morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-08-03
From: Pierce Pond Lean-to

To: bald mountain brooklean-to
Miles today: 18.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Last night's weather was clear and dry which allowed me to keep the rain cover off of my tent. This made for a delightful evening. I laid in my tent looking up at the tall pines that surrounded me. The night was clear and a bright moon rose casting its light through the trees. Some stars shown through the trees and bright moon light. There was no wind and it was very still. The soothing sound of water exiting Pierce Pond was the only sound. It was relaxing to the spirit to be in such a place. We left at 6:30am. The trail followed the spillway from the pond. It was a beautiful stream with rapids and waterfalls. I enjoyed the sound of the rushing water and beautiful day. We arrived at the Kennebec River to catch the ferry an hour ahead of the start time. Our wait was relaxing sitting by the river enjoying a strong breeze. Precisely on time "Hillbilly Dave" waved to us from the other side of the river. In a few minutes he arrived in his canoe to take us across two at a time. We were grateful for the service. The ferry is an official white blaze for the AT. We had one long climb of 1800 feet to Pleasant Pond Mountain. The summit offered pleasant views from it's rocky landscape with few trees. There were an abundance of blueberries which I was happy to indulge. The sun was shinning and it was hot so my stay wasn't that long. The remaining trail was a series of ups and downs over rocks, roots and mud. The heat made the hike more strenuous and I welcomed any shade or breeze that we would get. It was a long day arriving at 4pm as thunder began to rumble. It continued with the skies growing darker. The rain stayed away until 7pm when I was safely in my tent ready for a good nights sleep. I have 136.5 miles to go.
Date: 2015-08-04
From: bald mountain brooklean-to

To: Shirely Blanchard Road
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: scattered clouds

The storm that began last night intensified. Thunder clapped and lighting brightened the dark sky. I was resting well but the loudness of the thunder and flashes of light woke me up throughout the night.Heavy rain poured down eventually working its way through my vent. I closed everything up tight keeping the rain out. My body heat generated its own moisture with the heavy humidity in the air. When I woke everything was damp. The morning came and the rain stopped. It made for a slippery day but happy to pack up camp without getting wet. The weather cleared but the humidity and temperature high. It would make my effort harder today. We had one climb, Moxie Bald. The 1300 ft ascent challenged me but I was happy to know that this was the only one for the day. The views going up the mountain and at the summit were spectacular, 360 long range views with clouds filling the valleys. It was a beautiful sight. There were strong winds and sun peaking through the clouds. The summit was a great place to take it all in. And I did. Relaxing and enjoying the scenery. It also gave me an opportunity to dry my tent on the rocky mountain top. There were also plenty of blueberry bushes full of ripe berries which I enjoyed. The trail moving forward was challenging with wet rocks, roots and mud. It took considerable effort to get through. Tiring work. At one point Obsolete and I were on both ends of a large wooden plank over wet ground. He slipped falling on his rear. I immediately fell as well. I bounces off of the slick board onto the ground landing on my back. My pack cushioned my fall. We both laughed as we licked our wounds and swallowed our pride. The trail has a way of humbling you. There were sections of smoother trail that followed Horseshoe Canyon. There were a series of ups and downs along the ridge line that brought you down to the the river and then up again. The water ran fast through chutes, rapids and waterfalls. As I got closer to our destination I heard the familiar sound of thunder approaching. I moved faster trying to beat the rain. Again the weather won. After I reached our pick up point the skies opened up and soaked Obsolete and me before our shuttle into Monson arrived. At least we were not hiking in the rain. Poet, the owner of Shaw's picked us up and brought us to the hostel. After a stop at the post office for a supply box, (thank you Ingrid) I quickly found a bunk and took a hot shower. Oh what a difference that makes. I was tired from the day's effort and relaxed after dinner. My plan is to finish my short seven miles into Monson tomorrow and enter the 100 mile wilderness on Friday. 120.8 miles to go.
Date: 2015-08-05
From: Shirely Blanchard Road

To: ME 15, Shaw's Hostel
Miles today: 6.3
Weather: broken clouds

We had an excellent breakfast at Shaws. Eggs prepared to order and blueberry pancakes were the highlights along with the camaraderie at the table. The Inn Keepers Poet and Kim are wonderful hosts. Today was a short day finishing the six miles to Monson. I needed a day to recover. I'm feeling the miles. The effort it requires from me feels more strenuous now than at the beginning. I'm hoping my short day and a slack pack tomorrow will enable me to finish strong.After a good lunch in town we returned to the hostel to relax and plan our travel through the 100 mile wilderness. Obsolete took the time to fix anything that was broken around the hostel, remodel misfit hiking poles and help anyone who may need it. In short time a dryer and refrigerator were repaired. He also fixed my camp shoes. I'll need them to ford the rivers ahead. Obsolete gives freely of his time and talent to those in need. The AT will miss him when he leaves the trail. Thank you for all that you do Obsolete for hikers and for me. It was a relaxing afternoon and I enjoy my short day. My plans to return home are set. I'm looking forward to enjoying this last week on the AT. Tomorrow the 100 Mile Wilderness. 114.5 miles to go.
Date: 2015-08-06
From: ME 15, Shaw's Hostel

To: North of Long Pond Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: light rain

To North of Long Pond Shelter Our group of five hikers expanded to six yesterday. Vulture a delightful young woman from NC who we met at breakfast joined us for our Sobo Slack pack. We are accumulating hikers as we make our way to our planned finish on the 13th. There is encouragement, camaraderie and support among our group. The day was cool and partly sunny. There would be a light sprinkle of rain in the afternoon. Otherwise it was a dry cool day. The trail was a series of ups and downs with an occasional small bolder, rock and root scrambles. We passed a number of the peaceful scenic ponds that define the Maine landscape. They seem to came from nowhere and provide a serene peaceful view each time I pass. There were three river fords today. The water was swift and cold with slippery river rocks. All crossings occurred without mishap. One of the streams plunged from a high and powerful waterfall. It's strength could be felt safely standing on top of the sheer rock walls next to it. It was spectacular. The terrain was not particularly difficult, however it was strenuous for me. Despite my short day yesterday and slack pack today I was tired. I'm hoping for a good nights sleep before moving forward into the 100 mile wilderness. The intent is to get to the Birches camp site next Wednesday and summit Katahdin Thursday as long as it's safe to do the ascent. The plan is to take two low mile days over the most challenging terrain and high mile days on the last few days. I'll do my best to take my time and enjoy these last days in the remote wilderness. 99.5 miles to go.
Date: 2015-08-07
From: North of Long Pond Shelter

To: west branch pleasant river
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Following another great breakfast at Shaw's we got a late start back in the trail at 9:10am. It was a beautiful day with temperatures in the low 60's and partly sunny skies. We started with a long 1600 ft ascent up Barren Mountain. We took a break at the summit and enjoyed the long range views. The Bigelos which we climbed a few days ago were in clear view. It was good place to relax and take it all in.Lunch was on Fourth Mountain were our group of six gathered. After talking to other hikers we realized that we made an error in where we would be for our food drop. We needed to increase our miles over the next two days and have the drop delivered sooner on the trail A simple change that I believe will be to our benefit in managing the remaining miles. One of those "errors" that worked in our favor. The trail gave us a little bit of everything. Rocky climbs, steep descents, mud, wet rocks and roots, smooth pine carpet and rolling ups and downs. It was challenging but didn't exhaust me. A highlight for me was a break I took on Columbus Mountain. I was alone and set on the edge of a steep ledge. The view was beautiful. Long range views, puffy white clouds on a sunny day. I enjoyed the peace of just sitting there. Letting the tranquility wash over me. Oh what a special feeling. We all arrived at camp at different times. My tent is by a stream where I can hear the water babbling over the rocks. A peaceful way to end a good day. 84.2 miles to go.
Date: 2015-08-08
From: Potatwadjo Spring Lean-to 

To: east branch lean-to
Miles today: 16.4

8/8 East Branch Lean-to 16.4We rose early and forded the West Branch of the Pleasant River to start our day. It was an easy crossing. I followed a hiker in front of me before I realized that it was the wrong way. My 31st wrong turn since starting at Springer Mountain. My error was quickly remedied and I was on my way. Another beautiful day, sunny and cool. Great for our 3000 foot ascent up White Cap Mountain. There were three intermediate mountains before White Cap. The trail was in good shape but had its share of rocks, roots and mud. However the stone steps created by the trail crew were very special. Well designed and built the steps made the ascent more enjoyable. Very impressive work. The views at the summit were spectacular. The layered mountains were cast with shadows and light. There was a rain storm in the very distant that contrasted the surrounding white clouds. I sat alone and quietly enjoyed the splendor. It energized me. The summit was the perfect lunch spot. I enjoyed the time to relax and take in the incredible landscape of mountains and lakes. A few miles before the Lean-to the forest flattened. There were tall pines growing in a mossy floor with clear views through the forest. Walking on the pine needles made the remaining miles enjoyable. 67.8 miles to go.
Date: 2015-08-09
From: west branch pleasant river

To: Potatwadjo Spring Lean-to 
Miles today: 19.5
Weather: overcast clouds

It rained last night. A gentle rain. The kind that is soothing and lulls me to sleep. It is early morning. The water is dripping from the pines trees as I enjoy the comfort of my sleeping bag. A relaxing and pensive time before the dawn. The rain stopped while I ate and broke camp. It started again when I got on the trail. The rain was gentle. Manageable for hiking without my rain jacket. It eventually stopped. The weather remained cool and partly cloudy all day. Our group of six hikers stopped to pick up a food drop that we arranged in Monson. This allowed us to carry lighter packs for two days. I'd now add another four days (eight pounds) for the remaining trip through the Wilderness. Obsolete arranged for the drop to have cold soda's for each of us. It was a nice treat. Thank you Obsolete.There was a short climb today and then mostly flat forest. Some rocks, mud and roots but an equal amount of smooth path. Just like around my home. We haven't had this easy of trail since Virginia. I enjoyed every step on the flat path lined with pine needles and leaves.This will be my last week on the trail and my third day in the 100 mile wilderness. It is a remote and beautiful place. Tall pine trees, large mossy boulders that rest like works of art to admire. Remote ponds and lakes that are clear and surrounded by forest. Large rocks and boulders in the water offer contrast and depthLast week my body was feeling worn out. I imagine something like how a professional sports player must feel at the end of a long season. Beat from so many games, so much effort every day. Now it's time for the final game. It took a season of hard work to get you to the your most important game. It will be your last. You want to be at your best. My big finish, Katahdin is coming. It is my final and most important day. Last week I was concerned that I would not be able to push myself to finish well. The Wilderness is restoring and rejuvenating me. I'll be ready. 48.3 miles to go. .
Date: 2015-08-11
From: rainbow stream lean to

To: Abol Stream Campground
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: light rain

The 100 Mile Wilderness has no resupply or towns from Monson to Abol Bridge. It's wildness but has a lot of people in it. The AT is like a hiker freeway with the Lean-tos and camp sites as rest stations. NoBo and SoBo Thru hikers, section and weekend hikers get concentrated before and after Katahdin. The Lean-tos fill quickly and tents form a small town in the surrounding area. People are friendly and share a common interest particularly the NoBo Thru Hikers. Obsolete and I were on the trail by 6:30am to hike to Abol Bridge. The remaining members of our group left at various times. It's still important to hike your own hike even when you mesh as a group on the trail.The trail was a mixture of everything that we've had. Ups and downs, rocks, roots and mud. We went by streams, ponds and lakes that seem to define the Maine landscape. In the early morning the air was still. I could hear the loons call from the lake. Beautiful and haunting. Their call reminds me of the remote and peaceful woods. I will miss it hearing them. We were full of anticipation to finish the journey and excited to be going home. We moved quickly. A little to quickly for me. I fell forward hard landing my forearm and hip on a log. Slow to get up I was scratched, bruised and sore but nothing serious. I slowed down but still covered the fifteen miles by noon. At Abol Bridge there are camp grounds, bunk rooms, showers and a restaurant. This is the end of the 100 mile wilderness. We completed it in 5 1/2 days. Our group of hikers shared a small bunk house just in time to beat the rain. And rain it did. The rain came down hard all night letting up before dawn. It was nice to be in a dry and clean. Also nice have all of our gear dry and out of the rain. Unfortunately the restaurant is closed on Tuesdays. We would need to be satisfied with hiker food from the camp store. They did have a good selection of a hiker staple, ice cream. We are our fill. From Abol Bridge we have ten short miles to reach Baxter State Park where Katahdin is located. We plan on camping at The Birches in the Park. From there it is a five mile hike to Katahdin's summit. The terminus of the Appalachian Trail. It seems incredibly that my adventure is coming to an end in less than five months. I will have memories and lessons learned to last a lifetime. 15.1 miles to go.
Date: 2015-08-12
From: Abol Stream Campground

To: The Birches
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: few clouds

The rain beat down all night on the metal roof of our small bunkhouse cabin. Its rhythm and resonance were relaxing to me. I slept well, was rested and felt peaceful. The rain stayed away but the temperature was warm and it was humid. Close to the entrance to Baxter State Park thru hikers may register to stay at The Birches. The Birches is a designated camp sit and shelter for thru hikers. We were fortunate enough to get space for all of us. There is a limit of twelve available. The trail followed a river and beautiful stream. As you move further into the park the stream has surging waterfalls. Standing close feeling the power of the water, mist in the air and crashing sound was special to experience. The miles in the park seemed to move slowly. I took my time but felt anxious about getting there. Finally, The Birches a few short miles from finishing my adventure. I arrived before 11 am and registered as required at the ranger station. I'm officially number 233 thru hiker for 2015. The big bubble is still behind me. I had a hearty hot lunch with the other Birche's hikers. Obsolete and I shared the only tent platform. We started at Springer Mountain together and now we would finish together, 2189.2 miles!Late afternoon Five, Fire Starter and Scribbles came to our camp. Five's parents came to visit him to support his finish. It was great to meet his parents and reconnect with this fun trio of fine young men again. We've seen them on and off since early on the trail. To our surprise they brought out some trail magic. Hot dogs with the fixings. They then brought out a brontosaurus size steaks for everyone including corn on the cob. What a surprise. They made an incredible effort to make our last night on the trail a memorable one. I'm so grateful for their kindness and hospitality. We enjoyed our meal, camaraderie and stories from our miles together. What a way to end our time on the AT. Thank you Five, Fire Starter and Scribbles for a memorable evening. Tomorrow a 4200 ft climb over 5.2 miles left to reach the summit of Katahdin and my adventure will be finished.
Date: 2015-03-04
From: Atlanta

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Today I went to Castelferretti Aereoporto Rafaello Sanzio by bus and train to pick my visa to enter the US. It looked very nice. Another stage in the proces.Now waiting for the medical results and I can planning my trip!!!I noticed,there are things I can not take on the plane which means I have to buy them in the States.Further I planning my trip with train and bus to Fiumicino airport. Flight tickets can be order for the exact date in accordance with the availability at the hikers hostel where I will spend the second day of my stay in US.Not very interesting, but the nessary moves to make.
Date: 2015-03-16
From: Springer mountain

To: Hiker Hostel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Morning 700 hrs in Atlanta.Had some busy days. New is I am only allowed to stay for six month. I was trying to persuade the officer to let me stay longer to no avail. It's the law! My wife will be happy.It means,that I have to hurry to finish in 6 months. No side tracks.Yesterday I went to Rei Outfitter in Perimeter to pick up the last items I was missing, I had a pizza and went to Verizon. They told me that although my telephone was simlock free,they couldn't let me on their network with my telephone??? I could buy another one to go on there network! Further down the road was Att and they were not difficult. Prepaid 10cts per minute plan. Just to communicate on the trail and in emergencies. Next stop was the hotel. Checked in left my backpack there and went to look for a adapter so that my charger would fit in the American outlet. I forgot to bring one. I ended up in buying a new adapter at Att shop. More weight!@@@. Then i headed for Walmart. After some person send me the wrong way I finally found it. Is a large shop, but some items, I was looking for I couldn't find or different than I am used to. A bit disappointed I left the shop. I hope the next time will be better. It takes times and mistakes if your are inexperienced to set yourself up. It is such a mess in my hotelroom that I thought I lost my adapter and my Italian simcard, but found them again. That is my biggest problem, to remember where I put everything. Every time I went in a shock.Today i am going to see what is missing and see if I can find it somewhere. Time goes quick, before you know it 230pm. Hiker Hostel is going to pick me up at North Springer station. From here one more stop with MARTA.See you all at the next entry.
Date: 2015-03-19
From: Hiker Hostel

To: Horse gap
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: moderate rain

First of all the At is not romantic by the campfire sitting and singing enterprise, but an athletic prestazioni under difficult circumstances. Second read the guide book. It is important to plan correctly. We left the Hiker Hostel after a hefty breakfast. The most of us had decided to start direct from Springer mountain. You have than track back. 0.9 mile.It was raining and it kept on raining the whole day. I hiked with Jef-been there We decided to do 8 miles. It became 10.5, because he wanted to be with Logan-squabbler. He is funny. I trusted Jefvand followed him. Nice guy, gave a couple of tips. Not that I had to take water to horse gap. So when we arrived I had no water. Nobody else offered water. So I set my tent so up, that I caught some rainwater and could drink this but no cooking, no hot food. I was all wet, my tent and I went into my sleeping bag. The bag and warm clothes make me slowly warm up. The next morning I thought, that my tent was leaking. It was all wet inside. Later I found out,that this is all condensation.We passed also Hawk Mountain shelter. The shelter was full. A couple, their tent broke down, but there was no room. Another guy was in a first state of hypothermia, another sat there dressed in full suite. It was unreal. Why was nobody in the shelter helping him?
Date: 2015-03-20
From: Horse gap

To: Lance creek
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: light rain

This morning I woke up early. I slept little. Everything was damp. We packed our wet tents and things. Login offered me water and coffee. I took the water and clumsy me let it drop from his stove. So he had also little water left. On Horse Cap i stayed also with ginger tea, shit-to-do and been-there. The last one had more than half liter, but did not offer anything. I was disappointed about the comrade ship on the trailBecause of my clumsiness I received Mr Magoo as trailname. Halfway the morning I met Thimo. We spoke Dutch. His mother was from Aruba, married with a Swede and living in Georgia. He had to learn Dutch to communicate with his mother's family
Date: 2015-03-21
From: Lance creek

To: Neel Gap
Miles today: 6.6

Blood Mountain was the first serious mountain. That is the reason we did so little miles. On the top we got lost. Ginger tea and squabbler returned the path, but I thought I could bushwalking as it is called and find the trail back.Wrong decision. On a certain moment, I could not go further, I fell and lost my phone. Luckily I found it back. Enough, back to th trail!
Date: 2015-03-24
From: Unicoi Gap

To: Deep gap shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: broken clouds

We had a nice walk. As normally I leave at first to give me a headscarf. At the end of the day I found out that bt and gadget stayed behind.The telefono which fell into the water ginger tea put it in a bag with noodles to dry out while nobody had rice.
Date: 2015-03-25
From: Deep gap shelter

To: Bly gas 
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: overcast clouds

I passed the sign leaving Georgia entering North Carolina.0.1 After that we stopped at Bly Gap. A while later std and dt walked into camp. Std still limping from the injury he got while speedhiking to get into Helen(Dick's creek gap).The whole family together.
Date: 2015-03-27
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: light rain

As normal,I was the first to rise and ready to go the15.9 miles.i was also the first to hitch hike to Franklin. Underway I called the Sapphire Inn. I had the last room. Shortly after there two other hikers. I was lucky. Washed my clothes at at the Mexican opposite the inn, called home,wrote part of my Trailjournals in macdonalds and very tired went to bed at 23:00. The longest distance so far!
Date: 2015-03-28
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Winespring Road
Miles today: 8.2
Weather: broken clouds

This morning I had to walk to the post office to send a package home of the things,I didn't need, some clothes and a binocular (yes, I took one with me). Yesterday I was also at the 3oak Outfitter, because a buckle was broken. They said they could send a package for me. At the end, they said they covered only us. UPS was at the other side of the road,but was closed. So this morning I had to go to the PO. There I met squabbler who got his new pole part. He was very happy. Then we went to buy our resupply and got a ride of a couple of former trough hikers who do trailmagic on a regular basis. We did a short hike, while we started so late