morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-08-12
From: long pond leantoo

To: Carl Newhall Lean Too
Miles today: 21.8
Weather: light rain

Very, very, very long day. Though Peeper and Hawk went 20.8, I added 5.9 miles with adding the Gulf of Hagas, a blue blaze trail with beautiful gorges and waterfalls. This totaled 26.7 miles, my second longest day on the trail. Was it worth it? Sure was beautiful, but way too strenuous for a very long day, climbed a long mountain ridge, traversed many areas of very slippery Maine rocks, it remains wet and overcast. I got to camp at 10:00pm, the last 3 miles boggy wet misery. Was it worth it? I think so. Wet weather for the past 4 days, starting to clear, Had a brief view of a few lakes from Chairback mtn, I left camp at 5:30, Peeper and Hawk left at about 8:00, they said they had partial views. WE ARE LESS THAN 100 MILES FROM KATAHDIN! Peeper had dinner ready for me when I got to camp, she was a little worried about me and my extra long day, I appreciate my hiking partner. I was a little worried about me too. All our hiking clothes and shoes are wet, hopefully tomorrow will be a drying day. My feet are sore from wet shoes, all wrinkles. Atleast we are now seasoned hikers and have protected our camp clothes, dry in our tents. Night to recover.Tomorrow we climb our last mountains before our finish on Katahdin
Date: 2012-08-13
From: Carl Newhall Lean Too

To: Cooper Brook Falls
Miles today: 18.9
Weather: scattered clouds

We awoke with Sun, thank God. I slept in until 7:00, we washed up in the stream, cleaned some gear, and hoped to dry out on White Cap, our last 3000 mtn before Katahdin. The climb was not bad, I got up top by 11:30, we had three other mtns before it. Clouds, but intermittently Sun. Dried out for about an hour, very nice. Good views, can see Katahdin well. Many, many lakes and ponds. Beautiful country. We ate lunch and had a long climb down. Had met some other hikers that knew a lot of Peeper's AMC trailcrew friends, hikers sometimes are a small world. We often see people we have seen elsewhere on our hike, or know other hiking friends. We took our time today, again got to our camp in the dark. A boyscout troop had taken many of the prime tent spaces, but we found our place, tented out by 10:00.RETROSPECTIVE:Need for humor.Trail humor and laughter, a necessity on the trail.We had many ongoing jokes and pranks that break the hard work and monotony. We often put items in one another packs, mustachio the golf ball(golf ball with a mustache), rocks, piggy bank with wings, and a large jaw breaker. All appeared and disappeared at some point. I know the jawbreaker went with a SOBO.(southbounder )The group created a mythic disgruntled hiker in the shelter journals, Sport. He had many unfortunate events, had to be curtailed for some people were starting to feel bad for Sport .Many fun evenings around the campfire, stories, daily reenactments, threatened pole dances, and many ongoing jokes of varied subjects , such as threatened colonoscopy for all ( need to stay in practice).Humor, laughter, joyful banter among friend and some times strangers was cleansing and necessary for us. We all need some good humor in life, and nit at the expense of others. Make light when appropriate, and be able to laugh at oneself sometimes. In Maine, it has been wet, we are usually wet. We often have to ford streams, no rocks to jump, well we just plow through. Puddles, streams, mud, why avoid if you are already soaked. The SOBO's, and dayhikers are always amazed as we truck on by with no concerns of dryness, but why worry, sometimes the streams only clean US off. Laughing as we jump in like little children jumping in puddles.The number of times I slipped and was like a turtle on my backpack, the miles in the wrong direction, the missteps in 1 foot deep mud, all unfortunate and also humorus. This is what makes each day a special day. I want to take this with me in life. Laugh, enjoy what makes each day different and special.
Date: 2012-08-14
From: Cooper Brook Falls

To: Nahmakanta Lake beach, before leantoo
Miles today: 18.9

I awoke early, not the most level tent site. We had a 21 mile day planned. There was a possible stop midday at White House Landing, a B and B about 0.9 off the trail that caters to hikers for resupply and lunch. They only serve lunch from 11:00-1:00, we are14 miles away. Original we had planned to only resupply, to far to make by lunch, but awoken early and ready to go, I tried. The first 5 miles, bug well. Swamp, marsh, mosquitoes and worse deer flies. The worst I ever experienced. Swarms of flies, I would take off my hat, 5-6 would land on my baldspot at a time. This way every few hundred yards I would clear the swarm. I literally would clear 30 flies with each uncaping. I SHOULD PATENT MY BALD SPOT, BETTER THAN FLY PAPER.Unfortunately earlier in the hike I became allergic to MEET, the alternatives are much less effective.The insect onslaught though made me move faster, I made lunch 14 miles away. The White HouseLanding was very nice but also very expensive. You blew an airhorn to be picked up by boat, ferried across the lake. Friendly, but not hiker friendly. Resupply was scant, not willing to take trash, unable to charge our phones, and $15 dollar minimum. I ate, got a few things, got a pizza and soda for Peeper and Hawk and met them back in the trail. An interesting experience that I probably would not repeat. Saving that time of poor resupply diversion for Hawk and Peeper, we were able to get to our campsite on the lake early, swim s few times and settle down early on our beach campsite.This evening we were visited by Ospree, a few of them, ? If we were encroaching on there territories. They , and some owls and loons kept us up some of the night. The lakes are very beautiful, and many
Date: 2012-08-15
From: Nahmakanta Lake Beach

To: Hurd Brook Leantoo
Miles today: 21.1
Weather: light rain

We awoke to a beautiful sunrise, it had rained briefly last pm and the tents and beach were wet. We dried out for awhile then moved on, climbed a small hill over the lake, great view of Katahdin. Appeared only few miles away, we are less than 40 miles to the end. We weave around lakes and marshes to our end. The excitement to be so close is building. WOW!, Katahdin so close and BIG.Rare views today, but when available, breathtaking. It started to rain at lunch, continued to be a soaking rain into the night. We stopped only 18 miles from the end, 3 miles from Abol Bridge, the official end to the 100 mile woods. Low on food, high on excitement. Wet.Tented in a somewhat wet boggy area, thunderstorms in the distance. Soaking rain continued.
Date: 2012-08-16
From: Hurd Brook Leantoo

To: The Birches Leantoo
Miles today: 13.5

Only 13 miles today, the base of Katahdin!! We will summit and be official AT thru hikers if all goes well, tomorrow. All hikers we meet now congratulate us on our accomplishment, this only builds our excitement.Again raining, but a forecast of good weather for tomorrow. We climbed out of the 100 mile woods to Abol Bridge, got to the small country store just outside the northwest entrance to Baxter state Park. Good food, small resupply, for one day, some comradery with 3 other thru hikers who plan to summit tomorrow as well. Under a tent outside the store we mingled for about an hour, protected from the continued rain. No hurry and few worries, story sharing and excitement. Only 15 miles to the end, 10 for today. We climbed to the Birches camp site, reserved for only NOBO Thru Hikers. Wet but great spirits. Had a beautiful 10 mile walk along the Abol stream, waterfalls, and Baxter State Park ponds. The rain had swelled the streams only making them more spectacular. Had to ford the stream twice, but being already soaked, this was no issue.Had a great evening with fellow thru Hikers, prepared to humor tomorrow. Some premature Champaign, trail magic and great cheer. Some sadness for absent friends, but we hope to see Wiffle and Smiles tomorrow here after we summit. We hope Blues is doing well and summit soon.Bitter, sweet anticipation. Hope good weather, it is still raining.
Date: 2012-08-17
From: The Birches Leantoo

To: Katahdin, trail terminus
Miles today: 5.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Today is the day, both Peeper and I got little sleep. We had not been sleeping in shelters usually, we like our tents. Rained all day and last night yesterday, everything is wet and we felt the shelter was a better choice. We had a great night with trail stories and comradery. Sparrows Dad had brought food and drink, it was a good but wet night. We stayed with Hawk in our Leantoo, the other had Sparrow, Sit a Bit,Teflon , and tenting were Sticks and Metric. We would all be summiting today. We had all been hiking in the 100 mile woods together. Sparrow was to hike with his dad today, left early. Sit a bit( clean shaven, mature man, my age) left also at about 6:00. Gorp was to also be summiting today with his mom. I left at about 7:00, had given the ranger station most of my gear, only was climbing with food, water and something warm, my pack was light. Hawk and Peeper left at 7:15. Beautiful day, few clouds, crystal clear viewing. HOW GREAT!! We quickly climbed up the Hunt trail, reached the flats on the ridge by 9:00, fantastic views. The hard rock scrambles up Hunt were easy and fun for us. Excitement helped. Passed many day and section Hikers. Sticks and Metric, Sit a Bit were already ahead. Leaping as we got, Katahdin Summit by 10:00. Greeted by Sit a bit, Metric and Sticks, Hawk got there a few minutes before. Tears, excitment, some whooping and hugs. Incredible experience. We had the Summit for our own for awhile, Thru Hikers dream. Views incredible, Pictures, Champagne, banter, all we could hope for. We stayed about an hour. Unfortunately Sparrow was delayed but Summitted later with Teflon. Gorp and his Mom arrived while we were there to more celebration. The peak was starting to get busy with day hikers that added to some of the celebration. Ready to be done but a great way to finish the AT.We climbed down the Abol trail, steep but beautiful, a slide trail. Got to the bottom to be greeted by my wife, Paula, Papa Hawk. Wiffle and All Smiles, who had just hiked in, were also there. Great time with a picnic, stories and friends. Great to see everyone, sorry not to have blues. Blues had just left Monson today by his report. After a few hours we are to say our goodbyes and go in different directions. Hawk and Peeper to go back home, I and my wife to Travel alittle in Maine, All Smiles and Wiffle to climb and finish tomorrow. Metric and Sticks join our picnic and plan to travel alittle before he goes back to Australia and she to Grad school. Sparrow and his mother also joined our Picnic, we spent time with them in the Hotel in Millenockit this pm. We are releived to be done, but a sadness to leave friends. I will continue with a few more days and thought in the next few weeks, plan to add pictures and exeperiences when I get to a computer. I am going to spend time with my wife now! To be continued.
Date: 2011-12-11
To: Test Journal #1
Miles today: 0.0

We plan to begin our thru-hike of the AT on February 28th. At this point, we are going to take it one day at a time, but are hopeful that our spirit and our bodies will hold up. Gung-ho is an avid hiker at home in Michigan, in both the Upper and Lower Peninsula. This is a huge undertaking, and we hope that we have trained sufficiently to give it a good try. We have recently hiked in Hawaii as well - the Kalalau Trail on Kauai, and in Haleakala National Park from the summit down and out of Kaupo Gap. Both were fantastic hikes, and made us even more excited to start the AT. Reality is starting to set in.........
Date: 2012-01-14
To: Snowshoeing in Michigan
Miles today: 0.0

We are known for our changing weather here in Michigan. And change it did! It has been a very mild winter thus far, by Michigan standards. Forty-eight hours ago, we had NO snow on the ground. Three days ago, we hiked in 50-degree weather! Within the last 2 days, we were treated to over a foot of snow! So......what to do? That new snow makes for wonderful snowshoeing, so off we went to Hoffmaster State Park today for a snowshoe trek. Tagalong's foot is bothering him, so Gung-Ho and her friend, Karen, spent a few hours trekking through the woods, breaking trail. What a gorgeous landscape the new fallen snow made. A perfect day in Michigan!
Date: 2012-01-18
To: Trail Supplies
Miles today: 0.0

The mail supply boxes have taken over our bedroom! We decided to do 11 mail drops along the trail for food supplies. Most of the drops will be along the Trail from Georgia into Virginia. At that point we will re-supply in trail towns. Our final supply box will be in Monson, ME to re-supply for the 100-Mile Wilderness. So people ask, "What do you eat on the Trail?" Well, lots of nuts, protein bars, oatmeal, peanut butter, tuna & chicken salad, trail mix, raisins, pasta sides, mashed potatoes, etc. Amazingly these items really do taste good after a long hike. We are using a Jet-Boil Stove - so the meal-type items are ones which mix with boiling water to make a hot meal. Now just to remember to call home to have our daughter mail the boxes!
Date: 2012-01-19
To: Baby, it's cold out there!!
Miles today: 0.0

It was a tad bit on the nippy side out there this morning. When we began hiking it was 20 degrees and snowing. There was about 3-4 inches of new snow on the trail. At one point the sun came peeking out, which made the trees absolutely beautiful - like shining crystals. By the time we finished our hike, it was 14 degrees, with a wind chill of -1. However, we were plenty warm from trekking up and down hills. Lots of PUDs (pointless ups and downs) on this trail. There is plenty of opportunity for cold weather hiking in Michigan!
Date: 2012-01-28
To: What Was I Thinking?????
Miles today: 0.0

Feeling somewhat overwhelmed at the moment. One month from today, we will be taking those first footsteps on the AT. The enormity of it all is more than overwhelming; it is downright intimidating! Although I truly enjoy hiking and nature in general, those jitters and fears have started to set in. Like.....what if I fail, what if I can't deal with the heights, what if I encounter a snake, meet a bear, etc. Just those little seeds of self-doubt. I know I need to shake them off, and just "hike my own hike" as they say, but I am starting to obsess about things. For instance, I cannot tell you the number of times I have reviewed our packs, re-packed them, removed items we don't really need. I finally have my pack weight at 27 lbs. including food and water. It feels OK when we hike now, but wonder if I will be singing the same tune when I am climbing up some mountain? Heh! Somehow, I think it would just be better if our start day was already here, and we were on the trail.We will not be setting any records or doing any mega-mile challenges. We'll take each day as it comes, hoping to make the best of it - just putting one foot in front of the other on our walk through the woods. It will be about the journey not the desitnation. Perhaps it will only be on the Trail, that I will find that these pre-hike jitters were truly unfounded.
Date: 2012-02-22
To: It's Almost Here!
Miles today: 0.0

The time just seems to be flying by now before we leave for Georgia. Only 5 days after today!!In the meantime, GungHo and Tagalong are really enjoying the Florida sun and warmth. In addition to walking every day, we are spending a lot of time in the pool and just relaxing in the sun. It has been a great prelude to our hike.Our gear is on its way to Georgia and will hopefully arrive in a couple of days. We decided not to mess with trying to bring it on the plane, so we shipped it instead - much less hassle. As the person who gets pulled aside for every type of security check imaginable (GungHo), I could only visualize what bringing our gear to Florida with us might entail! The only bad part is that when we get to the Hiker Hostel, we will not have had our packs on our backs for over 3 weeks. That first day could be a little rough....But then I tell myself, just hike your own hike. If others pass you, it is OK - you are not running a race. If you are tired, take a break - no one is timing you. Just relax and enjoy the Trail.Well, this is it until we get to the Hiker Hostel. By the way, if any hiker reading this has an LG Cosmos 2 phone and is updating entries to TJ on it, could you please contact us through our guestbook? I am having some issues updating from the phone. Thanks!
Date: 2012-02-27
To: At the Hostel
Miles today: 0.0

Had a great flight from Orlando today to Atlanta. Met another hiker, Two Isles, at the MARTA station waiting for our shuttle to the Hiker Hostel. The hostel is wonderful and we are looking forward to a good night's rest and being refreshed to start the Trail in the morning. Springer Mountain, here we come!
Date: 2012-02-28
From: Springer Mountain

To: Hickory Flatts Pavilion
Miles today: 6.2

Our first day turned out far differently than we had imagined. First, the forecast had been for showers, but it ended up being a beautiful sunny, warm day. We began at the Springer Mountain parking lot (Big Stamp Gap) and actually hiked back up the AT to the summit of Springer Mountain.At the summit to greet us were fellow hikers Two Isles, and GI Jayne. After a short break and the requisite picture taking at the summit, BAT summitted with his parents to begin his hike. It was then time for the official hike to begin.The day was beautiful and after hiking through rhododendrons, we came to Stover Creek, the perfect place to filter water, and have some lunch. Two Isles, BAT, and GI Jayne had hiked on ahead. Soon we were back on the AT and hiking along through a magnificent forested area, crossing a number of streams along the way. We started to ascend yet another mountainside, and Tagalong's foot began to hurt. The rest breaks were becoming more and more frequent, and it was soon decided that we would not make Hawk Mountain Shelter for the night. After reviewing our AT Guide, we saw that there was supposed to be a pavillion at mile point 6.2, so decided to try for that. At first, we did not see anything and then as we were crossing the road to continue, I spotted something shiny off to the west. Tagalong said, I think it is the pavilion - and it was!! So we hiked the .2 miles to the west, and came upon the Hickory Flatts Cemetery and pavilion. We got the tent and sleeping bags and pads ready for the night. The sun was sinking in the sky, so we made dinner, cleaned up and went to bed. It was early by most people's standards, but we were ready to hit the sack. At least we were out of any weather that might be coming.And come, it did. Around 11, it poured, the wind blew, and the trees thrashed about. We were so thankful to be under that pavillion. Despite the weather, sleep came soundly.
Date: 2012-02-29
From: Hickory Flatts Pavilion

To: HIghtower Gap
Miles today: 2.4

Another day of unsuspected changes. Tagalong and I woke up dry, and actually feeling OK. So after packing up, and a quick cup of tea, we hiked back to the Trail.The Trail immediately began an ascent and the pain returned to Tagalong's foot, along with the intense burning. So after a few rest breaks, we made the turnoff for Hawk Mountain Shelter. We debated about going to the shelter, but he said to keep going, so that is what we did. Soon we could hear what sounded like big trucks, and came to the road at Hightower Gap. The trucks were military vehicles for the US Army Ramger Station in the area.After another short break and a snack, we started across the road to continue. Tagalong looked at the terrain, and said the pain in his foot was so intense, that he could not take another step. Fortunately, I had cell service, so a call was made to Leigh at the Hiker Hostel to see if we could get a shuttle back to the hostel. They were having their own difficulties today, so she gave me Wes Wissom's number (another shuttler in the area)to see if we could get a ride from him. Fortunately, he answered his phone right away and said that he would come and get us, but that it would be about an hour. That was fine with us - Tagalong was just happy to be off his foot. Wes arrived right when he said he would and we enjoyed his company and conversation thoroughly on the way back to the hostel.After getting cleaned up and taking a nap, we are discussing what to do. Tagalong is adamant that he cannot continue. While our pre-hike discussions had always been that I would continue, if he could not, I simply do not want to leave him behind. That being said, unfortunately, I do believe we are off the trail. Our immediate concern is his foot, and getting that healed completely before we do any more hiking.We will return to the AT at some point, but more than likely as section hikers. We give all of the hikers who have completed the Trail, and those who are currently attempting to do so, a lot of credit. Even with all of my training, it is harder than it looks. Good luck to all this who are hiking this year!
Date: 2012-03-04
From: Home

To: Coming Back!
Miles today: 0.0

Returning to the Trail - yes!!! GungHo is returning to the Trail, and if all goes well, on the 16th of March. We'll be leaving our lovely snowy weather on the 14th and heading south. Tagalong is going to slackpack GungHo through Georgia and into Fontana Dam. I am so looking forward to being back out there, because the Trail is where my heart is......
Date: 2012-03-13
From: On the Road Again!

To: Georgia
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

It is finally here! The van is packed and we are prepared to leave again for Georgia in a few hours. I can hardly wait to be back on the Trail again. Looks like Michigan is going to be having the same temps as in Georgia - go figure. Temps in the 70's and 80's for a week in Michigan are unheard of. Looks like all of my hiking buddies are doing well - hope to catch up with you at some point! Should be a beautiful drive to the South! Until then......
Date: 2012-03-14
From: Home

To: Georgia
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

After driving 14 hours, we made it to Dahlonega. WHEW!! It feels good to be back. After relaxing a while at our hotel, we went to eat at Pueblo's Mexican Restaurant - yummy. And guess what I discovered? Forgot my hiking boots in Michigan! Go figure. I mean really, my purpose for coming here was what? I do have my trail trekkers which will have to suffice for now, but I am not happy. Still have not decided if I am starting tomorrow or not. May rest another day.