morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-07-24
From: Happy Hill Shelter

To: Elm Street Trail Angel
Miles today: 3.4
Weather: light rain

I had a short day today as I neared the end of Vermont. My friend Rabbit was staying with a trail angel named Betsy who lives right on the trail. She and her husband very generously allow hikers to crash in their basement for a night. Their son walked the trail and was helped by a family down south when he was injured. They chose to pay back the trail community by opening their home and became just one shining example of good people willing to help. The stay and short day gave me a chance to visit Darrmouth University in nearby Hanover, NH. The AT goes right by the Dartmouth green and down Main Street in Hanover as part of the longest road walk (3.7 miles) on the trail.
Date: 2015-07-29
From: Eliza Brook Shelter

To: Lincoln,NH / Notch Hostel
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: light rain

I am now officially in the AMC hut system region. The first "full service" hut we encountered was Lonesome Lake. The AMC runs these as places to stay for hikers with bunks, breakfast and dinner for a modest price of $80+ per night. We simply camped nearby instead of paying such a high fee. Can you identify the thru-hiker (Papalu) amongst the weekenders in the accompanied picture? No prize for guessing right.
Date: 2015-07-30
From: Lincoln,NH / Notch Hostel

To: Garfield Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 10.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Although only 10 miles or so, today's forward progress was some of the most physically challenging and visually rewarding on the trail. An extended run above tree line and rugged scenery made it very energizing. I'm not sure what it is about the rugged mountains that are inspiring, but they somehow make all the hard work worthwhile.
Date: 2015-08-01
From: Ethan Pond Campsite

To: Nauman Campsite
Miles today: 9.3
Weather: clear sky

A new month deserves an update on the beard progress. I had a haircut in late June, but the beard has been ferrel since March 20th. The primary intent is to establish facial hair dominance over my older brother once and for all. I honk he has conceded the challenge.
Date: 2015-08-02
From: Nauman Campsite

To: Valley Way Campsite
Miles today: 9.8

Today was the summit of Mt Washington in New Hampshire's White Mountains. It is the second highest point on the AT, behind Clingmans Dome in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. It was a beautiful day without much wind. This spot gets the worst weather in America so a nice day was a lucky break indeed. The flip side of this spot is that hundreds of tourists arrive by train or car and take pictures and buy souvineers like they've done something special.
Date: 2015-08-03
From: Valley Way Campsite

To: Gorham, NH / Royalty Inn
Miles today: 7.8

I mentioned yesterday that the worst weather in America occurs in this area. Here is the local proof. And because the forecast is for high winds and thunderstorms, Bad Hiker and I are aimed at getting to town his afternoon even though it is a couple of days early. We are both exhausted for the constant up and down over Rocky terrain. The morning ascent of Mt Madison was made more exciting by 40-50 mph wind gusts. We were both blown off balance to the verge of falling down a couple of times.
Date: 2015-08-06
From: Imp Shelter

To: Gorham, NH / White Mountains Hostel
Miles today: 8.1
Weather: light rain

As I oficially exit the White Mountains, so also exits my ridiculous streak of walking in decent if not great weather. Cloudy and short patches of drizzle punctuated a rainy night. All things considered, it really could not have been a better stretch of sun and useful temperatures. So despite the toughness of the ups and downs, the Whites have been a true highlight of the journey. They are the real deal and hopefully the toughest hiking is behind me. 299 miles to go!
Date: 2015-08-08
From: Gentian Pond Shelter

To: Speck Pond Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was TOUGH! Thirteen hours to do about 14 miles. It includes the Mahoosic Notch which is described as "the most fun or most difficult mile on the trail." I classified it as the most fun. It was the other relentlessly steep and repetitive ascents and drops that kicked my butt. I was warned about southern Maine, now I know hat was not a lie. The photo depicts one of several Boulder obstacles in the Notch. I had to take off my pack a few times to squeeze under and between some rocks. It was deliberately slow but lots of fun to scramble around, climb over and shimmy through this natural playground.
Date: 2015-08-09
From: Speck Pond Shelter

To: Andover, ME / Pone Ellis Hostel
Miles today: 14.9

Another climb straight out of the gate this morning, and only just rewarded with fleeting views after yesterday's beating. But it is still better than working!I got a late start this morning; purposely resting after the previous long day. My 9 am start was almost too late as it wasn't until 6:45 pm that I made it to the road for a ride in to Andover for a bed and yet another box of food mailed from my trail boss. I way underestimated this section of the trail.
Date: 2015-08-10
From: Andover, ME / Pine Ellis Hostel

To: South Arm Road Campsite
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: overcast clouds

I've planned some shorter days to the next town after the last three days of hard trail. My 10 miles today were much more pleasant and entertainingly punctuated by three hikers with a classic AT finish to their day. They had ducked in to Andover for a resupply. Their ride back was a hitch on a porta-potty truck. They brought some beer and had it topped up by trail magic at the road crossing. And they all dropped shrooms for dinner. It was a riot to listen to them from across the stream in the campsite, especially when a section hiker wandered in to their camp on her way to poop in the woods. Such a different journey from mine.
Date: 2015-08-11
From: South Arm Road Campsite

To: Bemis Stream Campsite
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: light rain

It rained today. From an hour after I started walking until an hour after I set up my tent. It was one of those miserable days when you just have to grind out the miles and trust your fear to keep you dry. The only picture I took was in my tent when I was done for the day.
Date: 2015-08-12
From: Bemis Stream Campsite

To: Rangely, ME / Farmhouse Inn
Miles today: 14.2

I met up with Silent Force again today (after being in the same Hostels in Gorham and Andover). We planned a purposefully easier schedule to Katahdin along with Count and Lavender. I'm hoping it strikes a good balance between enjoying the remainder of the journey and not lingering too long.
Date: 2015-08-14
From: Poplar Ridge Lean-to

To: Crocker Cirque Campsite
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: overcast clouds

The campsite we chose for today has been written up as a good place to watch for moose. Silent Force and I found a clearing nearby with a marshy bog, indeed just where you'd expect to find one of these majestic creatures. We ultimately had no luck with moose but had a relaxing day.
Date: 2015-08-15
From: Crocker Cirque Campsite

To: Stratton, ME / Stratton Inn
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: overcast clouds

I finally met Aussie Legs today. Whenever I mentioned that I was from New Zealand, people would ask if I'd met the Austrailans yet. A mom (Red Back) and two daughters (Muddy Duckling and Fire Bear) who started on March 22nd, just two days after me. Yet it took 2000 miles to run in to my Oceania neighbors.
Date: 2015-08-16
From: Stratton, ME / Stratton Inn

To: Little Bigelow Lean-to
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: overcast clouds

I posed for a fun photo with Silent Force and Red Panda before we left the Stratton Inn this morning. We shared the shelter with Aussie Legs this evening. They would all turn out to be daily companions and a great trail family all the way to the end.
Date: 2015-08-18
From: Pierce Pond Lean-to

To: Bald Mountain Brook Lean-to
Miles today: 18.7
Weather: moderate rain

A milestone in walking the AT today: crossing the Kennebeck River. It is a wide and unpredictably strong River that is dangerous to ford. As a result of several drownings and a number of near misses over the years, the AT provides an official canoe crossing run by a local guide service. The boat has a white blaze painted on the floor to make it official.Muddy Duckling and Fire Bear are just finishing their crossing with Dave. I figure Dave is the most photographed person on the AT.
Date: 2015-08-19
From: Bald Mountain Brook Lean-to

To: Horseshoe Canyon Lean-to
Miles today: 13.0

As we get closer to the finish and more remotely placed in the Maine wilderness, making plans with family for summit day gets more and more difficult. The few remaining mountain peaks end up being the only chance to connect for a text message or two. Red Panda is seen here arranging a cake with her mom for our final day celebration.
Date: 2015-08-20
From: Horseshoe Canyon Lean-To

To: Monson, ME / Lakeshore Hostel
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: light rain

I've arrived in Monson, Maine. This is he last town before entering the 100 mile wilderness and then a short run to the summit of Mt. Katahdin. 2074 miles done and 115 to go over the next 7 and 1/2 days. It's a lite surreal to have a final date of August 28th as a goal, and a group of trail companions aiming for the same goal.I've been poor at keeping the journal up to date for two reasons: first is the poor reception in this hugely rural state of Maine. It is big country and sparsely populated. The second, and more influential, reason is that I am exhausted. The last three hundred miles, starting with the White Mountains in New Hampshire, have taken nearly all my strength. my town visits are reduced to chores, food and sleep. I hope to back fill when I'm done, but for now it is likely to be a final post wih a summit photo followed by a week of sleep!8 sleeps to go...
Date: 2015-08-21
From: Monson, ME / Lakeshore Hostel

To: Long Pond Stream Lean-to
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: overcast clouds

One hundred miles with no towns or real roads (just logging roads) along the way. It marks the final push for northbound hikers. It's a little daunting, but not so different than a common stretch between towns for most of us at this point in our journey.
Date: 2015-08-25
From: Potaywadjo Stream Lean-to

To: Rainbow Stream Lean-to
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: clear sky

A final hill and yet another lake (or pond) view in Maine. I had what is consider my "moment" today. The finality of finishing the trail hit me near the end of the day. The magnitude of how far I've walked and what it will mean to go back to the real world. Surreal.
Date: 2015-08-28
From: Birches Campsite

To: Katahdin
Miles today: 5.2

The day was a tough four thousand foot climb over five miles. It was a beautiful three hour ascent in perfect weather with great friends. I've used the group summit photo instead of my solo picture because the people I met along the way are infinitely more valuable than the miles I walked.So thank you to all my 100+ mile companions: 10-Speed, Georgia & Mouse, Papalu, Comrade, Moon Unit, Switchback, Three Mile, Rabbit, The Family (Sir, Hummingbird and Sister Em), Wolverine, Fireman, Bad Hiker, Silent Force, Red Panda and Aussie Legs. Also thank you to the hikers who I met frequently and happily over long stretches but did not walk with daily: PA Trail Runner, Ferris, Rerun, Bonifide, Skipper, Goosebumps, Tinkerbell, Count and Lavender. It was an honor to share my journey with you all. Finally thank you to all my friends and family who supported me with words of encouragement along the way. It was a huge help to read the messages on email or from my trail journal guest book.Did ISO find what he was looking for? Yes.What was it? Very personal and surely different from everyone else's personal epiphany. What insights can I share? A life well lived is given to inspiring others, not trying to impress them. So don't be impressed by what I have just done, be inspired to take your own journey. What's Next? I happily have no idea!
Date: 2015-09-07
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

It has been 10 days since I stood on top of Katahdin with my trail family, and 1 week since I arrived back at my mom's house in the Dallas area.I joked a bit on the trail when people asked what was next that I would sleep for a week and then start thinking about it. Well that is almost exactly what has happened. At first I thought I was just recovering from the immense wear and tear the trail put on my 45 year old body. Then the symptoms got a little more pronounced and the general malaise with 2 or 3 naps a day and 10 hours of sleep at night were getting to be a concern. The trail seems to have gotten a measure of revenge by giving me what looks to be a classic case of Giardia. So much fun... not. But thats just the way it is and makes no difference to my enjoyment of the journeyBetween naps, I've been thinking about the essential point in time, or single reflection to sum things up. There is one and I hope I can do it justice with words.After I got to the top, I posed for the classic celebration photos, had a very personal moment alone (observantly captured by Apple Cider - thank you!), ate some snacks and yucked it up with the gang. After an hour, I headed down on my own and became acutely aware of the fact that I had no reason to hurry, no schedule and nowhere to be. I was present in a great deal of the journey, but it was this 2-3 hour window of walking down the mountain by myself that I was completely mindful of the joy of every step.That will be the most cherished reward: knowing that there is pure joy in even the simplest act of taking a single step. That will also be a lifelong challenge: allowing myself to live simply enough to be present in those normally discarded moments with increasing frequency.
Date: 2015-01-18
To: Preparation
Miles today: 0.0

I've wanted to hike the Appalachian Trail since I first heard about it in my early 20's. Now 20 years later after living and working in Europe and the Caribbean, I've moved back to Massachusetts allowing me to get out on the AT with my dog Lucy. Last fall we section hiked all of Mass and the southern part of Vermont. Over the past few months I've spent more hours than I'd like to admit reading books, following hiker journals, and watching You Tube videos on anything related to the AT. In just over 6-weeks me and my side-kick Lucy are heading south to start our journey.
Date: 2015-01-18
To: Preparation Part II
Miles today: 0.0

I'm all set with my equipment. My base pack weight (excluding fuel, food and water) is just under 20 pounds. For you gear heads out there I'm using an Osprey Exos backpack, Six Moon's Design Lunar Solo tent, Western Mountain UL 20F sleeping bag, Soto Windmaster stove, Snow Peak Titanium Mini Solo cook set, Platypus 3L water reservoir, Sawyer in-line water filter plus basic hygiene/first aid stuff and clothing. My one 'luxury' item in addition to my iPhone is my Exped Downmat 7 sleeping pad. It weighs 31ozs which is a lot but after trying several air mattresses it's the only one which allows me to get a good night's sleep on the trail.   My dog Lucy has her own pack and my goal is to have her carry her own food. I have a small sleeping mat and jacket for her which I'll carry to keep her pack weight down, especially at the beginning.Getting out for long hikes the last few weeks have been tough with the temperature in the teens. But with six weeks to go we will start to build our mile base. I'm carrying around 32 lbs on our training hikes which will hopefully be my max weight with food and water. Can't wait to get going!
Date: 2015-01-18
To: Goals
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: snow

My plan is to drive down from Massachusetts with my dog Lucy on March 2nd, starting my hike from Springer Mountain, GA on March 3rd. I've mapped out my hike through Hot Springs, NC. I plan to average around 8 miles a day the first week, ramping up the miles slowly after that. By the time I hit the Great Smoky Mountain National Park I want to be hiking 15 miles a day. While it's fun to plan out my hike I expect the weather to play a major role in how far and fast I actually go.My ultimate goal is to hike every mile and see every white blaze from Georgia to Maine. But will I do that as a thru-hiker or section hiker? Hiking with Lucy (my dog) adds complexity and I'm still not 100% confident she will be up for a thru-hike. At a minimum I plan on going from Springer, GA to Damascus, VA this trip. We'll figure out on the trail whether we continue north from there this year or come back next year for another section.
Date: 2015-01-25
To: 5 weeks to go
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I head south in just over 5 weeks! Lucy and I went out for an 8 mile training hike in full packs today. The temp was right around freezing with 8 inches of new snow on the ground. I felt good but it was definitely a workout. Let's hope we don't get a lot of snow on the trail! My equipment is all set but I'm still planning and preparing my maildrops. Lucy eats a reduced ingredient dog food that is higher in protein than the brands I'll find in stores along the trail so I'll need to get packages every 4-5 days. I'm going to include some fun facts about the AT as I go along for those friends and family who don't know much about the Appalachian Trail. Here are some basics to start:- The Appalachian Trail (known as the AT) is 2185 miles long stretching from Springer Mountain in Georgia all the way to Mt. Katahdin in Baxter State Park in Maine. - Approximately 2750 people attempt to hike the entire trail each year (called thru hikers), of those only around 1 in 4 complete the entire trail. Most start in March and April in GA and hike north though around 10% start in Maine in June or July and go south. The trail takes between 4 to 7 months to complete depending on the speed of the hiker.- The trail is marked by 2 in. x 6 in. 'white blazes' painted on trees and rocks every 100 yards or so making navigation very straightforward.- There are shelters along the trail (3 sided wooden structures with a floor and roof) spaced every 10-20 miles providing hikers with a place to sleep or tent near. These are usually built close to a water source.- The AT passes through or close to many towns along its length. These 'Hiker Towns' as they're nicknamed typically have businesses oriented around hikers including motel/hostels, shuttles, stores carrying hiker supplies, etc. - In addition to buying supplies in hiker towns you can also mail boxes with supplies (maidrops) to post offices or local businesses who will hold the package until you pick it up on the way through. As mentioned above, I'll be using maidrops.That's all for now, can't wait to get going!
Date: 2015-02-18
To: 2 weeks to go
Miles today: 0.0

I start from Springer Mountain two weeks from today. Tough to imagine with snow banks above my head and wind chills below zero here in Massachusetts. I have all my re-supply boxes packed and ready to be sent by my wife who will be my support team. (Biggest reason I'm sending boxes is the higher protein food for my dog that I can't get in local stores.). Starting to dream about the trail which means it's time to get going!
Date: 2015-03-01
To: Three days to go!
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I leave for Georgia tomorrow morning! We're expecting another 4-6 inches of snow here in Massachusetts tonight but it shouldn't screw up my travel plans. I start on Springer Mountain on Wednesday morning. It's going to rain all day Wed and be in the high 20's on Thu but warming up for a few days starting Friday. I'm bringing some extra winter clothing for me and Lucy so my pack with 4 days food, fuel and 2 liters water is now at 35 lbs. I was hoping to keep it under 32 lbs but better to be on the safe side to start.   I will be using my cell phone to update the journal. I will post as often as possible but with spotty cell reception it probably won't be daily. Look forward to meeting my fellow hikers somewhere up the trail!
Date: 2015-03-03
To: At the Hiker Hostel in GA
Miles today: 0.0

I'm at the Hiker Hostel in GA. Staying in a cool little 1 room cabin next to the main house. Owners and staff are very friendly and make you feel right at home. Drove 10 hrs on Monday and stayed in a motel in Roanoke then another 7 hrs today. Lucy was a champ throughout. The adventure begins tomorrow!
Date: 2015-03-04
From: gooch zhap

To: View Entry
Miles today: 17.2

3/4 - made the summit of Springer Mtn at 10:30. Very foggy so no view from the top. Hiked 8 miles to Hawk Mtn Shelter where we tented for the night. Around 15 people at the shelter/tenting. A good group of people all excited to be starting their thru hike.3/5 - hit the trail at 8:30 and hiked 9 miles to Gooch Gap where we got our first trail magic! A trail angel had a tent set up and was serving hot soup, coffee and hot dogs! Needed it since it was a cold and rainy hike. Lucy is doing great and loves the trail so far. I'll post pictures when I stay in a motel and gave wifi in a couple of days.
Date: 2015-03-06
From: Gooch Gap

To: Jarrard Gap
Miles today: 9.5
Weather: clear sky

Started with pancakes and hot coffee provided by trail angel Fresh Ground at Gooch Gap. Hiked to Jared Gap and tented along with Happy Warrior. Didn't want to push on and tackle Blood Mountain until the next day. Ended up being a very cold night in low 20's. Wrapped Lucy in my down jacket and her wool sweater and a fleece blanket. She only had her nose sticking out all night. I wore almost all of my clothes in my bag to stay warm. Lucy and I loving it so far.
Date: 2015-03-07
From: Jarrard Gap

To: hogpen gap
Miles today: 11.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Beautiful hike up and over Blood Mtn, the highest peak on the AT in Georgia. Took a break at Mountain Crossing Outfitters at Neel Gap, got my mail drop and took a shower at the hostel before hikking on to an unofficial tent area at Hogpen Gap. Big group there including Happy Warrior, Turtle, 45, Peckerwood to name a few. Turtle gave me my trailname (thru hikers go by a trailname on the trail), I am now Hawkeye! He thought I sounded like Alan Alda from Mash. Could have a lot worse names so I'll go with it.
Date: 2015-03-10
From: Addis Gap

To: Dick's Creek Gap
Miles today: 5.4
Weather: broken clouds

Broke camp early to get to Dick's Creek Gap by 11 AM to catch the shuttle to the Budget Inn in Hiawasse, GA. Thr short mileage is welcome after the long day yesterday. Spending the night in town to resupply, shower and do. laundry. Lucy's energy is great, I think she'd prefer to be out on the trail than sleeping in a motel room.
Date: 2015-03-11
From: Dick's Creek Gap

To: Muskrat Creek Sheltet
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: light rain

Got back on trail by 9:30 AM and headed north from Dick's Creek Gap. Just as we approached the NC border the skies opened up and it poured for a couple of hours. The rain couldn't dampen my excitement about finishing GA (though Lucy looked back at me at one point like I was crazy for dragging her out in the rain). Luckily the rain tapered off by the time we got to the shelter so I could set up the tent and get both of us dried off for the night.
Date: 2015-03-13
From: Betty Creek Gap

To: Rock Gap
Miles today: 8.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke to a very cold and rainy morning so got our rain gear on, packed up and hit the trail. No better way to stay warm than to just start hikking! Went over Albert Mtn but didn't climb the fire tower since it was wet and we were in the clouds so no view. There were a few steep and rocky sections on the way up Albert but Lucy ran up each section like she's part mountain goat. Made our way down to Rock Gap where as promised, the Trail Angels were set up under tarps serving pizza, chicken, and hot drinks. Just as I was finishing my meal the shuttle into Franklin pulled into the lot! Spending the afternoon doing laundry, cleaning gear and having a meal and drinks at a local pub.