morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-06-14
From: Pass Mountain Hut

To: Chester Gap
Miles today: 23.0
Weather: broken clouds

Left the shelter by 0700. I wanted to make it to the Elkwallow wayside for an early lunch. I arrived around 10:30 and opted for the breakfast special: eggs, hash browns, sauage and toast. Plus a large coffee. While eating at the Picnic table, thru hiker, Walkin Home, another Mainer, said hello. I had not seen him in weeks. He has reached Harpers Ferry 2 days ago and was with his wife. They would be taking a week off trail for family obligations then he would return. He had trail magic in the trunk of his car - gatorade, chips and dried fruit. Shortly after talking with Walkin Home, Beer Man showed up. We all got pictures of the 3 Mainers. Beer Man said he appreciated a Mainer who hikes in a pink skirt. I don't normally wear pink but anything is acceptable on the AT. Maybe my impressionable pink skirt will get me a mention in his next article without having to give up my beer! ; - )Arrived at the Terrapin Hostel outside of Front Royal at 5 pm hot, sweaty and tired. But a hot shower always seems to revive me. Enjoyed the evening with Twanda, Griffin and Glamper. No one snored that night in the bunk room. I was grateful.
Date: 2015-06-15
From: Chester Gap

To: Dicks Dome Shelter
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: broken clouds

I realized the night before that my bag (sawyer bag) used for filtering was leaking making flitering next to impossible. Thru hiker, Griffin, gave me duck tape which did help but filtering was still difficult. I carried more water than usual and hoped for the best. I did run out of water prior to the shelter and was able to filter half a liter of water with my duck taped bag. I knew tonight would be my last night of camping out as I had plans to spend my official last night on the trail with a friend from highschool at her home in Bluemont, VA. near the Bears Den Hostel. Twanda, Chef and I slept in this small shelter which only accomodates 4 people.
Date: 2015-06-16
From: Dicks Dome Shelter

To: Bluemont, VA
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: light rain

Left my last shelter on the AT around 0645. Twanda had left ahead of me. I needed to be at Bears Dens hostel by 4 pm to meet my highschool friend, Suzanne, whom I had not seen in 35 years. Suzanne lives in Bluemont, a 15 minute drive from the hostel. We had been communicating for several weeks about spending the night and meeting her family. My last night on the trail was the night that worked as she lives so close to the hostel. I left Twanda at the hostel with plans to meet her the next day at 0700 to begin the trek to Harper's Ferry.Suzanne and I instantly connected after so many years. She manages a 300 acre horse farm with her husband. She also is section hiking the AT in Virginia. She prepared a wonderful meal with all my requests - fish, salad and fruit salad plus homemade guacomole. It took several hours to get caught up on our lives since we were in highschool. In addition to her hospitality she offered to pick me up at Harpers Ferry the next day and drive me to Arllington, VA (a 2 hour drive) where I would stay with my niece until flying to Maine on June 20th. Needless to say reuniting with her was an unanticipated blessing. I know we will continue to stay in touch.
Date: 2015-06-17
From: Bluemont, VA

To: Harpers Ferry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

My internal alarm went off at 0500. My last night on the trail was spent sleeping in the bedroom of my friend's daughter. When I awoke I could smell the gluten free popovers that Suzanne had promised me for breakfast. I was sure I coud eat three popovers! This hike has overwhelmed me with the kindness of others. As I descended the stairs from my bedroom I saw the 2 daughters who gave up their bedroom for me asleep on the sofa. Suzanne made me the best cup of coffee I have had in 2.5 months. I decided only to eat 2 popovers. I need to start scaling back my calories to prevent the nortorious weight gain that can happen post trail . Suzanne has offered to pick me up at Harper's Ferry this afternoon and drive me to Arlington, VA. I have deicided to leave my gear with her and hike with a lighter pack on my last day. It rained most of the day. I was happy to hike in the rain. Surrendering to weather has been a good experience for me. Some things are just out of my control and that is okay. Arrived into Harper's Ferry around 3 pm. I was accidently labeled as a thru hiker, #666, but I informed the staff that I was a secition hiker, now # 236. The staff member laughed saying many people were waiting for #666 and I so easily gave it up. It was sad for me to leave Harper's Ferry. I so much wanted to continue but I know I must surrender to my obligations at home and get off the trial. I know I will complete the next section: Harper's Ferry to Katadhin in the near future. Until then I will keep the AT in my heart.
Date: 2017-06-01
From: Harpers Ferry to Bear Mountain Inn

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

I returned to the AT June 1st 2017 to complete another section. I picked up at Harper¢s Ferry. It felt so great to be back on the trail. I decided not to make a daily entry. It has taken me 8 months to provide an entry for my 4 week hike. I averaged 18-20 miles a day even thru Pennsylvania. I had sprained my ankle badly in September 2016 while hiking in Washington State so I was not sure if I would tolerate consecutive days of hiking.  I had no problem with my ankle. My only physical injury was a left knee ligament sprain on my last day hiking into Bear Mountain Inn. I had reservations at the Inn for my last night. I woke up that morning with a very painful left knee. I had 15 miles to Bear Mnt Inn. It was a long day for me but I made it. I felt fortunate that my injury occurred on my last day. Good Karma! Despite my injury I definitely felt more confident after completing my first section (Springer to Harper¢s Ferry in 2015). I even got my pack down to 32 pounds. I dehydrated all my food and ate well. This section hike I met more section hikers than thru hikers. I only met about 12 thru hikers. I was told I was ahead of the ¢bubble¢ and that more thru hikers were behind me. One section hiker I met shared with me how glad she was to be section hiking because each year she had something to look forward to. I was disappointed to leave the trail in 2015 after 10 weeks. But section hiking gives me a great hike to look forward to each year. I will return again this June: Bear Mountain Inn to somewhere just over the New Hampshire boarder. I am looking forward to hiking in my beloved New England.
Date: 2018-05-31
From: Bear Mountain Inn 

To: Graymoor Franciscan Center 
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: light rain

May 31. Day one. I arrived at Bear Mountain Inn via a bus from New York City. It was only 1.5 hours. I was able to pick up right where I left off last year. Bear Mountain Inn has a free zoo which the trail intersects. I saw a red fox who reminded me of our puppy Sadie. Sadie is red fox colored. There were also 2 very sad Brown Bears. Captivity did not seem to agree with them. My pack felt very heavy but I am carrying 7 days of food. I usually only carry 5 days of food. My next food drop is Salisbury, CT. I hope to be in Salisbury by Wednesday. The biggest glitch thus far was having my alcohol stove confiscated at the airport because it smelled of fuel. They (Cape Air) didn¢t inform me until I was boarding the plane. I was so mad. As I flew down to Boston I went into problem solving mode. I knew I could probably make my own alcohol stove from a tin can. In Boston I purchased a can of cat food. My niece whom I was staying with in NYC purchased the necessary supplies. So now I have my homemade alcohol stove. It worked great tonight to cook my dinner. Presently I am sitting under a pavilion because it is raining. Thankfully I will have a dry tent in the morning.
Date: 2018-06-01
From: 1410

To: RPH Shelter
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: moderate rain

Day 2It was supposed to rain all day but it was just a light drizzle until noon then the sun came out. It was hot and humid. I started hiking by 7 am and reached my shelter at 4:40, 19 Miles later. 19 Miles on day two is a bit much but there was not a closer shelter. But I made it and am very tired. Slowly I am eating up my food bag which weighs at least 10 pounds. My first night in my new tent was great. My previous tent, a tarp tent, was so small. But my REI quarter dome is perfect. It is 1/2 pound heavier and worth it. The trail in New York has had a lot of blow downs. Apparently several tornadoes passed thru on May 18th.
Date: 2018-06-02
From: RPH Shelter

To: Telephone Pioneer Shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: light rain

Day 3I left the RPH shelter at 0640 hours. I am trying to start earlier to avoid hiking late into the afternoon with the hot weather. Today I hiked 16 Miles and arrived at 4 pm. At the start of the days I hiked passed and thru a lot of blow downs. Apparently SE New York had a tornado pass thru in May. Local hiking chapters and the Appalachian Trail conservancy have been hard at work repairing the trail. I felt stronger today hiking as my pack is a bit lighter with 2 days of food consumed.  I am meeting other thru and section Hiker¢s. The first thru hiker I met was Hungry Cat from Atlanta. He started in Georgia in February. He encountered lots of snow and ice. No thank you.  I don¢t ever want to hike and camp many consecutive days in winter. Tomorrow is day 4. Probably another 16 Miles.
Date: 2018-06-03
From: Telephone Pioneers Shelter 

To: 10 Mile River Campsite
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: light rain

Day 4Today has been my best day so far. The hot weather broke. The temperature dropped by about 15 degrees: 85 to 70. I hiked with a cool breeze most of the day. I left my camp by 0700 and hiked 3 Miles to the next road crossing where a Garden Center shop is hiker friendly. Being Sunday morning it was closed but a sign was posted for Hiker¢s that said the outdoor electrical outlets were available for use. My cell phone battery and back up battery were almost dead. I sat there for an hour charging all my electrical gear. Oh, the times we live in. Another sectional hiker, Corky, was there ending his one month section hike. He was hoping to take a commuter train into NYC to fly home. Another good thing about today was that I finished New York and began Connecticut. I also got to put on clean socks and will camp tonight by 10 Mike River. I have already had my bath in the river. Thank goodness for Bonner¢s soap.
Date: 2018-06-03
From: Telephone Pioneers Shelter 

To: 10 Mile River Campsite
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: broken clouds

Day 4Today has been my best day so far. The hot weather broke. The temperature dropped by about 15 degrees: 85 to 70. I hiked with a cool breeze most of the day. I left my camp by 0700 and hiked 3 the Miles to the next road crossing where a Garden Center shop is hiker friendly. Being Sunday morning it was closed but a sign was posted for Hiker¢s that said the outdoor electrical outlets were available for use. My cell phone battery and back up battery were almost dead. I sat there for an hour charging all my electrical gear. Oh, the times we live in. Another sectional hiker, Corky, was there ending his one month section hike. He was hoping to take a commuter train into NYC to fly home. Another good thing about today was that I finished New York and began Connecticut. I also got to put on clean socks and will camp tonight by 10 Mike River. I have already had my bath in the river. Thank goodness for Bonner¢s soap.
Date: 2018-06-04
From: Ten Mile River Campground 

To: Stuart Hollow Brook Shelter
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: few clouds

Day 5I woke up to heavy rain hitting my tent. I was awake by 0530 so decided to organize my pack as best I could before leaving the comfort of my tent to break it down in the rain. I don¢t enjoy packing a wet tent into my pack. I was hiking by 0630 after eating a power bar under the bridge that I would cross to continue north. It stopped raining by 0800 but was overcast all day. I hiked 15.6 Miles to the Stewart Hollow Brook shelter. I have a few blisters from hiking in wet boots. Hopefully K-Tape will take care of it as tomorrow I have to hike 18 Miles into Fall Village, CT.
Date: 2018-06-05
From: Stewart Hollow Brook shelter 

To: Falls Village, CT
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: light rain

Day 6I slept in a shelter last night as my tent was wet. I shared the shelter with 2 other Hikers. Stove Kicker is a 70ish retired Lutheran minister who is hiking the AT for the second time. The other hiker is Hoot, a 60ish man who began in Georgia in March.  Today is his 89th day on the trail. Both were quiet sleepers, no snoring, which I greatly appreciated. I hiked 18 Miles into Falls Village, CT. As I was walking into town a woman pulled up in her car. She introduced herself as the local trail angle. She invited me to spend the night at her house. As I write this I am sitting at her kitchen table showered, waiting for my clothes to finish washing and sipping on a cup of chamomile tea. This is classic trail magic.
Date: 2018-06-06
From: Falls Village/Power Plant

To: Private home/Salisbury, CT
Miles today: 6.0
Weather: clear sky

Day 7Today is my ¢Nero¢ day which means a low mileage day (for me less than 10 Miles) hiking into a town to pick up my food drop and stay at a hostel. I am actually staying in a private home where my food was mailed as well as my alcohol stove that was confiscated at the airport. Thanks to Ron for mailing it to me! I am in Salisbury, CT a small New England town. I don¢t have much to do as my trail angle did my laundry last night. I did mail a box home to try to lighten my pack a bit more. I also found more fuel for my stove. I have sorted thru my food for the next 6 days. So I am all set for the next week which brings me into Massachusetts and over Mt Greylock into Williamstown, MA for my next food drop.
Date: 2018-06-07
From: Salisbury, Connecticut 

To: Glen Brook Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: light rain

Day 8I began my day making myself fried eggs, bagel and coffee in my hostess Maria¢s kitchen. Maria sleeps until 9 am so she said help yourself to breakfast. I was hiking by 7 am. Within 5 Miles I left Connecticut and entered Massachusetts. The AT in Massachusetts so far has been beautiful. There was one stretch of trail above treeline with views of the Berkshire Mountains. I took several pictures which will be in the photo section of this journal once I have a good internet connection. I hiked only 12 miles and arrived at a lovely campsite. My new tent is self supporting so I am camping on a tent platform. My camp mates include a young couple hiking for 3 days and are returned Peace Corps Volunteers from Figi. Our dinner conversation was so much fun sharing our Peace Corps experiences.  Another camp mate who is hiking the AT in the southern direction is from my home town of Newton Highlands. The world gets smaller every day. Tomorrow will be a long day, 19 Miles, but looking forward to hiking in Massachusetts.
Date: 2018-06-08
From: Glen Brook Shelter 

To: Mt Wilcox south shelter
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: broken clouds

Day 9, Friday I knew I had a long day ahead of me. I  needed to hike 19 Miles to get to the next shelter to stay on schedule or I would run out of food. I left at 0700 and arrived at 6 pm with very few stops. I know I am starting to encounter the rough New England terrain. I hiked thru Great Barrington, MA. Where the monument to the Shay Rebellion battle site is located.  Just before the monument there was a stretch of forest swarmed with mosquitoes. Of all my hiking on the AT this section has a lot of bugs. I was in my sleeping bag by 8 pm.
Date: 2018-06-09
From: Mt Wilcox South Shelter 

To: Upper Goose Pond Cabin 
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: light rain

Day 10Today was a better mileage day - only 16 Miles. The terrain was easier. The AT in Massachusetts is 90 Miles long. My destination today is Upper Goose Pond cabin. As soon as i arrived I went for a swim in the pond. It was so good to rinse off all the sweat and dirt.  The cabin is managed by the Berkshire AMC. There is a bunk room with mattresses on the second floor. The caretaker serves blueberry pancakes with coffee or tea for breakfast. So far I am the token female and have opted to tent behind the cabin to avoid the snoring contest that I am sure will occur tonight.
Date: 2018-06-10
From: Upper Goose Pond cabin 

To: Kay Woods Shelter 
Miles today: 17.0

Day 11The tradition of Upper Goose Pond cabin is for the caretaker to cook all the Hikers blueberry pancakes with coffee. This morning I started my day with 4 pancakes and coffee. It was nice to eat from a china plate and drink coffee from a mug. I hiked 17 Miles thru fairly easy terrain. Part of the day included visiting the ¢cookie lady¢ whose Home is 0.1 mile off the trail. She also provides water from her outdoor spigot.  I ate 2 homemade cookies and topped off my water. I was at the Kay Woods Shelter by 1630 hours. I am at the shelter with 6 other hikers. Per my usual my tent is pitched off to the side of the shelter. I love crawling into my tent at the end of the day and reading my kindle until I can¢t keep my eyes open.
Date: 2018-06-11
From: Kay Woods Shelter 

To: Mark Noepel
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: light rain

Day 12, Monday Left the Kay Woods Shelter at 0650. I was only 2.5 Miles from Dalton, Massachusetts. The trail goes by a Cumberland Farms gas station. I needed some cheese for my lunch today and tomorrow. I was also looking forward to using their restroom. I purchased a cup of coffee, sat outside the store and checked my email. I was there for about an hour. The trail continues thru a neighborhood then back into the Woods. Within 3 hours I was walking thru another town, Cheshire, where I was able to purchase a 32 ounce bottle of Gatorade which I had no trouble drinking in 15 minutes. From Cheshire I had another 5 Miles to the next shelter. I am tenting tonight on a tent platform which I prefer because I am guaranteed a flat surface to pitch my tent. This afternoon I said goodbye to a young hiker, Coyote, who I felt had very little food. I gave him my extra nuts and breakfast meal of homemade granola. Tomorrow I am hiking into Williamstown, Massachusetts for a day off and to pick up my next food drop. I am looking forward to a shower and bed to sleep in.
Date: 2018-06-12
From: Mark Noepel Shelter 

To: Williamstown hotel 
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 13, Tuesday It was cool last night. I think the temperature went down to 40 degrees. But I was warm in my sleeping bag. When I started hiking it was about 50 degrees. My shelter was only 3 Miles from the top of Mt Greylock. I summited at 0830. The cafe did not open until 0900 so I decided to keep hiking the 7 Miles to Route 2 in Williamstown. I did get a picture of me in front of the war memorial. The last time I climbed Mt Greylock was in September 2003, my first date with my husband to be, Ron. Ron, our dog Hazel and I all hiked the 7 miles to the summit. Today I hiked those same 7 Miles. Wonderful memories. By noon I was at route 2 calling my hotel to come pick me up. Today I have been doing my usual off trail errands: finding fuel, washing clothes and organizing my food for the next 7 days. I am still trying to decide if I will also take tomorrow off. My body feels fine especially my feet but I just feel a bit tired.
Date: 2018-06-13
To: No where
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Day 14, Wednesday I decided to take a day off to rest my body and mind. Plus ¢severe¢ thunderstorms are predicted for tonight. I would rather be in a motel tonighy than Pitching my tent in the rain.  So I have had a restful day and will leave early tomorrow to begin my 20 mile hike with 7 days of food. Tomorrow will be a long day but no rain is predicted. At least the weather will be on my side. Today I walked to Williams College to see their campus. A Wild Oats Market (upscale market) is across the street so I have eaten well.
Date: 2018-06-14
From: Williamstown 

To: Melville Shelter 
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 15, Thursday I had arranged for a taxi to pick me up at the hotel at 0630 so I could get an early start to my 20 mile day. Another hiker, Hardknox, also joined me for the taxi ride. It was only 1.4 Miles from the trail head but I didnt want to add any more miles to my day. We started hiking at 0645. It was a cool and windy day making the hiking a bit easier. My pack had 7 days of food so it was slow going. Within 4 miles of hiking I was in Vermont The last 1.6 miles before the shelter was all uphill. Just prior to starting up there was a box of trail magic with food and Gatorade. I pulled out a package of pop tarts and ate them prior to ascending. I arrived at the shelter at 1630 hours. Scattered showers were predicted so I decided to pitch my tent. Once I got into my tent I was asleep in 30 minutes.
Date: 2018-06-15
From: Melville Shelter 

To: Spring Storey Shelter
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 16, Friday Now I am officially hiking in Vermont. The Appalachian Trail follows the Long Trail for 105 miles. At mile 105 of the Long Trail the AT heads east into New Hampshire. The Long Trail heads north. Vermont is also known as ¢Vermud¢. I agree. My boots and calves are covered in mud. It rained all night more than the scattered showers predicted. So once again I was packing up a wet tent. But I slept well and not bothered by the muffled snoring I could hear from the shelter. Today I hiked 17 miles. Yesterday I met a young woman who is hiking the entire Long Trail, south to north. She thru hiked the AT in 2012. She is a faster Hiker but so far we are camping at the same shelter. I am also camping with thru hiker Hardknoxs. Tomorrow will be another tough day as Stratton Mountain is the first Mountain to summit in the morning.
Date: 2018-06-16
From: Story Spring Shelter 

To: Spruce Peak Shelter 
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 16, Saturday I left Story Spring Shelter at 0645. I had to hike 4 miles before beginning the climb of Stratton Mountain. I was on top of Stratton by 10:15. Stratton Mountain is the highest peak in southern Vermont. A fire tower tops the summit. I climbed to the top and had panoramic views. In 2006 my husband and I hiked the northern section of the Long Trail but all the views were lost because of rain and fog. It is good to be in Vermont in good weather. I also saw a black bear late this afternoon. The Bear was about 20 yards in front of me. I started to make noise with my poles and the Bear disappeared into the woods. The shelter I am at tonight is a closed structure but with no rain predicted I am in my tent.
Date: 2018-06-17
To: Griffith Lake
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 18, Sunday I did not sleep very well but still was awake by 0545. 2 of the people I was hiking with were going into town so we said our goodbyes and I was hiking by 0700. Due to not feeling rested I decided to make it a short mileage day. I wanted to camp on Griffith Lake 13 Miles away. But before arriving at the lake I needed to summit Bromley Mountain and Styles Peak. Bromley Mountain is a ski resort. When I got to the top there was a ski lift and empty but open to hikers ski hut. I took a mid morning break in the ski hut. Styles Peak was next. Both had great views. I arrived at the Griffith Lake camping area by 2:30. The next shelter was only 4 miles away but I knew I needed to end early today. I set up my tent on one of the 7 tent platforms, went for a dip (to shallow to swim) in the lake and took a 2 hour nap. Hopefully I will sleep better tonight.  My tent is on the lake and I can hear all the frogs talking to each other.