morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2018-06-25
From: High Point State Park

To: Greenwood Lake, NY
Miles today: 36.0
Weather: broken clouds

Before I talk about my day, I do want to thank everybody who comments on my journal. I appreciate the notes and have to laugh at a couple of them. Today I departed New Jersey for New York. Seems strange that there are references to NYC in the guide books, but on Wednesday I will be on some high ground with views of the NYC skyline just before I cross the Hudson River at Fort Montgomery. I will be past it for the 4th, but some folks will get to watch fireworks in the city from the trail. Pretty lucky with trail magic the last two days. A Yuengling with watermelon yesterday and a Pepsi with an apple today. Walked with a Civil Affairs Reservist, Gizmo, today. He is from California and managed to work his drill days up front so he could take the time to walk the trail. Good on him. And a last note on health, all body parts are functioning as normal, or as normal as can be expected after years of abuse.
Date: 2018-07-02
From: Greenwood Lake, NY

To: Ploughquag, NY
Miles today: 69.0
Weather: clear sky

Decided to take a Zero today since I haven't had a no hiking day for three weeks and because of the heatwave passing through New York. Good last couple of days. Camped at the Graymoor Spiritual Center and then a State Park with access to facilities and good water. Makes life a little easier on the trail. This part of the trail also seems to offer trackside dining options most days. Stopped at the Mountain Top Deli for lunch and had an awesome salami and Swiss sandwich that I didn't have to carry, always a plus. Trail profile shows a little more ups and downs coming than we have been used to in PA, NJ, and NY. Getting ready for VT, NH, and Maine.
Date: 2018-07-09
From: Ploughquag, NY

To: Great Barrington, MA
Miles today: 79.0

Good few days. Went from NY to MA via Conneticutt. Pretty warm to start with a couple of good hiking days in the middle before heating up again. Had to take another zero for equipment resupply from Amazon Prime. Air mattress started leaking and phone needed a new case. Both arrived today so tomorrow I will be back on the trail. CT and MA have been good for lodging. I stayed at the Amselhaus guest house in Cornwall Bridge, CT one night, well worth the .8 mile walk to town. Another night, I camped in the yard of the Toymaker's Cafe in Falls Village, CT and enjoyed breakfast there the next AM, and lastly, camped at the Alpine Ridge campsite in MA and didn't want to leave the next morning. The trail community continues to amaze with generosity. The last two days before Great Barrington I hiked with Volvo who is section hiking as part of a cardiac rehab, but plans to thru-hike when he retired. Needless to say, we had plenty to talk about. I did have near phone meltdown during the heat. Actually, I had a meltdown, but was able to restore for the most part. Pretty painful trying restore your phone with spotty coverage and slow wi-fi.
Date: 2018-07-13
From: Great Barrington, MA

To: Dalton
Miles today: 35.5
Weather: mist

Neroed into Dalton, MA for resupply and to celebrate passing the halfway mark which is obviously different for me than most since I started in Damascus, VA instead of Springer Mountain, GA. Terrain is starting to change. First 3000 foot climb since VA is dead ahead as we climb Mr Gleylock before entering Vermont.
Date: 2018-07-18
From: Dalton

To: Bennington, VT
Miles today: 42.0

Departed MA for VT. I have to admit I liked Massachusetts. The trail was generally good and the towns in Western MA were very hiker friendly. Thought I would make it to Bennington before the thunderstorms, but was wrong. Drowned rat is probably an apt description of me after an hour plus of walking in a Florida style downpour, but everything dries and all is forgiven. I will be off trail for a couple of days for a family event in Virginia, but will start up again on Monday.
Date: 2018-07-26
From: Bennington, VT

To: Manchester Center, VT
Miles today: 41.0
Weather: moderate rain

Back on the trail, but some might call it a creek as it has been very wet all week. In town tonight at Green Mountain House Hostel to dry out and resupply after four straight days of rain. Great place all around and famous on the trail as home of the $1 pints of Ben and Jerry's. Out tomorrow morning as the push to Maine continues. Gear generally holding up well. My REI Quarter Dome 2 tent continues to handle the rain well and my Osprey AG pack is great.
Date: 2018-08-02
From: Manchester Center, VT

To: Vermont Route 12
Miles today: 74.0
Weather: light rain

Been a busy week plus. Weather not so good early, but the last four days have been generally good. Major catastrophe last Thursday when I left my hat in a Shelter while waiting out a storm. Didn't realize it until a mile down the trail so I wasn't going back. Happen to meet Trail Angel Ms Janet and her hiker Half Slow at a trail head then next day. Half Slow was slack packing through the shelter where I left my hat so I asked him to look for it. Low and behold the trail provides, Half Slow found my hat and we were reunited on Monday. Went over Killington Peak Monday. Huge views as you can see when I get the photos uploaded. Wednesday had trail magic at Gifford State Park. Egg burritos, fruit, soda, and beer. Passed on the beer as it was 1000 in the AM and a long day of hiking ahead, but it was tempting. Tonight I am sleeping in a barn loft with power and one bar of wi-fi. Supposed to rain tonight and tomorrow so the barn loft is appreciated. Two of the hikers here got engaged on a peak South of here so the Barn owner popped the cork on a bottle of champagne. Who would have thought. Two days from New Hampshire.
Date: 2018-08-09
From: Vermont Route 12

To: Hikers Welcome Hostel
Miles today: 67.0

Tomorrow is the start of the White Mountains. Technically I am 1.5 miles into the Whites, but tomorrow is the first real event with a 4000 foot climb. The next ten days are supposed to be some of the most challenging miles on the trail. Some good terrain and photos since the last post, but signal is weak so give me a couple of days. Managed to dodge most of the rain, but 90 degree weather and humidity make for your own personal weather event. Pulled into the hostel with almost nothing dry, but mostly from sweat and then nothing dries in the damp weather. Lots of South Bounders passing the last two weeks. Seems strange to hear them talk of passing 350 miles. I was still in Virginia when I hit 350. I want to again thank the folks who leave comments. Some definitely make me laugh, Dave, although I agree the hat was marginal at best.
Date: 2018-08-20
From: Hikers Welcome Hostel

To: Pinkham Notch
Miles today: 79.0
Weather: overcast clouds

It has been a pretty long eights days so I am zeroing at Joe Dodge Lodge before knocking out the last 21 miles of the White Mountains. The White's have been the subject of talk for most of the hike, and I must say, they have lived up to their reputation. While both physically and mentally tiring, they also have some amazing views. I hope to post some photos today if wi-fi holds up. Like most folks my mileage dropped in the mountains so my choice of using the huts when possible definitely was a good one. (Thanks to Steve P for the suggestion) Speaking of huts, I probably should explain these unique facilities. The Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) runs eight mountain huts that can have from 36 -95 bunks and a seasonal crew to provide breakfast and dinner to hikers. While nice, they are still sparse. Generally no hot water, no showers, composting toilets, and common dorm like sleeping. Except for one or two helicopter deliveries per year, all the food/supplies are packed in by the crew. All in all a hut is a very welcome sight at the end of a hard hike. As this entry is named the Presidentials's, it would be wrong not to discuss the range of 4000 foot peaks in the White's. Basically a string of peaks mostly above trendline, many folks have a goal of climbing all the 4000 footers including the ones named for the Presidents. The AT crosses a couple of the Presidents, but I wasn't sorry to miss Jefferson and Adams on a wet and cold day. Unfortunately, my summit of Mount Washington was on a typical day, cloudy and rainy, but I do have some great pre-summit photos of Washington from the day before when it was clear. Mount Washington really is worth a Google search given its unique weather making ability. All that being said, I will finish New Hampshire this week and start on Maine. I am projecting a mid September summit of Katahdin and then will return to Damascus, VA to finish the hike South at Springer Mountain sometime mid to end of October. Thanks for reading.
Date: 2018-08-24
From: Pinkham Notch

To: Gorham, NH
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: clear sky

The title says it all. Finished the Whites and now on to Maine. The last 21 miles were not a cakewalk. The climb up Wildcat Ridge will get your attention and the downs will keep you focused. Overall, the White Mountains presented some of the hardest hiking on trail, but also rewarded with fantastic views and good memories. I must say staying in huts takes some of the pain out of the Whites, but tenting on the mountain is also nice if the weather cooperates like it did at the Imp Campsite. Recovering today and then on with the journey tomorrow morning.
Date: 2018-08-29
From: Gorham, NH

To: Andover
Miles today: 52.0
Weather: fog

While in general terms, I was glad to have New Hampshire in the Rear view mirror, the first few miles in Maine were no picnic. Nothing too awful, just tough hiking and then you do get to Mahoosuc Notch which is reputed to be the toughest mile on the trail. Definitely a challenge, but also kind of fun in a adult jungle gym sort of way. Basically a mile of scrambling over, under, and in some cases through rocks. Now, the 1600 foot climb right after the Notch is pretty tough, but is also is behind me. I have started hiking with a small group of folks, Commander is a retired Navy guy, Wanderwomen is a retired FBI agent, Ozzie is a retired Dairy Farmer, Passenger is from Germany, and Mix-A-Lot and Bleep are couple who met on the trail. As I have told some folks, hiking together is relative. Generally you start and stop a day together and maybe have lunch together, but during the day folks go at their own pace. Feels good to be in Maine although I obviously won't finish here like most folks as I will return to Damascus for my hike South.
Date: 2018-09-11
From: Andover

To: Logan Brook Road
Miles today: 177.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Sorry for the long time between posts. We have been pushing pretty hard and cell service in Maine is spotty at best. Taking a Zero today in a motel as the forecast was 100 percent chance of rain for most of the day and it is accurate. Still hiking with the same Team. They are obviously very excited to be nearing the end of their journey and it is pretty neat to see their range of emotions. We expect to summit Katahdin on Sunday or Monday. The last two weeks have been some of the best hiking on the trail. Tough walking, but beautiful vistas and awesome lakes. The weather has generally cooperated so views have been great. It did turn cold for a couple days and I can tell you fording a cold Maine river at 0730 in the morning with the air temperature below 40 degrees will get your attention. Fortunately, rain has been light lately so we have only had two rivers that we couldn't rock hop across. I saw my first moose in the wild yesterday. A big bull with a huge rack and then not far away, a cow with her calf. After a little bit of a drought of Hostels in the mid-Atlantic, they have really picked up since. In Maine, the Rattle River Lodge and Hostel, the Hiker Hut, and Shaw's Hiker Hostel were all great. For all the beer drinkers out there, I recommend the AT as a beer tour. I have had some great brews through Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. I would be remiss if I didn't wish my daughter happy birthday today as she actually does turn 29. Lastly, I am watching as Florence approaches the Carolinas and know that I am with all my friends in spirit.
Date: 2018-09-17
From: Logan Brook Road

To: Katahdin
Miles today: 71.0
Weather: scattered clouds

After 1720 miles, the Northern walk is mission complete. Submitted Mount Katadin 16 Sep with six members of the Tramily plus Harriet (Ozzie's spouse) and Karen (Wander Women's friend from Alaska). Unfortunately, weather was overcast so views were limited. Obviously a big deal from the six folks finishing their thru-hike and I was very happy to be part of it with them. Trail rumor is that the five mile hike to the summit is one of the hardest on the trail. I think I can confirm they definitely make you work for the finish especially the middle two miles of rock scramble and in some cases hand over hand climbing. Completed the day with a pizza and beer party to celebrate six finishes and my turn to the South. I don't want to skip the miles before Katahdin. While not hard compared to the White's, the 100 Mile Wilderness is not a cake walk, but you are rewarded everyday with lakes and views that make the roots and rocks worth it as you can see by the photos. I will be double zeroing in Bangor, ME waiting for my flight and for Florence to clear out of VA/NC/TN. The National Parks should have reopened when I start hiking South on Saturday and hopefully, the mud and blowdowns won't be too bad. The good news is there are definitely fewer rocks and roots.  Damascus to Springer Mountain is 470 miles so estimated completion is plus or minus 1 Nov.
Date: 2018-09-24
From: Damascus, VA

To: Hampton, TN
Miles today: 42.0
Weather: clear sky

After a couple days of recovery in Bangor, ME, I flew to Richmond, Va and was picked up by the infamous Red for the ride to Damascus. We spent the night at Red and Pat's place in Danville. Thanks Pat for a great stay. Departed Damascus heading South on Saturday the 22nd. Three days and forty-two miles later I am in Hampton, TN at the Boots Off Hostel. Lot fewer folks on the trail going Southbound. Only 428 more miles to Springer. I do seem to be paying for all the good weather in NH and Maine with rain down South. Had to leave the Tramily at Katahdin, but hiked the last two days with Steffan, a retired IT guy from Chicago and Princess, a retired City of San Diego person.
Date: 2018-09-27
From: Hampton, TN

To: The Station Hostel
Miles today: 34.0
Weather: light rain

Knocked out 34 miles in two days. Good hiking on the Tennessee Express. The best news is I saw my first bears on Tuesday. A Mama bear and three cubs. Looked like the cubs had their battle drill down. Saw me and headed for a tree. Half way up, Mama bear called an audible and the pack headed over the top of the hill. Of course, my phone was in my pocket in a water proof bag so no pictures were taken. No that I have seen bears and moose, time to finish the last 394 miles.
Date: 2018-10-04
From: The Station Hostel

To: Jones Meadow
Miles today: 98.0

Sorry about the delay in entries. Was enjoying the trail and hostels so much, I forgot to update the blog. As you can see by the mileage, I am now under 300 miles until Springer Mountain. Had a good week of relatively decent miles and great weather. Got a little slack packing in as well. Worst part was a technical issue or more directly, my phone reset itself and while most things were restored via backup, the contact list did not fully recover so I am attempting to rebuild it manually. Stayed at two hostels, the Greasy Creek Friendly and Natures Inn. Hostels really help break up the hike. Will be in Hot Springs, NC this weekend and start the Great Smoky National Park Thursday or Friday.
Date: 2018-10-14
From: Jones Meadow

To: Gatlinburg
Miles today: 89.0
Weather: fog

As you can see from the title, I have started the Smoky Mountain National Park. Three days in, I am resupplying in Gatlinburg before the final three days ending at Fontana Dam on Wednesday. With a little dawdling I managed to dodge the Hurricane Michael weather except for a couple of hours of light rain. Thoughts are with the folks in the Panahhandle as they recover from the storm. Michael has appeared to push the fair weather here into history. Temps dropped 20 degrees literally overnight and the forecast says the low temps are here to stay. Last night was 43 and next week is projecting the 30s. I am thankful for my Enlightened Equipment camping quilt and my Big Agnes insulated sleeping pad. I did have another bear sighting on Thursday. Another mama bear with just a single cub this time. Managed to get a photo this time. Back on the trail tomorrow with a climb up Clingman's Dome, the highest point on the AT at 6658 feet.
Date: 2018-10-20
From: Gatlinburg

To: Natasha Outdoor Center
Miles today: 71.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Rain and cold starting to set in so pulled up a little short of today's goal, but will make it up tomorrow. Done with the Smoky's plus two days to the NOC. Marine Vet hiking partner joined me at Fontana Dam for four days of fun in the not so Sun. Would say we are kicking butt and taking names except two women in their sixties, one with two fake knees, walked away and left us in their dust yesterday. As mentioned, weather becoming a factor. Two days in the 20s will test our resolve. Passed the 2000 mile mark on Tuesday so the short timers calender is in motion.
Date: 2018-10-26
From: Natasha Outdoor Center

To: Top of Georgia Hostel
Miles today: 67.0

Thirteen states done, and one to go. Crossed the NC/GA border yesterday as yesterday for a milestone I thought would never arrive. Taking a Zero (no hiking miles) today a the Top of Georgia Hostel. Projected rain most of the day and I am fighting the first cold of my hike. Will hike out tomorrow and am still projected to finish by 1 Nov. Had some great hiking the last five days. Two with my Marine Vet hiking partner and three on my own. Slept in the Albert Mountain fire tower and had a great sunset, a huge moon, and a super sunrise as you can see from the photos. Shared the tower with a guy living on 1200 calorie survival rations dipped in peanut butter, no thanks. Weather continues to test resolve. Had my afternoon Snickers Bar snack yesterday and it broke off like I had just taken it out of the freezer. With the high being 49 the next two days, I will get to practice my layering skills. Also climber my last 5000 footer yesterday so I guess it is all downhill from here.
Date: 2018-11-01
From: Top of Georgia Hostel

To: Springer Mountain, GA
Miles today: 69.0

Before we get to the "Finish" portion, there were more days in the week than just today. I am sure NOBO hikers have a hard time appreciating the trail in Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee, but as a Flip Flopper coming from New England, the relatively smooth and fast trail is awesome. Great stop at Mountain Crossings in Neel Gap. A bunk, shower, and pizza for $20 can't be beat. Great weather the last three days as I traversed the Training area for the Mountain Phase of Ranger School. Heard helicopters and firing so I know Rangers were training. With the weather and Fall, the trail is generally uncrowded except on the weekends. The last two night I tented near shelters, but was the only person there. Now I did have a mouse visitor in my tent the first night. Not sure what he was after since there was no food in the tent. I took mercy on him and merely chased him out of my house, but I did not appreciate the hole he chewed in my tent. All that being said, I did finish my thru-hike on 1 Nov at Springer Mountain, GA. It was a gray day, but I beat the rain to the Summit. Still getting used to the idea that tomorrow or the day after, I don't have to pull on my boots and hike 15 miles. A great journey, a great trail community, and many great friends made over the past six months. Thanks to those who followed my adventure, you are also part of the trail community.
Date: 2017-11-30
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Hi all, my name is John and I am 55 years old and recently retired. Thanks for tuning in, I appreciate your interest in this journey I am planning. My start date is not till middle of March 2018 but working through logistics, accumulating gear and training are all underway now, so excitement is building. The journey from Springer Mountain, Georgia, to Mount Katahdin, Maine, is 2,189 miles (~3,500 km) and I am planning on 6 months to complete it, starting in mid-March and ending mid-September. I will be hiking Northbound (NOBO).  As my start date draws nearer, the question why is coming up more frequently. Well, retirement has given me the time to tackle this trail but truth be told I was preparing to take a leave of absence had an early retirement option not opened things up for me. So the real reasons for why I want to do this are:to experience an extended period of being ¢off-grid¢ in a wilderness settingto climb my first mountain (and then many more after that)to experience the simplicity of trail life ¢ eat, walk, eat, walk, eat, sleep, repeatto experience three seasons outdoors, day and night, day in, day outto enjoy trail life and town visits with new people along the waybeing away and living without the many luxuries of my everyday life, I hope to gain a better appreciation for the many blessings that I take for granted ¢ the people I am close to, hot showers, dry clothes, good food, clean & running water. to experience and overcome the physical challenge of itsome mysterious reason that I can't put my finger on but may discover while on the trailI am dedicating my efforts on the trail to my Mom who passed away this last year. A more supportive, generous and thoughtful person you won¢t find on this earth. While not a big "outdoors" person, my Mom was always so tremendously supportive of all of her children and grandchildren - she had the firmest belief that we could all do anything we set our minds to and would carry this belief even when our own beliefs failed.
Date: 2017-12-02
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

OK, now it is official, I have the plane ticket from Pearson to Atlanta booked for March 13. It leaves at 8:30 am and lands at 10:30. I will then need to get from the airport to the MARTA subway and take that a few stops to meet up with a guy named Survivor Dave who runs a shuttle service up to Amicalola Falls State Park - should be there by 3'ish. I am planning on staying in the state park on the 13th, then starting the hike on the morning of the 14th. Starting from the park means there is an 8.8 mile (14km) hike just to get to the top of Springer Mountain which is the actual start of the A.T.. I am camping at the Stover Creek Shelter that first night which is only 2.8 miles (4.5k) further up the trail. Oboyoboyoboy, getting real.A note on the imperial system - I know most of the readers will be my friends and relatives from Canada - thanks for reading! - I know that some of you older readers will have some vestige of the imperial system, but you young'uns won't and that might be problematic. All trail references are in miles and it will just be easier to continue to reference in miles instead of multiplying by 1.6 to come up with the kilometres, so while I have done the math in the paragraph above, I won't be keeping that up over the entire 2,189 mile (3,500 km) trail. Also pack references and gear weight is more commonly reported in pounds, not grams and kilograms, so sorry if this forces you to pull out a calculator.