morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-08-10
From: Pinkham Notch

To: US 2 - Gorham - White Mountain Hostel
Miles today: 21.6
Weather: broken clouds

After yesterday¢s wet hike "Bearbell" and I decided to do a slack pack from Pinkham Notch to US 2, which is a 21.6 mile trek over eight peaks, from 3000 to 4800 feet in elevation. This is a challenge to cover this many miles over some of the toughest terrain but we are confident we will be able to do it, especially without our heavy packs. Today starts off with "Cookie" from the White Mountain Hostel picking us up at the Dunkin Donuts in Gorham. I guess the slogan; "America runs on Dunkin Donuts" is true because that place was crowded at 7:00 AM. We get started at eight o'clock up the first incline of about 2000 feet of elevation gain; up Wildcat Mountain Peak E. This trail is a steep incline with rocks stacked up like steps and metal rods to help you get up some of the slabs of huge boulders. The day is really beautiful and we stop way too many times to take pictures and chat with other hikers. We meet up with "Fire Hands" and "Peaches" at the Carter Hut and enjoy some soup and cornbread for lunch. But this was only six miles and we have fifteen more to do. We get ourselves into gear and continue on. Today hike was a constant series of ups and downs. At one point it just seemed like we were just weaving all over the top of the mountains. The views continued to be a strong motivation for each climb we had to make but soon we realized the sun is going to set and we are going to be hiking in the dark once again. The only thing is this time we know we will have a warm bed, shower, and clean clothes at the hostel which is our final destination for the day. As the trail finally goes into it first descent we were able to travel the last eight miles in under three and half hours. We reach the hostel around 9:00 PM. We are happily greeted by "Double Zero" and "Cookie" who are the owners of the hostel. They are relieved that we made it safely to the house. They are such sweet ladies; they give us some leftovers and show us around the place. I see many hikers I know which is always a great feeling. I see "Hawkeye" who I haven't seen since we were on a cliff at a campsite in Virginia. What a great reunion. It so special to see fellow hikers and know they have made it so far and we are still hiking north. We spend time chatting up on the news from the trail and finding out about other hikers. The connection that we have made with other hikers is truly remarkable and has become one of my favorite parts of being on the trail. I'm so happy to have met so many great people and to have shared this experience with them. This hostel is one of the nicest on the trail. Highlights include real sheets and blankets on the beds and a wonderful breakfast in the morning.
Date: 2003-04-01
From: Franklin, NC (Wallace Gap)

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 3.1
Weather: clear sky

Made a call and got a ride to Wallace Gap. I'm taking only water. I went to Winding Stair Gap, where I had arranged to be picked up again. Tomorrow will catch the regular shuttle to restart there. Basically a zero day. I went to the post office and mailed some stuff out...any freak weather now and things will get interesting. From there I walked to the library, where the guy wouldn't let me use the computer because I didn't have my I.D. I asked him to call the motel to verify but he refused. So I walked down to the food store, over to the motel and then back to the library with an I.D. that doesn't look anything like I do. The guy laughed....then wanted $3 to use the computer ("a donation"). Since they were so obliging, helpful and friendly, I let them donate me 20 minutes of computer time and left. Back to the motel, aired out my sleeping bag and cleaned up the tent. Rinsed out a few things and then sat around restless all afternoon, wishing I was up in the hills on this beautiful day. Instead I was sitting in a lawn chair outside a motel room looking at an empty swimming pool. Tomorrow at this time, I'll probably wish I was doing exactly that.... Later phoned Marge (Mom). She sounded relieved to hear from me. Said the eagles have been active on the lake ice. Not much else going on, which is a good thing.
Date: 2013-08-11
From: US 2 - Gorham - White Mountain Hostel

To: Zero Day - White Mountain Hostel
Miles today: 0.0

"Bearbell" and I decide to take a zero at the White Mountain House Hostel. My friend, Diane, who has been reading my trail journal from the beginning of the trip, is going to come to New Hampshire from Maine to meet me and do some trail magic for us. She brought us all kinds of goodies. She brought Moxie, the soda, and homemade Whoopie Pies. She is able to take us to Wal-Mart for resupplies and to lunch. She is also going to take some of our food and mail it ahead to Andover so we do not have to rely on a smaller store for resupply. Diane trail angle name is "Groupie", but she is an awesome hiker in her own right. She has hiked all of the New Hampshire¢s forty eight, 4000 footers. It is these kinds of experiences that make this an incredible journey more than a hike. It is truly a journey of a lifetime and it is because of all the good wishes and support from not only family members but also all of the readers of the journal that give me the strength to hike every day. To all of the people who are reading this I would like to say, "Thank You Very Much".
Date: 2003-04-03
From: Campsite past Wayah Bald

To: Telico Gap
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: clear sky

   Didn't sleep well last night and I got a late start. It was very warm today--the sun was hot. Most of the afternoon was spent in one long, slow climb. Arrived at Cold Spring Shelter and figured I was done for the day. Encountered Two Speeds just before getting to the shelter. He was sick in Franklin for a few days. Got some water and sat around for two hours debating whether to continue farther. Morning Crow, a couple others and two section hikers came in and set up. I finally decided to head out and continued the climb..... then a long descent to here. It was dusk and I knew I couldn't go any further. I pitched the tent in a gravel parking area, out of the direct wind which was really howling. Couldn't get the stakes secured very well and had to use rocks and rig things as best I could. The tent was flapping and billowing, and I didn't sleep much, waiting for it to cave in on me all night. Got up stiff and tired, facing the ascent of Wesser Bald first thing this morning. Hopefully I can make it to the NOC today.
Date: 2013-08-13
From: Gentian

To: Full Goose Pond Shelter
Miles today: 9.6
Weather: very heavy rain

The trail is this section is tough because of the rocky terrain. Fast miles are quickly reduced to a crawl and then add a little rain and then it becomes a much different hike. We are so excited when we get to the New Hampshire - Maine border. All I can think about is, "Wow, I'm really here, I'm in Maine, I'm in Maine, I walked from Georgia to Maine, GAME!, I'm really doing it". So after a few high fives and a happy dance we have lunch and then hike on. We postponed doing the Mahoosuc Notch till the next day due to the wet conditions. When we get to the shelter there are six other hikers who have also made this decision. One of the new things that have been happening since reaching the north is passing south bounders. Because you only get to spend minimum time with them, you really don't connect the way you do with NOBO's. But information sharing is priority. We tell them what's ahead of them and give recommendations about hostels and places to eat and they do the same for us. At this shelter there is a SOBO named "Blondie" who believes he is the last SOBO, but in reality is not.
Date: 2003-04-06
From: Stealth Campsite

To: Sun Locust Cove Gap
Miles today: 4.6
Weather: overcast clouds

   Went up and over Cheoah Bald today. Unfortunately, there were no views due to the overcast. A lot of mud and the footing is slick. Had to stop early again due to the rain, which makes things more difficult. Clothes and socks are soaked. Changed to dry clothes and early to bed.
Date: 2013-08-16
From: Surplus Pond Road

To: The Cabin - South Arm Route 2
Miles today: 8.2
Weather: clear sky

The first thing I do when I have a good cell signal is call the Andover post office to see if they had any idea where my package was. Turned out they sent my package over to another hostel. I really don't know why but they did. So our plans to hike past Maine 17 had to change because I now had to get into Andover to get my camera. We decided to use the shuttle service from a hostel called, The Cabin. In order to get to the road we would have to hike up Moody Mountain. I'm not sure why it is called this but I'm sure quite a few hikers are in a very bad mood after this climb. It was a mile pretty much straight up. There were rock steps, wooden ladders, and tie rod handles to help out along the way. It definitely was a heart pumper. I was glad the down wasn't as bad. It had a smooth path and we were done in no time. Earl, the owner of the hostel, was at the road waiting for us. He is an old guy who has been doing this for nineteen years. He was down to business but obviously loves helping hikers. He takes us back into town to get a snack at the general store. He even picks up my camera for me because I had told him earlier about the mix-up. We had a great dinner cooked by two other hikers. They made a Mexican feast with all the fixings¢. "Hawkeye" is also at this hostel so we are able to pay up for our lost bet. "Coolie McJetPacks" is also there. We have fun chatting and thinking about the next few weeks. The energy from all the hikers has definitely risen now that we are in Maine.
Date: 2003-04-11
From: Bryson City, NC

To: Fontana Hilton
Miles today: 1.1
Weather: overcast clouds

   Didn't sleep well again. I have a dull ache in the right knee--all the time, resting or active, unaffected by position. It is uncomfortable and annoying. Time to haul out some drugs I guess. Took me most of today to hitch back here. I walked down to the dam and back up to the shelter. It is overcast, cold and damp. Some of the mountains got 6-12 inches of snow reportedly but I didn't see any coming in. In the Smokies, you have to stay at the shelters, nad there is no way I could make it to the first one today. So I'll have to stay here til morning.      I've been out here a month now and I haven't gotten very far, mile-wise. It has been tougher than I thought it would be. And there isn't much camaraderie for me because I am so slow. I walk alone, eat alone, camp alone.....if I meet someone we talk for a minute or two, and then they're gone. Highlander stopped in here for a few minutes a bit ago. When I introduced myself, he said "I know you, I emailed you." Then he took off to go six miles in two hours......I envied him, and wished I could go with him.
Date: 2013-08-21
From:  Redington Campsite

To: South Branch Carrabasset River
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: light rain

Because we cut our hike short yesterday we tried our best to get an early start. We woke up at 6:00 AM and were able to get out of camp by 7:30. We had a few good climbs today to include Saddleback Jr., Lone Mountain, and the northwest shoulder of Spalding Mountain. For once we had a gift from the AT and we took a sharp left on the trail and did not go up Sugar Loaf Mountain. We did have a huge descent into the river valley of over fifteen hundred feet of elevation loss. Today's hike brought us to part of the trail were "Inch Worm", a hiker who is missing for about a month now. I assume she is presumed dead but the scary thing is nothing of hers has been found. It is like she just disappeared. It was kind of eerie walking on the trail knowing these were the last places she was seen and hope the best for her family but it looks very bleak that she will be found alive. I very glad I have "Bearbell" to hike with now. We get along very well and our hiking pace is very close. I'm sure my feelings would be very different hiking through this area alone. I guess I can say that the trail has a way of taking care of me.
Date: 2003-04-13
From: Birch Spring Tentsite

To: Mollie's Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 6.0
Weather: clear sky

   Walked for a couple hours this morning with the brace on but had to stop and remove it due to pain. Actually had less discomfort without it. Still a lot of uphill again today. I was slow; had to stop several times. During one break Big Paw came along and gave me half a dozen ibuprofen. I was most grateful, as I have used most of what I had. Took some and limped up to the shelter. I'm not going to push the next couple of days; maybe this knee will quiet down. I'm going to stay inside the shelter with a couple of others, Brew and Amble. And there are about a dozen tenting outside. Saw traces of snow from the other day, but today was warm, sunny and a bit buggy. Beautiful small flowers cover the area around the shelter--almost looks like snow, there are so many. The juncos here are very tame, hopping right up to you looking for crumbs. This is one of the shelters with the chain link fencing to protect the bears from me. Also was passed by three people on horses today. Their hooves really tore up the mud in spots. I asked them how much for a pony ride to Gatlinburg--lol. I'm amazed that horses keep their footing with all the rocks and steps.
Date: 2013-08-23
From: Horns Pond Lean To

To: West Carry Pond Lean To 
Miles today: 17.9
Weather: clear sky

Even though we had eighteen miles on the plan for today, "Bearbell" and I were not quick on getting started this morning. The rainy day yesterday left us with wet clothes to put on this morning. And I believe this is the worst part of thru hiking. There is no positive thing to say about having to put on cold wet clothes and socks to start your day. But of course I have learned to grin and bear many things so I suck it up and get on with it. Today we climb the last big mountains before Katahdin . The Bigelows are fantastic. They are not too terrible of a climb but the views a spectacular. We can see across the landscape before us. On a clear day we would have been able to see Katahdin but we do not see it today. We meet up with "Hawkeye" again on Avery Peak. We may see him one more time before we head out to the Hundred Mile Wilderness. I really enjoy meeting him and hiking with him the last few weeks. We enjoyed the views and the beautiful day a little too much. Both "Bearbell" and I like to stop and take pictures and chat with other hikers, so we can get behind on time a little bit. But today we have no other choice but to hike on into the night to the West Carry Pond shelter so that tomorrow we can make it to the ferry crossing at the Kennebec River on time. We need to be there by 2:30. The sun goes down around 8:20PM and soon we are hiking in the dark. The trail up to this point had been fairly clear of rocks and roots but seems like as soon as the sun went down the trail turned rocky and treacherous. It takes us about an hour to do the last mile. With a full moon rising we stumble our way to the shelter. When we get there, hikers are already there sleeping. So we choose to set up our tents so not to disturb them. I eat my dinner around 10:00PM. We made our goal and in the end we will be able to make it to the ferry on time.
Date: 2003-04-14
From: Mollie's Ridge Shelter

To: Spence Field Shelter
Miles today: 5.4
Weather: few clouds

   Today I hiked. I didn't hike far, and I didn't hike fast...but for me, I hiked pretty well. It was a good day--I got here about 2:30, but without enough time or stamina to make the next shelter, over six more miles uphill. EVERYTHING is uphill here, it seems. So I decided to take it easy on the leg and relax a bit. Besides, can't pass up a shelter with a privy--what a luxury--lol. Took a vicoden and the knee feels okay--still sore though. If I were anywhere but the Smokies and their shelter system, I would have continued on a bit farther--but here it is an all or nothing situation. A couple of the hikers saw a bear with two cubs up in a tree today. All I saw were the toes of my boots and the hiking poles. There are still some patches of snow around and I grabbed a couple of handfuls as I marched on. Bland sno-cones. Rinsed some of the salt out of my shirt and dried it in the sun. Also aired out my boots and socks. There is a nice spring here. So even getting water was easy today. Hopefully the weather will continue to be this nice for a few more days.
Date: 2013-08-24
From: West Carry Pond Lean To 

To: US 201 Northern Outdoors
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I have not been finding good cell phone service where I am and no cell service is anticipated when I enter the 100 Mile Wilderness. To keep everybody updated as I make my final push to Katahdin, I will have a friend post my planned destination and mileage each day till I get to Katahdin. Once I get back to civilization I will update my journal with all my thoughts and feelings as I complete this amazing journey. Can you believe it that I am almost finished! Cheers and see you at the top!!!!    Journal Updated for this day.We get up around 6:00 AM to make sure we make it to the ferry before 4:00 PM. The terrain is very smooth so we enjoy walking at a faster pace than we have the last few weeks. We past a pond called Pierce Pond. This is another place that a hiker had died last year. Last year a young hiker named "Parkside" drowned in this pond. They think he cramped up after hiking all day and when he jumped in for a swim was unable to call for help or get out of the water. It was another sad story for hikers and the Appalachian Trail. Today we have to use a "Ferry" service to cross the Kennebec. The AT provides a canoe service that gives hikers a safer choice than trying to ford this very swift river. Unfortunately not everyone uses this option which is very dangerous and many people have died trying to cross. Today I witness a young hiker almost make that mistake. He was attempting to cross right when the river was rising due to a dam release a few hours earlier. We saw him as the water started rise and he fell in just enough to make him change his mind and go back to the shore. I was so glad he was able to get back safely. It was amazing how quickly the water rose and how easily he could have been swept away. So after we finish the river crossing we got the shuttle to the Northern Outdoor Center where we plan on staying two nights. We will take a zero tomorrow to wait for our box at the post office.
Date: 2003-04-15
From: Spence Field Shelter

To: Derrick Knob Shelter
Miles today: 6.3
Weather: scattered clouds

   Many severe ups today.....Rocky Top and Briar Mountain were really tough. Thunderhead was very muddy. No easy stretches--I was beginning to wonder if I was ever going to get here. Got a less than luke-warm welcome from a female section hiker when I told her I was staying in the shelter. Later she "decided to set up the tent", which may make for a better night. And one of her companions did likewise. Dibs on her spot!--LOL! The blackflies are bad here--inside the shelter is a little better. I've been using DEET everyday especially on my legs, but even with that a few still manage to grab a bite. Was sunny and breezy today--but hot in the sun with no shade available. Views were great, though fatigue took its toll on the sight-seeing. Running low on food, drugs and smokes--things could start to get ugly soon. Two more days before the possibility of resupply, and these are long miles here. Steep is being redefined--up and down.
Date: 2013-08-25
From: US 201 Northern Outdoors

To: Zero Day - Northern Outdoors
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Due to the lack of cell phone services this is my approximate location. I will update this day when I return from Katahdin!Zero Day at Northern Outdoors.Journal Updated for this day.Well today's zero day was different than most zero days. "Bearbell" had a great idea that we should go white water rafting on the Kennebec River. I have never done this before so I said, "Yes, let¢s do it". The Northern Outdoor Lodge offers rafting trips. We spent the whole day doing class 3 and class 4 rapids. Swimming down the river and I even got to paddle a little canoe called a ducky. We had a great steak for lunch along with rice, pasta salad, and chocolate chip cookies for dessert. We met a lot of great people. We were the only hikers on the river and everyone was very interested to hear about our trip. My only fear was that I might get hurt and that is not something I wanted to happen this close to the end. But luckily nothing happened and we both had a great zero day.
Date: 2003-04-16
From: Derrick Knob Shelter

To: Double Spring Shelter
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: clear sky

   I slept comfortably last night and my knee was feeling pretty good until I flexed it while squatting in the woods. Now I'm back at square one. Had to put on the brace to hobble around the shelter tonight. Found some tufts of pig hair today, and saw one of the traps they're using to try to remove the hogs. It was a long, painful day but tomorrow I may get into town from Clingman's Dome. That is the plan anyway. Shmooze a tourist and get a ride....plan B will be brought into play and escalated as need be. Up here at higher elevations (5500 ft), there are spruce and balsams. They add color and provide shade, which is very welcome.
Date: 2013-08-26
From: Zero Day - Northern Outdoors

To: Moxie Bald Mountain
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: broken clouds

Due to the lack of cell phone services this is my approximate location. I will update this day when I return from Katahdin!At Moxie Bald Mountain.Journal Updated for this day.In order to make up for the zero day we had to do another long day. Even though we got up early and planned to be on the trail by eight thirty or nine; that wasn't to be. The shuttle took much longer than expected and we didn't get started till ten o'clock. Luckily the terrain was very easy. The trail took us up to the top of Moxie Bald Mountain. It was an especially good feeling to reach this place as "Moxie¢, my trail name, has given me such determination to keep going day after day and now I have reached my "Mountain". Each day as I get closer and closer to the end, all of these places mean more and more to me fulfilling my expectation of want I would be able to do during this hike. Getting to see all these beautiful landscape that are part of this vast wilderness is truly breathtaking.