morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-06-20
From: Hamburg, PA

To: Slatington, PA
Miles today: 39.2

Big thanks goes out to Cassandra and Richard from Hamburg, PA for hosting me a few days ago. They let me stay overnight, fed, and bathed me (well, I bathed myself). I met them last year in Maine. They told me they lived near the trail and to contact them when I got close. Well I did and it worked out. Thank you both again so much. I appreciate your hospitality very much. And so does my wife. And now more trials and tribulations of my A.T. hike. I am in a hotel for 3 reasons. They are:1 -Tropical Storm Bill will make his appearance in a couple of hours and will stay through most of tomorrow. 2 - I am checking my water bladder for a leak. 3 - My body is beat up. Read this part slowly. There is no typo. I fell 4 times yesterday. I have scrapes on both elbows. I have cuts and bumps on both shins. I have 2 damaged toenails. I have a 4 inch bruise on my back pelvic area. I have rub rashes on both upper outer legs just below my hips ( I think my wet pants are rubbing on this area which sticks out the farthest). So I am recouping the best I can before I head out for more of what PA has to offer. I also had a heck of a time getting to the hotel. I'm actually 15 miles away from the trail. But, I am not going to go into that now.
Date: 2015-06-22
From: Slatington, PA

To: Leroy Smith Shelter, PA
Miles today: 16.2

I'm back at it and am feeling alright. I climbed the steepest up that I have had in a month or so with no problems. I'm about 20 miles from being out of PA and I CAN'T WAIT. The weather was good today. The water sources are pretty much gone or are 2-3 mile walks into towns. I did get trail magic today with water, pop, bananas, and cheese which saved the day for me and other hikers. We always leave thank you notes to the trail magic people. Again, if any of you get the chance to provide that ever, please do it. We hikers very much appreciate it. Also, thx to Roxanne from Slatington, PA who picked me up without me asking to drive me over 2 miles into town when I was hurting a couple days ago. I ended up having to take a taxi into Allentown because the hotel in Slatington isn't one anymore and there were no other hotels for miles. I'll do my best to keep you all posted as often as I can. Write atcha next time.
Date: 2015-06-24
From: Leroy Smith Shelter, PA

To: Mohican Outdoor Center, NJ
Miles today: 31.0
Weather: broken clouds

Say it with me my bretheren, I'm out of Pennaylvania! Oh yeah! I actually cried a little as I crossed the border. I ain't lying. I'm so glad to be out of PA rocks. The people of PA are awesome. The rocks, not so much. I bought new shoes last night because mine were shredded. If you notice my 1,300 picture you see that I made it out of shredded wheat cereal. It's kind of an homage to my shoes which were shredded. I still have about 20 miles of rocks left before Utopia begins I'm told. If you look at my pix, you'll notice that I have some of nice scenic views. I hadn't had many in PA. Last night there was a tornado where I stayed. I stayed in the basement of a church. We were fine. But, from a couple of houses beyond us into their Downtown there was multiple damage. I included a pix of a telephone pole right in the parking lot where I ate. PA, you may have taken my skin and my blood, but you did not take my spirit and you definitely did not take my Hope from my Heart. So now I'm going to Walk On and I'm taking all of you with me!Thank you all for your support. Keep signing my guestbook and help me make it through the rest of the journey.
Date: 2015-06-25
From: Mohican Outdoor Center, NJ

To: Gren Anderson Shelter, NJ
Miles today: 20.6

Well, another day another bear. This was the biggest for sure. It was a peaceful encounter around 7am a mile into my day. It was about 30 feet from me. My camera was still off. I just reached down and turned it on and both of us just stood there. Neither of us made sounds to the other. I got this picture and a few more after it crossed the trail and moved along my left side towards my back side. It wasn't scary in the least. Cool! Places to stay along the trail are getting scarcer even though I am in more big city areas. Rain is due for a few days starting tomorrow afternoon. I can't wait. I'm always, at least, moist. Sometimes I'm soaked. I'm never dry. It's also overcast most every day by around 2pm. Mosquitoes are starting to appear over the last few days. The little creeps. The views are waaaaay better in Joisey which makes the day much more enjoyable. Hoping to get around 20 more miles tomorrow. We'll see. Have a great day and thx for reading The Captain K journal.
Date: 2015-06-26
From: Gren Anderson Shelter, NJ

To: Unionville, New York
Miles today: 20.1
Weather: broken clouds

A mixed day because I had some of the hardest rock and granite wall obstacles to climb. And then.....wait what do I see in my map book? A beach with concessions? It is 3/10ths of a mile off the trail? Count me in. I didn't go for a dip because I was already drenched (with sweat). I was thirsty and hungry. Take me to the food. And I went. And it was GOOD! What an unexpected treat that I found. It put me in a better mood. But wait, there's more. About a mile after the food, the rocks that have been kicking my entire body dissipated. They didn't disappear, but they got drastically better. I actually walked on the ground and through real mud and over the dreaded roots. Ahhhhh! Now that reminds me of the A.T. that I knew from earlier in the trip. Hope it stays a while. You might see from my location that I am in New York. I am not through New Jersey. The trail goes back and forth between the two similar to how it did with NC and TN. I am tenting in a public park. This town is what is known as "hiker friendly" which means they do things to encourage us hikers to come to their town. I get to stay for free. There is a porta-potty and a hose for water. Might not mean much to you, but those are gold to us hikers. Going for pizza with Hansel and Gretel who just made their appearance. They are really a nice couple who live in Germany. See their pix in my photos. That's all for now.
Date: 2015-06-27
From: Unionville, New York

To: Wawayanda Shelter, NJ
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: light rain

It's raining hard and has been since 11:00 am. 6 of us are crammed into the shelter. All of us are swamp rats. Our clothing is drenched. I can't sit comfortably. It is supposed to stop mid morning tomorrow. I will only be hiking about 12 miles tomorrow due to shelter spacing and lack of camping sites. I saw bear number 7 just before my shelter. I didn't get a good picture. I walked the boardwalks and climbed the boulders (including the cute little area called Stairway to Heaven) today. I have to try to figure out how I am going to make space to cook now. I'm outta here for today.
Date: 2015-06-28
From: Wawayanda Shelter, NJ

To: Wildcat Shelter, New York
Miles today: 12.1

Today marks the end of 3 months on the trail for me. I am way ahead of completing it in 6 months so far. And "Start spreading the news" because I am now in New York. I completed my 8th state and have 6 more to go. Yippee! Today still is very wet. I had some nasty up and overs and the wetness definitely made them more challenging. I fell for the 12th time and when I sat up there was a Black Timber Rattlesnake less than 2 feet from me. Nothing happened. I also passed the highest point of NY on the A.T. today. I'm running low on battery so am signing off for today. Write to you all again as soon as I can.
Date: 2015-06-30
From: Wildcat Shelter, New York

To: Graymoor Spiritual Life Center, NY
Miles today: 36.2

2 days worth here this time most faithful readers. Trail Magic folks really made our day yesterday. We went thru very hard rock climbs and there were at least 20 gallons of water on both sides of the mountains numerous times. Most of the time there are only a couple gallons, so these were great. The climbs took quite a lot out of each of us. I had at least a gallon between all of the magic spots. Those were provided by the Tuxedo Hiking Club as well as a single hiker calling herself Suzie Hikerman. They weren't there, but I signed a notebook thanking them. There also was a person named Roger who sat in Harriman State Park parking lot. He had pop, power bars, fruit, freeze dried dinners, and hiker socks which he made each of us take a pair. He also had folding chairs. Can you say AHHH?Today I passed 1,400 miles complete and crossed over the Hudson River. I went thru a zoo which the trail went right thru. That is where I got the pix of the Bear. Staying for free at a Spiritual Center in a shelter that has open walls. I took a cold, but free and refreshing, shower and got to charge my devices. Not bad for free. That's about it for today. Catch up to you next time when I can.
Date: 2015-07-01
From: Graymoor Spiritual Life Center, NY

To: Ralph's Peak Hiker Cabin, NY
Miles today: 18.8

Just a nice travel day today. The weather was good after 8am and the terrain was pretty nice. Still rocky and steep ups and downs, but very tame compared to what I've been getting lately. I did get soaked though during the night. Heavy thunderstorms hit us and the shelter had open sides. Me and 4 other unfortunate hikers got it pretty bad. Our sleeping bags, backpacks, shoes, and ourselves took the brunt of it. We had to scramble to move to a dry part of the floor. About 4 feet from the wall got wet and water was running further into the shelter. Oh well, add that to the overall experience and you can see how each hikers take away is different. Now that I'm dry, it's kind of cool to add to my trip. We'll see what I get tomorrow. I'm tenting tonight because I believe it isn't supposed to rain tonight and the mosquitoes are hungry. Catch you all later.
Date: 2015-07-02
From: Ralph's Peak Hiker Cabin, NY

To: Native Landscapes & Garden Center, NY
Miles today: 19.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Tonight I am staying on the property of a landscaping company. The owner is hiker friendly. I stay for free and get to shower for free and fill my water for free. I'm right next to a RR track and busy road. But, it's free and I got a few more miles down the trail from the shelter I could have stayed at. I got pop and cookies and chips at a Trail Magic place today. And I got a ride of about a mile each way to a store near where I am staying. From total strangers. Kids don't try this at home please. I got a sub sandwich, ice cream sandwiches, ice tea, and pop. I already had all of it except some of the pop. Not bad. Tomorrow I think I will cross into Connecticut. Stay tuned.
Date: 2015-07-04
From: Native Landscapes & Garden Center, NY

To: Trail Magic House by The Awesome Foundation
Miles today: 42.0
Weather: light rain

Happy 4th of July everyone. Tonight I am in the backyard of a person who won a grant to improve her community. Somehow they think that by inviting thru hikers to your house, you are improving your community. I'm eating, tenting, watching the fireworks from a nearby race track, and leaving in the morning before anyone finds out about the improving part. This totally was a pleasant surprise. This was the first day that I did not have a stopping place picked out. In fact, one of the people that I was trying to stay with actually told me about this house. New York went out like a lamb. I had the easiest morning walk yesterday of the entire trip. And then, literally, I crossed the road into Connecticut and the bad rocks came back. Bad. It is very steep with a lot of Boulder fields. The bottoms of my toes are sore from digging in to climb. I had to use my fingers multiple times to grasp something to pull me up. I was so disappointed with this that I hiked 26 miles yesterday trying to get through the state. I thought there would be pretty walks in CT since I finally made it into New England. Maybe the next state. That's all for today. Enjoy the fireworks everyone.
Date: 2015-07-05
From: Trail Magic House by The Awesome Foundation

To: Laurel Ridge Campsite, MA
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Man are the miles hard to come by. The going is all so slow. Rocks and roots and mud and steep ups and downs all are playing their part. Connecticut was full of them the entire way. Views were few and far between. My sweat was extremely heavy and I drank tons to try to stay OK (I'm not going to say hydrated because I don't like that word and it's my journal...where I come from we drank, not hydrated....whatever). I'm in Massachusetts now. Wow! Counting this new state, I have 4 left. I forgot to tell you that I passed the 2/3rds mark a couple days ago. That was big. Now I'm over 1,500 complete and I have less than 700 to go. I know that is a lot, but compared to how many total there are, it's not too bad. I'm told that the miles are going to get even slower to complete the farther I get. Also, it's getting harder to find places to camp or to get supplies. That will continue also. Onward I go. One more thank you to Lisa and Nancy who hosted the 4th of July party. The entire event was well received by all of us hikers. We were still talking about it today.
Date: 2015-07-06
From: Laurel Ridge Campsite, MA

To: Kellogg Rd/Housatonic River,MA
Miles today: 13.8

The Mrs joined me today which is why my miles are low today. I still did over 13 miles over tough terrain. And I had a nice shower for a change. And we are out at a restaurant eating nontrail food. I had some fixing up of my gear to do and I got started on that too. For example, I replaced the main filter on my water filter. It has been really hard to pump and I saw that the filter was dirty beyond cleaning. As a side note, I'm sick to my stomach and I think that I have been drinking nasty unfiltered water. Hopefully, replacing the filter will rectify that. Plans now are just to move up the trail as safely as I can. But now I can slack pack again for a while. My shoulders, back, and knees will appreciate it. Now excuse me while I pay attention to my wife for a while. That's all for today.
Date: 2015-07-07
From: Kellogg Rd/Housatonic River,MA

To: Lee , MA
Miles today: 19.7

Made good progress today. Most of the terrain was in heavy forest. Lots of muddy areas to try to go around. Most of them made me go through them. It rained a few times, but it felt good. I got to walk through a few meadows too. Only negative today were the blood sucking mosquitoes. Most hikers had their head nets on. Not me because mine is in my regular back pack which is in my wife's trunk. Rats! Note to self: get the head net out of my back pack for tomorrow. I still can't believe I'm in MA with only 3 more states to go. I'm feeling pretty good overall. My knees are not so good, but I'm taking my pain pills which is helping. Mahalo for today cousins (that's in case any Hawaiians are following me). I'm worldly you know. And I'm so glad that my wife is here for now.
Date: 2015-07-08
From: Lee , MA

To: Washington Mountain Rd, Becket, MA
Miles today: 18.0

This part of the trail is NICE to me. I have been winding thru pine forests, old growth forests, mountains, and lakes, ponds, and swamps. I have lots to see besides dark forest floors for a while. There still are mud pits and now biting brown flies, but I'm liking it. Mrs CaptainK is still with me for a few more days which is really great for me. Tomorrow I have to get my gear ready for the last 3 states. These have a wide degree of temperatures which calls for a wide variety of clothing. I'm also going to select the lightest food that I can to lighten the load due to the extreme and rugged terrain that the trail can provide. To give you an idea of where I am on the map, I am in northwest Massachusetts and late this morning I crossed north of Interstate 90. I'm stopping now because my chicken wings just arrived.
Date: 2015-07-09
From: Washington Mountain Rd, Becket, MA

To: Cheshire, MA
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: few clouds

Hi everyone. I have to start today by wishing my brother Jeff a very Happy Birthday. Although I am the eldest of our clan, Jeff is my oldest brother since he is the next in line. So Happy Birthday brother. Love you and many more. I had a rather calm hiking day today and managed to put myself in position for a 2,500 foot climb up to Massachusetts' tallest peak named Mount Greylock. I can hardly wait (and I also love getting my cavities filled with no novacaine). I have been seeing beaver activity the last couple of days and I included a couple pictures for you to see. I'm hoping that I am showing some of you these things for the first time. It's very rewarding to see it in person rather than on TV. For the rest of tonight I am packing my pack for the next phase of the trip. I am shedding some items that I have had since the beginning to lighten up as I told you about yesterday. We are staying in the same place tonight and tomorrow so that I can unload everything and pack from scratch. Wish me luck tomorrow on my uphill hike. At least I won't have my heavy pack thx to my Logistics Director and wife for being here to help me through for a couple more days. And as always, thx to all who sign my guestbook so that I can read them and use them as inspiration to walk on (you know the rest).
Date: 2015-07-10
From: Cheshire, MA

To: Williamstown, MA
Miles today: 14.7

Hello readers. Today the word is MUD. I spent many o hours tromping through this wonderful top layer of Mother Earth on the A.T. today. I'm talking the kind of mud that made pigs impressed with my shoes and pants. I'm kind of a celebrity around the sty now. The trail has been very wet lately and we had thunder boomers last night which added to that quagmire (I get 2 points for using the big word). The trail was really a stream most of the day. Parts of it was very low in the center and high on the outside. I know that you're thinking....yeah, so what? So I'll tell you so what. If I stepped in the middle low area I got very very muddy and my shoes would stick. If I took the high outside part, I slipped into the low middle part. Basically, I was bound to be muddy. Still, it was a nice day out and the big climb was rather easy overall ( please Trail Gods don't punish me for saying how easy it was). Unless you are Jim T from Toledo who signed my guestbook yesterday, skip this part. Jim, I want to tell you (actually my wife wants me to tell you) that she is Marla from the PBA Tournaments at Imperial Lanes. She said to send you a shout out. So I am....SHOUT. I actually worked it with her so you know me too. OK, everyone else can read now. Tomorrow I plan to hike into Vermont. It also is the last day my wife will be with me. Unfortunately, I won't be able to see her until the day of hiking is over because there are no roads for her to meet me anywhere. I'll post tomorrow hopefully. Nighty night all.
Date: 2015-07-11
From: Williamstown, MA

To: Bennington, Vermont
Miles today: 18.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Well, today I accomplished 2 milestones. The first is that I left Massachusetts and entered Vermont. The second is that I completed 1,600 miles. Those make me feel like I really can do this. I'm on the final 3 states. Massachusetts was a very good state as far as I am concerned. Bring the "fam" and hike away. It was one of my most favorite states to hike. Now I've entered the Green Mountain state of Vermont. Vermont is home to maple syrup and Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream (of which I'm getting me some). I already bought 2 maple syrups to take home.   We hikers affectionately call Vermont, Vermud for obvious reasons. I think I spent about half of my hike today either navigating through mud flows or around them. And at least 3 times I got gooked up when I thought I was stepping on a rock only to find out it was just mud and I got in it deep. 1,600 miles done. Oh yes my brethren say it with me. That leaves 589.2 to go if you're keeping score at home (I hiked 11 more miles after that so I really have 578.2 to go). I CAN DO THIS!!!My support staff, my Logistics Director, my wife leaves for home tomorrow morning. Bittersweet this time because it will be the last time she goes before returning for the final push. I will miss her, but I am anticipating the time that she returns in a few weeks to get this thing done. Hopefully, I'll be able to update every other day or so. I will be in the boonies for a while.
Date: 2015-07-13
From: Bennington, Vermont

To: Manchester Center, VT
Miles today: 40.1
Weather: overcast clouds

I was moving along pretty well today when I hit a wall. My left knee has been hurting and got worse plus the left side of my chest hurt because it was getting compressed from the weight of my backpack. I also realized that to get to the shelter that I selected was going to call for another big climb (1,100 feet) on top of the trail I already did today. I knew I was in trouble. So I got off the trail and got a 5 mile ride to town in hope of getting a room somewhere. And I did. And I'm in the room now. And I'm staying tonight and will see what tomorrow brings. As to normal trail news, earlier today I passed the 3/4 completed mark. That is huge. After the third quarter the score is:A.T.         12 (CaptainK falls)CaptainK 11 (states completed)We've got a barn burner here and I can't wait to see what happens in the fourth quarter. Wish me well so that we can finish this trail together. I hope I won't let you down.
Date: 2015-07-16
From: Manchester Center, VT

To: VT Route 103 Whistle Stop Restaurant
Miles today: 32.4

Big Thx to all you well wishers and "You got this " group. I am back in the saddle again making my way northbound. My knee still hurts, but I bought a knee brace for the first time in my life. I think it's helping. I'm really slow going uphill and worse going downhill. Not a good combination. I stopped short today to make a 2 day hike a 3 day hike. I actually am tenting on the property of The Whistle Stop Restaurant. They are very hiker friendly. I have included a pix of the place. I ate lunch here and will have ice cream after I post this update. I have spent the last couple of hours coordinating stays and food drops for the next week and a half with Mrs. CaptainK and various businesses. This part sucks! (Sorry for the language) I had to buy new trekking poles a couple days ago because mine were eaten too severely to fix. What's another hundred dollars between friends anyway? My chest bones and muscles are not hurting at this point which is good. I have a huge climb tomorrow. The good news is that the mud really hasn't been bad the last few days. Surprise in my favor. My wife has really been helping me a whole lot and I really appreciate the effort. I can't wait for her to join me for the final push. I ain't going away!And to my Ayersville clan,..... I officially will be back next year. I hope you take that as good news. Later alligators.
Date: 2015-07-17
From: VT Route 103 Whistle Stop Restaurant

To: Inn at Long Trail
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: broken clouds

Today was very difficult going up the 2,600-foot Killington Peak. It was steep and very woodsy. I had to swing around trees with one hand and find a place for my foot to land. Lots of those dreaded rocks too of course. And to start the day there was a half mile 900-foot uphill boulder field scramble. However, the downhill portions today were pretty easy. That was a blessing to my knees. I passed the 500-miles-to-go mark and completed 1,700 miles along the way too. So, overall not a bad day. I also got a mile ride to where I am tenting tonight from a Trail Angel that is also hosting 3 Australian ladies for 4 nights just to give back. He informed me that his son thru hiked the A.T. in 2013. Thx for the ride (and the Coke and apples too). I still feel OK overall. I am only going a few miles tomorrow to where I have a food box sent from home (thx honey). So I should be rested for the next part of the journey. Well, I am going to listen to an Irish band at the Inn tonight and have some Shepherd's Pie and a pint or four of Guiness or something like that. So, even thought it's night time,Top of the Morning to one and all.