morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-09-09
From: East Branch Lean To

To: Namahkanta Tent Site
Miles today: 23.8

Yes you read that right. After telling myself I would limit the number of miles I cover each day in order to go easy on my knees a day like this offered the opportunity to do more. The trail had been much better than the hype that I had read about all of the roots and rocks of Maine. While I realize that I was benefitting from the lack of rain it hadn't been as bad as I thought and the trail had offered fairly decent foot placement. Today however, was a whole different thing. The trail was smooth and absent any real presence of roots and rocks. In addition to this it had a nice grade that was neither too steep or too flat and actually assisted you as you moved along. I felt like I had Katahdin Fever and I was burning up the trail.What was even more special about the day than the miles made was the fact that I ran into Gray Ghost earlier than I had expected since I was making the miles noted. I was so happy to see him and if we only got about 20 minutes to spend with each other before we both had to move on in opposite directions I didn't care. We caught up on each others status, family and picked each others brains on what the other could expect. I was a little saddened when I knew it was time to move on but glad to reunite with a true friend. While the first part of the day was spent on what seemed like an expressway, the second half held quite the surprise for me. In the guide book, Nesuntabunt Mountain was only 1520 feet in elevation and didn't appear to be that formidable. Boy was I mistaken! The trail seemed to lead straight up the side of mountain cliffs and every time you conquered one another one appeared in its place to taunt you. But I wasn't ready to cry uncle or anything else and by taking a number of breaks was able to top out after an hour an a half. I was then amply rewarded with an awesome view of Katahdin and was amazed by the size of it. It seemed so regal in one sense and such a beast in another. Man, that is one big mountain. Finally made it to Namahkanta Tent site where I was able to set up and get fresh spring water from a pipe. It was so clear and cold I didn't even bother filtering it which I hadn't done in a long time. Rainbow Rush who I had seen a couple of times in the past few days stopped in for a break and then moved on as she said she remembered some stealth sites on the lake from her previous thru hike. The rest of the evening was enjoyed reading a book that I found at a lean to.Only 44 miles left!
Date: 2014-09-10
From: Namahkanta Tent Site

To: Rainbow Lake
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: overcast clouds

It was a very cold morning and I could have used my gloves today to start out with. Despite the rest of my body getting warm real quick, it was about 45 minutes before my hands thawed out and didn't feel like I had to keep them wrapped up in my sleeves.There seems to continue to be a lot of people southbound still. I met a very nice lady, Asparagus, who I chatted with for a while. She was hiking with a few other people and they were spread out due to their various skill levels. There continues to be a lot of lakes and ponds and I continue to search for the elusive moose at each. What had been an expressway the day before has now turned into a snarled mess of roots which is putting a pounding on my feet. I keep telling myself to suck it up and that I only have a couple more days of this and then it will be over.Its a good thing I am making such good time as I have shortened the number of days it will take to get through the Wilderness by a day. The good thing about it is I have underestimated the amount of food I would have needed to make it all the way through. As it is I will have just enough food to get to Abol Bridge and this includes the goldfish Mesa, my trail angel gave me at West Branch. They are calling for rain in the pm tomorrow so I am going to make sure I get an early start to Abol Bridge which is only 11.2 miles away. I called the Appalachian Trail Lodge to get a room for Friday night and found out that there will be shuttle into town from the park that day as they are doing trail work. They say its an easy hitch into town from there but that remains to be seen. FIVE MORE DAYS !
Date: 2014-09-13
From: Katahdin Stream Campground/Ranger Station

To: Katahdin Inn and Suites
Miles today: 0.0

I was awake at 5 eventhough I knew I did not have to hike that day. At 6 I took another walk around town and it reminded me as I have said of most small towns that have good hard working people with strong community ties. The sun was just coming up and the reflection of the pink wispy clouds in the sky made me wish my phone had been working as I would have loved to take a picture of it an of all the people, places and events I had seen so far. Oh well, I won't be forgetting this place any time soon. When I got back I ran into Flash who is also going up on Monday and we headed down to the Cafe for some breakfast. While I've always appreciated the opportunity to eat at such cafes, I can't wait to get back into my own kitchen to do some cooking of my own. I then did some post cards and got them into the mail and then did some purusing of books at a book sale. With two books in tow (I could have definitely bought more) I headed back to the Lodge to pack up and hike to the Katahdin Inn where Laura had booked me a room. It was just a short hike up the hill to the outskirts of town to the hotel and I was able to check in early. The manager was very helpful and I got a shower in and then headed to a local Chinese Restaurant for some food. After eating I spent some time catching up on my journal as I wanted to let some people know I was no longer able to make calls or text them. With that done I went over to the local pizza place and got a sub for dinner and then read for awhile. By 8 I was quite tired and went to bed.
Date: 2016-12-19
From: Pretty Hike

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Trying to start new journal. Haven't figured out how to get a separate new journal so piggy backing off 2024 ATjournal. Looking to start 4/24/17 with my friend Gray Ghost. Tickets bought and waiting to subit my request for thru hike, calif. Fire permit and entry into Canada.
Date: 2012-05-07
To: Harpers Ferry
Miles today: 15.0

Welcome back everyone! I am starting my journal a little bit later than I thought I would. But it seems as if the time is flying by. Our time in Florida was great and I was able keep my walking (training) regiment the whole time. I was able to log many miles on the beach and the ever extending bike trail out on the Cape. I really appreciate all the support I receive from my Florida friends. I then started my exercise training program (thanks Phil) on our return to Michigan along with many miles of hiking with Mali. A short break came next as Becky and I just returned from a family wedding in Las Vegas. I am now busy with final preparations dealing with equipment, food and logistics. You would think it wold get easier each year but in reality it doesn't. This will be a new experience for me this year. I will be hiking by myself this spring. My good friend Hal, you know him as Sticks, is not going with me on this section but plans to join me in the fall. So as a single I need to reorganize my pack and supplies. The logistics are somewhat complicated as I will be taking the Greyhound bus to Dayton, Ohio where my Judy and Myron will pick me up and take me to Pearisburg, Va. I plan on getting to Harpers Ferry on this hike, a little over 300 miles. Becky will then pick me up there and we will go to Wheeling West Virginia for our annual Family gathering. OK, more to follow..May 15...OK, the preparation is complete. I have sorted my food, reviewed my clothing, checked and doubled checked my camping kit and figured my stopping points along the way. I mailed 2 boxes of "stuff" to myself to be picked up as I progress. Today I had my last workout with my trainer, Phil, and I am as ready as I am going to get. I feel pretty good. Tomorrow will be a last minute check day then it is off to the bus Thursday morning... Am excited!
Date: 2012-05-07
From: Pearisburg,Va

To: Harpers Ferry
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: clear sky

Welcome back everyone! I am starting my journal a little bit later than I thought I would. But it seems as if the time is flying by. Our time in Florida was great and I was able keep my walking (training) regiment the whole time. I was able to log many miles on the beach and the ever extending bike trail out on the Cape. I really appreciate all the support I receive from my Florida friends. I then started my exercise training program (thanks Phil) on our return to Michigan along with many miles of hiking with Mali. A short break came next as Becky and I just returned from a family wedding in Las Vegas. I am now busy with final preparations dealing with equipment, food and logistics. You would think it wold get easier each year but in reality it doesn't. This will be a new experience for me this year. I will be hiking by myself this spring. My good friend Hal, you know him as Sticks, is not going with me on this section but plans to join me in the fall. So as a single I need to reorganize my pack and supplies. The logistics are somewhat complicated as I will be taking the Greyhound bus to Dayton, Ohio where my Judy and Myron will pick me up and take me to Pearisburg, Va. I plan on getting to Harpers Ferry on this hike, a little over 300 miles. Becky will then pick me up there and we will go to Wheeling West Virginia for our annual Family gathering. OK, more to follow...   -4 Trees
Date: 2012-05-18
To: Camp Site
Miles today: 0.0

Oh my, Oh my, Oh my, I forgot how difficult the 1st day of hiking really is!I decided not to wait until Saturday to start. Judy and Myron dropped me off at the trail head (actually the side of the road). at 2:30 Friday. And just like last year you start at the bottom of a mountain and you start up hill. I started out alone but quickly hooked up with Trick and Sparrow, 2 guys from Clarkston, MI. and the Noodleheads, Rigatoni and Angel Hair. They went by me quickly and I won'tsee them again. I hiked just 4 miles but it was very steep and I had to backtrack about a quarter mile for water. I fixed supper pitched my tent and went to bed at 7pm.
Date: 2012-05-19
From: Camp Site

To: Pine Swamp Shelter... Captains
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Had a bad night of almost sleep last night. Tossed and turned all night on my very small air mattress. One neat thing at last nights dinner one of the hikers mentioned spending the night at a shelter with Capt. Jack. Sticks and I did the same thing last year, pretty cool. I was up at 6:30 fixed breakfast, packed my stuff and was on the trail by 7:30. It is 4pm now and I have done 15 miles. At Pine Swamp Shelter I met EZ and Gravity who are also from Clarkston, Mi. I have met 9 people on the trail so far and 4 of them are from Clarkston, go figure! It is early to stop but my knees and ankles are really hurting so I soaked them in a near by stream and then laced up my boots and hiked to The Captains. He has a house on the other side of a river with a zip line for the hikers to use. Crossing the river was fun! He was at Trail Days but left the back porch open with cold soda and a nice lawn to pitch our tents on. I was in bed by 7:45.
Date: 2012-05-20
From: Pine Swamp Shelter... Captains

To: War Spur
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: overcast clouds

It was a slow day today, lots of rocks on the trail. I made a mistake with low cut hiking boots. My ankles and knees are really sore so I soak them in every stream I can find. Oh, always down stream from where I get my drinking water. And believe me the water is COLD!! But it does make my legs feel better, I guess numb is better. I finally have a decent appetite and ate my complete meal for the 1st time. Set up my tent and went to bed at 7pm. That is 2 hours before hiker mid-night. I am always the 1st one to call it a night.
Date: 2012-05-21
From: War Spur

To: Sarver Hollow
Miles today: 12.0

Stop or Go? That is the question. Ok I will come back to that in a few. I guess I didn't pack my trail legs or I haven't found them in my backpack yet. It was an interesting hike to day, 2 big climbs one early and one late. Although it was not supposed to be difficult to me it was torture. And to top it all off huge thunder storms rolled thru and drenched everything including me., Ok, back to the question. The shelter is quarter mile of the trail... all down a steep hill and it was only 4pm. So I had four more hrs of daylight. The next Shelter/campsite was only 6 miles away. I was running low on water so I sat down on a log and debated with myself...conservative Dave won. I stayed. Thirty minutes later a huge storm rolled over the mountains and I sat nice and dry in a shelter with Birdman, Gimpy and Butcher. I am a smart hiker!!!
Date: 2012-05-22
From: Sarver Hollow

To: Pickle Branch
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I felt really good this morning, full appetite. In fact I ate 2 breakfasts, packed up my stuff and was on the trail by 7:30. The morning hike was beautiful. It was not to difficult and the birds were in full voice and the sunlight thru the tress was really pretty.... until noon. I was on the top of a 3100 ft mountain when a huge (and I mean HUGE) thunderstorm hit. There was thunder and lightening all around me and I had no shelter near so I kept walking. Three and a half hours of rain. I was soaked. It stopped just as I was reaching the monument to Audie Murphy, the WW2 war hero. He died in a plane crash on this mountain. It is a very typical Govt monument with the standard brass plate on a small stand. But what made this special was the small stones the hikers have placed, stacked, built around the monument. The stones have American flags, VFW colors and many notes tucked in them. There was a lot of pride on display there, America is pretty cool. After a short stop there I had a 1500 ft drop to Trout Creek (Dick, we should fish this some day!)where there was Trail Magic. Ice cold soda in a cooler along the trail... sweet! A mile later I was at the shelter, set my tent up and was in bed by 7. A 16 mile day and I am beat>
Date: 2012-05-23
From: Pickle Branch

To: Johns Spring Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: broken clouds

This was the most difficult day yet. It was not the distance but the severity of the hike. I had to cross Dragon's Tooth. It is a huge outcropping of big boulders and sharp drops,. It was still wet from yesterday's rain and the footing was dangerous. In places it had metal ladders attached to the rocks just to be able to make the decent. In other places you just had to scrabble down the rock face as best you could. All I can say about that part of the hike is "it was scary". I am going to digress a little and tell you about Birdman... I spent a night in the shelter with him. He is an older fellow from Tennessee. He has been on the trail since early March and it shows. He is a nice man but seems a little sad. He recently lost his wife nad is kinda fed up with the world. So he thought he would just hike to get away from everything. He was at Trail Days last year where he tented next to a lady name MIddlebury. and that is who Sticks and I tented next to also. He is a real old time southern man... He says things like "dag nabit" and "surenuff". I do hope he makes it to Maine.
Date: 2012-05-24
From: Johns Spring Shelter

To: Lamberts Meadow Campsite
Miles today: 10.0

A very slow start today after a noisy night. I made the mistake of staying in the shelter because I thought there would just be 2 of us. BIG MISTAKE. A group of late arrivals, I mean after 9pm, showed up. And it took them forever to get organized for bed. Then to top it off they were up way before dawn and made more noise getting ready to leave. Not a good night. But today is a good day for hiking because we go to McAfee Knob a beautiful overlook of a beautiful valley. Ugh, when I got there it was fogged in. I waited for over an hour but it did not clear so I headed out. I did 3 miles in an hour and a half so my legs are getting stronger. When I reached Tinkers Cliffs the fog had cleard and the view of the valley was beautiful. I hiked to the next shelter where I had to ask Wise Guy to purify my water as my Steripen is not working. I went on to the camp ground set up my tent with Turtle and Voltron. I boiled all my water for the nextb day, that darn pen! (curse and shake fist at sky) We built a fire and had a nice quiet evening. We were all in our tents by 7 and asleep by 7:05.
Date: 2012-05-25
From: Lamberts Meadow Campsite

To: Howard Johnson
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: clear sky

What a great morning this is. Only a 12 mile hike and a hot shower and real food, Yippee! The hike was uneventful mostly down hill with just a few climbs. I reached town in time for a pizza and salad at Pizza Hut... Then a shake at Wendy's and then a meal at a Mexican restaurant. Life is good when the belly is full! I also visited an outfitter and bought a new backpack. My old one would not stay tight to my body and I was constantly adjusting the straps. Out with the old and on with the new. I am going to have a good breakfast in the morning then off to the trail
Date: 2012-05-26
From: Howard Johnson

To: Wilson Creek
Miles today: 0.0

I forgot to tell you, yesterday I also went to the grocery store and to the outfitters again to complain about the Steripen I use to purify my water. They gave me the phone number of the company. So I went to a nearby Wendy's ordered a milkshake and called customer service. They could not have been more helpful. In talking to a service engineer I needed a glass of water to test so I went back to the counter got the water and with an audience of customers I tried a number of different techniques to get the pen to work. It didn't and we were all disappointed. I was quite the attraction at the Wendy's. So anyway they are going to send me a replacement at my next scheduled stop. Hopefully it will work. I do have backup drops I can use to purify the water. With the temperature in the 80s and high humidity water is a must. I did have trouble leaving the motel this morning. A real lack of motivation. But finally around 9am I pulled my stuff together headed for the trail. And what do you know, I ran into Birdman who was just getting into town. We chatted for a few minutes before I headed to the trail and he headed for the motel. He is doing great! I wasn't too far out of town when EZ and Gravity [the couple from Clarkston] passed me. They had taken a zero day so they were trying to make up miles. My ankles and feet have been hurting so I have been soaking them every time I cross a stream... cool.
Date: 2012-05-27
From: Wilson Creek

To: Bey & Bev Brown
Miles today: 0.0

Last night I set up camp and had dinner by 5pm. I then laid down and took a nap until 7pm. My lower back had been hurting, probably from the new pack, so I took some pain medication and went to bed at 8pm. It is now 5:30 and I am awake listening to a whip-a-will and the cicadas welcoming the new day, UGH! This is the year for the cicadas and the forest is crawling with them and they are LOUD! They sound like a flying saucer hovering above the trail. There are millions of them. I talked to Bev & Bey Brown, friends who live in the area, and after many phone calls they met us at Jennings creek. Believe me it was difficult to figure out where each of us was when neither of us could figure out where the other one was. Does that make sense? Anyway, I was looking at a trail map and Bev was looking at a road map.... confusion to say the least. The evening could not have been better. Passion Flower, a fellow hiker, joined me at the Brown's for hamburgers and chips and home made brownies. We also did our laundry and took showers and slept in real beds, just like normal folks. Son Ethan and wife Julie took us back to the trail head the next morning. Julie's parents, Caren & Marvin Jefferson, agreed to meet us in 2 days at the James river crossing so we did not have to carry as much weight.
Date: 2012-05-28
From: Bey & Bev Brown

To: Thunder Hill
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: haze

Bev made scrambled eggs, toast and jelly for breakfast and we were off to the trail head. Ethan dropped us off at 8:15 and we started to chase Voltron, Passion Flower's hiking buddy. We did the 14 miles by 4:15 but did not catch up to him until the shelter, he is fast! We started a camp fire and I had a good meal. Well as good as it gets on the trail and hit the sleeping bag at 7pm. A lot of up hill today so sleep was needed. I thought you might enjoy some of the trail names I have met along the way: Noodleheads; EZ & Gravity; Trick; Birdman; Socks; Incline; Birdman; Butcher; Gimpy; Pickle, Wiseguy; Passion Flower; Voltron; Cheesey Turtle, Snail & Turtle; Hippity Hop; Chiba; Mudbug; Juggles, Hop-a-long; Chef-boi-Ardee. Most of there people are as colorful as their names and all are good to hike with.
Date: 2012-05-29
From: Thunder Hill

To: Johns Hollow
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I woke up at 6am and was packed, fed and ready to go by 7am, my earliest start yet. I did 14 miles by 2 o'clock. The trail was forgiving today, no real climbs, no steep downhills, just a long gradual decent to the James river. A friend of Passion Flower, Zora, had set up a trail magic meal (fried chicken and water melon} for hikers at the Foot Bridge across the James. And yes it should be capitalized the foot bridge is named after a Bill Foot, go figure! After the meal and meeting up with Caren and Marvin with our stuff a hike of 2 more miles put us at the camp site. A long 16 mile day. There are thunderstorms forecast for tonight and the shelter is full and so is the tenting area. I have a good spot under a large tree and will be in bed log before the storms hit. I should mention I have fallen 2 more times... Face Plant... each time. Fortunately no physical damage but my pride is bruised. I cannot figure out the "why" so I just have to keep paying better attention I guess.
Date: 2012-05-30
From: Johns Hollow

To: Punchbowl
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Well the forecast was correct, a huge thunderstorm or series of storms rocked the mountain last night. I was in my tent by 7 and the storms started around 7:15. It was pretty powerful throughout the night. By the morning everything was wet.. So I packed up my wet tent and started out. I am only doing 10 miles today so another easy day. I stopped at the top of Bluff mountain and pulled out all my stuff and let it dry in the sun while I ate lunch. I am heading to the Punchbowl shelter. It is dedicated to a young 4 yr old boy who in 1890 went to get wood for the school and disappeared. His body was found 5 months later near the location of the shelter almost 5 miles from the school. I reached the shelter a 1;45 so I spent the afternoon just relaxing, although the bugs enjoyed my stay. I am going to sleep with the sound of bull frogs singing? in the pond.
Date: 2012-05-31
From: Punchbowl

To: The Browns
Miles today: 0.0

I had another easy day today, 12 miles. It was an easy hike with rolling hills and a long hike by a stream. With plenty of water and a cooler temperature I did the 12 miles by 12;30. I called Bey and Bev and they met me where the trail crosses RT 60 about 5 mils from their house. What great friends! BLTs for lunch with ice cream, a hot shower, my laundry done and my journal caught up. And best of all Fried Chicken for dinner... Ahh, life on the trail!