morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2017-06-26
From: Melville Nauhiem shelter

To: Story spring shelter
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: clear sky

It got cold last night! Down to 52F. Woke up to a damp fog this morning and hustled outta camp. The mud today was pretty intense but not as bad as yesterday. The temps have been oddly cold... Like high of 63. Which is good hiking weather but not so good for camp or especially when it rains like it has been... I rolled into camp right as I got hot with a downpour half a mile out. So I spent the afternoon drying my stuff out. Looks like we're getting a few days of cold wet rain on and off for the next few days.... We'll see how that goes... I'm definitely ready for some warmer weather (but not too warm). We're so picky us thru hikers haha.    Bears around the shelter or so we've heard so let's see how this goes...
Date: 2017-06-27
From: Story spring shelter

To: Spruce Peak Shelter
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: clear sky

Got up early and trucked out of camp. Luckily no bear activity last night! Jumped around the shoe-eating mud and hustled up to Stratton mountain. This is the peak where Benton mckaye was inspired to create the AT. From the fire tower I could see in the distance... Mt. Washington!!! That was the coolest moment seeing the Mountain I grew up in the shadow of so close to me. I'll be home in like a week now which is very exciting. The end it in sight!    The shelter I'm staying in is very snazzy. Door and wood stove! The walking today was pretty mellow but the mud was very hindering to speed.      Going into Manchester Center, VT to meet up with my buddy Art and resupply. Looks like it's finally gonna start warming up in the next few days!
Date: 2017-06-28
From: Spruce Peak Shelter

To: Bromley ski patrol hut
Miles today: 6.0
Weather: clear sky

resupplied in Manchester Center VT today. My buddy Art and i coordinated a visit and he was nice enough to drive out to meet me and help me resupply. He dropped me off at the trail in the afternoon with pretzel and fireworks. We hiked up three miles to the summit of Bromley ski resort to sleep in the patrol shack (puts the one at bretton woods to shame). Had a very nice view and sunset. Catherine also found us an apartment in Richmond for grad school in the fall. Very eventful day for sure!!!Rain tomorrow it looks like... Someday it'll stop raining. That's all for now! Many thanks again to Art for visiting!
Date: 2017-06-29
From: Bromley ski patrol hut

To: Minerva Hinchey shelter
Miles today: 26.6
Weather: overcast clouds

so, the fuel I got in town is apparently not able to be used in my stove. I damn near burnt the shack this morning. We had to throw water on my stove which had turned into a fireball.... I hate it when I do stupid shit. But, I had no way of knowing....     So, I need to bum hot water off people until I go into Killington on Saturday.      Hiking today was nice and I avoided most of the rain. Knees are really starting to go through...     I ended up pushing on to Minerva shelter to set me up for a good day tomorrow. It was a marathon day!    Summiting Killington tomorrow! Restaurant on top is calling my name!
Date: 2017-06-30
From: Minerva Hinchey shelter

To: Churchill Scott Shelter
Miles today: 19.8
Weather: broken clouds

A high humidity morning made the schlog to the base of Killington (aka the beast) pretty rough. But the beast wasn't too bad apart from the wet rocks and roots and the return of a bit of the VT mud. The restaurant up top was expensive (as expected) but the hot meal was very much needed. Also, brewed coffee... Yeah.     On the hike up I saw my first on trail bear! The one in NY in the zoo didn't count. That was cool. I also saw a deer and a grouse. Good day for animals.     I made it to the shelter before the rain came which was nice.     Resupply in Killington village tomorrow. Gonna get me some real fuel haha.... Ha... Ugh.
Date: 2017-07-01
From: Churchill Scott Shelter

To: Stony Brook Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: broken clouds

rough morning. My sleep pad got a hole in it last night and I had to keep re-inflating it. On the hike to Killington village I accordioned over a log bridge, my first fall on trail. It also poured in town. Luckily the outfitters were very nice and let me use their porch and look for the leak in my pad with soapy water. Unfortunately I didn't find it. I had to walk down to Kent pond and submerge the entire pad to find it. After leaving there I ran into... Chopsticks!!! I hadn't seen my British friend since my Maryland challenge adventure. Seeing him with Old English and Crimson Chin was a huge morale booster. I found my people who I'm going to hike with for the next few days.     It started to come down this afternoon and Its been coming down since. Thing one, a section hiker, kindly started a fire three times between the deluges and people got to dry their stuff out around it.      We are shooting for a 27-er tomorrow. Let's see how it goes!
Date: 2017-07-02
From: Stony Brook Shelter

To: Lyndas hostel
Miles today: 27.0
Weather: broken clouds

We got out on the soggy trail and my ankles were raw by 2 miles in. The wet socks and these shitty shoes wrecked havoc on my feet. But, we slowly got our upper torsos dry, our feet not so.      Had a lot of PUDs today (pointless ups and downs). Lots of flooding too. Chopsticks and I stopped at a nice farm stand and got some food.    We went into West Hartford VT and there was a free hostel there where we stayed. There was also a black lab named Tucker which made me happy. It was a very nice surprise to the end of the day. We watched Forrest Gump which was nice. Just a much better day. Except my ankles... NH tomorrow!!!
Date: 2017-07-03
From: Lyndas hostel

To: Moose Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: few clouds

Had a nice stroll into Harwick VT and then crossed the Connecticut River into.... NEW HAMPSHIRE!!!    We resupplied and got lunch and then headed back into the woods to the very nice shelter on Moose Mountain. We got some trail magic today too (beer in a cooler)! Headed to ore mountain campsite tomorrow for a short day on Wednesday and a pickup on the other side of Moosilauke!    I've had a rough few days but I think my luck is turning.
Date: 2017-07-04
From: Moose Mountain Shelter

To: Ore HIll Campsite
Miles today: 25.6
Weather: broken clouds

Happy Fourth! We had a hard day of hiking today. Lots of climbing (6,500 ft worth of climbing today). But we had a gorgeous day for it. The trail is sort of starting to dry out although low points are still pretty bad. I don't think anyone has had dry feet in a long time... the socks are pickling... not an exaggeration either.    We got half a mile from our camp and there was a gentleman cooking up omelettes, coffee, cornbread, and strawberry shortcake. He also had a very cute boxer named "Lips". We stayed there for a bit and had delicious food as a fourth of July celebration. It really helped everyone I think both mentally and physically. The last mile of trail had been completely washed out and it made hiking quite difficult and everyone was getting frustrated and we constantly run a caloric deficit out here so the offer of a 6 to 24 egg omelette is always appreciated.      We didn't get to see any fireworks, but we sure heard them! Home tomorrow!!!
Date: 2017-07-05
From: Ore HIll Campsite

To: Kinsman Notch
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: light rain

I sprang from my tent this morning (slept with the fly off, which was very enjoyable) and was up and out. I knew the steep climb up Moosilauke would slow me significantly. I also ended up having a river crossing (Oliverian Brook is high water right now!) which slowed me too. But, seeing the summit sign at Moosilauke was the most beautiful sight I think I've ever seen. I'd hiked 1,800 miles home. Pictures were taken, tears of joy shed, and socks were changed. Then I moseyed down to Beaver Brook Shelter (its hard coming down the Moose with even a light pack load!) had some lunch, and then went down to the Kinsman Notch parking lot to get picked up.      My dad picked me up in less than 15 minutes of waiting. Unfortunately, I learned that my hound dog, Emma, had to be put down two weeks ago. I'll miss that big eared, floppy jowled, clunky footed critter. She was a good dog. I've got her dog tag that I'll be carrying to Katahdin with me.       I'll be taking a few days off at home then back onto the trail for the final few weeks to Katahdin.
Date: 2017-07-09
From: North Conway, NH

To: Full goose pond shelter
Miles today: 21.5
Weather: clear sky

Hard hiking today. Very tired. New shoes.worked pretty well. Lots of SOBOs. Got hit with two microbursts. Gotta love NE. Mahoosic notch tomorrow and the arm. Gonna be hard. Need to drink more water. Leg cramped up wicked. Beautiful views today.
Date: 2017-07-17
From: Moxie Pond Shelter

To: Shaws Hostel
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: broken clouds

Hey everyone, I'm alive. I don't and wont have much cell service until Katahdin. So, I'll update this once I've summited on Saturday. I'm currently in Monson Maine, on the outskirts of the 100 mile wilderness.Summiting on the 22nd...Gonna Crush the 100 mile, cause nothing matters in the 100 mile. Go big or die trying (kidding, kinda)Katahdin calls...
Date: 2017-07-22
From: The Birches

To: Katahdin
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: overcast clouds

At 9:00am this morning, I summited Katahdin, finishing my 2017 thru hike.The wind this morning going up to the summit was blustery and cold (10C). We got intermittent clouds up top but overall we got some amazing views. We really lucked out for weather I think, not only for Katahdin but for the 100 mile wilderness as well.    On our way out of Baxter we got some awesome trail magic from the Hogan family, who fed and watered us and let us soak our feet in Togue pond where their camp was and they also gave us a ride into Millinocket! What a perfect way to end a thru-hike! I also had an amazing summit tramily (Sketchy, Veg, Socks, and Pop-Tart). The trail really provides you with unforgettable people for an unforgettable adventure.    Its now time for a little R&R on Cape Cod!
Date: 2017-04-06
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

May have a chance to thru hike, starting first week in May. Been thinking about this trail since 2003, 2008......Did the CT in 2010 instead. I didnt have the nerve to try the AT, barely had it for the Colorado. I more than have it now. I got a few weeks to settle some stuff, if it works out im gonna make a run for it.
Date: 2017-04-11
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Flipped back thru my 2010 CT journal, after re-reading a bunch of those entries, i really over did it with the 'commas'.   So far im still planning to do this, although i wouldnt say i have done much "planning". The biggest things learned from CO was you need a smart phone, a guide book, and a credit card. A large bag of foot care products and a hiking partner to shake the tent every morning didnt hurt either. Im 4 out of 5. Joking aside, I do have sort of a planned schedule to get to Damascus VA, couple mail drops, some mileage points, i think that is enough. After that if im still able to continue i will just be winging it.
Date: 2017-04-25
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Looks like this is gonna happen, the past two weeks really solidified my commitment to give this a shot. Even got some some support from friends and coworkers. My rental property should close first part of next week. In the meantime, been running the dehydrator and making some breakfast bars and some breads. Probably not necessary, but its lightweight, high in protein, calories, and i can vacuum seal all of it for later use. Been trying to take care of some house chores too, got in the crawlspace last night looking for any issues that could be addressed. Everything looked good, repaired some insulation on a few runs of ductwork, but i was really looking for any plumbing issues. Cleaned, organized my yard shed, my van is empty now. Laundry room is straightened out. Ive got some attic insulation to add. That'll be fun.......Started laying out my gear two nights ago. Not much to say on that. Its gone from a pile in my closet to a stack on my guest bed. Wish i had more to say, trying to wrap up some work stuff so im not leaving a mess for anyone. Support from my supervisor has been huge. One look at my financials and utilization, he was almost encouraging a leave of absence. Kidding. I guess i should state my plan. Im gonna try and hike in two phases. The first phase is from GA to Damascus VA, return home for two weeks, and then if im healthy and can make it, feel good about it, return to VA and hike north. I have a prior commitment that i need to keep in June, hence the reason for returning. My leave of absence will cover me for the first phase and my mission trip in June. I really could not have asked for a better situation with work. I can return to work after Salkahatchie, or if im feeling okay, try and make it to Maine. We will just have to see how it goes. Some experience with long distance backpacking, but absolutely none on the AT. The first phase is similar to my hike several years ago in that its about the same length of time and mileage, but vastly different terrain.   So will see.
Date: 2017-05-04
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Still waiting on a closing date, been difficult being patient. Kinda torn between leaving town too early, and waiting it out. I've been "reassured" everyday its fine, just waiting on some other document. Really starting to lose it. Closing should have occurred April 21st. I hope to hear today that a firm closing date has been reached and its Monday. I really don't want to throw in the towel, re-list, and start all over. Worried that might be an emotional response not a rational one. The extra time has been productive, getting a ton of stuff done on the house but starting to run out of chores to do. I've made all the dehydrated foods im gonna make, baked all the stuff im gonna bake........ had a killer run on Sunday. Grass is cut, yard shed is cleaned out, finished all the work in the attic. That does look good. Got Jenns car stuff done, tire, oil change, washed. Doing a ton of stuff to prepare for a hike, except actually driving to the trail head. This is why you don't announce plans.
Date: 2017-05-05
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

After losing much sleep over the current state of my house closing, i decided last night to end the agreement with this buyer. It was basically too much over promising and too much under-delivery. With that said, im leaving Monday for the Amicalola Falls. Starting Tuesday morning. Ive wasted enough time dealing with those guys, not wasting any more. Ill relist with another agent, explain the situation, hand her the keys. Certainly not a situation where a huge weight has been lifted, its just what need to be done. I wish every decision suddenly gave you a huge good feeling, but they dont, not ordering ice cream here. This is life. Sometimes you have to give a decision some time to play out. I do feel like a made the right one yesterday. Time will tell.
Date: 2017-05-07
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Here is a link to some podcasts. I have listened to these over and over. Started listening to them way back, sitting in a cubicle. These are good.https://archive.org/details/Tr...Also one of the first books i read was Setzer's "A Season on the Appalachian Trail". May have first read this book in 2004? Copyright 2003, 2012.There's three mail drops ready to go out tomorrow. Trying to do a Day 3, Day 6, Day 9 trail stop to get started. Box of food, and some stuff. Jenn hoooked me up with some essential oils. Oils. That are "essential" Certainly not one to question their efficacy, not with that classification. Also - been off coffee the past three mornings. Low grade headache every day since. Hopefully resolved by Tuesday morning. That part has been rough. Coffee withdrawal. All my hiking stuff is laid out, i'll cram it in my pack in the morning, save the sleeping bag, then re-pack for that Tuesday morning. The plan is taking the 8 mile approach trail from Amicalola Falls to the start point. Not too nervous, more thinking about how ill probably be home sick. I finished all my house chores, even got to run the jon boat down the river to get a bunch of sea foam and non ethanol in it. Its a two stroke. Doing the same with my van as it may be parked awhile. I did find another agent to work with for my house. Had to drop the FSBO option, but i'm fine with it. Shes got the house, and i feel like terminating the previous agreement when i did was a good choice.There was a saying i heard once, "everything either falls apart or everything falls into place" (prior to a hike) Six months, a year ago, i may have said the former. But not now, not at all, a lot of things have really fallen into place. Using David Miller's guide book and Guthook's AT app.
Date: 2017-05-09
From: Lodge

To: Stover Creek Shelter
Miles today: 2.8
Weather: clear sky

First day on the trail. Not bad. Couple blisters. Don't take the "Hike Inn" trail from the Lodge. Pay attention. So far this is good. Forgot my spoon, so i need to figure out a way to eat beans and couscous. Probably just soup it. Few others camped here. Was gonna put my tent up, but this shelter is clean. No cell signal here. 10.5 miles the first day. Weather is phenomenal. Sharpened a flat side on a stick, and used that for a spoon. Really wish i had something to read. Six other people are here at this location. Broke down and had a coffee yesterday. i was ill. No coffee since, and no headaches. Unless they have been actually serving me caffeinated at the Lodge.(Amicalola Falls Lodge) (Click on picture for size and description)
Date: 2017-05-10
From: Stover Creek Shelter

To: Gooch Gap
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: few clouds

What a day! Blisters are okay, not worse. Got some chaffing though, crotch is tender, mostly inner thighs. Been rinsing off with water every chance i get. That helps. Starting to meet some nice people. Two women yesterday somehow had fallen, the bear spray went off, covered both of them. They were in good spirits once they finally made it to the shelter. Chatted with a couple of girls, undergrads from Florida, up for a week. Really interesting. Was gonna snap a photo, but the by the time i thought of that, they were asleep. Would have been awkward. Met a cool couple from Taiwan this afternoon. Her name is "E" and her husband is Huey. They're working on their trail names. Long story short, I hope she takes the name Easy E (cause she is slow) and their team name should be TNT (instead of Tbunny and Tturtle). They call me Cray. They are good hikers. The shelter at Gooch Gap was gonna fill up and so were the tent sites. Nice people there but i moved on a couple of miles. Alone in the woods tonite. Hope i don't flip out. Really prefer camping with others. Will hang food tonite. Got a 14 mile day tomorrow to Neels Gap. Bunkhouse, showers, toilets. I can't wait to immerse myself. Hope to make it by 4pm.
Date: 2017-05-11
From: Gooch Gap

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 14.0

Covered 14 miles today. Blood mountain ascent and descent. The downhill was rock hopping for about an hour. Can't believe i didn't roll an ankle. Great day, my crotch is OK. Keeping it cool with water. Keep salty sweet of the chafed areas. Hike with the a wide stance. Blisters are worse. I'm gonna tape them good in morning. Tried some peppermint oil on my thighs and "that region" last nite. WOW. Let me tell you - USE SPARINGLY. Like I dropped a bucket of ice down there. My shelter wasn't up 20 minutes before a spider built a web in the top. Then proceeded to catch/kill/eat every gnat in the tent. I released it safely in the morning. Job well done. Woke up around 4:15 am cause it was so windy. Thought a storm was coming. I pulled my food bag down and brought it into the tent. Zipped down the flaps. Never rained. Managed to sleep a little better last night. Met one guy on the trail today. A recovering alcoholic whose relapsed too many times. Searching for some kind of enlightenment on the AT now. Said he'd been sober for about two weeks so far. Went on about how drinking ruined his life. I believe him, and i believe he is a nice guy. He was drinking a beer at the hostel today. I hope he can turn it around. Crashed at the Walasi Yi Center. $18 for a shower and a bunk. I showered in my clothes. Then put on my rain gear. Walasi Yi Center is a full service outfitter. One of the nicest gear shops I've ever seen. Bought a spoon. Been eating w/ sticks the past two nights. Still haven't found a book to read. I think there's 10 people here? The trail in GA is amazing. The amount of work i've seen put into this trail is amazing. Heavy stones for steps, and edge carved in the side of a mountain for a shelf to walk on, is nothing short of amazing.
Date: 2017-05-12
From: Neel's Gap

To: Low Gap 
Miles today: 11.5

Slept decent at the hostel last night. All sixteen bunks were full. Spoke to Big Country on my way out. i hope he finds the salvation he's looking for, "Your past does not determine your future.". - LB Rough day, not a lot of miles, but the chaffing is getting managed. Blisters are worse, but not affecting me too much. Down here at Low Gap Shelter. I'm in my tent. Done for the day at 6:15. I couldn't go any further. Leap frogging the past few days with a few guys. They have a group that gets together twice a year. Hunter was a fireman (mid 20's) his dad Chris operated a power plant for a paper mill. Merle was 60. They're steady hikers. Caught some trail magic from Lionheart (Leonard). He was from West Columbia, spent years in Chapin on Lake Murray. His wife passed away four years ago. So he moved up here. He does a lot of section hiking and trail magic (w/shuttles). He told me there's more elevation gain and loss in 79 miles of GA than 500 in VA. That and the approach trail North GA is tough. "Only the penitent man shall pass" .......IJ
Date: 2017-05-13
From: Low Gap

To: Tray Mountain 
Miles today: 13.4

What a day! Only covered 13.4 miles but they were earned. An easy seven to get to Blue Mountain Shelter. Then down, and half way up Tray Mountain, second half, all in the rain - soaked. Felt like John Rambo in First Blood (the first one). Had to keep moving just to stay warm. Met another hiker Dan (aka Blueline) another trail name that makes absolutely no sense. Cool guy, thoroughly experienced section hiker. Also confirmed the elevation gain/loss in GA versus VA. Talked a good bit about electronics on the trail. Gave me some good pointers. Another guy showed up, he was getting a ride from his dad. He looked 40. One night in and he's already out. Not much of a pillow tonight. Wearing my fleece, and my day clothes are wet. 13 miles tomorrow and I'm at Hiawassee. Yes!"Get your energy up!" - LBCan't wait for something to read. Hope Dan makes it to Hiawassee tomorrow. I think the rain forced them to stay at the shelter. You've got to do the miles if you are on the AT.  I do get that point.