morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2021-06-22
From: Limestone Spring Shelter

To: Hemlocks Shelter
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Sometime in the night a taught tent line was no longer taught. Water dripped over tent floor wall, across floor and being soaked up into sleeping bag liner along with anything else on floor. Packed up between drizzle and rain and up the 1/2 mile slippery climb from camp. Was going to make pit stop in Salisbury for snack but an extra mile plus in the rain wasn't inviting to me. Saw VLOGers Quicksand and Hawk at trailhead and guess what, they walk in the rain too. Walked past Giants Thumb, a large rock resembling a thumb in the middle of the forest. Steady rain accompanied my stroll today taking away most views. Late breakfast/early lunch break at Riga Shelter out of rain. Amazing views from inside shelter while I made peanut butter and honey wrap. With no let up on rain I attached my umbrella to pack and headed north. The little "Cheeto" newts were aplenty on the trail/river today. Not much desire to stop in rain for views today. I guess the weather helps me make this comment but the climb up and over Bear Mountain was the slowest mileage on my entire 600 plus journey thus far. Met Hi Fi at top of Bear Mtn. and he moved like a billy goat on the slick rocks downhill and was gone in seconds. Beautiful walk along Sages Ravine with many waterfalls to look at. After taking a pause to look at a waterfall near mile 1509.8 on Guthooks, I glanced to the rock wall on my right(stream to left) and observed a 2 foot hole in wall about 2 feet from trail. Saw something inside and it took my eyes a couple seconds to adjust when I realized a bear was looking right at me from inside. I said "Hey Bear" and got the heck out of dodge. Heart rate cresting about 300 before I turned to look back and saw the bear decided to stay put. Within a couple minutes I was at the Mass/Ct border where Hi Fi was taking a break and a SOBO'r was joining the "I thought I could walk across the stream without falling but falling into the water" club. Up the trail to the interesting climb to Mount Race and Mount Everett. Don't know how I could have made the climb up the steep rock faces without the 8x8 wooden steps bolted into the wall. Thank you trail clubs! Made it into Hemlocks Shelter with Hi Fi and met Onward, 2020 thru hiker. Several fellow New Jersey hikers were already at shelter doing Connecticut and Vermont section. Good conversation until getting into damp gear for surprisingly good night sleep.
Date: 2021-06-23
From: Hemlocks Shelter

To: Tom Leonard Shelter
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: scattered clouds

The sun was out this morning with drier air. Small climb this morning then down to lower elevations with plenty field walks. Plenty of sunshine and looking forward to drying out the gear after two damp sleeping nights. A mix of pine forests, giving a reddish hue where the sun reached the forest floor, and some boardwalk strolls through marshes and fields made up a majority of the day. At the Sheffield-Egremont Road parking lot I found empty water jugs but a grassy area to lay out my gear for drying while taking a lunch break. While enjoying the sunny siesta a mini camper arrived and the driver exited with a Gatorade and Hostess cupcake. Pit Crew was following along Man Card with his thru hike meeting him at road crossings for support. Man Card arrived and gave me another drink, cold orange, and took my trash. Jersey Boys cruised by and then Onward and Hi Fi stopped for a break with Man Card offering them Trail Magic before heading to Great Barrington for resupply. Packed up and caught up to the Jersey Boys who had lunch along a meadow . We walked less than a mile when we came across West Road with a sign for Trail Magic, and man was it top notch. A local church group had a 30 foot high canopy made with white birch logs in an adjacent field. Hamburgers, veggie burgers, hot dogs, watermelon, wash station, cakes/cookies, battery charging station, drinks, etc. After eating and declining some local brewed beers(climb coming up in the next mile), I headed up the trail. Easy going for awhile until late in the day climbs put a damper on thoughts of making it to Mt Wilcox shelters. Onward and Hi Fi quickly caught up and past me just prior to Tom Leonard Shelter for a stop. One tour of the site had us convinced to stay here for the night with me taking the prime tent site overlooking the valley. Jersey Boys Brett, Brad, and Fair Trade arrived and were sold on the area also. First fire of the trip had us cooking the hot dog and rolls Onward packed out from Great Barrington. Jeff stopped by and gave us his insight on having hiked from Key West starting last December. Jeff was awarded the last hot dog after Hi Fi continued his Rock-Paper-Scissors losing streak. Just as I headed to the tent with no fly attached, the moon rose perfectly over the valley from my tent site. More wildlife sounds along the Ice Gulch area tonight with the owls making some interesting and eye opening screams. Low humidity with temps in the mid 40's made for comfortable sleeping.
Date: 2021-06-24
From: Tom Leonard Shelter

To: Rte 20 Lee Mass
Miles today: 22.9

Sunlight with coyote howls had me up around 5:30 and out of camp by 6:30. Shelter dweller with dog was kind enough to allow his dog to continuously bark at me as I left to the enjoyment of the other dozen or so hikers. Alot of cobweb clearing for the first couple hours while enjoying some solitude in the woods. Trash Spam was the first thru hiker of the day with several passings until he turned on the jets and was gone. Came across some bear prints in the mud through a marshy area where the prints then went along a boardwalk. Polka Dot and Hunger Strike were partnered up for their thru and flip flop and were some good conversation for several miles. Return of the gypsy moths in some areas provided some memories of the leaf less Connecticut. Met Black Jack Pete at a stream while getting water. He section hiked the trail completing it in 50 years! He is now 70 doing a 400 mile dedication hike for his late brother who needs the 400 miles to complete the entire trail. One climb over 2000' feet but quite a few ups and downs today. Made it to Upper Goose Pond to find a couple taking a dip rinsing off the days dirt and sweat. Over the Mass Pike and to Rte 20 for my pick up to go back to the real world again for adult responsibilities.
Date: 2021-08-22
From: Rte 20 Lee Mass

To: Kay Wood Shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: clear sky

Had my favorite sister drop me off at Rte 20 in Lee for another week of hiking. Upon exiting the truck 2 hikers were hitching into town and I voluntold my sister to take them to the hotel about 4 miles away. As a non-hiker she was apprehensive taking Firefly and Paul Bunyon, but her trust in me won over and she was happy to have been indoctrinated into the hiking family and providing strangers with a ride. Hiking started with dry trail but Tropical Storm Henri soon encased the area and gave my ZPacks umbrella a workout. The umbrella was great keeping me dry from knee up until the winds drove the rain sideways and nothing, even my rain jacket, kept my torso dry. Although I have heard about Vermont mud, Massachusetts black dirt gave a fine example of the future terrain once it was drenched. Only a few SOBO hikers today, Dairy Free and her visual explanation of her trail name were worth remembering. Several hours of ups and downs brought me to Kay Wood Shelter before 3 other thru hikers showed up for the night. Steady rain through the night drowned out any noises from wildlife till dawn. Saw a white coyote, and hundreds of eastern newts. Good start but uncomfortably wet.
Date: 2021-08-23
From: Kay Wood Shelter

To: Mark Noepel Shelter
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: clear sky

Rain throughout the night with lows near 70 kept me busy putting on and taking off the bag liner or using the quilt. Small break from drizzle as I started the day then the hours of rain returned. Really enjoy the ZPacks umbrella keeping me dry from waist up, and its holding up well with all the scrapes against trees in tight quarters. The trail was void of other hikers the first few hours but not of ankle deep water gouging the path. Walked into Dalton and to Tom Levardi's house. Saw the front door open, stepped up and rang the bell and the legend himself came to greet me. Asked if I could sit on the covered porch and dry my feet for a bit and he granted me some space and offered a cup of joe. Spent over an hour listening to him talk about trail and personal life. With somewhat dry feet I stepped back onto the streets and into a steady rain. Mile street walk through town and back onto muddy wet trail. Not many hikers out and about with occasional leap frogging with Double Time. Made it to Mark Noepel Shelter in the rain where several section hikers already laying claim to bunks. Made home in the loft area during a steady rain into the night. 24 hours of wet pickled feet is quickly damaging the toes.
Date: 2021-08-24
From: Mark Noepel Shelter

To: Seth Warner Shelter
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: clear sky

First one out of the shelter and went about two miles when I realized I left a pair of wet socks drying on the fire ring on my first dry morning. Although I was "silk screening" according to another hiker(walking through cobwebs clearing the trail for others), I was tempted to make a 4 mile round trip for worn and wet socks. Made it to Mount Greylock encased in fog. The monument was open and provided benches on the first level with air circulating from under the stone benches to assist with drying feet and shoes. Short second breakfast break and down the mountain. Sun started breaking through but two days of rain make the trail still a stream or ankle deep in mud, but I do get my first mountain views in last three days. Leap frogging again with Double Time as we walk down into North Adams and are treated to trail magic, cold drinks, fruit, and snacks at Greylock School. Half mile walk for small resupply and back onto trail. Massachusetts gives a small kick in the teeth as a goodbye along the trail with steeper terrain and a return of mosquitoes. Welcome to Vermont/Long Trail sign board is surrounded by shoe stealing mud and water. Deep mud, roots and rocks are the welcoming committee to the Green Mountains and even with all the rain water sources have disappeared already so I trudge to Seth Warner in the dark, get some water and set up camp at 9:15pm.
Date: 2021-08-25
From: Seth Warner Shelter

To: Melville Nauheim Shelter
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: clear sky

Late getting into camp, one of the last getting out. Close to 30 in camp last night and no need for an alarm clock by 7 am with all the breakdown sounds around camp. Hoping to make today a smaller mileage day and save the feet from so much wet walking last few days.Great weather today brings back the hikers and the views. Plenty of black berry bushes to snack on throughout the day with a couple garter snakes on the bushes sunning themselves just enjoying the warmth like the invasive hikers. Said adios to Double Time, who in his mid twenties and having already walked the Florida Trail this year and the AT since Springer, is a hardened machine at this time and needing to make time. Walked with day hiker Survivor today and learned about her time as a reality tv star, and she provided some trail magic upon reaching her car. Made it to camp by 5ish where Early Riser was the sole occupant. Had the place to ourselves until one hiker arrived at dusk. Coyotes about 100 feet away serenaded us and this was the first time hearing them so close and being at ease, Early Riser on the other hand...
Date: 2021-08-26
From: Melville Nauheim Shelter

To: Story Spring Shelter 
Miles today: 17.4

Early Riser living up to her name and out before me. SOBO bubble is here and on the move. Lunch break at Glastenberry Tower had me only brave enough to make it to the 5th level which barely got me a view at tree top level. Snowmobile trails in the area and seeing the height of some of the boulders on the trails are a good indicator that Vermont may get a little bit more snow than Jersey. Some coyote music and a few deer made up the wildlife today. Made it to camp for a big 17 mile day. Some good camp talk with Torpedo, Firefly, Garlic, Early Riser, and couple others before retiring at dusk. Quite a few deer throughout the night to keep me company.
Date: 2021-08-27
From: Story Spring Shelter 

To: William B Douglas Shelter
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Out of camp and redirecting Torpedo onto his southbound course within a 100 feet of camp, making the same mistake we all have from time to time of heading the opposite way. Early Riser and I exchange responsibility on clearing the cobwebs the first couple miles until she leaves the trail for some R&R. Only mountain views are obtained today by climbing Stratton Tower if your don't have fear of heights, which for me means no views. Make it to Stratton Pond for lunch and take a dip to rinse some sweat. Water was clear and amazingly warm for a New England pond. I was in awe as one of the thru hikers swimming was howling with a coyote across the pond. The coyote comes to shore to investigate across from us for a moment before running off. Made it to William Douglas Shelter, a lengthy .4 miles off trail, where I have my first night of solitude this week.
Date: 2020-02-22
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Took off today to gather up some gear in the little town of Wellsboro, Pennsylvania called Wild Asaph Outfitters. The nearest REI is more than 2 hours away and I like to support local businesses if I can. You know, the Mom and Pop shops! With my Osprey Levity 45L back pack in tow, Jenny waited on me. She is so knowledgeable. Guess what! She hiked the AT twenty years ago! I was able to pick out my tent and she showed me how to set it up. I chose a Marmot 1 person tent. Next was the sleeping bag. Boy what a feat that was! Glad I crawled in that tent with it. The bag I chose was not comfortable and was a right hand zip. I definetly need a left hand zip and even though I'm a short little guy, these shoulders are not met for this bag! So I guess I will be going to an REI to find a bag that is a better fit fir me. Still was able to get my titanium 20oz cup/pot, a spork, rain gear, water container, 2 different sizes of nylon cord and my new best friends, my hiking boots! I chose the Oboz Firebrand ll with inserts and am in the process of breaking them in for the trail.
Date: 2020-02-26
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

My wife and her friends were making fausgnauts (donuts) for Fat Tuesday. My Mother in law snuck off to my AT gear and supply room to check things out. She was surprised on the few things I was taking with me (I'm going ultra light). She held and pondered each item and was impressed how little things weighed. So I think I have my Mother in laws approval. No Mom, I am not fitting you in the pack or carrying you 2,200 miles! My retirement party is this Friday. We are cooking 3 prime ribs, smoking 2 briskets, roasted potatoes, my wife's amazing bake beans and my sister is making my Moms home made dinner rolls (RIP Mom, I know you'll be on the trail with me).
Date: 2020-02-29
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

After 25 years of working at rural electric cooperative in Northern PA , it¢s time to say good bye to my work family . Many memories of the fun and work we had . My job as a technician was to take care of problems from stray voltage , theft of service, energy audits ,generators, geothermal, collections, electric safety displays for the public and yes even carry tools for a lineman across a creek to a pole during storms . If you had a problem then that became my problem. My retirement party was awesome yesterday with my coworkers and family sharing stories and laughs . We cooked 3 prime ribs and 2 smoked brisket. We topped off our meal with yummy cake .See you folks on the trail
Date: 2020-03-01
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

My manhood was called out last night by my nephew to camp out with him at 19 degrees and 30 mph winds . I did exactly that to test my gear . I set a tarp on top of 12 inches of snow and set up my one person marmot tent . We had to pile snow on the edge of the tarp to keep it from flying away . I added a Eddie Bauer pad and then my 20 degree field and stream sleeping bag . I had to jump in the tent to keep it on the ground and I pointed my feet towards the wind !Wow it was fun , the wind howled across the field and the temps dropped to 13 degrees . My tent did not let any wind in except when the direction changed towards the flap . I was snug as a bug and woke about 8:00 am . I didn¢t want to go inside but my bladder said to go . Lol
Date: 2020-03-07
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Drove to ours Sons home last night near DC from Potter County Pa . My objective last night was to get my new sleeping bag and pad from the flagship REI store in DC before they closed . Wow , what a store with all the latest gadgets and outdoor gear for fun . I loved the easy going environment and the young staff that was all about making my experience better on the trail . I must have tried 1/2 doz bags and pads while my wife and son were gathering some other last minute gear items needed for me .We¢re heading out soon for Springer Mountain and we should be there in about 10 hours to possibly hike the approaching trail .
Date: 2020-03-10
From: Gooch Gap

To: Blood mountain 
Miles today: 29.3

Been on trail 2 days and made it to Gooch gap . Wow , if your lucky enough to spare the time for this opportunity to Hike and explore the AT , then you would be one of the few . Tough ? Yes it¢s tough and at any given second you can roll an ankle or any other accident to slow you down . Go to go ,here comes the rain
Date: 2020-03-13
From: Low Gap 

To: Blue Mountain
Miles today: 10.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Started my day with cold brew coffee and the last hiker to leave camp for the trail. Bob the Builder is one of the hikers who was staying behind taking a Zero Day to give his knee a rest. I gave him my number and told him to call if he needed anything. As I passed the shelter to get my water I saw a bag of trash tied up sitting there. Ugh. Can't leave that here. After I gathered my gear I dragged the extra 3 lb bag of trash with me. I heard there may be "trail magic" (people who come and volunteer to give some comfort and support on the trail such as hotdogs, hot cocoa, etc) tomorrow on the trail and I hope they will take this trash with them.Today was only 7.1 miles. That's 7.1 tough, rocky and on a rock ledge miles! With my past experience wandering off the trail I checked frequently for the white lines to be sure this was a trail. As I carefully placed each foot I thought I must have part billy goat in me only to laugh and hear my wife say I was more like a jackass. The number of hikers are dwindling. We had a steady average of about 40 people to start and are now down to about 18-20 people.  I did catch back up with Al, Parker and K-bar the firestarter at camp. There are also two young Swiss ladies here tonight. Ironically I made dinner and also had a block if Swiss cheese which I did offer to them. They said, "Yahhh."It is not raining tonight so I made a laundry line and hung my tent and other stuff to dry. I will camp in the shelter tonight.
Date: 2020-03-17
From: Deep Gap Shelter

To: Plum orchard gap
Miles today: 10.2
Weather: light rain

got to dicks gap yesterday after spending a awesome night at deep gap shelter . I met southpaw who has thru hiked the trail twice and has a great base knowledge of hiking and shares his stories of past hiking experiences. We are Sharing a room at the budget motel in Hiawassie. I went and resupplied and did laundry while trying to charge my electronics.I checked my weight on a scale in the motel office and I went from 222 to 212 . My legs have been sore but each day seems to be a little better. I find it¢s easier to go up hill then down on my joints . The cardio is improving but I¢m still slow . I always try to refill my smart water bottles when I get down to 1/2 full. It¢s funny about my thirst because while drinking the cold spring water it taste like a sweet water and I feel satisfied with enough energy to keep going. We¢re catching the 11:00 am shuttle to dicks gap and will hike to plum orchard gap shelter for the night . Take care
Date: 2020-03-17
From: Dicks Gap

To: Muskrat Shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: light rain

After the nice shower and good nights rest at Budget Motel I rushed to catch the shuttle to Dicks Gap. I was a hot mess trying to get myself together and fight the rain (again) to get out of that van! Was happy to start off with some trail magic where a kind lady was making egg, bacon and toast sandwiches. That turned my day around. As I said good bye to Georgia and crossed into North Carolina I have to say I don't wish to see Georgia again. The people were great and so kind, the mountains and ALL THAT RAIN was horrible. Today was the best view I have had since I started. The view is breath taking as I head toward the Smokey Mountains in the future. The attached picture is of the purest, sweetest water I had ever tasted. My pack is a little heavy because I stocked up on food in town but I am warm, happy and ready to forge on. Talk to you soon,
Date: 2020-03-18
From: Muskrat Shelter

To: Carter Gap
Miles today: 12.0

Got a good start this morning on the trail leaving Muskrat Shelter with no rain, yeah! By 1-2:00 the rain started in and didn't stop all day. As I drudged on I finally stopped at the top of a very large mountain at 5000 feet in what seemed to be the continued foggy atmosphere of days pass. I looked around and to my amazement I was so high up I was in the clouds. How surreal to be up there. I enjoyed the water and rested in the rain until the air became cold enough I had to keep moving. By 5:00 I had made it to Carter Gap. I made a pot of jambalaya and filled my belly full. Full belly, warm sack and now dry in my tent, I am heading to bed. Oh and cornavirus precautions? Everyone elbow bumps instead of hand shakes and self isolated in my tent with good hand washing. Stay safe everyone.
Date: 2020-03-19
From: Carter Gap

To: Rock Gap
Miles today: 12.1

Wet night but good spirits this morning with birds singing me my favorite songs and a nice looking day coming along. With a hot cup of coffee !I'm leaving Carter gap and heading to Rock gap shelter which is mile 105.6 . That's 12.8 miles . I need to hang my stuff tonight to dry it out . Parker , the English lad set his tent up near me because I avoid the dead trees that can fall in high winds . I noticed a lot of burnt trees along the way yesterday as past forest fires were here . Later I heard they do control burns out here too. I heard two different grouse drumming yesterday.Trash duty is still a priority. One of the biggest things I see left out here on the ground are those plastic flossing things. Why people don't pick up after themselves I do not know.(My wife willbe peoud of me picking up things after myself AND others! I even found a cell phone. A few miles later I found "Thornbush" a fellow hiker who was very happy I found his phone. Be sure to check out my photos for some awesome views.