morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-08-21
From: .5 Miles North of Ethan Pond Shelter 

To: AMC Lakes of the Clouds Hut
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: broken clouds

Started 0630 and arrived at AMC Lakes of the Clouds Hut at 1600 hrs. I was lucky to get work for stay but more importantly it was warm and dry. I entered the Presidential Mountain Range which means most of the mountains are named after presidents. They still go up and down. Stretch from Green Mountain Hostel was here also. Today I encountered my first cold, rainy, foggy nasty weather since North Carolina.
Date: 2015-08-22
From: AMC Lakes of the Clouds Hut

To: USFS Osgood Campsite 
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Got up and packed my gear and waited for breakfast. Today's weather versus yesterday is day and night. Yesterday was rainy, cold and windy. Today partly cloudy and cool and just ideal for hiking. Summited Mt. Washington which was incredible. The terrain was extremely rocky with lots of ups and downs. It was another day that felt like we had hiked alot farther then we did. Stretch and myself arrived at USFS Osgood Campsites about 1830 hrs. Everyone else was also here: Icarus, Hulk, Tic, Kiki, Pocahontas and Juice so everyone hiked the same distance today. We also finished the Presidential Range.
Date: 2015-08-23
From: USFS Osgood Campsite 

To: Carter Notch
Miles today: 10.7

Started 0645 and arrived 1700 hrs at trail junction to AMC Carter Notch Hut about 7 miles south of AMC Imp Shelter. Received some cookies from two day hikers before we got to Pinkham Notch Visitor Center where I had a great sandwich before entering the Wildcats, more ups and downs.
Date: 2015-08-24
From: Carter Notch

To: Rattle River Shelter and Campsite 
Miles today: 13.3
Weather: light rain

Started just before 0700 and arrived at Rattle River Shelter and Campsite at 1845 hrs. It rained in the AM then cleared up and turned into a nice hiking day. Still only averaged just above one mile per hour. The ups and downs are long and steep. Had a nice campsite down by the river.
Date: 2015-08-25
From: Rattle River Shelter and Campsite 

To: White Mountain Lodge - US 2 Gorham N.H.
Miles today: 1.9
Weather: clear sky

NERO!!!! Started 0730 arrived at White Mountain Lodge in Shelburne / Gorham N.H. at 0815. What a gravy hike and day. Set a record for shortest miles hiked and got coffee and breakfast as a bonus for getting there that early. We also missed the rain that came mid morning The Whites have taken a toll on me but north I will go in two days. It has been great hiking with Stretch the last few days.
Date: 2015-08-27
From: White Mountain Lodge - US 2 Gorhan N.H.

To: Gentian Pond Shelter and Campsite
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Got up took another shower, verified everything was packed then had coffee and breakfast. We started hiking at 0800 and arrived at Gentian Pond Shelter and Campsite at 1615 hrs. Passed the 1900 mile marker today. Even after a zero I started to feel a little tired on today's short hike. I want to say thanks to the White Mountain Lodge and Hostel for their hospitality, clean place to stay and excellent breakfast.
Date: 2015-08-28
From: Gentian Pond Shelter and Campsite

To: East End of the Mahoosuc Notch
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: light rain

Started 0700 and finished the Mahoosuc Notch and got to the campsite at 1915 hrs. Left New Hampshire, state #13 and entered Maine (the last state ) It took us 2 hours and 15 minutes to go the one mile thru the Mahoosuc Notch. Stretch and myself did almost all over versus crawling below the boulders. The sentence on the notch from AT Thru-Hikers' Companion states "Famous for ice in deep crevices throughout the year. Many call this scramble under, around, over and between boulders the most difficult mile on the trail." I'm not sure about that but it was a pain in the a##. We stopped and camped between the notch and the arm with Ruha, Tic, Pocahontas and two other hikers. I'm glad the notch is behind me.
Date: 2015-08-29
From: East End of the Mahoosuc Notch

To: Between the East and West Peak of Baldpate Mt.
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Started 0700 and decided to camp at 1815 hrs on a flat rock between Bladpate Mountains East and West Peak. Being in an Alpine zone we literally we on flat rock so we didn't damage any of the fragile plant life. There was four of us camping here: Stretch, Power Slide, his son Jolly and myself. It was an awesome site and the first time I camped above tree line.
Date: 2015-08-30
From: Between the East and West Peak of Baldpate Mt.

To: Hall Mountain Lean-to
Miles today: 12.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Started 0715 arrived Hall Mountain Lean-to at 1715 hrs. Another great of hiking as the four of us enjoyed the great terrain and weather. Ran into Warren Doyle and got his picture. He has hiked the AT 17 times and accumulated more then 36,000 miles on this beautiful trail.
Date: 2015-08-31
From: Hall Mountain Lean-to

To: Bemis Mountain Lean-to
Miles today: 12.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Started 0730 arrived at Bemis Mountain Lean-to at 1815 hrs. All four of us hiked together which I truly enjoy. Everyone has a positive attitude and great sense of humor. There was a lot of up hill today which was tiring but every ones company and outlook made for a great day of hiking.
Date: 2015-09-01
From: Bemis Mountain Lean-to

To: Little Swift River Pond Campsite
Miles today: 12.9

Started 0745 and arrived at Little Swift River Pond Campsite at 1730 hrs. Had some more great terrain and vistas. We hiked pasted several ponds, one even had canoes which was really enjoyable. If you take out our resting, canoeing and site seeing we averaged 2 miles per hour for the first time in weeks. Another good day
Date: 2015-09-02
From: Little Swift River Pond Campsite

To: Farmhouse Inn - Rangeley, ME - Maine Rt 4
Miles today: 4.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Started 0700 and raced to the road in under two hours to catch the shuttle to the Farmhouse Inn. We arrived at the parking area at 0850 hrs and got a shuttle ride into Rangeley, ME. We did the standard town things quickly since we weren't taking a zero the following day. Got showered, did laundry, purchased resupply and ATE. We had a great dinner of pork chops, mixed vegetables, potatoes and apple crisp that the six of us shared, Power Slide, Jolly, Stretch, Tonreg, Airlock and myself. I'm so blessed to be with a great hiking group.
Date: 2015-09-03
From: Farmhouse Inn - Rangeley, ME - Maine Rt 4

To: Poplar Ridge Lean-to
Miles today: 10.7

Privy Pondering : "It's not tell you have had a mosquito on your balls that you realize violence doesn't solve everything"We started hiking about 0930 and at Poplar Ridge Lean-to we cameled up and hiked just north to set up camp on a knoll. Great day of hiking with lots of elevation change and 2.5 - 3 miles of trail above tree line that offered outstanding views. Almost forgot about the trail magic we received as we started on the trail this morning of Mountain House dehydrated meals. None us cared that the meals were past their expiration date
Date: 2015-09-04
From: Poplar Ridge Lean-to

To: South Branch of the Carrabassett River
Miles today: 13.1

Started 0708 and arrived at campsite at the south branch of the Carrabassett River at 1600 hrs. Another great hiking day. We listen to music for the first time in weeks, which was really enjoyable. The terrain was nice even though the downhill was extremely steep going down to the river.
Date: 2015-09-05
From: South Branch of the Carrabassett River

To: Cranberry Stream Campsite
Miles today: 10.3

Started just before 0700 and hiked to Maine Rt. 27 and got a ride into Stratton to eat and resupply. We returned back to the trail ( the Farmhouse truck gave us a ride) and hiked to Cranberry Stream Campsite arriving at 1630 hrs. Past the 2000 mile marker today I've been tired and edgy the last few days, I hope this passes soon because there isn't many hiking days left. Heard owls and coyotes in the middle of the night which was neat to listen too.
Date: 2015-09-06
From: Cranberry Stream Campsite

To: Little Bigelow Lean-to
Miles today: 13.4

Started 0700 and arrived 1745 at Little Bigelow Lean-to. According to Warren Doyle we just finished the roughest, toughest section of the AT from Mount Moosilauke to the Bigelows. Hopefully we can start hiking again. I'm hiking with the same train: me in the front then Power Slide, Tonreg, Jolly and Stretch as the caboose. Took a dip at the "Tubs" which was very cold but nice and refreshing.
Date: 2015-09-07
From: Little Bigelow Lean-to

To: Pierce Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Started just after 0700 and arrived at Pierce Pond Lean-to at 1600 hrs. It was fantastic to have a trail and be able to rack up some miles. Stretch hiked out solo this morning, hopefully I'll catch up with him. Ran into the Twins and Cruise Control and also saw Fat Man Walking's vehicle but it was to early for trail magic. At West Carry Pond Lean-to we did receive trail magic of fresh bake goods: cake, banana bread and fluff-n-nutter sandwiches. THANKS for the great trail magic. Pierce Pond was beautiful and there was such a nice breeze I decided to take a dip.
Date: 2015-09-08
From: Pierce Pond Lean-to

To: South of Moxie Pond
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: light rain

Heard some loons last night out on the pond, what a beautiful sound. Started 0645 and hiked to catch the Kennebec River canoe ferry. After crossing the river we went to Caratunk, ME to the Sterling Inn to pick up a package for Power Slide and Jolly and purchase a few resupply items. After pizza, the four of us (still no Stretch) along with Tick, Pocahontas and Cruise Control all got a ride back to the trail. We hiked to 1830 and camped by a stream just before Moxie Pond. It was a long day but productive.
Date: 2015-09-09
From: South of Moxie Pond

To: Horseshoe Canyon Lean-to
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: light rain

Started this dreary morning at 0650 and hiked over Moxie Bald Mountain in a fog and stiff wind. The sun finally came out at lunch. We hiked to Horseshoe Canyon Lean-to and camped down by the river arriving 1615 hrs. Nice terrain and more good miles today. We're trying to get up early to go into Monson, but it's started to rain so we will see?
Date: 2015-09-10
From: Horseshoe Canyon Lean-to

To: Shaw's Hiker Hostel - Maine Rt 15 - Monson ME
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: light rain

Got an early start heading into Monson Maine leaving camp at 0640 and arriving at ME Rt 15 at 1030 hrs. We got a ride to Shaw's Hiker Hostel and the town activities began: shower, laundry, resupply and eating. This is my last stop before the 100 Miles of Wilderness and Katahdin which i hope to summit in 6-8 days.
Date: 2015-09-11
From: Shaw's Hiker Hostel - Maine Rt 15 - Monson ME

To: Wilson Valley Lean-to
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Got up showered, packed and had a great breakfast. We didn't start hiking till 1100ish because of the rain. We entered the 100 Miles of Wilderness to a sign that read: " THERE ARE NO PLACES TO OBTAIN SUPPLIES OR GET HELP UNTIL ABOL BRIDGE 100 MILES NORTH. DO NOT ATTEMPT THIS SECTION UNLESS YOU HAVE A MINIMUM OF 10 DAYS SUPPLIES AND ARE FULLY EQUIPPED. THIS IS THE LONGEST WILDERNESS SECTION OF THE ENTIRE AT AND IT'S DIFFICULTY SHOULD NOT BE UNDER ESTIMATED. GOOD HIKING M.A.T.C.I had seven days of food and I couldn't carry anymore with my pack weighting 41 lbs. leaving Shaw's. We had to ford two streams and on the second Jolly fell down. His trash bag liner kept his gear dry , but not him or his pack. We arrived at Wilson Valley Lean-to about 1830 which didn't give us much time before it was dark to set up, get water and eat.
Date: 2015-09-12
From: Wilson Valley Lean-to

To: Side Trail to West Chairback Pond
Miles today: 13.9

Started 0710 and hiked about 4 miles just past a stream when we encountered a sign. Sign said trail magic 1/8 mile and pointed down a logging road. We dropped our packs and hiked down to a cabin where we meet Scout. Scout was honoring his deceased son who was a hiker by doing trail magic. GREAT trail magic consisting of cheeseburgers, BBQ chicken, soda, beer, candy bars and all the condiments. After saying thanks and our good byes we set off. We soon encountered another stream that we needed to ford, this one had the strongest current so far , but we all made it across. We ran out of gas just past the side trail to West Chairback Pond at 1830 hrs. Cruise Control joined us just as I went to sleep. Jolly and her gave us some entertainment trying to kill a mouse for about an hour. Then they finally had success and to sleep I went.
Date: 2015-09-13
From: Side Trail to West Chairback Pond

To: Sidney Tappan Campsite
Miles today: 13.4

Started 0700 and arrived at 1600 hrs. at Sidney Tappan Campsite, 1.8 miles north of Carl A. Newhall Lean-to. Meet the ridge-runner Moxy who Scout spoke of yesterday. She was very nice and had good information about the trail. Cruise Control has slide into being our new caboose. The river crossing of the West Branch Pleasant River was slippery, cold and wide , but we all stayed upright and dry. We went dancing thru the woods today as Power Slide could get streaming music. We all took turns picking what you wanted to hear. Very diverse, country Dead followed by Tonreg's pick of the Bee Gee's. I'm glad no one has pictures of us dancing thru the woods. This is a happy time on the trail
Date: 2015-09-14
From: Sidney Tappan Campsite

To: Cooper Brook Falls Lean-to
Miles today: 17.1

Started 0710 and arrived at Cooper Brook Falls Lean-to at 1650 hrs. This is the last day all five of us will be together because Power Slide and Jolly get off at Jo-Mary Road. We stayed in the shelter due to continuing rain as it has done most of the day.We have entered what Moxy called the lake district. The terrain is mostly flat going around lakes and ponds with mud, bogs, roots and rocks to help you remember your on the AT. I'll miss morning prayer ,but Tonreg and myself will keep doing it before we start hiking.
Date: 2015-09-15
From: Cooper Brook Falls Lean-to

To: Wadleigh Stream Lean-to
Miles today: 21.5

Cruise Control joined us for morning prayer, then we said our best wishes and good byes to Power Slide and Jolly. Tonreg and myself started hiking at 0705. We arrived at Wadleigh Stream Lean-to at 1725 hrs. The terrain remained mostly flat with rocks, mud bogs and roots (more of the same) which allowed us to put out some good miles and have a good day of hiking. Unfortunately I lost my wedding ring when I fell in a steam crossing or at the shelter. Maybe the trail will provide again? I wish we would have stopped 2.6 miles earlier and stayed at Nahmakanta Lake at the beach, but Tonreg wanted miles.
Date: 2015-09-16
From: Wadleigh Stream Lean-to

To: Hurd Brook Lean-to
Miles today: 19.6

Started 0645 and arrived 1945 hrs. at Hurd Brook Lean-to. This will be our last night in the 100 Miles of Wilderness. Got a good look at Katahdin from the Rainbow Ledges (21.2 miles from the summit). If all goes well we will hike to the Birches tomorrow and summit on Friday. We will see how it goes.
Date: 2015-09-17
From: Hurd Brook Lean-to

To: The Birches Campsite
Miles today: 13.4

Left early to get register for the Birches, 0630 hrs. Got to the hiker kiosk and we were number 7 & 8. They only take 12 thru hikers per night at the Birches and you can only stay one night. We got to the Birches Campsite before 1300 hrs. We ate, talked and rested for the summit tomorrow. It is a bitter sweet moment, you want it to end , but you are still enjoying it. Caught Stretch, Airlock, and Sasquatch and we also were joined by the Twins, Quahog, Tabasco and Smokey.My number was 631 for thru hikers to register at the Birches to summit Katahdin. Tick and Pocahontas were all smiles when they stopped by the Birches after their summit. It was good to see them and wish them well on their next adventure in life.
Date: 2015-09-18
From: The Birches Campsite

To: Appalachian Trail Lodge -Millinocket, ME
Miles today: 5.2

Went to bed early last night and got very little sleep. The anticipation of finishing my journey was cause of great anxiety . I was packed and ready to go before 0600. We left at 0600 to start a very challenging summit. We arrived at 1000 hrs to the Katahdin Plaque. It's a flood of emotion that I experienced that I hope to put into words in my conclusion entry. Stretch, Tonreg, Pace Car, Cruise Control, Airlock, Sasquatch, Rapunzel, Quahog and the Doyle Group ( Boomerang and others)all where on the summit together. We hiked back down and was at the Ranger Station at 1345 hrs. We hitched into town to shower, eat and plan our trip home. It was an ending to a beautiful day, journey and life experience and we couldn't have had nicer weather. It was also a joy to summit with members of my trail family
Date: 2015-11-02
To: Daily Living
Miles today: 0.0

"THE JOURNEY IS THE DESTINATION" from a poster in the ATC, Harpers Ferry, WV . The AT is more then a meandering dirt and rock path, it's a living thing. The trail allows you to meet other hikers, trail angels and businesses that cater to your needs. It has the amazing ability to provide just what you need when you need it. It also gave me the personal time necessary to reflect, strengthening my relationship with God and myself. I meet many people that I owe THANKS to, some I know their names and some I've forgotten or didn't get their names. The support I received from my wife, family and friends is another blessing. Though the trail beat my body physically it was more of a mental challenge. Yet I endured, enjoyed and I'm so, so so grateful that I did this journey.You must start the hike, to experience what the trail offers. I feel it's worth all the pain, hardships and tribulations to have the serenity, fellowship and memories from a journey of a life time. THANKS!!!!My final weight was 179 lbs. with a base pack weight of 24 lbs (according to the airport scale). In the little over a month since I finished my hike I've gained back 20 lbs and hopefully I'll stay under 200 lbs. Even though I miss the trail and fellow hikers at times, I don't have any current plans for any future long distance hiking (Don't see the wife saying OK if I did anyway). I'll be entering the business world again with a smile and great memories from a journey of a life time.
Date: 2014-03-02
From: springer Mountain

To: as far as I can possibly get!!
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Today we were surprised with a send off party at one of our daughters homes!! It was so great to see our friends and family excited for us to start the adventure of our lives!! THANKS to all of you. We are more anxious than ever to get this party started!! One more week, and we will have finished our first day on the trail. The weather here in Alaska has been so unseasonably warm, that we have been able to get in lots of hikes with our packs on, so I think we are about as prepared as we can be.May the forest be with youMary and Tom
Date: 2014-03-03
From: Springer Mountain

To: still prepping
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Well I think we have FINALLY decided on our trail names, Tom, because he spends the summer counting fish at the weir on the Russian River, has decided to choose WEIRMAN as his name.I decided I couldn't go for months without knitting, so I am bringing some yarn and needles to knit along the way, so I have chosen KNITTER as my name. So from now on we will be known as Knitter and Weirman
Date: 2014-03-06
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

We had our final night of playing cards with our dearest friends!! Hand and Foot, the guys won the first game, then the gals got to shave Weirman's head for the trail !! The women won the second game ! Fun times we will miss that Saturday night ritual. This morning we tried to mail our first box to Hiawassee, and found out we cannot do click and ship to a General Delivery address. That is a bummer, but glad we found out before we left.We catch our first flight to Anchorage tonight, then it is off to Atlanta in the wee hours of the morning. SOO excited
Date: 2014-03-09
From: Springer Mountain

To: Hawk Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 8.1
Weather: light rain

We got on the train out of Atlanta, and rode with our shuttle driver, Survivor Dave, to the Springer Mountain parking lot. From there, we hiked up the mountain. There were a lot of people up there, so we were excited and so happy to be there. We had our picture taken, and headed back down the mountain. We picked up our packs, and took more pictures and were taking our first steps on the trail around 12:30. We walked a ways a came upon a man crawling back up onto the trail on his hands and knees. We stopped to see if he was okay, and he assured us he was. He had dropped a fruit cake off of the back of his pack, and went off to get it. Yes that is right, a fruitcake!!! He had close to 70 pounds on his back, and he said his trail name was Slowpoke. He was carrying two of everything, including two fruitcakes! Two tents, two tarps, two radios, etc,etc... We were amazed...We continued on our way in awe of everything we saw. We came to a waterfall, and stopped and cooled off our feet in it. We thought that it would be nice to find a foot soaking stream everyday on the trail. We got to the shelter around 4 pm, to find it packed with hikers!!! Not only was the shelter full, but we really had to scout to find a spot for our tent. We finally settled on one ,and then we started meeting other hikers. The first one we met was Beeman.... and his girlfriend, Aurora.   They were super nice and gave us great tips, as he had hiked the trail several times in the past.   Slowpoke showed up a bit later, and Beeman helped him also. We couldn't get our food hung on the provided bear poles, so it was quite comedic to try to hand it from a tree branch. Weirman was able to get it hung somehow..First day on the trail, let the adventure begin..
Date: 2014-03-10
From: Hawk Mountain Shelter

To: Ramrock Mountain
Miles today: 10.9

We got up and got our food down and ate a quick meal, packed up the tent, and headed out. We had heard there was going to be trail magic at the next shelter, but we decided it was too early to stop, so we continued on for another three miles, and found a beautiful tent site on top of Ramrock Mountain. Beeman had told us we could camp wherever we wanted, but we weren't really comfortable doing that. This looked like an established site, and the view was great.   I am not getting much sleep though, maybe I'm too excited yet....
Date: 2014-03-11
From: Ramrock Mountain

To: Bull Gap
Miles today: 13.8

We climbed up Blood mountain today,4461 feet elevation. There were several people on the trail coming up the other way. The downhill looked like a river of rock to me. There were some cool rock and tree formations. The weather has been perfect and we have met so many cool and interesting people. Way more men than women, have enjoyed this beautiful part of the country.   Thanks for all of the good wishes, that means a lot to us both! May the forest be with you !!Mary and Tom
Date: 2014-03-12
From: Bull Gap

To: Campsite 47.9
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: overcast clouds

We are still in awe of this trail and the people we are meeting. Lots of ups and downs today, just plugging away. slowly... We stopped to eat at Low Gap Shelter, and the place was PACKED!!! There was rumer of a nasty storm coming, so some kids had put up a big tarp in the front of the shelter fro protection. We ate some mashed potatoes and bacon, and decided to push on. After about 4 miles, we were forced to stop. The winds were blowing so hard, that we literally COULDN'T get around the corner. We turned around, and were able to find a sheltered old roadbed to pitch the tent on. We were soon joined by a young girl and her dog. Whitney and Roxy... They only had a tarp for shelter. Lateer another couple tried to make the corner and they too were forced back. It was a younger couple from Colorado. We all hunkered down for the night.. The wind was blowing so very hard.