morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-09-15
From: baxter peak

To: deer brook
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: overcast clouds

In which we had a successful moose hunt!Let's just say that today was another was another long day. We are currently camping by a brook and hopefully we will not have uninvited guests as this brook is overflow for a moosey looking pond.I also have to say that last night was quite an adventure as I hope tonight is not. The woods were very much alive with creatures large and small. I had dreams that my food bag was being demolished by the critters. Thankfully that was just a dream, although it didn't sound like it at times.Tonight I am nestled in between two trees and downed branches to shelter my little tent from critters passing through.Any way, onward to today's happenings. I continued my moose hunt today as I have done every day. I am on a mission to see one in Maine! There was plenty of poop once again many pine forests, bogs and ponds. Surely there has got to be a moose somewhere!The ponds are always so beautiful. They are so pristine with rocky shorelines. I get a sense of peace when walking by and through them. The day started out misty and that added another layer of mystic and beauty. The shoreline has also become very colorful as yellow, green and red leaves painted the perimeter. Smoky gray clouds blew through above with some white cottony clouds and the water was a brilliant shade of blue below. It was a feast for the eyes.Eventually the day cleared, the sun came out to play and I basked on some rocks by Jo Mary Rd., soaked my feet and had a delightful lunch break munching on gorp. It warmed up enough so that I was back hiking in shorts and a tee shirt. But all good things must come to an end and at some point it began to rain off and on throughout the rest of the afternoon.By the time we stopped for the day the rain had stopped, the clouds were blowing through and the sunset on the horizon was briefly pink while the trees sang their melody. The brook is gurgling, the loons have bee calling and the squirrels carrying about with their usual chatter.My feet are numb and throbbing. My body is sore and tired from another long day hiking. The end of the 100 mile wilderness is in sight and we are on a mad dash to get to Abol bridge for food! My food is dwindling and I'm getting tired of eating Clif bars but glad to have the food. We still have yet to see a glimpse of Katahdin and somehow I don't think I'll see it until I climb it. The mosquitoes have also come out to play and one seems rather fascinated with my ear.Despite all of that I love it out here. There is no where I'd rather be. And thanks to Messy's wonderful eyes we finally got to see a moose today! She was feeding on the edge of a pond. She just stood there staring at here while she seemed to be staring as us as she munched. We just stood watching her for quite a while, was very beautiful to see her just be. That is one picture I'll have in my mind forever.It's 7:30pm and it's lights out time. So grateful for the company I have. I wonder where Hobbit is?
Date: 2014-09-16
From: Caratunk

To: Monson
Miles today: 17.9
Weather: broken clouds

In which I get to ford 3 streams.Last night was the most beautiful night I've experienced on the trail to date. The sunset was gorgeous, the wildlife awesome and the loons most spectacular of them all. I have never heard anything more beautiful in all my life. The symphony of loons calling from every side of the pond was simply amazing. I've never heard the range of sounds I heard. It was so hauntingly beautiful, simply beyond words. One loon would call, then another would chime in followed by more. Their sounds would crescendo then stop abruptly only to resume in another 10 minutes or so. This was fantastic! I was having a hard time falling asleep so I just laid there and listened to this sweet music forever.I was awakened at 0400 to the pitter patter of rain drops on my tent. Thankfully it was a very gentle, spitting rain not a downpour. Which meant I didn't have to pack up a wet tent. Yay!This morning was a relatively flat walk. This afternoon was a little more rolling. There were a few ups and downs. Today's excitement came in the form of stream/river crossings, three as a matter of fact. For the first crossing I took of my shoes, tied them to my pack and put on my crocs to tip toe across the stream. In hind sight I realize that probably wasn't necessary but better safe than sorry.The last two crossings were knee deep and definitely work crossing. The second river had a rope strung across it. I tried using the rope for leverage but found it easier to just use my trekking poles and wade my way across slowly. So that was my strategy for the third and final crossing for today.I caught up with Messy and Lost Boy after the second crossing today. We strategized a bit about heading into the 100 mile Wilderness. I decided to zero tomorrow and rest up before the final push to the end. Which means tonight I'm going to Lily Bay SP to camp with my folks.It's another beautiful park and I get to camp right on the water. The sound of the water lapping up on shore and the melody from the loons has provided awesome music in which to drift off to sleep. Fires from the neighboring camp sites are crackling, the stars are shining brightly and all is right in the world. I am savoring each and every one of these beautiful nights.As I was hiking into Monson I was dreaming of a burger with blue cheese. Guess what I had for dinner? Yup, a bacon, blue burger, sooooo awesome. My parents were doing more trail magic of sodas and cookies and hanging out with Rowdy, Race Walker, Hobbit, Lost Boy and Messy.It's now my most favorite time of the day. I'm all snuggled up in my toasty quilt listening to the beautiful sounds around me. There's no where I'd rather be.
Date: 2014-09-18
From: Monson

To: Stealth
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: scattered clouds

In which I have less than 100 miles to hike!I must say I enjoyed a bed and a TV last night although after a while the TV just became annoying noise and I had to turn it off. Breakfast this morning was fantastic. I sat in the lounge area and had a cup of coffee with Lost Boy, Messy and Hobbit. That was delish and a great start to my day. Then breakfast which began with 2 blueberry pancakes, then 2 eggs, 2 pieces of bacon, sausage, hash browns and oj. Yum!!! I was so stuffed and it was a great way to not only start my day but also to start the 100 mile wilderness. My belly was full.I got a ride back to the trail and was hiking by 0815. My goal was to hike 15 miles and I am happy to say that goal was accomplished. The first half of the day I walked around 3 beautiful ponds all without moose might I add. The terrain was up and down rocks of granite, then mud and roots then more rocks. It was pretty fun too, nothing too strenuous and a few views.I forded 3 rivers of them Big Wilson was the most intense with fast currents and water over my knees. I have to say that the cold water felt pretty good and revived my feet and legs briefly. The afternoon saw a climb up then down, a walk through a boulder field and patches of rocky trail. It ended with another river crossing and a lovely camping site on the river's edge which provided awesome white noise while I drifted off to sleep.I'm camping with LB and M who got a fire going which is great because it's a little chilly. It's great to have wonderful company tonight and have a great first day in the wilderness. I'm a happy camper sitting in my bed with my down coat on all wrapped up in my quilt. The river is so soothing to listen to, my belly is full for now, I'm off of my feet and grateful for every moment I have out here. I'm going to bed with a smile on my face.
Date: 2014-09-19
From: baxter peak

To: Past Iron Mtn. road
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: clear sky

In which I pass the 2100 marker.Today was a lovely day in which I was either hiking up or down, not flat. There were many little mountains with rock wall walks. The forest was very green with ferns abounding, some yellow from the ever changing color of the leaves and more green from the moss covering the rocks, trees and logs. It also smelled like Christmas in spots where the pine needles laid a nice trail. There were ridge walks with nice views of the forest below and signs of fall impending. The green forest was splattered with reds and yellows. The ponds were also a brilliant royal blue color sparkling in the sun light and painted with the reflection of the white clouds above. The sun was shining but only appeared briefly under the green canopy of the forest.I didn't see anyone all day until this evening after we set up camp. Hammer joined us and it's been a steady parade of hikers passing by on their way to the camping area before our morning river crossing. What I hear is that after tomorrow the hard hiking is down....until Katahdin. Time will tell that. The trees continued to sing today as I hiked by which sometimes was rather eeiry. The squirrels were chattering and fresh moose poop littered the trail, but still no moose.It was a fun, relatively stress free day of hiking. I didn't feel terribly rushed and enjoyed each moment because I know that they are numbered. It was really cold this morning 38*. I could even see my breath once I started hiking. As I sit in my tent ready for bed I have to guess it is about the same temperature as this morning. The river is providing great white noise for the second night in a row. I hit another milestone today in the form of the 2100 mile marker! I also did what seems to be my new usual, I hiked for 10 hrs. Get up, eat, walk, eat, sleep, repeat! I love it! I'm also a little sore tonight and happy to be off my feet. There is a big river crossing in the morning and it's a little weird to hear an occasional car drive down this road we're near seems so wrong. I'm outta here!
Date: 2014-09-21
From: Stealth

To: Dear brook
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: few clouds

In which we had a successful moose hunt.Let me just say that today was another long day. I am stealth camping by a brook which is overflow for a moosey looking bog/swamp and hopefully won't have any uninvited guests, aka moose, wandering through camp tonight. Let me also just say that last night was quite an adventure as I hope tonight will not be. The woods were very much alive with creatures large and small stirring. I had dreams of my food bag being demolished and polished off by the critters. Thankfully that did not happen and I hope for the same tonight. My tent is nestled in between trees and downed branches or more appropriately logs. I am somewhat sheltered or protected from creatures plowing through, or at least I will hear them as them come barreling through.Anyway, onward. My moose hunt continues today, everyday for that matter, until I see a moose in Maine. There was plenty of evidence of their existence all day. There was poop in the pine forests, poop in the bogs and around the many ponds. The ponds are always so beautiful. They are so pristine and quiet and peaceful and wonderful with shorelines that abound with rocks that make a lovely sound as water cascades against them. It's been rainy and misty and that adds another layer of mystic to the already gorgeous landscape which is now a little colorful from the changing leaves. The shoreline was also painted a radiant yellow and brilliant red and green from the leaves. The smoky gray sky was dotted with white clouds and the blue waters reflected this. It was a feast for the eyes.The day began cloudy, then cleared and by lunch time the sun came out to play. We took advantage of the sun and had a lovely lunch on the rocks along the river by Mary Jo Road. I soaked my feet, ate some GORP, and thoroughly enjoyed the warm sunshine. It was even warm enough to hike in shorts again.Soon after lunch the sun retreated and it began to rain on and off for the remainder of the day. As we were walking by another pond we did our usual stop and scan the pond for moose. Success! This time Messy spotted a female on the far side of the pond grazing in the waters. She just looked up at us and stared. We did the same at her and tried to get pictures without scaring her off. It was really cool to just be still and watch her. Still can't believe we finally saw one! Yeah for Messy's good eyes! By the time I quit hiking around 5:30pm the rain had stopped, the clouds had blown through and the sunset on the horizon was briefly pink. Now the trees are singing and rustling in the gentle breeze. I also hear water gurgling and a loon off in the distance. The squirrels have even stopped chattering.My feet are numb and throbbing and my whole body is tired. The end is in sight and we are on a mad dash to get there. We also have yet to see a glimpse of Katahdin as it has been hidden by clouds. Our food is dwindling, I'm finally tired of eating bars and am ready for some real food. It's 7:30 and lights out for the night. I'm so grateful for the company I have!
Date: 2014-09-24
From: katahdin streams

To: baxter peak
Miles today: 5.2
Weather: overcast clouds

DONE!Much more to come....will be filling in the blanks soon.In which this journey comes to a successful, joyous, melancholy and wonderful beyond words completion!We all set our watches for 0600 this morning. Messy, Lost boy and I had a wonderful night in the leanto. Thank heavens for the tarp over the front of it. It kept us much warmer as the wind was blowing as the rain was falling. I'm surprised I slept as well as I did considering my anticipation, trepidation and excitement about climbing Katahdin. U also was a little anxious about meeting up with my uncle in the morning.The three of us got up and out quickly. I ate my breakfast ( a huge cinnamon roll-one last binge) and took my carnation instant breakfast and coffee to go. I put my extra gear in my black garbage bag and threw it over my shoulder. I felt like Santa delivering the goods as we walked to the ranger's station to leave our extra gear. We passed Pizaaz on the way there and she said there was a man looking for me. Cool. I spotted his van in the parking area and wondered if that was my uncle, it was! He beat us to the Ranger's station! I dropped off my gear and signed the book, "Let's do this!". Back to the leanto to strap on our packs one last time for this journey. It felt really weird to be carrying a pack so light. It also was great to be finishing this journey with my beloved pack that has become part of my being. The four of us left leanto #12 and started our 5.2 mile journey up Baxter peak via the Hunt trail. LB and Messy hiked on. Then I met up with Hobbitt and Shep crossing Katahdin Stream. So Hobbitt and I hiked on while Shep and Jon followed. The first 2 miles were rather nice, much better than I was expecting.
Date: 2014-03-03
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: snow

Well the decision has been made. I will re-start the trail just before Harper's Ferry where I had to get off due to injury and ultimately the passing of my Mom. I'm looking at a start date of June 1. My body has healed up to the point I feel comfortable with my decision. Technically, when I complete the trail (NOBO), it won't be classified as a true thru-hike, but my lifetime goal was to hike the whole trail. So I guess I'm aiming to be a 2000 miler!A lot has happened since I got off the trail. I jumped back into work with Awesome Wife. Were both realtors and work as a team. My Mom passed away but I was blessed to be able to spend some good time with her at the end. When I had to make the decision to leave the trail due to injury, I kept praying and asking why? Now I know why everything happened as it did. To heal physically, and emotionally, and to spend time with my Mom. Once I realized all of this, my disappointment at not being able to continue abated, and I found peace.So why re-start in June? Well, my daughter is going to give us a grand-daughter in May and I wouldn't miss that for anything! Her family lives in Virginia so logistically it really worked out well. They only live about 3 hours from Harper's Ferry so after she delivers I will be ready to start. Awesome Wife, my best friend of 35 years, is so supportive of my dream and really has been awesome in encouraging and supporting this effort! I knew she would support me if I wanted to try this crazy hike again. Just the other day, I asked in all seriousness, what she thought? She told me I needed to finish and she would totally support my efforts!! I even asked, if I got to Kathadin and wanted to flip back to Harper's Ferry (SOBO) to Springer, to complete a thru-hike what would she think? Again, she said, do it! I feel so blessed to have an Awesome Wife! Thus the name, for those wondering!So having said all that, my preparation continues. I do feel so much more experienced and more knowledgeable of what to expect. I'm sure I will continue to learn though. I do know I will be starting with a lot less pack weight! I will smell the roses more, listen to my body, slow down when needed. I can't thank enough the 2013ers I hiked and made friends with. I learned so much! I was so proud of the 2013ers who were able to summit Kathadin and those that weren't. I feel I made some life-long friends and enjoy staying in touch with so many. I'll never forget the weather in March we endured and the time spent!I look forward to meeting the 2014's, and wish everybody good luck. Remember, HYOH! See you on the trail!50/50
Date: 2014-05-26
From: Front Royal

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Well two days before I start my journey North! Hanging with Awesome Wife for two days in Front Royal. Just taking it easy after 2 weeks with daughters family and new grand baby girl! We had lots of fun and now just relaxing, supplying, and getting emotionally ready! Temps hit about 90 today. Hope it cools down a little while I get my trail legs in shape! I'm really looking forward to all the trail has to offer as I head North. Checking out TJ's and seeing where everyone is and who I might run into. I look forward to meeting fellow hikers. I made such great friends last year and hope to again this year.Going to drive over to where I got off last year and just locate the spot to start from and give out some trail magic! I feel much more prepared, and certainly will be starting with a lighter pack! No winter gear to haul! Yeah, and no snow and ice to deal with, hopefully!!I hope to journal as much as possible, not sure about cell service as I get further North. I had great service through the 1st half. I appreciate all the prayers and encouragement I have received and will try and respond as much as possible to the e-mails. More to come! 50/50
Date: 2014-05-28
From: Ashby Gap

To: Morgan Mill Stream
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: broken clouds

Well I'm back!! Excited to be back on trail and heading North! Awesome Wife (AW) dropped me off at the trail about 10am. Very hard to walk away from her and I had tears in my eyes for about an hour. No! Not crying, tears!! Ha! I knew I was crazy to start in an area called the "Roller Coaster"! But, this is where I got off last year, and where I needed to re-start. The first 2 hours were really tough and my legs were on fire! I can't wait to get my trail legs back. Hopefully it won't take 500 miles this time. Several hours later I decided to stop before the storm rolled in. Thunder, Lightening, and Rain: Oh my! Got my tent set up before it soaked everything. All in all, a good first day. Good Night!
Date: 2014-05-29
From: Morgan Mill Stream

To: Bears Den Hostel
Miles today: 6.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Rained all day! The temps were cool and made for comfortable hiking. I was soaked all day so just kept hiking. The trail had some big ups and downs but even though it was harder, I felt better today. I headed to Bears Den Hostel, a rather famous place on the trail, owned by the ATC. Got a shower, did laundry, ate a pizza, coke, and a pint of ice cream! All for thirty bucks! Excellent!Met several 2014 thru-hikers, Rosie, Marshal Art, 19, and several others. Feels a little strange not knowing anybody this year, but enjoyed hanging out. We sat around after eating and watched TV!! Yep, a video on the AT!! Plan on getting started around 9 tomorrow and make it half way to Harper's Ferry. The weather is supposed to be dry. Anyways, I'm whipped so I'll sign off for now.50/50 Out!
Date: 2014-05-30
From: Bears Den Hostel

To: stealth camp
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Bears Den Hostel was great, Met several other hikers and just relaxed after a grueling rain soaked day. Started day hiking with Gray Ghost and 19. After several miles and a stop in Blackburn Trail ATC for lunch, I met and started hiking with a section hiker from MA named Joe. Enjoyed talking to him and after a few minutes planning we decided to stretch the daily miles to get to a store for a burger! we also met up with Marshal Art who I had met on day 1. We told him our plan and he said he was all in too! Off we went. Only planned a 15 mile day but ended up doing about 21 after blue blazes and getting turned around for over a mile total! 1st wrong turn! think 50/50! Ha! After stop at store we hiked 2 more miles to stealth camp and leave us only 5 miles into Harper's Ferry. Met Cowboy and Cromwell, an Engishman. Enjoyed talking and meeting new hikers. Bed at 10 pm, way passed hiker midnight. Trail Thoughts; it has been a little strange explaining to other hikers when they ask when I started my thru-hike. At first I would explain that I started last March but had to get off for injury and Mothers condition. Got off at Front Royal in June. Now restarting where I got off to continue my thru-hike. After several questions from section hikers or day hikers, I finally decided it was just easier to say I started in March. Not trying to deceive people but the thru-hikers I've met understand and say, hey, your still hiking the entire trail just doing it 50/50. So now there saying my trail name is really appropriate! 50% last year, and 50% this year! 50/50 Out!
Date: 2014-05-31
From: stealth camp

To: Harper's Ferry
Miles today: 3.5
Weather: light rain

Finally, Harper's Ferry! The psychological half way point! Only took 14 months but I'm here. Well actually about 3 months hiking time to be clear.I feel gratitude and blessed to get to do this awesome adventure. I couldn't do this without the support of (AW) and family. Especially being able to do this a second year. I feel so much more prepared mentally and hopefully physically. So far my Achilles tendon is just a little sore but I'm taking every precaution and stretching etc.. I also feel so much more at peace and just relaxed about everything this year. I don't feel the rush or worry about time restrictions because I've given myself plenty of time to get to Maine. It's also nice to start with better weather and no winter weight gear to carry. I'm still working on fine tuning my pack weight, and hope to have this figured out before Maine!After getting my picture taken at the ATC my brother Donnie and his family picked me up for a zero tomorrow. It's really convenient that they live in HP. 50/50
Date: 2014-06-02
From: Brother's House

To: Dahlgren Tent Camp
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: clear sky

Harpers Ferry To Dahlgren Camp. 18 miles West Virginia done! Now in Maryland.Harpers Ferry is a cool historic town. Walked the streets before heading out. The John Brown uprising was here.The weather was great today and the trail followed a river and a Rail Road carrying WV coal. Of course the trail went up and hit some rocky sections especially when I crossed into Maryland! Yes! Another State down. Met up with (Right Here) and hiked awhile with him. He is retired military also. Seems to be a few of us. Made it to Dahlgren Tent Camp around 7:30 pm and set up camp! What a place, great tent areas and had a hot shower and actual porcelin toilets!! Woo Hoo! The woods smelled great! Honey suckle and pine needles! Very little good water sources but still a hard, fun day! Off to sleep! 50/50