morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-08-29
From: Madison Spring hut.

To: Stealth camp Lost Pond Trail
Miles today: 8.1
Weather: clear sky

Today was by far the scariest day on the trail so far. All through the night I could hear the wind howling outside the Hut and it woke me up frequently. In the morning it was still very windy and cloudy, visibility was only 20 to 50 feet. Commando and Shades came in for breakfast, they had stealth camped outside the Hut and said it was their worst night ever. Shades spent the night spreadeagled with her arms and legs out trying to hold her tent down and to stop it from blowing away. Commando said that his tent poles were now bent from the pressure of the Wind. In the morning the wind was still high and visibility was low. However a couple of younger hikers, Eagle and Optimist, decided to go over Mount Madison. I decided to follow them. It was the scariest part of my trip so far. The trail was an exposed ridge that went up over Mt Madison with steep drop offs on both sides. The wind was a steady 50 to 70 mph, gusting to 85mph. Twice I was blown over, off my feet. Fortunately I tried to hike on the windward edge of the trail so was blown over onto the trail, but not over the edge. Frequently I crouched in the shelter of a large rock or cairn to wait for the wind to subside. I would then scramble to the shelter of the next rock pile. I spent much of my time on all fours, like Gollum (except never going down head first!). I found out the next day that Mt Madison and Washington had both been closed from about noon onwards. I must have been one of the last ones over Madison. Mt Washington was evacuated and all hikers had to take a shuttle down. A day that I will remember for some time. Over night the conditions changed from some of the most pleasant, perfect hiking conditions to the most dangerous.
Date: 2016-08-31
From: Stealth camp Middle Carter mountain 

To: North Peaks Motor Inn, Gorham NH
Miles today: 10.3

I camped on the summit of Middle Carter. It started to rain around 4am and showed no sign of letting up. Therefore, I packed up in the rain and set off. The rain was not too hard and the temperature not too cold, so the hiking was quite good. In wet weather I hike in t-shirt and shorts. As long as I stay moving I stay warm. Parts of the trail were steep rock faces with minimal hand and foot holds. The rain made it more challenging. I broke my Personal speed Record for getting a hitch hike ride into town. My previous best was in Manchester Center where there was a truck waiting at the parking area. Today a man out running with his dog passed me on the trail before I got to the road and asked me whether I would like a ride into town. I replied "yes please, providing I don't have to run from here to the road". Thanks to Pig Pen a '92 thru hiker.
Date: 2016-09-03
From: Gentian Pond shelter

To: Full Goose shelter
Miles today: 9.6
Weather: mist

Crossed over into MAINE! Only one more state to go, unfortunately it is 281 miles long. However, the end is in site. 13 states now completed: GA, NC, TN, VA, WV, MD, PA, NJ, NY, CT, MA, VT and NH. As predicted, the terrain is difficult, pretty much a continuation of the Whites. I went only about 10 miles so that I can hit Mahoosuc Notch first thing in the morning. It is described in the trail guide as the most difficult (and fun) mile on the whole AT. I met another hiker named Pitch It. He is about my age and he asked me whether I wanted to buddy up with him to go through the notch. I agreed.
Date: 2016-09-04
From: Full Goose shelter

To: Stealth camp on north side of Old Speck Mt.
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: clear sky

Today ended up being one of the most challenging and strenuous days on the trail so far. Mahoosuc Notch, immediately followed by Mahoosuc Arm, then up over Old Speck Mountain (3rd highest peak in Maine). Mahoosuc Notch is at the bottom of a steep sided valley. The bottom of the valley is filled with large boulders and slabs of rock that have fallen in there. You have to navigate around, under and over these large rocks. It took me 2 hours to go one mile. About 5 times Pitch It and I had to take off our packs and either pass them over rocks or through narrow gaps. It was more like rock climbing than hiking. The notch is immediately followed by Mahoosuc Arm. This is a steep uphill stretch that is a smooth slab of rock. Very few hand or foot holds. Frequently the rock is streaming wet from water seeping out of the ground. Quite dangerous. Following the Arm I decided to push on a little further since my daily mileage was still low. I didn't realize that I would be going up over the 3rd highest peak in Maine. Quite a climb.
Date: 2016-09-05
From: Stealth camp on north side of Old Speck Mt.

To: Andover, Maine
Miles today: 9.9

Another quite difficult, but fun day. The terrain is challenging and slow going, but generally not dangerous or life threatening. The views in Maine are some of the best on the trail so far. Went up over Baldpate West and Baldpate East a 2,100 foot climb in about 3 miles. Mountains are so named because the summits are above the tree line, circular and have a ring of trees around them. Weather has been glorious, feels like 60's during the day and 40's at night (but I'm guessing here since I don't carry a thermometer), no bugs, low humidity. Great hiking days.
Date: 2016-09-10
From: Rangeley, ME

To: Rangeley, ME
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Took a 0 day with Dave V. Found replacement tips for my trekking poles. Sent a package of 7 days of food ahead of me to Monson Maine, because I heard that Monson does not have good resupply and it is right before the start of the 100-mile wilderness. Picked up my bounce box for the last time and sent it home. It is exciting that things I am buying now (toothepaste, Aqua Mira drops, TP) will last me until I get to Katahdin. THE END IS IN SIGHT!
Date: 2016-09-13
From: Stealth camp just past bronze plaque

To: Stratton, ME
Miles today: 11.7

Apologies to all, I didn't realize how delinquent I have been in not updating my journal. Thanks to all that have written kind comments in my guest Journal. Thank you Bill Hunter for a great quote. John Parkinson time to up your game and get some more quotes. A lot has happened since I last wrote. I have surpassed the 2000 mile mark and only have less than 200 miles left to go. In fact 188.2 left tof go. I am almost through the more difficult southern section. Of Maine. It has been spectacular views with immense wilderness, however, slow going. I'm resupplying in Stratton to get me to Caratunk. From here it's 70 miles to Monson and the start of the 100 mile wilderness.
Date: 2016-09-14
From: Stratton, ME

To: Avery Memorial campsite
Miles today: 8.9
Weather: clear sky

As forecast, experienced rain showers heading out of Stratton. A fairly steep climb of about 2,500 feet. A steady climb, but not too difficult. Views from the top of Bigelow Mountain were obscured by cloud and fog. I camped at 3,800 feet between Bigelow Mt and Avery Peak. As Pancakes (another Brit) and I were finishing our dinners it started to rain quite hard. It rained most of the night, was windy and quite cold. Comparing notes with other campers in the morning I think that the temperature probably dropped into the mid 30's. We all had our winter sleeping bags and quilts and were borderline cold. I have my 20 degree quilt and slept in my long, Merino wool underwear plus my insulated down jacket and was still a little cold.
Date: 2016-09-16
From: East Flagstaff Lake

To: Pierce Pond Lean to
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: overcast clouds

At 15.3 miles my longest daily mileage in several weeks. Although the terrain was fairly flat, there were a lot of large tree roots, rocks and boggy areas that slowed my pace. I pushed so hard so that I can be at the ferry tomorrow morning. It only runs between 9am and 2pm. To cross the Kennebec River you need to take the ferry (a man in a canoe with a paddle) that the ATC provides. In prior years hikers have died trying to ford the river by themselves. It is wide and deceptively fast flowing. In addition, there is a dam upriver that release water at random times. Again I camped at a lake. I had dinner around a campfire shared with Euk-A-Lady, Frog Man, Bilbo, Burrito, Chuck Norris and Cupcakes. I woke in the night and thought that I heard a moose snorting. However, after further listening it turned out to be a hiker in a distant tent snoring.
Date: 2016-09-17
From: Pierce Pond Lean to

To: Caratunk
Miles today: 4.0
Weather: overcast clouds

A short 4 mile walk down to the kennebec River. I arrived at about 11 a.m. and stepped straight onto the ferry. I successfully crossed without capsizing the canoe. I did have to work my way across by helping to paddle. The first upper body workout that I have had since mid-March. When I arrived at the road I hitched a ride to Northern Outfitters. The second vehicle that passed me stopped. It was a former school bus painted bright blue, used for ferrying rafters. The lodge has a brewery, hot tub and restaurant. It suddenly filled up at about 4pm with groups of rafters coming off the river. I need to resupply with 2 to 3 days of food to get me 32 miles to Monson. Monson is the start of the 100 mile wilderness, so I need a full resupply there. The 100 mile wilderness runs almost up to Mt. Katahdin. 151.2 MILES LEFT TO GO.
Date: 2016-09-20
From: Stealth camp East Branch Piscataquis River

To: Monson
Miles today: 6.7

Thanks to everyone for their continued messages of support, they really do give me a lift. Tom and Bruce most recently.It is with mixed emotions that I approach the end. It has been a very long 6 1/2 months so I am ready to be home. I am also excited about getting to Katahdin and climbing to the summit. At the same time I will miss the trail, the lifestyle and the community of people.I took a nero into Monson to resupply and prepare for the 100 mile wilderness. This is a 100 mile stretch that doesn't cross any paved roads, only dirt forest roads. One of the hostels, Shaws, does offer food drops. I signed up for one drop after 4 days. I plan to average 12 miles per day and be through in 8 days. Most other hikers are shooting for 15 miles per day, but although the terrain is quite flat it is very "rooty" and rocky with lots of small, steep ups and downs. Since I have booked a flight home on a set date I am keeping my daily mileage goals within my limits. Also, the days are drawing in rapidly and the number of daylight hours are much reduced. Cell coverage is very sketchy in the wilderness. Apparently Verizon has occasional, weak signals, but I am AT&T. Because of this I likely will not be able to update my journal for 8 or 9 days. Stay tuned!
Date: 2016-09-21
From: Monson

To: Katahdin summit
Miles today: 0.0

I SUMMITED TODAY, FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 30. I'm done. Stick a spork in me! Weather was absolutely perfect. Great visibility, sunny, no wind. I didn't have cell service in the 100 mile wilderness. I will fully update my journal in about 3 days. On top of the world currently. Such a great experience. Off to dinner and to celebrate.
Date: 2016-01-04
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

First prep journal entry: 56 days until Springer. These pre-hike posts will not be frequent again, as I'm still not much of a talker. This is my second attempt at the Appalachian Trail. My first attempt in 2012 ended at mile 497 with a severely sprained ankle with a cracked fibula after hitting a flat patch of mud, slipping and twisting to my right before coming down like a ton of bricks. My school system threw me a curve ball this year. They have moved the start of school BACK two weeks, to the first couple of weeks in AUG. My (very shaky) plan this time is to try and average 14-18 miles per day so I can finish in time to get back to work. I am NOT confident of this date based on my last attempt; however, with less gear/weight, better elevation training and a better expectation of what to¢¦¢¦¢¦¢¦¢¦expect ? , it¢s doable. I know it will NOT be this mileage from the first, but it can be done with timing and care.I have changed my gear a LOT to get rid of excess weight:        New tent ¢ LightHeart Gear SoLong 6        New 20* quilt for the colder weather, with a new 40* quilt for the warmer weather        New pack ¢ Osprey Volt 75        Less food and water        Less clothingI picked 29 Feb as a starting date again for several reasons: a.        It's my deceased mom's birthdayb.        It's fairly uncommonc.        It gives me an extra day to complete the Trail!Car rental is complete, hostel reservations are made and gear is pretty much ready. Bills are paid forward, so my wife won't have to worry about that. I do have a LOT of house/yard maintenance to complete, but that will fall in line. I really need to finish the stair project I started several months ago and have been struggling with since. Today ¢ 04 JAN 16 ¢ I FINALLY got the railing and posts up. What a goat rope. Now, I can complete the treads and finish the detailed touch-up work. I¢ve also decided to concentrate on elevation ¢ going up and down the retention pond area instead of hiking on flat surfaces. The pond is 30 steps down, 30 across and 30 up the other side. Turn around and repeat. I¢m up to about 10 right now which is nowhere near enough. Still, it¢s a start and will continue to grow.Huh. Guess I can talk after all. Now for the nervous countdown to begin. Again.
Date: 2016-02-25
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Not as many entries this year for some reason - too much to do in the house, yard, etc.Pack explosion #?? . Again. Everything out ¢ everything looked at ¢ everything agonized over. 10 Band-Aids to 5 to 8 to 4 to¢¦¢¦¢¦¢¦¢¦. You get the idea.Everything. I'm still amazed at how much LESS gear I have this time over 2012. I'm hoping this will make a difference in distance traveled. Pack helps a lot - very well fitting, rides very well as I trudge along. Started packing food ¢ have to stop every now and then. I¢m putting ¢just one more¢ in, ¢just in case¢. Need to stop packing my fears. Don¢t need it, don¢t want it. Packing 5.5 days of food in the pack, with my first food drop pretty much ready to mail to Mountain Crossing. Will mail tomorrow so it will get there before me, which is funny, as EVERYONE and EVERYTHING will get there before me. Trying to do food as light as possible for the first month or so. Training is pretty much over except for the little stair-stepper. Got up to 15 retention ponds before having to stop for a 60 pulse count (100 beats per minute) and then starting the 3 mile flat hike. Updating the equipment as well. The reviews are all initial type reviews. I¢ll update as actual use occurs.
Date: 2016-02-29
From: Springer Mt

To: Hawk Mt Shelter
Miles today: 8.1

This is from my phone on 04 MAR 16. Very cool day to start. Jacket on for half way up then off rest of day. Very warm hiking. Lunch before Stover Creek shelter. Pack is heavier than practicing but has added food and water. Riding well. Other hikers from hostel previous night: Rumpus, Natalie, 2 other guys and Bob AKA Trekker. Will only say he is "over 81" and wants to be the oldest thru-hiker to date. First fall 3 hours in - tore arm a bit. Bled like stuck hog. Met William of Orange - has orange patch on beret. Chris from Alabama. Camped with Chris at Hawk Mt. Shelter full with dog. Stayed 200 meters up path. Coldish night. Woke up shivering for some reason. I was warm. 20* quilt is great. Not sure why shivering. Did not sleep well - 45-60 minutes at a time, timed.
Date: 2016-03-01
From: Hawk Mt Shelter

To: Roadbed at mile 18.2
Miles today: 10.2
Weather: light rain

Up at 0730 out at 0900 after getting water. No water next 6 miles. Chris out before me. Already tired of tortillas and PB. Need to plan fod better. Too cold and windy in the morning to cook. Light rain - drizzle on and off. No prob. Sassafras and Justin Mts hard but not too bad. Retention pond training this time helped a lot. Leapfrogged Chris several times. He planned on Gooch shelter. I walked on to roadbed. Met Ranger trainers at Gooch. Water buffalo was there like 2012. Senior NCO said we could take what we needed. He claims his MOM did the Trail on 2013. Sheesh. No pressure to finish now. Started raining at roadbed. Should NOT have pushed but I dislike intensely camping in the gaps from 2012. Too much wind, much lower wind chills. 1st blister on 2nd left toe. Doesn't hurt, doesn't bother me except for pressure. Bandaid on and is fine.Got camp set up, ate 2 belvita bars, went to bed. 1 Tylenol PM, 1 extra strength Tylenol. HEAVY rain from 2300 to about 0300 with HIGH winds down in gap. Glad I was up the mt. Thought it was a tornado at first. Heavy winds all night.
Date: 2016-03-02
From: Neel Gap

To: 27 miles or so
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Somehow, this entry got lost. Must have hit delete instead of enter. *sigh *Started at road bed. Very cold after front went thru. Tent zipper frozen, worrisome for a bit. Ice everywhere. Ice pellets coming down. Not sleet, not snow, just soft pellets. Tops of trees covered with rime ice. This was still being shaken off at 1230. Ice crystals in ground everywhere. First Trail Magic at Woody Gap. Hippy commune types with huge bus, re-worked with hand done wood, kitchen, etc. Hot vegan soup - warm bus - I'm not judging. Very nice people. Planned on Lance Creek, too full. Went on to 27 mile mark, just outside mandatory bear canister zone. This is the day I met Dr Love - southbounder (SOBO) who started last Aug !!Clear all day and cold. Means very cold tonight. No problem, quilt does great. Hot meal finally, hot drink, go for bed. In bed by 1845. Phone calls made, in bed. Doing better than some of the young pups for now.
Date: 2016-03-03
From: Roadbed at mile 18.2

To: Neel Gap
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Started out cold and windy. Wind changed 180* overnight. Planned hot breakfast but not now. Up at 0800, out at 0900.Still not sleeping well. No meds last night, still shivering a few times at night, not sure why. NOT cold.Forecast rain this afternoon thru Fri morning. Called and got cabin to clean up and resupply with box at Mountain Crossings. Met No cares bear - ANOTHER SOBO hiker. Started last July and is trying to catch up with Dr Love. Stopped at Jarrod Gap for water. No wind, so took hour for hot meal and coffee. Started up towards Blood Mt about 1100. Met Heartsong at water source at base. From CT, but spent most of her life in FL and HI. Passed me a few minutes later.1/2 way up Blood, snowflakes. Awwwww, ain't this purty. 20 minutes later, heavier and more. Hmmm...... Wasn't the forecast for rain? Snow like meal, snow great deal. 15 minutes after that, heavy snow and blowing hard. Oh, my. Got to shelter at top about 1330. Met an older hiker (71) from earlier. Has trail name of Happy now. Heavy, heavy snow, 25+ mph winds blowing it hard. Started down ahead of Happy. Several hundred meters down, lost the Trail. Not good. Several false leads, followed footprints back to losing point. Seriously getting ready to bag it and go back up to camp overnight. Didn't want to be the idiot they had to rescue because of stupidity. Happy following MY footprints down. Talked, kept looking. Happy went down further than I did, turned around and found white blaze on wind swept rock. HUZZAH !!Finally got down. Lots of snow. 4+ inches at Neel Gap. Wind died off below, just lots of snow coming down. Picked up box, got cabin, took second day. Need day for snow to melt. Tons of hikers got caught and are taking second day. Going thru box, trying to dump gear. Nothing is non-critical at this point. Would have used everything in snow if I had to stay on the mt.
Date: 2016-03-04
From: Neel Gap

Miles today: 0.0

Sleeping, cleaning, sorting gear. Journaling on phone with fat fingers.Chris here. At hostel last night. States it was better than outside. Planning next mail box. Ms. White's class: Keeping warm, thanks. No insects, no wildlife yet, no bears yet. Hoping to see sometime. Very little litter, people keep most picked up and ridge runners get rest. They stay on the Trail for days, helping people. They are volunteers. Waiting for tomorrow and another 4 or 5 days walking.
Date: 2016-03-05
From: Neel Gap

To: Short of Wide Gap
Miles today: 9.5
Weather: clear sky

Cold start - needed mitts was all. Off 30 minutes in. Good day. Sunny - cool - sunny to partly cloudy. Doing well - no probs yet. Not sure where I stopped for lunch - either rock Spring - mile 35 =- or Baggs Creek. Betting Rock Spring. Stopped at 1230 - out at 1315. Cut piece of old purple pad to sit on at Neel Gap - does wonders. Water sources here not good - moving on. 20 oz left - no prob. Tenastee camp up fast - was AHEAD of location - VERY hard down and up. Very slow, esp. on ups. Caught up with and passed Chris. He's starting to have leg problems again. Water at Hogpen - camping sites taken - why would hammock user take a perfectly flat tent spot is beyond me. Short of Wide Gap - 1815 - flat spot? No one around? SOLD !Trying to start with 9 miles per day now. We'll see.
Date: 2016-03-06
From: Short of Wide Gap

To: Blue Mt Shelter
Miles today: 9.5
Weather: clear sky

Cold front over night - strong cold winds and rain. Ice on tent again. Zippers NOT frozen shut, so that was a blessing. Up at 0800 - out at 0930. Need to start faster. Low Gap shelter at 1030 - if I was anywhere near where I thought I was, it was 2 miles or so in 1 hour. Tomorrow looks rough - lots of steep ups and downs. Still pockets and blankets of snow on north slopes and in deep shade. Warming up nicely, though. Not 10 today - but didn't want to start Unicoi Gap. Legs tired - no real pain though. Just exercise aches. NOT sleeping well. 45 minutes to 1.5 hours at a stretch. Need better pad - I like the one I have but it's just too thin for my hips. Taking 1 Tylenol during the day or one Aleve in the mornings. Beautiful day today as well - sunny and cool to cold. Clear tonight - means very cold probably. Thermals out and ready to go. Quilt is warm, but finicky - hard to control sneaky little cold drafts, esp. when turning over, as I do frequently. Hot drink and meal before bed.
Date: 2016-03-07
From: Blue Mt Shelter

To: Tray Mt Shelter
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: broken clouds

Up at 0800 - out at 0930. Woke up at 0730 - very cold again. VERY hard day today - only 8 HARD miles. Elevation was a killer again. Dragging even on moderate ups and downs after steep ones. Should be flying down these, but too tired. This is allegedly the worst part of GA. Got water at Cheese Factory site: Ms. White's class: first snake. Little ol' 24 inch garter snake I scared with my big boots. Slithered up under wall where water was coming from. Didn't care - I filter AND use iodine tablets to kill any germs. Pretty little thing. Tray Mt at 1630 - shelter crowded with young pups, so I stayed in the large flat area where blue blaze trail to shelter turns off of AT. Camped behind large - 36 inch - log to cut the wind. Cold when I was in bed at 1930. Hot drink and supper helped a lot. Long, tiring day.