morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2021-04-14
From: Amicalola Falls State Park

To: Springer Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 9.0

Upon arriving to Amicalola, I was ultimately lost. New state, new place, Christ, I had barely even looked at the map of the park before coming here. I knew there was an arch, a waterfall and well... that's about it. My shuttle driver showed me around. He showed me the arch and where to register with the ATC. Upon his departure, I still didnt know how to process exactly what in the hell I was doing. I'm taking six months off of my life to live in the woods and walk? Alright, fine with me.I walked up to the ridge runner, registered, and then let him ask me questions. Some of them were outright bogus like; have you set up your tent? Are you carrying water? I guess he must've had some people totally unprepared in the past or ran across some who thought they could hike 2,000 miles with just the skin on their backs. I mean I was clueless, but who knows? Could've been worse.After the "lesson", I walked back over to the arch and started to just take off my jacket, get water, and get comfortable. As I was focused on my pack and getting things in and out without altering the so "perfect" stacking system I had worked out the night prior to leaving, some guy just started talking to me. His name was Tom and he was dressed in all camouflage and was making comments on how my pack was so light and how he was carrying all this extra stuff. All I knew right then and there is that I was probably a little bit better off than most with my pack weight. After a lengthy talk, I headed up the East Ridge Trail and immediately realized how hard this trail was going to be. All those people who just think it's a "walk in the woods" are only slightly correct. At the top of the falls, I used what would be my last source of true running water. I took a photo of the falls and was on my way. Eventually I got to a clearing point and was in dire need of a break. I set down my pack and felt instant relief on my shoulders. Upon sitting alone with my oatmeal packets for a few minutes, I was joined by a crowd of six or so hikers. They were all friends or relatives from Michigan or the surrounding area and were hiking the trail together. There were too many names to remember, but I'm sure I can remember their faces. We carried on casual conversation and one of them decided to start talking about what they called "brown incidents" and how some marathon runners will poop themselves in order to shave seconds off their finish time. Was this trail the same? Are people that desperate to get to Maine? That was quite the first encounter with my fellow hikers.I continued about the rest of the day alone and made it to Springer in the midst of a light drizzle that would turn into a rain storm at night. For a starting point of a long distance trail, Springer was anticlimactic at least. But the view didn't matter, it was the feeling of accomplishment I got just for being there. To see the plaque etched in the rocks at the summit and to think of those who had passed through here before was something like no other. It was the true start to a journey to follow in the coming months.
Date: 2021-04-16
From: Justus Creek

To: Lance Creek
Miles today: 9.7

After the first pleasant rest with a flat, near perfect campsite, I was ready to go. Only one issue, the next section requires a "bear can" or a hard shelled bear canister, something I did not have. This led to me taking a slow day, even though I could have definitely pushed on. That first 15 miles the day prior did not phase me (well not yet). I knew I had to pace myself at some point as I didn't want to burn out or get injured by going too quick, so I guess this was beneficial.I continued on with the day and had near perfect weather and possibly the best I'd seen in months! I was so over Maine winters and this was nice for a change.The man from New Hampshire who I was hiking with yesterday began to outpace me and we slowly went our separate ways for the first few hours, but would continue to meet along the next day or so. That's the way it goes on trail.I continued on the day alone, but not for long until I met up with a somewhat familiar face from yesterday. This man turned out to be one that I met at the crossing with trail magic. Turns out his name is Spokes and I started to get to know him better. He told me a little bit about his past and how when he was really young, his first experience of hiking was wearing all cotton and walking alongside the freeway. Sounds like a fun time.I ended the day earlier than usual, but fine with me. I got another good campsite with an easy trail to a good stream. It was just difficult to chill out for awhile and not be moving, especially after yesterday. Either I have to slow my role, or just hike on miles. Here's to all that's to come.
Date: 2021-04-17
From: Lance Creek

To: Baggs Creek Gap
Miles today: 11.5

I awoke this morning with a light sprinkle falling on my tent, no puddles this time though. Guess I'm really getting this whole tenting thing down. Regardless, I wanted to be out and moving. Every morning feels so much colder than it actually is and hiking really warms you up. Needless to say, I'm up early whenever I can be. I put away my tent as fast as humanely possible and headed up the trail.Eventually, I met back up with Spokes, and we both went up Blood Mountain together. Let me tell you, the elevation chart for it makes Blood Mountain seem more steep than it actually is. The going up was the easy part, going down was another. Upon reaching the summit of Blood Mountain, I was greeted by a massive shelter, probably the biggest one on trail so far. It was made out of stone bricks and was just like no other. It felt more like a building than the other ones along the trail. I was also able to witness the clearing weather and was shortly greeted by partly sunny skies and an incredible unobstructed view.Going down, was the difficult part. The trail was filled with steep descents for a little bit and then eventually mostly rocks. We went a ways down the steep rocks only to figure out that we were no longer on the trail (thanks for that sign on the tree!!!). It was quite the ways back up those rocks and was kind of an eye opening to the idea of you need to pay attention more. Who would've known? 2,000+ miles in the deep woods and you need to be aware? Crazy.Eventually we made it down Blood Mountain and made it to Mountain Crossings. They had TRASH CANS, who knew that eventually something so basic as a place to throw things out would be considered a luxury. I stopped and just took in the views. This little building on the highway was the closest thing to civilization in the past few days. When at the store, I took my time to call who I could and eventually went inside the store. Inside the store it was just so insane to me. There were options upon options. After a few days of eating cold soaked ramen noodles and oatmeal, everything in there sounded good. I took some weird flavored cliff bars, date bars, spam, and almost anything that looked even slightly appetizing (truth is... it all did). I probably got too much for the next few days, but it was worth it. Spirits were high and I was ready to head down the trail.We ended up spending the night at small campsite instead of pushing on another 5 or so miles to the next shelter. I thoughts be quiet but we had maybe 7-10 more people join us and it was kind of cool. We all sat around a little fire pit and began to get to know each other. I've met so many people so far and it's hard to remember names, but people somehow always find a way to leave a lasting impression.Heard some snoring in the night, it didn't bother me much but some people were, let's say "mad" more than others. It's just something you have to deal with, no use in complaining. Overall it was another good night and onto the next one.
Date: 2021-04-18
From: Baggs Creek Gap

To: Blue Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Had one hell of a night at the campsite last night. Was a very social group and I feel as if I'm starting to maybe come out of my shell or so. People are all friendly here and I find myself tending to remember faces more than names. The campsite was more crowded than usual and a few people were snoring throughout the night, but it's just something you have to get used to. A few other people also there had expressed their feelings about the night before but still, if you're around people it's gonna happen. The plan today was to push almost 15 again today. Big miles but I was feeling good. The good thing about today was the trail was relatively flat and easy, not too many steep ascents or descents. The day flew by.We stopped for lunch at Low Gap Shelter and I had my first taste at a Mountian House meal. I cold soaked it, just because it's quick and easy and I gotta say it was pretty good. Thank you Spokes!! I had been having trouble getting myself into eating enough each day and I was starting to feel a little fatigued. Eating after a long, hard day is just too much work out here.Today, I also saw my first snake. I had never seen one in real life or even that big. I was told it was harmless but man, I don't know. It looked pretty sketchy.The trail for the rest of the day continued on smooth and easy and even featured stone brick "walls" on the side of the trail. Maybe it used to be a road of some sort? Who knows.Was a good day and an easy 15, here's onto the next.
Date: 2021-04-24
From: Long Branch Shelter

To: Rock Gap
Miles today: 3.5

Due to the forecast for the next day and a half, we decided to catch a shuttle to town and do 3 miles into Rock Gap. In the morning, the trail was so foggy you could barely see three feet ahead of you. It was cool but at the same time miserable because of the pouring rain. At the Rock Gap trailhead, I saw Spokes for the first time since Hiawassee. We caught up for the first time in a few days and he was going to the same exact place as I was, crazy. Guess you can't get too far away from the same people.Our shuttle driver was super nice and even gave us a tour of Franklin and showed us all the good local spots and which places were best to stay at. He even gave us donuts in the morning. Shoutout to Bobby The Greek! I had my first meal at Hardee's as I had never heard of it before, must be a southern only chain. It was decent for a $4 breakfast. Just enough to get through the morning.We ended up staying that night at the Sapphire Inn. It was a nice small motel which was only $60 a night. We split the cost. The room was way nicer than the Budget Inn from a few nights ago.My day consisted of eating a pint of ice cream, loading up on junk food and going to Hardee's once again in the morning. A good NERO every once in awhile is a good morale booster and this one was needed.I'll have to face the rain again at some point, but not today. Here's onto tomorrow.
Date: 2021-04-25
From: Rock Gap

To: Wayah Shelter
Miles today: 14.7

After a NERO in Franklin; Shootah and I planned do big miles once again. The weather was near perfect and the skies were sunny as we headed out onto the trail. The day before, it was just miserable. Pouring rain and fog so thick you couldn't see five feet in front of you. We got a ride to Rock Gap, (where we left off yesterday) from Bobby once again. He came in clutch and gave us some sausage and cheese McMuffins. I'll take any "real" food I can get at this point, no matter what it is. If you're looking for a shuttle in that area, definitely go with him, he was the best!!Upon arriving back onto the trail with some free food, we were then stopped by another guy. He was handing out trail magic early and was saying how no one had been passing by where he had been set up the past few days. I got a hot dog with mustard and ketchup, previously unheard of at 9AM on a Sunday but when you're hiking, you'll take it.We headed up the trail with full stomachs and went through Winding Stair Gap. It was very easy terrain compared to Albert Mountain from the night before. Smooth dirt felt like a saving grace when compared to the last quarter mile of Albert's summit.It was all easy street until we got closer to Wayah Bald. The trail became much more steep. This climb felt like it went on forever and the passing of cars on the way up did not help whatsoever. Probably should've taken the road... Eventually, we made it to the top only to be told we missed trail magic! Twizzlers and cereal. We had already got it once that day, no need to be too greedy. At the top of Wayah, it was 5,342ft and had a big stone lookout tower on top. It had been restored in the mid 80's and had stood there ever since. It had been just over two days and two fire towers, if never gets old. Eventually we ended the day at Wayah shelter and I decided to sleep in the shelter again. All of the tent sites were on a slope and I didn't have too much energy left.
Date: 2021-04-26
From: Wayah Bald Shelter

To: Rufus Morgan Shelter
Miles today: 15.5

Last nights shelter conversation was quite the interesting one. This was the second night I had slept in a shelter and this one was pleasant as well. I was kind of skeptical about those who usually do stay in shelters as so far, it's been the loud party type. But, tonight's group was pretty good. It was relatively silent until two of the other hikers began talking about music. They were having trouble remembering the name to a song and were saying the lyrics out loud and I chimed in with the title and immediately we started to click. We exchanged playlists and talked music for awhile. Conversation went on for hours and we began to talk about food (typical hikers). One guy who was an alpaca farmer from Pennsylvania began to talk about his food and had casually mentioned he was carrying a 2lb bag of peanuts. Insane. His pack weight was also 53lbs, and I don't know how he does it. Eventually, we got to a point where we talked about bad food experiences on the trail so far. I mentioned how my second day on trail I had to drink my coldsoaked ramen water that had lemon pepper tuna juice in it. That was probably the grossest thing I've ever eaten in my LIFE. We all went to bed around 8:00 and shortly before were asked if we wanted goodnight kisses and a bedtime story from Scott, one guy who was staying in the shelter. Makes you feel at home, right?? >span class="s1">Eventually we reached Rufus Morgan Shelter and set up camp. The shelter tonight had mice holes dug around it and did not look too good. No thanks, I'll stick with my tent for tonight. Water was right by our tents and we were rejoined with the group from last night. The night ended with us all cooking dinner and once again talking about our cooking methods and I found a fellow cold soaker. Tonight's entertainment was watching people fail miserbaly at hanging their bear bags and getting the rock sack over a tree branch. It's all a learning experience. Overall today was a tough and good day, just like the last and we will be heading into the NOC tomorrow. Cannot wait to resupply with too much food and hopefully a good meal for once. Here's onto the next section...
Date: 2022-10-14
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I know I haven't been the best with trail journals, but in retrospect I wish I would've posted on this more throughout my journey. instead, i focused more on entries in actual trail journals at many of the shelters along the trail. If you wish to see my angsty ramblings, thoughts and escapades, look for entries by "juice". You'll probably notice them right away as they stick out like a sore thumb. My entries were often really long compared to others. If anyone reads this and sees any of my entries on trail, I would love it if you sent them to me. I didn't take many photos of them and they truly captured how I was feeling and it would be cool to read them now post trail. If you need my email, post on my guest book or reach me on Instagram!!I wish I could be here updating what bits and memories I have on trail but upon reaching Monson, I lost my phone in Hebron Pond after taking a zero in town. Was one of the least fun zeroes I had all trail, but in the end you live and learn. As corny as it is, "the trail giveth and the trail taketh away". I'd had many ups as well as downs on trail. Good fortunes, bad fortunes, and plain confusing ones too. Anyways, if you wish to see what transpired on my hike past early May (when I stopped updating), you can check out my Instagram @logan.laliberteAnyways, enough about that. Here's my final journal entry, written on the morning of which I headed into Baxter. Yeah, hiking sucks but the people that hike this sh** are some of the greatest people I've ever met. Through the highs, lows, and the angst I've expressed in these logbooks, the past six months have been so special. I haven't come away with a meaning for life, a true purpose, or a sudden longing for something, BUT, I've realized what's important. I love you all and am so f****** hyped we made it. To all of those I've hiked with, caught me on good days where I was bouncing off the walls, or on the lesser days where I could snooze on a rock for an hour, thank you for everything. As a friend "Trippy Hippy" said, "THERE ARE NO BAD DAYS!""it ain't the leaving that's grieving me, but my true love that's bound to stay behind"- juice
Date: 2021-01-06
To: Springer Mnt Parking Lot
Miles today: 1.0
Weather: broken clouds

So we decided to start the AT hike via day hikes. Our original plan was to start training and then officially start on 3/19. After Suzanne's mom's memorial.Last year when we were training, we started to get discouraged by hiking so many uncounted wasted miles. While this year is TOTALLY different and we can't start the hike yet, due to the admin stuff for Suzanne's Mom's estate, we are starting and doing a few day hikes each week. Since we live so close to the trail, we wanted to make our training miles count this year!Our hike up to Springer Summit was a chilly one. When we got to the summit, we had it all to yourself. We were able to put some of Suzanne's mom's ashes on a pine cone and left it in a tree so she could keep track of everyone coming and going. Suz's plan is to carry a small vessel of her mom's ashes, and release them at Katahdin when we summit. We will need her and all our elders guidance for this long journey!
Date: 2021-01-09
To: Three Forks
Miles today: 4.3
Weather: overcast clouds

We grabbed Simon and drove 30 minutes down forest service road 58 to the Three Forks area. Usually this area is packed with cars but not as much on cold January day.Turns out to be a 6.6 mile day as we hike from Three Forks south to Springer Mountain parking lot. What a great day. We didn't realize how much snow was on the ground at higher elevation. As we climbed higher the snow kept getting deeper! It made this 6.6 mile hike from 3 Forks, to springer Mountain parking, and back to 3 Forks truly mystical. Everything so quite and pure as all our breaths become a misty cloud from the 29 degree temps!
Date: 2021-01-12
To: Mile 7,
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: mist

Hiked from Three Forks to mile 7 on AT. Again, we had the trail to ourselves. Starting out at Three Forks, there was a little snow on the ground. By the time we got to Hickory Flats Cemetery, everything was covered in snow. Very pretty. Temp was 31 degrees. When we were hiking back to Three Forks, an Army ranger snuck up on us and scared the bageezies out of Suzanne °!We had lite packs, gear working well, but still need to figure out our glove system. Hands still getting cold in colder weather.
Date: 2021-01-14
To: Mile 9.5
Miles today: 2.5
Weather: clear sky

Today we parked at Hightower Gap, hiked south to Mile Marker 7, then back through Hightower gap another mile up to to mile 9.5. Yes, a bit of out and back on both sides of our starting place today, but touching every mark on the trail. When hiking south to mile marker 7, we were looking for the line across the trail and snow we had left 2 days before. The weather was warmer, but not all the snow had melted, so we could still see our line in the snow and on the trail. We hiked past Hawk Mnt Camping and Shelter, both excellent camping locations. Another day of Blue Sky's and great views. Today we were also lucky to have Buckeyes to snack on thanks to our sister-in-law. Yummy!
Date: 2021-01-16
To: 12.1
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Today was a cold hike, but we got to Hike with Jen and Lucky. We met up with them and drove to Cooper Gap together. This was one of Jen's first hikes on the AT. Snow was gently coming down, hands still get cold, even though we had our mittens on. Still not prepared for rain and cold, need to figure that issue out still. We hiked back to mile 9.5, then came back north. This required us to go over Sassafras twice. Very challenging summit 3,347' high. Cindy prepared hot mocha for us to share at the top. Great day with friends.
Date: 2021-01-18
To: Gooch Gap
Miles today: 4.8
Weather: broken clouds

Great day to hike, Simon, Suzanne and I started at about 11:30. We drove out to Gooch Gap, dropped the Explorer Off, then drove south to Cooper Gap to drop the Jeep off and started our hike north. For some reason the Garmin didn't start tracking from the start, we restarted it at lunch and it began tracking correctly. Not sure what the issue was there, a learning curve probably. Temp in low 40's but wind was blowing and we were cold. The sky was blue and after we got on the other side of the Mnt, it warmed up. By the time we ended the hike, we had taken our rain jackets off and just had 2 layers on. Saw 4 other groups out on the trail, all day hikers, one other person with a pack, but he was day hiking also. Halfway through the hike we stopped for a quick snack. SImon had his snack's also, but he says more is better. We hiked past Gooch Shelter, which was kinda cool. Last year, we stayed the night there and there must have been 50+ hikers, far cry from the peacefulness of today's hike.
Date: 2021-01-21
To: Woody Gap
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: overcast clouds

We hike south today. Very foggy, but eventually burned off. Suzanne tried her new Altra hiking shoes for the first time. Seemed to do good. Only saw one other person on the trail going North. Great local hike for novice hiker. We had tea at the top of Ramrock Mountain. No view today due to fog.
Date: 2021-01-22
To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 31.3
Weather: overcast clouds

We had a great hike. 37 degrees outside, but boy that wind! Jen and Lucky were with us. We found this weird side trail about 200 yards off the AT where we could leave our car. We hiked North heading towards Blood Mnt. Didn't realize that it is a 4.2 mile hike 2 Blood Mnt, 1 mile up, then 1 mile down. Saw some familiar sights from last years trip. The weather was clear at the top of the mnt. We had lunch in the shelter. I made chicken soup, Jen made granola, Suzanne brought a Reese's Peanut Butter cup. There was ice on the ground just before we came to the summit. Honestly speaking (or writing) we were nervous on the ice. On the other side of the summit it was clear and dry. Doggies did great! Made it down the Mnt with only 1 fall between the 3 of us. Blood Mnt, is officially behind us.
Date: 2021-01-26
To: Hog Pen
Miles today: 38.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Started from Neels gap at about 9:15 AM. We had left the Jeep at Hog Pen on Sunday. As we get further away from our cabin the logistics of dropping off our vehicles become more challenging! Our morning out of Neels was crystal clear with not a cloud in the sky! Winter hiking has its perks as the views are more plentiful without all the leaves on the trees yet. Quickly, within a mile climb we stopped to shed our layers and as the day went on we even removed the bottom half our hiking pants..Yay! The vista's were endless, as far as the eye could see. Simon just loves the trail and is ALWAYS the pack leader! Circling back to make sure is pack is in tack as I huff and puff up the mountain! We ended the hike at Hog Pen and let me tell you that straight climb out of Tesnatee Gap pushes your heart, lungs, and legs to the maximum and lets you know you're ALIVE!!!