morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2017-07-14
From: Kinsman Notch/Lost River Road

To: Eliza Brook Shelter NORTH
Miles today: 7.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Today Tag Along and I were going to hike to a shelter and spend the night there. The next two days are over North and South Kinsman. They are done as a slack pack day hike for the ambitious. My definition of ambitious here are those people who hike more than 20 mile days in Virginia. I am not that ambitious. Steve did this as a one day slack pack when he did his 2016 thru hike.   I met Tag Along at the Flittermouse Grotto cave club meeting years ago.  We have gone caving together in many caves in many states. Tag Along and I hiked together for my first section hike of the AT in 2012. We hiked 5 days from Deep Gap NC to Wessor/Nantahala Outdoor Center NC. I loved it so much, I cried on the last day because I was leaving the trail.  Since May 2014, I had devoted my spare time to section hiking the AT. Tag Along had devoted most of her spare time to caving.     We were definately in the Whites today. The "trail" was less dirt. The trail was steeper, more rocks, roots and rock slabs, similar to the terrain in Maine. In places, the terrain reminded me of southern Alaska, with moss covered boulders. Since Tag Along is better at negotiating rocks, she went first. I climbed in her foot steps.    We arrived at the shelter as it was beginning to rain. It was early afternoon. I was glad I had scheduled today to be a low mileage day. It worked out well to quit for the day at the shelter, just before it poured.  Two people were at the shelter when we arrived. More hikers joined us due to the rain.    I got misplaced in the middle of the night, trying to find the privy. I had on Crocs with wool socks. The trail was more roots than dirt. The rain created pools of water between the roots. I was trying to keep my feet dry. I was watching every step. I missed the uphill turn to the left to the privy. I walked past a tent and further. I realized I had gone too far and back tracked. I found the uphill turn. My feet slipped and slid on the roots, but I found the privy. Success! I was hesitant to go back into the rain, to go back to the shelter, but I did.
Date: 2017-08-03
To: Gorham NH
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I made plane reservations in November for August. I did not check in prior to driving 3 hours to airport. My flight was changed to two hours earlier. I arrived at the airport 5 minutes after my plane left. After an hour on the phone with Travelocity, I got another flight for the same day. I checked my backpack but said NO to if baggage is sports equipment. I gave my pack to the counter person with straps unclipped and not in a garbage bag. I thought of asking her to clip the straps but did not. My original plan was to land at 3 pm. I arrived at 11:30 pm. Because I arrived after dark. I needed a different shuttle driver. The original driver was $50 to Gorham. The second driver was $250. My backpack arrived missing one shoulder strap.  I arrived in Gorham at 2 am. I bought a backpack at Walmart and was on the trail at 10 am.
Date: 2017-08-05
From: Carlos Col Shelter

To: Gentian Pond Shelter 
Miles today: 5.2
Weather: scattered clouds

I was one of the first few awake. The two men from New York who gave each other grief about a spider the night before, were the last ones up. As an older man was leaving, he said it would be karma if they died from a spider bite. An older north bound couple said there were three tough rock scrambles between this shelter and Gentian Pond Shelter. As I left, they were deciding if they would take a zero mile day, continue on or go to their car. I think there were actually four rock scrambles. I find it amazing that 70+ year old do these rock scrambles     I think my parents were not able to do these rock scrambles at my current age.      I crossed from Maine into New Hampshire a few miles south of the shelter. Wahoo! 3 flights in 3 years. 5 weeks of hiking, give or take a day.     At 2 pm it was raining. I stood at the sign for Gentian Pond Shelter, wondering if I should continue 3 miles to Trident Col Campsite. More rain was predicted for later. I was tired from the plane flight calamity. I turned in to the shelter.     At the shelter was Peeps. I met him earlier on the trail. He is a south bounder. I thought he was miles ahead of me. We chatted as I snacked. He left and I took a nap. I was woken briefly by additional rain. Einstein, Cousin Eddie and a man came in and talked in hushed voices. They were trying to let me sleep.     They set up in the shelter and cooked dinner. Cousin Eddie had trouble fitting all her spaghetti in her pot. Einstein wondered if she was cooking spaghetti in honor of her arch nemesis Eddie Spaghetti. There was lightening and thunder as I fixed my dinner. Condiment and others came in, soaked.  Condiment stripped to bra and panties as Einstein stripped to spandex boxer briefs to avoid his clothes getting wet on the way to the bear box.       Condiment was trying to avoid her feet getting wet where the stream ran down the trail. When she saw the lightning, followed closely by thunder, she started running. Wet feet were not going to kill her, but lightning could.  One of the hikers asked if any of us had cell service in the last week.  He had Sprint and had not talked to his family in a week.  He would like to let them know he is not dead.  I had Verizon and had just talked to my husband.  I let him use my phone.      Clothes and ponchos were hung on clotheslines inside the shelter. Fortunately the shelter had two levels, plenty of room for all. There was an air of camaraderie as we braved the rain.
Date: 2017-08-06
From: Gentian Pond Shelter 

To: Gorham NH
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: scattered clouds

I was one of the first awake. I got my toiletry and garbage bag from the bear box and went to the privy. As I did my morning constitution, I put drops in my dry eyes; wiped my face and armpits with Burt's Bees facial wipe; applied Neutrogena spf 20 anti wrinkle cream; changed out my Poise pzantiliner; used pocket Kleenex; then used the facial wipe. The Kleenex went in the privy. The eye drop ampule, Poise pad and facial wipe went in my trash bag. I put a handful of bark in the mouldering privy; closed the lid; left and latched the door shut.     I retrieved my bear bag from the bear box. I had my usual breakfast of quinoa, sunflower seeds and dried fruit. People awoke as I ate breakfast. Condiment chanted to herself, Be Brave, as she put on her wet clothes. I had dried my socks with my skin overnight. The rest of my clothes were relatively dry. My new Merrel trailrunners were dry! Yeah!   The terrain got easier south of Gentian Pond Shelter. The first few miles had streams running down the trail. There were several rock tops with views.  I flip flopped several times with two men from Libya. I have never met someone from Libya before.   In the morning I seem to stop often for snack, water and bathroom breaks. About 1 pm I had eaten most of my 6 lunch food bars. I decided no more stops. I wanted to get to Gorham today.    I was cruising pretty well when I came to an Oriental woman rummaging through her pack at the sign for Trident Col Campsite. I cruised past her. Pretty soon I saw a caretaker tent downhill and the roof of a privy. Huh? I checked Guthook. Yep. I was at Trident Col Campsite, 0.2 off the trail. I retraced my steps back to the sign and went uphill.     I continued on. I climbed Mt Success as a mother and child day hikers were congratulating themselves on making it to the top. I thought about introducing myself but decided to let them enjoy their victory. Dad and another child followed closely behind.    A few miles later, I came out on a dirt road. A mother was there walking while her daughter rode her bike. She gave me directions concerning where the trail went. We walked together to the dam. The two of them turned to their house. I walked across the bridge to Route 2.     At the parking lot, there was trail magic of bottled water, which I very much appreciated. I called Paul at the Barn Hostel. A few minutes later he drove me to his hostel.     Peeps was at the Barn when I came in. He had taken a zero day today. I took a shower. The Libyan men came to the Barn and drove me to Mr Pizza restaurant. How kind.
Date: 2017-08-11
To: day 1 of rest in Gorham NH
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

The only thing I had to do all day was a phone call from my friend Steve Powell at 10 am.  I purposely tried to not go downstairs to the kitchen and bathroom area until after 7:30 am.  Paul at the Barn Hostel shuttles people to Route 2 at 7:30 am and a few minutes later shuttles people to Pinkham Notch.  Since I had very little to do, I tried to stay out of the other hikers' way.  So a little after 7:30 am, I came downstairs and boiled my quinoa for 5 minutes on the stove.  I covered it and waited 20 minutes to finish cooking.  I fell into the routine of drying the dishes that had been washed and putting them away.  I wiped the counter and kitchen table.  I straightened up.  It passed the time while I waited for the quinoa.  I too was part of AT hiker culture of passing the kindness forward.  It was good to talk to Steve Powell.  He through hiked the AT in 2016.  I met him and his hiking partner Eric at Bears Den Hostel run by the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club in May of 2016.  We met each other several times for next few days and became fast friends.  Steve completely related to where I was and how I was feeling.  We made arrangements for him to train for his September PCT section hike at my house, after I finished the AT.  For over the past month, I was concerned about post trail depression after I finished.  It was good to make plans for after I finished the AT.  The internet at the hostel was in and out and seemed to go down when I tried to post pictures to Facebook.  I walked to the Gorham Library and spent the day updating Trail Journals.
Date: 2017-08-13
To: day 3 of rest in Gorham NH
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Today was Sunday.  Last year, I met Paul the owner of the Barn Hostel's 80 year old neighbor, Miss Claire.  She attended church at the Gorham Congregational Church and at a church in the mountains.  Last year, she spoke well of the music at the church in the mountains, but I did not have transportation there.  At the time, Miss Claire was minding the fort while Paul was visiting Bobby in the hospital.  Bobby is doing well now.  I asked Paul to ask Miss Claire for me to ride with her to the church in the mountains.  Miss Claire was already driving a full car to the Gorham Congregational Church in town.  She would be sitting on the right, second row from the back.   I arrived at the Gorham Congregational Church early and met the greeters and the Reverend. The Reverend had a great relationship with the greeters.  I sat with Miss Claire and her visiting sister in law.  There were many empty seats.  After the service, I went downstairs for home made refreshments.  I met a woman who had been an EMT a few years earlier.  She told me of two different people who had fallen into a crevice of snow in June of this year.  The rescuers had a full on rescue every two weeks this spring and had needed help from other states.  She was a care giver for a young woman with disabilities.  The woman with disabilities was proud of herself for her first attempt at chocolate chip cookies.   Tomorrow I was going up Mt Washington.  The weather report still looked wonderful for tomorrow.
Date: 2017-08-16
From: Lake of the Clouds Hut

To: Mizpah Spring Hut
Miles today: 4.6
Weather: few clouds

I woke to cold drizzle and fog.  At breakfast, the weather report from the Mt Washington Observatory, just 2 miles north was 40's, fog and drizzle with wind gusts 50-60 mph, clearing at noon.  The family I had breakfast with were going to wait at Lake of the Clouds until 10 and then go to Mizpah Hut, 4.6 miles.  Kat and her hiking partner did work for stay, so they started breakfast at 8.  After breakfast, Rogue Bear, Kat and her hiking partner would hike.  I was ready to go, so I started my hike.  It took some getting used to the strong wind, as I moved from the wind protection of the hut.  With the poor visibility, I was concerned about finding the trail.  Fortunately, there were two people that left the hut hiking south, just ahead of me.  I used them for navigation initially.  The fog was thick but I could still see beyond the next cairn.  This had been my prayer for this leg of my journey, wind under 70 mph and visibility to a little beyond the next cairn.  Last year, I experienced 80 mph gusts on a rock bald and another day unable to see the next cairn.  I stopped three times adjusting my wardrobe to the weather and my pack straps.  With more clothes, my waist was bigger.  After the three stops, the people were out of sight, but I was adjusted to the fog and gusts.  The trail went in and out of stunted alpine trees.  When it was out of the alpine trees, I was above treeline on rock.  I was told the views are amazing on this section.  All I saw was fog.  Kat and her hiking partner passed me at a bathroom stop.  I had come upon a teenage girl a few days before.  Now was my turn.    It was only 4.6 miles to today's destination, but it seemed much longer with the weather conditions. I motivated myself with thoughts of free hot soup at the hut with my AMC Campsite program/Thru hiker pass.  At the top of a Mt Pierce, I heard some women cheering and then they stopped.  It was about 11 am.  The women cheered when the clouds cleared long enough for a quick picture.  We chatted and then went our own ways.  I arrived at Mizpah Hut, checked in and requested a bowl of soup.  Not sure what happened, but I received a bowl of mashed potatoes.  I did not realize it until I was seated next to Kat and her hiking partner.  I was confused but too tired to put up any fuss.  I ate all of it as I chatted with Kat and her partner.  Then I took a 2 hour nap.  I met the family that was at Lakes of the Clouds.  Since they waited, they said they had some nice views.  I took it easy all day.  I had a 14 mile hike tomorrow.
Date: 2017-08-18
From: Zealand Falls Hut

To: Galehead Hut
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: overcast clouds

The weather was windy and foggy. I only took one picture all day. Kat and her partner started later than me and then passed me. Kat said she was not feeling it, hiking in the wind and rain. They were going to stop at Guyot Shelter. I thought about stopping there too. I had only gone 4 miles. But I had reservations at Galehead Hut, where it would be warm and dry and they would fix me dinner.  So I continued on.      I met a father/son pair hiking north. The son was grumpy. The father said to tell Sarah at the hut, hi. I asked his name and he said Adam. "Oh it's a love interest," I said. Adam hiked on.      The trail was OK except for the last 0.8 mile down very steep rock, similar to the Wildcats. Not much fun in the rain.      I arrived at Galehead Hut. There were many AT hikers in the dining area waiting out the rain. I checked in and found a bunk. Rogue Bear stayed in a nearby bunk. At dinner, a table was reserved for a group with REI. The croo were still new. This was the second day of the fall season.  There was a 20-30 minute break between soup and entree that was filled with a question / answer session about the huts.  At my table there were a group of men trying to summit all 48 peaks above 4000 ft. At least one was near completing this goal. Rogue Bear told them about his adventures as a south bound AT thru hiker. I told him Kat and her partner were at Guyot Shelter. He was wondering where they were. He appreciated the information.     I told Sarah that Adam said hi. She said that made her day. I told her where I saw him. Sarah seemed very happy.
Date: 2017-08-20
From: Liberty Springs Campsite

To: Liberty Springs Trailhead 
Miles today: 2.7
Weather: scattered clouds

I had heard it was going to be in the 40s last night. So I slept in almost all of my clothes. I was one of the first awake. I went to the privy and did my morning ritual of facial wipe bath. As I passed tent platforms, Rogue Bear waved at me. I came back to my site. I took off outer layers. It was not very cold. As I ate my breakfast, a weekend hiker warned me the last half mile to the Campsite was very difficult.  I had planned to start hiking at 7:30 am. Instead I started at 8:10 am. I had 3 miles to hike in less than 2 hours. The trail was not too difficult. Of course I was going downhill with a light pack. I hurried past a father/ daughter team explaining I needed to meet my shuttle driver at 10.  A month ago, Tag Along and I met Steve at this parking lot. We took every wrong way, before we arrived an hour later than expected. Today I knew the way. At the sign for the Liberty Springs Trail, the trail is paved. Turn left (east).  I went across the bridge. Immediately after the bridge, the AT goes right (west) but I continued down the paved trail. There was a sign for the Pemi Trail and the parking lot to the right and uphill. I took this trail. It went uphill, level, uphill and eventually downhill to the parking lot.  Bruce was waiting for me.  Bruce drove me to my motel in Portland. I expected to cry the entire trip, but I did not shed a tear.  Bruce said I had some bad weather. I did not remember much bad weather. We had a nice chat.  I got to my motel, took a shower and had lunch.  I was in shock that I, not a person I knew, but I completed all 2190 miles of the Appalachian Trail.  Pretty good for someone who got a Pass minus in Physical Education in high school.  Pretty good for someone who thought she was weak.  I met up with my caving friend Andrew Hudson and his girl friend Deb for dinner. Thank you Andrew for the celebration dinner.
Date: 2014-01-18
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Approx. two years ago a fellow worker/friend and I started discussing the Appalachian trail and our desire to hike it some day. Since this conversation, plans have been made, gear organized and tested, and plane tickets purchased. We will begin our trek north on March 5. I am looking forward to the journey, the new people I will meet along the way, and the new places I will see.
Date: 2014-03-04
From: Hiker Hostel

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I flew down to Atlanta today and will be staying the night at the Hiker Hostel. I had shipped my pack down last week to avoid having to check it at the airport. I'm glad I did. Someone staying here had their pack not arrive with them, and has to wait for the airlines to get it to him. Bought last minute food items on the way to the hostel, made a final check of my pack and gear, and I believe I am ready for tomorrow. The hostel will take us to Springer mountain in the morning and the journey will finally begin.          As these journal entries become more frequent with the start of the trip, please excuse my punctuation, spelling, grammar, and any other liberties I take. Plus, I am doing this all from my phone, which my kids, so patiently showed me how to use.          As a final thought on this day, I would like to make mention of a friend, who was to begin this trip with us. He had purchased all the gear, was doing all the work, and was ready to go when circumstances beyond his control derailed his plans. Steve, you will be missed tomorrow, but we hope to see you up north.
Date: 2014-03-05
From: Springer Mountain

To: Hawk Mountain 
Miles today: 8.1

Left the hiker hostel for springer mountain this morning. We got dropped off about 10:00 am and had to backtrack .9 miles to reach the top of springer. It was a beautiful day and the views were awesome from springer. The temperature got up into the low 50's and made for great hiking weather. Stopped at hawk mountain for the night.
Date: 2014-03-06
From: Hawk Mountain 

To: Gooch Gap
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: clear sky

Last night was a cold night. It got windy during the night and it was slow breaking camp due to numb fingers. Headed out at 7:45 am. It felt good to be moving to warm up. Today had more challenging climbs than yesterday with the big one being Sassafras Mountain. Made camp about 3:00 due to threat of rain coupled with temps in the 30's. Started raining about 4:00 pm and it is now rain and snow mix. Planning on reaching Neels Gap Saturday.
Date: 2014-03-07
From: Gooch Gap

To: Neel Gap
Miles today: 15.9

The rain/snow mix stopped sometime during the night and changed over to all rain. Broke camp in the morning with it still raining. Rain finally stopped about 11:00 am. Hiked from Gooch Mountain to Woody Gap, where Fresh Ground was setup, and I was ecstatic to get a hot cup of coffee and some fresh eggs. Wow, made my day. We then left Woody Gap for the trek over Blood Mtn, all 4461 feet of it, and it was a tough climb and descent into Neel Gap. The day cleared off enough to give us some phenomenal views. Weather supposed to be better tomorrow.
Date: 2014-03-08
From: Neel Gap

To: Low Gap shelter
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: broken clouds

Stayed in Neel Gap last night, and the shower and bed felt great. Went to mountain crossings, the outfitter, this morning to let them shake down my pack. When they were done shaking I was 3 lbs lighter. This may not seem like much, but I assure you, it is when you are going up and down these Georgia mtns. We finally got on the trail about 11:00 am, headed for Low Gap shelter. A beautiful but a long tough day. These hills are a bit more than what we see in michigan. On the plus side, we are seeing terra firma down here. We haven't seen that for months back home. Met a nice couple today, Grasshopper and her husband, who thru hiked in 2008. Finally got into Low Gap, after Wildcat Mtn humbled us, about 6:30. Tired and a little beat up from last two days. Daylight saving time tomorrow so as an added benefit we get one less hour of sleep
Date: 2014-03-09
From: Low Gap shelter

To: Unicoi Gap
Miles today: 9.7

Got a later start this morning. Between moving ahead for daylight savings and just being slow, it was about 9:15 before we got on the trail. The trail was very pleasant and forgiving at first, but quickly changed back to the Georgia trail we have come to know. Still trying to adjust to climbing and descending these mtns. Many people have said it will take 2-3 wks, but with sore legs and a few blisters to boot, if it happens sooner I'm ok with that. We got off at Unicoi Gap and are staying in Hiawassee tonight. We are going to slack pack (hiking with only a partial pack) from Unicoi Gap to Dicks Creek Gap tomorrow. We will have three four thousand footers to get over tomorrow. Weather is supposed to be nice, so hopefully it will be a good day. I thought I would share this picture from a few days ago that I wasn't able to post due to no service for my phone.
Date: 2014-03-10
From: Unicoi Gap

To: Dicks Creek Gap
Miles today: 16.7

Started out today back at Unicoi Gap, doing a slack pack to Dicks Creek Gap. Day started out overcast/foggy but cleared off and was a beautiful sunny day. We started out with back to back big climbs out of Unicoi Gap. Whether I am wearing a pack or not, the climbs are tough. It just takes longer with a full pack. Had a great view from Kelly Knob, 4171 ft, before starting our descent into Dicks Creek Gap. We will stay in Hiawassee again tonight, and then make our way to the Georgia/North Carolina line tomorrow. As a final thought to today, I would like to thank the volunteers who maintain the trail in Georgia. You have done a great job.
Date: 2014-03-11
From: Dicks Creek Gap

To: Bly Gap
Miles today: 8.0

Got back on the trail about 9:45 this morning after being shuttled out from Hiawassee. Started out with an uphill, naturally, to Buzzards Knob. Stopped there for a short break and to enjoy the views. The vistas are incredible from the mountain tops. Crossed into North Carolina this afternoon. My first state behind me. I have heard that approx 20% of of intended thru hikers never make it out of Georgia. I can believe that. The Georgia mtns are beautiful but very tough. Like walking on a saw blade. It was a warm sunny day today but rain and cold are supposed to be returning tomorrow.