morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-09-16
From: Gorham 

To: Gentian Pond Shelter 
Miles today: 11.8

Bruno drove us back to the trailhead early this morning at US 2 which is actually in Shelburne, a few miles from Gorham. The trail followed a road for a short bit before going into the forest which was nice terrain for a mile before going straight up to Mt. Hayes. I love hiking early in the morning as the forest wakes up with the chirping of birds and the sun's rays reach to the forest floor drying up the dew or rain from the evening. I don't even mind being the first one to walk through the spider webs and getting them stuck to my skin or tangled in my hair.We have seen so many mountain lakes recently and today's trail took us by three. They are all so beautiful and I really wish I had time to take a dip in all of them. Most have at least one beaver hut which is really cool to see. I was really tempted to stop half way today and camp at one that was especially inviting and had great spots to set up a tent, but I've gone way too slow and stopped way too much already. A snack and stretch break had to do. There is just so much to see and do along this trail that a six month hike is no where long enough in my opinion.We made it to the next shelter past Dream Lake. The ponds here are bigger or the same size as the lakes it seems. Gentian Pond Shelter was unique in that it opened up to a gorgeous view of the mountains. Most shelters do not have a view other than trees. It was so awesome to be laying in my sleeping bag and stare at the mountains and watch the sun go down. There are three other hikers here tonight. Kamikazi is a 25 year old thru-hiker who is amazing and a joy to meet. She has such a great story and definitely not the typical thru-hiker her age. It is definitely getting cold in the evenings, and the days are getting shorter which means less daylight for hiking. I am going to get my stove back soon in my next resupply. Hot food will help warm me up at dinner time.The sky is full of twinkling stars tonight. So gorgeous and a great day. Tomorrow I will be in Maine.
Date: 2015-09-18
From: Full Goose Shelter

To: North of Mahoosuc Notch
Miles today: 2.5

It was hard getting up this morning after a sleepless night. Even harder was putting my muddy and wet clothes back on in the chilly morning. Shepard was at the shelter last night and has been hiking with Kamikazi occasionally. They both decided that the four of us would hike the Notch together for safety reasons and I think to help me out which they did. They both love rock climbing and appeared very comfortable in the Notch. I heard it has taken some hikers three and a half hours to complete the mile. It took me four and a half hours and that was with assistance. I am so thankful to Little Prince, Kamikazi, Shepard and Tin Man for helping me through this huge, jumbled rock maze. The rocks really were the size of cars, trucks and houses and required total concentration and climbing skills. I climbed under and through the rocks when there was an option as I feel safer closer to the ground because of my fear of heights. Parts of it were fun, and it was like a puzzle in a way trying to figure out where to go next. It was puzzling at times trying to figure out which way the "trail" was supposed to go. I can't imagine having to do this alone. Another day that I really wish I had longer legs.The first mile and a half to the start of the Notch was rocky but easy. We talked to a few other hikers at a stream who were southbound and had just finished. One of them was a section hiker named Slow Walker and it was his fourth time. He said it took him 2.5 hours. I will most likely only do the Notch once. Slow Walker asked me my trail name and then said he has been reading my journal. Thank you Slow Walker.We were intending on hiking the Mahoosuc Arm after the Notch to the next shelter with Kamikazi and Shepherd, but I was exhausted and mentally drained. We had also heard horror stories about the Arm so I decided to start fresh in the morning. It was already late afternoon, and I didn't want to take a chance night hiking again in unknown steep and rocky territory. We set up camp in a great area right after the Notch with a strong flowing stream. It is getting quite cold, and I've got a few layers on trying to stay warm. My tent is cozy and comforting tonight. I hear the temperature is going to start dropping. So happy that I made it through the Notch without having to spend the night in the middle of it.
Date: 2015-09-19
From: North of Mahoosuc Notch

To: Speck Pond Shelter 
Miles today: 2.5

It started storming at 2am and got even colder. I was able to grab my pack and other things I had left outside and get them inside my tent before it started pouring rain. One of the advantages of being a light sleeper. When I finally got out of my sleeping bag and tent in the morning I was shocked at how cold and windy it had gotten overnight. It was hard getting my tent down with gloves on, and I had to put it in my pack soaking wet. The climb up Mahoosuc Arm was certainly steep and rocky but nothing like it was advertised by other hikers. I have been through much worse. I had to use my hands a lot on wet trees and wet rocks to pull myself up and it wasn't long before my gloves were wet and my finger tips were freezing and then numb. Very uncomfortable and the wind seemed to be whipping right through me. We came to Speck Pond Shelter where we were hoping to camp last night. We we reached both freezing but decided to hike on. After about 20 minutes we turned around and went back to the shelter. The side of the shelter that was open was facing the wind, and it seemed impossible to get warm. I put on all my clothing and every layer I had and got in my down sleeping bag and liner before noon and still couldn't get warm. I ate to get some calories in me hoping that would help. It didn't help when a few other hikers came into the shelter shivering and talking about how cold Maine is and the prospect of snow soon. One of them lives in Maine, and he was not making me feel very good about the weather prospects. After I thawed out a couple hours later I took pictures of the birds playing in front of the shelter from my bag. The sun finally came out so I walked to the Speck Pond behind the shelter to get water and sat on the rocks and felt much warmer than I did in the shelter. I went back to get my camera and started photographing this gorgeous lake, I mean pond. Unfortunately I noticed I black spot appearing in all my pictures. Nothing I tried gets rid of it. My camera is my favorite piece of gear so this is not good. The pond is spectacular and is said to be one of the highest elevation lakes in Maine. I watched as the sun sparkled on the water and slid behind the mountains. Little Prince decided today he is going to get off the trail and finish it later in sections when it is more enjoyable for him. We have hiked together for 900 miles and he has been an amazing hiking partner, and I will miss his company but I understand his decision. He has taught me everything I know about rock climbing and hopping and helped me through many tough spots on the trail for which I will always be thankful. As I lay awake tonight pondering things I have made the difficult decision to end my hike in Maine tomorrow and finish it next season during warmer weather. I have been worried about finishing Maine in the freezing cold because of my slow pace. Katadyn will have to wait until next season. My plans are to flip back to Harper's Ferry where I started and hike south alone.
Date: 2015-10-03
From: Bear Den Hostel

To: Rod Hollow Shelter 
Miles today: 10.0

What a great evening at Bear Den Hostel. The caretaker made everyone pancakes with mulberries picked from the garden. So delicious! It was tempting to stay another night as it was pouring rain in the morning again. The rest of the roller coaster today was just some ups and downs that were rocky and reminded me of Pennsylvania somewhat.  Somebody called it Baby Pennsylvania. The terrain was so much easier than anything I've been on in months. The cold rain was the big challenge for me. The rocks were slippery and I caught myself falling or sliding many times. There were several creek or stream crossings that were extra full because of the rain, and this is where I found myself in some trouble. At one particular crossing I couldn't figure out the best way to go across and even tried laying down some more rocks to cross over but they all still sunk below the surface of the water. Finally I ventured across and slipped and fell into the cold water right in the middle where the water had a strong current. I was completly drenched except for my head. I clung onto a big rock as my body was submerged in the water and managed to pull myself up. Wow! It must have been a sight to see and no one was there to witness it. Now I was really cold and a little shaken. The irony is that I got my trail name from helping other hikers as across a flooded creek in the Green swamp in Florida. This will be another day to remember. When I got to the shelter it was still raining and I was told the shelter smelled like urine and I wouldn't want to sleep there. Sure enough I pitched my tent up in the rain. The smell was enough to make me sick. The bottom of my tent is soaked because I don't have a ground cloth anymore. My tyvec was thrown away by someone doing my laundry at a hotel I stayed at because they thought it was trash. All my wet gear is in my Hubba as well, and I don't intend on moving all night as the rain is coming down hard and it is so cold.
Date: 2015-10-04
From: Rod Hollow Shelter 

To: Manassas Gap Shelter 
Miles today: 12.9

This rain is crazy! It poured all night long, and I was afraid to move because my tent was soaked everywhere but on my narrow mattress pad. Even my down bag was wet for the first time ever. My pack was extra heavy today with all the extra water weight. Fortunately it was only raining lightly when I took my tent down, but I had to put it in my pack sopping wet. My tent is on the bottom with a barrier between it and everything else, and I notice when it is heavier on the bottom from being wet the weight is not distributed properly causing my back to ache. That was the case today. Almost everything I own is water logged now. Oh, the joys of hiking and sleeping in the rain.The trail was beautiful today, and I am just loving this terrain. It is so easy compared to anything I've done so far. I still miss climbing above tree line and viewing the majestic mountain ranges as far as the eye can see, but I don't miss the hand over hand climbing. The few times I have seen big boulders or impossible looking climbs I automatically assume that is the trail because it would have been in the north. The trees are so green and full of life here. Some are starting to change color but not many. Very soon I will walk through a change of season, and I very much look forward to it as I don't see that much in Florida. Today is still cold and I wore my rain pants, jacket, gloves and fleece hat all day. The rain was a companion all day, but not as constant as yesterday. My plan was to stop at 9 miles today at another shelter to keep warm, but I felt uncomfortable with the company there so I moved on after a brief stop. It was a tiny shelter that only slept four and see me to be open to the wind. On the way to Manassas Gap Shelter I met Maverick and Goose who started at Springer and were finishing in Harper's Ferry. They took their hike slow like me and enjoyed spending time in some of the quaint towns as well. They looked so happy. I'm glad I made it to this shelter as it is shielded from the wind and has a great water source. Special Agent is here with me, and he is doing the Harper's Ferry flip flop as well. He is a fast hiker so I probably won't be seeing him again. We talked about how this portion of the hike we will be seeing less people. So far I am enjoying the solitude and time for self reflection.I had my dehydrated split pea soup that I had made for the first time. It sure was good especially on this very cool evening. We both ate our dinners from the warmth of our sleeping bags, even though mine is still wet from last night. We hear it should be sunny tomorrow. I sure hope so.
Date: 2015-10-05
From: Manassas Gap Shelter 

To: 522, Front Royal
Miles today: 10.7

It was 45 degrees this morning when we woke up, and we both ate our breakfasts in our warm sleeping bags. This might become a habit for me if this weather keeps up. I didn't get on the trail again until 9am. I remember when it was light enough I was on the trail between 5 and 6am. There was even enough light to hike until 9pm. Not anymore.But, the good news is that it wasn't raining anymore and didn't all day long. It was a fun walk in the woods for me today and put me in a great mood. These temps during the day minus the rain equal perfect hiking weather.After a few hours the trail went straight through a big clearing of grass and trees and wildflowers. Next to a big tree was a wooden bench. In my opinion benches on trails are trail treasures. Benches were made for sitting and relaxing. If someone goes through all the trouble of constructing a bench and somehow is able to locate it right on the Appalachian Trail then I feel a duty to make use of it out of respect. At the same time the sun, the powerful and brilliant sun was shining all over the fields of grass and this bench. I took advantage of this opportunity by unloading all my gear and laying it in the sun to dry. I used this time to have a snack and do a session of yoga in the grass. My body and mind thanked me for it later. I then took a 29 minute nap curled up in a ball on a big garbage bag with the sun feeding me warmth, love and vitamin D. Finally after a couple hours I reluctantly decided I better pack up and move on. I love laying on the earth and staring at the trees and flowers. I never want to lose this, even on a thru-hike with a race against time. I had enough food for 3 days but no more snacks. I won't make it to the next stop after Front Royal and it is only 3 miles from the trail. My plan is to hitchhike to a grocery store and then go to a restaurant and charge my phone before getting a ride back to the trail. This would be my first time hitch hiking by myself, and I was a little nervous about it. It was almost 5 and I was sure if I could get everything done before dark. As I was trying to decide what to do I saw ANOTHER bench right on the trail for a Mountain Home Bed & Breakfast for only $20 and it was a very short walk from the trail. It includes 1 out of 6 bunks in a very clean room, shower, breakfast and a ride into town for groceries. How perfect is that. And I am the only guest here. Lisa and Scott are a pleasure to chat with. Scott thru-hiked SOBO in 2012 and then bought this place for hikers to use at a very affordable rate. The property is huge and also includes house listed as a National Historical Place, and they plan to renovate it over three years and use it as a B&B. Scott said he would give me a tour after breakfast. I can't wait to come back and visit in a few years.It is after midnight now and I mean real midnight, not hiker midnight, so I better get to bed. Breakfast is at 7:30. Good night everyone. Thank you so much for reading my journal and following my adventure.
Date: 2015-10-06
From: 522, Front Royal

To: Stealth Camping 
Miles today: 10.0

Scott cooked me a great breakfast this morning which included strawberry rhubarb jam that he canned himself. Yum! Next he gave me a tour of the historic home built in 1846 that him and Lisa are restoring. Mountain Home was a fantastic stop and I highly recommend it.After 3.6 miles from Front Royal I entered the Shenandoahs and self registered at the kiosk right on the trail. There is no fee but you need to keep a copy of the registration on you. The trail has been amazing so far and fare and there are deer everywhere. For the most part the trail is gentle on the feet. Every once in awhile it gets rocky with small rocks. I'm in awe of the beauty here and keep stopping on logs and rocks to just try and absorb it all. It is amazing how much more you can see this way. The trail is the perfect place for self reflection, and I'm doing a lot of that right now. I got hit in the head today by an apple falling from a tree, not once but twice. The first one hit me so hard it knocked me to the ground and the second one an hour later actually squashed on my head. I kept hearing apples falling all day and saw smashed apples all over some areas of the trail. Very interesting I thought. I started wondering what would have happened if the apple had knocked me unconscious. Anything is possible out here I guess.I decided to stealth camp tonight instead of hiking a few more miles to the hut. Shelters are called huts in the Shenandoahs. I found the perfect spot in a big area off the trail that is not visible from the trail. Several deer have passed by already, and I feel like I'm the only person around for miles as I lay in my tent listening to all the sounds of the forest. Maybe I should feel lonely, but I am not. Maybe I should feel a little scared, but I am not. I look forward to tomorrow.
Date: 2015-10-07
From: Stealth Camping 

To: Stealth Camping south of Elkwallow Wayside
Miles today: 12.0

Last night was magical for me with all the noises in the forest. I kept hearing what I thought was animals near my tent so I kept turning my headlamp on and sticking my head out of my tent to make sure it wasn't a bear and there were always several deer staring at me. I hardly slept a wink because this went on all night long. Finally at 2am I sat outside my tent for about half an hour and just watched at least a dozen of them play around my tent. I knew I was in th their home and felt so humbled and honored that I was able to share it with them. I did this again at 6am as it was still pitch dark. I was in awe of these beautiful creatures all night.Today's hike was gorgeous again and the weather is now fantastic. I was actually warm last night which is hard to believe considering I was freezing just a couple days ago. It was perfect hiking weather today, and I saw many day hikers on the trail enjoying the same magnificent views as myself. Hiking along the Ridgeline has many opportunities for views of the mountains at the rock outcroppings. The AT actually parallels Skyline Drive and intersects it several times during the day so I hear cars frequently while I am hiking. The last time I was in the Shenandoahs was about 15 years ago when my kids were young, and we drove alon Skyline Drive and camped. It is great to be back.I felt sluggish and tired all day and wasn't sure what was going on so I stopped more than normal to rest. I finally realized that my forehead was hot and I was running a fever. I still haven't been able to shake this cold.I stopped at the Elkwallow Wayside right of the trail to get water and a bite to eat. It was a good opportunity to wash up in the sink and drink a lot of fluids. I am stealth camping again tonight a couple miles from there and found another great spot that meets the parks backcountry camping regulations. Hopefully a good night's rest is all I will need to feel better in the morning. I just finished setting up my tent and another deer came by to visit. I am loving all this stealth camping so far.
Date: 2015-10-10
From: Rock Spring Hut

To: Bearfence Hut
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Brrrrr! When the rain finally stopped last night the temperature dropped, and I had a hard time keeping warm. Another sleepless night for me. I was the first one up this morning, and I stayed in my bag longer than I wanted because I didn't want to wake anyone up. It is not easy moving early in the morning when you're freezing.  One of the woman camping here last night saw me putting on my gaiters and recognized them as the AT Womens FB group's signature colors. She has the same pair. This is how we can identify each other on the trail. It is a very supportive online group. Diane aka Beetle is doing a flip flop hike as well. So very cool! I was on the trail by 8am wearing gloves, hat and jacket to help ward off the cold and wind. It wasn't long before I was hiking along Franklin Cliffs gazing at amazing mountain views again and forgetting about the cold. The red and yellow colors are spectacular. Amazing rock formations were around every corner along the ridge. The Shenandoahs are quickly becoming one of my favorite sections of the AT. I am incredibly fortunate to be here at this change of season with so many vibrant colors all along the trail.Soon I passed Big Meadow campground which was right at the edge of the trail. I reminisced about the time years ago when we camped here when my children were young. Such fond memories. I have pictures of my daughter and I picking blueberries in the meadow watching the white tailed deer. I could see a restroom from the trail so I used the facility to charge my phone and clean some things. It was warm too , so I stayed longer than I should have. It is so nice and unusual to be so close to these comforts, so I am taking advantage of them when I have an opportunity . Next I walked off trail a short bit to the Big Meadow Wayside and had fried chicken and mashed potatoes and gravy. It filled the hungry spot un my stomach. I picked up a couple more snacks at the camp store and filled up on water again. It was getting very chilly and windy here. I'm tired again today and still not feeling well. It was hard to keep going and my mood was dropping with the temperature. All I really wanted to do today was set up my tent and get warm and go to sleep. Instead I continued on until I arrived at the Bearfence Shelter. There were a lot of day hikers as I passed by the Bearfence rock scramble which I wanted no part of. The shelter was full of great people which lifted my mood. Beetle was there as well as Blaze, Randy, Story Teller and her teenage daughter Anna, Randy and Molly and her Dad who were at the last shelter as well. There were some families with young children camping who made a fire and roasted marshmallows and shared with everyone. Several people said they saw bears today near the scramble. I was so jealous.  I am all bundled up in my sleeping bag in the corner of the full shelter with every layer of clothing on that I have. The low is supposed to be 42 tonight and I'm told it is supposed to get down to the low 30's in a few days. Brrrrr!