morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-05-11
From: Dicks Dome

To: Blackburn
Miles today: 26.2
Weather: clear sky

My earliest start. I was on the trail by 6:45. I got in 10 miles by 10:00, and arrived at Bears Den just before 2:00. Aquick but rough 18 miles. I had completed 10 miles of The Roller Coaster by the time I reached the hostel. I took a 2 hour break to rest and reorganize after getting my next mail drop. Spider rolled in and said he was staying. I headed out at 4:00, and hiked to Blackburn. This allowed me to get thru The Rollercoaster, out of Virginia, and past the 1000 mile mark. The hostel was nice and they offered me free spaghetti and beer. I passed on the beer and pasta, but added some of the fresh tomato sauce to my pemmican and pasta.
Date: 2012-05-12
From: Blackburn

To: MD
Miles today: 12.7

I got another early start so I could make it to Harpers Ferry by noon. The trail was easier and less rocky than the previous days. Crossing over the Shenandoah River Bridge was great, but the cars zooming by was a little unnerving. I hit town around noon, and proceeded to hike across the Potomac River bridge to MD. I then hiked back to Harpers Ferry and had some BBQ and an ice cold root beer.went to the ATC to pick up my mail drop, and get my picture taken. I was the 109th NOBO. My wife picked me up, and it was off to the grocery for food.
Date: 2012-05-13
From: Harpers Ferry

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

A zero day. Time to relax and let the body rest. I have lost some weight, and I have been hiking in pain off and on for the past couple of weeks. I will let the body rest, and take on some more calories. It is always fun to just sit around and eat. I especially like fresh fruit and vegetables when I hit town. Spider came over with his wife and a friend, and we grilled steaks. I will see the doctor tomorrow for my 1000 mile check up.
Date: 2012-05-16
To: Dahlgren Backpacker campground
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Slept in and got a late start. Hiking back thru Harpers ferry and saw spider, his wife and friend Woody. They walked across the Potomac bridge with me. I headed north with a nice day and warm weather. I got in 17 miles and stopped for the day. The free hot shower was great.
Date: 2012-05-19
From: CaledoniannState Park

To: Ridgeline
Miles today: 23.5

Another nice day of hiking. Great to wake to the sound of rushing water. I left around 8, and saw a bunch of hikers at the first shelter. Stopped at Birch Run Shelter for a short rest.I pushed on and met a trail mantainer and his dog.I passed the mid way point and then stopped at Pine Grove Furnace state park. Watched a couple of hikers do the half gallon challenge. I filled all my water containers and headed out of town. Went about 4 1/2 miles and made camp on the ridge.
Date: 2012-05-24
From: 1158.8

To: 501 Shelter
Miles today: 28.8
Weather: light rain

Another great day of hiking. Met up with the amazing Trail Angel Mary. She dropped us off at PA325, and then agreed to meet us later in the day with the rest of our gear. She said she prefers the term Freedom Hike, over slack. I thinknI agree. With the freedom from the extra weight, you can just enjoy the hike. We rolled into the shelter around 6:30 and met Mary. I had a nice cold shower, and then we ordered take out to celebrate our 29 mile hike.
Date: 2012-05-26
From: Port Clinton

To: PA 309
Miles today: 26.3

Bay's foot was messed up, so Rainbow to Yappy and me up to 309 so we could hike back in. The day was very warm and humid. We stopped at Allentown Shelter for a break, and then headed on. There were a lot more weekend hikers out due to the holiday weekend. We had great views from The Pinnacle. I was surprised at the large crowds of people there when we arrived. We could hear and see the thunderstorms that would be chasing us the next nine miles. The rain would catch us a couple of hours from the end, but we were already drenched with sweat, so it was actually nice to hike inna cool rain. It has been a wet spring,and my pack has developed an interesting odor.The trail crossed under the road and followed the river near the end. I did not notice how narrow the path was due to tall grass,and I took a fall. My left foot came down,but just kept going. I came down hard on my right knee, rolled, and then slid down the bank into briars. What a way to end the day. I limped to meet my ride knowing a hot shower would do wanders. Steak and ice cream helped.
Date: 2012-05-27
From: PA 309

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Well I overslept, and missed my chance at a ride back to the trail,so I am taking a zero. It worked out because the weather really tanked, and I am a bit sore from my fall. I have been pushing hard the last few days so I am still on schedule. I will get in some miles tomorrow, and then meet my wife for a few days of R&R
Date: 2012-05-28
To: Palmerton
Miles today: 13.8

Got dropped off at PA 309 by Rainbow, and headed North. It as a hot sunny day with a mix of trail and rock scrambles. Knife Edge is just like it sounds. A scramble along the top edge of tall narrow rocks. We rolled into Palmerton in the afternoon, and I was then off for a few days with my wife. A welcome break for the body to recover and recharge.
Date: 2012-06-01
From: Palmerton

To: Leroy Smith Shelter
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Back on the trail, after a few zero days. I am itching to get out of PA, and start the countdown. It was steep bouldering out of Palmerton, and then rocky trail mixed with grassy road sections. Was chased and followed by a young foe. It looked a couple days old. There were strong storms forecast for the evening,so I opted for the shelter. Shared it with Spice,The Lion Killers,Biped and Colonel Angus.
Date: 2012-06-02
From: Leroy Smith Shelter

To: delaware water gap
Miles today: 20.2
Weather: overcast clouds

A nice sunny cool day after the storm. Another rocky day in PA. This section seemed to be particularly rough, and being wet from the night before makes them slippery.I had planned to push on to camping outside of town, but my body vetoed the idea, so I opted for a hot shower and I've the knee. I have completed PA. Tomorrow I get up and cross the bridge to NJ.
Date: 2012-06-04
From: ridgeline

To: mashipacong
Miles today: 20.5
Weather: moderate rain

It was a cool damp morning with an early shower,so I didn't get on the trail till around 9:00. Had a couple nice views and saw 4 bears before lunch. I arrived at the shelter tired,wet,and cold. I thought I would go to the next shelter because the water supply was .6 miles away. There was water stocked in the bear box, so I decided to stay. Nice quiet shelter. Spice showed up and decided to stay as well.
Date: 2012-06-05
From: mashipacong

To: tent site
Miles today: 21.7

Another cool damp morning. My pants were dry, but my t-shirt was wet and cold. Everything was wet from the night's rain, so my pants were soaked after a free minutes of hiking. Nice mix of terrain. Crossed High Point, then down thru pastures and woodland forest.Stopped in Unionville for a break, then headed over Pochuck mountain and found a tent site.
Date: 2012-06-06
From: tent site

To: Greenwood Lake NY
Miles today: 19.4

Another cool morning. I made my chocolate coffee as I broke camp. I met up with Orange Lightning at the first road crossing. He was getting back on the trail after a bit of Lyme disease.We hiked together, and had a little break at the state line. I entered NY today, my 9th state. I checked into Anton's and picked upy next food box. Matt runs the place and is a great guy,and very hiker friendly. We walked around the lake and had a great steak dinner at Emerald Point.
Date: 2012-06-09
From: 1389.7

To: 1406
Miles today: 16.3

Back on the trail a little late. There was a light rain which felt good. There were several large groups hiking since it was the weekend. Perkins Tower on Bear Mtn. was crowded.I stopped at The Appalachian Mkt at 9/403. I heard a voice and turned and saw Pretzel. I hadn't seen him since Damascus. He was headed to Graymoor and I pushed on. I wanted to back up on the ridge and find a tent site. I found one with a nice view of the sunset.
Date: 2012-06-10
From: 1406

To: road crossing
Miles today: 20.4

Got an early start. It was a warm and humid day. Lots of sweating and Mosquitos. Stopped at Dennytown Rd. for water and noticed my map pages missing. Pretzel showed up a little later, and he had found my pages. Had a good day of hiking and had planned to stop for water at the next road crossing. I arrived at the road and was offered ice cream and beer. I declined and explained being celiac with a dairy allergy. It turns out that he had been recently diagnosed with celiac. I got to have a shower, do laundry, and have a cold gluten free beer. Thanks Bill and Amy for your hospitality.
Date: 2012-06-11
From: road crossing

To: tent site
Miles today: 26.3

Nice to start with clean clothes. I wanted to get in a few extra miles, so that the next day I would hit town before too late. I hiked with Spice in the afternoon, and decided to push on with him. We made it to Ten Mile river late in the day. I crossed the river and set up my tent as it was getting dark.
Date: 2012-06-16
From: Brassie Brook

To: Great Barrington
Miles today: 25.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke to a nice cool morning and got on the trail early. I decided to try for a high mileage day, so that getting into my mail drop later in the week would be easy. I have gotten to where I try for an easy day into town, so that I get a day and a half off on my zero day. I decided to reward my long day with a hot shower and a soft bed. I walked into Great Barrington and checked out the grocery. I was lucky and found some gluten free ice cream. I was also able to find some gluten free beer at the store next door. I came out of Big Y grocery, and was offered a ride if I needed it. I got some great trail magic from Rat Bucket and his parents. A great full thank you for the ride to the hotel.
Date: 2012-06-17
From: Great Barrington

To: Berkshire Cottage
Miles today: 20.0

Got a good start after a great night's rest. I decided to do about 20 miles, which would leave 28 to my next stop, and two days to do it. The day was filled with nice rolling terrain. I met Sharky and Rummy just before Upper Goose Pond Cabin. They started in Springet about the same time I did, and this was the first time we met. They headed to the cabin and I pushed on a couple more miles to Lee MA. I stayed at Berkshire Lakeside Cottage. I ran into Pacer, whom I hadn't seen in a couple of weeks.
Date: 2012-06-18
From: Berkshire Cottage

To: Dalton
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Got a late start, knowing that I only had to do 14 or more to meet my daily goal. The terrain was pretty level, so I was not worried. I stopped at The Cookie Ladies. I was not after cookies, but some hard boiled eggs. I got a text from Yappy and learned that her, Bat, and Orange Lightning would be in Dalton. I decided to push on to Dalton because it might be the last chance to see these 3 friends. I rolled into town around 6:00 and tented at Tom Levardi's. I set up my tent,then went into town for a great steak at Mill Town Tavern, then met up with all the other hikers. Bat,Yappy,Orange Lightning,Bugger,Snarf,Spoon,Sharky,and Rummy.
Date: 2012-06-19
From: Dalton

To: Cheshire
Miles today: 9.4

Got up early to say goodbye to Bat,Yappy and Orange Lightning. Had eggs and coffee, and then off to Cheshire. The first part was uphill, then down into town. It was an easy 9 miles, and I arrived in town mid day. I got a shuttle to Harbour House B&B and began my relaxing.
Date: 2012-06-21
From: Harbour House B&B

To: Williamstown MA
Miles today: 14.1

It was a very hot day climbing over Mt.Greylock. I took extra water, and I had a full pack from my resupply. I had also switched to my new boots. The other ones had worn out, and these should be my last pair . I had to stop half way up to to doctor a blister on my right heel. I stopped at the cafe on the top and purchased some cold water and a fruit Popsicle. I redid the moleskin and applied a little duct tape on the right foot, and I was good to go. It was a steep descent down to MA 2. I decided to stop at the next town so that I could attend to my blister and rehydrate. It felt good to sit in a cool place and drink lots of water . I am looking forward to a break in the weather.
Date: 2012-06-22
From: Williamstown MA

To: Bennington VT
Miles today: 18.4
Weather: scattered clouds

A steady climb out of town,and 4 miles later I crossed over into VT. It felt good to hit the 12tg state. The terrain was a nice mix, but the bugs seemed to have increased exponentially. My heel continued to bother me all day, and the left heel began hurting as well later in the day. The heel pain changed my stride, and I got Tendonitus in my right foot. I pushed to VT 9 and went into Bennimgton. I got a ride to the drug store and then a hotel. Time for a hot shower and some attention to the feet.
Date: 2012-06-23
From: Bennington VT

To: Goddard Sheltet
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: broken clouds

I taped upy feet and headed back to the trail. I got a ride with Yappy,Pretzel,and J.C. They were doing 20 miles to another vehicle, and then another slack the next day. I thought I could meet up with them later,but it soon became evident that my pace was way off. The pain was constant and more intense than the previous days. By late afternoon I had barely covered ten miles. I arrived at Goddard Shelter in a cold rain. I set up my tent, and climbed in. I was cold, tired,defeated,and on the verge of tears. This was probably one of my worst days on the trail. I was reminded that you are never totally in control on the trail. I had an early dinner and went to bed,hoping for a better day tomorrow .
Date: 2012-06-24
From: Goddard Sheltet

To: Stratton Pond Shelter
Miles today: 19.3
Weather: few clouds

The rest from the previous day seemed to have helped. My feet are still painful, but I was able to find my stride today. I listened to music as a distraction and just kept moving forward. I knew that if I made it over Stratton Mountain, that it would be a good day. I saw Bugger at the top while I was giving my feet a rest, then hiked down to Stratton Pond Shelter. They were calling for early showers so I decided to sleep in the shelter.
Date: 2012-06-25
From: Stratton Pond Shelter

To: Peru VT
Miles today: 10.7

Woke to rain, and glad to be in a shelter. It felt good to make coffee and pack up in a nice dry place. I headed out in the rain for my next resupply. I made it to VT11/30 and called for a shuttle to Johnny Seesaws. My food box and some other supplies were waiting.
Date: 2012-06-26
From: Peru VT

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I am taking a zero today. It is 57 and rainy, and I am waiting on some hydro colloid bandages to arrive. The owner gave me a ride into town, so I could get a few things. I ran into Bat, Yappy, and Pacer at the outfitters. I really like Johnny Seesaws Lodge. Great place to relax, and a great steak dinner. Very restorative. I hope to get the feet all bandaged and taped, and hit the trail in the morning.
Date: 2012-06-27
From: Peru VT

To: tenting
Miles today: 24.6

Back on the trail after a nice rest. The new bandages seem to be making a big difference. It was windy and chilly on top of Bromley Mtn. They had torn the tower down a couple of days earlier, and were still clearing it away. Some of the trail was very wet, and even the walking planks were floating.I had gotten an early start, and held a nice pace all day, so I was able to have an unexpected high mileage day. It felt great to slip into my warm bag at the end of the day, just as it was getting dark.
Date: 2012-06-28
From: tenting

To: Inn at The Long Trail
Miles today: 29.0

I woke early to a wonderful clear day. I got an early start, and my stride seemed back to normal. It felt good to hike without pain. The sunshine just seemed to energize me, and the new bandages were really helping the heels. The miles just seemed to glide by. It was fun meeting a crew of Vermont Youth Conservation Crew members. They were getting the trail in good shape. I was tired late in the afternoon and the heels were beginning to talk, but I decided to try for the Longtrail Inn. I was worn out by the time I got there, but it felt great. A hot shower, a hot meal, and then collapse into a soft bed. This would be my longest day length and mileage wise. I am close enough to the end to know that the rest of my days will be shorter.
Date: 2012-06-29
From: Inn at The Long Trail

To: Pomfret
Miles today: 24.0

Nice to wake in a warm bed listening to the rain. Went down and had a full breakfast, which come with the room. It turned out to be a sunny but humid day. The terrain was a nice mix, so the miles clicked by. I hooked up with Bat, Yappy, Orange Lightning, Bugger,and T Dog at the end of the day. We went to have dinner and stay with 2011 thru hiker Who Knows, and his family. They had a cookout for us,let us sleep there, and then made a great breakfast , before sending us on our way.
Date: 2012-06-30
From: Pomfret

To: VT-NH border
Miles today: 17.9

It was a nice day with less humidity. I got into town, and then did some backtracking to get to the house my wife had rented for a few days. Her plans were changed by being bumped by the airlines. She would be arriving really late, and wanted me to meet her at the airport. I could not have done it without the amazing generosity of fellow thru hikers, and amazing trail angels, Yappy and Bat. They went above and beyond when they offered to drive me to Manchester. They got my break off to a great start. I will take a few days off with my wife, and then make my final push to Katahdin.
Date: 2012-07-05
From: VT-NH border

To: Trapper John Shelter
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Back on the trail after 4 days off. Nice sunny weather with a bit of humidity, making for a hot sweaty hike. The terrain started as a gentle roll and then climbed up over Moose Mtn. Dropped down and then up over Holts Ledge. I decided to call it a day at Trapper John Shelter.
Date: 2012-07-06
From: Trapper John Shelter

To: stealth tent site
Miles today: 17.6

Got an early start with a clear sunny morning. A steep climb up Smiths Mtn. Great views from the fire tower. Dropped down to the other side, then back up Eastman Ledges and then the steady climb over Mount Cube. I found a great tent site down stream from a brook crossing.
Date: 2012-07-07
From: stealth tent site

To: Beaver Brook Shelter
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Slept great and got a good early start. I was hoping to make it over Mt.Moosilauke. Great weather and rolling terrain. Went over. Mt.Mist and decided to stop at Hikers Welcome Hostel for a break. I had a lunch and a hot shower. Feeling refreshed, I headed out for Moosilauke. Great weather for wonderful views. Crossed over the summit,then dropped down the other side and arrived at Beaver Brook just before dark.
Date: 2012-07-08
From: North Woodstock

To: North Woodstock
Miles today: 17.0

A slow descent down Moosilauke, and then over Kinsman and down to Franconian Notch. I have started seeing more Southbounders, and it is refreshing to see their excitement and hear about what is ahead. They all sing the praises of The Whites, which adds to the excitement of pushing North.I am getting a mail drop and taking a zero at Carriage, then back up into The Whites. I am looking forward to spending some time on the ridges.
Date: 2012-07-10
From: North Woodstock

To: galehead
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: clear sky

Got back on the trail after a zero day. Had a beautiful day with amazing views. It was a steady climb up and over Mt. Lafayette, and a view for miles. There were lots of people out. Ran the Franconian ridge to Mt.Lafayette, and then had a steep rocky descent. I stopped at Galehead hit for water, then found a great stealth site about .10 North.
Date: 2012-07-11
From: galehead

To: Mt.Webster
Miles today: 18.0

I got an early start after a good nights sleep. Went over South Twin early and then had rolling rocky terrain thru the day. Dropped down into Crawford notch in the afternoon,and then began the climb back up.I stopped at a spring and took on 5 liters of water. I continued a very steep club up Mt.Webster, and found a great stealth site on the top of Webster.
Date: 2012-07-12
From: Mt.Webster

To: Madison Spring hit
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: clear sky

Another early start with rolling terrain, but gradually increasing elevation. A steady climb to Lakes of Clouds hit,then straight up Mt.Washington. It was a great day to be on top of Washington. Sunny and 58 degrees with 40 mph winds. I took a short break and then the rocky descent. It was pretty much a rocky hike all the way down to Madison Hut. I was offered work for stay, but opted to stealth camp about .10 south off the Valley Way trail.
Date: 2012-07-13
From: Madison Spring hit

To: Wildcat
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Another day of great weather.The trail from Madison hut goes straight up over Mt.Madison, then pretty much down to Pinkham notch. With an early start you get into the notch mid day. You can then push on for 3 miles up Wildcat,and then take the gondola down to NH 16, just down the road from the visitors center. I used the pay phone and called Hikers Paradise for a shuttle into Gorham. Time to resupply and take a zero. I plan to take the gondola back up and slack the 18 to US 2.
Date: 2012-07-15
From: Wildcat

To: US 2
Miles today: 18.0

I got a ride to the ski lift and rode it back up to the top of Wildcat. I then hiked across the Wildcats,dropped down into Carter notch,and then up over the Carters. The trail the dips a bit before going over Mt.Moriah, and then it is down hill all the way to US 2..It was a long day, and I was glad not to be carrying a full pack. It was a tough 18 miles.
Date: 2012-07-16
From: US 2

To: state line
Miles today: 17.0

Made it to Maine! A nice rolling trail with a couple views. The trail became more rugged a couple miles from the state line. There was a rough bouldering section just before the trail to the shelter. I got in around 8:00, just before the rain. Pemmican with pasta sauce, and a celebratory hot toddy.
Date: 2012-07-17
From: state line

To: Speck Pond
Miles today: 9.6
Weather: light rain

I woke to rain, and was slow getting started. I knew I had the notch to go thru, and the rain was going to make it more difficult. Mahoosic notch was a fun adventure, and then the steep difficult wet climb up Mahoosic Arm. I was glad to get to Speck pond. It was a nice shelter with a beautiful pond behind it. It also had a nice caretaker who looked after things and provided weather forecast.
Date: 2012-07-18
From: Speck Pond

To: Andover
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: overcast clouds

It started out damp and windy, but luckily the weather cleared as I went. I was headed for a resupply in Andovet, and I was fortunate enough to get a ride from a couple guys who were out for a week of hiking. I really appreciated their kindness. Andover would be my first Maine resupply.
Date: 2012-07-21
From: Peterson Preseve

To: Piazza Rock Shelter
Miles today: 18.5

Back on the trail after a nice visit. Did a short hike with friends, then picked up the pace on some very nice terrain. This was some of the smoothest flowing terrain I had gotten to enjoy in a while, so I knocked out some miles before getting to the Saddlebacks. I stayed at Piazza Rock shelter. It had a two seat privy with a cribbage board.
Date: 2012-07-23
From: Spaulding Mtn

To: Stratton
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: broken clouds

A steady climb up and over Spaulding Mtn. and then a very rugged descent down Sugarloaf. I then had a steep climb up South Crocker. The trail dipped and then climbed North Crocker, and then a long gradual descent to ME 27. I called the Stratton Hotel and got a ride into town. I had my next box waiting there.
Date: 2012-07-26
From: Long Falls Dam Rd.

To: Caratunk
Miles today: 17.5

We got an early shuttle back to the trail and headed North. The terrain was relatively smooth, so we reached the Kennebec river a little before 3:00. We took the ferry across and then headed to the post office. There is a phone on the side of the building, and I called Sterling Inn and got a shuttle.