morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-03-09
From: TN 91

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: overcast clouds

5 time thru hiker Lone Wolf who has been watching Dakota Joe's site came out to do trail magic for Dakota Joe, Hudson and German Phil this morning. Knowing exactly what hikers need he brought the Guys bacon egg and cheese sandwiches, doughnuts, bananas, and orange juice. Thanks for the support and to all don't be afraid to feed the Animals, they don't bite. Heck sometimes they don't even chew.Posted by BIG Lu for....
Date: 2014-03-10
From: Damascus, VA

To: Dasascus, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Team "Animal" are sick as dogs. While walking main street in Damascus for a snack it seems the guys were inflicted with food poisoning. And being to weak to get out of bed, their zero day has extended to two. Hopefully there will be improvement tomorrow.Posted by BIG Lu for....
Date: 2014-03-13
From: Feathercamp Branch

To: Beech Mountain Road
Miles today: 12.5

After today's hike Hudson, Dakota Joe, and (German Phil & Gal who are a little further north) all got shuttled back to Woodchuck Hostel for one last night to eat real food and get their strength up to start longer days again. Thanks Woodchuck your place has a good home feel and your kindness is just what the guys needed to recoup. You'll always have a place in New England!All the best Woodchuck! BIG Lu and
Date: 2014-03-16
From: South Fork Holston River

To: Davis Cemetery
Miles today: 20.5
Weather: overcast clouds

6 weeks in and Hudson is still getting pelted with sideways snow and whiteout conditions. He just smiles knowing that days like this are dwindling down. The other guys are slightly behind. Dakota Joe is enjoying well deserved trail magic and German Phil is taking time to let his gal get her trail legs. For now the Animals are on their own.Posted by BIG Lu for....
Date: 2014-03-20
From: Bland, VA

To: Kimberling Creek
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Today Hudson ran into the smell of smoke on the trail. He thought maybe someone was camping until He rounded a corner and saw the remnants of a forest fire, nothing currently burning this fire had already been contained just the strong odor of smoke remain on a small portion of trail.Posted by BIG Lu for....
Date: 2014-03-21
From: Kimberling Creek

To: Woods Hole Hostel
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: clear sky

Today was actually a nice enough day for Hudson to take a side trail to see the beautiful Dismal Falls. At the end of a perfect day the night even got better. He was greeted at Woods Hole Hostel by 2007 thru hikers Pootz and M&M with trail magic of paying for his stay and taking him to dinner. Thanks so much this was a spectacular moment for Hudson. Its always nice to see familiar faces.Posted by BIG Lu for....
Date: 2014-03-22
From: Woods Hole Hostel

To: Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 11.0

More trail magic! Pootz and M&M slack packed Hudson and another Nobo to Pearisburg than back to Woods Hole Hostel for another nights stay. They couldn't have picked a better place to give Hudson this most appreciated gift. Neville and Michael have created a peaceful hiker sanctuary at Woods Hole. Sitting around the dinner table swapping stories made Hudson feel at home and more anxious to get home to open for our 2014 season.Posted by BIG Lu for....
Date: 2014-03-24
From: Bailey's Gap Shelter

To: Niday Shelter
Miles today: 27.0
Weather: clear sky

Since Pearisburg Hudson has been traveling with a Canadian ultra marathon runner named Scotia. Scotia is capable of doing 100 mile trail races in 24 hrs. He started the trail 16 days after Hudson and is hiking the AT to train for upcoming races. The two men woke up to one of the coldest days so far with wind chills below zero. Their water bottles were froze solid. Hudson had an empty bottle which filled at the first stream they passed and added his Aquamira drops and hooked it to his pack to wait 30 min for consumption. A half hour later the bottle was frozen! He hiked 9 miles without a drink until it warmed enough to break the ice out and get new water.Posted by BIG Lu for....
Date: 2014-03-28
From: Daleville, VA

To: Cove Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 25.0
Weather: overcast clouds

There was a startling moment for Hudson on the trail, about 20 miles into his day he became week, dizzy and his vision blurred. Apparently he wasn't snacking enough and his blood sugar levels became low. He had to sit down and eat something until he felt better. The next resupply stop Hudson plans to get more surgery snacks.Posted by BIG Lu for....
Date: 2014-03-30
From: Thunder Hill Shelter

To: James River
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: clear sky

After barricading themselves in Thunder Hill Shelter and using their rain flies from the high winds and driving rain, Hudson and Scotia woke to a snowstorm and wet frozen gear. The guys packed up quick and headed into the un-forecasted storm. With every mile the storm intensified. Before they knew it they were in a white out on a ridge with 40 mph cross winds. The guys toughed it out for 5 hours until they got to lower elevations where they caught a shuttle to get dry and warm.Posted by BIG Lu for....
Date: 2014-04-03
From: Rockfish Gap

To: Waynesboro, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Zeroing for resupplies and refueling the body. Hudson and Scotia had the bacon rapped Heritage burger and a tall draft (because hey they are walking). The feeding frenzy didn't end there. Later the guys went to the Ming Garden AYCE all you can eat) Buffet.They had no problem getting in and out of town thanks to Waynesboro's community of Trail Angels!Posted by BIG Lu for....
Date: 2014-04-05
From: Blackrock Hut

To: Lewis Mountain Campground
Miles today: 33.0
Weather: broken clouds

The trails have been so nice in Shenandoah that Hudson and Scotia decided to night hike. They woke up 2 hours before sunrise and hiked until the sun rose and kept on going till sunset. (33 MILES) their longest day since they started.Posted by BIG Lu for....
Date: 2014-04-06
From: Lewis Mountain Campground

To: Pass Mountain Hut
Miles today: 27.5
Weather: clear sky

Being early season in Shenandoah, all but one wayside was open. So the guys made sure they took advantage of the Tap Room at the Skyland Resort Restaurant for a cheeseburgers and beer. Sitting on the patio over looking Shenandoah Valley, this resort has the classic look and feel of what you'd expect a National Park to be.Posted by BIG Lu for....
Date: 2014-04-07
From: Pass Mountain Hut

To: US 522
Miles today: 27.0

There was no views for the last day in Shenandoah as the Guys walked through 12 hours of blowing rain and fog. When the guys got down from the mountains they went to a new hostel call Mountain Home Cabbin (with two b's)because Journals were found from the 1800's of a teenage girl who stayed there and called it the "Cabbin". The owners (Lisa & Scott) and their enthusiasm, made Hudson and Scotia feel at home in this cozy little cabbin. Thanks Lisa and Scott your generosity and love of hikers is greatly appreciated.Posted by BIG Lu for....
Date: 2014-04-09
From: Dicks Dome Shelter

To: Bears Den Hostel
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: few clouds

Today the Guys hit the Roller Coaster. A 13.5 mile stretch of trail with 10 ascends and descends. It was a bumpy ride due to how rocky it is. When Hudson and Scotia finished they went to Bears Den Hostel for the hiker special(a pizza and a pint of Ben & Jerry's Ice cream) WELL DESERVED!!Posted by BIG Lu for....
Date: 2014-04-10
From: Bears Den Hostel

To: Harpers Ferry!!
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: clear sky

Hudson and Scotia were #5 and #6 when they walked into the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. Yes, I said walked in, no aqua blazing going on here, they are thru-hiking! Hudson also had a goal of doing the Virginia Challenge, going from Damascus to Harpers Ferry in a month. He zeroed in Damascus on March 11th and left on the 12th, he arrived in Harpers Ferry on April 10th and plans to zero on the 11th. They pushed hard with a well deserved rest!Posted by BIG Lu for....
Date: 2014-04-12
From: Potomac River Footbridge

To: PenMar Road
Miles today: 41.0
Weather: few clouds

Hudson and Scotia took on the Maryland Challenge. They started 5:30am and finished 8:30pm. This was Hudson's first 40 mile day and last. Being in his mid 40's, the 15 hour day over rocks was a little to stressful on his body.Posted by BIG Lu for...
Date: 2014-04-14
From: South Mountain Road

To: Pine Grove Furnace State Park
Miles today: 24.0

A good day for the guys as they reached the AT Midpoint. A stream nearby was full with Gatorades, trail magic compliments of Genesis "much appreciated"! And they finished their day with the Half Gallon Challenge. Eating all that Ice cream was easier than Hudson remembered since today's half gallon is actually 1 and 1/2 quarts. Posted by BIG Lu for....
Date: 2014-04-15
From: Pine Grove Furnace State Park

To: PA 94
Miles today: 11.0

A rainy day with temperatures dropping below freezing, trail magic couldn't come at a better time for the guys. Scott & Melanie - a couple from Boiling Springs, brought Hudson and Scotia into their home to get dry and comfortable. And prepared a beautiful dinner with more than they could eat. The guys slept in Scott's Man Cave with a huge screen TV and fridge with tapped keg. Thanks so much for your kindness, this is a special memory.Posted by BIG Lu for....
Date: 2014-04-16
From: PA 94

To: Millers Gap
Miles today: 25.0

Hudson and Scotia are trying a new challenge. The PA Pig Out challenge! With longer days, their taking more time to stop at any trail side eateries through out their day to fill up on calories. With most hikers at this point losing 20-40 pounds, Their goal is to maintain weight. Scotia has currently only lost   5 lbs and Hudson 6.5 lbs. Today they had a 2000 calorie stop at the Caffe 101 in Boiling Springs.Posted by BIG Lu for....
Date: 2014-04-21
From: Port Clinton Pavillion

To: Blue Mountain Summit
Miles today: 26.0
Weather: broken clouds

Another tough day over Pennsylvania rocks. Ya know what else rocks, Jen - the woman who left trail magic for the guys this morning. Just what they need, more calories! Thanks for helping Hudson and Scotia with The PA Pig Out Challenge. It was a coincidence that Jen's husband Rob completed the Boston Marathon and the Guys hiked same miles. An amazing day of marathons! Posted by BIG Lu &
Date: 2014-04-21
From: Blue Mountain Summit

To: Email 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

An Email from BC Canada, "Dear HudsonWe, from the Peoples Republic of Fernie, are enjoying reading your AT trail blog - top effort. Please look after Scotia for all of us in Fernie. There is a gallon of fresh mint gelato waiting for him when he gets home!Seriously, safe travels to both of you and as much trail magic as you need!Cheers and happy feetAnother knackered auld bloke!"PS: that pizza looks nearly as good as a fat Elvis...nearly...Reply: Hello to the Peoples of Republic of Fernie! Hudson & Scotia are in good condition they are making great miles along with enjoying the trail and all it has to offer literally. I don't think you'll be able to catch Scotia enduro it's moving to fast on the trail Keep on checking out their journey. I'm awaiting their arrival here in North/West CT very soon.   Great to hear from you! Big Lu.
Date: 2014-04-22
From: Blue Mountain Summit

To: Palmerton, PA
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: moderate rain

When they say "You've got a friend in Pennsylvania" (the state motto) they meant it. The amount of people wanting to do trail magic has been overwhelming. The PA Pig Out challenge is bursting at the seems. Their day started off with a bacon and egg breakfast at the Blue Mountain Summit. Then at lunch time the guys walked the 1.5 mile side trail to Palmerton where they went straight to Joe's Place for 14 inch cheeses steak subs. After that they checked into the Jail House Hostel things got even better. A couple who live near Palmerton and has been watching Hudson's Trail Journal since day one wanted to do something special for the guys. A few hours later Pam & Dave arrived with ear to ear smiles and treated Hudson and Scotia to their favorite Habachi Buffet in a neighboring town. The Guys consumed 8 plates and 2 helpings of ice cream in soup bowls instead of cups (Pam and Dave suggested). The couple took the guys shopping for resupplies and returned them to the Hostel. In the morning Dave is going to shuttle them back to the trailhead so they won't have to walk 1.5 mile side trail again. Thanks Pam and Dave you are true Trail Angels! It's nice to know they've got friends in Pennsylvania. And most importantly Happy Earth Day!!!Posted by BIG Lu for....
Date: 2014-04-24
From: Wind Gap, PA

To: Mohican Outdoor Center
Miles today: 26.5
Weather: overcast clouds

You didn't think these guys would leave PA without one last Pig Out did you? Of course not! They stopped for lunch at Delaware Water Gap, (the last trail town in PA) and went to the Village Farmer & Bakery for the hot dog and slice of pie Special. The pie choices were pumpkin or apple; they chose pumpkin first then order seconds this time it was the apple. Before leaving town they stopped by Zoe's Ice Cream for ice cream shakes. Hudson and Scotia had a fun time with the "PA - Pig Out Challenge" and are looking forward to the NJ/NY Food Truck & Deli Crawl!Posted by BIG Lu for....
Date: 2014-04-25
From: Mohican Outdoor Center

To: Mashipacong Shelter
Miles today: 26.5
Weather: clear sky

Today the guys saw an actual forest fire. No need for alarm, they found out later it was a controlled burn. More importantly, lunch was at Gyp's Tavern on Lake Kittatinny. Hikers enter around back and sit on the patio over looking beautiful Kittatinny Lake. Hudson and Scotia each had club sandwiches, fries and cold drinks.Posted by BIG Lu for....
Date: 2014-04-26
From: Mashipacong Shelter

To: NJ 94 - St. Thomas Episcopal Church Hostel
Miles today: 26.0

Today the Guys passed near the New Jersey high point. The monument on the high point can be viewed from a wooden tower on the AT. Enough about the trail; today's lunch was a pub crawl at the Wit's End Tavern in Unionville NY. It was an easy walk over the state line on Lott Rd. The guys had the BBQ rib special:-)Posted by BIG Lu for....
Date: 2014-04-28
From: Orange Turnpike - New York

To: Appalachian Market
Miles today: 27.5
Weather: light rain

Hudson's on the Hudson!!! It was a picture perfect day to climb over the newly overhauled Bear Mountain with it's granite steps. The workmanship that has gone into this project must be seen to be appreciated. After the guys stopped for lunch at the new Hiker Cafe' at the Bear Mountain Inn for sandwiches, ice cream and drinks. A few hours after crossing the Hudson River the guys were picked up by friends of Hudson's and went to his home town where he grew up (Putnam Valley). They were treated to food and fun in the actual house Hudson grew up in. (Now owned by one of his closest friends).Posted by BIG Lu for....
Date: 2014-04-29
From: Appalachian Market

To: Stormville NY
Miles today: 24.0
Weather: overcast clouds

It was a great time visiting with the best of friends; TJ "Different", Big Joe "Hardhat", and Jim "Hickstick" Aka "Bear Attractor" (The new owner of Hudson's home) who are not long distance hikers but have hiked with Hudson enough to earn their trail names. After a night of good food and being treated to Jim's famous french toast breakfast, They were returned to the trail and throughout the day Hudson reminisced a life time of experiences around the trail in Fahnestock State Park and where he got engaged to his wife Big Lu (Me).Posted by BIG Lu for....
Date: 2014-05-01
From: Zero'ing 

To: Schaghicoke Road - CT
Miles today: 26.0

After receiving trail magic of a box of pastries from Hudson's cousin Corie the guys entered Connecticut. It's nice to see friends and family get joy out of being part of their journey. While the guys are in Connecticut they're trying a new challenge, called the slack-pack Connecticut and stay at the Bearded Woods challenge. Even though they still carry their gear so they look like thru hikers, they will be picked up by me (Big Lu) and enjoy home cooked meals in our home. I'm so excited the first 2014 thru-hikers Hudson & Scotia have arrived at the Bearded Woods Bunk & Dine!Posted by Big Lu for....
Date: 2014-05-05
From: Homes Road - MA

To: US 20 
Miles today: 26.0
Weather: overcast clouds

It was nice to have Hudson home for a few days. Hudson and Scotia were fed well, sleep good and almost smell clean. It was also nice to have a visit from 2013er and fellow Connecticut resident "Wilson". Getting excited about the 2014 season, Bearded Woods will be open May 24th.Posted by BIG Lu for....
Date: 2014-05-07
From: Dalton MA

To: Williamstown, MA
Miles today: 22.5
Weather: overcast clouds

After climbing over Mt. Greylock highest peak in Massachusetts) The guys took the 25 minute walk into Williamstown and went to eat at Desperado's. This is a must for anyone thru hiking. Hudson and Scotia were treated special. Well worth the walk!Posted by BIG Lu for....
Date: 2014-05-12
From: Mad Tom Notch

To: VT 103
Miles today: 27.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Vermont showed its muddy side today. This section of trail also had plenty of bog logs to keep the Guys elevated above the mud. Hudson thinks this is a great idea and they should build rock logs for Pennsylvania. At the end of the day the guys made their way to the Yellow Deli Hostel. They were more than glad they did. Aysh - the hostel proprietor treated Hudson and Scotia like VIP. They had award winning chilly, not just good chilly but chilly that actually won awards with homemade bread, sandwiches, drinks, and deserts. When they returned to the hostel there was baskets of fruit on their bunks and in the morning they were treated to breakfast. Thanks Aysh and all the folks at the Yellow Deli, the food and woodwork at this Deli make this a unique and wonderful experience. To top it off the guys were able to catch a bus next door that returned them to the trail head.Posted by BIG Lu for....
Date: 2014-05-14
From: Kent Pond

To: Bernard Gulf Road
Miles today: 19.5
Weather: scattered clouds

The guys got a late start after sleeping in at Mountain Meadows overlooking tranquil Kent Pond. There's been a lot of Moose sign on the trail in Vermont. Moose poop, tracks and then there were dozens of trees with the bark stripped off 8 to 9 feet high "obviously this is Bigfoot"Posted by BIG Lu for....
Date: 2014-05-15
From: Bernard Gulf Road

To: Hanover, NH
Miles today: 23.5
Weather: light rain

The Green Mountain State completed! Hudson's last day in Vermont was truly the most beautiful with the nicest section of trail in the state and every tree exploding in green. (Finally Spring)... As He and Scotia crossed the Connecticut River into New Hampshire they smiled and snapped pictures and gazed at all the food choices that lined Main Street Hanover.Posted by BIG Lu for....
Date: 2014-05-16
From: Hanover Rt 120

To: Dorchester Road
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: light rain

The first day in NH the trail was kind as Hudson and Scotia walked the breathtaking Holts Ledge, home to nesting Peregrine Falcons. None of the endangered birds of prey were spotted do to extreme high winds that were threatening to knock the guys off the ledge.Posted by BIG Lu for....
Date: 2014-05-17
From: Hanover, NH Rt 120

To: Route 25 - NH
Miles today: 24.0
Weather: broken clouds

After last nights torrential down pour the trail became a cascading brook and brook crossings became raging rivers. The Guys walked through water most of the day. They also saw their first Moose on the trail, unfortunately it was resting peacefully in the middle of the trail. (A grim reminder of the harshest winter ever recorded).Posted by BIG Lu for....
Date: 2014-05-18
From: Route 25 - NH

To: Kinsman Notch
Miles today: 9.5
Weather: broken clouds

Moosilauke in a dress??? Bringing back an old tradition or starting a new? Hudson decided that the guys should hike Mt. Moosilauke in dresses, a thru- hiker tradition He heard about this 10 years ago. It was like a photo shoot as Hudson, Scotia and a third thru hiker Shaggy Moe summited and were admired by day hikers who lined up to take photo's of the trio.Posted by BIG Lu for....
Date: 2014-05-19
From: Kinsman Notch

To: Home At The Bearded Woods
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Yesterday was a fun and perfect way for Hudson to end this leg of his thru- hike. He returned to Connecticut to meet up with German Phil and Dakota Joe who are currently up to Salisbury an Animal reunion. They are staying at the Bearded Woods for a few days to zero, get resupplies, slack pack the Taconic Range and refuel their bodies on my (Big Lu) cooking. Hudson and I have a lot of preparing for our opening date May 23rd to host all the hikers who follow Dakota and Phil. Hudson will return to finish his thru hike in September and is on schedule to summit Katahdin on or before his original estimated completion date of October 9th. Thanks to everyone who has followed Hudson's Trail Journal. We will be attending the 33rd Annual ALDHA Gathering on Oct. 10th in Williamstown Mass.Posted by BIG Lu for....
Date: 2014-05-20
From: Home At The Bearded Woods

To: Bistro Box, Great Barrington, MA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Hudson and Squatch - Scott Herriott of Squatchfilms.com grabbing lunch at the newly open Bistro Box, 1.2 miles from the AT crossing west on Route 7,   Great Barrington, MA. Bistro Box Rocks!Posted by BIG Lu for....
Date: 2014-08-30
From: Bearded Woods Bunk & Dine

To: Kinsman Notch - NH
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Many hikers have come to visit the Bearded Woods and our season is coming to a close. Hudson is becoming anxious to continue his journey north. He was pleased to have the opportunity to get a few day hikes in helping a thru-hiker work through an injury. He will be heading to Kinsman Notch soon to continue where he left off. Stay tuned.Posted by BIG Lu for....
Date: 2014-09-11
From: Franconia Notch

To: Zeroing in Lincoln, NH
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Hudson and I (Big Lu) are hanging out in Lincoln on a rainy day. We met a few other hikers in town who have the same idea to summit Franconia Ridge on a better weather day. I'm heading home tomorrow and will rejoin Hudson in Millinocket, ME.Posted by BIG Lu for....
Date: 2014-09-13
From: Galehead Hut

To: Crawford Notch
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: overcast clouds

After hiking through beautiful Zealand Falls, Hudson went to the AMC Highland Center. A spectacular Lodge and Bunkhouse with Ayce dinner & breakfast and hot shower. Also a lounge area with wine ,cheese and beer. Good rate (less than huts)even better for AMC members.Posted by BIG LU for....
Date: 2014-09-14
From: Crawford Notch

To: Madison Spring Hut
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: overcast clouds

A cold day over Mt Washington (25°wind chill around 10°) as you can see the ice on the signpost. How nice of winter to welcome Hudson back! He couldn't of asked for better views, he was told visibility was over 100 miles.Posted by BIG Lu for....
Date: 2014-09-16
From: Carter Notch Hut

To: US 2 Gorham, NH
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: few clouds

It was a damp rainy day over Carter Dome. Hudson felt brand new again when he was welcomed by Marni at White Mountain Lodge & Hostel. This beautiful spacious house comfortably holds 20 guests and seating for an elaborate breakfast. Immaculately clean, truly a labor of love! Thank you Marni - Hudson's visit was more than he could have hoped for.Posted by BIG Lu for....
Date: 2014-09-19
From: Grafton Notch

To: South Arm Road - Andover, ME
Miles today: 20.5
Weather: scattered clouds

The weather in Maine has been treating Hudson good and the hospitality even better. He was invited to stay at The Cabin in East Andover, a hostel run Honey & Bear. These two generous people have been taken hiker's into their home for nearly 20 years. They spend every waking moment pleasing their guests and preparing all you can eat portions of dinner and breakfast. Thanks Honey & Bear for making Hudson and all the hikers who visit feel like family!Posted by BIG Lu for....