morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2017-07-12
From:  NJ Route 94 + .2 (1357.1)

To: Wildcat Shelter (1374.1)
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: clear sky

Even though up early took our time leaving camp. Immediately got to climb the "stairway to heaven" an 800 foot climb. Wasn't too bad except first thing so muscles not quite warmed up. Was good to get it out of the way as the day got really humid. Made decent time and crossed into NY just before noon. Lots of ridge hiking today. Good thing it wasn't overly hot (low to mid 80's?) and partially sunny. Had it been in the 90's and full sun, we would have absolutely melted as lots of hiking on the exposed ridges. Lots of small ups and downs and rock scrambles so was fun hiking Made it to an ice cream place about 4. I had 2 large ice creams and a soda. Hung out till about 5:30 with a few other thru hikers. We kept the hiker trash pretty contained as it was a respectable place. 2 easy miles into camp. Double WOWOne. at least 25 tents set up. Haven't seen this much activity since the first few weeks on the trail. A mini bubble that is hiking together. Sounds like most came from the shelter 12 back. Our plan is to do 19 to 22 tomorrow so hopefully we'll leave'em in our dustTwo. Mosquitos on steroids at this site. Not only tons but aggressive little critters. Set up my tent and dove right in. Not eating tonight and the plan is to get out of dodge pronto tomorrow morning and eat breakfast on the trail. We have had to keep a close eye on water. Many sources now dry or not very appealing. Carrying more water. Also shelters and stealth camping sites far less frequent. Makes planning far more important and doing the miles we want more difficult. Been that way since the last 100 miles in PA.
Date: 2017-07-13
From: Wildcat Shelter (1374.1)

To: Fingerboard Shelter (1388.3)
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Holly S*** what a tough day of hiking. We were hoping to do 22 today, but by 1 had only finished just over 8 and we were beat. Took us 9 hours to do the 14 - and that was 4 of us who typically do 20 a day. Endless ups and downs, no flat terrain. Each up and down was short but very steep and usually included scrambling over rocks/ mini cliff face. Also was hot and extremely humid. Had to take multiple breaks. Natural water was in short supply, good thing several places where people left out gallon jugs of water. At one location at least 40 jugs. Was it ever needed!Got to do the "Lemon Squeeze". See pic. Had to take the pack off, toss it up on the right, turn sidewise to climb out. Was fun. Last 2 days of hiking are taking a toll. One of the web sites / planning tools I'm using said the 44 miles from Vernon NJ/RT  94 (where we camped 2 nights ago) to Bear Mt. NY "are difficult". I'll say. Today was in the top 5, if not 3, of most difficult days so far. Bear Mountain is 12.7 from here.  14.9 to Fort Montgomery where we plan to get a hotel room to dry out and resupply. Quest is can we do 14.9 tomorrow???
Date: 2017-07-14
From: Fingerboard Shelter (1388.3)

To:  Fort Montgomery (1403.2)
Miles today: 14.9

Made it out of camp before the rain started. Was in the low 60's today. Probably close to a 30 degree swing in temp and even though raining (100% humidity) was a pleasant break from yesterday. Hiking in the rain is not bad at all. I don't carry or ware any rain gear now except my umbrella which I only use for passing showers. Just easier and much more comfortable to get wet in the rain.  Yesterday probably drank well over 2 gallons of water, today just under 2 litters. Hiking finally got back to normal. We made 14 miles by 2, called a cab into yet another substandard overpriced hotel/motel. But hey, showers and a place to let your stuff dry out is priceless these days. Got resupply and had dinner at a good Mexican place. We'll be crossing the Hudson tomorrow
Date: 2017-07-15
From:  Fort Montgomery (1403.2)

To: Canopus lake beach/Park (1424) 
Miles today: 20.8

We crossed the Hudson over the Bear Mountain bridge first thing. Was good hiking, lots of varied woods, swamps, streams, nice small ups and downs, etc. All of a sudden I'm in a mini pack of master division guys - 5 of us trudging thru the woods. One of the guys hiked the PCT last year so fun to talk to him. Not the best camping sites. A long way from the AT (probably bit less than a mile) and right next to Taconic State Parkway - at least no trucks. We were able to grab some snacks at the concession, but the grill part was closed.  Probably fine as prices were high and we heard not all that good.
Date: 2017-07-16
From: Canopus lake beach/Park (1424) 

To: Telephone Pioneers Shelter -.2. (1445.6)
Miles today: 21.6

Was hot and humid again today. Not as bad as a few days back. Just kinda ground out the miles today. Two small trail magics. Even though small, always welcome. Not much in the way of views, some nice woods hiking though. We heard tenting at the shelter was not good so stealth camped just before it.
Date: 2017-07-17
From: Telephone Pioneers Shelter -.2. (1445.6)

To: Schaghticoke Mtn Campsites (1464.1)
Miles today: 18.5

Yea! Entered New England / CT at noon today. Trail briefly went back and forth between CT and NY, but we are now done with NY. CT, MA, VT, NH, ME. Running out of states but still 726 miles to go, 1/3 of the AT.  Another hot and humid day. Heat and humidity is taking its toll on all. Even the "kids" are having a tougher time.  We did an "easy" 18 today. Was some of the flattest and best trail in weeks. A 900 foot climb late in the day. Wasn't too bad as we took it real slow. Last mile before camp was a challenge The AT always lets you know who boss!
Date: 2017-07-18
From: Schaghticoke Mtn Campsites (1464.1)

To: Caesar brook tent site (1480.9)
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: clear sky

A mixed bag, good, today. Hiked 3 miles into Kent CT. Had a great breakfast. Resupplied and went to the local outfitter. I lost my stove and need a new sleeping bag liner. Outfitter was a bust. Basically had a few non thru hiker camping items. I did score a "buy one get one free" gator aid (giant size!). That was certainly needed as again very hot and humid. Hiking and climbs have not been difficult but the heat and humidity makes it a challenge. Hard to keep hydrated. Also have to watch for heat exhaustion. I wash my shirt out and sponge off when we come to streams. That helps lots.  After Kent an "nice" climb up and down then a few miles of actual flat hiking alongside the Housatonic River. Small trail magic event where we met our first SOBOs (south bound thru hikers). 3 kids who started June 1. We know a few SOBOs have pass us, just these the first we met and spoke with.  Late afternoon pop up thundershower. Then a last mile or two into camp.
Date: 2017-07-19
From: Caesar brook tent site (1480.9)

To: falls village / iron bridge (1492.5)
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: clear sky

Heat and humidity finally caught up to us. Called it quits around 1. Fortunately we were only planning another 6 to Salisbury CT to a hostel. The hostel owner came and picked us up. Others we are in touch with are also suffering from the heat and reducing miles back from their usual pace. We got a late lunch in Salisbury, did a light resupply, and dinner. Salisbury not the cheapest little town.We readjusted schedules and are planning two 15 mile days the next two days. Hopefully with a short day today and a little recovery time that can be done.
Date: 2017-07-20
From: falls village / iron bridge (1492.5)

To: Laurel ridge campsite (1507.9)
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: broken clouds

Wow. What a difference a day makes. Got on the trail a little after 8 and before we realized it had done 7 miles. Was cooler and less humid than yesterday and as forecast so hiking was enjoyable, not an endurance contest. Knocking off early yesterday I'm sure factored into how good we felt today. Last 2 days the mini group of 5 has been three- myself, yoda and weatherman. Haze dropped back due to foot issues, Pablo had to wait for a delivery in the last town. Two huge milestones today. 1500 miles completed and entered MA!!!Last miles of CT were easy except a challenging last .3 from the top of Bear Mt into MA. Was a steep and rocky descent in a short period of time. Required lots of attention! You know it's tough when you are sweating twice as much going down as up. A Beautiful walk through Sages Ravine along a stream in MA We decided to knock off early after 15. We could have done another 3 to the next campsite but that would have required a 740' climb at the end of the day. Why ruin a good day of hiking? Besides it will be there tomorrow morning first thing when cooler.A post script to yesterdays hike. I forget to mention when we started the day our flying friends, mosquitos, gnats, and flys, were especially aggressive the first two hours. Just added to the misery of the day. Did you think every day was a vacation on the trail??
Date: 2017-07-21
From: Laurel ridge campsite (1507.9)

To: Jug End Road (1516.1) 
Miles today: 8.2
Weather: broken clouds

So this is how the story ends...Up early, excited to see Mary later in the day and had to knock out 12 by noon. A most incredible red/orange sun and sun rise. Immediately 2 climbs but the temps were cool and not much humidity. Some beautify ridge walking, in fact I stopped and had breakfast overlooking the Berkshire hills of MA. Some tricky short steep descents down Mount Bushnell and mount Everett. About 3/4 the way down Mount Bushnell it happens. Somehow slipped stumbled, and twisted my left knee. Actually I left part of my left leg up the trail while the rest of me was headed down. Pretty much knew right then my hike was over. Fortunately I was near the bottom and was able finish the last of the descent and slowly made my way about .5 miles to a road crossing. Mary was able to pick me up 30 minutes later and take me to the ER in Great Barrington. X-rays and a preliminary diagnosis of a strained or torn MCL. Headed back home for further follow ups with doctors therePost script. Initial consultation with the orthopedic doctor. Damage to my left knee MCL, possibly issues with the ACL. MRI requires to asses and develop a plan forward. The doctor did say "you won't be hiking anytime soon" So my 2017 AT thru hike is over. Hiking 1500+ miles was an unbelievable experience!  My son Will is still out on the trail doing his thru hike, I'll be following his progress with much interest.
Date: 2017-02-20
To: Baytown Nature Center
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Around the first of January I began hiking 5 or 6 times per week with about 30 lbs in my back pack. The average distance each day was 10 to 12 miles. My peak distance for 1 week was a little over 70 miles. I did nearly all my hiking in the Baytown Nature Center. Great place to visit,there are many different kinds of wild life that call it home. They include: many different kinds of birds, fish, snakes, rabbits, coyotes, and alligators. It's a nice quiet place to hike, very little car traffic on the roads and more than half of my hikes were on trails. The only drawback is that the nature center is flat. I also made 3 trips to West Texas to back pack this past year. I learned a great deal about the whole backpacking experience on these trips.
Date: 2017-02-24
To: Atlanta
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

I flew from Hobby to Atlanta Airport today where I met my son, Terry. We traveled to Falls State Park and checked into the lodge. We took the trail where we climbed up 600 stairs to get to the lodge.We hiked the steepest part of the Springer Mountain approach trail getting up to the lodge. We've got two fewer miles to go tomorrow!
Date: 2017-02-26
From:  Amicalola Falls lodge

To: hawk mountain campsite
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: fog

Terry and I left the Amicalola Falls State Park Lodge around 9 a.m. on Saturday morning we made it to the top of Springer Mountain and signed in on the book which starts my thru hike on the Appalachian Trail. We ended up hiking all the way to Hawk Mountain campsite which is about seven and a half miles up the Appalachian Trail from Springer Mountain. The first day was quite exciting lots of big Hills to climb and a lot of getting used to being on the trail. Because it was a weekend there were lots of other people on the trail not so many thru-hikers but a lot of day hikers. That is why we wound up going all the way to Hawk Mountain. this was the first available open Campground.
Date: 2017-02-27
From: Hawk Mountain campsite

To: Justus creek
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Camping tonight at justice Creek Campground.   there's 5 or 6 of us here. Met a nice fellow name Jay that is a through hiker. We all three hung our food bags together to keep them away from the bears. We made it about 8 miles today I think we were or I was tired from the 15 mile hike yesterday. We've know hiked about 15 miles on the AT.
Date: 2017-02-28
From: Justus creek

To: lÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ¤nce Creek 
Miles today: 10.0

Terry and I hiked just about 10 miles today. We're spending the night at Lance Creek Campground. We're staying with several other hikers most notable Jay is here tonight. We hit it off with him and he's also through hiking. He's a little younger than me but he is retired. We got rained on all afternoon and been very chilly all day but beautiful scenery. Tomorrow we're headed over Blood Mountain which is going to be the highest mountain we traveled over since we started.   Will spend tomorrow night either at Neil's gap or we may go on to the next gap depends on how we feel in and how tough Blood Mountain is.
Date: 2017-03-01
From: lÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ¤nce creek

To: Neil's gap hostel
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: fog

We made it over Blood Mountain about noon today.   Blood Mountain is the highest point on the at in Georgia.   It's supposed to have a great view but we were in fog all morning.   It was a heck of a climb up to the top and an equally scary descent.   Lots of the descent was over boulders that were wet and very slippery. We made it to Neel gap this afternoon and decided to stay in a hostel. It started raining about the time we got here and hasn't let up. There's room for 14 and is full up.   We did get a shower and we bough a bunch of junk food. Everyone's pigging out on frozen Pizza and sodas.   Yum!
Date: 2017-03-02
From: Neil's gap

To:  Blue Mountain shelter
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: clear sky

This has been a long longest day to date we covered 18 and a half miles today. We went all the way from Neil's gap to Blue Mountain we're only 2 miles from where we will get a lift into Hiawassee Georgia tomorrow. Shortly after, we got to Blue Mountain's shelter and the shelter was filled. A huge powerful thunderstorm blew in and blew Terry's tarps flat! He is sleeping in the shelter on the floor. My tent almost blew away because I hadn't gotten it fully staked down when the wind hit! Tt blew 50 to 60 miles an hour and lightning was hitting all over. Very good that we got here when we did! The weather appears to be moving on now. Everything in my tent surprisingly is dry so I'm in my tent tonight. We are now 50.2 miles from Springer Mountain where we started today. We did do a 18.51 miles and we climbed 4770 feet. We are also right on my schedule. We've also made friends with a couple people on the trail - we met Rooster and Hydrator. I'm not sure how Rooster got his name but Hydrator drinks about 6 liters of water a day. We also met Pacer and Monkey - Pacer got his name because he sets the pace for the two. These guys are brothers and Monkey got his name because he's a tree trimmer by trade. Terry has also hung a trail name on me, he's calling me Sure Foot now because of how slow I am when I come down steep windy and very wet mountain trails. Sorry I didn't get time to take any pictures tonight I'll try to get a few in the morning.
Date: 2017-03-03
From: blue Mountain shelter

To: Day 6 in Hiawassee resupply
Miles today: 3.0
Weather: clear sky

Terry and I went to town from Unicoi gap this morning. Hiawassee is a pretty little north Georgia town.   We spent the day washing clothes and shopping for trail food.   We also ate at Daniel's steak house. We spent the night in town and caught a ride back to Unicoi gap with a fellow we'd meet at the restaurant. He gave us his business card and told us to call him in the morning. He showed up in the morning and he wouldn't take money for the 14 mile drive to Unicoi.   He also had hiked hundreds of miles of the AT in Georgia and North Carolina. We learned alot about the trail from him.   His trail name is THE ENCOURAGER and he was our first Trail Angel. Hiawassee made a great impression on both of us.
Date: 2017-03-04
From: Unicoi gap

To:  Dicks Gap
Miles today: 17.0

Our trail Angel Encourager suggested we extend our hike to Dicks gap and to stay at the Top of Georgia hostel. the temps tonight are dropping to a low of 14 deg. so we hiked 16.5 miles over Tray mountain which at 4500 feet is the second highest peak on the AT in Georgia.   We also hiked over a whole bunch of PUDs (Pointless ups and downs). Very tough day but the scenery was beautiful.   it was cold all day but the sun was out and when the trees or hills blocked the wind it was nearly perfect hiking conditions.   we got to the hostel by 530 this evening. my GPS tracker says we climbed over 5200 feet today and took 37000 plus steps. we are also less than 10 miles from the north Carolina state line.   we should be in a new state tomorrow evening!
Date: 2017-03-05
From: Dicks Gap

To:  Muskrat Creek shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Terry and I left Dicks gap about 830 and began our 9 miles walk to the north Carolina border.   we crossed the border about 2 and immediately began to notice how quickly the terrain was changing. 2 miles over the border,we began climbing sharp peak and then court house bald.   court house bald Tops out at 4800 feet,higher than any mountains we hiked over in Georgia.tonight we camping at muskrat creek with about 20 folks most of who are thru hikers. we sat around a fire talking and joking tonight just a great evening.there's a bitter sweet element, this is the last night Terry and i will camp together.   we'll hike to standing Indian mountain and then he's taking an alternate trail to standing Indian state park. survivor Dave is coming to pick him up Monday. we've had a great 9 days hiking 82 miles of the AT together.   I'll miss him a lot.
Date: 2017-03-06
From: Muskrat Creek

To:  Carter gap shelter 
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Hiked 12.3 miles today over Standing Indian Mountain. The mountain is quite tall at 5500 feet, nearly 1000 ft taller than the Georgia peaks. The last 6 miles of today's hike was through forest burned during last winter terrible forest fires.   despite the height of standing Indian today's hike was not to tiring. Spending tonight at the Carter Creek shelter with our hiking gang.At noon Today, Terry and I parted company as he had to begin his travel home, back to Chicago. He hiked down an old trail that used to be part of the AT to a camp ground where Survivor Dave can pick him up and Shuttle him to Atlanta. It's been a great 9 days hiking and camping with him. We created memories that we'll cherish for a lifetime. All of our hiking buddies wished him a safe journey home too.
Date: 2017-03-07
From:  Carter gap shelter 

To: Day 10 Carter to Rock Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: fog

Over 100 miles on the AT!   Currently at 105.7 miles from Springer.   Came over Albert Mountain this morning.   Most kick ass climb to date.   Last 150 feet is hand over hand added to cold, plus wet slippery rock..treacherous!   I saw the look out tower in the mist. The rest of the hike was pretty easy.   Made it to the shelter by about 3:30pm. There are miles and miles of rhododendrons that grow in the southern Appalachian mountains.   I took a picture of some of them so you can see what they look like.Most of us are going to Franklin tomorrow.   I'm hitting the trail again on Thursday, so about a 1 1/2 day break.Pics: rhododendrons miles of themlook out tower in the mistthe hand over hand climb stats herestart location was Carter gap shelter.
Date: 2017-03-08
From: Rock Gap

To:  Franklin
Miles today: 4.0
Weather: fog

I hiked about 4 miles this morning from where we stayed last night at rock Gap shelter to winding stair gap.   A shuttle picked me up there and brought me into Franklin, North Carolina.   I'm going to be here the rest of today and tomorrow this is a resupply and rest days.   Thursday I'll be back on the trail again headed north!Distance for today is 4 miles. Start at Rock gap shelter to destination is Winding stair Gap.PICS: both shots are of the Main Street of Franklin
Date: 2017-03-09
From: Winding Gap

To: Day 13 Winding Gap and detour
Miles today: 22.73

we started our day at winding stair gap around 8 on Thursday. our first climb was up Siler bald. it's the only bald I've seen that actually doesn't have tree on top. we next climbed wayah bald. beautiful view from the tower on top.   lots of forest fire damage all the way up.   on the way down, there was was a lot of trail rerouting.it was early in the afternoon we decided to hike another 5 miles to silver Creek shelter.   well,on the way down Wayah, I got on the wrong trail (Baxter trail) which is a NC forest trail that doesn't go anywhere near silver spring shelter.   I figured this out after I'd covered 5 miles and couldn't find the shelter. I ended up back tracking to wayah and then camping beside the AT after I found my way back on it about 830 pm. so I hiked 22.5 miles for the day but only about ll were on the AT.   I also climbed over 6000 ft, ran out of water for about an hour, set up my camp and hung up my food bag in the dark.   we also had a severe thunderstorm blow in about 1:00 am. I was worried about a tree falling on my tent with all the wind but nothing happened and I stayed warm and dry.They say you will have bad days on the AT, I hope this is my worst!Siler baldview from the top of wayah bald(milage for thee day was 22.73 miles, milage on the AT was 11. my hiked distance from springer is 121.8 miles)
Date: 2017-03-10
From: Day 13 Winding Gap and detour

To: Day 14 wayah to cold spring sh
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: overcast clouds

after yesterday's 22 plus Mile day, I was really tired so I hiked the 5 miles to cold spring shelter where I'd wanted to go the day before. I tested up the rest of the day. distance 5 miles distance from Springer 125.3
Date: 2017-03-11
From: Day 14 - resting

To: Day 15 cold spring to NOC
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: overcast clouds

today sooner, scout and I hiked from cold spring shelter to the Nantahala outdoor Center (NOC). we decided to stay indoors tonight because we have a major snow storm coming tonight. I felt like I'd fully recovered from my 22 mile day now. I also got a text from one of our hiking friends, Bill. he's dropping out for a few days, blisters have got him stopped. Hope we'll see him again soon!we had a very steep descent into the NOC. due to all of the fire damage, the trail was very tricky in places.   it also snowed lightly all afternoon, but nice hiking weather overall.sooner, scout on top of wesser baldview from wesser bald.
Date: 2017-03-12
From: Day 15 cold spring to NOC

To: Day 16 NOC To locus gap
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: overcast clouds

sooner, scout and I left the NOC around 9 or 930. daylight savings time snuck up on us.   we began climbing as soon as we left the NOC. elevation at the NOC is only about 1700 ft, our high point for the day was 5600 ft.   we climbed over 4500 ft and only descended about 2500 ft. it snowed about 6 inches last night. we walked first in snow, then later in the day slush. it was a very slippery day, I fell twice in the snow.   we did see some beautiful scenery. we hiked about 11 miles today so I've now hiked about 147 miles of the AT. we are only about 15 miles from fontana Dam.   this is the southern gateway to smoky mountain national park.hiking in the snow in the morningview from the top of cheoah bald