morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-07-08
From: Goddard Shelter

To: Aspen Motel via Stratton-Arlington Rd
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Wow did we avoid a soaking last night! Lots of rain throughout the night and we stayed safe and sound in the shelter. Glad to not have to pack up a bunch of wet stuff this morning as well.Still pretty overcast and misty when we woke up but it was not raining so we gathered ourselves together and headed out into the mist. Reached the top of Glastenbury Mountain quickly with the fire tower but no views today. Be careful up here because one of the firetower support lines crosses right over the trail!From the fire tower through the rest of the day was very slow going and tough walking - the Vermont mud came out in full force after the rain and combined with wet rocks and roots to make walking at a decent speed hard to do. Every step was carefully measured and placed but still our feet found deep mud and slippery spots - all we could do was keep on walking slowly since the trail was going to be like that all day.After conquering the first set of ups and downs we rested at the Kid Gore Shelter with Fiver and a little snake on the rocks by the shelter. The sun was trying to come out so hopefully we will see some blue sky! The rest helped a little but this kind of walking is really hard for Big Dawg - eventually it caught up to him when he hurt his foot stepping around to avoid some mud. He placed his right foot down and heard a snap - not sure if it was muscle, tendon, or bone but it hurt him to step. Luckily we were close enough to the Story Spring Shelter for us to sit down and rest. We ate lunch with the Swiss and Fiver while Big Dawg rested and we hoped the foot issue was not very serious.From that shelter out on the trail Big Dawg realized we would reach our destination very late if we tried walking that far on his hurting foot. Without knowing what is wrong with his foot we decided to hop of the trail and get his foot checked out in Manchester Center. Called Leonard's Taxi and waited for our ride at Stratton-Arlington Road where the AT crosses. Leonard was a nice guy and the drive into Manchester Center was very scenic - passed both Stratton and Bromley Mountain and saw them from a different view. Very neat and we saw that both mountains are big skiing areas! Leonard dropped us off at the Aspen Motel near the Northside Medical Center in Manchester Center. We settled in and called Northside to see if they could get Big Dawg in for a check up - but they did not have any X-Ray capabilities at the facility! Looks like we should have gone into Bennington so it looks like we will go there tomorrow to get it checked out - an unexpected zero day tomorrow.The Aspen Motel was a very nice place to stay and we went into town to do laundry and eat at Manchester Pizza - great food! Returned to the hotel to let Big Dawg rest his foot and prepare for tomorrow. Hoping that nothing serious is wrong with his foot!
Date: 2014-07-20
From: Hikers Welcome Hostel via NH 25

To: Zero Day 11: Hikers Welcome Hostel
Miles today: 0.0

Wow I thought yesterday was a full house - today was even more packed with familiar faces and lots of places filled with tents! Some very old friends caught up and more will be coming in tomorrow - crazy how the trail does that! A hiker horde it seems - too much Lord of the Rings?Although we both wanted to sleep in it never really happened - movement in the hostel for the early shuttle woke us both up and even though I laid there and fell back asleep it was only for a brief time before waking up again - time to get up! Ate a trail meal for breakfast and did a lot of planning and preparation for the trip through the Whites - I think we are fully ready for them!After planning went back downstairs to the Lord of the Rings playing on the TV and an invitation to play Risk with Sharp Knife and Hiccup - although Hiccup claimed she did not like the game she stomped both Sharp Knife and myself! Soundly beaten I retreated outside to enjoy the sunshine and read a book on the Whites - going to be some great views ahead! Throughout the day hikers were coming in left and right. Section hiker Just Ed showed up in the early afternoon and the section hiking pastor also returned to the hostel. Pippin made an appearance at the hostel - we have not seen him since Erwin! He was one of the guys hiking with RP and Mio - I think he was just Josh back then. Found out RP is off the trail and Mambo and Mio are only a few days behind - it would be cool to see them again! Met a new NOBO Neckbone and a new SOBO Mellow with his dog Yellow...you see the connection there.Phys Ed, Pilot, and Navigator showed up later in the evening and so did Kristo and Shivers - Reset is just a day behind them! Sharp Knife and Hiccup left the hostel but A-Train and Calamity replaced them. The slackers returned and there were so many people it was hard keeping track of everyone! The place was getting packed so luckily we had a space reserved and got on the early shuttle to Kinsman Notch! So many people threw the Internet service out of wack but it was ok - we all watched Caddyshack!Lots of time chatting outside and enjoying all the company - lots of catching up to do and learning from the SOBOs - a nice fire in the evening and good company! A busy relaxing day and Big Dawg's foot is feeling fine - the first test will be slacking tomorrow. Finally going to enter the Whites!
Date: 2014-07-23
From: Chet's Place

To: Zero Day 12: Lincoln, NH
Miles today: 0.0

Decided to take a rest day to avoid the incoming rainstorm - we did not think we would make it up the mountain in time and we did not want to get caught on the exposed ridge in a thunderstorm! Also ran into an issue trying to get a shuttle back to the trailhead - the shuttlers could not pick us up for an hour and a half because of an emergency so we would not have hit the trail before 9 am and definitely would not have made it up in time! So we opted to wait it out and we looked over the schedule to make sure we could work the rest of the trip - luckily we still can and we were able to change our reservations for the rest of the Whites!With the extra time we both showered and did laundry and spent the day relaxing. We walked around a little before and after lunch to loosen up Big Dawg's legs since they were sore and tight - he thinks he might have had a real tough time making the climb today. We also lucked out a little since it would have been super hot and humid climbing the big mountain - the storm coming in made it real humid!Almost everyone at the hostel decided to stay and not take a chance with the rain so there was always something to do. Tossed the Frisbee around with Navigator and the Priest for a while and read "Ghost Ship" by Clive Cuddled - great book! Good meal at the El Greco Pizzeria.The rain came in a little later than expected but it looked foggy and cloudy most of the day up on the mountains - probably a good choice to stay here and rest and get good views tomorrow! It also did rain a good amount with thunder and lightning - would have been scary being on an exposed ridge! Ate at the Mexican restaurant in town again and it was pretty good (again!)Ramen Shaman and Cheez-It came in overnight with Shelia and Fiver showed up later in the day - it was a big chillfest all day at Chet's. Good night relaxing and chatting - but back to the woods tomorrow!
Date: 2014-07-31
From: Gorham, NH

To: Gentian Pond Shelter
Miles today: 11.8

The trail gave us no slack today - back to full packs and this section of trail was particularly rough for the return to normalcy. Tough hiking, slow moving, not quite what we thought for the day.Slept like a rock last night - didn't even hear Pooh Bear return! Forecast shows a potential for rain this afternoon so we set out to hit the trail in a timely fashion - full packs here we come!First mile of the day was pretty easy - road walking as we crossed over a hydro plant. Soon after the road ended we started climbing up and Big Dawg was not feeling the hike today - he was not moving fast even though he got good sleep and was just not digging the hiking. We kept going on thinking it just required a warm-up but the first hill just kept hitting it hard - a long climb out from Gorham. At the summit we rested (after numerous rests going up) and Pyro and Zasquatch passed by.After the first climb the trail was still treating us to rough stuff - wet slippery downs and mud and sheer rock faces made the hiking slow down and more strenuous. The trail didn't do any favors for Big Dawg who was already feeling it - he was trying his best but he was just moving slowly and it was getting harder and harder to meet our original destination.Later on I came to the conclusion we were not going to make it before eight pm so we cut the day short and aimed for the first shelter. Had an adventure looking for water for lunch that required a bunch of walking and a late lunch - which also probably didn't help Big Dawg either. But soon we got water and after walking further than expected we found a lunch spot - so good to eat!From here it was a short two miles to the shelter and we started our way there. As we neared the shelter the thunder increased and we pushed to beat the rain - we made it to the shelter just in time and missed the rainstorm. Settled into the shelter and watched the rain and rested. A group of girls camping came up using a different trail and we also had two SOBOs from Texas stay in the shelter. Church and his friend (whose name I have forgotten) were recent college graduates out living the dream - hiking the trail! We chatted about the trail and what lay ahead. Soon one of the younger girls told us there was a moose in the pond - we went and checked it out! It was just walking around cooling off and eating the plants - we only saw its head but it was still big and cool to see!Turned in for the night after the Birdman arrived late and settled in - thinking ahead to alternate plans if we cannot take the current one through in the remaining days. Only time will tell if we can finish it as is or if the terrain will require a new plan.
Date: 2014-08-01
From: Gentian Pond Shelter

To: Full Goose Shelter
Miles today: 9.6

We finally made it into Maine! Moving slower than expected but still we entered our final state of the AT and ever closer to the northern terminus - Mount Katahdin!Woke up to a nice view right outside the shelter this morning - looking at some mountains in the early morning sun. Everyone in the shelter was up early - Church and Shark Bait didn't leave at two am or five am like they had planned. Not surprising because two am is really early - and the trail would have been rough on them!From the shelter Big Dawg and I rolled out hoping to make better time than yesterday - the day revealed that our goal would not be reached. The trail was still pretty difficult and you cannot tell that from the profiles. Slow moving but still going forward!The last thing we had to conquer in NH was Mount Success - it was a great success making it to the top! A steep rocky climb at times but this is what we have been told to expect in Southern Maine. We reached the top of Mt. Success and while resting ran into SOBOs High Five and Iceman Dan - they were excited to have finally entered their second state while we were excited to enter our final state! From Mt. Success we ran into some crazy trail! Steep drops, poorly marked trail, muddy trail, slippery rock faces, ladders and metal rungs, broken bog bridges, and even some nice trail mixed in! The trail was a little rough and I almost fell off of rocks twice - one time would have been a drop several feet down! No injuries though and we kept hiking on.The near falls were wearing on me and I wasn't feeling the hike today - especially after the crazy drop down before the Carlo Col Campsite - not even trail just a path of boulders downwards! Lunch and music hiking up the hill got me back into the groove and perked me back up!After Mt. Carlo we climbed over a couple of Goose Eye Mountain Peaks and had some great views above the treeline - nice to be in the open! We enjoyed the views from one summit while making some phone calls and letting Big Dawg rest - a tough day so far so we planned to stop at the shelter before the Mahoosuc Notch. Definitely better to tackle the Mahoosuc Notch and Arm at the beginning of the day instead of the end!We survived some broken bog bridges and lots of ladders (no chutes though!) and came to rest at Full Goose Shelter - a busy place tonight! Throughout the evening many groups came into camp and it was definitely packed - so many people tenting and none in the shelter! A group came in late and set their tents up poorly next to our hammocks - their tents were on downhill slopes with lots of roots! Couldn't have been comfortable!Great being back in the hammock! Ready for a comfortable sleep and not worried about the cold since we picked up our underquilts again. Still looking to keep the plan in working order to finish before school starts up - going to be tough but we will see!Funny entry in the shelter log sums up our experience after Gorham so far - see the photo associated with this entry!
Date: 2014-04-22
To: Amicalola Falls Lodge
Miles today: 0.0

We arrived at the Lodge after a crazy, winding drive through the Cohutta Wilderness Area and the Chattahoochee National Forest. Lo and behold, we found Robert Redford and Nick Nolte in the lobby filming their next movie, "A Walk in the Woods" the book by Bill Bryson. Spent the afternoon day hiking and viewing the falls. We enjoyed an evening dinner with our friends, Linda and Tom.My pack is packed; I need a good night's sleep; and tomorrow I hit the trail.P.S. Be sure to check "Photos" for updated pictures.
Date: 2014-04-23
From: Southern Terminus

To: Hawk Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 8.1

Spent a short night at the Amicalola Lodge, late dinner, sleepless night in anticipation. Woke to a beautiful sunrise, mid 40¢s. After breakfast and a 45 minute ride on dirt service roads, arrived atop Springer Mountain. Mike and I hiked the mile south from the parking area to the official Southern Terminus of the AT, turned north and started our walk. We walked together a few miles, after a few hugs, a few tears, we said our good byes and up the trail I went. Walked nine miles total today. Perfect hiking day, clear blue skies, 70¢s. Seen 25 or so hikers on the trail today. . . 5 dogs. Shelter should fill up tonight, but I decided to pitch the tent. 1) nice night, no rain. 2) don¢t want to deal with the mice running around in the shelter 3) I¢ll be going to bed early since I didn¢t sleep at all last night. Having spaghetti and meatballs for dinner, will wash up and call it a night.What a way to spend a 65th birthday it was. Love you all.
Date: 2014-04-24
From: Hawk Mtn Shelter

To: Gooch Mtn shelter
Miles today: 7.7

Woke at 7:10am. Mild night, some wind, temperatures in the low 50¢s. Cold night in the sleeping bag. Quarter to nine I was packed and ready for the day. Wasn't the last hiker to leave the campsite so I must be doing okay. Crossed two mountains today ¢ Sassafras at 3400 feet and Justus at 3224 feet. Little water along this stretch of the trail so I carried all my bottles full.Walked all day by myself, covered 7.7 miles. Others sharing the trail were ten hikers, one dog, and one harmless snake. In for the night, had chicken teriyaki and rice for dinner. Soaked my feet in an ice cold stream ¢ feels great.I¢ll sleep well tonight. Goodnight.
Date: 2014-04-25
From: Gooch Mtn shelter

To: Lance Creek
Miles today: 8.5

First off, let me send Very Happy Birthday wishes to my beautiful grandchildren Brynneth and Benjamin, who turned two and one respectively today. Grandma loves you.I was asleep at Gooch Mountain shelter last night by 7:40pm. A father and daughter from Texas and two other guys spent the night there also. Woke at 6:30am and was on the trail by 8am with rain in the forecast. I am holding up well, both physically and mentally and reaching my daily goals ¢ I am so glad to be out here to experience it all!The photo shows our group tonight, while we don¢t hike together, we manage to show up every night at the same place. The girl on my left and the couple on my far right plan to hike the distance to Mount Katahdin in Maine ¢ God bless them.Tomorrow I plan to get to Neel Gap where I can get real food - AAwww!!!, a shower, wash clothes and sleep in a real bed. Life is good.
Date: 2014-04-26
From: Lance Creek

To: Neel Gap
Miles today: 7.4

Today I crossed over Blood Mountain, 4,450 feet. A very difficult climb, the decent was even worst. According to tales of the Creek and Cherokee Indians, a battle here between the two nations left so many dead and wounded that the ground ran red with blood, hence the Mountain¢s name.Before reaching the mountain I saw three deer and another harmless snake. These mountains are becoming personal, to the point I am affectionately renaming them. Sassafras Mountain I¢ve renamed ¢Kick my Ass Mountain¢!!! Justus Mountain to ¢No Justice¢ and Blood Mountain to ¢Blood, Sweat and Tears¢.I met a couple at a junction in the trail who were lost and they asked me for directions. They are truly on a journey of faith of their own if they have to ask me for help.I am spending the night at the Mountain Crossing Hostel. Kat and I are the only two women among fourteen guys. Tomorrow will be my longest day as I plan to hike 11.5 miles.
Date: 2014-04-27
From: Neel Gap

To: Hog Pen Gap (Best Western Motel, Blairsville)
Miles today: 6.9

Five sleepless nights have finally caught up with me. This morning I left the hostel with the intentions of hiking 11.5 miles. Even before I took my first steps I knew I was in for a challenging day. I walked 6.9 miles when I realized that sleep deprivation had become a factor and I needed to get off the trail and get rested before I had real issues. I called Ron (a shuttle guy I met this morning in the parking lot of the hostel). Gave him my location and he said he'd be there in 15 minutes to pick me up...and he was. Ron drove me to a motel, then showed me around Blairsville recommending a place for dinner. He commented that when he saw me this morning (on three different occasions) he knew there was something wrong and was concerned for me. He is a true Christian man. How do I know this? One, he prayed for me as we were coming to town. But two, before bringing me to town he had to make another stop back at the hostel. I don't know the whole story, but there was a young man there who was down and out and had bigger problems than me. He had no shoes. I watched Ron, literally, take his sandals off and gave them to the man. He commented to me, "No big deal -- I can always buy another pair of sandals." So, we continued on to Blairsville with him driving barefoot. Another story to share from today was I was pretty well spent and not looking forward to hiking the last mile up over another mountain. As I was sitting on the side of a bank eating my lunch, a 23 year-old young lady named Joanna from Germany came along. (She is doing the thru-hike by herself.) I asked if she would kindly walk with me the last mile to ensure I got to Hog Pen Gap safely. Even though she had a destination she wanted to reach and within a certain time frame, she gladly walked with me and waited at the Gap to ensure Ron came. These two stories are indicative of the people you meet on the trail. And this is exactly why I'm hoping to get back on in a day or two. I realize I am suffering from the lack of sleep and just need rest. For now, good night!
Date: 2014-04-29
From: Blairsville, GA

Miles today: 0.0

Thank you to all who have signed my Guest Book and sent me emails. Your prayers, encouragement, and well wishes mean so much to me. I am sorry that I am unable to respond to your messages as I am having Mike/David enter my daily journal. Fortunately, I have had cell coverage on the Trail at the end of the day to send him a text of my status along with a picture or two. (Be sure to click on the Photos button on the left to view.)Monday and Tuesday have been "Zero" days (hiker terminology for taking a day off the trail). I hoped to get back on the trail tomorrow but because of the weather I will be here awhile. The forecast is threatening severe thunderstorms, 3-5 inches of rain, and a lot of lightning (profound!).The good news is that I am getting a lot of rest, found a delightful diner, and am enjoying walking around Blairsville. It is a lovely little town nestled in the mountains (pop. 652). The people I have interacted with have been very friendly and kind. I am discovering that my journey isn't just about being on the Appalachian Trail...it is much more than that.
Date: 2014-04-30
From: Hog Pen Gap

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 4.6
Weather: moderate rain

Nice day for hiking, a lot of cloud cover, gentle breeze with temperatures in the low 60¢s. I expected the trail to be more muddy and slippery than it was.Fortunately, I arrived at the shelter early enough to get a spot inside. Right now it is pouring rain, severe thunder storms and flood warnings are posted until 2am. Several people are sleeping in tents ¢ I¢m happy to be in the shelter.Four of the seven hikers in the shelter are from Ohio. The guys in the shelter are having fun telling blonde jokes . . . I debated whether or not to take my hat off!
Date: 2014-05-01
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Unicoi Gap
Miles today: 9.7

Last night at the Low Gap shelter I met a delightful young lady (24 years old) from Toledo whose trail name is Orphan Annie. We decided to walk together and we were on the trail at 8am. We put in 7.3 miles and arrived at the Blue Mountain Shelter by 1pm. We stopped for lunch and rest. Decided to continue further on up the trail to put in more miles planning to camp along the trail for the night. As it turned out, Orphan Annie¢s parents were at Unicoi Gap when we arrived.   Since they were staying at a local lodge (in Helen, GA) we decided to spend the night at the lodge as well. Now before you think I¢m pampering myself, note that we put in 9.7 miles in eight hours.   That¢s the most mileage I¢ve walked in any one day. I certainly enjoy Orphan Annie¢s companionship, first time to walk with another hiker and the time goes by much faster.Morning started out chilly, but by 11am it had warmed up nicely which made for a pleasant hike. Tremendous beauty along the trail today ¢ very rocky and moss covered.
Date: 2014-05-02
From: Unicoi Gap

To: Tray Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 5.7
Weather: few clouds

On the trail at 8:30am, crossed two tough mountains today. Rocky Mountain, elevation 4,017 feet and Tray Mountain at 4,430 feet which is second highest only to Blood Mountain. Low mileage but tough miles because of the elevations.Orphan Annie and I kept leap frogging with SloMo and Green Mine (father and son team from SC). To give us encouragement, SloMo would draw a happy face on the trail in the dirt from time to time. Terrain over the two mountains wasn¢t as difficult as Blood Mountain, but still a challenge.My left forearm is a little swollen from a fall I took a few days ago ¢ I hope it gets better soon.   We arrived at the Tray Mountain Shelter and because there is no chance of rain, decided to set up our tents. Our entertainment tonight will be provided by Adam, a hiker from Maine. He will be serenading the gathered with his mandolin! Lasagne with meat sauce is on the menu for dinner (Mountain House Freeze dry). Another wonderful day to be on the mountains and hiking.Note of interest concerning Tray Mountain. Beside the spectacular view from its summit, it is the southernmost breeding area in the United States for the Canada warblers. The small songbirds can be spotted in the rhododendron along the southern approach to the summit. Their song is an irregular burst of beautiful notes.