morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-08-20
From: Jo-Mary Road, ME

To: Rainbow Mt, ME
Miles today: 31.8
Weather: light rain

I set my alarm today to ensure I was up and on the trail by no later than 6 am. As I rolled out of my campsite I noticed a number of fellow thru hikers (Mayonnaise Pocket, Speedy G and Impact) had set up camp only a few hundred from me late last night. These guys usually get a later start than me but crank miles on into the evening. I reached Antler Campsite about an hour after my start catching a brilliant view of the adjacent Jo-Mary Lake (see photo). A few more miles down the trail a section hiker told me there was a big crew of thru hikers up ahead. She was spot on! A few minutes later I ran into six of them including Shake, Shiver, Stark, Twist, Kick-a-poo and Acorn. It was like a little family reunion in the middle of nowhere! Afterwards I headed on at a slightly faster pace than the rest of the crew wanting to at least put in 30 miles. Much of the hike was beneath a canopy of trees with only a few views when the trail hit a lake or overlook. As I hiked I thought back to the many places I have been to get here and the people I have met along this journey. It was a bit sad that I am so close to the end. There are obvious things I miss while hiking the trail; family, being clean, a warm bed, dry shoes, etc, etc., but I realize from this journey I can be quite content with very little (I.e., with what I carry on my back). It is a great feeling and a real change in my mind set....I had lunch midday with 18 miles already completed. I only ran into a few section hikers. Generally the trail was much quieter than yesterday and no skinny dippers....The highlight of the days was the closest view of Mt Katahdin yet. It was truly awesome with Nahmakanta Lake below the overlook (see photo). I continued passed Rainbow Mt finishing the day at a small clearing beside the trail near a little spring. I was spent. For the second half of the day the trail was flat but a little more strenuous due to rocks and roots, but I finished the day hiking over 30 miles. I was pleased with my progress sitting only 10 miles from Abol Bridge which is the entrance to Baxter Park and my ultimate destination, Mt Katahdin.
Date: 2014-08-21
From: Rainbow Mt, ME

To: Katahdin Stream Campsite, ME
Miles today: 19.3

I was up and on trail by 6:30 am. I was looking forward to the goodies at the Abol Bridge store, about 10 miles up the trail. Just before I hit the trail Acorn strolled by. Her and the rest of the crew I ran into yesterday had stopped for the evening about 2 miles south of me at a small campsite. The two of us visited as we pushed north. We stopped on one small mountain to pick blueberries. After a few minutes I had my fill after stuffing my face with a few handfuls of the abundant berries. Acorn was going to hang out for the rest of the crew and continue munching on blueberries. I reached Abol Bridge around 10 am. The trail hits the Golden Road, a well traveled gravel road used by logging trucks. As I crossed the bridge over the Penobscot River I was greeted by a spectacular view of Mt Katahdin (see photo). Wow... I am almost there. It is so hard to believe after so many miles and so states I see the end. Truly hyped at being so close I rolled into the Abol Bridge General Store with a serious appetite. I ate to my hearts content; breakfast burrito, diet cokes, cinnamon roll and three heaping scoops of mint chocolate chip ice cream..... Man I am going to miss eating like this when I finish. At the store I also tried to get a shuttle from Katahdin stream campsite (9 miles further up trail) later in the afternoon but they were all booked so no luck. However they indicated I should be able to hitch from the site into town without an issue so I decided to push on to the campsite. The hike to the campsite was beautiful, running virtually the entire time beside the Penobscot River or adjacent streams. On my journey I ran into various folks along the trail, visiting with many of them. They were all congratulatory when they found out I was a thru hiker so close to the end. What a boost!!!! Though it is hard to comprehend I am so close to the finish. I reached the campground around 2:30 pm just in time to start catching folks coming down from Katahdin. The campground lies at the base of Mt Katahdin and you can see the steep face and rocky top through the trees. I loitered about asking folks for a hitch and I had a ride to town in no time from two brothers that were in town to hike Katahdin. They dropped me and another thru hiker off in town just outside of the Appalachian Trail Cafe, a local hangout for hikers. I thanked them and headed over to the cafe. As I headed in I ran into a couple (Sherrie and Paul) visiting from Ohio. They mentioned their son follows some of the thru hiker journals. They were headed into the cafe and invited me to eat with them. We swapped stories as Paul had done a lot of camping and biking up here and in Canada. Before I knew it they had bought me dinner. And they also gave me a ride to my hotel. They were way too kind! What awesome trail magic! I settled in, cleaned up, did laundry and crashed! I ended the day 5.2 miles from the northern terminus of the AT, my final destination. I will hang out in town (Millinocket, ME) for two days awaiting the arrival of my son, Erik. He will hike the last 5 miles with me. I am so psyched.
Date: 2014-12-07
To: Settling in at Home
Miles today: 0.0

Hello again.... I have been a bit remiss with my journal since completing the AT. It has been over three months and I feel it would be good to fill you in on life after the trail.First, I once again wanted to say thanks to all of you that supported me and my charities during the AT thru-hike. I could not have done it without you and it was great corresponding with you after my hike. Once I finished the trek I was on a "high" for a good two weeks. The feeling of accomplishment was so great and it was nice to just take it easy with no mileage to complete and no worries about my next mail drop. In the first time since I could remember I had no problem just sitting around doing not much of anything. Before my AT trek I had always had one more thing to do, whether it was a project around the house, work, an excursion with the kids or simply a run or workout. This was new and I tended to relish this feeling of fulfillment. After the two weeks off, I started working again and I slowly began to get drawn back into normality with family and work. It has been great spending more time with the family. Being away from them was one of the tougher aspects of being on the trail. So I have been enjoying catching the kids events as well as family gatherings like Thanksgiving. However, I have to say I do find myself often reliving the memories of the trail places and people. It is funny how certain songs I hear will trigger memories of specific days or sections of the trail and along with these memories come all of the feelings ( e.g., exhaustion, uncertainty, elation, peace, simplicity, purpose, satisfaction, accomplishment, etc.). It is cool to be able to tap into so many of these vibrant memories and adventures. My body has generally recovered from the trek over these past three months. My toenails are growing back and I have been able to build up my upper body muscle mass that I lost during the hike. However, I also managed to put on much of the weight I had lost, some of which is now around the mid-section... :-(. I am essentially back in the shape I was prior to my hike. The one thing I have had troubles with has been running and it is my knees that have been the issue. They are so tight and achy when I run. I have never had any issues in the past with my knees but they are slowly getting better. Instead of running I should put on my pack and hike but I am sad to admit I have not hiked since completing the AT. I washed up my gear when I returned home and it has remained unused in my closet since... I hope to plan some hikes in the spring and I will dust off the gear then. When is the next adventure? Hmmm, who knows. I have been doing some research on the PCT but this would be a few years out. Next year I hope to visit some of the spots I enjoyed along the Southern AT (Hot Springs, Damascus and Shenandoah). However, I was going to hit these spots on a motorcycle rather than my feet. The gameplay would be to get a few day hikes in and hopefully get a chance to do some trail magic for the AT Class of 2015! I will keep you posted...
Date: 2014-03-29
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Hiking the AT has been on my mind for many years. As a younger person I did alot of backpacking.It is at times miserable, but also beautiful. Now that I just retired I have my opportunity. So reservations have been been made. All I now need to do is to pack my backpack, and get on the train to Gainesville, Georgia. More to follow.
Date: 2014-03-30
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Today I completed three prep items: 1-gathered, weighed and inventoried all gear, 2- went shopping for 1st 3 days of food, and 3- treated clothing, backpack, and tent with Permethrin to keep the ticks away. There are only 3 things that worry me: ticks, feet and knees. I can do something about tick prevention, the cast is set (no pun intended)for the feet/knees.In total I will be carrying 59 items (without food and water) that weigh 21.1lbs. Add in 2.5lbs/day food and water and total weight will be at approximately 28.5lbs. I will be taking one luxury item...my Nemo Fillo Pillow (it is needed and wanted). Adding up the daily calorie intake totalled 4000. It has been reported that I may burn up to 6000 calories per day, so some weight will be lost (no big deal).Also I listed my gear list on www.whiteblaze.com, and have received favorable critique. Tomorow the plan is to load the pack(hopefully it all fits), and practice hanging my food bag. I have been watching you-tube videos on how to use the PCT method for hanging, which is ingenious, especially if you can't find the perfect tree. I am getting anxious to get this adventure started. Below is quote I recalled when I was deciding what to bring. "We who hike, learn the difference between what is needed and what is wanted". Till later,
Date: 2014-04-02
To: Hiker Hostel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Today the journey begins. Leaving this evening on an Amtrak out of Manassas, Virginia to Gainesville, Georgia. Will then be shuttled to the Hiker Hostel to recover from all night train ride. The great people at the Hiker Hostel will then drop me off at the trail head Friday morning. I am looking forward to meeting my trail family and all the wonderful (and not so wonderful) experiences this adventure will bring. Right now, although I have a few aches and pains, I feel very youthful as described by Douglas MacArthur: "You are as young as your faith, as old as your doubt; as young as your self-confidence, as old as your fear; as young as your hope, as old as your despair".
Date: 2014-04-04
From: Springer Mountain Parking Lot

To: Springer Mountain Parking Lot
Miles today: 9.0

Ironically, when I boarded the train in Manassas, VA, I sat next to three other through-hikers. I met a father/son team from Maine who immediately got off the train and went hiking. I went to the hiker hostel to recover from the train ride. Later in the day i made eight new acquaintances from Austria, Germany, Scotland, Canada, Colorado and Florida. Again, ironically, I met a fella and his mother from Manassas, VA. Today was the first hike which covered 9 miles from Springer Mt. parking lot to Springer Mt., Springer Mt. to Hawk Mt. Shelter, where I will spend the night. It rained this owning, but was nice in the afternoon. I hiked all day with a fella from Cape Coral, FL by the name of Sea Winds. Tomorrow, I will hopefully go up and over two mountains and will cover another 8 miles.
Date: 2014-04-05
From: Hawk Mountain

To: Lance Creek
Miles today: 16.3

Started at Hawk Mountain shelter, finished at Lance Creek. Distance of 16.3 miles.Woke up to a very cold morning. It was 30 degrees. Winds howled all night. There were ten of us in the shelter and two tents. Started hiking at 9am with Sea Winds, who at the first road crossing, decided to get off the trail due to his knee. I hiked most of the day by myself. The cool weather and dry trail was wonderful. I went up and over two mountains, Sassafrass and Justin, and got to the next shelter at 2pm. I waited for an hour for my friends from Manassas and Coco beach. I decided to press on. There is a 5 mile "no camping" zone due to bear activity. They only allow hikers with bear vaults to camp in this 5 mile stretch. I wanted to get as close as possible to the 5 mile stretch so I could hike through and make Neels Gap on day 3. So on I went. Late in the day I hiked with Christian from Maine. We were both tired but decided ti bee line it to Lance Creek so day 3 would only be 7.4 miles to Neels. We made it by 8pm exhausted, put up our tents, too tired to eat and just went to bed. It was a long, hard day. Entry by wife, Kathy
Date: 2014-04-06
From: Lance Creek

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 0.0

Decided to skip breakfast (no appetite) and got off to an early start. The big challenge for today was blood mountain. Basically, it is a hike up 2.5 miles and down 2.5 miles. Elevation is 4,461 feet. I hiked all day by myself. The climb was long and hard. The views at the top were spectacular. The descent was hard on my knees. I made it into Neels Gap about 2:30 pm. At Neels Gap, there is a famous place known as Mountain Crossings. It is an outfitter store and hostel. The white blazes actually pass through the store. I quickly signed up for a bunk and shower (cost is $17). It is a great deal. I washed my clothes, showered resupplied my food and ate a pizza (AMAZING)! My friend Christian made it to Neels about 4pm. He and three others are in a cabin. Still haven seen my friends from Manassas or Coco Beach. The buzz in the bunk house is the impending weather. Tonight, we are supposed to get 2-3 inches of rain. High winds and tornadoes are possible. We are all hoping it passes through the night so we can get back on the trail, although it will be a sloppy mess. I am aching just about all over. I have met many great people, young and old. We all help and watch out for one another. The camaraderie on the trail is amazing. It is after 8pm so time to go to bed.Entered by wife, Kathy
Date: 2014-04-07
From: Neels Gap

To: Low Gap
Miles today: 11.5

Started at Neels Gap and hiked to Low Gap shelter, a distance of 11.5 miles. I have now completed 43.2 miles. Woke up to rain. The forecast was rain all day. Some hikers decided to zero (no hike), most of them started walking in the rain. I decided to go with the majority. It was very slow going as the trail was mucky and slippery. I felt once but landed on a soft spot.   It was foggy but still took pictures. The rain never let up. I hiked all day. Met a trail dog by the name of Moses. He was cute all decked out in his doggie pack. I will post pictures when I can. The gaps and mountain tops were windy and cold. Started hiking at 9:30am and pulled into Low Gap about 4:30pm The shelter was in overflow so I pitched my tent, filtered water, ate some dinner, hung my bear bag and then huddled in my tent trying to get warm and dry. So far Big Agnes (my tent) is not leaking. Most would say it was a miserable day. Tomorrow's forecast is no rain and partly sunny. Entry by wife, Kathy
Date: 2014-04-08
From: Low Gap

To: Unicoi Gap
Miles today: 9.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Started at Low GAP Shelter and hiked to Unicoi Gap, a distance of 9.7 miles.In spite of the rain, I did wake up dry. Packed my wet tent and headed out at 9:15am. It was another crisp morning, about 35 degrees. The pack was heavy due to my wet clothes and tent. About one mile into the nike, I saw a bear.   It was a young, dead bear, lying right on the trail. I took notice of its sharp claws and teeth and took a picture. I could only wonder what had happened to this young bear. I hiked on and took a long one hour lunch break. By then, it was sunny, so I took my boots and socks off to sun my feet and dry out my sock liners and socks. I taped some of my blisters with leuko tape, which seemed to help. The terrain was what hikers call PUDS and MUDS which stand for pointless up and downs and meaningless ups and downs. Towards the end there was a gradual climb up Blue Mountain and then a very long steep descent into Unicoi Gap. I did stop at Blue Mountain shelter and met a woman with three dogs b the name of Shepard. She snapped a dashing picture of me. I saw one other acquaintance from Neels Gap, but have not seen or heard from Christian, Manassas or Coca. I got a shuttle into Hiawasee by John and checked into a Holiday Inn Express. Tomorrow will be a zero day as I need to tend to my ailing knees and feet. My boots are also splitting apart so I might purchase new boots or duct tape. After checking into the hotel, I went to a diner and had a very nice buffet AYCE dinner. I also washed my clothes and will soon soak in the tub. The next set of mountains will be my biggest challenge yet. The good news is that I am only about 26 miles grin the Georgia/North Carolina border. Cheers!Entry by wife, Kathy
Date: 2014-04-09
From: Hiawassee

To: Hiawassee
Miles today: 0.0

Today was a relaxing day. I spent a few hours hiking around Hiawassee, GA. It is a quaint little resort town with a population of 836. It is surrounded by the mountains and on Lake Chatuge. It reminded me of a small European town. A nice place to visit if you have an RV. The locals say Hiawassee is nowhere but 2.5 hours from everywhere, meaning a short drive and you can get to Atlanta, Knoxville, Greenville, Asheville, or Chattanooga. While walking, I met about 20 hikers. We are all very friendly and take time to stop and talk. It seems we are all part of a fraternity or sorority. Most of the locals are friendly and helpful. Hikers are very important to the local businesses. I bought medical supplies to treat my feed, two days worth of backpacking food, and new hiking boots. (I tried gorilla taping my old boots, but didn't feel like it would last).   Finally, I mailed 3.5 pounds of gear home that I haven't used. My pack weight should now be about 30 pounds with two days of food and 20 ounces of water. The weather forecast is cool and sunny although windy for the next few days. Tomorrow's plan is to hike a strenuous 5.7 miles to Tray Mt. Shelter. It will be a good test for my knees, feet and new boots.Entry by wife, Kathy
Date: 2014-04-10
From: Unicoi Gap

To: Tray Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 5.7
Weather: clear sky

Started at Unicoi Gap and finished at Tray Mountain Shelter. Distance of 5.7 miles.Woke up feeling very refreshed and caught an 8am shuttle from Hiawassee to the trail head. Today was going to be an interesting challenge having to climb two big mountains with my ailing knees and blistered feet encased in new boots. Early in the hike I felt like a jet engine sucking in the very cool morning fresh air and exhausting not de-exogenated air as I propelled myself up Rocky Mountain,. About half way up the 1.5 mile climb I stopped at yelled at myself for starting so fast. I turned the jet engine into a glider and hiked very slowly taking in the incredible views. I stopped many times to take pictures. Almost every turn in the trail was a photo pop. I thought about the many times I have flown across the country and marveled at the beauty of our land. Seeing it step by step offered a much richer experience. Late in the morning, I met hiker Dennis. He is a 73 year old gentleman from Ohio who has actually through-hiked and section-hiked the trail as a much younger man. We had a very enjoyable conversation as we hiked up and over Tray Mountain into the shelter. I have met several hikers who have done the entire trail before and because of the experience, they come back for more. At the shelter, I saw the German group from the hiker hostel, met and had a great conversation with a woman from Boone, NC.   Also, there us part of a youth ministry group of 20 kids at the shelter. Due to my knees and blisters, I didn't watt to push it, so today was a short day. The weather was fantastic and it should be for the next couple days. My goal for tomorrow is about 10 miles. I want to thank those of you who have signed my guest book and sent me notes of encouragement. They are appreciated. Some have commented on the origin of my trail name. Rad is a name give to me by my colleagues at one of my retirement parties. I worked as an engineering manager in a group that produced radiation hardened computers for military and civil space applications. Proud to say we designed and built the computers on the planet Mars and also have computers in countless military satellites that protect our troops and way of life. So "Rad" is short for radiation. The young kids that know this now have "Rad" jokes like your tent was glowing last night, and so on...   Time to make my tent glow! :-)Entry by wife, Kathy
Date: 2014-04-11
From: Tray Mountain Shelter

To: Dicks Creek Gap
Miles today: 11.3

Hiked from Tray Mountain Shelter to Dicks Creek Gap, a distance of 11.3 miles. The winds through the night were very strong. I kept waking up hoping it was light outside. Finally we had a beautiful sunrise and I was packed up and on the trail by 8am. Today was a down-up-down-up, etc. day. There was a long, one mile uphill and a killer downhill.. I am sure everyone doesn't want to hear about my sore knees and feet so I will just say they are still sore and it looks like I might be losing a toe nail or two. Amen.I hiked most of the day by myself, but intermittently would bump into others I have met.   At Dicks Creek Gap, I met the TOG van and got wished away with my friends from Austria to the Top of Georgia hostel.   This is a brand new hostel. I showered and got a bunk for the night. They shuttled five of us into Hiawassee for a nice dinner and resupply. The next trail town is Franklin, NC, which I hope to make in four days. So, tomorrow morning, my pack will be heavy with food and it is a long uphill into NC. All hikers in the hostel are happy to be getting out of Georgia. Entry by wife, Kathy
Date: 2014-04-12
From: Dicks Creek Gap

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: few clouds

Hiked from Dick's Creek Gap to Muskrat Creek Shelter, 11.8 miles. IMAGINE is the most powerful word in the English language. Imagine 22 buckets filled with hot water and marbles. Imagine 22 people with no shoes or socks sitting in a single row on a bench. Now, imagine these people soaking and massaging their feet in the buckets. This was the scene at the TOG hostel. It was a fun time. Best news of the night, as fate would have it, I reunited with my friend from Manassas, now known as Snuggles as well as my friend Christian from Maine. They were part of my early trail family. It was a great reunion and story-swapping time. They are less than half my age so I hope I can keep up with them. Today's hike was very strenuous. Even the young people thought so. It was almost all uphill and the weather was very hot. In the morning, there were about seven of us hiking convoy style, talking about pizza, ice cream, and peach cobbler. Soon there were breakaways as we all settled into our own hiking speeds. After what seemed to be way too long, I crossed the Georgia/NC state lines. Goal number one has been achieved, the 78.5 miles of the Georgia AT has been completed. Our reward was another two killer climbs into muskrat creek shelter. There are no muskrats but the creek is an awesome water source. I will be tenting next to an Austrian couple, Snuggles and Christian, (I kept up with them). There are about 20 of us at the shelter. Unlike the GA shelters, there are no bear cables. We are all on our own, so the PCT method will be field tested. (Search Youtube bear hanging PCT method and you will understand what I am talking about. The buzz is all about the forthcoming storm. It will turn cold on Monday with rain/snow forecasted. Tomorrow will be a big push toward Franklin.