morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-08-06
From: Rainbow lake 

To: Abol bridge
Miles today: 8.3

For one of my last nights on the trail it was kind of a rough one. Two section hikers were camped about 15 yards from me and they stayed up talking until 12:30. I was able to sleep on and off but it was tough...and I didn't know where my ear plugs were. After that it was a great morning, perfectly blue skies! I packed up and started the 10 mile trek to abol bridge! I took my time and enjoyed the heck out of it. The start of the hike was along the shore of rainbow lake and then up the rainbow ledges. From the ledges I had an incredible view of katahdin, so close and it was so clear! I hung out at the view for a while before heading down the trail to the golden road and abol bridge. Right before the road there was an ice chest full of drinks and snacks. On top of the cooler it said "Northbound Thru hikers only" ha yea hands off ya southbounders these snacks are mine! I enjoyed a cold root beer and a bag of chips as I hiked down the golden road to abol bridge and camp store. Abol bridge (as in the bridge itself) was great and had a great view of katahdin...the camp store not so much. I walked up to the counter to order some food only to find out that try were out of almost everything except roast beef sandwiches....bummer. Ah well it helped me make the decision to hitch 20 miles into millinockette for the night. I walked out to the gravel road to wait for a car and the first one pulled over. It was Fresh Grounds. A trail angel that I heard so much about earlier in my hike. Down south he setup in 5 different locations with tons of food and at each location he was there for 10 days. He kept moving north with the hikers and I was always a day or two from catching him. Ah well I caught him in Maine and he brought me to town. We hung out for a while and I helped him change a tire on his car. It was great to talk with him learn why he is going so far out of his way to help hikers. He is simply serving a community that he loves for the glory of The Lord. Amen to that. Keep doing what you are doing bro! I am now in millinockette relaxing. I am extremely tired physically...maybe it is because I know I'm pretty much done. I got to the hostel today and didn't move for the shower for 7 hours and I was quite dirty. I haven't jumped in a steam in a while since it has been cold out. So I had about 8 layers of deet on me and about 4 days of trail grim. Anyway I made it to the shower and I am relaxing at the AT Lodge. Great place and friendly people. Not sure what my plans are for the next few days.
Date: 2013-08-07
From: Abol bridge

To: zero
Miles today: 0.0

A day surprising day. I woke up this morning and I didn't have any plans for the day besides meeting up with foxtrot and Delia in town after they summited katahdin. I didn't want to sit in town so I was thinking of things to do. Splitter who I met on the trail yesterday asked me if I wanted to go to Bar Harbor for the day....sure. So off we went. It was a 2 hour drive there and it was worth it. We got there for lunch and then just hung out along the coast. I told her that I love sailboats, so we were on a mission to find all the sailboats in the area. It was a great day and so much fun. We left bar harbor around 4 and made it back to millinockette by 6. It was the most time I have spent in a car in forever. Once back in millinockette I went to dinner with foxtrot, Delia, mot, splitter, and punkin pie. It was a great time celebrating thur hiking the AT. Millinockette is a cool town and the hostel here is nice. Ole man the owner is a cool guy and I have really enjoyed my time here. A heck of a zero day even though I traveled more than 200 miles today. I am going back to the trail tomorrow.Oh in bar harbor today as I walked around, in my blue flip flops, I would catching people looking at my toe nails...I don't know what color they are but it is far from normal.
Date: 2013-08-08
From: zero

To: the birches
Miles today: 10.3
Weather: light rain

Feeling the end. I said bye to several friends this morning and headed back to the trail soon after. I was thinking it was going to be a tough hitch to get back to abol bridge but it was incredibly easy thanks to a 2012 thru hiker that saw me at a gas station. I was grabbing a few snacks for the day and tomorrow and he ask me if he could bring me back to the trail. So easy and thankful for his generosity. The golden road back to the trail is half gravel half paved and its about 20 miles down it. I got to the trail around 10 and started down the trail for an easy 10 miles. It was great! The trail was smooth and really scenic. As I was walking along the Penobscot river I saw two eagles flying really low. I watched them for a while and then continued on. Around noon I stopped at a bluff over a creek and relaxed there for an hour looking through all of my pictures. It was a super relaxing hike. I did the last two fords of the hike and stopped at big Niagara Falls. When I was about two miles from the birches I saw a sign for trail magic at a cabin on daicey pond. I walked on over to check it out. It was a family that rented a cabin for the week. I was the only hiker there the whole time. We had a great time and I hung out with them for two hours. They had a lot of cool stories about Maine and about their adventure of canoeing across the US. Around 4:30 I headed out and finished off the last two miles to the birches shelter. I am here with 2 other people. The weather is going to be nasty tomorrow so I am going to try to get back to millinockette by lunch and wait for my family who should be arriving later tomorrow night. I need to do laundry twice tomorrow and I'm thinking about going to a car wash to pressure wash my pack out. It smells horrible! I can't wait to see them and super excited to climb katahdin with them! Last night on the trail...bittersweet. I am thankful for the very slow last two weeks. I am ending the trip with no regrets!
Date: 2013-08-09
From: the birches

To: millinockette
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Just a relaxing day. I stayed at the birches last night and headed into town this morning. It rained all day so I tried to stay inside as much as possible. I am waiting on my family who Should be here in the next 2 hours. Can't wait to see them.The last few nights I have been dreaming of katahdin. Thankfully the weather is going to be clear tomorrow. I cannot wait to summit and to hug that sign! So excited!
Date: 2013-08-10
From: millinockette

To: Mt. Katahdin
Miles today: 5.1

The day I have been dreaming of! We woke up early and headed to the park. We were on the trail a bit before 8. It was a beautiful morning and I was super thankful. Yea it has rained so much on my hike but I have ha incredible weather in every place that I want to have it. Springer, max patch, smokey mtns, mcafee knob, the whites, and now katahdin. I had great weather through all of these highlights. Hard to believe! So we started hiking and climbing up 4200 feet to the summit of katahdin! I was super excited and had adrenaline on my side the entire way up. Katahdin was unlike any other mtn of my entire hike. It was less of a hike and more of a climb. I hooked my hiking poles to my pack and had to use my hands to climb up rock faces and traverse ledges. It was intense and so much fun. We were treated to incredible views for most of the hike, especially once we were above tree line. It was crowded on the mtn but it didn't take away from the experience. I told my brother I needed him I do me a huge favor when we were getting close to the summit. I sent him ahead of me to clear out all of the day hikers away from the sign on the summit. It was my moment and I wanted it...selfish but I deserve it ha. So he cleared them all up and I got to have my approach to the sign. I have been dreaming of hiking to the sign and hugging it! I did just that and I also kissed it 2or 3 times. I have wanted that sign for so long...all the hard times and all the pain was lifted when I grabbed ahold of it! It was amazing! I then took my king of the world picture on top of the sign! After that I took a few more pictures highlighted by a picture with my nephew Luke's sock. I have carried his sock the entire way and it has inspired me to dig deep and press when times were tough! Love that kid more than life!After that it was down the mountain. It was super cold on top so we were excited to get moving down the mountain. It was a tough descent but we finally made it! I am so thankful to share this experience with my family. Once back to the camp ground we relaxed for a bit and then headed into millinockette to the AT Cafe'. We had dinner there and I signed a ceiling tile for the class of 2013. It was a great day! I am so glad to rest and not hurt anymore. I am taking a zero week! The next few days I am touring Maine and Boston with the family and flying home Tuesday! I can't wait to be home! I cant wait to see my dog!I am going to post one more journal in the next few days. Thank you for your support through this experience. I couldn't have done it with out all of your support and prayers! Oh I had cold stone creamery ice cream tonight...Notta bad way to celebrate. My official victory meal is a maine lobster which I will be having in the next few days.I'm going to rest now...
Date: 2013-08-15
To: Thank You
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Well this is my last journal. I am now back home in Louisiana and it feels so great to be back. I have enjoyed seeing friends and family and the always wonderful hot weather. I do miss the trail some times but I am loving being home. It has been a week since I climbed katahdin and it feels like a distant memory. It was quite a journey. I am so thankful for deciding to take on the challenge of a thru hike. I have learned so much about life and about myself in the four months I was on the trail. It really is hard to put into words how special this hike has been to me but I will do my best to share that with you. I wanted to push myself and take on the challenge of a thru hike. Now I can honestly say it is the hardest I have worked in my life and I am thankful for it. All the rain, ups and downs, hot weather, terrible food, and pain are not what I think of when I reflect on the trail. I just think of how quiet and beautiful it was. The appalachian trail is amazing but looking back now the one thing that kept me focused and going was Jesus. The AT is incredible and my thru hike is incredibly special to me but what is cooler is that Jesus is better. My favorite memories on the trail will always be the quiet times just walking with Him. He gave me everything I needed to make it to my next campsite. I am super thankful for that. I would like to thank each one of you who followed my journal and those of you who signed my journal. Each and everyone of them encouraged me more than you know, you were an incredibly special part of my journey. I hope you enjoyed my journal as much as I enjoyed sharing it with you. So many people have asked me what is next...I am now on the hunt for a full time job, which I am really excited about. I am ready to work hard in whatever I end up doing. I am also motivated to work hard so I don't have to eat poptarts again. For adventures in the future I am not sure if I will do another 2000+ mile hike. I would love to go out and backpack the national parks out west, British Columbia, sail somewhere beautiful, and the Colorado trail. I am a dreamer so this list will only get bigger.Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.                                       -mark twainAgain thank you so much!
Date: 2012-11-24
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Hurricane Sandy: For three weeks in November, I was part of a hurricane relief team from Florida. We traveled each morning from our hotel in in Wilkes-Barre, PA into New Jersey crossing the Delaware Water Gap. Each evening after working for 12 to 15 hours, we drove back to Wilkes-Barre, again through the DWG. At each crossing I saw the white blazes of the AT on the bridge crossing the river. Each time I said to myself, I¢ll be back next year, all I have to do is hike from Georgia to the DWG, I can¢t wait! I have been planning my hike for two years, now I am ready.
Date: 2012-12-10
To: Vilano Inlet
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: mist

Vilano Beach: On Sunday, Dec 9th, I walked 9.5 round trip miles on the beach from my home to Vilano Inlet and back. Part of the problem with living in Florida is that there are no mountains to hike in. I took about 4 hours with only a couple of two minute breaks. I¢ve done a lot of beach hiking, as long as 13 miles on day. Normally, I can walk about 3 miles an hour on the beach, but I did this walk during high tide and had to walk in some pretty soft sand. My local hiking is limited to the beaches, Ocala National Forest and some state parks. Guana River State Park has some good 10 mile loops, but again, it¢s all flat. To simulate hills, I¢m forced to use the treadmill at the gym on the steepest possible incline setting (a¢15¢). So I know I¢ll be hurting the first few days on the AT. I¢ve hike several sections in GA, NC, VA, and Maine, I know the hills are waiting for me. I¢ve been going to the gym 3 to 4 times a week for the last 2 years. I feel my endurance has improved somewhat and I am now more flexible. I¢ll be 62 in February, and hope to start on March 25th. My initial aim is to hike at least 1 month, no matter how fast or slow I am. I hope to make Damascus, VA in 40 days and Harper Ferry in 75 days. If I am hiking strong but too slow when I get the Harper¢s Ferry, I may flip flop and hike south from Maine. As a last resort, I can do a multi-year hike to complete the AT. But I intend to make every effort on a through hike in 2013. I wear some shirts in the gym to remind me of my goal. On the back is an AT symbol and the words; AT 2013, ALL OF IT.
Date: 2012-12-23
To: Section Hikes
Miles today: 0.0

My first AT hike was in 1965 as a member of Boy Scout Troop 149 in Cherrydale, VA. Our troop prepared for a 50 mile, 5 day hike by making our own tents out of black plastic, packaged our own food so each of us carried 3 meals, made sleeping bags out of sheets, and made our own back pack frames out of parachute straps and wood frames. My pack was almost as tall as I was, around 40 LBS. It was a great trip. We started in PA hiked south to Harpers Ferry, crossing the entire state of Maryland. That trip started my love for the AT. In my twenty's I did a little work with the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club, I was on the first crew to work on the Blackburn Trail Center in VA. I moved to Florida in '81 and didn't hike much in my 30's and 40's. As I turned 50, my kids were old enough and my wife patient enough for me to start hiking again. I was so out of shape when I first started and it was very discouraging. But with some support from my hiking buddies, and some great trips to Appalachian Trail sections in GA, NC, and VA, I started getting the idea that I should try a thru hike in 2013. One trip to Maine sealed the deal. A couple of years ago, we flew to Maine to hike the 100 mile wilderness. It kicked my ass! 30 miles in and I was exhausted. The weather was very hot and I was not ready for the steep climbs. That convinced me that in order to hike the 100 Miles Wilderness, the best thing to do is to earn it by hiking 2000 miles from Georgia. That way you're sure to be in shape for the last 100 miles. That's my goal. Hope to see you on the trail in 2013.
Date: 2013-03-10
To: Guana River State Park
Miles today: 0.0

Just 5 more days at work and then I retire. Its a sunny cool day so I went for a 5 mile loop hike in the Guana River State Park. I've decided to start the Appalachian Trail in a tent instead of a hammock, my new tent will weigh about 2 pounds.I want my pack to weight about 25 pounds, hopefully the lighter tent will help.
Date: 2013-03-20
To: Last Prep
Miles today: 0.0

I've:Retired and said my good byes to my co-workers.(32 years was enough for me!)Cut my hair (a#2!)Bought my food (then put half of it in a bounce box to cut weight)Field tested my SPOT (6 miles on the beach)Packed & unpacked and re-packed my pack. (I'm at 30lbs including food)D & I will drive to Atlanta on Friday, spend two days at my daughter's house. Then on Monday we have reservations at Amicalola Falls Lodge.(I'll hike from the Arch to the Lodge on Monday. First night on the trail in the Lodge, might as well enjoy it while I can) I'll start the hike in earnest on Tuesday morning. If I've forgotten anything, I'm sure I'll remember it when I'm hiking. I have a feeling the local business along the trail will profit from my visits!
Date: 2013-03-26
From: Amicalola Falls Lodge

To: AFSP
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

We have had a failure to launch. At 8 AM, it was snowing and 25 degrees. I considered waiting for warmer temps,but I was concerned about my wife driving out of the park. So we decided to return to Milton and wait for better weather tomorrow. I'll have to get an early start to make up some time tomorrow. I know I have to hike in bad weather but there was just too many bad vibes to start the hike today.
Date: 2013-03-28
From: Stover Creek

To: Cooper Gap
Miles today: 9.7

Think God for the US Army. They set up a water tank at Cooper Gap. After hiking over Sassafras Mtn, it was a welcomed sight. Boy Scout Troop 162 from Gainesville, FL was also there. A great bunch of kids! Another cold night. Tomorrow, staying at Wolf Pen Gap Hostel to warm up and Clean up.
Date: 2013-03-29
From: Cooper Gap

To: Wolfpen Gap Hostel (Suches)
Miles today: 8.9

Hiked today with a painful neck. I used a lot of Bengay! Had a good hot pizza at Wolfpen Gap Hostel. It will be great to sleep in warm bed. Met up with Subman at Gooches Gap. He is going to hike with me to Neel's Gap.
Date: 2013-03-30
From: Wolfpen Gap Hostel (Suches)

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Started at Woody Gap at 9 AM. I was on top of Blood Mtn at at 3PM. Staying at Mountain Crossings Hostel tonight. So far I have met hikers from England,Germany,Estonia, and Japan. A fun group.
Date: 2013-03-31
From: Neels Gap

To: Whitney Gap Shelter
Miles today: 7.9

Cool clear weather in the morning. It started to rain about 3 p.m. After a steep climb to the shelter I decided to stay at Whitney Gap. This shelter is 1.4 miles off the main trail so a lot of through hikers do not use it.There were four other section hikers at the shelter.When I started to cook dinner I realize I had left my food at Neels gap so I called the outfitter and he agreed to deliver my food the next morning at Hogs Pen gap.Lumpy at Mountain Crossing is the best he saved my butt by dropping off my food bag at 8AM then next day.
Date: 2013-04-01
From: Whitney Gap Shelter

To: Blue Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 12.8

Rained last night but I slept in the shelter and kept dry. Picked up my food bag at Hogs Pen gap and then started hiking to Blue Mountain. Started hiking at 8 a.m. and finished at 5:30 p.m. my longest Day yet. Had to sleep in my tent on top of Blue MTN, but was comfortable during the night. My best night sleep yet.
Date: 2013-04-02
From: Blue Mtn Shelter

To: Tray Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 6.0

Two steep climbs, 1000 feet and the other 1200 feet, a lot of work going up the mountains. The climb out of Unicoi Gap was very steep. I started at 9 AM. and again finished at 5:30 PM. cold clear weather and slept in my tent at night. It was very cold on top of Tray mountain. The wind was blowing through my tent all night.
Date: 2013-04-05
From: Dicks Creek Gap & Hiawasee

To: Budget Inn at Hiawasee
Miles today: 0.0

A good day of rest and eating. I feel a lot better and will start hiking tomorrow at Dick's Gap. Hiawasee is a good trail town. The local merchants treat the hikers good and are very friendly. Several other hikers are taking zero days at the hotel. Tomorrow we get back on the trail. Subman is going to hike a section with me again.
Date: 2013-04-06
From: Dicks Creek Gap

To: Bly Gap
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: clear sky

After a days rest, I started up again. Subman met me Dick Creek and we decided to hike to Bly Gap. At Bly Gap, I crossed the GA/ NC line. One state down, 13 to go! The weather was clear and cool. The Gap was windy at Nights, but comfortable. Life is good!
Date: 2013-04-07
From: Bly Gap

To: Standing Indian Shelter
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Steep Climb out of Bly Gap and warm clear weather. I had my first bit of trail Magic, cold Pepsi's at Deep Gap. Also crossed paths with "Scooter." He's a guy carrying a push scooter and seems to be a bit a of a scavenger. He cooks over wood fires and stays to himself. Hike your own hike! Subman had to hike south and back to home. He was a good hiking buddy, it really helped having him around to encourage me. Hopefully, I'll see him down the trail.
Date: 2013-04-08
From: Standing Indian Shelter

To: Carter Gap
Miles today: 7.5

Crossed over Standing Indian Mountain (5498') It is the tallest mountain until the Clineman's Dome, but the climb is gradual and manageable. I can personally attest to the fact that Carter Gap Shelter has lots of mice! They were crawling around all night. After a short day and an easy hike, I stayed there instead of hiking on. My mistake! I seem to be hiking stronger, so I'll start increasing my daily miles soon.
Date: 2013-04-09
From: Carter Gap

To: Rock Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: clear sky

Climbed Albert Mtn, (5250') The final 400' are very steep in less than a mile. At top of the mountain is a fire tower and great views. Also the summit is the 100 mile mark. The first 100 miles are in the book! But a lot still to go. I avoided the shelter at Rock Gap, no more mice for me unless it is raining too hard to set up my tent.
Date: 2013-04-10
From: Rock Gap Shelter

To: Winding Stair Gap (Franklin, NC)
Miles today: 3.8

Woke up at 5 AM and hiked to Winding Stair Gap to catch the shuttle into Franklin. I am leaving the trail for a few days to be in Atlanta for the birth of my 1st grandchild. Hopefully, I restart my hike next week.
Date: 2013-04-14
From: Atlanta

To: Atlanta: resupply day
Miles today: 0.0

I went to REI in Atlanta and bought a new sleeping bag (20 degrees) and a self inflating sleeping pad. These replace the 40 degree bag and closed cell "Ridgerest" sleeping pad I was using. Hopefully, I'll be more comfortable at night and be able to sleep better. The sleeping bag is heavier: 2 1/2 lbs vs. 1 1/2 lbs, but I think it will be well worth it in the Smokies. On Wednesday, 4/17, I'll restart my hike at Winding Stair Gap. I miss the mountains already and I am anxious to get hiking again.
Date: 2013-04-18
From: Winding Stair Gap (Franklin, NC)

To: Wayah Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.0

Back on the Trail! Hiking strong. Debi dropped me off at Winding Stair Gap at 8:30 AM and I hiked until 3:30 PM. The climb up to Wayah Bald was long but not too steep. The views from Wayah Tower were great, I could see Albert Mountain and all the mountains in between.
Date: 2013-04-19
From: Wayah Bald helter

To: Tellico Gap/Aquone Hostel
Miles today: 8.4

Rain Rain Rain! This is easily the wettest day I have ever had hiking! It even sleeted a little. The trail was filled with water so my boots were soaked. The wind was blowing in all directions, sometimes in my back, sometimes in my face. But I actually hiked fast and made good time. At Tellico Gap, I was picked up by Whiggy at Aquone Hostel. This is a great place, a new building, nice beds and good food. Is great to be warm and dry after hiking 9 miles in the rain.