morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2023-04-07
From: Brown Mountain Creek Shelter

To: Priest Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 22.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Watch out for hypothermia! I started at Brown Mountain Shelter at 6:45 with a big day planned, I need to get to Priest Mountain Shelter 22.4 miles away my biggest day yet, I had 2 - 4000 foot mountains to climb early and then would stay up high all day and didn¢t know how hard trail would be. My forecast called for a little rain. I started in shorts and a tees shirt. Started raining right away at 1000 feet it was cool. The temperature drops 3.5 degrees for every thousand feet of elevation. By the time I got to about 3500 feet it was a cold steady rain. Time to put on long sleeve wool shirt, rain coat , wool gloves with Gore-Tex mitts and a black beanie and zipped on my legs on my hiking pants. It was a wind driven rain and cold. By the time I summited Cole Mountain 7 miles in it was pouring in the 30¢s and wind whipping the rain. The good news was because of the cold I could hike faster. I started getting wet, even with the best gear water starts to find its way in. Miles went by and I stopped for water at a stream and noticed my hands were shaking a little from the cold and as soon as I stopped I got cold fast. I had a shelter about 4 miles away as a bail out point , still 6.7 miles more miles from my destination a total of 10.7 miles. About this time sleet mixed with rain and soon it was snowing. I got to Seeley-Woodworth Shelter at 3:00 and it was all snow. It gave me an opportunity to put my Down parka on since it wasn¢t raining it wouldn¢t loss it¢s warmth. I knew I needed to get my core body temperature raised up. I also put on my rain pants, a spare pair of dry gloves, kept the Gore-Tex mitts . I ate my last two snacks and hydrated both important in fighting hypothermia. I was set to go the last 6.7 miles to shelter. It took about a mile and a half but I was warming up significantly, by 3 miles I switch to a windbreaker the snow had stopped but it was cold but I was warm. I got to the shelter at 6:45. I set up sleeping pad and bag, changed into dry clothes and immediately got into bag to warm up. It¢s the first time I did that right away but it was low 20¢s and windy. Ate supper and had a warm nite sleep. I had the right gear and enough to make the proper gear changes to use it effectively on a very tough day. I sleep in my wet shirt to let my body heat dry it out overnight. A good day my longest day, 22.4 miles. I was set for an early 4.7 miles down the mountain to trailhead to meet my wife Jean,and friends Diane and Pete LeBlanc for 2 - zero days off. Back on trail Monday!
Date: 2023-04-08
From: Tye River/ Rt. 56

To: Stealth Site
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

I  hiked down from Priest Mountain Shelter Saturday 4.7 miles. Jean an Diane picked me up. Had a wonderful and restful 2 days off at Pete a Diane¢s with Jean. Food was great had a fantastic Easter dinner and will be ready to rock on the trail again. I¢m so thankful.
Date: 2023-04-10
From: Tye River Trail Head

To: 1/2 Way to the ShenandohaÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: clear sky

I got back on the trail this morning. I met Trash at 10:00 at the Tye River trail head. We had many steep climbs and hiked on rocks all day. Very difficult hiking all day, we did a final climb of 600 feet and pitched tents at 7:00. Tomorrow we¢ll hike into Wanyesboro and stay at a hostel before heading into the Shenandoah¢s Wednesday. Todays miles 17.5.
Date: 2023-04-11
From: Stanables Hostel

To: Waynesboro
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: clear sky

I got up before dawn. We had tented near the top of the mountain, what a view. Headed out for Wanyesboro, 12.4 miles away it looked like a significant downhill but after yesterday¢s rocks, Trash and I were apprehensive. We needed to resupply before heading into the Shenandoah¢s. The trail was friendly, we went past an old family cemetery and a chimney and rock foundation. It was probably a couple hundred years old. We did the 12.4 miles in 5 hours. We called a shuttle from Stanables Hostel and arrived around 1:30. We got checked into our bunks and washed clothes and took showers. Then got some lunch at McDonalds.  We went back to the hostel and planned the next 7 days- where we would resupply based on our hoped for daily miles and planned to carry about 3 days food. We shopped at Walmart for our food and went back to pack and get ready to take a shuttle to trailhead at 7:00. Todays miles 12.4
Date: 2023-04-12
From: Waynesboro

To: Black Rock Shelter
Miles today: 20.5
Weather: clear sky

I started in Waynesboro, had pancakes for breakfast and a shuttle ride at 7:00. We were at the trailhead by 7:15. Up and down hiking all day but very hot our first day in the Shenandoah¢s. We arrived at Blackrock Shelter at 4:45 , cooked dinner, Husky who we met at the hostel and this morning¢s shuttle is from Newburyport, Ma. Another Massachusetts boy is staying here. Todays miles 20.5
Date: 2023-04-13
From: Black Rock Shelter

To: High Top Hut
Miles today: 21.5
Weather: clear sky

We got an early start today leaving at 630 had an immediate climb. We made good time till we missed a turn and went a quarter mile downhill before realizing it. Then it was a steep climb back. Some places we made great time but some steep up hills in the 80 plus temperatures had us working hard. We were happy to get to HighTop Hut at 4:20 to finish our day. 3 thru hikers came in and built a fire and the hut maintainer showed up with a loaf of bread and peanut butter and jelly. Food is always good. Todays miles 21.5
Date: 2023-04-14
From: Hill Top Hut

To: Shelter
Miles today: 23.9
Weather: broken clouds

We had an early morning start . Left the shelter with my headlamp on, trying to beat the heat of the last 2 days. Miles came pretty good by 11:00 we had 12 miles and stopped at Lewis campground for a resupply and lunch. Husky from Newberryport Ma. showed up. We left and hiked hard all day, Husky passed us. We got to shelter at 5:10. Husky was there, SpongeFob from Canada, Red and a Boy Scout troop. And of course Trash and myself. Miles today; 23.9, Thunder showers expected over nite.
Date: 2023-04-15
From: Rock Spring

To: Gravel Springs
Miles today: 28.4
Weather: overcast clouds

We are trying for another big day to set up low miles for a resupply tomorrow. Left Rock Spring hut at 6:30 to get jump on the heat had a lot of rocky climbs and trails went over Little Stony Man Cliffs, every thing was rocky and steep either up or down. Then the sun came out and it got hot. Pushed on with about 13 miles by 12:30. Around 2:00 the rain started the turned to pouring rain, then the sun came out, the it poured. We got on a better stretch and we¢re trying to make up time. Finally got to our destination Gravel Springs Hut at 7:00. 12.5 hours of hiking 28.4 miles my longest day by far. Todays miles 28.4
Date: 2023-04-16
From: Gravel Springs 

To: Mountain Home B&B
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: clear sky

I have tired legs this morning after yesterday¢s fun . Headed for a resupply in Front Royal. Trails were pretty easy mostly thank god legs were tired. We still hustled and hiked 13.2 miles by 12:15. Staying at a nice hostel and bed a Breakfast called Mountain Home Bed an Brekfast and hostel. Husky is here along with another 8 hikers. Todays miles 13.2.
Date: 2023-04-17
From: Mountain Home B&B

To: Roller Coaster
Miles today: 23.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Had a nice breakfast of French Toast, Fresh fruit  and yogurt at Mountain Home Hostel. We got on trail by 7:30. Trail was up an down all day with some real easy stretches. By the end of the day we were tired but racked up a 23.6 mile day. Tomorrow we have the famous Roller Coaster, 13.5 miles of steep ups an downs. Todays miles 23.6
Date: 2023-04-18
From: Roller Coaster Rock Country

To: ATC
Miles today: 8.7
Weather: clear sky

Had a quick 8.7 miles into Harpers Ferry. Stopped at the headquarters of the Appalachian Trail Conservatory. We had our pictures taken, took some pictures bought some souvenirs and made our way to the Town inn where we were staying. Took 1/2 the day off did some sightseeing at the John Brown museum.
Date: 2023-04-19
From: Roller Ciastet

To: Getting to HarperÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs Ferry
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: clear sky

We had a long day hiking the Roller Coaster, 14 miles of up a downs pretty much walking on rocks the whole time. Then another 7 miles on top. We will be in Harpers Ferry tomorrow. Todays miles 21.0
Date: 2023-04-20
From: HarperÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs Ferry

To: Maryland
Miles today: 2.8
Weather: clear sky

We had a short 2.8 mile hike to Cross Trails Hostel where we are basically  taking a Zero day we needed a rest after 160 miles in just over 7 days. We¢re in Maryland now my 13 th state . We are hoping to move pretty good. We¢ll see what the trail gives us. Bear Hang caught up, he¢s 41 and will be hiking with us tomorrow. Nice restful day. 2.8 miles
Date: 2023-04-22
From: Waynesboro

To: View Entry
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: clear sky

We left  our tent sites at daybreak. Severe thunderstorms were expected by about 2:00 we had booked a room in Waynesboro PA. For today and a shuttle driver for about 2:00 but we had to hike 17.5 miles before the storm hit. Good hiking early then we hit a lot of rocks but kept moving along. Left Maryland and entered Pennsylvania crossing the Mason Dixon line. Got an update on weather from Bear Hang¢s wife showing all yellow and red on Doppler Radar, about an hour away. We arrived at our road crossing at 1:35. The rain started coming down the shuttle driver arrived and it started pouring, we resupplied at Walmart and washed clothes and showered. Great day. Cool temps predicted for the AM. Todays miles 17.4
Date: 2023-04-23
To: Birch Run Shelter
Miles today: 25.3
Weather: few clouds

We got up early at the hotel we stayed at  The shuttle picked us up and had us to  the trail head by 6:40. Hiked hard and  got to Tumbling Run Shelter by 8:45. Huskey was there. They had their Bear bags hung on a bear pole and raccoons got into them and ate a bunch of food. Temps in the 50¢s good for hiking. Husky and Bear Hang hiked ahead of us. They wanted to hit a BBQ place. We had just got to Trail junction and they texted us and said they were bringing us food. We saved it for supper. Got to Birch run Shelter at 5:40. It was  busy with people but I got a spot in the shelter. Todays miles my 2 nd biggest day 25.3.
Date: 2023-04-24
To: Getting to the next shelter
Miles today: 25.2
Weather: clear sky

It got down to 27 degrees last night. Had ice in my water bottle. Left at 6:10. Hiked hard all day. Past the halfway point and mile 1100  We were 18 miles in and we got to the 1/2 gallon ice cream challenge. Piece of cake! I ate mine in 25 minutes. We got to the shelter at 6:05 , My miles for today 25.2
Date: 2023-04-25
From: Alec Kennedy 

To: Duncannon
Miles today: 29.5
Weather: clear sky

We left the Alec Kennedy after another cold nite in the low 30¢s. Hoping to make Duncannon and a hostel. Trails were easy early, a lot of farmland . My legs were tired early at 18 miles and I wished we were done. The last 7 miles we walked on rocks. I was beat!  My hardest day on the trail. Miles today 29.5
Date: 2023-04-28
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

We hiked 29.5 miles on Tuesday into Duncannon. Very tough day last 7 miles were extremely rocky and had a very steep rocky descent. We did 25.3,25.2 and 29.5 for 3 days. My back was hurting from about a week ago. I got 8.5 miles in on Wednesday and decided it was best to get off trail and try to get a massage. I went back to hostel Kind of Outdoorsy in Duncannon . They were great and found me a massage and a shuttle, got another one Thursday. I met Rick a trail angel at the Doyle hotel getting dinner. Thursday I took a shuttle to Lickdale to catch up with Trash and Meet my friend Norm . He lives near Philadelphia and we took a zero because it¢s supposed to pour Friday. Then hopefully back will improve enough for me to finish this section. 8.5 miles for this post. Had a great stay at my friends Norm an Ann¢s. The food was fantastic and we had a tour of the farm he manages. A  great restful day!
Date: 2023-04-29
From: Trailhead

To: 501 Shelter
Miles today: 12.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Norm drove us 2 hours to the trailhead. We got off about 7:30 . It was raining a little misting a little all day. We had mix of Pennsylvania¢s famous rocks and easy trails we got to the 501 shelter at 1:05 and set up. It¢s an enclosed shelter so it won¢t be quite as damp with heavy rain coming overnight. We ordered pizza , we were close to a road so we got delivery. Todays miles 12.8
Date: 2023-04-30
From: 501 Shelter

To: Shelter
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: light rain

Slept at the 501 shelter, tremendous thunderstorms over night with heavy rain. Headed out at 7:00 with rain predicted all day. It held off for a couple hours then came heavy all day and cold. By the time we reached the shelter we were cold and soaked. Got into dry clothes and into sleeping bag for awhile. We got here at 2:00 . Once we cooked we were in our bags most of night. My air mattress is leaking. We¢re into Port Clinton tomorrow, I¢ll buy new one at Walmart and send mine home. Todays miles 15.7
Date: 2023-05-01
From: Eagles Nest Shelter

To: Port Clinton
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: overcast clouds

We left Eagles Nest Shelter at 6:30 the rain stopped. It poured most of the night. The sun came out around 8:00 first time we¢ve seen that in 4 days! Good hiking headed to Port Clinton for a resupply and I need a new sleeping pad mine is leaking badly. Got everything done shuttle driver was great. Decided to push 3 miles past shelter and stealth camp on a ridge. We have reservations at a hostel tomorrow so we have about 17 miles instead of 20. Todays miles 17.5.
Date: 2023-05-02
To: View Entry
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: light rain

We had poring rain for a while last night. Our  tents were  dry, but it got cold. We broke camp at 6:30 . Hiking was good at times and really rocky at times. We saw the sun briefly. We had intermittent rain all day. The day finished with a long stretch of easy hiking and we got to the hostel at 2:30. I¢ll wash clothes and shower and do a small resupply.  They have free waffles here for breakfast, so we made ours for breakfast and put them in refrigerator and made some more for supper. Todays miles 17.5
Date: 2023-05-03
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Left the hostel at 6:30 this morning, Trail was friendly early then we got into the famous Pa. Rocks. We ran into a trail maintainer hiking south. He told us we had the Knifes edge coming up an gave a few pointers on going over it. We were soon there a huge rock formation that drops off on both sides. Of course it was raining to make things more interesting with slippery rocks! We took our time and got thru it. Water is a problem because we¢re hiking ridges. So it¢s drink a liter carry 2 or 3. In the afternoon we went down into Lehigh Gap and the had a steep 1000 foot climb in the rain again. This time it was technical and we¢re carrying lots of water. Lots of hand over hand climbing, looking for 1/2 inch spots to put our feet on to work our way up sheer, wet rock wall formations. Pretty hairy but we took our time and got to the spot we¢re tenting at. Just before a zinc Superfund site we¢ll go by tomorrow. Sun when we got here but rain twice drove us into tents. Todays miles 18.3.
Date: 2023-05-04
From: Lehigh Gap

To: KnifeÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs Edge
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: clear sky

Knifes Edge , it was raining, rocks were slippery but we got over it. This afternoon we came out of Lehigh gap. Had a 1000 foot climb hand over hand pretty dicey but the old timers did it. 18.3 today. 32 miles to Delaware Water Gap. Should make it for Friday then shuttle back for last 25 miles.
Date: 2023-05-04
To: View Entry
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: clear sky

We got rained on again last night. Also another cold night in the 30¢s , we would love to see weather break. I think we¢ve seen rain part or all of day 10 straight days. We broke camp at 6:30, walking through a Superfund site but you wouldn¢t know it. We had the Pennsylvania rocks all day. It made for tough hiking. However we still made good time over 2 miles an hour cold an rainy again but not much water here so it saved us walking way off trail to get water. We got to a stealth campsite at 3:35 and the sun came out. No cell service though. We¢ll get out of Pennsylvania tomorrow these rocks have been tough. We expect to get to Delaware Water Gap early afternoon. Todays miles 18.3.
Date: 2023-05-05
To: View Entry
Miles today: 20.56
Weather: overcast clouds

We started at our usual 6:30. We got rained on last nite. Looking forward to our last day of Pa. Rocks! Trail was rocky again but we¢re getting used to it, we were moving pretty good. I took a spill before Wolf rocks. Just a couple more scrapes and bruises. Wolf Rocks were easier than advertised, we got thru that and the sun was out and it turned into a warm day. I had o a tee shirt and shorts for probably the first time in 10 days! When I get to Delaware Water Gap Trash and I will split after over 600 miles and about 5 week¢s together. We¢ve become good friends. I hike the section North last year. Our plan is to meet in Gorham NH on June 11 and hike to the finish together. Today I took a shuttle to Duncannon. To finish the 25 miles I missed when my back flared up, todays miles13.7           5/6  I had breakfast with Spot, Rahmem and John¢s Dad then hit the trail for over 20 miles to Rausch Gap Shelter lots of people tenting. A short 4.7 out in morning and I¢ll have done 740 miles and head home. My total miles this year and last will be a couple miles short of 1900. Then 300 to go in Maine. Today¢s miles 20.56.
Date: 2023-06-12
From: Gorham NH

To: Full Goose Shelter
Miles today: 21.6
Weather: moderate rain

I got to Gorham NH and met Trash a Cowboy we were on the trail by 10:30. Lots of up and downs. I definitely don¢t have my trail legs yet. We got to the shelter at 6:00 . Miles 12.0. Today we started on trail at 6:00, very  difficult trails with steep climbs and dicey decents all day. We adjusted our miles part way through the day. We passed into Maine today, the 14 th and final state. Tonight we¢re at Full Goose shelter. More tough miles tomorrow. Today¢s miles 9.6.
Date: 2023-06-07
From: Hawk Mountain

To: Gooch Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 8.3

Made it to Gooch Mountain Shelter. Quite a bit of uphill today. Tweaked my foot on a rock, hurts but not too bad yet. Vitamin I is crucial out here! Saw some of the same people along the way and in camp, including Cobweb. Walked several miles with two very nice young men, AJ and Chance. They¢re recent HS grads, very green but enthusiastic. They¢re doing 6 days.
Date: 2023-06-08
From: Gooch Mountain Shelter

To: Lance Creek 
Miles today: 8.3

Met Fire Turtle we hiked together for a while. Saw her and Cobweb again at the Lance Creek campsite, along with several other hikers I have seen previously. Fire Turtle said that my trail name should be Trail Magic after I told her about the incredibly nice people that offered me food (bananas, protein bars, Ritz, even a watermelon that was obviously too heavy to carry) and water at  Woody Gap. There was a very steep climb up to Big Cedar Mountain after Woody. Took a lot out of me, but worth it for the awesome view from the top at around 3,900 feet. Another very steep climb up Blood Mountain (aptly named) tomorrow.
Date: 2023-06-09
From: Lance Creek 

To: Neels Gap/Mountain Crossings Hostel
Miles today: 7.3

Pretty tough day, though only went 7.3 miles. The climb up Blood Mountain was a challenge and the descent was filled with boulders and rocks, which made it very slow going. The view from nearly 4,500 feet was spectacular, though a lot of the distant mountains were, as I was told by a day hiker, obscured by smoke from the Canadian wildfires (all the way to Georgia!). Still an awesome view.Stayed for the first time at a hostel, which was a great experience. Many of the same people I¢ve been hiking with were there. Slept in a room with multiple bunks. No tent to set up and such. Hot meal, hot shower, and good conversation¢¦cool experience. There¢s a hostel cat too. I¢ll post a pic, along with others from the day. I was given a more official trail name today by my fellow hikers¢¦Trail Magic. I don¢t see how to change it in my current journal without starting an entire new one.
Date: 2023-06-10
From: Neels Gap/Mountain Crossings Hostel

To: Low Gap
Miles today: 11.5

Day 5 went from Neel Gap to Low Gap. Tesnatee Gap up to the top of Wildcat Mountain was over 500 feet of elevation gain in .6 miles. Whew!! Several steep climbs in the 11.5 miles. Camped at Low Gap Shelter with Fire Turtle, Light Bender,  Cobweb, Camino, and Trudge. Had a nice fire. Finally got it going with mostly damp wood. Poison Ivy!!
Date: 2023-06-11
From: Low Gap

To: Unicoi Gap/Helen, GA
Miles today: 9.7

Day 6 made it to Unicoi Gap and took shuttle to Helen. Steady rain pretty much all day causing some sections to be quite treacherous with slippery rocks and roots and sharp drop offs at the edge of a 2¢ wide trail. Grueling last few miles!! Will be even more grueling on Tuesday going up a very steep 4,000 feet Rocky Mountain from Unicoi. Planning a two night stay in Helen for a zero day on Monday. Will give me a chance to dry out my gear and get some supplies and get rested up for the climb on Tuesday. Met a real live Sherpa today. He¢s leading a group of ladies on a 5 day hike. He¢s summited Everest twice¢¦wow!!Staying at the Helendorf Inn on 33 Munich Strasse (really! °) for two nights.  Regular price is close to $200/night. They gave me and others a AT hikers discount of $100 off per night!Ate at the Hofbrau House and had great conversation with several locals.Earlier this week I hit my 600 mile AT milestone!
Date: 2023-06-14
From: Tray Mountain Shelter

To: DickÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs Creek Gap
Miles today: 11.0

Hiked 11 miles today to Dick¢s Creek. There was another very steep climb today¢¦.800 feet of elevation change in a mile. Getting a shuttle ride into Hiawassee tomorrow morning to offload a few things, ship them UPS, to get my pack weight down. I¢ll spend a couple of hours in town and certainly hit a Subway, or the like, to feast °
Date: 2023-06-15
From: DickÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs Creek Gap

To: Hiawassee
Miles today: 0.0

Made it to Dick¢s Creek Gap yesterday evening after a long 11 miles. Got picked up by a shuttle that night instead of this morning as I mentioned in my previous post. With needing to go to the outfitter in town, the pack and ship, and to get a few supplies, I decided to stay at a hotel and not be rushed and to get a shower and a couple good meals too. Bought a lighter, smaller pack today, it¢s considered an ultralight pack, and offloaded some things that I don¢t need. I reduced my total pack weight by 4-5 lbs, which might not sound like a lot but, trust me, it makes a huge difference. Plus the pack I bought is more comfortable overall. I¢ll ship the old one to my Brother¢s house so I can pick it up when I¢m back there after I finish hiking. I¢m renergized by my lighter more comfortable pack! I¢m planning to cross into NC tomorrow, which will be a cool milestone. A new state and finishing up all of GA.
Date: 2023-06-16
From: DickÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs Creek Gap

To: NC State Line/Bly Gap 
Miles today: 9.0

Made it to the NC state line¢¦whew! Georgia will not be on my mind, but, as my Father pointed out, I will not soon forget her ° Camped alone, essentially on top of Bly Mountain in NC after another tough 9 miles. GA had two more tough climbs for me before I made it into NC¢¦a parting gift! NC will be no easier though.
Date: 2023-06-17
From: NC State Line/Bly Gap 

To: Standing Indian Shelter
Miles today: 7.7

Made it to Standing Indian Shelter. Built a big roaring fire to keep the bears °» away, maybe. One particularly steep climb up to Couthouse Bald right out of camp. Serious bear warnings in the 10 mile stretch from the shelter to Betty Creek. Hope to clear that area tomorrow.