morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2017-07-12
From: Little Swift River Pond

To: The Farmhouse Inn
Miles today: 4.8
Weather: clear sky

Day 129:This morning we had just 4.8 miles to Maine Rt. 4 where we would walk the .3 miles (there is a difference between walking and hiking .3 miles) to the Hiker Hut to pick up our mail drops. I know I can speak for both myself and "Scooby" when it comes to praising the support we get from our families. Unfortunately for me, my wife and I live in Nova Scotia making it logistically difficult for her to support my hike. Fortunately for me my daughter-in-law Lauren lives in South Carolina and has been my lifeline with mailing me my drop boxes. She is the mother of my beautiful granddaughters, works as a pediatrician, volunteers her time at church, runs her household and makes time to help me. I'm also blessed to have my sister Susan's help and support. Susan is a family doctor, wife, runs her household which includes having recently moved to a new home that requires renovations and a lot of her time. But, she also finds time to help make my journey easier and more manageable. I've said it before and I'll say it again, how blessed am I? "Scooby" has his wife Kellee who he counts on for support and she never lets him down. His drop boxes are always at the pre-established location and his needs are always met. The support we get is imperative to a successful thru-hike and so greatly appreciated. After we picked up our boxes, we caught a shuttle to our hostel, The Farmhouse Inn. Stacy and her staff run this two hundred plus year old farmhouse that is off the charts charming. Stacy is beyond accommodating, especially with shuttles to town for meals (including an ice cream run). Once checked in, we were shown to our room where we were able to get showered and then off to do our laundry. I've explained what a Nero is in past posts, but let me cover this again. A Nero is a day to recharge, regroup, resupply and reorganize for the miles that lay ahead. It's an opportunity to chat with other hikers too, but at the end of the day, it's still a work day. A work day with very few miles to show for it, but so very necessary.    Our plan is to take the 6:30 shuttle back to the trail head and hopefully get in fifteen miles over some tough climbs including Saddleback Mountain and The Horn. But of course there are thunderstorm warnings for tomorrow. At least I'm warm, safe and dry tonight...Whistler
Date: 2017-07-13
From: The Farmhouse Inn

To: Spaulding Mountain Lean-to
Miles today: 18.7
Weather: clear sky

Day 130 The Farmhouse Inn provided everything we needed for a respite from the trail. But, all good things must come to an end. "Scooby" and I were up at 5:00 and agreed that the rain was not going to stop our forward motion. The weather report was calling for rain all day, but we both really want to get home. The other 15-20 hikers there were planning on a ZERO for the day, but "Scooby", myself and "Crispy" were ready to go at 6:30 when Stacy agreed to drive us back to the trail head. It was ugly outside, but we had mountains to climb. With it being cold and wet, the only solution was to work up some body heat. Saddleback Mountain was pretty tough, especially the exposed ridge that was fogged in and freezing. The rocky surface was wet and slippery so we moved cautiously, but still made good time. I wanted to take some pictures of the heavy fog but, that would have required me to stop and I wasn't about to do that. We were up and over The Horn and Saddleback Jr. as quickly as we could and lost "Crispy" along the way when I finally had to stop to put gloves on. We did catch up with him later at Poplar Ridge Lean-to where we stopped for a quick lunch break. When I say quick, I mean quick. It was way too cold for wet hikers to sit around. We were shivering and had to get moving again. The rain finally broke while we were doing our last eight miles to Spaulding Mountain Lean-to. Once there, we all fixed dinner and made for our tents to try to warm up. Tomorrow is a big milestone day for us. We will hug the 2,000 mile mark while also getting to the "less" than 200 mile to go mark. We talked about this over dinner last night with all of us in a state of disbelief. More on that tomorrow...Whistler
Date: 2017-07-14
From: Spaulding Mountain Lean-to

To: Horns Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 18.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 131:We were off to the races (on the trail) at 6:30 this morning. This would be the last full day of climbing the Bigelows of Maine. Tomorrow we will have right at 8 miles of climbs and then things level off for us for a while. But, back to today first... a couple of today's climbs were pretty intense starting with a steep climb up and then back down Spaulding Mountain. South Crocker before lunch and then North Crocker immediately following lunch kept the blood flowing. The best part of the day though was passing the two thousand mile mark. We also now have under two hundred miles to go. When "Scooby" and I got to the 2,000 mile mark (according to our GPS on Guthook), we formed the numerals 2,000 out of sticks and took a few pictures in celebration. Speaking of pictures, the photo on this posting is of Princess Poppy and some of the wild mushrooms we see along the way. FYI, I have mentioned Princess Poppy in past postings, but as a reminder, she belongs to my granddaughters. I take pictures while hiking and send them along to help keep them engaged and a part of my hike. Princess Poppy has been a terrific travel companion, especially since she doesn't weigh that much. That being taken care of, we still had six miles to go for the day with four of them real steep with thunderstorms lurking. The thunder would roll along while it shook the entire mountain under our feet. It was time to move and to move up that mountain as fast as we could or risk a soaking. I'm not sure where the energy comes from after a long day of hiking, but you reach down and grab it and you just go. We won that race fair and square too. We made it to the Campsite and pitched our tents with a couple minutes to spare before that rain. With dinner in its rightful place (my stomach), I spent a bit of time looking at the miles that remain. I'm in my tent planning the end of my hike and I'm in a state of disbelief. Weather permitting, we should summit Mt. Katahdin on July 25th. In the meantime, I am going to do my best to enjoy the rest of this journey. Whistler
Date: 2018-04-24
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Hello my fellow hikers, Whistler here, I am a class of 2017 thru-hiker. I started March 5th, 2017 and made my summit on July 24th, 2017. I am sure you would agree that the AT has changed all of us. I have recently completed and have published my book "Whistler's Walk, the Appalachian Trail in 142 days" that might be of interest to you. It is now available through Amazon as a e-book or paperback. This is the promotional information regarding my book... "In Whistler's Walk: The Appalachian Trail in 142 Days, author Bill Monk brings readers his real-life, day-to-day account of hiking the Appalachian Trail in its entirety, from intense, necessary preparation at the start to the emotionally charged conclusion of summiting Mount Katahdin. Based on Monk's journal entries written daily along the way, readers are afforded the up-close and intimate privilege of witnessing his very real trials and triumphs, and each incredible, beautiful moment as he experienced it. Anyone who has hiked, or plans on hiking the Appalachian Trail, lovers of nature, and those who know what it's like to accomplish a seemingly insurmountable feat will relish the uplifting story of Monk's successful, 2,189-mile trek.With every milestone achieved throughout his life-changing, unbelievably difficult journey, Monk paints a magnificent portrait of the outdoors, and what it's like to fully immerse oneself in nature's glorious, awe-inspiring-and challenging-beauty".I hope you all enjoy reading "Whistler's Walk" as much as I enjoyed my hike and as much as I enjoyed writing about my adventure. Hike on...Whistler
Date: 2018-04-24
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Hello my fellow hikers, Whistler here, I am a class of 2017 thru-hiker. I started March 5th, 2017 and made my summit on July 24th, 2017. I am sure you would agree that the AT has changed all of us. I have recently completed and have published my book "Whistler's Walk, the Appalachian Trail in 142 days" that might be of interest to you. It is now available through Amazon as a e-book or paperback. This is the promotional information regarding my book... "In Whistler's Walk: The Appalachian Trail in 142 Days, author Bill Monk brings readers his real-life, day-to-day account of hiking the Appalachian Trail in its entirety, from intense, necessary preparation at the start to the emotionally charged conclusion of summiting Mount Katahdin. Based on Monk's journal entries written daily along the way, readers are afforded the up-close and intimate privilege of witnessing his very real trials and triumphs, and each incredible, beautiful moment as he experienced it. Anyone who has hiked, or plans on hiking the Appalachian Trail, lovers of nature, and those who know what it's like to accomplish a seemingly insurmountable feat will relish the uplifting story of Monk's successful, 2,189-mile trek.With every milestone achieved throughout his life-changing, unbelievably difficult journey, Monk paints a magnificent portrait of the outdoors, and what it's like to fully immerse oneself in nature's glorious, awe-inspiring-and challenging-beauty".I hope you all enjoy reading "Whistler's Walk" as much as I enjoyed my hike and as much as I enjoyed writing about my adventure. Hike on...Whistler
Date: 2017-04-02
From: Siler Bald 

To: Wayah Shelter 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

I left them at Winding Stair Gap and headed toward Massachusetts. Made it to Harrisonburg, VA and stayed overnight. Received a call from Fahmah. They were camped at Siler Bald overnight. On Sunday, I rode the rest of the way to MA and arrived around 7 pm. Received a call from Fahmah. They were at Wayah Bald tower and enjoying a rest. They stayed at the shelter (in their tents) overnight. I received a call today from Fahmah. It was raining this morning and he was soaking wet and cold! All his gear was wet and he was very uncomfortable. Am waiting to hear from him with the result. Don't know if they waited it out till the rain stopped or if they went back into Franklin to dry out. Will update when I find out.
Date: 2017-04-03
From: Wayah Shelter 

To: Hiawassee
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

After I talked to Fahmah they looked at the forecast for their local area. Snow coming on Thursday, 3-4 inches. Fahmah couldn't imagine handling that, already being cold and wet. He called Dave and Robin again. They rescued the old guys, picked them up around 6pm, stopped for an AYCE dinner, and brought them home with them! I heard from Klip and Robin. Fahmah warmed up in a hot shower. They have decided on a Plan B. Dave and Robin will drop them at Unicoi Gap where I picked them up, and they will walk north. They will pick them up Thursday morning, after a 16 mile hike, and take them home again overnight. Then they will deliver them to Nantahala Outdoor center where Fahmah will be able to get a new rain jacket that doesn't leak! The area they are skipping was severely damaged in the forest fires last year and a very difficult hike. Good choice for the guys. Dave and Robin coming to the rescue once more! So happy for friends like them.
Date: 2017-04-05
From: Hiawassee

To: Tray Mtn
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

On Tuesday, 4/4 Fahmah and Klip were dropped off at Unicoi Gap and they hiked in approx. 5 miles to Tray Mtn where they camped overnight. They woke up in the morning and found that rain was in the forecast for the evening and overnight. It was Fahmah's birthday but they were determined to hike the full 11 miles out before nightfall, without stopping overnight again. Fahmah called Robin and Dave and, of course, they came to rescue again, even leaving a car for them to drive back to their house, while Robin and Dave had a dinner date with friends. They found some hot turkey soup and crackers, warm baths, and wine for Fahmah and bourbon for Klip!! They are being treated like royalty!! Happy Birthday, Fahmah! 77 and going strong!! Thursday will be a zero day (while it rains) and on Friday, Dave and Robin will drop them at Nantahala Outdoor Center.Fahmah would like to thank everyone for the birthday wishes and the phone calls. He was supposed to clean out his mailbox last night after we talked so you can leave messages. But he may have been too tired and plan to take care of it today. We will see. I wouldn't blame him after hiking 11 miles!
Date: 2017-04-06
From: Dicks Creek, Hwy 76

To: Dicks Creek, Hiawassee, GA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I haven't heard from Fahmah yet today, but I did hear from Dave. See the photo of Fahmah's satisfied face at breakfast! There is a story behind that hat. When Dave and Robin picked them up on Monday night, cold and wet, they took them out to eat before taking them home. Fahmah left his John Deere hat at the restaurant. Robin told me he lost his hat, but Dave gave him another to wear. I said he probably left it at the restaurant, as he has done that before! Well, Dave called the restaurant and sure enough, he had left it there. Dave went there and retrieved it for Fahmah! I see he has it back on his head!!! Now, don't leave it again! Will complete the update when I hear from Fahmah today.
Date: 2017-04-07
From: Dicks Creek, Hiawassee Ga

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center in Bryson City, NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light snow

Just got the photo above from Klip. Fahmah has a new rain jacket. Ijust looked at the weather forecast for the area. I didn't see any snow, but it will be breezy. Dave and Robin very graciously drove them to the NOC where they have reservations in the bunkhouse for the next 2 nights. It will be a 5 day hike for them to Fontana Dam, where they will enter the Smokies. Hope there isn't too much snow up there for the guys. We have 5-6 days for spring to come! Pray for it please! We don't want the old guys to be too cold. It is beautiful at the NOC with all kinds of activities available. Check it out at www.NOC.com. White water rafting, zip lines, however, I doubt the old guys will be partaking of the fun this time! ??Will finish the update when I hear from Fahmah (if he has phone service). It can be sketchy up there.
Date: 2017-04-11
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center in Bryson City, NC

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Well, it has been a while since an update. Fahmah and Klip left from Nantahala on Sunday, where they had rested and resupplied. I got a call when he was on the top of the mountain before Sassafras Gap. He called me again from Sassafras Shelter where they stayed overnight. Fahmah is feeling like he can't keep up with Klip and may be holding him back. But he just can't walk as fast and as long as Klip can.We spoke during the day yesterday. He sounded tired and a little discouraged but didn't say anything. It had been a couple of very tough hikes for Fahmah. Then last night I received a text from Klip that it was probably time for Fahmah to come home. They had hiked to Stecoah Gap and had actually found a hostel that was not listed in the Companion or The A.T.Guide. They told me the name, but I forgot what it was (Wolf Creek). A large house with individual guest rooms. I spoke to Fahmah again last night and he said he wasn't sure what he was going to do. His feet were really hurting him and the hiking was tough. But, he would sleep on it and let me know this morning. Well, he thought about it, and decided since he was there, and probably wouldn't have the opportunity again, he would hike on to Fontana Dam and head in to the Smokies with Klip. I thank God for his decision. I really wasn't ready to drive down there so soon, but I would be there in a minute if he needed me. They are headed out today. Will be about 2 days to Fontana. They have supplies and their Smokies Permits waiting for them when they get there. Hopefully they will find lodging for overnight before heading in to the Smokies. Wait for the next update to find out what happens!
Date: 2017-04-15
From: Fontana Dam

To: Birch Spring Gap Campsite
Miles today: 5.8
Weather: broken clouds

The hikers had a good but tough hike in to Fontana. It took 2 days, they arrived mid afternoon on Thursday, 4/13/17. They had reservations already made for 2 nights. They would plan to hike out of Fontana on Saturday morning. The telephone reception (Verizon) was sketchy and Fahmah had to step outside whenever he called me. I had heard from Robin that they hiked southbound a 4 mile trek from Betty's Creek to Carter's Gap and passed 41 NB hikers in that small time. She also said that they met the Barefoot Hiker that Fahmah and Klip had told them about. That area had been burned in the fires last year and the hikers they met were happy to be out of it. Robin and Dave didn't have the heart to tell them they would hit the burnout area again from Wayah Gap all the way to the NOC. That is the section that Fahmah and Klip skipped. We also read that there was another fire this year just above Winding Stair Gap where I had dropped them off after Franklin. The two have been well stocked, well fed, and well rested and called this morning to say they were off into the Smokies. Of course, nothing goes as planned. Fahmah went to use the ATM before leaving and his card wouldn't work. Klip texted me for the pass code and tried it too, and still wouldn't work. It was just as I was supposed to leave for church, but I made an emergency call to the bank (thank goodness for Saturday hours) and she checked in to it. She could see the transaction and the refusal but didn't know why. We assumed a fraud block because we had not notified the bank that Fahmah would be traveling out of state. She notated the file and we will try again when he gets to Gatlinburg. That is 35 miles away.....5 days for the old guys and the rugged terrain they will be hiking. Please pray for safe travels and decent weather. There is actually rain and thunderstorms in the forecast. Let's pray the weather man is wrong this time! Please!! Fahmah hates thunderstorms and refuses to hike in them. Good luck, Klip!Fahmah called me this afternoon around 3. They had hiked since this morning, all up hill, steep up hill! And still had about a mile and 1/2 to get to the camp ground where they will stay tonight. He was happy to sit down a bit while we talked. We talked for a long time. Hope we didn't use up all his power in his phone! Will keep you updated when I hear more from them. Hope you all have a Blessed Easter.
Date: 2017-04-20
From: Birch Spring Gap Campsite

To: Newfound Gap, Gatlinburg, TN
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Time for an update! Will have more news tomorrow, but will fill you in for now.I hadn't heard from Fahmah since the first day they left Fontana, on the 15th. Iknew the phone coverage would be sketchy at best while he was in the GSNP. And, apparently it was. Finally on Tuesday, while all my family was here for a get together, he was able to get some service and I got a short call. He was doing pretty good. There had been rain a couple of days and they got a little wet, but nothing that was too discouraging for them. I had seen lightning in the forecast and was worried, but it turned out all right. Lionel was not having a great day when we talked. It was strange to hear he was grumbling instead of Fahmah! They expect to be in to Gatlinburg today and asked if I could book a room for them. They needed to save their power in their phones so they would be able to call for a ride when they get to Newfound Gap. It is 15 miles west from the AT and they will need a ride! They asked if I could book a room for them so they would be sure to have a room to stay in when they got there. I mailed Fahmah's supplies to NOC Great Outpost and booked a room at the Motel 6, which is the closest motel from there. They didn't tell me 2 nights, but I booked 2 anyway. They can make adjustments when they sign in. I figured they would need the rest and would need to do laundry. I'm sure I will hear from Fahmah once they arrive in Gatlinburg. Will update more tomorrow.
Date: 2017-04-21
From: Newfound Gap, Gatlinburg, TN

To: Motel 6, Gatlinburg, TN
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

I received a call from Fahmah early yesterday afternoon. They were in Gatlinburg. When they hiked in to Newfound Gap there were other hikers, all looking for a ride in to Gatlinburg. Nobody was having much luck. Fahmah and Klip had tried and couldn't even find a taxi! They started talking with an elderly couple that were stopped there from Wisconsin. (They said elderly but they were younger than Fahmah and Klip!) well they visited with them for a while and told them their dilemma the couple gave them a ride all the way in (15 or more miles). Even went to the far end of town because they couldn't remember where the hotel was. They had to turn around and finally found it near where they had entered town. When the couple left them they headed back toward Newfound Gap. They were actually traveling the opposite way! Fahmah said they were truly Trail Angels and can't thank them enough for their help!! When I had booked the room all I could get was a king bed with a pull out sofa. When they registered the hotel came up with a room with 2 queens!! That was terrific because they both needed a good rest. They rested and bathed and went to Texas Roadhouse for dinner. Had a good night's sleep and Fahmah called this morning again. He had trouble with his ATM card in Fontana and was going to try it this morning. He asked for a battery pack so he can charge his phone while he is in the woods in case it runs out of power. I headed down to Best Buy to get one. I got another call from Fahmah telling me his ATM card worked this time!! The call to the bank last week must have worked! The hotel (Motel 6) has a balcony from the room where the guys are staying. Fahmah said there is a beautiful little trout stream running just below the balcony that makes him wish he had his fishing pole!They have another 35 miles till they exit the GSNP at Green Corner Road. They will stop at Standing Bear Hostel when they get there. Should arrive by Wednesday or Thursday. I'll be sending his resupply there along with his battery pack and he wants me to send his teeth!! Hopefully Klip can talk him in to wearing them better than I can!!Fahmah was going to get a buzz cut and a shave today. Hopefully Klip will send me a picture to upload. Will post more when I know more. TTFN