morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2018-06-26
From: Nauman Campsite

To: Osgood Campsite
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: clear sky

It was cold this morning and instead of having Two Clicks tenting next to me I had Mike. It was a strange feeling! I was the one to initiate the mattress deflation! When I did, Mike got up too and we got ready for the day. By 645 we were up and we met up with Two Clicks. He wasn't so lucky last night and ended up doing 2 hours worth of work at the hut washing dishes. I felt bad but was secretly happy I didn't do work for stay haha. He was also at the mercy of the guests and didn't get to fall asleep until after 930 when the guests went to bed themselves. There are definitely pros and cons.We started up the southern presidentials and enjoyed their ease before getting to the base of Washington. It was cool having someone hike with us and Mike is a strong hiker for sure. The winds were very strong this morning but ended up mellowing out in the afternoon.We climbed Mt Washington and were honored to be with Mike as he climbed his first 4000', 5000' and 6000' mountains! Two Clicks and I summited a bit before him as we had hoped to do so together. We ran to touch the sign and luckily there was no line of tourists so we got pictures pretty easily. There were plenty of questions from the tourists up here though.When Mike summited, I took pictures at the sign with him then we ran into the food court to eat. I had a piece of pizza, hotdog and root beer bought by Mike then had a very nice woman buy me a slice of pizza as well. We ate a lot and enjoyed the top before departing with Mike. He was going to head back down to the Lake of The Clouds Hut where we had stopped for a break earlier and eaten some food. From there he was going to take the Amanoosuc Ravine Trail to the base of the Cog Railway and either call a shuttle ride or attempt to hitch back to his car at Crawford Notch. A mini adventure for him!Two Clicks and I pushed on towards the Northern Presidentials. More rocks and many more hikers to maneuver around but eventually we made it to Madison Springs Hut. Beforehand, we even saw snow on the trail! The hut croo gave us leftover baked goods and fruit as we rested our legs and feet. After the break, we pushed over the summit of Mt Madison then down the Osgood trail towards Rt 16 and Pinkham Notch. We were beat and the sun definitely drained us by the end but super happy to have hit the Presidential's on a great day! Only a sunburn to note!About 2 miles from rt 16, we stopped at the Osgood Tentsite super happy with the day and timing we've had through the whites so far. We ate early and got into tents early too for well needed rest. I finally was able to write my journals for the first time in three days! Tomorrow we will essentially do a nearo to Carter Notch Hut where Two Clicks' follower bought us both a legit stay at the hut. We can chill by the pond! After that, Thursday will put us into and possibly past Gorham then Saturday a zero with Abby after I cross into Maine. Crazy!
Date: 2018-06-29
From: Gorham, NH

To: Full Goose Shelter
Miles today: 21.4
Weather: mist

The morning at the hostel was relaxing and we had a cup of coffee with waffles that were free for anyone staying. Shortly after, we both set out for the trail. The climb in the beginning was nice then the trail became rugged. It seems like the trail in NH anywhere besides the Whites is much less traveled. At times I actually thought I was either on a different trail or had made a wrong turn and was completely off trail. I made it though!Today was tough. The rain all day yesterday had made EVERYTHING slick. Rocks, roots, the roots on the rocks, bog Bridges and everything in between. It was slow going for sure. With Abby coming up after work tonight, I had begun to consider pushing the entire 31 miles to get there late tonight and be able to hang out with her for an extra night. The realization that that would be incredibly hard sunk in though and I stuck to the original plan. I climbed over two mountains then over the top of Mt Success-- a fitting name for the last peak in NH. I had completed my 13th state and it felt amazing. One more to go. I ate lunch at the border (on the NH side, sorry Maine) then pushed into vacationland. I could tell this was the way life should be. Get it? Mainers?The peaks were amazing right off the bat and Goose Eye peak blew me away. It was exposed ridgline with bogs and everything. Really some beautiful climbing. Lots of technical footing and treacherous descents slowed me down though. I am happy to report I only fell a handful of times. Most were successful saves but one was a wipe out. No injuries!As I peaked one of the Goose Eye mountains, I could see a thunderstorm off in the distance and heard the thunder. I pushed it over the exposed ridge with a pep in my step and was happy when I avoided it altogether! I outran the storm! Another rolled in as I neared the shelter and I had enough time to make it under the roof and collect water before the rain came! Just a small passing shower but I was happy to stay dry. All in all it was a great day and I'm happy to be in Maine and to see Abby tomorrow morning after I tackle the Mahoosuc Notch bright and early then the Speck Mountains.P.S: Thank you Halfbak for the kind comment regarding my journal! I would have to say though I think Hungry Cat definitely has me beat but I appreciate the shout-out.Mary and Uncle David-- I'll have to do a quick write up of the Fish and Game incident later on. It's funny to look back on now!Quick shout-out to Sandra from the Birch tree Center! Thanks for reading my journal! Hope you've enjoyed it!
Date: 2018-07-01
From: Grafton Notch (Bethel, ME)

To: Dunn Notch Gap/waterfall
Miles today: 9.7
Weather: moderate rain

The morning in the hotel was amazing. I "slept in" then Abby and I eventually met up with Two Clicks around 1030 and headed to the diner in town. We had a late breakfast then resupplied at the dollar store next door before grabbing a couple of smaller things at Rite Aid. A very relaxing morning.We drove back to the trailhead and by 1pm I was back on trail. I said goodbye to Abby which was much easier to do knowing I had just over 200 miles left and was in the last state. She drove home as I began the climb up Baldplate mountain. It was hot! With the humidity and heat came bugs too. The entire climb up I was swarmed with mosquitos and black flies. Not glamorous at all! I was legitimately dripping sweat with a cloud of bugs around me. I could have jumped in a pool and been drier than I was now. This is the unfortunate reality of the trail.Once up on top I took a quick break. The only reason I cut it short was the bug situation. I was hoping for a breeze and cooler temps up top to keep them away but that didn't happen. I pushed on to the second peak across an exposed ridge which was nice then descended to the Lean-to we had planned to stay at (in Maine they call shelters Lean-tos). I got here at 4 and was immediately degraded by another thru hiker. He told me my deet bug spray was bad for me then said I looked too clean shaven to have come from Georgia. I held my tongue in responding to him and decided to move on. I had been in a good mood until then. I'll leave names out of it but at this point in the trail nobody needs this kind of negativity or drama.I pushed another 4 miles and got to a stream and waterfall around 5. Just a tiny bit down a blue blazed trail I found a nice tenting spot big enough for two tents in case Two Clicks pushed on too. I had left a note in sticks and texted him too letting him know where I was headed. Around 530 he ended up showing up too. We enjoyed our food (first day out of town we can eat a ton) then drank some bota wine boxes we had packed out for the night. We layered up to avoid the bugs but sweat instantly just sitting around. With that lack of comfort we ended up retiring to our tents fairly early to avoid the bugs and listen to our books. Listening to Stephen King in Maine! Fitting!Thanks to Abby for driving to Maine and treating Two Clicks and I to a wonderful double Nearo. Probably one of the last breaks we'll have of trail and it was nice seeing her after a month. Also thanks to my mom for baked goods and Mr and Mrs Young's for buying us lunch the other day! Katahdin is getting so close!P.S: In NH the huts work to reduce food waste. They tell guests to take what they can eat and eat what they take in order to be a part of "the clean plate club." Well, for a while, I have always joked about getting the clean plate award at dinners with family and friends as I use bread to wipe my plate clean. I always got laughed at for it until I ventured into the huts! There, I was absolutely a member of the clean plate club-- a club that actually exists!!!!!
Date: 2018-07-02
From: Dunn Notch Gap/waterfall

To: Bemis stream Campsite
Miles today: 23.3
Weather: scattered clouds

An early morning got me out by 6:10ish. The humidity had already begun and I could tell it would be a tough day. There were three significant climbs right away that tested me. The rocks, roots, mud, bugs and humidity really pushed me to my limits. I pushed about 13 miles before lunch fairly unhappy with my pace. I shouldn't be-- it was pretty good for the terrain I had hit but I think my proximity to the end motivates me and also frustrates me. My body is ready to be done but completion is not something I can achieve within a day of hiking. For a type A personality, that's hard.I ate lunch on the side of the trail without anyone passing. It was a fairly quiet day. Afterwards, I climbed Bemis Mountain. I could never seem to drink enough water and just cameled up every time I hit a source and carried around a liter. Sweat covered everything, there was no avoiding it unfortunately and I had to get comfortable being uncomfortable quick.On the way down the second peak of Bemis Mountain I ran into a few other thru hikers. A couple with a small child on their back that called themselves "start them early." They hike the AT in three sections. I also met Eagle who was sitting next to a cooler. Trail magic has been fairly rare lately but this was a welcomed surprise of ginger ale and water with a few snacks to munch on. We sat here and chatted for a bit-- both somewhat complaining about the day. I'm so close but still so far.I made my way past the trail magic to Bemis Stream that required a "forde." I say this lightly because I only took my shoes off at the very end to avoid them being wet in camp. It was 5pm and I decided to stop at the Campsites across the stream happy with the mileage although I had hoped to make it a few more to the next shelter. Chafing has a way of stopping physical activity.I set up my tent then laid in the stream soaking in the cool water and getting attacked by black flies. Again, not glamorous. It helped cool me off and I ate dinner then relaxed a bit before calling home and Abby with the service I was surprised to have. Two Clicks showed up around 6 and we both retreated to our tents to avoid the bugs. A quiet night.
Date: 2018-07-03
From: Bemis stream Campsite

To: Poplar Ridge Lean-to
Miles today: 24.7
Weather: clear sky

A day of big mileage but it was nice to get just a bit closer to Katahdin. This morning we woke up and put on our wet clothes. My least favorite part of the day. Packing up my bag, I was swarmed with mosquitoes so I made it happen quick. The first half of the day was mellow hiking. No crazy ups or downs but I will not say the word flat because that is NEVER true.The humidity could be felt even when hiking at 6am and eventually you just become accustomed to being soaked. Thank God for Body Glide. I pushed it quicker in the beginning to allow myself to slow down while climbing over the Saddleback's. I took few breaks and only saw a few other hikers but the legitimate swarm of mosquitoes following me kept me walking. I wish I could outwalk them. I ended up putting on my mosquito net for the first time ever. It was bad. I think I feared looking soft or like an idiot but I realized: one- I always look like an idiot and two- I didn't care what people thought I couldn't handle the bugs any longer.By noon I had hit the Piazza Rock Shelter. I ate lunch alone and took off my shoes and socks to dry them out. The mud was rough today too. I had some coffee, elevated my feet and put on new socks before leaving. All of this really helped. This shelter has a privy with two seats. They face each other and have a cribbage board in the middle. Pretty disgusting! The horde loves cribbage though so I imagine they'll enjoy this place!I pushed on up Saddleback feeling good probably because of the coffee and new socks. I got above treeline and was pleasantly surprised with the breeze and the ridge walk. It all helped with the temps, the bugs and the morale. I made a phonecall at the top with the service I had then pushed on. Two more climbs over The Horn and Saddleback junior before descending to Poplar Ridge Shelter. I set up tent a little ways north of the shelter. The bugs have been so bad I've been avoiding the shelters like crazy. I grabbed water and hung out. The ridge walk at the end of today helped dry my clothes and the sun did the rest so I was pumped to not have to put on wet clothes in the morning. I ate a ton as Two Clicks and I agreed to go into Stratton tomorrow for a resupply and a pick-me-up dinner in town. I need it. The tentsites weren't great here so he tented near the shelter and it was a quiet night. Maybe I should be a bit more social. Tomorrow maybe. Headed to bed tonight.P.S: Thanks Jacqui. Almost there!
Date: 2018-07-07
From: Moxie Bald Mountain Lean-to

To: Monson, ME
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: light rain

There's no way I can complain about the cooler weather. It felt great this morning. But, it made it real hard to get out of my sleeping bag. I eventually got up and out by 6 and could feel the motivation. I hadn't showered in a week and the salt stains along with the smell was getting to me. I was beat I began hiking in the cool, crisp air. It felt like a nice fall day. Reminded me of early season cross country races with the breeze and cooler temps while the sun was shining. The first river that was noted as a forde in my guide ended up being nothing to note. But, by the time I reached the second, I had no choice. There was a rope strung from one bank to the other and zero rocks to hop along. I held on to the rope, undid my pack straps and trudged through. No sense in taking off my shoes, they would dry. It was actually really fun! The water felt great on my feet in the shoes and cooled them off. It felt great up until the point I came out on the other side and realized I was not an amphibian. Then- my shoes were twice the normal weight and I just had to keep walking.I strutted along the edge of the river for a while. I passed by a cool canyon with drops to my left for 100 feet or so! Eventually, the river was again at the same height as myself and I crossed again. This time, there was no rope to help. The water was knee deep and I forded once again even though my shoes had already dried.The forests were rich. Birds and deer were abundant. It was a nice hike. Bill Bryson did no thru hikers any favors by calling it a walk in the woods though. It's so much more than that and I don't think he could even fathom it's complexity. You might be able to tell, myself and every other thru hiker are not fans of his book.I hiked through the woods as I heard what I believe was a falcon call. I got closer and closer until all of a sudden the bird came within inches of the top of my head as if to protect it's young from me. I had no Air Force to deploy and so I was stuck in the flight response-- strictly as a land unit. I ran a bit to get away. Birds really aren't my thing.I eventually made it close to Monson and made the final push up a few inclines. When I reached ME 15, I ran into two other thru hikers named Scootch and Apollo. Hungry Cat had mentioned their names. They were very nice and had called Shaw's hostel already for a shuttle. So, instead of hitching, I jumped in with them!I got to the shuttle and went to work. I showered, did laundry with a fellow NOBO hiker named Gumby that I had known and resupplied in town. It was an amazingly relaxing afternoon since I had arrived around noon. I ended up at a BBQ place in town and let me tell you, this was the best BBQ I've had! If you ever find yourself in Monson- try it out. Country music was even playing in the background!I went back to the hostel and enjoyed some Maine Shipyard Summer Ale while taking in the final moments at the last hostel I would stay at on trail. Surreal. Onto the 100 Mile Wilderness!
Date: 2018-07-16
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

For those that may be interested, here are some stats I put together just out of curiosity. Take them with a grain of saltTotal Days "on" trail: 121 daysTotal Zeros: 9 days (Many more Nearos but I didn't count them)Average Mileage per day (with zeros included): 18.1 milesAverage Mileage per day (without zeros included): 19.6 milesTotal Weight Lost: 13lbs! (Currently working to gain that back in a healthy way)Initial Pack Base Weight: 18lbsRevised Base Weight: 16lbsI also wanted to respond to a few people. First off, G Bolt-- it is me! I remember that exact moment I met you on the first day. I almost continued on further to a campsite roughly 3 miles up trail from Stover Creek Shelter but decided to stop last minute with concern of over doing it too early in the hike. We ended up meeting a day or two later and pulled an 18mile day together and we were both super pumped. Great to hear you're still on trail and in Vremont. I look forward to following your jounal!Hungry Cat's Mom: Hi! thanks for reading my journal. I was so happy to summit the same day as Hungry Cat! He's an awesome guy and we had a bunch of great laughs. I hope I didn't freak him out too much when I finally met him and told him of my creepy fangriling over him and his journal but it seems i'm not the only one who thinks he writes amazingly! Glad I could be the one to let you and a few others know he was okay and still hiking when he had bad service.Gillian (Hungry Cat's Wife): Thanks for commenting as well. Hungry Cat spoke highly of you and was super excited to meet up with you after summiting. Good luck wrangling him in from hiking more! Enjoy your vacation!Two Clicks should be summiting today at some point. I haven't heard from him since he got into the 100 Mile Wilderness but he has AT&T and just like Hungry Cat, service was pretty much non-existent. Follow Two Clicks on Instagram at "northbound_ryan" or on Facebook at "Ryan Two-Clicks Youngs." Wishing him all the best on Katahdin today!Thank you to everyone who continues to comment and congratulate me. I'm still working on putting my thoughts together for the final write-up as well as jumping back in to realities of life. Stay tuned!
Date: 2017-11-18
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Working on getting in shape and gathering all my gear. I've lost 50lbs but need to loose another 40 before i hit the trail (long way to go). Besides the weight loss I need a lot of work on leg strength. Ive done several shakedown hikes this year and have 3 more planned before March. I'll keep you updated
Date: 2017-12-03
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Another shakedown hike. This time down in Big Bend where I proved to myself that everything in the desert is there to hurt or kill you. Weather was perfect and i was able to cowboy camp for the first time. It was fantastic. Saw some bear and mule deer scat but the only wildlife we saw was a big ugly tarantula. The trail was not marked very well but that just added to the adventure. I will definitely be back here to backpack again.
Date: 2017-12-23
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

Spend 2 days on the Ouachita Trail with my son. Temps dropped to the high 20s and we woke to light snow flurries. A beautiful morning and a great hike back to our car. Love hiking with my son. Its Christmas eve and we have to get home. I plan on one more shakedown hike before I head to Springer Mountain.
Date: 2018-03-01
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

I've got one week left before i arrive at Springer Mountain. I never got my last shakedown hike in. I had planned to climb up Guadalupe Peak, Texas a couple of times but due to family issues I never made it. I leave Sunday to head to Louisville, KY to meet up with my friend and hiking partner.  His wife will drive us down on Wednesday March 7th. My base weight is sitting at 19lbs 7oz. I hope the last couple of days I can tweak that down one more pound.
Date: 2018-03-08
From: Springer Mtn 

To: Springer Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 2.8
Weather: light rain

completed 8.9 miles on the approach trail +2.8 miles from Springer Mountain to Stover Creek. Beautiful day to be in the woods  I like  I fight off and on with Michael and Jacob.  About 1 PM  They went a head and I hiked alone.  I saw very few people it was  fantastic. I did something to my knee and hobbled into Stover creek about 6:20 PM. I was given my  trail ¢the  General¢  because of my white mustache. The temperature dropped to about 21° and most people had to put on extra layers of clothing. I was comfortable all night  it was a long hard  hike But very rewarding when I reach the top at Springer Mountain
Date: 2018-03-09
From: Springer Mtn Shelter

To: Hawk Mtn Shelter 
Miles today: 5.3
Weather: clear sky

my knee was hurting pretty bad so Michael gave me a sleeve  to wear. most today I hiked alone and met up with Michael and Jacob at Hawk Mtn. They continue and I stayed because of my knee. It was another great day to be in the woods. It was cold but the hiking warms you up. The Shelter was very nice and only 2 people stayed on the bottom while Kate and Brent stay on the upper level. Kate and Brent were at the last Shelter and Kate is the one who gave me my trail name. I also found out that this Shelter is the worst for mice.
Date: 2018-03-10
From: Hawk Mtn Shelter 

To: Gouch Mtn Shelter 
Miles today: 7.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Good and bad today. Knee was horrible and I had to get up and over Sassafras Mtn. Over a 1000 ft ascent. It was raining but as Bob Marley said ¢ Some people feel the rain and others just get wet¢. I both felt it and got wet.  And it was a very cold wet too. When I got to Sassafras Mtn I took a break. 1 15 min break 1 cliff bar1 liter Strike force energy drinkAnd ACDC on my phoneI kicked that mountains butt. It wasn¢t pretty but I did get up and over it with out stopping. It was probably the slowest ever done but forward is a speed. Met Herb on the Mountain. I made it to Gooch Mtn with no energy and a knee that was killing me. Jacob was here and told me that Michael had to leave the trail because  a severe knee injury. I¢m bummed. Katie and Brent showed up so I¢m sharing the upper loft of this shelter with them Herb and Jacob
Date: 2018-03-11
From: Gouch Mtn Shelter 

To: Gooch Mtn Shelter 
Miles today: 0.0

Resting knee today and staying out of the rain. Flashback:As I came off of Sassafras Mtn I met Grace and Reid who were the first Trail angels ive met. I was able to get some water and a snickers bar. I was their last hiker of the day. They were waiting for me because they had been told I was on the mountain. I love the hiker grapevine  Looking back I think that yesterday was good after all