morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-05-25
From: AMC Mizba Hut

To: Ozgood Tent Site
Miles today: 14.8

Wow! What a wonderful day! Got up this morning and headed up to Mt. Washington. the weather was beautiful. It was a lot of snow up there but it wasn't cold the wind wasn't even blowing. At the summit there were tourist, an ice climber, skiers, and snowboarders.I went in the weather observation and had some hot chocolate and nacho's. Then I went and finished off the presidential range. This was the most beautiful part of the trail so far. I really liked Mt. Madison, it was a good climb. Lots of boulders and straight up.I am 4 miles form the AMC headquarters. They have some coin operated showers and I can eat breakfast buffet in the morning.See ya!
Date: 2008-05-26
From: Ozgood Tent Site

To: AMC Carter Notch Hut
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: broken clouds

I had all I could eat this morning at the AMC headquarters. When I told the lady at the front desk where I camped, she asked me if I had called about the foxes. I said no I don't have a phone. She said that someone called about several foxes wandering around the campsite. I saw a VSFS ranger on the trail and he said it was a dead moose near there and that why they were there.This morning in the restaurant I saw people that saw me on Mt. Washington yesterday. Everybody said that was a real feat doing the prezzies in 1 day. It takes most people 2-3 days. I just had good weather and kept on going. I was worn out last night though.I hope to make it to Gurham NH tomorrow but if I don't I'll go Wednesday. It's taking a long time to get through NH but it is really the most beautiful part of the trail. On the high peaks, you can see the Atlantic Ocean and for hundreds of miles each way.Today I went up the Wildcat Peaks (tuff). Straight up cliffs with lots of snow and ice. When I got to this hut it was raining, so I decided to stop. I planned a 17 mile day but I have the Carter Peaks ahead and that would have been dangerous in the rain. The caretaker here is really nice. He didn't want to do any work so we walked up the mountain and he showed me some caves he found. This is the last AMC hut.Despite all of the bad things other hikers say about the AMC they have been very nice to me. And if I lived in New England, I would be a member myself.See ya!
Date: 2008-05-27
From: AMC Carter Notch Hut

To: Hikers Paradise Gruham, NH
Miles today: 15.2

Today I have been in NH for 2 weeks. I almost feel like a resident. I should be in Maine tomorrow night. Today I met a guy on the trail his trail name is Ghost. I could tell he had a southern drawl. He was from Macon GA. He said he hiked the trail and NH was so beautiful that he moved up here. I was just thinking earlier that if I ever left GA, I would move up here. Today on Carter Dome, i had a view of Mt. Washington and the Northern Prezzies (Awesome) and to think I crossed all of that in day! I got news that Maine doesn't have any bridges except at highway crossings because the ice will take them out. So lots of streams to ford in snow melt season.See ya!
Date: 2008-05-28
From: Gorham NH Post Office

To: Gentian Pond Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: clear sky

I'm still in NH just 4 miles til ME. I started to head on to next shelter but I saw my friend Ghost and he told me that one of the hardest parts of the AT (Carlo Col.) is just ahead. I couldn't hitch a ride back to the trail from Gorham so I got a late start today anyway. In the morning, I'm heading into the home stretch-MAINE!!!See ya!
Date: 2008-05-29
From: Gentian Pond Shelter

To: Full Goose Shelter, ME
Miles today: 9.7
Weather: clear sky

There was a good frost this morning. It was cold. I didn't get started til 8:00. Carlo Col wasn't that hard. I did have to throw my trekking poles down so I could scale the cliff. I have some birds following me, Canadian Jays. They are gray with a white head. They really like hikers because they get fed. They fly from tree to tree behind me. They seem almost tame. In the morning, I am heading to Mahoosoc Notch. The hardest part of the trail. That's why I stopped early.See ya!
Date: 2008-05-30
From: Full Goose Shelter, ME

To: Frye Notch Lean To
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Left out this morning at 5:30 for the hardest mile of the AT: Mahoosoc Notch. I just pretended like I was spiderman jumping from boulder to cliff under and over and around. It wasn't as hard as I thought it would be. I was out of the notch at 6:40. I folded up my trekking poles and put them in my pack so I would have both hands to climb. I saw a man today he said where ya headin. I said Maine then I realized I am already here...Now I am going to say KATAHDIN...See ya!
Date: 2008-05-31
From: Frye Notch Lean To

To: Andover Guest House
Miles today: 4.5
Weather: moderate rain

Woke up this morning to hard rain. I dint' leave the shelter til 11:30. I got to the road and stood there about 30 minutes waiting for a car to come. No luck! I started my 8 miles trek into town in the rain. When I got about 1 mile into town I got picked up. I wasn't sure about where the place that my mail drop was. I was trying to call them on a pay phone and a guy across the street said hey hiker come over here. Anyway I decided to stay here. I told him who I was and he told me his name was Joel Putnam. He asked me if I had ever heard of Israel Putnam, the Revolutionary war here? I paused a second kind of shocked because I hadn't told him where I was from. I said yeah I'm from Putnam county GA named after him. He is a 7th generation Putnam. I had read that Israel Putnam was from the north... small world. Tomorrow Joel is going to slack pack with me. That means I'm taking all of the gear out of my pack except first aid, water, rain gear,& a little food. He's gonna drop me off and pick me up at the next notch. It's gonna rain tomorrow and I figure that will be a way to make some miles and have a place to come back to and dry out.He thought I was a SOBO when I told him I was a NOBO he was surprised at the time I was making. He said he got word that the SOBO's were caught up in knee deep mud. This trail is full of obstacles and almost never ending. All of this rain isn't going to help but it might melt some snow.See ya!
Date: 2008-06-01
From: Andover Guest House

To: Andover Guest House
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: light rain

I've been on the trail 3 months today! I did my slack pack today, it was just 10 miles. I wish I could have went farther but I did get an easy day. Today I forded 2 rivers the second was cold and deep. Black flies are really biting. As soon as I stop walking they swarm around and start bitting. I went over to the other hostel and picked up my mail drop. Lost of energy bars (thanks Julie). The general store across the street has a real good breakfast. I ate there this morning and I am going back again. Omelet, pancakes, potatoes, and coffee. For supper, I had 2 veggies burgers and fries.See ya!
Date: 2008-06-02
From: Andover Guest House

To: beamis mt. lean to
Miles today: 8.7

rain today. i got soaked it seemed like it took forever to get here because i kept slipping and sliding on the wet granite.the sun is out now but its to late to keep going. i hope my clothes will be dry by morning.2 guys just showed up they said they didnt get rained on.the trees had water on them so they still got wet.
Date: 2008-06-03
From: beamis mt. lean to

To: gull pond lodge
Miles today: 17.7

today was the easyest hiking since ive been in maine.(it realy wasnt easy)lots of mud but no snow.and beutiful natural ponds everywhere.my feet stay wet.one minute im in mud the next im in a fast moving stream. when i got to hwy.4 i got a hitch right into rangley.i caled the hostle because its raining the owner is real nice so is the hostle. he gave me a ride back into town to get supper (veggie pizza)
Date: 2008-06-04
From: gull pond lodge

To: piazza rock lean to
Miles today: 2.0
Weather: light rain

still raining. my next stretch of trail is saddle back mt. which is above treeline.not a good place to be in the rain.i started to stay 1 more night at the lodge but i decided i could walk 2 miles to this shelter in the rain and get a good start in the morning.i hope the rain is gone my morning its 9:00 pm and still raining. the shelter here is nice. it was biult by llbean employes. im here with fishin charlie. this is his last section and he will have section hiked the whole AT
Date: 2008-06-05
From: piazza rock lean to

To: spalding mt. lean to
Miles today: 16.8

I saw my first moose this morning.I was walking by a bog with some tall grass in it. I saw her head pop up. She was laying down when she got up and ran she had a calf with her. That was really neat. Today I got the Saddleback Range behind me. I have 1 more big range. The bigilows. Once I get through them it might get easier. I'm still hiking with Fishin Charlie. Its safer to be with somebody out here because of these big cliffs. Today Fishin Charlie fell about 8 feet off of a ledge. He landed on his backpack so he wasn't hurt but it was a close call. Steep cliffs and slick rocks ya just have to take your time.See ya!
Date: 2008-06-06
From: spalding mt. lean to

To: Strantton Inn Hostel
Miles today: 13.5

Cold wet day. Just have 1 more mountain range ahead of me...The Bigelows. After that I should be able to speed up. Weather permitting. I met the first SOBO today, he said he was 2 weeks out of Katahdin. I am ready to be there. New England has been really hard. Today is my family reunion and tomorrow is Dairy Festival. The first one I have missed in my whole life. But I'm doing exactly what I wanted to do. Few people ever get a chance in life to do that so I am very grateful for the opportunity to do this.See ya!
Date: 2008-06-09
From: Stratton Inn Hostel

To: Bald Mountain Brook Lean To
Miles today: 18.7

The 2 people I saw the other side of the Kennebec River this morning were sobos. A lady from Germany and a man from South Korea. After waiting on the ferry and going to the post office. I finally got back on the trail at 11:00. The Kennebec is a big river some hikers have drowned trying to ford it. Best just to wait for the free canoe ride. It rained today and the mosquitoes and black flies went away for a moment but now they are back. I have whelps all over me. I got my Hennessey Hammock mailed to me and I'm inside the shelter laying in it right now. It has a built in bug net. At least while I'm in here, they can't bite me. I saw another moose today. He was solid black. The ones that I saw last week were brown. When I get into Monson, I'm gonna mail my winter gear home. maybe the hammock too. Just to make room for food in the 100 miles wilderness. That's the last leg of the trip. It's really hot! I don't think I'll need it. See ya!
Date: 2008-06-10
To: Shaws Lodge Monson, ME
Miles today: 22.0
Weather: clear sky

Left out this morning at 4:30. I was fording the Piscataquis and slipped on the rocks. When I went down, I dropped one of my poles. I had to dive out and get it before the water swept it away. All this with my pack on. My sleeping bag is in a dry bags, it didn't get wet but everything else got damp. Whew I was really lucky. I met 3 more SOBO's on the trail today and there are 6 more here at the hostel. It's raining hard and I have 3 rivers to ford in the morning. The owner has a breakfast buffet here and then I'm off to the 100 mile wilderness. It's nice to hang out with other hikers. Something that I didn't do that much. That's part of it. Last week I hiked with Fishin Charlie for several days he was the first one that I had hiked with for more than a day.I mailed home my winter gear and my hammock. 31 lbs. They say 100 mile wilderness takes 5 days. I'm gonna put in some long days and try in 4.See ya!
Date: 2008-06-11
From: Shaws Lodge Monson, ME

To: Cloud Pond Lean to
Miles today: 19.1
Weather: few clouds

I had to ford 3 rivers today. They were swollen because of the rain. Big Wilson was chest deep. My backpack just floated up and my gear didn't get wet. There are 5 sobos here at the shelters with me.See ya!
Date: 2008-06-13
From: East Branch Lean To

To: Wadleigh Lean To
Miles today: 31.8

Twisted my ankle today. It's swollen but I'm ok. I wanted to go farther but I was getting dizzy so I stopped at 5:30. I guess I was just tired because I feel ok now after a little rest.The shelter has alot of gear left behind by SOBO's. It's 2 Eddie Bauer sleeping bags in here (HEAVY). I'm sleeping on them instead of unpacking mine. All of these guys headed south have huge packs 45-50 lbs. Mine is 18 lbs.See ya!
Date: 2008-06-14
From: Wadleigh Lean To

To: Upat
Miles today: 6.0

When I start walking I'm still dizzy so I sit down. As the morning goes on, I'm getting dizzier and start vomiting. I can hardly walk without falling. I make it to a logging road and sit there after about 5 hours some fisher men take me to a check station. The guy there rushes me to the emergency room in Millinocket. Soon as I'm in the hospital I vomit again. The doctor says I have Guardia. But I don't have a diarrhea. He discharged me and now I'm at a bunkhouse lodge. I'm still dizzy. The drugstore is closed so in the morning I'll get my prescriptions filled. I can't get a train home till Monday they are booked full. I'm gonna try to wait out..maybe I'll get better and finish up the last 32 miles. Maybe I pushed to hard but I've got too much time and money invested to quite now. Even if I'm too dizzy to climb Katahdin I need to hike to Baxter state park.I just ate a pizza and lots of water I'm not sick so that's good.One hiker said it could have been the Deet insect repellent that made me sick. It could have been bug bites too. I have knots all over me where they bit me.See ya!
Date: 2008-06-15
From: Upat

To: AT Lodge, Millinocket
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I'm feeling better today. Still kind of dizzy but I'm headed out in the morning. It's gonna cost $79 for the shuttle back to where I was (Pollywog Stream). It was $10 + a $9 gate fee to get into the 100 mile wilderness. I was really lucky that I got out of there. I was in real bad shape.See ya!
Date: 2008-06-16
From: AT Lodge, Millinocket

To: Abol Bridge
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: light rain

Feeling alot better. Today Vegus and Dozier caught up with me so we are hiking together. Looks like rain all week. I'm glad that I will have somebody with me climbing Katahdin. This shelter is overlooking the Penobscott River. It's pretty big. Tomorrow we will be heading into Baxter State Park and mabye finish Wednesday. Misquotes are terrible. People in ME say that if it wasn't for mosquito's and black flies it would be paradise and everybody would move up her and ruin it. I AGREE!See ya@
Date: 2008-06-18
From: The Birches, Baxter State Park

To: Katahdin
Miles today: 5.4
Weather: overcast clouds

This morning at 4:30 Dozier was pacing back and forth in front of the lean to. I asked him "Are you ready to go?" He said "It's like Christmas morning for me". We hung around a bit and finally started up Katahdin at 6:30. It wasn't raining at first but as soon as we got above the tree line the for was soaking us. It was the hardest hand over hand climb of the whole trail. The wind was blowing so had we had to almost crawl. When we go to the summit at about 8:40 there was 0 visibility and it started pelting us rain, ice, sleet. So we came on down quick. It really hasn't sunk in yet that I'm done... kind of bittersweet. I wanted it to be over but it is a great way of life. I'm back in Millinocket and I have a flight back to GA tomorrow.See ya!
Date: 2008-06-28
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I have been back in the real world for a week and I miss the adventures of the trail already. Looking for a new adventure, I kept thinking back to the two guys I met on Skyline drive that were doing the Trans America bike route. I have always wanted to go on a long distance bike tour. So last week I went to the bank and borrowed the money for a Surley Long Haul Trucker. Today I picked it up and rode it home from Athens 60 miles on back roads. The people at the bike shop kept asking "Are you sure you are going to ride it all the way home to Eatonton?" I told them "Heck I just walked over 2000 miles this should be easy." The bike is AWESOME! Tomorrow morning I am striking off to Savannah and Tybee Island. See ya!
Date: 2008-02-11
To: home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

if anyone is starting around March 10th let me know. hope to meet a great bunch of hikers. Have been hiking last year from route 7 va to Waynesboro, day hikes and 3 to 5 day trips. I met a bunch of last years thru hikers, hope they all made it, but know a few did not. hope to be at trail days in May.
Date: 2008-02-12
To: home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light snow

hope all is well for everyone planning there trips. I can not wait to start less than 30 days. stopped by the outfitter in Gatlinburg and had a great time talking about what to expect and how long it will take to get there from Springer. hope you get a chance to stop to see them , great store and a lot of good advise. the store is full of equipment and great items to use when you get home from your trip. I will stop in when I come thru to see . all for now.
Date: 2008-02-21
From: home

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Went to rei for the appalachian trail class tonight. I meet 2 hikers that are going to start around the same time as I. I am really eager to get going. the class was great, it was packed with all kinds of people wanting info on the trail. talked with people until I went out the door, lots of questions on gear and my experiences on the trail so far. all for now getting ready for the snow   all for now bronco
Date: 2008-03-09
From: approach trail

To: View Entry
Miles today: 9.7

Stayed at neels gap on the night of the 8th, got in around 930. Hostal was full so I slept in the truck. Woke up to 40 mph winds and o degree wind chill. Went to Amicalola Falls to start approach trail. Signed the log and got pictures at the arch. Hikers beware ask directions to the new steps approach, I did the traditional approach trail and missed the steps and falls. Morning started out cool but sunny the rest of the day the temps went up for a wonderful days. It is a hard hike up to Springer , summited and went down to parking lot and tented for the night. During the night heard a pack of coyotes howling all around the tent. Saw Wind up on the approach trail and talked for a bit. He is the first thru hiker I met on the trail. all for now
Date: 2008-03-10
From: usfs42

To: cooper gap
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Great weather to hike, started out about 9 am on the way to Cooper Gap. Went in to Stover Creek shelter and met a large group, Brown Bear Respect and Appliactor to name a few. The shelter had a dead possium stuck in the peak inside the second floor, but the shelter is new and in great shape. Headed for Stover Creek, another very nice area to hike through.Stopped at Hawk Mountain Shelter for lunch where I met Blake and Mark.Mark and I hiked the rest of the day togeather, on our way up Sassafras mountain we came across Guns, He was having a rough time. Tented at Cooper Gap with Mark, guns and Grateful gg.
Date: 2008-03-11
From: cooper gap

To: woody Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Another great weather day, started out around 9 am. Hiked with Mark and Expedition Man who caught up later, in to Woody Gap.I stayed at the gap they moved on. The stars are great to look at along with the view of the gap. I went in to the Suches General Store, the lady who works there was great to talk to, for a few goodies. I have only been out a few days but the Coke tasted out of this world along with the 2 calzones.
Date: 2008-03-12
From: woody Gap

To: Neals Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Got up for an early start to a windy cold morning but the rest of the day the weather just got better. The hike to Blood Mountain was fine and the views were awesome. The hike down to Neals Gap was a little touch but could not wait to get there.Got a bed in the hostel and a shower !!!!. Pirate is the caretaker and made dinner for us for a donation to the cook, Sloppy Joes.The hostel was full. We played trivia pursuit, about 12 of us.Everyone won a prize for playing some good , some not. I won spaghetti and roaches a gag prize.You have to stay there. there is always something fun going on, Thursday the cook came and gave out free lunches.
Date: 2008-03-13
From: Unicoi Gap

To: Hogs Pen Gap
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: clear sky

Today I did A flip and will hike south bound. The weather was warm and sunny. I met 20 plus hikers who are going north that I had read about in the shelter logs but had never met. I met a guy with a dog named Ginger that I have been looking for since the approach trail where I met his sister who was going home due to an injury. When I was walking towards them I was calling the dogs name, they looked at me like I was crazy, I asked who the dog owner was and told him that his sister had asked me to tell him I had seen her and she was ok. Stayed the night in Helen at Super 8 and ate a whole pizza and beer. Life is good on the trail! will go back to Neals Gap tomorow and hike north. all for now
Date: 2008-03-14
From: Neals Gap

To: Hogs Pen Gap
Miles today: 6.4
Weather: light rain

A short day today, the rain will move in and get heavier as the day goes on. Cloudy and foggie so not a great view day. I started out at Neals Gap meeting more new hikers and some who were behind me. Saw Guns and Windup good to see them.The hike was good but wet. I had trail magic at Test Gap by 3 trail angles thanks for the soda, candy bar and donuts.I really enjoyed talking with them. Had to push on as the weaher was getting worse.Hiked in to Hogs Pen Gap Where I found more trail magic, gatorade shake and mre's. thanks to who ever left it. Went back to Helen where a group of us around 5 are staying. Had a great dinner with Mark and Grateful gg.Did the normal town stuff food ,laundry and relax.So far I have really enjoyed hiking and meeting the other hikers. plan on a short day for Sat but the weather could give me my first zero.
Date: 2008-03-15
From: helen

To: helen
Miles today: 0.0

I zeroed in Helen for a day off and to stay out of the bad weather.There were 5 of us at the hotel. took it easy , updated journal, walked thru town and got organized for the next day. Had a few bad storms roll in but nothing major. I hope all that are out are ok. I am ready to get back to the trail. all for now.
Date: 2008-03-16
From: Tray Gap usfs 79

To: Dicks Creek Gap
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: clear sky

Got out about 11 am after getting everyone from the motel to the trail head.I am jumping a little ahead because I am hiking a short day tomorrow. Started at Tray Mountain and hiked north, a real nice view from the highest point in Georgia, Tray mountain, from both sides. The weather was great and you could not ask for a better day. I saw some people who weathered the storm and they were soaked but ok. Made it to Dicks Creek Gap by about 5 pm. I took some hikers to Hiawassee and had dinner at the all you can eat. There were about 10 of us at a large table togeather what a sight to see. We shared stories of the storm and what was to come. I stayed at the Blueberry Patch Hostel.There were 3 of us at the hostel and what a great breakfast they served us. If you get the chance stay with them, they are a great couple. Got in to the hostel about 8pm. all for now
Date: 2008-03-18
From: Dicks Creek Gap

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Started out on a misty morning headed towards Bly Gap. As the day went on the rain and wind picked up, by the time I reached Bly Gap It was windy and rainy. I changed my mind and pushed on to Muskrat Shelter.I am glad I went to the shelter the rain just got worse.There were 5 in the shelter and 1 tenting. Marko and I hiked together all day.