morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2018-08-29
From: Sand Beach (North Shore), Lower Jo-Mary Lake/Mile 2140.9

To: Rainbow Stream Lean-to/Mile 2160.8
Miles today: 19.9
Weather: clear sky

This was a day to remind thru-hikers that the 100 mile wilderness is not flat. Immediately after leaving our beach camp we had a modest, but sweat-inducing steep climb and descent. We filtered water at the next shelter and headed on. The elevation profile suggested a relatively flat hiking day with the initial short climb, the last ¢ mountain¢ (Nesuntabunt ) before Katahdin, and a gradual climb up to the lean-to.Early we were faced mostly by rocks and roots in a severe sense. It was incredibly time consuming, irritating, and tiring  - hence, frustrating, to pick your feet up to go over roots and rocks. We had planned a big day (for us) of 20 miles and the trail being covered with roots and rocks put our mileage objective at risk. We pressed forward, with some intermediate breaks, and reached the lean-to right before Nesuntabunt Mountain right at noon. Despite the tiring and frustrating hiking, we had covered 12 miles by lunch.Gbolt and I were both feeling fatigued from the morning¢s efforts. We rested and had lunch. We saw Gregory and Firefly a few times. We then headed up Nesuntabunt Mountain ¢ it was steep and challenging, mostly in comparison to the surrounding terrain. The day was warm and we sweated profusely making the ascent. We visited with some day hikers at the view of Katahdin atop Nesuntabunt.The rest of the day was a slog. We were tired and the hiking was challenging. Not only were there excessive rocks and roots to manage, but the trail had many ¢mini¢ climbs and descents around some ponds and on the trail to the lean-to. We needed to put in the 20 miles so we pressed on even though we were tired.  Thunderstorms threatened. We pressed hard despite our fatigue ¢ one to complete the miles and to try and beat the thunderstorm.We finally arrived, exhausted. No one was at the lean-to. Thunder was being heard, cool air was being felt, and skies were darkening. We setup our tent/hammock quickly, went down to the shelter, filtered water and started dinner. Before dinner was ready, the storm hit ¢ lightening and thunder very close and hard rain. We sat in the shelter and finished, by which time the storm had passed. Getting dark, we retired. BHMHow to follow RTK:Blog:  http://www.rtkchallenge.com/bl...YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channe...Podcast:  http://returningtokatahdin.lib...Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/rtk_...Please consider joining the "RTK AT Challenge":  https://fundraise.appalachiant...
Date: 2018-08-30
From: Rainbow Stream Lean-to/Mile 2160.8

To: Abol Bridge Campground/Mile 2175.8
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: few clouds

The day started overcast, but cleared as the day progressed. It was clearly cooler than past few days and we had a breeze making it seem like a fall day.The day¢s hike was scheduled to end at Abol Bridge, just after the southern end of the 100 mile wilderness. Unfortunately we had a day of mostly walking through roots. The elevation changes were minimal, but we had a couple of reasonable climbs ¢ one early and one at the end of the day.Abol Bridge.View of Katahdin.Fix sleeping pad. Call Cheryl DinnerPrepare for Birches (Lotus and Ibex)BHMHow to follow RTK:Blog:  http://www.rtkchallenge.com/bl...YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channe...Podcast:  http://returningtokatahdin.lib...Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/rtk_...Please consider joining the "RTK AT Challenge":  https://fundraise.appalachiant...
Date: 2018-08-31
From: Abol Bridge Campground/Mile 2175.8

To: The Birches Campsite/Mile 2185.7
Miles today: 9.9

This was one of the most pleasant days, if not THE most pleasant day, on the trail since Springer Mountain. The weather was a perfect 70 degrees. The sky was crisp and clear with a perfect amount of fair weather clouds decorating the sky.We left Abol Bridge after a breakfast of eggs, pancakes, sausage, coffee, etc. with Lotus and Ibex. The trail in Baxter State Park was smooth and flat and beautiful. The trail followed a few streams and a river. The views were magnificent, especially of the water running over the rocks and the falls (Big & Little Niagara) and cascades, etc.My pack was so comfortable I barely noticed the weight. Gbolt and I were clearly excited, but also grateful for both the weather and the blessings required to get us here safely. With great, easily graded trail, wonderful sights, perfect weather, and the anticipation of Katahdin and completion of the hike, there was clearly unusual energy in our step.Before we arrived at Katahdin Stream Campground (and the Birches campsite) to register we had lunch sitting on boulders overlooking Dacey Pond.We registered, filtered water, and setup at The Birches. We had dinner with Lotus and Ibex and got ready for bed and our next day ¢ meet Cheryl and climb Mt. Katahdin. Thankfully, the forecast is for ¢mostly sunny.¢BHMHow to follow RTK:Blog:  http://www.rtkchallenge.com/bl...YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channe...Podcast:  http://returningtokatahdin.lib...Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/rtk_...Please consider joining the "RTK AT Challenge":  https://fundraise.appalachiant...
Date: 2018-05-12
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Saturday, May 12 Minister CreekBrain and I got to the parking lot at 11:20 Friday and set up our tents just as it started to rain. We made it 6 miles by 12 and stopped for lunch. By 1 it started raining as we headed out for another 6 miles. Was the worst rain that I have ever camped or hiked in.Best wishesTom
Date: 2018-05-27
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

We leave for the trail this Thursday, May 31 at 7 pm. Over the last few weeks, Brian and I have done work up hikes and have gotten our gear together. We are starting at the Amicalola Falls approach trail and hiking to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The section hike will be about 220 miles and take us about 3 weeks to compete. I want to thank everyone for the help and support that they have given us! I will try to post every day and keep everyone updated throughout the journey!Best wishes Tom
Date: 2018-05-31
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

So this is it. After months of getting ready Brain and I are on the way to the trailhead. I wish I could say the bus ride was enjoyable but sadly it is not. Only about 12 more hours until we reach Atlanta! The feelings are bittersweet knowing that I¢m leaving my family behind for 3 weeks. But the amount of excitement that I have for what is on the horizon is unexplainable. I am thankful for the love and support my family and friends have given me over the last few weeks. As I sit writing this watching the sunset through a window, that doesn¢t seem to have been cleaned since the bus was made, I realized just how lucky I really am. Hopefully, I¢ll sleep well tonight.Best wishes Tom
Date: 2018-06-01
From: Amicalola Falls State Park

To: Springer Mountain 
Miles today: 9.0

After getting off the bus at 10:40, we found another hiker who was also being driven by Ron. His name is Nick. During the drive to the park, Ron went over some of the problem areas and made sure we had everything we needed. After being dropped off and filling our water bottles we started on the trail! The waterfall was out of this world. The only shortcoming was having to climb the tallest waterfall east of the Mississippi. The day was great and we only had about 2 hours of hiking in the rain. I had a great day and I believe the others did too! Hope everyone likes the pictures! Best wishesTom
Date: 2018-06-02
From: Springer Mountain 

To: Hawk Mountain campsite 
Miles today: 7.4

We started hiking around 11 after having a nice relaxing morning. We made it to three forks for lunch at 1 and then went to another water fall. After taking about 45 minuets enjoying the cold water and letting our shoes dry out, we headed to hawk mountain and had camp set up by 4:30. Overall it was a great day and everything got a chance to dry out from yesterday's rain! I'm currently laying down fighting to get this page to load so I can post this. Best wishes Tom
Date: 2018-06-03
From: Hawk Mountain campsite 

To: Gooch Mountain Shelter 
Miles today: 8.3

We got out of camp by 8:30 and started hiking. The weather has been great! When I was one mile away from camp I heard thunder. So I kicked it into high gear and raced to camp. Luckily it did not storm at all here today. We had a 650 foot climb and a 300 foot climb today. Both went great. Walked across a lot of friendly faces today and ended up camping with 4 of them. For those of you who are keeping track we only have 197.8 miles left to go! I will upload pictures after I¢m done posting this!Best Wishes Tom
Date: 2018-06-04
From: Gooch Mountain Shelter 

To: Woods Hole Shelter
Miles today: 11.9
Weather: clear sky

Beautiful day. We decided that having a shorter hike tomorrow was worth the extra 3.5. At woody Gap, I got rid of my extra food and got a ROOT BEER. Had some amazing views today with a lot of ups and downs. Got to the shelter about 5:50 and it is packed here. But I¢m excited to eat a warm dinner. I will try to upload more pictures later.
Date: 2018-06-05
From: Woods Hole Shelter

To: Hogpen Gap 
Miles today: 10.4

Today was BEAUTIFUL. We hiked Blood Mountain which has been our highest peak. It stands at 4457 feet above sea level. There were a lot of ups and downs today, which were harder, making for a slower pace. We had climbed an 800 ft ascent, followed by a 750, 300 and 500. Had some great views though, more tomorrow.A.T. HikerTom
Date: 2018-06-06
From: Hogpen pap

To: Blue Mountain Shelter 
Miles today: 11.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was our longest day yet. It was a pretty easy day but long. Got to the shelter and it was already packed. It was another beautiful day and hopefully it stays that way tomorrow. Not any great views today but you can¢t complain when you are camping in such a beautiful area. Tomorrow will be a hard day but should be worth it. Best WishesTom
Date: 2018-06-08
From: Tray Mountain Shelter 

To: Deep Gap Shelter 
Miles today: 7.4
Weather: few clouds

Had a super easy day! Only one climb. The first week has been great! No rain since last Friday!! You could not have asked for better weather! I saw my first bear today! Well 2 bears! Super awesome to hike past bears. Hopefully I¢ll see more before the trip is over. We said goodbye to a lot of great people today. Troop 75 were a great group of guys! 2 nights ago they gave us their extra dinners! Which were fantastic. Although we had a great group to hike with it is nice to sit in a quiet camp after washing off. Missing my dog bear a little more today as I sit writing this. I¢ll be uploading pictures tonight if I am able.Best WishesTom
Date: 2018-06-09
From: Deep Gap Shelter 

To: Top of Georgia Hiking Center 
Miles today: 3.6
Weather: broken clouds

Easy short day to Top of Georgia Hiking Center! Fabulous staff and service. We got showers and pizza to eat. Gonna have a nice relaxing day with lots of food and ice cream!I haven't had any problems so far. Hopefully, it stays that way. It feels great to be laying in a bed with a fan blowing cool air on you. Tonight I will be uploading as many pictures as I can! Thank you to everyone who has been reading this! Having the love and support from everyone helps a lot! Hopefully, the weather won't be as bad as they are predicting. Rain will not be fun but rain every day this week will be hard. We have stayed dry until now so I am thankful for that. After a wonderful day and going into town for a great meal and some little treats. (Burgers, fries, pop and, fudge) I already miss the trail. I just want to hike. Having a nice cabin is a wonderful treat but nothing compares to a long day of hiking. I'm excited to get back out there and put down some more miles. Talking with everyone on the phone was a special treat as well. I miss you all and can¢t wait to get back and see everyone. I¢m super excited to hike around scout camp with Mr.Shimandle this year. Hopefully he leaves a few miles to do with me. I¢m more than prepared this year after hiking the trail! Best wishes Tom
Date: 2018-06-10
From: Top of Georgia Hiking Center 

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter 
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: clear sky

Feels great to be back on the trail. It¢s another beautiful day to climb mountains. Taking it nice and slow on the hills and enjoying the views along the way. Food bag was a little heavy leaving after the resupply but having a nice dinner the first 2 nights is worth the extra weight. I¢m going to sleep well tonight. Writing this from an over look and I could drift off to sleep right now. Nice slow breeze, sunny and, blue sky with pretty clouds. After writing this I¢m gonna take out the camera and make sure to get a few good shots. A lot of people look at me like I¢m crazy for carrying 4 pounds of just camera gear. But the pictures that I¢m getting are well worth a little extra weight. I was at 45 pounds leaving the hostel today. Had a big lunch, and I¢m going to have a big dinner and should be back to 40 by tomorrow night. Hopefully the pictures I take after writing this will get uploaded as well. I have great service here almost on top of Courthouse Bald. Today has been a great day. Best WishesTom
Date: 2018-06-11
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter 

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: overcast clouds

We made it to our highest point today! 5435 ft! This morning was cold and foggy. We took a slow 6 miles to the summit of Standing Indian Mountain and had a nice long lunch. The sky cleared up and the fog started lifting during lunch which was great! Hopefully the rain hold off again!! It looks like it should! The couple we have been hiking with had to get off the trail today. It was sad to see them leave. We had a great talk last night about scouts and the trail. The weather has been great even though this morning was not the greatest we still have yet to get rained on since Springer. I still feel great and have had no major issues or injuries. Today is going to get us into triple digits for our trip and tomorrow we will be passing mile 100 on the A.T! It feels great to wake up and be able to hike all day long. Hopefully we make it to camp without it raining. Best WishesTom
Date: 2018-06-12
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Rock Gap Shelter 
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: clear sky

Today was a cold foggy morning but luckily the fog lifted as we were climbing Albert Mountain. The views were great from the fire tower. Hopefully we make it to camp before it rains, if it does. We only got rained on a little yesterday before we made it to the shelter. We have passed mile 100 on the A.T! Having a great day even though the morning was foggy. Best Wishes Tom
Date: 2018-06-13
From: Rock Gap Shelter 

To: Siler Bald Shelter 
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: broken clouds

We almost made it to winding stair gap before it started raining. Then we had a couple minute wait before our shuttle came to pick us up. Beverly was our driver and was fantastic! We got our food, charged our batteries and, had an all you can eat lunch. Looks like we will be hiking the last couple of miles in the rain today but it¢s only about 3.5 miles. After having a great lunch and feeling recharged I¢m ready to get back out and hike! Hopefully, I will have service at the shelter. BEVERLY paid for our lunch and gave us a free shuttle. She is a wonderful person and fantastic shuttle driver. The amount of trail magic that is out here is amazing. People go out of their way to help hikers who are cold and wet. Hopefully one day I get to help people the way that we have been helped.We made it to camp without getting rained on! Each day is a blessing out here. It makes me thankful for the luxuries I have at home. I miss being able to see my family and friends. I miss showering and putting on clean clothes. Not that I¢m complaining about being out here. Because this trip has been AMAZING but it has given me a lot of time to think and it has made me grateful for everything I have. Getting good morning texts or goodnight texts from everyone has been a blessing. Don¢t be afraid to send a quick text to me! It just may be awhile before I respond. The days may be getting longer but I seem to fall asleep earlier and earlier. Best Wishes Tom
Date: 2018-06-14
From: Siler Bald Shelter 

To: Wayah Bald Shelter 
Miles today: 6.8
Weather: broken clouds

We had a nice relaxing morning. Sean a hiker that came in after we ate dinner was an awesome dude. Had a great time talking with him and learning. He is trying to do a yo-yo hike. Georgia to Maine and back to Georgia! I think he will meet his goal and I¢m excited to follow along! We also met a wonderful woman who recognized us from trail journals! It¢s an amazing feeling to be recognized by someone that you have never met! Hopefully she keeps reading and enjoys following our journey. Today was an easy hike and it felt great! Hopefully I keep feeling great through the end of my hike. Thanks for all the support and love that everyone has sent!Sitting at Wayah Bald and the views are fantastic! Only a mile left to camp! But I think we will hang out here and enjoy the views for a whileBest Wishes Tom
Date: 2018-06-15
From: Wayah Bald Shelter 

To: Wesser Bald Shelter 
Miles today: 10.6

It¢s been a great day and the rest of the hike isn¢t that bad. Hung out with a few guys at lunch and had a great time! I look forward to lunch everyday because I get to eat peanut butter! It¢s nice watching the jar slowly get lower and lighter every today. I had a great hike today and I¢m enjoying the nature. Hopefully I¢ll be able to update later once I¢m at camp!  Had a great time at wesser and only have a mile walk down to camp. Great day with a great view.Thank you Susie and Mr.Kosman for the comments! We got to camp and met two great people! Pat and Bill. Great guys to talk to. Had a awesome day and can¢t wait to have another one tomorrow! Best Wishes Tom
Date: 2018-06-16
From: Wesser Bald Shelter 

To: Sassafras Gap Shelter 
Miles today: 12.8

We had a great day! Got to the NOC at 11:30 and stayed until 3:30. We did laundry, took showers and ate a great meal. After resupplying we set off to the shelter. The first 2 miles were with blue sunny skies. The next hour was rain. It was great though because it kept us cool as we climbed the mountain. Got to camp late and ate dinner. By the time I was all set up it was dark outside and people started going to bed. Overall it was a great day but tomorrow I am not looking forward to wet shoes. Hopefully they will dry out a little. Best Wishes Tom
Date: 2018-06-17
From: Sassafras Gap Shelter 

To: Brown Fork Gap Shelter 
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Having a great day! It¢s always fun putting on damp clothes! Got to sleep in and had a mid morning start today. Feels good to be able to take a little time and just enjoy the nature around you. Seeing Mr.Kosman¢s and AK¢s post in the guest book is always a great feeling! I also love waking up to all the texts giving support. Today has been a wonderful day. Hope all the fathers out there are enjoying Fathers Day. I will hopefully update once at camp. Best Wishes Tom
Date: 2018-06-18
From: Brown Fork Gap Shelter 

To: Fontana Dam Shelter
Miles today: 12.8
Weather: few clouds

It was a great day! Only 12.8 miles and tomorrow we get to take a zero day! Which means no hiking! We of course slept in a little bit and started moving around 8:00. After a nice relaxing morning we started about 10:00. The hike was mostly down hill. Except for a smaller up hill (around an 800 ft increase). After getting out of the woods we saw a sign that the shelter was 1.1 miles away! It was great! I started on the hike happy as can be. But as I was walking and walking it seemed like more than a mile. The ¢1.1 to the shelter¢ ended up taking us 35 minutes. The land was not overly hilly nor did we walk slower than our 20-25 minute mile time. After finally reaching the shelter, we were able to eat, take showers and, charge our phones! It did not rain on us but we did hear some thunder as we came in the final ¢1.1¢. As excited as I am about a zero day. I still just want to be out in the woods hiking tomorrow as well.Best Wishes Tom
Date: 2018-06-19
From: Fontana Dam Shelter

To: Fontana Dam Shelter 
Miles today: 0.0

Had a nice day in Fontana Village. Got to eat good food and have ice cream. Next time I put on clean clothes it will be when AK is picking us up! Had a great day. The burger was fantastic and I can¢t wait to get back on the trail! The dam crossing should be fun in the morning. Thanks for all of the comments in the guest book! I¢m ready to hike and hope tomorrow is a great day! Best Wishes Tom
Date: 2018-06-20
From: Fontana Dam Shelter 

To: Mollies Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: scattered clouds

I enjoy reading all of the guest book entries! Thank to you everyone who has posted! Having a great day and will be getting to a fire tower soon! That means great views and a nice resting point. Had a nice day walking into the National Park! Only 2 other people are at the shelter tonight but they are already both in bed. Hopefully they will be as quiet as we are when they wake up tomorrow. Didn¢t get rained on which is always a plus! Had some terrific views today. Saw another bear and a deer today as well. Only 6 miles tomorrow due to a shelter closing but it just means we will have a lot of relaxing. Only a few more days out here! It¢s sad knowing that this time next week I won¢t be in the woods. Hopefully the rest of the trip will be great! Best Wishes Tom
Date: 2018-06-21
From: Mollies Ridge Shelter

To: Spence Field Shelter 
Miles today: 6.0

Today was an easy day! We didn¢t get rained on until we got to the shelter which is always a plus. Zipper a lady we have been staying with is sadly getting off the trail at Clingmans Dome. But she gave us extra food! So for a late lunch we had rice and chicken and for dinner we get lasagna. Trail magic is an awesome thing. One day you give extra food to someone and the next you get some. The shelter look like it¢s gonna be pretty full tonight. Hopefully it isn¢t loud. Only a few more days on the trail. It¢s amazing to see how far we have come. Yet we only did a small portion of the trail. The amazing people that we have met along the way. The views we have seen are just a small amount of what is really out there on the trail. Tonight will be a good night. Best Wishes Tom
Date: 2018-06-22
From: Spence Field Shelter 

To: Double Spring Gap Shelter 
Miles today: 13.5

Second to last day! Have a pretty long day but it should not be a bad one! The rain looks like it¢s gonna hold off for a while! Always a plus! Had a great night at the shelter which was almost full. Met a lot of cool people and had some good times! Hiking is going well! Hopefully we will be at camp by 5.Best Wishes Tom
Date: 2018-06-23
From: Double Spring Gap Shelter 

To: Icewater Spring Shelter 
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: light rain

Sorry for the delay in posting did not have service. Last full day of hiking! Excited to have another day in the Smoky Mountains! When I got to Clingmans Dome I knew I would be seeing Aunt Karen but my dad surprised me and came down as well! It was fantastic to see them! We got to drop our tents with them and continue the 10 miles to camp without the extra weight! It was a great last day! It is also our last night with Rocket. Who also gave me my trail name Eagle! I could not think of a better group of people to end the hike with. Rocket, Megan, and Amar! This trip has been great! Can¢t wait to hike out tomorrow and see my dad and Aunt again! Best Wishes Tom