morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-09-30
From: Pleasant Pond Lean-to

To: Caratunk, ME
Miles today: 5.7
Weather: light rain

I had a hard time sleeping last night with the rain on the shelter roof. Met a nice SOBO, Walrus, and we made plans for lunch in Caratunk since we missed the first ferry across the Kennebec and had three hours to kill. It rained all day. I haven't been that cold and wet since TN! I splashed straight through every puddle and stream. It made me remember doing the same thing with Ghost back in VA and I missed him. The leaves are changing and I stared up at the trees when I wasn't trying not to fall in the water. By the time I got to the road I knew I wasn't hiking anymore today. After a glorious hot shower at Sterling, Walrus and I went to the pub. I lost the Exterminator Challenge but was proud that the waitress said she'd never seen a woman even attempt it. It's two patties, bacon, onion rings, fried pickles, and fried mac and cheese with a lb of fries. I finished the burger minus the bun and 1/4 of the fries. With ten minutes left, I hit some sort of bbq layer and got nauseous. That was my sign to graciously bow out. Curse you, fries! I said happy goodbyes to The Choirboys, Chewbacca, As They Say In Mexico, Chief Two Sticks, and met "the other" Waldo. Retired back to Sterling and bought my plane ticket home for after the Gathering. The end is real and I'm filled with excitement and a deep sense of loss. Crossing my fingers for no rain tomorrow and that I don't miss the morning ferry across the Kennebec again because they don't do the afternoon crossing in October. Eighty miles to go!
Date: 2015-10-01
From: Caratunk, ME

To: West Carry Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: light rain

Started the day off crossing the Kennebec River in a canoe. I let Walrus take the paddle so I could take some pictures. No rain today but half the day was spent under water on the trail. The trail followed water all day and sometimes the trail itself was water. Lots of slippery roots. You'd think 2,100+ miles would teach me a lesson but I still give those roots the benefit of the doubt every time. Took a hard fall on my way to a waterfall and it took all the strength I had to pull myself back up. Flame isn't within earshot to pick me up anymore. Saw a herring fly gracefully across Pierce Pond just before lunch. I feel like the 2015 Cyndi Loppers Goodbye Tour is coming to a close. I don't know how many people are left to see. Saw a few NOBOs but nobody I knew. Worried about the weather but my legs are holding out and I'm still on my way. It's so cold I hiked in my fleece part of the day. Lots of great pictures of ponds and another beautiful Maine sunset at the shelter. Only four days left! Maybe one more if I can get a hold of Young Gun when I get to Stratton. We stopped each other more than once from going home and I'd love to say goodbye. Tomorrow, I crush the Bigelows!
Date: 2015-10-02
From: West Carry Pond Lean-to

To: Avery Memorial Campsite
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: light rain

Today was cold. Really cold. I struggled a little. Good hiking though. Leap frogged with a section hiker named Camo most of the day. He's nice to talk to and has Snickers. That's my friend requirement now. The trail has changed me. We saw a loon while taking a break at the beach at Flagstaff Lake. Until now I've only ever heard them. I was pretty excited. Good views from Little Bigelow and a great sunset from Avery Peak. Lots of moose tracks but still no moose. Today's good lucks were extended to Bookworm and Squarepeg.
Date: 2015-10-03
From: Avery Memorial Campsite

To: Stratton, ME
Miles today: 8.1

Wow. What a day. Woke up to frost everywhere. Glad I decided to sleep with my water filter last night! Took forever getting out of my sleeping bag. Took amazing pictures on Bigelow's West Peak in a winter wonderland. I took a page out of the hiker trash handbook and used my camp socks as gloves. Apparently I accidentally left my real gloves in my mesh outside pocket of my pack and they got wet in the rain the other day and haven't dried out yet. Got to say goodbye to T-Storm whom I haven't seen since TN. Then Dora and Blackout. A proper goodbye was definitely needed there. I may have spent a little too much time with them and then had to run the last 3.7 to the road because I was late meeting Young Gun and Rainbow. My ankle didn't mind the running today but my knees sure gave me a reminder tonight. Got lunch with Gun and Bow and they dropped me off at the Stratton Motel. Saying bye to them was really hard but I'm glad I saw them again. Tomorrow, I head to Rangeley to finish my last section. Hopefully I can make it in time for Boot Scoot to take me to PA. I need the weather to behave just a few more days!
Date: 2015-10-04
From: Stratton, ME

To: Bemis Mnt Lean-to
Miles today: 17.7

Got a shuttle in the morning to finish my last missed section. My ankle felt fine all day today! This is a big deal for me. We saw a moose hanging out by the side of the road on the way to the trailhead. She was gigantic! I was a little bummed that my first moose wasn't on the trail but I changed my mind within the first few miles. I needed to do at least 20 miles today to catch my ride with Boot Scoot to PA on Tuesday so I put in my headphones and started flying down the trail. I rounded a big boulder and got knocked over by a moose booty! There were two and we all scared the crap out of each other. I left my headphones out for the rest of the day. I got a text from Miss Janet saying she could scoop me up on her way to PA for the Gathering so I didn't have to do two 20-mile days. I got out of having to ford Bemis Stream because there were conveniently placed logs over it. I was happy to stay dry today in this cold weather. Caught the sunset on Bemis' second peak but got a little too greedy and had to night hike the rest of the way to the shelter. I forgot how much I don't like doing that by myself. I lost a glove today so I gave its mate to a NOBO at the shelter in hopes that he finds it. He's got a lot farther to go than me and it's too cold to not have gloves. I am sleepy and full of mac and cheese. Today was a good day.
Date: 2015-10-05
From: Bemis Mnt Lean-to

To: Sawyer Brook
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: broken clouds

I could say I only did 11 miles today because I didn't get up until 10 a.m., my stomach didn't feel good, I took a million breaks, I texted my friends all day, I said goodbye to Sublime in his banana hammock for half an hour, I saw two snakes and stalked a grouse, I got greedy at another beautiful Maine sunset, or because going down rebar handholds in the dark is terrifying... but those are all dishonest. I did 11 miles because tomorrow is my last day and I don't want it to be. I only have 17.8 miles left and I'm going to stretch them out for as long as possible. Or until I think Miss Janet is going to leave without me, whichever comes first.
Date: 2015-10-01
To: The countdown begins as hurricane approaches??
Miles today: 0.0

As hurricane Joaquin batters the Bahamas I'm in the final stages of my prep to start my hike from Harpers Ferry to Springer Mountain. I plan to be on the trail on or before the 10th of October. I had another great summer guarding at Assateague Island National Seashore and will be back for sure next spring. It's seems like every six months another adventure occurs this one is of my choosing. I can't wait to get started.....
Date: 2015-10-09
From: Harpers Ferry

To: David Lesser Memorial Shelter
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: light rain

First day out on my hike. Started around 745 this morning and got here around 1130. I was tempted to go on another 3.5 miles to the next but what's the point. Time to slow down and enjoy the journey. Today started with about two miles uphill out of Harper's Ferry and then along the ridges most of the way, dipping down at keys gap, where I quickly learned what goes down will go up again. Great day to hike....gonna enjoy my time here before heading out tomorrow.
Date: 2015-10-11
From: Bears Den Hostel

To: Rod Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: clear sky

Started today after a great night at Bears Den Hostel. I had the last ten miles of what's called the roller coaster. It's a 13 mile stretch with endless ups and downs with lots of rocks ready to snap an ankle or two. Funny I was thinking this morning sooner or later I'm going to take a tumble, well don't ever say you don't get what you wish for, not five steps later down I went, kind of comical with a pack pushing you down. Anyway decided to start thinking more positive. Seemed like a long ten miles but I finished around four and arrived at Rod Hollow shelter. Always nice getting to one because you know there's water close by. So tomorrow I think it's off to Dicks Dome shelter . Thanks for all the support on Facebook and Instagram see ya soon
Date: 2015-10-12
From: Rod Hollow Shelter

To: Dick's Dome Shelter
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: clear sky

Day four was so nice compared to the ups and downs yesterday. Did nine miles in about four hours so I feel pretty good. Staying at Dicks Dome shelter tonight. It's funny my feet are sore and my body aches but I'm still smiling.....maybe a couple more pictures then I must start my written journal before dark, gotta get water and collect some wood too, planning my first fire of the trip.
Date: 2015-10-13
From: Dick's Dome Shelter

To: Denton Shelter
Miles today: 10.0

Finally left Dicks Dome at 12'pm.....this feels too much like vacation I gotta get up and moving earlier. So I said my goodbyes to newly named Strider and off I went for another 10 mile day. Not too bad a couple of long down hills that I slow down for just seem to wear more on my knees. Not to mention I have a tendency to crank my left ankle at least once a day as a reminder to pay attention. I'm getting better at catching myself so I don't go all the way down any more. Made it to the shelter around five o'clock after seeing two wandering white goats and a turkey cross the trail. Yes that's right goats!! No, I don't know where they came from maybe they escaped from a nearby farm. So the shelter is really nice, has a solar shower and a moldering privy....meaning it uses sawdust to compost and doesn't smell as nasty as the last couple of ones. Ah, the things you appreciate. The shelter was apparently having an invasion of stink bugs I opened up the journal, that is at each shelter, and at least 200 came crawling out. Hey I don't mind a few bugs but this was ridiculous. So up went the tent, happy and bug free....slept pretty early after dinner with the thought of up and moving early to get to hostel and into Front Royal for some quick laundry and food resupply. We'll see how that works out.
Date: 2015-10-14
From: Denton Shelter

To: Mountain House Cabbin Hostel
Miles today: 6.0

Up early,,,,830 yea gonna get movin early....why did it take me until 11 to finally leave. I'll tell you why, cause I'm in no rush that's why,,,,so I finally get going only six miles. It was a really nice walk today not to hot and not cold at all got to the hostel around 145. Met the owner Scott, who with his wife Lisa, through hiked in 2012. They are restoring an 1840s house into a house for them along with a upscale bed and breakfast. The Cabbin was originally a log structure that was rebuilt and was the slaves quarters for the original house. Kinda cool I thought.....Pops, you would like the history of this place. I got the last bed as a family of four are upstairs, who's son just finished a through hike in July, and talking with the Dad they were just traveling around staying in these cool little places and seeing the sights. They left to go see some caves and I made my way to the wondrous hot shower, when I spied a box of Epsom salts and yes sir a nice hot soak first will do you good. Finished getting cleaned up and started making my food list for shopping. Sitting in the laundamat now load is in the dryer. Off to food shop then call Scott for a ride back and a good nights sleep. Tomorrow I'm planning, ha we'll see how that goes, an early start to hike into SNP and to Gravel Hut shelter. Guide says its 13 miles....maybe some ibuprofen for breakfast.
Date: 2015-10-21
From: High Point Hut

To: Loft Mountain Campground
Miles today: 14.0

Ok I know it's been awhile since I've updated this but cell service in Shenandoah National Park has been sketchy at best.   So I'll try to be better. Highlight of the day was a bear encounter right before coming out to a lookout point. Minding my own business walking down the trail when I hear a noise up in a tree maybe 4 feet from the trail. Well I look up and a bear cub is coming down very fast and scampers away looking for mommy I suppose. So I start looking around for momma bear watching out for her cubs. So I keep walking and start feeling things like acorns or something hitting me in the head so I look up and see momma bear or a bigger cub coming down the tree very fast. At this point I learned that even though I'm tired and my feet are sore I can run pretty dam fast with a heavy pack on.   Turns out that wasn't momma coming down but she was close by cause a hiker 5'minutes behind me got charged by momma bear looking for her cubs......he had a pretty good video, mostly of him swearing and acting maniacally to try and scare the Bears away. Good times in SNP
Date: 2015-10-23
From: Black Rock Hut

To: Calf Mountain Hut
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: clear sky

Another beautiful day of hiking. Fall in SNP is amazing with all the colors and wildlife. Everyone should come and see this splendor at some point in your life. You don't have to hike, drive, bring a camper, come for a week or a day. Get outside, breathe deeply the clean fresh air.....walk on a carpet of leaves that would make even the most majestic oriental rug pale in comparison. Don't miss a single second....don't wait until the time is perfect....cause it never will be....the perfect time is now. Aloha to all
Date: 2015-10-24
From: Calf Mountain Hut

To: Rockfish Gap/Waynesboro VA
Miles today: 9.0

A short, chilly hike this morning into Rockfish Gap. Some nice climbs though to keep you warm, I was back in shorts after the first climb. Different today, mostly cloudy all day, said goodbye to new friends, Double Fresh, this morning as they are heading to Richmond tonight to get a plane back to LA. Slow-Man was still sleeping when I left at 745, my earliest start yet. Got into Rockfish Gap around 11 or so and was hunting some warm, caffeinated liquid......when a small trailer appeared and low and behold they had hot coffee. So I got that along with a HOT dog and fries. Walked up to the visitor center on the hill and was quickly found a ride to the outfitter. I've been having some shoe issues lately so I decided to get a new pair and a few other items. Trail angel, Cindy Davis, picked me up for a ride to Stanimals hostel in Waynesboro.....my faith in people in general is improving with everyday. There are still people who are very kind and compassionate without expecting anything in return. We could all learn so much if we would just make it a point to do something kind for a stranger, every day. The world would definitely be a different place. I've only been out here two weeks and have seen nothing but kindness from everyone I've met. Enjoying a much needed hot shower and laundry on this afternoon....have to make a box to send home of things I don't need. No Post Office until Monday....hmmmm maybe just pizza and movies tonight and shopping tomorrow....lets see what the day will bring.
Date: 2015-10-25
From: Rockfish Gap/Waynesboro VA

To: No where
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Not much news today. Had to wait for Post Office on Monday to send a box of things home. Changed a few things out, got rid of heavier not needed items. It's a process and I'm learning. That's what makes this adventure exciting you can continue to learn something all the time. Talked with some great people at Rockfish Outfittters if you're ever in the area stop by their store. Great people who will help you all they can. Food bag is full legs are rested....another good night sleep and back on the trail excited to see what awaits. Don't wait for the perfect time...do it now...now is the perfect time.
Date: 2015-10-26
From: Rockfish Gap

To: 15 miles down the trail
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Got out of Waynesboro today after a great stay at Stanimals Hostel. Was shooting for a campsite 12 miles in but somehow missed that one and went 15 or 16, oh well don't have to do 17 tomorrow now to get to campground. Weather is supposed to get a little wet the next couple of days hopefully not drenching.....a couple of good climbs today getting the legs ready for a hill called the priest. A four mile uphill from an elevation of around 950 up to around 4000.....what have I gotten myself into......more later sleep time for me
Date: 2015-10-27
From: Dripping Rock

To: Harpers Creek Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: moderate rain

This morning started by breaking camp in the rain and pretty much all day hiking in the rain. It got a little soggy. Not bad as long as your moving. Stopped at Maupin Shelter to eat and get warm and then another 6 or so to get to Harper's Creek Shelter. The three mile downhill into Harper's Creek was a little taxing on the knees but it felt good to get somewhere to dry off. Nice shelter with a creek right in front, would be nicer in better weather. Whisper and Twixless were there drying off and getting warm as well and Blaze showed up a few hours later. Two gentleman heading north came in at dusk. Rained all night....but I was warm and dry.
Date: 2015-10-28
From: Harpers Creek Shelter

To: Harpers Creek Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Raining when I woke up decided to see if it was gonna stop....ever. Waited till 12 no let up in the rain so I decided to stay and hang my wet tent in the shelter to dry off some. I napped and snacked and realized I'm gonna have to resupply sooner than I thought . Tomorrow it's up the Priest and beyond rain or no rain.
Date: 2015-10-29
From: Harpers Creek Shelter

To: The Priest Shelter
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: overcast clouds

So today started with me going in the wrong direction for an hour and twenty minutes. So frustrating when I came in the day before it was rainy and foggy so I didn't pay particular attention to any landmarks. Except a huge tree that was uprooted on the side of the trail. When I saw that tree I almost cried, three miles in the wrong direction.....ugh....after much cursing I de used to turn around and go back so I got bag to Harper's creek shelter at 1130....and started....again. Now an easy down hill to the bottom of the Priest. Got to the Tye river suspension bridge and had lunch before climbing the Priest. Yep it was as hard as I thought it would be....finally made it to the shelter, made a quick dinner and sacked out.   It was a cold night, but a beautiful moon woke up around 11 pm to a huge moon and frost on the trees. I added a warm layer and crawled back in my sleeping bag.
Date: 2015-10-30
From: The Priest Shelter

To: Hog Camp Gap
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: clear sky

It was chilly this morning so it was time to get moving quickly wanted to get to Hog Camp Gap to camp which was about 14 miles away. Made it to a shelter about 6 and half miles away and stopped to eat and stretch some. Beautiful sunny day, but still a little chilly. Got moving again at about one. Lots of things to see the leaves seem to have almost all come down with the rain and wind. At least the sun shines through a little more to keep you warm. Got to Hog Camp around five after seeing lots of deer in some small meadows just above Hog Camp. Downhill to get water and found a nice apple tree with plenty still on the tree, it was a nice treat after a long day. Set up camp and prepared for another chilly night, woke up to frost on my tent but with a smile in my heart because I knew a hot shower was close at hand.
Date: 2015-10-31
From: Hog Camp Gap

To: Three Springs Hostel
Miles today: 6.0

An oasis for the weary....such a beautiful spot, quiet, peaceful, warm, friendly. All you could ask for this is definitely the best hostel yet. And they have resupply too so no shuttles in to town just relaxing by the fire and recharging. Amazing dinner and breakfast. Oma and Marsha you both have loving spirits and I look forward to a return someday.
Date: 2015-11-02
From: Punchbowl Shelter

To: Matts Creek Shelter
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Another great day. Not a lot of hills just enough to keep the legs working. Went over the James River footbridge today. It is the longest footbridge on the AT. The picture is an occupant of the shelter I thought someone was playing a joke and put a rubber snake up in the corner. That was at least until I touched it. He keeps the mice out so we got along fine.
Date: 2015-11-03
From: Matts Creek Shelter

To: Thunder Hill Shelter
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: overcast clouds

The hills are back....some long uphill grinds today....lucky thing I got lots of energy food, by that I mean sugary junk food and candy.....quick energy boosts and lots of calories.....found a lump on my right side the other day. It is my floating rib haven't seen those in a while....weighing in at about 159. That's almost back to peak summer weight.   Maybe I can go into summer lighter and faster....older yes I know....age is just a number.....get out there and do what you dream of doing. NOW is the perfect time.
Date: 2015-11-21
From: Knott Maul Shelter

To: Atkin Virginia
Miles today: 14.5

Been a little while since I've updated this. Cell service has been kind of sketchy lately. I arrived in Atkin VA yesterday afternoon and found a nice little spot to rest, do some laundry, and get resupplied today. Gonna be chilly for a couple days but that's ok it is almost Thanksgiving. I think I'll be hitting my halfway point sometime this week. Which is a big deal for me, over 500 miles....and since I'm usually doing around a hundred miles a week with one off day I'm pretty sure I can finish by the end of December. We'll see what happens.
Date: 2015-11-28
From: Damascus

To: Damascus
Miles today: 0.0

Got intc Damascus yesterday around noon. Decided to stay at Woodchuck hostel. Rest and resupply today heading out early in the morning. Its kind of cool knowing that I've actually gone farther than I have left. Around 460 something miles left and trying to average around 100 per week. Damascus is a pretty cool little town the big things are the AT and the Creeper bike trail. Nice places to eat and friendly people. Excited to get back on the trail, into Tennesee tomorrow. Looks like back and forth along the TN/NC border for a while. I'll update mileage and some more pictures when I have cell service. Its pretty sketchy even in town. Thank you to all the well wishers I love getting notifications of a guest entry. Hoping I have enough cold weather things for the upcoming month. We'll see I usually just go faster when its cold in the morning. It's been around 23 or so at the coldest and I'm fine with a warm sleeping bag and hot chocolate. Having other people around makes building fires easier too. Enough for now haveome cool pictures to add later. Annette, I know you see these, just wanted to tell you I love you.