morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-10-10
From: Caratunk. Sterling Inn

To: West Carry Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 14.0

We enjoyed a tasty breakfast at the Inn. Eric, the owner, had some great history to relate about the Inn and the trail and the area. The food was just like eating at home. Yogurt, granola banana, hard boiled egg. And a muffin. Yum. I finished packing up our gear, and Weirman paid the bill. We were back on the trail by 8:45, just in time to catch the ferry. Which is really a canoe that takes you across the Kennebec River. It was fun. A beautiful morning, all sun, a pleasant change from yesterday's rain. We walked a bit and enjoyed the fall colors and the river. We walked around a pond for a long time. Then we met Bluebird and Akuna Matada. We were hoping to see them again. They were hiking to catch the ferry the next day. The ferry is only running until October 12th, so most hikers are pushing miles to get past it. We got to the shelter around 4:30 and Trial and Error were there. Error has a knee injury and they probably will be getting off the trail. They had been there since Fridays rainstorm trying to dry out their gear. We made dinner, then Trial made a nice fire to try and dry out their socks and shoes. It was getting cold and dark so we headed off to bed.
Date: 2015-10-11
From: West Carry Pond Lean-to

To: Safford Notch Campsite
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: overcast clouds

We got moving early. It is cold this morning. After packing our gear, and getting breakfast, we passed by the shelter on our way out to say goodbye to Trial and Error. They were trying to figure out a plan to get off the trail. When we got to the first road crossing, there was a shuttle dropping off three NOBO's. We asked them to check on Trial and Error, and the shuttle driver gave them his number to pass on to them. Hopefully they were able to get off the trail safely today. When we got to the next road crossing, we started the climb up Little Bigelow Mountain. There were several day hikers out today. It is Sunday and it is sunny. We visited with one couple who stopped while we were having lunch. We hiked with up most of the mountain, then they and everyone else turned around. We kept heading south until we decided to call it a day at the campsite. Still feeling a little weak in the knees. Ate a good supper. We were able to call Weirman's brother and our daughter Laura. Good to hear from both of them.   Off to bed early, the mountains are calling.
Date: 2015-10-12
From: Safford Notch Campsite

To: Stratton
Miles today: 10.4

We had a nice tent site last night. We walked through a cave to get there. It was warmer than we thought it would be this morning. Weirman is wearing his shorts!!! This is unusual because he is normally the cold one. He still has his gloves on, but that is because his hands never get warm. We started the day off by climbing the Bigelows. They weren't too bad, but the wind was blowing at the summit, so we didn't spend too much time there. The views are so worth the climb. The fall colors are getting more intense everyday. Still, the locals are telling us that they aren't as vivid as they should be because of the dry summer they had here. We met three northbounders today. We found that a bit strange because today was the last day to catch the Kennebec ferry, and they were too far south to catch it. Now you have to pay $50 to cross the river. We stopped for lunch at the Horns Pond day shelter. They have quite the little set up there with a caretaker. Two shelters and lots of tent sites. The profile showed all downhill from there, but we should know better by now.   Up we went. Rock faces. Then the endless down down down.   We got to Hwy 27 around 2:30, and started to hitch. We got a ride right away from a nice guy from Wyoming doing an internship here in Maine. Our motel room was open with the key in it, no one was in the office. I took a wonderfully long shower while Weirman went off to the grocery store. Then I went and did laundry, which was in the basement of a huge apartment complex. Kind of weird, but the clothes are clean. We went back to the grocery store and picked up dinner. We had a relaxing night watching TV and talking on the phone to friends and family.
Date: 2015-10-13
From: Stratton

To: Spaulding Mountain Lean to
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: scattered clouds

We got up this morning anticipating a big wonderful breakfast next door at the Big Wolf Restaurant. It wasn't open. After reading the signs again, we discovered that they only served breakfast on Saturday and Sunday. Back to the hotel room. The PO didn't open until 8:30, and we had to pick up our resupply box. Weirman went to the office where he finally was able to connect with the owner , Stacy. She was getting Bluebird and Akuna Matada back to the trail to slack pack back to Stratton. He paid her, and made arrangements for a shuttle back to the trail later in the morning. We headed back out to find someplace to eat. Stacy had told Weirman about a restaurant just past the PO. It was really foggy and we walked for a bit and then turned around afterwards. We found a convenience store that had breakfast sandwiches and pastries so we ate there. It was finally past 8:30 so we could get our box at the PO. Then we headed back to the motel to pack our packs. After opening the box, we realized we didn't have enough food, so Weirman headed across the street to supplement it. He came back with some oatmeal and canned meats. We got into Stacy's truck, and she drove us the 5 miles back to the trail. It was 9:30, and we had a long 13.5 miles to hike. Four mountains to climb. I was doubtful we could make it. We met up with Rambler, Akuna Matada, and Bluebird, and visited with them. We were sure we would see them tomorrow on the trail. Climb, crawl, scramble. Climb some more. It was a rough day, but we made it over Spaulding mountain and to the shelter just as it was getting dark. There was a young lady there. Her name was Sarah. She was delightful to visit with. We set up our tent inside the shelter with her blessing. I started dinner. Weirman had picked up a can of tuna awhile back in a hiker box. I was planning on adding it to the pasta primavera. I opened the can to discover it was tuna and jalape±o peppers. No thank you!!!! I ate my portion of the bag and let Weirman eat the rest with the tuna. We crawled into the tent, and about an hour later another hiker showed up. He cooked his dinner and set up his bed. Off to sleep!!
Date: 2015-10-14
From: Spaulding Mountain Lean to

To: Poplar Ridge Lean to
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: clear sky

We were delighted to see the weather was not as bad as we were expecting this morning. It was calm and partly sunny. We ate breakfast and visited with Sarah and Percolator, or Perc. He was a northbound thru hiker who had a lot of miles yet to cover. We headed south hoping to get in a long day. The weather was not going to let us push miles today. It started raining and blowing. We got to Poplar Ridge Shelter at 1:00 and decided to wait a few hours to see if it would calm down so we could get over Saddkeback Junior and make it to the next campsite. It never happened, so we decided to stay put and call it a day. We couldn't safely hike those miles before dark. We set up the tent in the shelter, and tried to pass the time away. About 6:30, a girl showed up. At first I thought it was Akuna Matada, but it was a young gal hiking a section northbound. We asked her if she had hiked over the saddle backs, and she said she had. She said it was scary and not much fun at all. She pitched her tent and made dinner, and told us she was getting off of the trail the next day.
Date: 2015-10-15
From: Poplar Ridge Lean to

To: Swift River Pond Campsite
Miles today: 15.5

We were up and on the trail before the sun was up today. We had a few mountains to tackle this morning. The first one we came to was saddleback junior. It wasn't too bad, and after we summited, we saw the campsite we would have hiked to yesterday if the weather had cooperated. We would never had made it before dark. Then up and the climb up The Horn. We were nearing the top, when we met a young lady who had just run over the Saddlebacks. She warned us about the ice on the rocks, and said her traverse was "intense". I was amazed someone would be running, but it also gave us hope that we could do it. Getting over the Horn wasn't bad, but we ran into ice and snow here and there. I love being above tree line. You can see everything for miles , and today it was very clear and the views were incredible. The colors of the trees gets more brilliant everyday, and today the forest was glowing. We continued our walk over the summit, and then met a hiker coming up from the south. He had taken the day off of work to hike. We began our descent, and it seemed it went on forever. We were about a half a mile from the Piazza Rock Lean to, when we met a couple resting on a rock. He had hiked several sections if the AT, and his wife was just beginning to hike with him. Then the day hiker caught up with us , and he was nice enough to hike our garbage out with him. There were many sightings of low flying helicopters all morning. We wondered if there was a lost hiker , or if someone was just spotting moose. We later learned that they had found the body of Inchworm, a female hiker missing since July 2013. Sad day for the family. We stopped at the shelter for lunch, yum. We were hungry. Then we crossed the hwy and headed back into the woods. The terrain was more pleasant but still lots of mud. When we got to the Little Swift River Pond campsite, we decided to stay for the night. It was a beautiful spot. The lake was calm as glass, and Weirman built a great fire. We enjoyed dinner by it. It was a warm a sunny day, and knew we wouldn't have too many more of those.
Date: 2015-10-16
From: Swift River Pond Campsite

To: camp spot at mile 241.5
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: clear sky

We were getting excited today because if we could push miles today we may be able to finish in Saturday instead of Sunday. We had heard the weather was going to get cold by Sunday and we weren't really looking forward to a cold snowy day. The weather today was nicer than we expected and the trail was not too bad. We hiked until we couldn't hike anymore. Magically a small spot appeared just off the trail so we could pitch the tent. We had gotten water and thought we could make it to a spot that said there was a bench and a view, but this spot appeared and we decided to stop short about .2 miles. We had gotten over 16 miles today, and had only 15.4 left. We were going to be able to finish the next day!!!! It was hard to sleep tonight, I was excited, and laying on several roots. We talked to Susan and Peg on the phone to let them know there was a possibility we could be finishing the next day. They figured they could make it there in time to meet us as we finished. SO EXCITED!!!!!!
From: Clingmans Dome 

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I took a zero on Monday, 4/20/15 to do laundry, gather some supplies, dry out, and rest up. Because I had such a hard time getting to Gatlinburg, I planned not to get off the trail again until I reached Hot Springs, NC., 75 miles away. The trail goes right thru Hot Springs, so I would not have to worry about shuttles. I also had resupply boxes waiting for me there. When asked if they are going all the way to Maine, most thru hikers say "that's the plan", because we all know things out here are subject to change. Unfortunately,my thru hike is no different.I struggled to find a shuttle back to Clingmans Dome. I scheduled a 6:30 a.m. pick up time so could make miles. Unfortunately I got very little sleep because I was afraid of over sleeping. I had the driver take me right back to the visitors center at Clingmans Dome. It was cold, foggy, and the wind was blowing so hard it literally took my breath away. I walked up the paved path to the exact location where I got off the trail on Sunday. I actually saw tourists wrapped up in blankets walking down the paved path. I have no idea what they were thinking. With the fog there was nothing to see.As I got off the paved path to return to the AT I noticed the frost on the trees. It was tough going between the cold, wind, climb to reach the summit. I was the only fool out there for several hours. Eventually the sun started to burn off some of the fog and it began to warm up a little.I came across a family of 6 thru hiking the trail. I was amazed at their speed and how happy and well behaved the 4 kids were. Their plan was to cover 20 miles that day.By early afternoon I reached Newfound Gap. I received some trail magic, but apparently missed the bulk of the trail magic, which was offered earlier in the day. After enjoying a break and the views, I pressed on the 3 miles to Ice water Spring Shelter. This shelter has little flat ground for tents, but one of the most beautiful views.I had a headache most of the day, which I chalked up to dehydration or lack of sleep. To be on the safe side, I decided to set up my tent, take a Nyquil, and head directly to bed. I wanted to get an early start in the morning.When I first got up I knew something was wrong. I could not walk a straight line to the privy. I thought maybe the effects of the Nyquil had not worn off. So I shook the dusting of snow off my tent and went back to bed for a while. When I woke up again a few hours later, I realized that I had a bad head cold.
Date: 2015-03-14
From: Just getting ready

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

I wanted a dog tag type Road ID to put on my backpack in case for some reason we become separated, or the Road ID on my wrist becomes lost and I need medical attention.I also wanted my trail name engraved on the face of the dog tag. There was a slight problem getting the engraving done as promised, so the shop gave me the engraving for free. I had also gotten a big discount on the dog tag Road ID, so it was a win-win for me.Trail magic??? Hmmmm.... Just a few days left before I hit the trail.
Date: 2015-03-16
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

I spent the entire weekend getting ready to leave. I packaged and prepared resupply boxes my spouse will mail to me at various points while I am on the trail. I realize some hikers just buy food along the trail, but I suspect my GI system would quickly cause me major problems. I also want to try using all dehydrated cook-in-the-bag meals to limit cooking, clean up, and cooking equipment needed on the trail.I checked out the white blaze website. The Florida National Scenic Trail (Florida Trail) is marked with orange dollar shaped blazes, and the Appalachian National Scenic Trail (AT) is likewise marked, but with white blazes. According to that website, the southern portion of the AT, specifically Georgia, is loaded with hikers, and quickly becoming trashed. I am hoping it is just a temporary influx due to spring breakers.The ATC Appalachian Trail Conservancy), AMC (Appalachian Mountain Club), and ALDHA (Appalachian Long Distance Hiker Association), all wonderful organizations which help look after and maintain the AT (I am a proud member of all 3) have all expressed serious concerns about an anticipated surge of hikers on all the national scenic trails due primarily to two hiking movies, "Wild" about the PCT (Pacific Crest Trail), released earlier this year, and "A Walk in the Woods" about the AT due out later this year.I too suspect many inexperienced folks will hit the trails, without fully realizing what they are in for or any understanding of LNT (Leave No Trace). The movies show inexperienced folks (actors with full film crews to support them every step of the way) hiking the trails, and others mistakenly assume they can tooThe above is one of the reasons I feel that this is the time for me to thru hike. Next year the AT will almost certainly be a crowded mess, if the surge has not already started . . . .
Date: 2015-03-17
To: Springer Mountain
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Tomorrow my journey officially starts. My spouse and I are on our way to Amicalola Falls S.P. in North Georgia.   If you have never been there,it is a beautiful state park to visit even if you have absolutely no interest in the AT.For those looking for just a little overnight adventure, but without the need for a heavy pack or sleeping outdoors, and with clean hot showers and a delicious dinner and breakfast, there is the Hike Inn. All you need to do is hike up the mountain about 5 miles, and make reservations of course. A few years ago we stayed at the Hike Inn. In the morning, after breakfast, we hiked the rest of the way up Springer Mountain to the start of the AT. We came back on the AT approach trail. It was a tough 12 miles.Today we are again going to the Hike Inn. Tomorrow morning, after breakfast, I will say good bye to my spouse of 20+ years and once again head up Springer Mountain to the start of the AT. That is going to be a very tough moment. Then my AT journey will begin.
Date: 2015-03-28
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Thank you for the encouragement from my new gal pals from the Hike Inn, Sherri, Julie, Kristy, and Lisa. I loved talking with you, and I REALLY appreciated your generous trail magic. I am saving the goodies for either a very special occasion or for when I am running low on food. My other food weighs so much more I am trying to eat that up first.And thank you for the encouragement from my buddy Barbara. Oh, the stories I will have to tell when this adventure is over.Hope you all keep reading. I cannot post everyday. On the trail I have limited battery life and Internet coverage. So I will post when I can. I am having the adventure of a lifetime. I wish you could all join me .... to help carry some of my stuff.The AT is calling, and I have many MANY more miles to hike!!
Date: 2015-03-29
From: Unicoi Gap

To: Dick's Creek Gap
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: clear sky

It was a wise decision to get off the trail and seek warm shelter when I hit Unicoi Gap. The low temps Friday night and Saturday night were in the 20's, meaning that the temps on the mountain tops were even less.So I took a zero day Saturday, my very first so far. Which means zero miles were hiked on the AT. But I still walked quite a bit. I had errands to run and no car. So I had to walk everywhere. Thankfully everything I needed was available and Hiawassee is a relatively small place.I was looking for several comfort items, had to pick up a box of supplies I mailed to myself, and stopped by Verizon to have my phone checked out. On my way back I stopped at a little shop that supports AT hikers, Buckhead Shop, and they happened to be having a clothing sale. The owner is a wonderful woman. AT hikers need to support the businesses in trail towns which support the AT.I also had to do laundry, pack up all my gear that I had layed out all over my hotel room to dry, and catch up on my trail journal. So a zero day does not mean doing nothing. Instead it means trying to get chores done and supplies needed before heading out on the trail again.A friend of mine came to visit me and to help me slack pack. So on Sunday I slack packed from Unicoi Gap to Dick's Gap, a distance of about 17 miles. We had 2 big climbs, and lots of smaller ups and downs. It was a very long day. But it was a BEAUTIFUL day to hike. Early it was pretty cold, but by afternoon the temps climbed to 60, clear blue skies, and no rain.My feet are sore, but I knocked out a lot of miles. Soon I will be in North Carolina, and state #2. Time for bed.The AT is calling, and I STILL have lots and lots of miles to hike.
Date: 2015-04-04
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

I wanted to give a special shout out to my 4 new gal pals from the Hike Inn and my friend Barbara S. Thank you for your words of encouragement via the GUEST BOOK button to the left. It is great to hear from you. Your messages are forwarded to me via email.For those reading my trail journal, please send me messages via GUEST BOOK. I would love to hear from you if you do not already have my email address or phone number to text.The AT is not easy, and it is not for everyone.   But so far everyday I have had a big smile on my face, and it comes naturally. When times are tough (i.e. I am tired, hungry, wet, cold, and/or sore), I just remind myself it will not last. I have the knowledge, skills, gear, and/or trail opportunities to take care of the problem. There is a saying that whatever you need, the trail will provide. So far that has been very true.I also keep in mind that this is a tremendous opportunity to accomplish a goal I set for myself many decades ago, long before most of my fellow hikers were even born. I am very grateful that I have an understanding and supportive spouse, who I hope knows I really am OK, and I am thoroughly enjoying this adventure.The number of thru hikers is starting to thin. A few people I met early on have already gotten off the AT. Fortunately I am still here, and I truly appreciate what that really means.As always, the AT is calling ..... I have many miles to hike and mountains to climb.
Date: 2015-04-11
From: Fontana Dam

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Hiking for hours during the day leaves me plenty of time to think. Ala David Letterman, I have come up with at least 10 benefits of thru hiking the AT:10. You always know the current weather because you are right in the middle of it.9. There is no need to sort your laundry before washing because everything is about the same grungy color, and all your clothes make up less than 1 full load.8. You save money on things like soap, shampoo, hair products, perfume, deodorant, etc. because you go days without showering.7. Everyday your view changes.6. No housework!5. You save time every day because you do not shower, wash your hair, or shave.4. You never forget, or have an excuse not to exercise because you walk, everyday almost all day long.3. You do not have to worry about whether your shoes match your outfit because your dirty hiking boots always go so nicely with your dirty clothes.2. You never have to worry about what you are going to wear in the morning because you wear the same thing every day.1. There are no lines for the ladies room because there are plenty of trees to squat behind and no waiting!!