morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-08-14
From: Franconia Notch, I 93

To: Garfield Ridge Campsite
Miles today: 10.3
Weather: overcast clouds

This was an amazing day! I hiked Franconia Ridge. At first it was cold and windy. It was so cold I wore a hat, jacket, and mittens. And it was so windy it was difficult at times just to stand up. The ridge was in the clouds and the visibility was poor. I was disappointed, but decided to just make the best of it. About half way through the ridge walk, the clouds lifted and it was like a curtain being lifted on a stage. The most bautiful scenery of my whole hike was displayed 360 degrees around me!I'm tenting tonight. Also here are Detail, M&M, and Pootz.
Date: 2007-08-15
From: Garfield Ridge Campsite

To: Ethan Pond Campsite
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: fog

I had a good hike today. There were many steep up and downs, but the views were great. I stopped at Galehead Hut and paid $1 for a plate of cold pancakes with syrup-very good. Later I stopped at Zealand Falls Hut for soup, cookies, and lemonade. It sure is a good way to rest during the hike. I am in the shelter tonight since all the tent sites are full. Detail is here. Tomorrow he will complete his hike at Crawford Notch. I have enjoyed hiking with him.
Date: 2007-08-16
From: Ethan Pond Campsite

To: Mizpah Sping Hut
Miles today: 9.3

It was a long steep climb up Mt. Webster with great views on the summit. Since today is my birthday(Happy Birthday to Me!) I decided to treat myself to a Hut stay. For $90 I get to sleep in the attic(the other bunks are reserved) and eat dinner and breakfast. Also here are Little Foot and Dragon Breath.
Date: 2007-08-17
From: Mizpah Sping Hut

To: Madison Spring Hut
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: mist

The weather was perfect to hike the Presidential Range. I summited Mt. Washington: great mountain, but with too many tourists on top. Theviews today were fantastic. When I got to Madison Hut, there were openings so I decided to stay. Dinner and breakfasts in the huts are great! M&M and Pootz are also here.
Date: 2007-08-18
From: Madison Spring Hut

To: Pinkham Notch Camp
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: fog

I had a very challenging morning. It is only one half mile from Madison Spring Hut to the top of Mt Madison, then there is one mile of ridge line hiking. On a normal day this is a difficult hike. Today was not a normal day...the temperature was 35 degrees with a steady wind of 40 mph with gusts over 60 mph, AND it was raining. This whole section is above the treeline and very rocky. The wind blew so hard at times, I had to get on my hands and knees and hold on to a rock to keep from being blown over. It took almost 3 hours to complete this 1 and 1/2 mile section! I am drying out at Pinkham Notch Camp, glad to have made it here without injury. Sandwich, Sublime, and Salaam were here eating lunch when I arrived.
Date: 2007-08-19
From: Pinkham Notch Camp

To: Carter Notch Hut
Miles today: 6.0
Weather: fog

My plan for today was to hike 13.2 miles to Imp Campsite. However, when I got to Carter Notch Hut there was one opening, so I decided to make a short day of it and stay. The White Mountains are a challenge to hike, but very beautiful so short days feel good. I'm not sure where I'll end up tomorrow. I got word today that Fire Marshal got off the trail. I was hoping he would catch up, so we could hike together again. I enjoyed his company and wish him well.Also here are BooBoo(I finally met her!), Pootz, M&M, Evil Eye, Buttercup, and Teddy Bear.
Date: 2007-08-20
From: Carter Notch Hut

To: US 2 near Gorham NH
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: clear sky

Beach Bum called tonight to let me know he was safe and sound and through with(up and down, that is) the Whites. Be sure to check out all the great photos Beach Bum took there.I thought you would like this photo of Virginia Beach and our youngest son, Ben, taken this week. I miss being with Beach Bum near the mountains, but it was nice being at the beach again.1st WifeI had some long hard climbs and descents today, but the White Mountains are behind me now. They are spectacular, with views and climbs in a different class than anything I've seen on the AT so far. I now have less than 300 miles remaining on my hike. I am staying at the Top Notch Inn in Gorham, NH and I plan on taking a zero day tomorrow.
Date: 2007-08-21
From: Gorham, NH

To: Gorham, NH
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Hello all, Beach Bum here in the Gorham, NH library. Thanks to all who have signed my guest book. Your good wishes and words of encouragement are greatly appreciated. The White Mountains were beautiful, especially looking back on them. I will be taking a zero day here today and resume hiking tomorrow. With just under 300 miles to go I can definately feel the pull of the end. I am looking forward to hiking in Maine. I'm told it is one of the best hikes on the whole AT.
Date: 2007-08-22
From: Gorham, NH

To: Gentian Pond Shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: clear sky

This is my last full day of hiking in NH. Tomorrow I should enter Maine. The hike today was rather uneventful. The clmbs were moderate and the weather was good. Just a peaceful hiking day. I am tenting tonight. Also here ar Pootz, M&M, Evil Eye, BooBoo, tedd Bear, Trail Blaze, and Sniper.
Date: 2007-08-23
From: Gentian Pond Shelter

To: Full Goose Shelter & Campsite
Miles today: 9.6
Weather: overcast clouds

there were many very steep climbs and descents tday. I may have left the White Mountains behind, but there are more mountains ahead. The good news is I have entered Maine, the 14th and final state on the AT. It is so hard to belive that I haveactually walked from Georgia toMaine. I have 276.5 miles to hike from here to the summit of Mt. Katahdin. I am tenting. Also here are Pootz, M&M, Evil Eye, BooBoo, Teddy Bear, Trail Blaze, Sniper, and other day and section hikers.
Date: 2007-08-24
From: Full Goose Shelter & Campsite

To: Baldpate Lean To
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: overcast clouds

It rained last night so the rocks in Mahoosic Notch were wet. That made the walk extra fun. I fell twice, but was not hurt. I think toay was the toughest 12 miles o my whole hike. there were many very steep ups and sowns. Tim tenting tonight in the rain again. ALso here are Sniper,Trail Blaze, BooBoo, and Evil Eye. Ms Parkay left a note on the trail near Grafton Notch. I was hoping she would be at the parking lot, but she wasn't.
Date: 2007-08-25
From: Baldpate Lean To

To: East B Hill Road, Andover ME
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: broken clouds

I had a good hike today Came into town of Andover from East B Hill Road. I am staying at the Cabin, a hostel in Andover with Earl and Margie. Also here are Teddy Bear, Grub, Evil Eye, BooBoo, Bonnie, M&M and Pootz, Grasshopper, M&M, Two Dogs.
Date: 2007-08-26
From: East B Hill Road

To: South Adams Road
Miles today: 10.1

1st Wife writes: I received a phone call from Beach Bum tonight. He said he left "The Cabin" in Andover, ME this morning with a full pack, ready to go another 4 or 5 days until a town resupply would be necessary...but then when he came to this road crossing, there was the owner of the hostel sitting by the road, waiting to pick up another hiker. Beach Bum stopped to say "hi" and the guy said there was room at the hostel if Beach Bum wanted to come back. So, he did. He said the food there is really "good eating"! I am glad he's eating well, too.
Date: 2007-08-27
From: South Adams Road

To: ME 17
Miles today: 13.3

Beach Bum called tonight-it was so good to talk to him, even if it was just a short call to let me know where he was tonight. He is staying another night at the Cabin hostel after doing a slackpack today.From Beach Bum: I had a very good hike today with Evil Eye, Pootz and M&M and am back at "The Cabin" for one last night. Earle and Margie are special people and by far the best hosts I've encountered on the AT. I will miss "The Cabin."
Date: 2007-08-28
From: ME 17

To: Piazza Rock Lean to
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: clear sky

Margie brought Evil Eye, Pootz, M&M and I back to the AT road crossig at ME17. I continud my hike north; Evil Eye, Pootz and M&M went into Rangely, ME for a zero day tomorrow. I saw my first live moose today at Little Swift River Pond. I think I got some good picures. I am tenting tonight. Also here are Wolf, Little Red and a group of students from Bates College.
Date: 2007-08-29
From: Piazza Rock Lean to

To: Spalding Mtn Lean to
Miles today: 16.9

It was a very long hard day today. I climbed Saddleback Mtn., The Horn, Saddleback Jr. and Lone Mtn. The views were great but well earned. I am tenting tonight. Also here are Natural High, Route 66, Partner and Stand by Me.
Date: 2007-08-30
From: Spalding Mtn Lean to

To: ME 27, Stratton
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: scattered clouds

More hard hiking today. There was heavy rain and a thunderstorm on North Crocker Mtn. When I got to ME27 I called Sue at the Stratton Motel. She did not have any rooms at the motel but had bunk space available at her bunkhouse four miles out of town. I am at the bunkhouse tonight along with Blue Sky GA BBQ, Blue and Thunder. I have a reservation at the motel in town for my zero tomorrow. While in town I saw Ziola, Grasshopper, M&M (the man) and Two Dogs.
Date: 2007-08-31
From: ME 27, Stratton

To: Stratton, ME
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Beach Bum called today. It was so good to hear from him. The trail is more like rock climbing than hiking in the woods, from what he told me. He decided to rest up with a zero day, and resume his hike tomorrow. I am not sure when he'll be able to call again, but he hopes to be in Monson on Friday, the 7th, to get his last mail drop. We are both eager for the white blazes to end!1st Wife. From Beach Bum: I'm doing a zero in Stratton today.I will resupply, eat town food and rest. I found out last night that Stubble had to get off the trail. He fell a while back, cut his knee and got a serious infection. I hope he recovers well and is able to complete his hike; if not this year then maybe next. With about 188 miles to go I am anxious to finish this hike but don't want to push it too hard and risk an injury.
Date: 2007-09-01
From: Stratton, ME

To: Safford Notch Campsite
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Beach Bum surprised me tonight when he called. We were both surprised that he had cell service in the "middle of nowhere" as he called it. He had originally planned to do a 15 mile day, but the beautiful scenery caused him to stop often and take it all in and when he got to this campsite the start of a knee ache convinced him to stop for the night. He expects to get to Caratunk by Tuesday now. 1st Wife From Beach Bum: Sue dropped Boo Boo and I off at the trailhead this morning. I had planned on hiking 15 miles today but I kept taking breaks to enjoy the views. They were spectacular today. The vistas from Bigelow Mtn. and Avery Peak may have been the best of my whole hike. Boo Boo hiked on to the next shelter. I'm tenting at Safford Notch Campsite.
Date: 2007-09-02
From: SaffordNotch Campsite

To: Pierce Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 22.2
Weather: clear sky

It was a beautiful hiking day. I managed to do a lot of miles today since the last 10 miles were fairly flat. I crossed the 2000 mile mark for my hike. Late today I saw 2 moose feeding in a bog. I am tenting tonight. Also here are Boo Boo, Wolf, Little Red, Gandolf, Oorah and Promise Keeper.
Date: 2007-09-03
From: Pierce Pond Lean-to

To: US 201, Caratunk, ME
Miles today: 4.0

Beach Bum called tonight to say he was staying the night at the Northern Outdoors Center. As he was walking along 201 to a small store, the owners offered him a ride, and after hearing about their lodge, he decided to stay there. They stopped at the store, where he ran into Paul (owner of the AT Lodge in Millinocket) the same man who had given Beach Bum a ride to the trailhead on Springer Mountain. Beach Bum has been carrying his business card for the AT Lodge because he hopes to spend his last night in Maine there. I think that was a good omen.1st Wife
Date: 2007-09-04
From: US 201, Caratunk, ME

To: Bald Mtn Lean to
Miles today: 14.4

I spent a total of 21 hours at Northern Outdoors. In that time I ate a total of 5 full meals, breakfast, lunch, early dinner, late dinner and breakfast again. Now thats what I call a good town stop. The hike today was fairly easy and peaceful. I am tenting tonight. Also here are Oorah, Promise Keeper and Mike.
Date: 2007-09-05
From: Bald Mtn Lean to

To: Horseshoe Canyon Lean to
Miles today: 13.3
Weather: clear sky

I had a very pleasant hike today. I gave some thought to pushing into Monson today but just did not feel like doing a 22 mile hike followed by a hitch into town. I met Ox and Nuclear today. I had some really great views from Moxie Bald Mtn. I'm pretty sure I could see Mt. Katadin. I'm tening tonight. No one else is here. It's going to be another cold night.
Date: 2007-09-06
From: Horseshoe Canyon Lean to

To: ME 15 Monson
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: broken clouds

Beach Bum called tonight from Monson, ME. He was sitting on a bench in front of the post office, the only spot in town he could find cell coverage. He is staying tonight in a bunkroom at the Lake Shore House. He came into town this morning and picked up his mail right away. He said to thank those who sent cards. He also put his journal copies and photos in the mail, so I should have those updated next week. We talked about Katahdin. He hikes out tomorrow and could be there in as little as a week or more if it gets tough. Hard to believe he has been hiking exactly 6 months today. I told him it would take at least a week to get the house straightened up, so he can take his time! Just joking-I want him home ASAP! From Beach Bum: Six months ago today I started hiking at Springer Mtn. GA. Today I hiked into Monson ME with 114.5 miles to go to reach the summit of Mt. Katahdin. I checked into the Lake Shore House, ate lunch, showered, did laundry, resupplied at a grocery store, picked up the mail drop Betty sent at the Post Office and ate dinner. This has been my basic routine at town stops for the last 6 months. The routine is over; this is the last town before the end. Tomorrow I start the 100 mile wilderness with a very full and heavy pack.
Date: 2007-09-07
From: ME 15 Monson

To: Long Pond Stream Lean-to
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: few clouds

I was told the 100 mile wilderness was flat and easy...maybe later. I now have less than 100 miles to the top of Mt. Katahdin. It was a hot and humid hike today. Feels good to be resting in my tent. Also here are Grub, Tom B (Too Many Birthdays), Lunar and 2 section hikers.
Date: 2007-09-08
From: Long Pond Stream Lean-to

To: West Branch of Pleasant River
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Today was another very strenuous hike with many steep climbs and descents. It was also very hot and humid which all added up to a very tough hike. I am tenting tonight along the West Branch of the Pleasant River. Also tenting here are Lunar and Grub.
Date: 2007-09-09
From: West Branch of Pleasant River

To: East Branch Lean-to
Miles today: 16.3

I had some steep climbs and descents today but they weren't as tough as yesterday. I got my first clear view of Mt. Katahdin today from White Cap Mtn. 72.8 hiking miles away. Paddy-O drove in on an old woods road and provided some really great trail magic for a bunch of us thru-hikers. He had beer, soda, bratwurst, ribs, jalapeno poppers, chips, dip, cookies an more. Many thanks to Paddy-O, he made my day. I am tenting in the rain toight. Lunar is in the lean-to.
Date: 2007-09-10
From: East Branch Lean-to

To: Potaywadjo Spring Lean-to
Miles today: 19.5
Weather: overcast clouds

The trail flattened out today and I got in some good mileage. If I can hike 18 miles tomorrow I should be in position to summit Mt. Katahdin on Friday. I'll just take what the trail gives me. It was a damp drizzley day today. I am tenting tonight. Lunar is also tenting.
Date: 2007-09-11
From: Potaywadjo Spring Lean-to

To: Rainbow Stream Lean-to
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: light rain

It rained all day today. I'm in my tent now and its still raining. It was a dreary wet hiking day. But I don't care, I am only 30.1 miles from the summit of Mt. Katahdin. Lunar is in the shelter along with several section hikers.
Date: 2007-09-12
From: Rainbow Stream Lean-to

To: Abol Bridge Campground
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Beach Bum called tonight. The connection was lousy-he was calling from a pay phone that wouldn't take his calling card and he only had enough change for 6 minutes. He kept saying, "The end is near." Actually he has about 15 miles to go to the summit of Katahdin and expects to be done by Friday. Let's hope the weather stays "hikable". From Beach Bum: The sun finally came out today. It is cool and very windy. I had a good hike today but all I can think about is climbing Mt. Katahdin and going home. I am tenting tonight at Abol Bridge Campground. Also here are Lunar, Thunder, Zip Lock, Nitro and Bean.
Date: 2007-09-13
From: Abol Bridge Campground

To: The Birches Campsite
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: clear sky

It was a nice day and an easy hike into Baxter State Park to Katahdin Stream Campground. I am tenting at the Birches Campsite, an area set aside for thru-hikers. Also here are Lunar, Zip Lock, Nitro, Blue Sky GA BBQ, Thunder and Blue. Tomorrow we will attempt to summit Mt. Katahdin and complete our thru-hikes. We all sat around a campfire tonight, drinking a few beers and reminiscing about our hikes. WOW, we are nearly done! It is suppose to get cold tonight, lower 30's. It will be a cold start tomorrow.
Date: 2007-09-14
From: The Birches Campsite

To: Baxter Peak, Mt. Katahdin
Miles today: 5.2
Weather: clear sky

I summited Mt. Katahdin today. It was a tough climb but fun. It was cold, foggy and windy at the summit, but Duck Walk's duck (look closely at photo) and I made it to the top. My AT thru-hike is over. Also summiting nearby today were Blue, Blue Sky GA BBQ, Thunder, Lunar, Zip Lock and Nitro. Paul and Jamie, owners of the AT Lodge, picked us up at the Katahdin Stream Campground Ranger Station and brought us to Millinocket. In a few days, after the reality of my hike sets in, I will do a final journal entry with my thoughts.
Date: 2007-09-17
To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

¢Ah, but a man's reach should exceed his grasp, or what's a heaven for?¢ My thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail is complete. I thank God for His many blessings throughout the hike. The support I received from my wife Betty, my family, my friends and the many hikers I met on the trail was incredible. There is no way I could have made it without all of you. When I completed my hike, Grey Fox, a 2006 thru-hiker, signed my guest book. I hiked with him for a short while way down south. All he wrote was ¢Now you know.¢ Indeed I do.
Date: 2008-03-19
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

My Dad (Papa Beach Bum) joined me on my thru-hike from Harpers Ferry, WV to Pine Grove Furnace, PA; about 80 miles. It was the highlight of my hike. He recently carved a wooden hiker and sent it to me. I think it is definitely cool enough to be displayed in my journal. He is even wearing a Hawaiian shirt just like I did.
Date: 2007-04-06
From: springer mountain, georgia

To: mount katahdin, maine
Miles today: 115.0
Weather: broken clouds

alright people, i am still alive and kicking. havent been malled by any wild animals yet, knock on wood. started at amicalola falls state park on 3/25 heading north on the AT. My hiking friend JD and other friend holly started the hike as well. the approach trail to springer mountain (8.8 miles) was probably the hardest of any hiking we have done yet. we stopped into helen GA for a nights rest at the helendorf inn and had a few tasty beverages. nice little town with european flair. a couple days later we hitch hiked into hiawassee GA for a grocery stop.we have met so many interesting people so far. such an array of personalities out here on the trail, but overall good people. some more bizarre than others, such as one guy who began the trail with a handtruck loaded with rubbermaid bins full of food and supplies. apparently he was under the impression that he needed to take 6 months worth of stuff with him. pretty funny! then there is another character out here who totes a tomahawk(spelling?), pistol, bb gun, and wheres one of those revolutionary war hats. a little scary!its been quite a trip so far, and those georgia mountains are no joke! since we crossed into NC, the trail has been much "easier," although i dont know if that word should be used to describe any part of this journey. we will hit the smokies in about 3 days, that will be very difficult terrain, but once we hit VA its all downhill, right?were having fun and loving the nomadic lifestyle. never felt so free! one could get used to this. ill try to keep updated as much as possible.much love to all! good luck to the other thru-hikers!
Date: 2007-04-16
From: Franklin, NC

To: I-40 NC
Miles today: 122.0

woo! well looks like this thing is gonna work out. i have officially made it to Clingman's Dome, tallest mountain on the AT, without any tragedies. knock on wood.my friends kathleen, scott, and kim came up to hang out for the weekend at Clingman's. Unfortunately the weather has been horrible. quite cold with violent winds and rain here at the top of the AT. As a result i am taking a brief vacation from the trail to let the weather pass and allow my ailing left knee to mend. I plan to return to the trail at the intersection of I-40 and the AT. I hiked south from I-40 to Clingman's last fall, so i see no need to rehike this section. sorry to the purists. anyway, the experience has been phenomenal thus far, including the inclement weather. it has been somewhat of a reverse weather climate thus far though. it was 80 degrees when i started in georgia and has since digressed to freezing temps here in the smokies, so i welcome the warmer spring weather. also would like to lose some of this heavy winter gear! next stop should be hot springs, NC in a few days. to all the readers: what are you waiting for? get out here!to all that are out here: good for you and good luck!i will sign off with a quote that i found to be inspiring:"I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived." ~ Thoreau
Date: 2007-05-06
From: hot springs NC

To: damascus VA
Miles today: 250.0
Weather: few clouds

well folks, made it to damascus, virginia. quite the lovely little town and very hiker friendly. this town is home to trail days, a huge hiker festival held here annually. we've had a few days of rain, but that seems to be gone now and the weather is perfect. the miles have come much easier over the past few days everyone on the trail has picked up speed. did 23 miles yesterday just to get to town earlier. it was worth it.   tennessee/ nc was wonderful, but i must say its great to step foot into a new state. good luck to all my thruhiker buddies out there. woo!
Date: 2007-02-04
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Welcome to my journal. I think perhaps the best place to start is simply, WHY? Because its there. Whoops, already taken. Still if it wasn't for the visionaries who thought up the trail, and the volunteer trail workers who work very hard to maintain it, it wouldn't be there and I wouldn't be hiking it. So thanks to them! The real question is one of motivation. And I find this really fascinating. Why would anyone want to carry a heavy pack up and down mountains through all kinds of weather every day all day for months on end? Sheer masochism? Some perverse need to prove oneself? There is actually a pretty good study of this subject in the book "Long Distance Hiking..." by Roland Mueser. He surveyed thru hikers and found three major motivational categories. Escape, adventure, and love of the outdoors. I'll posit a fourth category, one that I think is fairly common, at least on the unconscious level, that of a quest for personal and/or spiritual growth. I think a lot of us trying this crazy adventure have a mixture of most of these categories to various degrees. I'll get into what my personal mix is in my next entry.