morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-08-14
From: Inn at The Long Trail

To: The Lookout
Miles today: 15.4

8/13/14 Took a zero at the Inn at The Long Trail. What a great decision. The storm that came through yesterday was incredible. The rain fall amounts, the wind, and the cold were record setting. Taking a zero was definitely the right thing to do.8/14/14 15.4 miles. Got up at The Inn around 7 and headed for the coffee down stairs. Then at 7:30 breakfast was served. So good, and included with the stay. Then we were packed up and back on the trail by 9 am. That isn't a late start but not an early one either. So with several tough climbs, and 15 miles of roller coaster hills we decided to stop here at The Lookout. The Lookout is really a secret shelter / cabin. Beautiful views and completely enclosed with windows and a door. There are maybe 8 hikers here. It should be a good night. It's gonna get cold tonight. Sure hope it warms back up before we get to the Whites.Crossed over the 1700 mile mark today. Sweet!
Date: 2014-08-16
From: The Lookout

To: Hanover, NH
Miles today: 28.9

I have made it to New Hampshire! This felt better than making it half way. New Hampshire is the toughest and most beautiful part of the trail. Every book I have read, and everyone I have ever talked to says it's true. I'm pumped, but also a little apprehensive. It should be a hiking blast.Okay, the last two days. 8/15/14 14.2 miles. I know, not very far, but let me explain. We had trail magic "3" times. First there was second breakfast at 9:30, breakfast tacos. Then Ty picked To Long and I up at Pomfret Rd and drove us to Teago General Store and bought us lunch, then near the end of the day we came across fresh water, cookies, and bananas. I figure we lost 2 hours to all this wonderful trail magic. What a way to waste a day. Thanks Ty, and good luck on your 2015 Thru-Hike. 8/16/14 14.7 miles. Again not a great day but we were up early and on our way to Hanover. We were really pumped. Just the thought of being in New Hampshire carried us along at a quick pace. We arrived in Hanover at 3 pm. This is a really friendly hiker town. So many trail angels, and so much to see and do. We saw a bunch of hikers we hadn't seen in a while, and met some we didn't know as well. We had pizza in town, so good, then hitch hiked to the Sunset Motor Inn. Definitely a hiker hotel. Maybe a half star, maybe! But we are warm and dry, clean, laundry is done and we are resupplied. The White Mountains are waiting on us so send some prayers. I figure We can clear the Whites and be in Maine by September 1st. We'll see.They say the average to finish from here is 30 days. I hope we can do that. To Long and I have partnered up and plan to stick together through the Whites. Not a place to be by yourself. I'll post some new pics too.This will all be but a memory some day!
Date: 2014-08-17
From: Hanover, NH

To: Trapper John's Shelter
Miles today: 16.6

We got up early at the Sunset Motor Inn and had pop tarts for breakfast. Also had some homemade chocolate chip cookies. Then we were on the road planning to walk to Hanover but we quickly got a hitch. Sweet. So we picked up the AT on main street and headed out of town. Hanover has the longest road walk on the AT, like 3 miles. We walked past the Dartmouth College stadium and football field and up into the woods. The day went really well. We had a couple tough climbs so nothing new there and they will quickly get worse with the Whites. No problem. We had trail magic again this afternoon just before our last climb. Thanks Brave and family! Hot dogs, sausages, and humus. Plus Rootbeer! Sweet. We made it to Trapper John's Shelter and set up in the shelter. May still rain a little tonight. It is getting quite cold tonight. Feels like good sleeping weather.Congrats to AYCE and Mack from the original Caravan, they reached Katahdin. Great job guys!!
Date: 2014-08-21
From: Trapper John's Shelter

To: Franconia Notch
Miles today: 52.4

Sorry for no updates but no service. Have been able to send a few tx but that's it.8/18 We got up early to climb Smarts Mountain for the early morning view. It didn't dispoint us. All the valleys below were filled with fog. Just the mountain peaks were visible. 12.0 mile day.8/19 The Hexacuba Shelter is a must stay. Best shelter so far. You'll love it. 15.7 miles, up and over Moosilauke tomorrow. 8/20 Moosilauke was a long hard climb. Been dreading it from the beginning. But its done now and so worth it. What a view. Finally could see the White Mountains. Incredible! 15.9 miles. One hard day.8/21 Climbing the South Peak of Kinsman Mt has been the toughest climb so far. We had to put our trekking poles away and go pure spider - monkey. It was as exciting as it was scary. But we did it. 8.8 miles to Franconia Notch.
Date: 2014-08-22
From: Franconia Notch

To: North Woodstock, NH
Miles today: 0.0

We decided to take a zero here in North Woodstock because of the weather. We have been warned repeatedly not to tackle the Whites in bad weather so we made the tough decision to sit out today. We will be climbing Mt Lafayette tomorrow, and walking 2 miles on Franconia Ridge which is an exposed ridge above tree line. We are hoping that the sun will burn off the clouds on our climb up so that we have some awesome views. The weather for the next few days looks good, so we need to make as many miles as we can.The Whites have proven to be quite tough, and much more technical than anything so far. It is said that at this point as a NOBO that you have only completed 20% of the work to reach Katahdin. I can see that, and I can feel it too. My right knee is really acting up but once I'm up and moving it feels okay. I get stiff quickly when I stop, and after that the pain starts. But as we all know "no pain no Maine"! So true! The only way to stop the pain is to just keep moving. I realize that our bodies are breaking down and that this is normal. We have 1800 miles behind us, and only 373 miles to go so the end is in sight. The end, wow, it's just hard to believe that I'm this close. We are all tired, and many talk about being home sick, but for me I'm still strangely hoping the journey never ends.This will all be but a memory some day.
Date: 2014-08-28
From: North Woodstock, NH

To: Gorham, NH
Miles today: 74.8
Weather: clear sky

There has been no service for the S4 in the Whites, and only spotty txing, sorry guys.The White Mountains are the most beautiful part of the trail. Also the most rugged and difficult hiking I have ever done. But so worth it, the above the tree line views go on for miles and are incredible. I don't have enough time to type out the last 6 days, and I have 50 pics to add as well. I will hope for service over the next few days and will try to catch up the pics.I feel good, am excited to cross into Maine in two days. Sweet!
Date: 2014-09-04
From: Gorham, NH

To: Rangely, ME
Miles today: 77.9

I decided to take a zero here because my right knee is pretty sore and slightly swollen. I have been icing it on and off all day and it feels much better. The Whites just beat me up a bit, and southern Maine hasn't been easy either. To Long and I will head back to the trail in the morning so send me some knee prayers.Went to the Rangely Library this afternoon and typed for 45 minutes to update my blog and when I hit enter to post the journal entry it all just vanished. No one could figure out what happened. I must admit I was quite angry and it took me about 30 minutes to get over it. So no long entry tonight, sorry.My cell phone has reached the end of Verizon territory so the only option for updates will be the few towns that are left if they have a computer I can get on. I'm unable to load photos because they just sit there. Sorry again! My spirit is happy, my heart is full, and I'm blessed beyond measure to be able to have this journey. A big thanks goes out to Jim for the rides and the company today. Jim is I Believe's husband and has helped so many hikers. It was a pleasure to find out how much we have in common. This will all be but a memory some day! Some day soon actually. I'm excited to be so close but saddened that the journey will end.
Date: 2014-09-06
From: Rangely, ME

To: Stratton, ME
Miles today: 32.2

We made Stratton in 2 days. Had planned 3 but To Long must be in Baxter State Park by the 18th so we increased our miles. Not sure the knee will hold with this pace but we just have one more tough day. The last two days were the Saddlebacks, and The Crockers. Tomorrow will be the Bigelows and the Horns. That will be our last big climb till Katahdin. Sweet!Been taking Aleve and icing the knee and it feels much better. So many hikers are complaining about various injuries, like ankles, knees, hips, etc. So I suppose we are all just breaking down but ready to finish this.Will be in Monson in 4 days, then the 100 mile wilderness. I'm really looking forward to the wilderness and hope to complete it in 7 days or less. I am trying to come to grips with the fact that this journey is coming to a close. It's difficult but we are all starting to talk about life after the trail. It will never be the same seems to be the most common thought. Cool!
Date: 2014-09-17
From: Abol Bridge

To: Abol Bridge
Miles today: 0.0

After walking 2170 miles we were not about to climb Mt Katahdin in bad weather. So we decided to take our last zero in Millinocket, and enjoy this special time. The weather wasn't real bad, some light rain, but the mountain was completely socked in, and it had gotten so cold. Like Georgia cold all over again. The last 7 or 8 days had been really cold and we had seen several mornings in the 30's. We just couldn't see our selves on this mountain on a bad weather day.There were lots of hikers who climbed Katadhin yesterday, and today, that we saw in town and many admitted they wish they hadn't done that. Hearing this made us realize that we had again made a good choice to wait. A few even said they would summit again in a few days on a clear day with some of their friends that were a few days back.We slept in, went to breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the famous places in Millinocket, including the Pelletier Loging Restaurant & Pub on main street. To cool! You may remember them from the show "American Logers". I always enjoyed watching it too.Then it was back to the hotel and try to sleep, wich I found hard to do. My ind was racing, trail, mountain, home, future, and ack again. But I did manage to sleep a little.
Date: 2014-09-18
From: Abol Bridge

To: The Birches
Miles today: 9.9

The next morning we slept in, after all we only had 10 miles to hike, and we could do that laying down, well not really but you get the point. Then it was off to breakfast again at The Appalachain Cafe, which also has hostel there. We tried not to stuff ourselves, as the end to eating anything you wanted was coming to an abrupt stop, and we knew it too, but we did. It was just good. The Jamie and Anna (To Long's sister and BFF) drove us back to Abold Bridge and dropped us off.We walked the .8 miles to the "Information Board" and signed in for The Birches to make it offical, and a good thing we did too. They only take 12 hikers at the Birches and we were #10 thru #12. Just made it!!! We "strolled" to The Birches, no worries, no hurry, just a nice pace on nice trail, and hearts that were full. There were a few clouds but they were blowing away quickly. We could see Mt Katadhin just like before and the top was still socked in just a little. A mountain that big has it's own weather so as much as the weather report said crystal clear tomorrow we were still wondering if that would in fact be the case.We arrived at Katahdin Stream Camp Ground, and Reboot went to find his friends that had come all the way from Califirnia to summit with him, and To Long and I went to the Ranger's Office to sign into The Birches. He was out till 4 pm, so we decided to head onto the The Briches and claim a spot in the shelter. When we arrived there were 7 or 8 hikers already there, ad the had a huge fire going, which was nice because the temps were already dropping. The lows tonight were supposed to be in the high 20's, burrrr! There are two shelters there, each sleeps 6, and the was no one in one of them so To Long and I snaged that one. We would be the only two people in that shelter tonight, which was nice.We walked back to the Ranger's Office and signed in. Then headed over to find Reboot and his friends.They had brought "steaks" for everyone to celebrate and we were pumped to have a nice big Ribeye for dinnier the night before we summit. We had a great time sitting around the fire at their camp site and shortly after dark they gave us a ride back to The Birches, which was about .6 miles away. To Long and I crawled into our sleeping bags and tried to sleep. But i just couldn't. To Long and I talked for a while about our journey, our memories, and our time together. We had hiked the last 500 miles together and had grown quite close. We had share everything in our lives, the good and the bad, and we were both content with where we were today. Good times for sure.It was quite cold by now, and as I lay there warm in my sleeping bag I was thinking about having to get out of it in the morning. I did finailly go to sleep.
Date: 2014-10-14
From: The Summit

To: Who Knows?
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

I have struggled with updating my bog for weeks now. The cell service the last few weeks on the Trail was no good so I guess I couldn't do much with that. However, the cell service here at home is great, and the Wifi is even better, so what gives?I must admit that I just didn't want the journey to end. I didn't want the hike to end. I had a hard time letting go of my adventure, and returning to the world around me that in many ways drove me into the woods to begin with. I knew that when I hit enter on that last entry that it would mean that it was really over and I just wasn't ready for that. The Trail is a strange place. A place where you can go and be who ever you want to be. A place where you can go and sort things out. A place where I suppose you can go and hide from things that trouble you. A place unlike any other, where you find things you didn't know you were looking for, and leave behind some things you don't need to carry around anymore either. A place that weaves its way into your soul when you aren't looking and binds you to it forever. I am ready to move on now, and even though I didn't realize it in the beginning, the Trail has changed me just as life changes us all. Hiking the Trail was the right thing for me, and this was the right time in my life to do this. I will not soon forget my friends on the Trail either. The Caravan, Forrester Gump, Obsidian, To Long, Reboot, Rod & Reel, and so many others. It is just time to move on. To my next great adventure, what ever that may be.Reboot, who hiked the PCT last year, told me several times that I needed to understand that everyone at home would be the same, and that I would be the only one who had changed. He was right. I have changed, the Trail will always be a part of me, and no one here will ever understand what we all went through, the struggle, the commitment, and the joy of completing the journey. No one will ever understand that it seeps into your soul, and that you know peace. How do you explain that? Only other Thru-Hikers will ever understand. I am now a Thru-Hiker, and no one can take that from me. I did it!!!God is good, all the time.I am blessed beyond measure.The Trail is waiting out there for you too.Be bold.Dream a little dream!!!
Date: 2014-02-26
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Hi, I'm WY from Seattle. I'm headed for Springer Mtn on March 20. My brother (WYNOTT) is planning to hike the entire AT, but I'm just doing the first 2 1/2 weeks for moral support. Looking forward to connecting with some of you who have posted here and will be starting about the same time. See you on the trail!
Date: 2014-03-04
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Does anyone have recommendations for their favorite packaged meals from REI for the trail? I'd done some research online and found some that sound good, such as:Mountain House Lasagna w/ Meat SauceMountain House Beef StroganoffMount House Grilled Chicken Breast & Mashed PotatoesAlpine Aire Mashed Potatoes with gravy & turkeyAlpine Aire Potato Cheddar SoupDoes anybody have experience with actually eating any of these meals? What are your favorites?See you on the trail!
Date: 2014-03-06
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Today someone that I met on this website dropped off a tent that I can borrow--hurrah! He is hiking the AT, too, starting the day prior to my brother and I. And another friend is lending me his sleeping bag. Along with ALL the purchases that I've made at REI in the past two weeks, things are coming together really well--most items are checked off my "to pack" list.See you on the trail!
Date: 2014-03-07
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

OK, I finally did it--started walking around my neighborhood (which is hilly) with my pack fully loaded. Honestly, I should have started this MONTHS ago, but better late than never, right? Going downhill is easy--I have strong knees. But uphill? Oh my.... those extra 30 lbs definitely slowed me down. I had to stop about every block or so to catch my breath. Hopefully, I can do at least one hour with a pack every day until I leave (only 10 days away).... At least I'm having my "oh no" moment now, instead of during the first day of hiking the AT, like so many others that I've read about. See you on the trail!
Date: 2014-03-11
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Tonight I went to a large local supermarket and spent quite a bit of time looking through the various food items which might be useful on the trail. There is lots of stuff to which you can add a cup of boiling water, then let it stand for 1-2 minutes and eat (it comes in a disposable cup)--very handy! I saw breakfast items, such as hot cereal, as well as instant oatmeal in various flavors; also the usual ramen noodles, but also other "instant" dishes like mashed potatoes (with butter or with 4 cheeses--yummy!). I also got some tuna and salmon in foil packets plus flour tortillas, which a co-worker said was his favorite lunch when he did a 100-mile hike around Mt. Rainier last summer.   I also spotted some fruit strips, and bought a couple to try. I just tasted the mango one--it is great. I figure that I'd better try some of this stuff before I get on the trail and discover that I hate it! It's a good excuse to try some new snacks in the next week before I fly to Georgia. See you on the trail (and stay out of my food bag)!
Date: 2014-03-13
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

If you're like me, you enjoy reading books by AT thru-hikers. You pick up lots of helpful info, including the acronyms:HYOK - hike your own hike [translation: do it your way, not what someone else tells you to do]PUDs - pointless ups and downs [the trail is often hilly, with hundreds of ascents and descents which seem pointless at the time]AYCE buffet - all you can eat [a favorite type of thru-hiker's restaurant]Then there is all the lingo. I learned a new one this week. When someone says they have to go and "do some paperwork," it means they are headed into the trees for a potty break.Last week I went into amazon.com to see what was new with these types of books (search: "Appalachian Trail memoir"). I saw a couple of new ones, including "Rethinking Life on the Appalachian Trail" by Gary Bond. Looked good, so I ordered a copy, and I just finished it this morning. Very well done! It is highly recommended for older people (say, 50-plus) who may still be wondering if a thru-hike is even possible for them.The author describes his own doubts and misgivings. He was in his mid-50s and had wanted to do an AT thru-hike for many years, but wondered if it was too late. He decided to go for it, and even though it was grueling at times (the Whites up north almost did him in), he made it. He talks about meeting people in small towns who, when they heard what he was doing, got that far-away look in their eyes and made comments like, "I'd love to do that someday, but..." or "I've always thought of doing that, but..." It's those "buts..." that kill the dream. Overall, the book was a good inspirational kick-in-the-butt to pursue your dreams, whatever they are and however old you are.My brother is driving to Seattle today (he lives several hours north) and we're going to go through our gear one last time before he heads to the East Coast next week. I will meet him on Thursday in Tennessee, then we'll get a ride to Springer and start hiking north. See you on the trail!
Date: 2014-03-14
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Several details have come together since I last posted. I'm only hiking for 19 days (160 miles) and had to figure out how to get back to the Knoxville airport to fly back to Seattle when I'm done walking. Trip the Light (starting 3/19) who lives here in the Seattle area figured out for me that I'll probably get to about the area around Fontana Dam, and suggested that I call the Hike Inn in Fontana. They have a shuttle to Knoxville--problem solved! I've been taking several walks/hikes each day, with my pack when possible. Yesterday I did four walks (early morning, noon, suppertime, and late evening). On the weekend, I took a 2-hr hike around my neighborhood with full pack, including a lengthy detour through a local woodsy park with lots of hilly trails (similar to the AT--I think). I'm not in the terrific shape that some of you are, but feeling confident that I will do OK. I'm really glad that I've spent some time in the past two weeks walking for hours with my full pack--gives a good idea of what the trail will feel like.See y'all on the trail!
Date: 2014-03-21
From: Horse Gap

To: Springer Mountain
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: overcast clouds

We got a ride from in-laws to the trailhead, arriving about noon. They waited in their car in the parking lot while my brother (Wynott) and I walked south 0.9 miles to the southern terminus,signed the register and took the obligatory "start" photos, then headed north again.We stopped in the parking lot for final good-byes and a quick group prayer before we kept hiking north. The day was perfect hiking weather--sunny but cool--a great start to our Grand Adventure. We spotted a little camping spot just a few feet off the trail about 7pm, and decided to stop for the night. Good choice--it took us about an hour to set up our tents, have supper and hang the bear bags [all food items must be bagged and hung in a tree about 12' high and a few feet out from the tree-trunk to prevent bears from crashing your party and consuming all your food]. Darkness descended rapidly shortly after 8pm and by 8:30 it was completely dark and we soon went to bed.HIKER SURVIVAL TIP: There are little campsites every mile or two on the A.T. where others have obviously camped--there is usually a firepit with half-burned logs. These make a great "private" camping spot if you don't want to stay in a shelter or larger designated campsite with lots of other people.
Date: 2014-03-22
From: Nr Horse Gap

To: Woody Gap
Miles today: 9.5

I didn't sleep too well last night--adjusting to tent, air mattress, etc. Also, there were noises from the nearby military base--we heard the rat-a-tat of guns and helicopters flying around until about 11pm.It's another perfect day for hiking. We didn't see many people on the trail--the vast majority are hiking north and so you don't see a lot of people which is surprising for such a popular trail.In late afternoon, I "hit the wall" and felt extremely tired. We had intended to reach Woody Gap and catch a shuttle into Suches, but I was so wiped that we set up camp about 6pm just off the trail and went to bed. I wasn't hungry and just had a quick cup of hot chocolate before crashing in my tent.HIKER SURVIVAL TIP: If you are not going pee every couple hours on the trail, you may be de-hydrated. I didn't realize how "dry" I was today until later. Drink LOTS of water to prevent "hitting the wall" like I did.