morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-04-27
From: Mountaineer Shelter

To: Dennis Cove Road Kinkora
Miles today: 15.6

Cool place to hold up from the rain. Bob Peoples, an AT legend, and hid buddy a multiple time thru hiker had the best stories on/about the trail yet. Gonna stay another night and slack pat.ck the Laurel falls 8.6 mile section...rain in the forecas
Date: 2013-05-04
From: Lost Mountain Shelter

To: Beech Mt Rd
Miles today: 2.3

Short day...meeting Corey, Jessica and E9V for the weekend. They picked me up and we went to Marion for lunch. Then off to Mt Rogers visitor center. E9V loved that. It was cold and windy so we came down and went to Hungry Mother State Park. Again my grand daughter had a great time. Then back to Marion for some local sight seeing...interesting history and really cool buildings and monuments. Had a good Mexican dinner and holed up in a motel for the night.
Date: 2013-05-05
From: Beech Mt Rd

To: Wise Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: light rain

Woke up and had a too breakfast with the kids. Then we went to Grayson Highlands State Park. Saw some ponies and dropped off m y pack (to be picked up later that day). Weather was turning bad so we cut the sightseeing short. Corey got me back to Beech Mt Red and dropped me off. Great hiking until near the top of White Top Mt. It started raining and blowing then pored and the winds were 50-60 mph with reported Gusts of 72. Rather interesting trying to stay on your very in that. Had to cross 2 more balds in the same condition hike in shin deep water and pass a shelter just to get to my pack in Massive Gap. Then another mile and a half to Wise Shelter. Got there late and it was super full...I was number 18 in a 8 person shelter. Hikers are great and made room evev though some had to sleep sitting up. Trained hard all night. Tomorrow should be interesting.
Date: 2013-05-06
From: Wise Shelter

To: Wise Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

Rained all last night and most of the morning. The foot bridge at the creek crossing is under 1 1/2 to 2 feet of water an is impassable. Looks like we are here for another day. This afternoon the water went down a little...about 4 people went for it...hope they are safe. Another bunch went back to the State Park and caught a ride to town. About 10 of us left for the night. Hope the rain slows down.
Date: 2013-05-08
From: Hurricane Shelter

To: Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 19.7
Weather: light rain

Finally it looks like a break in the weather...some rain but not the gully washer we have been getting. Good hiking today and the rain stopped around lunch time. Got to the shelter and ordered a big pizza...one of the only shelter deliveries on the whole AT. It was heaven. Tomorrow resupply and back on the trail. Happy hiking.
Date: 2013-05-09
From: Partnership Shelter

To: Atkins VA
Miles today: 11.6

Went to Marion an resupplied then got back an started hiking at 12:30. Great day...made it to Atkins, VA around 5 pm. Went and had a hiker burger at the Barn...a stop on I-81. It was great. Washed an dryer all my stuff so now I have more than 1 set to dry cloths. Big breakfast in the morning and back on the trail. Happy Hiking.
Date: 2013-05-11
From: VA 42

To: Jenkins Shelter
Miles today: 21.3
Weather: light rain

Finally broke the 20 mile day. Great hiking mostly in light rain, fog and one thunder storm. Lightning almost caught me but it must not be my time...escaped by about 300 yards. Scary but I'm still smiling. The I got off the ridge an had the best tea magic yet...a huge meal of chili,hot digs,veggies of many kinds, fresh fruits,great deserts, chips and dip and beverages of every variety. All free thanks to another thru hiker who has done this for the past 6 years the day before Mothers Day at Walker Gap. Many thanks. I will probably be taking him and his family rafting somewhere out west if they call. Happy hiking.
Date: 2013-05-19
From: Pickle Branch Shelter

To: VA 624 4 Pines Hostel
Miles today: 6.7

Short day due to rain and fogged in views of the Dragons Tooth. Steep hiking....hand over hand on some rock outcroppings. Sure wish it was nicer weather. Great home style cooked meal at The Homeplace reastarunt. Tomorrow another day closer to good foot wear.
Date: 2013-05-22
From: Daleville

To: Wilson Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: few clouds

Late start today but a good day of hiking and to the shelter just before the storm. also met Widl Thing...approx. a 70 something lady hiking alone and trying to complete a dream cut short last year. She fell in the Creek south of the shelter and ;lost her water bottle and one walking stick. I'll go down in the morning and recover it. The others in the shelter helped her get dried out and warmed up.
Date: 2013-05-23
From: Wilson Creek Shelter

To: Jennings creek Shelter
Miles today: 17.0

Hiked down and recovered the water bottle and walking stick for Wild Thing. Hope she fairs well today and there are a lot of good people behind to help her. Good hike across the first of the southern Shenandoah. Great place and only gonna get better. Again Just beat the storms in and this one was full of lightning. Glad to be in the valley and not up on the ridge.
Date: 2013-06-04
From: Pinefield Hut

To: Bearfence Hut
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: broken clouds

Saw a bear today and several deer. Another store w/beer so spent time to to have a sandwich or two and a couple of local ales before going to the hut. Deer all over the place with fawns and they are overly tame. No bears today.
Date: 2013-06-05
From: Bearfence Hut

To: Byrds Nest #3 Hut
Miles today: 23.4
Weather: light rain

Two bears today and lots more deer and one angry grouse. Lots of fun. Also, two more waysides so more "real" food and more beer. Late start out of the second one so I had to rush to get to camp prior to dark. Made it with a smile full belly and wonderful attitude...beer is good.
Date: 2013-06-06
From: Byrds Nest #3 Hut

To: Thorton Gap, Luray VA
Miles today: 3.2
Weather: light rain

Short hike and long hitch to town for new shoes and resupply. Nice town poor place to stay...Budget Inn. Keys don't work WiFi poor old an run down but it is only half the cost of any other place around. Good sets in town though. And its raining hard and will be for two days so I'll stay another night. Met up with some if the original group I started with. One cut her leg while aquablazing and is he'd up in town till the infection is under control. Hell of a thing. Happy hiking.
Date: 2013-06-12
From: Bears Den Hostel

To: Harpers Ferry
Miles today: 20.4

Over 1000 miles...how many can say that. I am number 447 at the AT Conservancy Center for 2013. Lots of drop outs this year due to weather. Finished the roller coaster an must say not sad to see it pass. I will miss VA thought. Big weather due in tonight and tomorrow so probably an in planned zero day. Oh well lots to see and do here.
Date: 2013-06-16
From: Raven Rock Shelter

To: Tumbling Run Shelters
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: clear sky

Another good day and MD is gone. Another state done and another step closer to the end of a great adventure. great double shelter in really nice location. Had a small resupply in Waynesboro, PA today and some good eats. great ride back to the trail via a trail angle. One more day and some slack packing. Great little Civil War park and monument here.
Date: 2013-06-20
From: Mt Holly Springs

To: Boiling Springs
Miles today: 8.8

Great short hike in the proper direction this time...another slack pack. Fished at Boiling Springs and had a great time but not as many fish as expected. Still a much needed break. Should have fished more but the rock maze was amazing! One more day of slacking then some much needed rest. Happy Hiking.
Date: 2013-06-21
From: Clarks Ferry

To: Clarks Creek PA 325
Miles today: 16.4

Another good day topped off with fish on big flies. super day. Thanks again to Chris. Now a couple of Zero days and much needed rest. Fantastic meal at Stony Creek Restaurant thanks to Mr. Rowe again. Hot Dog and Apple Butter cant believe their good luck and how great Chris and Sandy are. For a loser friend he isn't really a bad guy....just cant shoot straight. Happy Hiking. Note Currently completed 1160.5 miles. The last 2 entries show incorrectly on the main screen but the actual entry is correct. I just hiked these legs out of the ordinary order.
Date: 2013-07-17
From: Ten Mile River Bridge

To: Stewart Hollow Brook Camp.
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Steep decent to the river today but the rest was good but hot. Good swim after dark and trail magic supper. Glad I left my fishing pole home or I would not finish this hike. The Housatonic looks great I can see fish wanting to be caught. Happy hiking.
Date: 2013-07-18
From: Stewart Hollow Brook Camp.

To: Rt7 & CT112
Miles today: 15.6

Said good by to Lost...he is going home I a short time and I'm taking a few zero days with my brother and sis in law...going to an all class reunion in NY. I'll return to trail Monday. Also got trail magic from old hiking friend Hot Dog. She is great. Big t-storms to the north as we came off the my tonight. Maybe the heat will break.
Date: 2013-07-29
From: Williamstown

To: Congdon Shelter
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: light rain

Nice hike out of town and cool after the rain. Then a 1000 ft climb out of Bennington with a couple of nice views. Hope the weather stays cool. Vermont does seem to have its share of mud bogs on the trail. Shoe keeping crap if you miss your step. Happy hiking.
Date: 2013-07-30
From: Congdon Shelter

To: Kid Gore Shelter.
Miles today: 18.7

Great views from this shelter and the bugs were calm.Glastenbury Fire Tower had great views of Greylock to the south and all of the fun awaiting us to the North. Also som good views west of the Catskills. Would be a great place to stelth camp if the weather is good. If tenting there are very few camp sites at this location...a few just a ways north on the trail.
Date: 2013-07-31
From: Kid Gore Shelter.

To: Stratton Pond Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Up and over Stratton Mt today...just short of 2000 ft climb. It wasnt that bad though. The trail stays away from the ski resort and you never know its there. Nice fire tower on top with great 360 degree views. Trouble is you can see the White Mts smiling at you even though they are a week away. Just something to keep us thinking i guess. The shelter was great and designed to be very hiker friendly. But, it was trashed out...those responsible should be forced to be on a clean up crew. Also the AMC wanted $5.00 for the stay but luckley no one was there to collect. Dont mind paying if you get something but this place needed some attention.
Date: 2013-08-01
From: Stratton Pond Shelter

To: Manchester Center
Miles today: 10.7

Staying with Green Mountain House Hostel. Great place and suggest anyone passing thru stop here. Very hiker friendly and town is the same. In fact I think Ill be here tomorrow night too as I could use a zero day. Gotta listen to you body and mine said stop...like it or not. Very easy hike down from Stratton Pond.
Date: 2013-08-05
From: Rutland Vt 103

To: Sherburne Pass
Miles today: 19.3

Fantastic slack pack over Killington and Pico ski areas. Ended at the Long Trail Inn. Cool Irish pub w/great burger and beer. Tough climb out of Vt 103 and some interesting climbs up Killington. Then near vertical at Pico. Glad I was pack less.
Date: 2013-08-09
From: VT14 West Hartford

To: Etna Hanover Center Rd
Miles today: 15.7

Big hills today and finally in NH. Passed thru Dartmouth and on to a sweet hostel. Slack packed most of it again thanks to Logger Head and her mom. Approx 5 miles of pack carrying. Rained most of the day but it was warm. Tomorrow onward and try to dry stuff out.
Date: 2013-08-12
From: NH 25A

To: NH 25
Miles today: 9.8

Went from hostel to the other side of Mt M aND SLACK PACKED BACK. First real view of what is to come. Looks exciting. Great to be above timber line again. Also, Sky Pilot, Corn Dog, Cruise and Apple Butter are here. Didn't think I would see them again. Great hike over the top with AB and crew. Sky traveled on and I'll catch him later. Tomorrow I go back and catch 25A to 25. Then catch a ride, in the rain, to Lincon, NH to resupply.
Date: 2013-08-22
From: US2 Gorham

To: US2 Gorham
Miles today: 0.0

Great zero day. New shoes, resupply and plans for reportedly the hardest part of the hike...southern Maine. Gorham is a cool small NH town and the Green Mountains Lodge and Hostel is a super place to rest up. Under 300 miles to go now so the adventure and dream are cunning true and to a close. Hope these final miles and days go as wonderful as the last 5 months. Happy hiking and I'm still smiling.
Date: 2013-08-23
From: US2 Gorham

To: Carlo Col Shelter
Miles today: 17.0

Great day in Maine. Can't believe the weather let us thru the Whites like we did...pure blue and only one day of wind. Today we hit some of the Maine hard stuff but the views are flabbgergasting. Tomorrow we go thru the hardest mile on the AT. Today was just steep and lots of granite slabs.
Date: 2013-08-24
From: Carlo Col Shelter

To: Speck Pond Shelter
Miles today: 9.5

Made it thru the Mahoosuc Notch, 1 mile of great rock wandering. First you have to climb from 3200 ft to 3800 feet with severs ups and downs in between, steep too. Then drop back to 2163 feet and start thru the Notch. It's a jumbled mess of large boulders, rocks and trees that go on for one mile. Up, over, under and around you go trying to find a way thru...no real set path. It takes great hikers an hour, some like me 2 hours and some 3-4 hours to negotiate. It was super fun but extremely exhausting. To top it off you have to climb 1600 feet to get to camp for the night. I wouldn't trade the experience for anything
Date: 2013-08-25
From: Speck Pond Shelter

To: Grafton Notch ME26
Miles today: 4.1

OK I screwed up today. I should have called the Hostel way earlier and we could have gotten in a 15 mile day. No phone service in the Notch so it was too late to continue by the time we got a hold of them. Staying at the Pine Ellis Hostel for the next 3-4 nights and slack packing the way to Rangeley. Good hiking from there on except for the roots. Nice to get a little rest and I'm still almost 3 days ahead of my original schedule. Happy Hiking.
Date: 2013-08-26
From: Grafton Notch ME26

To: East B Road
Miles today: 10.3

Up and over Baldpate Mt today. Absolutely breath taking. Glad we did it when it wasn't raining...lots of slippery flat rock. Great water fall at the bottom end but to exhausted to go down and get pics. Actually did this section on 27 Aug as a slack and the next entry on the 26th. Unbelievable rock stair cases put in by the AMC...one of the first good things I can say for them.
Date: 2013-08-27
From: East B Road

To: South Arm
Miles today: 10.1

Again this is out of order due to slack packing. Did this section on 26 Aug due to rain and didn't want to slide on Baldpate. Super easy day and wish we knew how easy and we would have gone 23. Oh well. weather is getting good again. Actual milage on 27 Aug 2013 is 1913.1 per the AWOL book. Only 246.8 to go. Looks like a 13-17 Sep peak date.
Date: 2013-08-30
From: Rangley

To: Spalding Mt Lean to
Miles today: 18.7

Great day...up over Saddleback MTS,the Horn, Saddleback Jr and Lone Mt. Long draining day but I made it just as dark set in. Big granite slabs and steep slippery descents were the game today. Unbelievable views when the fog and rain stopped.
Date: 2013-09-04
From: Caratunk

To: Bald Mt Brook Lean-to
Miles today: 14.7

Wonderful hike out of Caratunk. One river ford that turned out to be just a small wade. Wouldn't want to do it in the spring due to high and cold water. No moose...are there moose in Maine. Great views of the 100 Mile Wilderness and possibly the mts beyond from the high points today. Maine has lots of roots and mud bogs...not a place to get complacent.
Date: 2013-09-05
From: Bald Mt Brook Lean-to

To: Historic AT Route near Lake Hebon
Miles today: 18.7

Another day we were smiled upon. No rain and lots of sun. Great views and 2 river fords. Again they were not as big as expected but good it isn't after a heavy rain or early summer. Stayed in a great hostel, 100 Mile Wilderness Lodge. Highly recommend this place. It is still in work this year but next year it will be one of a kind. Gotta get back to Maine with the grand kids for vacation in the future.
Date: 2013-09-06
From: Historic AT Route near Lake Hebon

To: Monsen
Miles today: 2.7

Tough 2.7 mile day for a nero before final approach to the end. !00 mile wilderness tomorrow. 114 miles left till the end. Dream is coming true and many thanks to friends, all of my grand kids, kids, siblings, Mom, and especially my understanding wife for all of the support.
Date: 2013-09-08
From: Long Pond Stream Lean-to

To: West Branch Pleasant River Camp Site
Miles today: 14.7

Stopped early due to possible rain. Sweet camp just over one of the river fords. Fords are not as difficult as expected but wouldn't want to do them in early summer or high water. Trail remains up and down more than we thought but tomorrow it will flatten a bit. Getting tired at this point I guess. Still smiling big time though. Happy hiking.
Date: 2013-09-12
From: Wadleigh Pond Road

To: Abol Bridge
Miles today: 20.0

After a great night, good food and drink and meeting a lot of fellow hikers its off on the "almost last" last leg of this adventure. Big 20 miler that turned out to be super neat. Several planes landed on the lake we passed on todays hike and it was fun to guess what they were up to. Loons all over the place but still no moose...are there moose in Maine? Rain and storm forecast for Friday and Sat so probably no summit until Sunday. The end seems so bitter sweet. Wouldn't trade it for anything though as it has surpassed all of my dreams. THANK YOU!!!
Date: 2013-09-14
From: The Birches

To: Katahidin
Miles today: 5.1

OK here we go for the top. Cloudy day but as I go it gets better and better. Climbing up to Table Top is a big bigger than expected but beautiful and great climbing. Lots of clouds and fog up to there then the clouds broke. The trail Gods smiled and created a nice rainbow and clearing for about 20 minutes. Worth every step. Then it was on to the summit. The weather came back in, it got cold and wet to the point of almost snow. Great pics and time on top with My son, brother and the professor. Saw several other thru-hikers finishing also. then down the Abol trail...shorter and not as much exposure. Would have been better if the top was clear so we could have seen the other side of the mountain and Knifes Edge but had to settle for what I got. So the Journey is now complete. Far exceeded my wildest dreams and my cheeks continue to ache from smiling. Hope all fo my adventures continue like this one. Final thoughts to come later. For now 2185.9 official AT miles since March 25 2013 are complete.
Date: 2013-04-01
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Everyone who hikes the AT selects a trail name. I've selected the trail name "Retina". No particular reason other than the retina in my right eye detached twice within 3 months and I can hardly see out of that eye - but the important thing is that I can see a little. I also thought of the trail name "snake" - doesn't that sounds cool. However, some people may misinterpret that name. If you have a better trail name let me know and maybe I'll change but for now it's Retina.I've been preparing my AT trip for about the last 6 months. Physically I'm in pretty good shape with the exception of a few (hopefully minor) aches and pains. Aerobically I've been running off and on for years and although I'm not as fast as I used to be I can still run 3 miles in about 27 minutes on a good day.During the winter, it can be hard to train in Wisconsin. So for the last few months, I've been training by climbing up and down stairs. At the building where I work it's 203 stairs from the ground floor to the top. About 3 times a week, I climb up and down 10 times. That's takes about 45 - 50 minutes and my heart feels like it's about ready to pop out of my chest. After climbing stairs there's no way I'm going to have a heart attack on the AT.I've purchased all of my gear and a few months ago, I went to Phoenix and trained in the mountains for 3 days. Now I'm walking 8 - 10 miles a day on the weekends with my pack. I'm carrying about 27 pounds which feels heavy after a while but I suppose I'll get used to it.Dean
Date: 2013-04-05
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I'm doing most of my training on the weekends. That gives me a chance to watch a little tv at night - no more of that come April 22nd. My pack weighs about 27 pounds and I have a few additional things to purchase, so when I include water it should be about 30-32 pounds. Last Saturday, I walked 9 miles and on Sunday I did 7 miles in two hours. Walking the streets of West Allis and Milwaukee won't really prepare me for the Appalachian mountains, but I need to get used to having a 30 pound pack on my back for 3 or 4 hours at a time. Tomorrow I'll do 10 or 11 miles and another 10 or so on Sunday. Two weeks left of work until October. Dean
Date: 2013-04-10
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

I was hoping to train after work this week but it's been raining pretty much of the time. I suppose I should get used to the rain - I'm sure it's not going to be 70 degrees and sunny every day on the AT. Last week, I made a few last minute purchases: bear bag, some "yummy" food items and I'm thinking about a new sleeping pad.I have to figure out how to use the bear bag and get used to hanging my food in a tree. If there's a bear it wouldn't be a very good idea to have my food in my pack which will be right next to me while I'm sleeping. Also have to set up my tent and try to water proof the tent and some of my other gear. My departure date of April 22nd is getting close and I still have a few nagging injuries. But come hell or high water, I'm leaving for Atlanta at 5:10 am next Monday.  Dean
Date: 2013-04-16
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

This is my last per hike entry. On Saturday after walking about 11 miles with my full pack I felt my blister return. I was hoping I solved my problem from last week by duct taping my orthotics to the cushion of my shoe. Ten days before I leave and after months of training with no problems, now I get a blister. Saturday night my kids surprised me with a going away party at Saz's. They lured me there by telling me I would be babysitting for my grandson Joe. It's nice to have 6 great children. I got lucky and was able to get an appointment with my podiatrist. I think he may have solved my little blister problem. I won't know for sure until I'm on the trail.Leaving Monday morning at 5:00 am for Atlanta. I should have started planning earlier. Dean