morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-08-19
From: Crocker Cirque tent site

To: Stratton Motel
Miles today: 7.4

One twelve hundred foot climb up South Crocker Mountain and a couple hundred more up North Crocker and the rest of the day was fairly easy. Climb down to the road wasn't too steep. Homeless caught up to me a little more than a mile from the road and called for our shuttle pickup.Stayed at the Stratton Motel which was also a hostel with a bunkroom. It was very warm and with no air conditioning fairly uncomfortable so Homeless moved down the steep where there was air.Got resupplied, a shower and volunteered do do everyone's laundry with mine.As the day went on the hostel and motel filled up. Amazingly a hiker who I had seen at several shelters and a couple hostels from last year showed up. Woodstock hat hiked to Mt Washington last year and came off the trail and is finishing his hike this year. It was great seeing him.Went to dinner down the street and had dinner with Sir and Hummingbird. Just as we were finishing Homeless joined us for desert.
Date: 2015-08-20
From: Stratton Motel

To: Safford Campsite
Miles today: 10.3

It was a hot night and made sleeping difficult. I finally got on the floor where there was a fan and got some sleep.Didn't have an alarm set but still got up early. Thought I'd have plenty of time but Chet came in and said the shuttle was coming an hour earlier. Homeless had planned on cooking breakfast and I was helping when Shane the shuttle driver showed up and announced he had room for only two. Chet had already eaten so I stayed behind and didn't have to rush breakfast. Still managed to get on the trail and was hiking by six thirty.The Bigelows are are I'm told some of the last big mountains left to do until Katahdin. They had fantastic views when I summitted of some beautiful ponds and the valleys below.I wanted to get to Bigelow Shelter were Chet and Homeless had hiked to, but just got too tired so came up four miles short and stayed at a campsite.Rain forecasted for tomorrow but we'll see, they haven't been real accurate lately.
Date: 2015-08-21
From: Safford Campsite

To: West Carry Pond Shelter
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: clear sky

It started raining early morning. Just a steady drizzle, but continued till mid morning and then off and on the rest of the day.The rain took away the few early morning views from a few ledges that I passed. Nothing to see but the rain clouds. Most of the morning was a descent that was slowed by wet rocks. The grade wasn't to bad but had it not been raining I could have made really good time.The trail flatten out and was not very rocky. I should have been making much better time, but I really didn't have a lot of energy.Got to the shelter about four thirty and decided on an early day. Still made 12. 7 miles as most of the day it was nice trail.
Date: 2015-08-22
From: West Carry Pond Shelter

To: Sterling Inn at Caratunk
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: broken clouds

Nice trail for hiking and made good time. Hiked over a wood and rock dam on Pierce Pond which was interesting, as I wondered how it was retaining the water as I walked over it and was looking at all the water seeping through it.Got to Kennabec River at two in time for the ferry across.Chet, Homeless, woodstock, Star Trek and Saffron, Bommer and Hot Sauce where all there and we all went to dinner togetter.
Date: 2015-08-23
From: Sterling Inn at Caratunk

To: Bald Mountain Lean Too
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Had a fairly nice breakfast at the Sterling Inn before he shuttled us back to the trail head. Stopping at the Inn was a pretty good idea, even though it made for a short day, hiking on wouldn't have gotten me to Bald Mountain Brock shelter. I was able to get a nice town mile, shower and hang with a good group of people. Nice hike up Pleasant Pond Mountain. Had a few good views but I hiked over a mile to Middle Mountain and had my lunch.Afternoon I hiked by another beautiful deserted pond. There have been a lot of these I've passed in the last week or so.Started to rain about a mile before I reached the shelter so I had to stop and put my pack cover on and rain poncho. When I got to Bald Mountain Brook which is very close to the shelter I decided to pitch my tent there as there were some great tent spots,next to the stream. They were so nice that three other hikers also camped nearby.
Date: 2015-08-24
From: Bald Mountain Lean Too

To: Horseshoe Canyon Shelter 
Miles today: 13.0

Light rain and heavy mist as the day started. Not to hard of a climb up to the top of Moxie Bald Mountain. There was some confusing caren mounds at the top as Homeless took a wrong turn and I caught up to him. We got it figured out and Chet caught up. We all passed through a rock formation called The Cave, after which they both hiked away from me, being much faster hikers.Rain and mist blocked the views from the top of both peaks of Moxie Bald and North Peak.Passed a pond and could hear the loons calling, which was, really cool.Got to Horseshoe Canyon Shelter about four thirty and with the only almost level spot taken by Homeless I decided to sleep in the shelter. Sometimes that works well with enjoyable company, sometimes not. Tonight was not. Finally got asleep around ten.
Date: 2015-08-25
From: Horseshoe Canyon Shelter 

To: Shaws in Monson
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: light rain

Got started at first light, because I was anxious to get to Monson. Monson is the last town before I finish my hike, as all that will be left to do is the hundred mile wilderness. It was a nice hike in for the most part. A few typical mud bogs but the trail paralleled Pispataquis River which was quite pleasant.Got to Maine 15 at a little before noon where I found trail magic waiting for me. So I wolfed gown a hot dog coke and some cookies while I waited for Poet to shuttle me to Shaws.Homeless stayed at Lakeshore while Chet was at Shaws and I got settled into my room. Lots of northbound hikers I hadn't met were there plus a lot I was familiar with. Mars and Buddy who had tented next to me a couple nights before, Bloomer and Hot Sauce who had been in the last two shelters, Tank and her boyfriend and several others were there.Went to dinner at the Lakeshore and while the food was ok, the new waitress was a bit overwhelmed with the large crowd she had.Turned in early but got to sleep late, as thoughts of Katahdin danced in my head.
Date: 2015-08-26
From: Shaws in Monson

To: Shaws
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: haze

Just a zero day were I tried to consume as many calories as I could.Heard from Homeless and it appears he has an intestinal bug and will have to stay in town a few days. So it'll be Chet and me trying to get through the wilderness in seven days.Hopefully we can get an early start tomorrow.
Date: 2015-08-27
From: Shaws

To: Tent site
Miles today: 12.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Had breakfast with Chet in town at the bakery and then an early morning shuttle that we shared cost on.Day started off well enough other than the trail being full of water. Not so much mud, as puddles of pretty deep water. I finally gave up trying to dodge them and just plowed through.Got to Little Wilson Falls and found Chet and Duck there neither could figure out how to ford the stream, the current was just to fast and made for a dangerous crossing. After consulting my Guthooks app Duck saw a long walk around. It was quite far and involved walking a several miles down a railroad track.After getting back to the trail I hiked on a few miles but was pretty exhausted from the long walk that I put my tent down three miles shy of the shelter.Now I'll have a long day tomorrow.
Date: 2015-08-28
From: Tent site

To: Tent site
Miles today: 12.3
Weather: light rain

I was behind were I wanted to be at because of the detour yesterday, so I had an additional three miles to add to the eleven I was supposed to do.Met a couple southbounders with the idea that they were still going to hike to Springer. Sensodyne was hoping to make it by February 1st. I didn't tell him he would be needing snowshoes, I think he'll find that out.They're were a couple mountain climbs Barren and Chairback but nothing real hard.Had to do a very scary and hard ford. The rapids over the days before I stared the 100 mile wilderness had swollen the streams to dangerous rapids. Fortunately someone had installed a rope to hang on to while crossing which I held on to for dear life. It really was quite scary.Ended up about a mile and a half short for the day but had a nice tent site to spend the night at.
Date: 2015-08-29
From: Tent site

To: Carl Newhall shelter
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: broken clouds

Made my miles today and got to Carl Newhall.Had a three fords where I had to change to my fording shoes, but they didn't have rapids so it was just a matter of getting my feet wet and putting back on my trail shoes.I passed on doing the highly recommended Gulf Hagas Rim Trail, adding additional miles no matter how nice the views just wasn't appealing to me.I did pass through the Hermitage, a stand of hundred foot high old growth white pines.
Date: 2015-08-31
From: Cooper Brook Falls Lean-to

To: Tent site next to Lake Nahmakanta
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: clear sky

Off to an early start, I stopped by where Peace Dawg and company were tenting and just getting up for the day about three miles down from the shelter where I'd stayed. About 500 yards further down the trail by JoMary Road I came upon my last trail magic. Warm and Toasty who was through hiking but was going to flip flop and finish in Monson was taking a couple day off and decided to do some trail magic in the hundred mile wilderness, which was totally unexpected by me. After filling up on doughnuts and cookies I hiked on.Put in a long day and a lot of miles, but the trail was very flat with little climbing. Rocks and roots where the only thing that slowed my progress.Got just short of Wadleigh Stream Lean-to, but couldn't pass on a beautiful lake side tent site so I tented there.
Date: 2015-09-01
From: Tent site next to Lake Nahmakanta

To: Tent site
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: broken clouds

A long day, and my legs are tiring out and my back has really become a problem. For the last two days the ache in my back has become unbearable and I'm having to stop and take breaks at least once an hour. Maybe it's that I've been carrying a heavier pack, or the number of days I've been out without a break, or perhaps I'm just wearing out. It's good that my hike is about done. I really wanted to make it to Hurd shelter, but I was only able to get close. I hiked till seven thirty and had about a mile and a half to go, but it was getting dark and I didn't want today to be my first night hike, so I found a kind of level piece of ground and pitched my tent.I had stopped for a pretty long break on top of Rainbow Mountain and cooked and ate dinner. Stink Jacket and Pacman were there doing the same, but finished and moved on. After finishing, a little down the trail I found StarCrusher who was tenting on the summit.
Date: 2015-09-02
From: Tent site

To: Millinocket
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Even though I hadn't make Hurd shelter it was still a pretty short hike to Abol Bridge, where there is a store and restaurant. While the restaurant didn't open until eleven for lunch, there was still plenty of junk food at the convenience store. There was a pretty large group of hikers gathered there when I came in, Star Crusher, Stink Jacket, Packman among them.After being mooned by a group of rafters on top of a speeding shuttle school bus and loading up on carbs I hiked on.It was still ten miles to the Birches on pretty flat but rocking and rooted trail. As I hiked I got thinking about what Stink Jacket and Packman were going to do, which was to take the four o'clock shuttle into Millinocket. Gail and Jim would be there with a room, I'd have a chance to eat some high protein city food, take a hot shower and best of all get to see Gail. The more I hiked, the more I liked the idea.When I got to the ranger station, I hiked on down to the Birches and found Chet, but couldn't convince him to pack up and go to town, he was mentally prepared and not having Beth his wife there to meet him I guess I could see why he wasn't that interested in going. As it turned out, Homeless had put himself into overdrive and showed up later that evening so the two of them were able to summit together.So I checked in with the ranger station, got registered and was hiker number 415.It was a very full shuttle into Millinocket and more than an hour drive, but finally we got in and I got ahold of Jim to come by Inn and pick me up. They had meet several hiker family members and hikers and had arranged for dinner so I hurried a shower and it was off to dinner. Mars and Buddy had come in earlier and my brother was giving them a ride to the AT Cafe, where we meet Tank and her boy friend and another thru hiker.Spent the rest of the evening trying to get some of the pain out of my legs and back, and got to sleep about nine, which was pretty late for me.
Date: 2015-09-03
From: Millinocket

To: Baxter Park Katahdin
Miles today: 5.3
Weather: scattered clouds

We had agreed to meet in the lobby at five and then head to the AT Cafe for breakfast. We took Buddy and Mars with us and gave them a ride to the park also. I was so anxious and full of excitement that it was pretty much a blur. Seemed that it took forever, and then a long slow ride to the park. Once inside the park there a long ride on a bumpy dirt road to the ranger station. Finally we arrived and I grabbed a day pack they make available to hikers that are summiting. Threw in the few things I was taking and even with two quarts of water it must have weighed less than eight pounds. My back was very happy about that.I actually liked the climb up. All that I had read made it sound both dangerous and hard, but as far as difficult climbs to a summit I found it fun. What makes it difficult it the number of climb ups where you search for a foot hold or a way to pull yourself up a boulder. The rock surface was such that it provided good foot traction and with the really hard ones there was usually a rebar foothold.Passed Chet and Homeless coming back down along with Bloomer. And then finally I could look ahead and see the summit sign. Two day hikers were pacing with me, and I looked to one and told him, if I think much about it I become to be overwhelmed and immediately choked up. Stopped for a minute to regain a little composure, and saw Mars up ahead and yelled to her to come take my picture which she gladly did.But ever step I took I lost it a bit more so by the time I got to the sign to touch it I was a mess. So much emotion filled me that I reached the sign and just collapsed at the foot of it. My hike was done.After collecting myself and taking the required summit glamour shots with Mars, Buddy, Magnus and Coco started the long hike back down. I had decided to take the Saddle and Pond trail down, thinking it would be easier than doing the Hunt trail again. It was probably safer but not any faster or easier, as it took what seemed to forever to get down. Mars and Buddy went the same way and stopped several times and waited for me to catch up.Finally got near Roaring Brook Campsite where my brother was waiting on the trail for me and accompanied me the quarter mile. Gail, Mars, Buddy, Ty and a couple others where there waiting. And finally my AT adventure was truly done as we packed up and travelled back to Millinocket.
Date: 2015-03-15
To: T minus 5 and counting...
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

The prep has been going on for much longer than this initial entry 5 days from my first step indicates. Heaps of excitement, frustration, confusion, planning, worrying, daydreaming and prognosticating have all worn me pretty thin. I'm ready to just start walking from Springer Mountain on March 20th, headed northbound along the Appalachian Trail all the way to Maine.Sometimes life conspires against us, but it also conspires for us if we are open to seeing the opportunities and not letting them slip away. I hope you'll drop in regularly as I try to narrate the insanity of my mid-life crisis, mostly for my own entertainment. I've been sworn by my brother to keep the public introspection to a minimum and just share the funny stories, great people and nitty-gritty of walking 2,189 miles.Short of lacing up your boots to join me (which any and everyone is welcome to do), this is the best place to catch up. Stuff may show up on FaceBook or Twitter or other random social media outlets, but this will be home base. I hope to add an update every 5 days or so when stopping through towns.Thanks to everyone who has wished me well,Dave Trail name ISO (In Search Of...)
Date: 2015-03-17
To: Meet the Trail Bosses
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Although I will be doing all he walking, there is a great deal of external support provided to help make it happen. Specifically, my mom (Jo Ann on the right in the photo) will be looking after my food supply boxes. Blending my custom oatmeal mix, bagging up the daily menu and boxing the number of needed days to put in the mail... At the right time. Betty is second in command and will pick up the slack when Joann has either had enough or found something more interesting to do.We started the drive on St Patrick's Day from Dallas to Amicalola Falls State Park in north Georgia. None of us wore green, nor did we realize it until the next day. Some beer was consumed in Jackson Mississippi, so the day's significance was not completely lost.
Date: 2015-03-20
From: Amicalola Falls State Park approach trail

To: Stover Creek Shelter
Miles today: 2.8
Weather: overcast clouds

First entry on the fourth day. First net connection. More to come!Day one was wet and cool. The first 8.8 miles were just warmup before the AT began. Survived the bear attacks there were no sightings) and the journey continues. Stay tuned for back filled entries...
Date: 2015-03-25
From: Tray Mountain Shelter

To: Dicks Creek Gap / Hiawassee GA
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: clear sky

A word about trail magic. It is awesome! Not trail magic that quite a few folks are smoking out here, but the magic of a complete stranger offering a tired hiker something to eat or drink. It has maximum impact when it is least expected. This was the case when Sponge Bob and I just finished a 750 ft climb in less than one mile. On top was a class of 2000 thru-hiker named Tater with his own pack full of ice and soda cans. The Orange Crush I drank was like heroin! I was more impressed after coming Dow the trail he took to get there. He carried it in over four miles and more elevation himself.
Date: 2015-03-29
From: Winding Stair Gap / Franklin NC

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

On the road again out of Franklin. I left a couple of folks in town for a zero day and moved on up the trail. Still some snow left over from the day before. I met five people who are part of the Warrior Hike. They are veterans walking off the war and stopping in at Veterans Hospitals and the like along the way. The three I spoke with were Trail Pilgrim, PR Barbie and Cool Hand Nate. Check the details at warriorhike.org.
Date: 2015-03-30
From: Cold Spring Shelter

To: Wesser / NOC
Miles today: 11.7

Huge downhill today, dropped 3250 ft in just four miles. That was hard on here old knees. PA Trail Runner and 61 caught up with me while eating at the rafting course overlook and invited me to stay with them in a cabin just down the road. That sounded much better than starting the 3000 ft climb back up the other side of the canyon at 3 pm.
Date: 2015-04-01
From: Brown Fork GapShelter

To: Fontana Dam / Fontana Lodge
Miles today: 11.6

Walked a little bit today with a young couple from Atlanta. Art teacher and youth pastor Mouse and Georgia. It is also their thirteenth trail day but they have had a couple of injury and gear resets. They are going strong now and I hope to see more of them... But the ice cream at Fontana Lodge may entice them to take a zero day!
Date: 2015-04-04
From: Double Soring Gap Shelter

To: Icewater Soring Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: broken clouds

A number of folks took a trip in to Gatlinburg, TN for either tourism, food or to avoid the predicted cold weather. I chose the cold weather and stayed amongst it. Clingmans Dome is the highest point on the entire trail. As you can see from the view, the weather is very much the same everywhere according to the profile map provided. And a shout out to the day hikers from Ohio who helped a section hiker mom and daughter set up their tent and kept me company during my dinner prep with lots of good questions about thru-hiking. Even the ones about pack weight were fine ;-)
Date: 2015-04-05
From: Icewater Soring Shelter

To: Crosby Knob Shelter
Miles today: 20.3
Weather: clear sky

The night proved to be cold but not quite as bad as the day before. Plus the tandem work of Ninja Face and Mainer had a great fire going in the shelter. I was fast asleep before they even started nipping on the whisky. The only reason I got the sunrise view is because I had to pee so bad that I had no choice but to brave the sub freezing temps before it was sensible.
Date: 2015-04-06
From: Crosby Knob Shelter

To: Groundhig Creek Shelter
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: overcast clouds

After five days in the smokies, we are abruptly reminded that there is a real world out there and it is still happening. Walking right under interstate 40 was noisy, smelly and dirty. Peace and quiet was only a couple of miles away at the Standing Bear Farm hostel where I loaded up on two days worth of pop tarts and other essential items before heading on.
Date: 2015-04-08
From: Bluff Mountain

To: Hot Springs, NC / Iron Horse Inn
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Ten miles downhill in less than four hours. Easy to do when real food like a bacon cheeseburger and local micro brew beers are on offer at the local tavern. Met up with Moon Unit (shortened from Moon Laser Beam Hello Kitty Rainbow... I've exaggerated a bit there) Comrade and Dirty Harry. Most surprising thing about Hot Springs? The authentic and excellent Mexican restaurant!
Date: 2015-04-09
From: Hot Springs, NC / Iron Horse Inn

To: Deep Gap tent site
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: broken clouds

A hot slog up the hill out of Hot Springs. Temperature reportedly hit 84 degrees F and it was all uphill. And I had five days of food on board. Not much more to say other than the first day out of town is ALWAYS uphill and the pack is ALWAYS heavy. All the more reason to plow ahead instead of getting too comfy in town!
Date: 2015-04-10
From: Deep Gap tent site

To: Flint Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I saw my first bear today!!!!!!!Exactly one mile out of camp at 7:55 am. I was walking along and heard a rustle and snapping of twigs ahead and to he left. I looked over to see a side view of a big furry bear going up the hill about 20 yards away. Then it turned and gave me the hind quarter view until it disappears over the ridge. I had no chance to get a photo since it all happened so fast. So this is my happy face after seeing the bear. That boosted my energy and I managed second twenty mile day on he trail. It was tough all up but worth the efforts.
Date: 2015-04-11
From: Flint Mountain Shelter

To: Bald Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 18.9
Weather: overcast clouds

My friend Tom Blue drove out from Chapel Hill to walk with me for a couple of miles on the trail this morning. We walked maybe 30 minutes and chatted for another 30 at Devil Fork Gap. He loaded me up with two bags of Oreos, a pair of pop tarts and one orange crush. To put his effort in perspective, he drove four hours to get there by 8 am. Tom, YOU ARE AWESOME! Your generous gift of your time is greatly appreciated!