morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-04-30
From: Harper's Ferry, VA

To: Ed Garvey Shelter
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: light rain

Thanks again to Bill and Leslie for everything. Got a later start,which I was thankful for, than we had planned. But we stopped at the post office before leaving to mail everything back home. At Harper's, we checked out the ATC Headquarters (Appalachian Trail Conservency), got our pictures taken and placed in a notebook. Then we hit the Outfitters where we met a guy who had thru-hiked before,"County". He hooked us up then we chilled with him a bit before hitting trail. The easy 7 was nice walking and I can't wait to get some sleep! This shelter is really nice so I didn't tent. Weather looks good so hopefully tomorrow no rain!
Date: 2008-05-01
From: Ed Garvey Shelter

To: Annapolis Rocks
Miles today: 18.2

Originally planned to stop in at the shelter a few miles before the Rocks. After talking with the "Ridgerunner" from Maryland, we decided to do a few more to this popular spot. Really great sunset and great views from the Rocks! Today was beautiful weather wise and pleasant hiking. Noticing a gradual escalation in the amount of section and day hikers on trail. The campsites here are great-really nice tenting. The spring is flowing strong after all the rain we've had. Got to camp early, by 6:30 so plenty of time to cook and get ready to settle in for the night.
Date: 2008-05-02
From: Annapolis Rocks

To: Deer Lick Shelter
Miles today: 21.1
Weather: clear sky

How nice it is to be in our 7th state of the trip. PA has been rocky but we hear it only gets worse! The shelters here are nice but the tent pads looked more inviting! Great weather, warming up a bit. Even more people on trail today. Got an early start, with the cooler hours in the morning make for great hiking. Warmed up considerably by midday so it was nice to put some miles back early. Not too many great sites on trail but there was a cool vista at "high rock". It reminded me of Currahee Mtn. back home because of all of the grafitti on it. Good to put Maryland behind us today. Hopefully the rocks won't give us too much trouble or slow us down.
Date: 2008-05-04
From: Birch Run Shelter

To: Pine Grove Furnace State Park
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: clear sky

Today we tried to complete the half-gallon challenge! I FAILED! Trying to put down a half-gallon of ice cream proved to be pretty tough. The days walk was really short but well deserved. We are staying at a great hostel and the little store next door had a great grill where we ate lunch and dinner. Tomorrow we hit the halfway point officially-1069 to go! A great feeilng to know we've come this far but kinda staggering to think that we have that much further to walk. The weather has been great as far as temperature- loving the sunshine. Starting to get pretty homesick, but I know I have a lot of support back home and it keeps me moving and motivated. Haven't run into rocks too bad but I know they can't be too far away! Just taking it one day at a time.
Date: 2008-05-05
From: Pine Grove Furnace State Park

To: Darlington Shelter
Miles today: 33.7
Weather: broken clouds

Our biggest day on trail! Hoping we never do this again. We covered some great terrain today. Walked through pastures and fields for a long time. We stopped in Boiling Springs, PA for lunch and at the ATC Center to check that out. Ended up getting to camp after dark, close to 9:00 p.m. Great to be lying in the sleeping bag nice and warm with a full belly. Looking foward to Duncannon, PA tomorrow. We hear the Doyle Hotel is a vortex so hopefully we won't get sucked into staying too long. Crossing the midpoint this morning sure felt great! Looking foward to the second half of our adventure. I'm so tired I'm not even cooking tonight, just going to eat some of my snacks and hopefully it'll be enough. The feet and legs are definitely feeling beat down!
Date: 2008-05-06
From: Darlington Shelter

To: Duncanon, PA
Miles today: 11.3

Another great day of walking in the books. Short day with great views and a little rocky terain. Got into town early afternoon after sleeping late-got started about 10:00 a.m.! Got some pizza and stopped by the Doyle Hotel. A great place ,really friendly people. I definitely understand why it is so easy to get stuck for a night or two, or more! We decided to camp at the edge of town for $3.50, kinda a smart move, cheaper for sure, but a train goes by every 30 minutes so hopefully sleep won't be too tough. We got taken to resupply by the owners at the hotel so we should be able to stay on trail a few more days. Got a warm shower here at the campground and still feeling pretty tired after our big day yesterday. Hopefully a good nights sleep can help me recoupe.
Date: 2008-05-07
From: Duncanon, PA

To: Peter's Mtn. shelter
Miles today: 11.4

Well another late start out of town, who'd have guessed that? We got to the shelter around 1:00 p.m. and heard it was going to rain so we didn't want to press any further. We were both glad, things have gotten a little rocky but not as bad as people have made out. Had a really tough steep trail down to the water source, which we made twice. The second time we saw out first snakes of the trip! Scared the crap out of both of us! The shelter is really big and layed out pretty cool. It's going to be nice to stay in a shelter out of the rain! They say this section gets pretty rocky so we'll see how the feet and shoes hold up. Really missing home, friends and family! Would be great to see everyone again-didn't think I would get this homesick but I have. It keeps me going knowing I have everyone to come home to!
Date: 2008-05-09
From: William Penn Shelter

To: Pine Grove, PA
Miles today: 4.1
Weather: light rain

Rain, rain, rain!! Can't wait for a day with no rain! Got up and started planning a big day but made a corporate deision to head to a cheap motel to dry out and get a warm shower. Enjoyng the dry, warm room afer a really cold hour and a half of standing in the rain trying to catch a hitch. Finally, we got picked up by a dump truck and taken to town. This place is really convenient-it has a few fast food chains and a 24 hour truck stop where we did laundry. Going to enjoy watching TV and being lazy the rest of the day out of the rain!
Date: 2008-05-16
From: Blue Mtn. Lakes Rd.

To: Mashipacong Shelter
Miles today: 19.4
Weather: moderate rain

Trail Magic! NO, TRAIL ANGELS! Blake and Mike-you guys are spectacular. We walked the entire day in the rain, absolutely no breaks at all! Some tough walkin, just mentally the trail had beaten me down lately. This break was all I needed to boost my spirits. We got picked up around 9 p.m. to go to a bar after warming up for a nightcap! Then, we stopped at Wendy's for dinner! They absolutely hooked us up with a place to stay, free everything, and showers. Awesome guys that are a blast so far, really looking foward to getting to hang with them for the next few days. Right now, I'm just looking foward to sleeping after a wonderful shower! Again, thanks to Mike and Blake!
Date: 2008-05-17
From: Mashipacong Shelter

To: New Jersey
Miles today: 0.0

Zero day with Blake and Mike!What can you say about a great zero day? Got to sleep late (9:00) before we got moving! Then we all went down the street for breakfast, then laundry, then resupply. These guys are AMAZING! We are drying out our tents today, planning on cooking out later-some chicken and steaks. It's going to be great. Right now we are just being lazy and having a few cold ones. Just hearing Blake and Mike's stories and memories from the trail are really inspiring. We've heard about Keith, AKA "Gills"! They have some really funny ones. Tomorrow we are planning a slack pack that will take up most of the day and we are so grateful that they're willing to do all of this for us. I really can't explain how much fun I've had and how thankful we are that these guys are doing what they're doing.
Date: 2008-05-18
From: Machipacong Shelter

To: Lake Wllkill RD.
Miles today: 19.1

Slack Pack Day:GET MOTIVATED!!! What a day. Left the house with gorgeous weather awaiting us and Dunkin Donuts in our belly! Good stuff to start the day. Took off on our slack and the rain soon set in once again. We called Blake and Mike to cut our slack short and when we got to the road they had subs waiting on us for lunch! (How good that was). We talked it over and decided there were road crossings every mile for the next 6 miles we'd run them without packs! (Great idea) We took off to find Mike and Blake at every crossing with water/gatorade for us and playing inspirational music very loud and screaming at us! Really funny but definitely kept us going. We knocked out the last 6 miles out in like an hour. We got to come back once again for hot showers, pizza and a bed. These guys were way too good to us!! THANKS FOR EVERYTHING!We got back and have just been taking it easy soaking in the dry glory of a warm bed and awesome company! Thanks again to the Boys, you guys have no idea how much you inspired us and have motivated us to keep pressing strong. Oh and a rematch at Baxter State Park is in the workings!
Date: 2008-05-19
From: Lake Wllkill RD.

To: Prospect Rock
Miles today: 16.7

Waking up in a bed is a glorious feeling. Once again thanks to Mike and Blake for all you guys did for us-way too much. Blake took us by Dunkin Donuts for the last time and dropped us off on trail. Looked to be a great day, but once again we got rain but not for long so that was nice. We crossed into New York today which was a great feeling to put another state behind us! Had some georgeous terrain and the 2 mile boardwalk was great. Just before our tough climb of the day Blake left us a note and Gatorade-AMAZING boost for the day. Good stuff.Tonight we are just tenting because we didn't make it to the shelter so it's pretty cool to just stop and set up camp wherever we felt like it. Looking foward to a good nights sleep in the tent for a change.
Date: 2008-05-23
From: RPH Shelter

To: Wiley Shelter
Miles today: 25.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Today is officially the first day since the Mason-Dixon Line that we haven't seen any rain. It was glorious. We had a great stay last night and ordering pizza to the shelter was a big bonus. Today we walked most of the day with "Indian Summer". Cool to hang out with someone new, kinda spices up conversation. Also, Chuck is behind us a few miles so hopefully he can keep up our pace. Feeling strong and excited to be putting New York behind us tomorrow first thing in the morning. Meeting up with Blake's dad tomorrow so that's great news as well. Trail Magic has been a bonus in the latter part of our trip but definitely motivates us to keep pushing that much harder. It's been a little chilly at night in the summer gear so I'm hoping the weather will warm up just a bit. We hear there's no rain predicted for several days so that's very excitng news as well.
Date: 2008-05-24
From: Wiley Shelter

To: Kent, CT
Miles today: 12.7

Today we had the pleasure of meeting Blake's parents and staying at their house! Mr. Manion picked us up at the outfitters then took us in for showers and a steak dinner! Mrs. Manion you sure can cook! I miss it already! We also got a surprise visit from Mike which was cool. Great to see him again. Very eventful! To be taken in by complete strangers and offered so much is humbling and I can't thank them enough for all they have done. I even stole Devan's room-sorry man, much appreciated.The days walk was short but challenging. Glad it ended at Kent, CT. Great to meet the Manion's and great to be clean and have a homecooked meal!
Date: 2008-05-25
From: Kent, CT

To: Stewart Hollow Brook Lean-to
Miles today: 7.0

Can't express in words my thanks to the Manion family! Dinner, Breaksfast, dessert, showers, a bed, great people whom I'll miss seeing. Hope the best for them in the future! Devan-good luck at V-Conn. man, what an accomplishment.We got resupplied and a sub for the road and hit trail late today. A small day but what's our hurry. This trip has been so fun it's hard to believe we have come this far! Hanging out with Indian Summer tonight. A great guy who's very entertaining. I keep thinking of our stay with the Manions and wish we'd stayed longer-such a great time. I certainly wanted to get to know you guys better and bum for a few days longer! HA HA!Well, back to the woods and walking for a living, love to be back but hate to leave the gracious giving of great people!
Date: 2008-05-27
From: Belter's Campsite

To: Glen Brook Lean-to
Miles today: 24.7

Today the sun is out and we are heading to Massachusetts! Great to put another state down. Some amazng terrain today. Sages Ravine was absolutely georgeous! Also, Bear Mtn, Mt. Everett, and Race Mtn. all had spectacular views of what we've crossed and the mountains to be conquered in the future.It did rain a bit today but quickly replaced by the sun and heat. The bugs have really started to come out which tells me warmer weather is fast approaching! Having a blast walking with Chuck during the days-nice to mix the group a bit. Tomorrow we are planning an in and out resupply so a little smaller day is to be expected. Tonight we have the shelter to ourselves and sleep to come! It will be great. A big day means we both deserve a good nights sleep.
Date: 2008-05-28
From: Glen Brook Lean-to

To: Tom Leonard Lean-to
Miles today: 14.3

Today we woke to a chilly morning, the first in awhile. Getting started was tough but it quickly became apparent that it was going to be a hot day. We stopped in Great Barrington to resupply where we met a ridgerunner-"Milkman" who took us back to trail. We decided a smaller day would be good on the body so we stopped at the first shelter out of town. "Chipmunk" and the "Tenessee Two" are camping here tonight along with "Laser Chuck". Great people at a nice shelter.Having a lot of fun meeting tons of people as the hiking season is starting to bust wide open!Massachusetts is a great state with a lot of great views and some big mountains. Good to be back! Missing home still but thankful to be making dreams come true.
Date: 2008-05-29
From: Tom Leonard Lean-to

To: Upper Goose Pond Cabin
Miles today: 21.1
Weather: clear sky

Rating today was one of the best on trail. Had a blast after getting an early start and hiking past some beautiful terrain just inspired me more. We held up at the "NO MISS" location where there is a swimming pond, cabin with bunks, and a caretaker who cooks you beakfast in the morning. Out caretaker had hiked the trail twice, trailname "Slow Foot". We had a blast talking about his experiences, advise,and trying to fit our tales in as well. Hate to leave this wonderful stop but rain is on the way so we need to push as far as we can to try and beat it.Hope the best for "Slow Foot" and thanks for all you did for us man! It's amazing just how genuine people are on trail and how they automatically are willing to do anything for you. Thieves, no better place to be than on the A.T.! I'm loving life and wishing I had the means to do this full time!
Date: 2008-05-30
From: Upper Goose Pond Cabin

To: Kay Wood Lean-to
Miles today: 17.6

Tonight will be eventful. There's a high school group at the shelter! Hope it's not another "Boy Scout" experience. Had fun talking with several of the guys about life and the trail. Good luck to them both. They had a cute teacher, not sure how they lucked up on that one but enjoy it fellas! Anyways, today was great waking. Got started late after a full pancake breakfast cooked by "Slow Foot". Headed out with sun in the sky and rain on the way according to the forecast. Enjoyed the slow pace and going to enjoy tonight even more. Tomorrow we are neroing into Dalotn, MA to resupply, wash clothes, and all that good stuff. Looking foward to taking a long chill day of relaxing with "Hurricane" and "Laser Chuck".
Date: 2008-05-31
From: Kay Wood Lean-to

To: Dalton, MA (Nero Day)
Miles today: 3.0
Weather: light rain

Well the night went well and an early start got me into town before 10:00 a.m. We met a man, Tom Levardi, who allows hikers to stay at his house free of charge so we three shall spend our nero here today. We go breakfast at a little shop down the street, went to the post office for a package, got a shower, and planned on chilling the rest of the day. Tom took Kev and I to Dick's Sporting Goods for supplies-now we're going to lounge around before hitting the all-you-can eat buffet. Thanks for all you do for hikers Tom-it's really refreshing to meet someone so gracious to stinky hikers.
Date: 2008-06-01
From: Dalton, MA (Nero Day)

To: Mass 2 (North Adams, MA)
Miles today: 23.3

After a short conversation with Tom last night, we decided to slack-pack SOBO to Dalton. It was a great idea as we had a quick steep ascent up Greylock, then a slow downhill the rest of the day. Being able to knock out a big mile day with minimal weight on your back and get a shwoer that night is certainly a selling point. Tom had a wonderful dinner cooked when we got back so we ate and enjoyed the TV for a couple of hours. Great stay here and much appreciation to Tom. We enjoyed the slack even though our view from Greylock wasn't the best. It was a great day. Being able to sleep in a bed out of the rain is probably the best feeling ever!
Date: 2008-06-02
From: Mass 2 (North Adams, MA)

To: Seth Waner Lean-to
Miles today: 6.9

Again, thanks for all you did Tom. Today we slept in then got taken back to trail and walked a very slow pace to the first shelter. Decided we were prtty heavy so taking it easy was a smart move. Also, we started Vermont today. The "Green Tunnel" as it is known to hikers. I quickly understood why. You can't see anything but the underside of leaves above your head. It is nice hiking in the shade and keeps you pretty dry when it rains so plenty of positive points working for it. Got the Whites fast approaching so that's exciting. Great to know we only have two states left after Vermont.
Date: 2008-06-03
From: Seth Waner Lean-to

To: Kid Gore Shelter
Miles today: 25.9
Weather: overcast clouds

WOW, what a day.   We had only planned a 21 or so but a packed shelter and rain helped us decide to press on. I'm glad we did as we've met "Stride", a girl from Savannah, GA who just graduated in December form UGA! GO DAWGS! Great to meet someone thru-hiking from the home state. Also, a dad and daughter from Minnesota-Kaitlyn and Bob. Great stay at the shelter! Also, the "Tennesee Two" are here. What a day in "the tunnel". Good to do a high milage day once again but feeling the wear and tear on the feet.
Date: 2008-06-04
From: Kid Gore Shelter

To: Spruce Peak Shelter
Miles today: 22.9
Weather: light rain

Today we got an alright start and got to the shelter around 6:30 p.m. "Stride" was there waiting, gah, we couldn't catch her all day. She's a very strong hiker. Anyways, the days walk was wet and tough. The rocks and roots are challenging to walk over and I was falling all day. Overall, I was really relieved to get to the shelter! A hot meal, dry clothes, and an awesome shelter are great things. Tomorrow we have another nero coming up. I can't wait to have a chill day of relaxing and cleaning! Looking foward to reaching New Hampshire and the Whites but worried about the weather. Hope and pray for the best but preparing for the worst! Onward to retire in the sleeping bag for the night!
Date: 2008-06-13
From: Friewarden's Cabin

To: Glencliff, N.H. 
Miles today: 20.0

Last night Don Juan, Hurricane, and I all climbed the fire tower atop the mountain to catch a great sunset and one of the best views of the oncomming challenge that lay ahead. The infamous and mysterious Whites. Kev and I have never laid eyes on terrain that we have crossed since Tenn. Something about the stories we keep hearing about the Whites has us gitty with anticipation to reach them. Anyways, Today got really warm, pretty much hot, but everyone was outta camp before me even though I left by 7:30. Rewached the road around 3 o'clock which was pretty impressive. Had a gorgeous day and the terrain was beautiful.Picked up a mail-drop that has my winter gear, which i decided to send home, and some letters from family. By the way thanks for the pick me up guys, really meant alot to actually have mail from someone back home. Tons of people at the hostel tonight, planning on grilling out some chicken, SOUTHERN STYLE, YES! Haven't had good grilled food in awhile.Entering the White moiuntains tom is really inspiring and just tells me that we have yet again reached another milestone in this incredible journey we've embarked on. Got some new shoes so i will try those out and chunk my old ones that are regged out with holes in them straight into the closest trash can! Going to another hostel tom that is only 10 miles away or so because Kev and i both need one more memory card for the camera's to last us to Katahdin. It is a much needed and well deserved slow day, planning a early start and slow pace all day, just enjoying everything we can at this point, especially the sunshine!
Date: 2008-06-14
From: Glencliff, N.H.

To: N.H. 12(Kinsman Notch)
Miles today: 9.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Leaving the "Hikers Welcome Hostel" this morning was extremely tough. We enjoyed meeting tons of new NOBO's. Too many to list but thanks to everyone for such a fun night. Started the day off early with new shoes which i despretley needed. Our first day on a mountain in the White's, great weather, couldn't have asked for anything better! Mt. Moosalauki was stunning. The hike up it on the other hand was a tester! Kev and i both were passing day hikers like they were standing still but we couldn't hold our usual pace. It was a short day to Lincoln though which we both felt we deserved after working so hard a short day was an awesome reward! Heard about Chet's place, another hostel which we decided to go to. Glad we made the decision, he's such a good person with an amazing life story, extremely blessed by god and very wise about the trail. Tom we plan to slack around 16 miles and come back to Chet's, hopefully the others will join us here tom, we'll try to catch them and talk em into it tom morning. We also crossed the 1800 mile mark today which was very gratifying! Glad to be that much closer to our goal of finishing this great journey that was started in Feb!
Date: 2008-06-15
From: N.H. 12(Kinsman Notch)

To: Franconia Notch
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Great day for a slack pack! Kinda bad weather today, little overcast and rainy. Pretty heavy fog so we didn't see too much. Awesome to have the option to head back to town for a shower and good meal with an actual bed! We are hanging out at Chet's place tonight with StorminNorm, WaterBear, Stride, Strides, and Shannon and Tree! Great company, good to finally be walking with a group, this is what the trail has deprived us of and finally we are getting others company instead of just Hurricane and I. Having a blast tonight. The weather is suppose to be worse tom so we are debating on a zero day to see if we can wait out the weather for a great day on Franconia Ridge, we hear it has some of the best views on trail! The entire ridge is above treeline, something we are not accustomed too down south, be fun to enter new terrain. Getting very excited just thinking about how close we actually are to entering our last state, seems to be on everyones mind and a continual conversation that always is brought up! We've seen tons of people in the White Mtns so far and everyone want to ask us questions about all sorts of things, guess i need to be prepared for the same when i return home!