morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2023-05-25
From: Alec kennedy

To: Quality inn
Miles today: 12.1

day 13Chilly start to the day, in the 40s when we got up and ready.. stopped at the old ATC headquarters office for breakfast which is now a condemned building, but still had drinkable water at it. Some questions I don't want to ask. Then we hit our 100 mile milestone!!! It feels surreal to think we made it this far. We hiked past a nice, local lady who stopped to ask about our hike and she offered us oranges. Such a nice surprise!!! We stopped at a hotel tonight for a quick rest. It was weird walking down a highway with semi trucks so close.
Date: 2023-05-28
From: Quality inn

To: Kinda outdoorsy hostel
Miles today: 17.2

Day 14Quality inn to stealth site. Lots of open farm fields until a big climb at the end to get out of the valley. Some nice flower covered rolling hills as well. Stopped at a Mennonite farm stand for some homemade ice which was certainly delicious. First tick sighting as well. Graham felt it on his leg immediately and flicked it off. Definitely doing a good body check this eve.  Bridge Count: 50Melissa's fall count: 8Day 15Made it to Kinda Outdoorsy Hostel and decided to take a much needed zero day. The hike up and over a hill was difficult and slippery with so many leaves on the rocks. Met up with some other hikers we had previously met for a good meal and drinks. Fairly nice hostel with good gear and food resupply right here. Plan to head out in the morning for a 11 mile day.
Date: 2023-05-29
From: Kinda outdoorsy hostel

To: Peters mountain 
Miles today: 11.5

day 17The hike out of Duncannon was a doozy with the uphill, but once we got to the ridgeline it wasn't so bad. Except it was so hot today!! We were headed to a parking lot that we had planned on stopping at for lunch, and a nice old trail angel was there to meet us. He gave us banana bread, twizzlers, bananas, and soda. And topped off our water. I had a cherry coke!! It's been about 15 years since I've had soda and I didn't regret a thing until about an hour later and the heartburn started. It was delicious though! Happy memorial day!! Been hiking with an old guy Skip and his dog Lizzie for these two days.  It's been nice and informative.  But will have to part ways as Lizzie can only go so far.  No falls today :)
Date: 2023-05-31
From: Peters mountain 

To: Stealth site mile 1184.3
Miles today: 23.4

day 18 & 19Been staying at double digit mileage these past few days. Water has been scarcer across the ridge and many days without rain. Its required a little more planning and rationing. Stayed near an old coal mining town with some abandoned wells in woods last night. Easier but long hike today. Near the end of our trek a lady(Jinx) had some amazing trail magic. Gatorade, chips, brownies, root beer floats, watermelon, homemade bread. We really gorged. Loading up for a long push tomorrow to shelter 501. We made it halfway through pennslyvania!!!
Date: 2023-06-01
From: Stealth site mile 1184.3

To: 501 shelter 
Miles today: 12.0

Day 20Another day, another hike... hot today and we had a 8 mile start till we could get to any water. We managed and had a nice,long lunch at a shelter. Went to do the next 4 to our shelter tonight and we were greeted with more trail magic!! Homemade sandwiches, watermelon, and chips... The 501 shelter we're at tonight is a fancy one. 4 walls with water spigot, a place to charge phones, and an outdoor shower. But the term outdoor "shower" is a bit of a misnomer, it was a hose attached to a water barrel, but I'll take what I can get at this point. Getting more supplies tomorrow in Pine Grove before we set off.
Date: 2023-06-02
From: 501 shelter 

To: Stealth site 
Miles today: 5.7

day 21Late start to do the day since we had to shuttle to the store to get some food. Stopped by the post office and mailed my fleece back home; it's been so hot and it's so bulky in my pack. I need to get a much lighter one once we get further north and the Temps call for it. Hiking has been slow going the last few days with the heat and all these damn rocks. Its supposed to rain tonight and tomorrow, please, someone do a rain dance. Melissa's fall count: 9Beginning mile marker: 1184.3Ending mile marker: 1202.1
Date: 2023-06-03
From: Stealth site 

To: Eagles nest shelter
Miles today: 9.4

day 22Thank you to whoever danced, we had some good rain overnight and thankfully didn't have any mud to deal with this morning. Crossed paths with another big Timber rattler. Generous, nice day hikers left a cooler near a parking lot with beer and water. People are real nice to hikers!! Melissa's fall count: 9Beginning mile marker: 1202.1Ending mile marker: 1211.5
Date: 2023-06-04
From: Eagles nest shelter

To: St John's church
Miles today: 8.8

day 23Rocksylvania is starting to live up to its name. It's not too exhausting but you have to constantly look down on where to step. Large rocks, small rocks, loose rocks, sharp rocks jutting from the ground. Our feet are quite sore from it by days end and it's shredding our shoes. Will need to replace first pair earlier than anticipated. Climbed down into Port Clinton for the night. A church allows you to camp around a pavillion they manage.  Melissa's fall count: 10Beginning mile marker: 1211.5Ending mile marker: 1220.1
Date: 2023-06-05
From: St John's church

To: Eckville Shelter
Miles today: 15.0

Well this was our longest day yet. 15 miles!  Pretty exhausting, with the terrain. These rocks are brutal and wear on you. All our feet are sore. We did get some great views up on the ridge line as well as come across numerous baby deer. Michelle fell, luckily only very minor scrapes, but a hiking pole took the brunt and snapped. Thank bezos she can get a new one delivered to the hostel for tomorrow night.
Date: 2023-06-10
From: Eckville Shelter

To: George outerbridge shelter
Miles today: 39.0

Day 23-26I don't even remember the hike from eckville to the lookout hostel, but it was a nice stay. We took a much needed zero yesterday. Somehow, my feet hurt more today having a day of rest. I'm so tired of my feet hurting. The Canadian wildfires have created a ton of smoke and haze, although the EPA says the air quality is improving.  The biggest surprise today was our first bear sighting. We were fairly close together while coming around a corner and all saw it about the same time. It took some time for us to scare the bear off; Graham was scolding him and throwing rocks, I was banging my hiking poles together, and Michelle was yelling at him as well. The bear just looked at us inquisitvely for a few minutes l then sauntered off like nothing happened. We handled it well and it gave us a good dose of adrenaline to finish our hike. .              Melissa's fall count: 13Beginning mile marker: 1235.1             Ending mile marker: 1260.2Nearest city/town: Palmerton, PA
Date: 2023-06-10
From: George outerbridge shelter

To: Tent site
Miles today: 20.0

Day 27-28Started the day out hiking into Palmerton to get more food. Another steep, rocky hill to climb. We lunched at a ski resort and filled up our water. Made it to a tent site right before a storm blew through. The sky has been better lately, I think the fires are all under control. Hiked in the rain a bit today, but the terrain has been better on the feet.  Melissa's fall count: 15Beginning mile marker: 1260.2Ending mile marker: 1280.2Nearest city/town: Wind Gap, PA
Date: 2023-06-11
From: Tent site

To: Delaware water gap
Miles today: 16.7

Day 30Another hot,humid day to hike in. I tripped and fell again today. The worst so far, both my knees hurt and I fell on my face. Thank goodness my eyeball missed a rock. We made it to kirkridge shelter for some trail magic of roasted chicken, sweet potatoes, coleslaw, and donuts. After filling our bellies, we decided to push on 6 more miles to be one mile away from the NJ border!! We're taking a zero tomorrow for rest, laundry, and new shoes. Melissa's fall count:17Beginning mile marker 1280.2Ending mile marker:1296.9Nearest city/town: Delaware water gap, pa
Date: 2023-06-13
From: Delaware water gap

To: Stealth site
Miles today: 12.0

Day 32Our zero day in Delaware gap was delightful. We first went to a shoe store owned by a previous thru hiker and marathoner. Graham and I got fitted for new shoes and some insoles. My feet were still pretty sore today, but I think on their way to mending a bit. We finally made it out of pennslyvania today!!! That has been a huge morale boost for us. The hike today was quite nice over the Delaware River, still lots of rocks but those should start to dissipate in about 10 more miles. Made homemade pad thai using trail ingredients for dinner at the Mohican Outdoor Center and hiked on about 2 miles to a quite beautiful tent spot. Melissa's fall count:18Beginning mile marker:1296.9Ending mile marker:1308.9Nearest city/town: Hardwick township, New Jersey
Date: 2023-06-14
From: Stealth site

To: Brinks shelter
Miles today: 13.6

Beautiful start to the day, waking up on top of a mountain with a view. It started to rain about 10ish and kept going on for most of the day. Thank goodness we had better traction with new shoes on the wet boulders. We made it to a shelter to dry out and warm up a little. The shelter had a good group of familiar faces all hunkered down in the rain. Making plans to all do a short morning hike together to hit a mountain tavern for lunch. Decided to tent here to get a little more peaceful sleep.  Melissa's fall count:20Beginning mile marker:1308.9Ending mile marker:1322.4Nearest city/town: Hampton Township, New Jersey
Date: 2023-06-16
From: Brinks shelter

To: Unionville,NY
Miles today: 26.1

Day 34Got a late start so we could hike into town for lunch. The restaurant opened at 11:30 and there were about 10 hikers already there patiently waiting! Awesome meal with a quaint lake view. Then, we were off and hit our 300 trail miles!!! Took a short break at a shelter and decided to push on to the next one.Melissa's fall count:21Beginning mile marker:1322.4Ending mile marker:1336.9Nearest city/town: High point, New JerseyDay 35Woke up very early to get some miles in before the rain. Hitting the trail a little after 530am. Made it to Unionville, NY by noon and were able to stay dry in a gazebo while it rained. Had a tasty Italian sub from the general store/deli and able to shower/launder clothes in a church run shelter. Melissa's fall count:21Beginning mile marker:1336.9Ending mile marker:1348.9Nearest city/town: Unionville, NY
Date: 2023-06-17
From: Unionville,NY

To: Wawayanda shelter
Miles today: 17.5

Day 36Unionville, NY was a pretty cute town. It was nice to start out the day showered and in clean clothes. We've been hiking lately with this awesome group and we met up with them again this afternoon where we got more trail magic. They actually helped us slack pack. Slack packing is when you have someone who takes all your heavy stuff and you either take your pack with just snacks with water or just some water. So we did 12 miles, had an awesome meal then slack packed another 5 miles. Those last 5 miles included a section of the trail named "stairway to heaven" and it was aptly named. A rocky 1,000+ft climb almost straight up. It was lovely to hike all that elevation pack free, then the last 3 miles we were in a torrential downpour. But, we made it to a shelter, dried out and are planning our next few days. Two of the others we're hiking with have a foundation called Fearsome. She has MS and is hiking the trail. They're such good people out here.Melissa's fall count:21Beginning mile marker:1348.9Ending mile marker:1366.1Nearest city/town: Vernon, NJ
Date: 2023-06-18
From: Wawayanda shelter

To: Hotel
Miles today: 0.0

Day 37We had such a good yesterday but overnight my stomach was not happy. My IBS decided I ate something I shouldn't have and I was so nauseated. We decided to shuttle to town, so I could rest, attempt to hydrate and have a toilet. He makes such a good nurse. I'm feeling a bit better and the plan is to get a shuttle back to the trail tomorrow and do 10ish miles. Fingers crossed!!
Date: 2023-06-19
From: Hotel

To: Fingerboard shelter
Miles today: 7.8

Day 38Back on the trail today. Took a lighter day to make sure I was ready. Jim who works at the hotel drove us back to get where we got off, but due to a bit of a communication issue ended up driving us even farther than we intended. We trail skipped about 18 miles so we wouldn't be too far behind Michelle and the others. Which, I think was best to do it that way, but we missed the NJ/NY border by doing that. We will come back and speed hike it when we drive back down from Maine.  Graham and I will day hike those miles and it'll be nicer since we won't need to take our packs with us. Kind of feels like cheating, but I'll take it!! My feet have been feeling a ton better, but now I seem to notice all the other muscles that are sore and aching.  Melissa's fall count:22Beginning mile marker:1384.3Ending mile marker:1392.1Nearest town/city: Tuxedo, NY
Date: 2023-06-20
From: Fingerboard shelter

To: West mountain shelter
Miles today: 9.4

Day 39Nice hike today. Took an early morning break at Tiorati state park and ran into a hiker we had met awhile back, Wedge, who lives in NY and had to get off trail due to knee issues. He's bringing us water tomorrow at a road crossing! Our shelter today has a gorgeous view of the Hudson River and the NYC skyline. Melissa's fall count:22Beginning mile marker:1401.5Ending mile marker:1392.1Nearest city/town: fort Montgomery, NY
Date: 2023-06-23
From: West mountain shelter

To: Graymoor spiritual life center
Miles today: 15.4

Day 40-42Went on short hike down to meet Wedge who was nice enough to bring us water and brought us to town for groceries. He brought us back to trail as well where we continued our hike to an airbnb we rented with our trail family. Ended up more cost effective to split costs between 8 people. Had a great night and ended up with another zero due to logistics with getting a shuttle for another slack pack hike. Started our hike back up today and ended in a Franscican monastery and grounds where they allow hikers to tent on their baseball field. Quite unusual, but it's pretty here. Glad to be back on trail.  Melissa's fall count:22Beginning mile marker:1401.5Ending mile marker: 1416.9Nearest city/town: garrison, NY
Date: 2023-06-25
From: Graymoor spiritual life center

To: Morgan Stewart shelter
Miles today: 25.5

Day 43-44The hike yesterday was a rough one just due to the rain mostly. Just between a light rain and sprinkle all day, which we need but there were no breaks in it, which meant there was no place for us to rest with packs off and breath for a moment. But, we did get our 400 miles!!! Its so crazy to think that. Camped at a state park that had a hiker shelter. It was very nice, just a bit small and the restroom was a bit of a walk. Nicer hike today, just soooo humid..the weather has been tough lately.  Melissa's fall count:24Beginning mile marker:1416.9Ending mile marker: 1442.4Nearest city/town: Holmes, NY
Date: 2023-06-27
From: Morgan Stewart shelter

To: Mt algo
Miles today: 29.4

Day 45Another rainy hiking day.. it's hard to dry out when it's been so humid and yucky out. Stopped at a deli near Pawling, NY which was delicious but the lady who took our order was a little soup nazi-ish. I was a bit scared, but it was worth it. Jen had a friend who lived nearby come out and shuttle folk around and back to trail. Also she even offered to take a load of clothes to wash and bring back to us tomorrow which is amazing.              Melissa's fall count: 25Beginning mile marker: 1442.4Ending mile marker: 1459.0 Nearest city/town: pawling, NYDay 46If you've ever wondered how it feels to put on your cold, wet, and smelly clothes in the morning to hike again¢¦ it's not the greatest feeling. We hiked to a small gas station to get a few things and eat and we able to stay out of the rain for a little bit. Hike wasn't terrible today, its just generalized sore muscles. Going into town tomorrow and may do some laundry and resupply a bit, then move onto the next shelter.Melissa's fall count: 26Beginning mile marker: 1459.0Ending mile marker: 1471.8Nearest city/town: kent, ct
Date: 2023-06-28
From: Mt algo

To: Stewart hollow
Miles today: 7.3

Day 47Ahhhh¢¦ feels great to have clean clothes¢¦hiked into kent, ct to use the laundromat and get some food.. never have I ever thought I would be sitting outside a laundromat clipping my toenails and cleaning popped blisters.. but, yes, I did that today. We keep saying we've gone feral¢¦ I guess this is just what happens.       Melissa's fall count: 26Beginning mile marker: 1471.8Ending mile marker: 1479.1Nearest city/town: kent, ct
Date: 2023-06-29
From: Stewart hollow

To: Pine swamp brook
Miles today: 10.0

Day 48Good hike today. It didn't rain, it wasn't too hot, and the streams had water flowing!! We passed some awesome volunteers doing trail maintenence. It looked like a hard job, they were adding huge stones to help make more of a stairway up the elevation. Amazing people doing that to help our hike. We had a nice break at a campsite with a pavilion and a swing!!! Ended the day with leading yoga for the tramily to help with sore backs and legs.  Melissa's fall count: 26Beginning mile marker: 1479.1Ending mile marker: 1489.1Nearest city/town: sharon, ct
Date: 2023-06-30
From: Pine swamp brook

To: Stealth site 
Miles today: 12.7

Day 49Nice hike into Falls Village, Ct where we ate lunch at a farm to table restaurant. It was delicious and does good things for the community. Heres their website¢https://mountainside.com/cafe/Finished up the day headed towards to the next shelter but decided it was too steep and too far off trail so we stealth camped. Headed to Salisbury tomorrow to get more food and continue the trek. Wanted to share some info on the people we're hiking with. Jen is the one with MS, aka Fearless and Dave aka Hero who has a culinary background and created dehydrated meals she can eat on trail and is sort of beta testing the new meals. They've created a foundation for MS called Fearsome. I'll add their Facebook page and website. They're very awesome. https://fearsomeis.org/https://www.facebook.com/fearsomeis?mibextid=ZbWKwL            Melissa's fall count: 26Beginning mile marker: 1489.1Ending mile marker: 1500Nearest city/town: falls village, ct
Date: 2023-07-01
From: Stealth site 

To: Brassie shelter
Miles today: 8.7

Day 50Hiked into the adorable town of Salisbury, Ct. Steep down to get in, but then hit a nice coffee shop and resupplied at the grocery store. We followed that with a group planning meeting at the first and oldest US public library. Took a whole conference room to ourselves and have our next week of miles and resupplies planned out. Very ornate building with clock tower, original stone and wood work. Hiked out another 5 miles over Lions Head Mountain to a brand new shelter.         Melissa's fall count: 26      Beginning mile marker: 1500      Ending mile marker: 1509      Nearest city/town: salisbury, ct
Date: 2023-07-02
From: Brassie shelter

To: Chapel hostel
Miles today: 12.3

Day 51Rainy start to the day and I mean soggy, humid, wet start. But hiked next to this ravine and a stream that was beautiful with a bunch of waterfalls. The climbs up to the peaks were difficult on slippery rocks with a very foggy overlook that could have been clouds or the smoke from the Canadian fires. Who knows? Finally made it down to Jugg end road to meet a shuttle driver who drove us to a newish shelter/hostel for the evening where we can dry out. Oh! I almost forgot¢ we made it to Massachusettes!!! And tomorrow we'll hit the 500!!Melissa's fall count: 29    Beginning mile marker: 1509Ending mile marker: 1521.3 Nearest city/town: great barrington, Ma
Date: 2023-07-08
From: Chapel hostel

To: Upper goose pond 
Miles today: 35.4

Day 52We did it!!! 500 miles!!! Pretty crazy to think about. Got to the chapel/hostel. A very nice couple bought a plot of land off trail which happened to have an old chapel on it. Now they do trail magic and are turning the chapel into a hostel. The story of the property is pretty awesome and if anyone wants more info, feel free to see their site.https://www.gofundme.com/f/trail-magic-at-the-great-barrington-chapel Since we stayed at the chapel, we were able to leave our heavy things and hike with just food/water once again¢¦ so, we did a 10 mile slack pack. It still ended up being a pretty difficult hike due to the wet rocks and mud. Sections of the trail were full muddy streams to hike through. Finished up the day going to a community center where we got showers, a grocery store run to resupply, and dinner at Mexican restaurant. Capped the night off with wine back at the chapel/hostel/shed!Melissa's fall count: 29      Beginning mile marker: 1521.3Ending mile marker: 1534.2 Nearest city/town: great barrington, MaDay 53The nice clean feeling didn't last too long with the continued muggy, rainy weather, but it was nice while it lasted. Hard hike out of town with a nice break at a shelter. Continued on another 5 miles to a Shaker campsite. Slipping in mud all day long.  Melissa's fall count: 31 Beginning mile marker: 1534.2Ending mile marker: 1543.4Nearest city/town: Tyringham, Mass Day 54Not nearly as muggy today. Passed a cute AT stand that had a fridge with cold drinks and snacks for a fee with wifi and charging capabilities. There was slightly less mud which was a welcome change. Two steep uphills followed by a long walk around a lake made for a full but not too hard of day. We ended at a cabin in the woods for thru hikers to bunk at. Sat on the dock of the lake and soaked our feet. A few people canned around a bit. The cabin caretaker is making us coffee and pancakes in the morning which will be a great start to our day.   Melissa's fall count: 31 Beginning mile marker: 1543.2Ending mile marker: 1556.7Nearest city/town: Lee, Mass
Date: 2023-07-08
From: Upper goose pond 

To: Kaywood 
Miles today: 18.0

Day 55Started the day with lots of pancakes with butter/real maple syrup and coffee. Hiked 12 miles in the morning to reach the Cookie Lady. A hiker friendly house just off trail where the lady serves free homemade cookies and lemonade. Her yard was full of tables, chairs, and hammocks. Made for a long relaxing midday break. Left that house to push on another 6 miles. Unfortunately we were hit with an unexpected thundershower. Everyone got into the shelter soaked. Even with it being a large bunk and loft style shelter it was a bit crowded. Tough, tiring, and wet end to the day, but we did a new personal best of 18 miles.  Melissa's fall count: 32 Beginning mile marker: 1556.7Ending mile marker: 1574.3Nearest city/town: dalton,mass
Date: 2023-07-08
From: Kaywood 

To: Dalton
Miles today: 0.0

Day 56-57Hiked 3 miles into dalton and had a nice breakfast at a local diner before getting a shuttle to the Walmart to get more supplies. Loaded up with groceries then had to walk with everything half a mile to the hotel like a bunch of homeless people. Had a nice dinner out that evening at a Chinese buffet celebrating Pixies birthday. Jen's friend Liz came back out Saturday to help us run some more errands and will help is slack pack tomorrow. More importantly, she brought a razor so Graham and Dave could get a much needed haircut.Melissa's fall count: 32 Beginning mile marker: 1577.4Ending mile marker: Nearest city/town: dalton,mass
Date: 2023-07-09
From: Dalton

To: Bascom lodge
Miles today: 16.0

Day 58Met up with Liz in the morning and she helped us slack pack so we could beat the storm. Only really got drizzled on in last few miles. Rain, fog, and clouds all around now. Made it to Mt Greylock Bascom Lodge to spend the night and will likely have to stay tomorrow due to the 100% chance of heavy rain with mudslides and lightning. Possibly 4+ inches in next 24 hrs. There could be worse places to be stuck. We were surprised by a live country singer/concert at the lodge. Melissa's fall count: 32Beginning mile marker: 1577.4Ending mile marker: 1594.3Nearest city/town: Cheshire, mass