morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2019-08-26
From: Black Brook Campsite

To: Stealth Camp near Moxie Pond
Miles today: 13.8

Day 147 MountainsI was up early to tackle the mountains! By 5:45 I¢d had my breakfast of porridge and black coffee then it was up the steep climb of Bemis Mountain and then Old Blue Mountain. Both were covered in trees so they were kind of viewless! Occasionally there were tree clearings and I did get a better view of the countryside. But often I was rather enclosed in the ¢green tunnel¢ and relied on my GPS with the Guthook App on my phone to establish my progress. My pace was really quite slow and towards the end of the day I was still far away from where I wanted to be. A Bag of Trail Magic goodies left by the roadside had been well ransacked by previous walkers but there were still some cheese puff ball things and they gave me just enough energy to climb up the next hill. They kept me going until I found a stealth camp hidden beside the trail.
Date: 2019-08-27
From: Stealth Camp near Moxie Pond

To: Eddy Pond
Miles today: 16.4

Day 148 PondsYesterday had really taken it out of me despite not having walked the distance I¢d wanted to. I had slept very soundly and it wasn¢t until late (for me) that I made moves to pack up camp. Two cups of coffee though had an effect and I was soon on my way. Today I got to see lots of lakes and ponds and fortunately the trail was relatively flat so I made good progress. First up was Long Pond ( yes, it was long!) and Sabbath Day Pond where I had intended to reach the previous day. I met up with some hikers who I¢d walked with briefly yesterday. They¢d made it to the ponds but late and agreed that yesterday was a tough walk. That made me feel better. Then came Little Swift River Pond where I stopped for a long morning tea. Very picturesque. I had another long break at South Pond. Coming to the Piazza Rock Lea-to I had to take an inspection of their privy called ¢Your Move¢. Its a two seater for those folks who enjoy taking a bathroom break with a partner. They even have a cribbage board set up between the thrones for those who want a game in between doing their business!!! Well it¢s not for me but I did check out the facilities and they were very clean and tidy. Steeply up from the Lean-to is Ethel Pond followed by another climb to Eddy Pond. It always amazes me when I climb up a steep mountain expecting to get to a summit but instead to be greeted by a picturesque lake. It was late afternoon and so I set up camp by the lake shore. That night I ate dinner as I watched the sun go down with its reflections on the water creating colourful hues on the landscape. Today had been an easier day and I had so enjoyed it.
Date: 2019-09-09
From: Monson 

To: Katahdin
Miles today: 0.0

Hiking OnA week or so ago at4:20am in my tent I heard noises outside and then in the darkness a shape at the head of my tent. I wasn¢t too concerned as I had no food in my tent as I hang my food on a bear bag awY from the tent.I made noises to scare whatever was outside. I knocked the side of the tent and it was either a bear or fisher cat!!! The nasty thing ripped open the tent and bit me. At the time I didn¢t know it but it had bitten off part of my thumb. The tent was pretty ripped up and there was alot of blood.The beast tasted my thumb and it must have thought it had been poisoned! It let out a shriek and took off. The beast knew that if it came back it would be in for a fight it wouldn¢t win!I was out remote so walked 16miles to Monson where ¢Poet¢ of Shaw¢s Hostel so kindly helped me out. By this time my hand had the whiff of bad smelly gangrene!! From there it was to the hospital at Greenville where I endured scrubbing to clean out the chewed off thumb. At the end of this I was a whimpering fool curled up in the foetal position!Anyways I can¢t really use my hand right now so I will delay posting anymore until I can better use it.I am upset I can¢t draw and sketch right now.But ... I hike on.Hopefully I¢ll make it to Baxter and then summit Katahdin on September 13 or 14. It¢ll be a one handed effort!!!! I do appreciate all the encouragement and support I¢ve received from you all and my fellow hikers.
Date: 2013-07-07
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I did a hike today 10.2 miles out and back on Mt Moosilauke - 4802'. I used the Carriage Road Trail. I was carring a 25lb pack, It took me about 4.5 hoursthis trail has a 3100 foot elevation rise. I felt great doing the hike. It was great meeting somw 2013 thur hikers NOBO Gummy Bear great job, also 2 SOBO I can't remember the names sorry.
Date: 2013-09-30
From: prep hike

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

The past several fridays-Saturdays nights I have had my hammock set up in the field behind my house. I have been testing rain flys, sleeping pads and just using the hammock. on Oct 4 after work I will be starting a weekend hike south out of Norwich VT and returning back to work on Oct 7. I hopeing to do about 45 miles total
Date: 2014-03-14
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I have one more week of work to go before I head to Georgia to start my hike on March 26th. This morning's temperature here in New Hampshire was minus 13 degrees I hope it is a little warmer in Georgia when I start. I will be loading up my pack over the weekend and shipping it out early next week so I do not have to take it on the airplane..
Date: 2014-03-22
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Yesterday was my final day at work, it's hard to believe that I am done my work career after 34 and a half years. Now it's time to starting my next adventure in my life for 6 months. I will be packing my bounce box today and mailing it on Monday so that part of the trip is taking care of then on Tuesday I will be boarding a plane for Atlanta and saying goodbye to my wife and my family for a few months I will miss them greatly
Date: 2014-03-28
From: Hawk mt shelter

To: wolfpen hostel
Miles today: 0.0

Get my trail magic today , survial Dave 08 had jugs of water & another lady gave us hard boiled eggs and apples. Stayed with about 20 hikers. Th8e weather ws bad ran and fog all day.Last night was hard to sleep with the Army choppers flying around & the heavy rain starting about nidnight
Date: 2014-04-04
From: Muskrat shelter

To: home
Miles today: 0.0

at 2 p.m. On Friday I was coming down off Standing Bear Mountainand my left MCL went and causeed me to fall I got up and went about another mile and it went again, at this time I knew I was in trouble and call 911 for assistance to be removed from the trail and taken to the local hospital to be checked they told me that my MCL have bad strain and it would take a few weeks to recover I knew it this time that I was done hiking the trail for 2014 I am in the process of arranging for transportation back home
Date: 2015-02-25
To: vacation
Miles today: 0.0

With the snow coming down in New Hampshire I thought I would come to Georgia to get out of the snow and get some warmer climate for a vacation. I decided to come to Georgia about a month before I started my hike but the picture you can see getting out of the snow was a little hard to do. On Monday night at this week we have 4 to 5 inches and here we are again on Wednesday night and we're expecting another 7 to 8 inches well I hope the weather improves before I start my hike one month from today. I have enjoyed reading the journal articles of the hikers hiking before me this year. I know they are having a tough time with the snow and cold, but I wish them the best of luck on the journey north.
Date: 2015-03-17
From: home

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

At the writing of this entry I have 7 days 20 hours before I leave home on the 25th. I just checked my pack, it came in at 22lbs without food & water, I was hoping for under 20, I will keeping working on it. See you all on the trail. I would like to wish the best of luck to the ones on the trail now.
Date: 2015-03-26
From: Hiker Hostel

To: Hawk mt shelter
Miles today: 8.1

Today is the beginning of my 2015 I am planning on about five and a half months to complete this we started at 1015 today and did 8.1 miles to Hawk Mt. shelter. Could see much today. There is a lot of people were hiking today. I would like to thank Derek and Shannon they are great hosts they brought us to the trail in the morning after a wonderful breakfast.
Date: 2015-03-27
From: Hawk mt shelter

To: Gooch gap
Miles today: 9.1

Last night it rained alot and this morning it was cold, wet and very windly. We hiked 9.1 miles to Gooch Gap this makes a total of 21.0. The trail was muddy from the rain, so mud skiing was possible. It was windy and cold and foggy, so no views all day. We met up with 11 hikers going the wrong, they were from U of Miami, Ohio.on spring breakThe sun came out at about 3. I had one instance of trail magic at Gooch Gap an apple from a local church. it is really cold tonight so I decided to go to the local hostel tonight The outside temperature may be 20. A fellow just looked outside and said he saw some snowflakes.
Date: 2015-03-28
From: Gooch Gap

To: Jarrard Gap
Miles today: 9.5

It was cold here last night some snowflakes in the air. We got a late start this morning it was 11 a.m. when we arrived at Gooch Gap to start hiking. Beautifully hiking today and as you can see by the photo the views were great this is the reason people go hiking. When we got to Woody Gap we were rewarded with some trail magic, some good treats, these we found the Atlanta Outdoor club, thank you.We get to Jarrard Gap about a 9.4 mile day for a total of 26.7 , at about 4.The hostel at Wolfpen picked us up and brought us back to the facility, where we had pizza and iced tea for dinner
Date: 2015-03-29
From: Jarrard Gap

To: Neels gap
Miles today: 5.0

Today we awoke at the Wolfpen Hostel, I would like to think the Gooch family wonderful hospitality at the hosteli. The weather was 18 degrees this morning. When we getvto Jarrard Gap it was. 30, sunny and clear a beautiful day for hiking. the main goal of the day was too conquer Blood Mountain the second highest peak in state of Georgia 4400 feet. The views were great please see attached photo hiking down the backside was a little rough since my trekking poles seem to malfunction few times we arrived at Neels Gap at about 1:30, We looked around in the store, and caught up with new & old friends. Please see the photo, for shoe tree. We had a wonderful dinner tonight of pizza pasta and salad. Sleeping in a hostile again this should be the last time for a while.
Date: 2015-03-30
From: Neels gap

To: stealth camp
Miles today: 15.3

As you can see the morning hike was little foggy. Last night we had a severe thunder storm, so glad I'm at hostel. We did not see the sun until 1230, then bright and sunny the rest of the day. We left the hostel at 0820 and then a tough climb Leveland Mt. then a butch of PUDS after that until we hit camp at 1700.
Date: 2015-03-31
From: stealth camp

To: Tray Mt Shelter
Miles today: 11.5

We woke to a bright blue ski and warm temps this lasted all day. We broke camp at 0810 and walked 11.6 miles today, arriving at shelter at 1800, this included 3 4000 foot mt. Blue Mt 4401, Rocky Mt at 4025 and then Tray Mt at 4430. We spent the night at Tray Mt shelter. Before bed that night yo can see by the photo that we had a serve thunder and hail storm come by.
Date: 2015-04-01
From: Tray Mt Shelter

To: Top of GA hostel
Miles today: 11.4

We woke to a clear ski, after a hail storm last night, nice sunrise. We left the shelter site at 0750 we did 11.3 miles today. We arrived at the Top of Georgia Hostel at dicks creek at 1630 where we found trail magic, by Boot he had water and ckes waiting. It was bright sun ant the temps were in the mid 70's. we had a few tough climbs, the main one was Kelly Knob. It will feel great to do a zero tomorrow,.
Date: 2015-04-02
From: Top of GA hostel

To: Top of GA hostel
Miles today: 0.0

It was nice to sleep in today breakfast did a few things around here. Caught ride into Hiawassee GA To do a kittle shopping. Then we went to Daniel's Steakhouse for AYCE see photo this is one of 3 plates: great food. As I do this entry the turned just started. Back on the trail tomorrow and into NC.
Date: 2015-04-03
From: Top of GA hostel

To: White Oak Stamp
Miles today: 12.6

We started hiking at 0800 this morning. My pack weighed 31 lbs, down 4 from the start. we hiked 12.6 miles, this included passing the state line of GA/NC. The weather was overcast in the AM and sunny in the PM. After passing the state line we had a tough climb out of Bly Gap. We are stealth campming tonight.
Date: 2015-04-04
From: White Oak Stamp

To: Deep Gap
Miles today: 3.2

We broke camp at 0825, after some t-storms last night. The morning was sunny and cool. Last night was a tough night in camp last night, one of our campers had to be resuced, he was very ill. We only hiked 3.2 miles to deep gap, where we found trail magic in the big way. This is done each Easter weekend by many groups, we had baked beans, pulled port, cole slaw, and many other items. Then the local Watauga Baptist Church took us to the church for the night. Then took us out to Shoneys for dinner and put us up for the night.
Date: 2015-04-05
From: Deep Gap

To: stealth camp
Miles today: 15.7

We woke at the church this morning and attened a sunrise service, and then had breakfast. They took us back to the trail at 1035. We had 2 togh climbs today, Standing indion at 5498 the Albert Mt at 5250. The weather was great for hiking, sunny to start then overcast, we did a total of 15.6 miles. The fire tower at the top of Albert gave us some great views. The tower marked 100 miles on the trail
Date: 2015-04-07
From: Wallace Gap

To: Wayah Bald shelter
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: scattered clouds

I would to do this entry to 3 fellow hikers who had to leave the trail, for different reasons. GORP , Woody, Special Ed. It was great hiking with the 3 of you. You are all welcome at anytime to come and hike any part with me.The day started with a pancake and bacon breakfast put on by the local church, very gave a ride to and from.I has in a local motel, it rained all night. Back on the trail at 0945, did 14.1 miles to Wayah Bald Shelter. The temp for hiking was perfect, but it rained a great part of the day.
Date: 2015-04-10
From: NOC

To: Cody Gap
Miles today: 12.0

To days hike had some tough spots, rocky scramble& some steeps areas, one is called Jacobs Ladder. The best part of the day was the trail magic, we came into a gap , and there tents set up cooking burgers, chili, baked beans and Cole drinks and lots of snacks. After eating we had to go up Jacobs Ladder. Then to Cody Gap. Tomorrow it is into Fontana Dam
Date: 2015-04-13
From: Fontana Dam

To: Mollie Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 13.5

I would like to thank Jefff and Nancy at the Hike Inn for there wonderful hospitalty. We started the day at Fontana Dam, then we entered the Great Smokie Natinal Forest, it was on and off rain showers all day, even tried to hide inside a tree. We hiked 13.5 miles today to Mollie Ridge Shelter. It is required to stay in the shelter in the Smokies..
Date: 2015-04-14
From: Mollie Ridge Shelter

To: Derrick Knob Shelter
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: overcast clouds

It rained very heavy last night, but with staying in the shelter you do not have to pack wet gear. The views were to be great but with hiking in the cloudys and rain all day, no luck. We did see the sun off in the distance, we hiked 14.6 miles to day to the Derrick Knob shelter.
Date: 2015-04-15
From: Derrick Knob Shelter

To: Newfound Gap
Miles today: 12.6

To day was a 2 fold day, first we passed the highest point on the AT and also passed the 200 mile mark. The walking was very tough. We were hiking in rivers and mud holes. Some of the trails were like riverswith 8-10 inches of water and mud. I was so happy to end up in a warm bed, a hot meal and a good nighs sleep.
Date: 2015-04-17
From: Newfound Gap

To: Peck's Corner Shelter
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: clear sky

Today I would like to thank Steve & Jacob for the ride back to Newfound Gap. When I started today I had only 1972 miles to go. The weather was the same as it has been. We hiked 10.4 miles today. We spent the night at Peck's Corner shelter. I slept the night in my hammock. The shelter was fullm
Date: 2015-04-18
From: Peck's Corner Shelter

To: Cosby Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was the only day in the Smokies that I had any views. We hikedc12.9 to Cosby Knob Shelter. Spent the night in the shelter. It rained hard during the night. Today was another goal day 10% down with 90 to go.
Date: 2015-04-20
From: Standing Bear hostel

To: Max Patch
Miles today: 12.6

Today was to be a very rainy day with heavy rain with thunder. Well this morning it looked nice so Woody and I slacked packed from Max Patch back to the hostel. 12.6miles with some nice views. When we arrived back the food was ready. Pulled pork , Salads may kinds with live music.
Date: 2015-04-21
From: Max Patch

To: Deer Park Shelter
Miles today: 17.4

Today we started by getting a ride to the road just before Max Patch. This is the first natural bald that we find on the AT. It was very cold and windy, but the sun was shining all day. We hiked 17.4 miles to Deer Park Shelter. This is the longest hiking day so far. But this will make it an easy day into Hot Springs tomorrow. We did find some trail magic along the way, someone left 2 coolers with food and drink.
Date: 2015-04-22
From: Deer Park Shelter

To: stealth camp
Miles today: 7.8

Today we left camp early and only had a 3.2 mile walk to Hot Springs, where the first order was to have breakfast at the local diner arrived at 0805. Then to the local Hostel to pick up my bounce box, then to the PO. THis is where I had a food box waiting, thank you Special Ed. Woody and I sat outsidecthe PO andcwent to town looking over everything. Then to the outfitters tobpick up we still needed. Then it was lunch time, the local tavern filled this need. At 1200 it was back in the woods until we could find a place to stealth camp.
Date: 2015-04-23
From: stealth camp

To: Log cabin Drive
Miles today: 10.4

Last night gave us a few showers early then it turned clear and breezy. Today's hike stated with a 1300 foot climb up rich Mt and then a side trail to the fire tower. Please see photos, clear blue skies today for our 10.4 mile hike to Log CabinbDr. Then a .7 mile road walk to Hemlock Hollow Hostel for the niggt. We were told the Temps were to drop a lot tonight.
Date: 2015-04-24
From: Log cabin Drive

To: Flint Mt Shelter
Miles today: 16.0

It was in the 20 ' s overnight, glad to have had been at the hostel. Great was great, on the trail at 0835. The first climb of the day was over 2400 feet in 4.6 miles. The weather was perfect for hiking clear, cool. Hiked 16 miles today, passed a milestone of 300 miles. There were some tough sections today including some rocks (see photo) also had some easy sections.
Date: 2015-04-26
From: Low Gap

To: No Business Shelter
Miles today: 14.6

To started off with light rain then went to heavy rain on and off . Never saw the sun today. I was to have great views from Big Balm (see photo) can someone please help me find the trail.. On top of Big Balm I met a gruop of 12 southbound section hikers, they call themselves the dirty dozen. I hiked 14.6 miles today, am staying at the No Business shelter tonight. I will be going to Erwin TN in the morning.
Date: 2015-04-27
From: No Business Shelter

To: Erwin TN
Miles today: 6.3

Today I woke to clear and cool conditions. Hiked 6.3 Miles to Erwin TN, where I'm staying in A Holiday Inn Express for the night. Never know what you find on the trail, Nice car Hooked up with Woody again, glad to have him back to hike with. Went out to a AYCE pizza for lunch, caught up on wash and just relaxed.
Date: 2015-04-28
From: Erwin TN

To: Cherry Gap Shelter
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: light rain

Started today with great breakfast at hotel. Then walked 0.7 miles back to trail. The first section was easy, along the Nolichucky River then we started climbing. 3400 feet over 14 miles, tough and long. At 8.8 we found trail magic at Indian Graves Gap. This was coffee, iced tea and brownies. This is also where I had to say goodbye to Woody, great friend and hiking partner, great well.. The weather was sunny all day. Made it to Cherry Gap Shelter at am out 0835.
Date: 2015-04-29
From: Cherry Gap Shelter

To: Roam High Knob Shelter
Miles today: 17.0

Left Cherry Gap Shelter at 0750 this was after partly cloudy skies overnight. The skies were Overcast all day, they told us that it was going to rain all day, so we pressed all day trying to beat the rain, it never came. Had lunch at the Clyde Smith Shelter.   Finish the day with a 2200 foot climb in 4 miles. This was to bring us to the top of Roam Mt. This is the second highest point on the AT, and c the last time we will be over 6000 feet until Mt Washington in NH. I stayed in the shelter that night , the Temps were in the upper 20's, my gear is not met for this cold and wind. This shelter is also the highest on the AT. Arrived at shelter at 1800 made dinner and went to sleep.
Date: 2015-04-30
From: Roam High Knob Shelter

To: Mountain Harbour Hoster
Miles today: 16.3

Started hiking under clear and very cold weather. We dropped 3200 feet over the day, with a lot of ups and downs over 700 and 800 foot balds. (Photo from Sound of Music) also see other photos from today.   Finish the day hiking in heavy rain. While going up the 700 foot bald a thunderstorm came up quickly, no place to hide. I did find a rock out cropping with a small cave, removed my pack and backed in while I waited out the storm a opened my food bag and had a snack. When I made it to the road crossing I walked .3 miles to where I am spending the night
Date: 2015-05-02
From: Mountain Harbour Hoster

To: campsite
Miles today: 17.5

To started with another great breakfast see photo top left. Started hiking at 0915 , came across this weird fence crossing top right photo center. Stopped by Jones Falls and soaked my feet center left photo. Had lunch next to the Elk River, right center photo. Right after lunch I passed the 400 mile mark, lower left photo. I while after lunch I came across a park bench on the side of the trail, this was a memorial bench, while sitting the view was the lower right photo. The view is of Hump Mt, little Hump and Roam Mt , I have already done these. I walked 16.5 miles today, listed above says17.5, this Iis because I down loaded the new 2015 guide, it has going 1 mile more
Date: 2015-05-03
From: campsite

To: Hampton TN
Miles today: 16.8

Last night was great, did not put up my tarp. Just used the hammick, a great view of the stars and the moon. Had a great sunrise photo UL. I show my hammock set up in photo UR. Had some trail magic at Dennis Gove Rd, this was by Bobo Kitty South Paw a 2013 PCT hiker She had sodas and snacks. Then it was a rocky trail down to Laurel Falls photo LC.but it was worth it photo RC. While coming out of the falls I found these flowers photo LL. I was planning on staying at the Watauga Lake Shelter, but it is closed because of bears. I had to stay in Hampton instead at the Braemar Castle. Had a great dinner at a local diner.
Date: 2015-05-04
From: Hampton TN

To: Iron Mt Shelter
Miles today: 15.9

Today started with a great breakfast at the local diner. Then a ride back to the trail by the hostel owner. Started at 0815, I nice walk along the shore of Watauga Lake see LL photo, then we crossed the dam photo LR. then it was a 2000 foot climb over a few miles. While climbing I came across photo UL & UR. Some time during the day I passed the 20% mark on the trail. The weather was sunny and it was a little to warm for hiking.