morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-08-09
From: mt moosilauke

To: franconia notch
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: light rain

We bit off more than we could chew today. We decided to slack pack for a second day. The hostel delivered our packs to Chet's in Lincoln NH. The first mistake was breakfast, leftover birthday cake, water melon and coffee. It took about 45 minutes to drive to the trailhead. We hit the trail at 8:00, later than we had wanted. The hike was very strenuous and technical. Officially we climbed over south kinsman mountain at 4300 ft and north kinsman mountain at 4200 ft. Lots of climbing straight up and straight down. Early afternoon we got a sprinkling of rain. Slippery rocks are the worse. Very slow going. Treacherous. Stressful. Long story short, walkin home finishes at 6:30, eagle and McFly at 7:00 ish. Happy and I race to beat darkness. It took me 12 hours to hike 16 miles. We slack packed so all we had was food and water, no tents or sleeping bags. The day ended well. Sensing disaster walkin home called his wife in Portland Maine. On spur of the moment she drives two hours to New Hampshire to support us. It turns out that our hotel is about a dozen miles from the trailhead and hitching is not a good option. At 8:00 that evening happy and I walk to the trailhead parking lot and there's Diane at the wheel of her SUV waiting to transport us to town. Talk about a trail angel. She and walkin home drive us to McDonald's and then the econolodge.
Date: 2015-08-10
From: franconia notch

To: Lincoln
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Four hikers in a double room. Econolodge. PHEW. much needed rest day as we get ready to climb up from Franconia Notch and enter the heart of the White Mountains.easy day. The usual, laundry, showers, food re-supply, another shower, more food etc.
Date: 2015-08-14
From: Ethan Pond

To: Nauman Campsite
Miles today: 9.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Happy and I cut the day short at Mizpah Spring Hut. The plan was to end the day at Lake of the Clouds Hut and then climb Mt Washington the next morning but at 3:00 dark clouds and dropping temps convinced us to stay put. Two days ago we had been caught out above tree line in 40 degree weather and rain. Wet rocks and lousy weather. CautionWalkin HOme and Old Eagle Scout hiked ahead of Happy and me all day. I estimate that they were 45 minutes ahead. They made it to Lake of the Clouds hut. We'll catch them later, maybe. I have to be cautious and frankly I'm a bit slower than those guys and little more conservative in my approach.   Besides the descents are killing my poor knees.
Date: 2015-08-15
From: Nauman Campsite

To: Madison Spring Hut
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: light rain

Day started early. Happy and I arrived at Lake of the Clouds Hut around 9:30 ish. We hung out drinking coffee, eating coffee cake and talking to other hikers. Stunning views.We reached the summit of Mt Washington (6288 ft) about 11:30. Tons of people which was odd but made it interesting. A bike ride had just ended at the summit. 7.2 miles. It seemed like most riders were 90 minutes to 120 minutes. I'm told the average grade up the road is 12% with sections nearing 25%.A cog train and a toll road deliver lots of tourists.Cool weather mostly clear skies, a few clouds. Hung out a table with other hikers, charging phones, eating hotdogs and discussing the descent.The descent was more difficult for me than the ascent. It took me about 5 hours to walk the six miles down to Madison Spring Hut. All above tree line. never ending often 360 degree views.Very tired when we arrived at Madison Hut but luckily we asked and got a work for stay. So that night we slept on the floor of the hut and chowed on pulled pork, mashed potatos, peas and green salad. I was tasked with cleaning the grease pit. They got their money's worth out of me.   HaHa.
Date: 2015-08-16
From: Madison Spring Hut

To: Pinkham Notch
Miles today: 7.8

Got a late start today. Had more chores to complete for the work for stay. Left the Hut at 9;30. First climbed Mt Madison and then a long, steep decline over rocks and boulders. Knees screaming for relief. Hot today. Hiked again at 1 mile an hour. Very frustrating so go so slow. For most of the day I watched my feet to be sure I didn't fall. Reached Pinkham Notch around 4:30 and called Hikers Hostel/Yellow Deli in Lancaster. Shuttle arrived 6:00 but that was okay. Killed time at Joe Dodge, Appalachian Mountain Club. Tons of serious day and section hikers. Chugged tons of water. Slightly dehydrated.Hikers hostel was peaceful. 30 miles from the AT. I must have looked very pitiful. Elizabeth, the top worker bee, did not have me go next door for dinner. She brought me the spinach quicke and salad. Happy and I ate alone with Elizabeth and her Husband while the others were next door. She hinted that I should zero the next day and rest.
Date: 2015-08-17
From: Pinkham Notch

To: one miles north of Carter Notch Hut
Miles today: 6.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Slept well. Decide to hike. Did not reach trailhead until 10:30. Poor planning to start so late. Hot 90 degrees. Now time to climb the Wildcats. Long day. Decided to stealth camp. Peaceful. No need for rain fly. Temps drop to 60's. 10 ibuprofen today. I slept well.
Date: 2015-08-18
From: one miles north of Carter Notch Hut

To: Gorham NH
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: broken clouds

I woke up at 5:00. Ready to hike at 6:00 Cool morning. On paper the hike looks like a reasonable one; a couple of morning climbs followed by downhill and then gentle downhill in the afternoon. It takes 11.5 hours but I put in a reasonable day of 15 miles. that included a one hour stop for lunch and short nap at IMP shelter.5:30 PM we reach route 2 and hike the .5 mile to White Mtn Shelter. It does not disappoint. Clean, nice yard, white sheets on the bed, lots of hot water. My pants are crazy dirty from scrambling down boulders, falling in mud and crawling under fallen trees. Soaked in dry sweat. I put on clean pair of hiker clothes and head for the shower.
Date: 2015-08-19
From: Gorham NH

To: zero in Gorham
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

great choice White Mountain Lodge and Hostel. Full of old friends and Marne the owner is terrific. Clean,organized. I bought new shoes (my fifth pair) in gorham. I'm averaging one month per pair. I spent 2-3 hours in the library updating my journal and downloading some pod casts.The freezer is full of ice packs. I've iced my knee at every opportunity. Tomorrow back on the trail.
Date: 2015-08-20
From: zero in Gorham

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

This has been a very productive zero, primarily the exchange of information. Everyone I know is worn out and tired. The vast majority of people here have taken rest days and most have cut back their mileage expectations. I feel better. Tomorrow I enter Maine. The next day I hike the Mahoosuc Notch AKA THE Notch. AWOL calls it the toughest (or most fun) mile on the AT. I expect six of us hikers to hit it at the same time. Should be interesting.Starting Sunday I will slack pack for 3-4 days out of Andover Maine.Time to Hike.
Date: 2015-08-22
From: full goose shelter

To: Grafton Notch
Miles today: 9.7
Weather: clear sky

great day. Hiked the Notch. Wow. Quite exhilarating. Happy and I took 2 hours to complete the 1.2 mile boulder scramble. It was part puzzle and part obstacle course. We followed closely behind Papa Al, Philco and All the Way. Good teamwork.but the notch wasn't all. climbing the Mahoosuc arm and Spec mountain added to the day. Beautiful views and just plain good hiking.Finished the day at Pine Ellis hostel. Ran into lots of friends exchanging stories about the day: Simple Man, Chocolate and the Kids, Mofo and Pilgrim. Whamo and others.Ended the day at the Red Hen. All you can eat pizza with home made crust - yum. Local IPA.
Date: 2015-08-23
From: Grafton Notch

To: East B Hill Rd, Andovee, ME
Miles today: 10.3
Weather: light rain

Not to be a downer but I didn't sleep well at all. Legs ached and my arm hurt where I fell on a boulder. got up at 5:00. David had coffee made. I found the ice packs and sat on the couch watching the weather reports. Good blueberry pancakes at the Red Hen. Started hiking at 8:00. Slack packed. Once again great trails. I just hiked slowly and steadily. Happy was fine with the pace. He found lots of wild blueberries along the trail. Finished the day at4:00. More friends during the day. I ran into Sam I Am and Red Hot on the trail. Great guys. Putt Putt and Tumbles arrived at the hostel. They are a nice couple, Retired Army.
Date: 2015-08-24
From: East B Hill Rd, Andovee, ME

To: South Arm
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: broken clouds

Another nice hike. Highlight of the day was dinner at Red Hot's cabin/camp. Big thanks to Renee, Red HOt's wife for such trail magic. Brats, Lasagna, salad, fresh corn, beets and more. Good conversation, good food, IPA and lemon marangue pie.
Date: 2015-08-27
From: rangeley me.

To: perham stream
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: broken clouds

Climbed Saddleback Mountain. Beautiful views of lake. Hard hike. Very glad we (Happy, Papa Al, Philco and All the Way) slack packed. Very happy to head back to Farmhouse Inn. I need a good nights sleep. Maine is so close but so far. I have to admit. I need an easy hike.
Date: 2015-08-29
From: caribou valley

To: Stratton ME
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Two more 4000 ft peaks. Wonderful views and hiking. Every Northbounder I know is tired and worn out. Great treat. Quohoc checked into the Farmhouse tonight. He and I hiked just about the full state of NC and Smokey's together. Really good to see him. He's lost weight. Like the rest of us he's whooped.
Date: 2015-08-30
From: Stratton ME

To: East Flagstaf Rd
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: broken clouds

We decided to hit the Bigelow's head on. Do the entire group in one day. Slack packed. I believe we have climbed our last two 4000 ft peaks until Khatadin. Hard but very satisfying day. Started early, hiked strong, finished exhausted but accomplished. The toughest part of Maine is now behind us, or so we're told. Stayed at Stratton Motel. Good enough.
Date: 2015-09-01
From: West Carry Pond Lean-to

To: Caratunk ME
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: light rain

I ferried the Kennebec River today. Beautiful, gentle hike today; much of it along a tributary that leads to the Kennebec and the ferry. The canoe that ferries you across the river has a white blaze down the bottom that denotes it as an offical part of the AT. I waited at the ferry with Happy, Papa Al, Philco, Putt Putt and Tumbles and Red Hot. In pairs the Ferryman paddled us across. This is the only part of the AT where you are required to fill out paperwork. Name, address, trail name, start date, start location and destination. I found out the following. I was the 27th person yesterday to take the ferry. Approximately 550 NOBO's to date have taken the ferry North. Officials estimate that 500-700 more NOBO's will cross after me. So what do you know. I'm in the middle. Until now I haven't know where i was in this long line to Khatadin.Tomorrow and the next day I will hike and camp. Probably no cell service. I will arrive at Monson late Friday afternoon. I plan to take a zero on Saturday to rest. I haven't had a zero for a couple of weeks. On Sunday I enter the 100 mile wilderness, the last leg of my journey. 151.2 miles to go!
Date: 2015-09-04
From: horseshoe canyon

To: Monson
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: light rain

Cold last night. Mid 40's. Started hiking at 6:45 with down jacket, wool cap and mittens. By 8:00 short sleeves and sweat. One ford. Easy hike. Into Monson in time for lunch. First impressions of the town are very favorable. Will zero on Saturday. 114.5 miles to go!
Date: 2015-09-08
From: West Branch pleasant river -K Ironworks RD

To: East Branch of pleasant river
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Deep in the 100 mile wilderness. Carrying 5 days worth of food, I hope. A bit concerned I've cut the food too close but at least i'm hiking with happy and seeing several other friends on the trail daily. If I run into a problem I should have help. Anxious to finish I have to admit.
Date: 2015-09-10
From: Potaywadjo Spring 

To: Rainbow stream
Miles today: 18.2

First view of Katahdin! Shrouded in clouds but didn't matter. I can now see the end. Fell hard today. I know i'm tired. I tripped on a root and my right knee broke my fall directly on a rock. I took a few minutes and then kept walking or rather limping. Vitamin I is keeping me going.
Date: 2015-09-11
From: Rainbow stream

To: Golden Road - Abol bridge
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: broken clouds

Wow. Uplifting day. Finished the 100 mile wilderness with just enough food.This is a private camp ground. Paid for a nice campsite right on the Penobscot River. Clear views of Katahdin looming toward the north. In fact the river reflects the mountain. It's huge. Celebratory mood. Had dinner at restaurant (sub par, expensive food) and celebrated the moment with Happy, Hooti, Robi 1 and others. Ran into Red Hot and Sam I am who are camping two sites over. What a great feeling. Last night in my tent. Tomorrow I find Marty somewhere, I hope. We've had no conversation or texts for 5 days or so. All I know is that she's on her way.Tomorrow the 10 mile walk to the base of Katahdin.
Date: 2015-09-12
From: Golden Road - Abol bridge

To: Katahdin Stream Campground
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: light rain

Perfect day. Beautiful weather. Trail is groomed and for the most part flat. Started out at 9:00. Taking our time.I skipped the side trails to Big and Little Niagara Falls. I just have no desire to walk extra miles. At Daicey Pond nature Trail received what could be my last trail magic. Two sightseers, former hikers, made us ham and cheese sandwiches and gave us cold Bud. Spent an hour eating and shooting the breeze with the two trail angels. Hit KSC around 2:00, checked in with the ranger station to register to climb Katahdin tomorrow. Have to wait until 4:30 or so take the shuttle into Millinocket to hopefully find Marty. No cell service whatsoever.killed the time at the base of Katahdin and watched hikers finish. Saw Pilgram and MOFO complete their thru hike. What a sight! Tomorrow is my turn.Around 4:00 the ranger calls out "Walnut your wife is at the gate" eight miles out. Wow. The shuttle arrives and takes me to my lovely wife. It turns out this is Marty's second day at Baxter. She knows the place really well after exploring on her own. I jump into the car and she drives the 30 minutes or so to Millinocket and the Baxter Inn. This is crazy.
Date: 2015-09-13
From: Katahdin Stream Campground

To: Katahdin Baxter Peak
Miles today: 5.2

Wake up at 4:30. Marty drives me to the AT cafe which opens at 5:00. I have my last big trail breakfast; blueberry pancakes and eggs, washed down with hot coffee. Hikers wander in. We share information and congratulate one another.7:15, the shuttle drops Happy and me at the park. By 8:00 or so we start the hike/climb. the hike is very technical and challenging. We summit around noon. 4 hours to go 5 miles. It's very cold, completely covered in clouds, wet, blustery winds. We take pictures, give hiker fist bumps to all and eat a sandwich. Many section hikers congratulate us and ask questions. It's cool. Along the way we run into Papa Al, Philco, Hooti, Robi 1, Putt Putt and tumbles. We also meet several thru hikers that we have never met before. That's crazy. We're finished but we still have to descend. We come down the AT trail for our bonus 5 miles. I take my time and finish at 4:00. It's warm and dry. what a difference 4000 feet can make. The journey is over. I've hiked every inch of the AT.
Date: 2015-09-16
From: Katahdin Baxter Peak

To: Atlanta
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Back in Atlanta. On Monday, Sept 14 Marty and I drove Happy to Connecticut where we met Sam I am. Happy will stay Sam until his flight leaves for New Zealand. It was a wonderful moment reflecting with Sam and Happy just what we had completed. Spent the night in Delaware. Next day drove to Durham. Spent a couple of hours in the afternoon with Alex. She looks great. Finally arrived in Atlanta a little after midnight. It took forever. We stopped frequently so that I could stretch my legs and feed my face. John had waited at the house for us to come home but finally gave up and went to his apartment. I'll see him tonight. Big Indian Curry dinner.
Date: 2015-05-07
From: neels gap a.t.

To: virginia
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Starting day. Arrived at 3:30. Had a convo with Greg and realized my breakup might be a good thing for now. We both had flaws detrimental to be of any use in a Godly relationship. I have done things I am not happy about and will work on those issues while here. I will start this trip by encouraging her to be her best. I forgive her. God laid before us a blessing and a curse with the blessing being working through those flaws. At present i will work on me. I forgive her and have learned to stop being long winded and to be grateful for what i have. I should have done better in that regard toeards her. She made me a better man. she also encouraged me to pursue God's calling on my life. Those are the two reasons why I really appreciated her for. This trip is about getting refocused on God and learning thankfulness in all areas of life. She has her own faults but I love and forgive her. Let's hike!
Date: 2015-05-09
From: low gap shelter

To: unicoi gap
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: scattered clouds

saturday was a very tough route coming up to Blue Mountain shelter I arrive there in very deep pain in the legs but I survived it. What I learned on this tract for this portion of my trip through listening to God is that I tend not have faith in God sometimes and I want to see what my steps are going to be rather than just trusting God for the steps. I seldom complain about how difficult the steps tend to be such as on this track the terrain was very difficult and at times I rested for 45 minutes I even injured my foot and I think what God wants me to learn through this is no matter what Pain we endure no matter what pain comes our way we have to keep our eyes on the prize.when I made it to Unicoi Gap I was very relieved.I decided to take a break for one day. Sunday I will be visiting my mother for Mother's Day and I will return to the trail on Monday afternoon or Tuesday morning.
Date: 2015-05-10
To: Clanton, AL
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I decided to surprise my mother for mother's day. My feet are in such bad shape right now that I want to take a day of rest and give proper homage to the woman who gave birth to me. I have also dropped 5 lbs. so far on this trip. I am down to 172 from 177 on Thursday. I hope to hit 160 by the time it is over. I want to begin this next phase, and complete 38 more days of giving God glory and focus on him through this endeavor. I have so much to be thankful for, including those friends that support me and are praying for me. I have had a rough life, but God has gotten me through all my letdowns and is guiding me right now. I thank him for the privilege of having the time and opportunity to do this at this point in my life. I will not speak negative about anyone or into anyone's life from this point forward. That much I know for sure. I am praying that I will continue to see and experience God through this and be given opportunities to share my faith along the way. I met two guys from Germany yesterday and talked to them about faith and asked what they knew about God. They were in a university in Germany and were here to hike the trail on their summer break. They stated they knew God to be distant and not involved. They hiked faster than me, so I could not keep up, but I am thankful for our chat over lunch mid-day. I told them I would be praying for them. They were hiking 3 months of the trail. I thank God for Val for believing in me and giving me chances. I hope she knows just how much I am praying for her and for God's peace in her life. I am learning how to bite my tounge and to appreciate other peoples' beliefs. I am also learning to appreciate people more and not take others for granted. I have a lot to offer someone, including the ability to serve God and endure the worst pain imaginable. She also displayed that at times, so I know she has the ability for a Godly relationship.
Date: 2015-05-11
From: unicoi gap

To: Tray Mtn
Miles today: 6.0
Weather: broken clouds

Today will be a rough start out the gate. We will elevate 1100 ft in 1.4 miles.I am learning about three things as I overcome this trial in my life. One, God is good(All the time), secondly God does not lie even though people do intentionally and withmalice sometimes. The third found truth I am learning is God loves me regardless of what I have done or will do. This doesn't excuse behavior going forward but rather let's me know that if i shouldstrive to do what is right and come up short Rom 3:23, that he will forgive me if I ask, I john 1:9.I have learned that those who love God will bear fruit for Him. I am not perfect but generally I am moving forward and try to please Him. Thank God for removing the curse from my life that was holding me back, that of negativity and regret. This trip WILL be both rewarding and satisfying. I think rewarding because of the hard work that will be necessary each step. Sometimes I have not done well when I do not know the exact step to take next. So far i have seen the importance of being especially attentive to the step in front, otherwise I could be in a ravine in a second. This is kind of like discernment in our lives. We have to use this as we are walking daily. This trip I believe will be satisfying simply for the nature of it. Seeking God's nature and not being spiritually bogged down by traffic, deadlines and never ending paperwork. Out here there are no time restraints other than the one of making it to campsite before dark or risk getting into a scuffle with a bear. I would hate to whoop up on a bear that late in the day so you get the idea.Anyhow today is about the simple goodness of God. Will post more tonight.
Date: 2015-05-11
From: unicoi gap

To: Tray Mtn
Miles today: 5.7
Weather: clear sky

These two mountains were beasts. They nearly kicked my rear end. I got up the first with 1,000 feet of incline in a mile and then right back down. Yaaay! Only to go up again for a 1,400 foot incline in a little over a mile. Why not just build us a bridge (attempted in a Brian Regan voice-one particular person I hope gets that). At the end of the day I was bushed. My legs were like- hey dude, what did we ever do to you? You aint sleeping tonight pal!I slept like a baby...bahahaha...More for Tuesday to follow.
Date: 2015-05-14
To: Damascus,va
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Met up with some hikers including Teddy Bear from SC and slow n steady and city kick. Sitting at a hostel preparing for early rise and off to Damascus in the morning. We are going to trail days which is a three day festival for hikers. Should be plenty of food fellowship and sharing common stories from the trail. Should be fun. I'll update you tomorrow.
Date: 2015-05-15
From: Damascus,va

To: damascus va
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Arrived up here today by truck to meet up with a couple of hiking friends I have met. This is an annualevent for thru hikers. Met a bunch of people from all over the south but truth be told I am having a blast. This is a great event and I will definitely come back.   I will post more later and pics too. Met a friend named Lorraine.