morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2011-09-22
From: 500 Miles Left

To: South Maine
Miles today: 20.0

Make no mistake about it, I WAS SCARED. The one mile of Trail claimed by many to be the most difficult of the 2181 mile Appalachian Trail is called Mahoosuc Notch, which is immediately followed by a 1500 ft climb up Old Speck Mountain (el 3985 ft). It just so happens that during my turn to incur these legends, Mother Nature decided to bestow upon me 40 degree temperatures and a constant rain. The mile long field of boulders, the size of trucks, was traversed extremely slowly and with special care. "Take no chances," I kept telling myself, "Make sure footing is solid," I reminded myself over and over again; especially since a fellow Hiker had to be rescued, via helicopter, a few days earlier. Soon, the most feared mile was completed and the final destination for the day was only a few miles away, just over Old Speck Mountain. About half-way to the top, the rain turned to sleet, the temperature dropped and the wind blew hard. Hiking became so treacherous, pauses were necessary to scrape ice from the foot path; and steps became synchronized between gusts of wind, so as not to be blown off the mountain. With the help of several Hail Mary¢s, I made it down the other side safely and decided not to put my life in jeopardy again. Since the weather has been deteriorating rapidly, I decided to jump a few miles ahead to the 100 Mile Wilderness just south of Mt Katahdin, to ensure summiting in September rather than mid-October. I'll finish the omitted section in better weather before returning home.
Date: 2011-09-23
From: South Maine

To: Raindow Pond
Miles today: 0.0

The last section of Trail before Mt. Katahdin is called the ¢100-mile Wilderness.¢ It is rightly named since there are no roads and the opportunity to resupply is almost non-existent. With that said, the 100-Mile Wilderness also lives up to its name in serenity & beauty. Trees, lakes, streams and wildlife are plentiful; I will forever treasure the night spent on the banks of Rainbow Pond. Even though it was late September, the water was still warm enough for an evening swim and I took full advantage, realizing of course, that such opportunities were rapidly diminishing. Drinking water was plentiful from a natural spring, extraordinarily cool and tasteful.......During dinner, my buddy Wip (Indiana) and I talked about the day¢s Hike, as the call of some Loons, close at hand, echoed off the nearby ridges. The Field Guide of the Audubon Society describes Loons as "requiring wilderness," and I wish that everyone in the world could hear the call of a real Loon penetrating the stillness of a clear September evening..........Later that night, while lying in my tent, there were multiple Loons sounding off and creating quite a racket. Then, a few Bard Owls joined in, and it was indeed, quite a loud cacophony of sound! You might say it was a ¢Loony bin¢............sorry, couldn't resist. Thanks for reading.
Date: 2011-09-24
From: Raindow Pond

To: Caratunk, ME
Miles today: 0.0

The 2181 miles of the Appalachian Trail can certainly become convoluted. This chap waits near the Kennebunk River¢s edge, waiting to ferry Hikers across the 80-yard stream. He's made a living doing it. I wonder if it's a stressful job.
Date: 2011-10-05
From: Caratunk, ME

To: Family & Friends Passing
Miles today: 0.0

A quick update........It is said the lord works in mysterious ways, and I am not quite sure how to interpret these latest events. I made a quick exit from the trail near Rangely, ME due to the passing of my Father-In-Law, Edward Olesky. He was one of the nicest and smartest guys I've ever met. His passing has been very difficult for my wife Lisa and for everybody that knew him......Also, many of the hiking community were saddened to hear of the passing of my hiking companion Buffalo Bobby only 20 miles short of completing his thru hike......Both of these men touched many lives with their generosity, compassion and kindness. I will do my best to emulate them.......As for me, my wife Lisa is insisting I resume my journey as soon as possible. Thank you for reading.....In the words of Ed Olesky, "All men die, but not all men live".
Date: 2011-10-11
From: Family & Friends Passing

To: Andover, ME
Miles today: 10.0

With Lisa's blessings I am back on the trail again. She drove 5 hrs to North Adams, MA to pick up our suburban and returned home while I drove the additional 5 hrs to Andover ME. The good thing about the drive was some quality time together and capturing the fall foliage at its peak. This was something I really wanted to share with her......The goal now is to finish the remaining 40 or so miles in Southern Maine and get home as soon as possible. The weather forecasts are rain and thunderstorms for the next few days, so I'm expecting to get cold and wet. That's the way it goes in life. We have to play the hand we're dealt.
Date: 2011-10-13
To: South Arm Road
Miles today: 10.0

CONTEST ANNOUNCEMENT! !!!!!! PRIZES AWARDED!!!!!!! This photo is taken from the west peak of Baldpate Mountain to the east peak. A distance of 1mile. There were 5 miles left to finish the day and I began to think about how many steps it takes to complete the entire journey of the AT.........So, if the trail is 2181miles total length, and my stride is 27 inches long, how many steps will I have taken upon completion? Trust me, the prize will be worth it..........e mail your answers to wishful1015@Verizon.net, and include your mailing address so I can send your prize.
Date: 2011-10-19
To: Back On The Trail in PA
Miles today: 18.0

After completing Southern Maine, and after a few days of rest, Lisa drove me back to Pine Grove, PA; the point where I left the trail in Mid July. The next 219 miles are the last leg of this incredible journey. It will officially end when I walk through the front door of our home which is located only a quarter of a mile from the trail.......... The changes toin the trail in just 3 months are many. The green tunnel is now amber, yellow and red, and the forrest floor is covered with leaves hiding numerous roots and rocks. Long gone are the throngs of hikers and aside from an occasional SOBO hiker or day hikerthe trail is desolate. It's both good and bad........can't wait to finish. It's been a long time.
Date: 2011-10-21
From: Back On The Trail in PA

To: Port Clinton,PA
Miles today: 22.0
Weather: clear sky

When I started this final leg of my journey, the temperatures were reaching the mid 60s. Now, 10 days later, snow is in the forecast. Burrrrrr! I can't help acknowledge that autumn is the season and this is the autumn of my hike. It's also a wonderful time for reflection, but only with great caution. When I think too deeply, I hear Frank Sinatra remind me " I'm in the autumn of my years"
Date: 2011-10-29
From: Port Clinton,PA

To: Wind Gap
Miles today: 17.0

I'm no fool. The last place I wanted to be was hiking over loose and jagged rocks beneath 14 inches of fresh snow. When the weather forecast indicated snow, I proposed to Lisa that she pick me up from the trail (a 2 hr drive) and we spend the weekend in each others company. She wouldn't be worrying about my safety, and it would be a fun relaxing time for both of us. I'm happy when she accepts my proposals. Right now the plan is to let the snow melt a few days and then finish the last 30 miles from Wind Gap, PA to Blairstown, NJ. Should be this weekend.
Date: 2011-11-02
From: Wind Gap

To: Delaware Water Gap
Miles today: 20.0

On Wednesday night, Lisa drove me back to the Trail near the Delaware Water Gap, so I could finish the last 30 miles of this 2181 mile long journey. She deserves to be commended and has gone beyond expectations, to keep our lives on track..... I can't believe it's almost over......I've been told by many thru-Hikers that that the event will change my life, and that I'll remember my thru-Hike every day, for as long as I live.....As the end gets closer, I can't help but reflect upon the entire journey. Reminiscing about the casual acquaintances I've met along the way (most of which I'll likely never meet again), will cause me to wonder, just like one does when gazing upon a star-filled sky on a clear night........The good friends I've made will last forever. The mountains we climbed, the sweat we shed and the places we visited, shall remain behind, but we'll be in touch through our memories and our spirits; even if we never talk again........There are so many thoughts about how these past 6 months will influence the rest of my life, but it is certain that I will never forget or lose the appreciation for those of you that have followed my journal, for it was your companionship that I drew upon whenever there was self-doubt or loss of motivation. I never once felt lonely, even when alone, because the spirit of so many were walking right beside me. Thank you all so very, very much.
Date: 2011-11-21
To: Connect the Dots
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Oh yeah, I almost forgot to post the traditional summit photo. A common phrase on the trail is to ¢hike your own hike¢, and I did just that. My path along the AT was so convoluted it can be referred to as a ¢connect the dots¢ type of hike. It began on the approach trail in GA and continued uninterrupted to Bland, VA. There was a round trip jaunt to NJ (courtesy of a yogic monk) before resuming north from Bland to Pine Grove Furnace, PA, where I grabbed a ride (from previous Thru Hiker, Cosmic Cowboy) to the hiker feed in Duncannon, PA. From there I jumped ahead to Blairstown, NJ (by soliciting a ride from a duck hunting guide) in anticipation of a wedding, and to ensure summiting in good weather. Walking north from NJ to the White Mountains of NH, Hurricane Irene forced me off at Crawford¢s Notch where I hitched into North Conway for 3 days. After the storm, and since the roads were washed out, I hitched to Gorham, NH and completed the Presidential Range of the White Mountains SOBO back to Crawford¢s Notch. Then, I hitched back to Gorham and caught a bus to Boston and then NYC on the 10 year anniversary of 9/11. From NJ, to Ashville, NC for the wedding, and from Ashville, drove 2 hrs to Fontana Dam and completed a half mile of trail near the ¢Hilton¢ that I missed originally. After the wedding, I drove my truck from NJ, back to Gorham, NH and continued NOBO into Maine. After enduring a storm at elevation 4000 ft, in mid September, (never want to do that again) I exited the trail at Grafton Notch, ME and hitched back to Gorham, NH (3rd time in wonderful town) and temporarily skipping much of ME, drove my truck to the beginning of the 100 mile wilderness in Monson, ME. I summitted Mt. Katahdin on 9/25 in wonderful weather then caught a shuttle to Millinocket, ME where Trail Angel, Miss Janet picked me up by driving my truck north from Monson. Returning to Monson, I hiked SOBO into Rangeley, ME where I learned of my Father in-law¢s passing about 10:00 am. An emergency hitch hike to Andover ME, then the Airport in Portland, ME for a flight to Philly put me in NJ that night. A few days later, Lisa drove me to North Adams, MA where fellow Thru Hiker, Little Bird was kind enough to leave my truck after driving it from Monson, ME. From North Adams, I drove back to Andover, ME and completed the State of Maine NOBO from Grafton Notch NOBO back to Rangeley. With Maine completed I drove home and after a few days Lisa drove me back to Pine Grove Furnace, PA where I resumed the final leg of the trail to Blairstown, NJ. I finally completed my thru hike on November 4, by walking thru the front door of my family¢s summer cabin near mile 1300 of the Appalachian Trail. Seven Months to the day. Whew!
Date: 2013-07-13
From: Waynesboro

To: Back on the Trail
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

It's been 2 years since I've finished the AT, and returning for a section has reminded me that father time is not always friendly. The same muscles hurt, but now they hurt more and for a longer time. This NOBO trip from Waynesboro, VA to a destination north will be a combination of white blazing, yellow blazing and aqua blazing. If you don't know what that means ask a hiker.Unlike my previous adventures, this one comes with expectations which can sometime skew one's mind and cause them to miss important vibes. Let's see what happens.Of course this trip would not be possible if Sweetness didn't endorse it. Saying good by at the trailhead is always tough.
Date: 2013-07-13
From: Waynesboro

To: Back on the Trail
Miles today: 0.0

It's been 2 years since I've finished the AT, and returning for a section has reminded me that father time is not always friendly. The same muscles hurt, but now they hurt more and for a longer time. This NOBO trip from Waynesboro, VA to a destination north will be a combination of white blazing, yellow blazing and aqua blazing. If you don't know what that means ask a hiker.Unlike my previous adventures, this one comes with expectations which can sometime skew one's mind and cause them to miss important vibes. Let's see what happens.Of course this trip would not be possible if Sweetness didn't endorse it. Saying good by at the trailhead is always tough.
Date: 2012-12-10
To: 12 weeks to go
Miles today: 0.0

Monday Dec 10. It is now 10 weeks to go. Last week hiked each day about 6 miles. Live in an area with no hills to hiking up and down a creek bank to get the muscles trained for elevation change. Currently using a relatively light pack (about 30% of final weight) to get load arranged, pack adjusted and body used to hiking. Breaking in new boots and the boots are doing great. Have two pair and will leave one at home when leave so have back up when first pair wears out (or breaks). I have also begun for the first time to use hiking poles and after a week I am really beginning to like them. They definitely reduce the stress on the knees and hips going up and down hill. I also have arms that are more tired so spreading the work out to more of the body. Having the poles for extra stability is also nice because I cannot afford a sprained ankle at this point in time. Now adding aerobic (running) in the am and will increase weight to about 50% of final weight this week.
Date: 2012-12-17
To: 11 weeks to go
Miles today: 0.0

Now 11 weeks to go. This was another good week with several short hikes of 6 miles with 15 lbs. of gear. The knees are sore but getting better. Hiked for the first time in wet conditions and the boots held up and the hiking poles were great for up and down hill in muddly slippery conditons. Still running in AM to get the aerobic work out so overall on track to be ready. This week will move to 20 lbs and will not have about 75% of the gear packed. Starting to find the optimum location for everything and getting the weight distributed top to bottom and left to right.
Date: 2012-12-29
To: 9 weeks to go
Miles today: 0.0

Took a week off for Christmas but next week will be in State Park and will test all gear for a 4 day campout.   50% chance of rain all four days so should be a chance to practice setting up in the rain. Week before got up to 9 miles a day with about 20 lbs. Next week will be at 25 and will try about 9 miles each day. This will put in a great position to do 30 lbs and 9 miles daily until March to be ready. Should be time to hike in the rain (test rain gear) as well as a second practice campout. Christmas got more gear for hike so now >90% ready in terms of gear. Appears will meet weight target of approximately 30 lbs with 4 lbs of water and 6 - 7 lbs of food for 5 days at launch. Will be approxiamtely 20 lbs of gear for the hike.
Date: 2013-01-09
To: 7 weeks to go
Miles today: 0.0

Now sever weeks to go. Did equipment check last week with a 4 day and 3 night campout. Rained every day was relatively cold (low to mid 40's). Learned a lot about putting up the tent in the rain quickly and about my gear. The shake down hike was really good. Hiked about 10 miles each day and ate just like on the trail. Good test and learned a lot but overall appear ready. Last of gear has been ordered and pack is now almost ready.
Date: 2013-02-19
To: 9 days to go
Miles today: 0.0

Now at 9 days to go. Have been very busy due to training regiment. Am up to about 10 or so miles per day with at least 8 each time in a full pack. All gear is now 100% ready to go. I will be using food drops and all of the food drop information has been mailed. I think I am now ready to go and am really anticipating getting on the trail.
Date: 2013-02-27
To: 2 days to go
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

It is now less than 48 hours until I am on a plane to begin this journey. I have sent out my final e-mail from home and the response was amazing. The support is simply undescribable. Even before starting the actual hike I am begining to realize just how luck and blessed I am with the family and friends around me. I am now excited to start this journey and am 100% ready.
Date: 2013-03-02
From: Amicalola State Park

To: Stover creek
Miles today: 2.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 1 Left hostel at 9:00 and arrived at Amicalola State Park at 10:30. Hiker hostel was fantastic. Temperature was 35 and started with 600 steps up by the falls. Temperature dropped all day. Hike was very good but very cold. Unable to stop and remove gloves to snack or eat beause hands became painful in a matter of minutes to snow, wind and cold. At end of day temperature was about 30 degree so a quick dinner and bed at about 6:30. Overnight temperature was about 18 with wind and blowing snow. Some beautiful ice crystals and the snow was beautiful for a person from South Texas but it was overall a cold tough day. Positive was able to do more miles than planned and no problems wi boots, poles or other gear. Poles are required. Thanks Garry for the suggestion to use Black Diamond. They are great.
Date: 2013-03-03
From: Stover creek

To: Gooch Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: broken clouds

Day 2Got zero sleep overnight due to cold. Started to work on packing gear in the AM and then get a bite to eat. Got dizzy and had group at shelter get me some food. Decided it was my hypoglycemia and I needed more than 2500 calories a day due to cold and exertion. Had five days of food but based on hiking could make it to stop 1 in four days. Increased calorie per day. Day 2 started cold but warmed. Had first trail magic by Georgia AT group. Hot coffee, homemade cookies and water for the trail at about noon. Fantastic! Warmed up during day into the 40's so able to stop and enjoy snacks and lunch. Due to cold pushed it hard since no reason to stop earlier than 4:00 or would simply sit and be cold. Dinner was good and no other issues with any of my gear. Saw a beautiful red headed woodpecker during day. Going to rally enjoy spring here as everything comes out.
Date: 2013-03-04
From: Gooch Mountain Shelter

To: Lance Creek
Miles today: 9.2
Weather: clear sky

Day 3Slept much better with temperature overnight of 30 degrees. Toes were cold but overall much better. Decided to make it a short day and then to stop 1 the next day. Had trail magic by Fresh Ground at Woody Gap. Hot soup and hot chochholate. Unbelievable when one is cod and hungry. Afternoon hike was perfect! Temperature was mid 40's or low 50"s . Beautiful sites and able to stop and take pictures and enjoy. Truly one of the reasons I am here. Great hot dinner and to sit and enjoy Ramen noodles. Continuing to eat extra to keep energy up. This was first day at campsite and it worked really well. Have a group of about 10 moving more or less together and the group of 10 has several groups of. 1 - 3 based on hiking sped. Moxie and I continue to hang together and it is working great,
Date: 2013-03-05
From: Lance Creek

To: Neel Gap 
Miles today: 6.4
Weather: clear sky

Day 4A perfect day. Overnight was about 35 and actually had to strip off clothes as the sleeping bag was too hot. Amazing how different 20 and 35 degrees are. Feeling like I am getting into a routine.. Had gear laid out for overnight in its place, head lamp, watch etc. and each piece seems to have a place in the pack. It is really coming together. Today was a hike in fog and some rain. Rain gear turned out to be perfect. Made it to stop one by 12:00 and had time for shower, wash clothes and clean up. Dinner was hamburgers by a local church. A fantastic day. The hike over Blood Mountain was very rewarding. We saw wild red tip photinas and at the top was sheets of rock covered in ice so literally a skating rink. Down was a scramble with large boulders so had to just sit at times and slide down. The hike is exactly what I was hoping doe in terms of challenge, natural beauty an great people.Dinner was hamburgers provided by a local church for donations. Breakfast was as all.Neel Gap was fantastic.The ,Lord is so amazing and so good.
Date: 2013-03-06
From: Neels Gap

To: Low Gap
Miles today: 10.8

Left Neel Gap at about 9:00 and wind and blowing snow was tough.. Right after we left we later learned the transformed had been blown off the pole. It was a tough climb most of the day with temperatures about 35 all day with blowing snow and ice. Fortunately was not into the wind most of the day so did tolerable. Not much to do when wet and cold but trudge forward and look forward to,the nice days.
Date: 2013-03-07
From: Low Gap

To: Cheese Factory
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: broken clouds

Tough start today. Woke up and my boots had frozen into a blocks of ice. Hiking in the snow the day before had gotten wet on the outside and then overnight with temperatures in the 20's they froze solid. We all had to beat them on the shelter to get the tops to loosen up to even get them on. Hiking in frozen boots was also uncomfortable for a couple of hours as the feet were cold. It eventually warmed up but a tough start. Hike was great into cheese factory and it is a great campsite. Water is close and there are campsites in the bushes to knock the wind down which did start to blow about midnight.
Date: 2013-03-08
From: Cheese Factory

To: Blueberry patch
Miles today: 11.8

Wind had picked up overnight but day was not too bad. Went to Blueberry Patch and they were great. Went to town and had all you can eat at Daniel's. Gary shuttled us in and out of town. After dinner we walked to pharmacy and the to a grocery store. Hoosier and Sparks were also at hostel. People along trail have been way above expectations so far.
Date: 2013-03-09
From: Blueberry patch

To: Muskrat Gap
Miles today: 13.0

Had breakfast at the.Blueberry Patch and it was fantastic. The prayer by Gary and the food was memorable. All who stop there are truly blessed. The hike out was fantastic with Moxie and I being on the first shuttle. Said goodbye to Hoosier and Sparks again and hope to see them in the future. Also talked to Hooi who is a triple crowner (has done AT, Pacific Crest trail, PCT and the Continental Divide Trail, CDT). He was doing over 20 miles a day so he started two days later, had already caught us and left us in the dust. Each to his or her own hike. Thanks to dragon as I left my head lamp behind and he returned it. I had put it where I would find it in the middle of the night and I thought about being sure to not forget it but I did anyway. Having friends on the trail looking out for each other is great. Lunch was really Awesome. Moxie and I got to a road, we took off our boots, put our feet up and had a slow leisurely lunch. It was a fantastic day.
Date: 2013-03-10
From: Muskrat Gap

To: Carter Gap
Miles today: 12.5

 Another beautiful day and had to go down to a single layer of a short sleeve shirt due to sweating in smart wool shirt. It was great. Learning to enjoy each day as it comes and make it a great one. With ice on trail, rocks, roots and everything going on any day could be your last on the trail . It was an interesting day because I recalled it was Sunday and I thought about my Sunday School class that begins by singing songs. I was singing the songs to myself and it was really enjoyable. The two that came to mind most were "How Great Thou Art" and "Church in the Wildwood". Another memorable day.