morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2018-09-29
From: Abol Pines Campsite

To: Katahdin Stream Campground
Miles today: 9.9

This morning I had a hangover from the night before. The several Baxter IPAs did it. It was slow going in the morning. I did manage to get up for the included breakfast with the camp stay. It was basically the same kind of breakfast that Quality Inn had. At least the biscuits and gravy were not bad. Charms, Sticks, Reggie, and I packed up. There was plenty of leftover beer from last night and we decided to take it into the park. We packed out cups to conceal alcohol in Baxter state park.  We got a late start and headed out at 10 pm. The trail was really flat today and was basically a road right into the park. At the park's boundary we registered at the kiosk so they knew we were in the park. We walked and drank for most of the day. At noon we found a large rock in the river to sit on for lunch. I ate my sandwich that I bought from Abol bridge. We watched people across the river shoot off fireworks mid day. Charms would let out a huge yell as they went off. An older gentleman showed up and asked us a few questions about our trip. He had gone canoeing the other day and forgot his clothes on the banks of the river. He was going to swim to get them. We wished him good luck and pushed on to Katahdin Stream Campground.  At the campground Jim was at site #7. The lean-to was super small and only fit 4 people. Luckily we also had site #9 that Mozy and Bean were using. I setup my sleeping bag in #9 and went back over to #7 to hang out. We got our Katahdin hiking permits at the ranger station. It was easy and really straight forward. I looked through the log book to see all the hikers who had finished already. There was Scissors, Booger Bear, Giggles, Scatter, and much more. I went back over to the lean-to  to make dinner. Reggie had built a fire and I was happy to have one. We were all super excited to summit tomorrow. I couldn't believe this adventure was coming to a close but it has been a long 6 months on the trail. It was 8 pm and we decided to go to bed since we would be getting up early for the big climb.Tonight I'm thinking about finishing this tomorrow.
Date: 2017-12-19
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Well after some thought I have decided that I have no cluewhat to do. I am currently in the US Navy and about to separate in a fewmonths. I have plans to attend college soon but since I am currently on deploymentand have horrible planning skills I was unable to complete the necessary applicationfor me to start school when I get out.This left me wondering just what to do with the time betweenseparating and going to school. I could have got a job to last but I know thatit would be hard for me to get a job when I knew I would be quitting in a fewmonths. So I was left a giant block of months with no purpose.I¢ve always loved to go camping. There was nothing betterthan being out in the middle of nowhere and knowing that to survive you had torely on yourself. This developed into an appreciation for hiking while I wasstationed on Oahu. I hiked several of the hikes there, The 3 Peaks being myfavorite, and it grew on me. There was nothing more peaceful than climbing upto the peaks.With this affection there was nothing else to do butaccomplish the great hike. My sister has talked about trying the AppalachianTrail so it was naturally my first choice. My date has been set. The 12thof June I will start my SOBO journey.
Date: 2018-01-13
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Well it looks like my plans are starting to come together. I will be doing a SOBO hike starting on the 12th of June. I have started buying what gear I don't have already. Most of what I have gotten is already at home and I am just waiting for my deployment to be over. I have already told my parents. My mother wasn't to excited about the ideal of her son going a 2000 mile hike but she is supportive. They will definitely be my biggest support system while I'm on The Trail. They are even buying me a pack and the tent I will carrying as my birthday/Christmas present.More info on the gear that I am taking coming soon!!
Date: 2018-01-16
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

So since the third post is the one that makes my journal go public I figured that I should make it a special one. It is recommended that you make a list of reasons why you are doing the hike, what you will do/have after you complete it, and what will happen if you fail.I like the ideal of this list for the main reasons everyone one else who does it does. It will give me something to look back onto and remind myself of my goals during ¢the suck¢. I did something similar while I was in boot camp and it did prove to be a very useful tool to get me through it.Without further ado, here is my list.Reasons why I am hiking the Appalachian Trail:The challenge and adventure. Where else would you go to find your own stories and adventures than on a 2200 mile journey? I hope to have several stories to relay to my friends and family when I return. To institutionalize myself. What I mean about this when you do go to boot camp the first thing they do is break you down. They do this so that they can rebuild you into what they need you to be. I need this journey to reconnect with my inner self.Meet the people. I love meeting new people. I think I might even do a post about all the people I will meet on the trail.To have the feeling of accomplishment. No explanation needed here.When I am done:Most likely start planning the next adventure. I must admit that I have already been looking into this. The triple crown may be in my future.Be ready to go back to a civilian lifestyle.Have a new outlook on life and myself. All those pretty views, how can that not change a person. the only nature some people see is the concrete jungles that people are flock to. I think that being out in nature for extended times will give me new views both figuratively and literally.Cross that line off the bucket list. Never too young to start the bucket list.If I succumb to failure:Feel a little lost. I am very excited and so focused on this hike I think a failure would be pretty rough on me.Reflect on my adventures. Just because you don¢t finish doesn¢t mean you won¢t have the memories.Cherish the accomplishments I did have.Try again. If you fall down, you just have to get back up and keep going. Plain and simple. Well there is my list. I have them wrote down in the journal I plan on taking. Not in so much detail of course but enough to remind me if I need that kick in the butt.Thanks for reading!
Date: 2018-06-04
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Well 3 days until I leave. It has been a while since i posted on here. I almost forgot I was going to be keeping on of these until I was reminded a couple days ago. I was starting to get nervous about hiking the trail but then I realized it wasn't really nerves, it was more excitement and restlessness. I am so ready to head out and start. I even moved my day up. I am now go to summit Katahdin a day early, it was a little cheaper to get there a day earlier as well. The Past few weeks getting ready have been really hectic. I didn't even have my pack until a couple weeks ago. I wasn't able to purchase as much as i wanted while i was on deployment but I feel I am almost finishing. I have my clothes hanging up outside drying from the Permathin i sprayed this morning. after that it is just packing everything up. I guess This would be a good time to go over some of the gear choices i have made.I am carrying an Osprey ATMOS 50 AG. I will be sleeping in a MSR Flylite 2 person tent. It is a trekking pole tent meaning that it is lighter than some tents. I got it on sale at REI which I am grateful for, it can be a little expensive at full price. for my sleepingbag i went with the Eureka Spero 30 bag. I still havent gotten a sleeping pad yet and im not sure if i will. I am a pretty hard sleeper and have slept on some spot that were harder than rocks. I still might get one while im on the trail if it does end up being an issue but i dont see it being a deal breaker. For my last bit on here for today I want to say "Thank You" to all my friends and family who have shown support and encouragement in my trip. I would also like to give a shout out to Happy Trails, my local outfitter. Very nice group of people and excellent customer service! I will be updating his once a week or so but i can be forgetful of these things so don't send the search party if i don't. after i get out there i will talk more about my gear and my travels.
Date: 2018-06-08
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Well my first day on my journey is not going so great. It is now 0449 in the mmorning of the 8th and my bus is officially over an hour late. My first layover in Dallas is only for 45 minutes so I am most likely going to miss my connecting bus. If this bus doesn't show up soon or if they can't help to get me to Bangor on time I may end up trying to get a refund and spending the money to fly. They say that taking a bus is an adventure in itself but right now my decision to take the bus is stopping my adventure from even happening.
Date: 2018-06-23
From: Katahdin

To: Monson
Miles today: 114.0

So I have officialy made it out of the 100 mile wilderness. It was a lot tougher than I thought it would be that is for sure. Between the slow pace due to injury and just wanting to take the scenery in it took longer than I expected.So to start my journey was the climb up Katahdin. Katahdin is the name given by the Penobscot Indian which means "greatest mountain" and they were not wrong. It was a beast and the hardest thing I have ever climbed. It is over 5000 ft elevation gain in a little over 5 miles. It had a nice trail leading up to the top of the tree line, after you got above the tree line it was nothing but nearly vertical bould climbs. I made it up in about 4 to 5 hours and made it back down in a couple. That being said I descended alot faster than I should.Coming down Katahdin to fast I believe I impacted my knee. It made the 100 mile wilderness alot harder. I wasn't able to knock out as many miles as I wanted. Some days I only traveled aroun 8 miles a day and my longest day was 14 miles. It was for the better though though it gave me more time enjoy the beauty of my surroundings. I am currently taking a couple days in Monson to let my knee heal up a little before pressing on.The Hundred Mile Wilderness was harder than expected. It was a tangle of tree roots and rocks but altogether it was worth it. One of the guys I was hiking with told me the lesson of the Wilderness was resilliency. I have deffinitly increased my resilliency. If I could make through the Wilderness then I could do anything. The ability to bounce back from whatever pain or obsitacle and push forward is a skill I will have forever now.With that said I am glad I am past all the bugs, mosquitoes and black flys, for the time being and just going to relax and enjoy my time resting. Until my next update so long. If there is anything you want me to talk about just tell me!
Date: 2018-04-22
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

A different site along the way! I stayed Friday night at Poplar Stamp Gap, I passed Low Gap Shelter which had been my planned stop for the day. I hadn't been able to communicate due to poor cell reception. Saturday I stayed at Tray Shelter. We had "trail magic" at Umicoi. Folks had driven 5 hours from Cullian, Alabama to serve us hikers burgers and hot dogs as we came by! A trail magic treat for sure.
Date: 2018-04-26
To: View Entry
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Last night I stayed at Eric and Sofie's, I had a great meal, a shower and was able to wash my clothes. I want to say thank you so much to them both. They picked me up in town and brought me back to the trail this morning. I passed Wayah Bald around noon today. I'm at Cold Spring Shelter, I pitched the tent in the rain but am now inside and warm.
Date: 2018-04-27
To: N.O.C.
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: light rain

Today I climbed fire tower before going into N.O.C. The views from the top were breathtaking. I hope you enjoy the video posted below. I am having dinner at N.O.C. with some fellow Appalachian trail hikers, freight train, medicine man and two-thirds.https://youtu.be/T73xJVw7ruQ
Date: 2018-05-04
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Pictures never do justice to the beauty of the scenery that I see each day. I met people of all ages, young and old, from Germany and France today. I shared trail magic last night at Peck Corner with one of the guys from Germany. John from Nashville gave us Trillium beer, an IPA. I'm at Cosby Knob for the night, tomorrow to Standing Bear Farm and out of the Smokies.
Date: 2018-05-05
To: Standing Bear
Miles today: 30.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Made it out of the Smoky Mountains and I am spending the night at Standing Bear. The attached photo is me outside the Standing Bear. I got a bunk and shower for $20. Along the way there was some trail magic from stick bridges and Kyle one mile before Standing Bear. I had a PBR and a hotdog. A Bear came into Crosby camp at 6:15 am. I heard a guy yell bear when it came right near his tent and they closed the camp site.
Date: 2018-05-07
To: View Entry
Miles today: 34.0

It was a beautiful morning at the top of Max Patch. We did see a mother bear and two cubs go through last night, but they kept a distance. I'm currently at Laughing Heart Hostel in Hot Springs, NC. I picked up my packages. I want to put this message out there - Fab 10, did you make your commitment? Neil R. Post in my guest book, how you doing? I've been thinking about everyone. Also, thank you Stanley for the poles.
Date: 2018-05-17
To: View Entry
Miles today: 31.0
Weather: light rain

I was able to pick up my resupplies, shower and do wash at Kinora Hostel. It rained very hard today. I met folks from Andover, Maine. Their trail names are Honey and Bear. The have a hostel in Maine. They shared their pasta and sauce, that she had made, with me for dinner last night. They are through hikers from western Maine. I'm at Vandeventer Shelter now, still raining very hard.
Date: 2018-05-21
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Last night we stayed at Lost Mountain Shelter. Sunday we hiked with Bob Bunce, my running buddy from Fishkill. He's in great shape and when he gets back he will kick KDs butt! He lightened the load for me and tree hugger. We are coming up to wild ponies today. I had to get new hiking boots and am hoping that will help with the blisters. Other than that I am doing well! Thanks to Bob Bunce for all the support!
Date: 2018-05-24
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Trail magic in the school provided by a local church. We walked just five miles this morning to Atkins, VA. We decided to get a room in town, do laundry and shower. I need to give my foot with the blisters a rest so I'm picking up Epsom salt to soak it. Hopefully that and the dry air for a day will help. I picked up my resupplies also. It has been raining a lot lately, but we hike through. Today is a nice day.
Date: 2018-05-27
To: View Entry
Miles today: 40.0

I passed this 600 mile mark on my way into Jenny Knobe. I'm currently at mile marker 603. I've been hiking with Cruise Control and Mover. Mover has 27,000 trail miles. I want to congratulate my daughters. Hayley graduated with her Ph.D. in cancer sciences from the University of Buffalo through Roswell. Erin ran her first marathon in Burlinton, VT today, her time was 4:34. So very proud of you both.
Date: 2018-06-06
To: View Entry
Miles today: 28.0

We experienced more amazing views while hiking along the Blue Ridge Parkway. It was one of the best days weather wise so far, sunny, mild breeze, temperatures in the low 70's. We had trail magic via Freight Train, his wife and sister were up from Savannah. We stopped at Bobbets Shelter for the night. I started my trip at around 190 pounds. I've lost about 20 pounds, now down to 170. Stanley, you had asked if there was anything I brought that I sent back. I bought a quilt for camping and sent back my sleeping bag, it's much lighter weight. Ok, stories to come!
Date: 2018-06-10
To: View Entry
Miles today: 22.0

It was a pleasant day as we headed to Priest Shelter, but then we were hit by heavy rain and hail. The blisters are still an issue. I've switched to using trail running shoes as opposed to my hiking boots. I have not taken any zero days yet. The shortest day that I hiked was on May 24 when we hiked 5 miles into town and got the hotel.
Date: 2018-06-10
To: View Entry
Miles today: 14.0

Today I hiked with Cruise Control and his daughter, Claire and future son-in-law, Marcus. We went from Reed Gap to Devils Backbone brewery. It was a tough hike but we enjoyed the beer at the end. We are setting up our tents in a field by the trail. Tony, I don't remember the powder you are referring to?Stanley, the mail drops are spot on and the food is lasting until I get to the next stop (although I have lost 20 lbs, maybe I'm just rationing). Cathy is my trail angel and she's doing a fantastic job, watch for her informational book Entitled "how to be a good trail angel for dummies." The tent is showing some some wear and tear but it is holding up. The water was plentiful in the beginning of the trip but recently water has been more difficult to come by. The trail is very well marked. The oldest person I met was an 80 year old woman and another person who was 75 that has completed the trail twice whose trail name is slow poke. The youngest hikers appear to be in their twenties but I have come across some Boy and Girl Scouts. The Boy Scouts were practicing to do the rim to rim of the Grand Canyon. The Girl Scouts We're day hiking and I took their leftover food. The weather is definitely the biggest issue, especially the rain, heat and humidity. There is also some tough terrain and the website gut hooks is hard to follow. I haven't taken any 0 days, only a 5 mile day. I wouldn't be able to use the hammocks because there isn't a lot of good tree space and the covers for hammocks leak. I have not done any camp cooking and the bugs are brutal!
Date: 2018-06-18
To: View Entry
Miles today: 21.0

I'm at Gravel Springs Hut this morning, continuing through Virginia. We are planning on being in Harper's Ferry, Virginia by Wednesday or Thursday. I'm traveling approximately 10 days ahead of my intended schedule. Tony, thank you for the powder you sent to prevent blisters. I've been using it and have almost completed my course of antibiotics. I think the infection is beginning to heal. Thank you again.
Date: 2018-06-20
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Last night I stayed in Rod Hollow Shelter at mile marker 994. Today I made it to David Lesser Memorial Shelter at mile marker 1015, passing the 1000 mile mark! I hiked part of the AT they call the Roller Coaster where it goes up and down for 13.5 miles. The hike was not bad just rocky. I made it into the shelter tonight just before it started to pour. It was very warm yesterday but cooled off today.
Date: 2018-06-22
To: View Entry
Miles today: 77.7

Even though we are experiencing some heavy rains, we had a good day! It was a major milestone for Cruise Control. He used to drive trucks on the I-70 and as he would go under the AT pass he would honk his horn for the hikers on the Appalachian trail. Today we made it there and had many drivers honk their horns as we walked over! Tonight we are at Pine Knobe Shelter at mile marker 1047.7. I have updated the miles to reflect this in the journal. My toe is feeling better, but still on the mend. I am starting to dream of pasta and bread though!
Date: 2018-06-25
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

We have been seeing a lot of Boy Scouts coming into the shelters at night. They look like they are a little shell shocked after being wet all day with all the rain we have gotten. Today was a beautiful day however, very nice. It was a pleasant stop at Quarry Gap, the shelter has a good care taker, nice spot.
Date: 2018-06-26
To: View Entry
Miles today: 30.0

We spent Monday night at Birch Run Shelter, mile 1093. Today I passed the 1100 mile mark. I did the ice cream challenge with peanut butter cup ice cream. I ate everything that you see in the picture, however it was a pint short, I didn't get the other pint. I'm heading to James Fry Shelter tonight, mile 1110. We will be meeting Cruise's friend Keith in Boiling Springs tomorrow for a visit, steaks and beer. We have been meeting Ninja Tortoise in the shelters at night. He started hiking from Key West on January 10th. He is hiking the Appalachian Trail and then continuing into Quebec. He carries only a day pack. He lives in Eugene, Oregon. He hiked the Pacific Crest Trail last year. He likes elk hunting and talked about "noodling" for catfish in Arkansas, they catch the catfish with their hands in the mud. The toughest part of my hike so far was coming down off Dragon Tooth. It was the most technical hike downhill. The best times was at McAfee Knob and getting a bacon cheeseburger from trail angels in the gap.
Date: 2018-07-01
To: View Entry
Miles today: 72.0
Weather: clear sky

Yesterday into Rausch Gap mining area. They had previously gotten 6 inches of rain and we had to walk through ankle deep water for a good while. Then we spent the night at 501 shelter, mile marker 1194. Today we are at Eagles Nest. I¢m updating the mileage over the past couple of days.
Date: 2018-07-02
To: View Entry
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: overcast clouds

We are at Windsor Furnace Shelter. We walked into Port Clinton for supplies and to meet Cathy, Erin and Cathy's sister Sharon for lunch. They are in Philadelphia helping Hayley and Laurie move into their new apartment. It was only a little over an hour from where we were. We had lunch and they brought us back to the trail head. It was good to be with them. I have contacted the Gregory backpack company. The lumbar support on my pack has broken down. They have agreed to a one time replacement of my pack and will be shipping me a new one.
Date: 2018-07-04
To: View Entry
Miles today: 42.0

We are camping trail side tonight. We had a climb this morning in some heavy rain and decided to stop and take a break for lunch. After the weather had cleared out I was able to get this photo looking down on Lehigh Valley. We started out again and then the thunderstorms rolled in. We decided to call it a day and just camp trail side. Last night we were at Tripoli campsite, mile marker 1247.
Date: 2018-07-07
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Yesterday we hiked to the trail head and Erica (Dave and Nancy Angell's daughter) picked us up. She had arranged for us to stay at an Air B& B. Thank you Erica, Mike, Clara and Penelope (their dog) for providing us with a great place to stay, shower, great meal and excellent company. It gave us the pleasant sense of home for the day. Mike took us back to the trail head this morning. We are thankful for good friends and the refreshing change in the weather. We will be crossing over into New Jersey today.
Date: 2018-07-09
To: View Entry
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: clear sky

We arrived at High Point State Park in New Jersey this morning. We plan on crossing into New York State tomorrow. Tonight we are at Pochuck Mountain Shelter. We resupplied at Shop Rite. A trail angel drove us there. After we were done, outside Shop Rite, a lady came to us and asked if we were thru hikers and offered us a ride back to the trail and gave us food. Thanks to all the trail magic, we were able to get in our miles and get the supplies we needed.