morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-08-11
From: Woods Road

To: ME 27
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: light rain

Hiked 18 miles plus a bonus mile to get to trail! Climbed Spaulding and Crocker Mountains, both 4000 plus feet! Tough miles again, but my biggest mileage day in awhile! The trail actually was pretty nice for a change. Not too much mud and crazy downs!Saw my first moose today! Yeah!! My last, fill in the block, animal sighting. Hiked with Mosey and Jungle Jim most of day. Really pushed hard to pick up pace after feeling sluggish last several days. Also ran into Short Stop again and wished him happy birthday! Got back to Farmhouse and was excited to see Dirty Harry and Fran again! Also Pippin and Obey One! The group is all getting back together! Exciting to see some old hiking friends! Ha!!Plan for tomorrow is to hike 16 miles and last 4000 plus peak until Kathadin! Yeah!! Back to Farm House one last night to wait on mail drop in Stratton! Ugh! Mail is such a questionable thing in these small towns. It really messes with my hiking schedule but is so essential! Appreciate all the help Awesome Wife!!Also saw Right Here very briefly last night coming in from some tough hiking days. He went back to trail before I got back from my hike today! What a great, fun guy! Hope to see him in a day or so! He always has something dry, and funny to say!!50/50 Out!!
Date: 2014-08-12
From: ME 27

To: East Flagstaff Road
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: light rain

Left at 7 and started hiking up to Bigelow Mt a 17 mile day. Tough day that seemed to never end! Just one of those days. Some great views with beautiful lakes. I felt like I was caught in a time vortex! LolHiked with Mosey and Jungle Jim. Got back to hostel, ate and just relaxed. They had a bluegrass folk singer to entertain us! Very nice! Beat! Time for bed!50/50 Out!
Date: 2014-08-13
From: East Flagstaff Road

To: Caratunk
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: broken clouds

Wow! What a day! Planned to split the days miles into two to get to Caratunk but after a long break with Mosey and Jungle Jim decided to kick it into gear and try and get to ferry, 21 miles! The ferry only runs from 9-11 and 2-4. A big day but fairly easy terrain from what we have been doing. We started at 7:30 and got to ferry at 3:15. The river crossing was the Kennebec River! They were calling for substantial rain but we got a break and it only rained a little. Tomorrow there calling for much more rain so I'm not sure if I'll hike out or zero. Still trying to figure out summit day and Awesome Wife's arrival. I can't believe it's getting so close. Completed 2034 miles today!!!Mosey and Jungle Jim are heading home for three days for a wedding so I'll lose my hiking buddies. They are only 1 hour from there home! Should be a good break for them.
Date: 2014-08-14
From: Caratunk

To: Sterling Inn
Miles today: 38.0
Weather: broken clouds

Mileage correction. After a great nights sleep and breakfast at the North Country Lodge, I bid Mosey and Jungle Jim good-bye. They are heading home for a friends wedding and will be off trail for three days. I hope to see them again but may not! That's the trail! Jo Hawk and Murphy crossed the river this morning and are staying at the Sterling Inn also. Called for rain all day, but as usual, forecast wrong! Hike out tomorrow and plan on getting to Monson Saturday night after hiking two, 18 mile days. The water falls and streams have been nice! The trail is really rooty and very slippery, but much easier terrain. Enjoying rest day! Not much else to share today! Cell service is lousy so I have had to text Awesome Wife. I'm enjoying the last couple weeks of trail but look forward to finishing and getting home. 50/50 Out
Date: 2014-08-15
From: Sterling Inn

To: Zero
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

So I don't know why? I got up early and was excited to head out and hike the 36 miles to Monson this morning. After breakfast I packed up and was heading down to load up for shuttle. When I lifted my pack awkwardly my back totally gave out! A simple thing that I've done hundreds of time's! I've had this problem for years due to a bad L-4, L-5 disc, and it usually happens about once a year. I knew immediately I was in trouble! Put me on my knees. All I could envision at time, was, oh know, not now!! I'm so close but so far from finishing. When this happens at home, I go to my chiropractor and rest for a few days, and I'm good as new. Not here! I'm in Caratunk with few options other than hot baths, rest, and pray it resolves quickly! All prayers are greatly appreciated! I'm a strong believer in prayers and I'm praying for a quick recovery. So what is the plan? The prudent thing to do is, rest for a couple of days, skip to Monson where I had planned on a zero anyways, and pray my back heals for the 100 mile Wilderness and then Kathadin. More skipped miles! Not my original plan but I hope when I heal I can finish strong and at least know I'm a 2000 mile section hiker! I'm very discouraged today but I'm sure there is a reason for this. I just don't know it yet. My hiking buddies, Murphy and Jo Hawk headed out after trying to console me. They are awesome friends who I have grown to really appreciate for there friendship and support. I'm embarrassed to say I shed a few tears this morning. But I will persevere and continue on. Hikers constantly say,"were all only a step away from getting really hurt", and it is so true! As we have gotten closer to finishing we all have tried to be as careful as possible. I'm discouraged but not defeated! My hike hasn't gone, completely as planned, but I wouldn't trade the experience for anything. The good, bad, and painful! Ha! I know me, and someday I would like to come back and hike the areas I have had to skip due to an assortment of injuries. It's funny how life throws us curves. The last 2 weeks I've felt myself getting stronger and stronger minus the normal knee problems and achilles heal issue. Just as I was feeling most confident heading into the last 150 miles (see last couple of entry's) something as benign as picking up my pack wrong, has laid me up for a few days!! Crazy!! Thanks to Awesome Wife and all the prayer warriors back at Coastline Calvary, I will recover and finish!! More to come later. Now, rest and prayerfully get better! Thanks for all the support from friends and family! A special thanks to Eric, owner of the Sterling Inn, who has been a terrific host and very helpful. So for now, rest, heating pad, and hopefully wake up to a much improved back! I'm believing in this!!!50/50 Out!
Date: 2014-08-16
From: Zero

To: Monson
Miles today: 38.0

Probably last journal entry for awhile. Heading into 100 mile Wilderness tomorrow with Jo Hawk, Murphy and several others. We plan to hangout until noon to wait out the weather and just rest. Plan a big breakfast and get resupply done. The back is getting better and should be ok! Prayers answered! We plan to only hike 8-10 miles tomorrow and then pick up the pace!Hope to be through Wilderness Friday! Then we plan to head to Millinocket for Nero and town chores. Have to coordinate with Awesome Wife her arrival for our Summit of Kathadin. May have to hang out in Millinocket for a day or so waiting for her arrival! Can't wait to see her!! 50/50 Out
Date: 2014-08-17
From: Monson

To: Wilson Leaman Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Left Monson and headed into 100 mile Wilderness in rain. Forded two streams with good ropes to help. Hiked to Wilson Lean-to and camped for night. At the one stream there was a moose carcass by the stream. Trail was wet and muddy but not as bad as I thought it would be! The great news is my back is feeling much better! I tried to be as careful as I could. We passed a few beautiful beaver ponds and some great areas that moose should be hanging out! We didn't see any today, but were on the look out!!It is great to finally be in the 100 mile Wilderness and on the home stretch!! It really is exciting to see the end in sight! 50/50 Out
Date: 2014-08-18
From: Wilson Leaman Shelter

To: Chairback Lean to
Miles today: 15.0

What a hard, wet, endless day! Just couldn't make any time today. The slippery roots and mucky terrain made it really hard to hike! Plus, I has a stream ford that of course soaked me! What fun!! The hike was beautiful with all the streams flowing full bore. Water falls galore! Really pretty views! Started from Wilson Valley Lean to where Jo Hawk and Murphy and I camped in shelter! It rained so I was glad we decided to stay in shelter! I'm not much of a fan of shelters, but as shelters go, it was a pretty nice one! We left at 7:15 and made it to Chairback Gap Camp. Approximately 15 miles. We planned on 20 but there was no way! Got into camp at 6pm and set up tents! We knew the first 40 miles of 100 mile Wilderness was going to be the hardest, and it seems to be!! Will try for 20 again tomorrow but I bet will be doing good to get 15 again! Oh well, it's all good! Still can't believe this is my last week on trail until Kathadin with Awesome Wife! Can't wait! I'm really tired and my body is wore out! But, I'm still loving it!!! Ha!!Thanks for all the prayers for my back! My back is still sore but much better. The knees are always sore by the end of day! Just have to endure one more week! Only fell 3 times today! Not bad!!!lol50/50 Out!
Date: 2014-08-19
From: Chairback Lean to

To: View Entry
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: broken clouds

17 miles today! Whoop, whoop! Last mountains of any significance today!! Left camp at 7:30 and passed several beautiful streams, forded one early in day just so my feet could be wet all day! Ha !! The streams are calling me for fly fishing!! I wish I had my rods!! The trail was much kinder with pine laden trail! What a nice change. Oh, there was muddy areas but still real nice for a change! The forest has changed also with a lot of River Birch and more hard wood trees! Beautiful! The most exciting thing today we saw Mt. Kathadin from White Cap Mt.!!!! Exciting to see the end so near!! I'm really enjoying the 100 mile Wilderness. Soaked my feet and ate lunch at a beautiful stream. Took a stream bath at camp. Fill much better! Hope to swim in one of the lakes or streams tomorrow or next day! The weather has been really kind the last couple of days and the weather report looks favorable the next few days! Thank you Lord!!
Date: 2014-08-20
From: Potaywadjo Spring Lean-to

To: Rainbow Lake Camp Site
Miles today: 23.0
Weather: light rain

Started from Logan Brook and hiked 23 miles. Ended at Potayqadjo Spring Lean-to. Tough day of roots and mud but some beautiful views. Nesuntabunt Mountain was great with a view of Kathadin! I hadn't planned to hike this far today but Jo Hawk was on a mission and I got caught in the storm! Ha! She is a hiking machine and anxious to get through the 100 miles! I wanted a lake to swim in but it ended up nothing really worked.I think were all excited to get through and summit Kathadin. I thought a lot about my Mom who passed away almost a year ago and was a big reason I left the trail last year. I really miss her! I talked to her so much while on trail last year as she was battling cancer and going through chemo. She was a big cheerleader of my hike! I can't believe it has been a year! I'm comforted in knowing she is in a better place but I miss her so much. Even though my original plan was a true thru-hike, and it's taking me two years to complete, I'm not disappointed at all! I just feel so blessed and lucky to finally, after 35 years, to get to hike the Appalachian Trail! I also feel so blessed to have a great, supportive family and terrific 7 brothers and sisters. 50/50 Out
Date: 2014-08-21
From: Rainbow Lake Camp Site

To: Abol Bridge
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: broken clouds

Left Rainbow Lake early excited to get done with the 100 mile Wilderness! Only 11.7 miles to go and I can already taste the cheeseburger! Ha!The Wilderness has been beautiful but very tiresome with all the root walking. We decided we have seen enough lakes because the trail always runs close to the lakes and is very rocky, rooty, and muddy.Rainbow Lake was awesome and even the loons greeted us! Also could hear the coyotes howling. Got to Abol Bridge about noon and immediately got a drink and ordered food! It was unbelievable to see Kathadin so clearly from the bridge! Several of us just stopped and stared, not really talking. Just taking it all in and thinking, wow, we really made it!! I was so happy!!! And relieved!! Met Impact who I haven't seen since Harpers Ferry and Speedy G and several others. It's hard to put into words what I feel. What a long, hard, journey! It has taken me two years to get here, but I've really enjoyed the challenge. I still can't believe after 35 years thinking about and reading everything, AT, I'm almost done. Still have to summit with Awesome Wife but really close. Thanks to Caribou's parents for the ride into Millinocket. We went to ranger office and got our parking permits for base of Kathadin.50/50 Out
Date: 2014-08-26
From: Abol Bridge

To: Kathadin Summit
Miles today: 5.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Summited today! What a picture perfect day! The weather was great and I had Awesome Wife with me! We started hiking about 7 and after Nanci stopped at the 3 mile point, I headed up to Summit! It was awesome and several fellow hikers greeted me as soon as I reached the infamous Kathadin sign! I had made it!!! Solo, Garmele, Mosey, Jungle Jim, his daughter and nephew, Dirty Harry and Fran, Pippin, and several others!! What a fun group to finish with!I'll save my final journal entry and final thoughts for when I get home and have time to think about everything. Safe to say, it was the most incredible journey. Hard, painful, but awesome!! Until later, 50/50 Out!
Date: 2013-10-06
To: Lifelong Dream
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

When I was 9 or 10 years old, while on a family vacation in the Smoky Mountains, I saw the Appalachian Trail for the first time in my life. I walked on it for a few hundred yards and wanted to learn more about it. When I read that it extended from Ga to Maine I was astonished but even more astonished when I later learned that a few individuals had hiked its entire length.Not long after learning about the AT, I decided that I would one day hike from Ga to Maine. This dream has only grown stronger over the decades and now is close to becoming reality. I will be retiring from my career of 34 years in December of this year. I plan to start on March 16, 2014. I am busy now with researching and purchasing gear. I did a lot of section hiking in the 90's but so much has changed with gear. I will be ready to go in March. Meanwhile my excitement grows each day as I look forward to fulfilling a dream.
Date: 2013-10-08
To: Maine
Miles today: 0.0

In August, my wife Becky and I traveled to Maine to check out towns along the trail route to figure out the best places for resupplying and etc. We visited Rangely, Stratton, Monson, and Millinocket. We also visited Baxter State Park to get a glimpse of where my journey will put me the last week of August, 2014. After checking out the AT, we spent a few days on Mt Desert Island and enjoyed it as we always do when we get the opportunity to visit. My plan is to have all of my family fly up from Ga. and join me for the day I summit Mt Katahdin in August, 2014. After the summit and celebration, we will all travel over to Mt Dessert Island and relax for a few days in a vacation rental near South West Harbor.
Date: 2013-10-10
To: Springer Mountain
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

A few weeks ago, my family and I visited Amicalola Falls for a picnic. While there, we drove to the parking area closest to Springer Mt and hiked up to the summit and the beginning of the AT. This is where it all begins on Mar 16, 2014.I have selected and purchased most of my gear but have not yet decided on boots. Hopefully, that will be done soon.
Date: 2013-10-11
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

I believe I have assembled all of the gear and clothing I will need. This is my last week of work. I will get a chance to test my readiness right after Christmas when I will have the opportunity to join several thru hikers, from the class of 2012, for a hike from Atkins, Va. to Damascus, Va. I am hoping it will be cold so I will know if my clothing and sleeping bag are sufficient.
Date: 2014-01-30
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Between Christmas and New Years Day, I had the opportunity to spend a few days hiking through the Grayson Highlands section of the AT. It was a great opportunity to test my gear and my readiness. We experienced very low temps, snow and ice, and rain. I picked up several really good ideas from the 2012 thru- hikers in our group. I also learned, on two occasions, that it's really easy to slip and fall on an icy trail. Luckily, the result was no more than a few scratches and bruises. All of my gear seemed to perform well. It was great to spend a few days with a wonderful group of hikers.Earlier this week I had the opportunity to meet another member of the 2014 class. Right Here, is starting on March 15, one day prior to my start. We compared notes and plans. I look forward to seeing him on the trail.
Date: 2014-03-16
To: Amicalola Falls
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

I spent last night at Amicalola Falls State Park Lodge in Dawsonville, GA. My wife, kids and their families, and brother and sister-in-law stayed with me. We had dinner together, along with some friends, then I spent the rest of the night making sure I had my pack completely ready. This morning, some more friends met my family and me at the lodge, and we left around 8:30 to head to Springer Mountain. It was a such a blessing to be surrounded by the people who are the dearest to me.
Date: 2014-03-16
From: Springer Mountain

To: Hawk Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 8.1
Weather: moderate rain

Today I began my journey. My family and friends walked with me (in the rain) to the start of the trail at Springer Mountain. We then said our good byes, and I was off. I hiked to Hawk Mountain Shelter and am happy to be able to let my gear dry out overnight.
Date: 2014-03-17
From: Hawk Mountain Shelter

To: Gooch Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 8.1
Weather: light snow

Today started just as rainy as day one. I was fortunate enough to make it to the shelter in time to get a space. It was filled to capacity, and there were probably two dozen tents pitched around the shelter. The big challenge of the day was a climb of Sassafras Mountain, which was a 1,000 elevation gain in a mile.
Date: 2014-03-18
From: Gooch Mountain Shelter

To: Neel Gap
Miles today: 15.8

The rain ended as the day began. The last two days, I have experienced for the first time, how to use the composting privies at each shelter. The first time took a little courage, but I am quite comfortable with them now. Today was a long, long day. It may have been a bit much for my third day. I am lying in a nice bed as I write this. I'm spending tonight in a cabin at Blood Mountain Cabins. The manager asked if I would be willing to share my cabin with other late arriving hikers, since I got the last cabin. I said I would, and fifteen minutes after I got into my cabin, there was a knock at the door. It was a father/daughter team from Atlanta who I met on day two. We had frozen pizza. Now to bed for a big day tomorrow.
Date: 2014-03-19
From: Neel Gap

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: light rain

Got a late start leaving Neel Gap this morning but made it to my destination by 3:45 P.M. There was no room in the shelter, so I am pitching my tent for the first time. Caught up with "Right Here" from Canton and hiked a mile or so with him. I will see him again tomorrow a little way down the trail. There are seven people in the shelter and 15-20 tents around it. I've had my dinner, pasta sides, and have put my food bags on the bear cables. Tomorrow will be a long, hard day, and will feature a climb of Tray Mountain. Good night.
Date: 2014-03-20
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Unicoi Gap
Miles today: 9.7
Weather: clear sky

I got started at 8:30 A.M. this morning. Today was a beautiful day, and I saw the first sunshine since I started. When I arrived at GA Hwy 75 at Unicoi Gap, there was a church group providing trail magic. I arrived at 1:30 P.M., looked at my watch, and realized I would climb 2,500 feet in the next six miles. I saw a taxi cab pull up and a hiker loading his pack into it. I thought about what was in front of me and quickly decided to catch the taxi into Helen, about 10 miles south. I checked into a motel and washed my clothes and myself. I am looking forward to a big dinner. This puts me a half day behind my schedule, but I think it was best to stop and not tackle the 2500 ascent. Tomorrow is another day, and I will face Tray Mountain with fresh legs.
Date: 2014-03-21
From: Unicoi Gap

To: Deep Gap Shelter
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was an amazing day! The taxi picked me up in Helen and stopped by a small restaurant for me to get a biscuit. Two or three bites later, it was gone. I started walking at 8:30 A.M. The good night's sleep and a lot of good food from the night before really paid off as I summitted Tray Mountain with ease. The view was amazing! I saw several people today that I'd not seen since day one. I have just finished my Ramen noodle dinner and cup of hot chocolate. AS the sun goes down, it's getting cooler. Some of the guys and gals have started a nice fire. Tomorrow, I will meet my favorite son-in-law, who will bring Chick-Fila sandwiches. I can't wait to eat one for breakfast and one for lunch. Thanks you, Luke, for looking out for me. You will also get to carry my pack for a few miles! God has given us such a beautiful creation to enjoy. I feel so blessed to be out here. Good night.
Date: 2014-03-22
From: Deep Gap Shelter

To: Muskrat Crook Shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: broken clouds

Today was a big day. Three miles into my hike, I looked up the trail at the top of a big hill, and there stood Luke, my son-in-law, and his friend, Stephen. They had chicken biscuits and other goodies. They hiked with me for several miles and took turns carrying my heavy pack. Thank you so much, Luke and Stephen!Later in the afternoon, I crossed over from Georgia into North Carolina. Thireen more states to go. I;m in another packed shelter, and it's bedtime. Good night.
Date: 2014-03-23
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: overcast clouds

It was lightly raining when I got up this morning. Today, I crossed over Standing Indian Mountain, 5498 foot elevation. This is the first of some 20 or so over 5,000 mountains that I will cross between Georgia and Maine. The rain ended in the early afternoon, and the sun has come out. The temperature is dropping. Dinner is finished, and we have a nice camp fire at the shelter. There are so many interesting people on the trail. I have met several young people from Germany and Switzerland. One German man flew his dog with him and is hiking with him. All of the German kids speak almost perfect English. Tomorrow, I have a 16 mile day to get to Franklin, North Carolina for resupply and clean up.
Date: 2014-03-24
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: scattered clouds

When I woke up this morning, my water supply was frozen. Last night was clear and cold, but today was a perfect hiking day. It was so clear, that you could see forever from the mountain tops. Today, I summited Albert Mountain. Later in the afternoon at Wallace Gap, there was a retired school system superintendent from nearby, who was giving out hot dogs, chips, and sodas. It's amazing the nice things so many people do to support the thru-hiker community. As scheduled, I'm in a motel tonight in Franklin, N.C. There will be some snow on the mountain tonight and temperatures are going into the teens tomorrow night. I"m considering taking a zero day here tomorrow, and avoiding the severly low temperatures of tomorrow night. The food was great tonight, and now it's time for bed. Good night.