morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-06-27
From: Duncannon, PA

To: PA 325...and a hospital 
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: light rain

Even though today's hike ended at PA325,, that's not the end of the story. No, we are in Harrisburg, Pa. after a trip to the ER to get Ms. Rabbits hand Xrayed and a cast put on. As we were approaching the 16 mile mark Rabbit tripped and fell and as most people do she out out her hand to catch herself and in the process bent her hand at an odd angle. It swelled immediately and it was obvious we were going to the ER so I called "Trail Angel Mary" to rescue us and take Rabbit to the hospital. I told Mary we were 2 miles from the crossing and we would be there in an hour but in the interim it started storming on us and slowed our progress to an hour and a half. As we climbed into Mary's van we were drenched as drowned rats and stayed that way until we registered at the Quality inn in Harrisburg. Now that we are clean, and dry, and fed we are ready to get back to the trail tomorrow, cast and all, and go hiking again. Tomorrow may tell another story, but Rabbit swears she will hike out with us in the morning. We'll see. ON-ON
Date: 2003-09-11
From: Lake of the Clouds Hut

To: Osgood Tentsites
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: mist

Well, I intended to write an entry last night, was there ready, and found I¢d left behind a piece of gear for the first time, my pen at the previous night¢s spot. Which kind of stinks as it was a 20 dollar pen! Did ten miles even yesterday, so I set a casual pace by sleeping till 9:30 and making a little less than 2 mph pace. On top of Mt Washington was great, and of course I¢m the only one not wearing a jacket, not to mention no shirt as usual. So Mountain Dew got a kick out of that, as he is from Texas and not as acclimated to the weather as I. Mountain Dew, Greenman, Sunkist and I all happened to be leaving the summit the same time and Greenman says, ¢Hurry up, it¢s thru-hiker tradition to moon the cog rail train.¢ They also said to watch out as they throw coal at us! So the first one went down, and MD & GM went nuts as Sunkist held the camera, I tried to get my camera¢s remote to work but it was sun blinded, and they threw some weak shots of coal. So we laughed and walked off parallel to the tracks, and then another one came uphill. They yelled for me to get over there, and they mooned them, but this time there was a pitcher on the end of the train armed with big pieces of coal and he even jumped off and ran some to get his aim! There was some huge coals hurled at me and I gave them a big ¢ol shiny moon, and fortunately didn¢t get shot in the backside! The rest of the day¢s hiking was beautiful as well, with fantastically clear weather. I decided to tent at Osgood Tentsites.   ¢applejack-
Date: 2013-06-28
From: PA 325...and a hospital 

To: Rausch Gap
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: scattered clouds

As we were eating breakfast, at a diner next to the motel, Woodman called Trail Angel Mary to get a shuttle back to the trail and it turned out that she was already at the motel picking up two hikers that had ridden in with us, from the 325 Gap, so we hustled over to the motel, picked up our packs then hustled back out to the van to load up. We were late getting started hiking due to the distance from Harrisonburg back to the trail. Close to 8:30, which is a very late start for me, I like to hike early in the morning while it is still cool. When we got to the turnoff to the shelter at 11 miles we talked it over and due to the late start we decided we could not make it to the next shelter, 5 miles away, in a timely manner so we took an early day. Besides, I could tell that the day was taking its toll on Ms Rabbit even though she gamely hiked out in front of me and Woodman all day long. What a trooper! But when I suggested we call it a day neither her or Woodman, who has developed a blister on his heel, argued to go on.Our schedule will have to be refigured now but we should get to Hamburg where there is a huge Cabelas where I can look for a new pair of shoes in two or two and a half days. Really looking forward to that!I am already in my tent at 6:30 and another storm is brewing, I will probably get out my book and read and let the weather do what it wants, I will be snug and dry in my tent.ON-ON
Date: 2003-09-15
From: Osgood Tentsites

To: Carlo Col Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Friday was a nice easy walk out; with Glacier for good company and we were in Gorham by 2. A lot of cloud filled in space halfway down mountains making them appear as though they rose out of an ocean. That made for beautiful morning walking at the higher tudes. When I got to town I set right to buying needed groceries and beer so I could have the best chance at relaxing as much as possible at the Barn (hiker hostel) over the 2 zero days I took. Many people I knew stayed, I had good company each of 3 nights. Doc & Llama showed up yesterday, and we enjoyed the Patriots game, which thankfully they made up some for last weeks¢ poor performance. Today¢s walk out was a big day. A lot of heavy-duty terrain, 17 miles, and I walked 12 mile into Maine to this Carlo Col Shelter. Pretty packed shelter as rain is expected. Big day tomorrow, thankfully looking forward to 9-10 hours sleep tonight. Funny thing I realized today, there¢s this fellow named Feral who I hadn¢t known much previously, but he spent a few nights at the Barn. Someone I had known a couple of years ago had mentioned to me that his younger brother planned to walk the AT when he graduated high school, and that would be now. And turns out Feral is the fellow. I¢d wondered before what the chances of meeting him would be.   ¢applejack-
Date: 2013-06-29
From: Rausch Gap

To: 501 Shelter
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Met a gentleman last night that I hiked with off and on today that gave me and the crew a wealth of information about the trail ahead. Some of which was not so good to hear but important for us in order to realistically plan our hike for the next few days. Too bad he had to get off so quickly, we enjoyed his company. I left camp at 6:25 this morning. A time much more to my liking because I was able to make some miles in the cool of the day. Then, at 7 miles into the day we climbed up on the ridge we are camped on right now and walked it the rest of the day. The satellite map, on Mapquest, indicates we will be on the ridge for some time. Near the end of the day we came to a road crossing and came to "Trail Magic" set up in the trail-head parking lot by an '04 thru-hiker named "Slick" and his wife. Sodas, Gator Aide, snacks and fruit. Ahhh, I drank two cokes and ate enough snacks to raise my blood sugar out of the ball park. It's a good thing I still had some miles to hike so I could burn some of it off. The shelter here has a door and is set up like a bunkhouse. I went inside to check it out but decided to tent anyhow, there were two old men already sitting on bunks. Old men are the worst about snoring!! Tomorrows weather report indicates a 70% chance of rain. HooBoy...what's new? Hope it holds off until I get my tent set up. I don't really mind hiking in the rain but I hate to pitch my tent when it's raining because then EVERYTHING gets wet. My little tent is pretty water resistant. The only time I have been wet is when I broke camp in a downpour. ON-ON
Date: 2003-09-16
From: Carlo Col Shelter

To: Speck Pond Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: mist

   I think it¢s possible I could be a fiend for punishment upon myself. I keep doing it and it has no effect upon my attitude, positive if any. Today I did almost 10 miles, but it¢s some of the toughest miles along the whole trail, and it was raining pretty good. Yet I move along at my trip-long 2 mph pace, which at this section of the trip is becoming faster rather than slower than the other thrus due to tough terrain. Today I fell, perhaps the 4th time this trip, a good one. Stepped on a root and feet right out, nice thing backpack makes for such a cushy fall. Went through the Mahoosic Notch today, a reputed jungle gym for adults, which is a lot of climbing in and around boulders sized from 6¢ to 20¢ wide. Was letting myself down on one boulder, holding on to a tree root when the root broke off and I went flying. Got a bit of a gash on my hand in the landing. That was cool. I came into a cold wind as I approached Speck Pond Shelter, and being wet and hungry I decided here I¢d stay. Good company here. Sunkist didn¢t finish her supper, gave it to me before I realized she had a cough. I really hope I don¢t get anything.   ¢applejack-
Date: 2013-06-30
From: 501 Shelter

To: Phillips Canyon Spring
Miles today: 19.7
Weather: light rain

If I was able to total all the miles I hiked today it would be closer to 22.5 miles but goof-ups don't get added to the total so all I can report is 19.7. I made a wrong turn thinking I was going onto a blue blaze trail to a shelter when I was actually still on the AT. I had to turn around and retrace my steps...which don't get counted. The original plan was to hike to a shelter at mile 1204 but that was changed so we could get to town early tomorrow. All we have left to hike in the morning is 4 miles. We don't have a ride though so we will have to depend on hitch hiking, which I am not crazy about doing. The morning was hot and muggy and the trail was rocky as could be but I was still able to meet the crew for lunch on time. Still averaging 2 mph. After lunch I took off for the shelter but got caught in another thunderstorm getting drenched, as usual. At the shelter plans were changed for us to meet at this camp site so off I went again arriving a little after 6 pm. Everything is wet. Everything that's not wet is damp. I'm sick of being hot and sweaty and wet. In the morning I'm heading into Hamburg to do some shopping and get a motel room. ON-ON
Date: 2003-09-17
From: Speck Pond Shelter

To: Surplus Pond
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Not surprisingly, I was lazy slow getting up this morning. I had only planned on 10 miles to go last night, but changed my mind while walking today. I need to be getting more miles done now so that in a few days I won¢t be overburdened with miles to be where I need to when I do . So after today¢s 16 I¢ll try to pull my first 20 in a while tomorrow to get to my friend Jeff¢s cabin a day early in Rangeley. I¢m tenting tonight at Surplus Pond after a beautifully clear day and a similar night. Unfortunately I lost another piece of gear today, the nylon pant legs that zip onto my shorts. Took them out to dry and walked off without. I hope I don¢t miss them too much.   ¢applejack-
Date: 2013-07-01
From: Phillips Canyon Spring

To: Port Clinton, PA
Miles today: 4.0
Weather: light rain

I went to sleep last night with heavy rain pelting my tent. Nothing new, i've been there before. I have a Lightheart tent that can handle some pretty heavy blows but I woke up in the middle of the night with water inside my tent! Unknowingly I had set up my tent Ina slight depression that funneled all the water above me right under my tent. The top is Cuben Fiber but the floor is Sil-Nylon and is NOT water proof. Resistant yes but not water proof. Nothing to do except pick up anything that I don't want to get wet and try to go back to sleep and hope nothing else happens. In the morning everything was either soaked, wet or damp. The one thing I always try to keep dry, my sleeping bag, was dry but its stuff sack was sopping so I put the bag inside a trash bag and the stuff sack in another bag with other wet stuff. We had hiked to the spring last night so we would have a short walk to Port Clinton in the morning. We were supposed to get a free shuttle to the Cabellas in Hamburg but when Rabbit called to confirm the shuttle we learned that a decision had been made to use the shuttle van for something else so we were SOL. However Rabbit was able to Yogi a man into giving us a ride so we made it to Cabellas then across the street to the Microtel where we are staying for the night. Plans are to get back to the trail in the morning if the weather is clear but stay another day if it is not. If you have not noticed,, I have less than a thousand miles to go, ON-ON****Note to W5FRG; your email address was not included in your guestbook entry so I was unable to respond. I was stationed aboard a Sweep (MSO469) in Charleston, S. Carolina from 1960 thru 62.
Date: 2003-10-02
From: Rainbow Stream Shelter

To: Katahdin Stream Campground
Miles today: 25.0
Weather: light rain

This was quite a pleasant day, my last full day living this lifestyle. Did 25 miles, as planned long ago; it was easy walking with views of Katahdin later in the day. I finished the ¢100 mile wilderness¢ and got some goodies at the Abol store. From there it was a quick 10 mile to Katahdin Stream Campground where I¢m at now. I originally was to tent camp with Superfly, Red Dirt, Pay Phone, and Monkey, but I walked allover the campground and couldn¢t find the site #25. So I¢m in the Birches B shelter with Sherpa, whom I haven¢t seen since PA. There¢s a lot of friendly faces here that I haven¢t seen in awhile and that I hadn¢t met before as well. Getting ready to trade in this lifestyle tomorrow atop Katahdin, when I become another guy who will go back to work at the end of the weekend.   ¢applejack-
Date: 2013-01-03
To: New Year's Day
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

It is a new year! New Year¢s Day is exciting because it is an opportunity to start anew, to approach life with a revitalized enthusiasm, and to exercise a rebirthed sense of optimism. It provides a chance to wipe the slate clean, turn over that leaf, and [insert metaphor here]. It also prompts a period of introspection and reflection on the previous year, allowing you to learn from a year¢s worth of experiences, successes, and mistakes.         My ¢resolution¢ for this year is to live every day as if it were New Year¢s Day. All of those characteristics of a new year also apply to a new day. No matter how trying, frustrating, dismal, or stressful a day may be, it will end and a new one will dawn. And with the sun will rise a chance to start over, to reflect on the lessons learned, and to employ those lessons in an effort towards improvement. While those are all facts to be remembered, more important is the feeling of New Year¢s- waking up with a sense of hope and zeal.        It will take intentional effort to treat every day like New Year¢s Day, even if it doesn¢t feel like it, and it will be especially crucial to employ that mentality on the trail. I never want to stop learning what yesterday taught me. I never want miss out on an opportunity for gratitude and appreciation. And I never want to lose the hope that this day could be better than the last. This year I am looking forward to 365 New Year¢s Days, and pray that the coming year brings you all that you need and seek!
Date: 2003-10-03
From: Katahdin Stream Campground

To: Katahdin Denied!
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

My how differently a day can go from the events one may envision the night before. Last night was pretty cold, lows about 36 degrees F, and it rained most of the night. My layers of clothing and sleeping quilt were just barely enough for that temperature. Well, turns out of course, that this mountain, Katahdin, rises about 4000 ft. above where I camped. So as a result, most of the mountain was surrounded by temperatures below freezing. There was at least enough snow/ice that fell on Katahdin that park officials closed the trails entirely to hiking. No one was allowed up today. The weather is predicted such that no one will go up tomorrow or Sunday probably. So expected was to go up and finish my hike today, actually I endt up making decision to go home to Gloucester today, for different reasons. So personally I¢ll try to go back maybe Wednes day to do the last 5 miles of 2172 mile Appalachian Trail. I got a ride out to Millinocket with Sherpa¢s family, and somehow hooked up with Froggie Pete and his sons for a ride to Wells, Me where my Ma picked me up. So this is an odd way to try to finish, but I¢ll make the best of it as I do. Tonight I¢ll go out and see some local friends that I haven¢t seen in months on this Friday night!   -applejack-
Date: 2013-01-09
To: Why?
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

The Ever-Present QuestionI picked up a copy of Appalachian Trials the other week and have found it insightful and to contain great advice. According to Zach Davis, simply considering and understanding that there is a psychological factor at all is a huge step in the right direction. One of his recommendations was to make 3 lists and carry them with you. One should list the reasons you are hiking the trail, the positive outcomes of completing the trail, and the negative impact of not completing the trail (barring injury or illness of course). Whenever the idea of quitting presents itself, he recommends consulting the lists and remembering why you are there. I found that when I began writing the first list (reasons for beginning a thru-hike), I could not stop! The reasons just kept coming and coming until I ran out of paper and had to start on the other side. The following list is being published in an effort to establish accountability and as a public declaration of my desire to hike:- I need to re-evaluate my career path/ I need a break from the ¢hamster wheel¢- I want to shift my priorities: I want to live simply, purely, and intentionally- I want to gain confidence and personal strength/fortitude; I want to learn to love and believe in myself- I CRAVE adventure- I want to experience God and nature in the fullest- I want to accomplish something great, noteworthy, and unique- I want to face and overcome challenges, to be completely self-sufficient- I want to meet good people and re-kindle my faith in humanity- I want to find my purpose- I want to learn to be more patient- with others, myself, and unideal situations- I want to have fun and be freeAnd no, this was not the complete list, but it will, in its entirety, accompany me on the trail and hopefully serve as a reminder why it is so important that I continue on, even in times of distress.
Date: 2013-05-12
From: elkton, va

To: Bearfence Hut
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: clear sky

I seem to have been taken in by a jolly band of self- proclaimed "old-timers"; about 6-7 men around the age of 60. Some are section hiking, some are thru hiking, but all are cheerful, funny, and full of jokes, advice, and stories. However, all being very experienced outdoorsmen, many of their stories revolve around their close calls. Tonight's theme: bear attacks. As we sit at the aptly named "bearfence hut" with an active bear warning posted, we took all me necessary precautions. However, in my tent, I must admit it was a poor choice of topic, as my imagination is rather active. Something moseyed through the campsite around 11pm, but I sure as hell didnt look out to see what it was (could have been anything), but held my breath nevertheless as it plodded by. Come morning, all members of the party were present, accounted for, and intact. But:Lesson of the day: bedtime stories should always be of light and pleasant nature! *And a very very happy Mother's Day to my dear mama! Love you!!
Date: 2003-03-16
From: Gooch Gap

To: Woods Hole
Miles today: 11.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Woods Hole Shelter 11.9 miles, 26.6 total miles Today has been a day of trail magic both man and god made. Trail magic is when something unexpected happens because of the kindness of strangers. My first trail magic of the day occurred at gap, Animal 2000 thru hiker was handing out fresh fruit and hot drinks. Ummm that apple sure tasted good. We hiked thru the fog most of the morning, no views. Until I sat down at a overlook to remove my rain pants because I was getting too hot, I looked up just as the sun broke thru the clouds and lit up the valley. The fog was lifting and the clouds were lit up from the sun, what an awesome sight. Trail magic number two. After that my sprits improved and my pack felt lighter. Trail magic number three occurred when Patti arrived to pick up Mel and Hatti. She brought buffalo wings and onion rings with her, boy was my tummy a happy camper. Mel and Hatti got off the trail today, the real world is calling them back. Bummer I will miss them, they made the first days on the trail special.
Date: 2013-05-13
From: Bearfence Hut

To: Rock Spring Hut
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Last night got down close to freezing- my water had icicles in it! The condensation on the inside of my tent and sleeping bag had also frozen, but surprisingly the day didn't warm up much either. It was the first day I hiked in fleece and pants, but I was glad for the extra layers. We stopped off at the Big Meadows campground to pick up a few more groceries to hold over till Front Royal, and grabbed some lunch while we there. It has been suggested that I go by lost-n-found, as through a bizarre turn of events, I lost ( and found) yet another item: my gloves! I had set my things down and had my gloves tucked in the hipbelt, so after asking for direction (I had missed a turnoff to the camp store) when I picked up my pack, the gloves remained. After a good bit of backtracking I met up with the rest of the guys at the store. Since I had already hiked that portion of trail (twice) I decide to cut through the campground to get back to the trail, and stumbled upon the man who had given me directions and was holding my gloves! And thank goodness, because we saw SNOW this evening, and it's expected to hit close to 25 degrees tonight. Lesson of the day: layer layer layer! And fire!
Date: 2003-03-18
From: Walhsi-Yi 

To: Low Gap 
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Low Gap Shelter 10.6 miles 41.3 totalWet,cold, windy day. Got a late start out of Wahski-Yi. Waited around to mail my bounce box and call the kids. It sure was good to hear their voices. As soon as the morning chores were done it was up the mountain in a gray drizzle, that quickly turned to rain.   No views today. The first six miles were tough, lots of ups and downs and rocks. I was beginning to think I wouldn't make the shelter, maybe camp along the way, but the trail improved and I was able to make good time for the remaining 4 miles. Got into camp with plenty of time to cook and visit. The shelter is full so I am tenting. It has continued to rain and blow so we will see how my nomad holds up to the storm. So far I'm staying dry.
Date: 2013-05-16
From: Gravel Springs Hut

To: Front Royal Terrapin Station Hostel
Miles today: 10.0

At home, my absolute least favorite, most loathed, abominable chore is laundry. Today, I was counting down the hours until I could wash my clothes- so excited!! I finished the shenendoah park this afternoon and checked into the chill Terrapin Station Hostel in Front Royal. We shuttled into town to the laundromat and grocery store, and oh glorious detergent, my clothes are clean and so am I. I was considering a zero for tomorrow to rest, but we may opt to slack pack (hike without a backpack, or only a day pack) some miles so it's not a total waste. It will still be a bit of a break, but not a total loss. Today I hit my first hundred (and ten) miles and am on cloud nine! Lesson of the day: celebrate the small accomplishments. I have a long way to go, but am happy with my progress so far
Date: 2003-03-19
From: Low Gap 

To: Blue Mountain
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: light rain

Blue Mountain Shelter 7.2 miles 48.5 total miles    Another cold rainy very very windy day. The wind was blowing so hard I thought it would blow me off the mountain. Pulled into this shelter for a hot lunch and decided to make it a short day and stay. My tent was soaked from it raining all night last night so a dry shelter felt mighty nice. Spunky, Hamlet and Will were already here. Soon came Leapyear and Charlie to make a shelter full by 2 PM. What a great time we had telling stories and playing dice. Leapyear does great impersonations, he had us rolling with laughter. Will is a young man from England, who is very British and a hoot to be around.    It has turned into a great day even through the wind has continued to blow.