morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-07-23
From: Abol Bridge Campsite

To: Abol Bridge Campsite
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Fri. Abol Bridge Campsite.  0.0 miReport. A couple of SOBOers arrived at the campsite after completing last nite's report. This camp sets aside one site for hikers and we all share it. There are a number of long-term "campers" here. Big motor homes or trailers set up on jacks, large stacks of firewood, even ocupant names posted on the sites. The SOBOers were starting a fire to fix their dinner. I went to my tent and crashed hard. I slept very well, got up once and noticed something different about the Big Dipper's ladle - it was backwards. Soon realized I was seeing it's reflection on the pond. I thought about trying to get a photo; but thought I had low batteries. I went back to the tent and then remembered that I had swapped batteries. Then I couldn't find my tripod. But, I found a suitable rock base and took several photos of the Dipper. Unfortunately, I didn't have enough lens to capture both the stars and the reflectionI got up early and tried a sunrise photo of Mt K. The wx was clear but not too photo worthy. The loons were out in full voice though. I went back to the tent and got up after 0700. I met Chris and Mike at picnic table by the store where we had breakfast. Later, I met Redtail and Freedom on the Abol Bridge. There I saw an osprey catch a fish in the river and fly almost overhead. A bald eagle followed and tried to steal the fish. The camp had a reservation that nite for my particular  tent site, so I had to move to another site. I had a choice of 2 sites far in the back or 1 up front. I took the one up front. It had no real shade which I wanted to dry/air out some belongings. However, it was too hot to tale a nap so I went to another site and slept on the picnic table. I had been asleep a little while when I heard someone walk up and ask if I was Tic. I was still half asleep and my eyes hadn't really adjusted to the light when I made out a guy in uniform. Turned out to be CJ, a new ranger at Baxter State Park. He had came to check in on NOBO hikers to the park, give them an overview of the ops, and answer any questions. He also told me there was a back entrance to the AT from the back of the campsites. I later got dinner from the store and prepared for the night.  I took the best coin operated shower - 3 mins for a quarter. I was dumping all my change and took a dollars worth. It was great and there was hot water the entire time. I then tried to call Libra Lady. Have you ever used a coin operated cell phone?  This one takes $1.00 for 3 minutes - no collect, no credit card, no 1-800, no incoming calls and of course, no LL to answer my calls. With no more quarters I went to bed  6.  White House Landing. 4 Greasy Spoons. Very good breakfast. Lots of coffee, oj, bacon, decent eggs and unlimited (real) blueberry pancakes. Linda uses the leftover pancakes to feed her ducks (I wanted to strangle the little beggars when I saw her doing this the first time).  The lunch and dinner menus are rather limited: 1 lb hamburger or 14" thick crust pizza. Both were outstanding.  And the meal hours are very specific Life is Great!
Date: 2010-07-25
From: Baxter State Park, KSC

To: Bangor ME
Miles today: 0.0

2. Report. After summitting K and completing the flip portion of this hike, I was certain that I would have a hard, sound sleep, especially with it raining moderately.  No such luck Sat nite. I was up fairly early Sun am hoping to catch a ride into town from Ol Man.  He and NaviGator run hostel and cafe in Millinocket. He usually shuttles beginning SOBOers to the park; but not today. I caught a ride easily and was In town early. Washed clothes, hung gear out to dry and got some breakfast.  It was 1030 And I went to find a church. But all the services here appeared to have started at 0930. Plugger, Tom and Bob arrived shortly after noon  I rested up a bit tand we got some supplies and supper.  Monday am, Tom, Bob and I were up early, ate and then went to summit K. Plugger didn't feel well and stayed at the hostel.  We took an indirect route to Baxter but eventually arrived at the park. We started the climb and the wx was worse than my Sat summit. Tom was really taking it slow. I accompanied him to just past the treeline when I retreated back down the mtn I had already seen the clouded summit and I didn't have the gear to stay and hike with Tom.  I met Boudreaux, who had just summitted K at the KSC and we hitched a ride to town with Canuck couple of trail angels, Gabriel and Patrick. We had dinner at Pelletier's American Loggers. I didn't know this was a successful reality series on the Discovery Channel. We went back to hostel, Philly Tom and "Bullet Bob" had returned, settled acounts with Ol Man and then crashed hard. Got up very early, ate at AT cafe and then got a ride with Bob all the way to the front door of my hotel in Bangor thanks a lot  And the motel let me check in before 0800!!!!!!  I hit the continental breakfast, washed clothes and took a practice napI'm resting up and making plans to airlift some lobsters to DCAll for now,Life is Great!
Date: 2010-07-26
From: Bangor ME

To: Bangor ME
Miles today: 0.0

2. Report.  I really enjoyed my R&R in Bangor.  Had a practice lobster dinner and got a box full of the giant crawdads to take to DC. Plan to spend some time with Miss P&P and Sky King, as well as St Kit and Lumpy.  May even try to hook up with DQ and BIL Doug.  Then it's home to LL and DD ( don't think I have mentioned Dufus Dog before). A week of R&R there and then a trip to ATL for Precious Princess #1 birthdayRight now, my plans are to take some time off for recovery and then to start SOBO at Damascus to complete the AT.  I would like to start sometime in Oct to let the temperature get a little more enjoyable, as well as catch the fall colors. I'll post an updated schedule sometime in Sept. In the meantime, Miss P&B and I will be uploading rhe latest photos as time permitsMaine:  I really enjoyed hiking ME. The S part was particularly challenging, probably because I completed NH which is generally regarded as the toughest state and was expecting things to get easier. Then there are the trail towns of Monson and Millinocket, ( plus the White House Landing)  which couldn't be more hiker friendly. Also worth recognizing is the 100 Mile Wilderness, a very unique experience and the Antlers Campsite, which I considered the prettiest on the AT. And of course, one must not forget Katahdin. The highest climb,over 4000 ft in 5.2 miles, which is over a 15% grade for the mathematically challenged!!  And kudos to the Maine ATC chapter what I considered having the best trail markings and maintenance.State descripters courtesy of SnS: Vermud, New Humpshire and Meane  Life is Great!
Date: 2010-10-04
From: Home 

To: home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Rest time is over and its about time to get back on the trail. At my last report, I had completed my NOBO section, summiting Mt. Katahdin, ME in July. I am planning now to fly into Bristol, TN on Wednesday (Oct 6) and then start SOBO from Damascus VA. This should allow a leisurely hike to complete at Springer Mtn, GA before Thanksgiving.The break period has really been good. It has allowed me to rest up and recuperate. It has also allowed the really hot weather to pass on by. And most importantly, it has allowed me to be home with the family during the passing of my mother-in-law Opal. She lived a long and active life and was able to spend her last days in her home. I could probably use another week or so to complete preparations. But I¢m sure the work would expand to fill the schedule and I¢d be wishing for still another week . I¢ve been carbo-loading and filling up on Tex-Mex food and barbeque; because, one can¢t find such food near the trail.I should resume trail reports on Wed.
Date: 2010-10-05
From: home

To: Damascus
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

It has been a most interesting trip to Damascus  We were up early for an 0800 flt out of Hobby. Libra lady was surprisingly up easily and ready to go and Dufus Dog was totally beside himself to go riding this morning.  After a few minutes on the road I realized my wallet wasn't in my pocket. A quick search of the car was negative. Return to the house and negative search there as well.  It was now getting late so I grabbed some id and a just activated credit card on back to Hobby airport  The traffic to the airport was now approaching rush hour levels, but we got there with time to spare. I needed all my id's to get past the TSA screeners. A short flight to Atlanta, short layer and even shorter flight to Bristol TN. I had just left the secure area when I realized I left my carryon in the plane. Even though the guard saw me walk out in this very small airport, no way was I going to be allowed to walk back to retrieve my bag. I put in a request at the ticket counter to recover my bag. It was eventually recovered and I was now on my way to Damascus with Dave the shuttle driver from Mt Rodgers Outfitters. I checked into the hostel and did a quick gear inventory.  Libra Lady had called to report finding my wallet in powder room at home  I  went back to MRO for final supplies. I then tried to update my journal;'but, no cell coverage. Next a trip to the library, arriving about 15 minutes before closing. Bad news is that was also the time to computers begin auto shutdown.  As a last resort, there is a friend of the hikers who has a phone on his front porch for free long distance calls -  what a blessing. So, i made a couple of calls, then had dinners at Quinceys and am now planning for the next several days of hiking. Hers hoping things settle down a bit
Date: 2010-10-06
From: Damascus

To: Double Springs Shelter
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: clear sky

Thurs.  Double springs Shelter.  18.5 miAfter last nites map study,'my near term plan was to tryreach Kincora hostel in 5 days just over 50 mi away . My day plan was to reach Abington Shelter. I was somewhat concerned about this even though it was only just over 10 miles away.  I had not be able to exercise in Texas as much as I would have liked - too darn hot.  Then there waa the 2000ft climb leaving the city,'which alwaysAdd another 100% as a general rule. Then is was newTerritory and my first day back.  I got up early and went down to Cowboys for breakfast, about the only place open before 0700. Ate up,'packed and  was on the trail just after 0800.  Short walk thru town, then in a park and then info the woods. The trail waa very wide, well maintained and. Good number of switchbacks. Even took some time to photograph some flowers. I was huffing and puffing after 20 mins and I had sweat thru 2 shirts in another 20 mins. The temp was just above 40 deg when I left town.  After 3.5 miles I reached the VA-TN border. The trail got a lot narrower, don't think I saw any switchbacks and  most of trail was on the ridgemline and very windyI got to the Abingdon shelter about 1330 and was feeling well. I checked the map and noticed that three water sources and 2 campsites were just down the trail. With a lot of daylight left, I decided to hike on. Soon I came to a well marked spring, which was flowing well and this was identified as an unreliable source. Therefore. I assumed the other 2 springs would be very strong. I didn't find either spring and ended up hiking on to the next shelter. I arrived just after 1800 with slightly less than a liter. There were several other at the shelter: Pabst, a SOBO I may have seen at Mt Washington area, plus section hikers Trailhead, prospector and SixGun. I watered up, fixed dinner and got ready for bed. It was a very long first day.  I think I'll sleep in late  tomorrow
Date: 2010-10-07
From: Double Springs Shelter

To: Ridgeline
Miles today: 13.5

Fri.  Tent. 13.5 mi estI must have had a lot of adrenaline flowing yesterday and/or I'm all stiff today. It was a hard 13 miles and I was feeling it. I wanted to sleep in late,'but got up with the other hikers in the shelter. I kidded Six Gun he should be called Machine Gun with all the snoring. I'm sure I contributed my fair share thoug.  I traded info on the water sources withSix Gun and was last one outI had several falls from crossing blowdown trees. At first, I thought it was not being used to the pack, and with my new gear it was loaded top-heavy. Then I noticed my pack was coming apart at several key locations. Hope I can get it fixed somewhere down the line  Speaking of top-heavy. I weighed 180 lbs in my birthday suit in Damascus, 190'with full clothes and hiking gear and a whalopping 240 with my pack. I was sure my pack would-be lighter as the volume was noticeably less, e.g. The top load extension was not neededWater has proved to be somewhat problematic. Its found sometimes in places where its not marked. Then the marked springs are dry. At one place near the shelter, a spring is shown West  of the trail. You get there and there is a handwritten sign that reports a reliable spring is 40 yds east.   That was a dry hole, but with info from Six Gun I walked another 50 yds and found a pool about the size of a salad bowl  Took me 30 mins to get 2'liters. Then I was all stiff when I walked back to the trailI did find some trail magic earlier. I had crossed a small road and was maybe 100 ids into the woods when I came upon a metal bow that was apintwd orange and black and had 3 crosses cut into the top. I first thought i may have come across some KKK material, but it turned out to probably be a Mt Cavalry scene by the local Baptist Churches. Very nice scripture from the Book of John as wellI was thinking about making the next shelter. There's no water there and I'm carring enough to make the next hole. I was. Really tired and concerned about other hikers at the shelter when I came across a perfect campsite and decided to shut it down for the nite. Maybe I'll get an early start tomorrow
Date: 2010-10-08
From: Ridgeline

To: Braemer Castle Hostel
Miles today: 10.5

I was extremely sore last night and feeling a pulled groin muscle. In fact, doing my stretching exercises I couldn't even assume a "pretzel stretch" position. It bothered me most of the nite and I didn't sleep to wellI was up early and hiking. Previously I came across one switchbacks and thought it was an accident. Later in the day I came across 2 switchbacks and it was significant enough to be recognized in the guidebook. I also hiked over a short section of bog boards. What was special about these is that they were covered in a wire mesh. This really made for excellent traction and wished it was applied to the boards up NorthI expected to find a water source after about 2 miles. I was really looking hard for it but never found it  i was taking a break trying to figure out Plan B for water when two young men came by.  They didn't have trail names, Josh and Jordan I think  I'll remember them as Waterboy and Schoolboy. Josh gave me a liter of water and Jordan was hiking during a school breakThe wx was very pleasant and the trail was great. But my groin was killing me  I would kick anrock and catch a root every half mile or so and I would see stars, mostly black and white ones but occasionally some in technicolor.  This part of the AT passes over a TVA at Watauga Lake. Very pretty area     I was passed by a day hiker (not certain about the name. Stanley I hope Plz forgive me if I messed this up) twice and we were near the rec area  I was able to get a ride into town. And what a ride it was. - fire engine red BMW convertible.  I checked into the Braemer Castle Hostel, Sutton talked me into upgrading from the bunkhouse to thePrivate suite. We then went down to the icehouse for a cool one. The place was full of bikers and one even had a pet monkey in diapersI then assessed my current situation. Got some heat balm and made arrangements for a  light day ahead. May take a zero. Hesitant because the wx is so gorgeous. Got pizza and getting ready for the nite. Watched a little college football on TV Two section hikers were joined late, EB and son in law
Date: 2010-10-09
From: Braemer Castle Hostel

To: Kincora Hostel
Miles today: 0.0

Today was another restful day. EB and Sil were up and out early. I slept in late, made some coffee and then went to attend Sunday worship at the Friendship Free Will Baptist Church. Or, I could have gone to the Braemer Baptist Church two doors down. This was your typical small town Southern Baptist church that everyone should experience at least onceI returned to the Castle and since I had good cell coverage, made a number of calls, updated my journal, and other email business. I then ordered a pizza to go with special delivery, e.g.  me, to the Kincora Hostel, run by the AT legend Bob Peoples. I was also pleased to see again Baltimore Jack, who helped me out when I was in Damascus last year Today was a zero hiking day and my groin feels much better. I can even lift my leg without pain now. I'm thinking about doing some slackpacking tomorrow over Pond Flats and see the Laurel Forks Falls. It's a 9 mile hike with 1800 ft climb. I'll know then how well I'll be able to continue hiking
Date: 2010-10-10
From: Kincora Hostel

To: Kincora Hostel
Miles today: 9.0

Bob had made a shuttle run yesterday evening and was not expected back before 1900. I had eaten my large salad and large pizza, did my evening dental hygiene, wrote my journal entry and was waiting for Bob to return to enjoy his company and conversation before retiring. Bob returned and we were having good conversation, when about 2000 Balmer Jack appears with dinner for a army. I had a "no thank you" portion of meatloaf garlic mashed potatoes ( I thought they were perfect although probably 99% of the population would complain of too much garlic) spinach casserole and garden salad. Then it was topped off with Bob's famous key lime pie, which I accepted a generous portion. I was stuffed and it didn't make sleeping very easyAnother hiker was upland out at first light. I got up early and had my slackpack ready.  Finally, around 0900 Bob came in and woke up Balmer Jack. We left shortly and they let me out where I left the AT  to hike back to the hostel. It started with an 1800 ft up and down and eventually came to Laurel Falls, I think its the highest waterfall on the AT it was an easy hike back to the hostel, arriving before 1400. I had planned to do some laundry, take a shower, eat up and then head SOBO 4 miles to some water and then maybe another 2.miles to a shelter Bob built.  Balmer Jack presented another option to stay over the nite and slackpack to the Mtn Harbour Hostel. The tradeoff was a very long slackpack day or two plus dyad hiking with a full pack I chose the former. Later, it was discovered the distance was a couple of mikes further. So now I'm looking at a 24+ mile day, which one you commit you're all in.  Balmer Jack is in the kitchen doing his thing again. I'm expecting a mini-feast tonite  Fortunately, we're eating early tonite as I hope to be hiking At first light. You'll haveto tune in to tomorrow's entry to see how I faredLife is Great!
Date: 2010-10-12
From: Mountain Harbour Hostel

To: Overmountain Shelter
Miles today: 9.2
Weather: overcast clouds

I was up on avg time. Mary made a pot of coffee. I went and paid my bill and left an SD card to be postedForgot to mention. - my care packages arrived!!  I was concerned about not having proper id and my medical insurance card. I had also prepared a maildrop resupply pkg. With the lack of cell coverage, my fluctuating hiking distances and not always reaching Libra Lady, plus the federal holiday. -  all contributed to making this delivery highly problematicI left the hostel with a fully loaded pack and was heading up the highway to the trailhead. I good ol boy in a mini truck pulled at the trail parking area. He looked like hencould have been from ZZ Top and asked if I needed a ride up the mtn. I said no and thanked him anywayThe start today was a 2500 ft climb.the first 1500 ft was your typical rock climb. Good switchbacks and routine difficulty  The next 1000'ft were great - Appalachian grassy bales. Id call this a cowpaature. And I did see several impressive longhorns up close. The skies were heavy overcast and it sprinkled a bit. After anothermup and down climb I came to the shelter. This is another unique one in that it is unconverted barn. I had decided to sound the night here as it is quite photogenic. I think Backpacker Magazine also had high regards for this site.  The fall foliage is in full bloomI had got all my gear set up, fixed dinner and was preparing my journal entry when I heard voices - trail angels. Amy and Chub were out for an evening walk and had brought KFC and Sam Adams. Can life get any better?  We took some pictures and they left, even took my trash. Thank you very muchChub had a black powder rifle and I said I would help him if he took a deer. I heard a couple of shots later but they were far away. Then I heard a shot not so far away but it was already too dark for me. I'm going to bee nowLife is great!
Date: 2010-10-13
From: Overmountain Shelter

To: Roan High Knob Shelter
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: few clouds

This would be a great day for whining. It rained softlyon/off most of the night and I was up quite a few times I woke up before daylight hoping against hope for a photo op. It was socked in and I rolled back for some more shuteye. I finally got up and the mist was rolling in thru the barn. Visibility was about 25 ft. I fixed some breakfast, took a couple of "twilight zone" images and got ready for hiking. It started raining again as I began a 1300'ft climb. I came to the Stan Murray Shelter in a couple of miles and took a break and the rain had picked up a bit. I filled up with water and thought about waiting to see if the rain would let up or maybe take a Nero here. The rain stopped briefly and I continued SOBO. Later I came up on some more grassy bald. Unfortunately, visibility was pretty poor.  Here the wind was quite strong, air damp and cold as well.  It was a real challenge to try to maintain body temperature. It would fluctuate between heat stroke and hypothermia. I had another 700 ft climb and came to the Roan High Knob Shelter. It's the highest shelter on the AT at 6285 ft, a 1000 ft higher than Denver.  I think I have seen my breath all day today and felt pretty much cold soaked mostmofmthe day.My near term planning is in the tank. Right now I'm thinking about another short day and staying at the Greasy Creek Friendly Hostel. I'll also try to catch up with Tenn Tom over the weekend, maybe catch up with Bear Claws and then arrive at Uncle Johnny's for my maildrop and hopefully a new packLlife is Still Great!
Date: 2010-10-14
From: Roan High Knob Shelter

To: Greasy Creek Friendly Hostel
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: light rain

Last night was a very cool one. I was cold soaked most of the day and had several cups of my coffee mocha before going to bed. The temp probably got down to 30s and the wind was blowing hard all nite. I had to get up several times during the nite and nearly froze each timeI slept in late for a relative short day. The day began with a drop for a change, little over 2200 ft drop so that I could have another 1000 ft climb before the day was over. It was a much better day today. Sunny with a lot of wind.  The leaves were blowing sideways most of the time. One of the locals said the leaves just started turning to fall foliage only 3 days ago.  I made it to the Greasy Creek Friendly Hostel and was treated very well by Connie. Got washed, did laundry, ate well and used my emergency phone to square away some comm. Life is Great!
Date: 2010-10-16
From: Placeholder

To: Knoxville, TN
Miles today: 0.0

I was able to access a phone yesterday and made some arrangements with friends in the "local" area. First off, Tenn Tom came to Greasy Creek and brought me to his home for R&R. En route, we had to visit a local Irish pub to check out their Guinness (It passed) Then while updating my entries, I had the unexpected treat of watching the UT-Nebraska football game and was very pleased with the results. Then a big meal, and now watching playoff baseball. Thank you Gabriele, Simone and Katie for the superb dinner(Ryan and Bailey too). Tomorrow the Bear ClawsLife is Really Great!!