morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2011-08-29
From: White House Landing

To: Rainbow Stream Shelter
Miles today: 15.9

Day #138 On The Trail!(3 days left)As far as weather phenomena go, that storm could not have had any better timing. It came and went mostly in the afternoon and evening, and didn't disrupt my hiking plans at all. Thank Irene. You're the best.This morning we had a fantastic breakfast with eggs, bacon, pancakes, coffee, oj, and english muffins. Then Bill began to ferry us across the lake and back to the trail. The first stream crossing looked a little formidable due to the rainfall, but once I found an easy way across, the day proved to be a walk in the park. There was a fair amount of branches, limbs and trees across the trail from the winds, but nothing too crazy.By mid-afternoon I was hiking under beautiful blue skies, and even got a nice glimpse of Katahdin from a small mountain top.Tomorrow, I plan on 11.5 miles. And will enjoy every second of it.Cheers
Date: 2011-08-30
From: Rainbow Stream Shelter

To: Hurd Brook Shelter
Miles today: 11.5

Day #139 On The Trail!(2 days left)Wow. The fact that I am almost done with my hike has sunk in to a good depth. Crazy. Today I had a very easy and short day planned, so I allowed myself to sleep in until 8am. And then I mostly sat around and chatted with camp-mates until 9, before beginning the usual proces of getting ready, which I have pretty streamlined these days. My shoes and socks have been perpetually wet here in Maine, but I think I can put up with that for another day or two. And then I just cruised along, as the trail wound around rainbow lake and then up to the rainbow ledges, where I had been told there was cell reception. And sure enough, I was able to sneak in a phone call to my parents while they were at Sea-Tac airport getting ready to come see me. Shortly thereafter, the trail afforded the first clear view I've had of Mt Katahdin. Magnificent.Then I got into camp around 2pm, and largely took it easy.Tomorrow, I get to see my parents, and wear jeans and a cotton t-shirt soon after. Glory days.Cheers.
Date: 2011-08-31
From: Hurd Brook Shelter

To: Katahdin Stream
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: few clouds

Day #140 On The Trail!(1 day left!?!)Well, last night I found it hard to sleep, probably stemming from the fact that I was feeling overly excited to be wrapping up my hike. I woke up fairly promptly at 6am and set a new personal record for 'fastest pack-up time' by getting on the trail within 20 minutes. Fantastic.Shortly thereafter, I crossed the Penoboscot River, and was afforded a stellar view of Katahdin. The Abol bridge campstore had some semi-decent breakfast sandwiches, and I took a few minutes to relax and eat a few along with a donut and a Mountain Dew. Once I entered Baxter Park, I did have an option to take a shortcut. The AT trail to Katahdin Stream is twice as long as the more direct Blueberry Ledges trail. But, I decided to keep it real and follow those white blazes.Thankfully, the hiking on the AT for the last 30 or so miles before Katahdin is very easy trail, and the stroll through Baxter Park proved quite pleasurable, and went past a decent waterfall (big Niagra). I had told my parents that I would meet them at the campground at 1, but arrived at 11:30. Portrait arrived soon after I did, after spending the night on the other side of the mountain and catching the sunrise on his way back over.Then my folks showed up, and whisked us away to the mini-metropolis of Millinocket, whereupon I had a shower and few meals, gearing up for the big climb.Tomorrow, we beat the bear.Cheers
Date: 2011-09-01
From: Katahdin Stream

To: Mt. K
Miles today: 5.2

Day #141 On The Trail!(aka D-Day)Last night, my parents and I had decided that we would like to be hiking by 7am, which meant we had to leave the hotel by 6. And somehow, we pulled out of the parking lot right on time, and signed our names to the trailhead register sheet at 7:04. The morning looked a bit cloudier than the last few days had been, but still looked to be a nice day.The 5.2 mile climb up to the top of the mountain is one of the most difficult on the trail, slowly getting steeper and steeper, eventually developing into more of a rock scramble/climb than a hike. Despite the tough terrain, we made good progress up the mountain and even 'beat' a younger couple up to the top by a wide margin. Close to the top, I got to congratulate 5 fellow thru-hikers who were making their way back down to the bottom.And then we made it to the top. Bam. Trip over. Mission accomplished. Well, except for the whole part about climbing back down the mountain. We took a nice long break at the top for snacks and photos. The summit was in and out of the clouds during our time up there, but we caught a few nice views here and there when the weather broke. Still, it was a glorious spot to be at, and the mountain is one of the most beautiful places on the whole AT.The trip back down proved to be fairly grueling, but we made the round trip in under 10 hours, which is ideal. We'll be spending the rest of the week sightseeing the coastal areas of Maine, and I'm sure that none of us feeling like doing much hiking for a bit.Coming soon: trip epilogue. (probably not for another week or so)Cheers
Date: 2011-04-18
To: only 20 days to go!
Miles today: 0.0

20 days until I plan to hit the trail. All of my planning and research is finally coming together, though it still feels like there is soo much more to do to be ready!! I think I'm trying to plan this out too much and need to go with the flow a little more.I've decided on which alcohol stove design I will carry, its a little penny stove made from Red Bull cans. Works great with my smaller Ti mug/pot. My pack shouldn't be too heavy, I'm still thinking it will be 13-14lbs base weight. I am going to re-evaluate my re-supply points, as I am currently planning to carry 6 days food a couple times... this may be a little much for my pack and daily mileage I plan to cover. We'll see.My physical training is going well, I will be ready for the trail in a couple weeks for sure. I've been running 10+mi runs with a 8-10lb pack and doing full 20-25mi hikes with a 24lb pack. Yesterday I solo canoed 4mi into a strong headwind, portaged 1.5mi, then paddled 3.25mi w/a tailwind and finally hiked 2.25mi carrying gear to my truck before coming back for the boat. Heck of a workout!
Date: 2011-04-20
To: Stove/Windscreen/Pot-stand complete
Miles today: 0.0

Late last night we had tornadoes pass through town and do a lot of damage, I'm without power at my apartment. It's like being in a huge, leak-proof tent; amazing! I whipped out the headlamp and began making my windscreen and pot stand for my alki stove. I'll weigh it all when I get back from work, but I used an extra msr type windscreen with an old tent-stake poked through one side so the pot handles and the stake held the pot in place above the stove. sweet.I'm itching to get on the trail, it's been too long since I've done any real linear travel through the mountains. Always out and backs and loops it seems. The journey to ME will provide even more drive to hike on!
Date: 2011-04-21
To: Making Final Arragements
Miles today: 0.0

So I'm a graduate student working to get my masters in education. I'm finishing up my first year of school and am frantically finishing everything I need to leave school a couple weeks early to hit the trail. Writing papers, making presentations, signing up for classes, etc. It will be soo nice to not have to worry about these things while on the Trail.I'm kind of stressed about how the outdoor recreation program I run will do when I'm gone all summer. I run a small program that offers outdoor equipment rental, a climbing wall and adventure trips/clinics to students at the university. I love my job, but have not been focusing much on it lately as I've been making preparations for my hike...I'm starting to think that I'm going to make my own hammock and or tarp from scratch... I only have a couple weeks before the Trail and have PLENTY of things to do before I can hike as it is. But I think this may be a good way to cut a lb or two from my base pack weight!There isn't really that much to do, I feel like I'm stressing over getting things done more than I'm actually trying to get things done. Time to do.
Date: 2011-04-23
To: night in GSMNP!
Miles today: 0.0

Drove a good 8 hrs today after work and am camping out in great smokey mountain NP off a FS road somewhere its beautiful out tonight. On my way into NC to see family for Easter...first night outside in the new 40* bag, its great I can't believe its taken me this long to get a down bag! While I do enjoy hammock camping (as I am now), I'm starting to think I'm just going to bring a tarp on the Trail. Save 1-2 lbs....just a couple more weeks!!
Date: 2011-04-25
To: tarp or not to tarp, that is the question
Miles today: 0.0

I've decided I would like to upgrade my tarp if possible before hitting the trail in a couple weeks. I've been researching and reading reviews on sil-nylon, SpinnUL, and others. They all seem to have slightly different pros and cons to them....If I got rid of the hammock and tarp I currently have (nearly 3lbs) and replace them with a say 12oz tarp I would be nice and light!I want to nail down all these details soon
Date: 2011-05-01
To: one week
Miles today: 0.0

168hrs from now I imagine I've just stopped to refill water at a spring. The georgia sun still passing through the budding leaves of the canopy. My sights are set on the next summit, one step at a time, breathe.Tomorrow I hope to make my way to NC for a few days of food preping and final gear checks before heading to Springer. Hope I can get some sleep before then
Date: 2011-05-06
To: Tomorrow
Miles today: 0.0

In the morning myself and my two younger brothers are driving to GA. It's time to hit the trail. They are kind enough to drive me down and hit up Springer with me. My family has been very supportive and I wouldn't be ready to start without them.I've got my bag packed and am ready to go!!Currently the pack is at about 21 lbs. with everything but water. There's 5ish days of food in there, 1.25 lbs. of fuel (including the container) and everything else. The base weight is 11ish, much better than the 14 I was thinking I'd be at.Hope to make it to the NOC in 5-6 days.Time to try and get some sleep. Tomorrow the adventure begins!!
Date: 2011-05-07
From: Springer Mtn

To: Woody Gap
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Made it past Woody Gap today. 21 mile (not counting the 1mi South to Springer). I made a pretty good pace considering I left Springer at 11am!!My legs are tired, I'm done. Haven't got much sleep last few nites, so tonight I plan to catch up on some. Time for dinner and bed thereafter.Great first day.
Date: 2011-05-08
From: Woody Gap

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: broken clouds

Have the tarp setup by the Low Gap Shelter tonite. Was another good day, I took it a little slower and covered the same distance in more time. Came up on a bear just south of Jarred Gap this AM, was 20yds up, we stared at each other then it ran down the East slope! I saw a turkey too this afternoon randomly.Stopped and hung out at mountain crossings for lunch. Ate a frozen pizza and oreos, yum! Talked with some other hikers, one from Chicago area as I recall. Time for rest and hope to hit the trail a little earlier and go for Deep Gap Sh possibly.
Date: 2011-05-09
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Sassafras Gap
Miles today: 20.5
Weather: few clouds

Made camp at Sassafras Gap. Another 20.5mi. Slow start to the day, didn't eat enough Sun and paid for it then. Was moving pretty good at points, but burned out. Made great time jogging down some slopes!Stopped at steeltrap gap for over an hour. Water was down a steep long trail, wish the guidebook had mentioned that! Cook potatoes and spicy beans w/tvp as a late afternoon meal. Def helped me make camp tonite. Eating a ton for Tom, should do better.Saw another turkey today. Three days of 20+ miles, turkey! (like bowling)Should make it into North Carolina tomorrow at some point!!
Date: 2011-05-10
From: Sassafras Gap

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: broken clouds

Made it into NC today! Goodby Georgia... only took 3.5 days to get thru. My legs are getting stronger and 800+ft climbs don't slow me down too much. Now if I can get my feet a little tougher I may be able to up my milages before too long.I want to get rid of some clothes I have, hasn't been nearly as cool/cold as expected. My drop into Franklin, not sure I have enough food to make the NOC! The hiker hunger is taking hold!Saw my best and worst times thus far today. Was pretty hot and some steep drawn out climbs, but also had a great time hiking with 2 others. We're doing very similar milages and both left from Springer on Sat. Def a moral boost at times to know others start this late and push through.
Date: 2011-05-11
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

To: Rock Gap Shelter
Miles today: 24.5
Weather: clear sky

Made it into Rock Gap Sh last nite. Longest day yet, 24.5mi! Was a great day of hiking. Stopped and cooked a big lunch and still made camp by little after 7. So Far and Jaws have been pulling similar mileage each day.
Date: 2011-05-12
From: Rock Gap Shelter

To: Winding Stair Gap - Franklin, NC
Miles today: 3.8
Weather: clear sky

Did a quick morning hike down to the gap to head into Franklin for a nero. Will prolly send some clothes home and buy a little more food to make it to Wesser where a box of dried goods is waiting. Its going to be great taking the day to clean clothes and re-energize to keep racking up those miles!So Far and Jaws came in, Sam is on his way in too. (He stayed at the same shelter but didn't start hiking at 630 like us.Yay town day!
Date: 2011-05-14
From: Cold Springs Shelter

To: Locust Cove Gap
Miles today: 22.5
Weather: moderate rain

Been another godo long day today. Started out by hiking about 11.5mi into the NOC at Wesser, NC. Got down there before Noon and grabbed food and a milkshake while they located my food box. Was fun to be at the river, saw a fellow AORE member and GCSU big-wig Jeff, cool.After getting food and filling water I made my way to the Sassafras Gap Sh with So Far and Jaws. It was there I had to leave them behind and push on. I need to start getting more miles in. Was really fun/nice to meet and travel with them. I wish them the best of luck and will see 'em in Maine!Set camp and am out to eat, read, write and sleep!!
Date: 2011-05-19
From: Groundhog Creek Shelter

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 26.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Marathon to Hot Springs today. The sun finally came out! It was beautiful going over Max Patch today, finally got some great views.Got a nice bed to sleep in and a belly full!! Tomorrow we'll see if I zero or not...Shout outs:-"DAKS" from the Dakotas is awesome, stayed at Double Spring Sh with him a couple days ago and he gave me several food bars and drink mix. Thank you, you rock!-random day-hiker: thank you for the PB+Honey sandwich, perfect timing to help keep me going.-Firetower, Caver and Old School, safe travels into town guys maybe I'll see yta before I hike on North!
Date: 2011-05-22
From: Un-Named Gap

To: Bald Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: scattered clouds

So to start the day: as I'm finishing up packing having eaten and such to realize I left my sunglasses at the shelter 0.8mi back South where I cooked dinner. So I stashed my gear and ran up there to get the shades right where I left them. The 1.6mi warm-up isn't included in my miles!Ran into LOL, her dog and Tailfeather under the overpass at Sams Gap. Was nice and cool there so I took a break. A nice lady gave us an orange we split!We leap-frogged our way up to Big Bald where the view was 360* and awesome. After some rest we saw a storm blowing in fast, so we booked it to the shelter before it hit. And it did. Heavy sustained rains, wind, lightning/thunder. I wasn't making any more miles today.Good times at the shelter, moral was high. Sunday funday!
Date: 2011-05-23
From: Bald Mountain Shelter

To: South of Indian Grave Gap
Miles today: 25.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Nice and cool early start. Made 12x12 today! 12mi by Noon. Stopped in Erwin area at Uncle Johnnys for some food and rest before hiking up to camp.Nice tarp setup tonite. On top of a ridge where I should early sun in the AM. Pitched the tarp high for a nice breeze tonite.Up towards Roan High Knob in the AM. Hope to get some of the big climbs in early!!
Date: 2011-05-24
From: South of Indian Grave Gap

To: Roan High Knob Shelter
Miles today: 25.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Long day and a serious climb up to the Roan High Knob. Climbing Mt. Unaka - found myself calculating and memorizing terms of the Fibonocci (I can't spell) sequence to keep my brain occupied. 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, 89, 144, 233, 377, 610, 987, 1597, 2584, 4181, 6765, 10946, 17711, etc... Climbed the 1000+ ft. no problem! And was continued up the 2200ft climb to Roan til the views/elevation took over the motivationI have found that every day there comes a point where I don't think I can make it to where I'm hoping to camp. Its this time each day that counts the most. How will I react to the challenge?This daily difficulty could certainly be applied to any day-to-day life. Its how we react in those moments which define who we really are.
Date: 2011-05-25
From: Roan High Knob Shelter

To: Roan Mountain, TN
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: clear sky

16mi nero into Roan Mtn for the night. Box of foods waiting on me! I ate a ton of food at the local BBQ joint and am about ready to crash!Today was one of the most beautiful days of hiking yet! From the Roan Shelter into town was great! All the high elevation grassy balds were amazing. Though over the day I got a little sunburned from hiking w/o a shirt! oopsTime for rest and resupply, back to it sometime tomorrow! Will be in Virginia this weekend at some point! Will be about 3 wks total to get there, still making good time. I expect to start seeing 30mi days before too long!!! We'll see!Onward and Upward!
Date: 2011-05-27
From: Upper Laurel Fork

To: Spring South of Vandeventer Shelter
Miles today: 29.0
Weather: moderate rain

Set camp late after 830. My guidebook only says 28mi, but those with newer show farther! There have been many switchbacks added in this section recently. It def felt like 30 or so...Pond Mountain Wilderness is awesome, especially hiking along the Laurel Fork and seeing the Falls. That was a neat river gorge.Watauga Lake area is pretty but trashy, I wish people would take better care of these areas!!Heading towards Virginia and Damascus by Sun sometime prolly.
Date: 2011-05-29
From: Abingdon Gap Shelter

To: North of Damascus
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: clear sky

Did 10.2 into town and first thing I did was go to the pizza place and eat na medium supreme pie and an appetizer as well. Once full I did laundry where I nearly fell asleep (food coma) waiting on it to wash. Bought food for the trail and ate some more myself (soda, ice cream, etc). After all was said and done I'd spent a good 5hrs hanging around town.Didn't hike too far before running into some people and setting camp. Fireside chats about my research and such were had. Will try and make up some miles tomorrow AM! Into the Highlands!
Date: 2011-05-30
From: North of Damascus

To: Thomas Knob Shelter
Miles today: 26.0
Weather: clear sky

A lot of climbing today! Longest day of hiking yet. I started around 730 or so and made the shelter a little before 10pm... I took a 1.5-2hr break at Lone Mtn Sh in the heat of the day. These hot days are slowing me down. I'm starting to wake earlier and hike later with more rest in between.Oh the Virginia Creeper Trail, all those biker with deer in headlights looks as I hike UP the trail as they coasted down. Hilarious looks from some...Amazing sunset at the gap with VA 600 around mile 487. And spectacular stars once I climbed up and was close to the shelter!!
Date: 2011-05-31
From: Thomas Knob Shelter

To: Trimpi Shelter
Miles today: 25.1
Weather: clear sky

Another long day! Slower morning exploring around the Grayson Highlands! I stashed my pack and climbed up all the tall rock out-croppings.Made the shelter by 9pm-ish. It was a real nice setup with a fireplace in the middle and sleeping on either side.Good day.
Date: 2011-06-01
From: Trimpi Shelter

To: Atkins, VA
Miles today: 22.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Started early to make town. Hiked over 22mi to the road and nearly the entire 3.7i until I got a ride. Nice guy named Mark who owns the local quick stop and restaurant. Nice to get clean and eat some town food!Tomorrow will be my first Zero!! In excited to not to much tomorrow!!
Date: 2011-06-02
From: Atkins, VA

To: Atkins, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Zero Day!!!Slept in, ate a big breakfast, did laundry and went to the post office to get a box of food. I had to super glue my shoes together, hope they make it to Pearisburg where I have another pair waiting!!Great to rest, though I became restless and was out of rythem on the trail the next day...totally worth it.I want to share a few portions of an article called "Finding a right place for yoou" by Lisa Field in today's local paper. It speaks of place attachment and the soul's role in this:"After all it's the soul that apprehends the unseen depth and identity of a place. Children know it, even if they don't have the words to label their experience.Watch a child by the sea, as that child perceives its vastness on a wondrous level. It's as if the child's soul - much bigger than his body - expands like mist...But nobody mentions this. Not in school, not in church, nor the ads or evening news.Rather, people hear the confusing message that they ought to feel at home in a world of superficial values, information-downloads, consumerism, fight-club politics, prefab landscapes and no meaning or mystery."Really enjoyed the article... Will post a link if I can find one sometime.
Date: 2011-06-04
From: Knot Maul Branch Shelter

To: Laural Creek/VA 615
Miles today: 23.8

Long hot day. Big climb with a decent portion in the sun up to Chestnut Knob. 2200' climb! with a few other climbs in addition... Small group of other thru hikers there. Good to hang out, haven't been around many thrus lately.. Or much of anyone since atkins.
Date: 2011-06-05
From: Laural Creek/VA 615

To: Random Campsite
Miles today: 26.5

Made a push to VA 606 to hike .4mi (each way) to Trent's Grocery to buy and eat food. Made it there with a couple hrs to hang out and eat before hiking on a mile or so up trail. My milage doesn't reflect the .8mi or so to Trents.Ate a patty melt, onion rings, pint choc ice cream, gatorade... And nutty bars. Bought a few extra snacks to help try and make Pearisburg tomorrow for my shoes and food!!!Will try and be hiking before 7am
Date: 2011-06-06
From: Random Campsite

To: Docs Knob Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: few clouds

For whatever reason I had trouble sleeping last nite, after hiking a few hours I just felt exhausted. So I rested for a few hours and ate at Wapiti Sh until the worst of the afternoon heat passed.Made the climb in front of me much better! Still been moving slower lately overall, seems I need to stop and get off my feet more often. I think/hope its just my shoes being worn out. Nearly 700mi on lightweight trailrunners is a little much...Rest up for the nite and make my way into Pearisburg to resupply tomorrow.
Date: 2011-06-16
From: Wilson Creek

To: Bryant Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 21.5
Weather: light rain

Pushed for Bryant Ridge Shelter. Soo much trail magic today! Flatbread and Johnny K had a camp set at Jennings Creek and fed us burgers, hotdogs, etc. They are awesome. Didn't leave the magic til 9pm and made the shelter at nite.I saw a bear on the way to the shelter in the dark. Will elaborate later...