morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-06-25
From: Foxville Road (MD 77)

To: Pen Mar Park, PA.
Miles today: 8.2

Hike 09-58-MD (Foxville Road (MD 77) to Pen Mar Park, PA. Day Hike, 8.2 Miles, Northbound.Weather: Sunny with some clouds.Another early start. I should be able to finish my hike by 11:30 AM and get back to the RV before the warm temps arrive in the valley. Even on warm days, the ridges stay cool and are nice for hiking, but the morning are better. My hike today will be the finish of my hiking in Maryland and I will just reach Pennslyvania.From the start to mile 2.75 I have a steady downhill hike with a small ridge to get over before I start a longer uphill trek that turns into a rolling trail. Along the way I have a nice packed path, but around mile four to six, I have a very difficult rocky trail that requires sure footing and is slow going. The whole area is filled with house size boulders and the trail has to pass between some of these giant rocks. Rock fences still cross the AT and tell tales of the past homestead that people had in these mountains.I crossed over two nice mountain streams with nice cold water. It is always a good idea to treat your drinking water just to be safe. It is easy to forget how dangerous the water can be when you feel the cool flow between your fingers, but it can make you very sick. I treat my water with chemicals, but other filter their water. Both methods are good and provide safe drinking water.At mile 5.5, I come to a Blue Blaze side trail to High Rock. When I arrive at High Rock, there is a massive rock outcropping that provides a spectacular view and is a popular hang-gliding site. You can see the old foundation that was placed on top of the rock outcropping when it had a former thirty foot high pavilion. The old foundation is now used by the local hang-gliders to launch their journey into the valley.From High Rock I descend towards the Maryland-Pennslyvania state line in Pen Mar Park. Pen Mar Park is a county own park that still conducts big band concerts on Sundays in the summer. The Park is in a large grassy area complete with picnic tables, ball fields, and a big playground. However, there is no camping authorized. Pen Mar Park is right on the state line, so now I have completed Maryland and touch Pennslyvania.Tomorrow we will start our journey up to Maine. Once in Maine, I will hike up Mt Katahdin with my son. Then we will sightsee around the Maine coastline for a week. After being a tourist, I will return to the base of Katahdin and start hiking southbound and into the 100 mile Wilderness. My day hiking days are over for a while and now I will start my multi-day backpacking ventures. Most of my Maine backpacking will be four to six day trips. Should be fun and most interesting. See you in Maine....
Date: 2009-07-13
From: Katahdin Stream Campground in Maine.

To: Abol Bridge in Maine.
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: light rain

Hike 09-59-ME (Katahdin Stream Campground to Abol Bridge in Maine.Day Hike, 9.9 Miles, Southbound, MaineWeather: Sunny with some clouds, temp 64 degrees.After time off to drive up to Maine to do a "Flip Flop" on the AT, I am back on the trail. Did a day hike from Katahdin Stream Campground to Abol Bridge, a distance 9.9 miles, in and out of Baxter State Park, Maine.During my time off from the trail and my last hike which placed me at the state line of Maryland and PA, we have been exploring the Maine coastline, a beautiful place.On my hike this morning, I passed Daicey Pond and their campground, Little Niagara Falls and Big Niagara Falls. This area is full of wet bogs, but all have wooden rail bridges to help get across the wet areas. Most bogs that the trail crosses are on the edge of the many ponds and lakes in Northern Maine. My hike took me along the Nesowadnehunk Stream which was cascading over large boulders in a very powerful rush of current and noise. The trail followed the stream, which was more like a river, for about three miles. Then the Nesowadnehunk Stream split at a fork and I followed the left stream, which turned into a smooth and quiet flow of water.Now that I am in Maine and into the 100 mile wilderness, I will have to ford several small mountain streams. This hike introduced me to this fine practice of crossing streams without bridges. The first crossing was over two large boulders that were bridged by two small saplings that may have barely supported my weight. After some consideration, I took the "High Water Side Trail" and probably saved myself a good fall and maybe a very wet experience.Once I seperated from the mountain streams, I was walking in the woods again along a fine pine needle packed trail. I continued in the woods until I joined up with the gravel logging road that lead to Abol Bridge and store. I finished my hike and soon Judy arrived and we returned to Millinocket where we are parked while I hike this section of the trail. Athough I am now in the 100 mile wilderness, there are a couple of gravel logging roads that Judy will use to pick me up and drop me off as I do my five day backpacking runs. An interesting sighting on our way to the start of my hike was a moose that was running along the side of the road. We followed the moose for a mile and then it finally darted off into the forest on a side path. So now I have seen my first moose in Maine.
Date: 2009-07-19
From: Abol Bridge on Penobscot River

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

09-61-1-ME, Abol Bridge to Jo Mary Road (41 Miles - Southbound)Weather: Sunny with clouds - Five day backpacking trip.Day 1 (3.5 miles) Abol Bridge to Hurd Brook Lean-To.My hike will be a five day backpacking trip between Abol Bridge to Jo Mary Road. The journals that follow will record each day individually during my hike.Arrived at Abol Bridge about mid day to hike a short 3.5 miles to Hurd Brook Lean-To. I will be spend the nights in Lean-Tos on the way south. Abol Bridge hold a significant place in all AT hikers heart. For the Northbound hiker, it is the end of the 100 Mile Wilderness and puts the end of the AT within sight with Katahdin rising in the near distance. For the Southbound, it is the beginning of an adventure that can only be imagined as the hiker prepares for the challenges of the 100 Mile Wilderness and points south.As I started hiking from Abol Bridge, the trail was a nice pine needle pack trail. I could see that the area was subjected to a lot of moisture as everything on the ground was covered in a beautiful emerald green moss. Soon the trail became rocky with lot of exposed tree roots criss crossing the trail. I had to pick my footing as not to slip on a wet tree root or trip on an irregular rock. Then the mud started in low sections where if I did not step on a rock for support, I would sink in the mud up to my ankle at best. The forest area looked like a rain forest environment. The trail has a long extensive cedar bog bridge made of half cut logs for footing. While it was very interesting, it was a bit slippery on the bog log bridges, so taking my time was necessary.The wildflowers have long gone from the woods, but they have been replace with mushrooms of all colors and sizes. The only colors that I did not see were blue and green. Also there were thousands of red holly plants looking colorful in the green moss. There again, I saw a holly looking plant with a cluster of true blue berries. I hiked into an area where the trail got rocky and the area was full of large boulders. Soon I arrived at the Hurd Brook Lean-To with a stream in front. The Lean-To can sleep six and has a Privy and a fire ring made of stone. When I arrived I was the only one at the Lean-To until two Thur-Hikers came by for a break. They coontinued to Abol Bridge Campground before moving on towards Katahdin, eager to complete their adventure and summit Katahdin. That night I made a fire and relaxed, spenting a nice quiet evening in the woods in my own personal Lean-To. The Trail Register reflected many memorable entries of hikers who were about to end the AT hiking and wishing well those hikers who they had met on the trail. One entry was that "The AT was like life. You spend the first half working hard and pushing forward, and then the last half you spend relaxing and enjoying the journey having mixed feeling about the coming end." It also contained many entries from southbound hikers wondering what was ahead on their quest to cross the 100 Mile Wilderness and/or points south.
Date: 2009-07-21
From: Rainbow Stream Lean-To.

To: Wadleigh Stream Lean-To.
Miles today: 8.1
Weather: light rain

09-61-3-ME, Rainbow Stream Lean-To to Wadleigh Stream Lean-To, (8.1 miles), SB.Weather: Dark overcast skies with forecast of rain.   Day 3 of 5 days.Routine about the same with another early rise and off at 7:00 AM. I only have 8.1 miles to go today, but I would like to get into the Lean-To early in case it begins to rain in the afternoon. Last night was a good night and the mosquitos did not bother as much. The young Scouts and their leaders were still sleeping when I departed from the Lean-To. They will be hiking southbound like me, so I may see them again at the next Lean-To. Within .3 miles I crosssed one of many outlets or streams. This outlet stream is from Murphy Pond. The pond looks like an ideal place to spot moose and in fact, I hear some large animal wading in the water on the far edge of the pond, but can not spot any movement. I have been crossing old gravel logging roads and there is evidence of all the past logging activity in the forest and along the streams, like bit and pieces of old rock sluices and sometimes what looks like a rock dam. Passed by Pollywog Gorge cut into the rock by the steady flow of water. It was quite impressive and I was amazed at the depth the gorge. Then I start climbing Nesuntabunt Mountain, a climb of about eight hundred feet. The climb was hard but had been made easier by the stone steps that had been placed up the steep part by MATC. The Guide Book said that there were 160 stone step at this one point. At the top I get a good view of Nahmakanta Lake and Katahdin again. Katahdin is only 16 air miles away, but by the AT it is 36 miles away. For the northbound Thur-Hikers it is almost as if you could touch Katahdin, a definite incentive to charge on. Once off the mountain, I cross several bogs on the log bridges. Some of the bog bridges run as long as a hundred feet, stop on a point of land, then continue for another hundred feet.Have been passing several Thur-Hikers who started at Springer in late February or early March. They are all ready to climb Katahdin and finish their AT adventure. All of them move with purpose and there is a gleam in their eyes as they can see the end of their journey. I am amazed at the number of young solo women who are Thur-Hiking. Most look nice and neat compared to the guys who look bushy and worn down.Arrived at Wadleigh Stream Lean-To about 2:00 PM tired by dry. Within one hour a light rain starts to hit the tree tops. By 4:00 PM the rain has picked up to a steady falling, but not too hard. A group of teenage hikers with two of their leaders come into the area, wet but cheerful. They all set up camp on the campsites near the Lean-To in the rain. There is a nice stream near the Lean-To and a Privy. There are no picnic tables like in the southern states, but there are some large rocks in front of the Lean-To. When evening arrives, there is a good rainstorm and it increases in force after we go to bed. I feel sorry for the Scouts in the tents as the storm raged all night long.
Date: 2009-07-22
From: Wadleigh Stream Lean-To.

To: Potaywadjo Springs Lean-To.
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: overcast clouds

09-61-4-ME, Wadleigh Stream Lean-To to Potaywadjo Springs Lean-To. (10.1 miles) Southbound.Weather: Overcast, possibility of light rain in afternoon. Day 4 of 5 days.Everything is wet, but the air feels fresh. I am the only one awake, so again I have my cold cereal and pack my backpack. I am off again at 6:45 AM. I enjoy hiking in the early morning. The good news is that I have a better chance of seeing wildlife and the air feels so cool. The bad news is that being the first on the trail I get to clear all the cobwebs from the trail. So far the mosquitos are not bad, but I expect their number will increase as the morning passes. Do mosquitos sleep??Have the same experience as in the past days; tree roots, rocks, mud pits, bog crossings, stream crossings, but no great climbs today. The forest is still dense, but at times it does open up some in the higher sort of flat areas of pine trees. I am constantly zig zagging down the trail dodging rocks, roots and mud. I wonder if I will be able to walk a straight line on a flat sidewalk when I return to town.Today my hike takes me along the shores of Nahmakanta Lake where I can see several nice gravel or sand beaches. I will cross six different streams, three different logging roads. Two of the streams, according to the Guide Book, I will have to FORD the streams. As it turned out, when I arrived at the streams, either rocks allowed me to cross without getting my feet wet or a makeshift log crossing had been erected by some past hikers.More Thur-Hikers going northbound. Met a father and son who were doing their last section of the AT. The father had started back in 1976 and his son had joined him for the trek across the 100 Mile Wilderness. Met a couple of small groups of young hikers just out to do the 100 Mile Wilderness. There was also a solo elderly hiker with a day pack who stop to talk with me at the Lean-To and was on his way to hike on to a logging road where his wife was waiting for him in a pick-up. I told him that his trail name should be "Smart" and her trail name should be "Smarter."Reached Potaywadjo Springs Lean-To about 2:00 PM. I like to arrive early in the afternoon so I can set up my sleeping gear, relax reading or listening to my MP3 Player and quietly cook up my supper. Normally, by time other hikers arrive, I have already had my supper and just relaxing. Today, the Scouts I spent last night with arrive and set up their tents. They came to the Lean-To to cook up their supper and we chatted. So far no rain today and it looks like no rain tonight. Wonderful... Still feeling the aches and pains of my backpack. Still considering whether to hang up my backpacking shoes and do day hikes only. Feel like I have reached a conclusion concerning my future of backpacking, but I want to think seriously about my decision before I commit.
Date: 2010-12-30
From: Lake Jem, Florida

To: Lake Jem, Florida
Miles today: 0.0

Mt Dora, Florida on Lake Jem.Spending the winter in our home in Florida enjoying the warm weather. I use the winter months to plan out my summer hikes and explorations. Plan for 2011 are to start our summer at Maryland-PA state line and hike north for a few hikes. Then we will travel back into Virginia for some exploring. After our family vacation, we will do some genealogy research in Virginia and West Virginia. Happy hiking to all.....
Date: 2011-08-15
From: Pen Mar on Maryland-PA state line.

To: Old Forge Picnic Area
Miles today: 7.3

AT 11-62-PA, Pen Mar, Maryland to Old Forge Picnic Area in Pennsylvania.7.3 miles, Day Hike, Northbound.Weather: Rain, temps in upper 60s.Back on the AT after a two year absence. Returned Pen Mar Park on the Maryland - Pennsylvania state line and started again headed north. Today was a short 7.3 miles hike to get my legs working again. Enjoyed my hike, even if I had to do most of the hike in rain. There is nothing more refreshing than a hike in the woods in the rain.Passed the Mason Dixon line and headed towards Old Forge Picnic Area, my pick up point. The trail varied from very rocky to nice packed ground with only a few rocks. On the rocky sections, you have to watch your footing. There were no views of the farmlands in the valley due to the fog from all the recent rainstorms. As it was raining during my hike, the trail was running with some water, but it did drain good.While I hike solo on the AT, but I am never really alone. Passed two groups of southbound hikers headed to Springer Mountain. In another group consisting of a father and his 10 year old son, they were just starting out and headed to Harper's Ferry. The rain was a good introduction to hiking on the AT for them.Crossed several streams on nice wooden footbridges. There were many nice primitive camping sites along the trail with good water in the mountain streams. There were several logging roads evident that crossed the AT. About an hour into my hike, I heard a loud crack and then heard a tree fall out in the woods about 200 yards away.Arrived at Old Forge Picnic Area four hours after I started at Pen Mar. The hike was easy even in the pouring rain...
Date: 2011-08-16
From: Old Forge Picnic Area

To: Caledonia State Park
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: scattered clouds

AT 11-63-PA, Day Hike, 10.7 miles NorthboundOld Forge Park, PA to Caledonia State Park.Weather: Sunny...Another day hike of 10.7 miles over a very rocky trail. Today I had beautiful sunny and great temps to hike. The hike was easy with a thousand foot climb at the beginning and then a nice down hill trek over a distance of eight miles to Caledonia State Park. Some views and many rocks.I have been thinking of ending my AT hiking for some time and today, I made the decision to end it with this hike. I feel that I will encounter more rocky trails all the way through PA, and I am not looking forward to that struggle. So with my support team, my wife, waiting two miles from the end of my hike, we were able to hike my last AT hike together. She has supported me in all my hikes by dropping me off or picking me up. It made my heart feel warm to have her hike with me my last two miles.The adventure of hiking the AT from Georgia to this point in PA has been a lifetime experience. But as I always said, "Hike Your Own Hike." This has been my AT hike. I wish all the past, present and future AT hikers all the joy that I have enjoyed. Hike safe and enjoy the experience. You will remember it your whole life.Bless you all....... Papa Raul
Date: 2017-07-14
From: VA 608 

To: VA 606 near Bland, VA
Miles today: 0.0

Returned to the AT to do a day hike with my granddaughter. We started at VA 608 near Bland and hiked for six miles. Our day started out in an overcast sky and mid way we had a heavy rain storm with lightning. Completed our hike at VA 606, where we were picked up by my wife. This was my granddaughter's first AT hike. We both enjoyed the trail and brief return to the AT.
Date: 2020-06-01
From: VA 606 near Bland, VA

To: Dismal Falls and Campsite - Round Trip
Miles today: 12.4

My granddaughter, Alexandra and her friend, Alisha wanted to hike on the AT during their college break. We started at VA 606 near Bland, VA and hiked into Dismal Falls and then continued to a beautiful campsite on the Dismal Branch. Spent the night at the campsite and then returned to our vehicle the next day. This was my granddaughter's second venture on to the AT.
Date: 2009-04-06
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Left LA Airport on time. Saw snow in the mountains below. Arrived in Atlanta 15 minutes early, but plane door would not open for 15 minutes so we arrived on time. I found my way to MARTA and went to get a train ticket and a generous tourist gave me their all day pass. I caught a train to North Springs Station and met Leigh from the Hiker Hostel. It was a one hour drive out to Delonega, very scenic. The hostel is full, Leigh told us about the pending snow and bear problems in the hills. Did some food shopping and now the backpack is overloaded. Went into the bunkhouse and two women were the loudest snorers in the USA, plus the guy on the couch was terrible.
Date: 2009-04-07
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Woke up to a snowfall. Snow everywhere, shit its cold! Went up to Dicks Gap and bought a sleeping bag, very expensive. The shop is very old, a traditional hiking store and the prices in the shop were through the roof. We drove around and got some last minute supplies, tommorrow the big day starts. Im not excited at all, Im in a relaxed state of mind. Snow, Bears, sweat and pain over the hill. Josh and Leigh run a great Hikers Hostel.
Date: 2009-04-08
From: Amicola Springs Approach Trail

To: Stover Creek Shelter, GA
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: clear sky

There were 15 hikers starting this day. Photos taken at the hiker registration office. Well i finally got a bit excited last night, waited til 7am and got up and into it. Breakfast and packed and ready to go by 8am. Departed the Hiker Hostel at 9am and started hiking at 10am. Took 2 hours to do the approach trail and the hardest part being the 600 or 700 stairs. There is the old approach trail and a new approach tral. Some hikers went along the old and another group of us went up the new trail. I forgot to sign in at Springer Mountain, took photos and was disappointed with myself for not signing the register. Talked to some section hikers who'd been to Fremantle for the Americas Cup. The guy really wanted to talk but his family and friends wanted to move on. From the beginning of the AT at springer mountain to stover creek took another hour and a half. Eight hikers camped here tonight, six of us planning a walk through. I'm the oldest by far. Dont know how to talk to them yet. Today is a beautiful day for hiking, going to be bloody cold tonight. My body is in for ON THE JOB TRAINING. Cramping up severely. Time for dinner and to hang my food in the bear bag. This is a new experience. There were warnings at springer mountain for troublesome bears. Its time to eat and sleep.
Date: 2009-04-09
From: Stover Creek Shelter, GA

To: Gooch Mountain Shelter, GA
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Left Stover Creek at 8:30am. After about 2 hours my right knee started to get painful. I pushed on slowly to hawk mountain shelter for some rest, wrote in the journal and moved on after an hours rest. My knee is excruciatingly painful. Walked and rested. Many people on the trail today. 40 or 50 people hiking. Finally got into Gooch Mountain shelter around 5pm. Took 9 hours to do 12.5 miles. Campsite is full tonight and have decided to go to bed early. Knee is stuffed. Along the trail the forest is very dormant. Chipmunks and squirrels everywhere.
Date: 2009-04-10
From: Gooch Mountain Shelter, GA

To: Gooch Mountain Shelter, GA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Stayed in Gooch Shelter to rest up and take anti-imflamatories and rest. About 15 people left, and 10 arrived. Its raining, cold, lightning and thunder. In camp is Doc, Old Hobo, Cat, Bon-Bon, 66. Have met just about all 48 states in 4 days.
Date: 2009-04-11
From: Gooch Mountain Shelter, GA

To: Neels Gap, GA
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: overcast clouds

A long day. Stared off with a medevac. Hiker Tyler (slapshot) did a great job getting the old man out. 10 hikers all came together to help this man in need. Once again just a great job well done to all those guys. Later found he didnt have a stroke, but suffered hypothermia and was out of the hospital in 2 days. Right knee is still troublesome. Also put a slight twist in left knee. At Blood Mountain, I met Ron who was doing a loop trail. He invited me home to his place where I spent the night wrapped up in satin sheets with a nice home cooked meal as well. Washing and ironing done as well. Was dropped off back at Neels gap at 8am. Very very greatful to Ron and Jelaine for their hospitality. Caught up with other hikers at Neels Gap and posted the bounce box to Franklin NC.
Date: 2009-04-12
From: Neels Gap, GA

To: Blue Mountain Shelter, GA
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: clear sky

Ron dropped me back off at Neels Gap, met up with other thru-hikers who were all drying out their sleeping gear and clothes. Started the day with cool weather and clear skies. Spring break has finished and not so many hikers out. Great day for hiking. Met Alaskans- Norther Lights, Sub-Zero, Denali Jim. Kept walking all day up and down mountains. Knees are not good, slow going. Got into Blue Mountain Shelter about 8pm, a very long day. In camp tonight, Panama Bill, Greg (10x10), Andrew, Iron Man, and two others. Very cold night. Mice, rats, rain, stormed all night. Was disgusting.