morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2019-07-26
From: Logan Brook Lean-to

To: Antlers campsite 
Miles today: 19.7

Matt and I got up at 5 to a beautiful sunrise. The day started cool and gradually warmed as we descended from our campsite which was fairly high up on the side of Whitecap. We started early to insure we would be at our resupply point by 5 pm as we arranged yesterday.We made it to the resupply at 3:30 and were originally planning to camp near this road crossing. We had been told about a nice camping area called Antlers and decided we would go there for the night. However, with my slow pace I would be pretty late before I got there if I waited for the 5 o¢clock food drop. So we decided that I would move on immediately, taking all our remaining food, Matt¢s tent, and some of his clothes. This would leave him space to carry the resupply and allow me to stake out a tentsite for him when I got to Antlers.Antlers campsite is on a small peninsula on Lo-Mary pond, and the campsites are right on the water. Matt arrived soon after I had found a site and set up his tent and my hammock. We both noticed a large increase in mosquitoes and other pests making our way to the pond, and both of us ended up applying more DEET to keep our sanity! I think I will break out the head net tomorrow.The resupply came with complimentary PBR¢s which was a nice end to a long day.
Date: 2019-07-27
From: Antlers campsite 

To: Crescent Pond
Miles today: 17.3

Matt and I were up early again and watched the sun rise over Jo-Mary pond. The night cooled off well and was comfortable sleeping.Our hike today took us along Nahmakanta Stream, a large and beautiful river with many deep pools. The stream comes from a large lake by the same name. The lake is about 5 miles long and we followed alongside for most of it. We could hear Loons but couldn¢t see them.We ended our day at Crescent Pond and camped near a beach area formed by a slab of rock gently sloping into the water. After setting up we both took a much needed swim to cool off as the has been rather warm.
Date: 2019-07-28
From: Crescent Pond

To: Hurd Brook Lean-to
Miles today: 15.8

Matt and I got started around 6:30 this morning heading for Hurd Brook Lean-to, our last campsite in the 100 mile wilderness. Another day of walking past beautiful lakes and streams!We caught the edge of a thunderstorm as we were climbing up to the Rainbow Ledges. There were tons of ripe blueberries and we stopped for some picking along the way. When we made it to the shelter their was only one other person there. The rain had stopped and the sun was back out so I set up my hammock and Matt did the same with his tent. Not long after a group of 15 year olds doing summer camp came in followed by several other hikers. We had met one of the hikers earlier in the day and she had harvested a good amount of blueberries and ended up making a blueberry pie from ingredients scavenged from other hikers. Blueberries, chocolate, and Chex mix cooked over the fire - turned out really good!We got hit with another thunderstorm at around 8, so we¢ll be packing up wet tomorrow morning. We are planning to get up early and walk to Baxter to sign up for the Birches kind distance hikers camp, which hopefully will have space for us. If there is space we will hike the 10 miles to get to it and spend the night. Weather permitting, we will climb Katahdin the next day.
Date: 2019-07-29
From: Hurd Brook Lean-to

To: The Birches Campsite
Miles today: 13.6

Matt and I woke early and started to make our way to The Birches at 6.  Just before 8 we crossed the Abol bridge and left the 100 mile wilderness.  We stopped at the camp store and restaurant and had a quick breakfast and I picked up some hot dogs and buns for dinner that night.  We were a little concerned about getting to The Birches sign-up board at the AT entrance kiosk in Baxter State Park.  Fortunately when we arrived at around 9 am we were numbers 5 and 6 to sign up for the campsite (only 12 spots available).  It was just over 4 miles to the kiosk and we had another 9 miles to get to the Ranger Station at the Katahdin Stream Campground.  The trail was mostly nice but the roots and rocks of Maine were ever present!  We made it to the Ranger Station in the afternoon where we met Wanderist also checking in.  We registered with the ranger, paid the entrance fee and started down the road to the campsite.  At the Ranger Station log book I noticed that Big Bear and Seed were climbing Katahdin today.  On the way to The Birches from the Ranger Station I met them as they were returning to retrieve their packs.  Gem and Leo were also with them.  It was really great to see them one last time and congratulate them on completing the trail!  I was glad I got the chance to introduced them to Matt.  Our reunion did not last long as they needed to arrange a ride to the AT Hostel in Millinocket. I had noticed a vehicle with the hostel logo on the door when we left the Ranger Station so that's where they headed.The Birches filled up that night, with most of us staying in our tents and hammocks.  There were many flip-floppers like myself, and in expect I will see Paper Cut and Sonic down in Georgia as they are doing a rap-around also.  I met Stitches, Joy, Sleeve and her sister, who I think joined her in Monson.  Hopefully we will all cross paths again down south!!Most everyone was in their tents early and I was also in the hammock before it got dark.  Matt had taken off on a search for a moose siting and it was pretty dark out by the time he returned.
Date: 2019-08-05
From: Roanoke Virginia 

To: Amicalola State Park, Georgia 
Miles today: 0.0

After summiting Katahdin on July 30 Matt and I drove back to Connecticut to see family and (for me at least) take some time to rest and prepare for the next part of the trail.We drove to Virginia and stayed at Matt¢s place on August 4th, then made our way to Amicalola State Park today.  We are spending the night before starting on the approach trail tomorrow morning.
Date: 2019-08-06
From: Amicalola State Park, Georgia 

To: Stover Creek Shelter 
Miles today: 2.9

It felt good to get back on the trail today, even though most of the day was spent on the approach trail from Amicalola (8.1 miles). I was debating with myself about doing such a Long off-trail hike but thought I might regret it if I didn¢t do this traditional start to the trail. Amicalola Falls were beautiful and the trail was easy to walk, so no regrets for taking the time to do it!We arrived at our planned destination, the Stover Creek Shelter a little before 4 but decided to stay even though both of us could have easily added a couple more miles. We had a very brief shower on the way but not enough to get anything wet.When he first joined me in Maine Matt said he was surprised at how early it was light outside in the morning as the sky was fairly bright by 5 am. It was my turn to be surprised in Georgia, as the sunrise comes much later! At 7 am it seemed to be just getting light out.
Date: 2019-08-07
From: Stover Creek Shelter 

To: Ramrock Mountain 
Miles today: 15.7

Matt and I had the shelter to ourselves last night. He set up in the shelter and I hung my hammock under the large overhanging roof of the shelter. At dusk the woods came alive with the sounds of frogs and insects. When I woke up at 6 the woods were quite again and I could here the water running in the creek down hill from the shelter.  The morning was nice and cool and we started walking around 8 am. Around 10:30 we took a side trail to see Long Creek Falls, took a break, and filled up our water bottles. The falls were impressive and worth the side trip. The day warmed up but was still pleasant, and the trail was nice, perhaps with the exception of the spider webs which we kept running into.We decided to camp at an overlook area on Ramrock mountain. This was a dry camp so we stopped a couple of miles short of the campsite to fill up on water. Matt also carried up a couple of our bladders for cooking water. The campsite was beautiful and the overlook was the best we¢d seen so far.During our day on the trail we only saw a couple and their two children hiking. We past bye another couple camping along the trail but saw no one else.
Date: 2019-08-08
From: Ramrock Mountain 

To: Neel Gap 
Miles today: 12.7

A couple of items I forgot to mention about yesterday - When we stopped for lunch on our way to Ramrock mountain we started hearing automatic (like fully automatic) gunfire. Not close, but not all that far off. As we were eating dinner that night I remembered reading in my guide book that the military does special forces training in the area so I¢m guessing that may have been the source of the gunfire.  Last night at 11pm I was harshly awakened. The first thought as I was waking was that a plane was about to crash on us. An aircraft flew directly over us just above the trees. It was incredibly loud! It was a startling way to wake up and it took me a long while to get back to sleep. I¢m thinking those special opps boys were having a little fun with the hikers camping on top of the mountain!!Today was my last day hiking with Matt. We had a beautiful day, warm but breezy so mostly comfortable. We found water when we needed it and made pretty good time to Neel Gap where Matt had parked his car before we caught a shuttle to Amicalola State Park. We decided to go to town, get a hotel, shower, and hit up a restaurant. Life is good!!
Date: 2019-08-09
From: Neel Gap 

To: Low Gap Shelter 
Miles today: 11.5

After a nice breakfast Matt drove me back to Neel Gap to continue my hike. After walking so far together it felt strange walking alone, and particularly setting up camp. I miss his company but am looking forward to seeing him again when I get back to Virginia!I only saw 4 people on the trail today, a SOBO flip-floper, a north bound hiker, and two south bound section hikers - Joe and Chick. I met Joe first, about two miles north of Hogpen Gap. He said he was hiking with a friend who was behind him and having a hard time today. He asked me to let his friend know where he was when I saw him. About an hour later I met Chick who was resting on the side of the trail. I let him know I had seen Joe and that he was planning to stop at Hogpen Gap.  Chick told me he had called his wife earlier and arranged to be picked up at Hogpen Gap as he was tired and needed to get off trail. Apparently Joe did not know this. Chicks phone was out of power so he couldn¢t let Joe know, and he said he was still very tired after resting an hour and was considering finding a campsite and walking out tomorrow. This did not seem like it was going to end well! Fortunately my brick was fully charged and I was able to charge his phone so he could call Joe and let him know what what was going on. He would also be able to call his wife if he was not going to make it to Hogpen Gap.After charging his phone I wished him luck and continued on my way. I was at camp a little after 5 and had the place to myself until around 8 when some other hikers came in.
Date: 2019-08-10
From: Low Gap Shelter 

To: Cheese Factory Campsite 
Miles today: 13.6

Last night was the warmest night I¢ve had since starting my hike in Georgia. I had the underquilt on the hammock but I don¢t think I needed it. I was up before 7 and hiked out at 8. I did not get to meet the hikers who came in late last night as they were still sleeping when I left.I was concerned about water availability and started out with 2 full liters. The first reliable source was 2.6 miles into the hike, and I wasn¢t sure the other water sources would be running.  When I got to the creek it was running enough to collect water with a scoop. I drank as much as I could and the topped off my bottles.  Early in the day I came across some blackberries and supplemented my breakfast!! I stopped at Blue Mountain Shelter and had lunch. I had decent reception so I caught up on Eagle Wings journal to see how he was making out after getting back on the trail. Looks like he is making great progress on some difficult sections of the trail!I saw several day hikers and four south bound backpackers but I am alone in camp tonight.
Date: 2019-08-11
From: Cheese Factory Campsite 

To: Dicks Creek Gap 
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: clear sky

Last night cooled off and there was a nice breeze blowing so I slept fairly well. The only disturbance was an owl who came fairly close and was rather loud!The day quickly turned hot and humid with only an occasional breeze. I met several section hikers today, mostly south bound. I was able to place a call when I reached Powel Mountain and arranged for a shuttle into Hiawassee where I planned to spend the night and resupply for the next section of trail.
Date: 2019-08-12
From: Dicks Creek Gap 

To: Campsite north of Plumorchard Shelter 
Miles today: 6.8

I decided to make today a nero. Slept in late, or more accurately, tossed and turned late. Had a leisurely breakfast at the local dinner and arranged for a shuttle to pick me up at 10:30.I had planned to go to a campsite a couple of miles north of the Plumorchard Gap shelter. On my way I noticed some of the water sources listed in Guthook were dry and I was a little concerned that the water source at the camp I was going to might be dry. I stopped at Plumorchard for lunch and decided to get water from there. A steep 0.1 mile side trail led to the spring which was flowing well. I camel¢ed up, filled my water bottles and also filled a 1.5 liter bladder to bring with me. 7 lbs of water and a full resupplied pack was a tad heavy! When I got to camp I found that it did have water, but not much. It took me about 10 minutes to collect 1.5 liters. It¢s not like taking a swim, but at least I can wash up some before hopping in the hammock!Pat texted me earlier in the day that tonight is the peak night for the Perseid meteor showers. Unfortunately my campsite is pretty well enclosed by trees. It¢s also cloudy this evening so I think I¢m unlikely to see any meteors.  I only saw 3 other hikers today and have the campsite to myself tonight.
Date: 2019-08-13
From: Campsite north of Plumorchard Shelter 

To: Beech Gap
Miles today: 14.3

It¢s been an eventful day! I started out at 8 and made my way up the first climb of the day. About a mile in I must have stepped on or close to a bees nest in the trail as I go stung on my right ankle. After brushing the bee off (I later found it in my shoe) I ran up the trail a couple hundred feet hoping that I was not being chased! It did not take long for me to feel my ankle starting to swell. I stopped and took a benyldril hoping that would help, and I think it did. I also zipped on my pant legs.Around 9 I crossed into North Carolina. I was pleasantly surprised that the trail had recently been given a trim as I had read that this section of trail was overgrown and difficult to walk through (another reason I had put the pant legs on).At noon I came to the Muskrat Creek Shelter and stopped for lunch. Dusty was at the shelter having her lunch. She is a LASH completing her hike from Pennsylvania. While I was having lunch Papercut and Sonic showed up - It didn¢t take them long to catch up with me! It was good seeing them and nice to hear about their adventures before starting the trail in Georgia. They were heading much farther than I was today and planned on taking a zero on Franklin on Thursday. I expect to get to Franklin on Thursday afternoon so we plan to hit the brew pub in town. Since they hike much faster than I do I don¢t expect I¢ll see them after Thursday.After lunch I continued on and reached my original destination (Standing Indian Shelter) rather early so decided to keep going to the next campsite at Beech Gap. Not far north of the shelter the trail became very overgrown. About a hundred yard section of the trail contained 3-5 foot tall flowering plants. The flowers were loaded with so many bees there was a constant buzz in the air. I essentially had to push my way through the gauntlet! Most of the bees were bumblebees and thankfully not aggressive, even though a lot of them took flight as I plowed the flowers aside passing through.Most of the trail to Beech Gap was overgrown which made for difficult walking. It ended up taking me much longer than I expected to get to camp. When I finally made it I set up my hammock and tarp, then went off to find water. The side trail to the water source was much longer than I expected. It ended up taking me more than a half hour to get water. But at least I had enough to wash up after a long sweaty day!The trail went over 5000¢ today, first time since Katahdin for me. The rhododendrons are just finishing their bloom and dropping peddles along the trail.As I am writing this a heavy thunderstorm is passing through. The rain is coming down hard and I¢m sure the water running down from the tarp is splashing up on my underquilt. I guess I¢ll be drying gear out tomorrow.  Once again I have a campsite all to myself.
Date: 2019-08-14
From: Beech Gap

To: Long Branch Shelter 
Miles today: 12.0

I did not sleep well last night. I was almost asleep when the storm came through and I got up to anchor the ends of my tarp (fully awake after that!). Even after the rain had tapered off the lightning was like flashbulbs going off through my closed eyes. My ankle was sore and itchy from the bee sting, and I had to stop myself from scratching it raw.I ended up staying in my hammock much later than usual which worked out OK as the morning breeze dried everything out by the time I packed up and left. The day was nice and fairly cool to start. The trail continued to have sections of ¢car washes¢, a term that Slo-go¢en used to describe unmaintained sections of trail where the spruce trees felt like hard brushes when you pushed through them.When I got to Long Branch Shelter a father and son doing a section hike were already there. Shortly after another section hiker came in. It felt strange no being alone!
Date: 2019-08-15
From: Long Branch Shelter 

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 7.3

Doing a nero today going to Winding Stair Gap, then to Franklin North Carolina and the Gooder Grove Hostel. I was able to get reception a few miles before dropping into the gap and made arrangements to be picked up at 1 o¢clock from the parking area.  Papercut and sonic arrived at the hostel yesterday and were taking a zero day so we met at the local brew pub after dinner. Great company, and good beer!! Zen, the hostel owner, picked us up a little after 8 and brought us back to the hostel. We decided we would do a late (9:30) start on the trail tomorrow.
Date: 2019-08-16
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Licklog Gap 
Miles today: 12.4

We got a later than expected start this morning, starting our hike a little after 10. Sonic and Papercut hiked with me today! I really enjoyed talking with them and getting to know them better. The highlight of the trail today was Wayah Bald. There is a stone observation tower on the Bald and the views were fantastic. When we got there a wedding practice was in the works.We decided to go beyond the next shelter and camp a Licklog Gap. The water supply there is a half mile off trail so we picked some up on the way. When we got there two section hikers were there. We all had dinner together, and Papercut started a fire. We all called it a night around nine.
Date: 2019-08-17
From: Licklog Gap 

To: Rufus Morgan Shelter 
Miles today: 14.0

I was a little sad this morning as my time with Sonic and Papercut had come to an end. They were up early and left at 7:30 after we said our goodbye¢s. I really enjoyed our day hiking together, and wish I had the legs to keep up with them!! I left camp around 8 saying bye to the other hikers as I left.The trail highlight today was finding wild apples at Burningtown Gap, and the observation tower on Wesser Bald. Great views all around, including a section of Fontana lake.When I got to the shelter First Blood was there. She had summited Katahdin and was crossing the 100 mile wilderness when she tripped over some roots, fell and broke some ribs. After a month to heal she is started at Springer and will go as far as she can by the end of October. Around 9 another hiker came in to camp. We said hi and he went off looking for a site to set up. It was already dark and he was hiking by headlamp.
Date: 2019-08-18
From: Rufus Morgan Shelter 

To: Locus Grove Gap 
Miles today: 11.6

I broke camp around 7:30 this morning and made my way to the Nantahala Outdoors Center where the trail crosses the Nantahala river. I was there just before the restaurant opened for breakfast at 8. Had a great breakfast then went over to the outfitters for supplies and to print out my Smokey Mountains backcountry pass. First Blood was already there getting her pass and I did mine when she was done. It was not all that straight forward and when I finished with my pass and shopping it was 10:45 before I was back on trail. It was very tempting to spend the day by the river and spend the night in their hostel. Did I mention the bar by the river?Today¢s hike mostly involved climbing back out of the river valley into the higher elevations topping out over 5000¢ at Cheoah Bald. As I was approaching the Sassafras Gap Shelter there was thunder ahead and a light rain started. I went to the shelter to get out of the rain with the thought of staying there if the rain continued. I met Toothpaste, a 2017 Nobo through hiker who was back for a couple days on the trail. When she was last on this section of trail their were no leaves on the trees and the shelter and tenting areas were completely full. While I was at the shelter Gutsy came in - she was a 1996 through hiker who was out doing a section with a friend!The weather looked like it was clearing so I moved on.
Date: 2019-08-19
From: Locus Grove Gap 

To: Cable Gap Shelter 
Miles today: 11.6

I broke camp around 7:30 this morning and made my way to the Nantahala Outdoors Center where the trail crosses the Nantahala river. I was there just before the restaurant opened for breakfast at 8. Had a great breakfast then went over to the outfitters for supplies and to print out my Smokey Mountains backcountry pass. First Blood was already there getting her pass and I did mine when she was done. It was not all that straight forward and when I finished with my pass and shopping it was 10:45 before I was back on trail. It was very tempting to spend the day by the river and spend the night in their hostel. Did I mention the bar by the river?Today¢s hike mostly involved climbing back out of the river valley into the higher elevations topping out over 5000¢ at Cheoah Bald. As I was approaching the Sassafras Gap Shelter there was thunder ahead and a light rain started. I went to the shelter to get out of the rain with the thought of staying there if the rain continued. I met Toothpaste, a 2017 Nobo through hiker who was back for a couple days on the trail. When she was last on this section of trail their were no leaves on the trees and the shelter and tenting areas were completely full. While I was at the shelter Gutsy came in - she was a 1996 through hiker who was out doing a section with a friend!The weather looked like it was clearing so I moved on.
Date: 2019-08-20
From: Cable Gap Shelter 

To: Fontana Hilton Shelter 
Miles today: 6.5

Nero today going to Fontana Hilton Shelter and resupply in Fontana Village. The Fontana Hilton Shelter lives up to its namesake. Looks like you could fit 25 - 30 people in the shelter, and there are free shower facilities nearby! It¢ll be a flusher in the morning!On the way to the shelter the trail follows the shore of Fontana Lake. The trail had dropped down to about 2000¢ and the heat and humidity were a bit oppressive. The lake looked very inviting, but no easy access. I¢m hoping it cools off so I can sleep tonight. I met some hikers yesterday who said the Smokies were much cooler, down to the 50¢s at night. Looking forward that!Went into town to resupply and have a late lunch. When I got back Mile To Go was at the shelter. He is a LASH going from NOC to Damascus. Two people at the Hilton tonight!