morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-07-05
From: Cooper Brooke Falls lean to

To: Stoney Tappan Campsite
Miles today: 17.1
Weather: light rain

I left camp early at 6:15 am. The trail was nice and I arrived 3.3 miles later at Cooper Brooke Road at 8 am. Chief from the AT Lodge was there doing a food drop. Hikers pay $35.00 to have a bucket of food left at the half way point. That doesn't include the food. What a money making business. He dropped off 6 of them. I don't need no stinkin bucket. Why? Because I'm tough that way. I carry all my food for the 100 miles. I did get trail magic though. Chief said he had some homemade organic sweetened with honey trail bars his wife makes and gave me two! Best trail bars I have ever had. I ate one a little while later before going up White Cap Mountain. The elevation is 3650' with gorgeous views all around. Very cold up there above tree line. I could see Mt. Katahdin but it was hazy. I say happiness is Mt Katahdin in my rear view mirror. Many more summits after this one. I slipped once and whacked my cheek with my trekking pole. On my way down I met Hook. He was hiking Northbound and had started his hike on April 28th. He plans to summit Katahdin on July 8th. Wow. He had to average 30 miles per day. I'm tired with 17. I got to Stoney Tappan Campsite and notice tons and tons of moose poop. Maybe I will get my chance to see one here. Set up my tent as fast as I could because of the zillions of bugs. Got in and zipped my screen but still had to kill a bunch of them. I'm tired!
Date: 2015-07-06
From: Stoney Tappan Campsite

To: Stealth campsite
Miles today: 13.2

As soon as I got on the trail today I went up Gulf Hagas Mountain. Hard climb early on. There were some really pretty trails today. I posted the patio steps in my other photos. Wish more trails looked like this. But then anybody could do it. Maine is really a rugged state. I say Maine is for men. Big, rugged, callused, lumberjack type men. Then all of the sudden I met the ridge runner Moxie! She is seriously a tough chic. She moved to Maine from Virginia after hiking the AT last year just to work this 100 mile wilderness section as the ridge runner! I just hope to survive doing it once. I forded a river today. First time ever since I took the bypass the first time. It was the Pleasant a River. I walked all the way across. No jumping any rocks. It was pleasant, haha. My feet liked it. Continuing on, this little animal crossed right in front of my path and went up a tree just a few feet away from me. Wasn't afraid of me at all. It was bobbing his head up and down and sideways just watching me. So cute. You must go to my photos to see it. I have since learned,from my nephew Mario, that this is an American Pine Martin. It was the cutest little animal I have seen on the trail. The next mountain I climbed is Chairback Mountain. Ugh. Having flashbacks of Knife Edge with all the scrambling of the boulders. Didn't take as long though. It was a straight up climb to Chairback Gap lean to where I met Little Engine who is Northbound and almost finished with her through hike. Funny, I read some of her trail journal many months ago before my jaunt across the Smokies. Her sister is doing this last section with her. Also a man named Dusty who did half last year and is finishing up the second half this year. Jaime is also here. He is the person whose name I couldn't remember in my previous entry. I decided to put in a few more miles today and found a sweet flat spot just past a spring. Going to bed hungry.
Date: 2015-07-07
From: Stealth campsite

To: Stealth Campsite
Miles today: 12.1

I slept a little better last night. Didn't get on the trail until 8 am. Today seemed like a repeat of yesterday with the mountains having different names. When I left camp I went straight up Third Mountain, then Mnt. Three and a Half, then Fourth Mountain. Running out of names I guess. I found the Maine Appalachian Tral Club working on building a stone staircase. That is one hard working crew! I told them thank you for their work and took a selfie with them. Sat on the top of Fourth Mountain for a little while and talked to Trail Widower Dave on the phone. He asked me if I think about quitting. I told him all the time. But when I get to town and take a shower and eat, I never think that way anymore. Some creative Cairn's to guide the trail today. See photos. I got down to Long Pond Stream lean to and Jaime was there. I had my last dinner of the wilderness, smoked Alaskan salmon rolled up in my last tortilla, just for this special occasion. I hiked a couple more miles to shorten the hike tomorrow. I can hear the train. Yay, 100 mile wilderness will be a done deal. Monson, here I come!
Date: 2015-07-08
From: Stealth Campsite

To: Monson, Maine
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: broken clouds

Wow. Woke up at 4:30 am and was on the trail by 5:45. I knew it was going to rain so I wanted to get moving early with the hope of getting to Monson by 2 pm. The rain came down about 8 and lasted a good 2 hours. The rain had just let up when I got to what is called Bear Pond Ledge. This is the top of a ridge line that has very sharp rugged shale. I was thinking to myself, be careful the rocks are still wet, when all of the sudden my feet went straight out in front of me and I crashed down so hard on my rear I thought I was going to pass out. I got up quick and took off my pack and moved my hips around with severe pain. I sat down and scrubbed out the dirt from the deep slices on the palm of my hand. Then I had to go down the rock to get my trekking pole. I sat there a good 30 minutes not sure if I could walk the last 6 miles out of the wilderness. I had no choice. Let me tell you I walked painfully slow. Every step uphill I had to do Lamaze breathing technique and was extremely nauseated. I know it's not my tailbone but my pelvis that is affected. I took a rest at the last lean to. Jaime was here but I didn't tell him about my injury. Just didn't want to talk about it yet. 3 miles to go. 2 hours later, 5 pm, I arrived at Maine 15 road. So happy to be out of the wilderness. I called Lake Shore House and a guest, Chris, picked me up. I staked out my bunk and went to the pub for a much needed beer, burger and fries. I weighed myself just before and lost 4 pounds in the 7 days of wilderness. Jaime came in and I told him about my injury. Not ready to end my journey but feeling very fortunate to have done what I have. I am very, very thankful that I only had 6 miles to go after this injury. The longest 6 miles of my life. I will reassess after a day or two. I went back to the pub after taking a shower and washing all my clothes for a big piece of cake and a glass of milk. That makes me feel better. Ibuprofen and straight to bed.
Date: 2015-07-09
From: Monson, Maine

To: Monson, Maine
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Zero day recuperating. Got brave and sang "oh blah di, oh blah da" by The Beatles. Fun, fun, fun. I have never sang in public before. I was terrible but the crowd asked "what else do you know? Sing another song".   All the compliments. So funny.
Date: 2015-07-10
From: Monson, Maine

To: Monson, Maine
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Chris took me and Buscuit to Greenville early this morning. Dropped me off at the hospital. Got the X-ray. No cracks! So happy to know. I stayed in town and did some fun shopping and eating. Then I decided to fly in a plane that takes off from the water! Amazing. Jack picked me up on the dock and I asked if he could take me back to Monson. So I flew from Moosehead Lake and landed at Lake Hebron. What a rush. So I say this is recuperating in style. Celebrating a serious bruised bum. Enjoying Maine from a plane eases the pain because sitting still just goes against my grain! What a great day this turned out to be!
Date: 2015-07-11
From: Monson, Maine

To: Monson
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

I have to admit I am restless. I watch hikers come and go. It has been so much fun watching Buscuit doing pack shakedowns. He is good at it. Hikers start this journey with way to much stuff. They also don't know how to pack their bags. I don't say anything I just watch. I wish I could head out when they do but I am slow recovering here. This morning I went over to Shaw's. That's the hiker hostel most of the hikers stay at. It is run by Ole Man' s (AT lodge) daughter. They make AYCE breakfast for anyone at only $9. It is delicious. The picture I posted here has 4 of us who were originally at the AT lodge together. Chelsea, who is now Pan, Thundercat, Buscuit, and myself. So much fun to see the before and after the Mt. K and 100 mile wilderness pictures. We all survived. I'm the only one who got hurt. I really didn't do much today. Read a lot and tested my pain level going up the stairs. Down in the oub several new hikers arrived, Ultra Violet, Sunflower, Red Bearded Viking, also with them was The Bionic Woman. She made it out of the wilderness and has a big smile on her face! Enjoyed a very long personal conversation about God with Clue. I gave him something to think about. I pray that I have the right words to say. I feel like the mom of the bunch here. Such great kids with big hearts. Just love them all. Wish them all the best as they will be hiking out in the morning. We ended the day with me putting in a tear jerker movie. Million Dollar Baby. What was I thinking? Such a good one but so painful to watch.
Date: 2015-07-12
From: Monson

To: Monson
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

This is the day that the Lord has made. Rejoice and be glad in it. I walked to the community church today. Joan was sitting on a step nearby and I asked what she was doing. She said she just took a walk. I told her where I was going and she came with me! The preacher spoke about creation. He was really good. Also they rang the bell for the first time in 5 years. It had been under restoration. The bell dates back to 1840. Then I just didn't do anything else the rest of the day. Live band out in the pub yard. Feeling a little down. Tired of being here. My brain is ready to hike. Hoping for Tuesday.
Date: 2015-07-13
From: Monson

To: Monson
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Went with Ultra Violet to Greenville so she could get her foot ex rayed. No break! We had a great day in town. Lunch and shopping. Then we decided to fly back to Monson! Yes I flew twice this week! I still hurt but I did go to the grocery store and did my re-supply in hopes to leave tomorrow. Caratunk isn't too far, 40 miles. I will decide if I am good to go after that. I'm excited and ready.
Date: 2015-07-14
From: Monson

To: campsite
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Hiking on. Still in pain. Doing a hike test to Caratunk to see how it goes. Beautiful day. Past by Lake Hebron. Forded the Piscataquis River and found a nice campsite. Beautiful trail today. Could only do 12 miles though. Going slow. Normally this type of terrain I could have easily done 18. Just not feeling it.
Date: 2015-07-15
From: campsite

To: Bald Mountain Brooke Lean to
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: broken clouds

I went up Bald Mountain today. Beautiful! Moxie Bald summit is one of my Maine favorites. Saw a snake, the loons on the lake, and a baby grouse. The climb up the mountain was tough on me. My pain number went up. Not feeling it, again.
Date: 2015-07-16
From: Bald Mountain Brooke Lean to

To: Pleasant Pond Lean to
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: light rain

Well I almost don't know what to write. I feel like all I talk about is the pain. Today was a beautiful day. Perfect weather. Cool morning. It had gotten down to 44 degrees last night. I loved it. Today was a long, long, long day for me. It just felt like I would never reach the top of Pleasant Pond Mountain. I did take several breaks on top of several false summits though. It is so gorgeous up at the top of this one. I finally got a picture of a grouse while way up on the mountain. I think that's what it is anyway. Hiked all day by myself and only saw a couple of NOBO's. (Northbounder's) . I finally arrived at the lean to around 4 pm. This lean to is seriously leaning. I set up my tent next to some women who are doing the 100 mile wilderness and Katahdin. Then I went down to the beach at Pleasant Pond. Had my salmon dinner and went to bed early.
Date: 2015-07-17
From: Pleasant Pond Lean to

To: Caratunk, Maine
Miles today: 5.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Arrived here in Caratunk at 10:30 am. So happy to be here. Rest and reassessing my situation. Sweet place this Sterling Inn. Lots of rooms and bathrooms. Got my own room which includes breakfast for only $40. Nice. Very nice. Part of the house is almost 200 years old. It holds about 45 people. It is truly, though, in the middle of nowhere. To close to the road here and traffic flies! Still have not seen a moose.
Date: 2015-07-18
From: Caratunk, Maine

To: Bangor
Miles today: 0.0

Called my dear friend Teri in Ohio and she hooked me up with her friend Michelle who lives in Bangor. Michelle came ALL the way to Caratunk to pick me up so I could stay at her house. She made me a wonderful dinner and raspberry dessert and then breakfast in the morning. She drove me around Bangor and showed me Steven Kings house and then dropped me off at the bus station. So, I took the Concord bus from Bangor to Boston, Massachusettes. Hiked in Boston and got a room at the Hostel International. What a difference. Sensory overload! I want to be back in the woods at AT hiker hostels! So I did part of the Freedom Trail and went to the Boston Harbour. I will be taking the bus in the morning to Washington DC, then the overnight bus to Knoxville. I would like to say THAnk YOU to all of you who have bothered to keep up with me and encouraged me so much along the way. Love you all. I have had a great journey. I will be reassessing my future plans while enjoying my sweet Trail Widower Dave's company. And my sweet Tessa of course. My hope is to get back on the trail in 2 or 3 weeks. If I do I will head back up to Maine and continue south. So for now, HAPPY TRAILS to all of you awesome hikers still out there. My thoughts and prayers will be with you, Fig, BonBon, D.No and C.Shell, Walnut, Twister, Bionic Woman, Nurse, Corky, Quahog, Stretch, Splash, Smoke, Swamp Turtle, Rosy Eagle, Salty, Bagels, Cookie, Marathon, Slim, Ultra Violet, Her Royal Dudeness, Scarlet, Hawkeye, Jaime (who didn't have a name yet), Thundercat, Buscuit, Clue, and tons of others, you have all touched my life and I will never forget you. Even Anastasia and Drizella. Wishing you two happy trails also if you are still on the trail. Thinking about you too Just Dave, always. Life is so sweet!
Date: 2015-07-19
From: Bangor

To: Boston, Massachusetts 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Bus from Bangor, Maine to Boston, Massachusetts. Hiked in Bostons Chinatown from the bus terminal to International Hostel. Hiked around Boston's Freedom Trail and went to the Harbour. Had a delicious pizza with gargonzola cheese, figs, watercress and prosciutto! The cobblestones are painful to walk with my sore pelvis. Maybe the X-ray missed a hairline fracture? Went back to my room. Shower, sleep.
Date: 2015-07-20
From: Boston, Massachusetts 

To: Washington DC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

This morning at breakfast I sat next to a man and we started talking. I couldn't believe it. Here in Boston of all places I sat next to an AT hiker! He has been doing the AT for 30 years. Mostly in sections but did it thru in 08. He was heading to Maine to do a SOBO hike but changed his plans because his back hurts. So now he is heading to Vermont to start there. He told me about New York, and New Jersey. Almost, just almost, I thought about joining him and getting my bus ticket to Vermont. Since I hadn't bought my ticket home yet. I know better. Even those cobblestones hurt me. I guess I should go home. His name is Fiber1 if any of you hikers run in to him, tell him I said hi. Got my gear and went to the station. Arrived in Washington DC.. Didn't get my overnight ticket to Knoxville in time so it was sold out. What? Oh well. Walked the scary mile to the Capital View Hostel and got the last bed available. It is full of students from France. Shower, bed.
Date: 2015-07-21
From: Washington DC

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Got up early this morning to get coffee and walk DC a little. Took some fun pics and then went back to the hostel and grabbed my stuff. Time got away from me and I had to run to Union Station to avoid missing the bus. PAIN! Lots of pain. I must have a small fracture. Thought I would pass out trying to run. I made it, but just barely. Soaked in sweat and hurting. That convinced me I am doing the right thing going home. I am really hurt, really. I am in Virginia as I write this with the Appalachia Mountain range on my left. I have such wonderful memories as I head home today. Happy trails!
Date: 2015-10-14
From: Fontana Dam

To: Brown Fork Gap Shelter
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: clear sky

Well how crazy is this? I decided just this past Monday to hike the section from Fontana Dam down to Springer Mountain. It was my plan had I finished all the other part anyway. That didn't happen but the weather is just too pretty not to do some hiking. My friends think I am bipolar because I say things like " I just don't feel like backcountry camping" , then I do this. I think it's because my head is stuck on the AT. So today went well. I left the Dam at 11 am. Had trail magic right away at Fontana Dam Shelter. Gatorade and bite size Snickers. Met a guy named Trouble there. Went from 1700' elevation up to Walker Gap 3450' elevation in 4 miles. Then I didn't see anybody so I thought I was alone until I got to Cable Gap Shelter to have lunch. Was there 10 minutes when 10 guys come in. All thru hiking SOBO. Left there and met several men out hunting withe lots of dogs. Hmmm, hope they know about hikers. Hope they can see me. Continued on and arrived at Brown Fork Gap Shelter for the night. Feels like I am starting over. I am sore all over. I guess that is expected after 10 weeks off the trail.
Date: 2015-10-15
From: Brown Fork Gap Shelter

To: NOC
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: clear sky

What a long day for me. I met Broadwing this morning leaving the shelter and he happened to say the NOC is ONLY 16 miles. So I thought I can handle that. What was I thinking. I have to remind myself I am starting over. Today was the climb up to Cheoah Bald, elevation 5062'. Loved the hike up and the view was awesome. 8 miles done. I should have listened to my inner voice and do 13 or so miles but I kept on going thinking about a shower and bed linens. Well when I got to the NOC at 6:30 pm everything was closed and the restaurant closes at 7. I did find someone who worked here and he was so kind to find me a bed into the bunkhouse, no linens. I was thankful to make it to the restaurant to get a pizza! Then I had a looong hot shower and crawled in to my sleeping bag! Nice weather today. I promise to listen to my inner voice and hike less until I get a little more used to this again.
Date: 2015-10-16
From: NOC

To: Stealth camp about 2061.5
Miles today: 9.6

Slept so well with the door room open and a fan! I got up at 8 am and went looking for coffee. Nothing opens until 10 am. Laundry room was open so I did that while I waited. Outfitters opened at 10 and sold coffee! Restaurant opened at 11 so I had lunch before getting on the trail at 1 pm. Up, up, and up! The views were amazing. I could see Fontana Lake from the Jumpoff. I planned to make it to Wesser Bald observation tower to camp. I got there about 5:30 pm. Sweet spot right under the tower but when I got up in the tower 2 guys came up and kind of gave me a creepy feeling. Asking me to many questions so I decided to move on. I had to go down to Tellico Gap and then climb up again. The sun was setting so fast and I was worried I would not find a spot when I came across some great guys section hiking and they had a great big fire going. I still had to set up on a bit of a slant. Hope I won't slide too much tonight. It is cold, about 34 degrees. I love it!
Date: 2015-10-17
From: Stealth camp about 2061.5

To: Wayah Crest picnic area
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: clear sky

It was soooo cold last night. I had a hard time sleeping due to sliding on my pad. I woke early. I could smell the campfire going. The men were up. They are Dave, Dave, and Tommy. I sat by the fire and made mac n cheese for breakfast. Got my stuff together and left camp about 9. Went straight up and took the side trail to Rocky Bald. So beautiful. Got phone reception and called Nantahala Outdoor Lodge to get a bunk room and the man told me hiker season is over and all the rooms are full. Wow. I hope it won't be hard to find a place on this hike. I continued on and arrived at Wayah Bald tower. There were lots of people there. I stayed a little too long sitting in the warm sun. The views are amazing up there. My goal was Siler Bald shelter but I have to admit I was just tired. I got as far as Wayah Crest picnic area and decided to camp. Very nice little spot. Close to the road though. I plan to go to Franklin tomorrow.
Date: 2015-10-18
From: Wayah Crest picnic area

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 5.8

I was even colder last night than the previous night. I had all my layers on. I slept with a hand warmer in my sleeping bag and that helped but it tore in the morning and all that grainy stuff got all over my tent. It was an easy clean up. I made my oatmeal while still in my sleeping bag. Had to be careful since my stove was under the tarp. Today's beautiful view was the side trail up to Silers Bald. Love it up on this bald. There was several people up there. Had a great chat with a group that lives near there and the man had done a thru hike in 1976! I stayed up on the bald for an hour then hiked down to Winding Stair Gap. I held out my cute sign that Honeybee had made me but it was so windy I don't think drivers could read it. After about 30 cars a lady pulled over and backed up to pick me up. Her name was Teri! Thank you Teri my trail angel. My friend, Teri, who I mentioned at the beginning of my journal passed away Aug 15. I miss her terribly. Part of my reason for not getting back on the trail. I think about her everyday of my hike. Teri dropped me off at Haven's Budget Inn. Got my room and hot, hot shower. Pizza, re-supply, laundry and then walked the 0.8 mile trek to Franklin Church of Christ. Wonderful group of people. So inviting. Great singing and lesson tonight in 1 Peter chapter 3. The minister Radford Penland gave me a ride back. Very nice day. Hope for sweet sweet dreams!
Date: 2015-10-21
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

To: Dicks Creek Gap
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: clear sky

Woo hoo! I am in Geogia! I have 69 miles to go to get to Springer! Today's highlight was the sound of a bears little claws coming down the tree. SWEET. I got a good look at him. That is a sound I now recognize and will never forget. I just always hope I am never in between the cub and momma! I am at Top of Georgia hostel and will slack pack 16 miles tomorrow NOBO. My first slack pack ever. Going to bed, goodnight!
Date: 2015-10-22
From: Dicks Creek Gap

To: Unicoi Gap
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: clear sky

Such a wonderful day. Got a little hotter today than it has been this past week. Slack packing is pretty sweet. I had three peaks today. The first was Rocky Mountain elev 4017', the second was Tray Mountain at 4430' elevation, and the tough one was Kelly Knob which skirts the summit of 4171 feet but it just keeps going up forever it seems. My favorite place today was going the 0.5 miles down to the spring at Steeltrap Gap. It was the best secret water source on the entire trail. So happy I needed water. I sat there for lunch. Hiked on and got picked up at Dicks Creek Gap back to Top of Georgia. 52.9 miles to Springer. I got this!