morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-07-17
From: Spaulding Mountain Lean-to

To: ME Rt. 27 Stratton, ME
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: light rain

Day 133 Silver Toe slept in his tent, so I had the shelter to myself last night; got to sleep on my back some. Morning is clear and still...no wind or threat of rain so far (4:45AM). The trail today was hot! No wind, no open summits. Every day seems to have at least one exceedingly tedious uphill and downhill...today was no exception. And even though the last five miles were gently sloped, the constant rocks and roots were punishing to the feet and ankles. Covered the 13.5 miles in 8 hours and 10 minutes...not bad. Got a ride into town with the very first truck to come by...thanks, Mr. Anonymous. Picked up my mail drops and letters from Mom and Mary Dew.   On the Trail I met several SOBO thru-hikers but only got one name, Super Nova, a guy from the Yukon. Also met Mrs. Gorp, who I last saw in Harpers Ferry. She remembered me and corrected a mistake I made in my journal. She co-edits the ALDHA "Companion" book, not Wingfoot's "Handbook". Sorry to all concerned. Just my luck to be in Maine during the first heat wave in 10 years, and nobody here has air conditioning. You expect to sweat on the Trail, but in town you expect to be comfortable...not here. This hostel also has 2 large dogs than roam free. Is it a law that hostels have to have large smelly dogs? Another SOBO just came in, Buddha from Sewanee, TN. Buddha, Spoonman, and I ate dinner at the diner across the street, then to bed.
Date: 2006-07-18
From: ME Rt. 27 Stratton, ME

To: Little Bigelow Lean-to
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 134 Slept hot all night; it never cooled down in the attic, even with a window fan. Forecast for today is more heat, with chance of thunderstorms later. Will have to drink as much water as I can, because I'll sweat it out quickly. WILDLIFE REPORT from yesterday: Saw grouse twice. The first time two adults were sitting camoflaged in the middle of the Trail and didn't flush until I was within 10 to 15 feet. The second group was an entire family. They scattered near the Trail, but the adults were very defensive with the chicks around; they spread tail feathers, puffed up chests, and stayed alongside me for several yards, until I was past. Starting walking at 6:20AM, after Ron the motel owner gave us a lift to the Trailhead. First two hours were hot, humid, and so still the only breeze came from the wings of the gnats swarming around my head, trying to fly into my eyes. After a while it clouded over and a breeze came up...felt nice. A short drizzle helped, too. 5PM at the Shelter: The Trail went above treeline again today, briefly. The summits of 2 or 3 peaks (west peak of Bigelow Mountain and Avery Peak) were steep, rocky, and exposed. Views of central Maine were awesome...lakes, ponds, ski slopes, more mountains,etc. Air was hazy but scenery was still spectacular. I'll probably have to eat these words, but it looks like the most difficult climbing and descending is over, at least in terms of total elevation (Mt. Katahdin excepted, of course). I was above 4,000 feet today and won't go above 2,500 feet or so until Monson, and maybe beyond then. Did 15.3 miles in 10 hours 20 minutes; I'm glad I'm in camp, but I don't feel exhausted. That's good, because I need all my energy to swat at mosquitos. Walked alone today, and so far I'm the only one at this shelter, which is okay. Another note from yesterday...the Stratton Motel(hostel) had free long distance, so I got to talk with Jane and Audrey. Called MDM but her phone blocked the call. Received her homemade goodies;THANKS! HIKER REPORT: I have had updates on lots of people. Spoonman said that when he started on Katahdin he climbed up with Kim(Do Rag), who started from Amicalola the same day I did. Met 4 SOBO thru-hikers today (3 guys and a girl, all from Georgia) who said Mt. Squid is a half day ahead of me. They also warned me of a bog section with the bridges out and how to get on the bypass. Two NOBO's just came in...Carefree(a guy) and Hippie(girl), from Lake Tahoe. Carefree started in Damascus and had updates on Yeti, Jebus, Thumper, Snake, and others. He had walked some with Piece of Work in the Shenandoah. Souer Hawk and 007 are still behind me, but I bet they catch and pass me soon. Tom is a day or so back, as is Furious. Passed another big milestone today...2,000 miles!
Date: 2006-07-19
From: Little Bigelow Lean-to

To: US 201 (Caratunk, ME)
Miles today: 21.3

Day 135 Writing this from West Carry Pond lean-to, at 9 AM. I've covered 7.1 miles already...good day for hiking. Weather is cool, low humidity, some breeze off the lakes. Passed the "2,000 miles" sign painted on the pavement on Long Falls Dam Road. Could probably go further than the 17.6 miles I plan today, but I'd have to get to the Kennebec River ferry before 4 PM to cross, and I don't know if I can do that. 5 PM at hostel: Well, I made it to the ferry at 3:15PM, crossed the Kennebec, and came to the River and Trails Hostel with Steve, the hostel owner and the ferryman. Today was a conflict between enjoying the Trail and making time...making time won. By crossing the Kennebec River I can shorten the miles for Thursday and Friday, improving the chances of getting to the Monson post office before it closes at 4PM. What I sacrificed to get here today was time to enjoy several idyllic lakes, one with a small sandy beach, and the Pierce Pond Stream, which is more like the Tellico River above Bald River than a stream. My feet were begging to soak in the cold water, but I kept pushing on. TRAIL REPORT: Almost no elevation changes, all very flat. About 10% of the Trail surface was smooth walking, but the remainder was the evil mix of rocks and roots which punish the ankles. Nevertheless, I did 21+ miles by 3:30PM, so it was a good day. The weather stayed sunny with low humidity, so that helped, too. I drank 3 liters of water during the day (not enough) and ate less than I usually would, all to save time. Am making up the deficit now, both food and water. HIKER REPORT: Lots to report here. Carefree and Hippie left me behind early, which was okay, since they could eat some cobwebs instead of me for a change. Met several SOBO section hikers and thru-hikers, including Marta, a lady from NC, whom I met last spring between Hot Springs and Sams Gap; she was doing a training hike for the SOBO. She remembered me, and we took each others' pictures. At this hostel are 3 NOBO section hikers...Mt. Squid from Johnson City and Swamp Dawg and Stinger from Brunswick, GA. The 4 of us went to dinner together and had a lot to talk about...Jekyll Island, SEC football, gumbo, etc. Swamp Dawg grew up in Louisiana. Mt. Squid got out of the Navy two years ago and is new to Johnson City. Stinger's wife follows trailjournals.com closely and has been reading my journal. When I told her I was here, she reacted like I was a celebrity. Pretty nice for a smelly old hiker to be recognized just by a trail name. After we got back from supper two SOBO's came in, a brother and sister from Miami. Didn't get their trail names or have much chance to visit. Stinger, Swamp Dawg, and I are sleeping in a small bunk house (5 single beds); the others are tenting on the lawn. Tomorrow I'll either do 18.8 miles to Moxie Bald lean-to or 27.7 to Horseshoe Canyon.
Date: 2006-07-22
From: ME Rte. 15 - Monson, ME

To: Long Pond Stream lean-to
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: light rain

DAY 138 - Had a good night's sleep on the best mattress in a hostel on the entire Trail. Weather was pleasant with fans going. Weather this morning is cool and overcast; chance of showers is forecast for today. Ate a huge breakfast at Shaw's. The owners shuttled us to the Trailhead and I was walking by 8 AM - kind of a late start, but I am not in a rush. I can go either 15 or 19 miles to a shelter today. I'll decide which at the 15-mile shelter, depending on time, weather, and how I feel. I'm now at Leeman Brook Shelter for a break, after only 3 miles. Saw a snowshoe hare - all brown except white feet. One week to go!2 PM at Wilson Valley lean-to: I'm in for a late lunch break. Have only done 10.4 miles so far, so I'm pretty certain I'll stop at the next shelter. The trail had some some good walking sections, but they were much too short. Roots and rocks still rule. Met several SOBO's. One guy from western PA advised that I could rock-hop over a creek rather than ford. When I got there and looked it over, I decided not to risk it - I changed from boots into Crocs and waded across. Some rock jumps must be easier in one direction than the other. The SOBO's name was Anti-social, but he certainly wasn't. His accent reminded me of Bill Ewing.As I go north I see more and more food and gear left by SOBO's. This shelter has enough pasta hanging up to feed the Italian World Cup team, plus enough spices and seasonings to last a year in an ordinary kitchen. Advice to future hikers - only carry what you have to have to survive, not what you're used to at home.6:30 PM at Long Pond Stream shelter - Got into camp about 5 PM , tired enough to know not to go on to the next shelter, which is 5 tough miles ahead. Good decision. After an hour rain started and is continuing. Looks like tomorrow will be wetter, muddier, and slicker. I was hoping to do 20 miles and get back on schedule. The Trail today was very ordinary - no views or major mountains to climb or descend. There were two stream crossings that the book said had to be forded. I crossed one on rocks and logs and waded the other in Crocs. The Trail is very overgrown in places; walking it is almost like bushwhacking.In this shelter are 2 SOBO's, Whisper from Hickory, NC and Grizzly Bear from Anderson, SC. It's nice to talk to guys who don't have an accent. The rain continues, which would be fine except that I wanted to fill both my water bottles and treat the water overnight so I'd have plenty in the morning. Now it looks like I'll have to start the day by dipping water and waiting for pills to work.Less than 100 miles to the top of Katahdin. If the rain keeps up like it is now, I'll be swimming to Baxter State Park, not walking.
Date: 2006-07-23
From: Long Pond Stream lean-to

To: Newhall lean-to
Miles today: 20.8

DAY 139 - Today is the kind of day to just get through - nothing to see because of low clouds; the wet branches keep you wet, even though the rain stopped at midnight; the rocks and roots are slicker; and the Trail has several steep, slow ascents and descents. I'm walking alone, as usual. Have seen no one else on the Trail so far. I'm now at Chairback lean-to for lunch, with another 9.9 miles to the next shelter, and it's almost 2 PM already. Probably will be almost dark when I stumble in.8:30 PM - in bed at Newhall shelter - The afternoon didn't start well but finished great. The going was slow, and I was convinced I would arrive after dark, especially after an exceedingly slow, tedious, and dangerous descent down sharp boulders off Chairback Mtn. But then I received a gift - almost 2 miles of "tourist trail" at the Pleasant River, which had to be forded in Crocs. I made good time and arrived here at 7:10; 12 hours and 10 minutes on the Trail today.When I got here I walked up to the tent sites where two tents were pitched - I had heard from some SOBO section hikers that two NOBO thru-hikers were just ahead of me. Turned out to be Slow Leak, whom I hadn't met, and Glenn (the erstwhile Aussie), whom I had met first at Fontana and hadn't seen since the Smokies. He said I looked a lot younger than I did at Russell Field. We may end up summitting together on Friday. I have been hoping to summit with at least one other thru-hiker.A local married couple are also here in this shelter - nice folks who want to thru-hike next year. They have a lot of questions for me about food, gear, etc. Sky is clearing and temp. is dropping - great for sleeping. Good night, all.
Date: 2006-07-24
From: Newhall lean-to

To: Cooper Brook Falls lean-to
Miles today: 18.9
Weather: broken clouds

DAY 140 - Today started out like yesterday, overcast, cool, and wet from last night's shower. I was up and out by 6:15 and by 6:30 I was soaked from the wet weeds and branches along the Trail. I climbed 3 good-sized mountains early, the third with Slow Leak. The highest was White Cap Mountain (3,654 ft.), which would have given great views except for the clouds. White Cap is the last significant climb till we get to Katahdin.I'm stopping at a shelter for food and a break; Slow Leak and Glenn have gone on. If the Trail smooths out, I may catch up to them.6 PM at the shelter - Made good time this afternoon and arrived a little past 5 PM; on the Trail for just under 11 hours today. Had a surprise thundershower about 2 PM that came up quickly and left just as quickly.Maine doesn't give up easily. The last significant climb before Katahdin was Little Boardman Mtn., and even though it was on 2,000 ft high, it required a tiring 800 ft. climb to the top. No view, but I did find a nice patch of blueberries and picked a couple of good mouthfuls. Wildlife report - saw no moose, but I did see several places in high weed fields where moose had bedded down and trampled all the vegetation within a large circle. Also saw one small snake.Slow Leak and Glenn are tenting here tonight. I walked with Slow Leak for awhile this morning, then he went on when I took a long break at a shelter. I plan on stopping tomorrow night at White House Landing, which is a camp / hostel on Pemaduncook Lake. They willl go on, but I think I'll catch them at The Birches on Thursday night. If so, we can climb Katahdin together on Friday. Only 60 more miles! It's nice to be in camp early for a change. It's only 7 PM, and I'm in bed already. Only problem is mosquitos: they seem to be having a convention on my side of the shelter.
Date: 2006-07-27
From: Rainbow Spring campsite

To: The Birches - Katahdin Stream Campground
Miles today: 21.1
Weather: overcast clouds

DAY 143 - Today I'm walking in honor of wonderful wife Jane, without whom this adventure would not have been possible. I am the luckiest man in the world to have her as my wife.10 AM at Hurd Shelter: The morning started out cool and foggy, and nothing has changed much. Couldn't get a view of Katahdin from the one high place on the Trail because of the fog/ clouds. But that gave me more time to pick blueberries. The Trail is rocky & rooty and muddy - surprise! surprise! I'm walking alone and eating lots of cobwebs.Arrived at Abol Bridge about 12:30 PM, had a microwaved sandwich, got water, bought some food, and called Jane (at $1.00 for 3 minutes). Met a Ridgerunner named Dave who was helpful with directions and seemed glad to have a hiker to talk to.I made great time getting to Katahdin Stream Campground - about 9.8 miles in just over 4 hours. Part of the Trail was excellent for walking steadily and making miles. Once here I registered with the Ranger Station, paid my $9 fee, and selected a day pack to borrow for the ascent of Katahdin tomorrow morning. The Park makes used day packs available to thru-hikers and also lets us store our heavy packs on their screened, covered porch - pretty nice service. Thanks, guys.Glenn (Tea Leaves) and Slow Leak got here earlier this afternoon. The three of us will be the only NOBO's to summit tomorrow, I guess. We were talking a few minutes ago about how tonight seems like the night before a big event, like graduation or Christmas or even a wedding. You know tomorrow will be special and that afterwards everything will be different, but you're not exactly sure what's in store.The cloudiness that started this morning hung around all day, so I missed the "postcard" view of Katahdin from Abol Bridge. Forecast for tomorrow is similar to today, so our views of and from Katahdin may be impaired, but that won't diminish the sense of accomplishment one bit.I was just looking over the schedule I made up back in May when I was home for 5 days. That plan anticipated summitting on 26 July, and I'll actually finish on 28 July, only 2 days off. Pretty good forecast.
Date: 2006-04-03
From: Stover Creek

To: Gooch Mt. shelter
Miles today: 12.4

We awoke after a huge thunderstorm, but stayed dry in our Tarp tent -thank you Henry Shires! The rain still light on our tent made us fall in and out of sleep until 8:30 a.m. The rain had stopped and we broke camp, ate breakfast and were the last ones out of camp, 9:45! Rain came again around noon and gave way to icy hail, pea sized for 10 minutes. The Go lite hiking umbrellas were already proving to be worth while. We made it to Gooch shelter by 4:10 p.m. and decided to stop for the day. Tipper, Mouse, Salt and Pepper were already set up. Our rice and bean dinner tasted very good!
Date: 2006-04-04
From: Gooch Mt. shelter

To: Blood Mountain
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: clear sky

Windy and cold in the night, but our quilt was enough to keep us warm. Morning came with clear sky and 35 degrees! Today we were out by 8:15 a.m. We met Power Stroke, who had walked up from Florida! He had already hiked 2,000 miles and was going to go past Maine into Canada! impressive! Nice day, by 3:00 we made it to Blood mountain at 4,461 feet in elevation. This is the highest spot on the trail in Georgia. Mouse, Salt and Pepper were in camp with us as well as several others.
Date: 2006-04-05
From: Blood Mountain

To: Low Gap
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: broken clouds

Neels Gap for resupply today! Mountain Crossings is a back packing shop right on the trail! We had a drop box of food waiting for us. Mapman and I sent back a few items we already decided were not worth carrying. like - a belt, vest, extra gloves, contacts, solution bottles, sunglasses, trail maps... we shed 4 pounds! Tipper had found Mapman's hat, which was worth at least a Snickers bar, which we said we would owe him! Mapman had lost it on the trail.
Date: 2006-04-06
From: Low Gap

To: Tray Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: overcast clouds

We love being outside 24/7!!!   Lots of rolling hills today. We love the trail, the people around us, the birds, eachother! Tray Mountain shelter by 4:20 p.m. Salt and Pepper headed to Helen for resupply, which is a 10 mile hitch. Hitches all take time and time off the trail, so we have opted to stay as close to the trail as possible.
Date: 2006-04-07
From: Tray Mountain Shelter

To: N. Carolina/Georgia boarder
Miles today: 19.3

Broke camp by 7:40 a.m., we are getting more efficent! Beautiful day, sunny, blue sky and warmth! groves of pines, rhododendron bushes with big buds on them, which we look forward to seeing bloom. Plum Orchard shelter was reached by 3:30 and we decided to push on! Hippy Longstocking was fun to meet, a veteran hiker with a few trail tips, like use a small pack of wipes. We were feeling great about our hike, so we decided to continue and we made it to the boarder. There we met, Model-T and Ranger Dog. Model-T has hiked the whole trail several times and written several books on the trail. wonderful chat with them. Bright moon at night.
Date: 2006-04-08
From: N. Carolina/Georgia boarder

To: Carter Gap shelter
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: light rain

3 a.m. a huge rain storm moved in and we stayed dry in our tent! By 8 a.m. the rain stopped and we packed up. After a quick breakfast of oatmeal with raisin, we headed north once again. At Indian Shelter, we stopped for lunch and watch the rain as the clouds burst over head. By 2 p.m. the rain stopped and we moved out and made it to Carter Gap shelter by 5. It was the coldest night on the trail so far. We could see our breath and frost on the tent. Franklin tomorrow!
Date: 2006-04-09
From: Carter Gap shelter

To: Franklin Town Marshal's house
Miles today: 15.9

Town days are always fun, especially when you plan on meeting up with friends, which we were in Franklin. Mapman's friend from school days lives in Franklin. We hitched, our first time, with Southern Comfort into town. Marta, a section hiker, who had been camped at Carter Gap, gave us the ride into town by 4 p.m. We were dropped off at Three Creek Outfitters just before closing and bought a better food bag and moleskin. Seth picked us up and we had a great time at his house enjoying good conversation, food, then shower and bed!
Date: 2006-04-11
From: Cold Spring Shelter

To: Sassafras Gap Shelter
Miles today: 18.4
Weather: clear sky

Amazing views today at Copper Ridge Bald 5200'! and Jump Up Lookout at 4000' with the Nantahala River below us at 1740'. Warmer at the lower elevation and greener too. Spring was coming into bloom as we lost elevation. Big climb out of Nantahala, of course, back up to 4330' right away.
Date: 2006-04-13
From: Cable Gap shelter

To: Fontana "Hilton"
Miles today: 6.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Resupply day at Fontana Dam. Showers at the visitors center and Mapman shaved. At the post office, we picked up our food box and went to the laundromat. The small store had some goodies. Trail magic dinner from two former A.T. hikers in their R.V. First time to sleep in the shelter, with 12 others, which was a bit loud, but we managed.
Date: 2006-04-15
From: Smoky Mts. Spence Field shelter

To: Smokys- Mt. Collins shelter
Miles today: 20.2
Weather: overcast clouds

More great weather in the Smoky Mountains. We kept up with Bison, Ghost, Boogie Man and Ms. Fortunate all from Michigan. Lots of climbing today including Mt. Collins at 5870' and before that was Mt. Buckley at 6528' and also Clingmans Dome at 6643', the tallest point on the A.T. We also climbed Mt. Love at 6446'. Arrived at Mt. Collins shelter by 7 p.m., a long, but enjoyable day on the trail.
Date: 2006-04-16
From: Smokys- Mt. Collins shelter

To: Smokys - Tri Corners Knob
Miles today: 20.1

Gorgeous day in the Smokys! Ms. Fortune's knee was hurting, so at lunch, we all had stopped at Ice Water Spring shelter. I pulled apart her pack and gave items to Bison, Ghost, Boogie Man, Mapman and myself. She carried her rain gear and snack. She made it to Tri Corners Knob shelter very glad for the light pack. Hikers helping hikers!
Date: 2006-04-18
From: just outside Smoky Mt. boarder

To: Roaring Fork shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: broken clouds

6:30 woke up and made a delicious patch of hash browns! and zoomed down the trail for a 10 X 12 (10 miles by noon.) We were so enjoying the hiking and the views! Max Patch was beautiful, at 4629', the grassy bald on the huge summit in the sun and the valley below. Mapman enjoyed a snickers on the bald. We continued down the trail to Roaring Fork shelter. Pigeon, Tatoo, Bird Legs, & Mountain Dog came into the shelter area too. The Michigan group decided to camp on the bald.
Date: 2006-04-19
From: Roaring Fork shelter

To: Deer Park Mt. shelter
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: overcast clouds

4:30 a.m. and the thunder, lightening and rain fell. The Michian group ran off the bald at 4:00 a.m. and made it to the shelter before the rain. Today we loved our umbrellas because we had several major down pours. Keeping the rain off ones neck and head is huge. We also sweat too much in our rain jackets, so the umbrellas really work well while hiking.
Date: 2006-04-20
From: Deer Park Mt. shelter

To: Hot Springs town/ campgrounds
Miles today: 3.2
Weather: overcast clouds

For $10 we took a nero day (almost zero) at the campground in Hot Springs. Strawberry pancakes were on the grill via Maula, a veteran hiker in the campgroup. They were delicious! Our next food drop was waiting for us at the post office. The laundromat did a good job on our ripe clothes and the shower at the campground felt great! We helped set up a huge tent for Trail Fest coming up. The town meal tasted great!
Date: 2006-04-22
From: Spring Mountain Shelter

To: Jerry Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: light rain

rain in the night, in the a.m. but by 2:30 the sun won out and stayed! Umbrellas got lots of use.   Trail magic at Fal and Hercules' house just off the trail. -waffles, stew, & peach cobler. Mapman was in heaven! Firescald Knob was an outstanding view.