morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-08-15
From: Bemis Mountain Lean-to

To: Little Swift River Pond Campsite
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: few clouds

Slow start this morning both because it was cold & my cut hurt bad. Once I got walking the cut didn't seem to be slowing me down a lot (the mud does though!) Crossed Bemis Stream (fun! I like river crossings) Got to campsite early so enjoyed a nice quiet pond with Zima. Great water source too! First Aid people out there - I promise, I'm doing everything right to heal my cut & prevent infection (or at least the best I can considering the large amounts of MUD on this trail)
Date: 2014-08-17
From: Redington Campsite

To: South Branch Carrabassett campsite
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: broken clouds

Woohoo! 15+ miles again - FINALLY!! A whole day of hiking. I'm about 1 mile behind the group of friends I want to summit with (on purpose... better tent spot if I stay a mile behind them, haha) I was also ready to be warm & dry. Rained on and off most of the day - BUT I did get to see a glance of the sun, so hopeful for tomorrow? Also exciting... we hit LESS THAN 200 MILES left today!!
Date: 2014-08-18
From: South Branch Carrabassett campsite

To: Stratton, ME
Miles today: 8.4
Weather: moderate rain

Slept in a little. Hiked Crocker Mountains and on the way down saw ZigZag! She is finishing Maine right now with Kebban, who gave me a ride into Stratton and told me about Tom, a trail angel that lets hikers stay at his house. Zima got spoiled rotten there!
Date: 2014-08-19
From: Stratton, ME

To: Little Bigelow Lean to
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: light rain

Started the day with ZigZag & Kebban, but left them when we started heading up the mountain. Stopped for a snack at an awesome view and was joined by two day hikers. Took an hour break, hiked to lean-to where Bagger & Kebban caught up, took ANOTHER hour break. Finally saw Mother Earth, said hi, but it was getting late, so headed on the the shelter. Got to the shelter late, but Digger & Hollywood were there with sparklers to celebrate hitting the 2000 mile mark today! Also, there was a family there and the mom was a nurse and really helped me clean my cut on my leg and bandaged it up really good. She said 50/50 whether I will need to go in for antibiotics when I get to Monson.
Date: 2014-08-20
From: Little Bigelow Lean to

To: Pierce Pond Lean to
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: light rain

Woke up around 630am and I was the last thru hiker left in camp! Only the family was still there. Rose (9 year old) played frisbee with Zima while I packed up. GREAT trail for most of the day! (some muddy spots) but overall, wow! Haven't seen trail like this in a long time! Tried to limit my breaks all day knowing it was a 17.7 mile hike to the shelter. Success! I got in at 5pm - very relaxing, right on the lake.
Date: 2014-08-21
From: Pierce Pond Lean to

To: Moxie Bald Mtn. Lean to
Miles today: 22.8
Weather: broken clouds

Whew! What a day! Rode the ferry (canoe) in the A.M. and then caught up to Digger & met Oops. Hiked with the two of them and Bear Bag all day. Different experience to hike WITH people all day. Got in before dark and feeling good, so it is on to Monson tomorrow!
Date: 2014-08-22
From: Moxie Bald Mtn. Lean to

To: Monson, ME
Miles today: 14.6

Hiked into Monson! Last town before the end (except for Millinocket if I decide to go in) THREE river fords today - so much fun! They are my favorite Leap frogged with the same hikers all day which is also my favorite way to hike - I see people all day, but never feel the pressure of other people's plans.
Date: 2014-08-24
From: Wilson Valley Lean-to

To: Chairback Gap Lean to
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Morning went by quick, river crossing, two long breaks with Hollywood & Oops. Afternoon dragged and I just felt so slow (even though I was still hiking my normal pace) But the last 3 miles weren't that bad. I think the velcro on Zima's pack is worn out because even smaller ups & downs are making it get off balance.
Date: 2014-08-25
From: Chairback Gap Lean to

To: Logan Brook Lean to
Miles today: 17.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Comin' down Chairback was tough. The river crossing was shallow and easy. Zima walked across. Slow and steady gradual uphill all the way to the first shelter. Last 7.2 miles were GREAT trail! STEPS on both sides of White Cap Mountain AND we saw KATAHDIN!! At the shelter that night, Chance & Pocket caught up.
Date: 2014-08-27
From: Antlers Campsite

To: Rainbow Stream Lean to
Miles today: 21.7
Weather: light rain

Last big day hiking and...WE SAW A MMMOOOOOOOOSSSSEEEEEE!!!! Zima went CRAZY!! She jumped in the water and started swimming out to CATCH it!!! Yikes! Good thing she listened when I called her back.I'm so happy I got to see a moose in Maine, I was starting to give up. I feel like my hike is complete.Hiked with Chance, Pocket, and Oops all day.
Date: 2014-08-30
From: Millinocket, ME

To: The Birches Lean to & Campsite
Miles today: 10.2
Weather: scattered clouds

EASY EASY EASY hike. 10.2 miles and we hiked it in under 4 hours.Checked in at Katahdin Stream Campground - Zima and I are hiker #378 & #379 to summit this year.
Date: 2014-08-31
From: The Birches Lean to & Campsite

To: Katahdin
Miles today: 5.2
Weather: broken clouds

WE MADE IT!! ALL THE WAY TO THE TOP OF MOUNT KATAHDIN!!AND IT WAS A TOUGH CLIMB. ZIMA NEEDED HELP GETTING UP SOME OF THE ROCK LEDGES AND THE TRAIL JUST NEVER SEEMED TO END! IT WAS COLD, WINDY, AND RAINY - A GOOD WAY TO END A FIVE MONTH HIKE.HEADING BACK DOWN THE MOUNTAIN MY MIND COULDN'T STOP WONDERING, "WHAT IF I JUST KEPT WALKING SOUTH..." HMM... BUT I KNOW AS SOON AS I HIT A MOUNTAIN OR MUD I WOULD CHANGE MY MIND, SO I STOPPED AT KSC AND WENT INTO MILLINOCKET AGAIN FOR THE NIGHT AND AM DONE WITH MY HIKE (ALMOST... I STILL HAVE 74 MILES IN THE SMOKY MOUNTAINS TO HIKE NEXT WEEK!)
Date: 2014-09-13
From: Green Corner Road

To: Cosby Knob Shelter
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: overcast clouds

First day back hiking after a two week break - WOW! I hurt. And it was so awkward to use my trekking poles! My muscles just ached the whole 10 miles.Mother Earth dropped me off around 2pm so had to keep moving so we could get up to the first shelter before dark - BIG climb into the Smokies! but then ridgeline walking once we got up to 5000+ feet in elevation.
Date: 2014-09-14
From: Cosby Knob Shelter

To: Icewater Spring Shelter
Miles today: 20.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 2 in Smokies - rain. again. (yea, it rained the first day too even though I forgot to type that)I was ready to be done with trail, so really I just kept walking south (it felt so weird to walk SOUTH!)Stayed the night at a shelter with a family out for their first backpacking trip - a 4 year old and a 6 year old! Good for them!
Date: 2014-09-15
From: Icewater Spring Shelter

To: Derrick Knob Shelter
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: light rain

Walking. Walking. Walking. More walking. I'm sooo done with this thru hike... but that doesn't mean that I haven't already thought about next summer - maybe I'll hike the Superior Hiking Trail in Northern MN...Newfound Gap - got a picture by the North Carolina/Tennessee border signCligmans Dome - highest point on the AT! (it's all downhill from here - ish)Got in to the shelter late (and wet, because did I mention it RAINED today) - Right when I walked in somebody said, "Shelter is pretty full... should've woke up earlier" - Not sure who it was that said that because I really wasn't paying attention too much - just wanted to go get water and then get dry. Anyway, whoever it was I'm sure felt a little guilty when I did start talking to people and they all found out that 1. I just hiked from GA-ME and 2. I just hiked 21 miles that day (of course I am not going to be able to get in to the shelter earlier than 7pm)
Date: 2014-09-16
From: Derrick Knob Shelter

To: My Car (Fontana Dam)
Miles today: 22.7
Weather: broken clouds

Last day in the Smoky Mountains! Woo-hoo! DONE!! ... kinda, I'll admit, I still have 1.5 miles from the Fontana Dam Visitor's Center to the Marina to still hike, but I figure Zima will want to go for a walk in the morning anyway, so we are going to walk those in the morning.Slept in my car tonight... I counted it as a "hostel" - roof, shower at the Visitor's Center, dinner at a restaurant - overall, a pretty comfortable night.
Date: 2014-02-27
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

This is my first entry in my plan of thru hiking in 2014. Not sure of exact departure date but end of March is the timeframe. I am about to be jobless, homeless, no car...pretty much the exact opposite that society tells me I am supposed to be. I do have great kids, and a lot of backpacking gear so I think I will be just fine! I have thought of this hike for many years and the time has finally come...the emotions I am feeling are numerous. Excitement is building along with my gear pile. I will talk about all this more in future entries. One month to go and I still almost have trouble believing it. I was given the trail name Rocket several years ago, but it has nothing to do with my current hiking position so I will let a new name come my way when I start.
Date: 2014-03-01
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I have weighed 95% of the gear I have and I should be able to start with a base weight of 27-28 lbs! I am pleased with that. I have been debating on switching to alcohol stove, but can't decide if about one pound is worth another expense. I have to order a pot, decide on my water carrying plan, make my first aid kit, get a shirt, food shop and get some para cord. I am debating on carrying an umbrella as well. I am almost ready for the filling of the pack. I am starting with my internal pack, I would love to get a new lightweight pack but can't pull the $275 trigger for that. So I'll do with my internal for now. I have an external that is very comfortable but very heavy as well. About 26 days til I head to Georgia!!!
Date: 2014-03-02
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I love talking to people about gear. While looking for a pot, the guy in CA tells me about a water filter company in MN and wow!!! Check it out at rapidpure.net because these filters are pretty awesome looking. I am going to go with a bag setup they offer and it should easily save me over a pound and NO pumping! Plus one filter should last the whole AT...I hope! More to come...
Date: 2014-03-06
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Well the search for a pot has ended. After almost pulling the titanium $60 trigger, I stopped and went with a pot from the Goodwill store along with a pan. Sizes were good, I filed off the factory handle support and will order a $3.99 aluminum grabber handle. Brings total weight for these pieces to 14 oz and total investment in the pot,lid,pan,handle to $8 and some change! My pack weight is really good so I opted to save $50 and carry a few extra ounces. Gear needed is down to a shirt, tent stakes, make a pot cozee, possibly an umbrella,ground cloth and to put my first aid/med kit together. Tent should arrive tomorrow. Exciting!
Date: 2014-03-09
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

All of my gear is purchased. I will load my pack soon and plan a couple hikes to test everything. I am more than happy with my base weight. It is less than I thought it would be, but I will refrain from posting it currently. This will be my last week of work which is a weird thought. I haven't been without a job since I was 16, except for a few weeks after exiting the Navy. A couple good things are that I live 15 minutes from the trail in Virginia and my kids will visit a few times as I make my way to Virginia, but I am hating the thoughts of not seeing them for a few weeks at a time. We will tough it though. All three kids are starting lacrosse season and I am REALLY hating that I won't get to see their seasons. I will see a couple games before leaving and am planning to make a tournament in May. I am going to post my gear list soon, oh let the critiquing begin lol. Ok enough of the randomness for today. Time is drawing near!
Date: 2014-03-13
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

I am almost at a loss for words as the day draws near to leave. As I contemplate leaving work and hiking, it almost seems impossible that I am actually doing it. Maybe this is a dream... Couple gear changes at the end of prep time, was sent the wrong water bag so that has to go back. Prob will change pots after all and switched from pants to shorts. It's very windy right now here, two days ago it's 65' almost 70' and now it's freezing!
Date: 2014-03-14
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Just read some of Animal's journals, very interesting and I am looking forward to meeting him along the trail hopefully. Some good advice there for avoiding the suck into long periods of town. Did a camp out in the yard last night and intentionally slept 'cold' to get an idea of my bag capabilities and was pleased. Less than two weeks til heading to Springer. May just take a bus, not sure yet. Tomorrow is the last day of work...bittersweet.
Date: 2014-03-15
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Well, the notice is given at work. A few days and my replacement will be in place and I will be done. I had been at my job for 14 years and 2 months. I hate to leave the people I have managed and taken care of for so long, but...my dream calls! Had lunch with a friend from work today and shared some laughs. We will meet again at the Homeplace in Catawba when I pass there. I am from Virginia so I won't get the Virginia blues as they say, I love that the largest part of the trail runs through my state!!! It means easier access to family and friends for me. I think it will be a great help knowing I will be able to get to see folks and visit as I am hiking through home. Only about 9 days til I head to Georgia -WOW!!!
Date: 2014-03-23
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

A busy weekend of lacrosse and daughter's birthday. Some work friends had a send off gathering at Buffalo Wild Wings this weekend as well. Only one week and I will be in Georgia. My dad anda friend will be driving me down, things are coming together nicely! The gear needs will continue, but before leaving I have to get a new headlamp, a waterbag and I am switching water filters. Base weight is 24lbs. I am happy with that for now. I may put a couple things in a drop box to see if I really want them after a few days. I am psyched and ready to roll.
Date: 2014-03-24
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

I got some stuff moved out of my place today. Hope to get the rest tomorrow and then clean it up Wednesday and then just hang with kids a few nights until I head to Georgia Sunday! I packed the pack last night and was very happy that everything went nicely inside. Got a few pieces of gear to pick up tomorrow or Wednesday then I have to food shop on Thursday or Friday. On Wednesday I am doing about an hour presentation at my youngest son's class of my pack and talk about the hike. I am giving them a map to follow me on the trail and trailjournals site until school is over. I hope I plant a seed in one of their heads to hike the AT one day!
Date: 2014-03-27
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

The presentation to my son's class went great! As kids asked questions and I asked them questions, they would raise hands. Afterwards my son said, "dad I knew all the answers". I have talked enough about the trail so I was glad it had sunk in lol. I had lunch with a couple work friends yesterday and I will miss all my work folks a lot! I have been with them for 14 years and 2months. They are just like family. I will miss you guys. Today is the first official jobless day for me for a long time. Often I would have 2 or 3 jobs over the years, now just one-hike! Lots to do today - load some rock to clear the driveway, clean some windows for a friend, clean out apartment and clean carpet so I can turn over keys, go to lowes to buy some pipe stuff for a quick, hopefully, repair to a drain pipe, then this evening some lax games with the kids. Hopefully all will flow well today so tomorrow isn't as packed. I do have lunch tomorrow with a friend who I hope may be able to help with the job situation upon return to normal life. Base weight on pack is setting at 22.5 lbs. yes it know some will say too much, but I am essentially happy with it. I will eliminate what I don't use as I start hiking and as it gets warmer some things will be eliminated I still am debating changes filters which will save me about 10oz. I have to return some gear today or tomorrow so I will likely just swap it for the Sawyer filter I was looking at.i find it unreal almost and a bit emotionally overwhelming that in three days I will leave for Georgia and the next day wake up to hike! It has been a long time coming for sure. Oh...I still have to go food shopping, likely tomorrow. Well it's time to start the hustle for today. The 3,2,1 is officially on!!!
Date: 2014-03-28
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Well...job-over, apartment-done, vehicle-gone...not much left to do but walk. Honestly, it is overwhelming at moments and I have wondered why am I doing this, but I know that it is just doubt creeping in...push it away! I am super excited in the same breath though. Tomorrow is the food shop and pack one final time then it is just taking the first step. We'll there is a drive to Georgia, but that is easy-doesn't require walking. Now I am just relaxing with my kids and have been watching some lacrosse. My oldest son's team gave a solid beating to Salem tonight! Awesome! Our boys played skillfully tonight and avoided the lure into dirty play-great job guys! It's funny how today I have a sore big toe! Why? I wouldn't know but I don't like it! I know that more than warm bed, hot showers,etc. I will miss hugs from my kids the most! Okay, enough random thoughts for the night. One day to go!
Date: 2014-03-29
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

Okay...how do you describe the feeling of excitement with a side of desire to puke, nervousness, happiness, eagerness etc...lol. I got it all! In 15 hours I head to Georgia and a day later I start the hike that I have thought of for almost 14 years! Holy smokes! I just find it hard to grasp it is almost reality. Is it bad I still have to go food shop and it's after 9pm? Tonight I had a good family dinner :-) I am just spending time with the kids before heading out and trying to squeeze in my errands. Had to fix a basement pipe today...ugh I hate plumbing! I like most projects but plumbing is my arch nemesis! I am excited to meet other hikers on Monday. Okay I'm gonna wrap it up for now. Georgia here I come!
Date: 2014-03-30
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Wow! It is 4:21 am and I just packed my pack for the last time. I will not unpack it until I camp for first night. According to my calculations, if I were to fill all water bottles, my pack will be 36lbs. That is food for 4.5 days and full water capacity. New insoles in the boots and new shoelaces. I need to make my food drop for Neels Gap. Also have to put leftover gear that I may need later in a box so I can have stuff mailed to me as needed. How I am awake right now?...I can only credit the 'night before a trip' syndrome. I get it whenever I am going on a big trip. Symptoms include staying up late instead of sleeping, packing and repacking bags, trying to maintain focus yet unable to avoid sitting down and watching tv,etc... Sitting down to type this kicked in the yawns, that didn't take long lol. My last night at home and I will barely sleep, guess that is fitting for the day before the start of a huge adventure. I will be northbound in approx 30 hours!
Date: 2014-03-30
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light snow

In just a few minutes I will head to Georgia. It will be about 7 hrs. I am from an area in Virginia that is surrounded by small mountains and we are nestled in the valley. We'll now it is time to leave the valley and walk along the ridge top! I said the goodbyes to everyone this morning. I got to see my daughter join a new church before I leave today so it's a good day! EXCITEMENT! NERVOUSNESS! Let's get this hike started so I can get new emotions lol. More later!
Date: 2014-03-31
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Im in Georgia and eating breakfast. Heading to Amicola Falls in next hour or so. Not long til the adventure begins! I want to thank everyone, family, friends for everything and for your thoughts and prayers. Noone can do a hike without all the help. Ok im going to update as able. Next entry on the trail! Phoebe, Caleb and Sam - I love you!
Date: 2014-03-31
From: Amicola Falls State Park Visitors Center

To: Springer Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: few clouds

T Today is the start of what will surely be a life changing journey! My dad and a friend of his, Vern, took me to Georgia and we got up at the hotel at 6am ugh. Got to the state park and weighed my pack 34 lbs. I'm cool with that. Signed in as a thru-hike and took some pics and said goodbye to dad and Vern. Got startedaround 915 and headed up near 600 steps to the top of the waterfall wow! That was alot of steps! Met several other hikers today. Chad and Austin were a nice father and son I met. Got to the top of Springer Mtn and took pics of the plaque of the southern terminus. Went to the shelter area and found a tent spot. I prob won't stay in too many shelters due to mice. I set up everything and ate dinner and we all just sat around in groups talking. Already having to alter plans of mileages due to certain areas and rules on camping in those areas. Plan to do around 12 miles tomorrow. It was a bit unbelievable that I was actually here today! Please sign my guestbook. I would love hearing from everyone. I miss my kids, I am very grateful for my family's support!
Date: 2014-04-01
From: Springer Mountain Shelter

To: Cooper Gap
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: clear sky

Today Sassafras Mountain was a beast! Kicked my butt! I hiked most of day with Chad, Austin, Bama and random others. Pushed on to Cooper Gap even tho it was not listed to have water. Got there and there was an Army water tank trailer there-sweet! Took a bandana bath which was refreshing. Was camped with a guy Jim from Jersey, girl Bama from Alabamaand a 76 yr old guy named Froggy Pete. I got to talk to all 3 kids, I am missing them alot! I need to get a waterbottle harbiner hook for hanging a bottle on my pack strap then i can just fill that from my bigger bottles. Its been warm yesterday and today, even a little sunburn lol.
Date: 2014-04-02
From: Cooper Gap

To: Lance Creek Campsite
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: broken clouds

Left Cooper Gap at 845am and got to Lance Creek at 615pm. Set up on one of few level spits left because there were about 30-35 tents there by end of the evening. Tonight I feel like a whooped dog lol. The miles didn't seem as hard as yesterday but it was still a long day. I am realizing the emotional toil is way worse than the physical toil is on you when you are out here. The physical is tough but food, water and rest take care of the physical. The emotional toil has to be dealt with differently. It takes inner strength to recognize the things that trigger your emotions and resolve to deal with the emotions, but to not let the emotions control you. I know I have to control my emotions! Still barely able to believe I am here! WOW! :-)
Date: 2014-04-03
From: Lance Creek Campsite

To: Neels Gap/Mountain Crossings
Miles today: 7.4

Hat is now mToday we cross Blood Mtn which got its name from an Indian battle that was apparently so brutal the mountain was red from the blood. The climb up wasnt bad and views were awesome but the downhill was brutal and very steep and rocky. Got to Neels Gap which has a hostel/store and got a shower, did laundry and got a pizza. When i gave the guy my name for the pizza, he comes out and says "I got a pizza for Dale Earnhart!" And that is now my drainage 'Earnhart' and since i am used to hearing that even at home, i dig the name.