morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2017-09-23
From: Kirkridge Shelter 

To: Tentsite at 927.6
Miles today: 25.0
Weather: scattered clouds

9/23/17 Day 116 - 25.0 milesKirkridge Shelter to Tentsite at 927.6Heard someone rustling around early this morning so I just got up. It was 5:45 and still dark. On the trail at 6:45- too slow this morning but had to fill up on water. I'm coming up to a stretch of very dry miles. Very little water today- only 1 spot to refill at 14 miles and no water at campsite tonight unless I go 30 miles to the next shelter which is not happening. Trail elevation profile looks pretty level but the rocks started about a mile in when I hit Wolf Rocks. You know it's rocky when they have their own name. 3 straight hours of rock trail - foot bruising, toe crushing rocks. Hop from one to the other, hard to get a rhythm but just have to be patient- I keep telling myself that this is the last real challenge for me and that calms me down for a bit, until I stub my toe or stumble and trip and then it's back to screaming curse words. Not strenuous, just difficult. Was able to make good time though without breaking a sweat. Came up to the only water source of the day which was at a shelter but of course the spring was .5 straight downhill. I brought all my bottles and my filter bag (another 2L). There were a couple guys ahead of me filling their bottles and I notice that the 1 guy had a pistol on his belt. Being from NJ, I'm still fascinated when I see people open carry. It was a lot more common down south but up here it's just a little different. Doesn't bother me one way or another it's just not as common up here. Anyway, it was probably in the mid 80's and the water was so nice and cool - it had to be a spring. Loaded up with 4 liters- more than I've carried the entire trip and headed back up the trail to the shelter to pack up and get moving. Patiently walked the last 11.3 to the Tentsite where Destiny has already set up. Made a quick dinner and off to bed. 25 miles in 12 hours and the days are getting shorter very quickly.
Date: 2017-09-24
From: Tentsite at 927.6

To: Allentown Hiking Club Shelter 
Miles today: 22.1
Weather: few clouds

9/24/17 Day 117 - 22.1 milesTentsite at 927.6 to Allentown Hiking Club Shelter Up at 5:45 on trail by 6:45. Had to go down into Lehigh Gap and back up the other side- this is probably my last big climb of the trip. There are more climbs but I don't think any are this big. I've heard about the Superfund site around here where all the trees died off from smelting years ago. The town of Palmerton was down below on the other side of the river and I just wondered how people felt living down there so close to the past damage. Came out to a boulder field and had to head straight down. Very scary - huge boulder scrambling, if I was to trip, not sure where I would eventually stop bouncing. The river maybe? Way up was easy but I had to stop for water. I'm pretty sure this is the only water source again today and it was getting hot - about 88. The trail was a nice path mixed with long stretches of rocks and boulders. Came out at a road crossing and looked up the road. I heard there was a restaurant and I'm not one to road walk far, but I could see this one so I was going. Came up to the Blue Mountain Restaurant (right next to road crossing at 309) around 3:30 and grabbed a bite to eat and got to catch the 4th quarter of the Eagles game- awesome ending! Food was incredible too! The owners let hikers camp out back and fill up on water as well. As much as I'd like to eat dinner tonight and breakfast here tomorrow, I need to keep moving. Topped off the water bottles and got going. Not sure where Destiny is planning to end his day but I'm just going until I don't feel like it anymore. Last 4 miles to the shelter were still very warm- only going down to 67 all night. The area around here is too rocky so I can't rely on finding a stealth spot so I'm stuck going to the shelter and this one is kind of far off trail. .5 miles I think. Got to the shelter and there were 2 guys from NC out for a week or so. Set up the tent and had dinner, off to bed as soon as the sun went down. Planning 22 tomorrow into Port Clinton and Carl is coming to visit early Tuesday
Date: 2017-09-25
From: Allentown Hiking Club Shelter 

To: Rt 61 trailhead in Hamburg PA
Miles today: 21.9
Weather: overcast clouds

9/25/17 Day 118 - 21.9 milesAllentown Hiking Club Shelter to Rt 61 trailhead in Hamburg PASlept in a bit for no good reason. Thought it was only 20 miles into town today and when I found out it was 21.9 I was bummed. It's amazing that only 1.9 would make that much of a difference but that's about 40 more minutes of walking in the heat that I hadn't planned on. Just a mental hurdle - the body can do it no problem. Another hot and humid day- 90 degrees. Still in the rocks also but there were a few stretches of nice trail on dirt roads. Came up to a section of trail that I've done before and had lunch at the Pinnacle. I didn't even go to the overlook that's .3 off trail because I've seen it so many times before. I just sat at the huge rock pile at the trail junction and ate my lunch. I had gotten a text from one of my old coworkers so I was able to give him a call back and see how things are going at the old place. Turns out my job hasn't been filled yet so maybe I'll see if I can go back there when the hike is over. Obviously my perspective about my old job has evolved since beginning the hike and also I've come to terms with the fact that I do actually like working a 9 to 5. I don't have a single regret about leaving the job to do this - as a matter of fact it's just the opposite. So glad I was able to do this but it will be over soon and I have to start thinking about my next steps rejoining the normal world. Finished lunch and moved on to Pulpit Rock overlooking the campground that my son and I camped at every year. I never realized the rocks were so bad in this section while we were doing our day hikes up here but after 3 days of rocks rocks rocks my feet want to give up. With the heat came the gnats!! Terrible gnats buzzing in front of my eyes and in my ears. I'm convinced the trail gods are making sure I pay my dues with the heat in this section. It's definitely a little easier to take knowing that I'll be done in a week or so but there is very little enjoyment hiking in this. I remember back in the beginning of the trail I would write about that for all the good days, the trail collects it's dues eventually. It's not fun on days like this but they can't all be winners. Made it to the trailhead at Rt 61 around 5:30. I was miserable and uncomfortable and beat up. I called Steve, a local shuttle driver, and was at the Microtel in 10 minutes. Showered up and headed to the steakhouse across the street with Destiny. Ate entirely too much and headed back to room for the night. Even got to watch some MNF. I'm excited to see Carl and Susan tomorrow- they are coming to Hamburg to provide some trail magic!
Date: 2017-09-26
From: Rt 61 trailhead in Hamburg PA

To: Eagles Nest Shelter 
Miles today: 8.3
Weather: clear sky

9/26/17 Day 119 - 8.3 milesHamburg to Eagles Nest ShelterIt was so nice to be clean and sleep in a bed. In no rush this morning because Carl and his wife Susan are coming to visit and provide some trail magic- my only regret is that I didn't have more hikers for them to meet. Destiny had gotten a shuttle back to the trail early so he could do 26+ miles to the 501 Shelter. I needed to resupply and find out if Merrell was sending replacement boots- my boots have fallen apart in the past 3 days to the point that soles are about to fall off (after only 40 days) Carl and Susan came nice and early and we went over to the Cracker Barrel for breakfast. I love the breakfasts there!!!Since I hadn't been journaling so much, Carl had a ton of questions which I never get tired of answering and I got to fill him in on all the details that don't get written about. They had an adventure of their own to fill me in on as well. It meant a lot to me that they came out to visit and help me out with the town chores as well. Thanks again guys!!!Got on trail around 1:00 right where I left off yesterday. Climb straight up out of Port Clinton was a surprise. Very steep with no steps, straight up sand and gravel for 800' in .5 miles. Add in the 88 degree heat and it was a killer! I was a sweaty mess within 5 minutes and the shower and clean clothes were a distant memory. The New Balance trail runners that I picked up feel great. More rocks, more heat, more gnats means I have to be more patient. The jagged PA rocks are wearing me down like a cheese grater. There's gonna be nothing left of me by the time I'm through them!Other than the big climb, the trail was relatively level with patches of rocks and boulder fields. They aren't strenuous but they're difficult none the less.  Reached the Eagles Nest Shelter around 5:00. It was early but I had to stop here for water and I figured a half day after a hotel night may be the best thing for me before I make the final push. I still plan on finishing next Tuesday even though it's unlikely- it's not yet a mathematical impossibility. I plan on getting a couple30 milers before my hike is over so now is the time!!Met Strider and Positive Traction at the shelter. 2 nice guys from NC out for a section hike. Had dinner together and it was nice chatting with them. Early to bed tonight to start the big miles tomorrow- only 1 more hot day to go before the weather breaks.
Date: 2017-09-27
From: Eagles Nest Shelter 

To: Stealthsite at SB mile 1009
Miles today: 28.0
Weather: scattered clouds

9/27/17 Day 120 - 28 milesEagles Nest Shelter to stealth site at 1009Alarm went off at 5:30, only hit snooze once. Heard Strider and Positive Traction up and getting ready. Hard to get back to sleep when I hear other people getting their day started. Packed up and on trail by 6:45, still slow. Had to do the extra .3 Shelter trail to get back on the AT. The woods felt empty today - it's getting late in the thru-hiking season so the bubbles of hikers are all gone where I am. I'm sure there are some big bubbles up near Katahdin. Walking through lots of spider webs and they're getting bigger because of fall. Easy terrain, but there are still brief sections of rocks- seems like they might be coming to an end. Long section of nice flat trail where I was able to make good miles - 14 by lunch. Met Slapshot, a section hiker, who warned me of a bear ahead which I never saw. Haven't seen one since NJ. Cooked dinner at a campsite around 5:00 and decided to push on for another 4 miles. I think 28 is a new record for me? Hopefully this is the last of the hot days- 87 and humid today. I'm hoping the miles come a little easier in the cooler weather and the bugs go away!! 8:00 in my tent, lights out
Date: 2017-09-28
From: Stealthsite at 1009

To: The Doyle Hotel, Duncannon PA
Miles today: 34.0
Weather: clear sky

9/28/17 Day 121 - 34 milesTentsite at 1009 to The Doyle Hotel Duncannon PACrazy long day!! On trail by 6:15 (still dark) and feeling a little sluggish from the long day yesterday. The weather is supposed to break today and I can't wait- but it's still a little muggy this morning. The plan is to keep the breaks short and to a minimum. Every minute seems to count when you want to make big miles. Had a lot of snacks packed in the hip belt to help me put off lunch till I know if I'm going into Duncannon today. I had originally planned to get there Friday but it looks like it could be possible today. Saw a rattlesnake as I climbed over a rocky ridge- he was rattling frantically so I got a better look and he had the back end of another rattlesnake sticking out of his mouth! He took off as soon as he saw me checking him out. Didn't know they ate each other. Had lunch at the Peters Mountain Shelter where I met Sequoia, Camel, and Sweet Monkey. They were all headed to the Doyle as well and told me there was only one room left and that I should reserve it so I immediately called and got it reserved. 11.7 to go and it's already 3:00 - I have to be there before the desk closes at 8:00. I was there just before 7:00 and totally beat up from pushing it the last 11 miles, the hike down was brutal and seemed like it would never end. Then I had a 2 mile road walk through the little town. Right down the sidewalk. This place is a legend among the hikers mainly because it's right on the trail (which goes through the center of town) and because of how dirty it is. There's a story about a hiker that put toe nail clippings in a dresser drawer and they remained there for 4 or 5 years. After staying there, I can say I totally believe it now. Ordered a BBQ pork sandwich from the bar to hold me off till I ordered a pizza from across the street. Got checked into my room which had an unlevel bed and took a shower in the bathroom down the hall. Not sure if I came out dirtier - this place is a complete dump but it has a roof and electricity. You can tell they don't even try anymore. Full belly and sore feet- time for bed.
Date: 2017-09-29
From: The Doyle Hotel, Duncannon PA

To: Stealthsite at SB mile 1064.2
Miles today: 21.2
Weather: overcast clouds

9/29/17 Day 122 - 21.2 milesThe Doyle Hotel Duncannon to stealth site at mile 1064.2Slept pretty good considering the bed was tilted to the side and was trying to dump me out all night. Got to sleep in a bit too since I have to pick up a box from the PO and they do t open till 8:00. Up at 7:15 and went across the street to the little breakfast place for some coffee and pancakes- my new favorite breakfast!! I know I'm going to have to lay off these when I get home - either that or walk 20 miles whenever I have them. Sat at the counter with the regulars and listened to their stories about driving truck and riding Harley's. A local old timer that I was sitting next to told me how the Doyle used to be a nice place and he actually lived there for a couple of years in the early 1950's. He said he could get loaded in the bar downstairs but have to walk up 4 flights of stairs to make it to his room.  After breakfast I picked up my resupply box from the PO and realized that this is my last one!! I went through my food bag and got rid of anything old and only took enough food for 4 days. I started the day with 120 miles to Harper's Ferry and there are a few snack bars along the way so I don't have to carry those meals either. Also packed out the rest of the pizza I got last night.  All packed and on the trail at 9:30- a little later than I had hoped but what can you do. A nice climb out of town and the miles fly by. There's a nice long stretch of about 14 miles of level trail today that I should make good time on.  Stopped for lunch at 12:30 and finished the pizza on another break at 3:30. By 6:30 the back had enough. Pushed on till about 7:30 and found a flat spot on the edge of a hay field to set up. The trail goes right through Boiling Springs tomorrow and I'm definitely stopping in the diner for coffee (and maybe pancakes too).
Date: 2017-09-30
From: Stealthsite at 1064.2

To: Stealthsite at 1093.7
Miles today: 29.5

9/30/17 Day 123 - 29.5 milesStealthsite at 1064.2 to campsite at 1093.7On trail at 6:45 and came out to the road in Boining Springs not long after. Came up to Cafe 101 and got a table next to an outlet to charge up a little more. Had some WiFi too!!! Had an awesome breakfast and met Mary Ellen and Werner from Baltimore. They had the usual questions about life on the trail which NEVER GET OLD. I mean that - it's awesome to see peoples interest in trail life and the adventure that comes with it. Finished up breakfast and headed out for the remainder of the road walk through town. As I walked past the man made pond in the center of town, I think everyone I passed said Welcome to Boiling Springs. No kidding! All the little well kept houses and manicured postage stamp lawns were an awesome example of small town charm. I've been through so many this trip - it's definitely one of the highlights of the entire trip - all the small towns. Got back in the woods and saw some hunters- made me worry a bit since I don't have any bright orange to wear. Spoke with a father and son who were out hunting - the son was about 13 and had a crossbow. I asked what they were out for and the father said since the boy was young, he's technically allowed to hunt anything. I quickly told him no hikers though! It's only bow season but I'm wearing green and gray and I'm pretty hairy. I'm definitely concerned a little bit.
Date: 2017-10-01
From: Stealthsite at SB mile 1093.7

To: Stealthsite at SB mile 1123.7
Miles today: 30.0
Weather: clear sky

10/1/17 Day 124 - 30 milesCampsite at 1093.7 to stealthsite at 1123.7On trail at 6:45 and it was downright chilly this morning- I think in the 40's. I thought it was supposed to go up into the 70's later but it never got over 65 but I'll take it!! This is my last Sunday morning- I've had a lot of nice Sunday morning walks this summer- it just seems quieter for some reason. I hiked until dark last night with the intention to go further but chickened out when I found a flat spot. That and the fact that I was hiking in a place called Dead Woman Hollow. Kinda creepy but tired beats out creepy every time. I have no problem sleeping like a baby even alone in a place called Dead Woman Hollow. Turns out it was good thing I stopped for the day because the place I wanted to get to was still smoldering from controlled burn fires. The signs on the trees said that they were planned for May but I cannot believe that they would still be smoldering from May. The ground was charred and there were still red embers on both sides of the trail that were flaring with the gentle breeze this morning. Also little streams of smoke rising from all the hot areas, pretty neat actually. Lunch at Caledonia State Park in the picnic area. Snack bar was closed though but no problem - I have enough food to get me through as planned. Met Shep and his dog Ollie and Good Grip and Too Tall from Germany.  I'm thinking a lot about what I'm going to do when I get back- all the food I'm going to cook, all the stuff around the house I want to get done. I was also thinking how tomorrow will be my last full day of hiking- the last opportunity to get a 30+ mile day in. It's hard to think about anything else really. I'm also looking forward to finishing on a Tuesday like I had hoped. My body has also had enough. I'm not sure I could make it all the way to Georgia if I was a true SOBO with only 1100+ miles - the pain has gotten intense. But I can push it knowing that I have the time to rest when I get home.
Date: 2018-11-12
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Just finished updating all the entries of my journal. I had kept notes and bullet points in my phone that I would type up almost every night and believe it or not, the memories are still clear - even after a whole year + off the trail. Some are fading though so it was important to get it all down as much as possible. A whole year has passed by and I miss the trail more as the time goes by. When I got home, I put the pack in the basement and seriously wondered if I would ever touch that thing again.  I ended up going back to my old job in November. I really missed the people I worked with for 15 years so it was nice to go back. I also got to tell them all about the trip. I did feel guilty about taking that time away and then coming back - I know it's irrational and I didn't get paid while I was gone but I know everyone has dreams of leaving their work to pursue whatever they want and most people don't get to do them. In actuality, I didn't quit my job in order to hike the trail, the timing just happened to be ideal. But the fact that I did quit my job gave me motivation to never give up. There were a few times that I thought to myself "I quit my job, I have to finish this trail!"  I took the chance and got to do something I wanted to for a long time and I'm incredibly grateful. I was surprised at the number of people in my age range that quit their jobs to go for the adventure. I thought it was going to be all college kids and retirees. It's great to see that so many people can let go of the fear that comes with leaving a job with nothing lined up and pursue something that makes them happy. We are more than our jobs. It's a scary thing to leave the comfort and stability (and health insurance) of your career to head into the unknown, to go do something that 75% of people fail at (thru-hiker completion rates are only around 25%). There are plenty of jobs out there for when you eventually have to go back to work.  By February I was watching people on YouTube starting their hikes (Scoutmaster on the AT was a good one). By March I had my pack out and cleaning up my gear and getting it back in order. No trips in the spring but I was able to get to NH for a weekend trip in late August. I still have a bunch of 4000'ers to complete.  It seems like I miss the trail more and more as the time goes by but my adventure now is my new job. I'd like to get out and do some trail magic near some of the towns that I had a good time in and make a vacation out of it.
Date: 2016-11-28
To: Thru-Hike Syndicate
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Several weeks ago I was scrolling through my Instagram feed and happened to come across a photo with a caption talking about the Vasque Thru-Hike Syndicate. The Thru-Hike Syndicate is a collaboration of outdoor companies who select a set number of hikers who will be setting out to attempt to hike a long trail and supply them with gear throughout their hike. The hiker, if they should accept, acts as a brand ambassador for the companies which make up the Thru-Hike Syndicate (Vasque, Osprey, NEMO Equipment, Leki, Lifeproof, and Darn Tough). The Syndicate has supported hikers since 2014 and was recently accepting applications from hikers to be selected for the upcoming year. I went ahead and sent in an application thinking "what the hell, why not?" Well, a few days ago I got an email saying that I was 1 of 15 people who were being selected to represent the 6 companies. I couldn't believe it when I saw the email pop into my inbox. I never thought that I would be selected for such a great opportunity and I couldn't be more excited to be able to represent all of these amazing companies while on the Appalachian Trail.
Date: 2016-11-28
To: 120 Days
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

After waiting going on 4 years, I am 120 days away from setting foot on the trail. It still seems so far away but I know I'll be heading down to Georgia in no time. These next 4 months will be busy and filled with planning, collecting the remaining gear I need, speaking with the companies that make up the Thru-Hike Syndicate, and all around preparing for my trek across the AT. I am growing more excited everyday and I find myself thinking about the Appalachian Trail more frequently than ever before. I can't wait!