morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-08-17
From: West Branch Pleasant River (Tenting)

To: Mountain View Pond (Tenting)
Miles today: 18.3

Day 169, August 17, 2014 Today started with a ford. But the waters have really come down and it was pretty easy. From there we had our last substantial climbs before the big Daddy. We went from 718 feet to 3650 feet in a sort of stair step fashion. Hitting Gulf Hagas Mountain, West Peak and finally White Cap Mountain. These trails were extremely well maintained complete with many rock staired sections. From the North side of White Cap a NOBO can get their first glimpse of Katahdin. Alas, today was a rainy, dreary, gray day. So no beans for me. Then hike down the other side was more good trail. Many sections free of rocks, mud and roots. I met a a guy named the Counselor camped near me. He related his experiences with all the crazy a$$ fords early in the wilderness. Our stories were very similar. Except for PhysEd actually got sweep down stream on one crossing. Making it to shore about 30 feet dow river. I am so glad I had Dozer and U-haul by my side supporting me and Coop. The sun finally poked out this evening about six. I hope it is out tomorrow. I haven't had dry feet in three days. On to Katahdin, Cowgirl and Cooper Hiked today: 18.3 Completed: 2119.4 Remaining: 65.9 Start Point: West Branch Pleasant River End point: Mountain View Pond (Tenting) States Completed: 13 GA (76.4), NC (95.5), TN (287.9), VA (550.3), WV (4), MD (40.9), PA (229.6), NJ (72.2), NY (88.4), CT (51.6), MA (90.2), VT (149.9), NH (160.9), States Remaining: 1 ME (281.4), (10 photos)
Date: 2014-08-19
From: Potaywadjo Spring Lean-to (Tenting)

To: Pollywog Stream (Tenting)
Miles today: 15.7

Day 171, August 19, 2014I see I goofed my days up yesterday. It was actually our 170 day of the AT adventure. My bad. Today I had another WOWWIE moment. My first glimpse of Mount Katahdin. And it could not have been better. It occurred .6 miles into the day. Looking accross Pemadumcook Lake Stood Katahdin jutting majestically up with a beautiful sky as its backdrop!! Amazingly I didn't tear up. I got another view when the AT took us on a 700 foot detour climb to Nesuntabunt Mountain. It was a great view and I was glad for the detour. But the first one was still my WOWWIE moment. Today we spent a lot of time near water. Either walking the shore of a lake/pond or following a stream. When I came to Crescent Pond I was surprised to see a bunch of boats/canoes. It wasn't a big pond but it must be good fishing or something. I also pondered how they got there. I could be right by a road and not know it. I will have to look that up when I am off the trail. This morning when I woke up I found I was the only one at the shelter. Another thru hiker tented there last night but no one stayed in the shelter. Remember my first night on the trail at Hawk Shelter? The shelter was full and I counted over 30 tents!!! I think tonight will be my last night tenting on the AT. Abol Bridge Campground is about 17 miles away and that is where I think I will head tomorrow. I am driven partly by hunger. For some reason I have been ravenous the last few days. I have over eaten my rations like a dirty common rotten little min pig. Again, My BadOn to Katahdin, Cowgirl and CooperHiked today: 15.7 Completed: 2152.7 Remaining: 32.6 Start Point: Potaywadjo Spring Lean-to End point: Pollywog Stream (Tenting)States Completed: 13 GA (76.4), NC (95.5), TN (287.9), VA (550.3), WV (4), MD (40.9), PA (229.6), NJ (72.2), NY (88.4), CT (51.6), MA (90.2), VT (149.9), NH (160.9),States Remaining: 1 ME (281.4)
Date: 2014-08-20
From: Pollywog Stream (Tenting)

To: Abol Bridge (Tenting)
Miles today: 17.2

Day 172, August 20, 2014 I am not afraid of bears or moose. Humans can give me the hebegibees sometimes. As I set up my last camp last night two trucks drove by. One slowed downed to look our way. That freaked me out and made for a fit full night of sleep. I woke up to another vehicle. It was dropping off a van full of mature females. I beckon back to my other pontificatiions, the wilderness is not that wild, except after a big rain I was motivated by soda and so Coop and I knocked out 17 miles in short ordered. We passed a beautiful lake and also crossed Rainbow Ledges. It looked like a typical Maine summit, but knowing it was my last one for this journey made me embrace the beauty just a little more than usual. Coop is not allowed in Baxter Park, and won't get to summit Katahdin. He might not officially get thru hiker status but he definitely is a long distant hiker and I will request a 2000 mile certificate for him. I have arranged his pickup on 24 Aug. I truly meant to lollygag gag the wilderness but circumstances dictated other wise. So now I wait. We will zero the next couple of days. Coop has no idea his journey is over. This one at least. On to Katahdin, Cowgirl and Cooper Hiked today: 17.2 Completed: 2170.2 Remaining: 15.1 Start Point: Pollywog End point: Abol Bridge (Tenting) States Completed: 13 GA (76.4), NC (95.5), TN (287.9), VA (550.3), WV (4), MD (40.9), PA (229.6), NJ (72.2), NY (88.4), CT (51.6), MA (90.2), VT (149.9), NH (160.9), States Remaining: 1 ME (281.4), (10 photos)
Date: 2014-08-21
From: Abol Bridge (Tenting)

To: Abol Bridge (Motel)
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 173, August 21, 2014 Zero. I went to the store this morning and guess what I bought? Anything I wanted!! For the first time in six months weight did NOT matter. I bought deodorant, conditioner, a razor, cotton clothes and some kick a$$ Ariat "Cowgirl" boots. I try not to get ahead of myself when posting my daily journal but I thought I should explain why I am zeroing for three days instead of walking the last fifteen miles. Because I am waiting for friends and family to arrive!!!!!! Mom, Uncle Sparky, Ms. Bell, Manju, Woody and Kim are all coming to Maine to share the last 15 miles with me. We had to plan a date so everyone could make travel arrangements. I am super excited to see them all and the wait is more than worth it!!! We will walk the 10 miles from Abol Bridge to Katahdin Stream Campground on the 24th and summit Katahdin on the 25th. Currently the weather forecast for that day looks beautiful. Lazy day for TLM. He slept all day and only woke up twice. Once to eat and once to do his business. Oh three times. He went to the store with me On to Katahdin, Cowgirl and Cooper Hiked today: 0.0 Completed: 2170.2 Remaining: 15.1 Start Point: Abol Bridge End point: Abol Bridge (Motel) States Completed: 13 GA (76.4), NC (95.5), TN (287.9), VA (550.3), WV (4), MD (40.9), PA (229.6), NJ (72.2), NY (88.4), CT (51.6), MA (90.2), VT (149.9), NH (160.9), States Remaining: 1 ME (281.4),
Date: 2014-08-22
From: Abol Bridge (Motel)

To: Abol Bridge (Motel)
Miles today: 0.0

Day 174, August 22, 2014 Zero. I am a little bored. I wish I had a car or more trail Since I am just laying around I was thinking about stuff. And Since I don't have any trail stories I will share some of my thoughts. So, something I have heard from a couple of friends is that I am an inspiration to them for walking the trail. That is a compliment I am hesitant to embrace. After all I am just walking. I am not being all that responsible. I wake up when I want, answer to no one, and well...really just play all day. But if I am being honest I sort of get it. I took a chance. And so I accept the compliment and say thank you, humbly. My friend Jon told me to be sure to reflect a lot on these final days. And I have. Another friend, Mindy, mentioned how beautiful Maine was from my pictures. This made me think how I hadn't really totally embraced Maine. I know, or I think I know, why. First the miles between Mount Moosilauke and Pinkham Notch (Mile markers 1786.6-1865.9) are literally the hardest miles on the trail, in my opinion, and that was my introduction to Maine. Right in the midst of that I had the earth shattering news about Jer. I was a bit of a hot mess. I was, am, grieving. It was walking with Pot-of-Gold, Lucky Charms, and Mule that refocused me on the beauty, and surrealness, of my surroundings. I suspect when I finally go back and look at the pictures I will get it how awesome ALL of Maine really was. Wow sorry if that was to serious. Here's a happier piece: I had a fun text from my friend Julia I want to share: "Going to be tough not Walking Tenting Knowing folks with dull names like Kurt, Elaine, Tom, Dick, Harry n Jane. Not interesting ones like. Band-aid, Naked-guy-walking, shelter-hog, Rock-skipper, Snoring-Sally, Ice-Cream-Ike. Lol. Life is gonna be a little ' boring' with out a trail" I replied;: "Ha. You need to walk the trail. It would be a year of the best trail names ever with your help!!!" Just two pictures today. Both of Cooper. He looks pretty "healthy" I say, with his little pot belly!! The trail has been so awesome. More incredible than I even dreamed. I hope that anyone thinking of doing a long distant hike does it. And I hope they enjoy it even half as much as I've enjoyed mine! On to Katahdin, Cowgirl and Cooper Hiked today: 0.0 Completed: 2170.2 Remaining: 15.1 Start Point: Abol Bridge End point: Abol Bridge (Motel) States Completed: 13 GA (76.4), NC (95.5), TN (287.9), VA (550.3), WV (4), MD (40.9), PA (229.6), NJ (72.2), NY (88.4), CT (51.6), MA (90.2), VT (149.9), NH (160.9), States Remaining: 1 ME (281.4),
Date: 2014-08-24
From: Abol Bridge (Motel)

To: Katahdin Stream Campground
Miles today: 9.9

Day 176, August 24, 2014 Days do not get much better than this; great trail, great weather, great friends and I got to share 9.9 miles of the AT with my Mom!!! Uncle Sparky took me and Mom back to Abol Bridge and had us on the trail just after nine a.m. It started out with a little road walk before dropping us back into the woods. There was an information booth with two people taking our information. Wouldn't you know it, one was a ridge runner I had met way way down south. That was cool. The trail today took us by, or near, water for most of the trail. Either streams or ponds. The Katahdin Stream was big and flowing but with a calm exterior. There were a lot of rafters out today enjoying the warm weather. The Nesowadnehunk stream was smaller but raging. It had many cascades and waterfalls and cool rock formations and swimming holes. We stopped for lunch by one such waterfall, Big Niagara. I treated her to a little Deviled ham on a tortilla. I wish I would have had a Cosmic Brownie for her dessert. We also inadvertently walked by a person changing into their bathing suit and got inadvertently mooned. lol!! Mom being ever so kind tried to stop behind a tree to give her privacy. Ha. Mom was treated to a good day on the trail. A little dose of rocks, roots, mud, ponds, streams, and a ford!!! Some how she keep her shoes clean the whole time. We came to one stream and deduced that we might have been able to bolder hope. But that is not my style. I fear a slippery rock. So we decided not ford it. She laughed and said, "what are you getting me into." And then proceeded to cross the stream. I am happy to report that Mom Conquered the whole 9.9 miles. Has no blisters or hot spots. Her legs are not to tired and she is ready for tomorrow. I took lots of actions shots of her and will share them all. Uncle Sparky, U-haul and Dozer were there to pick us up at four. By the time we got back to the cabins Woody and Kim had arrived. Ms. Bell and Manju were not far behind. U-haul and Dozer BBQ'D us up some burgers and dogs and Ms. Bell started a fire. I didn't get a lot of pictures. I was just so excited to see everyone I forgot. We didn't stay up real late tonight because we have a big day tomorrow. I suspect tomorrow might be different Also, I think I may have a picture of the most perfect Mushroom. Which I will post tomorrow. On to Katahdin, Cowgirl and Cooper Hiked today: 9.9 Completed: 2180.1 Remaining: 5.2 Start Point: Abol Bridge End point: Katahdin Stream Campground States Completed: 13 GA (76.4), NC (95.5), TN (287.9), VA (550.3), WV (4), MD (40.9), PA (229.6), NJ (72.2), NY (88.4), CT (51.6), MA (90.2), VT (149.9), NH (160.9), States Remaining: 1 ME (281.4), (23 photos)
Date: 2014-03-28
From: Home

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Well here is my first official entry. Let me start out by saying I am sorry for any grammar and spelling issues I am absolutely terrible with that stuff and I will more than likely be too tired to really care about such nonsense anyways.Hmmm.... where to begin.Doing an Appalachian Trail Thru hike (AT) has been a long time dream of mine since graduating high school. It was brought up one day while sitting in my friends house when he suddenly mentioned that we should do it. I thought lets do it, so the dream was born. Thank you Andy. Anyways I joined the Navy and that was that. Attempt #1.I didn't think much about it until I was close to getting out of the Navy but by then the timing was all wrong and I was going to have to wait for spring to roll around. Well lets just say life got in the way of that one. Attempt #2.Now I guess it is time and I am definitely not getting any younger . All the pieces just kinda fell into place. Got a leave of absence from work and "hopefully" saved up enough $$ for the trip. So this is my year.I will be hitting the approach trail on Monday and hiking the 8.8 miles up to Springer Mtn in Georgia and spending the night there. So, I wont actually be starting the trail until April 1. I figured it is a nice starting day for this Fool's Trip.
Date: 2014-03-31
From: Amicalola Falls

To: Frosty Mountain
Miles today: 4.8

Ok, so got off to a late start at Amicalola Falls and didn't actually start the Approach real until around noon. All AT hikers are supposed to "check in" for some bean counter somewhere to count people or something. Well anyways my AT hike number was 817. Not really sure what that actually means but there it is a number some thing tangile to track I suppose.While there they have a scale out front to weigh everyone's overly heavy pack I saw some girls tht had a pack weight of over 50 lbs. I would say close to half of her body weight. I felt sorry for her and still do. Since everyone is so obsessed with pack weight mine came in at a whopping 27lbs with food and water.Meghen accompanied me up the trail to the top of the fall and 604 stairs were brutal for me with a full pack on but totally worth it in the end. After we got to the top we ram into my first actual would be thru hikers. We said our hello andI decided to grab lunch at the lodge as a farewell meal. The buffet was alright but it was food. Then headed down the trail and ran into the same girls from before and I decided to hike with them for the next few days.It was getting late and we were tired so we decided to stop at Frosty Mountain. Which is a site of an old fire tower the only thing that remains is the cement block fountation pillons
Date: 2014-04-01
From: Frosty Mountain

To: Stover Creek Shelter
Miles today: 6.8
Weather: clear sky

Got up fairly early but waited for my new hiking partners to get up and break down camp before we actually headed out. Every one was just about out of water because apparently there is only one water source on the approach trail and was not for another 3 miles or so. Rookie mistake #1 suppose, never pass up a water source if you can help it. I have a feeling this wont be the last time I make that mistake. We finally summited Springer Mountain after a Bitch of a climb up to it but atleast we had plenty of water to drink. The views were nice and we were all just soooooo excited to actually be at the start of the AT after 2 days of hiking. We were floating on clouds and fueled by adrenelin for the climb down to the parking lot where most hikers begin their hikes. We got our first bit of trail magic when we met Mountain Squid who gave us those little sugar drinks that we all had when we were 8 or so. Was the best tasting drink to date. Mountain Squid is retired Navy and volunteers to sit at the parking all day to count hikers as they pass him. He keeps a daily tally and he said there were about 60 thru hikers yesterday and about the same today. It's funny there are approximately 150 thru hikers in a 20 mile stretch of trail and I have only seen maybe 15-20 of them so far.Spent the night in Stover Creek Shelter with a few other thru hikers.I can't get over at how nice everyone is out here its simply amazing!!
Date: 2014-04-02
From: Stover Creek Shelter

To: Sassafras Mountain
Miles today: 8.3

Had to leave my trail buddies behind because we were moving to slow and I was going to run out of food before Neel Gap for my next resupply. I miss you guys Good Luck and I hope to see you down the trail so good bye for now Kat and Molly best hiking partner ever!That's how it goes sometimes out here you lose one group and find another its just the way it is and its part of the culture.So the Army Rangers just started doing a 17 day training evolution last night with sporadic gun fire heard off in the distance. Apparently the evolution has ramped up bit with helicopters every where and have heard several sustained firefights a in the next mountain over. Even saw at least 1 guy fast rope out of a helo ontop of the mountain. Which by the way was pretty freaking awesome to see especially if you were not expecting to see it. Funny thing was though about 10-15 mins I was taking a break and ran into a thru hiker who is being sponsored by wounded warrior. The guy is an ex marine combat engineer he asked us if we saw the guy laying in the woods up the hill a bit with leaves piled all onto of him. I guess that ranger failed that section of class. Sempre fi.It was all quite impressive to watch two helos flying through the valley at tree top height at a very high rate of speed zig zagging through the mountains.I am sitting in my tent ontop of Sassafras Mountain at 3342 ft. And I am listening to tons of helos flying by and lots of sustained gunfire on the next ridge or so over. I guess they are doing some night time ops. As tired as I am the sound of the rotors is a bit soothing and I for one am very glad they are on our side because who would want to mess with the best soldiers in the world.Well off to bed for me.Freeeeeeedommmm....
Date: 2014-04-03
From: Sassafras Mountain

To: Preaching Rock
Miles today: 10.3

Got our first sprinkle of rain last night at about 4-5am lasted all of maybe 5-10 minutes, hope all the rain showers last that long.Was almost out of water by the time I got down to the next gap and lo and behold there was a water tank supplied by the Army for their maneuvers. That was some high quality H2O! It really hit the spotLooking forword to Neel Gap tomorrow for some laundry, shower, and a short resupply oh and a nice soft bed at the hostel.It's been a long few days out here and the hiking is tough going at times but I am having such a great time out here that I don't even notice it at times.Keep running into the same guy out here and it would seem that he is becoming a bit of a trail buddy. Sometimes its nice to hike and chat with someone it makes the miles slip away. But sometimes its also nice to hike by yourself with nothing but your own thoughts to keep you company. It's scary what is in your mind sometimes. Eventhough there are tons of people out here its still pretty quiet (unless the rangers are shooting at each other). The views have been sporadic but impressive when available especiallyup here where I can see Atlanta.Funny story time: We are suppossed to hang a bear bag which is simply hanging your food bag up in the tree so bears can't get to it. Simple enough on paper anyways. So I filled my sack with a few rocks tossed it up into the tree and wouldn't you know it it gets stuck up on the limb. Normally not a problem if you don't forget to tie a rope to the sack. Well... Guess what I forgot to do? Yep so my sack is still up in that tree. I felt like Charlie Brown with the kite eating tree. Oh well at least its a decent story.
Date: 2014-04-04
From: Preaching Rock

To: Neel Gap
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: light rain

Neel Gap here we come!! Here comes the rain... It started to rain about mid morning but cleared up right before our accent of Blood Mountain.After climbing up and over Blood Mountain the highest mountain the AT goes over in Georgia. It's named from the local Indians because there was a great battle fought here and on the the next mountain over Slaughter Mountain. Don't know the whole story but I liked it non the less. The views up here are far and beyond the best of the trip so far. Absolutely breath taking even though it was all over cast.Neel Gap is the first time a NOBO hiker gets to resupply and hit an outfitter at the same time. The best part is that it is literally right on the trail. No really the trail goes right through the building. Anyways this is a one shop location food, shower, laundry, outfitter, and hostel. The hostel is a bunkroom style room with bunkbeds for a total of 16 bunks. Myself and Scott my new trail buddy were lucky enough to get bunks for the night. Lucky thing too because it was stupid windy out and there was little camping in the area.I picked up a new stuff sack for my cookset here to replace the one I lost the other day due to the stuff sack eating tree. Oh how you vex me!Knee is holding up really well especially after the damn near straight down hike coming into neel gap from Blood Mountain.
Date: 2014-04-05
From: Neel Gap

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: overcast clouds

There is a bit of a bottle neck with the thru hiker bubble due to a 6 mile zone of no camping just prior to Neel Gap so everyone states at Neel Gap or in the immediate areawwhich means we all head to the next shelter which is a normal stopping spot at about 11 miles away. Today is our longest day to date in miles but totally worth it. The views made all the climbs totally worth it. By far the best views of this trip to date. Weather was great but very windy and cold this morning it didn't actually warm up until noonish. We were lucky enough to get some trail magic from the GA Appalachian Trail Club. Thank you for the water and yummy apples and getting to pet their awesome Dalmatian, she was a great dog. After a super long day of hiking with a ton of really steep ups and downs it was nice to finally roll up to the shelter for some much needed grub and sleep. Unfortunately for us there was 3 boy scout groups using the shelter along with maybe 25 thru hikers. So maybe 60 or so people at the shelter it was like a little tent city. Scott and I were lucky enough to grab some flatish spots about a quarter mile from the shelter amongst some of the scouts. So to say the least it was a noisy night at best. I love seeing young people out here because if we can convince some of these kids that this land should be protected as much as possible for future hikers that would benefit us all. They are the future land conservationists.
Date: 2014-04-06
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Blue Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Hit the 50 mile mark on the AT today. Only 2100+ to go!! Knocking em down.It was a great easy 7.3 miles today some of the easiest hiking to date it was mostly level to a slight up for almost the whole day.Making it to the shelter for a short day tomorrow into town to avoid a sever thunder storm that is suppose to roll in tomorrow. I don't mind hiking in the rain but if its supposed to be as cold asit has been I definitely don't want to be out in that kind of weather if I don't have to. Hence the town stay tomorrow.We got to the shelter but unfortunately it was already all full so we had to tent which is going to suck because its supposed to really rain hard tonight. Well I suppose I have to test the tent out sometime was just hopeing to put it off for a bit longer but I guess a week of good weather is more than enough to ask for this time of year.Met up with a bunch of thru hikers at the shelter maybe 10 or so then the scouts rolled in, luckily Scott and myself already claimed our spots beforehand. We had a great fire and chatted with the other hikers for quite sometime. When I went to bed there must have been over 35 tents in the area mostly from other hikers, weekenders, and section hikers and several more thru hikers.