morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-09-21
From: ME 17

To: Rangeley, ME
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Zeroing in Maine located half way between the Equator and North Pole. While Hudson is there he's staying at The Farmhouse Inn, a newly opened and much needed place for hikers in Rangeley. Stacy and Shane (the owners) have already become quite popular. Hudson is lending helpful advice and fixing some minor odds an ends on his day off. He's fully enjoying this Rustic Retreat!Posted by BIG Lu for....
Date: 2014-09-27
From: Caratunk, ME

To: Moxie Bald Mtn Lean-to
Miles today: 19.0

Hudson ate good while he was in Caratunk. Owner/Operator Eric of The Maine Sterling Inn drove Hudson and a van full of hikers to the Northern Outdoors Brewpub. In the morning they put out an extensive self serve breakfast.Posted by BIG Lu for....
Date: 2014-09-28
From: Moxie Bald Mtn Lean-to

To: Monson, ME
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Made it to Monson! The last chance to resupply before entering the hundred mile wilderness. Hudson getting his Appalachian Trail Passport Book stamped by the one and only Miss Janet. You can see a ray of sunshine shinning down on this woman as she stands next to Hudson. Miss Janet (a true icon of the trail) spends more than half the year traveling between trail towns up the entire length of the Appalachian Trail helping hikers. Thanks Miss Janet for all you do for the trail community. You are beloved by everyone!Posted by BIG Lu for....
Date: 2014-09-29
From: Monson, ME

To: Monson, ME
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

The past 500 miles has worn the soles thin on Hudson's boots. So, instead of buying a new pair for the last 100 miles he's trying Superfeet. Other hikers suggested this was an affordable fix. This also gave Hudson the opportunity to spend a second night in Monson, allowing him to enjoy the Lakeshore House and Shaw's (both equally fine hiker facilities).Posted by BIG Lu for....
Date: 2014-10-04
From: Rainbow Stream Lean-to

To: Katahdin Stream Campground
Miles today: 25.0

After exiting the hundred mile wilderness, Hudson & Rza and a collective group of other thru hikers were treated to a lunch feast of roasted chickens, doughnuts, cookies, chips, soda, and chocolate milk at Abol Bridge Campground. Thanks Hopper & Bismarck for helping me (Big Lu) make this a special moment for Hudson and the others. After lunch Hudson and Rza continued into Baxter State Park and checked in at the Ranger Station (Hudson's #788). Hudson and Rza had a plan to stick together through a five day perfect weather window from Monson to the base of Katahdin and wait in Millinocket for a great summit day.Posted by BIG Lu for....
Date: 2014-10-05
From: Katahdin Stream Campground

To: Katahdin Cabins - Millinocket ME
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Just chillin and grillin at Katahdin Cabins in Millinocket. Hudson & Me (Big Lu) and some hiking friends are enjoying burgers, hot dogs and steak while anticipating tomorrow's summit. The final climb up Mount Katahdin "The Greatest Mountain" is all that's left! Posted by BIG Lu for....
Date: 2014-10-06
From: Katahdin Cabins - Millinocket ME

To: Mt. Katadhin Summit - Departure over Knife Edge
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Hudson's finished!!! On February 3rd Hudson started at the approach trail from Amicalola Falls and today after summiting Mt. Katahdin he departed over the Knife Edge for a total trail traverse of 2,200 miles. Words cannot express all that is experienced along the "National Scenic Wonder" of the Appalachian trail. Only those who have thru hiked can truly understand this epic journey. Hudson would like to thank everyone who has made his adventure so special; People he met and hiked with, Trail Magic given by strangers, and all the other hostel owners he visited that make hikers feel like family when family is so far away. Thank you to everyone who has watched Hudson's Trail Journal and all the positive feedback! And finally, a big thank you to our friends Hopper & Bismarck (who have hiked the AT many times & are also 2014 Thru-hikers) helped make it possible for me (Big Lu) to summit Mt. Katahdin with Hudson my husband.The Last Post by BIG Lu.
Date: 2014-03-21
To: Atlanta
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Last day of work before the routine of hustle and bustle that civilization brings fades into recent memory. Excited but nervous. How will my body react to the constant beating of the trail... only time will tell.¢Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan Press On! has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race." --Calvin Coolidge
Date: 2014-03-21
To: Gear List
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

AT Spring '14 Gear List:Essentials:Big Agnes - fly creek ul1Gregory - z40 packWestern Mountaineering - Ultra Lite 20o Down Sleeping bagTherm-A-Rest - NeoAir XLite Sleeping PadBamboo walking sticks (x2)Clothing:Icebreaker - Tech Top 260gSmartWool - Midweight Long Underwear BottomsIcebreaker - Tech Lite T-ShirtDarn Tough - Light Hiker Micro Crew Socks (x2)Native Eyewear - Nano2 Interchangeable Polarized SunglassesOutdoor Research - WinterTrek Fleece HatOutdoor Research - Revel Convertible CapOutdoor Research - Echo Ubertube balaclava Icebreaker - Anatomica Boxer BriefExOfficio - Boxer BriefsUnderarmor - Knee braceREI - Endeavor Hiking PantsMountain Hardwear Men's Ghost Whisperer Down Jacket Z Packs - Cloud KiltOutdoor Research - Helium II Rain JacketMLD - eVent MittensDeFeet - Duraglove Wool glovesShoes:La Sportiva Wildcat Trail Running Shoe - Men'sDirtyGirl - ankle gaitersMess Kit:Sawyer - PointONE Squeeze Water FilterPlatypus Hoser 2.0L Reservoir - 70 fl. oz.Smart Water bottle - 1 LSawyer - 32 oz. water bladderSnow Peak - LiteMax StoveSnow Peak - Hybrid Trail CooksetSea to Summit Titanium Folding SporkMini LighterFood Bag:LiteTrail - Nylobarrier OP BagZ Packs - Roll Top Blast Food Bag Sanitary Items:GlassesContact lenses (x2)Saline SolutionPackTowl - Ultralite Towel (Medium)ToothpasteToothbrushFloss1/6 soap barSignaling mirrorplastic toothpickstoilet paperFirst Aid Kit:Earplugs (x2)Potable Aqua Iodine tabletsOff! - deep woods bug spray (6 oz.)Sunscreen - 6 oz bottleEmergency solar blanketwax candle bits30 ft. of poly ropeFox 40 - classic whistleLeukotape - 6 mBand-Aids (x5)ibuprofen pillsSilnet - SeamsealerBody glide - 2 ozMisc. Items:Wallet: credit card, debit card, money, driver's licenseCompassPetzl e+LITE HeadlampLeatherman Squirt PS4 MultitoolMoleskine soft skin small notebookrandom hotel ball-point penSea to Summit - Head Net with Insect ShieldApple- iphone headphonesExtra lithium battery for e+Lite (CR2032)AWOL - The A.T. Guide 2014 NorthboundGear Aid - Tenacious tape iPhone 5sUSB cordNew Trent - CarbonPak 12000mAhGoPro HERO3 Silver & 16 gb card1-a-day vitamin glucosamine & chondroitin pills
Date: 2014-03-29
From: Milwaukee

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

March 29:Leaving Milwaukee for the trail after the red egg party for Gloria. she's grown a bit since I saw her in Florida. Lots of Chinese food, mom & Matt got to much for about 40 people. All the Mescher's and the Wu clan. It was fun to see them before my trip & have them all wish me a farewell for a while. Talked with almost everyone about my trip & everything I'll carry for the next 6 months. Many were curious, many saying I'm a bit crazy for taking such a long voyage. As I said my goodbyes, after the customary group photo, it only really hit me how long my journey would take after Josephine gave me a hug goodbye. Her tight little & loving hug almost drove me to tears. How much I'll miss the girls, Matt and Katie, mom & dad, and the rest of the family. Taking two bags of trail mix on the plane and some hot venison sticks from the Mescher's. It's a bit heavy but will keep me honest as I consume it all on the trail. Hoping all this food will be the heaviest my pack will be as I travel further and further along my journey. It's quite interesting, yet relieving, that I'm only taking along a Publix grocery bag as a carry-on. The silver down coat, glasses, contacts, map and miscellaneous items for the short journey to Atlanta.As the plane takes off, I can only wonder what changes I will go through as an individual & how this experience will change me throughout life. I've prepared myself, I've planned and now it's time to put all that into action. Nervous anticipation. Monique picked me up at 9pm & we headed over to tacomac to visit Jimi & his friend to watch the elite 8 NCAA tourney with Wisconsin v Arizona. WI won in the final seconds of overtime. Very exciting game. Then I said goodbye to Jimi, grabbed my pack & my made wooden lamp from his car & Monique & I set off to find a hotel for the night. We went up to Alpharetta so we wouldn't have to drive a lot to aminacola park in the morning.
Date: 2014-03-30
From: aminacola state park, Springer Mtn.

To: three forks
Miles today: 13.2

March 30: day 1Arrived at the park around noon. Registered with the park ranger & looked at how many people started today. 22. And that's only in the park register. Later in the day, "mountain squid" said they're were 52 ahead of me. He's been camping out providing trail-magic to hikers for many years. He was there (springer mtn parking lot) a couple of years ago when I did the 100 mile trek. Nice guy, & trail magic is always welcome. Had a juice box & went on my way. Anyways, Monique and I walked up the falls and passed a couple of hikers. She should be so proud of herself for getting up the falls. It's a doozy & I made sure her attitude the whole way up was positive. Because she can do things she doesn't think she can & I know she can push herself. She always accomplishes her goals. After the long walk & climbing 425 steps to the top of the falls. We said our sad goodbyes. It was so difficult to leave her & start my journey.I started the trail & it's slow going. I've forgotten how rough it is. Especially since I'm older and a bit out of shape from my biking and playing soccer daily. About 4 miles into the approach trail, my bamboo pole snapped. Totally sucks! It's been with me for 100s of miles and just one false step close to a rock & snap. Actually, two women chatting ahead of me caught me off guard and I looked up as I out my pole down & SNAP! It's toast & now I need mom & dad to send me my new poles way earlier than expected. Hopefully I can do a 100 miles or so on one pole & a walking stick. But we'll see. Went about 12-13 miles total today. Camped a couple miles past the 2nd shelter. Went off trail about 200 yards to find a campsite. Nice site but lots of animal holes. Digging up people's old garbage. I ate noodles & tuna. Had some cookies from the plane ride down to Atlanta & made camp. Setup up my bear bag & have way to much food again. My pack weighted 38 lbs at the ranger station with food (more trail mix & the Mescher's venison sticks) great food but just to much of it. I think I will take 3 days to neel's gap. 14 a day. I didn't drink all my water from the hotel in Atlanta. Still have to use my filter in the wild. Drinking less because it's only 50 degrees out. Night comes. Write my journal, eat, and look at the guide for tomorrow's mileage. 9:30pm bedtime.
Date: 2014-03-31
From: three forks

To: past ramrock mtn
Miles today: 16.0

March 31: day 2First full da on the trail. Woke up at dawn & cleaned up camp. Thought I lost my gaiter & searched everywhere for it. Bad start to a trip when I lose a pole and a gaiter. Fortunately, it was inside my sleeping bag. Whew. Ate a venison stick & granola bar and hot chocolate for breakfast and set out. Trying to get to Gooch gap tonight going to be a rough day about 14 miles. Passed three forks and the waterfall that I've camped at before. Didn't get as far as I wanted yesterday probably only 4.3 miles past Springer. A nice day, very cold in the morning followed by a warm afternoon. Had to wear my pants, long sleeve shirt and gloves till about 10:30. Then stripped down to a t-shirt and shorts. Pushed past a ton of people today. A dozen or more. So far only 1 guy has past me. I guess I'm making good time! He was an ultra-lighter with maybe 18lbs total. As I walked and past people, it was nice to see so many from some many walks of life. Older guys (who walked a little with their sons), out of college couples (with giant packs), families (with a teenage son and daughter), and ex-military (some a little older and fatter and some just out of the service). As I walked I rested quite a bit. A tiring sunny day with a ton of food on my pack and one bad walking stick. As I took off my pack, my back was drenched in sweat. I cooled down with a bit of water, laid in the sun for a bit (as my shirt dried), and snacked on some trail mix. To many fruits and not enough peanuts. Walked past my goal for the day, gooch gap. It was still light out about 5. So, I filtered some water (last water for 5 miles) and head out to Ramrock mtn. Some awesome views over looking Suches. As the final third of the day wore on, I had a companion that wanted to push through to woody gap (just past Ramrock). Jolly Green Giant, named after his giant 67 lb pack and his smiley demeanor. We walked for a couple miles, exhausted from the days hike and stopped a mile short of Woody gap. Just on the otherwise of Ramrock. The sun was about to go down so I thought that it would be a good place to stop for the night. Just as we finished dinner the went down and we was a terrific sunset over the mountains. A nice haze of burgundy and gold streaming from mountain top to mountain top. A great way to end the day. Jolly is from a small town outside ashville, nc. But spend a couple years in CO teaching kids about the outdoors. Setting Freetos on fire and such. He's a nice guy, as most people are on the trail. Had a nice dinner with him. Offered him a venison stick but he's vegetarian. Ate a mixture if quinoa, cheeses, and some soybean product that starts with a T. Don't remember the name but it didn't taste to bad. Kind of like a hard tofu. He's allergic to tree nuts which rules out a lot of protein choices but he's a big guy none the less. I had a dinner of rice, quinoa, and tuna. Mixed with an old ramen packet for taste. Finally broke out the Gatorade after sweating all day. Lights out at 9:30 after some texts from Monique. A nice way to end a tough day.
Date: 2014-04-01
From: past ramrock mtn

To: past neel's gap
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: broken clouds

Tuesday, April 1: day 3Started this morning with Jolly but after about :30 I stopped for water and he pressed on. Didn't even say goodbye. Bummer. But I guess that's what 5 min friends are. It's kind of amazing how voices raise and lower depending if your close to a town or not. A wilderness voice vs a city voice. Most of the times groups have loud city voices and people stopped for water. You can hear them half a mile away. Camped past Ramrock mtn and in the morning walked into Woody gap. There were a lot of cars there for a Tuesday. The whole parking lot was full. I think Suches, GA is nearby. Two guys from gooch gap were already at woody when I got there. They're tall, lean guys. Probably college distance runners, and their long strides helped them push past me in the morning. They staid they would camp at Blood mtn about 9 miles up. A short day for them but each to their own hike. They'll probably pass me up sometime in the future with their long strides. The walk from Woody's gap to neel's gap is about 12 miles. From about 2 miles in from Woody's is bear canister territory. Thru-hikers rarely have canisters so most hoofed it into neel's in the afternoon. Last trip to the AT I camped at Jarred's gap and a bear wandered right past my tent. Hopefully nothing like that happens before the smokies. Got to Blood mtn about 2pm and rested for about :30 min. Took in some sun, dried my sweaty t-shirt and washed down my arms (that are now a bit sunburned). It's the one thing I forgot to pack. 20 in Milwaukee and sunburned in GA. Took some pics while at the top of Blood mtn, said goodbye to the college runners and headed to neel's gap about 1.5 miles down the trail. Got to neel's around 3:30 and purchased some sunscreen. Rested with the other hikers for about 2 hours, rearranged my pack, grabbed some water and headed out to camp the night. Went about a mile or two past neel's and camped for the night. Called mom & dad for my maildrop in a couple days and headed off to sleep. Bed 9:40Have butt rash from sweat and chaffing. Really red and tender. Hoping a night of open air and clean water will help. Need to get baby powder in town the next couple days. It's uncomfortable but not terrible to walk with.
Date: 2014-04-09
From: near burningtown gap

To: Wesser Bald shelter
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Wednesday, April 9: day 11Short hike, long restSitting in camp writing neglected journal entries as the day rolls by. A few hikers pass by as I lay in my tent, warming in the mountain sun and my sleeping bag. I grab food every so often but today is a nice lazy day of relaxing and listening to the birds and clouds drift by. Still a bit cool today, I'd say 50-ish but a good Nero day (near-zero?). About 6 miles to the shelter I want to end my day at. Started my hiking day around 1pm and only got about 1 mile in to the nearest gap, when I ran into the 2 Atlanta runner guys (Chris and Kenny - no trail names yet for either of them). They were washed out in the rain storm and had to hike 20 miles to Franklin to get dry. They stayed at the shelter closest to the road from Franklin and were having a rough day today. I chatted a bit and walked about 300 yards before I had to get water and let them pass. As I walked in my short day turned into a pretty social day. I next ran into Gail, performing her AT trail maintenance duties after the rains. I said hello as I passed and chatted for a bit. It was nice to see her and thanked her again for her ride the other day and for volunteering. Walked on. Saw some amazing views from the balds and even an incredible 360 view from another ranger tower. Hiked the last mile or so to the shelter and saw the "How 'bout 'cha?" boys already at the shelter. That's my name for the Atlanta runners because every time they greet someone at a shelter they scream "How 'bout 'cha?". Ended the day, stuffing my face with food, trying to eat as much as I can before my package of Smokies food arrives from Milwaukee. And talking with the Atlanta runners, some Canadian hikers, and a couple out celebrating their 30th anniversary by hiking the AT. It was a nice friendly group chat in front of a warm fire. We all cleaned up and turned in as it got dark out. Some staying in the shelter others going to their tents. The groups keep getting smaller. 9 tonight (a couple people stayed at the shelter but didn't say hi). Bedtime 9pm
Date: 2014-04-14
From: spence field shelter

To: Double Silver Gap Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Monday, April 14: Day 16Canadians again, wet weather, walking in the rain, deer, wild turkey, serpentine, Michigan family going to town, Atlanta boys taking a zero because of cold weather on the horizon, using the esbit stove, mouse chewed through my electronics bag, over filled shelter went to another one, clouds to rain couldn't see a thing on the mountain tops, had a fire in the shelter & not in the one before because of ridge runner, outrunning the mob to the next shelter, chatting with a giant guy (6' 8") with a dog, lots of section and day hikers. Not liking staying in shelters but what can you do. You have to in the national park.
Date: 2014-04-15
From: Double Silver Gap Shelter

To: Ice Water Spring shelter 
Miles today: 13.8

Tuesday, April 15: Day 17From rain to snow to bitter cold. Wet feet. No visibility on the mountains to see the Smokies. Fire won't start. Really cold night. Father, 8 year old daughter and 11 yr old boy - thought it would be warm. Boy started fire after I fiddled with it for 2 hours (really bad wood), trail-name? -Dodge (dodging icy puddles all day) stopped in TN/NC border bathroom to get out of wind - people thought I was crazy or homeless, saw girl contingent of Canadians group (6), took off shoes every 2 hours to wring out socks. Didn't even stop at top of Clingman's Dome because you couldn't see anything. Will have to come back another time.
Date: 2014-04-16
From: Ice Water Spring shelter 

To: Tri-corner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: clear sky

Wednesday, April 16: Day 18Magical n(ice) weather Woke up to a magical forest of frozen trees but the sun warmed up my frozen shoes so I could walk, said goodbye to the family, followed the hiker slow-poke who had 80 lbs at neel's gap. Almost broke their record. Old fellow. Frozen trail to slushy trail. Wring out so is every couple miles. Great weather best since the beginning of the smokies. Best views I could hope for. If any day would be great it would be today, just for the views. Charlie's bunion rock ledge - great view. Overwhelmed by the mountain views as I walk. Rest at a top of a mtn. Pack starts to creak - finally use headphones and music not because I'm bored but because creaking backpack is making me go insane. Why start creaking now? First music is Simon & Garfunkel album. Nice skipping and dancing to the music. Switch to Hitchhikers guide to the galaxy. Get through 3 chapters before I hit the shelter. One guy there, Ben, section hiker from Cincinnati. Extended spring break. Hiking around the park in a big loop. Get to eat dinner before 10 more hikers arrive before dark. Atlanta runners come in before dark from Gatlinburg with bubba gump hats. Guy with my same gear, bag, tent, mattress - weird! Starts a fire cold tonight but nice to have a fire. Warms up the place a bit. Nice smelling fire & moral booster. Bedtime 9:30
Date: 2014-04-18
From: Standing Bear Hostel

To: asheville, nc
Miles today: 0.0

Friday, April 18First Zero day - Asheville, Monique, ParentsA nice couple hours around Asheville. Had lunch at Tupelo Honey Cafe. Walked around the city for a couple hours looking in shops and galleries before finishing with ice cream. ended the day saying goodbye to Monique & going to a motel with my folks to prepare for tomorrow's walk. Should be lots of fun. Today certainly was!!!
Date: 2014-04-19
From: asheville, nc

To: past max patch
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: broken clouds

Saturday, April 19Standing Bear to Max Patch, parents hike 5-6 miles, Kickapoo calls me bamboo kid, pass her on way to parents. Cool view from top of the patch, dad always looking for bear & seeing something out of nothing, blue birds, claret blue butterfly - mr englehart, tweak knee on my way to meet my parents.
Date: 2014-04-20
From: past max patch

To: on the way to hot springs
Miles today: 12.0

Sunday, April 20 - Easter 12 miles with mom & dad, great weather, gap celebration with 2012 thru-hikers. Sketch from WI, ham & rolls a beer and sweets, grab water, dogs and kids running to trail magic, trout lilies, mom's knee started to hurt. New poles feeling better. Bamboo kid, thought it would be jut downhill - not the case. Camping between sites at top of a hill, old trail path - someone camped here before. Throwing log for bear rope 6 tries, nice leisurely morning other tea & oatmeal.