morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2017-08-16
To: Carl Col Shelter
Miles today: 7.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 29Wednesday 8/16/17Mile 281 (7.5miles)Today was a milestone day. We hiked thru this canyon/gorge thing that had us climbing, going thru caves, and over huge boulders. Everything was slick from the huge rain the night before. We plodded our way for 1.1 miles and it took us 2 hours. Do the math, that is slow! They say this is most difficult mile on the whole AT. It was difficult but it was also fun. Like an adult playground  . . . except for you might die.We hiked another 7.5 miles today and you could feel what the Notch took out of you. Plus the terrain in Maine is very rugged. That's the nice way of saying "it sucks." I have been stepping over, around, and through mud for 29 days. Thick, deep, black mud. Wanna know how I know it's deep? Well, the last day in Maine (Day 29) I fell in one pit. It sucked one leg up to my knee. I was able to pull myself out and was glad no one else saw. Maine.Then, I'm about a 1/2 mile from the trail to the shelter, and I slip and go down hard . . . again. I slid about 15 feet down a rock. I was in no danger of falling off a cliff (Mom). I landed on my backpack and went for a scary ride. It's Phillips birthday today. No real celebration in the woods, but steak and beer are on me at the next town.Today beat me up pretty bad. I'm whooped! But I'm ok mentally. I hate the trails in Maine and the rain that has come much too often, But I feel good and I'm getting stronger in all facets.
Date: 2017-08-17
From: Carl Col Shelter

To: Stream
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: mist

Day 30Thursday 8/17/17Mile 294 (12.5 miles)Today was a monumental day! On this day:Finished my 1st state (Maine 282 miles). Good riddance!Maine has the steepest elevation gain over 4000 ft in 5miles (Katahdin)Maine has the most difficult mile on the trail that took me and Phillip 2 hours (Mahoosuc Notch)Maine has the 100 Mile Wilderness, in which there are no towns or hostels for that time. We did it in 8 days.Maine has kicked my ass mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually but I think I'm better for it.In Maine pot is legal to smoke and you can smell it and see it everywhere. People are growing it. You can smell on people in stores. And on the trail, people smoke it like cigarettes.I'm camping kind of solo tonite. I was the first one to our goal for the day, and still missed a huge campsite. I'm set up in a tiny spot with a lean. The ground is not completely level. but, I was too lazy to pack all my stuff and move. They are about 100 yards from me.
Date: 2017-08-18
From: Stream

To: The Barn B&B
Miles today: 4.5
Weather: clear sky

Day 31Friday 8/18/17Mile 298 (4.5 miles)Guess what?? It's Raining!!! Guess what else . . . after only having hiked it for an hour and riding on the tailgate of a pickup truck at 45mph in that rain for 10 minutes, I am showered, dry, and getting ready to eat my face off.Chilling, watching some pre season NFL action. We will get to go to Walmart again tmw. Seriously, that is a real treat. My belly is full and I feel very thankful and proud of what I have accomplished this far. Another 140 miles and the toughest part of the AT will be behind me.I love town days. It feels like the weekend in the real world with the added advantage of being able to eat and drink whatever you want. Our room is a 1800s style B&B complete with scary old portraits and creepy dolls everywhere. I wouldn't have it any other way.
Date: 2017-08-19
To: Barn B&B
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Stage 5Day 32Saturday 8/19/17Mile 298 (Zero)I have eaten prime rib, drank a few beers, ate Chinese buffet, watched several hours of TV, ate more and rested all day. I am ready to tackle the Whites. These are tough, high and continuous up and down mountains for the next 100 or so miles. We have a plan: traveling light, smart, and for the first time I feel like I got some weapons to defend myself against the mountains. Before now I have had no experience, no conditioning for hiking and no tolerance for the elements I will encounter. My body and brain have been broken down and are now being built back up stronger. I will keep digging and finish this journey.
Date: 2017-08-20
To: Imp Shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: clear sky

Day 33Sunday 8/20/17Mile 311 (12.5 miles)Well folks, I killed it today! 12.5 miles in 11.5 hours. Climbed over 6000 feet and descended 2 steep descents. I felt good all the way around today for 95% of the hike.I stopped and talked to other hikers, listened to SAMCRO and Ron White podcasts, and did not get aggravated or frustrated all day. The weather was clear, windy, and cool. We are hiking the Wildcat Mountains and there is actually a gondola at one of the peaks today. I wish I would have known that before I did all that walking.I have turned a corner my friends. I know there will be other corners to turn, but for now I'm just going to enjoy this one. It feels good to actually like what I did all day today. I kept thinking all day that my body felt strong, my lungs felt strong, and my mind was focused as I engaged in the hike.What a difference a day makes. Thanks again for all the prayers and encouragement. I know that it helped me over this first Hump.
Date: 2017-08-21
To: White Mountain Hostel
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 34Monday 8/21/17Mile 319 (8 miles)I am hiking through ranges of mountains call The Whites. About every 6 -7 miles there are these cabins called Huts. These huts have a caretaker that serves the hikers and guests that come through. They make soup, homemade bread & cookies for the hikers. Other people pay $100 per night to stay in bunkhouses behind the huts. We can use them to shelter us from the weather and supplement our food and water. They do work for a stay option for thru hikers.Today we are back in Gorham after hiking 8 miles to finish up the Wildcat Mountains. We are at the White Mountain Hostel and enjoying our rest. Tomorrow we start hiking the Presidential Range. These are some of the most difficult and challenging mountains on the trail. Wish me luck.
Date: 2017-08-22
To: White Mountain Hostel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 35Tuesday 8/22/17Mile 319 (ZERO)Shocker here, there is a big storm system forecast for the area today and tonite. Heavy rain, thunder, lightning, hail, and high winds. Needless to say we are staying put today. Rain is aggravating but I have 3 beautiful girls back home, and I will not take a chance of not making it back to them.I noticed that when I'm in the woods I will have to pee once or twice during the night. But when I'm in town I will go 4-5 times. I don't change the amount of liquid I drink but I go from straight water to beer, coffee, soda and a little water. That's all I have to say about that.I say "we" a lot on my journal entries. Since day one I have been hiking with Philip (Sure Foot). We met on the way to Katahdin and have been together ever since. Philip is recently retired from Exxon and we have gotten a long really well. He is from Texas (outside of Houston) and has a wife and 4 kids. We don't hike "together" that often but we game plan our hikes together, camp together, and stay in town together. We are both left handed, salt and pepper haired, schedule oriented, like our gear, and are both fellow fartists.
Date: 2017-08-23
To: Vally Way Stealth
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: clear sky

Day 36Wednesday 8/23/17Mile 327 (8miles)Today was incredible as far as effort and views. We left the comfort of our Hostel and climbed Mt. Madison. This was labeled as our toughest climb in the Whites. We climbed around 4800ft today and roughly half was above the tree line over huge boulders. Think of the Star Trek episode when Kirk fought the Gorn. The wind was whipping around 50 mph at the top. It was crazy. I worked my ass off, but it's hard to compare what is the toughest so far. This was tough though.As we descended there was another Hut in view. This one was much bigger. I knew that at the Hut was warmth, food, and and no wind. Remember the Huts are like lodges in the middle of nowhere. To stay in a bunk at this one costs $172 per night (breakfast and dinner included). Needless to say I'm in my tent about .25 miles from the Hut. We will at least get up in the morning and fill our water, go to the bathroom, and have a warm place to fix breakfast.As we were setting up our camp we saw kids (20 somethings) coming up the mountain with big wooden packs on their backs hauling the food up for the people at the Hut. Their packs all weighed over 50lbs and they had a 4mile hike up the mountain. They are feeding 52 people tonight and in the morning.I think the temperature will get way into the 40s tonite. This will test my gear as far as keeping me warm. I won't die, but it may get a little nipplely. I only slipped and fell once today. That's progress folks. The downhill fall is almost always broken by the backpack. Lucky me. Seriously, I feel good and am actually starting to enjoy the hiking part of this journey.
Date: 2017-08-24
To: Mispah Springs Hut
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: clear sky

Day 37Mile 339 (12 miles)Today will go down as my favorite day hiking so far. Now this does not include Zero or Nero Days but as far as just the hiking, today was awesome.We started our day with the summit of Mt Washington. This is the 2nd highest peak on the AT topping out at 6288ft. It was 6 miles from our camp the day before and the whole hike was hopping from rock to rock. This makes for a very slow pace. Today I decided to stay with Philip for the climb.We are literally above some of the clouds. It is foggy, windy and the temp is on the 40s. As we are hiking the fog would break up and then settle back in. During one of those breaks, the most dramatic, awesome scene unfolded. We could see all around us, the sun was peaking thru and clouds were still flying by us. I have never seen anything like it in my life. It actually caused me to tear up for just a second. I took a video but it does it no justice.From there, the next thing I saw was the cog railroad. There was an actual steam locomotive going down the mountain. My dad would have peed his pants. I shot a video of this as well but again to far away to do it justice.Next was the summit to Mt Washington. You have to google or YouTube this place. There is a weather observatory as well as a restaurant at the top. This peak is known for some of the worst and constantly changing weather on the planet. There is a recorded wind speed of 231mph. They have train, road, and trail access to the summit and there were 100s of people there. We ate lunch there (3 chili dogs, chili, and m&ms) and left for the rest of our hike.After looking at the elevation map I decided that I wanted to see how hard I could go for 4.5miles. The terrain looked favorable, with not a lot of steep ups or downs. I made it in 2.5 hours and was pleased with my effort. We stopped at Mizpuh Hut for the night and I made it on the Work for Stay crew. So I have to do an hours worth of work in exchange for dinner and a place on the floor in the dining hall. It will be warm and dry. I wanted to at least try this option to see if I would do it again. These Huts are only in the Whites, but I will have a few more chances to do work for stay.
Date: 2017-08-25
To: Pimigewasset River
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: light rain

Day 38Friday 8/25/17Mile 350.3 (11 miles)Work for Stay was worth it. Last night I swept a floor and scrubbed a pan for as much home cooked food I could eat including chocolate chip bars and a spot on the floor. Pretty sweet deal. I could not fall asleep until about 10:30pm. My normal camp sleep is 6:00-7:30pm. The hiking was hard as usual, but my mind is accepting the challenges and handling them. Not to sound conceited, I have come to the conclusion that I'm pretty good at this backpacking thing.Well not all that good . . . I broke one of my trekking poles today. They also serve as my tent support system, so these are kind of vital to my hike. We were coming up to a road with a store and visitors center, so I hiked a mile to the store but they did not sell trekking poles. I had lunch mulling over my options. Hitch into town, buy a wooden hiking stick, try to rig it. I went with that 3rd option and borrowed some channel locks and was able to rig with duct tape. It only needs to last 2 more days. Fingers crossed.I did struggle in the social game today. Just like in real life when there are people involved, there will be drama, aggravation, and conflict. Today was one of those days where there was friction between the 4 of us traveling together, and 1 was getting under my skin. I'm no picnic all the time either, but this is not his journal or opinion, it's mine. I know it's hard to believe when life is really so simple out here (not easy, but simple), that you could actually disagree with someone else, but it's true.People are different and they communicate differently, they look at things differently, and they handle situations differently. We all need to learn how to deal with and communicate with all types of personalities and temperaments. I'm learning.
Date: 2017-08-26
To: Garfield Ridge Campsite
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: light rain

Day 39Saturday 8/26/17Mile 363 (13 miles)Garfield Ridge Campsite ShelterToday was crazy busy with hikers. School starts Monday and this is the last weekend to get out before then. There were hikers everywhere. Thru Hikers, weekend hikers, day hikers, people staying at one of the Huts. We must have passed 150 hikers today. When you're out here everyday you kind take ownership of the Trail. You look at these non thru hikers as foreigners and invaders in your forest.I decided to stay in the shelter tonite just to switch things up. Well, there were only 5 of us hanging out chatting until around 6:30pm. Then the number rose to 8, then 10. You could probably fit 12 in here tops. This should be an interesting night.Squatch is here tonight. I rode the van to Katahdin with him and we have crossed paths quite often. He is the one that chops wood with his HUGE knife and make a fire every night. His hiking gear is entirely made up of stuff he has found or someone has given him. He had not hiked a day in his life until he started the AT. I like Squatch.
Date: 2017-08-27
To: Woodstock Inn
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: broken clouds

Day 39Sunday 8/27/17Mile 373 (10miles)Woodstock NHWoodstock InnBedIt has been 5 hard days thru The Whites but we made it, and I am feeling better and better. The climbs don't seem impossible and today I practiced my downhill game. I got so tired of watching NOBOs and even local hikers passing me. It's been a long time since I have been mobile with my knees going downhill but I think I've got it figured out.We are in Woodstock NH and taking a Zero tomorrow. We have around 40 miles left in NH and will be able accumulate more miles on a daily basis. I'm ready. We will be leaving behind some of the most spectacular views but you have to do a lot of climbing to see those views and they start lose their luster because we see them all the time. I'm sure the same thing will happen when the scenery stays the same on other parts of the trail. It's just human nature.
Date: 2017-08-28
To: Woodstock Inn
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Stage 6Day 41Monday 8/28/17Mile 373 (0 miles)What a day to rest and relax. The weather is 70 degrees and perfect. The town is small but had everything we needed, including an awesome brewery and restaurant. As I was walking down the street after picking up a 4-pack of my favorite beer (KY Bourbon Barrel Ale) that I have not seen since I left my fridge at home, I heard a steam engine whistle. There is a small tourist railroad in the town. Trains were a part of my childhood because of my dad's love of them. This combo made me feel nostalgic, peaceful, and grateful. I noticed a few days ago that I'm going to have quite a few bad habits to break when I return to civilization. I will need to stop farting at will, blowing snot rockets, eating like a caveman, not flushing the toilet, not needing a toilet, randomly talking to myself, eating more food than a small family, stinking and wearing the exact same clothes everyday. I guess I can live it up while I can.We leave out for the last of The Whites in the morning. 3 more days and we will be through, what is said to be, the toughest two states on the trail. We should hit Vermont in the next 5 days. I feel strong physically and mentally focused. It is so strange how time changes everything. I actually know I can finish this journey. Thank you for all the prayers, support at home, and encouragement. Love you guys!
Date: 2017-08-29
To: Eliza Brook Shelter
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 42Tuesday 8/29/17Mile 382 (9 miles)Philip lives in the Houston area (Bay Town) where the biggest flood since Noah has taken place. He is feeling guilty that he can't be home to help take care of his family and friends. Philip is a good man. He has contemplated trying to go home but his wife said she has got it all under control (sounds familiar). JoAnna is a good women. Their house is not flooded and they are really prepared for these kind of events, so his family is safe and not in danger of flooding . . .  but I would feel the same way.As far as hiking goes, we have just 2 more mountains until we are out The Whites. That means where a couple days away from some easier trail that will allow to hike more miles each day. We will still be in the mountains but the climbs will not be as steep or extreme. Hopefully we will be able to do 15-20 miles per day. I am really looking forward to being able to see my family, so that will now be the motivation to take it up a notch. Those miles are very doable for the hikers on the trail so they should be doable for us. I just talked to a kid (20 something) and he did eight 30 mile days in a row. "Well not everyday!"
Date: 2017-08-30
To: Beaver Brook Shelter
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 43Wednesday 8/30/17Mile 391 (9 miles)It is freakin' cold out guys! It has dropped into the 30s at night a few times and tonight feels like it's going to get cold as well. It has been cold enough to chill you during the day when you stop hiking.We climbed a big one today (Mt Moosilauki). This is the last climb in the Whites and we are going out with a bang. This mountain was steep and rocky. We gained 1800 ft in 1.5 miles. It had waterfalls following the trail for 3/4 of a mile. The rocky terrain was like trying to follow crazy and uneven steps that you have to figure out. I actually enjoyed the workout I got from climbing this mountain. I focus on my breathing and where I'm going to step next and I'm usually listening to My Playlist. This playlist has anything from James Taylor to Metallica and David Crowder to Iron Maiden. Music brings back memories for me and also pumps me up and focuses me.When I'm hiking my mind is all over the place. Sometimes I'm totally focused on the hike itself. Paying attention to my pace, time, and effort. Other times I try to see how many Christmas' I can remember. On Mia's birthday, I tried to see if I could remember all her Birthday Celebrations. I think about my family and friends a lot. Sometimes I think about finishing the trail or hiking with my buddies from home. Other times I think about how far I have to go or setting up camp."That's all I have say about that!"The tears flowed today for a different reason. Today I cried out in awe and thankfulness as I climbed and followed that beautiful water fall and was listening to some of my favorite and inspiring tunes. The corner has been turned. God is good.
Date: 2017-08-31
To: Hikers Welcome Hostel
Miles today: 8.0

Day 44Thursday 8/31/17Mile 399 (8 miles)Whenever there is rain in the forecast, I'm up early and trying to stay dry, and get as much mileage as I can before the rain hits. There was rain scheduled for today and I got on the trail at 6:40 am. By then time I got to the top of Moosilauki the wind was whipping and the sky was dark and fast moving, and so was I. I prayed to move fast, safe, and to stay dry. That's exactly what happened. For the first time I averaged over 2 mph and made it to the Hostel dry as a bone.When I came off the mountain (the last damn mountain of the Whites), a lady was coming Northbound and congratulated me on finishing the Whites. I felt like I won the lottery. The music was rockin' and so was I! Hands in the air, lip syncing, and strutting down the trail.The Hikers Welcome Hostel is a true Hostel. No private rooms, outside shower, laundry, and bathrooms. The shower was hot and felt great. It was cool to be outside and showering. We will get a ride to a general store and try to resupply for the next 3 days this evening. Next stop, Vermont!
Date: 2017-09-01
To: Hexacuba Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: broken clouds

Day 45Friday 9/1/17Mile 414 (15 miles)I hit the 400 mile mark today!! That sounds like a lot of miles until you compare it to what I have left. Let's just leave it at a victory for achieving 400 miles. Today we also met the Omelette Guy today. This guy fixes omelettes for every thru hiker on the trail. Amazing right?! He does it "on" the freakin' trail! You are walking and all of sudden he is there. The hikers we passed have been talking about him for days. He will make you an omelette with as many eggs as you want. Some dumbass asked for 30. The Omelette Guy made it and he ate it. He spent the next day at the Hostel in the bathroom all day. He also had corn muffins, juice, coffee and water. He said he read a few books about the AT and wanted to do his part. I had a 5 egg omelette.Our first day out of the Whites went as planned, easy peasy for the first half of the day. We were cruising and making great time until we hit Cube Mountain. I miscalculated the elevation by 900 feet and we got our teeth kicked in. This little mountain acted like it was not going to let me reach the summit. Not a huge mountain but steep and long. In the end, victory was mine.New Hampshire is still tough and we will have another tough day tomorrow. 3 mountains and almost 18 miles if everything goes according to plan.At the top of the Cube there was an older guy playing the fiddle. The Bluegrass was so fitting with where I am. It was cool to hear that sound as I reached the summit.
Date: 2017-09-02
To: Mink Brook
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: broken clouds

Day 46Saturday 9/2/17Mile 334 (20 miles)Our 18 miles turned into 20 because the lack of water at the shelter we were planning on stopping at. So I got my first 20 miler in the books. I hiked from 7 am until 6:30 pm. I'm feel fatigued, tired, my back is tight, my right big toe is sore because somehow I kicked it with my left foot, and my left Achilles started aching about 1 mile from finishing. But I also feel like a badass for accomplishing this feat of physical and mental endurance today.Thought a lot about Joy, my wife, today. Lots of songs played that reminded me of her. I think about what she and the girls are doing, do they miss me, and I envision when we see each other again out on the trail somewhere. I love our life together and can't wait to just hang out on a Saturday and talk, have a couple good beers, steaks on grill, and watch a couple of our shows on tv. I love you Joy!Tomorrow we have an 8.5 mile out into town Handover/ Norwich. They are calling for rain most of the day. If it would just hold off at least until we are packed up in the morning, that would be great. If you gotta walk in the rain the best time do it is heading into town. Let's be honest, Hiking in the rain sucks!I'm whooped and need to get some rest. Good night!