morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2023-08-22
From: Pierce pond lean-to

To: Stealth site
Miles today: 34.0

Days 97Early start to the day which is good, but I've been having a hard time mentally. Nothing specific, this trail is challenging all the way around. We went with michelle to the hunting cabin where she got the last spot for pancakes, the rest of us got pop tarts and rice krispie treats. Tha canin/lodge was unique. A very, very old building that didnt even pretend to be level. A huge dead bear was on the back of the couch. Very strange place. We got to the ferry spot around 9ish which is when they start. It took about 2 hrs in total with the waiting but only about 5 min to actually cross. The water level was much higher than previous years due to all the recent rains. The ferryman can only take two people across at time. There were also few southbounders crossing to help him row back across. Ground Control was able to meet us and we slack packed another 5 miles. Melissa's fall count: 73Beginning mile marker: 2043Ending mile marker: 2052.4Nearest city/town: caratunk, maine9.4Sterling innDay 98-99Not a bad hike into town where ground control picked us up and we checked into Sterling inn. The place totally reminded me of that show with Bob Newhart, the one where he and his wife had a BNB. It was cute and relaxing. We able to slack pack some miles and get some good rest in. We also taught ground control how to play family dice.  Melissa's fall count: 76Beginning mile marker: 2052.4Ending mile marker: 2065.8Nearest city/town: caratunk, maine13.4Moxie bald lean toDay 100I can't believe I've been living in the woods for 100 days!!! Of course some of those are hotels and hostels but still, that blows my mind. Had a steady rain overnight but nothing too crazy. We got to our first river crossing and it went well, only about ankle deep. Found a decent sunny spot for lunch and the group decided to part ways for the day. We knew the next water crossing would be a bit deeper and some didn't want to risk it. We got to the crossing and I was able to cross without my pack. The water level was about 2 inches above my navel but the current was not strong. Chivalrous Graham crossed thrice and carried my pack for me. The worst part was the trekking poles, actually. They're there to help you balance, but end up getting in the way with the current. We had planned on stopping at a shelter tonight but decided to push on for the final ankle deep crossing so we wouldn't have to do it in the morning. Found a very nice stealth spot by the stream and made a fire ring to dry out our socks. We'll get to Monson tomorrow and get prepared for entering the 100- mile wilderness. Melissa's fall count: 77 Beginning mile marker: 2065.8Ending mile marker: 2077Nearest city/town: caratunk, maine11.2Stealth site
Date: 2023-08-23
From: Stealth site

To: Shaws hostel
Miles today: 6.7

Day 101-103We hiked into Shaws hostel, took a much needed zero and resupplied. I got a new pack and Graham got new shoes!! We've solidified plans for the next week, set up our food drops and are scheduled to summit Katahdin on the 31st/1st. We'll take about 7 or 8 days to get through the 100 mile wilderness which is pretty remote with poor cell service, so probably won't post anything until after. We will have little to no access to roads or towns but the hostel we are at will do a supply drop on a couple logging roads if you can get the timing and logistics set up. We just had a large egg bacon pancake breakfast and then ground control is dropping us at the trailhead. Hopefully the weather holds, we are locked in on the home stretch now.  Melissa's fall count: 78Beginning mile marker: 2077Ending mile marker: 2083.7Nearest city/town: caratunk, maine6.7Shaws hostel
Date: 2023-08-31
From: Air bnb

To: Air bnb
Miles today: 41.3

Day 108We had a great breakfast before getting a ride back out to the trail. On the way in we passed several hunting groups all coming out to hunt bears. It was so nice to hike on easy trail with no heavy packs. We had our first clear view of Katahdin and man, it's a pretty mountain. Still can't believe we are just days away. The campground is quite beautiful and has a picnic table!! Right off Namakhanta Lake with a beautiful sunset view. Those have been few and far between since New Hampshire. It's amazing how nice it is to sit at the end of a long day. The couple camping next to us has a yearly tradition of spending a week out here. They brought us over hot dogs, spaghetti, and smores for a nice treat. That was a great surprise, however he also tossed several massive tree trunk logs on our fire leaving us to monitor it until much later in the evening then we would like.  Melissa's fall count: 87Beginning mile marker: 2142.4Ending mile marker:2157.7Nearest city/town: millinocket, maineNahmakanta lake campground15.3Day 109 Pretty sunrise last night on the lake. We were hoping for a moose sighting, but that hasn't happened yet. Hiking through maine has been beautiful with such vibrant green moss and ferns, but so so much mud. I ended up falling, big surprise, but twisted my ankle. Not going to be a game changer at all, but it'll slow me down. Long day if hiking.Melissa's fall count: 88Beginning mile marker: 2157.7Ending mile marker:2175.5Nearest city/town: millinocket, maineStealth site17.8Day 110Well, we made it out of the 100-mile wilderness alive!! Beautiful hiking but ready to get this part over and done with. We've got the 10 miles left tomorrow then it's the summit. So crazy to be this close. Melissa's fall count: 88Beginning mile marker: 2175.5Ending mile marker:2183.4Nearest city/town: millinocket, maineAirbnb8.2
Date: 2023-09-03
From: Air bnb

To: Katadhin
Miles today: 5.2

Day 112-114What an amazing few days it's been. We summited 9/1/23 and it took a few days for it to sink in and feel real. In one way I was so ready for the northern part to be done, and the other part doesn't want it to end. Dave's cousin and wife drove up, and Jens son flew in to all join us on the climb. The actual hike was hard but fun. Of course, the elevation was a factor, but the rock scrambling increased the difficulty. The morning was cold and increasingly windy as we moved past treeline. It was a constant adjustment of clothing layers to balance out cold, wind, sweat, and heat from exertion. We found a sunny wind free spot halfway up to break for lunch and regroup as we had spread out during the rock scrambles. We then pressed on through the last scrambles to reach the table-lands before the peak where the difficulty eased. As we got to the final part, the 30mph winds died away and became one of the nicer days of the whole trail. The views were amazing and our joy palpable. We lingered up top for over an hour. We then started down a different trail that while shorter and steeper had fewer big scrambles. I think I've perfected the butt slide though, which makes it a lot more fun and easier to get down, you just have to control the landing. After the hike, we went back to the airbnb for a celebratory pizza party. Liz (our trail supporter from parts of NY to Mass) drove up from NY to surprise and congratulate us. It was such an awesome time to relax and enjoy company with the tramily without the added stress of having to hike the next day. We all said it was the best night of sleep we have had in a long time. It will be sad to part ways but look forwarding to our paths crossing in the southern section for a last hooray.  Melissa's fall count: 88Beginning mile marker: 2193.2Ending mile marker:2198.4Nearest city/town: millinocket, maine
Date: 2023-09-15
To: Hotel
Miles today: 0.0

Post flip- pre flopWe have successfully made it to Atlanta and have a shuttle booked to take us to amicolola falls in the morning. After we summitted Katahdin, we decided to take a quick trip back home to surprise a friend for his 40th birthday. It was awesome to be home for a few days to see friends and family, and of course, the kitties who thought we had left them forever. It was nice to be back in society for awhile, but we both missed the trail and ready to hike again. We did change our original plans and are now hiking north from Georgia to harpers ferry, back to Matt's house where the truck is. Michelle has decided to hike a bit in the southern section but will be traveling back home in October for a job.
Date: 2023-09-16
From: Hotel

To: Springer mountain shelter
Miles today: 9.0

Day 113 Back on trail and it feels soo good. Well, my lungs and legs are still in shock and haven't fully committed to working again. Our flight from Austin to Atlanta was uneventful and we managed to get a ride from there to a hotel. Continental breakfast today was much needed for carb/protein loading. After what felt like a 2 hr shuttle drive to get to the trail head it was nice to get out and stretch our legs. We decided to start with the Amicalola approach trail which is an additional 8.8 miles to get to springer mountain which is the actual southern terminus of the AT. We wanted to walk through the arch at the state park and ascend the 600 steps that go up beside the falls. It sounded like a good idea at the time¢¦Got to a shelter tonight just in time before a heavy rain came. No falls today! Not sure if it was new ankle wraps, easier terrain, or moving up to wide shoes. Hopefully it continues.  Melissa's fall count: 88Beginning mile marker: -8.8Ending mile marker: .2Nearest city/town: amicalola, Georgia
Date: 2023-09-18
From: Springer mountain shelter

To: Blood mountain shelter
Miles today: 28.7

Day 114Back at it. Slept in this morning on accident, we didn't realize sunrise was so late down here. Nice hike up to the first shelter, stove creak where we had a nice morning break. Made it to hawk shelter for lunch. It's been fun going through the shelter journals and going back to feb/March and seeing names we recognize from meeting them up north. Melissa's fall count: 89Beginning mile marker: .2Ending mile marker: 15.7Nearest city/town: amicalola, Georgia Gooch shelterDay 115 Our original plan was for 15 miles today and get into Neels gap for resupply and camp right after that¢¦. But, it's just so hard to get up before the sun. We got to Woody gap where we were able to get rid of our trash and we took a very, nice super long break there. We met a dad and his two kids, 8 and 10 year old, who only have 20 miles left of their SOBO hike. They started Katahdin on June 12 and will be done by Sept 19th. That's only 99 days! That's insane. We finished up our hike by going up Blood Mountain and staying at the shelter there. Beautiful views and hopefully we'll stay up for the sunset. Now we only have a few miles all downhill to get to Neels gap then we'll continue onMelissa's fall count: 89Beginning mile marker: 15.7Ending mile marker: 28.9Nearest city/town: amicalola, Georgia Blood mountain shelter
Date: 2023-09-22
From: Blood mountain shelter

To: Around the bend
Miles today: 40.3

Day 116 Made it to Neels gap and had pizza for breakfast. Can't complain about that one. Neels gap was a nice outdoor shop that even included their own resident orange kitty. She even had her own postcards. Neels gap is also known as the place shoes go to die. It's known as a place that a lot of people quit the trail and throw their shoes into a large oak tree out of frustration and now it's become a kitchy trademark. Large parts of the trail today were completely overgrown with tons of poison ivy. Graham and I both washed our legs, and we'll hope for the best that it doesn't become a problem and it doesn't continue like this.  Melissa's fall count: 89Beginning mile marker: 28.9Ending mile marker: 42.8Nearest city/town: Clarksville, Georgia Low gap shelter 13.9Day 117Weather's been good for hiking, a bit too humid but at least it's cool. After leaving low gap shelter it was a relatively easy hike down to Unicoi gap. Hiked over a poorly named Rocky Mountain due to its lack of rocks. It's been so dry lately its made our water carries heavier. We're hoping for a bit of rain in the next few days. We ate dinner at a spring that flowed through a culvert before hiking up our last mountain for the day. Made it to the shelter in more than enough time to enjoy the evening. We had planned to sleep in the shelter until a talkative man came out of the woods in pajama pants carrying a plastic bag full of heavy water bottles. We didn't have to exchange words to know we had changed our minds and would tent instead. Melissa's fall count: 89Beginning mile marker: 42.8Ending mile marker: 58.1Nearest city/town: Clarksville, Georgia Tray mountain shelter 15.3 Day 118-119Graham had intended to start the day at sunrise although I would not get up early enough. Even with a later start we still made good time. We were unsure about water sources today so we filled up early and carried 2.5L for the day. Easy morning followed by a steep climb up Kelly Knob. Nice lunch on top of the knob and we had cell service to secure a hostel and a shuttle ride. The four miles down the knob went fast but a bit hard on the knees. We got to the hostel and the only other person we had seen on trail ended up at the same place. Burgers, showers, and beds made for a good night. We decided to take a zero the next day to recharge and rest. Melissa's fall count: 89Beginning mile marker: 58.1Ending mile marker: 69.2Nearest city/town: Hiawasee, Georgia Around the bend hostel 11.1 miles
Date: 2023-09-25
From: Around the bend

To: Sila bald shelter
Miles today: 44.4

Day 120Yesterday was a very nice zero. Started with a good breakfast, did some yoga, napped, and then we all went to a winery down the road for a tasting. The hostel fed us burgers again, although this time Graham got to grill them since he had to pick someone up. We got a late start today since we, of course, had to wait until we all had eaten breakfast, then we got a shuttle back to the trail head. Slow and steady hike today since it seemed to be continuously uphill. Exciting news that we lunched today at the GA/NC border!! The sign seemed to be in pretty rough shape, but we have another state completed and we are over 1100 miles!!! We had dinner at Muskrat shelter then we hiked on for another 2 miles and found a nice little campsite. The evening was rounded out with a fire. Melissa's fall count: 89Ba teginning mile marker: 69.2Ending mile marker: 82.9Nearest city/town: Franklin, ncWateroak gap 13.7 milesDay 121Good day of hiking today. Stopped at Standing Indian shelter for a morning break and water. I've been impressed with the shelters so far in NC with their large front porches, it just hasn't worked out yet mileage wise to stay at one. There's been some bad odors on trail today, we think it must be some plant that's blooming, at least it's not us. We had lunch at a cute little creek, it was nice and relaxing, and hard to get back up again to hike. We made it to Betty Creek campsite which has nice little cove of tentsites nestled in the rhododendrons. Got here early to relax by a nice fire and do some yoga.  Melissa's fall count: 90Beginning mile marker: 82.9Ending mile marker: 97.2Nearest city/town: Franklin, ncWateroak gap 14.3 milesDay 122Hike started out steep today and made it to our first firetower of the south. Unfortunately, the building was locked, but the view was nice up four flights of stairs. Lunched at Rock Gap shelter and continued on. A group of blood hounds howling on the hunt passed just out of sight. We've heard that its bear season, so assume that was their quarry. We've had a fair share of stream crossings, so it's nice not to have to worry on that front. There's been a bunch of flies lately. We can hear the buzzing, it's very unsettling and I don't understand why there are so many. Nice dinner at a campsite and stream then continued on a few more miles to a shelter. The trail has still been fairly nice and not as technical as up north, but the miles still tire you out.  Melissa's fall count: 90Beginning mile marker: 97.2Ending mile marker: 113.6Nearest city/town: Franklin, ncSiler bald shelter 16.4 miles
Date: 2023-09-26
From: Sila bald shelter

To: Big branch campground
Miles today: 13.8

Day 123Graham let me sleep in this morning till 745!! It was amazing. Shelter last night was a bit sketchy, a cross between an old shelter and what looked like a haunted murder shack. No signs of other people or animals the whole time we were there. Nonetheless, we both slept well and started out the morning with a very long and steady climb up. Took a nice, long break at a campsite. A few more miles up was an old stone observation tower. Nice view from atop of the surrounding NC mountains. Some parts of the trail today were completely overgrown. The growth was taller than me and the trail was very narrow and hard to follow. We ran into a couple who were doing trail maintenance though, so I suppose, it's a work in progress. I forgot to mention, I broke one of my trekking poles awhile back and got a new at the hostel. The problem is now I have two different ones. The handles and the weight is very different, so now I'm changing hands every so often to keep the balance. It makes me laugh. It's been pretty seeing some of the leaves change. A few trees are already bright red. We had dinner at cold spring shelter before pushing on a few more miles to tent in the woods.  Melissa's fall count: 90Beginning mile marker: 113.6Ending mile marker: 127.4Nearest city/town: Franklin, ncBig branch campsite 13.8 miles
Date: 2023-09-28
From: Big branch campground

To: Cheoah bald 
Miles today: 17.6

Day 124Started out sooo foggy today. We got to an observation tower but decided it wasn't worth the extra steps since all we would see were the clouds. We hiked down to the Nantahala outdoor center (NOC) to resupply some things and meet back up with michelle. It was a long descent of 4000ft elevation which was taxing in our knees. Once down, we had a very nice lunch with tasty beers before walking across the river and hung out there for a bit too. We tried to resupply at the gear outfitters and general store but the pickings were slim and over priced. We cobbled together enough for a few days before moving on. Remember Jen and Dave? We met them in PA and hiked to Maine with them. Well, they had flip-flopped from Damascus, VA and started back there after maine heading south to GA. So, now we are trying to meet back up to spend a zero together. We found a nice little tent spot to spend the night after hiking out of the NOCMelissa's fall count: 90Beginning mile marker: 127.4Ending mile marker: 139.4Nearest city/town: Bryson City, ncStealth site 12 milesDay 125Nice short day of hiking today. It's nice going slow, so we can meet up with Jen and Dave tomorrow. We had lunch at the Sassafrass shelter which wad nice, but got a little chilly since it was covered by trees. It was also overcrowded with a young kids hiking group who were constantly underfoot. Hiked on a little bit more to get on top of Cheoah Bald for a nice little tent site. Got here early enough to fit in some yoga and campfire. Great views across the mountains and valleys, we might even stay up for the sunset.  Melissa's fall count: 90Beginning mile marker: 139.4Ending mile marker: 145Nearest city/town: Bryson City, ncCheoah bald campsite 5.6miles
Date: 2023-10-02
From: Cheoah bald 

To: Fontana dam shelter
Miles today: 20.9

Day 126-127 The hike down to stecoah gap wasn't too crazy in the morning. We met Lonnie, our hostel owner, for a ride to the house. The hostel was actually the house he grew up in and despite more available beds intentionally didnt book any outside of our group. He even left us a van to drive around for our errands. We had walked to the gas station to get some snacks after settling in and showering and there were Jen and Dave getting out of a car!! We had a great night of food, drinks, games, and conversation. Pinky came to the house the next day and we all went to the NOC for some sunshine and relaxation. What a great zero!!! Back on trail today for another active recovery day. Our next stop is Fontana Dam and we don't want to get there until Monday since we need to stop at the post office, so short miles today. Can't complain about that.  Melissa's fall count: 91Beginning mile marker: 145Ending mile marker: 159.2Nearest city/town: fontana dam, ncCable gap shelter 14.2Day 128Last day of active recovery hiking. There were some hunting dogs around the shelter last night. It seemed like not good hunting dogs since they were more interested in us and our food and not whatever they were supposed to be hunting for. Both seemed incredibly thin with ribs showing. They both had some radio/GPS collars on that said "hands off. I'm not lost, I'm hunting" the owners finally showed up around 8:30pm after were heard some gunshots to corral and leash them. I just don't know how I feel about that. We looked it up and it's legal here in NC, it was sad to see.  It was nice today getting into Fontana dam. First stop at the marina for a snack and tables to find a shuttle to the store and post office. We were able to get a ride from an old hippie who's hiked most of the trail. Ate dinner at the one restaurant in town and resupplied from what little they had at the store. Staying tonight at what they call the "fontana hilton." The shelter is right on the lake, has real restrooms, water, charging stations, and hot showers. Tomorrow we enter the Smokey National Park, might have little to no service for the duration.  Melissa's fall count: 91Beginning mile marker: 159.2Ending mile marker: 165.9Nearest city/town: fontana dam, ncFontana dam shelter 6.7
Date: 2023-10-04
From: Fontana dam shelter

To: Silers bald shelter
Miles today: 29.6

Day 129Nice morning to start hiking today which was good since we had quite the climb out of Fontana Dam. We got to an old rickety firetower that we climbed up and got some nice views of the Smokies. My feet are now not used to these miles and they were aching around mile 8. We spent most of the day leap frogging another thru hiker who finishes after the smokies. Its always nice to talk to another thru hiker as the section and day hikers dont really understand the life and struggles. We got to a very crowded shelter to have dinner and bed down.  Melissa's fall count: 91Beginning mile marker: 165.9Ending mile marker: 180.8Nearest city/town: fontana dam, ncRussell field shelter 14.9Day 130 Started out the day with one of the section hikers giving us some pepperoni. He did have 14 lbs of food, so he had some to spare. It was such a nice surprise. Been seeing a lot more people on trail lately, some of them are previous thru hikers, so we have a little more to chat about. Still keeping a lookout for bears, but we've yet to see one. So much bear scat, so they are out there. Weird thing about the Smokies, how to goes along the NC,TN border, the TN side doesn't have privies at the shelters but the NC side does. All I can say is, I'm glad we're not in the bubble and staying with 20-30 people at the shelters. Melissa's fall count: 92Beginning mile marker: 180.8Ending mile marker: 195.5Nearest city/town: fontana dam, ncSilers bald shelter 14.7