morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2018-08-24
From: Stealth Campsite on Bemis Mountain Second Peak

To: Stealth Campsite .3 past view
Miles today: 15.4

DAY 171We didn't sleep too well due to the constant wind and the fact that what looked like a somewhat level spot was actually quite tipped. I did however finally try putting my spare clothing under my sleeping pad to try to level it out and it worked amazingly well. Unfortunately, I didn't come to this realization until about 5:30 in the morning. But, at least I will know to do this in the future should we have another unlevel site.After tea and a quick breakfast we started the somewhat steep descent. After fording Bemis Stream we started the climb up to Maine Route 17. The road affords a beautiful view, and their is actually a bench to sit on. We hiked on the ridge along Long Pond before finally coming to the East End which provided a sandy beach where we decided we would have our lunch and take a swim. There was a wooden "step structure?" that we thought we could sit on to enjoy our lunch. Unfortunately, the boards for the "seat" were not nailed down. Mary sat too far out on the end and soon found herself on the ground. After lunch we took a leisurely swim, and the water was not only refreshing but quite clean. It seems many hikers are concerned about swimming due to leeches, however we didn't see any here.Since we were trying to make more miles today, we hiked until The Little Swift River Pond Campsites and decided to stop there as we needed water and Mary needed to stretch. It was getting late, so we also decided to have dinner here as well. There was a large group of Harvard students camping here (Orientation?), as well as at least one thru-hiker. We were hoping to find a stealth site next to Chandler Mills Stream Pond, however when we arrived there was already someone set up with their hammock. The area was rooty and rocky along the trail, with little place to set up a tent. Using Guthooks, we decided to continue further along the trail to a spot mentioned in the comments. Guthooks mentioned a hammock spot with a view up ahead, and another poster said there were a few tent sites .3 past the view. Hiking with our headlamps, we finally came to a spot that looked suitable with the exception of a big, dead, birch tree nearby. I was able to push the dead tree over, thus feeling better about setting up our tent here. It was actually a nice soft, flat site. Hung the bear bag, brushed our teeth, and off to bed.
Date: 2018-08-25
From: Stealth Campsite .3 past view

To: Poplar Ridge Lean-to
Miles today: 11.5

DAY 172I woke up with a sore, scratchy throat this morning. I'm hoping it is nothing, maybe just need more fluids. We actually slept really well last night, the site was soft with pine needles. Packed up and headed toward route 4, we are low on fuel and hope to pick up a canister at the Hiker Hut which is only 3 tenths off the trail. Got to the road and saw "Carpenter" and another hiker trying to hitch into Rangeley for a resupply. Mary decided to hike on while I headed to the hostel to get the canister.The Hiker Hut seemed like a neat little place. It is off grid, they have a couple bunkhouses and offered a small resupply. The owner was sitting outside when I arrived and was quickly able to get me a canister, and I decided to pick up some Pop-tarts as well. The Hiker Hut has a "pet" chipmunk you can feed, and when I arrived the owner and another hiker were doing just that. As I headed back he offered to show me a trail from his place back to the AT that would cut off 3 tenths of the AT, or another trail that would eliminate most of the road walk. I chose to eliminate the road walk, but not skip any of the AT.Once I got back on trail I passed a family heading out to fish at Ethel Pond. Mary had stopped along the trail near Piazza Rock Lean-to to stretch, and I was thankful she did as we needed to get water. We filled up on water and started the climb toward Saddleback Mountain. As we hiked we played leap frog with a couple and their dog who were out for the day on the trail. Once we reached treeline on Saddleback Mountain we started a 2 1/2 mile section of trail that is totally exposed. The weather sunny and clear, and once we reached the summit we had amazing views. As we headed down we could look over and see some of the ski slopes.After Saddleback we made our way over to the Horn. The backside of the Horn has some real steep areas which brought out the tentative side of Mary. After the Horn is Saddleback Jr, which Mary commented "Saddleback Jr has a chip on its shoulder and has an attitude. It doesn't like being called Jr", and so it is very steep, going straight up at times. The sore throat I woke up with has gotten worse, and I seem to also have a low grade fever and no energy so I struggled to make it to the top of Saddleback Jr. More amazing views on both the Horn as well as Saddleback Jr. By the time we arrived at Poplar Ridge Lean-to the it was full and most of the tent sites were taken. We went back down the trail to a spot we had seen near the privy, and set up camp there. Not a great spot, the odor from the privy wafted over at times, but we were both so tired that didn't really matter. Another night of hanging the bear bag by headlamp after cooking a quick dinner. Off to bed, hoping to feel better tomorrow.
Date: 2018-08-27
From: South Branch Carrabassett River

To: ME 27 (Hostel of Maine)
Miles today: 8.4

DAY 174Tried to get up and moving early this morning so we could hopefully make the 1:30 shuttle, otherwise we will have to wait until the 4:30 shuttle or hitch in. We are both feeling lousy with our colds, an the tent is slightly wet from the light rain we had.Todays hike took us up and over South and North Crocker, a couple of 4,000 footers. Sadly not much for views today as the summits are mostly wooded. We did have some views early on heading up the rock slide on South Crocker. There is also a spur trail to views on the "proper summit" of South, but it was fairly foggy so we didn't see much there.We made good time on the Crockers and before we knew it we were at ME 27. Just prior to ME 27 we reached the 2,000 mile mark of the trail! Someone had commemorated it by constructing a stick 2,000 mile marker. There were several hikers sitting at the lot and some said "trail magic". We thought they were just joking, but there was actually a thru-hiker from last year (Trailien) set up further along in the parking lot. He and his mom (Trail Magic Momma) had flown to Maine from Minnesota just to do trail magic. There were cold drinks, snacks, chips and more. He also gave us each a coin which said "ups and downs" on it for luck.Justin, from the Hostel of Maine, arrived as we were finishing our cold drinks. We were the only two hikers being picked up on the 1:30 shuttle, and soon we were on our way. The Hostel of Maine is another new hostel on the trail. It was originally a bed and breakfast, and they have renovated it to include a couple of bunk rooms, but also still have several private rooms. There is a large common area, dining room, and kitchen. They also have an office area that is complete with resupply items. Justin and Melanie are continuing the trend of newer hostels that request you leave your gear outside and take a shower before getting settled in. We had a beautiful room on the second floor with two king beds and a private bathroom. We got our showers and put on our "loaner clothing" so we could get our laundry done.There is a restaurant near by, unfortunately it wasn't open today. We cooked a pizza that was available, and as luck would have it Justin is a beer enthusiast and had several local craft beers available for purchase. Mary & I each selected a beer to enjoy with our pizza. After we dried our tent outside, and Justin gave me a ride down to the store on his shuttle trip to grab a few items not available here. Mary stayed behind to try to get some rest and hopefully recover a little from her cold.Later in the evening, since the restaurant is closed, Justin does a takeout order from a restaurant in town. We each ordered their famous burger and fries, but by the time they got back most of the dinner was cold. It was still certainly better than eating dinner on the trail.Made sure we had everything from the resupply area, and headed to bed.
Date: 2018-08-31
From: Pleasant Pond Lean-to

To: Moxie Bald Mountain Lean-to
Miles today: 13.1

DAY 178It was cold this morning, and we were the last ones out of camp. The day started with a climb right up Pleasant Pond Mountain. As we climbed we could hear a sea plane, however, we never did see it. Prior to reaching the summit Mary had to stop to take off her fleece as it was warming up quickly. I went ahead to the summit where I also removed my fleece. We took a short break on the summit where we had some nice views.Mary wasn't feeling well at all, so it was slow going. We made our way down Pleasant Pond Mountain and soon were on our way up Moxie Bald Mountain. At the beaver bog we were hoping to see a moose. Although we weren't lucky enough to see a moose, we saw a beautiful coyote. I hoped to get its picture, however he quickly moved on. When we reached the summit of Moxie Bald we stopped so Mary could stretch and I started looking to see if I could find some blueberries. Several comments on Guthooks mentioned that there were plenty of blueberries on the summit. Not long after I started my search I came upon the mother load of blueberries, big, ripe, and delicious blueberries. We started picking and eating blueberries as fast as we could. Then, I decided maybe we could pick some to enjoy with our breakfast in the morning. I grabbed a ziplock bag from my pack and started filling it with berries. Mary mostly ate blueberries, but she did add a few handfuls to the bag. The berries were so ripe they nearly fell of the bush as you went to pick them.Mary sent out several texts as we had good service on the summit. Her sister April and mom mentioned that they could slack pack us from Shirley Blanchard Road to Route 15. We replied that we thought that would be great and we would text when we got closer to the road. Once we had our bag mostly full of berries, we decided it was time to move on.We made our way to Moxie Bald Mountain Lean-to, and when we arrived Chaco, Calves, and Crush were already there. They had a nice fire going in the fire pit. We grabbed a site down close to the pond, rumor has it there is a moose that comes down to the pond every morning. We are hoping to catch a glimpse of the moose in the morning. We cooked on the picnic table, which is a rarity in Maine as we have seen very few tables. As we cooked and ate we chatted with Chaco, Calves & Crush as well as Popeye who we met for the first time here tonight.Feels like it is going to be another cold one tonight, so we may be sleeping in our fleece and hats. Had to chase a brazen chipmunk away from our tent several times, hopefully he won't be a problem tonight. Off to bed.We added our second video to our journal today. A view from Moxie Bald Mountain.
Date: 2018-09-02
From: With Family

To: With Family
Miles today: 0.0

DAY 180It was nice to be in a real bed last night, and to be able to enjoy a cup of tea and breakfast by just heading downstairs.Today was about resupply, relaxing, working on our journal and getting in a game of scrabble.Our nephew Chase made a comment at one point that really gave us a good laugh. We were describing some of the food eaten by other hikers, and we mentioned how one hiker had a tortilla on which he spread peanut butter, added gummy bears and finally crunched a granola bar on top. Chase said "That's tortilla abuse". Nice day in Maine with family.
Date: 2018-09-03
From: Maine 15

To: Wilson Valley Lean-to
Miles today: 10.4

DAY 181April had us back on the trail a little before 9:00 am. Just as we arrived at the trailhead we saw Crush was there getting ready to head into the "100 mile wilderness". We chatted with Crush for a bit and then he headed down the trail, we followed not too long after. We hadn't made it very far down the trail before Chaco and Calves went by us.Hot and humid, and Mary was still lacking energy due to her cold. She actually had to stop at one point to take a quick nap. Another time she got a little over heated and "woozly" and had to take her pack off and have a snack. Thankfully our packs were not as heavy as they could be as Mary's mom (Beverly) and April will be resupplying us twice as we make our way through the wilderness. We passed several ponds on the way into Little Wilson Falls. We decided to have lunch at the top of the falls. As we were having lunch Shaggy and Maggie went by. After lunch we took a little time to soak our feet at the bottom of the falls.We were moving slowly today, and miles were hard to come by. After we forded Big Wilson Stream we decided we were not going to be able to do as many miles as we hoped. Once we reached Wilson Valley Lean-to we decided to call it a day. Shaggy and Maggie struggled today also and were already at the shelter along with a couple of section hikers.We found an acceptable spot up on the hill behind the shelter and set up our tent. We were warned that there was an aggressive chipmunk, and it was true. As soon as we began setting up the chipmunk was right there investigating what we had. We cooked dinner with the other hikers at the shelter before hanging our bear bag and retreating to our tent for the evening. Hopefully our energy will return tomorrow as we are on a schedule based on our first resupply at Katahdin Iron Works Road.
Date: 2018-09-04
From: Wilson Valley Lean-to

To: Stealth Campsite .3 past trail to West Chairback Pond
Miles today: 14.2

DAY 182Not sure if it was the aggressive chipmunk, but something managed to climb down the bear bag rope and chew a hole in one of our food bags. The only food casualty was a package of peanut butter crackers.Up and moving pretty early hoping to get in some good miles to make up for yesterday. Quick breakfast with a cup of hot tea and we were off. We leapfrogged with other hikers from the shelter as we made our way along the trail. The footing on the trail today wasn't great, but we did go by Slugundy Falls which has a nice swimming hole at the base. Too cool to swim this morning and we still had to get over Barren Slide, Barren Ledges, Barren Mountain and then the Chairbacks. We stopped at the remnants of the fire tower on Barren Mountain to have lunch and stretch. Mary caught a quick nap as she is still feeling the effects of her lingering cold. When we arrived there were two hikers already near the tower, one was thru-hiking, the other was her sister-in-law who was out to join her for the 100 mile wilderness. I think she may be regretting her decision as she seems to be suffering. Just as we were getting ready to leave a hiker who was at the shelter arrived. We chatted with her for a bit and found out she is an AMC guide currently working at one of the Maine AMC lodges.We headed down into Fourth Mountain Alpine Bog where we walked along the bog bridges and got a chance to see the many rare pitcher plants that grow along the trail. I stopped to take several photos, and pointed out the plants to another hiker (can't remember her name). She saw me taking photos and thought I was using an app on my phone (plant snap) to identify the plants.We hoped to make it to Chairback Gap Lean-to, however, after going over Fourth Mountain, Mount Three and a Half, and Third Mountain, Mary was ready to be done. Her lingering cold is really taking a toll, and she can't make the miles we had hoped to make. Near Monument Cliff on Third Mountain we passed the 2,100 mile mark, less than 100 miles to go! We stopped at a stream to get water and then made our way down to a stealth campsite at the base of Columbus Mountain. We found a nice, soft, flat, pine needle covered spot and set up our tent. We had dinner and hung our bear bag by headlamp.As we lay in our tent planning tomorrow's hike, we heard voices. We never saw a headlamp, but someone must have been night hiking and listening to a podcast. We need to be up early tomorrow as we are meeting Mary's mom at Katahdin Ironworks Road at 9:00 am. We fell a couple miles short today, so that means an earlier start as we have an extra 2 miles to get done in the morning.
Date: 2018-03-04
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I've been asked: Why do you want to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail? I have also read that you should document your reasons before departing so you can reflect on them when you face challenges or get discouraged. So here, in no particular order, are some of the many reasons for this adventure.Peace of mind. From an early age I have found the woods to be a tranquil place where I feel at peace. No matter what the conditions rain, wind, snow, cold or heat. I enjoy the spiritual nature of the great outdoors.Adventure. I like to face new challenges and situations and learn how to adapt and overcome them. It feels fantastic to witness sights and experience far off places that very few people have the opportunity, capability and perseverance to see.Challenge. I have been fortunate to experience some great challenges in my career and personal life and its always exciting and rewarding. This is certainly a major challenge, walking 2190 miles with everything I need to survive on my back. This is the equivalent of 86 marathons, a noteworthy challenge. It will be energizing to meet this challenge. Perseverance. My wife and I always told our kids they could do anything they put their minds to, this is my opportunity to lead by example.Purpose. I have taken a bit of a sabbatical since I retired. While I certainly have enjoyed my time off this has given me a real sense of purpose. It has been all consuming in a way but I have enjoyed every minute.
Date: 2018-03-04
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Reading and watching YouTube. I have spent countless mornings waking up at 4 am to read Trail Journal updates and watch YouTube videos about the AT. I have also read numerous books on the subject. It's probably too difficult to list the books. However, I do want to thank some of the people here on Trail Journals and on YouTube who have inspired me and taught me a great deal about how to prepare for a long distance hike. To name a few of my favorites (in no particular order)....2015-3D, Airlock; 2016-Teodactyle, El Tajano, Subman & Suds, Bombaldi, Blue, Rabbit, Slipnot, Northstar, Hooshr & Forrest and Coach; 2017 Ghosthiker, Mrs. Joy, Phoenix, Scout and GI Joe; 2018-Mighty Blue (pod cast) Vagabond Jack and Opa. From YouTube-Redbeard, Dixie, Wired, Darwin on the Trail, Early Riser and Bigfoot. Thanks to all of you for your help and encouragement.Shopping for gear. I made countless trips to REI, spent hours on Amazon and researching boutique sites like Zpacks, and made trips to my local outfitter of choice-RRT. I researched, read reviews, tested, weighed and customized gear. I hope I have made good choices that will help me enjoy the experience. Practice hikes and gym time. I started with practice hikes two years ago. I started carrying my actual gear a 3-4 times a week a few months ago. I purposely tried to test myself in all of the conditions I will experience on the trail. I logged a fair amount of gym time too to work on my core fitness and my stamina. I hope it was enough!
Date: 2018-03-06
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Day 1 & 2 The Journey to GA My journey began with the drive to Amicalola Falls State Park in northern Georgia.  My wife and I decided to stop in Gatlinburg, Tennessee on our way to the southern starting point of the AT as we had honeymooned at the  Smokey Mountain National Park several years ago.  We enjoyed a nice leisurely drive through the park. After a while we decided to return to the hotel and go out for dinner as we knew we would be driving through the park the again next day on the way to Amicalola Falls.  Much to our surprise we rose the next morning to find snow on the ground and the Smokey Mountain Parkway closed due or snow and ice on the mountains.  We adjusted our route and arrived later that day at the Amicalola Visitor Center.  I checked in with the ranger.  He signed me in, gave me a hiker number, a tutorial on what to expect on the trail, how to stay safe, and the equipment that he expected me to have in my pack.  It was a fairly through overview.  Next we proceeded outside to take the traditional pictures at the start of the AT approach trail under the archway.  Walking toward us on the trail was the first person we met, ¢Sub Man.¢  (An eight time through hiker of the trail). I have read a lot about him in the trail journals.  He gave me some good words of support on starting my hike and wished me well.  This was a bit of serendipity.  At the suggestion of the ranger we drove to the top of the mountain and checked in at the lodge.  Then we decided to hike the 600+ steps of the approach trail that is along the falls to get them out of the way before the next day.  We walked the side trail back down the mountain to the start of the approach trail.  The experience was a taste of what was yet to come. When we started up the 600+ step staircase we realized that my wife had dropped her glasses on the way down the mountain. We reversed course and went back up the side trail. Fortunately we found the glasses but they were 3/4 of the way back up the mountain trail. We were really fortunate to find the glasses in good shape and like new.  It was a rigorous hike that left us both a bit surprised.  The stairs would have to wait for the next day.  We had had a wonderful time that left me questioning my sanity in walking the trail for the next 6 months.
Date: 2018-03-08
From: Approach Trail + Springer Mountain

To: Springer to Stover Shelter
Miles today: 2.8

As many of you know there are two ways to get to Springer Mountain, the official start of the Appalachian Trail, from the southern terminus.  The traditional way is to take the 8.8 mile approach trail from Amicalola Falls State Park.  Tradition is that you hike a 600+ step staircase beside a magnificent waterfall.  This trail then proceeds up hill most of the way to Springer Mountain.  There is an alternative approach route which is to drive in on a forestry service trail and then hike one mile back down to the start at Springer Mountain. Viewpoints differ on if you should strain yourself before the official beginning of the trail or if you can¢t do the approach trail then how would you ever be able to hike the 2190 mile trail.  I chose to take the approach trail from Amicalola Falls.  Ultimately I am glad I did.  On the way up, I met John who I read about here on ¢Trail Journals¢ and his longtime friend the 18 year old nephew who courageously decided to join the hike only 2 weeks ahead of time.  We had a good time hiking Springer together and reached the sign and official registry.  Of course we took pictures of this.
Date: 2018-03-11
From: Jarrad Gap

To: Neel Gap
Miles today: 4.5

Rough weather. We hiked over Blood Mountain which was very rugged. This was a tough combination, rough weather and rugged terrain.Neel Gap is the first restock stop on the trail and the location that 25% of the hikers decide that the trail is not for them. There is a tree loaded with hiking shoes on the branches that people have thrown up in the tree when they give up the trail. A requirement in this area of the trail is that you must have a hard-shell bear resistant canister for overnight hiking between Jarrard Gap and Neel Gap even with the safe practice of hanging your food and anything in a tree for your safety.I will get off the trail at Neel Gap to stock up on food and regroup. Will go to Blairsville to stay in warmth for a night. I will continue the trail.