morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2023-07-11
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

MAINE - Yup , back out here, again! Interesting start to this year. Actually started two days ago at the Grand Rapids, MI airport. Rains in east US shut down all flights. Had to rebook but earliest was two days later due to the complete clogging of air transportation system. So this delay fell into the ¢ Lord works in mysterious ways¢ category. The delay allowed me to attend my mother-in-law¢s, Nancy, 100th birthday party on her actual birthday. Historic event! Glad I could make it. So today I was back at airport after a very kind 4:30 am dropoff from my wife for a 6am flight. Flight was early into Washington DC and also into Bangor, ME. Thank you, American Airlines. Helped me forget the disappointment of two days earlier. I was in the right seat to get a great shot out the window of the heart of DC. I picked up a rental car upon arriving in Bangor. My strategy this year is to spot the car down the Trail, get a shuttle back up the Trail and then hike back to the car. Hope it works. Saves trying to meet a shuttler not knowing if I have cell coverage or when I¢ll finish a day. Had a beautiful 2.5 hour drive to Bethel, ME. Lots of local roads, lakes, trees and minimal development. Actually relaxing. Staying in same B&B where I wrapped up last year. The continuity is comforting. Warm reception from proprietor who had received my advance shipment of food boxes. He put them in my room. Yup, same room as last year. Just call me a creature of habit! :-) Did my pack prep then out to my favorite local restaurant from last year. Ready to kick this section off tomorrow. Onward!
Date: 2023-07-12
From: Grafton Notch

To: Tent Site
Miles today: 7.5

Had a good news/ bad news start to day. Good news- enjoyed the warm and welcoming breakfast in the B&B. John and Jeanette are certainly in the right business. Great food, nice coffee and pleasant chats with all the four guest tables. Bad news - the shuttler advised overnight that his pickup would be delayed even more from the late 9:30am promised. Too late for alternatives so told him to ¢hurry when he could¢. Lots of patience required out here!  I drove rental car to rendezvous spot and turns out he showed at 10. Ziggy comes through, albeit a bit late, again this year. A couple of hikers tagged on to shuttle pickup to get into town so I split cost. All turned out great. On trail at 11am. Sunny, breezy and low 70s. Still did a lot of sweating. Stopped at as many streams as I could for extra water for hydration. Boy is that pack heavy and lots of ups. No trail legs yet so it was a challenge . Saw lots of hikers going in both directions. Met one whose trail name was Speedo (AT tradition is to hike naked on Summer Solstice (Jun 21). He modestly chose instead to wear a Speedo) . Although I had a shelter ( they call them lean tos in Maine) as a destination, I chose to call it a day at 5:15 at a stealth camping site near a water source. Just big enough for my tent and a bear bag up in the tree. My stomach was doing flip flops from all the water during the day so I had a few snacks, some electrolyte and passed on a hot meal. In tent at 7:15. Nice to stretch out and finish last light of day with journaling. Very quiet except birdsong and the occasional murmur of nearby stream. So the day had no falls, no aches or pains, a distressed stomach and a bit tired. The mileage today is a bit deceiving. Actual was 3.6 but using old AT mileage ( it changes annually) for continuity . Tomorrow will be good with a little rest. First day back - in the books! :-)
Date: 2023-07-13
From: Tent Site

To: East B Hill Road
Miles today: 6.7

It was light out very early. I stayed in the sack until 5:30. Earplugs helped to not hear all those noisy birdies. (At night it¢s peaceful birdsong. In the morning it¢s annoying , too early cacophony! :-) ) Packed up and choked down some snacks (stomach still a bit tender) and caffeinated Crystal Lite. Easier than coffee. On my way at 7am and got to the East Peak ( shown in photo) in 45 minutes. Nice to do ups while fresh. Arrived at my planned last night¢s destination on 3 hours. It would have been late and dark if I had attempted it last night. Glad I stopped early.  Three older guys at shelter on a break. All northbound (NOBOs) . Curious thing. They all smoked. One did cigarettes, one did marijuana, one did vaping. Yikes! Saw lots of hikers, again in both directions. Mostly thru hikers. Passed one group of 9 girl teenagers with their guide from Quebec, Canada. Tough young ladies. Out for a multi-week summer adventure. Practiced my French. (Bon jour, au revoir.) Gentle downs toward finish of day helped. Quads were working overtime. Tried to hydrate. All good until Dunn Falls- 0.8 from destination. Cramps kicked in. Ugh! Lots of visits to the bushes. Called ahead to The Cabin - lodging for the night - to advise of arrival time. They appreciated that notice. Got to rental car at 6:15, a 11.5 hour day . Arrived at The Cabin at 6:45. Dinner underway. I was exhausted and not much appetite. Great food but not in the mood. I also put down Imodium and some of my electrolyte mix. Decided to take a day off tomorrow ( a Zero). Crashed at 8:30 without a shower. Too tired. Nice weather day. Did some sweating when no breezes. Nice views. Still acclimating. Not too fun yet. Hope I get there.
Date: 2023-07-14
From: Tent Site

To: Andover, ME
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

Pretty good night¢s sleep in my private room. (Beats sharing a bunk room in this hostel). Had enough energy to get up early to shave and shower. Great to feel and look human again! The live-in help, Kitchen Sink ( trail name from a previous thru hike) , had the coffee pot on . Breakfast at 7 was an abundant array of pancakes, eggs, spicy hash browns, sausages, juice. I still had to eat lightly due to sensitive innards. It was all good though. Spent the morning blogging then out into town for a great lunch at a local diner. Decided to then head to nearest larger town with a Walmart to stock up on Imodium. Yup, you guessed it, 18 miles away. Scenic drive though. Was in Mexico, Maine. Got back to the hostel for a nap then a chat with the proprietor, Honey. Salt of the earth lady who built the place with her husband 30 years ago and has continued to run it after he passed away. A rich history of supporting AT hikers. Finished the evening with shepherds pie and fresh blueberry pie ala mode for dessert served to 4 staff and 4 hikers. My system slowly recovering. A very welcoming place.
Date: 2023-07-15
From: Andover, ME

To: Tent Site
Miles today: 5.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Up at 5:30 in The Cabin after a pretty good night¢s sleep. Showered and did final pack prep. Coffee pot was going downstairs so had a cup while talking with Kitchen Sink who was preparing a huge hiker breakfast. After breakfast  I headed out with my rental car to stage at the South Arm Rd trailhead. Kitchen Sink shuttled out a northbound hiker, Rabbit, met me and then shuttled me back to East B Hill Rd to pick up where I left off before my Zero Day. All those logistics yet I was still on the trail by 9 am. Not bad. Lots of ups to start. Add in a muggy day, more cramps, a heavy pack and a general fatigue and, well, the going was tough. Took a lot of breaks. I found out later than after one of the breaks I got turned around and was headed in the wrong direction- southbound. Dang! So when I wasn¢t at the shelter destination at 7:15 , and it was getting darker, I picked out a stealth camping site. Made camp,  filtered water and pretty much collapsed into the tent. Don¢t think I¢ve ever been as tired. I started thinking very seriously about ending this AT Quest. Couldn¢t think about food since my system was still upset and cramping. Ugh! Best to try to get a bit of rest and start again fresh(er) in the morning. Very, very challenging day.
Date: 2023-07-16
From: Tent Site

To: Hall Mountain Lean-to 
Miles today: 0.9

It poured rain all night! Add that to a restless night¢s sleep, low energy, no appetite and it sure was tough to motivate. I finally willed myself up at 6. Slowly and deliberately I nibbled on a few crackers, sipped some caffeinated Crystal Light, dressed and packed gear. All this was inside the tent to avoid getting drenched. Definitely a mind over matter evolution inside that small space. With all the gear packed in my backpack and boots and rain shell on, I jumped out of the tent and packed that up as well. Remarkably I was on the trail at 8 am. Was fatigued but not as dismally as last night. Saw a few intrepid hikers out in the rain heading in both directions. After checking the distance to the shelter that was my destination I found it to be getting farther away. It then occurred to me that I was headed away from it. Crap! I figure I added a couple of miles to my journey by getting turned around. To help deal with this apparent tough situation in the pouring rain, I decided I would take a Nero (near zero) mileage day when I got to the shelter and stay there overnight. I finally got to the shelter (called a lean-to in Maine) at 12:30pm. The last part of the trail to the shelter was literally a torrent. Hiking in rushing water was daunting, Grasshopper (wears green shirts and has a green backpack) was already there. He had spent the previous night there and was taking the day off due to rain. Mountain Drew (was a guy named Andrew that liked being out in the woods) had also just arrived. It was great to be there. Put on dry clothes. Rolled out my inflatable sleep pad and took a very refreshing nap. It wasn¢t too chilly but the rain continued on and off. I did fire up the stove and cook a backpacker meal. Had an appetite and some warm food sounded good. Sure needed the nutrients. The guys weren¢t too chatty. A few trail stories but not many. I had a faint signal just outside the shelter so checked in with the wife by phone and then prepped for an early bedtime. Snuggling in never felt so good. No aches or pains only a bit of fatigue. Nice to be in a shelter out of the rain and in dry clothes.  Should be a short day tomorrow back to the staged car. A short day today but glad to have taken time to o reboot and let the rain pass. Hopeful for a better day tomorrow!
Date: 2023-07-17
From: Hall Mountain Lean-to 

To: South Arm Road
Miles today: 4.1

Slept pretty well and woke relatively refreshed. No new folks in shelter overnight  so had an undisturbed night. My two shelter mates started moving before 6 and were on their way by 7:30 , I had a sparse breakfast and was on my way by 8.  The day started with a 1.4 mile downhill. Occasional steep sections with slippery rocks from recent rains. Quite a bit of humidity in the air. Arrived at Sawyer Brook in late morning. Had to ford the brook )no bridge and no rocks to top toe across) so loosened pack straps in case of a fall then forded. Current not too swift, water was over my knees but warm. Did bang up my shins and knees a bit on underwater rocks. At one point was swept off my feet. I sat down, got my balance and then stood up and continued. Wet from waist down but made it across. Stopped for a snack and water. A group of young southbound day hikers passed. Advised that I had another stream to ford northbound near South Arm road . Said it was deeper but narrower. Both of these streams had been impassable a couple of weeks earlier after the east coast storm. Had 2.7 miles to go -1.3 up and 1.4 down. Weather breezy and warm. Still had my pesky intestinal cramps. Slow going. Low energy so lots of breaks. Had a few welcomed scenic waterfalls along the way no doubt charged by all the recent rainfall.  Tried to stay hydrated with lots of water filtering stops. Stopped at a hilltop to book the Bethel B&B where I had stayed previously. Arrived at Black Brook at 5pm. Had to ford the Brook but could see the rental car close in on the other bank. Welcomed site! Got to the car and headed down to the B&B. Part way down stopped at a convenience store for Gatorade, a bathroom break for cramps and a call to B&B to advise of a 6:30 arrival. A guy in the store made the observation ¢ You look hot!¢. Was exhausted when checking into the B&B. Got help moving into an upstairs room. Showered but no shaving. Crashed. Drank lots of water but had no appetite. What a day. Took longer than expected but made it. Calling it quits for this year.
Date: 2023-07-18
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

After a bit of a restless night, guess it was being over-fatigued, I enjoyed a Holidae House B&B gourmet breakfast at 9. Still getting my appetite back but felt good to be shaved and showered and semi- human again. Guess this outdoor living didn¢t completely agree with me this year. Spent the day airing gear. packing and sending excess gear and food back home via USPS. A few cat naps in between and dinner out ( a lobster roll and a beer!) helped in my recovery.
Date: 2023-07-19
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

After a final morning breakfast at the B&B, headed out for a scenic drive to Bangor. ME. This schedule allowed a next day early morning flight out of Bangor to Chicago without an early morning drive down from Bethel. The hotel and on site pub did a great job of taking care of my sleep and dinner needs. Next day¢s (July 20) flights to Newark. NJ and then on to Chicago were both on time and drama free.Susie met me at curb in Chicago and on July 20 I was back at our Michigan cottage one day before my birthday.
Date: 2023-09-27
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Well, here it is. a couple months later , after time to reflect and process this year¢s section hike. It was a very short stint on the trail this year after having had high hopes of a longer stretch. I might have caught an intestinal bug than sapped my strength and certainly made my system miserable. Or it may have been lack of prep- no trail legs. Or it may have been my ever increasing age. At times it was downright scary wondering if I had the strength to get to where I needed to be in a day. Having said that, my quick retreat from the trail may have been a bit too quick. I also made kneejerk statements about quitting the Appalachian Trail Quest for good. However,  I don¢t want to immediately close the door on finishing the Trail, I¢m so close and I rarely quit at anything. Best to give it some time for reflection and maybe a year off as well. Thanks to all you readers for tuning in, for your patience and for your support. This journey may not be over!Onward ¢¦. TBD! ;-)
Date: 2017-03-20
To: Escape from society!
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Where do I begin?Life over the past few weeks has been an emotional roller coaster! We have left our jobs, packed up our lives and kissed our families goodbye!We are on the road to what is going to be an amazing journey, full of adventure and surprise! We feel well prepared and supported in so many ways!We were overwhelmed by so many who came to my home on Saturday for our farewell party. It reminded us of all the lives we have touched and who have touched ours! Every word of encouragement was so appreciated and so needed!Every detail has worked out for our successsful departure ! Now all we have to do is step foot on the trail and keep walking!
Date: 2017-03-22
From: Amicolola Falls

To: Hogpen Gap
Miles today: 38.3

We are taking a well earned zero day today!!On Wednesday, we signed in as flipfloppers # 3 (me) and #4 (Kate).We had an excellent start to our AT journey!! The Approach trail was challenging but well worth the effort on a beautiful day at a tumbling waterfall!We summited Springer with joy!! We said hello to the AT and our first white blaze! After signing the register, we trekked on another 3 1/2 miles to our first shelter at Stover Creek where we met some other crazy hikers. Tess , Katja, William, Tarzan, and a few others stayed that night.On Thursday, we hiked a respectable 13 miles to Gooch Mountain Shelter where we realized how many people are out here! Tents were squeezed in everywhere! We got a relatively unlevel small patch of ground and slept enough.We were on the trail before the sun came up the next morning and got to our next campsite early in the afternoon.   We got all of our camp chores done early and watched a movie in our tent!!Yesterday, we walked out of the woods at Tesnatee Gap to trail magic from the Baptists and to the welcome smile of Bronco who took us home for the night and our day off!!
Date: 2017-03-27
From: Hogpen Gap

To: Blue Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: light rain

Okay!! This is for all of our family and friends that asked the inevitable question! When you eat as much as we do, poop happens! It does not wait for a walk into civilization! There are "privies" at all of the shelters except in Tennessee. They are all built a little differently but have similarities. They usually have a seat and provide some privacy. There are no amenities!You have to bring your own toilet paper and hand cleaner! THEY ARE ALL FRAGRANT!If you can't make it happen in a privy, head into the woods with your shovel to dig a "cat hole"!
Date: 2017-03-29
From: Tray Mountain Shelter

To: Dicks Creek Gap
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: overcast clouds

We have come to appreciate even more how support (or lack of it) can make you or break you for a through hike! We appreciate all of you who are following us on Facebook , texting us, following this journal, and tracking us. Every "like", every comment, every prayer, every thought is so appreciated!We have heard of so many people who have already left the trail, some never even started up the steps on the Approach Trail!Those of us that are still out here seem to have a common thread- support! We have been so blessed by our family and friends!!We have been also blessed by our friendship of this couple who we lovingly call "Mom and Dad". Bronco and Barb have gone above and beyond to support us! Their hospitality is second to none that I have ever known! They welcomed us into their home on many occasions, rescued us from the trail and from ourselves, fed us like royalty, drove us all over to tweak our equipment, helped us plan, resupply , and replenish! All the while, we felt they really liked doing it all!Tomorrow, we have to cut the apron strings as we cross into North Carolina!!It's going to be tough, but, Bronco and   Barb, I know that you are only a text away!!!
Date: 2017-03-31
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: light rain

Gorgeous day today!!It was a stormy night and we packed up wet this am! Found awesome trail magic at mile 4 . Granny and Old Goat were at the trailhead with their grandson feeding hungry hikers a warm breakfast! Kate had pancakes and I had grits wth eggs and sausage and a big glass of milk! These people will be here all week cooking all day for thru hikers.Trail magic is fairly common on the AT and always appreciated. Sometimes it is a cooler left with water or soda, sometimes a stash of power bars and snacks, maybe a lift to town, or all out home cooking like we experienced today!Always, it is heart warming and true comraderie for the givers and the takers.The Appalachian Trail renews our faith in the kindness of the human race!
Date: 2017-04-01
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Rock Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: overcast clouds

The highlight for today was the climb and the view from atop Albert Mountain!   It was a gorgeous,sunny day and we crossed the 100 mile mark!Bronco and Barb hiked up to meet us at Rock Gap and delivered our resupply, homemade cookies, and cheer!
Date: 2017-04-02
From: Rock Gap Shelter

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 3.8
Weather: few clouds

Nero-zero!Rest days are very important on a long hike! Stops in town revive weary hikers. We get to wash our clothes and ourselves, dry out damp gear, replenish calories, and catch up on sleep. It's also a time for resupply, relaxation, and socialization.A Nero is a day when the miles are few and a town stop is on the agenda. A zero is a no mile day , usually in town with an overnight stay!We are taking one of each! Today's weather forecast is formidable ! We will be back on the trail in the sunshine tomorrow!
Date: 2017-04-04
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Coldspring Shelter
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: moderate rain

Today we were eager to get back on the trail after our stay in Franklin! Last night, we said goodbye to two of our friends. Trout wanted to go fishing and Rob from Massachusetts was injured.We went to the free pancake breakfast at the Baptist Church again and I had the honor of being the 700th hiker that they gave served in the past 3 weeks! They gave me a special pancake branded with "AT 700" . They took my picture and clapped!Kate arranged for a taxi to take us back to winding stairs for our longest hike yet! We met Trail magic at lunch and scored some Cheerwine (cherry soda) from a trail angel and fresh fruit from another.We Met BR on the trail. Turns out he was on the crew that demolished my elementary school in Methuen , Mass!I forgive him, though, and got a picture with him atop Wyah Bald!
Date: 2017-04-05
From: Coldspring Shelter

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 11.7

We packed up in the dark today and headed out with headlamps! Treasure of the day was breakfast while watching this glorious sunrise!!! As predicted, the rains came about 6 miles in and we slogged through the storms to this great lodge that Kate had the foresight to book for tonight!It is now hailing but we are warm, clean and dry and about to be fed!
Date: 2017-04-06
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: Stecoah Gap - Cabin in the Woods
Miles today: 13.4

The hike today was uphill for 7 miles! It was cold, windy, snowing!! We had lunch and reinforced our clothing and pressed on for the remainder of the up and down miles! We are fortunate to be indoors again tonight at this awesome cabin ! Tomorrow will be winter again but looks like friendlier terrain!
Date: 2017-04-07
From: Stecoah Gap - Cabin in the Woods

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 14.0

Hiked into Fontana Dam today! Jeff picked us up for a night at his bed and breakfast! After Georgia, most of the talk on the trail concerned The Smokies!! There are many reasons for this!! The weather can be cold and unpredictable,the terrain is tough, there is little opportunity for resupply, and there are specific regulations for camping in the National Park!So, with heightened anxiety, everyone is preparing to cross Fontana tomorrow!
Date: 2017-04-09
From: Birch Spring Gap Camp

To: Spence Field Shelter
Miles today: 11.1
Weather: clear sky

Ups and downs all day! We arrived at the shelter early afternoon and soon met Chloe, the ATC ridge runner!   She was there to help us follow the rules in the park! In the Smokies, we are not allowed to use our tent unless the shelter is full, so we layed in the tarp and waited for 12 others to occupy the shelter! We got lucky and were able to set up at 7 pm!
Date: 2017-04-11
From: Silars Bald Shelter

To: Gatlinburg, TN
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: clear sky

Yay! Things worked out as planned! It was so good to find Tom and Anna with subs , chips, yodels, beverages and smiles! Tom hiked with us to Newfound Gap where Anna was waiting to drive us into Gatlinburg for much needed rest and resupply!We crossed the 200 mile mark today and we are officially in Tennessee!
Date: 2017-04-16
From: Comfort Inn , Cosby

To: Groundhog Creek Shelter
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Trail magic was prevalent on Easter! We have felt so blessed to be part of this great trail community! The kindness and generosity of trail angels amazes us and renews our faith in humanity!We have also been rewarded with awesome weather, remarkable views on clear days, and the unending support of our family and friends! Easter today brings renewal!! Spring flowers are blooming everywhere! So refreshing and uplifting!