morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-06-20
From: Mellville Nauman Shelter

To: Black Brook Campsite
Miles today: 20.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Got up late as in shelter and nice to just relax in sleeping bag. Out of camp at 9:00. Expecting to try to do about 18 but will monitor body as number and size of ups and downs is growing. Stopped for morning break beside a view. No plan to stop but seemed right at the time. Striving to enjoy the moments. At lunch at shelter and alone so just ate, took on water and moved out. At afternoon break and ran into 70 year old section hiker. Informed us of a nice campground by Black Brook. An extra 2 miles but moving on at a quick pace and sounds nice and could make my Monday hike into the Inn shorter (Lord is providing). Worked out as shelter we were planning to use was full of college kids. Campsite was not in book but nice site (fire ring, wood, flat, creek nearby and dry). By fire and journaling listening to creek flow by. Life is good.
Date: 2013-06-21
From: Black Brook Campsite

To: Bromley Shelter
Miles today: 20.8
Weather: light rain

First day of summer. it is hike naked day but no I will not be hiking naked today. Lazy morning with Pop Tarts, oatmeal and coffee. Savoring the cool morning, by Black Brook. Cool night and had to put sleeping bag liner in. On top of Stratton Mt. and took pictures of Killington (going to), Greylock (came from) and Straton Pond ( lunch) From fire tower. Lunch by Stratton Pond and it is 12 miles downhill to shelter. Hopefully nice terrain. Lake is perfect with little breeze to keep bugs down, beutiful water and with Bernstein Bear. Good discussion, relaxing meal, spring nearby for water. Perfect. Hiking to Bromley Shelter to start to set up for Inn at Long Trail (food pick up). In shelter, feel good so journaling and will be in bed by 8:00ao get as much rest as I can.
Date: 2013-06-22
From: Bromley Shelter

To: Greenwall Shelter 
Miles today: 2.6

Up at 5:45 and moving. Taking time to get things done and then down trail. 50 miles to do over 3 days. Hopefully 20 today to keep me set up for a short day Monday for food. Feeling really good. 35 days to go and about 535 miles or just over 15 miles a day. May be able to make the July 26th deadline. A great morning of hiking. Stopped on rock in the sun, called to my son and ate a snack from my cousin. Does it get any better? Stopped for lunch at Peru Peak Shelter. Breeze, stream, birds and food from family. Fantastic day the Lord has made. Feeling good and down hill for next 6.4 miles. Should be good hiking. Hoping for 22 to leave 28 for Sunday and Monday morning to Nero in on Monday. Looking good so far but clouds building. May get to do some more hiking in the rain. Now at creek at 2:45 with 7 miles to go and soaking feet and journaling, Take each moment and relishing in it. May not have soaked long only 10 minutes but I did stop - getting better. Made it to Greenwall but tired. Set up well for Monday. The Lord gave me the strength to make it on this long day.
Date: 2013-06-23
From: Greenwall Shelter 

To: Cooper Lodge Shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Up early as in shelter and people moving. Going to treat myself to lunch at a restaurant for lunch. Feeling tired but day off Monday. Going to make it. Called and restaurant closes at 11:30. Stepped it out hard and there by 10:30 for second breakfast. I. spent an hour talking to man there (Father Allen). Talked about life, faith, kids and more. That is the right goal for the AT for me - to spend time with people and enjoy the moments. Lost miles but so what. After lunch and bouldering. Lesson came to me. When I look at the whole cliff I can't see a way up. I can see the top and know where I am going but I must take one step in faith and then find the next flat spot or safe step. It is there but one can only see them from the bottom. Step out in faith one step at a time and it will be okay. Called daughter from top laying on a rock in the sun recovering from the tough climb. Perfect - work hard, rest and do the good stuff. At Govenor Clement Shelter. A 2000 foot climb in front of me, 4.6 miles and clouds are building. Trying to beat this section out in less than 2 hours. Tough hike in as on ridge in driving rain and lightening when storm erupted over me. Hike was over 3 hours due to terrain Mud, steep slope, rocks and stups from earier downed trees. Made it safely to shelter and had nice dinner. Day was great as doing what is important- setting myself up to spend time on E-mail, phone etc for family and friends.
Date: 2013-06-24
From: Cooper Lodge Shelter

To: The InnAt Long Trail
Miles today: 8.6
Weather: light rain

Great night. Cool because at 3900 feet in elevation but perfect because put liner in bag so warm in sleeping bag. Windy on top of mountain but relaxing to hear wind and see trees blowing in the moonlight (full moon). Up at 5:00 and out by 6:00. At Inn by 11:00 so lots of time to talk and write to family and friends. Hard work last three day will all be worth it as spend time with family and friends. Great stew for lunch, bus to town to get supplies, washed clothes, took a shower and shaved. I feel so good. Learning to appreciate the little things. Got food drop and ready for next few days. Great dinner of a pulled pork sandwich with a root beer float for dessert. Journaling and loading to Internet. I will slack pack tomorrow to have time to complete tasks. Also hopefully more rest since moving in very light pack and good nights sleep Ina bed tomorrow. Talked to family and stated I missed them but in this too far to quit and I know this is where I am supposed to be. Lesson is sometimes we have to do what we are supposed to do and that may not be what we want to do.
Date: 2013-06-25
From: Highway 12

To: The Inn at Long Trail
Miles today: 21.3

Up at 5:00 am and doing e-mail etc. great to write to all and realize how lucky I am. Will slack back back to inn today and get good miles with a light pack to continue to rest. Drove with Own to Highway 12 and this area is beautiful. Went through first conversed bridge and magnificent. . Worked hard all day to beat typical afternoon showers. Did not make it. Showers hit about 3:30 so hiked the last hour in the rain. Amazing miracle today. I went to the store and forgot to get two items Gold Bond powder and duct tape yesterday. Needed duct tape to work on boots where the toe cap is coming off. Worked one packing and decided to give up some food sent by sister which is very hard for me to do. Put food in hiker box and there was powder and tape. Used tape to hold toe cap in place while glueing cap back on. My sister has been amazing send me my back boots, shoe glue etc. on short notice. Picture is my duct taped boots and duct taped hiking pole (broke it the other day). My boots and poles at broken but my spirit is not. Lesson share what we have and we will get more in return. Praise The Lord.
Date: 2013-06-26
From: The Inn at Long Trail

To: Thistle Hill Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Up at 5:00 am and doing e-mail. Actually started to work on plans to get home in 29 days last night. Newest plan is to be done July 25th so that I can fly home on Saturday the 27th. Continue to get many positive notes from family and friends and it keeps me going during this home stretch. Going to go hiking today and go where The Lord has planned. Rain all day so no stopping until end. Tough day and gave up after 7.9 miles. Knee hurting, back hurting, pole bent from fall in mud, boots full of water and mud from stream crossings and bogs. Last two hours in a hard driving rain drove me into shelter. Good lesson for me is that it is okay to give up. I tend to push too hard and today just had to stop. Nice to lay here listen to the rain on the tin roof in dry clothes and let the body heal some. We will see what tomorrow brings as we finish Vermont and enter New Hampshire.
Date: 2013-06-27
From: Thistle Hill Shelter

To: Velvet Rocks 
Miles today: 0.0

Up at 5:00 am and doing stretching etc. A beautiful sunrise. Body feels better after resting for 18 hours. We will see how the hike feels in an hour. Light rain so not in rain jacket all day. 15 miles in to Hanover New Hampshire. Into Hannover in early afternoon so ate pizza, took on supplies, and dried clothes. I was not planning to stay in Hanover but pass through to a shelter 1 mile on the other side. Ran into Tarzan and met Raider (another former Marine on the trail) at the pizza place. Also went to library for wireless. It is dry in Hanover but weather report is 3 - 4 inches of rain tonight and rain for next four days. At Velvet Rocks and set up. Nice hot dinner. Back is really hurting. Now think it is from not sleeping right. Think too many nights on an air mattress.
Date: 2013-06-29
From: Trapper John's Shelter

To: Ore Hill Shelter 
Miles today: 19.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Did not even feel like journaling in AM so just started hiking. Sitting at lunch on a footbridge over South Jacobs Stream. Water is beautiful, butterflies around my head, sun is trying to peek out. I need to realize how blessed I am to be out here. We all have ups and downs and I just need to muscle through the downs or ask for help and get through it. Evening update - As always there is a greater plan if I will be patient. Last night I was with Lefty and Hush. They mentioned a shuttle around the White Mountain National Forest and possibly using it due to the risk with the current weather pattern. Tonight in Ore Hill there is a couple from local area and they support to skip the Whites because of the risk. I was concerned with my ability to do it, timing, well as the weather but the new plan is to shuttle around and use saved time for a double zero in Gorham NH. I need the down time so going to do it and relax. The Lord does provide.
Date: 2013-06-30
From: Ore Hill Shelter 

To: Beaver Brook Shelter
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Up at 5:00 AM with sun. Rained again overnight but I stayed dry. Nice campsite. My headache is still here despite 4 liters of water for each of the last two days. I do not believe it is dehydration. Will monitor as go in for two down days next week. Into a break in mid morning to take on water. Have again finished my morning liter and need to draw my lunch liter. Sitting beside a stream and getting ready to move on but decided to just sit, drink and enjoy the Gorp from my cousin that was fantastic. A mixture of pretzels with chocolate yogurt, raisins in vanilla yogurt, nuts, and banana chips. I think it was left overs from earlier snacks and I like all of the components but blended it was great. Still learning to enjoy the little things. Second barefoot fording across a creek. Too deep and no bridge so remove boots, unclip backpack (to be able to get out of it n case of disaster) and go for it. Water was cold but no issues. Mood is much better today. I think the sun makes a major difference. When not raining one can sit by a creek and enjoy a snack and listen to the water. Animals are out and you can enjoy the chipmunks and others. Expect it to cloud up and rain this afternoon but have enjoyed what I have had today in terms of weather. Take what I can get.
Date: 2013-07-01
From: Beaver Brook Shelter

To: Franconia Notch
Miles today: 17.0

Up early and out to not disturb others in shelter. After an hour stopped for breakfast on trail (actually after a 1.6 mile steep downhill boulder field - see picture). Breakfast beside a waterfall, sunshine and the world is good. 17 miles to food pick up point and shuttle to town tomorrow for two days off. Very challenging downhill trail and three climbs. Just moving and no journaling to get there. I believe body can do it but must focus and make it happen (good Marine Corps training). Stopped under an underpass at end of trail and found out it was 7:00 PM. Trail was challenging because of steepness and rocks so each step had to be planned. My description is tedious but not excessively challenging. At campground for food at 8:30. 14.5 hours of hiking and 19 miles but made it. Body is truly amazing and it has earned two days rest. No headache today so now believe it was dehydration. Just need to stop more often and hydrate.
Date: 2013-07-02
From: Franconia Notch

To: Gorham NH (yellow blaze 75 miles of trail)
Miles today: 0.0

I have elected to yellow blaze around White Mountain National Forest. This will cut 75 miles off of the trip that I will attempt to pick up later. This is to improve the odds of my reaching Katahdin by July 25th and give me the ability to take the rest I need. I feel better about the trip than I have in a while. No pressure to do miles to finish. Spend more time talking to others and just enjoying each moment. My decision was re-enforced during the shuttle ride by a couple from Nova Scotia. They were pulling out of the mountains after two days. - peaks were covered in clouds and it had been wet and cold. They were not having fun so shuttling ahead, staying in a hotel, getting dry and warm. We talked about my trip so far and the man expressed how he would also like to do the AT. We talked about faith and having the patience to wait until the time was right. Very interesting to discuss how hard it is for us to be "unemployed" as well as being still. A very enjoyable couple of hours. In Gorham and have elected to go to an Inn for a private room. I deserve it! Calls, postcards and other tasks made it a great day.
Date: 2013-07-03
From: Gorham NH (yellow blaze 75 miles of trail)

To: Day Off
Miles today: 0.0

A very good day. Started with a great breakfast at a restaurant in business since 1898. The omelette was really tasty. Got supplies needed, subway sandwich for lunch, fudge for a treat and back to hotel. Took all day to dry gear, update trail journals and spent a half hour in the hot tub. Again got confirmation I am in the right place as doing tasks. Spent about half an hour with owner of shop that sold fudge. We talked about my trip and trying to turn off the drive that had me working 80+ hours per week. She talked about her husband being the same until an accident that broke his leg and made him stop. He then begin to enjoy the kids and the world around him. Talked about faith and how things happen for a reason and there is usually an ultimate plan. We may believe we are in control but we truly are not. A great relaxing today.
Date: 2013-07-04
From: Gorham (Highway 2)

To: Carlo Col Shelter 
Miles today: 17.0

Up at 5:00. Hot shower and I feel good! How one learns to appreciate the little things. Back to camp food so Pop Tarts and oatmeal for breakfast.   Out at 6:00 and hiking. It is amazing what two days of rest can do.   I feel great.   3.5 miles back to trail but got a ride after about 1.5 miles. People are wonderful. Now 8:30 and doing a morning break. Drinking lots of water, eating pineapple (love it so thanks Jeff) and journaling. Just sitting here still and listening to world is fantastic. Nice breeze on peak and some sun trying to peak through clouds. A great day to be alive. Second morning break. Humid today so drinking lots of water. Six miles to first shelter but planning to go there for lunch. Will be late lunch but use snacks to make it.   Changed mind when came to Page Pond and perfect place for lunch. Listening to frogs, watching dragonflies and enjoying it. In afternoon long section with no white blazes. Used boot prints in the bogs to instill confidence I was on the right path. Hard to keep going without correct signs but it worked out. At end was toughest bouldering to date. Tomorrow is toughest mile on the trail and only planning 10 miles. We will see how I do.
Date: 2013-07-05
From: Carlo Col Shelter 

To: Speck Pond
Miles today: 9.5

Just slow and enjoyable morning. So out at about 7:30. Big day rough Mahoosuc notch. Reported to be toughest mile on the trail. Hiking slow as only doing 10 so stopped on firat mountain in the sun and breeze and relaxing. Starting to sink I I only have 281 miles or three weeks left. A real quandary, ready to home but also know it will be difficult to go back to real life. On top of Goose Eye peak. First morning break after 2 miles 1.5 hours but 2 tough peaks. Now ridge run for 2 miles and then into a shelter. Into shelter for lunch, 12::00 so 4 hours for 4 miles. Tough terrain. 5 miles to shelter including Mahoosuc noth. Going to be a tough afternoon. Hope the rain holds off.. Did Mahoosuc and took 2.5 hours to do 1mile. A total body workout so agree toughest mile on the trail. One very bad fall but Food Lord took care of me. End up suspendedat45 degrees with head down by one leg. Fortunately leg was locked in between two rocks. Minor scraps but okay. Could have been much worse.
Date: 2013-07-06
From: Speck Pond

To: Andover 
Miles today: 14.0

Up early and out by 6:30 to get to towns early. Really beginning to look forward to town stays with hot showers and good food. Cool morning and nice breeze. Spending time with southbound ears who describe how hard Maine is. I think most of it is the wet weather. They are also very tired of the rain. It rained again yesterday (after I was in the shelter for I believe day 14 in a row).Everything is wet making the rocks and trail tough but we are moving north. At lunch on top of Bald P¢t©. Great terrain made it easy coming up. Really able to step it out which felt good. Now on to Andover. Frye notch for afternoon water and snack. Making good time. Trails are better. Hopefully a sign of things to come.
Date: 2013-07-07
From: Andover Me (B Road)

To: Bemis Stream Trailhead
Miles today: 15.3

Up at 5:00. A great night. Really enjoyed talking to Eilene who was the owner of Pine Wellis and has been doing it for 23 years. Her former son-in-law splays the straight flute magically. It was fantastic to listen to and then fall asleep to last night. In 1.6 miles at a pond (see picture). Breeze, ripple of pond and sun rising. It is a beautiful day. A big hike planned but will go until The Lord says stop. Hope to be in Stratton in 4- 5 days. Have 4.5 days of food so kind of need to make it in that amount of time. Met Steadfast (aka little step) last night and great talking to him. About my age and doing hike in threes sections of 700 miles. This is his last section. We both fell in moohusuc notch and both scratched up but too stubborn to give up. I pray The Lord to give me strength today for the three big climbs. Lunch time and on top of mountain somewhere. I think I have done the second climb but not sure exactly where I am but who cares. A beautiful spot, quiet except for birds (and bugs) and a light breeze. Met a man on the trail going North. Met a section hiker on the trail. He and I are both trying to make it to the shelter. It is 5:45 and he is behind so dinner in the trail. We both ran out of gas short of the shelter so stopped at trailhead. He is from Maine and explained about Baxter State Park. Some key rules so again The Lord provided what I needed to explain to my sis how we would get together. Each day I am taken care of one step at a time.
Date: 2013-07-08
From: Bemis Stream Trailhead

To: Little Swift River Pond Campsite
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: overcast clouds

First journaling at lunch. Need to try to make up 2.3 from yesterday so moving fast. Light rain all day. Right thing to pull up last night. Man was from Maine and told me how to arrange to set my sister in Baxter. Screen is getting wet so stopping. Took picture at lunch spot on highway and attached it. At afternoon stop at power line . Within a minute or two a southbounder was there for a snack. Talked about trail and thinking and being led. Said he was not religious but we talked about events in my life out here. Said just to be open and the right people would come along just as for me. He said he had already seen that, he said head been down at times and someone came along at the right time to pick him up. Amazing timing for me to be in the right place at the right time and the good Lord to give me the right words. In campsite and asleep early as bugs are bad. Nothing to do but be in the tent.
Date: 2013-07-09
From: Little Swift River Pond Campsite

To: Poplar Ridge Lean-to
Miles today: 15.5

Up at. 5:00 Am since in bed early. Fog and overcast again. Move early while cool and bugs are down some. In rain again most of day. Kind of a heavy fog or light drizzle so no rain great but just annoying as clothes are wet. Ended up at 15.5 miles in about 10 hours. Now with Sky, Gershwin and Smallbus. We are all going to do 14 tomorrow and then 7 to Stratton. I had left my phone on the other day and it is dead. Did not know how to call the hotel, for s shuttle but now have three hikers with me and The Lord has provided - again. I do not need to worry. It is in his hands and all is good.
Date: 2013-07-10
From: Poplar Ridge Lean-to

To: Crocker Cirque Campsite
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: light rain

Up with sun at 4:30 and out by 5:30. Nice to be in a shelter and not eating in the rain. It is foggy and rainy again. As just said by another camper the rain is beating us down. If it were not 14 days to go this would be tough. Southbounders coming in say a lot have dropped out due to rain. Maine according to reports had the wettest June on record. The condition of the trails says it has definitely been wet. Smallbus is ready to move so get water, pack up and get the trail. At lunch at 10:45. Ramen and a hot lunch since smallbus is back some. Just relaxing and staying with others. It is not about the miles. . Easy trail. After lunch to campsite and then decision if into town (over Crocker at 4000 feet) or stay at camp and do Crocker tomorrow. Absolutely beat as afternoon trail was very hard but made it to Crocker Cirque Campsite. Will do Crocker tomorrow. Looking at map- one more mountain and Maine goes flat. Did schedule for remaining 15 days. Looks good to summit on the 25th of July. In town tomorrow and begin to plan it.
Date: 2013-07-11
From: Crocker Cirque Campsite

To: Stratton
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Up with sun at 4:30 and out by 5:30. Hiking to Crocker Mountain and had a view (attached picture) on top of Crocker South. 7 miles to town and at pick up point at 10:00. Perfect timing as there was a drop off at 10:00 as well. In town and great lunch at deli. Hot shower, sharing room with Smallbus to save money but have fridge for fruit and all is well. Great hike down with smallbus as he sings and was singing old. Gospel - Rock of Ages ans It is Well With My Soul. Great to listen to and enjoy everything. Now have a plan for last two weeks and finish on time appears possible.
Date: 2013-07-12
From: Stratton

To: Flagstaff road (slack pack)
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Up at 4:45 and out at 6:30 to slack pack. Light pack and there is sun in the sky. A beautiful day. Flat to start but then up to Bigalow. Not too steep and a medium difficulty trail with small rocks and roots but little bouldering. On top and it is magnificent. A fun climb at the end (in photo folder). Great view (picture attached). Moved to Avery peak for lunch and spent an hour eating and basking in the sun. Enjoying the moments. hiked to little Bigelow and am very tired. 17 miles with three peaks over medium terrain is a long day. Down at 6:00 and very tired. Picked up at 6:30 and at hotel by 7:15. Nice dinner, packed up and in bed by 9:00. Very tired but The Lord has made the body capable of doing it. Amen
Date: 2013-07-13
From: Flagstaff road 

To: Pierce Pond Shelter
Miles today: 16.0

Out late so group could get breakfast. Gave me time to finish updating trail journals and sending e-mail. A minor inconvenience and I did not let it get to me. What is a few minutes. Great day of hiking. Got to a shelter for lunch and trail magic was there. An oatmeal raisin cookie for dessert was great. Temperature all day was good 60 to 80 F. Terrain was level and not too challenging. mid afternoon went swimming (see picture). Just relaxing and enjoying the beautiful days. Dinner and camping under the stars. I am hoping it is a clear night.