morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-07-17
From: Powerline campsite

To: Deleware Water Gap
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: overcast clouds

I woke at first lite and the sound of a light breeze on the tent. When I looked into the valley below a mist had partially covered the road and houses and the morning sky was pink. This turned out to be a nice campsite I thought as I began to break camp. I was all packed up with plenty of water and ready to hike by 6:00 AM. I looked at my companion guide it showed Delaware Water Gap at almost 20 miles away. I noted that the Post Office closed at 4:45 PM and thought that if I could hike at 2 miles an hour and take a 20 minute lunch break I should be able to make it to the PO 15 minutes before closing time. The elevation changes didn't look too tough but then there were these "Wolf Rocks" after Wind Gap. For rocks to get the name of Wolf were they that tough or were they named that to intimidate the hikers? I guess I would have to wait and see. I hiked into the crossing at Wind Gap and for a hundred yards I had to hike along the road. I prefer to face traffic and before I got to the trail I noticed a car headed off the road and into my path, the driver had a cell phone firmly planted in his ear. I waved him back into his lane with my trekking poles, as if my poles would stop a speeding car, and he swerved around me. As he passed he angrily laid on the horn and I smiled to myself as I thought I had just incited a bit of road rage and surmised he must be late and on his way to work. Once back on the trail I was greeted by rocks, rocks more rocks but I was careful not to kick any, a sure way to get the feet to swell up. I¢m not sure at that point if my feet felt fine or if they were numb. I came up on a wall of rocks and the white blaze lead me right to them. I clambered up one side and down the other side of one huge rock after another. I had to marvel at the varied assortment of the rocks on the trail and thought this is going to slow me down big time. Once down on the other side I took a short break and met a ridge runner and asked him how far the Wolf Rocks were up ahead. He looked at me and chuckled ¢you just past them, the trail gets easier from here¢. I liked the thought of that and would welcome the relief to my feet. I stopped at the Kirkridge Shelter to load up on water and was happy to see that I was a half hour ahead of schedule. My map showed only one elevation point in the next four miles and then it was downhill to Delaware Water Gap. Once at DWG I stopped in at the Presbyterian Church of the Mountain Hostel before I went to the PO. I saw Simple-See there and Tinkerbelle and an assortment of other hikers I didn¢t recognize. I thought I must be at the tail end of one pod of hikers and a day ahead of the next group. I made it to the PO an hour before it closed and collected my bounce box and remnants of a food drop before heading up to the Pocono Inn where I would spend the next zero day.
Date: 2012-07-22
From: Pochuck Mountain Shelter

To: Wildcat Shelter, NY
Miles today: 23.6
Weather: light rain

I told by an older hiker that I would "easily" be able to hike 20 to 25 mile days along the AT in New Jersey and New York. I guess I should have asked him to define easy. I was happy to cross the NJ & NY state line but found New York to be just as tough.
Date: 2012-07-23
From: Wildcat Shelter, NY

To: William Brien Memorial Shelter
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: light rain

Part of the AT goes through the Bear Mountain Zoo. I had to rush down Bear Mountain in order to get to the zoo before it closed at 4:30 PM. On the way down Bear Mountain I pushed too hard hiking down a steep paved road and got a shin splint in my right leg.
Date: 2012-07-25
From: Greymoor Spiritual Life Center

To: Shenandoah Tenting Area
Miles today: 17.5

I took this photo shortly after sunrise while leaving the Greymoor Spiritual Life Center. Notice that my daily mileage is dropping. I had intended to hike to the RPH shelter that night but the shin splint in my right let slowed my hiking speed down to 1.5 MPH so I stopped at the Shenandoah Tenting Area. What a gem of a campsite! There were two hikers camping in an area designed for more than a dozen tents.
Date: 2012-07-26
From: Shenandoah Tenting Area

To: West Dover Road
Miles today: 18.8

I passed the Nuclear Lake during this days hike. I didn't see anyone swimming or fishing in the lake. In fact I didn't see any fish or birds until I hiked to the far end and saw a turtle sunning itself. That made me feel better knowing that the lake was not dead. A storm blew in later that day and I was challenged to set up my tent in a violent thunderstorm. I unrolled the tent, staked it out and threw my pack under the tent in the driving rain. I used my trekking poles as tent poles and was able to keep my pack and contents dry. The next day I set up my tent and laid out my wet gear in a farmers field to dry out.
Date: 2012-07-27
From: West Dover Road

To: Kent, CT 06757
Miles today: 20.8

I got up early the next day to make it into Kent, CT before the Post Office closed. The storm the night before had blown down many trees on the trail. I covered over 176 miles in 9 days but was not happy that I got a shin splint in my right leg to get into Kent by the 27th. My new schedule cuts back on the daily mileage.Its been years since I hiked the AT and now I can look back and write about my favorite and not so favorite trail stories. I didn't write about some of these stories while I was hiking because I was pressed for time. Hiking 20 miles a day left me little time for journaling. All my energy was going into hiking and now I was injured and for the first time on the trail I was afraid I would not be able to complete this hike. I said a lot prayers while I was injured.On this day I awoke at 2:00 AM and broke camp in the dark. The storm the night before left the trail partially obscured with wet with leaves everywhere. As I followed the white blazes I had to leave the trail repeatedly due to the large trees down. My leg was hurting with each step and I was taking ibuprofen every two hours. The pain meds didn't seem to help and when I ran out of ibuprofen I began taking Advil PM. Around noon I remember stopping to take a photo of the green countryside. Just another photo, one of thousands I had taken by now but one that would prove instrumental later in the day. The early start, the Advil PM, and lack of food left me feeling tired so I decided to stop and have a cold lunch of tortellini. I had never tried tortellini cold before and the lunch really filled me up. I sat down for a short rest and soon fell asleep.
Date: 2012-08-04
From: Kent, CT

To: Stony Brook Campsite
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: few clouds

Crooked Sticks hiked with me out of kent, CT and we had a cool lunch of fresh fruit on the top of the mountain in the background. My goal for that day was to Silver Hill Campsite but at 7:15 PM I stopped at Stony Brook Campite.
Date: 2012-08-06
From: Sharon Mtn Campsite

To: Riga Shelter
Miles today: 18.9
Weather: broken clouds

It just wouldnt be an exciting hike without violent thunderstorms and dangerous creatures. The night before I camped in the storm and when I was drying out my gear I spotted this timber rattler climbing the crevice in the rock I was drying my clohes on. Go to photos and get a better look at this beautiful snake. When he got about halfway up the rock I figured my socks weree dry enough.
Date: 2012-08-10
From: Tyringham, MA

To: Upper Goose Pond Cabin
Miles today: 8.1
Weather: moderate rain

The Upper Goozse Pond Cabin is set in a beautiful wilderness area. This was the only photo I got that day. Within 5 minutes of getting to the cabin the skys cut loose and rained the rest of the day. Caretakers maintain the cabin and cook blueberry pancakes for the hikers in the morning.
Date: 2012-08-11
From: Upper Goose Pond Cabin

To: Kay Wood Shelter
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: light rain

I was getting my energy back up and darned near hiked into Dalton, MA this day except the weather had other plans. I donned my tarp poncho for the second time this hike. The last time I used my tarp poncho was on April 2nd on the approach trail to Springer Mountain some 1,565 or so miles ago. It rained so hard I collected enough rain water for dinner in about five minutes. Yes I tent camped that night.The camera was kept wrapped up all day and I thought about using the Bear Tough photo to get some smiles. Thanks Scout for sending it to me.
Date: 2012-08-22
From: Rutland, VT

To: U.S 4 Rutland, VT
Miles today: 17.4

Ma Budda suggested that I hike from VT 103 to U.S. 4 the Killington Mountain section of the AT/LT and spend the night at their house again Wednesday night. I was met by Crooked Sticks when I got off the trail and we stopped for a beer on the way back to Ma Budda's house. When we got there we were treated to a great dinner of steaks off the grill, sweet potatoes, and a salad fresh from the garden. The visit will always be a memorable part of my Thru-hike. Thank you Mad Hatter, Ma Budda for making me feel at home during my stay in Rutland. And thank you Crooked Sticks for your continuing support of my hike. See you fine folks up the trail.
Date: 2011-12-05
To: Happiness is a Journey........Not a Place
Miles today: 0.0

Good Day, Thank you for joining me in this journey of a lifetime. My name is Todd Saunders and I will be a SOBO on the AT, starting in June 2012. Ever since I moved to Virginia in 2001 and learned about the AT, I have wanted to complete it. This is a journey that is about 3 years over due. Almost did a VA section hike last year, but that did not work out. Probably best that I have waiting. More mentally strong, financially stable (at least as much as I ever will be) and now have the most incredible support team. Now just need to wait 200 days. I am turning 40 in May and no better time to hike the AT. My Dad may join me for the Wilderness 100. He is having a Birthday milestone this year also and what more amazing opportunity to do this section of trail together. Cindy (who went car camping for the first time this last summer. So proud of her, we had a lot of fun) will be my wonderful support person. A few friends, have indicated they will do sections in VA. Very excited about that. Now is the time, hell or homelessness is my new motto.
Date: 2012-01-10
To: Happy Holidays
Miles today: 0.0

Hope everyone had a safe New Year and relaxing holiday season. Did Santa bring you new hiking gear for this year?I got so many little gadgets, probably added 5 pounds to the pack. Starting to feel really good about the start of the hike in June. Most the equipment is in place. Just need to decide on the final options for the rest. Money situation is good, not great. Need to start working longer and working out even harder.
Date: 2012-01-25
To: Raffle / Charity Fundraiser
Miles today: 0.0

Started my raffle fundraiser for Charity. 50% of the money raised will be split between two (2) charities. The Salvation Army to aid people locally and The Nature Conservancy to help nature globally. The goal is to raise $8,000 by June. Each raffle ticket is $5. Please visit - www.fundly.com/saundersat for further information and donation options.
Date: 2012-02-17
To: Another step closer
Miles today: 0.0

Got another step closer today. My leave of absence request for work was approved. Holy Shit. Now it feels real. Actually a little nervous now. Some more good news, my base weight is at 20 lbs. Did not think I would get their, but looking good now. First test run of the year is coming up in two weeks, at Merchant Millpond State Park in NC. A three nighter, going to hike up to 20 miles on back to back days. Its a pretty flat loop, so not to worried about it. So excited now. My insides are just all smiles. Please help with the fundraiser. Spread the word and/or donate:www.fundly.com/saundersat
Date: 2012-02-22
To: 120 days
Miles today: 0.0

We are now at 120 days before the start of the journey. It is official, my dad will be doing 100 mile wilderness. How exciting, I can't wait! We will probably go up Katahdin and back down and stay at the Birches Lean-to on the first day. This is smarter then going all the way to Hurd Brook on the first day. This now means starting a day earlier on June 21st, which is great. This will be a warm up day and we can still take our time. Wait, what? 120 days, oh my.
Date: 2012-04-20
To: 60 days
Miles today: 0.0

Well, I am now at 60 days before the start of the journey. Really getting nervous now. All the equipment is in place. Got a ULA Air X pack the other day. Can't tell you how awesome it is. The Klymit Inertia X-lite is a real piece of art. Just amazing. Going on prep hike #3 this weekend. Most likely in the rain for most of the weekend? Got to suck it up and go. Still holding a Charity / Fundraising Raffle at - www.fundly.com/saundersat Please visit the site and spread the word.
Date: 2012-06-04
To: 15 days
Miles today: 0.0

Good day,Down to the last 15 days. Starting to go stir crazy. Have basically 3 days left of work. Then it is all about getting mentally prepared. Gear, money, bills, food, everything is in place and ready to go. These are going to be a very long 2 weeks. The last 4 months have flown by and now it is the hurry up and wait game. Getting my haircut tomorrow. Actually, very excited about it. Have had long hair since my teens. No way am I putting up with lots of hair on the trail. One of the best finds for gear so far, has been toe socks. Have used them on the last 2 prep hikes. They take some getting use to, but are worth it. Just remember HYOH
Date: 2012-06-05
To: Haircutting of 2012
Miles today: 0.0

Got my haircut today. Going to sport the mohawk for a couple weeks before leaving for the trail. I don't think the sides of my head have ever been this short? I really like it. No more knots or using conditioner. Will be exciting to go to work tomorrow and see what everyone says. One more final step before the start of the journey. Absolutely, positively, no turning back now. Like their was any doubt anyway. I also received a book from my Dad yesterday. Titled- The Appalachian Trail. It is a National Geographic Society Book by Ronald Fisher from 1972. It was given to my Grandfather from my Grandmother for Christmas in 1973. Apparently, he showed interest in doing the AT? Nobody knew this. It was found by a Uncle after my Grandfathers death. So, he gave it to my Dad. It is a very interesting book. In the front cover, it notes the length of the trail at 2,015 miles. 169 miles added in 40 years. WOW.
Date: 2012-06-20
From: Final week

To: Katahdin Stream
Miles today: 5.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Up about 415, could not go back to sleep. Extra early start then. Had breakfast, packed and started at 6. Very humid day. Meet Catchup and Drifter at sign in box. Hiked with Catchup for a bit until the runner. tree line. Meet Iceman and Viking coming back done after finishing Northbound. Also meet Steve (now Quick Step) going to top. Hit summit about 11. Very foggy and windy. Was able to fly kite on top of Katahdin, very cool. Other people gave me instant trail name, Kiterunner. Left summit about 12. Very rocky, a lot of boulder climber, I now hate rocks. Back to camp at 4. Asleep by 730. Interesting first day.
Date: 2012-06-21
From: katahdin stream

To: Hurdbrook lean-to
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: broken clouds

Was up early again, 4:15. Very slight rain drizzle at 5. Dad was not feeling well so got a ride to Abol Campground wher I will meet him later. On the trail by 6:40. First one out. Stopped at Little Niagra Falls and Big Niagra Falls and took a nap. Teamed up with Drifter near the end of Baxter Park and stayed together until Abol Campground. Drifters dad showed up, so did Quick Step, Catchup and Erik and Sam. We all had lunch together. Dad was not sure if he should go to Lean-to? Glad that he did, we are all off to the first Lean-to. Made Hurd Brook about 4:25. Adam, Alex (now Elvis) and Warwagon (great trail name) also joined us. That is 8 SOBO all together for first night, wow. Saw 9 toads and 2 woodpeckers. It is 7:45 pm and most people are sleeping. Good night.
Date: 2012-06-22
From: Hurdbrook lean-to

To: Rainbow stream lean-to
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: light rain

Long tiring day. Slept in til 6:10. Left camp at 7:30. Not a long mile day, so much mud, logs and more F#^&ing rocks. Just a slow hiking day. Went swimming twice, that was great. Lost GPS, but dad found it behind me . All SOBO still together. Big storm tonight?? 7:25pm, time for bed.
Date: 2012-06-24
From: Wadleigh Stream Lean-To

To: Antlers Campsite
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: light rain

Feeling better today. Made it to Antlers Campsite, on Jo-Mary Lake. The Lake is totally still. Quick Step, Drifter, Driver and Pitstop are here. Lost Elvis, Adam, Erik, Sam and Ernest. Made a stop at White House Landing. Got a cool boat ride. A good pick me up with a root beer and snickers. Still very tired.
Date: 2012-06-25
From: Antlers Campsite

To: East Branch Lean-to
Miles today: 16.2

What a day. Did the 16.2 miles, but that is the name of the game. Great sunrise over the lake to start the day. Hiking by 6:30 and finished by 5. Fell twice today, stupid rain and mud. First day I thought about the boys and how Neptune is missing me. Almost made me quit. 8 people in a 6 person lean-to. Major rain. Quickstep, Drifter, Driver, Pitstop, Ed and to young boys going north in lean-to. Actually took vitamin I today, knee is that bad. Thinking about stopping due to knee.
Date: 2012-06-26
From: East Branch Lean-to

To: Carl A. Newhall Lean-To
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: moderate rain

Still on schedule . Most of the group pushed on in the rain. Not good for moral. Knee worse again today. Not good for moral. May need to take a nero/zero soon. Not good for moral. Passed Achilles today. Been following him on Trailjournals here. Had a good quick chat. Will probably have to stop/rest in Monson.
Date: 2012-06-27
From: Carl A. Newhall Lean-To

To: West Branch of Pleasant River
Miles today: 5.5
Weather: overcast clouds

One of the worst mornings yet. Heavy rain all night. Feel like crap, cold, wet and so tired. One of the section hikers started a fire before I left camp. That was a great pick me up. Got me going for the day. With all the rain, the little creeks have now turned into regular fords. At least 6 "creek" crossings. 3:20 in the afternoon and forced to stop at the Pleasant River. It is not so pleasant. Not able to ford river, due to being so high. Just not safe. Waiting for Driver and Pitstop at river. Saw no NOBOs today, weird. Early morning to check on the level of the river. Monson in 2 days, if I stop? Laying in hammock, resting. These two red squirrels come out of their den (from a pipe in the ground) and start running around in circles chasing each other being as loud as they could be. Sure they were happy that the rain finally stopped also. Was a great time watching them run around the camping area. No care at all that I was there.
Date: 2012-06-28
From: West Branch of Pleasant River

To: Cloud Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Lots of climbing today, going slow. Both legs hurting now. Stopping in Monson for sure now by Saturday. 5 more NOBOs and some sections hikers today. Still hiked with Driver and Pitstop all day. Good times. More nice views as well. Not hiking the way that I want to. Rest in Monson will be good. Clear my head.
Date: 2012-06-29
From: Cloud Pond Lean-to

To: Leeman Brook Lean-to
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: broken clouds

Longest day ever. 16.1 miles in 12 1/2 hours. So tired. Underestimated everything in Maine. To tired to even make food or setup camp. Staying in Lean-to tonight. Barren Ledge was one of the most amazing places I have ever seen. 3 big river fords today as well. 2 with rope, that is also tiring. Driver and Pitstop pushed on to Monson, will see them there tomorrow.
Date: 2012-07-03
From: ME 15, Monson, ME

To: West Branch of Piscataquis River
Miles today: 12.1

Back on trail after 73 hours in Monson. Did not start until about 10:45. Felt good to be back on AT. 12.1 miles today, that is great. Mostly down hill. Stopped after fording river and finding a stealth camping site. Saw only 2 NOBOs today. Lake, who is a Triple Crowner and on his 3rd AT trip. Also, Gramps who started 4 months ago today. Wildlife today was a snake, still more frogs/toads and a bunny .
Date: 2012-07-04
From: West Branch of Piscataquis River

To: Pleasant Pond Lean-To
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: light rain

Did it. 19 miles today. Legs did well over 2 mountians. MAde it to Lean-to just before the rain. No one else here. Hopefully can push on again tomorrow to make up a day? First resupply in Caratunk tomorrow also. No new animals. Only 1 NOBO.
Date: 2012-07-06
From: The Sterling Inn - Caratunk

To: West Carry Pond Lean-To
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Would of liked another 5 mles today, but legs said no. They are still in charge. Good warmup day for tomorrow. The Bigelows are coming up. First 4000 foot peak. Started to enjoy the scenery some more today. French Canadian group of girls at LEna-to tonight. D, a section hiker of 23 years, Doug and German Man (GM) also here. Doug is goingto NY to finish his section hike. GM is going thru.
Date: 2012-07-07
From: West Carry Pond Lean-To

To: Safford Notch Campsite
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: broken clouds

Made it to the campsite short of Avery Peak. DEcided not to do 4000 foor peak for a few issues. Shins, weather and a place to camp. Shins were perfect in the morning. Had a 6am start today. Things are looking up. Nice climb today over the Little Bigelows. Ready for tomorrow now. Going to Stratton tomorrow to pick up another package. GM and Doug also made it to campsite. Looks like a clear night, no tart. Need to keep going th next 9 days to Gorham before food runs out.
Date: 2012-07-08
From: Safford Notch Campsite

To: White Wolf Inn - Stratton
Miles today: 10.5

It is 6:33pm and already in bed. Had a great burger and beer at the White Wolf Inn. Slept in a little more this morning and started at 7. 3 big peaks today, 4000, 4200 and 3800. Very windy. Was hoping to fly kite but was to cold and windy. Bummer. Still feel like I am in the game. GM, Doug and I finished at aout 3:15 and hitched a ride into town.
Date: 2012-07-09
From: White Wolf Inn - Stratton

To: Spaulding Mtn Lean-To
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: clear sky

Late start, late camp. Currently 8:15pm. MAde it back to the trail after finally getting a ride at about 9:30am. 5.5 miles of all up to start the day, but made goal for the day. Yippy. Blister on righ foot is back. A lot of rocks again today. Cold night in hammock. The Provided, Doug and 2 others in shelter. Broke the 200 mile mark.
Date: 2012-07-10
From: Spaulding Mtn Lean-To

To: Redington Campsite
Miles today: 10.6

One of the best days yet. Got up a little late, too cold. Started about 7:30. Terrian still ruff but felt good. Was finally able to fly kite on Saddleback Jr. Mtn. Doug and I again at campsite. Looks like we will be hiking together for a while. Fine with me, he makes great fires. Going to be even colder tonight. Saw about 10 NOBOs today.
Date: 2012-07-11
From: Redington Campsite

To: Sabbath Day Pond Lean-To
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: clear sky

Another great day. Did 17.5/ 6:20am start, done by 5:30pm. Had about 1.5 hours of breaks. Flew kite again on Saddleback Mtn this time. Doug went into Rangely, I kept going. A group of Canadian boys this time at camp. Mtns were actually fun today. A early start does make a big difference. Feet are starting to hurt. A good amount of NOBOs today. Saw a falcon on Saddleback Ridge today.
Date: 2012-07-12
From: Sabbath Day Pond Lean-To

To: South Arm Road
Miles today: 17.1

Another big day, 17.1. Survival is the name of the game. Water sources are starting to run out. Have had no rain in over 2 weeks. Had to push on with little water to next source. One of the scariest decends even to gt to SOuth Arm Road. MAde it about 7:15pm. Soaked feet in brrok, sooooo good.