morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-09-11
From: potaywadjo lean-to

To: Rainbow Lake camp
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: light rain

9.11.13 Wednesday - day 164Potaywadjo Lean-to - Rainbow lake camp21 miles - 12 hoursThe lightest rain at 4am, we laugh at how over cautious we were aka excuse to stop early. Orange creme whoopie pie breakfast. First to leave lean-to, mud, roots, rocks, bog logs, the usual. Again the ford is a rock hop with steel staircase & handrail to climb up steep muddy bank. Follow rapids up to where it is a still water lake. Then after several lakeside mud pits we see stream flowing into lake. Trail goes right on Stoney shore of a lake before sneaking back into forest. Later we take side trail to Nahmakanta shore beach, sunny & warm now, take refreshing swim in cold water among tall green lake grass. Floor is fine sand, water is pretty clear, a spring emerges from a rock on the side trail, flowing 25 feet down sand shore into lake. Hot sun dries mud on my hiking pants into cakes that flake off. Quick dry shirt hanging on tree branch as i swam now dry also. Must be mid 80 degrees, feels like middle of summer all of a sudden. Can hear voices approaching, it is Professor & gang discussing slack pack for tomorrow. Continue to Nesuntabunt mountain, climb is hot humid lush green trees & floor cover, feels smells tropical. Terrain is rocky, long, winding, rooty. Slow going, rough, 750 for climb feels way longer. Stopped using deodorant 3 weeks back thinking weather will be colder, nope, sweat + lake water from earlier + bug spray = stinky hiker. Several rock slide areas to climb, false summits too. Finally at top, snack break before seeing 16 mile line of sight view of Katahdin. Alot bigger and closer than last time. Down to gravel road, just beyond we meet Grizzly brother (like big bro, also prefers hiking shirtless) going south, we tell him he is 20 minutes behind us. Professor & gang will ride out at the road, stay in town, then slack tomorrow. Around lake, next to gorge, cross bridge on pollywog rd, up next to stream cascading, to Rainbow Stream Lean-to for short rest before hustling to Rainbow lake camp. Loons calling in between approaching thunder. Overcast sky, trying to beat rain, we do, storm must have moved past. Octagon & i only ones at camp, set tents, spring near shoreline of lake, clear cold water source. Quick swim in lake to clean off. Really pretty view of mountains opposite bank, purple sky in back.   Dinner i eat double tuna since carrying one extra. Bedtime can hear thunder of another front approaching, finally rains 10:30pm, heavy at times, on & off all night. I listen to music as i lay in my tent with rain tapping on the fly & sides. I loaded my uSD card with tons of music, podcasts, comedy but rarely listened on north half of trail. When hiking i got used to the quiet & sounds of nature. I can always listen to tunes in my car or while doing laundry etc, gotta take in music of the outdoors while i can, while I'm here. Loons calling all night, can hear loudly when rain stops. Body & feet very sore, turning from side to back in order to keep comfy. Closer still...
Date: 2013-09-13
From: Abol bridge

To: Katahdin Stream Campsite
Miles today: 10.0

9.13.13 Friday - day 166Abol bridge - Katahdin Stream Camp10 miles - 4 hoursAt breakfast we see Professor, Grizzly talking to some vacationers about thru hike life & experience. They are mighty fascinated & impressed. As they all clear out, Whistler & Strawberry donut come in!! Spent much of VA & beyond with them, pulled couple days ahead towards the end, so nice to reunite. They summitted yesterday, remain in town for Trails End Festival events then return to Germany. She said they will go to 'Big city of Bangor' to go shopping today, will throw away boots, buy running shoes & do festivals' 5K race tomorrow. They, like many other Germans on the trail, were inspired to hike the AT after seeing German language documentary Das Appalachen filmed few years ago. The young couple seemed so happy & proud to be done. Felt happy for them. Quohog & Oreo came in too, both also celebrating their summit yesterday. Hooray!! Back to Abol Bridge, light rain in the morning. Easy hike features nice views & maple trees with red leaves, close views of Katahdin, and Little Niagara falls towards the end. Trail goes to Katahdin Stream ranger station & camp in Baxter state park. Today Wilson will summit with family, others even hurried up or slowed down and waited around town to summit today to say they finished on Friday 13th. I will return here tomorrow for the summit bid. Now back to town, late lunch i have gyro sandwich, saw it on menu, been soooo long had to have one. Hot tub at hotel to relax sore muscles. Gather gear, put together slack pack for tomorrow then back to AT Cafe for dinner. Jumpr is there, Summitted earlier, waiting for hiker feed then back home to Texas, cool dude we met in NH, drives Italian electric motor scooter back in Austin. Dip & Sip and Newton arrive with families, finished today, hiked Katahdin with family, how cool is that? Celebration dinner, they ordered Sam Smith oatmeal stout, couldn't help but order one myself. Ceiling tile had more names on it today - Beetle juice, S-rocket, Big red, Yooper, Still here, Legolas, Pacemaker, Runner up, B-line & others. After nice salmon dinner Dip n Sip & Newton wish us luck & farewell. Back to hotel, finish packing included Adventure Duck which belongs to my nieces & have been taking pics of it @ different locations along the trail, enjoyed a Long trail Pumpkin ale & Traveler Jack o shandy (Halloween must not be too far away), Patriots game on premium cable so watched 50 First Dates instead before last sleep on the trail. Really feeling tired even after 2 short days, surprisingly feeling calm about tomorrow, not anxious or nervous as I expected. After running into everyone who finished last couple days, seeing the joy on their faces and happiness in their voices, I can't help but feel excited to finish too. Been having so much fun along the way, however, all good things must come to an end, i think I'm mentally, emotionally, & physically ready to be done. Getting warmer... Mount Katahdin, here I come!!!
Date: 2013-03-03
From: Atlanta 

To: Springer Mountain
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Drove up from FL, where I was on vacation, to Atlanta Airport. After a short train ride, got picked up at a station from the Hiker Hostel. Spent my first night at the hostel lost in my thoughts and full of anxieties. Everyone was friendly and welcoming but I slept fitfully at best. Got a lift to the trail the next morning with a group of other thru hikers including Chickadee and Owl, an aunt and niece from NJ who, like me, are pursuing a dream. Very cold and snowy but great to be starting the trip.
Date: 2013-03-04
From: Springer Mountain

To: Hawk Mountain
Miles today: 10.0

Sean drove up to Atlanta on Sunday and was picked up by the hostel hosts. Met another thru hiker from Seattle on the train. Bunked Sunday night in a beautiful hostel about 1 hr from trailhead. Monday AM, hostel served breakfast and dropped the group at the trailhead. Sean hiked about 1 mile to the summit of Springer Mtn, the official start of the AT! Cold, snow and ice covered trail but he was totally psyched for the adventure. Hiked about 10 miles the first day to the Hawk Mtn Shelter. Said there were about 25 hikers there, not all thru hikers, everyone sharing best practices, tips, nerves etc. He texted me this am saying it was a long, cold night on the trail and a cold rain was already falling but he had survived the first night of hopefully many nights, hoping to make it to Gooch Gap today at the 16 mile mark. Weather for the area is rain all day today then clearing and starting to warm close to 60 during day and 30's at night. (if you are on Facebook, I am posting there on Sean's page)
Date: 2013-03-05
From: Hawk Mountain

To: Gooch Gap
Miles today: 5.8
Weather: snow

Sean made it to Gooch Gap (sounds like a Deliverance location) last night, 15.8 mile mark. Said it was a totally insane day.. Winds of 40 mph practically blowing them off the mountains. Pouring rain, muddy trails and overflowing rivers! He crested 3 mountains yesterday and everything he owned was soaked by the time he made it to the shelter. He was able to dry stuff somewhat and was in his tent and fairly comfortable by 730 last night. He said the most remarkable thing is how folks totally help each other in any way they can, encouragement, supplies, help getting dry/warm etc. Sean says everyone is totally committed to supporting each other and he feels like he has already made some wonderful friends in this short period of time. Snow expected last night and cold today but then looks like it might be warming up. Sean was going to take it slow today to recoup from yesterday but he still told me that he is loving every minute of it and every cold, muddy step is going to be a memory forever!
Date: 2013-03-06
From: Gooch Gap

To: Lance Creek
Miles today: 8.5

Today hiked 8.5 miles to Lance Creek. Encountered total whiteout on top of Big Cedar Mtn. Was thinking OMG this is insane but I managed to stay on trail. First night camping in woods and was proud of myself for being able to hang a bear bag on my first try! Major challenge during the day was keeping water from freezing. Even in the bladder of my camelback it was freezing so I ended up drinking slush all day. Had dinner at about 3:30pm and climbed into tent for the night because it was too damn cold to do anything else. About 5 other guys here, all hunkered down for the night too. No trail name yet but who knows, I might end up being " Go Pats" as everyone keeps commenting on my Patriots hat! Feeling so much more confident than when I started a few short days ago. Hoping to make it to Neels Gap tomorrow to get a bunk, shower and re-provision. Really loving the experience so far. Weather is supposed to moderate a bit too--I HOPE!
Date: 2013-03-07
From: Lance Creek

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 7.4

After a night that seemed like an eternity, got up at 6:30 to start on my way to Neel's Gap. Most hikers with any sense had left the trail but not me...no sense at all! However this day warmed up beautifully and I made it to Neels Gap by 130 pm. I was first to arrive so got a bunk, a meal, a charge for my phone, a shower, did laundry. Awesome deal here, bed, facilities, dinner and breakfast for $26. Cant beat it! Posted pictures on facebook for those who want to check them out. HIked 7.4 miles today, total of 31.7 miles. 2154.2 to go. Blood Mtn was spectacular with breathtaking views. Met tons of other thru hikers since weather was great. Staying at Mtn Crossing Hostel in a bunkhouse with 17 of my new friends. Dinner tonight was provided by Spring Valley Church from Alabama, Spaghetti, salad, bread, cookies, it was WONDERFUL!! Really nice folks who drove up here just to provide for us; food, prayer and words of encouragement. Place is rockin tonight!
Date: 2013-03-08
From: Blood Mountain

To: Chattahoochee Gap
Miles today: 11.5

After great night in Mountain Crossings hostel, did 11.5 miles today for total of 43.2 miles. Only 2142 to go! Did 4 peaks today - Levelland, Cowrock, Wildcat (not the one in NH) and Poor Mountain. Shelter and camp were full so pitched my tent by a river's edge. Beautiful. Nice weather in the 60's. Did first 7 miles with my new friend Hobo and then rest by myself. Came to a gorgeous valley that was so QUIET it was amazing. Hiking much more efficiently since the staff at Mountain Crossings evaluated my pack during the complimentary "shakedown". Turns out I had made every mistake in the book, from strap adjustments to weight distribution. They helped me out - no charge- and the pack feels 10 lbs lighter, SERIOUSLY. Hoping to do 15 miles tomorrow as I work toward Hiawassee GA
Date: 2013-03-09
From: Chattahoochee Gap

To: Trey Gap
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: light rain

14.1 miles from Low Gap to Trey Gap. Total miles hiked: 57.3 Miles, 2127.2 to go. Over blue mtn. Slept by beautiful brook. Level trail but then got into mountains. 50 degrees during the day. Only a few other hikers along the way. Very discouraged with painful blisters and swollen feet. But then TRAIL MAGIC!! Boy Scout Troops 24 and 605 had set up a tent at a trail crossing and were serving hot dogs, chili, drinks and treats. the invited me to set up my tent and I ended up spending the night w the troop by a roaring fire. Next morning, they invited me to sit down for a hot breakfast of bacon and eggs. The whole experience left me w a warm glow. There is a lot good in this world.
Date: 2013-03-10
From: Trey Gap

To: Dick's Creek Gap
Miles today: 11.0

Trey Gap to Dick's Creek Gap. Very difficult hiking with lots of blisters on my feet. Did 11 miles. Uphill hurts back of my legs, downhill hurts blisters. Got hikers toe (black toenail, about ready to fall off) Total of 69.2 miles so far with 2116.3 to go. Plan on spending tonight and tomorrow in town to rest and take care of my feet. Lots of hikers doing the same since it is supposed to be a total washout on Monday down here. GA has been so welcoming it is amazing! Really supportive of thru hikers and no one is a stranger for long around here. Trail so far is harder than I thought it would be but far exceeding my expectations as far as the total experience!
Date: 2013-03-11
From: Dick's Creek Gap

To: Hiawassee GA
Miles today: 0.0

Took my first zero day to try to deal with my blisters. Resting a lot but missing being on the trail. Lots of thru hikers off trail as weather forecast was for heavy rain. Having lots of hot meals and sleeping really well. Hot shower and clean clothes! What luxuries! Downloaded pictures into Snapfish and will provide link for pictures by email. Spending lots of time on phone connecting with friends and family. 9am tomorrow will have shuttle back to trail. So far almost 70 miles....should cross into North Carolina tomorrow!!! WhooHoo. Enjoy the pictures. Sean
Date: 2013-03-12
From: Hiawassee GA

To: Muskrat Creek
Miles today: 0.0

Great day for 2 reasons: #1-made it to NC, 1 state down, 13 to go! #2 - Today I got my trail name-'Patriot'. I was given my name by Irish (because of my Patriots cap) Irish is doing the trail for the 4th time in as many years. Today I hiked by myself for the first 2 hrs before catching up to Irish, Owl and Chickadee. It was a challenging hike, starting with fog and ice falling off the trees. Camping by Muskrat Creek. In the 20's for a cold night ahead. Good night from the AT - Patriot
Date: 2013-03-13
From: Muskrat Creek

To: Carter Gap
Miles today: 12.5

My feet are a mess at this time with blisters making for tough hiking. Did 12.5 miles today with every step a struggle. Muskrat Creek to Carter Gap. Hiked with Chickadee and Owl through the cold and wind throughout the day. Off trail at 4pm and in tent by 5pm. Windy and cold in my bones. Never imagined it would be this cold in NC in March... way colder today than back home in NH! 16 miles till I can get off the trail for a rest in Franklin NC. Hoping for Friday midday. It is going to be a long night. Bowed but not defeated. Have hiked a total of 93.9 miles. 2092 to go.
Date: 2013-03-14
From: Carter Gap

To: Rock Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: clear sky

Had an awesome day after a less than great start. Bitterly cold night with wind whipping over the mountain. Thank God I have a silk liner for my 30 degree bag or I would have been in trouble! Woke up and my water bottle that I kept at the bottom of my sleeping bag so it wouldn't freeze, was frozen solid. No hot breakfast or coffee for me today. It was so cold, just had to start hiking. About 2 hrs into the hike caught up with Old Goat. We had a great hike, with interesting conversations that kept my mind off the blisters. Did a total of 12.1 miles today and took some amazing pictures from the top of Albert Mountain, 5250 ft - stunning views! Total of 106 miles so far. Temperature is milder tonight and comfortable in the tent. Tomorrow will just do 4 miles to shuttle to Franklin NC for resupply and a night in hotel. Short day tomorrow and then short day the next day will give my feet some more time to heal. I totally underestimated how cold the southern mountains get, I was sure I would be fine coming from New Hampshire but just as cold at these altitudes.
Date: 2013-03-15
From: Rock Gap Shelter

To: Franklin NC
Miles today: 4.0

Day 12 was what they call a near zero day. Old Goat and I hiked 4 miles from where we camped last night and got a ride into Franklin, NC, a trail town 10 miles east of the AT. Got 3days of provisions for the next section of my hike and boot inserts from a local outfitter. Get this. I called for a pizza delivery and the owner of the shop got in his car, picked me up and brought me to his restaurant. 4 beers and an 18 inch pizza later, with great conservation and lots of laughs, he drove me back to the Motel and wished me well. Will be hitting the trail again tomorrow around 10:00 without Old Goat. Kind of a downer but then again, that is life on the trail. As always, thanks for all the love and support. Will be posting more pics tomorrow. Good night and God bless.
Date: 2013-03-16
From: Franklin NC

To: Wayah Bald
Miles today: 11.0

While I sit here waiting for the Shuttle and a full phone charge, I thought I would give you my 1st impressions of trail life: 1)It is better to set small goals like only 4 miles to the next water source or 28 miles to the next town. Thinking wow I have hiked 110 miles and realizing that it is only 5 percent of your entire journey could make your head explode.2) A little olive oil will make anything taste better. And while I'm on food, mashed potatoes mixed with Raman noodles is filling and not half bad.3)It is way easier to grow a beard than staying clean shaven.4)The longer you stay in the woods, the less you worry about germs.5)There has got to be a way to cook breakfast and break camp in under 2 hours.6)Hiking in the mountains where even the locals tell me they can't remember prolonged cold this far into March makes you appreciate the simple things like central heating.7)You learn more from mistakes than talking to the experts. Though talking to the experts is highly recommended.8)We are surrounded by characters and lots of good people.9)A cramped tent is a 5 star hotel when it is blowing cold.10)Bic lighters are useless in the cold. Hand warmers too.11)When hiking, you are only as happy as your feet. As my aunt Kathy warned me, take care of your feet.12)A hot bath is totally underrated. So too is Spam.13)Social networking is a great way to stay connected.Gotta go. Have a great day ;0 Day 13. Yesterday did 11 miles from Windy Stair Gap to Wayah Bald. Total of 120.8 m. Dropped off on trail by Ron haven - local tycoon and stand up comic. Beautiful day even windy side of mtn was warm. Hiked with Pilgrim and Trekker. 2 retirees from CA. Stopped for lunch and realized I had left my cheese and sausage in fridge at motel! However a few miles later saw sign nailed to tree. Coffee/food!.... It was a mobile camp set up by Fresh Grounds, a previous thu hiker who now takes 6 weeks vacation every year and feeds hikers along the trail- more trail magic and great karma. Met Smooth Sailing on last leg of climb up Wayah Bald. He was practically running up trail. Says he can do it cuz of P90-X. I did P90-X and I am trudging along! Got to camp about 4pm and spent first warm night on the trail!!
Date: 2013-03-17
From: W2yah Bald

To: Wesser Bald
Miles today: 10.6

Happy St Patricks day to everyone. Needless to say, no corned beef or green beer this year. But had a productive day. 10.6 m Wayah Bald to Wesser Bald. 131.4 miles total. Challenging day w several steep ascents. Fog obscured views most day but at top of lesser bald, fog cleared and got 360 mountain view- spectacular. In shelter tonight as rain forecast for next 24 hrs Expect to be at NOC (outdoor center w hostel) by about noon tomorrow to re supply. Miss you all. Have a Black and Tan for me. Goodnite!
Date: 2013-03-18
From: Wesser Bald

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 5.9
Weather: light snow

Today was a light day. Only 5.9 miles (mainly down hill) from Wesser Bald Shelter to the Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) located directly on the AT. Think of the NOC as a Disney World for adrenalin junkies with white water rafting,zip lines and mt biking. My stay in the shelter last night was pleasant and when it started to rain at 6am I was psyched that I didn't have to break camp under the downpours. Hiked solo this morning and although the heavy rain held off during my decent a heavy mt mist killed the views. When I got to the NOC around 11, I booked a room in the bunkhouse, took my 1st shower in 3 days and ordered the half pound jalape±o burger with fries at the End of the River Cafe. Will be back for dinner to do some real damage. Severe thunderstorms forecast for tonight but planning to get back on the trail tomorrow. Feet are doing better. No new blisters to speak of and the old one's are doing better. Steep climbs tomorrow but I am hoping to cover more ground. Fontana Dam, NC , the next town crossing is 27 miles north.
Date: 2013-03-19
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: Brown Fork Gap
Miles today: 15.8

Cold again. Hiked 15.8 miles from NOC to Brown Fork Gap. Total of 153.1 m 2032 to go. After spending rainy night at NOC, Blue skies and cool winds. Shared a room with a section hiker named Tom. Real good guy. Drove Chickadee and Owl into town for supplies and gave me some extra food that he had packed for his 2 week hike. After breakfast at Rivers End Cafe I hit trail. Planning on meeting my best friend and love of my life in Hot Springs NC. I have 12 days to cover the 137 miles so I will need to pick up my pace. Despite several steep climbs made good progress. Rolled into Brown Fork about 5pm. Feet held up well. Tomorrow Fontana Dam. Camping in woods - low 20's tonight. Here we go again! Got over a foot of snow back home today so whole family is feeling winter today.
Date: 2013-03-20
From: Brown Fork Gap

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Tomorrow- the Great Smoky Mountains! Today hiked 12.7 miles from Brown Fork Gap to Fontana Dam. Very chilly night but no frozen water bottle. Hiked all day alone but at midway met a mountain man right out of central casting. Long grey beard and green felt hat! We chatted a bit and he told me tonight is going down to 12 degrees! Thank God Jan had surprised me with a silk cocoon- 10 additional degrees of warmth added to my inadequate 30 degree bag- it has saved me from misery! Slept in the "Fontana Hilton", billed as one of the better shelters on the AT. Located in a park, there is a public bathroom within walking distance that has running water, showers and electricity. The three side shelter was cold but did keep out the wind which was blowing off the mountains. Tomorrow I hike into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park which are challenging but by all accounts beautiful. Good night friends.
Date: 2013-03-21
From: Fontana Dam

To: Spencer Field Shelter
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: broken clouds

Freezing! Fontana Dam to Spencer Field Shelter - 16.5 miles. Crossed over Fontana Dam w rising sun at my back and entered the Great Smoky Mountains. As I crossed the dam in the early morning hours there was a work crew doing repairs. They looked at me like I was out of my mind or from another planet. Outside of a couple of nods, not a word was spoken. Their expressions said it all-"we are here because it is our job, what is your deal?" Today was a total power day with below freezing temps and frigid in your face wind. Unlike previous days, it never warmed up - I could only press on. Tonight calling for frigid temps again so I am going to climb in my bag and think warm thoughts.