morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-08-01
To: Bangor, ME
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

So close...so very close.Today was my travel day, spending the night at the AT Lodge in preparation for my Katahdin climb on Sunday. All went well with my flights and bus ride, except for one small issue. Seems everyone in the northeast wanted to drive to Maine that afternoon, and due to the horrendous traffic jam, the bus to Bangor arrived about an hour late, missing my final connection (another bus) to Medway.OK, so not the end of the world, I can just get a hotel for the night and grab the bus tomorrow. Murphy was definitely in the area, because every hotel was booked solid (there were 3 major events happening that weekend in Bangor!). I was about to pull out my tent and make camp next to the bus station, but first decided to call several hotels again, hoping for a cancellation, and luckily I found a room at the local Holiday Inn. Whew!So, no summit on Sunday, but I will be getting a good night's sleep after a long day of traveling!
Date: 2015-08-03
From: Katahdin Stream Campground

To: Katahdin and back to Abol Campground
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: overcast clouds

A beautiful morning to be alive and to be able to hike! The weather forecast was for a mostly sunny day, so after a good night sleep at the AT Lodge and an early morning breakfast in town, off we shuttled to the park (Pedro, Ha Ha and I).The check-in process was quick and easy, and after picking out and loading a day pack with food, water, rain gear and a head lamp (the last two were for "just in case"), we signed the register at 8:23 then hit the trail.The first mile went quickly, then BAM! The trail became steep. I obviously had not physically prepared myself well enough, because my calves and lungs were quickly on fire! But onward we continued...within the first 30 minutes both Pedro and Ha Ha were out of sight (ahead of me, just in case you were thinking otherwise ;-)). But slow and steady I crept up the trail.As I reached the treeline, the trail became a very steep jigsaw puzzle of large boulders, having to climb over and around, always careful to know where my next step needed to be. And the higher I went, the more treacherous the trail seemed to become. Thankfully there was rebar strategically placed to assist. After climbing for over 6 hours, my tank was empty and my knees were popping like bubble wrap. Painted on a rock was a 2 mile marker (2 miles more to the top), but as I continued slowly climbing my way up for another half of a mile or so, I had to face reality. Knowing I had another 2 hours at least before the peak, then at least 6 or more hours to get off the mountain, I came to the decision to turn back. In my mind I know it was the right decision - I had pushed my body as far and as fast as I could, I had re-injured my knee and the pain was extreme, and I did not want to be rescued off the mountain. But in my heart, huge disappointment.Oh well, live to fight another day, right?After a long and painful hike back off the mountain, I met back up with Pedro at the Ranger Station (he made it to the top and back by 3:15! Ah, to be young again...), and we started the long walk to Abol Campground. Fortunately, we were able to hitch a ride within the first mile of the road walk. Once at the shelter, I was too tired to cook, so forced down a protein bar and some beef jerky, drank a ton of water, and crashed for the night.
Date: 2015-08-04
From: Abol Campground

To: Abol Campground
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Another beautiful morning! Always great to start out the day outdoors!Although I did not sleep well - leg muscles and joints were really barking - I felt great and ready for the day. Pedro was packed and on his way early, as he was hoping to put in a big mileage day. Me? not so much...My knee really swelled up overnight, and while walking on flat ground was not too painful, ups and downs were nearly impossible. Decided to stay another day to relax it, and was fortunate that there was a campsite available that night.   Weather was beautiful all day except for a heavy downpour late afternoon (first weather teat of my new tent, which performed brilliantly!). Managed to catch up on some sleep and rest the knee.
Date: 2015-08-05
From: Abol Campground

To: Abol Bridge Campground
Miles today: 10.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Beautiful morning! Still hard to believe that I am camping out in Maine!I felt much better after the day of rest, ready to take to the trail. I was able to catch the AT Lodge shuttle (thanks Ole Man!) for a hitch to the KSC, where I began my hike southbound. I actually paused for a while at the KSC, questioning whether I should retry a Katahdin summit, but decided I would come back on another day to tackle that challenge - my knee was feeling better, but not that much better!What a beautiful hike today! I've spent most of my life in the midwest, and have never hiked in this type of terrain. It was cool and misty that morning, the mosquitoes had not come out to play yet, and the trail was relatively flat. I stopped briefly at both the Big and Little Niagra Falls, enjoying the scenery. I had never hiked across a bog before, and walking on the logs was a bit tricky at first, but I eventually got the hang of it! All in all, a very enjoyable hike! The mosquitoes came out with a vengeance by the time I came to the first crossing of the Nesowadnehunk Stream, so out came the deet, which seemed to take care of the problem. Following the advice of Ole Man, I took the highwater bypass rather than fording the river - there had been significant rains recently, and while that first crossing did not look too treacherous, I did not want to risk having to turn around at the second crossing several miles down the trail.The miles went by quickly, and it seemed that in no time I had reached my destination. I grabbed a bite to eat at the cafe there at the campground, purchased my campsite, and proceeded to set up camp. Almost immediately, I experienced trail magic - a couple camping nearby stopped by to chat, and gave me a Gatorade plus invited me to dinner that night! Can't beat the hospitality on the trail!After setting up camp, showering, etc., I returned to the cafe for a late afternoon snack, to charge my batteries and to use their Wifi (which turned out to be too weak of a signal to do much of anything beyond sending a text!). While there, several NOBOs came in, including someone I had met while zeroing at Top of Georgia hostel earlier in the year - Brother Louie! Great guy, and he and another hiker joined me in my campsite that night. Great catching up with him, and I was very impressed by the mileage they did through the 100 Mile Wilderness - they covered 65 miles in the last 2 days alone!Oh, and dinner that night was delicious (thanks, Dave and Kathy!!), and the conversation with all around the campfire was a great way to end a fantastic day.
Date: 2015-08-06
From: Abol Bridge Campground

To: Bangor, ME
Miles today: 0.0

It was an early start to the day, waking up to the sound of Brother Louie packing up. The sun was just peeking up over the horizon, preparing for another beautiful day!I really enjoyed meeting up with Brother Louie, and seeing him off on the final day of his journey (they were planning on tackling Katahdin today). There were a number of great people I met while on the northbound leg of my hike this past spring, and he is definitely one of them. Still amazing to me how things do work out!Well, today quickly became a tough day. My knee had really taken a turn for the worse. The trail looked to be relatively flat the next several miles, but I knew there were some big climbs the last half of the wilderness. I did not feel that I would be able to tackle those climbs, and I knew that I would not enjoy it. I decided to get off the trail, return to the AT Lodge and rest before deciding next step.After about a two-mile road walk, I was able to hitch a ride into town. While eating lunch at the cafe, I worked through my options, and decided to check on availability and price of flights home. I was surprised to find that if I could reach Bangor that night, I could be on an inexpensive flight back home the next morning, so decided that would be my best option. Within the hour, I was being shuttled to Bangor where I spent the night. Hard to believe how quickly it all ended...
Date: 2015-09-16
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Well, it is now well over a month since I left the trail, time to "conclude" this journal of my 2015 Thru Hike attempt. I apologize to all of you who have been following my journal, for going silent on you all and for being so late in making my final entries. I appreciate all of your notes of encouragement and well wishes!As for my return home, the rest of my travel was uneventful, albeit long, painful, boring, etc.. A little bit comical, however, were the reactions by almost anyone near me - even with a sink washing, I could not get the hiker funk out of my clothes...After a couple visits with an orthopedic surgeon, several weeks of resting my knee, xray and MRI, and finally a cortisone shot, my knee is on the path to recovery. Still troubles me on the ups and downs (i.e., stairs), but it is improving. I have a follow-up with the doc in a month to determine if surgery will be needed to clean up any cartilage damage.Needless to say, my hiking days are over for a while, my attempt this year of a thru hike now done. Although woefully short of my goal, I did learn a great deal, and I met some really great people on and off the trail. I saw some incredible sights, views that are forever etched in my memory.And I can't wait to try this again...
Date: 2015-01-06
To: GA-ME
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Hoping to start the AT early March 2015. All equipment is bought and have made the Hostel reservations thru Atlanta to get to Springer Mountain. In 1975, at 18 years old, I hiked ME, NH and most of VT and had to stop when I ran out of high school graduation money, $246.00 was it. Then it was college, work, family & weekend hikes for next 40 years. Retired and a lot slower than I was at 18 so am starting with lots of time to work my way South to North this time to make my way to beautiful Mt Katadhin by end of SEP. Trail name MadHatter comes from my co-workers in a military medical support office that was a lot like falling thru the Rabbit Hole,we all had character names and lots of humor to survive the crazy days after 9/11 of support for our soldiers and the challenges they were going through after deployments. The MadHatter doll they gave me will make the journey with me and be the daily start point for my journal writings.   I am raising money for a local worthwhile charity and if I get permission will post the link for any interested, I did this while running a marathon in Afghanistan and found it inspirational to have that motivation for my footsteps. I enjoy reading the other journals and learning what works and what doesn't for trail hiking.
Date: 2015-02-03
From: prep

Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

will be hiking with over $3,000 in pledges for the Center for Grieving Children in Portland, Maine. I know having the pledges to earn will help me stay motivated when I will have the "I want to quit"or "what the heck am I doing" days...   If you google Center for Grieving Children, Portland, ME you can see the great work they do for children & families.
Date: 2015-02-04
From: n/a

To: prep
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

25 days left to go...as I look out on our piles of snow in Maine, very ready to head south...hopefully the March weather will be mild in Smokies this year, if not I do have cold weather gear for first part of trail.   really enjoy reading the other journals and look forward to meeting all the interesting folks who also have this goal to walk the AT. keep going over my packing list..."what am I forgetting??"...think I have all my gear but will find out for sure when in middle of the woods on that first week... good luck to all starting this journey.   Mad hatter
Date: 2015-02-15
From: n/a

Miles today: 0.0

It is helpful reading all the journals. I am hoping those who have started already have been able to stay warm enough.. As I sit in Maine looking at a Blizzard we are having, does make me hope for warmer weather.   Based on the recommendations and reading last years March starts, I have added additional layers in my clothing for March/April part of trail. It looks like Damascus, VA will be a good switch over to send some "winter" layers home. I grew up hiking and climbing in the NH White Mtns and even in July have had coat, mittens and hat on with light snow...so for anyone who has not hiked thru white mountains, make suer you have good outer layers to protect yourself if weather does turn on you in that area. for all hiking now, wishing you well & with about two weeks to go I am getting very excited to start the journey.   Mad hatter
Date: 2015-02-15
From: 0

To: 0
Miles today: 0.0

Fun facts for my friends & followers of the Madhatter's walk home...:-)The Appalachian Trail is one of the longest continuously marked footpaths in the world, measuring roughly 2,180 miles in length. The Trail goes through fourteen states along the crests and valleys of the Appalachian mountain range from the southern terminus at Springer Mountain, Georgia, to the Trail¢s northern terminus at Katahdin, Maine. Known as the ¢A.T.,¢ it has been estimated that 2-3 million people visit the Trail every year and about 1,800¢2,000 people attempt to ¢thru-hike¢ the Trail. People from across the globe are drawn to the A.T. for a variety of reasons: to reconnect with nature, to escape the stress of city life, to meet new people or deepen old friendships, or to experience a simpler life.The A.T. was completed in 1937 and is a unit of the National Park System. The A.T. is managed under a unique partnership between the public and private sectors that includes, among others, the National Park Service (NPS), the USDA Forest Service (USFS), an array of state agencies, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, and 31 local Trail-maintaining clubs.FUN FACTS¢¢ The Trail is roughly 2,180 miles long, passing through 14 states.¢¢ Thousands of volunteers contribute roughly 220,000 hours to the A.T. every year.¢¢ More than 250 three-sided shelters exist along the Trail.¢¢ Virginia is home to the most miles of the Trail (about 550), while West Virginia is home to the least (about 4).¢¢ Maryland and West Virginia are the easiest states to hike; New Hampshire and Maine are the hardest.¢¢ The total elevation gain of hiking the entire A.T. is equivalent to climbing Mt. Everest 16 times.¢¢ The A.T. is home to an impressive diversity of plants and animals. Some animals you may see include black bears, moose, porcupines, snakes, woodpeckers, and salamanders. Some plants you may encounter include jack-in-the-pulpit, skunk cabbage, and flame azalea.HIKERS¢¢ About 2 to 3 million visitors walk a portion of the A.T. each year.¢¢ The A.T. has hundreds of access points and is within a few hours drive of millions of Americans, making it a popular destination for day-hikers.¢¢ ¢Thru-hikers¢ walk the entire Trail in a continuous journey. ¢Section-hikers¢ piece the entire Trail together over years. ¢Flip-floppers¢ thru-hike the entire Trail in discontinuous sections to avoid crowds, extremes in weather, or start on easier terrain.¢¢ 1 in 4 who attempt a thru-hike successfully completes the journey¢¢ Most thru-hikers walk north, starting in Georgia in spring and finishing in Maine in fall, taking an average of 6 months.¢¢ Foods high in calories and low in water weight, such as Snickers bars and Ramen Noodles, are popular with backpackers, who can burn up to 6,000 calories a day.¢¢ Hikers usually adopt ¢trail names¢ while hiking the Trail. They are often descriptive or humorous. Examples are ¢Eternal Optimist,¢ ¢Thunder Chicken,¢ and ¢Crumb-snatcher".
Date: 2015-02-16
From: n/a

To: 0
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: snow

a good picture of the trail for my non-hiking friends..2189.5 miles.    as of today I have over $4,000 in pledges for the Center fro Grieving Children in Portland, Maine and reading journals can see that will help motivate my footsteps for the rainy, bug, bear,snake days ahead... My biggest concern is ticks and will do what I can to keep them off. I found some gaiters that are treated & hope they help.   Mad hatter
Date: 2015-02-20
From: 0

Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Took pack out for a local hike up Bradbury Mountain, 7 degrees and no one else was crazy enough to be out..smart..   so had trail & mountain to myself. Pack is great & a big difference from the old frame packs.   Good to see a lot on AT now are taking days to wait out the cold polar blast that is hitting all the way south MadHatter ...10 days...:-)
Date: 2015-03-01
From: n/a

To: GA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Pack is on its way to Hiker Hostel to arrive Monday, two days and I will catch up with it in GA to start a journey that has been 40 years as a goal. The AT map was on my office wall and I would look up at it when I needed a reminder that there is more to life than work. I have been blessed with a great family & friends, and an excellent work ethic (my dad taught me) that got me from age 14 to 58 with always being responsible.   Now to apply it to each footstep, north to south, is my goal and earn the $4,163 in pledges for the Center for Grieving Children. I am starting early because I know my miles can not be what they were "back in the day" and "Tortoise" could be a good name for me but must be MadHatter..it fits.   The picture with todays post captures the long days on a trail or on a goal, the real challenge is often mental and choosing our attitude. My favorite quote from Viktor Frankl is "the last of human freedoms is the ability to choose one's attitude", in his book Man's Search for Meaning it is clear that the attitude we choose influences the outcome. Wishing all fellow hikers well and have followed the FEB hikers journals closely thus adding some warmer clothes for the first part of the hike.   All the great folks that have pledged a penny or more a mile, I appreciate & now it is my turn to earn this starting Wednesday. "One foot in front of the other".MadHatter
Date: 2015-03-09
From: GA-ME

Miles today: 10.0
Weather: light rain

At mile 31.7, started on 4 March, day 1, springer mTN to stover creek shelter, great nite with lots of amazing folks from all over..Germany, England, Canada,Austria..cool trail names..Greywolf, Backtrack...etc.Day 2, long hike day of 11+ miles with lots of ups and downs..freezing sleet, set up tarp tent in sleet and wind...long cold nite but Survived..shiver nite at 26 degrees...yikes..Day 3,after 1.5 miles found Gooch Shelter and took rest day, warmer, lots of folks stayed and fun hearing all the stories. Called home to get light pack, started with way to heavypack at 53 pds..will go to about 28 pds..when I leave here wednesday, doing a bounce box and rest goes home. DAY 4 to Lance Creek, warm day, great views off the trail. Had nice spot for tent, with Backtrack and about a dozen others. Nice nite, went to sleep with sound of creek.Day 5, abut 8 miles to Neel Gap, splithing a small cabin with Backtrack to shift to light backpack which will come to Mountain Crossing Outfitters, excellent store, squirrel and Irish Charm helped me find ultra light weight gear. It was Go light or go home..and I want to walk home if I can. This is tough and def. will take lots of positive thinking of " One footstep in front of the Other".Best part so far is the amazing people I am meeting on this journey. Madhatter
Date: 2015-03-13
From: GA-ME

To: Hiawassee 
Miles today: 43.9
Weather: overcast clouds

At mile 52.9, hiked from Neel Gap to Unicoi Gap (31.7 to 52.9) in 2 days, with Osprey Pack and lighter it is much better..using a bounce box that Comanche recommended is big help. First day out of Neel was great for first part of day with amazing views from ridges, leaves are ready to bud and once they do it will block these views so this is perfect time thru.GA.On a zero day in Hiawassee and enjoyed first fresh salad since leaving Maine. Body is sore all over but overall the conditioning is coming along and my pace is picking up, made last 2.4 miles in under an hour yesterday and old feel strength coming along, have dropped 5 to 10 pds already, use crazy amount of calories, looking forward to dropping all excess weight...less to carry up the mountains!.. .met very cool young man, Gadget who hopes to reach Mt. Katadhin..by his 21st b'day. He had a great Facebook site, 2015ATthruhike with lots of followers of his journey, he took pictures of me and Madhatter and put us on his page. As I meet other hikers they say..we have heard about you Madhatter..hopefully all good. Thankful for my #1 support person and family and friends who encourage me to keep putting One footstep in front of the other. This may be the toughest physical and mental challenge of my life so far, at best each year about 1 of every 4 that begin actually make it all the way, hard to explain but all of on this trail understand why very soon. As long as my body holds up I will keep putting One footstep in front of the other. So far I have earned over $100 in pledges for the Center for Grieving Children and it is a big motivation for me to that for every mile I earn close to $2 more to help an amazing Center in Portland, Maine. Tomorrow I get back on trail and in a few days cross into North Carolina..slow but moving forward. Madhatter
Date: 2015-03-18
From: GA-ME

To: View Entry
Miles today: 55.9

At Mile 109.8,had an amazing series of great hiking days, good miles and great people. Stayed one night at Top of Georgia, owned by Sir Packs a Lot, he is a triple crown hiker and a most excellent human being, the folks that work there make you feel welcome and I recommend it as a must stop. I think the last few days of hiking can be summed up with last nite, sitting on a high mountain ridge with great folks, firelight and Steve playing Country Roads on his guitar as Sun is starting to set, then English got his Banjo out and played a very funny tune from England, then they jammed a bit. Met Luna from Portland,Me, Phil, Theresa and Emily a very cool family from Alaska. Heavy Weight makes a fire each nite, reminds me of Tommy my Stepson, who I could see doing that each night. Today was longest hike day at 16.2 miles and felt good, hiking legs coming along. MADHATTER still refuses to carry the pack and I have to carry him..maybe he will help eventually. . Madhatter
Date: 2015-03-19
From: GA-ME

To: rest day
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: snow

Happy Madhatter at NC line..one state down and 13 to go!!...great pancake breakfast today at Baptist Church. .yum. .and great folks serving, they give a free hiker breakfast for 4 weeks, every day, pick up and drop off at the hotel's was yummy..and Pastor is down to earth..
Date: 2015-04-12
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

At mile 335, 6 miles away from Erwin, TN where I will go into town for resupply. Hiked a lot of miles past 2 day's, a 19 mile day and 17 miles today. Had grest hiking weather with 70 degrees and sunshine, soaked feet in a cool mountain stream today,felt amazing. .new feet. Down to one builder's bar for breakfast so looking forward to resupply. Madhatter.