morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-07-12
From: Franconia Notch NH

To: Garfield Ridge Campsite
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Lincoln NH to Garfield Ridge campsite7/12/16 ending mileage 1826.3   We spent the night in Lincoln last night after coming down off the Kinsmans. It was a welcome night on the town after the rainy weather we had on the 10th. We stayed at a really nice little motel called the Autumn Breeze. The owner actually came up to the trailhead in Franconia Notch and picked us up. After we got settled in at the motel we went to the store next door and got our first supper, some really big deli sandwiches. Then we watched a little TV and after that we were ready for our second dinner at the Truant's Taverne right down the road. I was about done for the night after that but Mismatch, Ginger Patch and Food Bag were ready for ice cream so we stopped at the ice cream place next to the Taverne so thy could get some. Thru hikers eat a lot.    We were up this morning at 0630 and got breakfast at the store, then the lady who owns the motel took us back to the Liberty Spring trailhead so we could begin our ascent to Franconia Ridge. When they say that the thru-hike really begins in the Whites, they're not kidding. The mountains of New Hampshire are kicking my butt! This is making the other states seem relatively easy! First Moosilauke then the Kinsmans and today Little Haystack, Lincoln, Lafayette and Garfield. The sad thing is that I've climbed all of these mountains before so I should have known what was coming. Of course, then I wasn't doing it with a 38 lb. pack on my back, just a daypack. It makes all the difference. Sometimes I think that pack has a vendetta to pull me backwards down a very steep trail. We were very lucky today, though, to get a beautiful day to traverse Franconia Ridge. The views were amazing. The day after tomorrow we'll be over in the Presidentials and I hope we get a couple of days like this one for that part of the hike.    Tonight we're at Garfield Ridge campsite and I think it's going to get a bit cool. Plus I see some clouds rolling in so I hope we stay dry.    My feet are still holding up okay, although I did get another case of shin splints on the 4th of July and I'm still feeling that a little bit. Seems to take forever to go away. I got some new trail runners a few days ago when we were in Hanover NH that are a half size larger than the boots I had and that has made a big difference in the way my feet feel throughout the day. I might just make it to Katahdin yet! (If I can just get through the Whites)
Date: 2016-07-13
From: Garfield Ridge Campsite

To: Ethan Pond Shelter
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Garfield Ridge Shelter to Ethan Pond Shelter7/13/16 ending mileage 1840.8 (14.5 miles today)   It was another really nice day today but a little warmer than yesterday. We had a couple of really steep climbs today. One was South Twin Mountain with a 1500 foot climb over 1.4 miles. Later in the day we had a lot of steep downhill sections which are as difficult as steep uphills, maybe more so. We went to two huts today, Galehead and Zealand. We stopped at Zealand for lunch and a couple of games of cards before pushing on to Ethan Pond Shelter, where we set up our tents on a platform. This is a very popular campsite...before the end of the day the shelter and all of the tent platforms were full. The trail from Zealand Hut to Ethan Pond follows the old roadbed of the Zealand Valley Railroad so it was pretty flat except where there are washouts and rockslides. Zealand Valley RR was built in the late 1800's to haul logs out of the woods. This entire area was clearcut and later all the slash that was left behind caught on fire and the area was pretty well devastated. The amazing restorative power of the forest has taken over though and now you'd never know that the area suffered such bad treatment. The last time I was on this trail was in the late 80's (I think) with my friend Jim when we also stayed at Ethan Pond. I never thought that the next time would be about 30 years later on an AT thru hike. Ethan Pond it's self is a beautiful place. I took some sunset photos tonight and I'll try and choose the best one and post it with this journal entry.
Date: 2016-07-14
From: Ethan Pond Shelter

To: Lakes of the Clouds Hut
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Ethan Pond to Lakes of the Clouds hut7/14/16 ending mileage 1854.7 (13.9)   We started at 0600 this morning because we had a pretty hard day ahead of us, only 13.9 miles but a lot of climbing and a lot of that on exposed ridge line in the Presidentials. Mismatch saw a moose in Ethan pond but it was gone by the time the rest of us got down there to see it. After we crossed Route 302 in Crawford Notch we started the day's climbing in earnest. The views from the top of Webster Cliff were amazing! The weather was starting to close in though. The summits of the Willey Range to the west were already in the clouds. We arrived at Mizpah Hut at around lunch time and much to everyone's delight we were given the leftovers from last night's meal, cold pulled pork and some kind of beef and mushrooms (I didn't ask questions, I just ate it). Never pass up free food. We didn't hang around Mizpah too long because the weather forecast was for severe t-storms with hail after 3:00 pm and we had about five miles to go to get to Lakes. The trail increases in elevation all the way to Lakes of the Clouds and it got cooler and cloudier as we went. I finally arrived at the hut at around 3:00pm and I couldn't even see the hut until I was about 75 feet away from it. The good news is that it's now 5:30pm and the thunderstorms have yet to materialize.    All five of us have been offered the work-for-stay option here at the hut which means that in exchange for a couple of hours of work from each of us, we all get to stay in the building tonight and we get to eat the leftovers after dinner. Good deal! I've already washed some dishes and I expect I'll be washing a few more after dinner. In the morning after helping the hut croo with breakfast we'll have a 1.5 mile hike to the summit of Mt. Washington and then 13.5 more miles over the rest of the Presidential Range to Pinkham Notch and a ride to Gorham NH for a night in town.    So, right now we're all sitting here on the sidelines at the hut watching all the paying guests file in to the dining room to be served their dinner. This is not an easy thing for hungry thru hikers to watch. I feel a bit like a vulture waiting to swoop in after dinner to clean up the spoils. More later.    Well, the rains finally came. At about 6:00pm it started pouring with a vengeance and kept it up all through dinner, then at 7:30 it miraculously stopped and the sky started clearing. We swept up the dining room after all the diners were done eating, then we finally were allowed to eat. It was delicious though. Black bean enchiladas with roasted broccoli and rice, corn chowder, salad, challah bread and chocolate cookies for dessert. And all we could eat. After dinner we went outside to witness a beautiful sunset. Now I'm assuming we'll be allowed to set up our beds in the dining room after all the guests go to bed. All in all I'd say it's been a pretty good day. Now I'm hoping for some clear skies in the morning so we can have a good view from Mt. Washington.
Date: 2016-06-22
To: Springer and Katahdin 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I'm 66. I plan to thru hike the A/T starting 8/1/16 through early November from Port Clinton, PA to Springer. Then on 4/1/17 through no later than 7/31/17 I will again start from Port Clinton, PA through to Katahdin, ME. I've done several section hikes on the A/T and in October, 2012 with my daughter, ascended to Mt. Everest base camp in Nepal.
Date: 2016-07-13
To: Planning
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I initially prepared a day by day itinerary showing day #, Location, location features; eg., hostel/motel, shuttles, resupply, water, shower, laundry,fuel,distance to town, planned daily & cumulative trail miles,actual/cumulative/variance from plan trail miles. This comparison is critical for a thru hiker since it dictates pace including when to take zero days, and likelihood of reaching your ultimate goal.My itinerary notes if hostels, resupply sources, shuttles, etc are set up on my cellphone. Most are. This avoids having to look at AT guide for info thereby saving time and phone power.Calls have been made to various hostels and resupply points to ensure they will be open and stock what I need, thereby avoiding an unnecessary trek sometime 2 to 4 miles from trail to off-trail destination. Where available and depending upon distance to these points a shuttle will be contacted in advance.
Date: 2016-07-18
To: Planning
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

I started listing gear under the Gear tab. More will be added. I'd like to go light as I can but I'll start out with 41 lbs including a 5 day food supply and 4 liters of water. I'm leery of PA water sources having had experienced it before otherwise I would start with about 2 to 3 liters water. I feel better thinking the weight goes down as the days go by about 3 lbs/ day as food and water get depleted.
Date: 2016-07-25
From: Planning

To: Planning
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Last few days been spending a lot of time reviewing my daily itinerary, making changes when necessary. For example, the AT Conservancy (ATC) periodically posts trail updates. I make these changes to my itinerary. I've been making many phone calls to various hostels, B&B's and resupply points to ensure they will be open during the time frame specified and carry the food and gear items I need. I also call shuttle operators in remote areas where a ride is needed to towns off the trail by more than 1 mile. They cannot always be relied upon so alternatives are planned. Many hostels provide shuttles to and from trail-heads for free or a small fee.
Date: 2016-07-26
From: Planning

To: Food selection
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Attached is a photo of the food I planned for the first 5 days. Top items are freeze dried meals high in carbs, fat and protein. Below each meal is a daily Ziploc bags contain breakfast and lunch.Displayed below the food is a nylon sack with tool up snap closure along with bear parachute ropes and a small zip bab containing olive oil and Miofit electrolyte water enhancer.
Date: 2016-07-27
From: Food selection

To: Smokies - Bear issues
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Interesting discussion with Smoky Mtn Park official regarding bear issues.   He said since there are 2 bears per sq mile in Smokies if proper precautions are not taken, confrontations can occur more than most places. His advice is to not only use bear cables for suspending food out of reach of bears, but to suspend your entire pack. Reason is that certain bears from prior experiences associate the look of a backpack with an opportunity for food or other goodies. Latent scents from food bags stored in your pack can be easily sensed by a bear so the backpack alone is very inviting and often is ransacked. This is very problematic if backpack is stored in your tent or nearby. IF cables are full with other equipment from other campers, the roipe method on the tree 10 ft up and 6 ft out is the alternative.
Date: 2016-08-06
From: Rausch Gap shelter

To: Duncannon
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: broken clouds

One of most difficult 11 miles due to unexpected final four miles which was close to breaking me. But I stayed hydrated and nourished. Highlight has to be staying at the Doyle Hotel, in business since 1905 still serving the best food. It's a bit dingy but that just adds to the enjoyment of this special. Oh yes, Shock Top on tap. Did my resupply and laundering. So all set for Darlington, tomorrow.
Date: 2016-08-07
From: Duncannon

To: Darlington shelter, Pa
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: overcast clouds

A cast of characters staying tonite with Bigfoot. Double-check,with Univ of Florida and his 5 friends have made it a very delightful dinnertime. Trail from Duncannon to this shelter much more difficult than expected. Did not get to shelter until 6 pm but still plenty of light to make dinner.... broccoli noodles. Left Duncannon this morning with breakfast at Goodies, had the Western omelet with real home fries toast , lg ok and coffee. Low humidity made my day but the last 2 hrs of uphill switchbacks was tough. Next stop tomorrow is Boiling Springs Pa..14 mi.
Date: 2016-08-08
From: Dar

To: Campsite S of BS.
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: broken clouds

Journey in was a bit easier than those killer treks from 501 shelter to Duncannon. A break well needed. I'm on schedule and looks like Maryland in sight in about 5 days. One couple at the campsite. Stopped at the ATC Midlantic headquarters and got my passport stamped. Amazing 5 crossings or so of gigantic farms most on the gopro. As I mentioned i will update the miles that I did the first five days. I messed up the date format.
Date: 2016-08-09
From: Campsite S of BS.

To: James Fry Shelter
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Somewhat bouldery run up to this shelter but not a bad 11 mile workout. 108 mi so far including unlisted 1st 5 days. Staying with me one of our finest..US Marine 30 something. Had good time talking with he and Wednesday, a recent Arkansas grad majors in equine and Eng Lit. Last night was good at campsite with 2 other hikers. Both US Marine and Wednesday are NB's.
Date: 2016-08-10
From: James Fry shelter

To: Ironmaster's Mansion Hostel
Miles today: 62.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Today's reported miles includes 54.5 mi from day 1 Thru day 5 which included stops at Eagles Nest shelter (good),501 Shelter, very good enclosed bunk building with spring water and solar shower, Rausch Gap shelter, good with hanging bear line. Last night's James Fry shelter quite a hike to get to, very humid evening Ironmaster Mansion Hostel a must visit place. A/C in bunks also ng with pizza dinner and waffle bkfst. Tom is a great caretaker and was great to converse with.
Date: 2016-08-11
From: Ironmaster's Mansion Hostel

To: Quarry Gap Shelter
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Today's trip of almost 18 mi was flatter terrain than the last few days. A welcome break. First pine forests I have seen on the trail since leaving Port Clinton Pa. Avoided thunderstorms again. All in all a pleasant trip. This hostel is caretaker cared for complete with hanging flower baskets, porch swing nearby water grotto and unique double log cabin shelters. Look up picture on white blaze.First foray into timber rattler country. Sign posted warning no trapping or hunting of snakes. I put my diapering tigh my head on swivel after reading that.
Date: 2016-08-12
From: Quarry Gap Shelter

To: Tumbling Run Shelter 
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Day was very hot and tiresome even with 4 litres water and proper eating along the way. Trek itself was very strenuous in nature resembling a roller coaster of boulders and rocks amidst a 104 degree heat index. Just avoided a massive thunderstorm by 50 minutes. Felt bad for anyone on the trail. Beautiful shelter although I was only one there.
Date: 2016-08-13
From: Tumbling Run Shelter 

To: Burgundy B&B
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Extremely hot and humid day with some strenuous trail sections. Met David the owner at the trailhead. He picked up there in a nicely air conditioned Dodge Ram diesel. B&B is super. I'm in the "Wilderness Room". Includes laundry, breakfast at anytime in morning and a ride back to the trailhead. Love this town, Waynesboro. Crossed Mason Dixon Line today. Will do only 6 mi because of intense heat.
Date: 2016-08-14
From: Burgundy B&B

To: Ensign Powell Shelter
Miles today: 9.5
Weather: few clouds

Because of heat issues wanted to near zero to Raven Rock shelter 5 mi south but decided to go and extra 5 mi to Powell Shelter. Lots of challenging rock climbs and folks I chatted with along the way. plan to do 8.2 mi tomorrow to Pine Knob Shelter follows by 16.6 mi to Ed Garvey shelter then on to Harpers Ferry WB ON 8/16. Feel free to sign guestbook or ask questions. Stay at Burgundy BB was sensational. Dave and wife Margaret know how to please their guests.
Date: 2016-08-15
From: Ensign Powell Shelter

To: Dahlgrun Campground
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Wanted to near zero this day and do only 5.5 mi but that would have left me 18 mi getting to Ed Garvey shelter.. .too much for this heat, so I chose to bypass the Pine Knob Shelter and go for tenting at the campground, going an extra 7 mi for 12 total today. Got in campground minutes before a famous Southern T storm hit. It's amazing how you learn to erect the tent in 5 min when you need to. Best regards to everyone. It's very tough but gratifying.
Date: 2016-08-16
From: Dahlgrun Campground

To: Ed Garvey shelter 
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Arrived at shelter at 2:45pm after starting at 7:15am. Got in right before horrific storm hit. Was able to make dinner before rains came. Most amazing a 10 inch ball of lightning hit the cast iron fire cauldron about 25 ft from me with an incredible BANG. Amazingly the cauldron was not damaged. Must be grounding . Tomorrow it's Harpers Ferry for resupply, a hostel and new boots. Staying with Super Mario a thru Hiker I've been running into for last wk and 1/2. Best regards everyone.
Date: 2016-08-17
From: Ed Garvey shelter 

To: Harpers Ferry, WV
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Got good start today. Made it to Harpers Ferry by covering 8 mi, 3 of which were alongside the Potomac River as it converged with the Shenandoah River. Enjoyed great bfst at The Town's Inn in HF. Staying at Teahorse Hostel in HP tonite with Psycho Killer (my buddy Sean keeps changing his trail name), Limp (God only knows the derivation) , Kangaroo and Nancy from Taos, NM. Can't wait get into VA very soon to test the kick ass "roller coaster" part of trail that goes 15 mi. So long for now.
Date: 2016-08-18
From: Harpers Ferry, WV

To: Blackburn AT Hostel & Center
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Made fast tracks to Blackburn AT Hostel today. Covered 13.1 mi at fastest pace yet. He's got legs !!!!!Trail boss is caretaker of this Potomac chapter maintained facility. This place is really something to see. Very steep 0.3 mi access from main trail down what seemed like 300 steps.Tomorrow is VA roller coaster trek. Should be very interesting
Date: 2016-08-19
From: Blackburn AT Hostel & Center

To: Bears Den Hotel 
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Very relaxing at Blackburn AT center yesterday after tough trek. Trail boss was the best. Today's hostel is also AT related and is very soothing with shower , laundry, pizza, qt of B & Jerry's ice cream along with an English couple and my frequent flyer, Ryan. To get more up to speed I plan 18 mi tomorrow and 15.5 on Sunday. I'm trying to post pics once I get hang of it. Happy Trails to all
Date: 2016-08-20
From: Bears Den Hotel 

To: Rod Hollow Shelter 
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Nice shelter. It's where the "roller coaster" ends. I wanted to go 18 mi today but the coaster section tore me up. Heat and Humidity still factors. Nice group of 6 SB thrubees camped overnight with Psycho Killer and me. I left early to do 13 mi on Sunday to the next shelter.
Date: 2016-08-21
From: Rod Hollow Shelter 

To: Manassas Gap Shelter 
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: overcast clouds

 Did 13 mi today that were strenuous coming off the roller coaster. Got caught in rain at 2 pm and walked in it for 1 1/2 hrs. Didn't matter sinceI was already sweatsoaked. Hey, a free bath! Later thunder approached so I put on my tent fly and huddled just off trail for about an hour until it passed. Hey, this true backpacking !!!??
Date: 2016-08-22
From: Manassas Gap Shelter 

To: Mountain Home Cabbin 
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: moderate rain

Got an early jump this morning doing 10 mi to this wonderful little hostel near Front Royal, VA. $25 gets you nice bed, linens, breakfast, and for a few bucks more luscious pizza and Ben & Jerry's. All a shuttle into town for resupply is included. My left knee is stiffening and affects me mainly downhill. I'm hoping it holds out to Springer. Be good !!!
Date: 2016-08-23
From: Mountain Home Cabbin 

To: Gravel Springs Hut
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: clear sky

Strenuous hike to shelter during which Mt Compton and Mt Marshall,2850 and 3,500 ft respecting were summited. Shelter was unusually crowded with 25 college students from Geo WashUniv U. They were good kids, very respectful and funny. A good night was had by all.
Date: 2016-08-24
From: Gravel Springs Hut

To: Open Arms Hostel, Luray, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Beautiful trek to a higher point of about 3400 ft then down and back up to 2812 ft. Saw a pair of super cute black bear cubs. My head immediately went on swivel sending mom was surely not too far away. Never saw her. Open Arms zhosyel run by Alison Coltrane was superb with a gracious, funny and helpful manner. Hank, the pitbull brindle colored mux was great company along with the three cats. Had such a great time.
Date: 2016-08-25
From: Open Arms Hostel, Luray, VA

To: Rock Springs Hut
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: broken clouds

Nice trek to shelter. Along with Ryan we ran into section hikers Boatman and his newlywed wife Jubilee. Also present was Axel Rose. Weather cooperated although still hot and humid. Stunning scenery as usual...see for 60 miles. Loved it.I am just getting back to journaling since I have been out of range and running low on battery life. Long stretch of no service wilderness.
Date: 2016-08-28
From: High Top Hut

To: Loft Mountain campground
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: clear sky

Wanted to make it to Black rock Hut, 21 mi away but not enough juice. Took prudent step to chill at Loft...really liked it, and planned for a big 19 miles tomorrow so if can be in good position to arrive early at Rockfish Gap the next morning.Saw 200 lb black bear cross right behind me within 20 ft. I calmly stood still and asked how was his day. He just swiveled his head and walked off.
Date: 2016-08-29
From: Loft Mountain campground

To: Calf Mountain Shelter 
Miles today: 19.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Rigorous day's hiking starting at 7:30 am thru 5:30pm for 19.1 miles. Campsite mates that night were DR's Tim and wife Avalon. Lovely couple. Also, 2 ladies I had pleasure of meeting a week ago...Julie and Lynn. Their goal was to hike the 100 miles of Shenandoah park and succeeded!!!
Date: 2016-08-30
From: Calf Mountain Shelter 

To: Stanimals Hostel
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: clear sky

Terrific hostel in residential neighborhood with challenging trek from Calf shelter. Adam Stanley picked me up in his white Corvette and as he pulled up said to me " I'm your ride". What a ride!Sad to say my left knee has been swollen for the last 100 mi and finally got the better of me.. As.a result, I've got to abort this trip at 356 miles. I hope to continue a section next April north to Katahdin, ME.
Date: 2015-04-12
To: View Entry
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Hiked 13 miles to Tray Mountain Saturday and it was a hard climb but beautiful views. Today I arrived in Hiawassee after 11 miles. Staying at Holiday Inn to get a good night sleep but will be on the trail again in the am and hopefully cross into North Carolina. We're supposed to be in for a few days rain. Oh well, had a dry tent for 2 days! The folks I've met in Georgia are really great and helpful to the hikers.
Date: 2015-04-16
To: View Entry
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: clear sky

Short miles and only light rain. Shuttle to Franklin appeared as I took my last step off the mountain at Winding Stair Gap! Enjoying the luxury of great food shower and clean clothes. Wonderful trail angel Beverly gave me a ride back to hotel after I bought supplies and did laundry. It had started pouring rain again. The help received along the journey is given so generously!