morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-08-22
From: Popular Ridge Lean-to

To: Crocker Cirque campsite
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Finally a perfect hiking day. Cool, breezy and no bugs due to the lower temperatures and wind. It is around 50F in the mountains now. The Trail is still a muddy, rocky mess but that is all of Maine apparently, 270 miles of muddy bogs called trail. Not much in the way of views either, even though I got to climb up and over three mountains today. The forest is tightly spaced evergreens, mostly spruce, limiting your view to about ten feet in most areas. Lone Mountain, Sugarloaf Mountain, and Spaulding Mountain all got their verticle climbs out of me but even the limited views could not get me down as I know I am getting close to the end now. I am trying to take my time and enjoy these last fews days. Already I am setting into my memory the wonderful friends, and experiences that I have known.
Date: 2006-08-23
From: Crocker Cirque campsite

To: Little Bigelow Shelter
Miles today: 23.6

After the first two big climbs over South Crocker then North Crocker where the AT snuck in a couple extra humps or ridges to climb up and down over I then had relatively easy hiking the rest of the day. That was until North Horn then South Horn (4000 feet plus on both) made the day seem never ending. Avery Peak was a spectacular view though and worth the climb as hikers say. I am always glad to have a hiker pass the other direction and pass on that it is 'worth the climb' so I try to do the same to inform others. There were lots of day trippers up on Avery and they were arguing with the thru hikers on whether or not 'that mountain in the distant haze was Katahdin or not'. I listened amused for a few minutes then settled the discussion by commenting that "If we follow the white blazes we will get there either way right?". Everyone laughed and there was a round of handshakes and hugs as NOBO and SOBO alike wished each other well. The AT is just so cool at times.
Date: 2006-08-24
From: Little Bigelow Shelter

To: West Carry Pond Lean-To
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: broken clouds

A short day as my foot is screaming from yesterday's big climbs. When will I learn to take it easier? Flagstaff Lake was cool as the AT travels around the curve of the Lake itself for a long way. No moose today however. For such big creatures they are hiding well. I think it is the unusually cooler weather. I really am able to enjoy the cool weather hiking as the rain, heat, and humidity of the past few months passes and the higher elevations help too. Of course when you hike thru three seasons, that has to be figured in too.
Date: 2006-08-25
From: West Carry Pond Lean-To

To: Caratunk, Maine Rivers and Trails Hostel
Miles today: 14.0

During my hike today I came across three very fun Canadian hikers who had come down to the US for a few days of hiking and camping. Jean Michael Dufour, Vincent Hammann, and Luc Delisle ended up giving me a ride into Caratunk, Maine to pick up my mail drop. Great guys and we had some laughs along the way. They wanted to find a bar so we drove around for an hour but no joy. At Caratunk I got the mail drop then walked back thru town a ways to the Kennebunk River to touch the blaze I had missed and meet up with Steve Longley the "long time ferryman" of the Rivers and Trails Hostel. I believe I met Steve in 1994 when I hiked through here but it was hard to tell as that was a long time ago. He sure looked familiar but back then I was in a hurry and did not bother to really 'meet' anyone. The canoe he carries hikers across the Kennebunk River actually has a white blaze in the bottom as the "Official AT Route". We went to dinner at Northern Outdoors which features hiker tents (permanent tents on platforms) for only $10 a night, and has a bar, good grub, and a hot tub to go with the huge pool. There were at least ten hiker babes in the hot tub a mere ten feet away viewed through the floor to ceiling glass walls; and it was hard to concentrate on dinner after six long months on the trail. Sometimes I wish I were young again.Post hike note: Yes Steve Longley, I did ford the river. Yes, I know it is stupid and potentially life threatening. I know you were suspicious of my wet clothes later that morning, but I did not want to wait for hours and I have taken the canoe ride twice already on section hikes.
Date: 2006-08-26
From: Caratunk, Maine Rivers and Trails Hostel

To: Bald Mountain Brook tented
Miles today: 14.6

Moxie Bald Mountain gave me my first clear views of Katahdin, at least I think it was Katahdin thru the clouds and mist as the rain continues. I believe there has been only two clear days in the past 30. The trail is just one big mud puddle and frequently has standing water to walk in. My feet have lost all of the calusses due to the softening effects of daily wet boots and socks. Small blisters have re-appeared as a result. I pass a few day hikers everyday, so Maine definitly gets the Second Place Trophy for day trippers. Great Smoky Mountains and Shenandoah of course will always win the sheer numbers game. In the shelter logs, I see 'Mummy Toes' is just ahead of me so he has slowed his pace too.
Date: 2006-08-27
From: Bald Mountain Brook tented

To: Monson, Maine Shaws Boarding House
Miles today: 22.0

With only 114 miles to go I am more excited everyday. I think of loved ones at home constantly. The Trail has become monotonous and boring at times and I get lost in inner thoughts rather than seeing what surrounds me. Of course since I have now hiked this section three times that may be why it fails to excite me. I fall more often as I lose focus and fail to note a small rock or root that trips me. I am already reflecting back on the 2006 Trail I have done, trying to engrave on my mind the better parts. The Smokies, the views at Skyland, the sunset at Avery Peak, the many wonderful people I have met that I may never see again. I have invited many of the special new hiker friends to visit me in my Florida home. Shaws Boarding House was sold last year but has re-opened already and still offers the tremendous hiker services it always did, although the prices have gone up a little. I had stayed at Shaws many years ago too, and it hasn't changed that much. 'Ya-But' and 'Orca', section hikers from Ipswitch, Maine and Victoria BC (Vancouver) are good companions and talk of their hike. I feel so old around these kids! We wander all over and have a few cold drinks at sunset on the old dock near the General Store (good eats there too by the way).
Date: 2006-08-28
From: Monson, Maine Shaws Bording House

To: Slugundy Falls campsite
Miles today: 15.0

Two stunning waterfalls today, off the trail a little extra walk but well worth the extra mile or so. I am camping by one that is a little off Trail tonight, but quiet so the only sound is the falling water nearby. I am surprised that I am alone here as I had told other hikers how great a campsite it was but they must have thought the extra mile of walking not worth it. It is so pretty and I anticipate a good nights sleep. It is the perfect location to start slowing down, and relaxing to prepare myself for going back into the world of cars and fast paced life as we know it. As much as I am worn out and tired of the Trail, I know that I will miss it once I finish. I only wish that I had a sweetheart to do this with. Maybe someday I will do it again with someone special.
Date: 2006-08-29
From: Slugundy Falls campsite

To: Newhall Stream camp
Miles today: 20.9

I did the "100 Mile Wilderness" before and have done the Gulf Hagas side route as well so will not be going that way this year but if you do a thru hike definitely take the time to go thru the extra miles of Gulf Hagas. I think it is the only reason to do the Wilderness section. It is truly one of the Appalachian Trail highlights that should be experienced at least once. I met a young 30 year old man (RainMaker)who has done it four times as he always finishes his section hikes each year with the 100 Mile Wilderness then the Katahdin climb as the finale. HYOH but I only want to do Katahdin once thank you. I can not imagine it being the same once you do it that first time and it seems only right that it be the culmination of a thru hike. I do not understand why the powers that be in the ATC do not make the Gulf Hagas Route the Official AT Route. There are many parts of the Appalachian Trail (not the 100 Mile Wilderness)that I would like to go back and do again as slow easy ten miles per day hikes. Some of the most romantic sections can be easily made into great two week vacations with respites at Bed and Breakfasts, Hostels, and such to make it an easier trek.
Date: 2006-08-30
From: Newhall Stream camp

To: Crawford Pond Outlet camped
Miles today: 17.3

Katahdin, "The Greatest Mountain" in Native Indian lanquage looms larger everyday now. As it should be, standing tall in the distance and letting the hiker know that the ultimate reward is coming due soon. Shrouded in mist and clouds. Waiting. Towering above everything else around. And yes the rain has not abated. I am trying to remember if there has even been one day without rain in the past month?
Date: 2006-08-31
From: Crawford Pond Outlet camped

To: Nahmakanta Stream campsite
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Many Indian names punctuate this area of northern Maine. Potawadjo Spring and Nahmakanta Stream for examples. After 200 miles of muddy sloughs and bogs full of mosquitos I am ready to go back to flat sandy Florida! I dream of sitting by the pool with a cold drink, ummmmmmmmmmmm Margarita-Ville. Spearfishing in the warm clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico hunting my dinner to grill. There is no place like home. Of course the daily rains continue to make 2006 the rainiest hiking year ever. I finally got a good moose picture! I almost walked right by I was so focused on inner thoughts! Had he not moved I may have missed him standing in the water.
Date: 2006-09-01
From: Nahmaker Stream campsite

To: Rainbow Spring campsite
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: broken clouds

Only two days left now then the climb up Katahdin (and back down unless you get the $2000 helicopter ride). Thinking ahead, I want to be up and gone before the Labor Day weekend crowds and an annual Indian Festival that packs the campgrounds around Baxter State Park to the limit. I hope to be back in Florida before that madness. I see some names in the shelter registers, 'Eagle Eye', 'Conductor', 'Mummy Toes 'that I met early on so I know they are just ahead too. It would be nice to catch up and summit with a few people I know.
Date: 2006-09-02
From: Rainbow Spring campsite

To: Abol Bridge
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I arrive for the third time in my life at Abol Bridge. I am so glad that I did not go further on those previous sections hikes. By not going on the short way and up to the top of Katahdin I have saved it for something special like the climax to this trip. Abol Bridge campground has two parts, a primitive hikers area which is near the lower elevation river and very buggy or the slightly higher land of the developed campground which has showers, the camp store, etc. I opt to spend the money for the better site. It rains all day and all night long. I buy a tarp in the store to hang over my tent and will leave it for following thru hikers. I will have to wait a day to go on or risk not being able to summit Katahdin and have to hike back 15 miles as they only allow you one night at "The Birches" thru hikers camp near the base of Katahdin at the Katahdin Stream campground. I meet 'Eagle Eye','Conductor', and see a couple of other thru hikers from early on in the trip. 'Mummy Toes' and 'Rainmaker' are located late in the day and are glad to be finishing too. Some opt to go on and risk going up in the rain, a dangerous climb in wet weather.
Date: 2006-09-03
From: Abol Bridge

To: The Birches thru hikers Shelter
Miles today: 9.9

After a wet soggy day of streams and mud I reach the camp. One stream had the bridge washed out so I crossed on a large fallen tree, tearing up my thighs and butt sliding across but I made it. I wish I had a photo of that unseemly crossing! My friend 'Gumby' from Florida has alerted her sister, a ranger, of my coming and I got a generous offer of a hot shower but decide to stay at the Birches with other thru hikers. It is a hiker thing, not that the offer was not wonderful. Now I feel I have to be with those who have been thru this, who I will summit with tomorrow. It is my last night in a buggy shelter. I put my tent up inside the shelter to escape the mosquito hordes. Soon everyone does the same. We all plan on getting up very early as there is more bad weather expected in the 'late afternoon'. I hope to ascend, get my finish photo, and get down before the trail is wet and muddy dangerous, although it will be at least a little wet due to the continuing rain today. Only the 5.2 mile climb up then back the same route awaits me now. I can't sleep and am awake all night. It is 'first day of school' like; unreal that it is finally about over. The Birches is reserved for thru hikers only. Although I am not a purist thru hiker I still feel I belong here. I feel like my thousands of miles of hiking have earned me a spot here. I have previously hiked well over 1,000 miles of the AT separately from this years effort of over 2,000 miles. Including the Florida Trail and ECT I will have hiked over 4,000 miles since December 2005. I have faithfully passed every white blaze of the AT at least once and some parts three times now. I have always carried my pack and never got a ride to the top to just walk down a mountain that I had not just climbed, so I am at peace with myself. I hiked my own hike.
Date: 2005-11-05
To: Danby-Landgrove Road, PA or point north
Miles today: 0.0

Just signing in for my '2006 AT/LT hike. Last year I could only hike for about two weeks due to my mothers' illness. Now she has passed away and I am planning my next hike. Hurricane Katrina took most everything I had, but I still have most of my camping equipment. I am planning to complete my final section of the AT in the spring.
Date: 2005-11-07
To: Danby, VT
Miles today: 0.0

I like the new tuna flavors. Am using a few of my food stamp dollars to buy some. But most of those dollars are going to buy the food for the household. All the ¢evacuees¢ here are doing that. As I said before I saved most of my backpacking equipment, but I had to buy a Z-Rest pad, hiking boots, and stuff bag.   And now that I am looking to start my hike in early spring in PA, I will need to buy a few other things.
Date: 2006-02-16
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

About 30 days to hike day. Had a great time at the South RUCK! It is still depressing here in New Orleans, but the days are busy and it keeps me busy. I go for long walks and look at all the different types for FEMA trailers. Today I passed a house that would cost over a $1,000,000 and there was a FEMA trailer parked in the front of the house. Also, don't think I have posted this yet but I am not coming back to New Orleans to live after my hike. I am planning a move to NC, maybe Asheville. Hike SafeBayou
Date: 2006-02-25
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Two weeks and I will be leaving New Orleans on the Amtrak "Crescent". The next day Sunday "Patch" AT-01 will meet me at the 30th St. station. The next day we will leave for Green Point, PA.I just made ordered some more winter gear from Campmor. And it is true we section hikers just do it "over and over". I may be taking to much this year, but every year I start in the spring I get "Cold" sleeping or in camp. This year I hope that does not happen.
Date: 2006-03-12
To: Phil. PA
Miles today: 0.0

03/11/06At Amtrek station N.O.. The train should be boarding in about 15 minutes. Tennille brought me to the station in past years it has been friends or lovers. Mostly black passengers with a few whites. I thought I saw another hiker but I do not see him now, maybe he is in a sleeper. On a train they are a different ¢class¢ from the couch. In Bir¢h, AL now and the train is an hour and a half late. I have a lot of pain in my back, need to walk more.03/12/06Still on the train, the first stop this morning was Lynchburg, VA., been there on another hiking trip. Still have 5 hours to Phil., PA ¢It will get better.¢ The mountains look great this morning.
Date: 2006-03-13
From: Green Point, PA

To: William Penn Shelter
Miles today: 8.7
Weather: mist

First day back on the AT. Hiking with my '2001 hiking pal "Patches". We hiked only about 1/2 mile and ran into Bob Boyle. He was out doing about a week on the AT. Bob, is a NJ AT Overseer. Had a little lunch over looking the Swatara Bridge and PA 72. Continued north on Blue Mt. to a very nice William Penn Shelter. I stayed in the shelter and Patches stayed in his tent. Most of the Journal entrys are not going to be from day to day and may cover over a week on the trail.
Date: 2006-03-16
From: Around PA 183

To: Eagle's Nest Shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: broken clouds

Last night it snowed about 1/2 inch, a lot when you are from New Orleans. I hiked about 8 miles yesterday and a few today. This will put me in Port Clinton about noon, the time I like to get into a trail town for a overnight stay. The 501 shelter was open and nice inside but cold, a little heat would be nice.
Date: 2006-03-17
From: Eagle's Nest Shelter

To: Port Clinton, PA
Miles today: 8.6
Weather: clear sky

The downhill into Port Clinton, was very dangerous! It was steep and covered with 4 to 6 inches of leaves, no way of getting a good footing. I fell 3 or 4 times. Without a town map it was a little hard finding my way around this little town. The Port Clinton Hotel is much like the Doyle I stayed in last year. I had a room on the 2nd floor. After checking in I did my wash then took a shower. After eating dinner at the bar, dinning room filled, with all the smoke I went to my room. The noise and smoke filled my room most of the night. So I did not get much sleep.Meeting Patch tomorrow to go to store and other shopping.
Date: 2006-03-18
From: Port Clinton, PA

To: Windsor Furnace Shelter
Miles today: 6.1
Weather: scattered clouds

After a bad night at the Port Clinton Hotel. I hiked a mile to PA 61 to meet Patch and his buddy from Canada. We went to the supermarket and then to a auto shop across the street for some fuel. After some shopping we went to Cabela's to look around. This place is unbelievable. After looking around went went to Wendy's for lunch to go. Then back to PA 61. Patch and his friend hiked about a mile then they turned back for the car. Hiked on to Windson Furnace Shelter. The nights are cold. Have nine miles to the next shelter and it is enclosed.
Date: 2006-03-21
From: North of Allentown Shelter in woods

To: Lehigh Gap
Miles today: 14.4

Got to the road and called "Fine Lodging" to get a ride to town. He came in about a hour. This place was no "fine lodging" it is a dump and he had no Hiker room so I had to pay $35. This place is worse then the Port Clinton hotel. Got some coffee and bagle at a coffee shop waiting for the Drug store to open. I need some hand cream bad. Hoping to get back to the trail by noon.
Date: 2006-03-22
From: Lehigh Gap

To: Little Gap
Miles today: 5.3

Started the day by going to the a coffee shop and waiting for the drug store to open to get some hand cream. Then went to the library and used the Internet service. Last thing was to get some supplies before leaving town. Got a ride back to the trail from the owner of the hotel. The clime out of Lehigh Gap was hard and at times I thought I mite not get to the top. The wind was very high and at times I had a hard time staying on my feet. I would had been in bad shape if I feel. Then after reaching the top it was a depressing site to see the "Super fund Site" and the devastation. It will take nature, even with mans help, years to recover. This was a short day after leaving town about noon.
Date: 2006-03-26
From: Leroy A. Smith Shelter

To: Delaware Water Gap
Miles today: 20.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Staying at the Presbyterian Hostel, I am the only one here. Went to dinner at the DWG Diner for dinner. It was a large portion and the people were nice. I was thinking I was in N.Y eating in a booth next to a "God Father". Talked to Bonnie today and I know our relationship is over but neither of us will say it. Have hiked 113 miles in 13 days and have about 375 miles to go.
Date: 2006-03-29
From: MOC

To: 5 miles passed Catfish Fire Tower
Miles today: 0.0

At "Catfish fire tower", it is sunny and bright an going up to 62 Deg.. Today as I started my clime on Rattlesnake MT. something in my left cliff "sapped" it was very painful. After the clime that a short hand clime, I hiked on it plan for about 5 miles stopping a number of times. Think God it was a flat ridge walk. I bedded down on the ridge. And after cooking away from my tent, active bear country, I fell twice in pain before finding my tent.
Date: 2006-03-30
From: 5 miles passed Catfish Fire Tower

To: Brink Rd. Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Stopped after about a mile at Brink Rd. Shelter. Rested most of the day, will go to the store and hotel tomorrow. (Post hike note: I know I was in a lot of pain but I also knew I was not leaving the trail.)
Date: 2006-04-18
From: Wiley Shelter

To: Telephone Pioneers Shelter
Miles today: 8.7
Weather: clear sky

Leaving Telephone Pioneers Shelter this morning. Arrived at Wiley Whelter about 3:30 pm, two local "white Guys" here. They say they are leaving in 30 min. Been on the trail 6 weeks and a 10 mile day is still hard. I am getting old, I guess. But better health (shape), lighter loads and shorter days will keep me going. Town tomorrow!
Date: 2006-04-24
From: Salisbury, CT

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Stayed in Salisbury, Conn. last night and dried out and cleaned up. Stopped after a short day and now it is raining, again! AH Note: The cost of staying at the White Hart Inn was $100.00 the most I ever spent on the trail, but I was cold and wet and could not contact any other lodging. It was a very nice hotel.
Date: 2006-04-28
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Had a few hotel stops from my last entry. Dried out and washed self and cloths. Have to move on from Bonnie. No "give", I guest the love needed for that is not there? I should have saw it the night she told me she didn't love me as much as I thought.The nights are still cold and it is hard getting started in the mornings. Today it was almost 11 before I left the shelter. I have less then 150 miles to do.
Date: 2006-05-20
From: Peru Peak Shelter

To: Big Branch Shelter
Miles today: 427.5
Weather: light rain

I am entering this journal after my hike and this mileage is entered to make my total mileage correct. I only hiked "6.4" miles today. It is still very wet on the trail and cold at night, but I still love being here. Only on more night on the trail and I will be done!!! For now.
Date: 2006-05-21
From: Big Branch Shelter

To: Danby, Vt.- USFS 10
Miles today: 1.3

My last day on the trail started early. I was up at 5:15a.m. to start hiking before 6:00a.m.. Wanted to get the 9:40a.m. bus from Danby to Manchester Center, because the next bus was not till 3:30 p.m.. And I have a 1.3 trail miles and 3.5 road miles to the main road. Getting a ride was very unlikely. It was still very wet on the trail and had to do a few more ups and downs before getting to USFS 10 to complete the AT. As I walked down the road to a short road bridge to complete the AT it felt great to complete a childhood dream. I had told myself, when I was a Boy Scout that I would on day hike the AT. And not I had finished that task............Hike SafeBayou