morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-09-19
From: Mahar Tote Rd. - Whithouse Landing

To: Rainbow Stream Lean-to
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: clear sky

After a shower and a good night sleep, I packed up my gear and walked over to the camp dining hall with everyone else. Breakfast was included in the price of an overnight stay here and was suppose to be an "AYCE" type breakfast. It was good, but nothing on par with the breakfast I had at Shaws Boarding House in Monson. The good mood we all experienced last night seemed to stay with us all this morning and was enhanced by what was shaping up to be a beautiful day.We were ferried across the trail to the other side of the lake where we all hiked the blue trail back to the AT and settled into our own comfortable paces. We were all planning to cover about 16 miles and stay at Rainbow Stream Lean-to. It didn't make any sense to go further since the next shelter was 11 more miles. The morning hike was over some easy trail and for about 2 miles followed the west shore of Nahmakanta Lake. After 8+ miles I reached Wadleigh Stream Lean-to, where Big Brother, Decadad, and Sideshow were just finishing lunch. I had a quick lunch of peanut butter and honey tortillas and a cup of coffee. I then moved on and hiked 2 miles to the summit of Nesuntabunt Mtn. There was a side trail on the summit, to a fantastic view of Mount Katahdin, now looming much larger and spectacular then when I last sighted her on Whitecap Mtn. This sight was enhanced further by what I thought was Rainbow Lake in the foreground.For some reason, the final eight miles of the day just seemed to drag on forever and I thought I'd never see the shelter. At one point, the trail appeared to veer to the left to Pollywog Stream. I was thinking that it must cross the stream and so spent some time figuring out the best stepping stone route across to where I thought the trail continued. After some effort I crossed the stream but could not find the trail. I could not understand this, and later saw Sideshow on the other side. He said the trail continued on that side and never did cross the stream. Releived but feeling kind of foolish, I forded the stream and followed the now visible white blazes.Eventually I arrived at the shelter, tired and with a banged up and hurting left knee. There is a crowd here tonight. In addition to Sideshow, Big Brother, Decadad, Byte Code, Church Mouse, and myself, there is a section hiking couple, Sue and Bob. As I previously mentioned the mice in the Wilderness are a real pain, so Sideshow decided to set a trap. He had heard that someone else used a 5 gallon plastic bucket to trap and eradicate quite a few mice. There is a 5 gallon bucket at this shelter. Sideshow set the trap by adding about 8 inches of water to the bucket and then smearing some peanut butter on the inside wall of the bucket. He then placed the bucket near a stump so the mice could climb to the top rim of the bucket. In their attempt to get to the peanut butter, they fall into the bucket and drown in the water. Not sure if this will work, but we'll find out in the morning. Taking 2 ibuprofen for my throbbing knee and I'm off to sleep.
Date: 2007-09-20
From: Rainbow Stream Lean-to

To: Abol Pines Campground
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: clear sky

Decadad was up first and out of the shelter this morning. When he peered into the mouse trap bucket he couldn't beleive his eyes. He counted a total of 20 dead mice. I know this may sound cruel and I did feel somewhat guilty, but not one food bag had been touched. So I was able to somehow justify this, as a result. I was moving kind of slow and was the last one out on the trail this morning, but was not concerned since today would be a somewhat easy day to Abol Bridge. The morning hike was over some moderately rough trail and for about 5 miles followed the east shore of Rainbow Lake. After about 2 hours of hiking I walked a short distance on a side trail to the lake shore and took a break. As I ate a snack, I watched a loon dive for fish and resurface a distance away. I really enjoyed my break here and felt no need to rush back to the trail, but eventually pushed on. After about 10 miles of hiking I reached a place called Rainbow Ledges. The trail followed some exposed bedrock for a short distance here. Towards the end of this section I looked to the left and saw another beautiful view of Katahdin, which now was quite large and awesome looking. As I descended the Ledges, I heard a crashing noise in the brush and an open wooded area to my left. I was startled and amazed to see 2 moose about 30 ft. away. I froze, and observed these cows intently as they warily walked away. I was ecstatic, that I had finally sighted not one but two moose. I felt like my hike would now be truly complete.I joined Big Brother and Decadad for lunch at Hurd Brook lean-to. Since it was still early in the day and we only had about another 3.5 miles to Abol Bridge, we were in no hurry to rush our late lunch break. The next 3.5 miles to Abol Bridge was nice trail and went quickly. Abol Bridge is a small vehicle bridge which spans the Penobscot River and marks the beginning of Baxter State Park. There is a campground here and a self register campsite called Abol Pines, right on the river. Big Brother, Decadad, and I are camping at Abol Pines. A bonus to staying here is that we have access to the Abol Bidge Camp Store. As soon as we got there, we took advantage of this luxury and had a few cold drinks and some snack food. We later set up camp and cleaned up down by the shore of the Penobscot River. We all went back to the store later for whatever supplies we needed for the last 2 days on the trail. I decided to buy a six pack of beer and share it with Big Brother and Decadad to toast the very near end to our long Appalachian Trail journey. Another thru hiker, "Bowleg" and his dog "Bono" joined us around the fire for some good thru hiker conversation and laughs. Life is definitely good on the AT.
Date: 2008-01-02
To: The Lure of the Trail
Miles today: 0.0

I just recently came across an old email as I was trying to locate an unrelated note. In it was the quote found below. I had come across this gem sometime prior to my thru hike, and emailed it to a co-worker after discussing with him, my pending hike. At the time it really caught my eye and had a sort of romantic quality to it, which was unattached from the reality of my actual experience up to that point.I am so glad I stumbled upon it again, and could now read it over slowly once more, after completing my thru hike and being away from that life for three months now. I was truly amazed and moved at how accurately these words sometimes reflect how I now feel. It was kind of magical coming across this quote at this time, since the emptiness and lack of interest in what I am doing has been especially acute lately. Quote from Francis Parkman -- the great 19th century historian of the "American Wilderness" "To him who has once tasted the reckless independence, the haughty self-reliance, the sense of irresponsible freedom, which the forest life engenders, civilization thenceforth seems flat and stale. Its pleasures are insipid, its pursuits wearisome, its conventionalities, duties, and mutual dependences alike tedious and disgusting.The wilderness, rough, harsh, inexorable, has charms more potent in their seductive influence than all the lures of luxury and sloth. And often he on whom it has cast its magic finds no heart to dissolve the spell, and remains a wanderer and an Ishmaelite to the hour of his death.".I suspect a little bit more wandering is in store for me.
Date: 2007-02-24
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

   Two days ago I was shopping at a local store when I meet up with Norma. I hadn't seen Norma for eight years. I worked with her in the early 80's for a while, then in the late 90's right before she retired in 1999. We talked for two and a half hours. Of course she asked me what I was doing with my time since I retired October 2006. All I had to tell her was that I had a big trip planned that would take about 6 months. She looked at me and said, "Oh my gosh, don't tell me your finally going to hike that Appalachian Trail you always talked about, even when we worked together 25 years ago."   Guess you could say I've been dreaming of this hike for quite a few years. Well, the time for dreaming is over and time to face reality. Fact is I start March 8. Where has all the time gone?
Date: 2007-02-26
To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Yesterday I spent some time at the outfitters where I purchased some of my equipment. We went through my equipment, elimated a couple of things and I got a few suggestions on packing my pack. When we finished my pack ended up at 38 pounds, with no water. That is much heavier than some peoples packs I've been reading about, but I can't see trimming much more weight until spring. A lot of loose ends to finish up. I leave in seven days for my son's in NC. I'll spend a couple of day with him and his family, then we'll be heading for GA on March 8.
Date: 2007-03-06
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Hi everyone, Well just two days until I hit the trail. I drove to my son's in Durham yesterday. That's about 565 miles from NE Ohio. Got a late start and in my excitement to get on the road I forgot my hiking pole. Guess I visit REI, or Great Outdoor Provision Co. today. Earlier I thought I had my pack down to a reasonable weight, but then I started adding a little of this and a little something else and next thing you know you have a few extra pounds. My son and I will have to take a serious look at all my equipment tonight of tomorrow. It is so nice to see the sunshine almost every day when I'm down here. In NE Ohio we get so many cloudy days.
Date: 2007-03-08
To: Amicalola State Park Lodge
Miles today: 0.0

Yesterday, I went to REI and Great Outdoor Provision in Durham to get a few of those supplies that were left at home (trekking poles, second pair of pants) and some new lightweight cook gear to cut down on weight. The titanium pot/lid, Sierra cup and spoon shaved nearly a pound off the old set of the same. With that weight saved, I bought a small ThermaRest sitting pad. Something to sit on when the ground is wet or to kneel on when loading the pack.Walt and I spent hours trying to get everything loaded into the pack. There just wasn't enough room. We decide that the down jacket and a few other items would have to stay because of bulk. Having not done anything like this before, it's just so hard knowing what you might need.On Thursday, son Walt, his friend Steven Fishback "Fish", a section hiker with just 148 miles left to complete the AT, and I left Durham for the six hour drive to Georgia. We got to the Amicalola State Park visitor center at 4:55 p.m., five minutes before they closed. My pack weighed in at 52 lbs., quite a bit more that I hoped to carry. After taking a bunch of pictures at the arch, we headed up the approach trail for the 1.2 mile hike to the lodge. We had a perfect few of the setting sun as we made our way up the last quarter mile to the lodge. Last dinner in the real world was a medium-rare hambuger and fries.
Date: 2007-03-09
From: Amicalola State Park Lodge

To: Springer Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 0.2
Weather: broken clouds

It's not really fair to say that I'm only credited with .2 miles with the 7.6 that we did on the way up the Springer Approach Trail. As we approached High Shoals Rd. (about 3 miles in), a young woman with more energy than all three of us combined, snuck up the trail behind us. "Georgia Southpaw" was just out for a morning stroll. She said she was a section hiker hoping complete the trail in four years. It looked like she was loaded down with a full pack yet her pace had to be double that of ours.On the climb on Frosty Mtn., there was an black American Airlines strap hanging from a small tree branch at eye level. After looking around we found an Army duffle bag loaded with gear flung about 10 feet into the woods. We all had to laugh, especially after reading Bill Bryson's "A Walk in the Woods" and his description of Katz on the approach trail.As we rounded the back side of Springer Mtn., everyone was feeling the affects of the hike. We kept looking over at Frosty Mtn., which is 400 feet lower than Springer, to get a gauge of our elevation. "Fish" commented about how short and battered the trees looked compared to the lower elevations and we knew we must be near the top. Finally we came into a small patch of rock and a man in a blue lounge chair. "How far to Springer?", I asked the man. "You're standing on it," he responded. That man, "Many Sleeps", was the caretaker of the mountain, a ridge runner for the ATC. He kept a census of every thru-hiker who made their way to Springer. He said I was number 147 since he started in late February. The 7.8 miles took us seven hours to complete.After pitching the tent in the meadow we went to the shelter, and more importantly the picnic table, to make dinner. We had a good talk with "No Reason" a retired Marine Sargeant with an artificial hip who had just completed a Yo-Yo (a Northbound thru-hike followed by a Southbound thru-hike) and was headed to Maine again. People ask him why he would do such a thing. His response -- "No reason".The advice I keep hearing from all the veteran thru-hikers is "hike your own hike. "Don't let all these young people influence your hike. Sure they're doing 15 miles a day now. But they won't be out here in a couple of months."
Date: 2007-03-10
From: Springer Mountain Shelter

To: Hawk Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.4
Weather: broken clouds

It rained lightly overnight and we were surrounded by clouds when we woke. The temperature went down to the low 40's. I was hot in my 0 degree sleeping bag. It looks like there are many more warm nights ahead but still want to keep this bag through the Smokies. You never know what to expect in the coming weeks.While Walt and I ate breakfast, "Fish" took a quick hike down to USFS 42 to complete the .9 mile he needed to complete Georgia. Now he only needs 147+ miles in New Hampshire and Maine to complete the trail. At about 10 a.m., Walt and "Fish" headed back to the Visitor Center via the Approach Trail and then Len Foote Hike Inn trail.(More to come once f-stop sends audio to son, Walt)
Date: 2007-03-11
From: Hawk Mountain Shelter

To: Justus Creek
Miles today: 6.0
Weather: clear sky

Got a call from f-stop Tuesday night. Met "Mule" at Hawk Mtn. Shelter and hiked with him on Sunday. Mule was carrying 72 lbs. in a Kelty Super Tioga when he started the trail. Said he was an Eagle Scout and "he had come prepared for anything". Among that was about five lbs. of GORP. The GORP and a lot of Mule's gear was left at Hawk Mtn. shelter.He said Sassafras Mtn and Justus Mtn. really kicked their butts so they found a scenic spot at Justus Creek and decided to tent there over night. Weather has been pleasant, sunny and mid 70s, although the nights have been too warm, mid 40s, for the winter sleeping bag.More details to come later---
Date: 2007-03-12
From: Justus Creek

To: Gooch Mtn. Shelter
Miles today: 1.3
Weather: broken clouds

f-stop said he and Mule have had a hard time getting started in the mornings, sometimes not leaving camp until noon. Has tented every night on the trail -- can't bear the thought of all those mice in the shelters. Will leave that for rainy nights.A really light day today. Mule will head to Suches and mail back some gear to his wife. Looking forward to getting to Neels Gap for a shower and laundry.
Date: 2007-03-13
From: Gooch Mtn. Shelter

To: Woody Gap
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: overcast clouds

(from brief phone conversation, more details to come) f-stop's hiking companion for the last couple days, Mule, has decided to leave the trail. "That's it. I'm going home folks." He called a hostel from Woody Gap to get a ride.
Date: 2007-03-15
From: Slaughter Creek campsite

To: Walasi-Yi Center, Neels Gap
Miles today: 3.2
Weather: overcast clouds

(from brief phone conversation, more details to come). I got out of camp at Slaughter creek about ten after nine. There were a bunch of school kids camped there and they weren't even stirring when I left. Going up Blood Mountain wasn't bad at all but coming down was a bear. I arrived at Neels Gap around noon and indulged in a shower, then a Klondike bar and Gatorade (I did pass on the pint of Ben & Jerry's). With the rain coming in Walasi-Yi Center got very crowded. Walasi-Yi Center hosts All-you-can-eat spaghetti dinners on Tuesday's and Thursday's. They ran out of food because of the large crowd but I was fourth in line so I ate well. I scheduled a shakedown with the folks at Mountain Crossings for 10:00 Friday morning. I'll probably take a zero day to do the shakedown and let all the weather pass. I'm sure there will be plenty of days days when I'll have to hike through it, but at this point I'll take advantage of the shelter while I am here.
Date: 2007-03-16
From: Walasi-Yi Center, Neels Gap

To: Walasi-Yi Center, Neels Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

(from brief phone conversation, more details to come) It rained all night and into the morning. It's also been really windy. Right now we are surrounded by clouds.They were able to pull out about five pounds of gear during the shakedown at Mountain Crossings. I'm started out with the "wear one, take one" philosphy (wearing one set of clothing and carrying an extra one in the pack). they said I don't really need to carry that extra set so I'll be sending home an extra capelene top and a pair of pants. I'll also be sending home the Data Book in favor of the "Wingfoot" book. I carried both for the first few days until I figured which I liked better. The Data Book is a little lighter but I like all the details in the "Wingfoot". They also suggested eliminating the water filter in favor of the Aqua Marine drops but I think I'll keep the filter for a little bit. It's a work in progress.So now the pack weighs about 40 lbs without food and water. I resupplied with five days of food to get me to Hiawasee. Average hiking time to Hiawasee is four days but I've got an extra in case it takes me an extra day.The forecast calls for sunshine for the next four days. The folks at Mountain Crossings said they've already had 12 record highs already this year. The next shelter, Whitley Gap, is a more than I mile off the trail so I don't see staying there. I haven't actually stayed in a shelter yet so why start now.
Date: 2007-03-19
From: Blue Mountain Shelter

To: Tray Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: broken clouds

Gave up on the shorts and hiked with only long underwear bottoms on legs. Unicoi Gap was difficult. Watched the lights of Hiawassee from the camp. Goal is to hike the 11 miles to US 76 Tuesday to get a ride into Hiawassee.(Phone signals very weak. Hoping to get more info once he gets to Hiawassee.)
Date: 2007-03-21
From: Moreland Gap

To: Hiawassee, Blueberry Patch 
Miles today: 1.2
Weather: scattered clouds

We had a short hike in the morning before we got a ride from Gary Poteat at Dicks Creek Gap to Blueberry Patch. Ate eggs, bacon, hash browns, the works at Huddle House. Will get groceries in town and get some Mexican for dinner. A couple of days ago, I broke the pump on my dragonfly stove when it fell off a table and I stepped on the pump. Gary brought out several similar old stoves that were left by previous thru hikers. The plunger on all of these old stoves were dried out and needed replaced so I tried to put mine on an old pump. When I tried to put mine, which is a blue/green color, on the old pumps, which are gray, it would not fit. My new one was too big. I'll have to get it fixed or replace it once we get to Franklin.
Date: 2007-03-22
From: Hiawassee, Blueberry Patch 

To: 73.2 campsite
Miles today: 6.6

I went to a bike shop in Hiawassee looking for some shorts that would help relieve the chafing on my legs. The guy at the shop said this happens to everyone but usually not until later when the weather starts getting warmer. He recommended a salve called Butt'r. It seems to be working well so far.
Date: 2007-03-23
From: 73.2 campsite

To: Deep Gap
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: scattered clouds

The black flies on the trail have been terrible. Hundreds of black flies swarm around you whenever you stop. I left the DEET at home since I figured I wouldn't need it until later in the season. I picked up some organic insect repellent during the lay over at Neels Gap, and while it works okay, I'm going to have to pick up some DEET when we get Franklin.We camped right at Deep Gap where the forest road comes to an end.
Date: 2007-03-24
From: Deep Gap

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 8.5
Weather: overcast clouds

The hiking has been good. Butch is 6' 6" so his stride is a little bit longer than mine. I have a hard time keeping up at times but I'll catch up to him during a break. I'm still huffing and puffing a bit. All and all I seem to be getting stronger. We ran into a group of three scoutmasters at Carter Gap Shelter out for a exploration hike before bringing their troop out. We also are leapfrogging with a group of three guys, two of whom are from Durham, N.C.
Date: 2007-03-25
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Glassmine Gap
Miles today: 9.6

On today's hike Butch and I climbed Albert Mountain. It was a mother! Toss the trekking poles up ahead of you and scramble up rocks. Thank God the boots still have a good bit of stick on the sole. It's really narrow in parts, if you were to fall I swear you'd fall 200-300 feet. Word is that Albert is the worst thing we'll see until we get to the White Mountains in New Hampshire.The view was fantastic, mountains all around you. I took a few pictures put since we were there around noon the light wasn't that great. The fire tower on the mountain top was open but I didn't go up. I didn't really see the sense since the view from the ground was clear.We set up camp a few feet off the trail around 5:30 and haven't seen a soul pass us the rest of the night. I realize that many people don't start the trail until St. Patrick's Day or the first day of Spring but it seems as if the crowds have been thinning out a bit. Monday we'll hike about 6 miles to U.S. Hwy 64 at Winding Stair Gap and head into Franklin to resupply. I need to get a larger pack cover for those times when we do get rain, a new pump for replace the one I broke on my dragonfly stove, and DEET -- The black flies are horrible!
Date: 2007-03-26
From: Glassmine Gap

To: Franklin
Miles today: 6.3
Weather: clear sky

Stayed at the Budget Inn. Ron Haven sent a shuttle to pick us up once we got to Winding Stair Gap. Around 4 all the hikers staying at the Budget Inn can take a mini bus into town to the Post Office, outfitter and the grocery store.I got a new pump for the dragonfly stove at the outfitter.
Date: 2007-03-28
From: Wine Spring

To: mile 123.5
Miles today: 8.7

Butch and I went about nine miles today. I was beat. I was whipped. We went past the Cold Springs shelter and over Copper Ridge Bald. Once we got over the top we were ready to stop for the night. We found just enough space on the side of the trail to put up the tents. If we would have just pulled out the Wingfoot book, we would have seen there was a campsite about another mile up the trail.