morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2019-09-15
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

After almost 5 months and 6 million steps, I reached the summit of Katahdin around 1:30 pm on September 13th, 2019. It was a long and amazing journey, I met so many wonderful people and saw views that took my breath away. I hiked in rain, baking sun, whipping winds, sleet and snow. I crossed 14 states and 2,192 trail miles, taking it one day at a time. Now I can finally say I officially thru hiked the entire Appalachian Trail, every single mile.As I walked up the final miles to the summit of Katahdin, I thought back to sitting at my dads house the day before leaving for the trail dreaming about making it to that famed summit. Back then, it seemed so distant and abstract. I knew I was capable of accomplishing this feat but that the journey would be a long and difficult one. So many things could happen along the way - sickness, injury, gear braking or events happening at home that might take me off the trail. I knew the statistics - that less than 1 in 4 people who set out from Georgia ever reach the end - and that this would be an enormous and challenging journey that would push me to my limits. I was worried about bears and falling trees and ticks and much more.But through it all, I had tons of support from family and friends that always got me through the tough days. My body became fine tuned to long days of walking and my pack got lighter as I figured out what I really needed and what I could do without. I made lifelong friends and got help from countless strangers along the way. What seemed so foreign became familiar. I started to feel at peace in the woods and truly enjoyed almost every day on the trail. I am so grateful for this experience and it ended up being everything I was hoping it would be. I made friendships and memories that will last a lifetime and gained a new perspective on life and what¢s really important. I will now be returning to work and moving to the next chapter of my life but the trail will always be apart of me. I look forward to the future and am filled with optimism. I want to thank everyone who has supported me along the way - I couldn¢t have done it alone. - Kevin ¢Crypter¢-Kevin
Date: 2019-03-26
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Hiked again today,did 7 miles. Will be doing a flip flop starting in Harpers Ferry and head to Katahdin then make my way back to Harpers Ferry and hike south to Springer Mountain. My daughter will hike the first week with me. My son will join somewhere on the trail,a few friends and maybe some nephews might also join me.
Date: 2019-04-13
To: Harpers Ferry 
Miles today: 0.0

Well I¢m back from our trip to Scotland and Ireland. Had a great time with my wife and younger brother and his wife. We picked up our daughter, Amanda from O¢Hare on Friday. Repacked our backpacks and did a quick 4 mile hike. Jumped in the car and headed for Harpers Ferry this morning. Going to check in AT headquarters in the morning and hit the trail.
Date: 2019-04-14
From: Harpers Ferry 

To: Crampton gap
Miles today: 12.4

Left Harpers Ferry at 10:00 this morning. Hiked in the rain off and on took a break at Ed Garvey shelter and replenished our water. Hiked on to Crampton Gap, Trail was an obstacle course of mud and rocks and uphill. Decided to put up tents in the rain and then hustled to the shelter to make supper (add boiling water to a dehydrated meal in a pouch). Met with some fellow flip flippers . The Old Ranger, Mojo and a young guy without a trail name yet.Amanda is doing great but was the muddiest of all of us.
Date: 2019-04-15
From: Crampton Gap

To: Annapolis Gap
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: light rain

Sad day today Amanda (NOLA trail name) had to leave trail today woke with sore throat and head cold. We hiked to Dalgren campground and called for a shuttle ride to Harpers Ferry. After she got picked up I continued hiking to Annapolis Rocks campground, looks like I¢m the only one here. So far all camps have had bear poles to hang food. See you tomorrow.
Date: 2019-04-17
From: Falls Creek Footbridge 

To: Trail of Hope Hostel 
Miles today: 17.2

Great day for a hike weather was perfect. Nothing to exciting. A few boulder scrambles and some long ups and downs. Stopped at Trail of Hope Hostel tonight. Had burger and fries that hit the spot. Washed clothes and took a shower ( not that I needed one). Bought a few food supplies and charging phone and battery bank. Talk again tomorrow.
Date: 2019-04-18
From: Trail of Hope Hostel 

To: Iron Masters Mansion Hostel
Miles today: 19.8

Another nice day for hiking in the low 70s. Started off with another bike ride to Rutgers gas station and had breakfast and a large coffee. Then they gave me a ride to the trail. Pretty easy hiking today compared to previous days. No boulders in the way and not as long climbs. Stopped at a hostel again tonight. Trying to hike in the light as long as I can but was getting late and still had 3 miles to go. It¢s nice to have options. Will talk tomorrow.
Date: 2019-04-19
From: Iron Masters Mansion Hostel

To: Tent sight 
Miles today: 14.2

Started today with breakfast at the hostel. Eggs 2 waffles a bagel orange juice and coffee. Started hiking and about a mile later came across my first trail magic,a cooler full of bottled drinks I grabbed a Gatorade. It¢s awesome that people do that. Decided to name my pack , since it¢s a team effort. I call him Thunderbolt. Only saw a few hikers today all section hiking. Talk tomorrow
Date: 2019-04-20
From: Tent sight 

To: Darlington Shelter
Miles today: 19.5
Weather: light rain

Forgot to mention had to stop and set up tent at 3:00 yesterday in the rain, it rained through the night. Got up at 6:00am packed up, everything wet and hiked into Boiling Springs and had a big breakfast, much needed. Hiked to next shelter,14 miles, with no camping in between. Trail runs along farm land. Finally camping with some people. The last mile and a half to camp was steep. Talk tomorrow
Date: 2019-04-21
From: Darlington Shelter

To: ClarkÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs Ferry Shelter
Miles today: 15.6

Hiked into Duncannon today got there at noon. Only place to eat was a Sunoco gas station . Not much to see in Duncannon took forever to hike out of town. Then once you reach the trail it was a steep climb and more boulder scrambling on the ridge line. Was wore out by the time I made to shelter. Just myself and The Lobster Man ( from Maine) talk tomorrow
Date: 2019-04-22
From: ClarkÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs Ferry Shelter

To: Yellow Springs camp
Miles today: 20.1
Weather: clear sky

Hiked the ridge line most of the day. Trail switched from one side of the crest to the other. Made good time no bouldering. Real time consuming. Talk tomorrow
Date: 2019-04-24
From: William Penn Shelter 

To: Eagle Nest Shelter 
Miles today: 19.2

Hiked another day through rocky trail, did some more bouldering along the way. Made it to The Eagle Nest shelter camping with Red Beard and Kierkegaard (the philosopher). Heading for Port Clinton tomorrow, about 9 miles away. There¢s a Cabelas there for resupply,and a motel, can¢t wait. Talk tomorrow
Date: 2019-04-25
From: Eagle Nest Shelter 

To: Port Clinton 
Miles today: 9.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Short day today hiked into Port Clinton for resupply, do laundry, eat some real food and relax a little. Supposed to rain tomorrow but will try to get some miles in anyway. Was able to get everything at Walmart, nice that they carry dehydrated food . Talk tomorrow
Date: 2019-04-26
From: Port Clinton 

To: Allentown Shelter 
Miles today: 21.9

Red Beard and I took an Uber back to trail, didn¢t want to walk in the rain. We saved that for the trail. It rained on and off lightly in the morning. Got caught in the rain at 3:30 and didn¢t get to shelter till 5:30 had beef stew and got settled in. 2 guys from Connecticut are at camp and another guy in a hammock I haven¢t met yet. Did find out what¢s worse than millions of rocks and boulders in the trail , wet rocks and boulders in the trail. Can¢t wait to get out of Pennsylvania only 50 some miles to go! Talk tomorrow
Date: 2019-04-27
From: Allentown Shelter 

To: Mile 1263.9 stealth camp
Miles today: 22.1
Weather: clear sky

What a day made it through 5 or 6 boulder fields a couple went over top of the ridge line, with the blowing 25-30 mph. Made it to next shelter and decided to take on Lehigh gap. This has been the granddaddy of all so far. Straight up with hand over hand pulling yourself up to next boulder. Glad that¢s done! Supposed to rain tomorrow not sure what the plan is yet. Talk tomorrow
Date: 2019-04-28
From: Mile 1263.9 stealth camp

To: Stealth camp 1284.7
Miles today: 20.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Didn¢t have any service last night so I¢ catching up. Hiked yesterday in a fine mist, just enough to get all of the rocks wet but eventually it stopped and dried out. When I got to Wind Gap I walked 15 minutes to a sports bar a had a burger, fries and a Pepsi, then hiked to 5:30 and set up camp. Only 14 miles left in Pennsylvania. Yeah! Talk tomorrow
Date: 2019-04-29
From: Stealth camp 1284.7

To: Mile 1305.9
Miles today: 21.2
Weather: clear sky

Got down into the 30s last night. Ate a quick breakfast and broke camp. Stopped at Kirkridge Shelter to get some water and met the Threeagles, all three were Eagle Scouts doing a section hike. Ended up at parking lot they were loading up and took me with them to a Thai restaurant. Excellent food! And then brought me back to the trail. Thanks guys! Continued hiking into my new state of New Jersey. Still more rocks but no boulders yet. Stopped at Mohican outdoor center supposed to rain all night. Did not see one hiker All the way here. Only one other hiker here, Popeye. Talk tomorrow
Date: 2019-04-30
From: Mile 1305.9

To: Green Anderson Shelter 
Miles today: 20.9

Well today started out looking pretty bleak, foggy and everything all wet from rain through the night but sun came out and dried everything out. Hiked all day with Popeye, stopped at Gyps Tavern in Br Branchville NJ, had the customary burger and fries with an IPA. Only 1 block off trail, never pass real food seems to be the trail code, especially when it¢s close. Take care talk tomorrow
Date: 2019-05-01
From: Green Anderson Shelter 

To: Jim Murray secret shelter 
Miles today: 18.3

Well today was a tough one. Still have sections of rocks in the trail but no boulders. Kind of a roller coaster day, nonstop ups and downs nothing big but didn¢t seem like we were getting anywhere. Second day hiking with Popeye, no relation to the actor. We both  hike about same speed. Take care talk tomorrow
Date: 2019-05-02
From: Jim Murray secret shelter 

To: Mile 1358.7 Vernon NJ
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Short day today, which felt good just got into Vernon and it started pouring. Met another hiker today, Captain Pete,at a deli .4 mile off trail. Ended up meeting him at Heaven Hill Farm ,ice cream shop only .1 mile off trail. Nobody walks very far off trail for anything if can avoid it. Met a guy named Fred who drove us to motel and grocery store, he¢s going to try and give us a ride back to trail in morning, we¢re going to take him to breakfast. Tomorrow we¢ll be into New York. Take care talk tomorrow
Date: 2019-05-03
From: Mile 1358.7 Vernon NJ

To: Wildcat Shelter 
Miles today: 17.1
Weather: clear sky

Started today hiking at what the the locals in Vernon NJ call The Stairway to Heaven. Pretty good climb took 45 minutes to get to the top. Passed into NY at 12:30 rained hard for a few minutes, just enough to soak everything. Did a lot of boulder scrambling more than I expected. Rolled into camp at 5:00 and for the first time it was full but Popeye,Captain Pete and I got our tents up quickly. Supposed to rain tonight until 2:00 pm tomorrow. No fun on wet rocks and boulders. Take care talk tomorrow
Date: 2019-05-04
From: Wildcat Shelter 

To: Mile 1385.7
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: light rain

Hiked a short day today rain was coming in by 2:00 but didn¢t happen. A lot of people got off trail. Supposed to rain all night and tomorrow we¢ll have to see what happens. Today was lot of mountain climbing straight up hand over hand and then straight back down several times. Our friend Fred met us for supper at the Captains Table excellent place to eat. Then he ran us over to Walmart so we all bought a pint of ice cream and more protein bars. First time I¢ve eaten a pint of Cherry Garcia in one sitting, another bucket list item off the list. Take care talk tomorrow
Date: 2019-05-05
From: Mile 1385.7

To: Tuxedo motel 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

We¢ll I finally took my first zero and have to admit it felt good. It rained all day and is still raining. Got to see Fred again today, what a great guy gave us a tour of the area. Went to Bear Mountain by the Hudson River, drove all through West Point,place is huge. Went out for supper in Cold Springs at an old train depot,great food. Tomorrow¢s forecast is 67. Which will dry the trail. Take care talk tomorrow
Date: 2019-05-06
To: Mile 1405.6
Miles today: 19.9

Today started out with a climb,a couple miles later went through the Lemon Squeezer, where you take off your pack and set the bottom on your head and squeeze between 2 boulders. Not bad. Saw 2 snakes on the trail today a garter snake a 5 foot black snake both crawled off before my phone fired up. Met a new hiker today named Quinlin who had his food bag stolen from a bear which he had hanging from a tree. So we gave him some bars and hiked with us. Made it to Bear Mountain Bridge motel, showered and walked across the street for BBQ. Thanks everyone for such positive emails and texts it really makes a difference. Take care talk tomorrow
Date: 2019-05-07
From: Mile 1405.6

To: Clarence Fahnestock State Park 
Miles today: 19.2

Very nice day today for hiking in the upper 60s. Started off with walking across the Hudson River Bridge and then straight up. Had quite a few up and downs all day. Didn¢t make it to park till 6:00,long day. Did have a Hiker sub right on the trail, very handy. Take care talk tomorrow
Date: 2019-05-09
From: Telephone Pioneers Shelter 

To: Mt. Algo Shelter
Miles today: 21.2

Today started out pretty good. We entered Connecticut this afternoon and went over several swamp areas on elevated plank bridges and the trail was smooth sailing until the last mountain climb. Trail turned rocky again and steep didn¢t make it to the shelter until 7:30 and there¢s no roof on the shelter so we set up our tents and ate. Supposed to rain tomorrow we¢re only a mile and half from town going to look for a room. Take care talk tomorrow
Date: 2019-05-11
From: BNB Woodbury Connecticut 

To: Pine Swamy Brook Shelter 
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Got a late start today, Enterprise took us back to the trail at 9:30. We had a pretty  nice trail most of the day. We do a lot of stream crossings stepping on large rocks, until today we came across the biggest one yet and the rocks were all under water (white water) so they had put up a sign that showed a mile long bypass so we backtracked and took it. So we didn¢t get to camp till 7:20. Met three nice people at shelter that offered us some wine with our supper. What a gift. Take care talk tomorrow
Date: 2019-05-12
From: Pine Swamy Brook Shelter 

To: US7 Connecticut 112
Miles today: 5.6

Rain started around 2:00am last night and was still raining in the morning so hung out at shelter till 11:00 am and booked a BNB in Lakeville Connecticut and hiked down the mountain and got picked up. All 3 of us were soaked, we took showers did laundry and went to eat at the Black Rabbit, great food. Weather looks the same tomorrow so shooting for 10 miles. Take care talk tomorrow
Date: 2019-05-13
From: US7 Connecticut 112

To: Mile 1501.8 Conn.41
Miles today: 10.1

Another short hike day but we got to Salisbury Connecticut before the rain. Trying to squeak in a few miles and not get caught in the rain on top of a mountain with no source to get dry. Tomorrow doesn¢t look good might have to take a zero, there are 3 big climbs with steep downs highs in the 40s. Wednesday looks a lot better in the 60s. Saw Bob and Kathy again today, they are heading north but hike south everyday. They have 2 vehicles (one a camper) and drive one north and hike south back to the camper. So we swap trail conditions with each other. Take care talk tomorrow
Date: 2019-05-14
From: Mile 1501.8 Conn.41

To: Zero Day 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Took a zero today it rained through the night on and off with a high of 40. We have 3 good climbs ahead before we reach the next shelter and tomorrow is sunny and 60. So we¢re going to get an early start and see how it goes. Achin (from NC)took a shuttle back to the trail in Kent and another hiker,Wolf ( from Germany) is section hiking and also at the hostel. He heads home Friday. Forgot to mention the other day we were in Lakeville Rip Torn (actor) has 2 houses next to where we stayed and also Meryl Streep has a house in same town. Take care talk tomorrow
Date: 2019-05-15
From: Mile 1501.8 Conn.41

To: US 7 Great Barrington Massachusetts 
Miles today: 22.0
Weather: clear sky

Back on the trail again,felt good, hard to take a zero but the weather rules. Hiked till 6:45 and got picked up by a trail angel named Uncle Joe and took us to the Travel Lodge in Great Barrington Massachusetts. Made it through another state. Had 3 climbs today 2 over two thousand feet and one over 2500 feet. The climbs weren¢t bad but going down was, we all agreed. Tomorrow looks good hope to knock out a few more miles. Take care talk tomorrow
Date: 2019-05-16
From: US 7 Great Barrington Massachusetts 

To: Mt.Wilcox North Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Long day short hike. My phone charging port went bad , it took 20 tries to make contact. Luckily there was a Verizon store here in Great Barrington so ended up with new phone. Caught up with the guys and made it to the shelter met a guy from Massachusetts goes by Cowboy. Take care talk tomorrow
Date: 2019-05-18
From: US 20 Berkshire Lakeside Lodge

To: Dalton Massachusetts 
Miles today: 19.0

Another perfect weather day for hiking, in the low 60¢s. Have hiked past a lot of beaver huts and actually saw one swimming and got a few pictures. The trail was nice again only a couple climbs. Tomorrow we have a big climb close to 3500 feet. Take care talk tomorrow
Date: 2019-05-19
From: Dalton Massachusetts 

To: Williamstown 
Miles today: 23.3

Another all day hike but we made our goal. Left at 7:30 and made it 8-9 miles and got caught in a rain storm for a couple hours. Stopped at a gas station in Cheshire Ma. A tenth of a mile off trail and had Dunkin Donuts and waited till storm passed. Met a guy named Crash a few days ago, finishing his 4th thru hike. Learning a lot about the trail from him.Take care talk tomorrow
Date: 2019-05-20
From: Williamstown 

To: Williamstown 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Took a zero today rained till around 11:00 this morning. So I went through my pack again and separated the things I¢m not using and send them home, probably a couple pounds. The mountains are getting taller the farther north we go. Pack can¢t be light enough. Only 4 miles and we¢ll be in Vermont. Take care talk tomorrow
Date: 2019-05-21
From: Williamstown 

To: Vt.9
Miles today: 18.4
Weather: clear sky

Starting today¢s hike, temperature 39 degrees and windy. The wind never stopped all day. The trail was once again hiker friendly. The last hike down to the road was the toughest part all day. Saw a few more beaver damms and lodges. Made it to the Massachusetts, Vermont border at 9:30 this morning. Take care talk tomorrow
Date: 2019-05-22
From: USFS rd.

To: Bennington Vt.9
Miles today: 20.5
Weather: clear sky

Tried something different today, we hiked south. Got a ride north and got dropped off at the trail and hiked back to Vt.9. Made the hike a little easier. Overall the trail was dry but had several real mucky spots we had to go around. Vermont is known for being muddy. Take care talk tomorrow
Date: 2019-05-23
From: USFS 71

To: By. 11&30
Miles today: 19.6

The day started off perfect for hiking, low 50s. Hiked up Stratton Mt. 3936 ft. Elevation but wasn¢t bad. Got caught in the rain around 3:00pm and had 6 miles to go. Made it to trail head at 6:00pm and called a cab to get to hotel. Pouring rain right now trail will be a mess. Take care talk tomorrow
Date: 2019-05-24
From: Hwy11-30

To: Manchester Center 
Miles today: 0.0

Took a zero today. It rained an inch or two last night the trail is going to be very muddy but drained off some on the ups and downs. Finally had a chance to get a haircut and shave and went to an outfitter and bought a new pair of hiking shoes, up a full size so far. Have some friends from home arriving tonight and are going to meet me on the trail tomorrow. It will be good to see them. Take care talk tomorrow
Date: 2019-05-25
From: Manchester Center 

To: USFS 10
Miles today: 17.8

Friends Aaron,Pat and James drove in from Michigan made it to the trail this morning. They stayed in Rutland Vt. last night and started on the north end of the trail we were hiking today they hiked south while we hiked north and met on the trail. Then we all hiked north back to the car. Started raining when we got there. Trail was nice again today only a couple climbs and not to muddy. Take care talk tomorrow
Date: 2019-05-26
From: USFS 10

To: Cold River Road 
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: mist

Well today Popeye finished his thru hike of the trail. Captain Pete finish¢s after Mt. Katahdin and I¢ll have to go back to Harpers Ferry and hike the trail south to Springer Mt. One day at a time. Today¢s hike not much happened, nice with sun on and off, no rain and around 80 degrees. Friends from home did good, it takes a little to get used to the terrain, had to wade through another stream, only a little over ankle deep, just enough to soak your boots. Take care talk tomorrow
Date: 2019-05-27
From: Cold River Road 

To: Vt. 100
Miles today: 17.1

Hiked in perfect weather again today. Climbed Killington Mt. and saw the Cooper Lodge shelter built in 1939 of stone. Waded 2 streams again today, a little over ankle high. Saw Crash today somewhere in the middle, he hiked trail going south, it was good to see him again . Take care talk tomorrow
Date: 2019-05-28
From: Vt. 100

To: Vt 12
Miles today: 20.4

Started hiking this morning at 7:15 made it to around 10:00 and it started raining and didn¢t stop all day. Aaron,Pat and James took a zero and went to Ben&Jerry ice cream factory and Magic Hat brewery. Only saw 5 other hikers today. Didn¢t have to ford any streams today but boots still got soaked . Take care talk tomorrow
Date: 2019-05-29
From: Vt 12

To: Happy Hill Shelter 
Miles today: 17.3

Hiked with Pete,Aaron (trail name Landfill) and James(trail name Juke) andPat( trail name Sherpa) tomorrow boys heading home. Had to Ford another stream this time they had a steel cable to hold onto, water was moving pretty fast. Saw several maple trees being tapped for syrup. Take care talk tomorrow
Date: 2019-05-30
From: Happy Hill Shelter 

To: Moose Mountain Shelter 
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: overcast clouds

I made it through another state. Walked through downtown past Dartmouth college. The tough part of the trail is coming up, the White Mountains hopefully the weather cooperates. Today¢s trail wasn¢t to bad ,still have pockets of muck. Met a guy from Denmark yesterday and a guy from Rucssia today. Take care talk tomorrow
Date: 2019-05-31
From: Moose Mountain Shelter 

To: Hexcuba Shelter 
Miles today: 17.7

Had no service last night, playing catch-up. After 7 miles yesterday Pete and I were hiking down to a road and got a ride into Lyme and got to eat and got a ride back from a trail angel. Finished up at Hexcuba Shelter, nice big Shelter. Take care talk tomorrow