morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2017-09-24
From: US 201, Caratunk, ME/Caratunk House B&B Hostel

To: Bald Mountain Brook Lean-to
Miles today: 14.7

9/24US 201, Caratunk, ME/Caratunk House B&B Hostel to Bald Mountain Brook Lean-to14.7 miles Total miles: 2053.3Paul told me last night that breakfast would be served at 7:00, which worked well for getting a relatively early start on the hike in the morning. We were treated to one of the finest breakfasts I can ever remember having. Indiana Jane, Tengo, Gravity, Whiskers, Dr. GoMo, and I were served scrambled eggs with mushrooms, fried potatoes, french toast, bacon, fresh fruit, orange juice, and coffee. We had a wonderful time chatting while we ate. Paul truly outdid himself, and I so much enjoyed my stay at his hostel. Thanks ever so much, Paul, for your hospitality! Gravity, Tengo, and I were on the trail by 8:30 with the goal of reaching Bald Mountain Brook Lean-to, which was 14.7 miles away. We had Pleasant Pond Mountain to climb up and over, our only mountain for the day. The trail was reasonable all day, with lots of roots and rocks but few real obstacles. The ascent of Pleasant Pond Mountain was made a bit more complicated by the heat. I have discussed my concern about winter coming, but there was no hint of that today. I believe the temperature may have reached the eighties, although I didn't bother to check my thermometer. I stopped for lunch just prior to the climb, even though it was still early. I also got water from a stream and drank a liter right then. This was a good idea, because I was down to a half liter and feeling thirsty when I reached the next water source, which was 5.1 miles past the summit of the mountain. The skies were again bright and sunny, and I enjoyed a nice view from Pleasant Pond Mountain. I passed two streams on the way down with very little water and was glad to get to Baker Stream which is a pretty major stream. While the water was obviously low, there was a good flow. From there, it was an easy 2.6 mile hike to Bald Mountain Brook Lean-to. I arrived at 5:45, feeling pretty much worn out, which I largely attribute to the heat. The water was quite low in the brook, but there was a slight flow, and I was able to use my scoop to obtain water. I took care of my evening chores and visited with Tengo, Gravity, Indiana Jane, and two southbounders whose names I didn't get, while I cooked dinner. I was in my tent before eight. I'm looking to get an early start tomorrow. I'm planning on thirteen miles which includes Moxie Bald Mountain, the last mountain before Monson. I would like to have as much remaining daylight as possible when I arrive in camp, so I'm hoping for a 6:30 departure time in the morning. Today was a good day, and it's starting to come to me how close I am getting to the end. I should reach Monson the day after tomorrow, which will be my last resupply as I then enter the Hundred Mile Wilderness on my home stretch to Katahdin.
Date: 2017-09-28
From: Stealth Campsite near Vaughn Stream

To: Chairback Gap Lean-to
Miles today: 12.3

9/28Stealth Campsite near Vaughn Stream to Chairback Gap Lean-to12.3 miles Total miles: 2101.3While the second half of the 100 Mile Wilderness is famously flat as you head to Katahdin, the first half has its share of mountains. Today was a mountain day. True to Maine form, I had my share of bouldering and extremely steep ascents and descents. It rained last night, and I heard one long, loud thunder roll, but the day dawned chilly and windy, but dry. I was on the trail by 6:45 this morning, knowing I would be climbing today. The first challenge was fording Long Pond Stream. The water was low, and I was able to rock hop across. The ascent up Barren Mountain began immediately after. The climb up to Barren Ledges was pretty steep, but then there was a long ridge walk before the final climb to the top. The remnants of an old fire tower remain on the summit. The view from the Ledges was best, allowing me a fine view. From Barren Mountain, I then descended to Fourth Mountain Bog, which you travel across on a long boardwalk. I then completed a roller coaster hike of varying difficulty up and down Fourth Mountain, Mount Three and a Half, Third Mountain, and Columbus Mountain. The descent down Mount Three and a Half was particularly challenging. A helicopter circled near me for a long time early this afternoon, and I was initially concerned that it was involved in a rescue operation. It was while I was climbing Mount Three and a Half that I smelled smoke, and I saw plumes of smoke from a nearby area while on the summit. Gravity told me later that he had seen Wendy, the woman we met at the ATC Visitor Center in Monson, on a day hike, and she confirmed that there was a forest fire in the area. I was never in any danger from the fire, and I have no other information. Near today's destination of Chairback Gap Lean-to, I passed the number 2100 spelled out in sticks. This is the last such number I will be passing, as I had only 89.8 miles to go as I passed the number. The last 0.4 miles of the trail into the shelter has been recently rerouted, and I was surprised to find an easy, round about trail devoid of any rock scrambles or root wads. Again, I have no other information, but it certainly felt odd to be walking on spongy, not rocky trail. The old trail was still readily apparent, and it appeared to be more direct but more difficult. If nothing else, it was a cause for conversation when I arrived in camp. It was pleasant to be able to set up camp before dark, although I ended up cooking by headlamp. There aren't a whole lot of camping options tomorrow, and I hope to be able to make it to Logan Brook Lean-to, 16.8 miles to the north. There are still several mountains between me and there, and I understand the descent of Chairback Mountain is particularly difficult. I'll be setting out early again tomorrow and will just have to see how things work out. Today was an interesting, challenging day, and I expect tomorrow to be the same.
Date: 2017-10-05
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

10/5Millinocket, Maine to Providence, Rhode Island I woke up today, and for the first time in nearly six months I was not figuring out how many miles I would hike today. Kim, Sandy, and I went to the Appalachian Trail Cafe for breakfast and met up with our little group. Tengo, Gravity, and I all followed an old AT tradition and signed a ceiling tile. While we are all going our separate ways, we have developed a bond of friendship that will continue into the future. I ordered one of my favorite breakfasts, pancakes with sunnyside up eggs. I like to cut the eggs into the pancakes. I decided to forgo the butter and syrup, something I wouldn't have thought about doing yesterday. It appears my old eating habits are already coming into play. This is good, because if I continued to eat the number of calories I have been eating, who knows what I would end up weighing. The drive to Providence went without incident. We arrived in mid-afternoon. It was wonderful seeing Sue again. We visited a while before deciding to go to dinner at Antonio's Pizza. We enjoyed a large Beaurider pizza. Nearly every day when he worked near the restaurant, Beau would order a rather unique pizza consisting of breaded chicken, cheese filled tortellini, mozzarella cheese, and basil pesto sauce. When he died, the restaurant officially added the Beaurider to its menu. Ten years later it is still there. It was definitely different, but I liked it. We then went back to their house and had a relaxing evening visiting and watching the Patriots on television. I went to bed early. Sandy and I will visit with the Wennemarks until Sunday morning, when we will fly home to Missouri. It's a good way to begin to bring closure to my six-month adventure.
Date: 2017-10-06
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

10/6Providence, RIWe had a wonderful time in Providence and Pawtucket today. We went to the Modern Diner for breakfast this morning. Built in 1941, the Modern Diner was the first diner to be accepted on the National Register of Historic Places. The food and service were great. We ate at the counter. I had the Famous Jimmie Gimmie, two poached eggs on English muffins with sliced tomatoes and topped with melted cheese and bacon, served with fried potatoes. It had every right to be famous. Strawberry crepes rounded out the meal. Delicious. After breakfast, Sue and Kim took us on a driving tour of Providence. We stopped at a small park with a great view of the city. The capital building was front and center. We then returned to their home and chilled out for awhile. We then headed for the Pawtucket Bucket Brewery. A small brewery, I had a flight of their excellent beers. I talked with Nate, the owner and head brewer. I enjoyed all six of the beers I tried in my flight. Surprisingly, there was not an IPA on tap. I particularly liked the Black Goat of the Woods Spiced Irish Milk Stout. From there, we went to the Viva Mexico Restaurant for another excellent meal. We then headed for the Trinity Brewhouse, where I had the Maple Brown, with Vermont maple syrup added. It was very tasty. Providence definitely boasts a strong craft beer scene. It was then back to the house for a well-earned nap. We then headed for Foolproof Brewing Company for an evening of stand-up comedy. Four local comedians put on a good show. Afterwards, we stopped by a neighbor's house and sat around a fire chatting. It was then time to return home and go to bed. We had a busy day that was also relaxing, since we were never in a hurry (and took a car wherever we went). Sandy and I will spend one more day with the Wennermarks before flying home on Sunday. I feel like I'm already adjusting to life after the trail.
Date: 2017-10-08
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

10/8Providence, RI, to Columbia, MO I slept well on my last night in Providence, although I did have at least one more hiking in the night dream. I woke up more easily from this one than the one last night. Kim went to church with us this morning, and I attended Mass for the first time since I left home. St. Raymonds is a beautiful church with very impressive stain glass windows. Returning to Mass is another step in re-entering my regular life and routine. We returned to Sue and Kim's house for another great breakfast. Sandy and I finished packing, and we spent the rest of our time visiting on the porch. A light rain was falling. It was a good feeling to be warm and dry under a roof while still being able to enjoy the sight, sound, and smell of the rain through the screens. We left for the airport at 2:30 and arrived in plenty of time for our 4:37 flight to Chicago. I checked my backpack, having placed it in the bag carrier I borrowed from Becky. It occurred to me that it is the first time I have been separated from my backpack since April 5th. My backpack has basically served as my surrogate home for the past six months, but there was no separation anxiety here, so I guess I really am ready to reintegrate into my more normal, post thru-hike life. The flight to Chicago was uneventful. After months of views of sunrises and sunsets, and the one special day when I stood on a ridge above the clouds, I found myself looking down on sunlit clouds in a more conventional way by being on an airplane. Nature's beauty can be found in many places. I was also surprised to discover that I needed to add one more example in the privy photo series. Landing squarely in the "I'd never think of this in a million years" category, the toilets at O'Hare airport now sport automatic toilet seat covers. The would-be user touches the Start button, and a plastic sleeve slides along the toilet seat, providing a sterile, germ-free environment on which to place your tush. I was amazed. After months of privies, cat holes, rationed toilet paper, and hand sanitizer, I guess I can safely say that I have definitely left the trail. We took off after dark from O'Hare on a clear night. The lights of Chicago as seen from my plane window were quite a display of human-created beauty. I observed a highway cloverleaf with the road illuminated by small pools of light from the tiny cars as they traveled along the road, looking all the world like slow-moving, lighted beads on a chain. Simply gorgeous. From the air at least. I'm not sure the drivers on the congested roadway below would agree with my assessment. The flight went by quickly, and we were soon in Columbia. Becky met us and we headed to her apartment. We had a great chat and watched the first episode of the new Star Trek series. Geeking out with Becky and Sandy about Star Trek. Things should be back to normal soon.
Date: 2017-10-09
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

10/9Columbia, MO, to Rolla, MO I slept well in Becky's guest room except for the dream of hiking along rocky trail trying to get to her apartment. At least it was not terribly difficult trail. Once again, I woke up only mildly confused. I was able to spend some time with Becky this morning at her office at KBIA Radio in Columbia. She is a Health and Wealth reporter and recently initiated a new program called Missouri Health Talks, which focuses on capturing conversations between everyday Missourians about access to health care. An award winning journalist, Becky has parents who spend their time being extremely proud of her. If you are interested in her stories, they can be accessed at missourihealthtalks.org or kbia.org. I then took my trekking pole to Alpine Shop and dropped it off so it can be repaired. I walked there from Becky's office and then back to the parking garage. I spent a rather unproductive fifteen minutes wandering through the parking garage looking for her car (I forgot to make an arrow out of sticks to show me the way) and finally had to break down and call Becky to have her help direct me to her car. Six months on the trail and my inability to orient myself in a parking garage remains unchanged. Sigh. We picked Becky up after she taught her Introduction to Multi-Media Journalism class. She works very hard at this and is quite popular with her students. After her first semester teaching, a student thanked her afterwards for clearly giving a sh*t. I've suggested she have that put on a t-shirt. We ate lunch at the Broadway Diner, where Becky and I usually eat breakfast after our practice runs. The lunch special was also tasty, and I continue to eat well but only about half as much as I did while on the trail. I'm also back to unsweetened ice tea instead of soda. Reconversion continues. We watched the third episode of the new Star Trek, and I think I'm hooked. Becky then drove us to Jefferson City, where we met Stephen and my friend, Sharon. We had dinner at Arris' Bistro. Sandy and I then loaded our stuff in Stephen's car, and he drove us the rest of the way home. After six months and five days, I arrived back to where I started. Time will tell what impact my six month hiatus will have on my life, but I am already giving thought to my next projects. Tomorrow, I plan on visiting my schools and letting the students see me with my beard. I'll then return home to shave and then back to Rolla for a haircut. I know I will forever cherish the friendships I developed on the trail, and my absence from my friends from home has helped me realize how much I appreciate them. To all of you who read my journal, thank you so much. Your support has meant the world to me. As I walked up the deck to the door of my home for the past thirty-one years, I turned to Sandy and quoted Samwise Gamgee, using the last line in The Lord of the Rings, "Well, I'm back."
Date: 2017-10-14
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Trail Magic continues! I was thrilled to receive a very special gift from Larry, a hiker I met briefly near Woody Gap in Georgia. He kept up with my journal and corresponded with me several times through my guest book. He created a word cloud in the shape of a tree, listing the names of everyone I met on the trail, with the size of each person's name based on how often it appeared in my journal. This beautiful gift is already hanging proudly in my living room. Thank you so much, Larry! What a wonderful memento for my AT journey.
Date: 2017-10-15
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: fog

Stephen is organizing a party/get-together to welcome me home at the Rolla Public House on Thursday, October 19th from 4:00 to 8:00. All are welcome. I visited and enjoyed numerous craft beer pubs in fourteen states over the past six months, but it was great to be back at the Public House with my hometown friends for Thirsty Thursday. There are several new beers, so I ordered a flight of six. I particularly liked the new session IPA and the new Stout. Stephen asked me not to shave until after the party so I'm still sporting my whiskers. Stephen says all I need is a burro and a prospecting pan. I think I look like half a Q-Tip. My 40th high school reunion is this weekend, so I will certainly be back to clean shaven by then. Sandy and I are going to Gravy with Grandparents with Landon and Maylei this Wednesday. Maylei says I look like Santa. I've had two nights now that I have not had a hiking dream. I was trying to explain to some friends at church how in some ways it's almost as if the trip never happened since it was so far removed from my regular life, when one said that it must be like finishing a book. I think that sums things up pretty well. The abrasions on my legs are healing and the hard callouses on my feet are softening, so my body is well on the way to normal (although I'm still pretty skinny). I'm presently working on my Summit Card to send out, which is yet another way I'm bringing closure to the hiking part of my adventure.
Date: 2017-10-17
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I finally got a chance to visit my mom and may have discovered why I had so much difficulty seeing a bear during my hike. I learned from Mom that as fervently as I was hoping to see a bear, she was hoping even more fervently that I wouldn't, since she was convinced I would be eaten by one. I guess Momma's wishes trump Son's wishes. We had a great visit, and she got to see me before I shaved. I'm looking forward to getting back to my regular routine of visiting her, and I am so lucky to have a mom who loves me so much, even if she did cut down on my bear sightings. I love you, Mom!
Date: 2017-10-18
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

10/18While I was gone, my friends, Glen and Murph, have initiated pointless, retired guys Wednesday excursions into their weekly itinerary. Today's trip involved a trip to Columbia to visit the oldest tree in Missouri. The huge burr oak is estimated to be close to 400 years old and, unfortunately, is dying. I was told it will probably be dead in two years, although it didn't look all that sick to me. We first went to Eagle Bluffs to bird watch but saw very few. We did see a fair number of Herons, however. After visiting the tree, we drove the rest of the way to Columbia and had lunch with Becky. We had a great time, although visiting Becky made the trip not entirely pointless. Tomorrow is the welcome back party, and I shave after that, which should pretty much wrap up my AT adventure except for the fact I have already been approached by several people about putting together a presentation about my journey. I've started sorting through photos so we'll have to see.
Date: 2017-02-11
To: 35 Days Away!
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

The gear is bought. The planning is complete. My son is ready. And so am I. What will this adventure hold? Im thinking today about my wife. Will she be ok for that long without us? It is so good of her to let me chase my dream. I hope she can join us somewhere up the trail for a few days. And Im Grateful 2.
Date: 2017-02-11
To: i love the woods
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

I love being in the woods. The walking in the woods seems to clear my mind. The air is fresh and clean. (Except when it rains.) And it rains a lot. In walking the long trail, I know that to be successful you have to embrace the suck. By that I mean you have to enjoy the rain. And the cold. And the wind. And malfunctioning gear. And soreness. What I really like about hiking the Appalachian Trail is the challenge. The physical challenge of day after day. The mental challenge of missing friends and loved ones. I hope that my son and I are up for the challenges. Either way, I'm thankful for the opportunity to go. Most dads don't get the privilege of hiking every day with their son. I am Grateful 2.
Date: 2017-02-12
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Only 4 and 1/2 weeks till we leave. I'm telling people now that we are hiking the trail. I guess there's no turning back now. I know we will have a great time, but I also know it will be one of the hardest things we will have ever done. Will we make it? I can't be sure.I've had lingering foot issues. My right foot has undergone 5 major surgeries with plates, screws, and fusions. My left foot has developed plantar faciitis in the last year that required a cortisone shot and extensive rehab. Both of my shoulders have been replaced. Besides that, I'm getting older and can't do what I used to do. Will we make it? I don't know.I called someone close to me today who knows I hike the AT and have had foot issues. I wanted to tell them about the hike. I told them that my son and I were "thru" hiking the Appalachian Trail. They wanted to know what had brought that on. They wanted to know why I was finished hiking! I said, "No, I'm not finished hiking. I'm thru-hiking. I am walking the Appalachian Trail all the way from Georgia to Maine." LOL They said, "No way." I hope there is a way. Even if I am only able to go part of the way, I am still Grateful 2 B here.
Date: 2017-02-26
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

It's Sunday. So we went to church like we always do, at least while we are here at home. I wonder what Sundays will be like on the trail? I wonder if I'll get together with some of the other hikers and talk about God? Or maybe Sunday will become just another day. It's almost gotten that way in our society now. I wish it wasn't that way. So anyway, it's Sunday and we went to church. Yesterday I posted on my Facebook account that Gooseman and I were hiking the Appalachian Trail. Lots of people wanted to talk to me today about my trip. I got all the usual questions. How long will you be gone? Are you walking the whole way? Will you be sleeping in a tent? Where will you get food? Will you be "packing" (a gun)? What about the Bears?I answered each question with as much enthusiasm as I could because I am excited about going. It's good to know that some of the people in our church are excited for us in this new adventure.No one asked me the big question however. Why am I going? I'm not sure I can answer that myself either. It's almost like the mountains are calling to me. It's something I must do. I love being outside. I love the endorphin release I get when I hike long distances. It's something I've known I must do for over 20 years. Now this is my chance. I don't want to waste it. Eighteen days till we leave. I'm Grateful2.