morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-06-25
From: West Carry Pond Lean To

To: Caratunk, ME
Miles today: 13.7

Well we may just be getting lazy... don't judge.0445 - the alarm sounds.. time to get up. We have to make it 13.7 miles before 1100 otherwise we will not have any way to get across the kennebec river. It is a very wide river and extremely dangerous to ford. There is a ferry service, but only from 0900-1100. We got moving quickly this morning as we knew we had to be fast to make our miles. We were immediately disheartened by the sound of rain coming down on the metal roof of the lean to. We have not had rain in a while though, so it is not all that bad. Our pace was finally back to what it should be, we moved quickly. What a great feeling. The terrain was very easy today. Nothing to exciting to report about the trail in this section.. it is flat and easy. The south bounders are coming by complaining about the roots/rocks/mud.. they are going to be in for a surprise.. if those are not present then you are not on the A.T. The rain picked up and made the trail very slick forcing us to pay 100% attention to each step. The highlight of the day jumped out right in front of us on the trail... Mama Moose and Baby Moose!!! Not even 20 yards away, they just crept off into the woods, crossing the trail. About ten minutes later I looked to my right, another Moose and it's baby! This time no more then 15 yards from us, they quickly spooked and ran away. Unfortunately we were unable to get a clear picture as we did not have any warning. They are such majestic creatures, I am very excited that we got the chance to see not only one, but four! We arrived at Pierce Pond around 0900. This was a very somber place that was also very beautiful at the same time. It is at this pond that our friend, Parkside, lost his life just over a week ago. I had heard a lot about him and was looking forward to meeting him. We said a prayer for him and sat for a moment taking everything in. This journey has been amazing, I thank God that I am still here and healthy. What a beautiful place we are in...We got to the ferry crossing. A local who works with the MATC came over in a canoe and greeted us, he would be our ferry. Yes, the canoe does have a official White Blaze on it. The adventure goes on... we jumped into the canoe and were brought across to the other side! It is neat that the trail crosses the river, the MATC is nice enough to provide a free way across. And we made it before 1100!As we arrived at Caratunk we intended to make a quick stop and move one. Tribhu and AMS had new shoes waiting for them at the post office, no new shoes for me. We got a ride to the Northern Outdoors and got lunch... well they are cool and have a hot tub.. so this naturally turned into "Let's stay the night". Heck we did hike 13.7 miles in 4 hours after all! We deserved it! This brings me to where I sit now, in a nice lodge, inside... ahhh the trail is so difficult! I am allowed to be lazy after 2,033 miles! Off to enjoy that hot tub!!!!
Date: 2012-06-26
From: Caratunk, ME

To: Horseshoe canyon lean-to
Miles today: 27.7
Weather: light rain

What a fun and crazy day! As we know it rained all day yesterday. It was not bad, we almost had dry shoes this morning. I woke up at 0600 to the wonderful sound of rain. It was suppose to continue all day today. We packed up as usual and went to the AYCE breakfast. I slept very well and felt great. We filled up on the great buffet, very good deal. After eating we checked out and hitched a ride back to the trail. Such luck recently with rides!The rain continued as we fought to keep a strong pace. We made it up and over the first peak with moderately dry shoes. The trail was very wet and slippery requiring our full attention yet again. It rained on. We pushed on as our feet quickly became soaked. It was still well before noon. As it rained I was happy to know that finding water would be no problem. In a matter of fact the trail had turned into a stream itself. Perfect! We had to ford a brook which was knee deep, the current was enough to push you around so we had to be careful. After the second climb we thought we were home free... well from hills we were. The trail was under about six inches of moving water. We happily hiked through i four hours today, in water that is. We had so much fun with it. There was splashing, dancing, singing... everything you would expect of three grown men playing in water with soaked shoes in the rain. We then had to Ford a few more crossings. These were no Toyotas or Hyundais... the river was wide and deep and very fast moving. With the rain it was up to our waist. We carefully made our way in, the current nearly sweeping me away. I made sure to video it of course in case things got exciting! After a few very tense minutes we were all safely across. There were two southbounders on the other side camping. The current was to strong for them. The trail was nicer after that crossing. We hauled to get to camp. But we cannot get off easy with a nice trail.... a huge downpour began making us feel very welcomed. Thankfully we made it to the shelter without having to bust out the floaties. Nobody here.... cool! We had the place to ourselves. Time to dry out and eat. The down pour is still going on a hour later. Tomorrow should be interesting. If all goes well at the end of the day we will only have 99 more miles to go!!!! Crazy to even imagine.
Date: 2012-06-27
From: Horseshoe canyon lean-to

To: Wilson valley lean-to
Miles today: 19.7
Weather: moderate rain

Another wet but fun day. Our shoes would go another day submerged in mud and water. It poured hard all night so we slept in til seven hoping the water would go down. We got to the East piscataquis river at 0930 and knew we had a very serious Ford. The water was up a lot and made it questionable of if we could get across. We used our bear bag rope as a rescue line and tied it around the waist of whoever was going. I secured the end to a tree. Tribhu made it safety. AMS attempted five times but kept getting swept away from the current. Our lines worked great. While he rested I went. It took every bit of energy to make my way across the freezing cold river. I got swept away in the middle but regained my footing with the help of the rope. When I was almost across I tripped, I quickly swam hard to the shore. We then helped pull AMS across. All safe. I had made a big mistake though, I left my front pouch open. My camera was gone... no time to look, to cold. It was somewhere in the river. I lost all pictures since Harper's ferry. I nearly cried. On the plus side I do have some on my phone, still have my go pro, and AMS has the same pictures, and he will give me copies. So not a huge loss. And my pack is 7oz lighter!! Cool! I knew I could lighten up more. I should toss the charger in the next Ford.We went on to Monson and got our food drops. Thanks Mom! After eating lunch we moved on, back to the Appalachian stream! We had two more fords which we hard but not horrible. We crossed some mud where I got stuck. I stepped and watched my leg disappear... magic trick! This was hilarious. We got to camp under darkness. Thankfully I kept my headlamp still and did not toss that in the river. A hot dinner was nice and dry feet. 104 miles to go! We plan to do it in three days. Wish us luck! Also wish that the trail dries up!
Date: 2012-06-28
From: Wilson valley lean-to

To: Carl a newhall lean to
Miles today: 25.5
Weather: scattered clouds

An early morning wake up got us up and going. We had big things to tackle today. We were out of camp by 0600. The trail was slow going and wet as usual. We had one serious Ford coming up that we were concerned about. Just before a flooded stream crossing we caught up to Mule and Turtle. I do not know them but I have heard all about them from AMS and tribhu. The crossing was not bad, we hiked on. On second thought that was not the big crossing, just a flooded stream. The real Ford was serious. Waist high, very fast moving, white water... a rope was set up to give us something to hold onto. I clipped my pack to the rope so I could push it across. I got in and started working my way across the swift water. The current was incredibly strong, it lifted my feet and tried to take me down the rapids. Luckily I held on tight as the water pounded into my chest. What thrilling fun!!! I had a huge smile on my face. I helped shuttle a pack over for another hiker so i got to go across twice. Woohooo. Onwards...The hike was going over one of two ridges today. My energy was gone and motivation gone. So i was turtle speed and pouting. We pushed on all day with wet feet and got to play in mud again. At the second Ford we just walked across. Simple. By this time I had lifted my spirits up again. I was off!! I hauled up a 5.6 mile hill in under a hour and a half! Yippi!!!! Talk about a nice pace. Must be the lighter pack from no camera! We got to the shelter.. full. It is eight pm. Dang south bounders who are to lazy to tent. Ps we sent home our tents so we could carry more food. I begged and figured them into moving over so we could make room. Finally. 76 more miles to go!!! We have hiked over 2,100 miles now. Wow.
Date: 2012-06-29
From: Carl a newhall lean to

To: Cooper Brooks fall lean-to
Miles today: 18.9

Today was a bittersweet day as I had to split off with my trail family. Tribhu and AMS wanted to finish on the first. I cannot finish until the fourth. Tribhu headed off at 0430 in the morning to haul 40 miles. AMS headed off at 0600. Back to just me... I enjoyed the solo hiking again but it was definitely a little lonely. I made the miles quickly but got bad chafing on my back. I stopped early at the shelter as there was room and I was content with what I had left. While looking at my map and making camp a sobo hiker said he got hurt. This dummy was trying to carve a pipe with his knife so he could smoke. He cut his thumb wide open. I informed him it was his lucky day because I was a emt. I busted out my first aid kit and tried to control the bleeding. He made a bloody mess. I had to break into everyone else's first aid kits. After some work I got it bandaged and cleaned up. I informed him that he was not very smart and needed to get off the trail and into a town to get it checked out. Silly south bounder! I did make it all the way here without using my first aid kit. Only 60 miles left though.
Date: 2012-06-30
From: Cooper Brooks fall lean-to

To: Rainbow Stream lean-to
Miles today: 29.6
Weather: clear sky

Ha I finally made some real miles today! It feels so good to fly. I got started early and moved quick. My self motivation had kicked in and I felt great as I moved for the finish. However, before leaving I had to change the silly sobo's bandaging again. The trail was the typical muddy and wet terrain. I got to the first shelter at 1000. AMS had left some food behind, I ate it... yea I know I am a fat kid. I just missed Warren Doyle, he was there the day before and left a note for me. As i hiked on I was craving a coof soda, it was hot out and i was very thirsty. I stumbled up on a beach with a family enjoying a picnic. They welcomed me and quickly started asking about my journey. They were very welcoming and nice. I had just stopped for a picture of the view, before I knew it they made me a ham sandwich, a cold mtn dew, a twix, and some Gatorade. Wow. What amazing trail magic. They did not realize how much it meant to me, I was very humbled and happy. It gave me the push I needed to haul on. I said goodbye and took a picture of the great people. I made my way up Nesuntabunt mtn and got a great view of KATAHDIN!!! Holy amazing. I called home and said hi. I got to the shelter as yet another storm was coming. This shall be home. Tonight is my last night on the trail. No more shelters. After this will be a hotel waiting for family so I can finish. What a great feeling, I can not take it all in yet.
Date: 2012-07-01
From: Rainbow Stream lean-to

To: Millinocket ME
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: clear sky

Finally! After hiking a few short miles today I made it to Abol Bridge. This is where I am going to stop f for the next few days. My family is coming to hike katahdin with me on the fourth of July. I will rest here until the the third and then hit the final ten miles to the base of the mtn. As I got to the road a nice family stopped and offered me a ride to town, 20 miles away. Sweet! I checked in at the Appalachian trail lodge, perfect place to rest.This trip has been incredible, I can barely express how I feel now that I am here. I have screamed, cried, laughed, and just sat and stared. I have seen so much, and been through just about everything. 14 states108 days2,184 miles5,000,000 + stepsMultiple new friendsA lifetime of memories.Wow.... what a journey, I finally have some time to rest and reflect on it all.I would like to ask a favor from you... yea YOU! This is for anyone who has been reading my journal and following along. Family, friends. Strangers, stalkers... everyone! I would like you to send me a email at emmckinley@Yahoo.com... in this email please include who you are. Where you are from. Why you chose to read my journal. And then tell me about your dreams or whatever else... how my journey impacted you or whatever. I want to print it all out and put it into a binder to save. It would mean a lot and make for some great emails. You know so much about me, so tell me about you now.
Date: 2012-07-03
From: Millinocket, ME

To: Millinocket ME - Katahdin Stream Campgrounds
Miles today: 9.6
Weather: broken clouds

Oops, forgot a entry... I knew something was off with the date of my finish! Today I hiked from Abol Bridge to Katahdin Streams campground. Hmmmm lets see... there was a blue blaze that went to the same spot and was only 4.5 miles... the AT was 9.6... A.T. it is!! I know no shortcuts! Two fords... boring.. nothing fun to report except a very easy stretch of trail.I had met a few south bounders the night before. They would be just coming down from Katahdin and staying at the campground tonight. I figured I could say hi to them again and then find a ride back to town to meet up with my family. By the way it took me three hitches to get to Abol Bridge, but atlas I made it there. I arrived at the campground and soon after one of the south bounders came down. James I believe his name was, he was a cool guy, he is motivated and excited. Important trait to have. Amber was not far behind, she also is very excited for her trip to begin. She is hiking in honor of her father who passed away from heart disease. I admire this, and if you want another blog to read... well here is your chance.. www.hikefortheheart.blogspot.com ... I believe the both have what it takes to make it all the way! I am cheering for them. I checked in with the park ranger and registered for my permit and as a thru hiker, I would not be down in time to catch them tomorrow. #26!!! Wow! At harpers ferry I was #61 and at springer I was #345 I believe. Now to find a ride to town, a hour away down a dirt road... one car passed - eh they looked funny I will pass. The second... I stood in the middle of the road looking desperate holding my "Hiker to Town" sign... hehehehe they stopped, running over thru hikers is bad Karma. They happily gave me a seat and took me to town. I was dropped off at Katahdin Cabins, my family was there. My Mom, her friend Carol, my brother Bryan, my best friend Joe, and his friend Dan. What a great feeling to see them all, and I am really happy they came to hike katahdin with me. The weather is looking really nasty for tomorrow, but that is ok, just makes it more interesting... after all it rained the rest of the time! We spent the evening together, catching up and telling stories. We had a great dinner at the Spootic In in Millinocket. Tomorrow we will get up at 0430 and go for the finish line!
Date: 2012-07-04
From: Millinocket, ME

To: KATAHDIN!!!!!
Miles today: 5.2
Weather: light rain

UPDATE: Forgot to put in my post from yesterday, I knew the dates were off.. oops. Even thru hikers make mistakes!HAPPY 4th OF JULY!!! (I wanted to bring pyrotechnics up to the summit, but decided it best to save those for later)Today will never be forgotten. It marks the end to my 112 day epic adventure. I spent the night in a bed with linens last night, what a strange concept. Sleeping is difficult on a mattress as I am no longer use to it. My family and friends were with me, I am very blessed and lucky to have such great support. We got up at 0430 and got breakfast. We hit the trail around 0700 and started our climb up Katahdin. The final few miles. Wow, what a place to be. The climb started out easy for the first mile or so. After katahdin falls it started to get steeper. Soon we were climbing up steep rock and had the poles packed away. The weather was turning for the worse, it was cloudy and a storm was quickly rolling in. I needed to move fast if I was going to make it. I had been hiking with my mom and her friend, time to push on though in case it got bad. Moments later it was a white out, wind blasting us on the ridge, rain making it all the better. Typical Appalachian trail!!!! After getting to the table tops we only had a mile more. The last mile... hard to even imagine. In the distant fog I saw the sign! KATAHDIN !!!!! Joe ran ahead with a camera, my brother following from behind. Finally... I was there. I let out a scream, I made it... I really did it. I hiked all 2,184.2 miles. My hand touched the sign, it was real. The weather was horrible so I could not got and relax. It was dangerous to stay long. We took pictures, I called my grandma and told her the news. My mom and her friend, Carol, we unable to summit. They were only a mile behind but we had to move now. It was getting worse, we still had to get down the slippery ridge. We did not know but they had turned back already, smart move! We all headed down slowly, I was not done as I still had to make it down safely with everyone. A few hours later the parking lot came into sight. My trip was now over...I cried briefly at the top, mainly when I called my grandma and could hear the excitement in her voice. It has not hit me truly yet, that will come when i get home I think. Thank you everyone for all the support. It was what got me through. I am proud to say I am now an official thru hiker!!!
Date: 2012-07-05
To: Thoughts... 
Miles today: 0.0

I will continue to post over the next few days as I am sure I will have many scattered thoughts. I am excited to get home, but at the same time the trail is going to be highly missed. The feeling of being free is something I have never felt before, the trail gave that to me. No stress, no pressure, no arguments, just freedom. That is now gone, and the ways of society will be returning... sad thing that they cannot get it right. It may be just be that I am rebellious to societies ways... but I wish that it was not so caught up in itself. Getting home and seeing family and friends will be very nice. I miss them greatly. A break is needed to heal up and restore my body. However, if I had the time I would return to the trail in a week and hike SOBO.. but I can't do that. I got my orders from the military. Sept 18th I deploy for bootcamp, the next adventure of my life! I guess it is time to start preparing for that! But being me.. I may have to squeeze a small hike in on the trail. I think in a few weeks I will take off for 4-5 days and come hike sobo on a fun part of the trail, hoping to run into some trail family that is headed north. I would also love to set up a random trail magic station somewhere in a completely obscure location - could be fun! Shhhhh don't tell current hikers though My post will continue for the next few days as I re-enter into the real world and go back to work. I will post more pictures and stories as I am sure there will be something funny that happens.. - like I filter my water at work... or cook Knorr pasta sides in my dining room on my pocket rocket... something is bound to occur! Because I AM A APPALACHIAN TRAIL THRU HIKER!!!! YEAAAA!!! CLASS OF 2012!!!! #26 for this year!!! Congrats to all who have taken on the journey! To see my current pack setup please go here http://www.geargrams.com/list?id=5703
Date: 2012-07-05
To: driving
Miles today: 0.0

The epic continues. This morning we were to head home. But I have one last request. We headed south for monson, in hopes to find my camera which decided to take a vacation in the river. It took some work to find the trail, and a .4 mile hike to the river. Ankle deep, wow. Much better than chest deep. We jumped in with our dry shoes on, what a great family. We searched, no luck.Onwards. Headed home again. We got to NY. A funny smell filled the car, something is burning. The car filled with smoke.... RUH-RO!!! We pulled over as smoke poured from the engine. After cooling down we drove a mile to the next exit and auto shop. Transmission issues, fluids all over. Well the mechanics looked at it, no clue. But after filling fluids it drives. Time to have more adventure. 263 miles to go. We are going for it! *Battle cry*LET'S ROLL!Down the thruway we go, cruise control on, ac off. Windows down! Hardcore!I should just walk.... much easier. Anything that happens to my shoes can be fixed with duct tape.
Date: 2012-07-07
To: Back Home
Miles today: 0.0

Working on my slideshow... will put a post up tomorrow.. Keep the emails coming! I have received a ton so far, I cannot wait to print them all out and make it into a great memory of this trip.Alright... I am back... So since I have come home I have had mixed feelings and thoughts. I have told my stories to many people as they curiously ask what it was like to experience the freedom of the trail.Last night I came down to visit at my Dad's house. I have not seen his new house yet as he moved just after I started the trail. The house is beautiful! It is out in the county further away from the nearby big city of Rochester. It is relaxing not having neighbors and no sound of cars constantly driving by plaguing the area. We hung out and I showed pictures and stories. We enjoyed a huge evening bonfire, it must have been 25ft tall! Great fire. Of course we had to set off a few fireworks to celebrate my return.I have been working diligently on my slideshow for the trip, I have tons of videos and a lot pictures... not as many as I would have had though. Considering I threw my camera in a river!! I will upload it to youtube when it is done. I miss the trail a great much! I cannot wait to get back to the trail and hike again. I am thinking of going for five days at the end of the month or so, we will see. I want the feeling back of being on the trail. My body is in incredible shape. I went for a 4 mile run yesterday, I did not get short of breathe once. Granted it was only a 9 minute mile pace... but I use to get quite winded on that long of a run. I would like to do around 5 miles daily, and start to work on fixing my upper body... that is a mess. ha. Today some family is coming over, cousins, grandparents, aunt's and uncle's.
Date: 2012-07-14
To: More thoughts...
Miles today: 0.0

New post coming Sunday 7/15 later in evening. Stay tuned! Link to slideshow will also be posted! Get PUMPED!!! YEA!!!! PICTURES!! VIDEOS!! WOOHOOO!!!! (With a few less pictures since my camera remains in the deep dark river!)Slight more delay... Apparently I cannot put that big of a file on youtube... *mumbles mean things about them* I will try to get it split up today.
Date: 2012-07-17
To: Slideshow!! (Hopefully)
Miles today: 0.0

Take a look, let me know if it does not work!! Part 1:https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10151106028226499&set=vb.501411498&type=2&theaterPart 2:https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10151121634046499