morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2017-04-17
From: Groundhog Creek Shelter

To: Walnut Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: few clouds

Water has been plentiful on the trail! Rain definitely has its benefits! The springs were actually piped in the Smokies but mostly the streams are flowing! Water is collected while it runs over rocks . A rhododendron leave makes a great spout!There are several ways to purify water. Most hikers seem to prefer the Sawyer filter, some use a steri Pin which uses ultraviolet light. We carry both of these. Still others use aquamira drops.We have met people who never treat their water. This is a risky behavior and could keep one close (or in) a privy for several days!!!
Date: 2017-04-18
From: Walnut Mountain Shelter

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: overcast clouds

We have trail names!!!Kate was crowned "Glampress". She is the Empress of Glamping!! We have found a variety of hotels, motels, cabins, hostels, B&bs. All along the trail!Cruiser named me Torque in the way up to Max Patch today as I was tackling the climb, trying to keep up with Glampress! She said that I "power up the climbs like it's my job"
Date: 2017-04-20
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Hemlock Hollow Inn and Pine Creek Cabins
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Our first slackpack!   A slackpack means you hike with a light pack- just what you need for the days hike! This means Someone else drives your pack to your endpoint for the day! Many times it is a friend or family member. Today we paid the cabin owner to get our packs in Hot Springs, sparing us about 20 lbs each!!It was an awesome day, a much needed perk and our Cheer Wine was waiting for us!! (Cheer wine is NC cherry soda!)
Date: 2017-04-21
From: Hemlock Hollow Inn and Pine Creek Cabins

To: Jerry Cabin Shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: few clouds

Yay! 300 miles!!   Today was a great day!   There was a high rocks trail and a low trail for 1.5 miles near the end of the day! We split up! One of us took the high road and the other the low road??It is good to be back with some of our original friends!GQ, Kyle and Jordan, Brock, Loci and Berries, and Bungee are all here and will be getting into Erwin Tn on Monday for an overnight stay at the Super 8!
Date: 2017-04-22
From: Jerry Cabin Shelter

To: Hogback Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was a long day! It rained last night so we packed up wet! The first 7 miles was easy and the weather was great.   The clouds came in quickly and so did the rain!! It was a hard climb up and for the first time, I felt the calorie depletion kick in!Thankfully, it was sunny and breezy for the first 2 hours at the shelter and we were able to string up clothes lines to dry everything out and cook dinner and hang the bear bags before the rain started again !The forecast for tomorrow looks grim??
Date: 2017-04-23
From: Hogback Ridge Shelter

To: Erwin Tn
Miles today: 2.4
Weather: light rain

We did not make it our planned 13.6 miles today!   The rain continued throughout the night and all day. We bailed at Sam's Gap - 2.4 miles and shuttled into Erwin early!It was a good decision as there was no other bail out and those that went on came in hypothermic and miserable!   We are, showered , did laundry and scheduled a shuttle to slack pack and make up the miles tomorrow!
Date: 2017-04-24
From: Erwin Tn

To: Erwin Tn
Miles today: 25.4
Weather: overcast clouds

We had an early start to make up miles! Bungees wife , M&M, took the 3 if us back to Sams Gap to try for the 24.5 miles back to Erwin. We had a bail out at Spivey Gap after 13 but none of us took it!It was a gorgeous walk today. Lots of waterfalls ! It was a long trek but we are back on schedule!
Date: 2017-04-27
From: Clyde Smith Shelter

To: Overmountain Shelter
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Our first official stay in a shelter! We opted for this because of the rain. It is no fun packing up wet and hiking with the extra weight all day! This barn was built for the Tennessee militia and converted to a hiker shelter!There was a party here. Two marines came up with hot dogs and beer and started a fire in the rain! It cleared up in the evening and we slept well with little snoring and few mice!
Date: 2017-05-09
From: Wise Shelter

To: Troutdale Methodist Church Hostel
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: scattered clouds

It rained all day!  We planned to stay at a campsite tonight but opted for the Hostel instead!It was a blessing!  The warm shower and bunkhouse were well stocked !We slept out in the pavilion on picnic tables to avoid snoring!
Date: 2017-05-17
From: Wapiti Shelter

To: Canpsite
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: clear sky

We left Wapiti shelter early enough! Glampress has the dreaded foot fungus and I had a fall about 1/10 mile before our destination at the campsites! Good timing! We can both recover in Pearisburg! Our Tramily spent the night together and we will limp into Pearisburg tomorrow!
Date: 2017-05-19
From: Pearisburg Va

To: Pearisburg
Miles today: 19.6

As planned, we got a shuttle 20 miles north with Deuce and hiked back to Entrpruse in Pearisburg where our car rental was waiting!Damascus tomorrow then a couple of Patch mikes in Sunday and back on the at on Monday!Tom And Anna are coming onWednesday! We are so spoiled!
Date: 2017-06-09
From: South River Picnic Area

To: Rock Spring Hut
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: scattered clouds

We saw 2 bears early this am!! We left camp early after a light breakfast and walked 5 miles to Lewis Mountain Campground where we had 2nd breakfast.8.8 miles later, we were at Big Meadows for lunch and a shower.3.5 more miles brought us to our shelter for the night.We had an uneven tent site and a noisy crew of weekenders in the Cabin below the shelter!!
Date: 2017-06-10
From: Rock Spring Hut

To: Loving Arms Hostel, Luray
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: broken clouds

Another wayside today. We had second breakfast at Skylands!Saw another bear this am which brings our count to 4!It seemed like a long hike over Mary's Rock but we made it to this lovely Hostel for the night and a restful day tomorrow
Date: 2017-06-15
From: Terrapin front royal Hostel

To: Bears Den Hostel
Miles today: 21.7

We crossed the 1000 mile mark today-  unbelievable!Bears Den Hostel is the best!I have stayed there many times!  I brought the Edson clan here for volunteer work at the ATC with the South Jersey Outdoor Club back in the 1990's!Great memories!We were comfortable in the Women's Dorm and had hiker special of pizza and Ben and Jerrys!After a mulberry pancake breakfast, we are off to Harpers Ferry!
Date: 2017-06-20
From: Dahlgren Backpackers Campground

To: Caledonia State Park
Miles today: 23.7
Weather: scattered clouds

We planned on 13 miles to the Tumbling Run Shelter but got there at 1 pm and opted to keep on walking!We heard if Campground Trail magic at Caledonia and ended up here!Great people! Good dinner of baked potatoes and meat sauce and fresh peaches! (We got in late)Pancake breakfast in am and to top it all off- a free slack pack to Pine Grove Furnace State Park tomorrow!
Date: 2017-06-22
From: Iron master Hostel . Pine Grove Furnace 

To: Carlisle PA
Miles today: 26.7

Long day today but we enjoyed it!  Are lunch at the Green mountain Deli at mile 10 then dinner at the Boiling Springs Tavern.  Walked anothe 7.9 miles to Days Inn in Carlisle where we arrived dripping wet!
Date: 2017-06-23
From: Carlisle PA

To: Duncannon PA The Doyle
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: overcast clouds

we left Carlisle in the am after meeting with Vinay, the GM who we met on previous section hike.  It poured on the way down the mountain to Duncannon and we were happy at The Doyle!  Food was great,  room not so much!
Date: 2017-06-24
From: Duncannon PA The Doyle

To: Campsite
Miles today: 16.1

Last resupply at the Quick Mart in Duncannon was lame and expensive !Climb out today was hot!  We were taking it slow all day.  Met Sue Perriman on the outlook with her family!  She works with Scott Egbert and knows the Rosvold's!!   We walked together for last few miles and camped for the night
Date: 2017-07-30
From: Katahdin Stream Campground

To: Monson, Maine
Miles today: 114.5

We had 8 fabulous days in The "wilderness".Day One:  We hiked 14.5 miles to Hurd Brook Shelter.  The terrain was fairly flat and easy.!  We were both exhausted from the past few days of travel, little sleep, and Katahdin!  We took a nap on a river bank mid day and felt rejuvenated!Day 2-  We hiked 11.4 miles to Rainbow Stream Lean-to .Another easy hiking day! We saw a pair of nesting loons, 2  big eggs in the nest!  Great campsite near the Stream and waterfall where we got to swim!Day 3- planned 18.2 miles today.  2.5 miles before our destination, we came upon a Hostel in the wilderness and decided to take advantage!White House landing was amazing!  Bill picked us up in the dock and brought us to this beautiful oasis with food, bunks, showers!  We were refreshed and rejuvenated!Day 4- 14 miles to Cooper Brook Falls Lean-to.  Great swimming hike in front of the shelter .  Still fairly easy hiking and we are almost halfway!Day 5-  17 mile day- started out easy, but here come the mountains! Exhausted at the end of the day after summitting White  Cap, Hay Mountain, and West Peak!  We camped at Sidney Tapoan Camp Site!Day 6- Lots of ups and downs today.  Our first river crossing where we had to ford! No water at our intended shelter so we continued on to the Chairback Pond campsites!Day 7-  13.4 miles to Wilson Valley lean to!  Difficult terrain today!We are feeling sluggishly behind in calories and it takes a toll!Day 8 -  10.4 miles to Monson!  It took 2 hours longer than expected but we arrived here at Shaws I pretty good shape!Will take a zero here and eat, sleep , and resupply!Yay!
Date: 2017-08-05
From: Monson, Maine

To: Stratton Maine
Miles today: 63.7
Weather: overcast clouds

After 5 days of renting, we are in Stratton for a zero today!We have had an amazing journey in Maine! We have been able to swim almost daily in the ponds, lakes and streams!  The weather has been gorgeous except for one late afternoon downpour! Blueberries are abundant!We enjoyed a milkshake at the B&B in Caratunk before crossing the Kennebec River by canoe!We stayed at the Stratton Motel last night and planned a 3 day slack pack to Rangely.  32 miles over the Crockers!
Date: 2017-08-14
From: Stratton Maine

To: Full Goose Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

So-  Maine has been beautiful but we have had to work for it mostly every day!Slackpacking over the Crockers and another stretch up to Grafton Notch for 3 days helped a lot!!Today, we hiked down the steepest descent on the trail for one mile, the Mahoosic Arm, and then through the most difficult mile on the trail, the Mahoosic Notch! We heard a lot of horror stories about this day but we really enjoyed crawling through the mile long maze in the Notch and came out unscathed after an hour and 43 minutes!Bring on the Whites!!!!Good bye Maine!
Date: 2017-08-18
From: White Mountain Hostel

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

We had a planned zero here yesterday. We were supposed to embark on a 3 day trek over the Wildcats this morning but the heavy rain and high winds predicted for today caused us to reconsider.  Seems safer (and more pleasant) to hang out here. Tomorrow will be a better day!Our friends, Tom and Anna, are diligently planning to come meet us for the 3rd time!They will meet us on Monday in the Whites!
Date: 2017-08-19
From: Gotham NH

To: Gotham NH
Miles today: 21.0

We did a 2 day "slack pack" over the Wildcats!  The trek was not as fearsome as we had been told!We did it northbound so the trek up was steep and took some time. We stayed at the Imp campsite after 13.1 miles.  The AMC campsites in the Whites have a caretaker and are well cared for. There is a $5 fee to stay but it is worth it for a clean privy!The next day,  we hiked back to Gorgam over 8 miles of the Carter/Moriah range.  It was relatively easy hiking and we got back to White Mountain Hostel before noon!
Date: 2017-08-27
To: Inn 32
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

We were an hour late finding Tom on Mt Lafayette yesterday .  We misjudged Mt Garfield and ran into many of our Nobo friends! It was a beautiful day until we got to the summit in winds and plummeting temperatures!  Tom was waiting with Subway sandwiches. He was warm in his parked and hunkered down in a fort of rocks!We slack packed with Tom over the Kinsmans today and will do Moosilauke tomorrow and kiss Tim and Anna goodbye on Tuesday!
Date: 2017-08-31
To: Norwich Vt
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

After the Whites,  NH was kinder and gentler.  Today we crossed the border into our 9th state, Vermont.We are staying at the home if a trail angel, Jennie Anderson! She is the Reverend of the Episcopal Church. We will have a zero tomorrow and help her with some housekeeping chores!
Date: 2017-09-11
From: Norwich, VT

To: Bennington VT
Miles today: 0.0

We left Jennie's place on Sat , 9/2 and walked to the Thistle Hill Shelter where we spent the night in our tent!On Sunday, we were hit with the remnants of Harvey, now a tropical storm!We were wet and cold all day and ran into a shelter (Winturri) in late afternoon for survival!  It was the coldest and wettest day on the trail for us!On Monday, we got to Mountain Meadows Lodge in Killington.  This is a wedding venue that rents rooms at a decreased cost to hikers when there are no scheduled events.  We got lucky! Had a great room, dinner, laundry and breakfast.  We had the whole place to ourselves and spent a zero day here!
Date: 2017-09-12
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: drizzle

Mountain Meadows is right on the trail!  We hiked out 14.5 miles to Gov Clement shelter.Greenwalk the next day then intoFirest Rd #10 where we were picked up by "Tom plans too much" wife and brought to the Green Mountain House where we spent the night on Saturday, 9/8.This was one of the cleanest, friendliest hostels so far!We hiked out 17.5 miles on Saturday to a  stealth site at Kelly Stand Road We are trying to get to Bennington by Monday!Sunday, we stayed in our tent at the Goddard Shelter which left an easy 10 miles to Bennington on Monday.Now on our way home for Matt and Jenna's wedding!I'm going to add some pictures today!
Date: 2017-09-24
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

We drove back to Bennington VT on 9/17 after an awesome 5 days at home and a beautiful wedding!We hit the trail the next day and crossed our 1800 mile mark and another state border.!Our friends , Tom and Ana rejoined us for another 4 days of slackpacking! We have had no rain all week.  There are no bugs and no mud.  The downside if that is drinking water is scarce!It is supposed to be 90 degrees and humid today!  We are in a home for a zero and will tackle Mt Everett tomorrow and leave Massachusetts after crossing 1900 miles!
Date: 2017-09-29
To: Wingdale, NY
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

The mountains were not as hard as we remembered!  Our section hike 5 years ago was here!  My Everet in Mass and Bear Mtn CT seemed daunting then!  We camped in a tent at the Toymakers Cafe on Tuesday.  Tom and Anna came up Weds for a day hike!We are enjoying CT, eager to get home, but at the same time- sad to be leaving the trail in a couple of weeks!We are in Wingdale for a Nero tonight.  We have showered, done  laundry, ate lunch, resupplied and are resting .Tomorrow we will be back on the trail, savoring every last step of this awesome journey!
Date: 2017-10-06
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

We have been slackpacking and day hiking all week!  Tom and Anna support and hike with us and then they go home and we camp out !Tonight- we are staying at their home !  They will release us tomorrow to head to NJ!We are a bit concerned about the water shortage and will carry when we need to!Hoping for support from our friends and family in NJ
Date: 2017-10-17
To: Home
Miles today: 0.0

It is with mixed emotions that I write a last post!!!Coming home to Nj has been an overwhelming time!Friends have met us along the way.  Tom and Anna were here again! For us!  Claire and Dominic met us for the day to Mohican, Jeff and Chris came to get us for an unanticipated trip home!  Greg brought us back early this am and we have had an awesome day!!!Angie and Rick met us at the pinnacle with treats!! We are sleeping in our tent for the last night of our thru hike and  will stroll into Port Clinton tomorrow, knowing that the AT will always be here for us!Thank you to all who helped us and cheered us on.Our journey has been awesome for us but more importantly, we hear stories daily of people we have inspired to live their dreams, no matter what they are!Go for a hike!!!
Date: 2016-07-19
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Finally decided on a new pack and since I worked for Osprey Packs in the past, I had to go with an Atmos 65 and support the southwest Colorado businesses! Recently moved (close by) and have not had an opportunity to get out with the new pack but expect to start soon, as in this coming weekend. Really enjoying the posts from this years hikers and hope they all make it!
Date: 2016-07-25
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Congrats to North Star! He summited Katahdin yesterday. He is one of the 2016 hikers I have followed from his start in GA. Very similar in age and experience and very insightful in trials and challenges along the way. Latest is how he will integrate back in to home life, which is something I have thought about extensively. Only one way to find out!
Date: 2016-08-08
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Have begun gathering gear that I can use in the future and am stuck between water filter choices. I currently use a PUR Hiker (now Katadyn) with a water bladder. This is great for filling the bladder especially from hard to reach and small water holes where the intake hose just drops right in and you can easily pump water out. Problem with this is weight, approximately 12 oz. I am trying to loose weight and this is an area of opportunity. I am intrigued by the Sawyer Mini and Squeeze water filters at 2 and 3 oz respectively. They can be spliced into a bladder hose or used on a water bottle. Obvious advantage is weight and size, I see the only down side is not being able to pump from difficult water sources, having to use a bottle to scoop out water may get challenging. Anyone have experience with these and can make a recommendation?
Date: 2016-08-15
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Time has begun to continue gearing up for a future trek. I have been backpacking for a long time and have accumulated a full, large walk-in closet of great gear over the years. Unfortunately most of my tried and true pieces are just simply too heavy to bring on a thru-hike. Most notably is my Osprey Highlander from 1999 which has been all over with me. The Highlander fits like a glove and distributes and carries weight like you would want in a pack, but mine tipped the scale at almost 7 lbs. Replaced with a 2016 Osprey Atmos 65 at just under 5 lbs, more than 2 lbs saved. My dad got me a Sierra Designs Clip Flashlight in 1986 ($120 back then) which has probably been overused now but is still in good shape. Not a freestanding tent but I have always been able to find a spot to pitch it. Weighs in at 4 lbs, 7 oz. Great 30 years ago but too much in 2016. Am looking at the Big Agnes Fly Creek UL 2 weighing 2 lbs 5 oz, losing 2 lbs 2 oz, almost half, from the Clip Flashlight. Finally going to a Sawyer Squeeze water filter from my PUR Hiker, saving 8 oz.Will be more to come but have already saved almost 5 lbs off my base weight. Looking to hit that sweet spot around 15 lbs base. My old items have already section hiked all of VA, and will be sad in a way to leave them at home, but time to move on.
Date: 2016-08-18
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Have been way overthinking the gear and what I have vs what I should buy way too much lately. The dilemma is do I go for new gear or use what I have? Example: I have many packs (8, yes, I am a gear head and could probably purge some) that all have different functions. Some used more than others but all in excellent condition. I could use my old Osprey Highlander (7+ pounds), Osprey Crescent 50 (4 pounds 10 oz) or purchase a new pack (which I have done, Osprey Atmos 65 4.5 pounds) or drop into a lightweight or ultralight pack saving precious ounces to the tune of several hundred dollars. I like a beefier suspension and can find one in a lighter pack but for a price. Following much internal debate, I have decided that in the beginning I am going to go with what I have, Osprey Crescent 50, and see how it works with the thought of switching to a lighter system if needed. I can still cut at least a half pound or more from the Crescent on items not needed and call it good.Additionally, I am not going to get trapped into this again and go with what I have unless it simply will not work. I am sure I am not the only one with this problem...
Date: 2016-10-04
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Still working on updating my gear, most of my current gear is from 1998-2004 and new stuff is so much lighter. We will see what gets replaced. Due to work and other commitments, I have not been able to get out as much as I would like yet but I plan on a lot of snowshoeing and XC skiing this winter! Added a couple of pics of my stomping grounds here in southwest Colorado.
Date: 2016-12-19
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light snow

A snow storm over the weekend gave me an opportunity to gather my gear together and begin sorting what I would need. With everything pictured for winter hiking, am at 20 lbs 4 oz not including food, water and fuel. The hard part begins of cutting weight down while still having enough for cold weather. I am debating in my mind: "this water bottle is 1.4 oz, should I leave it behind?". I assume this will go on until I get through the arch in GA and am committed either way. Makes me laugh thinking about it.
Date: 2016-12-29
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

As 2016 finally comes to an end I am excited that I have finally committed to my upcoming adventure and saddened at the same time. The world lost a lot of wonderful people this last year, artists, musicians, actors, sports greats and one of the last great pioneers. Carrie Fischer's recent departure hit me particularly hard. I first saw her as a wide eyed 8 year old blown away by Star Wars. The Star Wars fascination continues to this day but she was great in Blues Brothers and other roles, even writing a play and books. Most notable overcoming addiction as this has taken too many too early.Let's hope 2017 fairs better for all.
Date: 2017-01-07
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Welcome to the new year! Just bought my plane tickets to the East Coast. Will be staying with my parents in Richmond VA for a few days then they will transport me to GA to begin the AT adventure!Gear is ready, have begun the packing and unpacking phase to narrow down the weight. Still at 20 lbs for winter so I have some work to do. XC ski training has begun with the goal of 12 miles at 9500' elevation before I leave. We will see how that goes...Bring on 2017!
Date: 2017-01-13
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I gave my work notice of my departure so this is finally real! My last day will be March 3rd giving myself one week before I hit the trail. This will keep me busy and away from rethinking everything. The City of Ouray has been good to me and I will miss the work and especially my co-workers.I have lined up travel and supplies for beginning on March 12th and am getting really excited, 2 months away!
Date: 2017-01-16
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Testing my phone for mobile updates and picture uploads. Text updates are easy. But I will need to work on photos, seems only one can be posted at a time. Took some pictures of xc skiing today with Jimmy the dog in Ironton CO just outside of Ouray. Not progressing with training as I had hoped so will take the begining slow with shorter mile days building to more miles.