite
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: clear sky

Logan Brook-Antlers campsite 20 miles (with resupply at 15 miles)Had to make the resupply rendezvous by 12 so we left camp in the dark (6:30) and O-Town ran most of the way. With the exception of one small mountain the trail was flat, otherwise it would have been impossible. As it was, it rained all night and was still coming down this morning. This made the rocks and roots extra slippery. O-Town made the 15 miles with 10 minutes to spare, a Herculean feat. I walked as fast as I could, and even alternated running and walking but still took me until 2:00 to make the 15 miles to the food drop. After briefly resting we got back on the trail and hiked 5 more to finish the 20. The Antlers Campsite was amazing- beautiful, right on the lake, and with a bed of soft pine needles for our tents. 52 miles to go.
Date: 2016-09-24
From: Antlers Campsite

To: Nahmakanta Lake campsite
Miles today: 13.0

Antlers- Nahmakanta Lake shoreline, 13 miles. It was a flat stretch of trail so we could make good time, although there were still plenty of stretches with rocks and roots, and some up and down near the end. We camped by some bleached moose bones and enjoyed a spectacular sunset right on the shore of the lake. It was easily the most amazing campsite of the entire 1300 miles. 39 miles left.
Date: 2016-09-25
From: Nahmakanta Lake campsite

To: Rainbow Lake campsite
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Nahmakanta Lake-Rainbow Lake campsite 15.7miles. After a cool, windy 36 degree night we awakened to warm sunshine and calm winds. Someone spotted a pair of otters playing in the lake just beyond our campsite. I considered it to be a good omen. We quickly learned today that we're still in the mountains. One might have been led to believe otherwise from all the relatively flat terrain we covered yesterday. Today's hike took us from the lakeshore up and over the top of Nesuntabunt Mountain. Our 900' climb would have been rewarded with a great view of Katahdin had it been a clear day. Alas, the mountain was obscured by clouds. A cold north wind quickly chilled us in our sweat-soaked clothing and would have kept us from lingering even if there had been a view. Picking our way down a rooty, rock-strewn trail we descended quickly, soon gaining protection from the wind. Once off the mountain the trail flattened out with only gentle rises and descents. We hiked through alternating stretches of spruce/fir then birch/maple habitats while red squirrels protested our intrusion with loud, twittering calls of alarm. Soon we were following Rainbow Stream, climbing past waterfalls and cascades to its headwaters at Rainbow Lake. Another hiker just a half mile behind us crossed paths with a bear on this section of trail. Upon reaching the lake the trail followed its rocky shoreline for three miles before finally delivering us to our campsite. Perched on the top of an exposed point, the site was beautiful but did not afford much protection from the gale-force winds running down the lake. We made camp quickly and threw on all the layers we had just to stave off hypothermia. Dinner was prepared while hunkering down on the lee side of a large boulder. We hung our food, then it was into our tents and sleeping bags to keep warm. The sounds of the wind in the fir trees and waves crashing on the shore below our campsite soon serenaded us into a deep slumber. We are now less than 25 miles from Katahdin.
Date: 2016-09-26
From: Rainbow Lake campsite

To: Abol Bridge
Miles today: 8.1

Rainbow Lake campsite- Abol Bridge, 8.1 miles 1071'/ 1532'We originally planned to hike 17 miles to Katahdin Stream Campground in Baxter State Park today, then summit tomorrow. The weather has changed those plans. With a forecast of rain, high winds and a high temp of 38 for tomorrow we have decided to be flexible and bail at Abol. The trail warmed us up by taking us 500' to the top of Rainbow Ledges first thing in the morning. It was a bit of a climb, but after what we've been through for the last month we hardly noticed it. What we did notice however was a breathtaking view of Mount Katahdin from the top. After snapping a few photos we headed downhill. Six more miles of hiking delivered us to Abol Bridge over the Penobscot River. Moose season is upon us- the mating season for them and hunting season for Mainers. Bull moose are notoriously territorial and aggressive during the mating season. They've been known to attack full size pick-up trucks. The things weigh anywhere from 700-1000 lbs and are taller than a lot of horses. One reportedly ran through the campsite a couple of miles back down the trail from where we were staying last night, stomping and snorting. Luckily it didn't attack anyone or their tents! Abol Bridge Store serves as a big game check-in station. Hunters have to bring their moose there to have them weighed before driving home with them. By the time we arrived at 1:00 Saturday several moose had already been checked in and another was just being weighed. We are shuttling to the AT hostel in Millinocket and holing up there tonight and tomorrow to let the weather improve. We will return to Abol on Wednesday to hike the 10 miles to Katahdin Stream Campground. We will camp there Wednesday night and climb Katahdin Thursday. Fifteen miles to Katahdin's summit.
Date: 2016-09-27
From: Abol Bridge

To: Millinocket ME
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Tuesday, September 27Zero day at the Appalachian Trail Lodge in Millinocket ME. The weather turned bad so instead of summiting today we took a zero in town. While there we attended to the myriad of logistical details one must take care of on "days off". We figured out how many meals we will need for the next section of trail, grocery shopped, repackaged and packed food, did laundry, cleaned up. And ate real food. After a few months on the trail one will never again take clean clothes, hot showers, real food, cotton sheets and a soft bed for granted.
Date: 2016-09-28
From: Millinocket ME

To: Katahdin Stream Campground, Baxter State Park
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: broken clouds

Wednesday September 28Abol Bridge Trailhead- Katahdin Stream Campsite, Baxter State Park10 miles, 1111'/ 580'This was possibly the most enjoyable, relaxing section of trail on the entire AT. After a short walk along Golden Road we hung a left and entered Baxter State Park. There to greet us were two whitetail does who seemed as curious about us as we were of them. They stood calmly observing us as we approached to within 20 feet. We spent a few minutes snapping photos then moved along. The trail was amazingly well groomed and flat, following the Penobscot River for about four miles. We rock hopped a few minor tributaries along the way, then came to Nesowadnehunk Stream. Here the trail turned north, away from the Penobscot and toward Katahdin. Following the Nesowadnehunk, we gradually ascended, hiking past waterfalls and cascades unlike anywhere else on the trail. Each was more impressive than the one before as we continued upstream. Eventually the trail diverged from the stream and meandered through quiet stretches of white pine and birch, delivering us to Katahdin Stream Campground about an hour before sunset. We ate dinner and made camp in lean-to #4, situated within yards of gurgling Katahdin Stream. Tomorrow's the big day- we climb 5267' Mount Katahdin, Maine's tallest mountain.
Date: 2016-01-12
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Well I guess it's time to fish and stop cutting bait. Today I start my journal.I tentatively decided to through-hike the AT in June 2015, but wasn't sure if I was phsically and mentally suited to giving it a shot. Would I actually enjoy it? I started the research and planning, completed 3 shake down hikes and have decided to go for it.I plan to set off around March 25, 2016. I live in the Atlanta area so have the luxury of being able to move the dates backwards or forwards by a few days if a particularly good weather window opens up.I haven't been given a trail name, but until I am anointed with one I will go by "Limey". I am from England and some of my friends use that term of endearment.Limey.
Date: 2016-02-21
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

For friends and family here is a map of the whole trail. Approximately 2,190 miles, 14 states, gain/loss in elevation of 464,500 feet which is the equivalent of climbing Everest 16 times. I will be carrying everything that I need on my back - tent, sleeping bag, cooking equipment, food for about 4 to 6 days. Every 4 to 6 days I will leave the trail and find a town or convenience store to resupply. I will get water along the way from small creeks and treat the water with chemical drops. If successful it will take me about 6 months. There is a deadline. I have to be up at Mount Katahdin in Maine before mid-October. The park there closes around that time with the first snowfall.Here is an address for a great website that contains information about the trail:http://www.appalachiantrail.org/home/explore-the-trail There is also a link to this website in the column to the left of my journal see Appalachian Trail Official Site <-
Date: 2016-03-16
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I have been strangely calm over the last 3 weeks, adopting a "que sera"attitude. I was mentally done with the planning and my gear list and just wanted to get started. However, as my jump off day rapidly approaches I am starting to get a little anxious and nervous. My focus shifted to filing tax returns, paying bills, cancelling car insurance and numerous other administrative tasks. I have been waiting for a window of "goodish" weather that coincides with when my wife, Susan, will be able to drive me to Springer. I know I will face a lot of wet days on the trail, but would like to start out fairly easy and get a few days under my belt. I have got all of my major gear items and am now just fussing with the smaller items and food. The photograph shows my stove in the making. An alcohol stove made from a cat food can. it is simple and light. The main drawback is that it is difficult to simmer while cooking. The stove is either on or off. Cooking time is controlled by the amount of alcohol that you put in the can before you start.In this entry I have been experimenting with formatting. Somebody kindly posted tips on how to bold, start a new paragraph, and create lists (I've not tried the list yet, but stay tuned!).
Date: 2016-03-19
From: Springer Mountain 

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Today is the day!I woke at 5am and could not get back to sleep; too many things running through my head. The forecast for today is not good, 80% probability of rain showers throughout the day. However, as hikers before me have pointed out - "no rain, no pain, no Maine". It is inevitable that I will be going through rain at many points in the future. I just wanted to try and start out in a good weather window. Oh well! Sunday through Wednesday look much better; mostly sunny with a low probability of rain. However, Thursday onwards is forecast to be several days of heavy rain and thunderstorms.The last 10 days have been a blur. So many loose ends to tie up. Filing tax returns, paying bills, setting up auto pay, changing car insurance..... Basically carrying out 6 months of administration in a few days.My final pack weight is 15 pounds without food or water. One day of food weighs between 1.5 and 2 pounds. In the south I will typically be carrying 4 days of food so my fully loaded pack with food and water will be 22 to 24 pounds. My goal is to keep it under 25 pounds. This is with my winter weight clothing and sleeping quilt. If I am still going in about 6 to 8 weeks time and through the Smoky Mountains I will be able to switch to summer weight items and shave off about a pound. I decided early on in my trip planning that going light would be key for me. It makes a huge difference to my aging knees and back. My wife Susan is going to drive me to Springer, which is about a 2 hour drive away. She will hike a few of the first miles with me. Leaving her will be very difficult. I am so fortunate that Susan has supported me from the beginning in this hare brained scheme. So a big thank you to her for making it possible for me to attempt this current dream of mine, and for supporting me while I am on the trail.
Date: 2016-03-19
From: Springer Mountain 

To: Hawk Mountain campsitr
Miles today: 7.4
Weather: moderate rain

7.4 miles down, 2,181.6 to go! Susan drove me to the forest service road 1 mile north of Springer. I left my pack in the car and we hiked together to the summit. It was very foggy, cold and raining. Zero visibility. We posed for the obligatory photo then returned to the car to eat our lunch out of the rain. We said our goodbyes, but it was not too traumatic because Susan will meet me in about 10 days in North Carolina. We will hike together for about 4 days. As I set off walking through the woods I felt a bit like Frodo setting off an adventure and leaving Bag End behind.
Date: 2016-03-20
From: Hawk Mountain campsitr

To: Gooch shelter
Miles today: 8.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Hawk mountain campsite was just opened. They have 30 camping pads and food boxes. I talked with a Ridge Runner there (People that work for the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and help people out). I asked how they carried in the 3 very heavy steel boxes. They used 32 US Army Rangers to hand carry in the sheets of plywood and beams for the privy, plus the 3 boxes. It took 4 Rangers for each box. They would carry it about 100 yards then stop to rest, change positions and start again.Got a late start, but made it up and over Sassafras Mountain.
Date: 2016-03-21
From: Gooch shelter

To: Lance Creek
Miles today: 8.5
Weather: scattered clouds

It was really cold over night and woke up to snow on the ground. Wind was steady all night long with frequent high gusts that shook my tent. Lots of trail magic today, Trail Devil hikers with beer at Gooch Gap. Choice of PBR or Busch. Two of their camp chairs had collapsed the night before while carousing around their camp fire and they were discussing where to buy new ones. Someone suggested the thrift store, then another said "try the DG". It took me a while to figure out this means Dollar General. From now on I'll be calling Dollar General the "DG". Further up the trail Dr. Pepper and 2 lady accomplices were handing out goody bags of candy, raisins, granola. At Woody Gap 4 amazing ladies handing out hamburgers, beanie weinies, juice, fruit. It was freezing cold with an arctic wind whistling through the Gap . They had a big fire going. Thanks to all the wonderful trail magicians.
Date: 2016-03-22
From: Lance Creek

To: Levelland Mountain
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: clear sky

From Jarrod Gap through Neels Gap you are required to carry a bear cannister. Since these are large and heavy I do not have one. I camped south of Jarrard and finished north of Neel Gap. Didn't see a single bear. I was looking for one with a big head for Ramsey. At Lance Creek I camped next to Friar Tuck. Went over Blood Mountain; the ascent wasn't too bad, but the descent was a little tricky. Steep and lots of rocks. Lots of hikers congregated at the Wassi Yi outfitters trading tales. I bought 4 more days of provisions and charged my phone. Great folks working there, all have successfully through hiked. Prices are a little steep, eg $2.99 for a small avocado. However, it's very convenient to be able to get what you need.
Date: 2016-03-23
From: Levelland Mountain

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 9.8
Weather: clear sky

Weather was great yesterday and today. Hiking in t-shirt and shorts. There are no leaves on the trees yet so the sun beats down. I was rocking my bucket hat and bandana to cover my face and neck. I call this my "B&B" look. I'm sure my daughter Emma would be aghast if she saw me, but I did get several admiring stares.My campsite on top of Levelland Mountain was spectacular. I was the only one there. Great views, magnificent sun set and rise. Excellent trail magic at Tesnatee Gap. 3 wonderful Christians spreading love to all. They had chairs set up, sodas, snacks, hiker box of goodies and hand knitted beanies. The ladies from several churches make them. In the photo chilling are myself, Tony, his daughter Emma, The Beast (a trail name, more on this to follow in future journals), and Martha.
Date: 2016-03-24
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Blue Mountain shelter
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Low Gap shelter was pretty full. The hike to Blue Mountain was the easiest so far. No big climbs, running along a ridge for much of the way. A bit rocky and steep towards the end. Another gorgeous day, mid 60s, sunny with some clouds. A thunderstorm is forecast for early evening, it's been predicted for several days. It should be intense, but blow through by 2am. There's a Ridge Runner at the shelter, I chatted with him for a while. He lives in Atlanta but spends 5 days each week living on the trail moving from shelter to shelter. The season is from February to June. I may have found my next vocation.
Date: 2016-03-25
From: Blue Mountain shelter

To: Sassafras Gap
Miles today: 12.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Last night at Blue Mountain shelter a helicopter flew over screaming in the middle of the night. It was extremely loud, very low, just above the tree tops. It woke everyone and was the subject of conversation the next morning. Just North of Springer there is an open field close to the Trail that the Army uses for Ranger training. The helicopters drop Rangers at night onto the field and they disappear into the woods. If you ever hike the trail do not camp in that inviting looking field off to the side!. Today was my longest hike to date at 12.8 miles. I want to get into Hiawasee in time to see the England vs Germany soccer game on Saturday. I went over Rocky Mountain and Tray Mountain. The toughest summits in the Georgia section of the AT are Sassafras, Blood, Rocky and Tray mountains. I am now successfully over all of these.I have finally started to see some wildlife. I saw the snake in the photo going up Tray Mountain. I think it is a garter snake. Later that day I also saw 2 wild turkey and a pileated woodpecker. Over night at Sassafras I heard several coyotes right after dark. They were making all kinds of noise barking, howling and shrieking.
Date: 2016-03-26
From: Sassafras Gap

To: Dick's Creek Gap
Miles today: 6.3

The photo shows a tree with a white blaze (rectangular paint mark). This is how the trail is marked and how I find my way. It is quite easy as long as I pay attention when other trails cross the AT. Every few hundred yards there will be a white blaze to reassure me that I have not strayed. The difficult part is when I get back on the trail in the morning to remember to go in the right direction! Many people have hiked a few miles going south in the wrong direction before realizing their mistake and then have to back track. I'm sure that I will do this more than a few times before this trip is over.At Dicks Creek Gap I had my first successful hitch hike ride into town. It is 11 miles into Hiawasee. When I first arrived I stuck my thumb out as a BMW was leaving the parking area. The driver asked me which direction I was headed. He said he was heading in the opposite direction and so took off. I stood there for 5 minutes with about 6 vehicles passing without stopping. Then the same BMW came by and stopped for me. The driver (Andy from Alabama) had kindly turned around and came back to take me 11 miles out of his way (22 round trip). The kindness, friendliness and generosity of people on the trail and surrounding towns is truly amazing. Once ensconced in my hotel room I called my wife. She informed me that she has been reading other peoples' journals and I need to raise my game. Mine is not up to their level. I'm not sure what to do, apart from make them longer, but it is hard to do them quickly on my phone while trying to conserve my batteryAt the Holiday Inn hotel I recharged my phone and battery pack, did laundry, showered and watched England come from 2 nil down to beat Germany 3 to 2.
Date: 2016-03-27
From: Dick's Creek Gap

To: Dicks Creek Gap
Miles today: 0.0

Today I decided to "take a zero". That's a day when a hiker takes a rest and does not hike, i.e. zero miles that day. Back to back rest days would be a double zero, or a Robert Parish (look him up in Google images if you do not know who he is). I've come 70 miles in 8 days, am feeling good, but decided to take a rest and let my body recover. It's a good hotel with indoor pool, hot tub, and walking distance of an Ingles (supermarket) and several restaurants. Most of the guests at the hotel are hikers, and the town is full of them.Now back to the topic of trail names. Most hikers adopt a trail name. Usually it is bestowed on them by fellow hikers when you display some distinguishing feature or do something embarrassing. I am going by Limey for now (which I came up with) until I am given one. Following are examples of trail names for people that I have met so far. Muffin Man he was a baker for 7 years before quitting his job to hike the trail.Romeo He misses terribly his girlfriend at home and phones her at least once every day.Radagast This young lady from Texas came to the breakfast camp fire one morning with a couple of leaves and twigs in her long, brown hair.Stop-N-Go I passed her sitting on the trail taking a smoke break. She admitted that she is more stop than go.The Beast For his prodigious ability to sweat more than any other known person. He always carries 4 liters of water and electrolyte supplements to replenish himself.The Pirate He is from Venezuela, has long, shoulder length black hair, a pointy black beard and wide brimmed hat. Looks a little like a swashbuckling buccaneer. it's about 8 miles to the North Carolina border. I need to average 12 miles per day for the next 3 days to meet Susan in Franklin . It may not sound like much, but it is a 50% increase over what I have been averaging.
Date: 2016-03-28
From: Dicks Creek Gap

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Today I crossed the state line into North Carolina. Stick a fork in the Georgia section of the Appalachian Trail, it is DONE. One state down, 13 more to go! It is difficult to read, but the wooden sign on the tree says "NC/GA". As I approached the line a group of hikers (Muffin Man, Romeo, Shaggy and a couple of others) were taking a break at the line and encouraged me up the hill to cross the line. They dubbed themselves the "border line cheerleaders". Mostly because their cheering was mediocre! For me personally this was my most tiring day to date. The climb straight out of Dicks Creek Gap was very steep and the Holiday Inn breakfast buffet was sitting heavily in my stomach. Also, it took me a couple of hours to adjust to coming off the zero day and getting back in the hiking groove. I crossed into North Carolina mid afternoon, fairly tired, and then had to tackle the climb up Courthouse Bald.