morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-08-29
From: Sidney Tappan campsite. (Mile 2108.5)

To: Cooper Brook Falls Lean-to
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: clear sky

Sunny and cold this morning, and cool today (it was 45° last night), especially going up Whitecap Mountain. Definitely felt it. Whitecap Mountain should be our last big hump, almost 4000 feet in elevation. We did have one more smaller hump, little Boardman mountain, but as our legs are pretty well played out, even that was hard going this afternoon. Thankfully, we had the Big one first thing this morning. We should be all done with the heavy climbs (well, except for Mount Katahdin at the end). Cooper Brook was nice.
Date: 2014-08-30
From: Cooper Brook Falls Lean-to

To: Sand beach campsite on Nahmakanta Lake (mile 2146)
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: broken clouds

Although the terrain is more level now, still lots of rocks and roots. Thankfully no rain, so we were spared having to negotiate around a lot of mud Bogs. Nice weather, too. Haven't seen as many other hikers in the hundred mile wilderness, probably since it's more of a commitment than being out for a weekend. Perhaps as we near the end of the stretch, we will see more as people wander in from the end for a weekend (holiday). Beautiful country here, lots of ponds, Brooks, lakes, and other beautiful water to see. In fact, we camped on a sand beach on the shore of Nahmakanta Lake. Got set up just in time before dark, lots of mosquitoes. Had a good swim to rinse off, though. Took my clothes and rinsed them out, too. Almost done!
Date: 2014-08-31
From: Sand beach campsite on Nahmakanta Lake (mile 2146)

To: Hurd Brook Lean-to (Mile 2166.7)
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Groundhog Day¢¦ More roots and rocks, but again the terrain (with the exception of Nesuntabunt Mountain this morning and rainbow ledges this afternoon) was fairly level (Even these small challenges now tax our worn-out legs) and the weather was pretty good. Lots of roots and rocks, but again no rain so we were spared the mud. Stopped at rainbow stream Lean-to for lunch, and I visited the "excellent swimming hole upstream" described in the AWOL guide. It was indeed excellent, and it was good to take a "no-soap" bath and rinse my clothes off. Thankfully, my hiking clothes dry in about 15 to 20 minutes when wet. We were expecting rain, but thankfully, it held off. Hard to believe that this is our last night sleeping in the tent. Looking forward to linking up with our wives tomorrow. We will meet them in the morning and leave the contents of our packs in the car to walk the final 10 miles to Katahdin stream campground, where we are well-positioned to climb Mount Katahdin, the last five-mile stretch of the trail. While we have enjoyed it, it will be nice to finally be finished!
Date: 2014-09-01
From: Hurd Brook Lean-to (Mile 2166.7)

To: Katahdin Stream Campground (to Millinocket)
Miles today: 14.0

An easy 3-mile walk to Abol bridge, where we are anticipating linking up with our wives. Just short of the road, I was proceeding along a catwalk, carefully looking down at where I was stepping to avoid falling off into a mud bog, and I almost bumped into my wife. A pleasant surprise! We all walked back to the road, stopped at the nearby convenience store for a cup of coffee and a coffee cake, then proceeded to the parking lot to empty our packs. An easy and pleasant 10 mile walk to the Katahdin stream campground, where we were reunited with our wives. Checked in at the hotel, got shower and laundry, and a nice dinner in town. All set for tomorrow.
Date: 2014-09-02
From: Katahdin Stream Campground (to Millinocket)

To: Mount Katahdin, Baxter State Park (mile 2189)
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Hard to believe, we're finally finishing! First stop -- Dunkin' Donuts coffee, hit the trail at 7 AM. In a rather unceremonious beginning to the day, we had not even gone 1 mile when a couple of branches fell on my head. Fortunately, they were not big enough to cause any significant damage, and we proceeded on. The climb was not as bad as I anticipated, although there was a dicey section in the middle with lots of rocks we had to climb up. We got to the top a little after 11 AM, hung loose for some pictures and to have a sandwich, and then the weather started to change. Until this point we had been enjoying warm sunny weather, when all of a sudden a cloud blew in and made us cold. It was, however great to see some of our through-hiking friends, and even a few folks we did not know. We got a group photo as well, and then it was time to part. Al and Kim were hiking down the back side, and I was proceeding back down the Appalachian Trail to our start point. It was great to finally get her done! This evening, I shaved off all that unwanted facial hair and my wife gave me a haircut. It was especially good to be reunited, and we are looking forward to spending tomorrow at Acadia national Park before proceeding back to Virginia. Heading pretty much straight to Florida for our daughter's delivery of her baby. This concludes the journal entries, and thank you so much for all the inspirational messages that you've been sending me. I'm most grateful for all of your support, but mostly my wife Julia. It also has been great having Al as a hiking partner. We have met a lot of great friends along the way, and hopefully we will keep in touch with them, too. All the best,
Date: 2014-03-01
To: More pieces of the puzzle!
Miles today: 0.0

We're flying to Atlanta on Saturday March 8th. To get from the airport to the trail, first we'll take MARTA from the airport (the southernmost stop) to the northernmost stop. We found a hotel with restaurants, a Super Target, and REI within walking distance.Then on Sunday the wonderful folks at The Hike Inn will pick us up and drive us to their hostel for the night. On Monday morning they will feed us breakfast and drive us to the trailhead. Whew!There are two ways to get to the southern terminus of the AT. Either you can hike an 8.8-mile approach trail or drive further up a Forest Service road and then hike backwards to the terminus. Our plan is to hike the approach trail. No reason in particular. It feels like things are coming together!Naomi
Date: 2014-03-06
To: GEAR!!
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Both Mike and I are trying to lighten our load considerably this year. For one, we are both hiking with Mountain Laurel Designs packs for the first time. Mine weighs less than a pound and Mike's is a little over a pound. Crazy light. We have a new tent as well - the ZPacks Hexamid Duplex made with Cuben Fiber. It weighs in at an astonishing 19 ounces plus stakes. It is incredibly roomy and has doors on both sides. This was definitely a splurge. New quilts too! We both got the Katabatic Gear Palisade. Swami raved about his when we met him on the CDT in 2012 and I've been obsessed ever since. I cannot believe how light they are. I'm so excited! I'm so ready to be hiking.Naomi
Date: 2014-03-10
From: Amicalola Falls State Park

To: Sassafras Mountain
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: clear sky

2142' gain2684' lossBreakfast at 7:30 and by 8:30 they were loading us into the van for the drive to the trail. Twelve hikers in total - 10 males and 2 females. I was a little surprised by that ratio.Those of doing the approach trail were the last stop. We got to Amicalola Falls State Park around 10:45. On the register we were thru hikers #369 and #370 for the year. This doesn't capture all hikers but it gives you a ballpark.The approach trail climbs to the top of the falls, mostly with stairs. I think there are at least 600 stairs. All of those mind-numbing hours at the gym on the stair machine paid off!The terrain is heavily wooded but the trees haven't leafed out yet. This means we're getting views that would be obscured by leaves, which is nice. The ground is covered with last year's leaves. Much different than the Pacific Northwest.People have been warning us that a mile on the AT is not a mile on the PCT - because of all the pointless ups and downs of the AT, our mileage will suffer. I hope that isn't true.The weather today was perfect hiking weather. Mid-60s, sunny, and a light breeze. We watched the sun set while the Army training camp serenaded us with machine gun fire. In addition to our AT miles, the approach trail was:3153' gain1119' loss8.8 miles
Date: 2014-03-11
From: Sassafras Mountain

To: Neel Gap
Miles today: 20.2

4888' gain5062' lossFirst Trail Magic today! Loose Ends was at Woody Gap with cookies, chips, apples, and all the stuff hikers love. People out here are SO nice.We saw a ton of hikers today, some in better condition than others. We saw a guy puking by the side of the trail, another with sunburn, shin splits, and some who just looked plain miserable.Up and over Blood Mountain at the end of the day was fun. We had spectacular views.We heard a storm was coming in tonight so we hustled to make it to Mountain Crossings in hopes of staying at the hostel. No space available but there was one cabin left - just down the road. Sold! We told them we would take other hikers in our cabin and eventually Fuzzy Wuzzy showed up. He's a really nice guy on his first thru hike.
Date: 2014-03-12
From: Neel Gap

To: 2 Miles Beyond Low Gap
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: light rain

4104 gain3786' lossThe rain started sometime after midnight. Heavy rain. It was so nice to hear the rain on the roof rather than our tent. We stayed in our cabin until checkout at 11 and hit the trail about noon. The rain had stopped.We had a few sprinkles later in the day and eventually put on our rain gear. At least it isn't cold, I thought.Almost on cue, it was as if a switch turned. It got cold. Really cold. And windy. We saw a couple tents just below the trail and they warned us not to go around the corner because of the wind. They were right. We came back and pitched our tent where there was shelter from the wind. It. Is. Cold.
Date: 2014-03-13
From: 2 Miles Beyond Low Gap

To: Dicks Creek Gap
Miles today: 23.6
Weather: clear sky

7211' gain7841' lossI left this morning wearing nearly everything that I am carrying, including my down hood. First thing after we start walking, Mike fell and hit the ground. Hard. When he got up his thumb was bent the wrong way but it didn't hurt - probably because it is cold. I hope it isn't broken.The wind hits and takes my breath away. Our water bottles froze while we walked.At Tray Gap - Trail Magic!! Bill and Jeff had a grill and were flipping burgers. We had just eaten lunch, but that didn't matter! That first bite was amazing. Perfectly cooked.We hustled to get to Top of Georgia Hostel - brand new for 2014. We sent a box here and got a bunk too. They fed us dinner, did our laundry. Awesome. We met the owner - a Triple Crowner named Sir Packs A Lot. Nice guy.I am the only female here, as far as I can tell.
Date: 2014-03-14
From: Dicks Creek Gap

To: Before Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 24.3

6877' gain4967' lossThe Top of Georgia Hostel fed us a fantastic breakfast this morning, including apple coffee cake. There was one bathroom. Seventeen hikers plus one bathroom equals good times.There was talk of minus ten degree temperatures in the Smokies. Um...we are not prepared for that. If the forecast shows those kind of temperatures we will have to hunker down in town.We reached the North Carolina state line this morning. One state down! Georgia went fast. This is the first time either of us has been in North Carolina.Lots of climbing today. One climb was really steep - the steepest so far, I think. Another climb was really well graded with switchbacks, almost PCTish. I was grateful!Perfect hiking weather. Low 60s and sunny. The wind finally stopped.
Date: 2014-03-15
From: Before Carter Gap Shelter

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: clear sky

2756' gain3734' lossI know I said yesterday was the toughest climb, but today's was worse. The climb up Albert Mountain was steep - climbing up boulders in places. I'm glad it wasn't raining. On the way up I kept looking up and towards the top I saw a fire tower right above us. It took me by surprise.On the bright side, steep climbs are over faster!There were two hikers at the tower and one if them said that was the toughest climb in Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee. Good news!The descent on the other side was gentle and slow. What a contrast.We made a decision to go into Franklin, North Carolina. It wasn't on our original plan but rain is coming. We hustled and made it to the road by 2 pm. Just as we got to the parking lot a truck pulled up and dropped off a hiker. They immediately offered us a ride to town. Former AT thru hikers themselves, they moved to Franklin after the trail because they loved the town so much. Again, everyone is so nice.We had a late lunch in town and we were hungry. We both got "dinner" pasta portions and thought we were up for the challenge. We were both defeated. That's what they call "hiker portions"!
Date: 2014-03-16
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Franklin
Miles today: 0.0

Cold and rainy. We decided to take a zero day in Franklin.The bad news is that many businesses are closed on Sundays. The outfitter we can walk to is closed. The restaurant with hiker portions is closed. A little disappointing.As the day goes on we see more and more hikers arrive. Soon the "no vacancy" light goes on. The motel is full but there are no cars in the parking lot.
Date: 2014-03-17
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Near Wesser Bald Shelter
Miles today: 21.2
Weather: snow

5443' gain4826' lossWhen we left Franklin it was pouring down rain. The owner of the motel has a short bus that he shuttles hikers around in. It was packed with hikers but only 5 of us got out at Winding Stair Gap. I'm not sure where the rest were going.By the time we got to the trail the rain had stopped. Mike and I put away our umbrellas but kept our rain gear on.We had lunch at the stone tower on top of Wayah Bald but there was no view. We were basically in a cloud. The sun was almost breaking through and it was almost warm.No views from Wesser Bald either. The guidebook says panoramic views so we were bummed.Today we saw the fewest number of hikers - by far. Five of us left together, and we saw two more. Everyone must be in town.
Date: 2014-03-18
From: Near Wesser Bald Shelter

To: Above Stecoah Gap
Miles today: 19.2
Weather: overcast clouds

5400' gain6375' lossAfter a mostly rain-free day, it rained off and on all last night. I'm fine with that! Our tent did well but we did have some condensation on the inside of the tent. Big water drops would fall on the tent which would then make drops on the inside of the tent. Sometimes they would fall right on my face.By the time we started hiking the rain stopped. The trail had a huge descent all the way to 1700' to the Nantahala River. We rolled into Nantahala Outdoor Center and the sun came out. The restaurant was open so we had a nice breakfast. We had a resupply box - we are still carrying too much food. On the other hand, the box had some of Trader Joe's almonds covered in dark chocolate and rolled in sugar and sea salt. I felt like I won the lottery when I saw those.The outfitter was awesome. They let us print out our permit for the Smokies. And they have good gear for hikers despite being a whitewater outfitter primarily.Of course, after we crossed the river we climbed up up up again. I actually pulled out my iPod Nano to listen to music during the climb. It helped.
Date: 2014-03-19
From: Above Stecoah Gap

To: Fontana Dam Visitors Center
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: broken clouds

3773' gain5184' lossFirst up this morning was "Jacobs Ladder" - a 600' climb in 0.6 miles. We heard stories of hikers throwing up while climbing it so I was a little apprehensive. I had visions of big boulders and climbing on all fours. Fortunately there were no boulders but it was steep.Our goal today was Fontana Dam. We had a reservation at the Hike Inn where we sent a resupply box. They picked us up at the visitors center, did our laundry, and drove us to town for dinner and a grocery stop. They only host hikers.After we got back from town I went with the owner, Nancy, to the dumpsters down the road where she is feeding a stray cat. The cat knows her car and came running up for dinner. Nancy's hope is to catch the cat and place her in a home. So. Cute.Nancy says they have rescued hundreds of dogs and cats over the years. Maybe that is why they only host hikers? Hikers are kind of like stray animals - tired, hungry, and very, very grateful!
Date: 2014-03-20
From: Fontana Dam Visitors Center

To: Derrick Knob Shelter
Miles today: 22.7
Weather: clear sky

8465' gain5266' lossI was so excited to get to Great Smoky Mountains National Park! The weather is perfect. We climbed and climbed and reached the best scenery on the trail to-date. We had gorgeous 360 views on top of Thunderhead Mountain.We are required to stay in shelters in the park. Some people tell us that hikers with shelter reservations can kick out thru hikers; other people tell us the opposite.It is cold tonight. It is 35 degrees at 8:45.
Date: 2014-03-21
From: Derrick Knob Shelter

To: Icewater Spring Shelter
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: broken clouds

6178' gain5046' lossWhen we got to Silers Bald Shelter for second breakfast, there was a volunteer trail crew waiting to install a new privy. They had been waiting since Tuesday for the helicopter to drop off the materials. They were hilarious - retired and it seemed like they had been friends for ever. There was an endless stream of jokes and wisecracks. Eventually their food delivery hiker showed up. He brought Hardee's sausage biscuits, yogurt, apples, oranges, candy. We had to look away.The forest changed on the way up to Clingmans Dome. Suddenly we were in a conifer forest rather than deciduous. It felt like we were in the mountains.Much of the trail was on the Tennessee - North Carolina state line today. I think that we could jump from state to state by standing on one side of the trail or the other.Clingmans Done is the highest point on the AT. We got there in time for lunch. There was no one there. I couldn't believe it. There is a road that goes to the top but it has not opened yet. There is a huge tower on top which gives incredible 360 views. It was a totally clear day so we could see for miles. We could even see Mt. Mitchell - the highest point east of the Mississippi.The trail crossed the road at Newfound Gap. I had no idea what to expect. It felt a little like Disneyland. People were everywhere. As we left there was a woman coming down the trail carrying a cat. Hiking with a cat. That was a first for me.
Date: 2014-03-22
From: Icewater Spring Shelter

To: Cosby Knob Shelter
Miles today: 20.3
Weather: overcast clouds

4058' gain5249' lossToday was fantastic trail. We walked for miles along ridge lines - sometimes not much wider than the trail itself. And relatively easy hiking. I didn't think we did much climbing until Mike told me the altitude gain/loss from his altimeter. We took the Charlies Bunion side trail to a beautiful view point.The trail went right past some plane wreckage. When we got to the shelter a hiker told us it was from a 1972 military plane crash. I'll have to Google it.
Date: 2014-03-23
From: Cosby Knob Shelter

To: One Mile Beyond Brown Gap
Miles today: 21.5

6257' gain6860' lossAround 5 am this morning we woke up to the pitter patter of rain. Very light, I thought, and went back to sleep. Later I heard a giant wind gust roaring towards us and it finally hit with full on rain. Ugh.The rain escorted us out of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. I was sad to leave. The beautiful conifer forest disappeared too. We walked over the Pigeon River and under I-40.By the time we got to Standing Bear Farm the rain had stopped. On the way we talked about what food we wanted (since they sell food to cook). I wanted pepperoni pizza and Key lime pie. Mike wanted Hot Pockets and Coke. Amazingly my wish was granted! When the host of Standing Bear, Rocket, heard we were from Oregon he told us that he used to live in Antelope.Right as we left Standing Bear the rain returned. We saw no hikers the rest of the day.
Date: 2014-03-24
From: One Mile Beyond Brown Gap

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 22.3

4222' gain6814' lossLast night was cold. Our thermometer showed 29 degrees inside the tent when we woke up. I put the thermometer outside the tent and it dropped to 21 degrees. I was surprised by the big difference.But...it was a beautiful sunny day. And we were so lucky because we got to Max Patch early in the morning with 360 views. We had it to ourselves. There was no wind so it was incredibly still and silent. I could have sat there for hours. The summit was cleared for cattle and is maintained as a bald through controlled burns. Definitely a scenic highlight.Even colder temperatures and "wintry mix" precipitation was forecast for tonight so our goal was to get to Hot Springs tonight. We made it in time for dinner!
Date: 2014-03-25
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: snow

We took a zero day in Hot Springs today. There was snow on the ground when we got up. The hills were all white. And it was still snowing.The outfitter here is fantastic. Great gear - Mont Bell, ULA - and great food. I was able to do all of my resupply. Great town snacks too - Kombucha, Ben & Jerry's, Brown Cow yogurt.My Icebreaker socks already have a hole. What a disappointment. I bought a pair of "Fits" socks at the outfitter. I've never seen that brand before. The checkout guy, who I think is the owner, asked me "you got big feet?" Um, yes, yes, I do. They've grown 2 sizes since my first thru hike. I hope they're done!Our hiking friends Macon Trax and Not Yet, from Asheville, came to town for a visit. We met them in East Glacier, MT on Mike's first CDT hike in 2010. We saw them again on our 2012 CDT hike on the trail in Montana. It was so much fun catching up and comparing stories from our hikes. Awesome people.
Date: 2014-03-26
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Beyond Jones Meadow
Miles today: 22.1
Weather: clear sky

7802' gain4675' lossIt was a cold morning as we left town. There was eventually snow on the trail as we climbed in elevation. The snow was dry and fluffy so it wasn't very slick.There are giant rhododendrons on the trail. In places they form rhododendron tunnels. How pretty would that be when they bloom?A record low today - we saw only 4 other hikers all day.
Date: 2014-03-27
From: Beyond Jones Meadow

To: Beyond Sams Gap
Miles today: 21.4

5850' gain6178' lossBig Firescald Knob was first thing this morning. There were warning signs to take a bypass trail in bad weather. I'm glad we got to see it. It is a knife edge ridge walk with 360 views. It was clear but windy. Knock you off your feet windy.It is finally warming up. By the time we got to camp it felt so much warmer, even though the wind was blasting.
Date: 2014-03-28
From: Beyond Sams Gap

To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 23.1

4875' gain7290' lossThe warm temperatures are melting the snow. But that means the trail is a slushy, muddy, slippery, frigid mess. We were both constantly slipping and sliding. It really slowed us down AND takes more energy. I never thought I'd be seeking wet leaf debris as traction.Eventually the trail dropped below the snow line and we cruised.The drop down to Erwin was beautifully graded for the most part. The trail snaked in and out of ravines to keep the nice grade. It was awesome after the snow mess.Have I mentioned the springs? Many of the springs have pipes strategically placed to make water collection easy. Today was no exception. They really make it easy for us!Peggy from Cantarroso Farm picked us up and drove us to town. I wish we could have stayed at her Inn. She is very hiker friendly!!A new record today - we only saw one other hiker the entire day.
Date: 2014-03-29
From: Erwin, TN

To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: fog

We ended up taking a zero in Erwin today. The highlight was lunch at the Hawg n Dawg. A BBQ joint. Again - very hiker friendly.Let me entertain you with some memorable hiker quotes:"I quit my job, broke my lease, and dumped my girlfriend to hike the trail.""A year ago I never would have believed it was possible to live without a smart phone."