morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-09-01
From: Logan Brook Lean-to

To: Antlers Campsite
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: clear sky

This morning we got an early start once again at around 7:30am because it was cold out and we just wanted to get moving. We continued on down the rest of White Cap Mountain and once we were down the trail really got nice and flat so we made really good time and did 3.6 miles to the next shelter in one hour, that's the fastest we have gone since Virginia. we took a short break there then continued on and right away we had to ford another stream but once again we could rock hop right across it with no problems. The trail got rougher after the shelter so we were once again slowed down and the trail stayed that way for the rest of the day. We climbed up and over Little Boardman Mountain and got to Kokadjo-B Pond road whee we found the remains of trail magic. there was nothing but trash left, the last time we had trail magic was way back in the beginning of the Whites.We continued on to the next shelter and took a break there to eat lunch. we continued on to Jo-Mary Road which is where our next food bucket was dropped and we found it along the road. we once again put our trash in the buckets and filled our food bags for the last time!!! from here on out our packs will just keep getting lighter and never get heaver again and that is an awesome thought!!!We took a brake and sat on the buckets for a little while then continued on. the trail passed by Mud Pond and then we finally got to Antlers Campsite, we were all very exhausted because that last three miles were very rough. we found a spot way out on the very tip of an peninsula going out into Lower Jo-Mary Lake. it was the perfect spot, there was a path that went out onto the rocks that went out to the water and there was a campfire with logs to sit on right beside the water. from the campfire we could see way up the lake and then the sun set right behind us and the full moon rose on the other side of the lake. it was the most beautiful place i have been the whole trip so far, the crickets were going, the loons were singing, the owls were hooting and the coyotes were howling...it was just perfect...night all.
Date: 2012-09-02
From: Antlers Campsite

To: Stealth camp on Nahmakanta Lake
Miles today: 13.2

Last night the owls, loons and coyotes were making noises all night and the sounds carried up and down the lake so we did not get the best of sleep. we were up and heading north at around 8:00am, the trail followed along the shore of the lake around to the other side and we could see where we stayed last night. the trail turned north away from the lake and went back into the woods. we got the the next shelter and took a short break there then continued on.We got to another lake soon after we left the shelter, it was Pemadumcook Lake. The trail also followed the shore of the lake and it was also very muddy and rooty, it was kind of annoying because if the trail was another 50 yard further up the hill it was less muddy and rooty. I guess the maintainers want to keep it close to the lake so you can see it but the trail is so bad you cant look up for more than half a second or you will face first into the mud.We got to a state park where there were a few tables and privies, we took a break there to let Hill Hiker catch up. we continued on after a short break and soon ran into No Trace and Unbreakable, they said that they were going to stealth camp past the next shelter. we got to yet another lake, the Nahmakanta Lake, we got to a nice beach with enough room to fin our tents and decide to stay there for the night. This place was better than last night, it was just the tree of us so the lake was all ours. we could not see the sunset this time but there were these beautiful clouds in the sky and they were reflection onto the lake it was breathtaking. i just sat on the beach for two hours and listed to the loons and other sounds and took it all in. it is starting to sink in that i am almost done with this hike and i am already starting to miss it. its nights like this one that makes this whole hike what it is, very few people get to see a sight like this one...boy am i going to miss this, only three more nights on the trail...night all
Date: 2012-09-03
From: Stealth camp on Nahmakanta Lake

To: Rainbows Campsite
Miles today: 12.3

Last night i slept like a baby, we woke up at around 7:00am and was heading north at around 8:00am. we hiked .4 miles to the next shelter and used the privy and continued on. After the shelter the trail goes up the second to last mountain, Nesuntabunt Mountain and from the top there is a great view of Katahdin. when we left this morning it was really foggy out but by the time we made it up to the top of the mountain the fog had lifted and we had a good view of Katahdin.We headed down the mountain and once again the trail followed the shores of lakes. first we went around Crescent Pond which was as big as a lake and once again the trail was in really bad condition. Finally the trail turned away from the pond and followed the Pollywog Stream up hill to the next shelter. We finally got to the shelter and decided to wait for Hill Hiker to catch up. The stream went right in front of the shelter so we did not have to go far for water, we filtered our water and i took a nap. Hill Hiker showed up and took a break as well then we continued on. We went up and over a hill to the shore of West Rainbow Lake. the trail once again followed the shore...ok this is getting old..and you guessed it the trail was muddy and rooty. Luckily the trail soon turned off and went back into the woods and got really nice. we got to the Rainbow Spring Campsite at around 5:00pm and we picked a spot next to the spring and lake. soon after we set up Nokey who i haven seen since Hot Springs North Carolina, Sprinkles, Bucket, Froth and Domino. They decided to stay at the campsite as well so it was a full night. we all sat around the fire place but we were all too tired to gather wood so we just talked and stared at the empty fire place. it sounds line everyone but Nokey and Sprinkles are going to summit with us on the 6th which is awesome, i was starting to get worried that it would be just the three of us. We are all going to Abol Bridge Campground tomorrow which is on the other end of the 100 mile wilderness!!!...night all.
Date: 2012-09-04
From: Rainbows Campsite

To: Abol Bridge Campdite
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: overcast clouds

This morning we all had no problem getting up an don the trail, we were all excited because today we finish the hundred mile wilderness and get within 15 miles of Katahdin! Hill Hiker was the first one out this morning and Big Sky and I were the second and third to leave camp. we soon caught up to Hill Hiker near the top of Rainbow Ledges which is the last climb before we start up Katahdin. Once we got to the top we had a great view of Katahdin and took a break to just look at it. we have all been walking north for over 2000 miles basically to just climb that mountain and now here we are right on its foot steps...wow. Hill Hiker was the first one out this morning and Big Sky and I was right behind aught him. We caught up to him near the top of Rainbow Ledges which is the last climb on the trail other than Katahdin. Once we got to the top we took a break and just sat there looking at Katahdin, we have been walking north on this trail for over 2000 miles to see a little old sign on top of that mountain and here we are looking at it...wow. While we were sitting there the rest of the group showed up and without an words they also just stood there looking at the mountain, i know they were felling the same thing i was, just amazed. Big Sky, Hill Hiker and I continued on down the other side and we were soon at the next and last shelter on the trail. we took a short break there then continued on.Big Sky and I got out ahead of Hill and we were soon on Golden Road, which meant that we were officially out of the 100 mile wilderness and only 5 15 miles from the top of Katahdin. the trail went down the road for about a mile then crossed over Abol Bridge and halfway across the bridge i was stopped in my tracks. There it was Katahdin, it was so close and huge, i was not expecting that view and it literally took my breath away.   i just stood there in the middle of the bridge staring at it. we continued on across the bridge and went to Abol Bridge Campground which was right on the other side of the bridge along the Penobscot River. We paid for a campsite and went to set up our tents. soon after everyone else showed up and also got their site, then later on Dirty Girl showed up and he is going to summit with us as well. we had the rest of the day to just hang out and talk, every one talked about all that we experienced over the last few months then we started a fire. we stayed up late around the fire then called it quits when it started to rain. right now it is raining and i hope it lets up by tomorrow so we don't get wet on our a second to last day on the trail...night all.
Date: 2012-09-05
From: Abol Bridge Campdite

To: The Birches Baxter State Park
Miles today: 9.9

Last night it rained off and on and i was up at around 6:00am and could not go back to sleep. it was only drizzling now but the wind was really blowing, i guess this is what remains of hurricane Isaac. i went down to the camp store and found that it did not open till 7:00am so i just sat under the canopy till about 6:45am. It started to rain a little harder so i decide that i better do down and pack up before it starts to pore and when i got down to the camp sites everyone else was packing up as well. By the time that we all got packed up it really started to rain and the wind really blew. we all huddled under the canopy and finished packing our gear under it so it would stay dry. the camp store opened and we went in to get breakfast which was coffee, breakfast sandwiches and donuts. Dirty Girl, Domino, Bucket and Froth decided to head out into the rain but Big Sky, Hill Hiker and I decided to wait and see if it was going to let up. Nokey and Sprinkles decided to call and get a shuttle into town because they were not going to summit till the 11th which is Nokey's birthday.At around 11:00am the rain let up and soon after the sun came out, we then started up the trail. we crossed over into Baxter State park and we had to register to get in. The trail was very nice the whole way to the Birches. In Baxter State Park there are two shelter side by side called The Birches which is for northbound thru hikers only and it is $10.00 per person. We had to sign in and pay at the park office and it was then that we were given out official summit numbers. Somehow Big Sky and I got the exact same numbers that we had in Harpers Ferry 350 and 351!We went back to the shelter and decide to stay in the shelter for the night so we would have less things to pack up in the morning. It was only 2:30pm so we once again just sat around and talked but this time we made a fire because the other hikers gear got wet from hiking in the rain. Later on in the evening Rhino showed up, he was staying in the actual campground with his dad and was going to summit tomorrow as well. He also said that everyone that was supposed to summit today decide to go into town and summit tomorrow so there is going to be a huge crowd on the mountain tomorrow. As i sit here by the fire doing my last journal entry in the woods i almost feel like i am not here, like this is all a dream, i am looking at everyone talking and laughing and having the time of their life. It hit me really hard right now, that we thru hikers have a comradery that no one will ever under stand but us, its our secret little second life and i am really going to miss this.. allot.Well enough of that now i need to just enjoy this last night on the trail with my trail family while i still. tomorrow is a huge day, the finish and i cant wait...night all.
Date: 2011-02-06
To: 13 Months To Go!!
Miles today: 0.0

Today, I set up my Trail Journal for my 2,179-mile Appalachian Trail hike in March 2012. I am really excited about this amazing adventure.I feel like I have such a great resource available to me... my "training hike leaders" are 2009 Appalachian Trail veterans Mr. Right & Plunger (look for their journal on this site)!!So... why start planning in 2011? I need to start preparing as soon as possible. I work in the non-profit sector, so I will be spending every dollar in my savings account to outfit and support my hike. This is all for a great cause... I am hoping to use this adventure to inspire others to support the cause of HIV/AIDS and Mental Health Care.Also, if I start telling everyone NOW, it will make it harder for me to make excuses and quit later this year. The more people who believe in me, the better!I can't wait!
Date: 2011-02-18
To: Trail Angels & Hungry Bears
Miles today: 0.0

I just learned that a friend from high school is a Trail Angel in Pennsylvania! So, if anyone has stayed with Fargo and The Shepherd near Wind Gap trailhead, you have met her already. While it is still 13 months away, we are discussing the possibility of my dog staying with the Trail Angels while I am on the AT... this way, I get to see him when I pass by Wind Gap, and possibly take him on part of the AT with me.My hike will be a fundraiser for HIV/AIDS and mental health care... In order to save up for gear, I am taking on little odd fundraising projects on the side. Last night, I ran a coat check at a local "bear" bar... for those not in the know, husky gay men with beards are known as "bears"... While the bar served food for the hungry "bears", I made $73 in tips... enough to buy a REAL bear canister for my John Muir and Appalachian Trail hikes!
Date: 2011-03-19
To: First Training Hike!
Miles today: 0.0

First Training Hike at Windy Hill Open Space Preserve in San Mateo County with 2009 AT Thru-Hikers Plunger and Mr. Right... we hiked all morning in the rain and wind (about 10 miles, I think), which was great experience for the first few months on the AT in the spring... even a few small stream/brook crossings. I put my REI Taku jacket through its paces, but it was great... I never got wet at all. And my boots were amazing. Now, I just need to get some decent rain pants.
Date: 2011-04-02
To: Second Training Hike
Miles today: 0.0

Today was my second training hike... first solo training hike, though... AND with a fully-loaded (over-loaded) pack. I filled it with everything I could think of, just to experience the weight on my back. I also attempted to use my trekking poles while on the San Bruno Mountain crest trail. Today, I hiked from the Bayview, down to Brisbane, up to San Bruno Mountain State Park, then to the top of San Bruno Mountain by the radio towers... followed the 3.1 mile crest trail around and down to the park entrance, then down the mountain to Daly City and the Colma BART before riding home. Great weather, 11.5 miles completed from 10:45 am - 3:15 pm.
Date: 2011-08-07
To: I Made It!
Miles today: 0.0

I just arrived in Lone Pine this evening after reaching the summit of Mt. Whitney! I am so proud of myself for completing my three-week hike on the John Muir Trail. One of the hardest things I have EVER done.I was very lucky to meet a JMT Trail Angel who gave me a ride down from Whitney Portal to the Trails Motel... all the other hotels in the area were full (even the Whitney hostel!), so I was very lucky to get the LAST ROOM in Lone Pine!I had to take three showers to get 10 days of trail dust, sunscreen, and bug juice off of my body. I ran out of shampoo and wore down the tiny bar of soap. The white hotel towels looked like they had ivory paint on them... Once I got out of the shower, I realized I did not have anything clean to wear!Luckily, I purchased a souvenir "I Climbed Mt. Whitney" shirt on my way out of the park, and I had a pair of nylon shorts I had planned to use for swimming or sleeping outside my bag (too cold for both). So, I went commando down to the Pizza Factory and ordered the largest pepperoni pizza I could get.The one motivating thought helping me get from 14,505 feet down to the Pizza Factory was "Mike's Hard Lemonade and a pizza... a Mike's and a pizza... that's all I want!" Unfortunately, I could not find Mike's, so I ordered my pizza and took it back to the hotel.I turned on the TV, cranked up the A/C, and spread out the pizza and chowed down. In short order, I ate half the pizza... d'oh! AND, it was the best pizza I ever had. Wonderful.I wonder what it will be like when I am on the AT. I don't want to spend a lot of money on hotels or eating out, but I do want to enjoy a nice shower every once in awhile and I do want to find those amazing All You Can Eat buffets!CiCi's $5 Pizza Buffet? LOOK OUT... I am on my way!!
Date: 2012-02-06
To: Yes, Amy Loves Me...
Miles today: 0.0

(My friend Jennifer Rader arranged for this autograph, but I think the note is even more impactful...)?Ross -- I have always dreamed of hiking the Appalachian Trail. I will be with you in spirit as you explore the beauty of creation and raise awareness for living a full & active life with AIDS. God bless you and keep you safe. ? Amy Grant
Date: 2012-02-13
To: BONE Voyage
Miles today: 0.0

"Bone" Voyage! Tonight, we are getting ready to fly to Wind Gap, PA. Oscar is going to live with a Trail Angel family in Pen Argyl, just three miles from the AT.First we are going to take a red-eye to Boston, then change planes and fly to Newark, and then our host will drive us home to Pen Argyl. Another Airline Angel has donated passes to help us get to PA and back for free.Oscar is going to live in Pennsylvania from February to September while I am on the Trail. I am going to miss him so much. The longest I have been away from him is three weeks when I was on the JMT. In June, when I get to Wind Gap, I am going to slack pack and hike with Oscar for a couple of days. It will be nice to see my little guy again and spend time with him being active.But tonight, we are going to have a long journey that will keep us in the airport and on airplanes for a total of nine hours. I hope he will "hold it" while we are inside!
Date: 2012-02-16
To: Dog-Gone!
Miles today: 0.0

Nearly one year ago, I wrote a TJ entry about a family of Trail Angels who offered to foster my dog Oscar while I was on the Trail. By doing so, they will save me $8,800 in boarding costs, since I could not find anywhere else to keep him for over six months.Today, I left my sweet boy in the care of Fargo and her family at their home near Wind Gap and flew home to SF to finish preparing for my March 10th departure and March 11th start date. Oscar is adjusting slowly to being in a home with three kids, two other dogs (Penny and Thyme), and five acres with a pond, but from what I understand, he is having the time of his life. He has learned to swim, has fallen off the dock trying to paw his own reflection, and chases cats all day.
Date: 2012-03-03
To: Perfect Timing!
Miles today: 0.0

I received my copy of Backpacker Magazine today... I noticed that the Backpacker Magazine 2012 "Get Out More Tour" will be in my hometown of Harrisonburg, Virginia on the SAME DAY that I will be visiting my parents.I met Sheri and Randy Propster during their 2011 tour when they visited REI in Berkeley, California. They have the most amazing jobs in the world... they get to drive around the country speaking to hikers, as well as hiking many of America's most popular trails! I am now using many of the products they endorsed, including Sawyer water filters.Sawyer was generous enough to support my 2012 AT fundraising hike by donating a Sawyer Squeeze filter and by providing a professional discount on other great products.I think this timing is ordained and I am so happy I will be seeing my "hiking heroes"!
Date: 2012-03-04
To: One Week To Go!
Miles today: 0.0

One week from today will be my first day on the Trail, just having left Springer for the north.Slowly saying all of my "good-byes" to friends here in San Francisco... the last trip here, the last activity there. Trying to get in one last visit to my favorite bar, or make sure I see certain people before I go... Vacillating between "excited" and "very nervous", but 2009 Nobo Thru-Hiker "Mr. Right" tells me that this is normal. I am trying not to get overwhelmed. Tomorrow (Monday), I will be packing up my food, snacks, medications, batteries, and other items that will come in handy when receiving my personal "care packages" along the way. I was able to get many items donated, as well as deep discounts on certain things that would cost much more at a gas station along the Trail.I am only sending myself 12 packages... this will save me a bit of money, but not tie me down to post office schedules. In fact, I am only going to be utilizing one post office along the way. Every other resupply box is being sent to family, friends, or hostels.Let's see how much I get done on Monday. Time for bed!
Date: 2012-03-06
To: My Job For The Next Six Months
Miles today: 0.0

This really is going to be my job for the next six months... I need to treat it like that. Luckily, this kind of event is exactly what I have studied in graduate school. I wonder if there is a great need for "professional hiker". Luckily, I was able to associate myself with a few great non-profit organizations. As of today, we have raised about $6,000 for the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, the National AIDS Memorial Grove, Pets Are Wonderful Support, and the San Francisco AIDS Foundation. At the end of October, I lost my job in non-profit fundraising... about four months sooner than I had hoped, as I was using the last six months of my job to pay for the AT. Unfortunately, the job loss caused me to dip into my retirement savings, so, at age 45, I will be starting over financially. However, I hope this experience on the Trail leads to an amazing new experience elsewhere!I had meetings with a few organizations in San Francisco before leaving for the Trail. A number of folks are interested in working with me again. I just need to see where things are at with their businesses or organizations in September when I return from the AT.I have exchanged notes online with a couple of former AT hikers who have written books. I wonder if a book is in the cards for me. I guess I need to make my Trail Journal entries as interesting as possible. BEAR ATTACK!
Date: 2012-03-07
To: Saying Goodbye
Miles today: 0.0

Spending the week saying goodbye to friends. I am going to miss everyone, but I think it makes it easier knowing that I am going to be returning in late September.Tip: If you want some tasty lunches, tell people you are going on the Appalachian Trail for six months. So many people ask the same questions... Will I be sleeping in a tent or shelter? Won't you get bored? Will I be staying in hotels along the way? How many miles a day? What will I be doing for food? How heavy is your pack? Will I be taking my cell phone? (To which I answer: My tent which I LOVE, Hopefully not, Hostels once a week, Fifteen with a full pack but many more if I am slack-packing, Shipping some things and buying others, Twenty-nine pounds without food and water, and Yes but only for use when I am in town!)I am always surprised when people refer to six months on the Trail and say "Oh, I could never do THAT!", when they are speaking to a couch potato who would love nothing better than a Downton Abbey marathon, a roaring fire, and a Little Caesars pizza pizza with a liter of diet Coke by my side. Needless to say, I like my creature comforts! However, I surprised myself by successfully completing over 200 miles on the John Muir Trail in August.I have been reading many of the different books available from the Appalachian Trail Conservancy bookstore on how or why some hikers are successful in accomplishing the Trail and others are not. I think there is a decision that one makes that he or she will not quit, no matter what happens.My friend Daniel (2009 NoBo ThruHiker Mr. Right) wisely said "Remember ... if you're not cold, wet, hungry, dirty and tired then you're doing something wrong."