morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-07-04
From: Hanover, NH

To: Mount Washington, NH
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

1745.2 Miles.   Hanover, NH. (Velvet Rocks ShelterI crossed into New Hampshire today about 2:30 this afternoon. I finally had a day without rain until about 30 minutes ago when it started raining.   Its still raining. This will make the trails wet again tomorrow. I was hoping that my feet would get a chance to dry out because they are a mess from being wet all the time. The toenail on my big toe of my right foot is falling off. It's been black and blue since Virginia and I think it finally died. Got some trail magic on the way into Norwich today.   Short n' Sweet had a cooler with watermelon and cake in front of her house.   THANKS! ! It was great. We had to walk right down through the middle of Hanover to get here. Hanover is a college town.   Dartmouth. Is located here.   I kind of felt like a freak walking past side walk cafes with my pack and smelling as badly as I do. But finally we made our way through town and back up into the mountains to this shelter. It's 9:45 and every town around is setting off fire works. Plus there are 2 section hikers in a near by tent gabbing very loudly like it's the middle of the day. Every one else is trying to sleep. Oh well, they'll get there pay back tomorrow morning about 5 AM when I slam the privy door a few times. I guess the rain and the mosquitos are getting to me. I'll try to update again when I get a better attitude. In the mean time I know one thing that can cheer me up.LET'S GO BUCS!!!!!!Happy TrailsPunkin PieSomewhere on the AT
Date: 2013-07-05
From: Glen Cliff, NH

To: Mount Washington, NH
Miles today: 0.0

1787.2 Miles Glen Cliff, NHWell I'm finally getting into what I wanted, beautiful views from big mountains.Saturday we climbed Smart Mountain and made the summit by noon. We climbed the fire tower and got our first peek at Mt. Washington about 80 or so miles away. We had lunch on the porch of the fire wardens cabin then hiked on to the Hexacuba Shelter for the night. It's a large hexagon shelter about 1000 feet from the base of Mt. Cube. Sorry Fran, no cell service there. Mot and I were the first ones up and we were back on the main trail by 6:00 AM and made the climb up to the summit. It was a spectacular view of the mountains and the fog shrouded valleys below. I got some great pictures then we moved on. Our goal was to make it to Glen Cliff and stay at the Hikers Hostel. We made it here by 3:00 PM and washed our clothes and took a badly needed shower.We also ate well and now we are resting for an early rise tomorrow to make our climb of Mt. Moosilauke. At 4358 feet, it will be one of our biggest climbs for a while. This will be the start of several large mountains with great views as we enter the Presidential Range of the White Mountains. We're only going to carry 3 days of food to stay light. We're going to get off of the trail at Franconia Notch near The Flume. From there we'll hitch into Lincoln, NH to get to an outfitter so I can get a new pair of boots, my third and hopefully last pair for this hike. This pair of Vasque Breeze boots have lasted me over 100 miles. That's amazing. We might even take a nero or a zero there. Mot and I haven't taken a Zero since Vernon, NJ. I have no Wi-Fi service here so I can't upload any pictures. Maybe tomorrow on top of one of the mountains I'll take time to do that.We are starting to run into a lot of south bound thru hikers heading for Georgia. They usually start the first part of June. It really makes me feel better knowing that they have about 1800 miles to go and now we have less than 400 miles to Katahdin. 398.5 to be exact. Getting closer to the goal every day!BEAT EM BUCS!!!Happy TrailsPunkin PieSomewhere on the AT
Date: 2013-07-11
From: Gorham, NH

To: NH/Maine Line
Miles today: 0.0

1887.6 Miles. Gorham, NHSpectacular! Beautiful! Breathtaking!   No, I'm not describing my wife Gloria. Although those words do fit her. I'm describing the Presidential Range of the Whites. From our first summit of Mt. Lincoln, to our last views while climbing down into Pinkham Notch, we were gifted with beautiful clear sunny days and jaw dropping scenery.   I always felt that the Smokies were great with the views of layer after layer of mountains. But here they are right in your face. It seems like you can almost reach out and touch them. We made very good time through here, even when we stopped every half mile to stare in awe at this beautiful mountains.One of the things we wanted to try while went through here was "work for stay" at one of the Appalachian Mountain Club's huts. The huts are run by 5 or 6 college kids at each one. They are called "The Crew". One of them is the "Hutmaster" and is in charge. They usually let 2 thru hikers do some odd jobs in exchange for dinner leftovers and the privilege of sleeping on the dining room floor after the paying guests have went to bed.   We stopped at Zealand Falls hut and got to stay for washing some dishes. On our way up to the summit of Mt. Washington we passed the Lake In The Clouds hut about 8:30 and went in to see if they had any breafast leftovers. They did, and we ate about 3 plates of buckwheat pancakes with juice and coffee in exchange for sweeping the dining room floor. We got to stay at the Madison Spring hut also. We left there early, about 5:15 AM, so we could get over Mt. Madison and down through Pinkhams Notch. When climbed up we were treated to heavy fog and 35 mph winds. We had to tuck our hats in our pockets because we were going to lose them in the wind.Even though this is about my fifth trip to this area, I saw it differently from the back country. When you're right in among all these peaks, it's pretty humbling experience.   I hope to return some day and do a few 3 or 4 day hikes with Gloria.Tonight we are spending the night in a hostel called "The Barn". It's an old 2 story garage right in Gorham. We washed clothes and got re- supplied. Tomorrow we'll hitch back out to the trailhead and head for Maine, about 17 or 18 miles away. Then it's on to the Mahoosic Mountains.   Talking to some of the South bounders, and they are telling us that there are some tough climbs ahead. It doesn't matter, we'll be in Maine, state number 14, and the last state on the trail.Happy TrailsPunkin PieSomewhere on the AT
Date: 2013-07-22
From: Gorham, NH

To: Stratton, ME
Miles today: 0.0

1965.5 Miles. Rangely, MEVery poor service here. This may be short.Made into the Mahoosic mountains and they are just as beutiful as anything we've seen so far. After a long climb out of Gorham we spent the night in a shelter looking forward to crossing into Maine the next day. The following day, when we got to the state line, Paranoid and Sweat were there to meet us. We had lunch together and took some pictures then hiked on. We were looking forward to our next challenge, the famous Mahoosic Notch. The Mahoosic Notch is a very narrow and deep ravine about 1.3 miles long. Over the eons, rocks of every size and shape have broken off of the walls above and have fallen into the notch. Our task was to find our way over, under, around, and through them. The trail is blazed but alternate routes can be found. We had ball scratching our heads and wondering how in the heck are we going to get through there. It took us about 3 hours, but we made it through.   It was really fun. What wasn't fun was climbing up the nearly 3800 foot Mahoosic Arm to get out of there. But, just likse every other big climb so far, we finally made it to the top. Another interesting climb was Baldpate Mountain's west peak. It's a huge granite dome over 3600 feet high. The wind pushed us around pretty badly there, but it was worth it. The view was fantastic. We hitched into Andover to get a couple of days worth of food to get us here where there is an IGA market.From here we're heading for Stratton, or if our food holds out, Caratunk. Then from there it's on to Monson and the "Hundred Mile Wilderness".I don't know what I'll have in the way of internet service from here out, so updates may be few and far between. I do know one thing for sure, 220 miles to Katahdin.Oh yeah, been passing a lot of SOBO through hikers in tbe last week or so. They're all fat and happy.For now.Happy TrailsPunkin PieSomewhere on the AT
Date: 2013-08-29
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Mike Miklic is a friend of mine that will be starting his thru hike on February 26. His trail name is "Springside". He is on Trail Journals. I hope everyone will support him on his journey by way of his guest book. I know he will appreciate it greatly. ThanksPunkin PieP.S. The Long Trail is looking real. Maybe in July. I'll be contacting my Trail Angel friend from Bennington for some help and advice.
Date: 2012-08-31
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Man, where do I begin? I've had a lot going on lately. Took a couple of days off and moved my son into college at Western Carolina and while we were up in the mountains anyway, my wife and I decided to go to Bryson City and ride the Great Smokey Mountain Railway. The train stops at the Natahala Outdoor Center and the conductor warned us that we had a one hour stop and they would leave without us if we weren't back on time. Let's just say we almost started my hike some six months early! And yes, we were the last ones to board. We did look at the tents, backpacks and clothing, but only ended up buying a buff. I saw the hiker box in the store had a lot of rice bags in it (note to self - don't pack a lot of rice!) We also hiked up the AT for a piece in both directions and took some pictures that I will post later. I've also been busy with work and trying to do stuff around the house before I leave so Kathy won't have to worry with it. Trees to cup and split, yard to resow (weeds took over the yard this year), cars that need maintenance, reading all I can about gear, weighing stuff and Trail Journals. Seems lately all I do is put one foot forward and take two stops back, but come March it will be all steps FORWARD!Why stop at the foot of the mountain when you can go to the mountain top!Boo Boo
Date: 2012-09-09
To: Hanging Rock State Park
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Hiked up to the top of Hanging Rock State Park located in Danbury,NC.That was a good hike - felt like it was straight up. Trying to break in my Zamberlan boots and have been told they need at least 100 hours to break them in. I used them on other day hikes they feel good and no blisters or hot spots but they are a bit heavy and can get hot when the temps are above 90 degrees. I'll start with these but may switch to something lighter later on.
Date: 2012-10-19
To: Doughton Park
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Just got back from a hiking/camping trip on the Blue Ridge Parkway at Doughton Park. Hiked to see the Caudill cabin, the only one left after a flood in 1916 and saw several chimneys that are left standing. The trail runs along Basin Creek with 17 creek crossings. My pack weighed 31 pounds and I had no trouble with my gear except the seam on my water filter bag came apart, so I¢ll have to rethink using that on my trip.
Date: 2012-11-11
To: Hanging Rock State Park
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

I tried out my tent and sleeping bag in the woods beside my house this weekend. On Friday night the temps got down to about 28 degrees. It was a sleepless night for me as I was cold, even with my 15 degree sleeping bag with air mattress. Had on long johns and long sleeved shirt on, plus socks and a hat and a silk liner in the sleeping bag. On Saturday night, I moved closer to the house, had on an additional jacket and socks (2 pair). This seems to help, but I will have to continue to try new sleeping apparel.Sunday I loaded up my backpack to 28 pounds and went to Hanging Rock State Park to hike some trails. I did not have any problems with the backpack or my body. Luckily the smoke from the fire on nearby Pilot Mountain did not interfere with our hike or the views. I hope we won¢t have to deal with fire on/near the trail next year on the AT.Boo Boo
Date: 2013-02-05
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I don't know about the rest of you, but I've got this big knot in my stomach. I¢ve got seventeen days until Kathy lets me loose in the woods and I'm still going through my gear. Will I ever be ready? I took a day off work and went back up to Hanging Rock State Park campground (had the whole place to myself). I wanted to try my gear out as it was to get down to 18 degrees that night. And well, at 2am I had to get in the truck to warm up - it was just too cold. My Big Agnes Encampment sleeping bag had let me down. I got up at 6:30am and hiked 4.2 miles to Tory's Den and Falls, then 4.2 miles back to the truck. Packed weighed in at 32 pounds with four days of food and 1.5 liters of water. I ended up cutting one arm and one leg off to purchase a Western Mountaineering Badger goose down sleeping bag - that hurt! I slept outside in it on Friday night, temps got down to 17 degrees. I actually had to take off my hat and unzip my shirt and I stayed warm the whole night. That night made me feel a little better about the cost of it and reassured Kathy that I'll be warm at night.Here is a quote I came across, by Henry Van Dyke: "Some succeed because they are destined to, but most succeed because they are determined to.¢I, myself, am determined to succeed.All hikers need to check out the following website (and all the people you are leaving back home as well): www.sophiaknows.com/atdbI'd like to thank Don at the Village Outdoors (on facebook Village Outdoor in Winston-Salem) for the great advice and deals and also for the great web site listed above with info about the A T shelters, towns, weather, etc - just about everything you need to know.
Date: 2013-02-20
To: The Lodge
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Kathy and I started out at the Amicalola Falls Visitor's Center today to hike the Approach Trail to Springer and then stay one more night at the lodge before starting out on the AT. It was a cold morning but we made it up all 604 steps to the Falls, which was not that bad if you take your time. It took us about an hour, then we stopped back at the lodge for a day pack and then continued on the Approach Trail to Springer Mountain.
Date: 2013-02-20
From: The Lodge

To: USFS Road 42, Big Stamp Gap parking lot
Miles today: 1.0

The hike up to Springer Mountain on the Approach Trail took us most of the day. We took our time and took pictures. We talked with a nice family who had stayed with their two girls at the Len Foote Hike Inn and they had really enjoyed the atmosphere and the food. They were looping back to the Lodge where their car was parked. We also spoke to several thru hikers who had started the trail that day. We were picked up at the Forest Service Rd #42 parking lot by Ron Brown. He's a great shuttle guy who just also happens to work at Amicalola Falls and I highly recommend him.I am very happy that Kathy was able to hike the Approach Trail with me. The plan is for her to meet me at Baxter State Park in Maine and finish the Trail with the hike up Mt. Katadhin with me.
Date: 2013-02-21
From: USFS Road 42, Big Stamp Gap parking lot

To: Hawk Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.1
Weather: overcast clouds

This was a great day for my first day of hiking. Kathy drove me to the USFS Road 42 parking lot at Big Stamp Gap to start where we were picked up yesterday after our hike on the Approach Trail to Springer Mountain. Today I hiked to the Hawk Mountain Shelter for my first night on the Trail. When I started, it was 53 degrees. I only passed one hiker and he had to turn around because his knee was hurting. I spooked a big turkey just passed Hickory Flat Church Rd. I went to the the church cemetery to look at a sign that was above the pavilion. It said that campers are welcome to stay and they even had men and women privies. I would have stayed but I needed water. I rushed to get to the shelter before the rains started, made supper and hung my food bag. Now I'm here on the top, listening to the rain hitting the roof. Another hiker, Bush Whacker, is here too. He said he had passed Kathy on her way back down the mountain on his way up. My calves are a little sore, but other than that, I'm doing okay.I haven't said too much about where we stayed when we were at the Amicalola Falls State Park. We drove down to GA on Tuesday, after visiting with Brandon at Western Carolina University. This state park is near Dawsonville, GA - that's right, the hometown of Awesome Bill from Dawsonville Elliott. The park has camping, cabins, a lodge and a hiker's inn, where you have to hike to get there. We thought about doing the Len Foote Hike Inn as it has great reviews, but the lodge really worked out better for me as it gave me a chance to run through my pack a couple more times before heading out. The room we had was great - king size bed, sitting area with couch, 2 TVs, a balcony and three large windows with great views. The lodge restaurant had buffet meals, so we were able to find something we liked. The breakfast was included, but the dinner was extra. There are no swimming pools or hot tubs. I think hiking and the falls must be the main draw and there is plenty of that to be had. Overall, we really like the park and the lodge.
Date: 2013-02-22
From: Hawk Mountain Shelter

To: Gooch Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: overcast clouds

On my first night out, at Hawk Mountain Shelter, it rained all night long. I slept like a baby, waking every 2 hours. I put a small piece of toilet paper in the corner for the mice to keep busy at night and had one of those #@^%! crawl on my arm. That woke me up! In the morning it was raining so I waited till 10:15 to leave. I had lost one of my blue crocs along the way due to a carabiner that broke and lucky for me, Bush Whacker picked it up and carried it to me (thanks BW). I hiked all day in the clouds, not much to see. I had to take a lot of breaks today. Made it to Gooch Mountain Shelter. I¢m here with City Slicker. He's doing a yo-yo hike, started in Maine and making his way back on the trail again. Also here tonight are Pappy and Skyler, a young guy, who passed me like I was hiking backwards and two section hikers. In my sleeping bag by 6:00pm, cold and my legs are sore. Going to try and make it to Woods Hole Shelter tomorrow about 12 miles away. Till next time¢¦
Date: 2013-02-23
From: Gooch Mountain Shelter

To: Jarrard Gap
Miles today: 10.9
Weather: overcast clouds

I woke up and left Gooch Mountain Shelter at 8:45am, stopped at Woody Gap and had two bags of Ramen soup, got rid of my trash and started up the hill in Blood Mountain Wilderness Area. I hiked in clouds most of the day and have stopped at Jarrard Gap to camp tonight on a hill in my tent, so didn¢t make it to my goal of Woods Hole Shelter, about 2 more miles out. Starting March 1, you have to have a bear canister to stay overnight in this area, so hope no bears come around early. My goal is to reach Neels Gap tomorrow. A BIG THANKS to all that are posting on my guest page. I enjoy reading them when I'm on top of a peak with a signal and sucking wind so hard I swear the trees are moving. That's it for now¢¦good night!
Date: 2013-02-24
From: Jarrard Gap

To: Neel Gap, US Hwy 19
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: clear sky

It was cold, damp and windy this morning as I packed up at Jarrard Gap and headed out. I made it up Blood Mountain. At the top is the shelter. I signed my name in the register and took some pictures. It turned out to be a nice sunny day as I headed down to Neels Gap and Mountain Crossings at Walasi-yi. When I got there, I asked Jason to shake Boo Boo like a Polaroid picture, which he did and I shipped home about four pounds of stuff that I hope I don¢t end up needing later. No blisters yet but the inside of my big toe is pulling away from the nail a little. I washed my clothes and took a 30 minute HOT shower. Pirate, the caretaker here at the hostel, made supper for four of us. It was spaghetti and beer. Some things I've learned so far are:1. I'm out of shape.2. This is one of the most difficult, demanding, emotional, exhilarating things I think I have ever started.3. Protein bars freeze. (I had to put one where, well let¢s just say, where it's warm, to thaw out.)4. I can't hike and eat Hilton's trail mix at the same time. I bit my lip - thanks buddy!5. I listen to my MP3 player a lot and should always leave one earbud out so I can hear what¢s going on around me. I had both ear buds in and a runner came flying by me. Scared the hell out of me. He even stopped and apologized, but I told him it was really my fault as I had both earbuds in.That's it for now. I¢m still enjoying myself and headed to Low Gap Shelter tomorrow.
Date: 2013-02-25
From: Neel Gap, US Hwy 19

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: overcast clouds

I stayed at the hiker hostel at Neel Gap last night. We had blueberry pancakes for breakfast. I left at 8am. Today I hiked with Wolfman and Papi. Wolfman was going to stay at Whitley Shelter so me and Papi continued on to Low Gap Shelter. It was cold and windy all day long. We got here at 5:30pm, got water and filtered it, unpacked and made supper. I had to hang my tent up to dry from where it still had ice on it from Jarrard Gap. We are the only ones here.My legs are sore, no blisters, but I did use some duct tape on my big toe and that seemed to work. We are planning to hike to Unicoi Gap and go into Hiawassee. I am in need of wifi so I can upload photos. Waiting on the rains to come.PS. I can only add one photo per journal entry, but I have posted a few other photos under PHOTOS on the left sidebar.
Date: 2013-02-26
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Unicoi Gap, GA 75
Miles today: 9.7

7:30 am. It rained all night - the winds never stop! Got about 6 hrs of sleep. It¢s still raining and I went to use the privy. It had no roof - that was not FUN! I packed up and headed out. I had two pop tarts and a Snickers. Out here you can eat anything (that you haul in). It has rained all day and I have been very, very, hungry. I stopped by Blue Mountain Shelter to eat. There¢s no way I would stay in there. The front must be facing the wrong way as there was a blue tarp up and the inside space was all wet. We didn't stay long as we were wet and our fingers were numb so we had to keep moving. Made it down to Unicoi Gap by 3:00 pm. We called Gene Shuttles to take us into Helen, GA. $20 was not bad, so I had the money out ready for him. Here is where I¢m trying to keep it real. We got to Helen and decided to go to Hiawassee instead. No problem, he said and took us to the Holiday Inn. We went inside and I could not find my wallet! My cold, wet, hungry, tired day just got worse. $&)6$$! I called Command Central, AKA my wife, and she got a room for us over the phone. So then Papi called Gene and he came back, took me back to Unicoi Gap and there my wallet lay, right where I dropped it. Did I mention how great Gene is?
Date: 2013-02-27
From: Unicoi Gap, GA 75

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I'm in Hiawassee today. A zero day(no hiking). I've been washing clothes, going through my gear - AGAIN! Went shopping later for food and gas for my stove. It was sunny and in the low 50's today. I wish I was hiking instead. I'll start back at Unicoi Gap tomorrow, starting at 2,949 feet in elevation and probably stopping at Tray Mtn. Shelter at elevation 4,199. I may need oxygen! Thursday's forecast is snow flurries in the morning. Nice in the afternoon. Friday, Saturday & Sunday - snow. I should be back in NC next week! :o