morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-07-09
From: Tigger's Tree House-Etna-Hanover Center Rd., mi 1,

To: Hexacuba Shelter, mi 1,772.4
Miles today: 22.8
Weather: clear sky

The host of Tiggers Tree House Hostel agreed to drive Analog, Fox Trot, and myself back to the trail, on Etna-Hanover Center Rd, next to the cemetery. The hostel had been a nice break from the perpetual wetness north of Hanover. Unfortunately, the weather had not improved over night. It was a dark, cool, and wet morning. I donated ten bucks to the woman as she drove us past the trailhead to the Etna General Store which served pre made breakfast sandwiches and coffee. Along the way, she pointed out some historic buildings of significant importance which I could not remember. North of Etna-Hanover Center Rd., the AT climbed gradually over metamorphic terrain that had been glacially polished from the vast ice sheets that extended into Pennsylvania. The AT made two -thousand foot hurdles over Moose Mountain and Holts Ledge, before climbing over 2,000 feet to the summit of Smarts Mountian after passing a historic concrete mile post. Before making the ascent of Smarts Mountain, I took a short detour off the trail to Bill Ackerly's Home for ice cream and soda. It was a quaint home with a front porch and mowed grass area behind his home. A half dozen hikers were hanging out there when I arrived. The avuncular Mr. Ackerly himself requested that I sign his register book in exchange for the ice cream. It became evident that this elderly man was living vicariously through the many hikers that stopped by each day. I guzzled a couple of sodas and purchased one for Analog, before starting the 4 mile ascent to the top of Smarts Mountain (EL 3,237 ft). At the top of Lamberts Ridge, wild blueberry patches grew over the monolithic slabs of schist. I collected a handful of berries and sat on the rock looking at the partly cloudy skies and vast green forest to the south. I soaked in some more sun and removed my perpetually damp shoes to allow my feet to breathe. After a long, more gradual descent of the north side of Smarts, to South Jacobs Brook, it was late afternoon. I was committed to climbing the steep Eastman Ledges, since there were no areas that were feasible for camping anywhere on this rugged terrain. Analog took off ahead of me, while I filled my water bottles. The description in AWOL's guide stated that the Hexacuba Shelter was on a steep side trail with an unreliable water source. Seemed ironic given how much it rained. I had planned to pack my water in to the shelter for cooking. When I arrived to the hexagonal shaped-gazebo like shelter, numerous hikers had settled in, including Fox Trot and Analog, who slept in the front. It was a poorly designed shelter in that hikers sleeping in the very back were forced to make their way around a maze of rolled out sleeping bags. Regardless of the now overcast skies, I found a tent pad upslope and behind the shelter and set up my tent, before cooking dinner at my tent. I was thoroughly exhausted from the rugged terrain.
Date: 2013-07-16
From: Pinkham Notch- Lodge

To: stealth camp at stream, mi 1,883.4
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: scattered clouds

I checked out of the Joe Dodge Lodge at 6am, tossing the room key in the drop box, and walked over to the visitor center where the buffet was served. I sampled almost everything, creating a heap of food on my plate with slopes that matched those in the Presidential Range. After several helpings of eggs, pancakes, potatoes, breakfast burritos, orange juice, and coffee, I was set for a long day through the Wildcats, the last ridge of the Whites before entering Maine. The Wildcats were no different than the Presidential Range or Kinsman, or Mousilauke in technical terrain. The climbs were steep and relentless, but the scenery was worth it. Before I left the cafeteria, I listened to the weather forecast given by the ranger. There was a 20% chance of thunderstorms in the Wildcats by afternoon. I knew from experience that it was hit or miss in the Appalachians. It was not the chance of rain in the Appalachians that deterred me, but the lightning on top of exposed ridges. I grabbed my pack and crossed NH16 to the trailhead on the north side. The AT followed the edges of Lost Pond on flat muddy terrain, with roots and rocks. After the first mile from the lodge, the AT turned sharply and vertically up the ridge towards Wildcat Mountain Peak E. There would be Peaks D, C, and A to follow, but oddly no Peak B (according to AWOL's 2013 Guidebook. A short distance of climbing up rock ledges, afforded views back south across the Pinkham Notch and Mountain Washington, which seemed an arm's throw away. The climb required a bit of scramble at mile 1,868.5 up a rock dihedral modified by small stone steps. It would certainly smart if one were to slip and tumble backwards down this near vertical section. At the summit of Peak D, I hiked by a ski gondola that appeared to be under maintenance. Carter Notch was reminiscent of the numerous V-shaped notches to the south; the drop to Madison Spring Hut the previous day, Sawyer Notch, and Mahoosuc Notch to name just a few. The Carter Carter Notch Hut was the last one of the Whites, and like Maddison, had a pond. The late morning sun illuminated bright yellow water lily blossoms carpeting the pond surface. I stopped for a few photos before moving on. I stopped for snacks at the Carter Notch Hut. In the late afternoon, as dusk approached, I summited Mt. Moriah. I searched for a camp spot on my long descent down Moriah. I found a good stealth spot that appeared to have been used before, next to a stream around mi. 1,883.4. I had crossed through the Wildcats in a day. Tomorrow would be an easy cruise into Gorham for resupply. Maine was around the corner.
Date: 2013-07-25
From: Little Bigelow Lean-To

To: Pierce Pond Lean-To
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: few clouds

The mountains crossed today, were insignificant compared to the Bigelows crossed the previous day! The AT continued its descent down the north flank of Little Bigelow from the Little Bigelow Lean-to for about a mile, passing the shores of East Flagstaff Lake before the ascent of two small hills, that collectively ascended over a 1000 vertical feet in the course of about 4 miles. North of the West Carry Pond Lean-to, the topography flattened, crossing several gravel roads. The terrain was quite rocky, slowing the pace in places, to about 2mph. I arrived at the Pierce Pond Lean-to in the late afternoon. It was the location where a through hiker ended his through hike abruptly from drowning, during a swim in the lake. I've heard from others that it was due to sever cramping from cold water temperature. A man perhaps in his late fifties, was barking orders at his young son, telling him that he could not come down to the lake shore without a safety vest on. As Gummy Bear, Berenstein Bear, and another hiker we had met the day before, section hiking, settled into the shelter, we were intrigued by this man's second family. His second wife, who appeared Hispanic, must have been at least 20 years younger. We found out that he had children from his first wife that were grown up. His young daughter, perhaps 6 years old, was sharp as a tack, and a bit precocious. We enjoyed talking to the family and sharing our trail experience. The man was intrigued by the soda can stove. He observed the process of lighting it, then setting up the homemade wind-guard-potholder, and my own process of regulating water temperature. After dinner, we told him our plans to head to the Pierce Pond Cabins, to make breakfast reservations for the next morning. He kindly offered us a ride in his small fishing boat with outboard motor. He trolled all four of us over to a dock that belonged to the Pierce Pond Cabins. We managed to navigate our way along a poorly marked path, crossing the AT, which we'd hike the next day, an made our way up the hill to the cabins. After we each placed our breakfast order with Mr. Harrison, we had a good conversation with him, while enjoying his energetic poodle, that was desperate for attention. I wondered, in this tranquil setting, at what point would cabin fever set in. Mr. Harrison was clearly delighted to have our company, and likely enjoyed the company of many hikers during the summer months. As the hiker traffic slows late in the season, the long periods of solitude would be difficult.
Date: 2013-07-29
From: camp at Vaughn Stream, mi 2,085.1

To: Carl A. Newhall Lean-To, mi 2,107.3
Miles today: 22.2
Weather: scattered clouds

When I stepped out my tent in the early morning to whiz on the nearby tree, I was startled by the presence of a hiking couple sitting at the stream side perhaps 50 yds from my tent, removing their shoes to ford the stream. They were heading south. The AT was about to traverse some more significant peaks, including the nearest Barren Mountain, followed by Fourth Mountain, Third Mountain, and Columbus Mountain. The rain began early in the day, and continued through most of the day. One relieving factor, was the lack of lightning and thunder, which so frequently accommodated so many rainy days to the south. The foundation of an old look-out tower remained on the summit of Barren Mountain, obscured by the dense clouds. This tower base appeared to be the last one the AT intersected on the many summits traversed. The AT was choked by wet understory which saturated my shorts. I was drenched anyways, and continued hiking at a rapid pace to prevent hypothermia. The AT descended and ascended many steeply inclined, glacially polished slabs, requiring slow, careful footwork to prevent injury. I've heard of hikers getting injured close to the finish and being forced to quit. I was determined at this point to crawl to Katahdin if need be, however, I was determined to avoid injury. By late noon, I forded the West Branch Pleasant River and hiked a good pace the first three miles north, over relatively smooth, flat terrain. The ascent to Carl A Newhall Lean-to seemed particularly long, but it was gradual. When I made it by dusk, I arrived at a fully loaded lean-to with what appeared to be a large group of girl scouts camped all around the lean-to. I turned back and crossed the stream to the immediate south. Up a short hill from the AT, a number of tent pads existed. I was the first to set up camp here. Before dark, a few more hikers joined me. Two of them were north bounders, Logan and Ched. The other two were section hiking. I cooked dinner in a small, grassy opening on the path leading off the trail to the tent sites. The others joined me.
Date: 2013-08-31
To: San Luis Obispo, CA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I returned home to San Luis Obispo on August 3, 2013. I filled out the ATC 2000 miler application and mailed it. Several weeks later, a manila folder with the certificate of completion, patch and rocker arrived. The patch says "Maine to Georgia". At least they got the certificate right. It seems so insignificant after enduring the elements of nature for 110 days and the seemingly relentless trail miles with nearly 500,000 feet of cumulative elevation gain. It will serve as a constant reminder of an epic journey and the adventurous spirit of my youthful years. It will also remind me that presently, it marks the beginning of challenges to come. It is the beginning! The beginning of hopefully many more long distant hikes. A reminder that anything I put my mind to I can achieve, and a symbol to everyone who wishes to complete such a journey, that it is possible, one foot step at a time.- Mike Rock Steady Jurasius- 2013
Date: 2013-03-20
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

"The Appalachian Trail is one of the longest continuously marked footpath in the world, measuring roughly 2,180 miles in length. The Trail goes through fourteen states along the crests and valleys of the Appalachian mountain range from the southern terminus at Springer Mountain, Georgia, to the Trail¢s northern terminus at Katahdin, Maine. Known as the ¢A.T.,¢ it has been estimated that 2-3 million people visit the Trail every year and about 1,800¢2,000 people attempt to ¢thru-hike¢ the Trail. People from across the globe are drawn to the A.T. for a variety of reasons: to reconnect with nature, to escape the stress of city life, to meet new people or deepen old friendships, or to experience a simpler life. The A.T. was completed in 1937 and is a unit of the National Park System. The A.T. is managed under a unique partnership between the public and private sectors that includes, among others, the National Park Service (NPS), the USDA Forest Service (USFS), an array of state agencies, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, and 31 local Trail-maintaining clubs." Fun Facts ¢¢The Trail is roughly 2,180 miles long, passing through 14 states. ¢¢Thousands of volunteers contribute roughly 220,000 hours to the A.T. every year. ¢¢More than 250 three-sided shelters exist along the Trail. ¢¢Virginia is home to the most miles of the Trail (about 550), while West Virginia is home to the least (about 4). ¢¢Maryland and West Virginia are the easiest states to hike; New Hampshire and Maine are the hardest. ¢¢The total elevation gain of hiking the entire A.T. is equivalent to climbing Mt. Everest 16 times. ¢¢The A.T. is home to an impressive diversity of plants and animals. Some animals you may see include black bears, moose, porcupines, snakes, woodpeckers, and salamanders. Some plants you may encounter include jack-in-the-pulpit, skunk cabbage, and flame azalea. Hikers ¢¢About 2 to 3 million visitors walk a portion of the A.T. each year. ¢¢The A.T. has hundreds of access points and is within a few hours drive of millions of Americans, making it a popular destination for day-hikers. ¢¢¢Thru-hikers¢ walk the entire Trail in a continuous journey. ¢Section-hikers¢ piece the entire Trail together over years. ¢Flip-floppers¢ thru-hike the entire Trail in discontinuous sections to avoid crowds, extremes in weather, or start on easier terrain. ¢¢1 in 4 who attempt a thru-hike successfully completes the journey ¢¢Most thru-hikers walk north, starting in Georgia in spring and finishing in Maine in fall, taking an average of 6 months. ¢¢Foods high in calories and low in water weight, such as Snickers bars and Ramen Noodles, are popular with backpackers, who can burn up to 6,000 calories a day. ¢¢Hikers usually adopt ¢trail names¢ while hiking the Trail. They are often descriptive or humorous. Examples are ¢Eternal Optimist,¢ ¢Thunder Chicken,¢ and ¢Crumb-snatcher"."-per The Appalachian Trail Conservancy
Date: 2013-04-09
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I put in my notice at work last week. The managing partner was surprised by my decision to leave the firm, but was very understanding. Basically, life is too short to simply live it in an office every day. While I understand work is a necessity and a part of life, it does not have to be my entire life (the last 7.5 years at the firm have been all work all the time). I would rather work to live, than live to work. There are just too many things to see and do in this world. It has taken me many years to come around to this way of thinking. Many in my profession have a hard time understanding this perspective, which is unfortunate. To each his/her own I suppose.
Date: 2013-04-11
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I have my gear pretty much settled. I'm looking at a base weight of about 16 lbs. This includes all my cold gear, which I plan on ditching at the end of May. I plan on resupplying as I go, and have not prepared packages to send to myself. I expect my tastes for food to change as I hike, so buying as I hike seems like the most reasonable option. My initial food stores will consist of mac&cheese, salami, bread, energy bars, peanut butter, packaged tuna, and rice. The plan is to take about 2 lbs/day, for 3-4 days at a time. I'm sure this will changes as I become calorie deficient, but I do not want to carry too much food. Hopefully this plan will work.
Date: 2013-04-15
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I informed most of my family, friends, and co-workers of my intentions to thru hike the AT. Here is a small sample of their initial responses:Dad: (30 second pause) I think this a terrible idea.Mom: You're kidding, right?Friend: Where will you sleep and shower?Brother: Are you taking a gun? You've seen the movie Deliverance, right?Friend: Don't become bear turd.Co-Worker: What is wrong with you?Co-Worker: Couldn't you just buy a sports car?
Date: 2013-04-24
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Accepted an offer on the house today. The good news keeps on coming. Friday is my last day at the firm. Until then, I am closing out cases and handing off my work to other lawyers (sorry Don). The parents are driving in Friday for dinner with Lindsay and her parents. On Saturday, Lindsay will drive me to Georgia and drop me off to start this epic journey on Sunday. Can't wait, although I won't lie, I am a bit nervous about the unknown.
Date: 2013-04-28
From: AT Southern Terminus

To: Stover Creek Shelter
Miles today: 2.8
Weather: moderate rain

First day is complete. It rained for 24 straight hours and I hiked for 10 of them. I ate lunch standing up and with my head down to stop the rain from soaking my delicious salami sandwich. Made it to the shelter around 5. Met up with a group of section hikers from NC. All clothes and gear were soaked, but I made it. Went to bed with a smile on my face, a happy hiker.
Date: 2013-04-29
From: Stover Creek Shelter

To: Gooch Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Wet shoes, wet clothes, and wet gear. Nothing dried last night (it was too cold). The best way to dry out is to start hiking again. I slept in a shelter again and had my first experience with mice. Once the sun went down, the mice came out. I was awakened by one mouse crawling over my head, while another climbed over my sleeping bag. Good times were had by all. The mice aren't so bad once you get used to them. People have been saying that about me for years. Good days hike.
Date: 2013-04-30
From: Gooch Mountain Shelter

To: Neel's Gap
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Due to bear activity, the shelters I planned on staying at were off limits. This meant I had to climb and descend Blood Mountain at he very end of a high mileage day. The climb was grueling, but the descent was worse. My right knee paid the price. I think I have some tendentious in it now. It hurts only when I straighten it or bend it. Plan on taking a zero day tomorrow to rest. Staying in a hiker hostel as Neel's Gap. Met the manager who is named Pirate. He said he thru hiked the AT 10 times. Pirate also cooked us BBQ chicken for dinner tasted so good. I've never dreamed about food so much until I started this hike.
Date: 2013-05-01
From: Neel's Gap

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Here is a photo of Pirate and me. Decided not to take a zero day. Bad idea. The pain in the right knee was bad all day. For the last 5 miles, I kept the knee bent at 25 degrees and basically dragged it the rest of the hike. It didn't hurt when I hiked like this, but it definitely slowed me down. The shelter is full so I am tenting for the first time. I ate mashed potatoes for dinner and a pouch of tuna. Mmmm. I then took 2 Advil. I also started reading Bill Bryson's A Walk In The Woods. Chapter 2 goes into detail about bear attacks and hikers being dragged from their tents. Perfect reading material. I spent half the night listening to the sound of the wind rattling my tent, mistaking it for bears preparing to pounce on me.
Date: 2013-05-02
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Unicoi Gap
Miles today: 9.7
Weather: clear sky

I (yet again) planned a zero day. Instead, I met up with three cops from Kentucky who work across the river from Cincinnati. Ryan, Travis, and Nick were pretty cool dudes. We ended up hiking a half day and snagging a ride 11 miles to Hiawassee, GA. We stayed at a Budget Inn which could have been the scene of the Bates Motel. I shared a room with Nick who was determined to find a corncob pipe (he doesn't smoke). We drove to 10 different stores in this town asking for pipes. Of course, each store offered Nick "glass" pipes for smoking weed or crack. He kept saying, "No, seriously, I need a tobacco pipe." We eventually found one at RiteAid (why wouldn't a pharmacy sell pipes?). We ended up going to a pizza buffet. Now, I've never tried heroine, but the sugar loaded Pepsi that I drank caused such a full body orgasm it must be what trying heroine for the first time is like. I'm not kidding. My body is so calorie deprived that a sudden shot of sugar to the system is a real high that I have never experienced before. That, and the 12 slices of pizza I ate. The night ended with beers being drunk, Nick explaining how to get out of a DUI (or at least not get convicted by a jury), and Nick getting out a bleathalyzer to see how over the limit everybody would be. I was over the limit. Last, we met a Japanese student who is thru hiking. His trailname is Gump, because he loves the movie Forrest Gump, even though he speaks little English. We spent the night quoting the movie, or in Gump's case, misquoting. Gump: "Mama says she likes chocolates." (Imagine with a heavy Japanese accent). I laughed so hard, I nearly soiled myself. Zero day tomorrow.
Date: 2013-05-03
From: Unicoi Gap

To: Hiawassee, Georgia
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

The cops headed back to Kentucky today. Before they left, they gave me the trail name of Counselor. I think it may stick. I took a zero day and spent most of the day icing my feet and knee. I also bought a knee band, which helped tremendously. Rain is forecast for tomorrow and the next few days. Should be interesting.
Date: 2013-05-04
From: Unicoi Gap

To: Deep Gap Shelter
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: clear sky

I had the hotel owner's son drive me to the trail in an old pickup truck that wouldn't start. Bubba weighed 300 lbs, had a killer mullet, and sported a Georgia birthmark (for those of you not from the South, that's a tattoo of the Confederate flag on his arm). The weather reports were ominous and as we approached the trail, Bubba turned to me and said, "It's coming for you today son." He was right. It rained all day, with temperatures in the 40's, and 50 mph winds. It was freezing. At some point, your rain gear will fail and it will longer keep you dry. I was soaked through by the time I hit the shelter. There were 4 other people at the shelter who had taken zero days instead of braving the weather. I ate dry Ramin noodles and climbed into my sleeping bag to get warm. Two other hikers were on the second floor of the shelter smoking weed. They asked me if I wanted any, I politely declined. The one guy said, "That's cool. I don't drink myself. It makes my head, you know." What I said? "You know, man like, you know." This went on for a few more minutes until finally I said, "You mean it makes you unable to comprehend and explain things?" He responded, "Right on man. You said it."
Date: 2013-05-05
From: Deep Gap Shelter

To: Plumorchard Gap Shelter
Miles today: 8.1
Weather: moderate rain

It rained and the wind blew all night. It was about 40 degrees when I woke and all my clothes and gear were still completely soaked. It took about 15 minutes to psych myself up just to put on the wet clothes and shoes. It continued to rain all day, with significant winds. Rain came from all directions: up, down, sideways, diagonal. I hiked with my head down the entire day. I was starting to show early signs of hypothermia, so I hit the first shelter after only 8 miles on the trail. Once in my sleeping bag, I slowly unthawed. Most hikers were off the trail today (I was the lone idiot on the trail). I did not see a single person until I ran into Goose at the shelter. He has tried thu hiking three times, each unsuccessfully. 2007 he made it to PA and contracted Lyme disease. 2008, he again made it to PA and contracted Lyme disease. The third attempt, he brought his wife and made it the New England before she wanted to call it quits. If I am to finish this trek, I will need lots of luck given the chances of getting sick or injured.