morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-07-18
From: Monson, ME

To: Monson
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Shaw's also has a full house, so breakfast is boarding house loud as lots of stories and eating is in full swing at 7AM. Of to the post office for a two package pick-up. I'm staying at the Lakeshore House tonight in Max's, the owner's son's room who is to be off camping tonight. But not before I plied him with Slim Jims(a 9 year olds favorite) and Starburst four flavors and he helped me pack food for 8 days. It rained today and the forecast is for much the same tomorrow. Supper is on at the Lakeshore again tonight and a bluegrass concert is up the street.
Date: 2008-07-19
From: Monson

To: Long Pond Stream Lean-to
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: overcast clouds

My thanks to Willow Jones from Austin, TX for helping load some of the photos I had taken into this blog yesterday. Up early for 7AM breakfast at Shaw's Hostel. Sent a jump box with stuff I don't wish to carry to Millinocket, about 25 miles away from where Mt Katahdin climb begins. Got some cash and paid Lakeshore House for the night(spent one nite at Shaw's and one at Lakeshore). Ate breakfasts at Shaws and suppers at LH. Spread my consumption to the businesses that cater to hikers. Gave each a tip also.At 830AM dropped at the trailhead by Dick from Shaws and hiked for ten hours the 15 miles of huff and puff ups and downs to the lean-to. Crossed three fords, on the last of which I didn't change to Crocs and just kept my boots on because I was pooped. Shelter was full of NOBOs Dynamite, California Joe, and many SOBOs. Let a couple with a bigger tent use the site I had picked and squeezed comfortably into another site. The day cleared, was drier, and did not rain overnight.
Date: 2008-07-20
From: Long Pond Stream Lean-to

To: Chairback Gap Lean-to
Miles today: 10.9
Weather: overcast clouds

This is Day 2 in "The 100 Mile Wilderness" extending from Monson to Baxter State Park which contains Mt Katahdin. Its not that different from the rest of the trail in Maine which is plenty tough, it is just harder to get off the trail if one needs to. Access to towns which are more remote is much harder. My plan is to hike eight days, spent one day at an oasis called White House Landing, and then climb Mt Katahdin. I am loaded to the gills with food for eight days. My normal pack load is 3-5 days.So, today I awoke at 5AM, tended to a growing blister on my left heel that I suspect arose in response to the added weight, and knocked over a pot of just-boiled water by accident. Water splashed on a quarter sized area near the ball of my left foot and promptly I developed a blister burn. So now, all of a sudden, I have two blisters on the same foot. I tape them and am away at 7AM for the climb up Barren Mt.Today is cloudy, pleasant in temp. and without rain. Two section hikers northbound asked me about daily calories and decided they were 700 calories short per day for the 100 miles. I told them about White House Landing about 60 miles in. After some quick refiguring they decided they could make it to Abol Bridge if they stopped at WHL.. Excited, off they went at a faster pace. Into Chairback Gap Lean-to at 430PM. By 630PM, no one was in the lean-to as I was tenting out back. I debated and hung my food bags in the shelter. It started to rain which became steady thru the night.
Date: 2008-07-21
From: Chairback Gap Lean-to

To: Sidney Tappen Campsite
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Awoke at 6AM to tree dripping water but no rain. Three hikers(2 NOBOs, 1 SOBO) wound up in the shelter last night and considered the 2 bags(backpacker, water proof) hanging in the shelter to be left by someone who left them as trail magic just for them..When I retrieved my food bags I noticed they were hanging differently and were lighter. The boys helped themselves to my food.. Showing notable emotional restraint, I went through my food inventory and asked for replacement calories. They ate 2 freeze-dried Mountain House suppers for which I received Lipton Sides in exchange after some prompting. Several energy bars showed back up and also some GORP(raisins, M&Ms, peanuts) for missing Snickers bars. The SOBO confessed to eating all my dried fruit. Since he had been out for most to the 100 miles already, his GORP and candy had a used, tired look about it, but I took it anyway. I hope he didn't get the Big D. About 1/2 of my beef jerky was gone, so I got GORP in exchange. I kept up saying "Boys, I need more calories".. and more bits would show up. I'll make it to White House Landing to buy some more food.In addition the burn blister on my foot lost the top layer of skin which will take many days longer to heal. After the days hike however, I found myself in a comfy campsite, my belly full, tent secure, thunder rumbling in the far distance, and drowsey for sleep. That is what I did..
Date: 2008-07-22
From: Sidney Tappen Campsite

To: Mountain View Pond
Miles today: 10.9

Today was the climb over White Cap Mt the last climb over 3000' until Mt K. This campsite had a bench and an open clearing, real luxuries. The Maine Conservation Corps team(8 or so novices with a stone laying expert) was out working on the north of the mountain building steps. Prior years effort of constructing many sections of steps was evident and welcome by hikers like me. Stockton, a college volunteer, was there as I was the first to walk over a newly finished section of steps with the mud still on them.No views from the top of White Cap today because of wind and fog. Saw a second Indian Pipe, a flower-like white parasitic plant seen in Georgia. Also, a garter snake and a grey-headed chickadee were spotted at the stealth site near the pond. Blisters were better. This was a better day than yesterday when I was feeling sorry for myself over the lost food. As a side note, the last peak over 4000' was Avery Peak in the Bigelows after Stratton. Elevations are deceiving, the hiking is tough because the trail is rough and muddy with low elevation ups and downs.
Date: 2008-07-23
From: Mountain View Pond

To: Antler's Campsite
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 5 in the 100 mile wilderness. Enjoyed hanging at the pond near the rocky outlet last night when the bugs were few. No rain last night but cloudy this morning. Away at 7AM for climb over Little Boardman Mt at a bit over 2000', the last this high until Mt K. See the trend, the land is getting lower and flatter. My mileage is picking up and my weight is falling off a bit(no more love handles). There is an unusual stretch of boulevard-like trail through the next 20 or so miles. At Cooper Brook Falls Lean-to, met Sweet 16(her 16th birthday was several 16s back)a SOBO who asked me to call her husband and tell hem she was doing fine. I would have a cell signal tomorrow at White House Landing. I said sure. She also said the two hikers on the lo-cal plan were to be in WHL today. Looks like they took my advice. A north wind off the lake kept the campsite free of mosquitos. Met Twitchy and section hiker from Bangor. The heel blister is full of fluid and will have to be drained tomorrow at WHL.Started today having hiked 50 miles in the wilderness with 65 miles to go to K. Ended the day with about 50 miles to K. Gettin' closer..
Date: 2008-07-24
From: Antler's Campsite

To: White House Landing
Miles today: 5.8

Rain last night. I've noticed that it rains at night and stops for the day when I'm hiking. Ummmmmm. Away at 630AM, its but about 7 miles into the landing(1.2 miles off the AT)and I am anxious to get there for the 1 pound burger at lunch, and to air out my feet good. Good trail. Diane, Donna, And Ann are hiking together and headed there. Twitchy decided to go also. I sounded the horn at the dock per the instructions and Bill hopped in the boat and came promptly across the lake to get me. I checked in, took a shower, washed out my hiking togs in the lake, and headed to the lodge as the others showed up. Linda fixed a great pounder. After lunch I borrowed a needle and fixed my blister. A tropical storm had moved up the east coast at the time and the weather turned blustery, showery, and chopped up the lake. Did a little reading, resting, eating, talking, calling(Celia, Sweet16's hus, etc)and healing. Delightful time..Bill and Linda run a tight place. I like it.
Date: 2008-07-25
From: White House Landing

To: Wadleigh Stream Lean-to
Miles today: 7.8
Weather: light rain

A rain squall came through about 6AM but quickly moved off. Coffee served at 7:45 and big breakfast of muffins, eggs, sausage, hash browns, and hotcakes out at 8AM in the dining area overlooking Pemadumcook Lake, yes, pronounced just the way its spelled. Everyone pulled out after breakfast as the skies cleared but I stayed through lunch to continue my 24 hour rest. I really like the idea of coming in mid-day and leaving the next mid-day as I've said before. Also, worked on a Robert Parker mystery to read. Got the 1/2 pounder for lunch, then the boat ride up the lake for the now .2 mile hike back to the AT. Pleasant walk along the Nahmakanta Lake, beach on in to Wadleigh Stream Lean-to. Diane, Donna, and Ann are there as well as Ishmael, a NOBO who started in March in Georgia, graduated from high school in Winston-Salem last year and is going to Brown Univ. in the fall.
Date: 2008-07-26
From: Wadleigh Stream Lean-to

To: Hurd Brook Lean-to
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Two more days hiking and then the Katahdin climb. Today was the last full day in the wilderness. Weather was cooler, skies sunny. I felt good, feet healing along, and the trail generally a low profile. On the other hand, almost 20 miles is daunting, the trail is really rough, and the climbs while only 300-500 feet in elevation are steep and unending. I'm following Ishmael(named after the wanderer in Moby Dick)and not paying attention to a turn in the trail and wind up fording a stream needlessly. Then, after I have fallen in and gotten my boots wet I have to ford back over the thing, Pollywog Brook, to get to the AT again. Cute name, not a cute brook. It was my mistake for not checking the trail on my own.Hiked from 7:20AM to 6:20PM to make it a long day. Slipped twice on wet roots. Less SOBOs encountered each day. Gettin' closer.
Date: 2008-07-27
From: Hurd Brook Lean-to

To: Birches Campsite
Miles today: 13.4

Last day hiking before Katahdin. Away at 8AM for 3.5 miles to Abol Bridge and end of the 100 mile wilderness. Hung around at the picnic table outside the store and ate an assortment of ice cream, hotdogs, coffee, sweet rolls, candy. Trill, Ishmael, and I are joined by Blueberry the Maine ATC ridgerunner to sign us up for the Birches campsite and give us the pitch on rules of Baxter State Park.. Finally, at 2PM decided to head for Birches about 10 miles away. Checked into the Ranger Station at Katahdin Stream Campground and set up tent in Birches Campsite with other guys. Campground is full of weekenders doing car camping and some getting ready to also climb Katahdin. Yes, it rained overnight. Gettin' closer.
Date: 2008-07-28
From: Birches Campsite

To: Mt Katahdin
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

This is day 31 of this section hike. The forecast is for thunderstorm/rainshowers later in the afternoon, so it is good to get going early. I'm off at a not so early 8AM with food, 1 liter of water, rain jacket/pants, map, camera in a day pack to climb up the Hunt trail to the peak of Mt Katahdin, the end of the AT. Left the rest of my pack (and wallet and cell phone by mistake)at the ranger station. Cloudy but clearing on the hike up Katahdin Stream. The trail got rocky, then full of boulders up to Hurt's Spur along a narrow rock climb. At the tableland, a range of alpine fairly flatland, got more water from the spring and arrived at the famous sign at noon. With twenty to thirty or so other hikers milling around, I waited my turn to get photos of me and Ishmael and Trill. After 30 minutes, the clouds started to roll in and thunder sounded in the distance. The place cleared out quickly as we all rapidly started back down the AT and the other trail. Thunderstorms in two waves over the next hour swept over me as I hotfooted it down. When pea-sized hail began to pelt, for a short moment on two occasions I hundered down next to any rock for shelter but as soon as I started shivering I was on the move again. Coming up,I had wondered how I would get down the rocks if they were wet. When the time came, I scrambled on my butt and both hands like a crab and got down quickly. Soon the rain slowed and then stopped. Once past the boulders, the trail was the stream of rushing rainwater heading down. Slogging through 6-12 inches of rushing water became the new challenge. Totally soaked but thankful that I had gotten down safely, I recovered my pack, teamed up with Ishmael to get a ride into Millinocket, and talked with a group of campers who agreed to shuttle us there. By 6PM, I had checked in to AT Lodge and showered and headed to the cafe for supper. I was one sore and tired but finished hiker..
Date: 2008-08-08
To: By sea to Bangor, ME
Miles today: 0.0

Its been about ten days since Katahdin. My blisters are healed, sore muscles are healed but stiff from inactivity, several pounds are added to my middle. I'm tapping on my laptop while sitting in the dining room of the American Star, a small ship cruising the islands of central Maine with Celia. It has been an absolutely great cruise, our first. Soon we head down the concrete slab for the heat of Georgia and home.My senses are full of all the outdoors and the names and faces of the people encountered and I thank God for my and Celia's health and safety on this journey. What next? I am asked. I dunno, we'll see, I answer. I do know this, we will be back to New England in the summer.
Date: 2008-01-24
To: AT
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Hey everyone, just wanted to let ya'll know that Kevin and me are getting ready to head NORTHBOUND!!! Just a few weeks away, I am ready to get away from it all. Anyways....keep a lookout for a new journal entry in a few weeks so you can keep up with our progress and experience on the trail!-Spencer
Date: 2008-02-19
From: Stover Creek Shelter

To: Gooch Mtn. Shelter
Miles today: 12.3
Weather: scattered clouds

8:22 a.m.-Keith, Kevin and I started yesterday and climbed 400 stairs to the top of Amicalola Falls. this was by far the most strenuous test of the 11.5 miles done yesterday. The weather on Springer was gorgeous but windy. We had great weather last night and I slept surprisingly well. It was 32 degrees when we awoke at 7:00 a.m. to cook. As 9:00 a.m. approaches, we will be on our way. 7:00p.m.-According to my guide book we hiked 12.3 miles today. We've had georgeous weather the first two days but the wind kept things chilly. Stover Creek Shelter was brand new and a great place to spend the night. Gooch Mtn Shelter on the other hand is not so new but still very nice with a close water source. We've met several thru hikers: Larry Piper(Piperhiker), Ben and Raven(a married couple), Scott, and Chuck. We are the youngest of the thru hikers but seem to jive well with everyone.On the top of Sassafrass Mtn. at 3300 feet, we saw the Atlanta skyline and Stone Mtn on the horizon. Also, some snow flurries. Tomorrow we hope to be at Neels Gap.
Date: 2008-02-20
From: Gooch Mtn. Shelter

To: Neel's Gap
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: overcast clouds

7:40p.m.- Starting the beautiful day at Gooch Mtn. Shelter was great. Kevin and I had tented beside one another and we both slept well. The wind finally subsided and after calling home and talking to Teahna for a few minutes, sleep came easy. Today we had some challenging climbs and the climb up Blood Mtn.was dreadful. We were at Blood by 3:00 p.m. which is great time since we covered roughly 12 miles since our departure around 8:30. We rushed down Blood after we got cooled down from the relentless wind from our perch on top to a warm shower and bed at Neel's Gap(Walasi Yi Center). Piperhiker and Chuck have both joined us in the hostel here and we are all planning on reaching Hiawassee Saturday. Seems we may be moving a little faster but they're great to travel with and fun to talk with at night.
Date: 2008-02-21
From: Neel's Gap

To: Blue Mtn. Shelter
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: overcast clouds

7:48p.m.-We started the day arund 6:30 a.m. When Pirate, the Walasi hostel worker, cooked everyone ate breakfast. We had sausage, bacon, biscuits, bagels, coffee-the works! It was great to have some real cooking for a change. Leaving Neel's Gap we had great views of the surrounding mountains. We even made out Currahee Mountain,where I'm from in Toccoa. Also, Mt. Yonah and others. As we pulled into Low Gap Shelter at 1:00p.m. it started to rain. We put on the rain gear and ended the day wet and cold finding a full shelter at Blue Mtn. We set our tents up in the rain and I cooked in my tent and actually made several calls (Teahanna, Blake,for his birthday, and Grandmom). We are thinking we will hitch to town tomorrow and get back on the trail either Saturday or Sunday after this bad weather passes.
Date: 2008-02-24
From: Dick's Creek 

To: Plumorchard Gap Shelter
Miles today: 4.3
Weather: overcast clouds

6:17p.m.-Today we started at Dick's Creek after Jessie, Kevin's girlfriend, dropped us off around 1:00p.m. We ate lunch at Dairy Queen. Kevin and I reached Plumorchard Gap Shelter at 3:00p.m. or so. We've built a nice fire and are about to cook dinner. This is the first night we will sleep in a shelter and not use our tents so we'll see how that goes. We slack packed yesterday. from Unicoi Gap to Dick's Creek, about 18 miles and finished about 1:00p.m. We stayed Friday and Saturday night at Holiday Inn(Hiawassee) thanks to a little trail magic from Kevin's brother and sister-in-law (Gills & Somoa,Keith & Lisa Haynie-SOBO's '05). The family came up Saturday night and we enjoyed a great dinner and some good times toghether-Love ya'll! As I end, just want to express my greatest thanks to Lisa and Keith-you guys are absolutely a blast and helped us both so much. Also, to Keith, it was great hiking with you. Glad you came out and I wish you could've kept going with us.
Date: 2008-02-25
From: Plumorchard Gap Shelter

To: Standing Indian Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: clear sky

6:00p.m.-Today we woke to a beautiful sunrise and warmer weather than usual. We left Plumorchard at 8:48a.m. and climbed out of GA and to the NC state line. We stopped shortly after for a quick snack and enjoyed a great variety of snacks. NC proved to be a hard state these first 8 or so miles as there were mostly pulls(uphill) the entire day. We did catch some breathtaking views from several different vistas and descended to a forrest road where Kevin and I ate lunch around 2:00p.m. We stayed in the little parking lot for several hours enjoying phone calls, sun and talking to a few people back home. Finally we ascended for .9 miles to Standing Indian Shelter, about 4600 ft in elevation where we'll stay tonight with a couple(Josh & Amanda) that's thru-hiking the trail. Tomorrow we have a big day planned and two of the biggest mountains in NC to climb, much more challenging than our 12 or so mile day today. Also, they're predicting rain tomorrow and snow the next day. As Keith(Gills) has told us though, "No rain, no Maine!"
Date: 2008-02-27
To: Winding Star Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

6:00p.m.-Well today Kevin and I took a zero day(no miles hiked)in town, Franklin, NC. Yesterday we hiked from Standing Indian Shelter to Winding Stair Gap. We originally planned a 14 mile day but reached our stopping point around 3:00p.m. and decided we both wanted to push on. Around 5:00p.m. we reached the next shelter and it began to snow. We decided town sounded best and ended up headlamping to Winding Stair Gap, a 23.5 mile day. Town was very nice and laundry was refreshing on the nose. We have enjoyed talking to everyone from home and looking foward to my parents coming up for dinner and resupply. Both of us are looking foward to Will Oliver's visit and hike for a week and Kev's family visit in Hot Springs. We are optimistic for good weather in the Smokies.
Date: 2008-02-28
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Cold Springs Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: clear sky

Ron Haven dropped us off around 9:00 a.m. and we ended the day at 5:30 p.m. We hiked the entire day through snow; sometimes it even got close to knee deep. We hiked up to Silver Bald, around .5 miles off trail. I believe that may be the best view on the A.T. trail yet, or even the entire trail(but there's still a lot to see!) We tented off trail in the snow on a ridge where we awoke to a beautiful sunrise. We also awoke from one of the coldest nights thus far. We've met a fellow NOBO(northbounder)who is from Detroit who goes by the trailname YETI. He's a cool guy.
Date: 2008-02-29
From: Cold Springs Shelter

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: overcast clouds

We got to end our hike today with a hot shower, 1/2 pound burger and a warm bed. I've enjoyed chillin out with YETI here at the N.O.C. We even got to do some laundry and plan some days ahead on the trail. We've walked through snow for most of the day and now it has been raining for a few hours. We plan on hopefully starting early tomorrow for a 16 mile day. Tomorrow will be very challenging as the first 8 or so miles is straight uphill all the way to Cheoah Bald(5062 ft). Our plans for the night include a phone call or two and then getting some shut eye!
Date: 2008-03-01
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: Brown Fork Shelter
Miles today: 6.0
Weather: clear sky

8:22p.m. Today I awoke from a glorious sleep at the Nantahala Outdoor Center Hostel(N.O.C.), a warm bed and our breakfast at River's End. I ate 2 biscuits with gravy, blueberry pancakes and a couple of cups of coffee to get me going for the insane climb out of the N.O. C. to Cheoah Bald(elev. 5062ft). The six mile climb was very challenging but our hardest task of the day came at the end. We climbed exactly 800 ft in 3/10's of a mile. I would argue this was the most intense climb of the trip although it was not even close to the longest. Tonight we are staying in Brown Fork Shelter hanging with this cool cat named "Allgood". He's carrying a mandolin and his playing is pretty cool. He's pretty good, real just kinda a chill, laid back, whatever kinda guy. Just someone you can't help to like hanging out with. Kev and I are chillin out with him and planning on maybe hiking through with "Allgood" for a bit. As for now, we're going to enjoy some music and hit the sack.
Date: 2008-03-02
From: Brown Fork Shelter

To: Fontana Village Resort
Miles today: 13.0

10:00p.m. We are at Fontana Village Resort for the night. We had steaks for dinner, did laundry,and are sleeping in beds tonight! Tomorrow we start the Smokey Mountains, a very challenging part of the trail. Today we caught up with "Laser Chuck", a guy who started the same day as we did. Looks like we may scoot ahead of him for about a week then he'll catch back up. We had dinner with Chuck tonight here at the resort. We both enjoyed catching up with Chuck and hearing about his hike. Well it's time for bed and early start for tomorrow so catch everyone later!
Date: 2008-03-03
From: Fontana Village Resort

To: Spence Field Shelter
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: broken clouds

7:45p.m. Today Kevin and I accomplished the feat of climbing from 1700 ft. elevation at Fontana Dam to 4915 ft. at a shelter called Spence Field Shelter. This shelter is fairly new and crowded tonight. There 4 people we've met that run a world famous restaurant and are very nice people. I've enjoyed spending time talking about some of the dishes they prepare! We have been savoring over some of the descriptions they've given us. Today was very challenging and "Gills" told Kevin it would be the hardest day in the Smokies for us as we try to put one more state behind us! We had great views all day long and one of the best was the first mountain we climbed-Shuckstack Mountain. There is an old tower at the top off a blublaze trail. We walked up to the tower and looking north we stared at the challenging peaks that await our arrival and quick departure.