morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-09-05
From: Poplar Ridge Lean-to - Trail Mile 209.4

To: Stealth Tented South of Rt. 27 - Trail Mile 189.9
Miles today: 19.5

Day 77[Watson & Holmes report: "Safe - Stealth tented about two miles back from Rte 27 last night. Into Stratton for a maildrop & brunch, then back out this afternoon."Her journal entry:]45° 4' 51.29" N 70° 22' 22.84" W, 2618 ftFor HarveysMom by Harvey's GrandPop
Date: 2009-09-06
From: Stealth Tented South of Rt. 27 - Trail Mile 189.9

To: Cranberry Stream Campground - Trail Mile 186.0
Miles today: 3.9

Day 78[Watson & Holmes report: "Safe - At Cranberry Stream Campground (tenting).Spent more time than intended in town, but glad to catch up with friends an other NOBOs (northbounders) - a definite morale boost.Also glad to know we can do 20 mile days if needed, though at this point it would save at most 2 days.Hope all is well! HI to Doug!!"Her journal entry:]45° 7' 25.86" N 70° 20' 56.33, 1378 ftFor HarveysMom by Harvey's GrandPop
Date: 2009-09-07
From: Cranberry Stream Campground - Trail Mile 186.0

To: Firetower Atop Avery Peak - Trail Mile 179.5
Miles today: 6.5

Day 79[Watson & Holmes report: "Safe - Spent the night in the firetower atop Bigelow Avery Peak. Kinda noisy from all the wind!"Her journal entry:]45° 8' 48.44" N 70° 17' 17.03" W, 4065 ftFor HarveysMom by Harvey's GrandPop
Date: 2009-09-08
From: Firetower Atop Avery Peak - Trail Mile 179.5

To: West Carry Pond LT. - Trail Mile 165.3
Miles today: 14.2

Day 80[Watson & Holmes report: "Safe - At West Carry Pond LT."Her journal entry:]45° 9' 29.83" N 70° 5' 59.94" W, 1352 ftFor HarveysMom by Harvey's GrandPop
Date: 2009-09-09
From: West Carry Pond LT. - Trail Mile 165.3

To: US 201 - Trail Mile 151.3
Miles today: 14.0

Day 81[Watson & Holmes report: "Safe - At the Northern Outdoor Center at Caratunk, ME. Picked up a mail drop this afternoon, but still have tons of food. Am eating less since the mountains are over."Her journal entry:]45° 14' 17.24" N 69° 59' 47.3" W, 528 ftFor HarveysMom by Harvey's GrandPop
Date: 2009-09-10
From: US 201 - Trail Mile 151.3

To: Bald Mtn. Brook LT. - Trail Mile 136.6
Miles today: 14.7

Day 82[Watson & Holmes report: "Safe - Spent the night at Bald Mtn Brook LT."Her journal entry:]45° 15' 31.74" N 69° 47' 59.09" W, 1312 ftFor HarveysMom by Harvey's GrandPop
Date: 2009-09-11
From: Bald Mtn. Brook LT. - Trail Mile 136.6

To: Rt. 15, Monson, ME - Trail Mile 114.6
Miles today: 22.0
Weather: moderate rain

Day 83[Watson & Holmes report: "(almost) Safe - Just outside of Monson, ME. Plan to stay at Lakeshore House tonight and tomorrow with DD.Safe - In Monson, camping on the lawn behind the general store, as there are a ton of hikers in town tonight. There's a Hiker Feed festival(?) tomorrow and Sunday. Glad I have a reservation for DD and I tomorrow night!Got awesome trail magic this afternoon: Pennywhistle, who finished her thru-hike a week ago, was at a road crossing 6 miles outside of town with blueberry muffins and orange juice. Even better, she volunteered to slack my pack into town so I could cover the last 6 miles in time for the bluegrass jam session at the general store tonight. :D Very, very welcome at the end of a 22 mile day!!!"Her journal entry:]45° 19' 52.58" N 69° 32' 9.56" W, 1204 ftFor HarveysMom by Harvey's GrandPop
Date: 2009-09-14
From: Rt. 15, Monson, ME - Trail Mile 114.6

To: Wilson Valley Lean-to - Trail Mile 104.2
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 86[Watson & Holmes report: "Back on trail this afternoon as of 12:30 pm. Spent Sat and Sun at Lakeshore House with DD. Am aiming for Wilson Valley LT tonight.Safe - Spent night of 9/14 at Wilson LT. Headed to Chairback Gap LT tonight."Her journal entry:]45° 23' 54.42" N 69° 27' 35.03" W, 988 ftFor HarveysMom by Harvey's GrandPop
Date: 2009-09-15
From: Wilson Valley Lean-to - Trail Mile 104.2

To: Chairback Gap Lean-to - Trail Mile 88.6
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 87[Watson & Holmes report: "(almost) Safe - About half a mile from Chairback Gap LT. Will spend the night there."Her journal entry:]45° 27' 10.24" N 69° 15' 43.88" W, 1995 ftFor HarveysMom by Harvey's GrandPop
Date: 2009-09-16
From: Chairback Gap Lean-to - Trail Mile 88.6

To: Sidney Tappan Campsite - Trail Mile 76.9
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 88[Watson & Holmes report: "Safe - Spent the night at Sidney Tappan Campsite (76.9 mi). Had some sniffles yesterday so drank a vitamin C drink mix (my last one) and took it easy. Hope to make Abol Bridge on 9/20."Her journal entry:]45° 32' 40.31" N 69° 18' 23.63" W, 2441 ftFor HarveysMom by Harvey's GrandPop
Date: 2009-09-17
From: Sidney Tappan Campsite - Trail Mile 76.9

To: Cooper Brook Falls Lean-to - Trail Mile 59.8
Miles today: 17.1

Day 89[Received photo with the caption: "Katahdin".Watson & Holmes report: "Safe - Spent the night at Cooper Brook Falls LT."Her journal entry:]45° 38' 24.86" N 69° 5' 15.86" W, 942 ftFor HarveysMom by Harvey's GrandPop
Date: 2009-09-18
From: Cooper Brook Falls Lean-to - Trail Mile 59.8

To: Nahmakanta Stream Campsite - Trail Mile 44.1
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: light rain

Day 90[Watson & Holmes report: "Safe - Spent the night at Namankata Stream Campsite."Her journal entry:]45° 44' 6.01" N 69° 3' 16.59" W, 558 ftFor HarveysMom by Harvey's GrandPop
Date: 2009-09-19
From: Nahmakanta Stream Campsite - Trail Mile 44.1

To: Rainbow Spring Campsite - Trail Mile 26.4
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: broken clouds

Day 91[Watson & Holmes report: "Safe - Spent the night at Rainbow Spring Campsite."Her journal entry:]Lat Lon Alt ftFor HarveysMom by Harvey's GrandPop
Date: 2009-09-20
From: Rainbow Spring Campsite - Trail Mile 26.4

To: The Birches Shelters - Trail Mile 5.30
Miles today: 21.1

Day 92[Received photo with the caption: "Harvey's Katahdin photo - Because this was as close as the state park would allow him to get..."Watson & Holmes report: "Spent last night (9/20) at The Birches."Her journal entry:]45° 53' 12.63" N 68° 59' 56.67" W, 1089 ftFor HarveysMom by Harvey's GrandPop
Date: 2009-09-21
From: The Birches Shelters - Trail Mile 5.30

To: Mt. Katahdin (Baxter Peak) - Trail Mile 0.00
Miles today: 5.3
Weather: clear sky

Day 93[Received photo with the caption: "Katahdin".Watson & Holmes report: "Done - Summited Katahdin today with absolutely perfect weather (pictures to come)."Her journal entry:]45° 54' 16.39" N 68° 55' 17.5" W, 5220 ftFor HarveysMom by Harvey's GrandPop
Date: 2016-08-02
From: Aunt Gail's

To: Aunt Gail's
Miles today: 0.0

I'm packed and ready to go! Finally! It has been too long. I'm so excited to get out on the trail again, even in the August heat. Luckily, it's been petty awesome weather here recently. I hope it holds for a few weeks! I'll try to check in tomorrow night. Goal is to start late morning and hike 9 miles to the first SOBO shelter in PA. Should be easy, and give me time to get used to my gear again, maybe set up the hammock in daylight. ;-)Holmes
Date: 2016-08-03
From: Delaware Water Gap

To: 1 mi past south end of Wolf Rocks Bypass
Miles today: 10.0

Great first day hiking. A little sore, but nothing actually hurt. My gear is all set and I'm happy with my packing. Going to try the hammock out real soon! More thru-hikers than I had expected, too. I'll try for a shelter tomorrow, about 14 miles south.
Date: 2016-08-04
From: Leroy A. Smith Shelter - 916.2

To: Leroy A. Smith Shelter -916.2
Miles today: 10.1

I keep counting the mileage incorrectly, because I'm going southbound and thus backwards through the book. I through today would be 14 miles, by it was really only 10. So I am here early and have a nice long afternoon to resupply water and wash up, and wash the sweaty clothes that didn't dry last night and ended up balled in my pack. I could push on, but it's nice to start out the next day near a water source. Also, I find I miss the social aspect of staying in a shelter. Tomorrow's goal: 16.8 mi to the next shelter. And yes, it really is 16.8 because the book counts shelter to shelter for me. ;-)
Date: 2016-08-05
From: Leroy A. Smith Shelter -916.2

To: George W. Outerbridge Shelter -932.9
Miles today: 16.7

Wow. My dear Pennsylvania, just so you know... However much AT hikers might wish we were mountain goats, we're not. If you were going for the award for the roughest section of trail, you may have just beat out New Hampshire and Maine. At least in Maine the rocks weren't loose! Oh, and the Recycle Rocks at Camp Bullis? They can't even compete!This actually might have been more fun if it weren't 1.5 of the last 2.5 miles, and I weren't already almost out of water. And if I didn't know that I had another 680 foot climb for my last half mile. And if.... Okay, enough. It was rough. The rock falls just went on and on and on, merged into one giant pile, and then I went up and over the ridge at the end and had to climb down. Crazy. The rest of the day was actually pretty nice. The rain sprinkled a warning around 1pm, but held off. There was a nice stretch with lots of berries available. The rocks weren't so very terrible along the trail, but still felt like a deep tissue massage that went on for 14 miles. Plantar fasciitis should be renamed Pennsylvania Hiker's Foot. I haven't met anyone yet that isn't having soreness from all these rocks littering the trail. Another day in the books, keep on plugging tomorrow. They say it gets better going south. I hope so!! PS - new pics are the last ones in the photo album. Enjoy!
Date: 2016-08-06
From: George W. Outerbridge Shelter -932.9

To: Allentown Hiking Club Shelter -949.7
Miles today: 16.8

Another long day. Better than yesterday, but I'm realizing that while the rest of my body is happy to make big miles, my feet had been pampered by combat boots and are too tender for Rocksylvania. (As it is affectionately known by the locals, and less affectionately by the hikers!) I was thinking tomorrow would be a rest day here at the AHC shelter, but the springs are dry. I did hear, though, that there is a good running spring 4 miles down the trail, and that the shelter 7 miles away is really fancy and comfy. So I'll do 7 miles tomorrow and take a day off to rest my calluses and blisters. Today was actually pretty neat - see the pics. Knife Edge was actually a fun rock scramble. Generally, the trails are slightly better, but still have numerous rough patches of ankle-twisters and deep-tissue massaging rocks. I also managed to get to the restaurant at the road crossing just in time to enjoy a burger and watch the rain come down outside! Ken at Blue Mountain Summit was wonderfully welcoming to hikers. Then a short but buggy 4 miles brought me to the shelter. Okay, so since I hiked with Harvey/Watson, I used organic bug repellent. I think it's Repel brand. I still use it, and it's been great. But today I gave up and went for the 90% Deet. Even that didn't keep the gnats away! Luckily, as I was getting close to the shelter, wood smoke finally started to drive them away.The wood smoke was produced by three very kind gentlemen out for a weekend. I slung my hammock nearby and have since had a wonderful evening with Ron, Loc, and Tom who have shared their fire, food, wine, chocolate (I, of course, shared mine in turn), brandy, cigars (I declined, but enjoyed the smell), and general good cheer. I have a tough time remembering a better night around a campfire in several years. Thank you, gentlemen!
Date: 2016-08-07
From: Allentown Hiking Club Shelter -949.7

To: Eckville Shelter -957.1
Miles today: 7.4

Yesterday was pretty rough. Even after a long afternoon break and 4 easy last miles to the shelter, I was still hobbling. I thought to take a zero-mile day there, but the lack of water (both springs at the shelter were dry) forced me to move on this morning. Four miles later I found a good spring, and left a note for northbound era encouraging them to fill up! I also adjusted the laces on my boots, trying to make sure they stay tight around the ankle but loose around the toes. That seemed to have helped the last few miles, but was too late to stop the blisters! Three miles after that I got to Eckville shelter, which does indeed have running water, as it's on the property of the caretaker in the state game lands. I had a (cold - brrr!) shower and lanced a blister under the ball of my big toe that just wouldn't go down. We'll find out tomorrow if that was a good or bad decision- for now I'm resting my feet. Had a nice run in on my way down the ridge with 'Sota (from Minnesota) who's slackpacking north for a few days. His mom is down from Vermont for a visit, so while she's here, he's hiking light and letting her take his pack in her car. They still spend evenings together and he gets in BIG miles - goal of 40 miles today! Good luck, 'Sota, and stay away from those snakes!
Date: 2016-08-08
From: Eckville Shelter -957.1

To: Pocahontas Spring -969.0
Miles today: 11.9

This picture is actually from yesterday, but I neglected to upload it. So is the next one, with evergreens. Today's pics are also available, you just might have to page through some old ones to get to the latest.Today was good. Hiking on my blister feels a lot better after I cut and drained it. I know, I know. You're not supposed to do that. But it does feel much better and is healing cleanly so far. I was able to hike almost 12 miles today and would have probably done more of not for the pesky gnats. I was so annoyed, swatting them away with every step, that I just had to stop and build a good smoky fire!!Today's hike took me up to the point of a ridge that formed one side of a deep v-shaped valley, and around the rim to the tip of the other ridge. I actually didn't get a really good view from the first point, so I was a little annoyed at the extra miles. But the second overlook did have a really great view, so I guess it was worth it after all. :-PPort Clinton is about 3 miles away, downhill. I might even breakfast in town before I head to the post office for mail drops (thanks Aunt Gail and Kate!). I'll pick up enough food to get to Duncannon, PA, That will take 5 or 6 days. If I have to get off the trail befor then, I'll just have extra meals for the drive home!
Date: 2016-08-09
From: Pocahontas Spring -969.0

To: Port Clinton, PA -972.3
Miles today: 3.3

Town days are always interesting. Sometimes they're a greatly needed break, sometimes they're foodie adventures, sometimes they're full of trail angels and amazingly welcoming locals, and sometimes they're just frustrating. Despite the frustration of a really sore foot and wanting things to go faster so I could get back on the trail, today was actually a good day. I ran into two different trail angels who gave me rides and three really welcoming locals who gave me advice and let me charge my phone. I had wonderful conversation and patient assistance while I tried on pair after pair of shoes at Cabela's. I had kind words from people in all the stores I went to, even though I hadn't bathed or done laundry yet! I met a really nice postmaster who let me use her tape and sort through my goodies right there on the post office floor. I got dried mandarin orange slices (super yummy!!) along with the soap and pack towel I requested from Kate (because mine somehow didn't make it into my pack??), and extra food items I had mailed myself from Aunt Gail's. (More dried fruit, ritz cracker snack stacks, and some oatmeal. Some things only come in boxes of 8 or 10 and I usually carry food for 5 days. Buy new and let half of each box go to waste, or mail extras ahead?) I was able to do laundry in a washing machine, and bathed in the river this evening. And in between I spent a few comfortable, genuinely nice hours with Frank and the guys at the Port Clinton Barber Shop - a hiker haven with free coffee, tea, cookies, phone charging, and even bathroom (because you can't assume anything these days!).Still, I'm both sore and antsy to get back out there / get more miles in. I enjoyed the day, but it's time to go. I hope my foot lets me! We'll find out tomorrow. Goal: any one of the springs past Eagle's Nest Shelter (shelter is 8.6 mi, springs are 9.3, 13.1, 14.7).
Date: 2016-08-10
From: PA 183 -986.7

To: PA 183
Miles today: 14.4

It was a rainy night. I actually woke up a few times, finally decided to put up the tarp as a hammock rain fly. Good thing! It worked great, and drowned out the road noise in Port Clinton so I ended up sleeping late. I packed and got moving around 9:15 for a steep climb up to the ridge. My blisters were feeling a lot better! New shoes did the trick. But I was again swatting gnats and flies and sweating buckets. I was quite thankful for the rain mid-morning, as it kept the temperature and the gnats down, but I was still sweating buckets. If you're reading this, you know how stubborn I can be. I needed to keep hiking until I could fix the issues with my feet, to not give up. I did. But as soon as I got over that, I also realized I wasn't enjoying the hiking as much. Mostly because of the now hotter, muggier, buggier weather, and a little because of the constant lookout for rattlers. Someone told me, "it's your vacation, enjoy it." And I wasn't. I'd been wrestling with whether or not to keep hiking for a few days, and finally decided that August was not a good time to hike this far south on the AT. I'll come back to it in cooler weather. I decided this was my last day hiking this time out, and pushed through to the trailhead at PA 183, where I met Craig from Rock 'n' Sole Hostel. Wonderful hosts, clean, luxurious accommodations, and amazing food. I highly suggest it, and will be staying with them when I pick up the trail again, whenever that may be. So overall, a good, refreshing week out in the trees and mountains and on the trail. I do feel better and am glad I took the time to drive out here and hike my Appalachians again. I'll be back!
Date: 2009-03-10
From: Springer Mtn.

To: Stover Creek Shelter
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Min Temp: 56.4Max Temp:72.3MARCH 10, 2009A great day for hiking. After an ok breakfast at the lodge it was time to get this journey going. Said a tearful goodbye to Judy and was on my way. The Approach Trail seemed a little easier this time, possibly because my pack was about 30 lbs lighter and I was also about 30 lbs less. Left at 08:50 and was on Springer Mtn at 1300. That included a 30 minute stop to eat. I arrived here at 15:15. I was tempted to go a little further but decided a total of 10.4 miles the first day was enough. The trail wasn't as crowded as I thought it would be. Saw around 25 people and half were thru-hikers. Tonight I'm in my hammock, another guy is in a tent, and four young girls are in the shelter. This is the first time I've ever seen a shelter with all females. The only problem with the warm weather is the gnats are everywhere. Sure could use a breeze. Tomorrow I'm hoping to do about 12 miles to Gooch Gap. That will keep me on schedule. The bugs are really getting bad so I'm heading to bed early. I¢m hoping for another good day tomorrow. Take care everyone. Remember M.E.   DaveWeather: Cloudy becoming clear and sunny
Date: 2009-03-11
From: Stover Creek Shelter

To: Gooch Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.3
Weather: overcast clouds

March 11, 2009Hello everyone. It was another good day to hike. After a cloudy start it ended up sunny most of the day. Had a quick breakfast before leaving the shelter then headed out. It was mostly downhill for the first few miles and following a stream. I stopped at Long Creek Falls and took a couple pictures. It¢s a really nice place for a break. Next it was a short (relatively) climb to Hawk Mtn Shelter. While there I decided to cook some oatmeal and purify some more water. The next section of the trail didn't have any water sources that are reliable and it also had three fairly long and steep climbs. I'm definitely not the fastest hiker but I passed quite a few on the uphills. It¢s the downhills that are the toughest, at least in my opinion. If you're not careful you can damage your knees from the constant pounding. Finally I reached Justus Creek where I took a short break and ate a salami and cheese sandwich. Next was a little over a mile hike to here. It looks like I caught up with the crowd that started the day before I did. There must be at least 30 people spending the night. I just finished talking with Judy. It¢s the first time I had a signal strong enough to make a phone call. I've been able text her so she knows I'm ok, but it¢s sure nice to be able to talk. Yesterday I forgot to mention something. On the Approach Trail I met a lady with her dog who had just finished her thru-hike. She began last August in Maine and hiked all winter. That's amazing! That's about all for now. Take care.   Dave Min Temp: 54.8Max Temp: 77.0
Date: 2009-03-12
From: Gooch Gap Shelter

To: Blood Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: overcast clouds

March 12, 2009It was a cool night, much cooler than I thought it would be. The main problem was the wind. Because of the slope I was on I couldn't lower the tarp to the ground. As such, the breeze was hitting the bottom of my down underquilt causing it to lose heat and cause cool spots. I adjusted throughout the night but couldn't keep the breeze out. I'm thinking about a solution. After a quick breakfast consisting of a cinnamon roll, I left the shelter area. While at Woody Gap I met a navy guy who had an emergency at home (Florida). I let him use my cell phone to call for a shuttle. Once again the benefits of having a cell phone on the AT came through. I passed a lot of section hikers (those hiking for a few days to a few weeks) today. Probably about 15 in all. During one of my breaks a couple thru-hikers also passed by. While hiking up a long and steady hill, I looked up just in time to move over to the side for four guys coming towards me. They were running, not jogging, down the trail. Manly men in my book! I made it to Slaughter Creek ahead of schedule so I'm taking a long break. I was going to camp about 1/10 of a mile further but decided to try something different tonight. There is an old stone shelter on top of Blood Mtn. Not too many people stay there because there isn't any water there plus it¢s so close to a great hiking store and hostel at Neels Gap. Anyway, after resting awhile and having dinner, I'm going to hike the short 8/10 of a mile to the top and spend the night. I'll finish this when I get there. I'm at the shelter. It¢s pretty rustic, but it is one of the originals. "Can do" is also here and one other is in a tent. The view is great! Only a couple of miles to Neels Gap for tomorrow and probably a new pair of boots. My current boots are ok but I'm having some ankle pain and I think a boot that doesn't go above the ankle may help. That's about all for now. Take care.   DaveMin Temp: 35.7Max Temp: 61.7Weather: Mostly cloudy and windy