morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-08-15
From: Carl A Newhall Lean To

To: Cooper Brook Falls Lean To
Miles today: 18.9

8/15, 18.9, Cooper Brook Falls Lean to, 59.7 to goAfter e short night of sleep we disturbed the shelter and area campers again by being e forst to get up. Getting up with the sun is normal, but our alarms hit at 5 and the sun now waits to 5:15. We packed relatively quietly saying good morning to folks as they got up. Trudge had made it here ahead of us with Rock Boat and was a little surprised to see us this morning. I think he was also relieved because we had sent our resupplies together and he didnt need to be stuck caring for mine while I caught up. It was all good and we hiked out of the camp area at 6:30. Today our biggest challenge was right away as the trail from the shelter heads righ up the first mountain of e day. We summited five peaks today along one ridge, with each peak higher than the one before. The highest and last, Whitetop Mountain, reaches just over 3600 feet and affords north bound thru hikers their first glimpses of Katahdin, 50 miles away, if the skies are clear. Today's forecast included oppressive humidity, temperatures reaching high 70 degrees and a chance of afternoon thunderstorms. We had no chance to see Katahdin. We did summit Whitetop just before noon so with no more big climbs and only ten miles to go we felt pretty sure we would make our 5 pm food drop. On we hiked through a very nice and eerily quiet pine forest complete wit pine needle cushioned trails and mossy ground cover. JP was pushing ahead again hiking strong with his now under 200 pound body so IB and I noticed the quiet and decided the moss floor had a lot to do with it. We had a stream ford and the plan was to lunch break there with water so when IB and I reached it we found JP on the far bank, and a stream full of rocks to walk on. We hopped across for a quick snack, then hiked on. We reached our rendezvous point at 4:30 and waited for the resupply to arrive. At 4:50 he pulled up and asked if we were waiting for a food drop to which we replied affirmatively so he pulled up and parked. Along with our food he also brought cold sodas so we had a nice refresher, packed in our food and hiked on. We arrived at the shelter at 6:30 and for the first time in a while had the shelter to ourselves. IB took a swim and we all had two dinners because we overpacked our resupply. Into bed and asleep by 9 tomorrow will be a shorter day. We plan to hike 15 but are leaving our options open. Silverback
Date: 2015-08-16
From: Cooper Brook Falls Lean To

To: Wadleigh Stream Lean To
Miles today: 21.5
Weather: clear sky

8/16, 21.5, Wadleigh Stream Lean To, 38.2 to goAt the risk of destroying trail karma, whatever that is, I will tell you we have enjoyed 5 straight days of sunny rain free hiking and the forecast ahead is for more of the same. Today the weather was a positive contributing factor to us knocking out a big day again. We started at 7:00 after sleeping a little extra to catch up on our previous short nights. The hiking terrain was flat on the profile and mostly flat in reality. The condition of the trail varied, but we had more clear trail today than we have had in a long time. We enjoyed a quick pace, long breaks and early afternoon reached what we thought might be our destination for the day, a campsite by the lake. Since it was 2:30 we felt it was too soon to stop so we decided to press on 6 more miles to the next shelter. We reached the Wadleigh Stream shelter at 6:30 after hiking 21.5 miles and settled in quickly. The main event of the day was our first view of Katahdin. It distinctly stands alone amongst the lower hills rising over 5000 ft. We plan to be on its summit in 3 days and it cannot come soon enough! Silverback
Date: 2015-08-17
From: Wadleigh Stream Lean To

To: Hurd Brook Lean To
Miles today: 19.6

8/17, 19.6, Hurd Brook Lean To, 18.6 to goThe excitement of finishing this trail is beginning to overtake the weariness of hiking it. We hiked relatively flat but difficult trails today and still managed over 2 miles per hour. The humidity is so high the sweat just rolls but thoughts of seeing our wives tomorrow morning are driving us on. We started this morning at 6:30 and faced our only climb of the day, 700 ft up to the top. Its a tough way to warm up but we did fine. We all seemed to be in our own thoughts most of today, hiking separately and not talking much at breaks. I suspect we are ready to be done and yet excited for the final climb. The trail today proved to be relentless and not ready to give us anything easy. It is just as root woven, rocky and muddy as any we have trekked thus far so we just gritted our teeth and hiked on. Breaks today on two occasions involved real springs and ice cold spring water of which we took full advantage. Late in the day there was a climb just before the shelter over Rainbow Ledges that affords a view of Katahdin. It was the first time we have seen the mountain close enough to have some sense of its size. The climb over 5 miles is just short of a mile in elevation gain at 5260 feet.We hiked off the Ledges and arrived at the shelter at 6 pm and were greeted by two very nice gentleman from Ohio who had met Kathy and Maxine at ABOL bridge today. They had been told to watch for the three of us and knew we would be hiking in. We have visited now about hiking, living in Ohio and other topics as we settled in and fixed dinner. Tomorrow we will hike in the morning 3.5 miles to ABOL for a reunion with our wives. We will share breakfast and drop our weight (packs) in order to finish the ten miles to Katahdin stream, 5 miles short of the peak. At that point we will rejoin our wives and spend the night in Millinocket to return Wednesday morning to summit the final climb. Reflection while walking has begun but final thoughts will need to wait for the final climb.Silverback
Date: 2014-12-28
To: APPALACHIAN TRAIL
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I'm going backpacking again! Appalachian Trail SOBO (South Bound)! The last time that I did the AT was 2004 NOBO (North Bound). This should be an entirely different experience. The most difficult part now will be waiting for the snow to melt in Maine!
Date: 2015-01-01
To: HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Miles today: 0.0

HAPPY NEW YEAR! I spent a nice quiet evening at home, sitting in front of the fireplace with my wife and the dogs, watching NetFlix. Safer that way than getting out on the streets.Earlier in the day I worked on the "Gear List" section of this Trail Journal. It's nearly complete! I'm sure that I spend more time on this section of the journal than most backpackers, but that's for a good reason. Between backpacking trips I work at a small outfitter store, LITTLE RIVER TRADING COMPANY, located here in Maryville, Tennessee. I frequently have customers who come to the store to see me about preparation for hiking the AT, PCT, or CDT. Some are just gearing up for a section hike on the AT. When they ask, "What gear do I need?" I usually refer them to my gear list. Hopefully, they will benefit enough to make it worth the extra time that I have taken!
Date: 2015-01-04
To: DESIDERATA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

The first of a new year seems to be a good time to reflect on where you've been and think about where you're headed. So this is going to be the "philosophical" entry for this year's Trail Journal. On previous trips I walked with other hikers and we eventually became engaged in what I categorize as "searching for the meaning of life" discussions. Frequently I shared with them what has become my "creed"--that is, how I attempt to live my life. I have come to believe that it applies to the "Trail world" as much as it applies to the "civilian world".Here it is:                           DESIDERATAGo placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peacethere may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly andclearly, and listen to others, even the dull and ignorant, they toohave their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they arevexations to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, youmay become vain and biter, for always there will be greater andlesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well asyour plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble,it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time. Exercisecaution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery.But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many personsstrive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism. Beyourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynicalabout love, for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it isperennial as the grass. Take kindly the counsel of the years,gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength ofspirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distressyourself with imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue andloneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle withyourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the treesand the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not itis clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him tobe, and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisyconfusion of life keep peace with your soul. With all its sham,drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Becareful. Strive to be happy.(if you care to learn more about the Desiderata and it's composer and origins, you can go to www.desiderata.com.)
Date: 2015-01-07
To: IT'S OFFICIAL!!
Miles today: 0.0

I just received word that I have been selected to be "Trail Chaplain" for the Holston Conference of the United Methodist Church for 2015. I feel that this is quite an honor and I'm very excited! I will be hiking South Bound (SOBO), and will be starting at Mt. Katahdin in Maine sometime the middle of June, reaching Springer Mountain in Georgia in mid December.I hiked the AT in 2004, but that was a North Bound (NOBO) thru-hike, so this should be a completely different experience.But regardless of the direction that you hike, I have learned on my previous trips that it's not a race. It's not about how fast you hike and/or who gets to the destination first--it's really ALL ABOUT THE PEOPLE--the people that you meet on the Trail, and the people that you meet in the comunities and towns along the way!
Date: 2015-01-09
To: PLEASE SIGN MY GUEST BOOK
Miles today: 0.0

Okay! So--here's a "novel" idea! When you're reading this journal, just click on "SIGN GUESTBOOK" on the left side of your screen and send me a brief message. I've just finished setting up the Trail Journal account for the AT SOBO in 2015. I've done several journal entries, a couple of pictures, and a fairly complete gear list. I'm as interested in who you are as you are in me and my "adventures"! I've learned on my previous hikes that the most important part of a thru-hike is not the destination--it's the people that you meet along the way! I really appreciate your interest and your support!
Date: 2015-01-10
To: PRACTICE
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

My first section hike on the Appalachian Trail was in April, 1987. I walked across the Smokies from Davenport Gap to Fontana Dam. I met men and women of all ages from all over the world. That week I decided that this is really "cool", and when I grow up I want to be a "real" backpacker, just like these people! So--basically, I've been "practicing" ever since. This is a picture of me and my son on an AT section hike in 1989.FYI--with all of this practice, I have learned a few things about backpacking and have reduced my gear weight considerably. Check out this year's gear list.
Date: 2015-02-09
To: WAITING FOR THE SNOW TO MELT IN MAINE
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

People have been asking me what I'm doing to prepare for my trip this spring. I tell them that I pretty much try to stay ready. My wife and I are planning to go backpacking with some friends on February 28th. Some of them have hiked the Trail, and some are planning to do it this year. It should be fun!I've been spending some time reading Trail Journals to get a feel for who else will be on the Trail this year. Mostly, I have just been waiting for the snow to melt in Maine!I have a German friend, Christine, aka "The German Tourist", who has done quite a bit of backbacking. That translates into: she is a Triple Crowner, and has hiked about 20,000 miles all over the world. She has also bicycled about 18,640 miles, and paddled about 4,000 miles. What I'm saying is that Christine/GT spends more time out of doors than many people that I know! She has a really great blog: www.christine-on-big-trip.blogspot.com. Check it out if you have time. She discusses "How long distance hiking will change your personality" on Jan 7; "Advantages of being a single female backpacker" on Nov. 19. She also talks about "What Breaks When?", "Mentality", and "Planning". I could not do a better job than she has done. I would encourage you to check it out whenever you have time.
Date: 2015-03-03
To: PRACTICE
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I went backpacking with some friends last Saturday. We hiked from Cades Cove up to the Russell Field Shelter. There was about ten inches of snow around the shelter. We were fortunate to have warm sunny weather on Saturday and Sunday. The snow must have scared off all of the other people who had reservations for Russell Field for Saturday night, because we ended up having the shelter all to ourselves. We were a little disappointed because we had actually been hoping to meet one or two NOBO AT thru hikers who had started early.Two of our group, Jimmy and Lauren, work at Little River Trading Company with me. Jimmy hiked the AT NOBO in 2013. Three members of our group are planning to hike the AT this year, and are customers at the store where we work. One of them, Phil Ross/Philamanjaro, is posting on TrailJournals.com. I figure that we all need all of the "practice" that we can get! My theory is that if our equipment works satisfactorily in the Smokies in February, we'll probably be okay on the Trail in the spring/summer.
Date: 2015-04-13
To: MT. LE CONTE
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

My wife Becky and I hiked up to the Mt LeConte lodge on Sunday. We went up the Rainbow Falls Trail and had excellent weather! I carried my "new" Iphone 4 to use as a camera and to test the battery life. It lasted two days as a camera in "airplane" mode with only one phone call.I carried a cuben fiber Z-pack that only weighs 17 ounces to test it out.We stayed in a three bedroom lodge with two other couples and their kids. Dinner was great, as usual, and it was the usual--canned roast beef from South America!Sunset from Cliff tops was a little cloudy, but pretty good. At least it wasn't too windy! Very enjoyable except for the one guy from Indiana who thought that he was funny (he wasn't!) and kept talking very loudly. He was a "vexation to the spirit"--and to everyone else sitting at Cliff tops!After breakfast on Monday morning we walked down the Bullhead Trail. Spring wildflowers were coming out along the trail. We saw lots of Trillium and many other flowers that I couldn't positively identify.
Date: 2015-04-27
To: BACKPACKS
Miles today: 0.0

I am debating whether to use a backpack from ULA or one from Z-Packs. I have been using a ULA Circuit for several years. A friend of my recently gave me a Z-Packs Arc Blast. Both packs seem to be about the same in capacity, but the Blast is about 1 1/2 pounds lighter.Since "light is right" I will probably start out with the Blast and see what happens!
Date: 2015-05-26
To: GRANDKIDS
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

My wife, Becky, and I went to California for the past week to visit my son, Bryan, and his family--especially the new grandson. Soren was born in March, and this was the first opportunity that we have had to see him! He and I needed to have a good visit before I start the Trail in June.Soren has two brothers and a sister--Colin (6), Robin (4), and Logan (2). They are all very active and enjoy being outdoors. I feel very fortunate to have grandkids like them! I'm looking forward to having an opportunity to take them backpacking.
Date: 2015-06-17
To: Arrival!
Miles today: 0.0

Wildcat's wife here...After two days' drive, WILDCAT has arrived in Maine. Upon checking the weather, it appears that tomorrow (Thursday) will be the best day to summit Mt. Katahdin. So he & Alan Ashworth will get up early, eat breakfast, then climb the mountain. After summiting, I'll post an entry & possibly a photo.
Date: 2015-06-18
To: Mt. Katahdin
Miles today: 5.2
Weather: few clouds

The wife again...WILDCAT summitted Mt. Katahdin about 12:30 today. The weather was a bit cloudy & windy, but rain is to come in later; so it was a good decision to climb today. I talked with him late this evening; both he & Alan were tired, but knew they'd sleep well. If it's not raining too hard tomorrow, they plan to do a little more hiking.WILDCAT:The ranger who signed us in to climb the mountain said that I was the 255th southbounder for this year. Other south bound (SOBO) hikers that we met were Walrus, from Indiana, Camille, from Tonganoxie, Kansas--a KU gratuate, Iceberg/Bernie, from Toronto, Canada, and George, from Manassas, Virginia.We drove back to Millinocket and had dinner at the Pelletier Loggers Restaurant to celebrate, then spent the night at The Appalachian Trail Lodge.
Date: 2015-06-19
From: Mt. Katahdin

To: Abol Bridge
Miles today: 4.6
Weather: overcast clouds

It rained during the night, but stopped before we went to breakfast at the Appalachian Trail Caf©. I ordered poached eggs on an English muffin. The cook wasn't satisfied with the first two eggs, so he cooked me two more. I was planning a light breakfast and ended up with four poached eggs and two English muffins--all for the price of a single order!Alan and I decided to park the car at Abol bridge and walk north on the AT to the ford at the lower fork of the Nesowadnehunk Stream; then walk back south to the car. This way we should meet the SOBO's that we met on Katahdin yesterday. The only one we met was Iceberg/Bernie from Toronto. We never saw any of the younger hikers. We gave Iceberg Trail Magic back at the car--Blue Gatorade and packages of various snacks that we had with us.We drove back to Millinocket and spent another night at the Appalachian Trail Lodge hostel. We had dinner at the Appalachian Trail Caf© where we found the ceiling tile that Short Stop/David Smith had signed last year.
Date: 2015-06-20
From: Katahdin Stream 

To: Lower fork of Nesowadnehunk Stream
Miles today: 5.3
Weather: broken clouds

Alan and I had an early breakfast at the Caf© and drove to Baxter Park. Alan had a reserved parking spot at Katahdin Stream, but if you don't get to the park before 7:00 AM, you lose your spot!We hiked south to Nesowadnehunk Stream where we turned around yesterday. We met several day hikers, but no SOBO AT thru hikers. We never did figure out what happened to them! Today we met Dana Seiler, who is a Kansas State University graduate from Wichita, Kansas. In addition to that she is working this summer at Acadia, and is rooming with Linda Morrison, who is from Maryville, Tennessee, and is a customer of the store where I work! Small world!We saw Little Niagara Falls and Big Niagara Falls on our day hike.This afternoon we drove to Brownsville Junction to spend the night with Stephen Dean. He is pastor of the Methodist Church where Alan and I are speaking tomorrow morning.
Date: 2015-06-21
From: Lower fork of Nesowadnehunk Stream

To: Brownville Jct Methodist Church
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Today is Sunday. I'm scheduled to take a Zero and speak at the Brownville Junction Methodist Church. Stephen Dean is the pastor. He hiked the AT in 1996. In addition to this, Stephen was a friend of Bill Irwin. Bill Irwin stayed at this church during his thru hike in 1990. After hiking the Appalachian Trail, Bill Irwin built a house about fifteen miles from Brownville. Bill and Steve did Trail Magic together in the 100 mile Wilderness on several occasions.There were about forty people attending the service, including Pat McHugh, who is the District Superintendent. One of the other people attending the service was a former AT thru hiker. His name is Ken Beach/Strider who hike the Trail in 2003. A neighbor of Stephen's brought a guitar by the house and loaned it to Alan to use at the service. Alan played and sang prior to and during the service.After church Stephen took us to a restaurant in a neighboring town for lunch, then took us for a tour of the area, including the Ripley United Methodist Church where he also has served as pastor.It started raining during the night and continued to rain during most of the day, so it turned out to be a perfect day to take a zero!
Date: 2015-06-22
From: Abol Bridge

To: Hurd Brook Lean-to
Miles today: 3.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Alan left for the Portland airport about 10:00 am. Stephen shuttled me back to Abol Bridge. We arrived at the trailhead just before 11:00 am, and I said goodbye to Stephen.At the trailhead we met ¢Not Yet¢ from San Francisco. He had started at Harpers Ferry on April 23rd. We gave him some trail magic. He had seen Robert Redford at the Hikers Welcome Hostel in Glencliff, NH. He said that it had something to do with a movie that Redford is making.¢Not Yet¢ reported that there were a lot of SOBOs a week or two ahead of me¢often completely filling the shelters.An hour later I met two NOBOs: ¢Tortoise¢ (a lady) and ¢Hare¢ (a guy). They were early twenties, thin and had long legs. They had left Springer Mountain on February 14th. I congratulated them. They reported that the crowds of SOBOs were ¢a little irritating!¢After I arrived at Hurd Brook Lean-to, I had two SOBOs pass me, heading to Rainbow Stream Lean-to, which is the next shelter 11.5 miles south.The first was Gregg Gruschow from Wayne, Pennsylvania. I would estimate that he is 22 years old, and this is his first backpacking trip. Gear weight is 18 pounds with an Osprey pack. He wants to complete the AT in five months. No trail name yet.The second was Hunter; I¢m not sure if that is the name that his mother gave him or a trail name. 17 years old and doing a long section hike. Fairly light gear. Looks like a ¢good kid¢ that I might enjoy hiking with. He went on to Rainbow Stream.When I arrived at Hurd Brook Lean-to, the first thing that I did was collect wood and build a fire. It will help to repel insects and to attract backpackers¢¦and that¢s just what wildcats do! The shelter has the ¢classic¢ Maine ¢baseball bat¢ sleeping platform wide enough for six comfortably¢eight in a pinch!It was beginning to look like I might have the shelter to myself when, at about 6:00 PM three backpackers showed up¢Scott, John and Alan from Albuquerque, NM. They¢re just out backpacking and fishing. Three more guys came in at 7:00 PM. One of them, Cam, is a SOBO; the other two are just doing the Wilderness with him.
Date: 2015-06-23
From: Hurd Brook Lean-to

To: Rainbow Stream Lean-to
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: scattered clouds

I stayed at the shelter until about 8:30 AM when Scott, John and Alan left.It¢s cloudy and will probably rain later today. I met two hikers and their dog this morning. They were headed north. ¢The Gray¢ from Wilhmanbie, ME and ¢Red Beard¢ from Stetson, ME and his dog ¢BigT.¢ They are section hikers.When I arrived at the shelter, Hunter was inside in his sleeping bag. He didn¢t make it to the shelter last night. Hunter was trying to dry his wet clothes on a clothesline in the shelter. I told him that the best way to dry clothes is to wear them dry. He told me a couple of hours later that I was right!I found out that Hunter is his real name¢not a trail name. I told him to keep Hunter; it¢s better than most trail names!Cam and his two friends showed up and tented out again. A young lady named Kari showed up and decided to sleep in her hammock. She¢s from Northern Virginia and plans to hike SOBO for three months. At that time she is supposed to start work for Americorps.