morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-08-16
From: Crocker Cirque Campsite

To: Stratton, Maine
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Woke up in the middle of the night. Decided to try some night photography. I will tell you now, I need more practice. Started hiking around 7AM. had a 1200 foot climb up South Crocker Mountain. Then there was a brief descent before ascending North Crocker Mountain. After a rest Dr. G and I made the nearly 2800 foot descent over 5 miles to Maine Highway 27. From there we got a shuttle to Spillover Motel near Stratton. We got a room, then had lunch, did laundry and resupplied. Later I got another meal and finished prepping for tomorrow.
Date: 2016-08-17
From: Stratton, Maine

To: Horns Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 5.1
Weather: light rain

Slept in a little. Had breakfast at the motel. Later in the morning we got a shuttle back to the AT. It rained hard last night and the clouds were dark this moring. When we started hiking ata 9:45AM, a light rain started. It eased up off and on but the wind blew hard and knocked water off of the leaves as we hiked. The first mile or two was easy, then i started getting steep, slippery and muddy. Water was flowing down the middle of the trail. We arrived at Horns Pond Lean-to at around 1PM. The rain was picking up. So was the wind. We decided to call it a day after only 5.1 miles and aim for a big day tomorrow.
Date: 2016-08-18
From: Horns Pond Lean-to

To: East Flagstaff Lake Tentsite
Miles today: 12.8
Weather: overcast clouds

got up around 5:40AM and started hiking at 6:45AM. Cool morning and windy. Initially it was clear then the clouds moved back in. As we climbed nearly 700 feet to the South Horn, the clouds started to clear again. had some nice views on South Horn, Bigelow Mountain West Peak and Avery Peak. It was also very windy. The wind definitely added to today's adventure. The next few miles went kind of slow due to all the rocks. It was tough hiking all morning. had lunch near Little Bigelow Mountain. The trail smoothed out some and we made better time. Made it to East Flagstaff Lake Tentsite. We arrived at 3:25PM. I was hoping to go a little further but it just wasn't happening today. Thankfully we have a nice tentsite. It is by East Flagstaff lake. There is a nice breeze and some whitecaps on the lake.
Date: 2016-08-19
From: East Flagstaff Lake Tentsite

To: Pierce Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: light rain

I felt tired when I got up this morning. Didn't rest very much last night. We started hiking around 6:30AM. We had a small climb, around 500 feet, then a moderate climb, about 800 feet, to start the day. We made 5 miles in a little over 2.5 hours. the trail didn't have many ascents for the rest of the day. Some short rolling inclines but nothing major. The trail was very rocky in several sections, especially by the water. Had to be careful where we stepped. Shortly after lunch, we passed a boggy area and we noticed a bull-moose feeding in the pond. We stopped and watched. I took some pictures and video. We resumed hiking and made it to Pierce Pond Lean-to. We will stay here tonight. We were not able to get to the Kennebec River in time to get the ferry ride across. Other hikers arrive as the afternoon goes by. Fugitive is one of them. He has to have one of the smallest and lightest backpacks I've seen. Everyone seems to enjoy the view of Pierce Pond. It is nice. And we have seen some loons and hear some moose calls.
Date: 2016-08-20
From: Pierce Pond Lean-to

To: Bald Mountain Brook Lean-to
Miles today: 18.7

Got up around 5:45AM. We reserved a spot at Harrison's Pierce Pond Camps for breakfast this morning. We had the 12 pancake breakfast with milk and juice. The camp will set you up with breakfast if you reserves a spot with them the day before. For anyone doing this section on the AT, I highly recommend the breakfast. Mr. Harrison is a nice guy and accommodated all the guests. After breakfast, Dr. G and I get back on the trail. We made it to the Kennebec River around 9:45AM. We take the ferry across the river. When we walk up to the highway, we start walking to The Sterling Inn when the owner pulls up to drop off another hiker. The other hiker is Lost and Found. We keep running into each other. Nice girl. The owner picks Dr G and myself up and then he picks up two more hikers before we head to The Sterling Inn. The Sterling Inn is a really nice place. And they have plenty of resupply items. Dr G and I resupply and grab a quick snack. The owner shuttles us back to the trail and we are back to hiking. The trail is nice for most of the day. A few tough sections but still nice trail. We arrive at a campsite near Bald Mountain Brook Lean-to around 6:15PM. We are tired but feel good about the day. We set up our tents. Other hikers tenting here include: Mountain Goat, Chopper, The Professor and Lost and Found.
Date: 2016-08-21
From: Bald Mountain Brook Lean-to

To: Shaw's Hostel- Monson, Maine
Miles today: 22.0

Had trouble sleeping last night. Started hiking this morning at 6:45AM. Had an immediate climb up Moxie Bald Mountain. It was a gain of 1300 feet over 2 miles. As we made it to the summit, clouds settled on the mountain and we had poor visibility. Not only were there no views on the summit due to the clouds but the trail was poorly marked and we had difficulty finding our way down initially. As we descended, the weather improved and the clouds lifted. Unfortunately, there were still no views. As we continued our descent towards Moxie Bald Mountain Lean-to, we heard a loud crash of trees off in the distance. Moments later, more noise. Then we could see small trees and bushes shake. The noise and shaking of bushes got stronger. I heard a grunting sound and saw a black blur in the bushes. Initially it looked like it was heading towards me but then it went at an angle. Soon an adult black bear comes darting across the trail about 15-20 in front of me. It happened so quickly that I didn't have time to get a picture. What made it confusing was the bear was running towards the sound of dogs barking off in the distance. Later we take a break at Moxie Bald Mountain Lean-to. Soon we resume hiking. We make it to Horseshoe Canyon Lean-to and have lunch along with Mountain Goat and three guys doing a flip-flop. We hike on. We ford the East Branch of Piscataquis River. Hiked into the late afternoon. We reached Maine highway 15 around 5:55PM. We get a shuttle to Shaw's Hostel in Monson. Later, Dr. G and I go to the AT visitor center and register for Baxter State Park. We saw notes on the trail stating it was mandatory to visit the center and register but the lady at the center said it was not mandatory just preferred. But she is the one that put up the signs. They are trying to work out a system for the park and hikers to limit crowd and other complications. However, I don't think putting up signs giving false "mandatory" instructions is the right way to go about it. Good intentions but bad judgment on this occasion. Later in the evening we get something to eat, clean up and prepare for tomorrow.
Date: 2016-08-22
From: Shaw's Hostel- Monson, Maine

To: Wilson Valley Lean-to
Miles today: 10.4

Had breakfast at Shaw's. Everyone went away with a full stomach. They have a good breakfast here. It was raining when we first got up but it stopped while we were eating breakfast. After breakfast we finished resupplying and then got a shuttle back to the trail. There we saw Mountain Goat arrive for a shuttle ride back into town. We started hiking at 10:45AM. The trail was wet from all the rain earlier. Lots of roots across the trail. Very slippery. There were a lot short and steep ascents and descents. We had to rock hop across several streams and we had to ford Little Wilson Stream and Big Wilson Stream. Got a nice view of Little Wilson Falls. We arrived at Wilson Valley Lean-to around 5:30PM. The weather has felt like fall weather all day. A little cool, breezy and leaves on the ground. Very nice day even though the trail was tougher than we expected.. Staying in the lean-to tonight.
Date: 2016-08-23
From: Wilson Valley Lean-to

To: Chairback Gap Lean-to
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: fog

It got cold last night and I was very tired when I got up this morning. We started hiking at 7:15AM. Thankfully we didn't have to ford any streams this morning. We were able to rock hop across the streams. Saw a couple of nice waterfalls along Wilber Brook and Vaugh Stream. Then hiked up to the Barren Ledges. We took a break there and enjoyed the views. Some of the best views we have seen over the past few days. The rest of the day seemed to drag on and last forever. We finally made it to Chairback Gap Lean-to area after 6PM. It was very crowded. At least 30 people at the site. Someone decided to hog the shelter area and put there tent in it even with this many people at the site. Dr G and I found a camp area. I setup my tent and he cowboy camps. Both of us are tired. It was a long and tough day.
Date: 2016-08-24
From: Chairback Gap Lean-to

To: Long Brook Lean-to
Miles today: 17.1

Got up around 5:35AM and started hiking at 6:50AM. Had the steep, rocky/bolder descent from Chairback. Thankfully it isn't a very long section. Later we ford the West Branch Pleasant River and continued hiking till lunch at Carl A. Newhall Lean-to. From there we had multiple ascents and descents, from Gulf Hagas Mountain to West Peak to Hay Mountain to Whitecap Mountain. Atop Whitecap Mountain, we had nice but limited views off in the distance due to a heavy haze. We descended to Logan Brook Lean-to and setup in the shelter. Tired but pleased with the day.
Date: 2016-08-25
From: Long Brook Lean-to

To: Antlers Campsite
Miles today: 19.6

Didn't sleep much lst night. Started hiking at 6:50AM. We descended Whitecap Mountain, passed West Branch Pond Road and continued hiking past East Branch Lean-to. Took a break after 2.5 hours of hiking. Made it past Little Boardman Mountain and then took a short break at Cooper Brook Falls Lean-to where I took a few pictures of the waterfall. It was getting warm by this time of the day. I seemed to trip or stump my foot over every rock and root on the trail this afternoon. I can only attribute this to fatigue. Very frustrating afternoon. We arrived at Antlers Campsite around 4:30PM. I set up my tent, snack, rest and then eat a little more. Long but productive day. And to top things off, while resting at the campsite, I saw a Pine Martin near my tent.
Date: 2016-08-26
From: Antlers Campsite

To: Rainbow Springs Lean-to
Miles today: 21.7
Weather: fog

Another night of limited sleep. It was warm and very humid when I got up. It rained for a little while last night and then warm and humid. Then chilly and then back to warm and humid. Started hiking at 6:50AM. Took a brief break at Potaywadjo Spring Lean-to. Later in the morning while hiking across a bog bridge, I had a really bad fall. And that was after slowing down to be careful. Thankfully no injury. Took us awhile to get to Nahmakanta Lake but when we did, we were over joyed. TRAIL MAGIC!!! Hotdogs! Soft drinks! Chips! Cookies! Freshly made French Fries! Bacon! And other snacks! It totally lifted our spirits!! Many thanks to the Trail Angels (Owl, Teresa, Scrambles). We left there full of food and energy. We made it to Wadleigh Stream Lean-to and got some water and then climbed up Nesuntabunt Mountain. The mountain kicked my butt. No problem though. I was still thinking about the trail magic. We hiked steadily till we made it to Rainbow Springs Lean-to at 7PM. Another long day but we feel good.
Date: 2016-08-27
From: Rainbow Springs Lean-to

To: Abol Pines Campsite
Miles today: 15.0

I was wide awake till about 1:30-2AM. So obviously I was tired before we started hiking today. Started hiking at 7:10AM. Had a lot of roots, rocks and mud. Also a lot of abrupt ascents and descents. Thankfully they were short. Had lunch at Hurb Brook Lean-to and then pushed onto Golden Road. And guess what we found. More Trail Magic!! Woohoo!! A wonderful couple from Boston came up and provided the trail magic. Even though we were near Abol Bridge and a restaurant, it was great to get the trail magic. Enjoyed a little conversation and snacks. Afterwards Dr. G and I made our way to the Abol Bridge restaurant and store. Had a hamburger and soda. Then I got some ice cream from the store. We set up camp at the Abol Pines Campsite. We will hike into Baxter State Park tomorrow. We are excited.
Date: 2016-08-28
From: Abol Pines Campsite

To: The Birches- Baxter State Park
Miles today: 10.3
Weather: scattered clouds

It was a little noisy at the start of the night. A few individuals set off some fireworks. Thankfully, it didn't last long. When I got up this morning it was cool and overcast. Grabbed a quick bite at the store and we were hiking at 7:30AM. We signed the registration form as we entered Baxter State Park. The hiking was good today. I was able to rock hop across two streams instead of fording. Took a few pictures of some waterfalls along the way. It felt a little strange. The first time I was up here was in 2009. Now, 7 years later, I am nearing the completion of this segment of my AT hike. It will most likely be the last time I see these site. We made it to Katahdin Stream Campground and registered with the Ranger. We got a spot in the Birches. Set our gear up in the shelter and wait for tomorrow. Hopefully the weather won't be as bad as they are forecasting.
Date: 2016-08-29
From: The Birches- Baxter State Park

To: Katahdin Summit
Miles today: 5.1
Weather: light rain

It rained a little last night. We got packed and headed to the Ranger office around 6:45AM. The skies looked good as we started heading to the office. After we got day packs and supplied up on water, the skies were turning cloudy and dark. We double check with the Ranger and get the forecast. Forecast is slight chance of rain for this morning and winds increasing to 20 mph later in the day. We move out and head up the Hunt/Appalachian Trail. We pass some people and others pass us. As we got above treeline, the winds were picking up. I could tell they would be more than 20 mph at the top. The clouds continued to roll in and visibility turned poor. We could see about 50-100 yards, depending on the winds and our location. We continued to hike, the climb and then crawl up Mount Katahdin. By the time we made it to The Gateway/The Tableland, the clouds had settled in for good and the winds were around 30 mph. By the time we made it to the summit, the winds were 30-35 mph and gusts up to about 45 mph. The temperature felt like it was in the 50's. We couldn't see much as we neared the summit but we definitely were able to identify the sign atop Baxter Peak. We summited around 10:45AM. A few high fives, fist bumps, jokes and a few pictures later and we start our descent. The wind continued to blow strong the entire time we remained above treeline. It actually seemed a little easier going down the mountain than it did going up. We crawled, climbed and hiked our way down Mount Katahdin. We arrive at the Ranger's Station around 2 PM. The wind was a lot milder at the station and visibility was good. Dr. G is officially a thru-hiker. Congratulations to him. I still have to complete a section I skipped earlier. But today, even with some harsh weather, everyone is happy.
Date: 2016-09-01
From: Katahdin Summit

To: Abingdon, Virginia
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Over the past few days I have traveled back to southern Virginia in order to resume hiking and complete the section that I skipped earlier this year. Dr. G and I shared a ride to New York and then we each headed our own way. It was good hiking with him for the past couple of months. Really nice guy. Hope he has a safe trip back home. I will get back on the AT tomorrow and head south to the Nantahalia Outdoor Center (NOC) in North Carolina. Then I can claim thru-hiker status. Looking forward to the rest of my adventure.
Date: 2016-09-02
From: Abingdon, Virginia

To: Double Springs Shelter
Miles today: 18.7
Weather: clear sky

It has been a while since I've posted here. My apologies. It seems whenever I have had time to post I didn't have access to post and when I had access, I didn't have time. Anyways, I left Abingdon via shuttle to Damascus. Mount Rogers Outfitters provided the shuttle. Started hiking today at the same spot I left Damascus in March. Left there around 8AM. The weather was nice despite the hurricane/tropical storm Hermine. It was cool and a little cloudy. I could tell it had been a few days since my last hike. My legs felt rested but tired easily going up any steep section. There were not a lot of views today. Thinking back to 2009 when I hiked this section I thought there would have been a lot more open fields later in the day. Guess I am mistaken or the trail has been rerouted. I did pass two ladies earlier in the day. We spoke and discussed the water situation in the area and exchanged reports we have received. The trail conditions were nice today. And the weather felt like a crisp fall day for most of the day. The only thing I didn't like was that I walked into a ton of cobwebs during the day. I made it to Double Springs Shelter around 4PM. I set up a spot in the shelter. Do the usual evening routine and relax. As I write in my journal, I notice a bear climbing up and down a tree not far from the shelter. I'm the only one here. Could be an interesting night. Feels good to be here.
Date: 2016-09-03
From: Double Springs Shelter

To: Braemar Castle Hostel-Hampton
Miles today: 23.3

It got cool last night and the bear didn't cause any problems. Matter of fact, after it climbed down the tree the last time I never saw or heard any other sign of it. The night was also nice. Lots of stars out. Clear skies this morning too. Started hiking around 8:05AM. I did cross a few open fields this morning but not as many as I thought I remembered. Due to the water reports I have been told, I carried extra water. Ended up, there was water in this section but it is scattered. There were a lot of knocked over trees blocking the trail today. This slowed me down some. Thankfully, it did improve over the last 9 miles. Not many views today either. I pushed to make it to Hampton, Tennessee (US highway 321) in order to give me some flexibility over the next few weeks. I was tired when I finished. Got a shuttle to the Braemar Castle Hostel. Got something to eat at a local restaurant and settling down for the evening.
Date: 2016-09-04
From: Braemar Castle Hostel-Hampton

To: Moreland Gap Shelter
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Had a little trouble falling asleep last night. Also had a little delay in getting shuttled back to the trail. Started hiking a little after 9AM. Had a steady climb up to the Pond Flats (about 1800 feet over 3.5 miles). There was no water at the tent site up there. Thankfully, I was carrying extra water again today. I descended to the Laurel Fork area, about 1700 feet. Took a break at the Laurel Falls, then hiked a 1700 foot ascent. It was steep at times but the trail leveled out some. The trail conditions were good today. There were a few trees blown down but the footing was good. Made it to Moreland Gap Shelter at 4:30PM. Set my gear up in the shelter and relaxed for the rest of the evening.
Date: 2016-09-05
From: Moreland Gap Shelter

To: Mountain Harbour B&B/Hostel- Roan Mtn, Tenn.
Miles today: 18.9
Weather: clear sky

Had a nice night. Started hiking at 8:05AM. The terrain was good today. Only drawback, more cobwebs. Made good time and arrived at Mountaineer Shelter around 12:10PM. Chatted with some day hiker and resupplied with water. Got back on the trail at 1:05PM. Later I took a side trail to see Jones Falls and then returned to the AT. Made it to US Highway 19East around 4:50PM then walked 0.3 mile to the Mountain Harbour B&B/Hostel. Got a place in the hostel. Couldn't get a shuttle into town this evening so I will have to wait till tomorrow. Thought about slack packing tomorrow but decided against it.
Date: 2016-09-06
From: Mountain Harbour B&B/Hostel- Roan Mtn, Tenn.

To: Mountain Harbour B&B/Hostel- Roan Mtn, Tenn.
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Didn't hike any today. Made it to town and took care of resupply and other business. Ended up having to walk back to the hostel. I'm tenting tonight at the hostel.
Date: 2016-09-07
From: Mountain Harbour B&B/Hostel- Roan Mtn, Tenn.

To: Roan High Knob Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: clear sky

I tented near the highway last night. It was kind of noisy but I was able to get a little rest. Started hiking at 8:25AM. Started out with a climb over 2500 feet the first 5 miles or so. That brought me to the summit of Hump Mountain. Prior to reaching the summit, I walked out of a wooded area with lots of shade and entered the wide open area surrounding Hump Mountain summit. The views were excellent. I've hiked this section before but this time seemed so much better. Much more colorful today. I took video and a lot of pictures. At times I found myself grinning and laughing as I took in the views. After Hump Mountain, I hiked over Little Hump Mountain and then made my way to Overmountain Shelter. Arrived there around 1PM. Several other hikers were there and we talked for a little while. Before I knew it, it was after 2PM. I finally got back on the AT at 2:30PM. Had another climb, over 1200 feet. I passed the Stan Murray Shelter along the way. Later I crossed over Grassy Ridge Bald, Jane Bald and Round Bald. Excellent views again. So I obviously ended up grinning and laughing again. Made it to Carvers Gap and then hike up another 700 feet to Roan High Knob Shelter. I set up my tent. Spoke with some section hikers whom I had met at the Mountain Harbour Hostel this morning. They got a shuttle to Hughes Gap and are hiking north. I had a lot of climbing today but I feel pretty good.
Date: 2016-09-08
From: Roan High Knob Shelter

To: Cherry Gap Shelter
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: clear sky

Started hiking around 8:10AM. Hiked steadily to Hughes Gap then took a break. The trail was mostly nice after the break. Had lunch and resupplied water at Clyde Smith Shelter. Hiked strong the rest of the day since there were no steep ascents or descents. Arrived at Cherry Gap Shelter around 4:20PM. Set up my tent and did my evening chores. Later in the afternoon, I meet Winston. She is finishing her thru-hike soon. Also meet another hiker who is going north to Virginia. Both ladies were interesting to talk with. Everyone seemed to have a good story or two to tell.
Date: 2016-09-09
From: Cherry Gap Shelter

To: Uncle Johnny's Hostel-Erwin, Tenn.
Miles today: 17.5

Started hiking at 7:50AM. Had a steady 11200 foot climb up Unaka Mountain to start the day off. After descending Unaka Mountain I took a short break and snacked. Resumed hiking and came across Beauty Spot Gap. I enjoyed the views. Hike until about 1:15PM when I took a break near Curley Maple Gap Shelter. Afterwards, I hiked till I got to River Road-Unaka Springs Road and got a room at Uncle Johnny's Hostel. Cleaned up, washed clothes, then got a ride into town where I ate at a Mexican restaurant and then resupplied.