morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-07-25
To: Moxie Bald Mountain
Miles today: 0.0

Got a text from Ernie this AM. He's on top of Moxie Bald Mountain....The hike up Moxie Bald is one of the prettiest you'll find. Even the beginning of this hike is gorgeous, leapfrogging across the rocks at a small rapid on Baker Stream. If you are feeling adventurous, or if the water is high, there is a single-cable crossing slightly downstream. Across the stream, the AT leads through a stand of Balm of Gelead poplar, with an occasional towering white pine. Natural history features: Blueberries and raspberries in season. Social history features: First views of Katahdin for northbound hikers.(So I guess it's the last view for Ernie heading SOBO)Nearby City: Bingham Length: 9.6 total miles Elevation Gain: 1,729 feet Trail Type: Out-and-back Skill Level: Strenuous Duration: 5 - 6 hours Trailhead Elevation: 900 feet Top Elevation: 2,629 feet
Date: 2012-07-26
From: Moxie Bald Mountain

To: Pleasant Pond Mountain
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: moderate rain

Text from Ernie. At the top of Pleasant Pond Mtn and it kicked his ass!!!!!!...... a few miles south from the start of this hike is the village of Caratunk, frequently visited by long-distance hikers. "Caratunk" is an Indian word for "forbidding or crooked stream," according to the Appalachian Trail Guide to Maine, and refers to a falls in the Kennebec River near the site of the present Wyman Dam, which generates power for the New England grid. Pleasant Pond Mountain is steep but short and makes for an easy day hike. The trail is wide and simple to follow, though it is eroded in several steep ledgy spots.......... Length: 3.2 total miles Elevation Gain: 1,077 feet Trail Type: Out-and-back Skill Level: Moderate Duration: 2 hours Trailhead Elevation: 1,400 feet Top Elevation: 2,477 feet
Date: 2012-07-30
From: on the trail

To: Safford Notch Campsite
Miles today: 33.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Ernie is spending the night at Safford Notch Campsite. He had cell service at the top of Little Bigelow Mtn and called his oldest grand daughter Ainsley to wish her a happy birthday. He was planning an early stop because tomorrow there is quite a mountain climb. He is tired but hiked close to 15 miles yesterday.
Date: 2012-08-03
From: Stratton

To: Crocker Cirque Campsite
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Ernie left Stratton this morning. Took the shuttle back to the trail. His kneecap is bothering him, keeps popping. He will continue making his way to Rangeley before making any decisions. I told him at this rate, it will take him 10 years to finish the trail, but then, hey it does give him something to do for ten years. Crocker Mountain is a 4,228 ft (1,289 m) peak located in Carrabassett Valley, Franklin County, Maine, in the United States.[3] Crocker Mountain is part of the Appalachian Mountains. Crocker Mountain is traversed by the Appalachian Trail (AT), a 2,170 mi (3,490 km) National Scenic Trail from Georgia to Maine.A glacial cirque called "Crocker Cirque" is located between the main summit and the lower summit of South Crocker Mountain. Crocker Cirque contains a small pond and can be reached via the Appalachian Trail.Brooks on the east side of Crocker Mountain feed the South Branch of the Carrabassett River, which flows into the Kennebec River, and into the Gulf of Maine. The northwest side of Crocker drains into Stoney Brook, then into Stratton Brook, Flagstaff Lake, and the Dead River, another tributary of the Kennebec. The southwest side of Crocker drains into Nash Stream, then into the South Branch of the Dead River.
Date: 2012-04-10
From: Fontana Dam Shelter, NC

To: Russell Field Shelter, Tennessee
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: few clouds

Five Pair, Austin, Spiderman, Bucket and Boots head into the Smokies and the challenge of the 18,000 of elevation gain over the 72 miles of AT in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park.More info at:Five Pair Website
Date: 2012-06-11
From: Allenberry Resort Inn, Boiling Springs, PA

To: Doyle Hotel, Duncannon, PA
Miles today: 25.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Hiked into Duncannon and to the Doyle meeting up with "Duke", "Duke¢s Keeper", "Honey Badger" and "Leebob". More info at:Five Pair Website
Date: 2012-06-14
From: the Rausch Gap Shelter, PA

To: Hertlein Campsite and Picnic Table, PA
Miles today: 23.1
Weather: overcast clouds

A few "Bonus Miles" for Five Pair and then joins Honey Badger, Duke, Keeper and LoneStar at the Hertlein Campsite.More info at:Five Pair Website
Date: 2012-08-07
From: Campsite 1948.7, ME

To: Piazza Rock Lean-to, ME
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: clear sky

A pretty day for hiking, stream crossing and on to the Piazza Rock Lean-to where Five Pair meets up with Alpo, Bobcat, Joiner and Progress. Keeper and Duke messaging to meet in Stratton on Thursday.More info at:Five Pair Website
Date: 2012-03-31
From: Springer Mountain

To: Hawk Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 8.1
Weather: overcast clouds

3/31 Hawk mountain shelter. Despite the all nighter and hours of travel I got to the trail head with plenty of energy. I had a hard time fitting everything in my pack, but I think with practice I'll be able to fit everything better. The weather was amazing and the hiking was easy. I kept going back and forth between feeling like I was on a day hike and sparring with the concept of hiking for five months. But every white blaze I saw put a huge grin on my face. After about five miles I met up with Ryan, another thruhiker, he was hiking barefoot and I quickly joined him. We happened upon some trail magic, people handing out soda and snacks. I'm tenting by Hawk mt shelter with the occasional patter of rain and constant rumbles of distant thunder.
Date: 2012-04-02
From: Hawk Mountain Shelter

To: Low gap shelter
Miles today: 18.9
Weather: scattered clouds

4/2/2012 Low Gap Shelter. Yesterday I got 16 miles in and camped at Lance Creek with Tom, Croc, Pebbles and Zigzag, had a fun time at camp. Got 19 miles in today. This morning was cool and windy, perfect weather, but it quickly got very hot. Big Rock said my trail name should be floater for the fast quiet way I hike, I decided to abbreviate it to Float. The last three miles I started to lose track of time, so it felt like six. I think I pushed myself pretty close to my limit physically, which was rather fun. I hope I can find that line and stay with it. My feet were tender yesterday from my barefoot stint on Saturday but were fine today until I got to camp. I realized that I had a small blister between my big and second toes, but I got it squared away after dinner. I think my appetite is finally starting to catch up a bit. I think I'll take it easy tomorrow and do 15 to Tray Mtn.
Date: 2012-04-03
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Tray Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: light rain

The 19 miles I did yesterday came back to bite me today, I got to mile 7 or 8 and had to stop to drain and moleskin my blister, but after that it didn't bother me too much. This morning was really hot and humid and around 1 o'clock I could hear thunder in the distance. As I got to Unicoi Gap the thunder got closer and it started raining. I took shelter under a sign at the trailhead for an hour or so to wait out the lightning as I had two big peaks coming up. There were probably 2 or 3 dozen strikes, and several within a mile, so waiting was a good choice. I hiked up and over the first peak in the rain which was rather fun and quite refreshing. Then there was lots of trail magic at Indian Grave Gap, thanks Moo !! With what felt like new legs I made the final stretch in no time, for a total of 15 miles. I have 11 to the trailhead then I'm spending the night in Hiawasee, I can't wait for a shower. It's funny, all the locals complain about not enough switchbacks and too many summits, but this is really easy compared to what I'm used to.
Date: 2012-04-04
From: Tray Mountain Shelter

To: Hiawasee
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I had a nice easy day into town. There was only one major peak and that was only a 1000 foot climb or so then it was mostly downhill. I finished off most of my snacks as I got towards the trailhead. I saw Daniel and Union Jill on and off all day and we got a shuttle into town together with a few others. More trail magic at the trailhead, some lovely people had chips, pizza, candy and soda. All the thru hikers were excited. It was cool and windy last night with 5 or 10 minutes of light rain right after I got in my tent, but I still didnt need any extra layers. It got hot fast today and there were a couple distant rumbles of thunder coming down the hill but no rain except for a slight sprinkle as we ate. I took a shower first thing after getting to the hotel, it was so refreshing I'm taking another in the morning. I'm entering this wearing my rain pants because my shorts are in the wash, it's nice to have everything clean again. I'm looking forward to sleeping in a bed and a short day tomorrow but at the same time I cant wait to be back on the trail. Everyone so far has been incredibly nice and I'm starting to see why everyone says a thruhike is so life-changing.
Date: 2012-04-05
From: Hiawasee

To: Plum Orchard Gap Shelter
Miles today: 4.5
Weather: scattered clouds

4-5-2012 Plum Orchard Gap Shelter. Despite the bed I had a hard time sleeping last night. Got up around 8:30 had breakfast at a local cafe and got food at the store. Then I had a shuttle ride to the trailhead and a nice 5 miles up to the shelter. I got here around 3 and decided to rest and eat in preparation for a big day tomorrow. There is a shelter 20 miles from here that I want to get to. Finally some people are showing up, I thought me and Daniel would have the place to ourselves. Couple of random tidbits from the day; saw my second squirrel of the trip, there are none down here, it was so hot today the cheese in my pack half melted and most importantly people are incredibly nice, I have yet to meet an unkind hiker.
Date: 2012-04-06
From: Plum Orchard Gap Shelter

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 19.8
Weather: overcast clouds

I had another fantastic day on the trail. Last night was my first night actually in a shelter and it was good timing because it rained for most of the night, but I stayed warm and dry inside. When I started this morning it was cool and foggy and it was mostly rainy until noon. I had fun with it though, I see that sort of thing as a challenge rather than a hindrance. Around 1 o'clock I hiked out of the fog into a clear day and it stayed that way for the most part. It stayed cool which was a nice change of pace from the heat. There were a couple of steep sections today and it made me miss home. I got in another 20 miles despite the weather and a late start, followed by a slow morning pace. I got into camp late but found a good spot next to Union Jill. There is no cable so I hung my first official bear bag and its a lot better than some of the others. I think its going to get fairly cold tonight, I'm excited to see how my sleeping bag holds up. Side note: I crossed into North Carolina and I'll hit 100 miles tomorrow, two big milestones...pardon the pun.
Date: 2012-04-07
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Franklin, NC
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: clear sky

We had a cold night last night but I stayed pretty warm in my tent. I was one of the few people not complaining about the weather in the morning. It was nice and cool for most of the day and the hiking was fairly mild except for one section. The climb up to Mt Albert was rather steep, but there was a good view from the top to make up for it, the firetower was closed though which was disappointing. I finally met Desparado and Micro last night, I have been reading their entries in the shelter logs for a while. After missing Union Jill on the summit of Mt Albert I decided to get a shuttle into town with Desperado and Micro from Rock Gap. We found some trail magic in a tree on the way down, cookies and angel food cake, thanks! On the way into town we stopped at winding stair gap to find Union Jill waiting for me to hike in, a rather lucky conclusion to the miscommunication. Our shuttle driver, Chris, brought us to our hotel and then out to the store and an outfitter, so a huge thank you to Chris as well. A shower and clean clothes will be nice, but I'm looking forward to some more hiking tomorrow.
Date: 2012-04-08
From: Franklin, NC

To: Siler Bald Shelter
Miles today: 7.9
Weather: clear sky

Had a late start today after a night in town. We went shopping before we ate so everyone ended up with too much food. The extra weight caused my pack to squeak which, along with a few stubbed toes, made for a tedious morning. However after a call home and some food the afternoon turned out rather pleasant. I got in about 8 miles today, and noticed that coming out of town both times I've been sluggish. I do have enough food to make it to Fontana Dam though, so hopefully I won't have to stop for another 50 miles. Desperado and Micro are staying at the shelter too and there are two guys tenting nearby. I think its gonna be cold again tonight so I'm thinking warm thoughts. That's it for now, I'm going to join everyone down by the fire.
Date: 2012-04-09
From: Siler Bald Shelter

To: Wesser Bald Shelter
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: clear sky

I met Balls and Sunshine last night, they are a father/daughter team flying through the AT. Sunshine is only 11 and she's already done the PCT and after the AT she wants to get the triple crown with the CDT in the next couple years. Impressive isn't even close! I started off the morning by tagging the summit of Siler Bald, one of the best views I've seen in a while. The rest of the day was mostly ridges and summits which was nice. I met up with Cory at mile 10 and we cruised through another 7 to the shelter. It's cool and windy now, but it's toasty in my tent. This afternoon I realized that hiking up the last hill before camp after a long day is one of the most gratifying feelings in the world. Every day I still get excited that I am able to be part of this community of hikers undertaking such an awesome adventure, and I can't begin to express my gratitude for a chance like this. On a lighter note, my appetite has finally caught up and I can't wait to get lunch at the NOC tomorrow.
Date: 2012-04-10
From: Wesser Bald Shelter

To: Sassafras Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Had a spectacular morning down to the NOC, Nantahala Outdoor Center, 6 miles of ridges and downhills with cool, windy weather and clear skies. I had a pulled pork sandwich at the NOC, which made the seven miles up to the shelter much easier. I was going to go further, but it was getting windy and it looked like it was about to rain. It's almost a full shelter. Union Jill stayed at the hostel at NOC and I'm afraid at my pace I won't see her for a long time if at all. I'm looking forward to Fontana Dam, a drop box and a free shower. That's it for now, hopefully tomorrow will be nice.
Date: 2012-04-11
From: Sassafras Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Dam Shelter
Miles today: 21.8
Weather: clear sky

This shelter got its nickname, the Fontana Hilton, from the fact that there are showers and laundry nearby, they're closed now but I am looking forward to them opening in the morning. Today was awesome, cool, clear and windy. I wore my pullover for half the day which was a nice change. I got a big day in with almost 22 miles, I'm exhausted but sooo... I don't even know a good word, satisfied is the closest I can get. There were a couple of steep sections and a lot of PUDs, pointless ups and downs, but it was nice hiking for the most part. There are a lot of people here, but the only ones I've met before are Sunshine and Balls, I guess that's a downfall to my fast pace. I'm looking forward to a drop box and some town food tomorrow, then a good hike up into the Smokies. If I can manage to get 20 mile days Friday, Saturday and Sunday I'll get to see the family on their way through on vacation. But for now I'm going to bed, I hope no one snores too loud tonight.
Date: 2012-04-12
From: Fontana Dam Shelter

To: Mollies Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: clear sky

So I'm finally in the Smokies. After the night of many snorers in the Fontana Hilton, I caught a shuttle to Fontana Resort. While I was waiting for my drop box to get in, in the mail, My Way told me I could jump in the shower in his hotel room. I did just that. After some more waiting (and eating) I found out it hadn't arrived, so I had them bounce it to Hot Springs when it arrives and I got food at the overpriced general store. The roughly 10 miles to the shelter this afternoon included crossing Fontana Dam and a fire tower. The tower was old, rickety and about 40 or 50 feet tall. I got halfway up and the whole thing was shaking, so I turned around. There are probably 30 people in and around the shelter tonight and most of them are worried about the cold. I'm in my tent and quite comfy. Everyone is excited that it's supposed to start warming up in the next couple of days, I however, will miss the cool, clear weather that is conducive to big miles and big views. Either way I'm still hoping to make it to I-40 by Monday to see the family.
Date: 2012-04-13
From: Mollies Ridge Shelter

To: Double Spring Shelter
Miles today: 19.2
Weather: clear sky

I got in 19 miles today despite the small amount of sleep last night. I pushed myself close to my limit again, still a lot of fun to see what I can do. The weather was nice again and there wasn't too much elevation change overall, but the PUDs in the Smokies are steeper. I am now within 2000 miles of Katahdin. The last mile or so to the shelter was along a ridge with awesome views on each side. There have also been a lot more pine trees all of a sudden, which is a nice change and it reminds me of Montana a bit. I am starting to get hiker hunger in its entirety, it seems that the most popular topic of discussion among thruhikers is food. Personally I'm craving ice cream, strawberry shortcake and Swedish fish. Hopefully I can get up early tomorrow. I seem to have a hard time getting up by 8am which is a problem because I usually end my big mile days in time to set up and eat before dark, but I could hike more if I had the time. Side note: I could be picking up a bit of a southern accent, but I'm not sure.
Date: 2012-04-14
From: Double Spring Shelter

To: Pecks Corner Shelter
Miles today: 21.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 3 in the Smokies and one of the best so far on the trail. Last night I got the best sleep since I started thanks to some creative problem solving. I started off the day seeing a deer hanging out near the shelter. Then I had an easy climb to Clingmans Dome, the highest point on the trail, and less than an hour later I passed the 200th mile. From there to Indian Gap was a little frustrating due to the traffic noise from the road and the insane number of steps put into the trail, most of which were spaced terribly. At Indian Gap there was trail magic, apples, cookies, cupcakes and pasta salad...delicious! I had to wade through the tourists at Newfound Gap, but had the luxury of using a flush toilet to make up for it. From there it was 10 miles to the shelter, 7 of them mostly knife edge ridges and spectacular views. The last few miles dragged on a bit, but getting in a total of 21 miles was worth it. That's it for now, I'm ready to pass out.
Date: 2012-04-16
From: Davenport Gap Shelter

To: Newport, TN
Miles today: 2.8

Yesterday I did another 20 miles, but it was a long day. The first 17 miles were considerably less fun than the day before. The trail was mostly loose rock or gravel, the stairs made a comeback, the heat was rather uncomfortable, the trail was considerably less scenic, and there was horse poo everywhere on the trail. I just pressed on knowing that it was just one of the bad days I'd have to deal with in order to enjoy the good days. At about mile 17 though, I came across a rocky outcrop with an awesome view so I dropped my pack and sat and took in the view for a while and just let the past be the past. The last 3 miles down to the shelter were much better too, the trail was better, the sun was going down so the temperature dropped and I had a pleasant hike into camp. I just missed trail magic at the shelter but there were a couple sodas left so I had a soda and made dinner. The company at the shelter was good and I got a spot on the top platform. This morning I did a quick and very easy 3 miles to the I40 crossing and met the family there. It was awesome to see the fam again and they brought donuts. We went into town and got breakfast. I got to take a shower, do laundry and pig out. I really have hiker hunger going now, even after eating a huge meal and feeling ready to burst I still feel compelled to eat more within a few minutes. I'm also constantly looking at how many calories and how much protein different foods have, trying to find the most efficient way to get the energy i need. I'm looking forward to sleeping in a bed and having another big breakfast, but in the back of my mind I know I'm just waiting to get back on the trail.
Date: 2012-04-17
From: Newport, TN

To: Roaring Fork Shelter
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: scattered clouds

4-17-2012 Roaring Fork Shelter. I had a good start to the day with a filling breakfast and a ride to the trailhead, but starting to hike was bittersweet because I wanted to get back on the trail but it meant saying goodbye to my family. The first few miles were tough mentally as I was thinking of them and I had a pang of home sickness. But when I reached the first summit way sooner than I thought I would my mind returned to the trail. I continued to rack up the miles until 3 when it started sprinkling, so I put on my pack cover to keep my gear dry. At 4 the rain picked up quite a bit and I put on my rain gear. I went over Max Patch in the wind and rain with a grin despite the fact that the purportedly awesome view was blocked by the banks of fog blowing by. On the way down I met CV, she was rather friendly and I was hoping to see her here at the shelter but she has yet to show up. I got to the shelter in the rain at 5 expecting it to be packed, but I was only the third one in. It's nice to be dry and warm in the shelter with the rain plinking on the roof.
Date: 2012-04-18
From: Roaring Fork Shelter

To: Deer Park Shelter
Miles today: 14.8

4-18-2012 Deer Park Shelter. I am quite glad I was in a shelter last night as it rained straight through until 2 this afternoon. I stayed quite dry all night and slept quite well thanks to the sound of the rain on the roof. I woke up around 7:30 (I got a watch the other day and the novelty of knowing what time things happen hasn't worn off yet) and took my time getting ready and didn't leave until 9:15 (see what I mean). I stayed dry and warm thanks to my rain gear and proper layering. After 5 miles (and 2 hours) I stopped for a snack at a shelter. Will and Truckin were there too and we agreed that we were glad we didn't stay there as it was small and drafty. It was ten miles from there and as it stopped raining and warmed up I delayered and by the time I got here at 4:15 I was down to shorts and a t-shirt. This is the smallest shelter I've seen and it looked cramped and the hikers inside weren't very talkative, so I set up my tent out back, pigged out and enjoyed the luxury of my Ipod. the rain dhould hold off and I am looking forward to a short 3 miles into town.