morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-08-16
From: East B Hill Road, Andover ME

To: Baldplate Lean-to
Miles today: 8.0

We were a little sad leaving town this time because he had to leave Sweet Feet and Amber (who we named Miss Gandalf, but would eventually become Birthday Girl...a whole other story) behind as a result of an ankle injury she suffered on the hike into Andover. At the time we didn't know if we would see them again and after spending so much time together it was a bittersweet goodbye. Because we no longer had our "peeps" on the trail with us we both felt like we were in a funk during our hike today. We were back out in the woods all alone (so to speak) and would have to make our own game plans on how to plan the days, mileage, etc.Of course, during the climb up Baldplate it started misting which of course added another layer of "funk" to our day. We ran across a lot of wooden ladders on the trail that helped with the climb and it was fun getting use those in place of our trekking poles.We made it to camp just fine but then things got real "funky. While trying to hang our bear bag the bag of rocks got wedged in between the tree and a branch and we couldn't get it to come down to save our lives by just tugging on the rope. Of course it was about 20+ feet off the ground and unreachable. Our first attempt to get it undone included duct taping our trekking poles together to make a long poking device to nudge the bag back over the branch. (As a lover of the show Friends I couldn't help but think about when the gang makes a long stick to see if their neighbor "fat ugly naked guy" is dead or alive...lol!). Of course that didn't work and I was bound and determined not to cut the rope and just leave the bag behind. So....what to do? Well, after much frustration I ended up shimming up a nearby spruce tree that was no bigger around than my arm with branches smaller than the width of my thumb. I'm not sure how that little guy held me and didn't break in half! I was able to get close enough to the bag to pull it through the notch and get everything unstuck. Whew!!After a full day of "funk" we were pretty tuckered out and called it a night!
Date: 2014-08-19
From: Full Goose Shelter

To: Gentian Pond Shelter
Miles today: 9.6
Weather: few clouds

So much excitement with my Dad in town that I'll have to come back and update the details later.Quick recap: We walked out of Maine and into New Hampshire!!!(INSERT FROM POPPA HAL)While Dan and Jen were out hiking on the trail to Gorham, my adventure started when my wife, Kathy, dropped me off at the St. Louis airport. Not being an advid traveler, much less by myself, thanks to Kathy with telephone calls and research, my itinerary of travel arrangements (plane, mass transit and bus) worked out perfectly. I met a lot of nice helpful people that made my trip easy and I arrived in Gorham at 9:30 p.m.
Date: 2014-08-20
From: Gentian Pond Shelter

To: Gorham, NH
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: broken clouds

With all the excitement of my Dad in town I'll have to come back later and update the specific details about today....Needless to say it was so awesome seeing my Dad and having a little piece of home here with us. We are setting out to do the Wildcats on 8/22 and will come back to Gorham for a night off before hitting the rest of the Whites! I'll have more time then to update the blog then. We've just been having too much fun catching up with my Dad that I haven't had much time to do much else. (INSERT FROM POPPA HAL)I checked in at the White Mountain Lodge Hostel around noon and received a text from Dan and Jen that they would get in around 4 p.m. I met their trail friends, Amber and Mark. We visited all afternoon so the time went fast till Dan and Jen came off the trail. It was a great reunion. It was so wonderful to see Dan and Jen after such a long time. We celebrated with a delicious meal in Gorham.
Date: 2014-08-21
From: Gorham, NH

To: White Mountain Lodge & Hostel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

(POPPA HAL)After having breakfast, Jen and Dan, decided it was time to shake down my backpack. They thought I did a good job with my equipment and clothes so I passed that test, since this was my very first time backpacking.The game plan for Friday and Saturday was that Jen and I would hike north from Pinkham Notch back to the Hostel in Gorham, so Dan could have a couple days rest. All three of us would then start out hiking south on Sunday through the Presidents to Mt. Washington.
Date: 2014-08-22
From: Pinkham Notch 

To: Zeta Pass Stealth site
Miles today: 8.5

Since Dad and I were anxious to hit the trail while giving Dan a bit more time to rest in town (he's been having trouble with his back and hip; nothing serious though), the two of us decided to get a ride down to Pinkham notch from the White House Lodge and Hostel. Instead of hiking south we would be hiking north for two days where we would hook back up with Dan at the hostel. A bit of a directional change but we could kill two birds with one stone; give Dan some r&r and still get some miles in for me.To put it mildly, we broke in Dad's hiking legs with a bang! The day started off with a very steep climb up Wildcat. Dad was in awe of the trail and was just so happy to be out hiking with me. I was super excited to give him a first hand experience of what Dan and I have been enduring the past month. No matter how we try to explain the terrain and the difficulty of it all, until you are actually pounding out the miles I don't think one can truly understand. Pictures just don't do it justice!For it being the first day of my Dad backpacking in his whole life, I have to say we did quite well by doing 8.5 miles (over the Wildcats, no less!). Around 6 pm we found a nice spot to set up the tent and call it a day. I made Dad a "gourmet" dinner which consisted of stove top stuffing with spam. We joked throughout the day how this was such a role reversal...instead of pops taking care of me, I was taking care of him! Just about the time we had dinner cleaned up (Dad couldn't believe I drank the grey water, water used to clean a pot after cooking, and was glad I didn't make him drink it.) it started sprinkling so we crawled in and called it a night. What a great first day on the trail with my dad!GI Jen and Dad (guess we need to get him a trailname now too)(INSERT FROM POPPA HAL)Jen and I started in Pinkham Notch and headed north to the Wildcats. Little did I know how tough hiking could be when you had to watch every step you made and where you placed your foot in order not to fall. After a full morning of hiking, I was rewarded with a peanut butter burrito with corn chips. The views we seen were unbelievable and the pictures don't show the same effect as when you see it with your own eyes. I had no idea that the trail was so rugged. It is the most physically challenging activity I have ever done, but as Jen would say,"When you summit and see the surrounding view it makes working your butt off to get to the top worthwhile." We stealth camped at Zeta Pass. It amazed me how we just made camp on the trail in the middle of nowhere. Jen said Dan usually fixed supper while she set up camp and unpacked. I told her she got the short end of the stick because she had to do both. She fixed us a delicious meal of spam and stove top dressing. After such an exhausting day, I understand why they go to bed early. It feels really good to lay down, stretch out and be off your feet.
Date: 2014-08-23
From: Zeta Pass Stealth site

To: Gorham, NH
Miles today: 12.7

Don't have much time to provide an update about today's events because we have met back up with Dan and the 3 of us are hitting the trail again on 8/24. All is well and we will check back in as soon as possible!(INSERT FROM POPPA HAL)We woke up to a breakfast of honey buns which I found out would be on the menu everyday for breakfast except when Dan cooked oatmeal is added.We took off hiking at 7:15 a.m. and saw some spectacular sights. The hike today was about 12 miles long before making it back to the Hostel. She was very proud of me for this was only my second day of hiking. I was literally on the last large rock of the mountain when I looked at her in front of me eating gummy bears. When I did, I took my eyes off of where I was walking and fell flat on my back. My backpack took the brunt of the fall and I never really felt a thing. Lesson learned never takes your eyes off the trail. She was worried I got hurt, I assured her I was fine. She replied, "Your trekking pole is not." I fell on it and bent it in a 90 degree angle. Guess my $19.99 Walmart special wasn't a good deal after all. So I made is back to the Hostel on three legs at 6 p.m.The father/daughter hike memories will last a lifetime. Thanks,Jen!
Date: 2014-08-24
From: Gorham, NH

To: Osgood tentsite
Miles today: 4.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Dad will be our ghost writer for the days he was out hiking with us once he gets home and will be providing more details. The quick recap: It was so great for the three of us to be on the trail together!(INSERT FROM POPPA HAL)The trail now becomes perfect, Dan joins us so all three of us are hiking together. Thanks to Dan he picked out a new set of trekking poles (carbon fiber) for me at the Pinkham Notch Visitor Center where we started our hike South. My pack weighed about 38 pounds and they were concerned it was the heaviest of the three. I told them if it became a problem, I would let them know. I was packing my own tent, larger cooking pot, clothing and gear and in return they packed my food making their packs heavier than normal. We made sure to drink my water first to lighten the load.It didn't take long on the trail for Dan to teach me how to use my trekking poles properly which made a big difference. We left at 1 p.m. and reached camp at 5:30 p.m., having done five miles that day. We spent the night in the Osgood campground. After supper and chores, it was off to bed.
Date: 2014-08-25
From: Osgood tentsite

To: Perch Shelter
Miles today: 4.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Dad will update the blog with more details once he gets home. The quick recap: The climb up Mt. Madison was TOUGH and we had to go about 1 mile off trail to get to the shelter. The weather couldn't have been any better and we thoroughly enjoyed the views...And making it to camp that night! What an exhausting day!!! (INSERT FROM POPPA HAL)Today we had our eyes set to summit Mt. Madison. We broke down and left camp about 8:30 a.m. On the way up, we had a treat of wild raspberries along the rail. As Dan would say, "It is a good sign when the trees start looking short and spinly, you know you are close to the top." We summited at about 12:30. We skirted around Mt. Adams and ate wild rice mushroom soup at Madison Spring Hut. It was a tough climb as we gained 2800 feet in elevation in just a little over two miles. Once again, the tough hiking was rewarded with a fantastic view.We made it to Perch Shelter to camp that night. I was definitely feeling the effects of the trail on my legs and ankles. I could no longer trust my legs and had to depend more on the poles, making twice the amount of steps to go down the trail. Dan got a big laugh because he said I looked like I was using a walker. We set up camp at 5 p.m. and needless to say the sleeping pad and bag felt wonderful. I am amazed how quiet the forest is because at home the katydids and tree frogs are always making a sound. The only wildlife I seen was a rabbit, snake and raven.
Date: 2014-08-26
From: Perch Shelter

To: Lake of the Clouds Hut
Miles today: 6.1
Weather: broken clouds

Dad will be writing about his version of events once he gets home. The quick recap: We summitted Mt. Washington (Dad's main goal for coming on the trail with us) and we celebrated with a cigar and bourbon out of Dad's mini flask he surprised us with. Since the weather was so nice (which very rarely occurs at the summit) we took our time at the top (eating pizza and hot dogs, perusing the giftshop and sending some postcards). We secured work for stay positions at the Lake of the Clouds Hut which would give us a free nights stay in exchange for a couple hours of work. What a great day!!!!(INSERT FROM POPPA HAL)We left camp at about 8:15 a.m. My feet and legs felt the best yet. Don't know if I was getting my trail legs or if my body was responding to the Advil. Advil was definitely my best friend. Today would be the day we were to meet out maximum elevation of 6,288 feet on Mt. Washington. The views were unreal and we made it to the summit at about 1:15 p.m. We had excellent weather and it was clear. Everyone said we were quite lucky because two days later it was total cloud cover and 24 degrees. We were extremely hungry after the long climb and had pizza and hot dogs for lunch from the snack stand. Jen really worked up an appetite because she had five hot dogs. We left about 3 p.m. and headed to the Lake of the Clouds hut where we would work to stay for free. My job was cleaning the stove and Dan and Jen cleaned tables and swept out the bunk rooms. The sunset that evening was spectacular. The night sky looked so close it seemed as if you could touch the stars and there were so many more than back home.
Date: 2014-08-27
From: Lake of the Clouds Hut

To: Nauman Campsite
Miles today: 4.8
Weather: broken clouds

Dad will be providing more details once he gets home. The quick recap: We decided to reward ourselves for all our hard work the past couple of days and get to camp early and "lounge around". The weather was still on our side (unbelievevable, really!) so we sat around drinking multiple cups of coffee and just having a good Ole time with pops!(INSERT FROM POPPA HAL)We woke up in total cloud cover. It looked like fog back home, but was actually a cloud. Now I know from the saying how it feels to have your head in the clouds. By the time we left at 10:15 a.m., it had cleared off.Our goal today was to hike to the Mizpah Spring Hut. We hiked about 6 miles today and saw Mt. Monroe, Mt. Franklin, Mt. Eichenseer and Mt. Pierce (Mt. Clinton). We got to camp early, relaxed and had a good time enjoying each others company. We even had time to break out the crossword puzzle book which I packed. This is a favorite pastime for all three of us.
Date: 2014-08-28
From: Nauman Campsite

To: Saco River Stealth site
Miles today: 6.3

Dad will be giving a more specific update once he gets home. The quick recap: We put Dad in charge today as trailboss to lead us down the trail. It would be our last full day of hiking with him (insert BIG frowny faces here!) and were given some AMAZING views from Mt. Webster. It was quite windy (I would guess 30-40 mph gusts) so we had some laughs trying to walk straight on the trail.(INSERT FROM POPPA HAL)We slept in today and woke up at 7:00 a.m. Since this was our last full day of hiking, Dan and Jen made my day by making me lead hiker, "Trail Boss". since the food bag was getting lighter, Dan and Jen packed my clothes. This made my pack seem extremely lighter even though Dan assured me it was only 4 to 5 pounds. I can see now when they were preparing for the trip why it was vital to how much weight they were carrying and why they weighed each item packed.Our goal today was to summit Mt. Webster. When we made it to the tope I would estimate that the wind was blowing close to 40 m.p.h. I could hardly stand up. After we summited, we had one of Dan's delicious lunches, a pepperoni burrito and M&M's for dessert.We had some terrific views today because on the way down, we were literally along the edge of the mountain and the views of Webster Cliffs were breathtaking. We finished hiking at 4 p.m. and stealth camped. Even though it was my last day of hiking, it was still a great hike with Dan and Jen.!!!!!
Date: 2014-02-10
To: Gear/Roan Mountain
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I finally have all the gear I will be using for this hike. Thankfully, this time, I will be MUCH lighter at the start of my hike than I was last time. I do not know my exact weight yet, but, it certainly will not be 50 or so pounds like I started the trail in 2011. Even though that weight quickly dropped, it will be nice to start lighter this time around. This is a list of the main parts of my gear for this hike:Pack: Osprey Atmos 65 (The new version. I used this pack in 2011 and loved it although the belt started to wear. They fixed this in the newer version so I went with the same pack. This one smells GOOD right now!)Tent: Big Agnes Fly Creek UL2 (I used the REI T1 in 2011. Not enough room. I have been used the MSR Carbon Reflex 2 in the mean time. I hated not having a free standing tent in most areas.)Sleeping Bag: Marmot Plasma 15 Long (I used the Big Agnes Zirkel SL20 regular in 2011. I'm only 5'8" but I like the room of a long. Therefore, I switched up bags, gained 5 degrees, and it's lighter as well.)Sleeping Pad: Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xlite (I used the Big Agnes in 2011. Didn't know they made a mummy pad. Used the mummy pad after my hike and loved it because it fit in my bag. This is by far the best sleeping pad I have used yet!)Stove: MSR Pocket Rocket (I used the Snow Peak in 2011. It worked great. I just wanted a new stove and love the Pocket Rocket so far.)Clothing: I have collected enough over the years for five hikers. I will pick and choose what I want for this hike as March gets closer.Boots: Asolo Moran GTX/ Soloman Trail Runners (Same thing I used in 2011. Why change what you know works? No blisters and a great boot/shoe. I use boots at the start because I have very weak ankles and I actually love a boot. I'll switch to trail runners around Hot Springs/Damascus. I did this in 2011 and loved it, and so did my feet.)I pretty much have everything else I need and most of it I already had from 2011 or picked up over the years between. It's nice to be ready to go at this time of year.Last weekend I went out to test all the new parts of my gear. Absolutely loved all of it and Roan Mtn got pretty cold at night. I'll be going out a lot more in the months to come. I love all the sections of the AT around me here in Asheville, NC and I never get tired of hiking them.I go to Cancun, Mexico in a week from tomorrow with my family in Maine. I cannot wait! This will be nice vacation before I hike, although I feel as my life is a vacation right now since mostly all of my graduating class is employed right now and I'm trying to get ready for an AT thru hike. I would not have it any other way though. Also, Slick and Coon finished the trail on October, 7th, 2013. Their summit pictures are awesome! Until next time,
Date: 2014-02-10
To: Hiker Christmas Poem/Happy Holidays
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

This winter is flying by, and I'm not complaining. Looking forward to March. Staying in North Carolina for Christmas and New Years. Heading to Colorado to ski in January. I'll be visiting (and hopefully skiing in) Maine and then stopping by Pittsburgh on my way back in February. Then, before I know it, I'll be standing on Springer! I cannot wait!HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!This Christmas Hiker Poem was written by Chosen Hiker and posted on Facebook. I think it is great and I wanted to share it with all of you. She wrote it and included some of the 2014 hikers this year. Thanks Chosen Hiker!Santa Does The Notch:Twas the night before ChristmasAnd the hikers were noddin'With dreams of the Big OneWith dreams of Katahdin.The 2014ers would take a hike soonAnd all of them had promised ChosenA complete and full moon!Juicebox started early-He chose not to waitThe Florida TrailWould start his AT fate.Crashtest was recoveringFrom an ill-fated tripOn Amtrak! On Greyhound!And she then did a flip!Dahoyt was no slacker,Sure-footed and quick,He'd take to the trail!He'd find him a chick!Tambourine was a street walker.She hiked mountains an shit.She'd tackle this trail!No way she would quit!As the blisters that festerAnd bleed, peel and pop,Suddenly all of our hikersStood on the top!Ripped and ruggedStrong and secureGoing down the trailThey left only a blur.From Springer to Max PatchMt. Washington, too!On to the WhitesAnd Mahoosuc they'd do!But down in the bottom,Down in the pit-A jolly old manFound he couldn't fit!Mahoosuc would kill him!His reindeer, they left!He had too much fat-He had too much heft!So Blue took his packAnd Crashtest, his boots.But Dahoyt and TambourineHad their eye on his loot(s)!They greased him up good,With Monkey Butt lotion.They pushed and they pulled,And he moved like the ocean.But it was no use,Until along came our Ray,Who reminded the group,This is "hike naked" day!!!So they stripped down the fat boyAnd greased him agin(Though that much caressingWas surely a sin!)But it worked! He was free!Santa stood there quite nude!And our hikers stood gawking,Which was really quite rude!But Santa was a slacker-A yellow-bellied blazer!He even found a girlAnd his fat didn't phase her!They took to the sleigh! Rudolph returned!But the hikers, they knew,His hike wasn't earned!He flew to Katahdin!He skipped the last section!He popped a ViagraAnd got an...........who knows under all that fat......The Class of 14 did manage to survive,And never again would they feel so alive!But Santa, they found, was no friend of theirs."Throw him off of the Knife Edge!""Feed him to the bears!!!"But they heard him exclaim,As he sailed ever down-er"I faked you all out!I'm already a Triple Crowner!!!"
Date: 2014-03-05
To: 2 DAYS! G.A.-M.E. ON 2014!
Miles today: 0.0

2 days. It is here. Hiking season is among us!I have spent the last few months traveling and enjoying the winter. Colorado was a blast and I got to see parts of the country I had never seen before. Oh, and the powder; WOW! We skied for five days straight and did not miss a beat. It was an awesome trip with some great people. I also got to spend time with family in Maine after which was much needed. Now, it is time to focus on the hike. Yesterday I drove to Pittsburgh to pick up a few hiker friends, B Man and Jo Cool. Also, one of Jo Cool¢s friends came with them who will be hiking until July this year. Tomorrow I¢ll be packed up and ready to go. Friday morning Miss Janet picks us up and we head to GA! I cannot wait. I¢ll be attending the Appalachian Trail Kick Off this weekend. After it is over, Sunday afternoon or Monday morning, I¢ll be hiking the approach trail and summiting Springer (for the first time since 2011). That will be an unbelievable feeling. I won¢t be updating my journal again until next Friday, the 14th. My plan as of right now is to hike from the ATKO to Hiawassee where I will be picked up next Friday by a family that lives in town. I¢ll be spending the weekend with many hiker friends from all different years for St. Patty¢s day somewhere on the trail (most likely Gooch Gap like previous years). I¢ll then be dropped back off and continue north. The weather is great right now. They are calling for some ice/snow/rain this evening, but it looks to be in the 50s/60s all next week. Although, at this point, I have given up on believing what the Weather Channel says. I had a huge ¢AT Party¢ on Saturday with a great turn out. Many friends came by and hung out for the evening. It was a great time and I got to see almost everybody in one place at one time. It was a great way to say ¢see you in the fall!¢I have started to think about the people I will miss over the next few months. Especially my close family and friends. As of right now, I¢m shooting for a weekend in Gatlinburg starting Friday, April 11th. Tahlor is planning to pick me up in Gatlinburg then bring me to the campground for a few nights with some awesome people! Her family will have a camper there that I will be staying in. That will feel great by then I¢m sure. I¢ll be thinking about all the good meals her mom has been cooking over the last few weeks. I¢ll be dreaming about them in a week or so¢¦.2 days, and my adventure starts. My excitement is through the roof. The next entry I make, I will have been on the trail for a little over the week. It¢s going to be great to be back on the trail!G.A.-M.E ON!Until next time,