morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-09-25
From: Chairback Gap Lean-to

To: Logan Brook Lean-to, ME
Miles today: 17.1
Weather: few clouds

After 5 months and 25 days of hiking, and a dacade of dreaming (for me), we saw Mt. Katahdin! What a site..It spitter-spattered last night on and off, fits of heavy wind and mist. By the time 6:30 rolled around there was no mist and we continued through the day without a drop on us. We're trying to make it through ME without getting rained on while hiking. We know that these circumstances have nothing to do with us, but so far we're making it.Berry and I headed out before everyone this morning. Same time, around 7:30am. We immediately started our ascent up Chairback mtn. It was nothing really, hardly a climb, but the weather was something else. Strange clouds and high winds all around us. There were navy blue front clouds, grey storm clouds, whispy white clouds, and to top it off the sun shined through broken patches of clear sky to illuminate the autumn colored mountain floor.It was chilly and remained chilly all day. The winds were a constant 15-20mph. We put on and took off layers of clothing so much it felt like we were models on a runway. The scenes today were spectacular, the climbs were tough, but we're thankful for a great day. After a river ford just before 10:00am we really started our day- slowly ascending to the end of our day- Whitecap Mtn. We arrived on Whitecap a quarter till 5:00pm. The climbs were long and we are tired. Whitecap is the last of our big climbs until we reach Katahdin... it was nice to check it off our list! During our lunch break Many Names (there are two people named "many names") and Natty Bumpo passed by. Shortly after came Firecracker and Big Fish. We made small talk and they kept moving to stay warm. Later, we passed them as they were having lunch. We didn't see them again until everyone joined at the summit of Whitecap.It was exciting! Whitecap gave us our first view of Katahdin. It was over 70 miles away but it was BIG, real big! Maybe it's all the hype, but it looked scary- even awesome. I couldn't help but think about the fact that I have to climb that thing! It's gonna be crazy. We are camped in a fun little spot with Firecracker, Big Fish, Naty Bumpo and Many Names .1 miles from the shelter. It's like a couples camping area! We've had a lot of fun tonight all cooking, eating and visiting with one another. They're a great crew. The shelter is full. We also caught up to Crazy Lady and Patches. Everything is so cold right now. My hands are freezing writing this entry so I'm going to say goodnight and get warm.
Date: 2009-09-26
From: Logan Brook Lean-to, ME

To: Woods Campsite, ME
Miles today: 18.0

Bark and I felt that since yesterday was such a tough day, we had earned ourselves a morning to sleep in. After surviving the frigid temps last night it was pretty nice to stay wrapped up in our sleeping bags until 7:30am. The other 2 couples camping next to us had the same idea as well. All of us eventually crawled out of our tents, downed some breakfast and then headed out. Before we started hiking we had a pretty good time talking with Firecracker and Big Fish and Natty Bumpo and Many Names- some of it we even caught on camera.It was a beautiful day today! The fall colors absolutely illuminated the trail with bright blue skies overhead and the sun shining. We finished our descent of Whitecap Mt. and then the trail gave way to small hills, very nice. The only mountain we went over today was Boardman Mtn. and once at the summit Bark and I sat on a large rock like cold lizards trying to get warm. We pulled out our lunch and took a very extended lunch break in the sun. While sitting up top, we saw Firecracker, Big Fish, Natty Bumpo and Many Names. Many Names actually shared a very catchy song with us she had just made up while hiking.Well we still had some miles to go and we had been sitting for a while, it was about 1:30 by the time we left the summit. The trail was incredible after our descent- it was actually pretty flat. We found ourselves in some low elevation, around lakes and rivers and several stream crossings. With a slight breeze blowing a few leaves around, it was the quentisential fall day. Bark and I really enjoyed the smooth trail, we kept our pace up and just headed north. About the time that our snack break rolled around we had made it a little over 11 miles to the Cooper Brook Falls Lean-To, and so had our hiking friends. With food spread out everywhere it seemed that we all had the same idea...food equals fuel. It was a beautiful setting with the falls flowing just under our feet. We sat down with everyone, grabbed a Snickers, but headed out pretty quick. It wasn't long before Firecracker and Big Fish came right up behind us and we were all able to hike together. The four of us kept going for a few more miles and then Natty Bumpo and Many Names caught up as well while we were all talking with a group of trail maintainers. (Great work MATC)Bark and I were getting pretty tired and our cut off time was nearing so we said goodbye to our friends and found a great little camp spot by the river. It has been a long day and a long walk to Maine... time for some rest! One last thing, Bark snapped another hiking pole today. It is the 5th time he has "injured" one of his poles. This time he was crossing a bog log when his foot slipped, he leaned forward to catch himself and POP- snapped the bottom of his trekking pole into 2 pieces...apparently the mud in Maine is not very forgiving.
Date: 2009-09-29
From: Hurd Brook Lean-To, ME

To: Campsite near Abol Bridge, ME
Miles today: 3.5
Weather: light rain

We slept so good last night. It started raining heavily around 2am. Nobody heard a sound and the woods were very dark. I couldn't even see my hands. It was a leisurely morning. We all woke up around 8:00am. Berry and I stayed in our sleeping bags and talked to Big Fish, Firecracker, Nadi Bumpo, Many Names and Ox while they got their stuff together. We jumped out of our bags to take pics with everone before they headed to "The Birches" campsite at the base of Katahdin. It was an exciting time. Tomorrow we plan to cheer for them and all the others who come down from the mountain. The Birches will be our destination tomorrow.After everyone skipped off me and Berry climbed back into our sleeping bags. It was just the two of us with the shelter all to ourselves. Honestly, we could have zero'd there but we needed food- so our goal was to hike the 3.5 miles into the camp store at Abol Bridge. Within 10 minutes of everyone leaving it started to downpour outside. We watched it come down- it was beautiful- and nice that we were dry! So our morning was very relaxed. We prayed, read to each other and talked about all the crazy times we've had on the trail. As happy as we are to be at the finish, we will miss it. It was after 11am before we got around to hiking. We hiked slow and took pictures. The whole day seemed like it was in slow motion and we were both glad for it. Wow! Abol bridge has a spectacular view of Katahdin! We stood on that bridge and looked at the mountain for a long time. An older couple was there taking pictures and they inquired about our journey. We spent about 15 minutes or so answering their questions and talking about the A.T. The camp store had everything we needed. We filled up our food sacks and grabbed sandwiches to eat outside. The pay-phone there didn't accept calling cards to I went to make change so Berry could call her family. A nice gentleman saw what we were doing and offered to give us a ride 2 miles up the street to "telephone hill," where all the locals get reception on their cell phones. That offer seemed good to us! We had reception and Berry confirmed things with her parents and we'll be seeing them shortly.On our drive back to the camp store we could see that it was much busier than before. Crowds of hunters were there, waiting in line outside to have their moose weighed. Moose season recently opened. We probably saw 5-6 big bull moose that were hunted this morning. That was something to see! Tonight, right near our camp spot, we saw two river Otters playing with eachother. We were eating dinner and watched them for half an hour. We love to see wildlife out here. Zoo's are great, but nothing beats seeing animals in their natural habitat. With not much hiking under our belts today, lots of good sleep last night, and the anticipation/excitement of what's to come- I hope we can actually sleep tonight!
Date: 2009-09-30
From: Campsite near Abol Bridge, ME

To: The Birches Campsite, ME
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: light rain

It is so surreal to be here tonight. Bark and I woke up very early this morning with the anticipation of Katahdin heavy on our minds. We had a nice 10 mile hike up and over a few bumps, roots and rocks, but we took our time and enjoyed our last full day in the wilderness. About mid morning we made it to Daicey Pond Campground where Bark and I had a great talk with a local park ranger. We talked about Katahdin, the weather and the recent bear activity- yikes! Daicey Pond has provided many a thru hiker with a spectacular view of Katahdin, but this morning we were just out of luck...clouds were very thick and low, hovering around 3,000 feet which chopped off the top of the mountain. No matter, we took a quick break, looked around, and then headed on the next 2.3 miles to the Katahdin Stream Campground where we needed to register for our October 1st summit. The hike was quite lovely today even with the dark, cloudy skies overhead. The leaves are really something to see as the colors continue to peak and become brighter.Bark and I said goodbye to several thru hikers yesterday since they would be summitting today, but we had hoped to make it to the base in order to cheer for them at the finish. Well, we got to the campground just before 11am and pulled out our lunch at a picnic table. For the next several hours we walked up and down the short trail waiting to see any familiar faces. Eventually, Blackbird, Crazy Lady and Patches walked up- we will all be summitting tomorrow together. We sat at a picnic table and talked about the trail, the past 6 months and how unreal it is to be here now. Before any thru hikers made it down Katahdin, the five of us made it to the Ranger Station to register for our summit and pay for The Birches campsite for the night. By 4 o'clock we started seeing a few familiar faces, and then slowly but surely a few more. We had a video camera handy to capture the celebration. It was so fun to see how excited everybody was once they had finished. We all stood around and cheered for each hiker as they completed their 2009 thru hike. Bark and I started getting very excited for our summit.We met a few parents who were there to pick up their hiker and it made me very excited to see my family tomorrow. My parents have driven from Alabama to pick up Bark and I from Katahdin and we are anxiously awaiting their arrival.Tonight we are tucked into the shelter with Blackbird, and all of us are greatly anticipating our hike tomorrow- like you wouldn't believe. Crazy Lady and Patches will join us in the morning, but are now in Millinocket for the night with family. It is raining right now and has been for most of the day. A little cold tonight, but during the day it should warm up into the 50's...a little cold for a former Texan. Rain or shine, we will attempt to summit tomorrow. The rangers will decide for sure by rating the mountain by "classes". As long as we have a class 1 or class 2, we are good to go. We are still praying for some blue skies though!
Date: 2009-05-16
From: Woody Gap

To: Slaughter Creek
Miles today: 7.4

Tired but spirits high! Hiked 7.4 miles in 4 hours. Set up tents wrong. Spent 2 hours in thunderstorm hanging food in tree to keep from bears! Misty drizzle during hike. Many boy scouts in campsite. Feet feel good. Bugs, poison ivy everywhere but we are havin fun!
Date: 2009-05-17
From: Slaughter Creek

To: Whitley Shelter
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: overcast clouds

39 degrees this morning and constant rain. Rain. Rain. Rain. Dad attacked by a ferocious mouse in his tent last night. Did some serious elevation today. Conquered Blood Mtn no problem. Worse ascents and descents after that. Stopped by "PacMans" place at Neels Gap. Dried socks, bought a shirt and left some trail magic. Downhills much more painful than uphills. Pack felt heavier today. Very cold at dinnertime. Missing some great views due to fog.
Date: 2009-05-18
From: Whitley Shelter

To: Blue Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: clear sky

We woke up to cloudless and sunny skies...and 39 degrees. With numb fingers we had a breakfast of tang, granola and coffee and it was magnificant! Weather warmed and we hiked 13 miles. The last half mile seemed to be straight up. The ascents aren't bad but on the descents my toes cry out and my knees scream even louder. Thought we got lost bc trail not marked well. Met N to S thruhiker Sweetwater at shelter. Tomorrow will be an "easy" day of 8 miles.
Date: 2009-05-19
From: Blue Mtn Shelter

To: Tray Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 7.8
Weather: clear sky

Second day of great weather. 8 miles of the most difficult hiking yet today. Up and down rocky mtn and up to the summit of tray mtn. Gorgeous 50 mile views, camping at the summit! Dined on grits and chicken for dinner on a cliff. Cold again right after sunset. Will hike 12 miles tomorrow and hitch a ride into hiawassee for a much needed bath and some thick steaks!
Date: 2009-05-20
From: Tray Mtn Shelter

To: Dick's Gap (Hiawassee)
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: clear sky

Left our awesome campsite at 8am. Perfect weather all day, sunny and in the 60s. An unsettling quiet fell upon Hiawassee as the three adventurers rode into town. Civilization! Today we completed our grueling 11 mile hike and caught a ride into beautiful Hiawasse, GA. Checked in to Mull's Motel, took much needed baths and dined on mtn trout for dinner. Tomorrow we plan to hike 9 miles and set up camp just across the Georgia/North Carolina line. To keep our pack weights low we will stock up on only the most essential lifesaving staples: advil, cigars and liquor.
Date: 2009-05-21
From: Dick's Gap (Hiawassee)

To: Muskrat Shelter
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: broken clouds

Had a great breakfast at Hardee's in Hiawassee this morning. Caught ride from motel owner to trailhead. Original goal was Bly Gap but no shelter there. Made it to N.C. and took a nap on the famous tree just across the border. Continued on through 3 tough climbs. Met "Hot Chocolate" S to N thru hiker. He will have to average 22 miles per day to make it to Katahdin before October 1st.
Date: 2009-05-22
From: Muskrat Shelter

To: Carter Creek Shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: broken clouds

Fairly easy hike today with lots of level terrain. Still more good weather. Summitted the 5600 ft elevation Indian mtn about noon today. Hiked 12.4 miles for a total of 71 since starting. Had chicken, chili & grits for dinner. Met "Sunshine" who recommended the book "freezerbag cooking" for hiking food. Saw dog with two electronic tracking devices on its collar.
Date: 2009-05-23
From: Carter Creek Shelter

To: Rocky Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Sunshine left this morning a half hour before us and we could never catch her. Today we conquered albert mtn at 5200 ft elevation. Not as high as Indian mtn but had a 400 ft near vertical ascent that was true mtn climbing. Some great views and photos taken from the fire tower. Long downhill but not that difficult. Still some knee pain but getting in shape fast. Finished our 12 mile hike setting up camp @ rock gap. Walked a mile at the end of the say to the store just for a coke and some candy! Some drizzling rain but built a very good fire. Rest of the day was misty but cool. Have decided to stop at Nantahala River for 115 total miles in ten days.
Date: 2009-05-24
From: Rocky Gap Shelter

To: Wine Spring Camp
Miles today: 12.0

With side trails and backtracking we hiked 14 miles today, our longest yet. Legs much stronger and very little pain. Rain this morning but it felt good! Met hiker in full camo at Siler Bald Shelter who was brandishing a slingshot, two buck knives and machete. Said he was being stalked by a bear. Also said he was heading North, but never further than the Mason-Dixon Line! Also met Matt, Trent and their hiking dog Bailey there. Toughest uphill yet up Wayah Bald to Wine Spring campsite. Backtracked .5 miles. I hate backtracking. Ground too wet for campfire. Heavy night fog but still took an evening walk!
Date: 2009-05-25
From: Wine Spring Camp

To: Wesser Bald Shelter
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: light rain

Delayed breakfast until Cold Spring Shelter. We hiked 13 miles today and are all finally in good shape, and it is almost time to go home. We broke the 100 mile total mark a few miles after Wayah Bald tower and celebrated with a 2 minute break and a drink of water! Met a flower hunter at the base of Wesser Bald during our break before the ascent. Smoked our last cigars and drank our last shots after setting up camp at Wesser Bald Shelter. Our glorious hike will end tomorrow, 7 miles down the steep Wesser Bald mtn at the Nantahala river near Wesser, NC.
Date: 2009-05-26
From: Wesser Bald Shelter

To: Nantahala River
Miles today: 5.7

Hard rain last night but stopped by morning. We completed a short but sharp 5.4 mile descent from camp to the Nantahala River today with no problems and treated ourselves to a half day rafting trip. Thus our 115 mile journey has ended and it is time to return to the real world.
Date: 2009-06-07
From: Nantahala River

To: Locust Cove Campsite
Miles today: 10.5

We're back! After going home for 10 days to TCOB we have decided to return and tackle the Great Smoky Mtn National Park. NOC folks remembered us and wished us well on our new hike. Stayed at Nantahala Inn for one more good night's sleep before hitting the trail. We left NOC this morning and did a fairly tough uphill to Cheoh Bald. Had lunch at Sassafras Gap Shelter. Legs still feel fairly good. Knees even better. Had a sharp decent from Cheoh Bald to Locust Cove Campsite. Met nice group from Pathways Church in St. Petersburg, Fl and shared their campfire. Cooked beef stroganoff for dinner.
Date: 2009-06-08
From: Locust Cove Campsite

To: Cable Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: broken clouds

2nd day back was a bit tough. Legs a little unconditioned, altitude and previous day's hike all factors for a long day. Hell of a brief incline and descent into Brown Fork Gap Shelter. Long descent into Yellow Creek Gap caused some toe and foot pain. CGS is a small but nice shelter. Met N.C. State grad and carpenter from Ohio here. Carpenter turned us on to some ultralight stuff including Tarptents. Feet and legs recovered by bedtime. Mountain Air chicken teriyaki with added minute rice was excellent. Still perfect weather. On to Fontana Dam tomorrow.
Date: 2009-06-09
From: Cable Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Hilton
Miles today: 6.6
Weather: few clouds

We've decided to make this a short day and stop at the "Fontana Hilton". Had a 2 mile uphill followed by a long, steep downhill. Between Hwy 28 and 1245 there was an unexpected sharp uphill that didn't appear on the maps we were carrying. Legs, knees and feet feeling a little better but still tired. Got shuttled into Fontana Village and had burgers, chips andd salsa for lunch. Picked up our maildrop at the Post Office and rumaged through the hiker box there. Had Mac and Cheese for dinner and met a number of other hikers at the shelter, including Ed and Yeddie who we would see again later on.
Date: 2009-06-10
From: Fontana Hilton

To: Mollie's Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Crossed the dam and entered the Great Smoky Mtns National Park today. Left some trail magic at the shelter and attacked by lesbian's dogs coming out of camp. Climb from Fontana Dam not as hard as map showed. Encountered 5 ft timber rattler right next to the trail. Very few water sources so far but also drinking much less water. I guess I'm getting in shape! It rained the last thirty minutes of our hike and we slept in Mollies Ridge Shelter.
Date: 2009-06-11
From: Mollie's Ridge Shelter

To: Derrick's Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: light rain

Saw a huge turkey at Spence Field Shelter. Took so many pictures the camera battery died! Great views today from Rocky Top including of Fontana Lake. Huge thunderstorm hit us on the ridge just after Rocky Top. We had to ditch our poles and packs and stand in the storm for 30 minutes. Afterwards we had several steeps climbs going into Derrick's Knob Shelter which included being chased by a grouse. Thought we would never get there. The shelter was almost full with 10 of us and we were all soaked. Good group though and we enjoyed each other's company.
Date: 2009-06-12
From: Derrick's Knob Shelter

To: Mt. Collins Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: light rain

Hiked up to Clingman's Dome today. Unfortunately the views were not good due to clouds and fog. Some tourists there laughed at us due to our appearance. Met "Boomerang" guy at shelter along the way. I went ahead of Dad and hiker who invited himself to hike with us. Actually hiked around 15 miles with getting lost and side trail going into the shelter. At Mt. Collins shelter we met some cool guys from Cincinatti who night hiked it in during two huge thunderstorms. They were beat but in good spirits. Hung out with them around the fire. Ben, whom we had met at DKS was also there. Park service guy joined us for a few hours as he was waiting for a problem bear to show up. Not surprisingly it never did. Shelter was a dump but we all still enjoyed it.
Date: 2009-06-13
From: Mt. Collins Shelter

To: Newfound Gap (Cherokee)
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: broken clouds

We decided to stop in Cherokee for the night and thus only hiked a half day today. The hike was mild and very scenic with lots of hemlocks. Reached Newfound Gap and tried hitching it in to Cherokee for an hour but no tourists would take us. Ended up taking the shuttle. We stayed in the Frontier Lodge for $66 very close to Harrah's casino. Had a huge casino buffet for lunch and took the shuttle to the downtown area for gift shopping. Decided to see the live performance "Unto These Hills" and thoroughly enjoyed it.
Date: 2009-06-14
From: Newfound Gap (Cherokee)

To: Peck's Corner Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: overcast clouds

We caught the shuttle from Frontier Motor Lodge back to Newfound Gap and got on the trail at 9am sharp. I have to say we really enjoyed Cherokee even though it was impossible to find alcohol there. Today was the most pleasant hiking day yet, with very mild ups and downs and perfect weather. Many great views and we took photos standing on Charlies Bunion. Saw a large doe and crossed some very narrow and steep ridges, not more than about 2ft wide in some places. We stayed at Peck's Corner shelter where we met a disfunctional unsocialable family from St. Petersburg, FL. Basically tourists who had no business being on the trail. We also met Foxfire (from the Outer Banks, N.C.) here. He moved on to Tri Corner Shelter after dinner, no doubt due to the lousy company. In the evening we planned the last 3 days of our hike.
Date: 2009-06-15
From: Peck's Corner Shelter

To: Cosby Knob Shelter
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Perfect weather again today. Some early uphills followed by a long, even sweeper, brief uphill and long descent. We caught up with Foxfire sleeping in at Tri Corner Shelter and had a snack with him. We had lunch on an old helipad and met some southbound hikers who claimed there was an old plane crash site just up the trail. We never found it. There was a great group at CKS including some of those we met back at the Fontana Hilton like Ben, John, the Beard, Ed & Yeddie. Passed around wine & screwdrivers and told stories until late. Built huge fire. This was our last night in SMNP.