morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-08-24
From: Stealth Camping Spot near North End of 100 MW

To: The Birches Lean-to and Campsite
Miles today: 10.2
Weather: clear sky

Aug 24, 2016 - I was jolted awake by the sound of the air horn at 2:43 am. It was followed by the whoops and yells coming from the guys leaving camp. Everyone in their tents raised a cheer in response - that's easily the most pumped up I've ever been at 2:43 am in the morning. Though I didn't hear it, Legs said they were playing the Final Countdown as they were packing up. Everyone else was up early to get to the sign in sheet for the Birches by 6 am. When we got there, we, of course, knew that the list was full, so we all sat at a nearby picnic table and had some breakfast. Another thru hiker, Thundersnarf, joined us - I don't like to talk negatively about another hiker, but this guy was a pain in the ass. He persistently complains about literally everything and just never stops talking. During a lull in our conversation, he randomly comes out and says, "Confession time...I stole a trail maintainer's lunch and water and then ran away laughing". Yea...unfortunately, it appeared he would be summiting with us.Since it was only 10.2 miles to the Birches Lean-tos and Campsite, today was extremely lazy. The entire hike was flat and ran parallel to a river that provided numerous swimming holes and waterfalls. Our whole group (nicknamed 'Super 8' on the trail registers) hiked together - we walked casually through the woods and stopped for anything and everything remotely interesting. Our first swimming hole had a small waterfall - Verge got everything started by wading very slowly and creepily into the water. Peach splashed her and then Legs and I jumped in. Before you know it, I was in my boxers literally holding onto slippery rocks for dear life for fear I would slide down the waterfall. When I got out, I realized I had a few small leeches on my legs. Absolutely gross! Next, we took a break by a waterfall that looked like a small Niagara Falls and had yet another snack. We forded 2 rivers and finally arrived at the Katahdin Stream Campground at the base of the mountain. The ranger, Ed (this guy was incredibly nice, accommodating and stocked full of good, helpful), information checked us into the Birches, where we got settled and ran into New Hampshire Bob. Super 8 played some card games, built a fire and had some more food. Peach, Goat and I planned on waking up at 1:43 am to hike up Katahdin in time for sunrise so we attempted to go to bed around 6 pm. But sleep was impossible - it felt like the night before Christmas. I don't know when I managed to actually fall asleep, but it didn't matter. Adrenaline and excitement alone were the only fuel sources I needed for the climb in the morning.
Date: 2016-07-17
To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

I have been walking lots since October 2015 in preparation for this great challenge and adventure. Time has come. My wife will drive me to Maine on Monday, we'll spend the night together in a motel and on Tuesday, I'll hit the trail. I am eager to meet up with Odder. Thanks for your interest and prayers for our tripIf all goes well, I'll be on the trail for 6 weeks before my return homeVan
Date: 2016-07-19
From: Cara Tunk

To: Pierce Pond Lean To
Miles today: 4.0

The along awaited Day. Connecting with Odder today (I'm his Little, "Big Brother") and he is my Big, "Little Brother"). Odder has been on the trail for two weeks already and beginning to settle into a trail rhythm (almost)....so I hope to stay on pace, I have my work cut out for me. I'm up for the challenge, I just hope my body will be in sync with my mind...if not, it will have to catch up somehow....Ready, set, go!Meet up Odder in the a.m. and kissed my wife goodbye for 6 weeks...best kiss in a long time...thanks for the help preparing and the drive up...much appreciatedYou Rock!Hit the trail at 1130 a.m. Wslked 10 minutes and hitched a ferry to the other side of the river.....canoe....2 minutes across...too dangerous to ford to the river due to dams on each side of the riverFairly easy first day but a good transition from office chair to hiking boots
Date: 2016-07-22
From:  Base of Little Bigelow Mountain

To: Mount Avery Memorial Campground
Miles today: 7.1

Left camp at 6 a.m., a couple hours before Odder...wanted a head startBegan to rain at 6:15 a.m......enjoyed the coolness sprinkled on a sweating bodySince I was first on the trail, I broke away all of the spider webs for hikers behind...odd feeling...not lots but some....at top of Little Bigelow, I enjoyed the scenic view, and right before more, no more than 100 feet away was the most beautiful fox I have ever seen....when he noticed me, he stopped and looked at me...we starred at each other...for what seemed like 5 minutes....probably only 15 seconds.....a little nervous I would say....not the fox...me... it then decided to run away....awesome site and experience....the early bird gets the worm...or should I say the fox...wildlife is hard to come by on the trail because of the traffic of hikers....lots of moose poop but have not seen the owner....interesting how we can get excited about poop.....Hit the base of Big Bigelow at (Avery Mountain)by 12 a.m. and started my accentWaited at the top of the mountain to summit with Odder....I have never ever ever ever experienced such a work out...took over 3 hours to climb the 2 mile final accent....rocks roots and mud ...steep...lots of breaks neededpic of snicker bar and me at summit....thanks Matt for the bar...did it ever taste great
Date: 2016-07-24
From: Statton Village Hostel

To: sabboth rest
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Sending home a package tomorrow of things that are weighing me down and not really needed. Every hiker apparently needs to learn the hard way....bear minimum only....pun intendedThe hike is very challenging and every ounce counts....reallySending home about 8 pounds and will travel with less foodInteresting fact.....weighed in at Stratton at 186 pounds....after eating and hydrating for a day at the hostel. I'm up to 193.   Which nets out to losing 8 pounds in 6 daysSeems like a lot but we are working out all day long.....sweating like a pigI have never worked this hard in my lifeConstant battle with the mind and body but some how I am persevering Thanks for following me Hope to get a pic up soon once I can figure it out
Date: 2016-07-25
From: Statton Village Hostel

To: south branch of carabasset river
Miles today: 8.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Ever heard of the saying "climbing an up hilll battle"?I have a new perspective since hiking....the downhills can be as challenging as the up hills and "climbing a downhill battle" can have a similar meaning....different experience using different muscles and strategies with mind and body but nevertheless challenging....I need to chew on that for awhile...maybe even ruminantGot on trail at 10 am and hiked Lti 6:30A lot of steep downs looking from the top of another mountain...got good pics of the big elbows already conqueredSee ms like we are hiking in circles....definitely not the shortest route from point a to b as the trail features the mountain peaks in Maine.   Kind of feel like the Israelites in the wilderness for 40 years....there was a shorter route to the promised land but God had something else in mind....something to learn about him and self...a realignmentOne thing I've also learned about the trail is that you have to travel more than one mile to get credited for a mile
Date: 2016-07-26
From: south branch of carabasset river

To: spalding mountain lean to
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Ya,as I was saying, the miles are long. If we could travel in a straight line on the path, the mileage would be accurate. However, we often are walking around roots, rocks and trees and looking for the easier climb with each step. I guess you could say we are stumbling and meandering along the path...this adds mileage.
Date: 2016-07-29
From: rangely farmhouse (hostel)

To: little river swift pond campground
Miles today: 5.0

In town for resupply... Including gators,knife,bandana (sweat like a pig) and alcohol(for my stove...not to consume.Hitched hike. back to trail...maybe took 10 minutesEasier terrain than experienced thus far...travelled 5 miles in 2.5 hoursWalking ahead of odderWe hit trail at 11:45 and I hit destination at 2:15At 4 pm odder still has not arrivedI'm getting worried so I pack up things and put on my backpackAs I'm strapping up I hear a familiar voice..."hey bro"What a reliefTurns out his Fitbit died and lost track of time...walking slo mo since we had a short day
Date: 2016-07-30
From: little river swift pond campground

To: base of old blue mountain
Miles today: 9.2

Had my second fallTwisted ankle over a root sticking out and fell head first down hill, poles in hand, and slid over a mossy rounded rock to the point in which gravity and momentum equalizedThe problem now was getting upI was facing a significant decline with backpack weighing me down...35 pounds...I couldn't get upThinking through my options I decided to rolls to the right and find more level groundWas able to finally get my feet back on solid ground and beneath was me where they are suppose to beArms both badly scrapped, left ankle sore and my shorts were stained green by the moss (sorry about the stains angie??Pulled myself together and continued hikingA couple of minutes later, I noticed my Fitbit had fallen off in the fallWhat are the chances I would find it back?Dropped pack and headed backMuch to my surprise the lost little Fitbit was found....still ticking and in fine shapeThank you LordMade it out of the bush to a. Highway.... Very panoramic scenic view of mountains and lakes and about 100 motorcycles gathered at a lookout spot.....that one is for you Harvey ...hmm and me too....biking would be a nice shift in momentum Maine is very dry this year....usually get 9 feet of snow in the winter... Last year basically nothing ... Ski resorts never openedSummer is dry and stream beds ....bogs etc. Dried up...easier for hiking though
Date: 2016-07-31
From: base of old blue mountain

To: Andover
Miles today: 12.4

saw some wildlife today (animals, if you need more clarity) Spruce Grove chicks (red eyelids), mommy was fat and ready for the pot...hmm very temptingBear scat (no, not mine)...but did joke about it...huge pile right on the pathwaymoose poop if very common along the trailclimbed Beamis Old Blue Mountain...3600 feet approx and had the biggest down ever! super dangerous and went on for ever...it was ridiculous 2.8 miles of descent...the last mile was over the top....I thought I went on a hiking trip...it turns out that mountaineering skills are required too...was really hard on the knees and anklesCrazy dreams in my first couple of weeks on the trail.....not real circumstances but definitely real people and places that I have worked or lived in the last 20 years....Marlee my dog) even had a final "on stage show"showing her tricks for the final time (even though she appeared to be very sick and about to die)...what an amazing dog....always ready and willing to please her master, even on her death bed....it was very emotional...
Date: 2016-08-01
From: andover

To: East B Hill Andover
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: overcast clouds

spent the previous nite in a hostel and decided to slack pack my first day of retirement....slacking off on my first day seemed very fitting....what this meant was that Odder and I packed snacks and water only and travelled lightly...we left our packs and gear at the hostel. at the end of our 10 mile hike, we were picked up and brought back to the hostel for another night of sleep on a bed....another way to celebrate my first day...a nice soft mattress..tough hike...had some rain...another steep down...which obviously means we had a steep up too!
Date: 2016-08-02
From: East B Hill Andover

To: Baldpate Shelter
Miles today: 8.0

Another hard day, all day long, but rewarded with amazing views at the peakshad to use some ladders and ropes to climb some steep portionsBlessed with some trail magic....Huh, what's that?In a cold stream, along the path, we found a pile of beer/pop cans...locals who have a heart for hiking and hikers have been known of these types of acts of kindness...was well received...Thank you!
Date: 2016-08-03
From: Baldpate Shelter

To: Bottom of Muhoosuc Arm
Miles today: 5.8
Weather: mist

Long day, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.It was a 2 mile hike out to the nearest road...we have been re-connecting with a group of girls, from a summer camp program, from time to time...this was there day for resupply at the road.....when there resupply arrived, they received a very festive breakfast of fruit and chicken....any fruit that you could think of: berries, melons, oranges, apples, watermelon, and legs of chicken....juice, ice tea, (flavoured water, oh yeah...) Once the girls had there initial fill and were on to reading their delivered mail, the leaders invited Odder, Achilles and I to dig in....what a feast, the best breakfast ever! I will never forget the joy and screams that the girls expressed when they saw the food arrive and I must say, the internal gratitude and internal elation of participating in this feast...awesome!We have much to be thankful for...many of which we take for grantedLeaving with less for awhile seems to bring out more respect and thankfulness for what you have...not just food, family and friends too...Lessons learned on the trials....oops I mean trails....Climbed old Spec Mountain....a hard climb...3.8 milesHard work often pays off with great rewards...view was awesome
Date: 2016-08-04
From: Bottom of Muhoosuc Arm

To: Carlo Col Shelter
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: clear sky

The Muhoosuc Notch...approx. 1 mile in length....is known and termed the hardest mile of the Applachian trail...It took Odder and I, three hours to travel this portion...it consists of a puzzle of twisted boulders (size of car garages or bigger), vegetation that forces the "hiker" ( I would say better termed, "mountaineer")...to determine best ways to navigate...over, under or around....underneath the rocks you can hear the sounds of a moving stream of water, from continued melting of ice...yes ice...this challenge, in my opinion was welcomed and rewarded with very cool temperatures for travelling/navigating....it was like sitting in a cold basement during a hot humid day....Note....the trail was better marked for the Nobos...the Sobos had to re-invent the wheel at times...I loved every minute of this mile and the extra challenge....needless to say though we did not cover many miles this day...but we worked equally hard....some miles take longer to travel...climbed 4 or 5 mountains today...views were great...I was wipedankles very sore, especially the one that was injured...not getting better with the continually pounding it takes when descending and landing on uneven terrain.
Date: 2016-08-06
From: Trident Col Campsite

To: Gorham Village
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: few clouds

7.5 miles out to highway...hitch a ride to GorhamThe past three days were difficult on my ankles: swollen, aching and lots of pain. I've also lost my appetite on the trail and not sleeping well...Time to regroup, refresh and decide next steps
Date: 2016-08-07
From: Gorham Village

To: Brampton Ontario
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Unfortunately, the condition of my ankles, especially the one I injured during a fall, I had a week earlier has taken it's toll and I have decided that continuing the journey, would not be to the best interest for my ailing ankles.Maine was rugged terrain and New Hampshire (of which we just entered a couple of days ago), is even more rugged...the White Mountains are ahead). I could perhaps continue with the pain but do fear in causing permanent damage to my ankles, a risk that I am not prepared to take...The journey has been great in many ways for me and I am thankful that I had this time away from the busyness of day to day responsibilities and a transition from full time employment to a new life of "retirement"...(what that means to me will come more clear during the next year...there is a lot of life to live and a lot of me to give...).Mentally I am ready to go home to reconnect with wife and family.Took over 24 hours to get home by bus, with many transfers and a train ride from TO to BramptonMade it home safely at 11 a.m. on Monday August 8thHats off to Odder! The trail is rugged and tough...physically and mentally...It's not what you can call enjoyable....Your goal is to complete the trail by November 2016, I wish you well Bro! Keep us informed. I will be checking your blog regularly.
Date: 2016-02-12
From: Oconee State Park Georgia 

To: Table Rock South Carolina 
Miles today: 0.0

We started our 5 day ( 76 mile ) trek in search of adverse conditions, such as rain or snow, in order to test out our gear. This is going to sound terrible, but we were thoroughly disappointed when the weather was 60 degrees and sunny most of the trip haha. It was absolutely perfect hiking weather ! The foothills trail was beautiful, and it had just about every thing a hiker could want. There were 5 different river gorges, Huge waterfalls around every corner, and breathe taking views ! While we were out there we only saw 2 people, both of which were fellow hikers. The solidarity was nice, but very strange and hard to get used to. We found ourselves extremely excited at the sight of a sign or even a road because we might get to see someone, or get an idea of where we were and how far we had walked. On the last night we decided to stealth camp near the top of Sassafras Mountain, the highest point in South Carolina. That night the temperature got down to 14 degrees and the winds reached 30 MPH !! I can't say we were comfortable, but we got a good bit of sleep and stayed fairly warm throughout the night. One major concern we had (in the middle of the night) was the stability of our tarp tent. We were ready for the wind to collapse our tent at any second, but the Sierra Designs Tensegrity held up admirably! All in all we felt that our gear performed well, although we had a minor spork malfunction. We averaged about 17 miles per day, and I think this was a little ambitious pace to start at, considering we were both very tired and soar by the last day. We learned a lot, and we are super excited to start our AT thru hike on March 6th.
Date: 2016-02-13
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

The final countdown is on ! With less than 4 days until departure, excitement and packing efforts are at an all time high. In hopes of saving money and time, we decided to pack all of our meals in advance and ship them to ourselves. We have 36 boxes that we are shipping to various trail towns along our trek. We have 4 meals each day that total around 4,000 calories. I guarantee we will be sick of everything we packed by Harper's Ferry (half way). For breakfast we have packed a 1,000 calorie shake, comprised of powdered whole milk, carnations instant breakfast, protein powder, and ground vegetables. It tastes like Chocolate! We have two 1,000 calorie lunches which are both an assortment of granola bars, trail mix, Peanut Butter crackers, etc. Dinner has a base of either cous cous, instant rice, noodles, or quinoa, with chicken or sausage and freeze dried vegetables! We have assembled almost 1,000 meals for the two of us over the next 4 months. It has been tedious work, and we are so glad to have this part of our trip behind us. Although we will probably looking back on how easy this was after a couple months on the trail. A special thank you to our parents and girlfriends for their help in the packing and planning process! We are going to spend the last few nights in civilization enjoying cable tv, our beds, and soft pillows! Next stop Springer Mountain Georgia !
Date: 2016-03-06
From: springer mountain

To: justus creek
Miles today: 16.0

Today was our first day on the trail. We woke up at 5:30 this morning and departed at 6:15 for our assault on springer mtn. After a beautiful drive we got on the trail in good spirits around 11, we may have gotten a little lost getting there...we hiked the mile back to springer accompanied by our entourage(Courtney, mom, Pam and Susan), thank you guys for all the love and support. Once we said goodbyes we headed up trail. It was a beautiful clear skies and Early on we met our first through hiker Brian Migliano (drummer boy). He was 23 and just graduated college, so we had a good bit I'm common. We hiked with him until 8 miles in at hawk mountain shelter. Sassafras mtn. Was up next, for being the biggest peak of the day the uphill wasn't terrible but the downhill took a toll on both of our knees. At the top we stopped for lunch and saw an unknown critter, possibly a Martin, or groundhog? After that we reached cooper gap. We saw Austin (coworker) for the first time at the bottom. There was a guy doing some trail magic so we got some clementines. There was also a big tank of potable water, which was nice after the tough climb at sassafras. After that we rolled into camp at Justus creek. Eli took his sleeping pad out of the stuff sack only to find it covered in mold (classic Eli). I am trying to think of a trail name that involves mold for him. It was good camping with Austin. Stayed up a little later than usual, but were still in bed by 9. All in all a good first day on the trail couldn't have asked for much more. Onto bull gap tomorrow!
Date: 2016-03-07
From: justus creek

To: Neel's Gap
Miles today: 17.3

We packed up camp this morning and said bye to our good friend Austin. We knew we were going to have to hike a long way to reach Neal's gap, where our mom had left a package full of food for us. The overcast weather turned to sun and warm skies by mid morning. We met a lot of other really nice hikers as the day continued. It seems accustom to say "happy trails" to one another as you part ways. The trail had a lot of elevation gain (and loss) today, and we found there to be many good views! Preacher's rock was the first of many great sights the Georgia mountains had to offer. Around 3 o'clock we started our first real climb up blood mountain, which is the highest point on the Georgia section of the AT ! of course Eli and I both ran out of water about half way up, luckily we were very hydrated. When we reached the top we met shaggy, bushhog, James, and a whole bunch of spring breakers from Florida State. The spring breakers felt bad for us and offered food, which we turned down for some reason.... Blood mountain was our favorite climb and view of the trail so far! We descended a very steep 2 miles with our new friends to Neil's gap, which was very unpleasant for our knees. Mountain crossing is a small outpost that the trail runs right through. It is the only place on the trail that goes under a roof ! We collected our package and pitched camp behind the outpost in the woods. While we were hanging out we got to eat the left over hot dogs that hadn't been purchased that day, true trail magic. The second day was another one for the books and we can't wait to see what tomorrow has to hold.