morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2018-06-19
From: Hiker Hut Hostel

To: Carrabassett river
Miles today: 23.8

I slept exceptionally well for about 11 hours at the hostel and felt pretty fresh all day. Saddleback mtn probably had a wind chill around 0 when i went through the 3 miles above tree line but the views were great. The trail was a stream most of the day and i had to do my first real ford across Orbeton stream. Camped with Walkytalky, Glowworm, Ghost and some sobos.
Date: 2018-06-20
From: Carrabassett river

To: Safford Notch campsite
Miles today: 18.6

I woke up feeling like i had the stomach bug again but luckily it passed by the time i got over Crocker mtn. My ride back to the trail was from a math teacher that works at a private high school that specializes in training children to ski for the US Olympic team. I saw a weasel near the bottom of the Bigelows once back on the trail. The view of the lake on top of the Bigelows was fantastic. Im especially happy tonight because the trail is finally about to ease up for the first time in 200 miles.
Date: 2018-06-21
From: Safford Notch campsite

To: Pierce Pond shelter
Miles today: 22.6

First thing in the morning i saw a naked guy on the trail because apparently it was national hike naked day. I spent some time hiking with and around Walkytalky and Glowworm but they move too fast for me. The trail was nice and flat weaving around ponds all day so it wasnt very strenuous but the mosquitoes were as bad as ive ever seen. I got the most beautiful tent site yet right next to Pierce pond. Met Frenchfry, Sparkles and Weatherman.
Date: 2018-06-22
From: Pierce Pond shelter

To: Moxie Bald mtn shelter
Miles today: 22.8

I started the day with an amazing breakfast at Harrisons camp. I was joined by Walkytalky, Glowworm, Weatherman, Sparkles and Frenchfry. Then we all hiked down to the Kennebec River to catch the ferry (canoe) across. Immediately after the river crossing was the Caratunk House B&B where we all had milkshakes and pulled pork sandwiches. By the time i actually started hiking around 11 i was well fueled for most of the day. The easy hiking and shared experience with other hikers made this one of my favorite days yet.
Date: 2018-06-23
From: Moxie Bald mtn shelter

To: Shaws hiker hostel
Miles today: 17.9

I woke pretty early trying to get into Monson for some rest. The hike included fording the Piscataquis river twice and getting dive bombed by 4 Peregrine falcon for about ten minutes. All the nobos experienced it and nobody knows why they were so upset. After getting to town around 11 i went to the Lakeshore pub with Ghost to watch some World Cup matches. The night was fun because the hostel was packed with fresh sobos and the nobos ive been with for a while. I ended up as the lead singer in a jam band with the sobos after most others went to bed.
Date: 2018-06-24
From: Shaws hiker hostel

To: Shaws hiker hostel
Miles today: 0.0

The all you can eat breakfast at Shaws with some trail friends was amazing. I decided to take a zero since it was the last town before the finish. Everyone else pushed on into the 100 mile wilderness. I spent most of the day with sobos until DK showed up. We decided to grab dinner at the Lakeshore Pub and then i ended up in bed pretty early. Met Moxie and Trout.
Date: 2018-06-25
From: Shaws hiker hostel

To: Campsite
Miles today: 23.7

I woke up early to get a good start on the 100 mile wilderness but because Shaws breakfast is so elaborate i couldnt pay until after they were done. I got to the trail around 830 and ended up hiking with DK for most of the day. It rained most of the day and we had to ford a few rivers. We even had to walk thru a beaver pond that flooded the trail.
Date: 2018-06-26
From: Campsite

To: East Branch shelter
Miles today: 23.0

The weather was nice and the trail was smooth for most of the day. I got out ahead of DK in the morning. Did a few more river fords. Talked to quite a few sobos, some of which were in shock from being out of normal life for the first few days. My climb up White Cap mtn was pretty emotional because i knew i was going to see Katahdin for the first time at the top. DK caught up later in the day so we camped together. I passed Jellybean heading south with an injured foot. He was 70 miles away from finishing so i hope it wasnt too bad.
Date: 2018-06-27
From: East Branch shelter

To: Wadleigh Pond rd
Miles today: 32.7

DK left camp before me and i never saw him again. The trail weaved around ponds, lakes and rivers all day so it wasnt very strenuous but the bugs were beyond out of control. I missed Fresh Grounds by about 3 minutes but i would have gotten slowed way down and stuck in the bugs for longer if i did see him. Caught up to Sparkles, Frenchfry and Weatherman. Saw Katahdin a few more times. Passed quite a few scared looking sobos.
Date: 2018-06-28
From: Wadleigh Pond rd

To: Abol Campground
Miles today: 20.0

The trail was same as yesterday as far as difficulty but it rained all day so i couldnt keep the deet on my legs. I finished the 100 mile wilderness at 4pm. It took 3 days 8 hours and i ate 11.5 lbs of food. I ate and resupplied at the Northern Restaurant. Saw Walkytalky and Glowworm and decided to get a bunk with them at the campground. Drank a few beers and had some good conversations with them before going to bed early.
Date: 2018-06-29
From: Abol Campground

To: Birches shelter
Miles today: 9.9

Had an all you can eat breakfast at the Northern Restaurant with Walkytalky and Glowworm. Saw quite a few other nobos later in the day. Around 10 i hiked into Baxter State Park to the Birches shelter. The shelter was tons of fun with everyone ready to finish and just sitting at the bottom of Katahdin all day. My registration number for the finish is 41 but everyone from 38 to 50 registered at the same time. Camped with Sparkles, Frenchfry, Weatherman, Scooter, Jahbone, Chardoney, Hummingbird, Stakes, Flash and Barber. Moxie, Trout, DK, Walkytalky and Glowworm were at other campsites.
Date: 2018-06-30
From: Birches shelter

To: Katahdin Baxter Peak Finish
Miles today: 5.2

I woke up around 5 and got started up the mountain with Sparkles, Hummingbird, Weatherman, Frenchfry, Chardoney and Barber. The climb was just as hard as i wanted it to be and the weather was perfect. I got to Baxter Peak with everyone around 9am for the finish. I must say i was pretty relieved because the last few hundred miles of this trail beat me up pretty bad. Having said that this was definitely the best 4 months of my life and i know in a few days im going to miss everything about it. Once i get to a quality computer ill be sure to upload all the pictures.
Date: 2018-03-30
To: Springer Mountain via Mount Katahdin
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

I will soon be departing on my post government service decompression event otherwise known as a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail. Rather than start at Springer Mountain where about 90% of thru-hikers start, I will be starting at Damascus, VA with the intent to execute a Flip-Flop hike. Not only will this be one less person competing for water sources and campsites in the first couple of hundred miles, but it will also take just a little bit of pressure off the already well used trail. My route will be Damascus, VA to Mount Katahdin, Maine, return to Damascus and hike South to a finish at Springer Mountain, GA. Plan is an early April departure and a Mid-September finish, but the beauty of this adventure is not being tied to times. I do intend to keep folks informed of my progress via this Trail Journals site, but like most expeditionary travel, power and connectivity will most likely be the LIMFACs.
Date: 2018-03-30
To: Springer Mountain via Mount Katahdin
Miles today: 0.0

Less than a week until I start my AT Thru-Hike. I have been collecting kit for a year now, not all of which will fit in my Osprey Backpack. I guess the blessing of walking the AT after a career is you don't have to make do with a coke can stove and a shelter half. The downside is shake out trips give you the opportunity to invest in "mo better" gear which then leave extra stuff around the house. Spent part of this week in Tampa on final Doctor checks and prescription refills. Another benefit of walking at a mature age. Will be departing Saint Paul, MN on 2 Apr for the drive to Damascus with a planned step off on Wednesday 4 Apr. No trail name at this point as I will see what the trail provides.
Date: 2018-04-01
To: Springer Mountain via Mount Katahdin
Miles today: 0.0

Spent today making the final cuts to gear. Will be using a Osprey Aether AG Backpack, REI Quarter Dome tent, an Enlightened Equipment Camping Quilt, and a Big Agnes Insulated Pad as my basic kit. Plan to tent until the weather turns and then will transition to a Warbonnet Blackbird camping hammock. Settled on cell phone and Fire HD paired with a Garmin InReach Explorer for connectivity. We will see how long my power sources last.I depart tomorrow for overland travel to Damascus, VA with a planned arrival early Tuesday afternoon. Final OPS checks Tuesday night and first step Wednesday AM.
Date: 2018-04-09
From: Damascus

To: Massie Gap
Miles today: 32.0

Mother Nature wanted to make sure folks know who is in charge on the AT. First day started with rain and cleared to a brisk 26 degree morning. Day two she rested, but made up for it on day three. Twelve hours of rain started in the PM followed by six hours of sleet and then some snow. Then cleared so Sunday AM could start at 20 degrees. Good test of character.Kept mileage moderate to develop my trail legs and trail lungs. Training at 12 feet in Tampa is different than 5000 feet around Mount Rogers. Stopped last night at Massie Gap. Dennis is working hard to make the Grayson Store and Inn hiker friendly. Good food and bed plus free shuttle from and to the trail.Will start to increase mileage. Need to get to Atkins before the NASCAR fans take all the rooms for the weekend.
Date: 2018-04-12
From: Marion, VA

To: Atkin
Miles today: 43.0

The stop at Massie Gap did me good. Not sure it it was Dennis' French Toast or just time, but day 6 was a great hiking day and it seems like I am over the hurdle IRT trail legs and lungs. Still not hanging with the fast burners from Springer, but not the reason I am here. First shelter night was at the Hurricane Mountain shelter with Chef from New Hampshire. Just to show the difference, I was hoping for a 14.5 mile day while he was planning a 20 mile day. Tent camped by myself near a stream day 7. Perfect camping weather, only issue was I had to get on the trail the next morning. Resupplied in Marion day 8. Great small town where everybody knows everybody, and they all welcome hikers. Was waiting for the shuttle to take me back to the trail when Jim Sparks drives up and asks if I want a lift. Turns out his son thru-hiked in 2014 and was so well treated by people, his father now spends a lot of time just helping hikers. Jim gave rides to over 500 hikers in 2017. To top it off, he gave me a huge Slim Jim as trail magic. Heading into a long stretch in the woods.
Date: 2018-04-15
From: Marion, VA

To: Bland, VA
Miles today: 46.0

Before I talk about my day, a shout out to Steve Powell and Joe Brendler for their counsel about keeping the first two weeks in check. Took their advice for the most part and while not quite two weeks, I think I am in a good position to go forward. OBTW - I went over the 120 mile mark today. Three good days all around 15 miles each day. Middle day did give me a whipping, but managed to survive and double down the next day. Leveraged a good friend Red for breakfast and ride back to the trail. Gave me the opportunity to slack pack today. Slack packing basically means stashing you full pack somewhere were and walk the day with just a day pack. For Derek, Craig, Kevin, and Cal - had some good trail so it was like walking through an airport. In Bland tonight which is much appreciated as the last three hours today were through a pouring rain. A hot shower felt good and pizza delivery didn't hurt. Possible snow tomorrow so it will be back to cold weather gear in place of the t-shirt and sunscreen yesterday.
Date: 2018-04-21
From: Lickskillet Hostel

To: Stony Creek & VA 635
Miles today: 44.0
Weather: clear sky

Sorry for the gap in writing, been living the hiker life. Spent a couple days on the trail and a couple of days at Lickskillet Hostel hosted by Robert aka Mongo. Conspired with two other hikers, Joker and Inside Out to slack pack in exchange for Hostel help although truth be told, Joker a former carpenter did most the heavy lifting by hanging dry wall. We did host a family of eight, two parents and a 16, 15, 13, xx, xx, and 3 year olds. They are rolling, did 20 miles the day they stopped by the Hostel. My main contribution was spaghetti for eleven of us on an old two burner hot plate. Back to below freezing again this morning, but the forecast is for lows to be mid forties so I think the weather is finally turning on our way. I am at 188 miles and counting.
Date: 2018-04-28
From: Bland, VA

To: Daleville
Miles today: 94.0

Quite a week. Had a good first day out of Bland and then the weather turned nasty. Best decision so far was stopping at 12 miles day two. Hiking companions went for 18 and paid the price with soaked gear and a crowded shelter. I got lucky and had one of the best shelters all to myself and stayed dry. There was no getting around being cold and wet on days three and four. Just time to suck it up. Pushed hard day four and got over Dragon's Tooth and down to Four Pines Hostel. DT was no joke. Hand over hand down the rocks. Not a "trail" in sight. Last two days were great. McAfee Knob had a little sun and a decent view and the Roanoke River views were good. Camped last night along a creek with Armor, Sleeves, and a section hiker. Had a big fire and the moon was almost full. Hard to leave this morning, but resupply in Daleville called. Speaking of trail names, looks like I have picked mine up. I tend to be very careful on the down hills as I don't want my hike to end with a twisted ankle or worse. I refer to this as putting it in low so I am now known as Low Gear.
Date: 2018-05-05
From: Daleville

To: The James River
Miles today: 57.0

It has been a good week. First four days hiking and the last three stepping off the trail for a retirement ceremony in North Carolina. Weather was great for hiking, just nippy enough in the AM to wonder about a light jacket, but in the 70s very quickly. Sounds like I was fortunate to get through McAfee Knob when I did. They had a fire two days after my transit that closed the trail for 31 miles. Still in awe of some of my fellow hikers. Had breakfast with a State Dept IT guy who is on a break between assignments and is trying to finish the Trail in 100 days. He is a averaging 25 miles a day. With the weather change, folks are staring to send winter clothes home and lighten the pack load. I have sent some home, but my main pack issue is the food bag. Always seem to be carrying excess food at resupply time. The skilled folks eat their last food either the night before or the day of resupply. Will keep trying. My short vacation is about over. Will rejoin the trail tonight and start hiking tomorrow AM. OBTW - trying to get the miles calculated correctly, think we are close.
Date: 2018-05-11
From: The James River

To: Rockford Gap
Miles today: 78.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Great hiking since returning to the trail from the retirement ceremony. Of course the very first stretch is a long climb out of the James River valley. Can't have a road, gap, or river without a corresponding long downhill to it and an equally long climb from it. Just the AT way. Middle of the week saw the infamous Priest Mountain downhill of 3000 feet and the Three Ridges uphill of also 3000 feet. I am sure my suggestion of a walkway from peak to peak will get lost in someone's inbox. Week ended with a hard 20 mile day to beat the thunderstorms and was rewarded with a wonderful time at the Forsyth's Central Virginia Safe House. Couldn't have asked for better hospitality. Start Shenandoah National Park tomorrow with almost 400 miles under my belt. Missed seeing a bear by about five minutes on Monday, SNP might change that.
Date: 2018-05-19
From: Rockford Gap

To: Little Hogback
Miles today: 93.0

Entered Shenandoah National Park at Rockfish Gap and will exit it today. Good trail for the most part, but Mother Nature decided the park needed some rain. First day and half was warm and then the thunderstorms rolled in hard Monday night. The rest of the week was wet during the day with thunderstorms following in the late afternoons. Impossible to stay dry and nearly impossible to get dry end of day. Fortunately, SNP has some campgrounds with laundry facilities to dry clothes if only to start the day. Lots of deer, but still no bear sightings for me although others are reporting seeing them. One hiker with us at Rock Springs Hut experienced a very crafty raccoon who climbed the bear pole and chewed through his food bag. Hiked most of the week with Maverick, a welder from Georgia and Detail, a banker from Boston.
Date: 2018-05-24
From: Front Royal

To: Harper's Ferry
Miles today: 54.0

Not that I don't like Virginia, but crossing my first state line especially after 550 miles is a nice milestone. In Harper's Ferry for a Zero day to give the body a chance to recover. Also stopped at a WV Urgent Care clinic to have a Doc look at my right big toe. Have a little cellulitis so she gave me some antibiotics to clear it up. Great care and service. Rain has stopped for a couple days so hopefully the trail will dry up a little. Of course, the alternative is hot and humid so trading one challenge for another. The next day or so will be familiar trail as 18 miles of the AT are also JFK 50 course miles so I have seen them twice before. Will be in PA by next weekend. Must tell a trail magic story. Trail magic is unexpected generosity from strangers and the AT is full of it. After leaving Front Royal, I was getting ready to cross a creek and head into a long climb so I sat down at a trailhead picnic table for a quick break. While sitting there, a lady walks up and asks if I am a thru-hiker, and follows it up with do I need anything. I say no I am good unless she might have a cold coke to drink. She says sorry, no sodas, but then just a quickly she says stay here as she runs to her car where her husband is waiting. They drive off and then minutes later return with two large cokes, two jumbo Snickers bars, and a package of Gandma's Cookies. Now that is trail magic.
Date: 2018-05-27
From: Harper's Ferry

To: Waynesboro, PA
Miles today: 41.0

Didn't attempt the four state, forty mile in a day challenge, but am now into my fourth state, Pennsylvania. Ok, West Virginia is only four miles, but it still counts. Wasn't originally planning to stop in Waynesboro, PA, but a bad weather forecast changed my plan. Only overnighting here as weather is projected to be good this week after today. Right toe feeling much better now so I think it is on the mend. Had another great trail magic experience at the Washington Monument State Park. A couple from Ohio, the Longs, set up in a day shelter by trail and cooked biscuits and gravy, eggs, bacon, sausage and fresh cinnamon rolls for thru-hikers along with coffee, OJ, and Gatorade. Pretty awesome.
Date: 2018-06-01
From: Waynesboro

To: Carlisle
Miles today: 75.0

The calm before the storm. Good miles in Southern PA before the rocks ahead that made Rocksylvania famous. Stopping near Carlisle for a Zero to give aches and pains a day to heal before pushing on past Duncannon. My big toe infection is healed thanks to great care in Harper's Ferry at the Urgent Care clinic. Two thumbs up. I must call out the Quarry Gap shelter, awesome. Great shape, tent pads, flowers, a swing, and two covered tables. Might be the best shelter so far. Managed to dodge the rain for the most part, but the humidity is impossible to miss. Almost want the cold to return.
Date: 2018-06-06
From: Carlisle

To: Swatera Gap
Miles today: 53.0

Good couple of days since Carlisle. While there are many rocks, I am not sure they warrant the Rocksylvania nickname. Of course, tomorrow I will regret that statement. Weather has been overcast and in the 70s. Perfect hiking weather and so far generally ahead of the rain. I arrived at Raush Gap shelter literally two minutes before a cloudburst yesterday PM. Then it cleared and made for a great tent night. The change in footwear from low top trail shoes to mid ankle leather hikers has been a huge win. Little heavier, but much more protection from the sharp rocks. Feet feel better in the AM. Passed the 700 mile mark yesterday and will be 1/3 done on Friday.
Date: 2018-06-10
From: Swatera Gap

To: Hamburg, PA
Miles today: 36.0

A short section since my last post. For the Good. Had a great stay at the Rock N Sole hostel in honor of the Pennsylvania rocks. OBTW - I was premature in giving PA a pass on Rocksylvania. Craig and Jody run Rock N Sole and it is definitely in the running for best Hostel. Shuttle to and from the trail, bunks with sheets, hot shower, laundry, and dinner/breakfast for $40. Can't beat it. For the Bad, took a fall on the PA rocks and gashed my knee. With help from Garfield, bandaged it up and hobbled to town. Went to Urgent Care today and had the Doc take care of it so all is well. Can't thank Garfield enough and the Trail Angel Katie (Old Sole, AT thru-hike '17) who hiked a mile up the trail to make sure I was ok and then drove me to Wal-Mart for supplies when we realised Urgent Care was closed for the night. The trail community never ceases to amaze me with generosity and caring. Took today off, but will be back out tomorrow. Rained all day so maybe it was for the best.
Date: 2018-06-16
From: Hamburg, PA

To: Wind Gap, PA
Miles today: 60.0

Last time we spoke, I had cut my knee pretty badly South of Hamburg. I am here to report the knee is much better after Urgent Care cleaned me up and a relatively low mileage week. While the knee was a worry, I must admit cutting daily mileage allowed me to hit a couple of lodging options I probably would have bypassed if I was focused on miles. Eckville shelter is one of two PA ATC managed shelters with a caretaker. Besides a bunkhouse, it has power, Solar shower, and a flush toilet all at no cost. And then last night, the Mechanical Man's Blue Mountain home gives you a shuttle ride, shower, and room on the garage floor for $10. It also includes a ride to the Kunkletown Pub. Good food, good prices, and free beer as they wait for a liquor license. Cutting my mileage goals also gave a little time to read my Kindle in the evening which was a nice treat. Even with the reduction, went over 800 miles yesterday so still making progress.
Date: 2018-06-22
From: Wind Gap, PA

To: High Point State Park
Miles today: 58.0
Weather: overcast clouds

While not as long as Virginia, it is good to be off the rocks of Pennsylvania. That being said, the mosquitos of New Jersey aren't a picnic. I am also starting to see water being more of a planning factor as streams become more scarce. I tend to carry more water than most folks and even I was getting to the bottom of the bottle yesterday. I continue to be impressed with some of the hikers I meet. Today, Spoons passed me on the trail. She is an 18 years old who graduated high school last year, but wanted to hike the AT before starting college. Saved her money and is on track to finish before starting at the University of Chicago in September. Pretty impressive.