morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-05-26
From: Above Turk Gap

To: Pinefield Hut
Miles today: 20.7
Weather: clear sky

Shiloh, Apostle, and I got an early start (before 7:00) and had a mostly gently rolling up and down hikeall day. A couple of the uphills were tiring, but mostly because it was exposed and the day was warm. The deer played around our campall last night, and already we've had one wander into our camp tonight.Stopped by a camp store along the way and got some beans and franks = one of those cravings that Mr. Burns instilled in me this afternoon. Next wayside I think I'm going for the ice cream.Quote of the day: "If I can't carry it in my heart or on my back, I don't need it." (Shiloh, in one of our discussions along the trail)I'm really enjoying hiking with these new trail friends - the miles seem to melt away behind us, rather than melting us.An evening T-storm is rolling in as I write in my tent. Just good music by which to fall asleep.
Date: 2008-05-27
From: Pinefield Hut

To: Bearfence Mountain Hut
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: overcast clouds

The Day of the BearI'd gone almost 900 miles without seeing a bear, but today was the day. Shiloh and I had only been hiking about 30 mins. (Apostle left 5 minutes before we did), when I heard a noise about 10 feet to my left. A bear stood up from the bushes and slowly walked another 10 feet from the trail. Shiloh and I quickly got out our cameras and took a couple of shots. The bear stood and cooperated, but suddenly stomped his front paws and gave a low growl. That was all we needed to understand that the photo-op was over, and we were quickly on our way. (Obviously not a morning bear!) My first close encounter of the bear kind. That was a neat, if not tense, experience.We went over the 900-mile point today and marked it on a log by the trail. The next milestone will put us close to the halfway point.
Date: 2008-05-28
From: Bearfence Mountain Hut

To: Near Stony Man Summit
Miles today: 16.5

Today's hike included a stop at Big Meadows Campground and wayside for a lunch of BBQ and a pint of ice cream with root beer for dessert. How good it was!Shiloh stayed at Big Meadows Lodge where he will meet his brother for a couple of days hiking together, and Apostle stopped at Skyland Lodge a few more miles up the trail for a night of R & R, shower, and laundry. I hiked on for another mile and found a nice site under some evergreens which gave a soft bed of straw for the tent.Another deer has joined me and seems to be wanting to join me for dinner (it's illegal to feed wildlife and harmful to them, so it's got to be dutch treat).
Date: 2008-05-30
From: Past Elkwallow Gap

To: Front Royal, VA
Miles today: 18.6
Weather: clear sky

The miles really flew by today. Maybe it was my anticipation of a reunion with Jill in Front Royal for the weekend. Another bear sighting today, a really big one that I spooked as I rounded a downhill switchback. He ran straight downhill breaking every limb along the way. I must really look fierce.I was in a motel by 3:30, and am beginning my 2 zero days in FR. Jill will be up to join me on Sat. evening, and we'll see the sites on Sun. together.It's been almost a month since seeing her, and will probably be another month before we'll be together again. Soooooo... I'm looking forward to this time.
Date: 2008-06-05
From: Past Keys Gap

To: Harpers Ferry
Miles today: 4.6
Weather: clear sky

When I hiked another mile today to Loudoun Heights where I'd planned to hike the night before, I was greeted by much storm damage - downed trees (large oaks uprooted) all along the trail. Was I ever glad to have been stopped short by the edge of this storm!Hiked on in to Harpers Ferry where I had my picture taken at the ATC headquarters as an '08 thru-hiker (#220). A friend from Johnson City, Eric, came up to see me and spend the afternoon and night in Harpers Ferry. We ate, visited, resupplied, and he took some gear that I replaced back to J.C. Got rid of my 20-sleeping bag and got a 45-Lefuma bag at the outfitter in H.F. I gained quite a bit of volume in my pack and saved a pound and a half. Very good change.Good to spend time with a great friend on the trail....
Date: 2008-06-06
From: Harpers Ferry

To: Dahlgren Backpack Camp
Miles today: 17.2
Weather: broken clouds

Overcast and very humid to begin the day and the first day of an expected heatwave. Great place to spend the night, however. This spot has a shower, flush toilets, and plenty of level grassy ground to tent. A real oasis on the AT. O, the comforts of civilization. Will I ever take them for granted again?
Date: 2008-06-07
From: Dahlgren Backpack Camp

To: Devils Racecourse Sh.
Miles today: 18.8

Very hot, very humid, very miserable! Today was probably one of the 5 most tiring days I've had on the trail. This is a trying time, not just physically but mentally, because of the limited views and the added heat factor. But it is unusually hot for this time of year.Fortunately, Shiloh and I keep each other going.Starting to get into other thru-hikers who were ahead - Noah-John, Candy Man, Bear Trap.the journey continues...
Date: 2008-06-08
From: Devils Racecourse Sh.

To: Past Rocky Mtn. Shelter
Miles today: 20.0

Again I am amazed at how much difference a day can make. After a good night's rest, I was restored and ready to hike. Even though it was hot and humid, a steady breeze kept blowing and cooling us down. Shiloh and I hiked into Blue Ridge Summit and were sitting down at the Mountain Shadow Diner at 11:15. Cold water, AC, and food! What a treat!We became the local celebrities while we were there, and were even offered the use of a pool to cool off. But we shunned the temptation and got back to the trail.Later in the day we took a dip in a cool stream, which helped greatly, and finished the day no worse for wear. Now on a nice ridge with a view of the sunset, life is good on the trail...
Date: 2008-06-09
From: Past Rocky Mtn. Shelter

To: Past Pine Grove Furnace
Miles today: 23.4
Weather: clear sky

PAST THE HALF-WAY POINT TODAY!Mentally, it seems more like the 2/3-way point since I'm making more mile per day and less time remains to Katahdin. From this point on, the distance to Katahdin will be less than the distance from Springer. A good feeling.Another scourger today, upper 90's. Hopefully the heat wave will abate soon. Met up with a group of hikers today: Hangman, Pippi, Hamburglar, Alf, Stripe, Sage, Sailboat, Bear Trap, Chef, Shuffles, Stomp, Cecil, Landsurfer, Tangent, Peacock.Made 23 miles today by 4:30. Getting an early start helps.Thought after 1/2 way: GLADNESS - glad that I'm part of the Trail, and that it's part of me.
Date: 2008-06-10
From: Past Pine Grove Furnace

To: Boiling Springs
Miles today: 18.7
Weather: few clouds

So far in PA the trail can be summarized by 3 things: Heat wave, gypsy moth devastation, locust emergence. The little critters are taking over, and I wonder whether I should warn the world.Hiked into Boiling Springs and tented at the AT camp in a field south of town and by the railroad tracks. Trains will be running through the tent all night, but that will be a good memory someday. All part of the trail.As I write this, a T-storm is moving in and driving the heat wave out - cooler weather is in the picture.the journey continues...
Date: 2008-06-11
From: Boiling Springs

To: Past Cove Mtn. Shelter
Miles today: 21.6

They say it's my birthday...I'm going to have a party...on the trailTurned 55 today, and the trail gave me the gift of blue sky and cooler, drier air. There was a spring in the steps, maybe trying to prove that I don't feel a bit over 52, but for whatever reason, it was a banner day. Had many birthday wishes on the phone messages that meant much, and I felt really blessed to be known and loved by family and friends. And it's those who mean so much for which I am most thankful today. Rethink moment on turning 55: A few years ago I thought that my chance to hike the AT was gone. I felt the window of opportunity had closed. But here I am on the AT, more than half way through. What have I learned? Don't give up, don't lose the dream. Failure doesn't come from not finishing, it comes from not starting. I'm glad today - glad that I've been given this opportunity (thanks mostly to Jill), and glad that I'm in this spot at this moment...
Date: 2008-06-15
From: Past Horseshoe Trail

To: Philips canyon spring
Miles today: 21.3

Day of the rattlesnake! While talking to daughter, Kellie, and walking on a straight stretch, I suddenly had a loud rattle go off by my left foot. A coiled, not-so-happy timber rattler was right by my foot. I don't like snakes! Two days in a row = that's enough snakes for the trip.
Date: 2008-06-16
From: Philips canyon spring

To: Eckville Shelter
Miles today: 19.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Started hiking at 5:45 and was sitting at Cabelas breakfast buffet at 8:30. Cabelas was about 1.5 Mi. from Port Clinton, and got some new Merril's (shoes) while I was there. My present shoes had 700 miles on them and I'm about to hit the rocks of PA.This shelter has a shower! Five star digs.
Date: 2008-06-17
From: Eckville Shelter

To: Near Lehigh Furnace Gap
Miles today: 21.5

Today marks 3 months on the trail. I thought about those first steps and watching Jill drive away and wondering what kind of journey I had begun.Life has been good on the trail.Saw 2 bears on the trail today as I entered blueberry country. I stopped to enjoy quite a few, also.
Date: 2008-06-24
From: Wawayanda Shelter

To: Above Arden Valley Rd.
Miles today: 23.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Crossed over into NY today and was greeted by a series of up's and down's over many rocky, steep ridges. A surprisingly difficult stretch. We weren't expecting that. It was a very tough 23 miles - had expected to do 26, but light was fading.
Date: 2008-06-25
From: Above Arden Valley Rd.

To: Ft. Montgomery, NY/ by the Hudson River
Miles today: 17.5

Hometown and I were a little more prepared for the up's and down's today, or at least expecting it. We were hiking at 5:30 and arrived at the first deli in Ft. Montgomery at 3:30 - a welcome site. Will take time off here to be with Jill who is meeting me here this evening. It will be the last time I see her till after Katahdin. Am looking forward to this respite.
Date: 2008-06-26
From: Ft. Montgomery, NY/ by the Hudson River

To: Bear Bridge Mountain Motel
Miles today: 0.0

Had great evening last night and spending time in Peekskill today with Jill. Met one of the friendliest people on the trail today who took our picture outside the Peekskill Coffee House. He told us of the history of the town and area, which includes West Point. Wonderful day off the trail with the love of my life.
Date: 2008-06-27
From: Bear Bridge Mountain Motel

To: Shenandoah Camp
Miles today: 23.9

After Jill bid me farewell by the Hudson River this morning, I began following the white blazes north once again. This will be our last reunion on the trail. How sweet it was to have a few hours of closeness with the one I love; how bittersweet it was to begin the journey northward again. But I have the dream with my grasp now, and it's palpable. Met Whitefish standing at the bridge trying to go into Peekskill and then to NYC. Also met Pickle and Raggedty Andy (both from Israel). Again saw Detliff and Greg and are with them tonight at the camp site. There is a covered table by a building at this place and a grassy area (I'm under an apple tree), and a well with a pump. Everything we need.Most of the day was very muggy, but late afternoon turned clear and mild, and it's really quite nice out here now. Talked with Jill a few minutes ago (we even have cell phone reception). She drove 650 miles today while I was doing 23. We're probably both equally tired. Went past the 1400 mile point today.
Date: 2008-06-28
From: Shenandoah Camp

To: Telephone Pioneers Shelter
Miles today: 17.9
Weather: scattered clouds

I'm sitting by the shelter at 5:00 after eating and cleaning my sweaty body (it is Saturday, after all). Been here for 1 1/2 hours. A relatively short hike today, and I started at 6:30. The Mountain Top Deli was on my mind for breakfast, and I arrived by 9:00. Had delicious S/E/C sandwich and huge piece of crumbcake right out of the oven (and saved a banana muffin for later). The hike had several breaks today. I'm really dragging - low energy today for sure. I know how these things can change from day to day, so I'm hoping for a good rest and an energetic day tomorrow. I'll walk out of NY and into CT tomorrow - the first New England state, a good psychological boost. Just got a text from daughter Kellie saying a friend of hers had called me their hero. How 'bout that - me a hero! Right now I feel like a noodle.
Date: 2008-06-29
From: Telephone Pioneers Shelter

To: Mt. Algo, CT
Miles today: 21.1

Rethink moment: After arriving at my tent spot and pitching tent, I walked another 1+ mile to Kent and had a pizza. While there I became a mini-celeb' and discussed the trail with a few of the patrons. Mostly I talked with a fellow named Don (age 40 or so) who expressed great interest in hiking the trail. He had a brother who did it in the past. It was a dream for him and one that he didn't know that he'd ever accomplish. Such is most of our dreams - just dreams in another life, a parallel life that we want to live, but this life holds it hostage.I'm glad I hiked into Kent to meet Don.The day was very hot and humid. Sweat saturation is a way of hiking right now. But the miles were good, and I'm that much closer to Katahdin. At the shelter tonight are Black Beard, Dart Man, and Pied Hiker. I'm tenting under a large pine. The birds are singing cheerfully at the close of day, and they'll wake me in the morning.
Date: 2008-06-30
From: Mt. Algo, CT

To: Belters Campsite
Miles today: 22.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Strong T-storms came during the night last night which left everything soggy. The day started humid from the wet ground, but the afternoon turned cooler and less humid with some welcome breezes. At this point in the journey the trail is about up's and down's - constant up's and down's. Although I did have an unusual stretch today along a river which was flat for several miles. But in general there is much change in elevation during the course of the day. Many times I feel like I'm running on empty, but I keep pressing northward. It's about endurance and perseverance at this stage, and each mile brings me closer to the goal. I just noticed that tomorrow I'll go under 700 miles to the prize.It has been some solitary hiking since leaving Ft. Montgomery, NY. There's no one else at the campsite, and I saw no other thru-hikers all day. I'll be glad to reconnect with Hometown.How many that started are still in the GA-ME? Had a little scare with a backward fall while climbing some rocks. I did a tumble and hit my butt-bone on a rock but didn't do any more damage - a lucky non-break. How quickly something could cause injury and take me out of the GA-ME. But for now . . . the journey continues . . .
Date: 2008-07-01
From: Belters Campsite

To: Laurel Ridge, MA
Miles today: 19.9

It's July and I'm in MASS. Since leaving PA, the states have been disappearing behind me quickly. Stopped by Salisbury halfway on the hike today to get some polish sausage and buns for tonight (a craving for a couple of days now). Still made the 20 miles by 3:30. Bad Idea is also at campsite tonight - haven't seen him in quite some time. Talked to Hometown's wife, Sue, and he will be in Great Barrington tomorrow also. It'll be good to begin our hiking together again. I'm really in need of some cleaning up. This heat and humidity has left me rather putrid. Rethink Moment: It's the little things, the simple moments that give me the most pleasure. The just-in-time breeze along a ridge after a hard climb, cool water from a spring, food that "hits the spot", conversation with a new friend, conversation with an old friend. This is a part of the journey that I hope stays with me - that in little pleasures are the greatest joy.
Date: 2008-07-02
From: Laurel Ridge, MA

To: Great Barrington, MA
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: few clouds

Early start and great views as I entered the Birkshere's - fog in the valley and gaps, cool breezes as I walked along the cliff-side trail. I'm seeing some mountains again.First mistake I found in my trail guide put me on the wrong road into Great Barrington. That mistake cost me several extra miles of hiking and less time recovering in town. Oh, well. What's a few miles out of 2,176?Good to see Hometown - we'll be ready to go again in the morning.
Date: 2008-07-03
From: Great Barrington, MA

To: Shaker Campsite
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: broken clouds

Got a ride back to trail and started at 8:30. I had to backtrack to W. Sheffield Rd. and cover the .6 mi. I missed to Rt. 7 because of Trail Guide screw-up. Hometown went on ahead but missed the trail at the first mountain. At the top of the wrong mountain, a bear was waiting for him. As a result of his wrong turn, I got ahead and stayed ahead all day. Got to campsite and set up just as expected T-storm came in. It's raining hard now. Hometown came into camp soaked and had to set up in the rain. Fairly uneventful hike today through woods without views. Made good time (4:00 arrival - hurried on by threat of rain). Today is the 50th birthday of my good friend from Mass., Bill. I hope to see him while in the NE states. Tomorrow is the 4th, and we've heard the rumor that there may be trail magic at Goose Pond Cabin (9 miles from here). We can hope. Maybe there'll be a little cool air behind this rain. Glad to be dry in tent.
Date: 2008-07-04
From: Shaker Campsite

To: October Mountain
Miles today: 18.7
Weather: overcast clouds

 Late start this morning because of rain (8:20). Had a sloggy day through much marshy ground. We'll calling this state "Marsh-a-chu-setts". There were about 3 fairly steep climbs, but that keeps us in shape for what's to come. The mosquitoes - we're calling them "Mass-quitoes" - are unbelieveable. They're everywhere at all times. Would not want to live in this area.Just talked to Jill and she told me that the father of one of her childhood best friends had died. They are one of my favorite families and I haven't known them nearly as long as Jill. Really tired tonight . . .
Date: 2008-07-05
From: October Mountain

To: Cheshire, MA
Miles today: 21.1

Cloudy start at 5:50 - stayed cloudy and cool and a little misty. Arrived at Dalton at 11:00 and ate late breakfast at Dalton Diner. Got back on trail and heavy rain began for most of hike to Cheshire.Met Jersey Girl and Midwest Mom (mother and daughter) doing a section hike. Staying at the St. Mary's parrish hall for the night. Father Raymond came over and welcomed us and chatted for a while about our hike. The Father and church are very kind and gracious to let us use their facilities - a really great service and much appreciated. Ate at pizza place here - had pastrami grinder and chili. It has been a great day in spite of rain. After all, we had 2 trail-town meals in the same day and a free hostel stay tonight. Just talked to Jill and Mom and Dad. They seemed so close - yet, they're so far from here. I do miss all my family.Will hike into VT tomorrow.
Date: 2008-07-06
From: Cheshire, MA

To: Seth Warner Shelter
Miles today: 20.9
Weather: clear sky

In VERMONT! Very tired after some tough climbing today. Stopped in North Adams for lunch and resupply and then had hard climb into VT. Down to the last 3 states - but they will be tough. Got another painful blister on right heel where I get one on top of another. I fell as I descended Mt. Graymont, and my left forearm landed on the trekking pole as it stretched between the opening of 2 large rocks. It snapped in two with a loud crack. Without that pole, however, it would probably have been my arm that cracked. I cut a small cherry sapling about the same size as the pole, and that's got to get me to Maine. So what if my poles don't match - I'm not exactly a fashion statement out here anyway.Today turned out sunny and hopefully tomorrow will dry us out more.
Date: 2008-07-07
From: Seth Warner Shelter

To: Goddard Shelter
Miles today: 21.6
Weather: haze

When Hometown and I arrived at Goddard Shelter, we set up our tent a little ways up the trail behind the shelter. We decided to walk down to the shelter to eat dinner and were there about 20 mins. We noticed a couple in the shelter take a side trail which came near our tents as we ate. When I got back to my tent, something looked amiss as though someone had gone through my hygiene bag. Then I discovered that my "essentials" bag was missing.LOW-LIFE TRAIL THIEVES had stolen the bag with my Steripen, spare batteries, headlamp, pepper spray, 3 days of day food, but MOST IMPORTANT, my trail journal from FT. Montgomery, NY to here and my guidebook. I was beside myself with anger. It didn't take long for us to figure out who the guilty party was, but we didn't confront them without proof. It was an unsettled evening, and my anger kept me awake for quite awhile. But in retrospect I realize it could have been much worse - my wallet, camera, and cell phone were hanging on my belt on the backside of the tent. We apparently got back before they had a chance to get more. Things can always be worse. This too shall pass.
Date: 2008-07-08
From: Goddard Shelter

To: Stratton Pond Shelter
Miles today: 19.4
Weather: overcast clouds

 Much has been done today to restore my faith in the goodness of people after its being tested the evening before. Ember (who tented above us at Goddard) was first to learn of the thievery and donated some iodine tablets to purify my water (Steripen was stolen). Hometown split half his remaining food with me, and a family we met this morning from Saronac Lake, NY gave me a Petzel headlamp like the one that was stolen. Talk about trail magic!We reported the theft to Hugh and Jeanne, caretakers at the top of Stratton Mtn. who immediately called law enforcement to get involved in catching these low-life trail bums. Hometown and I sat in their cabin for about an hour and enjoyed some delicous coffee and plums and an apple. We learned that they have been caretakers there since 1968. Their hospitality, concern, and help will always be appreciated and remembered. Another restoring moment in the goodness in mankind. After settling in at Stratton Pond Shelter, Hometown and I went down to the lake and took a dip - the final restoration that I needed. It was a serene, peaceful moment and all seemed right with the world once again.
Date: 2008-07-09
From: Stratton Pond Shelter

To: Manchester Center
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Left Stratton Pond at 5:50 and had a quick jaunt (mostly downhill) to road crossing near Manchester Center. As Hometown was crossing the road with his thumb out, the first car approaching pulled over and gave us a ride into town. On the drive in we were informed that a 6-week horse show had begun in the area and all motels were full. We thought of eating and a resupply and hitting the trail again. But thunderstorms were brewing over the mountains, and we really wanted to find a place for the aft. and night.After coffee and bagels (our first stop) we went to the local outfitter and ran into Bad Idea who had stayed at Sutton's Place the night before. We called there and found that Frank had 1 room with 2 beds that someone had cancelled, so we grabbed it. Funny how things come together on this journey. While eating lunch the Tennessee Twins arrived with Start (also a UT student - Dad lives in my hometown). Claylocke (soon to be Univ. of Chicago student) also had lunch with us. After lunch we went back to the outfitter and a newly-wed couple, Eldon and Liz, were there. I knew them from my hometown and knew they were doing a section hike as part of their honeymoon. I knew the possibility of meeting them somewhere, but chances were slim. But there they were. It was an eventful hour.Sutton's (Frank's) Place was a real oasis - very casual, restful, homey, lots of good books to read. Some rough T-storms rolled through in the afternoon, so our timing for this rest stop could not have been better. Manchester Center was one of the best stops on the trail so far.      The journey continues . . .