morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2022-05-28
From: Bears Den Hostel

To: Ed Garvey shelter
Miles today: 27.0
Weather: few clouds

left Bears Den early. Even passed up pancakes. Easy trail to Harper¢s Ferry. Passed the VA/WV sign. Finally out of VA. Stopped by the ATC to get my picture taken for the annual. I was #456 northbound. Walked into the tourist section and had a nice burger. Crossed the bridge into Maryland. Hiked a few miles on the old barge towing runway. Very easy hiking but crowded on Memorial Day Saturday. Hiked to Ed Garvey shelter-very nice. Long day. 27 miles
Date: 2022-05-29
From: Ed Garvey shelter

To: En Cowell shelter
Miles today: 25.0
Weather: few clouds

Nice day for hiking. Many section hikers and day hikers out. Double trail magic including a lunch feast of pork, mac&cheese, corn, potatoes, Diet Coke, chips , etc followed by Gatorade and a banana an hour later. I stopped earlier than usual and had a diverse shelter crowd including several different letters of LGBT.
Date: 2022-05-30
From: En Cowell shelter

To: Thru it all hostel
Miles today: 28.0
Weather: clear sky

Started at 5:50. Long hot day. No trail magic but state parks with water and bathrooms. Met several hikers- both thru and section. I met three UGA grads that just started a flip-flop. I also met a young VT engineer from Knoxville who had interviewed with Barnhart Toward the end of the day I¢m resting and planning my evening location when Ice walks by. We met him in March when he was persona non grata on the trail and had three days of conversation. Today I clearly shared the Gospel and asked for a decision. I clarified the commitment required and he was not ready to commit. We both stayed at the Thru It All hostel that had an unlimited supply of fresh fruit and other food. We ate mucho. Shower was nice. Tomorrow I hit the halfway point and will attempt the half gallon challenge I have now been on the trail for 30.5 days (not counting March) and I am averaging over 20 miles per day. That includes one zero day and 4-5 partial days. Not bad for an old guy. The downside is I do not have a group. The upside is I meet more people and tell the Wilberforce story often
Date: 2022-05-31
From: Thru it all hostel

To: Iron masters Mansion Hostel 
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: clear sky

Left the church early. Tried to hitch to avoid a 0.8 mile road walk. No luck at first. I stopped to respond to a text and a car pulled up and eliminated my road walk. Got into Pine Grove SP at 4:00 for the Half Gallon Challenge. Made short work of Chocolate Moose Tracks-30 minutes with no ill  effects. Add fries and two trail magic hotdogs and I was fairly full. Stayed at the Ironmasters Mansion Hostel. Cool old building. Learned that an efficient furnace could produce 25 tons of iron in a day and it required cutting one acre of trees per day for charcoal. Played cards with two young brothers
Date: 2022-06-01
From: Iron masters Mansion Hostel 

To: Boiling Springs 
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: clear sky

Got up early and had an easy but hot hike to Boiling Springs. Arrived at 2:30 and met Dave from Transmaster trailers. Grabbed a sub for lunch then went to their plant to talk perimeter frame trailers. They are a small shop that produces cool equipment. I met the entire team. Dave then took me by a grocery for resupply and to a large Mexican dinner. I spent the night at his home and met his wife Pam. Dave is a serious believer with a great life story. I think we will become better friends
Date: 2022-06-02
From: Boiling Springs 

To: Duncannon
Miles today: 26.0
Weather: broken clouds

Dave dropped me at the trail at 6:00. The first 15 miles were really easy. The last 11 were tougher with climbs and rocks and snakes. Saw two long black snakes right on the trail and one copperhead. Got soaked by a thunderstorm that made the rocky descent slow. For the first time I listened to a book most of the day. All the light we cannot see was recommended highly by Murray Ann. It is a novel set in WWII Europe Got into Duncannon at 5:00 and had an early dinner at the Doyle¢an old famous hotel- with Viking and Pocket Rocket who will complete the triple crown if she gets to Katadin i Stayed at the AOG church hostel (basement floor) with Tracker and Hoolio. Rain man stopped byMy feet are sore when I walk more than 20 miles but otherwise I¢m feeling good.
Date: 2022-06-04
From: Rausch shelter

To: Hertline Campsite
Miles today: 23.0
Weather: few clouds

Quad trail magicLeft shelter at 7 thinking it would be a short day to 501 shelter. Mixed trail-some sections easy and some rocky. No big climbs. Crossed a flooded area by carefully stepping across a beaver dam. Another dream crossing was a challenge Trail magic 1:  Booray had cokes in a parking area. I pulled out my chair for a break. I asked him what he did before retirement. He said I probably won¢t know what it is but he waxx so an Ironworker. He has worked for GY, Mammoet, Hake and Barnhart. I told him I worked for Barnhart but didn¢t tell him who I was. He swapped stories for an hour as other hikers came and wentTrail Magic 2.  Random Adventure 2.0 was a YouTube guy with great trail magic. He had a grill( always a good sign) and made grilled cheese with egg sandwiches. He had  Mountain Dew (2 for me) and candy and tuna packets. We talked for over an hour and he showed me the process of creating YouTube videos. He had a stroke 2 months ago and is still recovering Trail Magic 3. Another grill this time Casadillas and taco salad plus Ginger Ale (2) and candy. The angels were currently hiking the PCT and were home for a wedding. Plus One was a Dane. I stayed there for an hour or so. I couldn¢t believe my luck at having three trail magics in one day thenTrail Magic 4. Two thru hikers from last year had a spread including pop tarts, cokes(2) Gatorade, and bananasWith all those calories I decided to hike further to Hertline. Campsite--a total of 23 miles. I didn¢t arrive until 8:15 because of 4 hours of trail magic. No dinner required
Date: 2022-06-06
From: Port Clinton

To: Lititz
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

What a day. Up early for breakfast at the hotel and checking email. Jim V picked me up at 8:00 for a second breakfast. On to KMX in Hamburg. Great visit with Jamie. Got to see a TM trailer up close. Back to the hotel to meet Roger at 11:45. Walmart run for resupply. Got a buzz cut. Drove to Lancaster Log Homes¢ a great business building mobile log homes. Got a full tour from owner Dan 31. met advisor CurtisOn to a refrigerated warehouse and LTL business. Met sons Austin and Sean. Met their dad Vern at dinner. Great visitBought a cheap pole at Walmart and a pair for Peter  for tomorrow. I used one section to fix my pole  it workedDinner with 35 people to hear our story and do Q&A  Lee from the trail came. Great meal and better conversation We have a breakfast with another group to hear the story tomorrow morning then back to the trail
Date: 2022-06-07
From: Port Clinton

To: Eckville shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: overcast clouds

started in Lititz with a NCF breakfast for 40 to kick off the local office and tell our story. Bob with IHS was there as was Jeff Rutt and Dave Lutz. Peter and I headed to the trail at 10ish and were  hiking by 11. Rain was in the forecast starting at 2 and the trail was reported to have mucho rocks. Neither proved true but the rain did start at 6:00 when we were at the shelter. We saw 4 deer. Great to have a hiking partner especially Peter Greer. Great conversation about ministry, family, leadership, transition, acquisitions, etcThe six bunks were taken at the shelter so I will sleep on the floor instead of set up my tent in the rain
Date: 2022-06-08
From: Eckville shelter

To: GW Outerbridge Shelter
Miles today: 25.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Long day of hiking with several rocky sectionsI dropped my poncho and had to backtrack half a mile. Fortunately a NOBO picked it up and brought it to me. Otherwise it would have been a longer detour. Hiked with a couple from Holland, MIGood conversation at the shelter. Four believers including 2 with military experience. A bossy Brit arrived at 10pm
Date: 2022-06-09
From: GW Outerbridge Shelter

To: Wind Gap
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: light rain

Another rocky hike including a scary climb. Water sources were nonexistent so I had to carry more and conserve. Met a discouraged thru hiker who was ready to quit because the trail was too tough. I tried to encourage him but¢¦Didn¢t start until 7:30 and rocks slowed me early. Had to hustle to meet Albert at 6:00 in Wind Gap. We ate at a restaurant that allowed camping in the back yard. They may even drive me back to the trail tomorrow Great two hour dinner with Albert. He drove four hours round trip just for the dinner. We talked some about Kingdom funding
Date: 2022-06-10
From: Wind Gap

To: Campsite at 1305
Miles today: 25.0
Weather: clear sky

owner of the restaurant stopped by early ad gave e a ride to the trail. Hiking by 6:45. Thought about stopping at Delaware Water Gap  after 17 miles. Had pizza there with Pocket Rocket and stopped  by the Presbyterian hostel. I weighed my pack at 28 lbs. I am thinking of sending my chair and stove home to lighten the load Decided to hike 8 more to a campsite. Beautiful sunset
Date: 2022-06-11
From: Campsite at 1305

To: Pavalion
Miles today: 27.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Hiking at 7. Stopped by the Mohican Outdoor Center for water ad bathroom. Met Trotter and his dog Blaze. Trotter is a fast hiker but does shorter days. Saw two large bears and a porcupine that Blaze was interested in. Double trail magic today. One was K-bar, a thru hiker home for an injury. She started early and is about to start Maine. She was a wealth of infoHad two thoughts today¢push extra hard to reach Katadin by July 23 to eliminate a return trip. It would require serious increase in milesThe second thought was to quit. The repetition each day¢rocks, trees, uphills, downhills¢had me asking why. I settled on my original three reasons and the thought that 5 years from now I would really regret quitting Had Philly Cheesesteaks delivered to a rest point. Ate with Trotter and Pocket Rocket. They stopped at a shelter and I decided to push on 6 more miles. I happened upon a large pavilion at the top of a hill. Great spot to watch a sunset. At first I was alone there and decided to sleep there. Later several groups came to see the sunset. I became buddies with one groupSleep was not good that night. I was concerned about bears, mosquitos stopped by, and there was a breeze. I should have set up my tent
Date: 2022-06-13
From: Pochunk Shelter

To: Tent site at 1367
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Walked to road crossing and got a ride into Warwick from Josie- a veteran shuttle driver. She took me to the store for resupply then to the post office to get a loaner pack. Mine had serious issues so Zpack sent a loaner and will repair mine. The new one is much better I started feeling bad and even lost my appetite. I should have stayed in town but I wanted to get more miles. I lost the trail for awhile and had to bushwhack back on. I got water at Wawayanda state park and struggled a few more miles. I had a fever and was exhausted. I could barely set up my tent. I had only hiked 13 miles. I am not well
Date: 2022-06-14
From: Tent site at 1367

To: Warwick Drive-in
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke up still feeling bad. I wanted to quit again but the sage advice is never quit on a bad day. I struggled for 8 miles in 8 hours-half my usual pace. I decided to take the rest of the day off to recover. I also needed to charge batteries. The Warwick Drive-in provided a free campsite and free movies if you can stay up that late. I bummed a ride into town and rested. Many other hikers were here. Met a 40 yo guy going through a divorce I went to a nearby store and got fruit and veggies. I¢m still not 100% but feeling better. We will see how tomorrow goes. I hope to hike 24 miles
Date: 2022-06-15
From: Warwick Drive-in

To: Tent site at 1388
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: broken clouds

Rough day. I was feeling some better but the terrain did me in. I had planned to hike 21 miles but quit at 13. Our ride to the trail was late so I didn¢t get started until almost 10am. As the day wore on I lost steam. I rested more and walked slower Toward the end of the day I slipped and broke one of my poles. About the time a hiker came from the other direction and told me there was great trail magic ahead. It is amazing how that can pick one up. I hiked a tough downhill section anticipating grilled meat. When I arrived¢¦they were gone. My fatigue and even despair returned. It was 6:00 and I was spent after only 13 miles. I found a tent site and called it a day. Everything about setting up camp was harder than normal and my appetite was gone. The mind is interesting. If there had been trail magic I would have chowed down. Instead I had to force myself to eat my instant potatoes. Another guy was tenting at the same site. He had a reservation for a motel 19 miles down the trail. $95 plus tax. Crazy. I have not spent more than $25 for lodging. I was demoralized enough to justify the expense. It had been 9 days since my last shower. I booked a room  I hope I can make 19 miles
Date: 2022-06-16
From: Tent site at 1388

To: Bear Mountain Bridge Motel
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: overcast clouds

much better day. I hope I haven¢t been depressing you with my woes. It was a rough stretch. Today was a good day. I got up early and was ready to hike just before the rain started. It rained for three hours and a slipped several times but made reasonable progress. Met thru-hikers Fall Out and Sunfish. Weather cleared and I dried out. I dreamed of tonight¢s shower and sheets. Finished my miles by 5pm and called for a ride from the motel. He was not able to come get me so I had to walk two more miles but the silver lining was a good pizza spot. I am clean. My clothes are clean. I found an ingenious way to fix my trekking pole. I am ready to get back to the trailSome of you have let me know you were praying for me and were concerned. Thank you. I was concerned too. Feeling much better now. More to come including an update on my trekking pole repair
Date: 2022-06-17
From: Bear Mountain Bridge Motel

To: Canopus Shelter
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Met Evan from NC getting water. We hiked together for several days off and on. We shared life stories. He seemed genuinely interested. He is a strong hiker and easy to be with. At the shelter met Tin Man, a 19 year old who was fun and pleasantstill feeling good
Date: 2022-06-18
From: Canopus Shelter

To: Telephone Pioneer Shelter
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: clear sky

Weather has been great. Cool mornings and not hot during the dayI don¢t think I¢m eating enough. I¢m putting away over 2000 calories per day and not feeling hungry but I keep tightening my belt. Trail magic helped today  Someone left two coolers¢one with iced drinks and one with food  such a treatEvan and I hike together some of the day We had a very steep descent today. Some places were scary. The terrain is steeper up and down and more pretty. CT also has some beautiful rivers. Even with more elevation gain it seems easier
Date: 2022-06-19
From: Telephone Pioneer Shelter

To: StewardHollow sh
Miles today: 25.0
Weather: clear sky

Didn¢t hit the trail until 8Needed resupply so we hiked to a one-store town that was half a mile off the trail. The one town was closed. A local guy said it never closes and was concerned about the owner. He agreed to take us into a near by town with more options. Problem solved. Often strangers offer help at the right timeHad an apple and banana. Nice to get fresh fruit. Hiked until 7:30 with two off-trail miles
Date: 2022-06-20
From: StewardHollow sh

To: Falls Village 
Miles today: 25.0
Weather: clear sky

hiked into the small town of Falls Village. One dining choice but it was a good one. $15 burger night. The place was packed with locals and 6-7 hikers. A few of the young hikers had a few too many. Camped in a backyard of a closed cafe. So nice to have electricity and water. Met two locals at the bar who loved talking about hiking the AT
Date: 2022-06-21
From: Falls Village 

To: Hemlock shelter 
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: broken clouds

left at 6:30Climbed three steep mountains. Down was worse than up. Very slippery. I almost stopped at a campsite before the third one when it started raining. I went ahead when the rain stopped. Got to the shelter tired at 7:00. Met Free Solo there
Date: 2022-06-22
From: Hemlock shelter 

To: S. Mt Wilcox shelter
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: clear sky

Hiked with Free Solo in the morning. Steep and slippery. I slipped and broke my pole. Took time to call home, Nathan, Brennan, and Mark W. Serious trail Magic including burgers. I found a replacement pole-homemade but works. I almost slept in the 1939 shelter but Free Solo found the new one. We were the only two there and are becoming friends
Date: 2022-06-24
From: October Mtn shelter 

To: Father Tom campsite 
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: few clouds

great day. Hiked with Free Solo all day. He was a clinical psychologist and had good guidance for me. He is also a solid believer We stopped in Dalton at lunch time for subs. I ate 18¢ and saved 6¢ for supper. We took free showers at the community center. First shower in more than a week On to Cheshire where we found banana splits. We arrived at the perfect day. The people of Cheshire were dedicating their local AT campsite. It is nice with water and power. They even have 4 bikes for hikers to use. The ceremony included politicians, family members and others extolling Father Tom who was very supportive of hikers and hiked the AT himself Bands and food and over 100 people mad for a fun evening
Date: 2022-06-26
From: Seth Warner shelter

To: Goddard shelter
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: clear sky

Nice hike today. Vermont is known for mud but trail was great today. The forecast is for rain tonight and tomorrow so I may get to experience the mudBlack flies are thick tonight. I am using my bug net for the first time to cover my headi hiked to a parking area today and ate lunch there hoping some trail angel would stop by. I was not disappointed. My food supply is quite low and I just got word that Brent Armstrong will be late tomorrow. I will be totally out of food for the first time  I am thankful for the trail angel supplementsIt was hot today so I sat in a river and wet  my bandana several times
Date: 2022-06-27
From: Goddard shelter

To: Manchester Center
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: light rain

odd day. I decided to take a break and do a short day for three reasons:  Brent Armstrong is picking me up and locations were limited, I had not taken a short day in a few weeks and the forecast promised rain all morning. I stayed in the shelter until noon watching the rain, resting and having an interesting faith discussion with a liberal Anglican pastor from Canada and a young interested seekerAt noon the rain stopped and I walked 13 easy miles to the pickup point. I met Lucky, Shadow and Major all older guys that I hope to see againBrent arrived with replacement poles, pants and electrolytes. I was totally out of food and ate large quantities. We stayed at a motel¢real sheets, Wi-Fi, shower, ice. It is great to have Brent here. He is an easy companion Stayed up late answering emails and texts. Tomorrow we climb a mountain
Date: 2022-06-28
From: Manchester Center

To: Bromley shelter
Miles today: 22.0
Weather: broken clouds

woke up in a real bed. Unusual Brent and I hit the trail at 7:30. We climbed Stratton Mountain and enjoyed a great view from the fire tower on top. We hiked a 12 mile loop back to the car. Brent was a strong hiker and had no issues. Good conversation all dayWe drove to a pizza place for lunch¢what a luxury to have a car. Back to the trail. Brent carried my load pack for two miles then hiked back to his car and headed home. I had him take my stove and chair¢ two items I love but I want to reduce weight before getting into NH and Maine. They are reported to have several tough climbs It was great to have a friend for the day. Thanks to Brent for making the effort
Date: 2022-06-29
From: Bromley shelter

To: Minerva Hinchey shelter
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Nice day of hiking. Beautiful lakes, nice trail. I live Vermont. The surrounding mountains and talker and the woods are thicker I passed a southbound hiker who looked like Gandalf. He had much to say about the trail ahead for me. Some was helpful but he repeated himself many times and went on for 45 minutes. I finally had to be slightly rude to get moving. I usually talk until the other person is ready to go but I might still be there if I had held to that ruleThe delay almost caused me to miss a nice trail Magic. I got there just in time. These guys had watermelon and drinks and brownies and fig newtons. I gained much needed caloriesHad a fire at the shelter for the second night in a row after no fires in over a month. I slept in my tent in the shelter due to bugsI hope to do 23 miles tomorrow including 3 big climbsThank you for following my adventure
Date: 2022-07-01
From: Inn at the Long Trail

To: Winturri shelter
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: few clouds

started with an amazing breakfast at the inn.  Sat with Concordia.  Didn¢t get on the trail until 8:30. Ran into Concordia again on the trail and we walked together most of the day. Got to the shelter at 6:00 after a lot of uphillAt 7:00 pm a guy walked up and asked for Wilberforce. He had brought me all kinds of food. I kept trying to place him but in fact we had never met. He had a special ministry project and had found me on the internet. He was following this journal and drove from VA to VT trying to connect on the trail. The first time he did not find me. The second time he did. Talk about persistence. He slept in the shelter with us and we hiked together for a few miles the next day. His need in acute but may not fit our priorities. I will try to help him
Date: 2022-07-02
From: Winturri shelter

To: West Hartford
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: clear sky

Walked 17 miles to West Hartford where I received porch hospitality in the form of two cold cokes. Strangers are generous often on this trail. Cousins Tim and Erica drove down from Stowe,VT and treated me to a nice dinner. They took me to stores for a new pair of shoes and groceries. A hot shower and laundry removed mucho dirt. First real laundry in a month. It was great to see them and their kids again after many years. I enjoyed good conversation about business and faith and family. They were another provision by God. So pleasant worked to solve all my problems
Date: 2022-07-03
From: West Hartford

To: Moose Mountain shelter 
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: light rain

Fun day walking with Omega. We had triple disappointment for trail magic. Three times we walked up on a cooler with a trail magic sign but all were full of empty cans. BummerWe walked into Hanover, home of Dartmouth University, and had great pizza. I went by the Verizon store and got a new phone. My old one would not take a charge. Great to have that solved. Met Tyvek from NC in the afternoon and hiked together to the shelter  interesting discussion
Date: 2022-07-05
From: Hexacuba shelter 

To: Hikers Welcome Hostel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Easy day of hiking after a climb at the start. Much of the trail was relatively flat and I could make good time. Arrived at 2:30  and caught up on calls. They provide a shuttle to a store so I had a big supperOn the trail today I heard music. I walked up on two guys with guitars jamming. One is a NOBO and the other a SOBO and they crossed paths in the woods and pulled out guitars. They were really good and I sat with them for 30 minutes enjoying the concert. They had never met and will likely never see each other again but they played well together  Nice treat
Date: 2022-07-06
From: Hikers Welcome Hostel

To: Kinsman gap
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: scattered clouds

only 10 miles. What a wimp!  It was a hard 10. Up 3800 ft to the top of Mt MoosilaukeHiking with Tyvek. We have hiked together for a few days Stayed at the Notch hostel. Very nice. May return tomorrow