morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-08-15
From: Moxie Bald Lean-to

To: Monson, ME
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: light rain

It's nice today but the trails are horrific. You can't avoid the water, mud, and muck. The first thing I did this morning was cross the West branch of the Piscataquis River. Normally this river is knee deep. There is a rope rigged up to hold onto as you cross. I took one step into the river, slipped, fell in and got all wet. Later on I saw lots of moose tracks. When I got to the East Branch of the Piscataquis River, I noticed a cooler on the other side just as I was getting ready to cross. I tried to cross too fast to get to the cooler, I slipped and fell in the water again. I banged up my shin and knee on a rock. I crossed a total of 4 rivers today. The latter two were deeper and faster. Today I read in a journal about "Aloha". I hiked with him in NJ. He is going to shuttle up to Katahdin. He is so tired of this rain and the awful conditions of the trail, he just wants to go home. There are other hikers who are calling it quits for the same reason. Me, I'm taking a zero day tomorrow because the forecast is for more rain, and I need to resupply before I enter the HUNDRED MILE WILDERNESS.
Date: 2008-08-16
From: Monson, ME

To: Shaw's Lodging, Monson
Miles today: 0.0

I got a ride into town today with 72 year old female twins from Carolina who are section hiking the 100 mile wilderness. The drive was scary. The driver was herky jerky, driving off the road because she was looking into the woods for moose. It was still better than paying $20 for a shuttle. The store had everything I needed. As I was leaving with my purchases there was a father and son who were filling up hiker boxes with extras they didn't need. I wish I hadn't bought so much. I took a few things anyway and filled up for the day. There is no place in town to buy shoes. I sure hope that my shoes hold up, because they are torn in 2 places. I plan to leave early in the morning and hopefully hike 3 shelters. The forecast looks good for the next couple of days. Yeah. Wish I was feeling better, but I'm determined to make it. There is light at the end of the tunnel.
Date: 2008-08-18
From: Long Pond Stream Lean-to

To: Chairback Gap Lean-to
Miles today: 10.9
Weather: scattered clouds

I climbed Barren Mountain today. It had lots of ups and downs, but it was not tough. It was another nice day. I guess I had to put up with some nasty rainy weather to earn this beautiful weather I am experiencing now. Sure do love it.
Date: 2008-08-19
From: Chairback Gap Lean-to

To: Carl Newhall Lean-to
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: overcast clouds

I had really nice views from Chairback Mountain today. I had to ford the west branch of the Pleasant River with shoes on--not too tough. Other states build bridges over the streams and rivers on the Trail, but not Maine, you got to get wet and cross through them. It started to get cold today. I bundled up.
Date: 2008-08-20
From: Carl Newhall Lean-to

To: East Branch Lean-to
Miles today: 10.8

Two fighter jets flew about 1,000 feet below me on either side of White Cap Mountain today. It was neat to watch that. Looked just like in the movie Top Gun. I got my first pictures of Mt. Katahdin from the north side of White Cap. It's cold and windy tonight but this is a nice shelter and camp. The East Branch of Pleasant River is in front of the lean-to. I climbed the last of the Big Mountains today before Katahdin.
Date: 2008-08-21
From: East Branch Lean-to

To: Potaywadjo Spring Lean-to
Miles today: 19.5
Weather: clear sky

This was just about the Best Day on the Trail. I saw a sea plane land on Joe Mary Lake and it docked on the next sandy beach down from the sandy beach that I was standing on. Two children and two adults got out of the plane and onto the beach. This was the first day in a really long time that I could walk with a normal stride--felt good. The ground is drying out. The perfect day: good mileage (19.5), perfect sand, perfect beach, perfect skinny dip, perfect camp spot, and a perfect cold water spring.
Date: 2008-08-22
From: Potaywadjo Spring Lean-to

To: Rainbow Stream Lean-to
Miles today: 21.8
Weather: clear sky

At Nahmakanta Lake (south end) there was a nice sandy beach and two x-thru hikers brought their kayaks up and were going to camp there. They brought trail magic to the beach. Snickers, gatorade, fig newtons and whoppi pies. What a great treat, thanks trail magic. Nesuntabunt Mountain, a small mountain at 1520 feet, but steep, was a little tough climbing today after walking on the flat all day. A nice view of Katahdin from the top.
Date: 2008-08-23
From: Rainbow Stream Lean-to

To: Abol Bridge--Pine campsite
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: clear sky

I walked by Big Niagra Falls and Little Niagra Falls today. It was all rocks and water. This is how I pictured Maine to be. I sat on top of the rocks above the falls and just enjoyed the scenery. I think that The Wilderness has been my favorite part of the trail, of course the picture perfect weather might have had something to do with that.
Date: 2008-08-24
From: Abol Bridge--Pine campsite

To: Katahdin Stream Campground, Birches campsite
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: few clouds

I checked into the ranger station tonight and I will be #138 on the register to complete the thru hike in 2008. This evening is a time of reflection for me on my last 5 months on the Trail. It was a lot more difficult than I thought it would be. I've had great experiences and have met a wonderful community of people on the trail, especially RJ and Mountain Sailor. I sure do hope that they are still on the trail somewhere behind me, and that they will be able to fulfill their dreams to the end. I am the only one here at camp tonight. I will be climbing Mt. Katahdin without a companion, but, as they say "if you climb solo, be assurred that you will not be alone. Everyone who has ever thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine will be there with you in spirit as you touch the sign." I'm ready to complete this journey.
Date: 2008-08-25
From: Katahdin Stream Campground

To: Mt. Katahdin ME
Miles today: 5.2
Weather: light rain

I did it!! I am now an official thru hiker. I left camp at 6:30 a.m. in the rain for the 5.2 mile climb to Baxter Peak on Katahdin. Baxter Peak is the northern terminus of Mt Katahdin. Katahdin is 5268 feet and the highest in Maine. The name means "greatest mountain". I reached the peak at 9:45 a.m. in clouds so thick that I couldn't see 30 feet in front of me. So I finished my journey in the clouds, pretty appropriate I think. When I got to Baxter Peak I took a picture of my hiking stick with the sign, then I sat down and had a little talk with the man up above. It was a pretty tough climb to get up and then down. The rocks were wet. I met Paula and Mom at 1:30 pm and we drove back to The Moose Inn where champagne awaited us in the lobby. People have been asking me how I feel and the first thought that crosses my mind is relieved!! It was a great journey, but a long 5 months, and I am looking forward to heading home to PA tomorrow and for some homegrown tomatoes. Thanks for all of your support along the way. Your support helped make my journey more bearable. My support crew: Paula, Scott, Jessica, Cindy, John, Jake, Mom and Dad, Gary and Teresa, Rod, Steve, and all of you who sent prayers my way and to those of you who have signed my journal. THANKS GUYS, I love you.In closing I'd like to share this quote from Percival Baxter with you because it is exactly how I feel, especially after climbing Mt. Katahdin:"Man is born to dieHis works are short-livedBuildings crumble, monuments decay, wealth vanishesBut Katahdin in all its gloryForever shall remain the mountain of the people of Maine!"
Date: 2007-12-17
To: i am an adventurist, baby!
Miles today: 0.0

Okay. I have to admit...I'm a big Tom Brown Jr. and Cody Lundin fan. I've read all of Tom's books and thought they were great with awesome insight on nature and life. Hopefully, I will be attending his school in New Jersey or Cody's Aboriginal Living Skills School out in Arizona after I've completed my hike. Just thought I would share a pretty cool quote from Tom Brown Jr's book, 'The Way of the Scout.' It pretty much sums me up in a nutshell. So, if anyone actually reads my journals, here goes....."I had walked the edge of intensity and come alive. I knew at that moment that I would never seek the gods of safety, security, and comfort that society so zealously worships. Not for me. Safety, security, and comfort were euphemisms for death as far as I was concerned. I wanted, from this point in my life on, to seek intensity and to walk the edge of adventure. I wanted to live the life of a scout." You said it Mr. Brown Jr.! Just plain awesome!!!So anyways, I just finished school with an overall average of 3.48. Not too bad. Now I gotta wait on Christmas to get here, followed by New Years and March. Then, it's off to Springer! In the meantime, I'm sitting at home with my deaf dog, 2 sox. My hair is finally getting long. I've been able to pull it back into a ponytail for the past 3 or 4 months. I just started to grow my chin beard out about 2 weeks ago. Hopefully it will be long enough to braid once it's time for my thru-hike. One other thing I need to do is come up with a cool trail name. I understand that most people believe you have to earn it while out on the trail. hmmmmm....I don't think I wanna do that though. I might get stuck with something I don't like, such as gonzo, or egghead, or something cheesy. I dunno. Well, that is enough from me for now. Hope anyone reading this has a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Date: 2008-03-24
From: Home

To: The Hiker Hostel
Miles today: 0.0

WOW!!! It's hard to believe that I am leaving home for the AT in less than 12 hours! Tomorrow, my travelling adventures begin. I'll be flying out of Tampa Int'l to Atlanta first thing in the morning. After my flight, I'm supposed to be picked up by the people from the Hiker Hostel in Dahlonega. Wednesday, I will be AT bound!!! It's going to be interesting to see how all my hours in the gym and hiking the Florida Trail have paid off. This hike has been a dream of mine for about 7 years now. It wasn't until March 29 of last year that I made up my mind to thru-hike the trail this year. I was dayhiking on Springer Mountain and ran into 'Many Sleeps'. After having a brief conversation with him and watching all the thru-hikers starting off on their journey, I knew that I had to do it now or never. Well, one year later, here I am. Now I get to start my thru-hike in less than 48 hours. I'm so excited!!! All my preparations are done and I am ready to go. Next entry will be from the Hiker Hostel. I'm outta here!!!
Date: 2008-03-25
From: The Hiker Hostel

To: The AT
Miles today: 0.0

Woohoo!!! Had a good flight and made it to the Hiker Hostel. So far things are going great! There's a lot of people here at the hostel...some hurt from the trail, some just taking a rest from Woody Gap, and 3 of us just starting our thru-hike tommorrow. Very cool and nice people. The 2 other ladies that are starting with me tomorrow are starting from Springer...I think I may rough it and start at Amicalola Falls. Been hearing a lot about the trail from people who are here and got off the trail. My spirits are high and looking forward to tomorrow!
Date: 2008-03-26
From: Springer Mountain

To: Hawk Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.8
Weather: broken clouds

Unbelieveable day today!!! I was totally excited! Josh from the Hiker Hostel dropped Ri, Cayenne, and me off at the parking lot of Springer Mt. around 10 AM. We hiked to the summit and then headed off. We stopped at Stover Creek Shelter for lunch...pretty cool shelter. Afterwards, we hiked on along Stover Creek, which was gorgeous. Then we hit a few big inclines, which was a little rough. We finally made it to Hawk Mt. Shelter. There were a lot of people, including a funny guy from Australia. My pack weight was 32 pounds. After my first day of hiking, I had a little pain in my left foot some in my shoulder.
Date: 2008-03-27
From: Hawk Mountain Shelter

To: Gooch Gap Camground, USFS 42
Miles today: 8.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Hiked to Gooch Gap Campground today. Sassafras Mt. nearly killed me! My first big climb! We stopped at Gooch Gap Shelter for lunch and continued on. I stayed the night at the campground with Ben from Australia and Bobcat. Ben suggested I go by the trailname of Jackaroo and explained to me what a jackaroo is.
Date: 2008-03-28
From: Gooch Gap Camground, USFS 42

To: Woods Hole Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: overcast clouds

OMG! What a day! Got the beatdown handed to me! Hiked 11 miles. I landed on a rock the wrong way coming down Big Cedar Mt. that messed my heel up. It slowed me down a lot! I hiked the rest of the way with Hoosier Ben, Gizmo, and Gizmo's husband (forgot his trailname). Finally arrived at Woods Hole Shelter! When I arrived, everyone yelled "JACKAROO!" and clapped at my arrival. So I went with it and that became my trail name. No more Clawtooth. The weather was horrible...cold, wet, and foggy. Stayed the night here with Baramundi, Hoosier Ben, Mittens, Cavalier, and President Kennedy, along with a few others. Blood Mt. tomorrow!
Date: 2008-03-29
From: Woods Hole Shelter

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 3.7
Weather: moderate rain

Left Woods Hole Shelter and climbed up Blood Mountain. It started storming and lightning as soon as we reached the summit. We stayed in the shelter for about an hour until the storm passed and then climbed down into Neels Gap. Checked into the hostel there for the night. I came down with a bad cold at Woods Hole Shelter. I may stay and extra day at Walasi-Yi.
Date: 2008-03-30
From: Neels Gap

To: Walasi-Yi hostel
Miles today: 0.0

Made it a zero day to get over this cold. I just hung out with Pirate and Bill Clinton for the day. I also did my shakedown at the outfitters store and bought some new gear. Pirate drove us into Blairsville to re-supply on food and medicine. Looking forward to moving on tomorrow.
Date: 2008-03-31
From: Walasi-Yi hostel

To: Poplar Stamp Gap
Miles today: 12.2

Had a good hiking day in the fog. The terrain was easy. I hiked to Low Gap Shelter only to find it full. I met up with a lady named Nancy coming out of Low Gap Shelter. We decided to hike a little further up. We hiked until we found Hollywood, Vivian, Sarge, and a few others camping by the side of the trail. We stayed as well. I almost got lost from the campsite when trying to go use the bathroom. The fog was terrible!
Date: 2008-04-01
From: Poplar Stamp Gap

To: Tray Mt. Shelter
Miles today: 13.6

By far the hardest day yet!!! Today absolutely kicked my butt!!! Unicoi Gap was hard, steep, long, and rocky! I hurt my knee on the descent down into Unicoi Gap from Blue Mt. After I crossed the highway, the trail turned into a long and steep incline up Rocky Mt. Lots of killer ups and downs today!!! I finally reached Tray Mt. which wasn't any easier. The location of the shelter was awesome!!! We had views looking east and west from the top! Absolutely gorgeous!!! I camped in my tent next to edge. Had a good night sleep in my tent with the wind blowing all night.
Date: 2008-04-02
From: Tray Mt. Shelter

To: Dicks Creek Gap
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: light rain

Had a descent hike today. Awoke to a BEAUTIFUL sunrise atop Tray Mt. Everyone at the shelter loaded up our gear and hit the trail! Everyone is looking forward to getting to Dick's Creek for rest and re-supply in Hiawassee. Had some more knee pain coming down Powell Mt. into Dicks Creek. When I finally reached U.S. Hwy 76, I was greeted by some trail angels who fed me and a few other hikers. One lady gave me a ride to the Cloud 9 hostel for the night. I am currenty here at the hostel, where I am finally able to update my trailjournals. Hoping to make it into North Carolina tomorrow, which is about 7 miles away on the trail. Probably won't post any more journals until I reach Franklin, NC.
Date: 2008-04-03
From: Dicks Creek Gap

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Had a miserable day today! It was cold and windy! Hiked into North Carolina today in the rain and fog. Bly Gap was VERY windy and cold. I had originally planned on camping there...but....move on! Hiked on to the Muskrat Creek Shelter, which was full. Had to tent it in the cold rain and mist.
Date: 2008-04-04
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: light rain

Had my biggest day today! Woke up to another day of cold, fog, and drizzle. I had the fastest day for hiking so far. I got up early, packed up my stuff and hauled! Hiked on and on, in the rain, to Carter Gap Shelter. I was the first one there and got to pick out my spot in the newer shelter. Ah yeah....first dibs!!!! Good thing because thunderstorms were predicted for that afternoon.
Date: 2008-04-05
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Rock Gap Shelter 
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: light rain

Had a nice night sleeping in the shelter. It poured all night. Left the shelter a little late due to rain. After about an hour of hiking, the rain stopped....FINALLY! Got to Albert Mountain okay, but it was a bit of challenge climbing it. Not like the rest of the trail so far. It was steep and rocky. I almost wiped out twice. On top, there was a fire tower which was locked. No big deal though, because there wasn't a very good view anyways due to the fog and clouds. After coming down the mountain, I started having a pain in my upper leg (quad) before reaching the Rock Gap Shelter. I set up my tent down the hill from the shelter and enjoyed some beers and a campfire thanks to Hollywood, Sure Foot, and Leslie(I think).
Date: 2008-04-06
From: Rock Gap Shelter 

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 3.8
Weather: clear sky

Got up early and hiked to the highway at Winding Stair Gap, where Ron Haven drove up in his yellow short bus. He took us into Franklin and I checked out a room at his Budget Inn. Staying the night here to dry out, do laundry, shower, and shave. Having a nero day. Gotta get back out on the trail tomorrow.
Date: 2008-04-07
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Cold Springs Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: clear sky

Had a pretty good hike today. Got to Wayah Bald, where I was met with the most incredible views so far! I could see Albert Mt. way off in the distance. Kinda hard to believe I walked that far. To the west, I got my first view of the Smokies. Truly awesome! Hiked on to Cold Springs Shelter after taking in the views.
Date: 2008-04-08
From: Cold Springs Shelter

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Had a miserable night last night. I got stuck sleeping on a slope in my tent. Woke up to a wet tent as well after a shower came through that wasn't in the forecast. Got up early to head toward the NOC. Took a shortcut up to Rocky Bald Summit to watch the sunrise....absolutely beautiful. As I looked east, I was above the clouds. It looked like a huge soft blanket of clouds with just a few peaks popping up. Awesome!!!! Later, took on a pretty hard descent into the NOC. Checked out a bunk when I got there.
Date: 2008-04-09
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: Cheoah Bald
Miles today: 8.1

Had a rough climb out of NOC. It was especially hard having a hangover. I partied with a lot of hikers last night at the NOC and drank some beers for the first time on the trail. I met Pilgrim, Bucky, Cookie Monster, NoAmp, Sights, Bad Idea, Gator Done, Bobcat, Cavalier, and more at the NOC. Had a great time. After hiking from the NOC, I camped out at Cheoah Bald summit with about 5 other hikers. Great views of the mountains in N.C. and we watched the sunset over the Smokies.
Date: 2008-04-10
From: Cheoah Bald

To: Fontana Dam Shelter
Miles today: 19.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Had a rough day today. Longest and hardest hiking day yet! Got some good trail magic at Stecoah Gap by Bare Bear. Afterwards, had the hardest and steepest climb yet since being on the trail. Sweetwater Gap was killer! When I finally got near Fontana Shelter, I saw a black bear take off running from me down toward the lake. Pretty cool! Fontana Shelter looked very nice. It's also called the Fontana Hilton. It's right on the Fontana Lake with a gorgeous view of the Smokies.
Date: 2008-04-13
From: Spence Field Shelter

To: Double Spring Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: light rain

Had a freezing cold night last night! Woke up to light snow and very cold winds. Hiked on to Double Spring Shelter in the cold. Got to the shelter and stayed the night with two strangers. The shelter was cold, dark, and dank. I found out after eating a hot supper that two hikers were struck by lightning and killed while sleeping in 1980. Also heard weird metal clanking noises underneath the shelter at night. Can't wait to get out of here and get up to Clingman's Dome.
Date: 2008-04-14
From: Double Spring Shelter

To: Newfound Gap
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: light snow

Woke up to snow on the ground. Very cold outside. I decided to hike to Newfound Gap to hitch a ride into Gatlinburg to let the snowy weather pass and to dry out. Hiked through snow, which seemed never-ending! I got lost at Clingman's Dome thanks to some Jackass who turned the sign on the trail the wrong way! I finally reached Clingman's Dome and climbed the tower. I was there all by myself! There were no good views, but the snow on all the trees was awesome! For a brief moment, I was the highest person in TN and on the A.T. Afterwards, I hiked on to Newfound Gap. As I was hiking, I hiked through some HUGE pine trees that had fallen, roots and all. Pretty bizarre scene. I finally reached Newfound Gap, where a nice family from Connecticut gave me a ride down to Gatlinburg. I then checked into a hotel room and began relaxation.
Date: 2008-04-15
From: Newfound Gap

To: Gatlinburg
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Well, this sucks!!! I'm having to take another zero day, which I never wanted to take. Woke up this morning and heard the road into the Smokies was closed due to ice and snow on the roads. I also recieved word that tonight, the temperatures were gonna be freezing. So....here I am still in Gatlinburg for another night in a hotel. I'm longing to be back on the trail, but....Tomorrow is supposed to be warmer and hopefully I can get back to hiking on toward Hot Springs.
Date: 2008-04-17
From: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter

To: Standing Bear Hostel
Miles today: 18.1
Weather: clear sky

Had a long hike down out of the Smokies. Awesome views!!! There were a lot of downhills that killed my knees. I finally made it out of the Smokies and crossed I-40. Made it to Standing Bear Hostel. The owner, Curtis, is a pretty cool dude. His hostel was incredible! He took several us on a beer run which turned into a tour of the Pigeon River and some local cool places. Had an excellent night and met some more hikers. Curtis told me that he had a phone call from a hiker saying that a bear had been a problem at the shelter after Max Patch.
Date: 2008-04-18
From: Standing Bear Hostel

To: Walnut Mt. Shelter
Miles today: 20.3

Hardest day yet for me on the trail! The trail absolutely kicked my a$$ with all the ups and downs trying to get to Max Patch. I finally made it to Max Patch and was met with the best scenery so far. 360 degrees of the mountains. The Smokies were to the south and Mt. Mitchell was to the east. Unfortunately, I was unable to snap pictures because I had used all my film in the Smokies. After Max Patch, I hiked to Roaring Fork Shelter, where I was intending on staying. Apparently the bear scare was true. A bear had been terrorizing hikers there for the past 3 nights and stealing food bags. GREAT!!! So.....I hiked on another 5 miles to Walnut Mt. Shelter only to find that that shelter had the same problems with a bear a few nights ago. I decided to stay with there with a few other hikers.