morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-07-11
From: Mount Katahdin, ME

To: Katahdin Stream, ME
Miles today: 5.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Today was our 1st official day on the Appalachian Trail. The northern terminus of the AT is perched atop the tallest mountain in Maine (how convenient, right!?), Mount Katahdin, so we had to hike/climb to the top of it to begin our hike. It was 5.2 miles up and 5.2 miles back down. These were not just any 10.4 miles, though. These were 10.4 boulder-covered VERTICAL miles! Since average hiking pace is about 2 miles per hour, one could expect our hike to take a little over 5 hours. It took us 5 hours alright! In fact, it took us over 3 times that! Here's how it went down (& up)! We began at 7:10 AM with a nice brisk walk on fairly level ground with a few rocks and roots here and there. After about a mile, we crossed a bridge over Katahdin Stream Falls, and then it was up-hill from there. The terrain transformed into "Boulder City". It was actually pretty fun because although it was somewhat tough and somewhat technical, it was very doable. That lasted about 1.5 miles. That's when we reached tree line. That's also when "doable" turned into "What are we doing?"! We had beautiful scenery to our right and left, but ahead was a mile long ascent of automobile-sized boulders. Our hike suddenly turned into a rock climbing adventure. We climbed and crawled several false summits to the Table Land. There, we made the final push to the summit. It was 4:00 PM, and we were at the top of the mountain, and the beginning of the AT! The view was absolutely incredible. The sky was clear, allowing us to see for miles. The view of the surrounding mountains and lakes was majestic! We were so far up, I even saw an airplane-the TOP of an airplane! Now was the easy part-the decent. At least we thought it would be easy! We had about 4.5 hours before sunset, so we "raced" down the Table Land and literally slid down most of the boulder garden. Our goal was to make it to tree line by dark. God was smiling down on us, because literally the moment we cleared the boulders, we paused to watch the sun set behind a distant mountain! We broke out our headlamps and slid and hopped farther down the mountain. Over the course of the next 6 hours, Mike's headlamp broke and my headlamp batteries died, leaving us with one functional head lamp, an iPhone flashlight, and the dim light of the moon to illuminate our path. Finally, 19 grueling hours and countless scrapes and bruises later, at 2:03 AM, we reached the trailhead, completing our 1st day of many on the AT! Click on "Photos" on the left to view a few more pictures from the day! If you haven't already, check out the link to the charity that we're hiking to raise funds for. Thank you so much for your donations for mental health research. https://www.z2systems.com/np/clients/hike/campaign.jsp?campaign=23&fundraiser=2339&"Great is our Lord and mighty in power . . ." Psalm 147:5
Date: 2014-07-25
From: Katahdin Stream, ME

To: Monson, ME
Miles today: 110.0
Weather: broken clouds

Our second day on the AT was spent hiking 10 miles from the base of Katahdin Mtn. to the beginning of the 100 Mile Wilderness (HMW), which is just as its name describes-100 miles of wilderness (with a trail running through it). We saw beautiful waterfalls and met a nice couple from PA as they were taking a day hike. Michael and I shared information about Hike for Mental Health (https://www.z2systems.com/np/clients/hike/campaign.jsp?campaign=23&fundraiser=2339&) with them, and were excited when we later discovered that they'd made a very generous donation! The next eleven days were spent traversing 100 mountainous, root-filled, muddy, rocky, yet absolutely beautiful miles to Monson, ME. During our hike through the HMW, we:¢¢slept in our tent 8 nights and in a lean-to (wooden structure with 3 walls, an overhanging roof, and a floor) the other 3¢¢forded multiple rivers¢¢had a red squirrel attempt to steal our lunch¢¢ saw 1 live and 1 dead moose, 6 snakes, 2 snowshoe hares, a black backed woodpecker, several frogs and chipmunks, and millions of mosquitoes¢¢gave trail names (a nickname usually given to long distance hikers by other hikers) to 3 other hikers, "Pork Chop" and "T-Bone" (vegans) and "Hydro" (shares his water)¢¢ate food we'd never eat at home (i.e. SPAM wraps with hot sauce, barbecue sauce, and/or horseradish)¢¢reeked (11 days without bathing is a very long time)¢¢did more boulder climbing (Chairback Mtn.)¢¢traded Ramen and trail mix for toilet paper¢¢were awoken to the shriek of a hiker having his finger bitten by a shelter mouse ¢¢met a hiker who began the Eastern Continental Trail in Key West, FL on Jan.1, and is going to the Canadian border (and is now our hero)¢¢ascended, then descended, about 13 mountains¢¢met many awesome people¢¢made lifelong memoriesMichael:¢¢had one of his hiking poles break ¢¢earned the trail name "Mule" because like a mule ascending a mountain, he is persistent and always makes it to the top¢¢lost 15 poundsI:¢¢developed 4 blisters¢¢was dubbed the trail name "Mighty Mouse," "Mighty" for my strength (questionable), and "Mouse" for my strong dislike for shelter mice (true)Michael and I feel so blessed to have this opportunity! Thanks again for your well-wishes and prayers! Click "Photos" on the left to view more pictures. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6
Date: 2014-08-02
From: Monson

To: Caratunk, ME
Miles today: 37.0
Weather: broken clouds

After both of us recovered from what we think was a nasty case of norovirus that kept us off the trail and in the last town, Monson, for an unplanned three days, we were finally back on the AT! We hiked 37 miles to the next town, Caratunk. We arrived yesterday evening and will be heading back out to the trail later today. Over the past three and a half days, we climbed two mountains, hiked in the rain, forded some rivers, met more hikers, saw more snakes, spooked a bear near our tent, watched Michael's beard grown another inch, ate wild blueberries, received an amazingly generous donation for mental health research (HikeForMentalHealth.org-Looneys), and are thankful for every minute of it! Our next stretch will be about the same distance, but will include the Bigelow Mountains, the highest peaks since Katahdin! The town after that is Stratton, where we'll post another update. Thanks again for all the positive thoughts, texts, and prayers! Keep them coming! "Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you." Jeremiah 29:12
Date: 2014-01-18
To: Canaan Mountains
Miles today: 0.0

Hudson & Big Lu with Cedar & Glacier headed out for a hike in the Canaan Mtns to test my winter gear. The weather forecast for todays high is 38 degree¢s along with snow flurries. As we hiked the snow was falling much faster then forecasted and the temps didn¢t come close to reaching 38. By time we returned to the truck the snow accumulation was upwards of 5¢.      We're currently testing my trailjournals page.
Date: 2014-01-22
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

The temperature with the wind chill is -12 degree¢s I¢m testing my winter hiking clothes. Not good, I was out for about an hour and my shirt is wet from sweat too many layers. With the arctic air front we¢re experiencing this is a good time for me to get my winter clothing figured out. I will head out again tomorrow to try different layers. Tested my phone and figured out how to download books my first is ¢Burning Daylight¢. Tonight is the finale of the ¢Klondike¢ I¢ve been watching this mini series for the past 2 nights. In 2008 I hiked the Chilkoot Trail after completing my AT section thru-hike. It brings back good memories of an awesome historical hike with great friends. One of my favorite places is Alaska.
Date: 2014-01-24
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Wind chill temps are still below -0 the arctic front is still hanging on. Spent the day shopping for food for my hike it took hours and not sure if I have everything I need yet. I have a list of projects that I need to complete before leaving; stacking wood, clean the flu & dry vents, fix a leak in the bathroom sink. The kitchen table is covered with my food lined up soldiers getting ready for inspection. BIG Lu beef jerky is in the making.
Date: 2014-02-01
To: Amicalola Falls Lodge
Miles today: 0.0

Our truck is packed and we're ready to go. Heading south the temps peaked at 62 degrees around Roanoke. We stayed at LaQuinta in Wythesville, VA. (pup friendly), we've stayed in this area before. Had dinner at the Log House and great place in and old buildings with lots of history. We came here about 8 years ago while Hudson was sectioning the AT. Heading to Amicalola in the morning. Big Lu will be posting Hudson's journal from here on.
Date: 2014-02-02
To: Amicalola Falls Lodge
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

We arrived at Amicalola Falls Lodge in the afternoon. The temps peaked at 65 degree's partly cloudy with no snow cover on the ground. The warm weather feels good after all the cold arctic air we've been getting for weeks. We saw 1 hiker so far they're camped out at the AT shelter and have a nice fire going, we assume they will be starting tomorrow as well. We are across the road at a one of the pet friendly cabins for tonight and watch the Superbowl. Getting Hudson started on his hike will be a family event we have our pups with us. Tomorrow Hudson will hike the approach trail with Cedar her trail name is Aqua-blaze for her love of water. Posted by Big Lu for...
Date: 2014-02-03
From: Amicalola 

To: Springer Mountain Trailhead
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Hudson got up around 5am still dark outside. Our cabin is across from the Amicalola Visitor Center we're waiting for it to open the sign says 9am.   He took the pups for a walk to pass time and noticed that the girl that manages the center has arrived it's 8:15. The lights are on Hudson is ready and off we went to have his AT Passport stamped and to register for his hike he is number 16. We headed up the falls to the lodge for breakfast, afterwards him and Cedar continued up the approach trail. Hudson said the fog was thick with temps between 40's to 50's. As they neared the top of Springer Mtn the fog cleared, the sun came out and the views presented themselves. I drove to the Springer Mtn trailhead with Glacier (he's unable to hike that many miles he's just a little guy) we hiked in to meet Hudson & Cedar at Springer Mtn plaque. We all headed back to the car and back to our cabin. Had dinner at the lodge it was okay. There was one hiker having dinner he's about to start his thru-hike tomorrow. I'm staying for a few days so Hudson will be spending these nights with us. Posted by BIG Lu, for...
Date: 2014-02-05
From: Woody Gap

To: Mountain Crossings at Neel Gap
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: light snow

Hudson didn't plan on doing 20 mile day so soon, but, he couldn't help himself. He hadn't done a 20 in six years and wanted to test his legs. He's feeling sore but, his feet are good. Today I dropped him off with his full gear and he's doing 11 miles to Mountain Crossings. There was a relentless bitter wind but tolerable. Posted by BIG Lu for...
Date: 2014-02-06
From: Mountain Crossings at Neel Gap

To: Unicio Gap 
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: snow

Hudson started this morning just before 7:30am the coldest day so far 26 degree with wind chill of 12 everything was covered with a thick layer of frost. He had to hike slowly and not breath heavy because the air temperature is rough on his lungs. After 3 hours it warmed to comfortable temps in the uppers 30's. He ran to three men out do doing s section hike, one preparing to start his YO-YO thru-hike next week. Yes, I said YO-YO that's from to Georgia to Maine and back to Georgia again. Good luck on your adventure "CitySlicka" hope to see you at the Bearded Woods this May. Hudson walked for 11 hours and came into to Unicio Gap at dusk and headed to Helen to do his first ZERO -0-. Today was a 21 miler and he likes to do a big day before a zero. Tomorrow he promised to take me his wife wine tasting.Posted by BIG Lu for....
Date: 2014-02-10
From: Standing Indian Shelter

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 23.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Today Hudson pushed his limits to many miles with poor weather and tougher trail conditions. A raw day of a mix of rain, snow, ice and wind. Slipped on icy rock on Albert Mtn took a good fall, he wonders if anyone has hiked from GA to ME without falling. Resting in Franklin bad storm coming in, we'll keep you posted. Posted by BIG Lu for...
Date: 2014-02-11
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Wayah Gap
Miles today: 6.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Hudson had planned to take a zero today. When he saw the bad weather that was predicted start to tapper off he decided to do a 6 mile nero this afternoon. Todays storm only produced 1" of snow at 5K feet, it made for a beautiful easy day. Tomorrow's storm is suppose to be much worse so he pushed his zero until then.Posted by BIG Lu for....
Date: 2014-02-13
From: Wayah Gap

To: Burningtown Gap
Miles today: 9.0

Today the entire length of the Appalachian trail is covered in snow. Hudson trudged through nearly a foot of the white stuff. The weight of the snow and weighted down tree branches covering the trail, the blazes were barely visible. Every step was a fight, struggling to climb under each tree branch was exhausting and challenging. It was a toughest and longest 9 miles Hudson has ever endured. With no other tracks on the trail he felt that he was the only foot out there.Hudson & Big Lu thanks Aquone Hiker Lodge (Steve & Maggie) for picking up Hudson and providing him with a wonderful stay. Another storm is coming and he may have to wait a couple of days for trail conditions to improve.Posted by BIG Lu for....
Date: 2014-02-15
From: Burningtown Gap

To: Telico Gap
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: light snow

Last nights storm put a coating of snow and ice. It didn't seen like much at the lower elevation. Not wanting to miss 2 days of hiking, Hudson hiked 2+ miles of snow covered road to get back to the trailhead. The trail is still covered with almost a foot of snow. As he climbed up to 5k feet to find at this elevation the trail had snow drifts up 2 feet. Georgia had hiker sign in books at every shelter. No sign in book in Cold Spring Shelter that's the 4th shelter in NC that didn't have a book. The sign in books are important, there's no way knowing if any other hikers in the area and for safety. He only hike 5 miles, he wouldn't want to attempt these trail conditions without Snow Trax and 16" gaiters. Hoping for improvement in trail condition to be able to do more miles. Posted by BIG Lu for...
Date: 2014-02-16
From: Telico Gap

To: NOC 
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: clear sky

Trail conditions have greatly improved, near 50 degrees and melting fast. Hudson almost has his first page of his AT passport filled. He's doing a meet n greet with as many other AT service providers as he can work into his hike. Thanks Jeff Taussig, from Green Mountain House Hiker Hostel (passport creator). This is a great way to give thru hikers a tangible sense of accomplishment to collect stamps along their journey. We can't wait for the first of the class of 2014 to ask for the Bearded Woods stamp. Hudson and I highly recommend the passport book it barely weighs an oz.Posted by BIG Lu.
Date: 2014-02-17
From: NOC 

To: Stecoah Gap
Miles today: 13.0

Today was the 1st day since the big snow storm 5 days ago that Hudson has seen tracks on the trail. Being that there's was tracks to follow he was looking down and not looking for the blazes. Then something didn't feel right. The tracks seemed to be wondering into the woods with no signs of the trail. He looked for blazes and there was none. Hudson turned around and started to head back to find the last blaze. An 1/8 of mile back and he found where the blazes went north. And once again he was on virgin snow covered trail. He then became worried for the safety of the group of hikers who had lost the trail in the 1 foot snow drifts that are still at 5000 ft. He continued north for about 3/4 of mile and was relieved to see that their foot prints had rejoined the trail. For any hikers behind him when you get to this part of the trail just north of Sassafras Gap Shelter follow his lonely tracks to the left and not the group of tracks that wondered over an un-blazed peak. Posted by BIG Lu for....
Date: 2014-02-18
From: Stecoah Gap

To: Fontana Vistor Center
Miles today: 15.5

Today was a great day for Hudson. Not just because of beautiful weather but for trail magic he received at Fontana Dam. 2013 Warrior Hiker MamaGoose came out to meet with Hudson with a cold beer, great to see a familiar face. We are looking forward to hosting the 2014 Warriors Hikers "Walk off the War" program. Posted by BIG Lu for....
Date: 2014-02-19
From: Fontana Dam Vistor Center

To: Spence Field Shelter
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: light rain

Hudson first day with a good weather window to start the Smoky's. He took this photo of abandoned equipment, gave an eerie feeling. He wondered if these people left their equipment and headed for the road or could they be lost. He heard that these hikers were airlifted by helicopter. Otherwise it was nice day in the Smoky's. Posted by BIG Lu for....
Date: 2014-02-20
From: Spence Field Shelter

To: Newfound Gap
Miles today: 24.5

Today's mild weather made for the sloppiest trail conditions so far. Still a lot of melting snow around Clingmans Dome. Hudson trudged through the soupy mess for 12 hours. He likes to push himself before a much needed day of rest. It made for exhausting long and wet day. Posted by BIG Lu for....
Date: 2014-02-21
From: Newfound Gap

To: Gatlingburg, TN
Miles today: 0.0

Gatlinburg may be overwhelming with all the hustle and bustle, it has an abundance of food choices. One of Hudson's favorite things to do when he comes to town is to replenish the nearly 5000 calories he burns a day. He is trying his first deep fried snickers! Posted by BIG Lu for....
Date: 2014-02-24
From: Standing Bear Farm

To: Roaring Fork Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: few clouds

Good trail and great view's but not a good day for Hudson. One of his hiking boots started to rub his angle. After 10 miles of this the pain became unbearable with each step. Finally something had to be done so he cut the part of the boot off that was rubbing. If this doesn't solve the problem He may have to switch boots.Posted by BIG Lu for....
Date: 2014-02-25
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: N/A - Penpal Letters
Miles today: 0.0

Today Hudson received letters with great questions from a Kindergarten class who are following his journey. Their teacher has hiked much of the AT in 2009 and is currently teaching the class about the Appalachian Trail. A big thank you to the "penpals" for your support, he enjoys reading your letters. Great job and keep up the good work. Kudos Blink!            Posting by BIG Lu!
Date: 2014-02-26
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Smoky Mountain Diner
Miles today: 0.0

Calories, Calories, Calories!!! The ladies at the Smoky Mountain Diner were kind enough to wrap up Hudson's left over pizza in a zip-lock bag so he could take it on the trail. They even put wax paper between the slices so they wouldn't stick together. Thanks Hot Springs for being a great hiker friendly town.      Posted by BIG LU for....
Date: 2014-02-27
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Hemlock Hollow Inn
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: clear sky

Two north bounders that Hudson met in the Smoky Mtns waited for Him in Hot Springs. The three of them set off together as the Polar Vortex reached down south again with wind chills in the single digits. The life draining cold made for a slow day. Posted by BIG Lu for....
Date: 2014-03-01
From: Tent camped near Rector Laurel RD

To: Spivey Gap
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Happy March 1st! After a long day the guys were treated to Trail Magic of the highest level. Section hiker Jeff greeted Hudson, German Phil and Dakota Joe with cold drinks and Snickers. Jeff has also offered to be their personal Trail Angel for 24 hours and shuttled them to Erwin, TN for resupplies, laundry, and to the (AYCE) all you can eat buffet at KFC to fill their bellies. Including a return ride to the trail in the morning. Thanks Jeff! Hudson and the Guys really appreciate this over the top gift!!!Posted by BIG Lu for....
Date: 2014-03-02
From: Spivey Gap

To: Tent Camp Near Indian Grave Gap
Miles today: 19.5

Trail Magic that keeps on giving. Today when the guys through Erwin, Jeff was waiting at Uncle Johnny's Nolichucky Hostel. He had 3 Subway sandwiches, cold drinks and the gift if 1 pound Snickers from his sister Debbie (big thanks to you Debbie!) waiting for us. Thanks again for all you do. The support and kindness of the people along the trail adds to the enjoyment of this journey.Posted by BIG Lu for....
Date: 2014-03-03
From: Tent Camp Near Indian Grave Gap

To: Hughes Gap
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: light snow

This morning Hudson awoke at 5 am to heavy rain pouring into his bivy. He quickly shoved his wet gear into his pack and started marching north in total darkness with driving rain and dense fog. As daylight came and he climbed 5000 feet the temperature plummeted. Everything Hudson was wearing froze solid even his zippers. To cold to stop or remove his pack he fueled on snicker bars and hiked continuously for 11 hours. He and the guys got shuttled to Mountain Harbour Hiker Hostel for much needed rest and warmth.Posted by BIG Lu for....
Date: 2014-03-04
From: N/A

To: Happy Trails Class 2014!
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Today I noticed that Hudson's journal had 99,487 views. WOW, so many people have been following or just checking out his journey. I would like to thank everyone for their unsurpassed support. ATKO is about to emerge upon the "Class of 2014" and those already hiking the trail, we wish you an amazing journey.Happy Trails!! BIG Lu..
Date: 2014-03-05
From: Mountain Harbour Hiker Hostel

To: Over Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: overcast clouds

On this day Hudson, German Phil, and Dakota Joe take on Roan Mt. The last 6,000 footer in the southern mountains. The mountain was still covered with nearly a foot of ice. For Hudson this was easily handled with his micro spikes. It wasn't so easy for the other guys who sent their spikes home after the Smoky's. Both men had falls on the ice (no serious injuries). Finally Hudson had to hold his polls out for the Guys to use as a railing. This was a slow process.Posted by BIG Lu for.....
Date: 2014-03-06
From: Over Mountain Shelter

To: Vango/Abby Memorial Hostel
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: clear sky

This morning the Guys awoke to the coldest temperature so far. Everything they had was frozen. They packed up fast and hiked faster trying to warm up in the gail force below zero winds. Weeks earlier these Guys hiked solo. We're glad to have met and formed a team. Hudson, proud of them named the team the "Animals" (you need to be an animal to be out in these conditions). The team consists of Dakota Joe, A strong man with a never say die attitude who chose this path to better himself and his future. German Phil (the White Rabbit), who has plenty of experience in cold weather backpacking. And has done his research in the best lightweight gear much of which he made himself. And Hudson, just a hiking fool with an uncanny endurance and a lot of miles under his feet. The team had frozen smiles as they COMPLETED North Carolina!Posted by BIG Lu for....
Date: 2014-03-07
From: Vango/Abby Memorial Hostel

To: Route 321
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: clear sky

Today's warm up aloud the guys to enjoy their lunch comfortably in front of beautiful Laurel Falls. When they finished out their day, they got a shuttle from the folks at Black Bear Resort. Thanks Stephanie and family from Black Bear this is what a hiker facility should be. This place is top notch, organized and CLEAN! It made the Animals feel Human again.Posted by BIG Lu for....