morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-09-14
From: logging road

To: ME highway 27
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I rode in the back of Shanes pickup with his snowmobile gear on for a cold 1 hour shuttle. The cab was full.Im done with this slacking. I did get what i needed out of it though. Its less taxing on the body.Sadly spoke with search and rescue, they are out looking for last years missing hiker "inchworm". Hustled all day over four 4000' mountains then caught a hitch from a local bear runner with trained beagles.Got a 54$ room in Stratton ME. then to the White Wolf cafe for a burger consisting of beef,sausage, and bacon. This town closes at 7 on sun. A little television then set off the smoke detector from the shower steam! Quite alarming in my nudeness.
Date: 2014-09-15
From: ME highway 27

To: little bigelow shelter
Miles today: 15.3

Got a late start doing laundry and picking up mail drop.These things weren't available last night. 10:45 am hitch to the trail from local hikers with poodle. Met Grubnugget (hitchin). Broke a lash strap on my shoulder strap today.Salty sweat ate it. More climbs over 4000'. Fell once outracing the darkness. I had the shelter to myself until 9 despite the summit bottleneck. A frost advisory tonight. 19 degrees. mmm...
Date: 2014-09-16
From: little bigelow shelter

To: pierce pond lean-to
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: broken clouds

Fairly easy elevations today and several cool ponds which in Maine are the size of lakes. Rain for 5 miles then the sun came out for 5 miles. Arrived at the shelter in time to swim before the sun went down.Chilling. I could be the last one to jump in this season with these temps. My bunkies agree. In with Cat,Notch,Top notch. The loons lull us to sleep once again.
Date: 2014-09-17
From: pierce pond lean-to

To: bald mt brook lean-to
Miles today: 18.7
Weather: light rain

Smooth flat miles all day with lots of ponds, brooks,and roots. Fell 3 times today ? I caught the early fairy across the Kennebec River as a line of hikers formed.Then i got my trail tunnel vision going. Met Journeyman,Nubbins,bismark,hopper,and R.W. In the shelter solo tonight. A bonus for hygiene privacy and no snorers .
Date: 2014-09-18
From: bald mt brook lean-to

To: Horseshoe canyon lean-to
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: broken clouds

More mild miles along ponds and rivers.After 9 miles I got my first river ford of Maine.There was a rope to assist so i did it barefoot.Full shelter as the temps are dropping and the mice are moving. I have met 5 other Hoosiers on this section. also Haike from Germany. Loon from Japan. Cat from China.
Date: 2014-09-19
From: Horseshoe canyon lean-to

To: ME 15
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: light rain

I slept in past 8, a short hiking day then I got out my phone and called a shuttle to Monson ME. As I milled through the options of this 3 block town the deli proprietor offered me a Moxie ( a local N.H. cola) and milk!! A concoction i have not had since i was a kid. Found a bunk at the Shaws boarding house then grabbed my mail drop .The other hostel above the pub is full and others tent out behind the church.A lot of hikers in a tiny town. I love it.To the pub for a steak and IPA with Grubnugget. Bunked with Karate kid and Haike. No snorers .
Date: 2014-09-20
From: ME 15

To: monson me
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I slept in til 8 with a plan to do absolutely nothing all day.Rest the body to start the 100 mile wilderness with fresh legs.A lot of hikers are concerned about carrying enough food. There is a bucket drop off service $$ at Jo-marry road. Got a late breakfast at Petes deli and walked the few blocks of town stocking up on junk food. I repaired my pack with a part from the church ladys thrift store.Relaxed in the bunkhouse, enjoyed some IPAs then to the pub with Pilgrim for a cuban sandwich and college football.The bunkhouse filled up today.snorers.
Date: 2014-09-21
From: monson me

To: wilson valley lean -to
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Bought the breakfast at the Shaws and hiked casually all day.Had a 700 calorie Whoopie pie (local) for break. Im carrying lots of food. Rained on my last 3 miles involving a river ford, fun. I have met 2 hikers scattering the ashes of a loved one.
Date: 2014-09-22
From: wilson valley lean -to

To: chair back gap lean-to
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Rugged Maine miles with another river ford.Got to the shelter to find a full house.So I cowboy camp in the wind tonight.I mailed my bivy sack home to compensate for all the food weight. I lost that gamble. Two trash bags and a guy line are my bivy tonight. Use what you've got, need,nt what you,ve not.Today i met 4 kids in there 20s, Irish,Madjack and wife.
Date: 2014-09-23
From: chair back gap lean-to

To: logan brook lean-to
Miles today: 17.1
Weather: broken clouds

Rugged miles with some of the last climbs before Katahdin. I got a glimpse of fatty " k " today. Another river ford and lots of wind to dry the trail.The 100 mile wilderness is not so wild with it bucket service and side trail to Jo-marry road.Its a good thing though because Ivan the terrible twisted her ankle in the river and turned back to the road.The ridge runner at the ford helped her back across with her pack.Nice to be in the shelter out of the wind.Irish,Tomo,Loon,Sweettooth,Spiffy,Axeman,R.W. The lake loons are accompanied by an owl tonight.My mileage has put me ahead of the shuttle group I was with.A moving community.
Date: 2014-09-24
From: logan brook lean-to

To: potaywadjo spring lean-to
Miles today: 23.1
Weather: broken clouds

This morning started with Quick feet as Tomo spilled lit stove fuel at the base of shelter! Fun.The flat miles here are a gift after so much work through the whites and Maine.Easier on the body.Too many rivers ponds,and waterfalls to photo.Pushing the mileage put me ahead of the crowd.In tonight with Cat=Chinese-American-Tiawanese. We sleep 48.3 miles from the summit!
Date: 2014-09-25
From: potaywadjo spring lean-to

To: rainbow streams lean-to
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: overcast clouds

I used all of the daylight again after a late 9:am start. Maines black rock streams and ponds all day.Slammed my hip on a slick one today.Perfect weather with 30 mi. to go.More hikers tenting out rushing for good summit weather.Hiked with Axeman, Irish,and Cat with more views of Katahdin. Cant sleep on that hip!
Date: 2014-09-26
From: rainbow streams lean-to

To: Abol bridge campground
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: overcast clouds

More smooth miles with a few climbs,ponds,and streams.All colors of leaves..Campstore is limited but there is beer, ice cream,and coin showers! $20 site on the Penobscot River, a restaurant (evening),and a moose check in station.I saw a moose checked that had been dragged out in half a canoe.After shower 1 I was inspired(beer)to walk to the "birches" registry with Axeman.A first come first serve sign in sheet for the last shelters at the base of Katahdin. We are in! Dinner at the restaurant with Ax and crew consisted of a burger with bacon and egg/rolling rock.Sleeping under the stars after shower 2.
Date: 2014-09-27
From: Abol bridge campground

To: Katahdin stream campground
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Relishing these last easy miles slowly.Started with coffee and cupcakes,picked up candy bars for summit.Big niagra was cool. The weekenders are out.I got to Katahdin stream campground and watched the families greet their loved hikers coming down after summit.An awesome sight of love and accomplishment.There are 2 small shelters here in the "birches". A nice fire on our last night on the trail.Present are Tatter and crew,Cat,Spiffy,Axeman,and other sectioners from Minnesota. "minnesota twins". 5 more miles to summit!
Date: 2014-09-28
From: Katahdin stream campground

To: katahdin summit
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: overcast clouds

SUMMIT DAY! Perfect weather for the 5 mile up then down.Hardest climb on the trail yet.Woke up like a kid on christmas morning. Ive thought of this day for 10 years now! As i slip out silently at 4:am Cat hears me and says" no breakfast?" Sorry Cat I gotta go see it.Moving silently up the mountain through the dark with headlamp I stopped to change my shirt. My lamp refuses to come back on so I move a little slower as the sun helps me out.Enjoyed the mt. to myself most of the day.After a peaceful summit moment then came the crowd.Worthy thru-hikers,section hikers, and day-hikers alike. Fun to watch the summit photos. At least 40 hikers. Novelty item such as banners,shirts,beers,and champagne!. I took my time watching then more time descending. The 4:30 shuttle didnt arrive until 6:pm.Got to Millinocket ME. for the usual, cheap room, beer,gyro,and hot tub.The hikers wander around town like zombies;stiff and searching for food!
Date: 2014-09-29
From: katahdin summit

To: -0-
Miles today: 0.0

Continental breakfast with the first Italian couple to complete the trail.I purchased a ticket out of Bangor for tomorrow.The weather turned for the worse. I feel bad for my fellow hikers summiting today in these conditions.Down to the "a.t. cafe" for an open face turkey dinner (not the turkeys face).Also signed the 2014 ceiling tile and saw Cheez. Post hike hunger all day, so I walk the town to find most things closed on a monday?Multiple hot tub, showers,and meals.I saw Griz at the hotel, the guy running the shears my first night back in Gorham.!
Date: 2014-09-30
From: Millinocket

To: bangor
Miles today: 0.0

Another cont. breakfast. then a cab to Medway, then a $12 bus to Bangor.The only 2 grills in the airport are down for service so its an ice cream lunch, U.S. airways wouldn't let me check my jetboil stove so I had to get a cab to the post office and mail it $25 thanks!The small plane in Phili connected late so I ran between flights.Then that flight ran out of food! All I want now! Flew around a visible electrical storm in Texas.So I missed my hometown bus and everything is closed at San Fran airport. An hour and 10 min wait. I have found this luck to be common to the foot traveler.I can't complain . I survived another great journey!
Date: 2014-10-01
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I first got the idea to go backpacking as a solution.One night while car camping near my old home in Indiana a rowdy in a hopped up primered nova screeched his tires around the campground.I felt unsafe lying only 30" from this death machine.(society is ugly).I only wanted to take my stuff as far in the woods as i could. I thought it to be a new concept until I discovered Backpacker magazine . Then it was off to the woods.I had read of the A.T. and touch it briefly on whitewater trips to N.O.C. and family vacations towards Myrtle beach.Then the idea festered? How can I do this with 2 kids and a career??? The answer was 3 weeks at a time. Just enough time to feel like you are really out there and get your trail legs under you..   I did it in 8 sections. The first 6 I did from Indiana all involving a Greyhound experience.Then I moved to Cali and the last 2 sections were flights(flighty)..Some of the hardest parts were getting to and from my starting/stopping points on the trail. Not all towns are accommodating..
Date: 2014-10-02
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Now that this is complete I will attempt the PCT in the same manner.I plan to enjoy it for the next decade!   In hind sight the only thing greater than this trail are the people who touch it, protect it, and maintain it!!! Hikers,Ridgerunners,and local stewards (Bob Peoples), Thanks to all who dealt with my absence and my presence !!!
Date: 2013-11-06
From: Austin

To: REI
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

And so it begins. I made this choice over four months ago and it's been a whirlwind of questions, reading, nerves, and excitement. But, as with all things, it is time. As they say, if not now, when?I'm just about there, but I'm going to let the trail tell me a lot, and whatever happens, happens. I've done my fair share of backcountry hiking so I'm geared up and know what to expect but over 2,000 miles? Wow.Two weeks ago I made it official by buying my flight to Georgia. In a few months I'll let my office know (please let that Christmas bonus come through!). Then it's a going away party, a quick trip to Palm Springs (how different is that?) and then hitting the trail.I'm really looking forward to meeting those of you who are also hiking so please say hi either there or on the blog. I fly out on March 5th so I'll start the next day or so after that. See you there!
Date: 2014-01-09
To: Austin
Miles today: 0.0

What a week. I finally did it...I gave notice on Monday so it is OFFICIAL. It was a week of prep. Called insurance and got that squared away. Figured out what to do with my car. Even refinanced it and pulled out some cash. Last up is renting my house which looks to be happening this week. The best part though is I get a prequel to the trip next weekend. Heading up to Santa Fe to hang with my best hiking bud Debbie and do a little trek in the mountains to see that everything is in working order and that I'll be warm enough. Back in August it seemed like this was years away and not even 100% that it would happen....now, it's right around the corner. Can't wait.
Date: 2014-02-11
From: Austin

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Well this is it....my last day at work. What a relief. Although, seeing the snow on the east coast is a little worrisome. Or maybe it's just more adventure. After this I'm off to a work happy hour for me (thanks awesome work people!) then home to sleep off this cold. Then a week in sunny California followed by my flight to Atlanta. And interrupted in typing this by a great friend and former coworker who has had a few of his own adventures. He left me with one last piece of significance. I start this journey on the 4th of March. MARCH FORTH....thanks John.
Date: 2014-03-01
From: Austin

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

My head is spinning. And not just because I'm shaking a cold or have been indulging way too much in the last two weeks. I have a mere three days left before I fly to Atlanta and I haven't even bought my food yet! But like everything for this trip, I have the most relaxed feeling I've had in years. No worries, it'll get done, I won't starve, food will appear when most needed.   Such a 180 from the constant worry I had at work and the anticipation that something else was going to go wrong and break my happiness. Right now, even with much to do, I am serene. Can't wait to take those first few steps - even though my first day is just hiking TO the trail. Ready for the adventure.
Date: 2014-03-06
From: Atlanta, Georgia

To: hiker hostel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Things haven't quite gone as planned.Tuesday night right after I checked into the hotel I went to climb a steep hill to get to a restaurant and looks like I tore my calf muscle. I heard a pretty good pop and a sharp pain. I still managed to get up and get food and walk back to the hotel but all with a heavy limp. Fortunately I have got doctor friends and sports coaches who have guided me through it. I've been in the rest, ice, compression, elevation routine the moment I got back to the hotel. Basically there is nothing I can do but rest. The very good news is that as major as it felt at the time I've had no swelling and only the hint of a bruise. It also doesn't hurt at all at rest. But I admit I have to walk at a slow pace and will occasionally step funny and it hurtsBut I couldn't be any more happy for having the other hikers. There are people here who have hiked before and have given me the best words of advice and encouragement. Basically they're saying ...get over it! But in a very cool way. Telling me this is one of many injuries and you just learn to adjust. They made mention of someone that had a trail name of Phoenix. She was constantly injured and they'd think she'd be done but they'd turn around and there she'd be again...with a cast moving forward. Anyway I was down in the dumps yesterday but recharged today! I did go ahead and book two more nights here to get more time completely off my leg.   I start Saturday now. It was discouraging yet exciting to see all the hikers leaving just now to start. There were probably 15 people here. Including a family of four! And further good news - yesterday was gorgeous. Probably mid sixties and sunny. The trees are budding out and the peaches are all pink. But the next two days....rainy and cold!   So I'll be missing that and hiking in good weather! I'm fine. Just delayed.
Date: 2014-03-07
From: hiker hostel

To: hiker hostel
Miles today: 0.0

I'm much improved! In spirit and physically. I've got a nice little bruise but my limp is a lot better and it's not nearly as sore. Whew! I even considered heading out today instead. Then I looked out the window. Misty and slick. It rained all night here with snow in the mountains so I'll gladly sit with my leg up today. I've met the best people. All so nice and eager. Most are starting thru hikes some just hiking in the area. Everyone has a story. There is a family from Ottawa and they escape the cold by hiking down here. This summer they plan on hiking a section in New Hampshire so I may see them again. Crazy! Also met a couple who the wife is doing a thru hike and her husband Is helping out the first few weeks. She has a sister I think she said who lived in San Marcos. Small world. There was also a girl here about to start her thru hike today and her parents stayed too to send her off. I even met a guy from Switzerland who knew no English so I practiced my German. I guess I didn't know what to expect but have loved it all. Everyone just wants to be outdoors just like me so its nice to be in a room where everyone is on the same page at least in one category.
Date: 2014-03-08
From: Springer Mountain

To: hawk mountain shelter
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Things have a way of working out. Or things have a way occurring for a reason. This injury taught me right up front that there's going to be a lot to deal with on this trip and just learn how to handle it. I admit I freaked a little at first.   That noise it made sounded hike ending to me but it seems to have begun to heal quick.   Now I know how to handle a bad situation out here. Albeit in a hostel. The journey began at about nine am. They drove me, Noah, and three ladies - a mom, her daughter, and her best friend out to the trail. Daughter, Ruthie is thru hiking. Mom and best friend helping out until North Carolina. It's a about an hour trip to the parking lot. It was a very nice "well have a great trip. See ya!" And off we went. You are actually about a mile from Springer and have to hike southbound on the trail then backtrack northbound. So many nerves and so much anticipation. I was terrified about my leg and took it so slow but when it came down to it I had no problems. A few tweaks but never pain.Georgia is beautiful. I can tell it'll be very lush once spring hits. Thick oak and poplar forests on the mountains. Rushing steams. When you get lower there are dense rhododendron thickets. Kind of like a jungle. They all have big buds a few weeks from flower. Up top everything is deciduous - so tall tall slender trees with no understory and since no leaves you can see for miles. Very peaceful. What's not peaceful are the crowds! I hiked to my first shelter.. Hawk mountain. There were five or six when I got there. By the time the evening rolled around at least fifty if not more. But we all did our thing and then hit the trail one by one
Date: 2014-03-09
From: hawk mountain shelter

To: Gooch Gap
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: clear sky

Whelp. I left my camera on all night so no pics today. I met Hailstorm yesterday who told me today is rough. I didn't believe him. I was wrong. They don't seem to believe in switchbacks much here. It's just up and over. Brutal. Sassafras followed by Justus mountain. Ouch ouch ouch. But I was alone for most of it and had a very peaceful moment coming down Sassafras. It's always windy here. But only up high. At ground level it's pretty calm. You can hear the whoosh and all the tree limbs clicking together. I stopped for a moment where one tree was leaning against the other and they just slowly creaked and groaned. Back and forth. Very quiet...until the machine guns. We're infamously near an army training ground and you hear that and explosions sometimes. Odd. Hiked past the next shelter to Gooch Gap and found a place to camp next to a parking area. Got some trail magic! Mac in cheese from a box of odds and ends. Also met Zach and John from Cleveland. Headed to Lance Creek tomorrow. CPL
Date: 2014-03-10
From: Gooch Gap

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: broken clouds

I'm Mr Over Achiever! I had intended a short hike but it happened so fast I decided to march on and made it all the way to Neels Gap. Left early and made it to Woody Gap. Lo and behold there was a section hiker named Fresh Brew who had an entire spread for thru hikers. I had coffee, pancakes, eggs and cheese! I was stuffed. He's doing this for a week then moving ahead with the hikers to North Carolina. I had met before someone who was doing the hike basically because he had to. He had little money and no place to live. Had been living with his aunt in Florida without electricity. It was either be homeless in town or homeless hiking. My mom gave me a gift card (thanks mom!) and there was about $50 left. I was considering giving to him If I saw him again. After seeing Fresh Brews spread (he was switching to hot dogs for the lunch crowd) I decided I'd give it to him as it would help out more people. Right after I dropped it in the donation box guess who comes out of the woods? Same guy. He had stayed there the day before and had lunch, dinner, and breakfast and also managed to get himself a free coat. I figure he about got that $50 already!As for the hike it was perfect weather. Intended to stop at Lance Creek but I had so much fuel from Fresh Brew I continued all the way and over Blood Mountain and down to Neels Gap. Got in late so camped off trail and decided to give myself a zero day. Debbie, Lance and Matt if you're reading this, it was my coming off of Mt Whitney day. The downhill was torture and my knees were screaming but then all of a sudden there it was!   I had a congratulatory pizza.
Date: 2014-03-11
From: Neels Gap

To: Mountain Crossings
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

I decided to zero today and let this leg heal more. The odd thing is my leg doesn't hurt at all. But my knee on the other side screams at me. Everything aches. I think the hostel knows it. They're full of things to spend your limited money on. They also have a bunk house that's like a dungeon. It's all good though. Had a day off and picked up a few things I was missing like camp shoes. But I made one goofy mistake. The little back up battery I had completely blitzed so I threw it out. Only now did I realize it blitzed because I had the go pro cable attached...which I threw out. Hopefully I can get a new one in Nantahala next week.
Date: 2014-03-12
From: Mountain Crossings

To: Low Flat Shelter
Miles today: 11.7

First day of rain on the trail. Was actually pretty nice. Misty. Moody. Hike wasn't too tough. The prediction was for wind and cold. At about two the wind started and it was insane! Forty mile gusts. What a change. Every layer came on. I got to the camp site about five and couldn't wait to just eat and go to bed. It smarts trying to set up camp when your hands are frozen. The forecast was for 20 degrees less 3 degrees for every thousand feet so I knew I was looking at a cold night! I just bundled up, slid into the silk and sleeping bag, and threw my filter in to keep it from freezing and hoped for the best.