morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2019-08-22
From: Flagstaff RD

To: Nowhere
Miles today: 0.0

Day 185, Zero day at Hiker Hostel in Maine. We decided to recover from the tough hike over the Bigelows doing nothing today , it was fantastic! We are all feeling better and look forward to setting off towards Monson Friday . The Animals-1965¢It's a hard trail I¢ve been hikingAll the good paths have been taxingBut yes there are ways to beat difficult daysThough I'm dressed in these rags, I'll wear street clothes some dayHear what I sayI'm gonna hike this serpent No more time in leaking tentsHear my commandI'm breakin' loose, it ain't no useHoldin' me down, stick aroundBut baby (baby)Remember (remember)It's my hike and I'll do what I wantIt's my hike and I'll sleep when I wantShow me I'm wrong, trail hurts me sometimeBut some day I'll make this trail mineAre you gonna cry, when I'm climbing the skyMaking all miles I can get, no regretsWhen I, go to REIAnd leave only money......¢
Date: 2019-08-23
From: Flagstaff RD

To: Pierce Pond
Miles today: 16.3

Day 186 Flagstaff to Pierce pond Shelter  16.3 miles.The hike today was fabulous the terrain was rocky and rooty at times but very level for Southern Maine.I¢m still not hiking back to normal but I seem to be a little better. Tonight We are camped right next to the water and the loons are singing melodies . I wish Loons would come south to where I live their call is hauntingly beautiful. We are deep in the woods with no reception however we are close to a hunting camp that serves pancakes in the morning . The best news of the day, Q and RG saw a moose!Unfortunately I was not there to officially verify ....
Date: 2019-08-24
From: Pierce Pond

To: Pleasant Pond
Miles today: 9.7

Day 187 9.7 miles We had a very short hike to our first stop;Harrison Pierce¢s Pond hunting lodge for the famous 12 pancakes breakfast. Picture a very rustic log hunting and fishing lodge/camp from the 1930s. The place was amazing full of old pictures, fishing and hunting memorabilia. The lodge is exactly what I imagined deep woods Maine to be. The patriot pancakes where phenomenal blueberries, red raspberry and powdered sugar on top with real Maple syrup not the fake stuff. This camp is accessible by a logging road and it¢s a must visit if you are in the area. http://www.harrisonspiercepond...Today we also crossed the Kennebek River, we actually had to cross the river in a canoe which is the official AT crossing as they don¢t want you to Ford the river because there have been some drownings in the past. They actually have an AT white blaze painted on the bottom of the canoe.Shortly after our water crossing we ran into a family offering Italian subs as trail magic! Great breakfast now a great lunch what a perfect day what could possibly go wrong?...Zap, Zap I felt like some one had shot my right shoulder under my pack and also my left arm. I heard Q yell run I¢ll get your poles. I had stopped two feet from a hornets nest and they did not like my smell I suppose. The pain was excruciating for about two seconds but quickly subsided. No way where these small aggressive aviators going to ruin my day.We made it to Pleasant Pond and set up camp, Phoenix and Jukebox were already there and had a nice fire going. All is perfect in Maine!
Date: 2019-08-25
From: Pleasant Pond

To: Moxie Bald Pond
Miles today: 13.1

Day 188 13.1 to Moxie Bald  pondWe climbed two mountains today Pleasant Hill and Moxie Bald. In Maine they have a soft drink called Moxie , RG and I both like it but Q thinks it tastes like medicine and motor oil mixed together. I guess it¢s an acquired taste. Supposedly we should have been able to see Katahdin from Moxie Bald but we were not able to identify it. Well we still have quite a few miles to go and I¢m sure we will be catching a better glimpse soon. When we got to our camp I was surprised to find out it was the beginning of bear hunting season, two hunters were camping out to head out in the morning. They were very nice and it was interesting to talk to these locals and get some insight on the area. RG and I sat by the lake watching for potential moose to show up. Q was smart and headed to bed. We didn¢t see any moose but we did eventually see beautiful stars including the Milky Way. We saw a satellite, and two shooting stars , I could have stared at the sky all night just utterly spectacular without city lights polluting the sky. The loons started their beautiful, eerie ,haunting calls which would last through out the night. Maine is amazing!
Date: 2019-08-27
From: Moxie Bald Pond

To: Monson ME
Miles today: 15.0

Day 189, 15 miles into Monson, Shaw¢s Hostel. Day 190 Zero Day.Monday we hiked into Monson to prepare for our entry into the 100 mile Wilderness. This will be our last major hurdle before Katahdin. We had to ford a couple of creeks getting to Monson as they don¢t believe in bridges in Maine lol. Once we arrived we started getting our gear in order.  Q, RG and I appreciate the resupply boxes we received from our families and we are now packed ready to go , no way will we starve,Thank you!!Today Tuesday we took a Zero and Shaws Hostel actually provides Kayaks to use on the lake. I walked to the gas station and bought an inexpensive rod and reel, a couple of lures and a Maine fishing license.I fished for several hours and caught quite a few fish. Believe it or not this lake is loaded with Florida strain large mouth bass.I caught both large mouth and sunfish all on a small trout lure Q recommend called a Super Duper.Today was fun and relaxing, I¢ll be off the grid for a few days as we traverse  the 100 mile Wilderness so I¢ll catch up on the posts as soon as I can.
Date: 2019-08-28
From: Monson ME

To: Stealth site
Miles today: 12.5

Day 191, Maine 100 Mile Wilderness 12.5 miles. 8/28/19There was a lot of excitement in the air at the hostel this morning, It felt like base camp for Mt. Everest.Most everyone there was heading north today into the 100 Mile Wilderness and then to summit Katahdin. We all said our farewells to each other some we would hopefully see on the trail or even at the summit others we may never see again. We left Shaw¢s Hostel after a great breakfast. Poet and Hippy Chick have a wonderful place here and they really care about the hikers. Future thru hikers definitely plan to stop here. The sign entering into the Wilderness warned us to have enough food for ten days.We hiked 12.5 miles today we all three fell at different times today , it¢s not that the terrain is extremely technical but certainly lots of roots, rocks and mud. We are camped next to a nice stream and I sitting on a rock with my feet in the water hoping a moose decides to visit.Guess what¢s in the forecast for tonight?
Date: 2019-08-29
From: Stealth site

To: Chairback Pond area
Miles today: 14.7

Day 192 , 14.7 stealth siteThe 100 mile Wilderness welcomed us with heavy rains throughout the night. I slept through the storm as best I could but most of my stuff including my sleeping bag and puffy got wet.We had to ford five rivers today and the rain of course raised the level and intensity of the rapids. We had to change out of shoes and socks each time as rock hopping was not an option. On top of Barren Mt we set out our gear to air dry a bit. It was 3:00 pm and I decided to stay another 30 minutes longer than Q and RG as my gear had gotten soaked in the rain. I miscalculated the distance left and once again I found my self hiking in the pitch dark trying to find camp. Fortunately I had my trusty head lamp but the terrain was up and down over the Chairback Mt Range. Steep ,rocky ,wet, rooty and dark is quite the challenge. I crossed a tricky stream and checked my map only to realize I had missed the side trail to where we where supposed to camp. I carefully backtracked crossing the stream again and found the blue blaze trail and headed west. Unfortunately I could not find Q and RG, and there is no cell service deep in these woods. Once again I headed back to the main trail and crossed the tricky stream this time unsuccessfully as I tripped and fell in . Argh! 9:30 at dark all wet ,alone is not what I had planned. I quickly set up my tent got out of my wet rags skipped dinner and went straight to bed. I¢ll find the boys tomorrow. It¢s 10 PM I¢m exhausted but loving this adventure. Did I mention we hit 2100 miles today? 2100! Wow only 92 left I better find Free Range soon.
Date: 2019-08-30
From: Chairback Pond area

To: Sydney Tappon Campsite 
Miles today: 13.5

Day 193, 13.5 miles to Sydney Tappon Campsite.I was on the trail by 6:30 am , my plan was to write a note in the next shelter¢s log book to let Free Range know where I was heading. I only traveled a third of a mile when I ran across RG and Q , they had decided not to go up the trail to the pond to camp and opted to stealth like I did along the trail. It was good to be together again. We went through the Hermitage forest where the ancient pines once ruled the land. I¢m good friends with the trees and they had no issues letting us through. The rest of the day was fairly easy hiking , we did have to ford another river but it was not as deep as some of the previous ones. After tomorrow the trail seems to level out until Katahdin but first we have three more mountains to climb.
Date: 2019-08-31
From: Sydney Tappon Campsite 

To: Cooper Brooks Falls
Miles today: 17.0

Day 194, 17 miles to Cooper Brooks Falls.I can taste it, I¢m not talking about the salt from my tears streaming down my face. We saw our first glimpse of the majestic Mt. Katahdin today from White Cap Mt. I can taste the victory of summiting  a few days away. Earlier this year on February 18th, I started this journey and I have had wonderful adventures and met incredible friends. RG, Q and Stingray are my brothers , we have laughed, cried and endured some of the harshest weather and conditions at time. I cannot begin to explain how I feel after seeing the Mountain, the dream I have been chasing. I miss my wife and I¢m so ready to go home. However I will miss these lovely mountains, refreshing spring water to drink, crystal clean air to breathe. I¢ve actually gotten accustomed to sleeping on the ground in my tent, eating dirt with my meals, digging cat holes and carrying all of my possessions everywhere I go. I love my long walks with my friends and my solitary walks with God. I¢m close to achieving a goal nobody set but me. A goal that defies logic but was and is dear to my heart. I¢ve learned a lot and have changed in many ways . Strangers are wonderful out here and I¢m bringing the humanity lessons back home with me. Some one once said share Christianity however speak only if you have to. I¢ve watched Q literally give his possessions, money, clothes ,food away to countless yes I said countless strangers. He truly lives his faith by his actions. RG is amazing as well , he¢s tough as nails yet has a heart as big as Maine and again will give you the shirt off his back . Stingray absolutely always made me laugh and made us all feel at home , his compassion for others is second to none, I miss him out here. I¢ll be very sad when we say our farewells in our last remaining days but will not dwell on that and enjoy each and every second left. This journey has been tougher than I ever imagined yet also greater with more wonderful surprises and lessons than I could have ever anticipated.The paradox of the Appalachian Trail. The adventure continues tomorrow, still a lot of ¢work ¢to be done before we can start celebrating... I¢m going to miss this trail.Oh I almost forgot,Your not going to believe this but today way out in the middle of the wilderness on an old logging road We ran into Iceman he cooked us up sausage dogs , chips drinks and desserts!!! Amazing trail magic in the middle of nowhere, Thank you Iceman !!!Did I mention I¢m going to miss this trail...
Date: 2019-09-01
From: Cooper Brooks Falls

To: White House Landing
Miles today: 14.1

Day 195 to White House Landing 14.1 Miles. The terrain today allowed us to cruise 14 miles easily before 2 pm. Our destination was the famous White House Landing where they actually come and pick you up in a motor boat to carry you back to a historical hunting/sports camp. The camp is on the beautiful Pemadumcook Lake, originally loggers/lumberjacks lived at this camp back in the 1930s now they cater to all types of outdoors enthusiasts including hikers. Most importantly they make tremendous burgers and homemade pizzas. On the way in we saw another closer view  of Katahdin. The mountain is so beautiful yet intimidating at the same time. The climb up Katahdin is supposed to be more technical/difficult than anything we have climbed so far including the Mahoosic Notch.  We all feel confident that we are ready for the challenge or at least we pretend to feel confident. Tonight we are staying in an old comfortable bunkhouse .We had hoped to view the Northern Lights tonight . The dark sky is lit up with stars, I saw at least two shooting stars and two satellites the Milky Way is brilliant but unfortunately no Aurora Borealis. Life is beautiful in these deep woods of Maine. The Loons are serenading us again, I love the Loons and their haunting call.
Date: 2019-09-04
From: Abol Bridge Campsite 

To: The Birches
Miles today: 40.4

I¢m combining the last three days, as you can imagine the reception in the Wilderness has not been good. Day 196, 15.5 miles to Rainbow Stream. Day 197 15.1 to Abol Bridge Campsite. First of all my heart goes out to all that are in the storm¢s path. Once again I am forever in debt to our neighbors for watching over and prepping our home for the storm. I¢m out of internet range and have no idea where the hurricane is now. On the trail we woke up to a steady rain that lasted all day into the night. Unfortunately that meant slipping and sliding through out the day. I fell awkwardly at one point and snapped one of my trekking poles in half. I¢ve got to stay focused and concentrate on every step . The roots and rocks are extreme in this section compound it with water and you get the picture focus ,focus , focus!Fortunately Ice Man had  set up at a remote logging road again and he saved the day with amazing food, plus he let me borrow one of his trekking poles . This was huge as you may know I need my poles to set up my tent .I slept as best as I could in the rain,however I¢ve got a lot on my mind,the excitement of finishing, and the fear of the hurricane which keeps my sleep to a minimum. Tuesday we officially finished the 100 mile Wilderness.My attitude towards rain has changed, when I first started I thought I was Impervious and no way would a few rain drops slow me down. I¢ve learned the hard way that rain beats the finest weather resistant gear and will absolutely make your hike and sleep miserable. Shoes and socks get saturated and your feet suffer for days. Rain can cause hypothermia and certainly can kill.  We are selectively waiting to summit when the weather will be dry. Wednesday,Day 198  9.8 miles, we knocked out the almost ten miles to the Birches base camp in the rain. I was almost to the camp when I was surprised by my good friend Tom from Florida hiking southbound, I looked right at him and didn¢t even recognize him. What a wonderful surprise! My wife also flew in later that evening and we all went to Millinocket and got a hotel for the night.We will be summiting very soon!
Date: 2019-09-06
From: Millinocket 

To: Kathadin 
Miles today: 5.0

Day 198 The summit at Mt Katahdin- The Journey¢s end. Three strangers are now brothers, connected by overcoming physical,mental and natural adversities. We did it!! We defied the odds and completed 2,192 miles in over 6 months of rain,snow,hail, extreme heat,cold and perfect gorgeous days.Today the climb was tough and sometimes technical going up Kathadin. However my mind was on the prize and was hardly phased physically by this magnificent mountain. When I finally saw the summit sign I was overcome with emotion that I tried unsuccessfully to hold in. Q and RG both had watery eyes as well as we slowly made our way to the sign. The summit sign was crowded with section and day hikers but someone announced that three thu-hikers were approaching and the crowd actually applauded whistled and yelled encouragements to us.Strangers were taking our pictures and treating us like rock stars , it was so surreal and made us even more emotional than we were. Not one of us wanted to be the first to touch the sign and officially end our adventure. I believe RG hugged the sign first and Q and I were at his side and we both did the same. We did it!!!Three old guys living Freely on the Appalachian Mountain Range for the past six months.The adventure of a lifetime . The journey was truly the prize not the end ,miles or even the last summit climbed. Who would have guessed?Long live Free Range!
Date: 2019-03-09
To: Springer
Miles today: 0.0

Flight from Sout Bend to ATL departing now. Should be sleeping on top of Springer Mountain tonight. Thanks to Luke and Shannon Brown for shuttle ride to South Bend!Climbed the approach trail of 9 miles. But they don't count as AT miles.Met Kevin (Gordon) in the Shelter, during a thunderstorm first night.
Date: 2019-03-10
From: Springer mtn. Shelter

To: Parking lot past Gooch Mtn. Shelter 
Miles today: 16.5

Great weather for hiking. High almost 70. Lows mid 40's. Meeting lots of fun people from all over and all shapes and sizes.  Pushed beyond Gooch mtn. Trying to position for making ggv Neal's Gap Tomorrow.  Another 15 miles tomorrow.
Date: 2019-03-11
From: Gooch Gap USFS RD 42

To: Neels Gap Hostel 
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: clear sky

Got caught in cold windy rain storm climbing up Blood Mtn. Also met Griz and her dog Rue who promised to post my story on the REI YouTube channel. She is sponsored by REI and is V-blogging her AT journey. Got a hot shower and as pizza at Neels Gap Hostel.
Date: 2019-03-12
From: Neels Gap Hostel 

To: Poplar Stamp Gap Camp
Miles today: 12.8
Weather: clear sky

Most beautiful day. Started cold like 33 deg, but then sunny and warm. Hiking in shirt sleves. Got some trail magic for lunch, from King Tutt. Awesome guy. Hope to take side trail tomorrow to Brasstown Bald, top of Georgia. Feeling great, just a couple of blisters.
Date: 2019-03-13
From: Poplar Stamp Camp

To: Spaniards Knob Campsite
Miles today: 5.0

Tuff day. Did only 5 AT trail miles, but added 10 Blue Blaze miles to shout 150 names from the top of Brasstown Bald. the HP of Georgia. That climb was 5 miles of ups! Beautiful views from the top, very windy and cool.On the way to the HP, I stashed my bear bag full of heavy stuff, including my stove, cook pot, 4 days of food, etc. On the way back it was gone. Taken by some locals no doubt.So pushed on, with no food but s sick stick, saved from lunch. Tomorrow I'll need to re-supply in Hiawassee. GA.
Date: 2019-03-14
From: Spaniards Knob Campsite

To: Unicoi Gap
Miles today: 3.5

Broke camp I. A strong wind and rain to hike without breakfast to Unicoi Gap. Only 3.5 miles in the fog and rain. Then hitchhiked to Hiawassee to re-supply. Finally got picked up by a super nice guy and Stayed in Mulls Inn and spent $150 on gear and $50 on other food. Ready to go tomorrow.  Feet needed a slow day anyway. Pack is heavy again....
Date: 2019-03-15
From: Unicoi Gap 

To: Deep Gap Shelter 
Miles today: 13.0

Got a shuttle from town and hiked with a heavy re-supplied pack.Met Paul Layman on the trail, who is from Stevensville.  I ref'fed his soccer games. It was great to see him. He is re-suppling tomorrow, so he'll have to catch me again.Tomorrow I hope to cross into North Carolina.
Date: 2019-03-16
From: Deep Gap Shelter 

To: Bly Gap Camp
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Goodbye Georgia, Hello North Carolina.  Had a slow start today. Very windy and cold over night. Warmed up slowly, but pretty day. Only 13 more states! Enjoying all the people I've met. They all have their own stories.  Climb on!
Date: 2019-03-17
From: Bly Gap Camp 

To: Carter Gap Shelter 
Miles today: 13.3

Finally met someone older than me! I met "Grasshopper", who is 68 and "Westy" who is 71. Both are doing their second thru hike! They are both amazing people and full of knowledge about the AT.  I also met "Chappy Jack" who is doing a Methodist trail ministry.  He's super nice guy, age 67, I think. He lost his first wife to cancer, sadly.  Climb on. I felt strong today, but my feet are not liking this pace. I plan to re-supply and stay in Franklin on Tuesday night. Weather today was ideal. Started cold, subfreezing, and warmed into the 50's. I expect the same tomorrow.
Date: 2019-03-20
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Cold Spring Shelter 
Miles today: 15.8

Stayed in the "Baltimore Jack Hostel" last night in Franklin.  Shuttle back to trail head this morning about 9:30 am. Covered a tuff 15.8 today. Feet seem to be enjoying the new 5-toe socks and ice water baths, twice a day.Pack was way to heavy today due to overload re-supply in Franklin.  I need to learn more quickly....
Date: 2019-03-23
From: Brown Fork Gap Shelter 

To: Fontana Dam Shelter 
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: clear sky

Hiked with Doc all day today. He was only doing this section so we parted company at Fontana.  He donated $25 to our Climbing for Cancer team.  I only met the guy 3 days ago.  Super fellow. Retired Army medic.  I'll miss him on the trail.  Tomorrow I enter the Smokies.
Date: 2019-03-24
From: Fontana Dam Shelter 

To: Spence Field Shelter 
Miles today: 17.8

Shared shelter with Griz and Skybird. New record distance day. Excellent weather again. Starting to figure out my feet. Feet have swollen and boots are too tight. Trying thinner socks. Hope to hit Clingmans Dome tomorrow.  I've updated my Shouting list.Rain in the forecast.
Date: 2019-03-25
From: Spence Field Shelter 

To: Mt. Collins Shelter 
Miles today: 19.1

Another new record of 19.1 miles today in some of the worst weather I have experienced on the trail. Strong winds, sleet, cold temps, with lots if mud and some ice, but I crossed Clingmans Dome, climbed the ramp to the top and shouted over 150 names in a heavy fog.I hiked alone most of the day.Slept a little in a full shelter after putting on dry clothes. Looking forwarded to visiting my cousin with a B&B tomorrow.
Date: 2019-03-26
From: Mt. Collins Shelter 

To: Newfound Gap and B&B with cousin 
Miles today: 4.9

Took a near0 today as my cousin Becky and her husband Bob picked me up at Newfound Gap about 11 am, after I enjoyed a little trail magic. Very wet and foggy, but clearing. Enjoyed shower, laundry, re-supply, and a great dinner at their place, along with my Uncle Art and Aunt Shirley.  It was great seeing all of them. They have been most gracious and supportive. Tomorrow I'll pick up the AT again by mid morning.
Date: 2019-03-30
From: Roaring Fork Shelter 

To: Hot Springs Laughing Heart Hostel 
Miles today: 17.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Mostly down hill today. Got an early start and kept moving. Arrived at hostel by 3pm to a hot shower and laundry!Tomorrow I'll zero and wait for Don to bring me Trouble! Can't wait!I'll also watch MSU move onto the final four!
Date: 2019-04-02
From: Rich Mountain Fire Tower 

To: Little Laurel Shelter 
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Cold start after a very cold night. I had switched to summer bag, along with a liner, but that was not near enough. Big mistake. Wore everything in the pack, with nights temps below freezing and windy.Warmed up a bit in mid 40's, and cloudy. We are planning on doing a couple of big days now to make Erwin and the car by Friday. Doc caught up with us at the Shelter.  It's great to see him and other hikers again. Everyone loves Trouble.  Don too.
Date: 2019-04-04
From: Rector Laurel Rd 

To: Bald Mountain Shelter 
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Another kick butt day, but rewarded with a summit of Bald Mountain, at 5,500'. We even arranged for a photographer at the summit to capture the moment.  There was no one else on top when we got there, but a young lady and younger boy arrived just in time to take the pic.Pack is very heavy today, as I helped "AT" by carrying her pack late in the day. She seemed pleased.