morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2017-03-22
From: Tray Mountain

To: Dicks Creek Gap
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: scattered clouds

This post is for my new friend Pat from Houston (Trail name Howdy) who I met a few days ago at Neels Gap while Trail magic was being bestowed on us. He must have seen I was hiking alone and he asked me if I wanted to share a cabin that he had reserved for the night to save on the cost. I hesitated and asked him to let me think about my options but the Hiker Hostel was full and I was not planning to hike any more that day so really the options were limited. My hesitation may have been partly cost driven ( I had just stayed two nights in a hotel in Dahlonega waiting out the cold weather) and partly the fact that this was a complete stranger, but then again we generally all were strangers. I hemmed and hawed. He said "look man, you are over thinking it" and I realized he was right. For those who know me, that pretty much sums up how I deal with a lot of decisions!Pat said he was just hiking a small section of the AT to check out his gear in preparation for a scouting event later this year as well as an eventual thru hike. We hiked and camped together for the next few days and he decided to head home today. I really enjoyed hiking with you Pat and valued your good advice about everything hiking related. I wish you all the best. If you are ever in the Boston area look me up (after September).
Date: 2017-03-27
From: mile 107 near Wallace Gap

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 2.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Hey all. I'm staying tonight and tomorrow night in Franklin, NC to resupply and rest. I plan to backfill some of the entries with more details but so far have been busy just figuring things out. I'll change the name of posts based on the topic, othwise if they just have a date there will be no more information.Peace,FoggyP.S. I'll be breakfasting tomorrow at the Baptist church which runs a free Hiker breakfast every day for several weeks. How cool is that?
Date: 2017-04-05
From: NC 28

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Hi all,So I've been in Fontana Village since Tuesday and getting quite restless to get back on the trail. The weather the past couple days has been very stormy and it seemed wise to stay out rather than pushing. Also I have developed some heel blisters which need time to get get better. With any luck I'll be able to make some miles again starting tomorrow.
Date: 2017-04-20
From: Licklog Gap

To: near Lick Rock
Miles today: 14.0

A good day of hiking today. Made 14.0 miles. Had a close encounter with a "large" animal last night that could be heard in the area walking around slowly. Person in a tent next to me made the situation more tense by saying he was carrying a gun and would shoot it if it got any closer. He thought it was very close to our tents but I think it was more like 50 feet away.
Date: 2017-04-30
From: Dennis Cove Rd

To: Spring
Miles today: 16.0

A nice warm day, left camp around 7:15 and hiked 16.0 miles today. Varying terrain including stream, waterfalls, rock gorges, lake views and dam. Didn't know it at the time but I must have strained a muscle in my right ankle today because the next couple days of hiking were painful.
Date: 2017-05-04
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Our dear friend Meg has asked some questions about the thru hiking experience. One has to do with the interaction with other hikers. I think for most, thru hiking is a solitary experience. There are certainly exceptions, for example I have met father/daughter pairs, one father/son pair, couples, siblings, and friends who have come to hike the trail together. Some who have met on the trail have decided to hike together at least for a stretch, for various reasons. One good reason which I have taken advantage of is sharing a room to save money when staying in a trail town. At shelters, campsites and trail towns which need to be visited in order to get food and other supplies, I often see the same people at least for a week or two. Conversations usually include topics like gear, food, trail conditions, aches and pains, or what ever happened to so and so. Deeper discussions are rare since I never really know if I will see this person again.
Date: 2017-05-20
From: War Spur Shelter 

To: Sarver Hollow Shelter 
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: clear sky

Hiked from war Spur shelter mile667.4 to Sarver Hollow shelter mile 679.6, total of 12.2 miles. Day started off nice, warm and sunny but by 3:00 a thunderstorm came through and soaked Pat and I. We decided to take shelter at this location instead of hiking further.
Date: 2017-05-21
From: Sarver Hollow Shelter 

To: Pickle Branch Shelter 
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Hiked 16.1 to Pickle Branch shelter. Tough hike and got lightheaded a few times. Could be meds, dehydration, over exerting or diet. Rain started just before we got here. Feeling low overall with everything wet and not eating enough I guess.
Date: 2017-05-26
From: Campbell Shelter 

To: US 220, Daleville 
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: scattered clouds

briefly glimpsed a bear this morning running across the trail ahead of us..  we crossed several power lines, a river, a railroad, and Tinker Cliffs were really great with a strong breeze blowing up from the valley to keep us from feeling like we would be blown off the cliffs.
Date: 2017-05-27
From: US 220, Daleville 

To: Bobblets Gap shelter 
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: clear sky

We passed the 1/3 mileage this morning at 730.1.  Pat had to turn back shortly thereafter with hip pain.  He suggested I go on alone as he was going to seek medical attention.  Remaining hike was a bit lonely feeling, but there was trail magic on the Blue Ridge thanks to the parents of Wes from Worcester. Total miles today 18.5
Date: 2017-06-07
From: mile 878.1

To: mile 894.9
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Today's hike got off to an early start (7:00) and by early afternoon we had hiked over 10 miles on easy terrain, crossing the Skyline Drive several times. The highest point may have been Blackrock. We stopped at the Loft Mountain Camp store and I got an orange juice and pastry. Then hiked another mile or so to the Loft Mountain Wayside for a cheeseburger fries and chocolate shake. They were overpriced but very good.Hiked to mile 894.9 and found good stealth camping site. 16.8 miles. Chilidawg , Persistent and Barrel.
Date: 2017-06-09
From: Mile 913.8

To: Big Meadows Campground 
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: broken clouds

An easier day today, including coffee, juice and muffin at Lewis Campground store, then lunch and camping at Big Meadow Campground. 11.0 miles on a beautiful sunny day.We met two unsuspecting trail angels when we arrived at Big Meadows Campground. Big Meadows is located on Skyline Drive and has many RV sites as well as tenting sites, and the AT is directly adjacent to it. Four of us were renting a site for the night since it was so convenient. After we setup our tents, we introduced ourselves to Suzanne and her daughter Meg from D.C. who were camping for a couple of days with their two dogs. Since the camp store and Wayside were almost a mile away, we asked Suzanne if it might be possible to get a ride there and back. She not only obliged us but also offered to give us another ride in the morning. She also offered hotdogs which we gladly accepted. The biggest gift was the kindness and genuine interest she showed in our individual and collective AT stories. Thank you Suzanne!
Date: 2017-06-14
From: Front Royal

To: Dick's Dome Shelter 
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: overcast clouds

With some grumbling about our heavy packs due to resupply of 3 to 4 days of food, we shouldered them anyway, said goodbye to the comforts of the motel, pool and nearby eateries and resumed our northward journey . It's a warm day today but not nearly as hot as yesterday which topped out at 100 in Front Royal. Persistent's sister Elizabeth gave us a ride back to the trail.Shelter where lunch was enjoyed. This one has a spring fed shower, gazebo with picnic table and horseshoe pit in addition to what is shown.Hiked 15.2 miles to Dicks Dome Shelter area where we found some rocky ground for tenting.
Date: 2017-06-15
From: Dick's Dome Shelter 

To: Bear's Den Hostel 
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: broken clouds

After camping at a rocky tent site last night, we were eager to get out of there and be on our way. Today's milestone is mile 1,000, and to get there we have to hike through several miles of the Roller Coaster, so named because of a series of tightly packed ascents and descents. We are also looking to get to Bears Den Hostel for food, showers and camping or a bunk.The Roller Coaster.Total miles today was 18.3.
Date: 2017-06-16
From: Bear's Den Hostel 

To: Harpers Ferry 
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: light intensity drizzle

After a pleasant evening and overnight in my tent in the backyard of the hostel, I had pancakes for breakfast and got back on the trail on a misty morning. The Hostel owners were very pleasant and friendly.the trail was easy in terms of grade, but had many areas which were very rocky, making it more difficult. Total miles today 19.6 to get into Town.
Date: 2017-06-22
From: Caledonia State Park

To: Toms Run Shelter 
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: overcast clouds

After a nice breakfast provided by the trail angels Cook Doctor and staff at Caledonia State Park, we made it past the official halfway mark today at mile 1,094.9. We are camping at Toms Run Shelter. Thunder in the area this evening and it is very warm and humid.
Date: 2017-07-13
From: Pochuck Mountain Shelter 

To: Wawayanda Shelter
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: mist

A very hot and humid day, which was made easier by an ice cream stop at Heaven Hill Farm, then hot dogs by Mitch and finally tail magic.  Then we had to climb the "Stairway to Heaven" during which we got caught in a thunderstorm which turned the trail into a river.
Date: 2017-07-14
From: Wawayanda Shelter

To: Greenwood Lake
Miles today: 8.0

today's hike started late at about 11:30 to let the overnight rain clear out.  It turned out the rain started up again at about noon anyway.  The hiking was very challenging due to the exposed Ledges which were slippery and steep.  Thankfully we had planned to get to town after a hike of only. 8 miles or so.
Date: 2017-07-16
From: Greenwood Lake

To: Little Dam Lake
Miles today: 11.1
Weather: overcast clouds

We hiked out of Greenwood Lake NY this morning after breakfast at the Morning Buzz. Hiked 11.0 miles not counting the 1 mile side trail back to the AT. The terrain was challenging at times and we decided to camp at Little Dam Lake, mile 1381.0
Date: 2017-07-19
From: Graymoor Spiritual Life Center

To: Clarence Fahnestock State Park
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: few clouds

at the end of today's hike there was a state park with concession stand which was closing warly when I got there because of a concern for the water quality in the lake.  We did not get to go swimming as hoped but met some folks working for the state on invasive species control and they invited us to join them at their campsite for refreshments and conversation.
Date: 2017-07-21
From: Morgan Stewart Shelter 

To: Wiley Shelter 
Miles today: 16.6
Weather: few clouds

I passed by the Appalachian Trail RR station and enjoyed a mid day break before hiking at night to the shelter.  My left has started hurting and I hope I can continue this journey without needing time off.  I think I've been overdoing it these last few days.
Date: 2017-07-22
From: Wiley Shelter 

To: Mt Algo shelter 
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: overcast clouds

I walked into Connecticut today and entered New England finally.  The highlight was at the end of the day when my sister and her husband met us at the trailhead in Kent, CT to help us get around town for laundry, grocery run and dinner.  Many thanks to my Aunt Marge who graciously offered to pick up the tab for dinner even though she was not here.
Date: 2017-07-25
From: Cornwall Bridge

To: Falls Village
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: overcast clouds

I admit I have not been taking detailed notes for each day, but as I recall this was a relatively easy hike today. When I arrived in Falls Village, a few hiker friends were sitting outside the local package store. I joined them and we enjoyed some cold beer and laughs including trying to guess what patrons of the store were going to purchase. We camped at the Toymakers Caf© in their yard. The caf© was not open the next day however so breakfast was from my food bag.
Date: 2017-07-27
From: stealth site by stream, mile 1506.3

To: Great Barrington Community Center
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Today we said so long to Connecticut and entered Massachusetts. When we arrived at Rte 7, Trail Angel Joe was there and gave us a ride into Great Barrington, where we could camp for free behind the Community Center. We ate McDonald's like it was going out of style, and then went to the bowling alley to drink a couple draft beers and watch the baseball game on TV.
Date: 2017-07-28
From: Great Barrington Community Center

To: MA23
Miles today: 8.4
Weather: overcast clouds

We got picked up by Carolee at the trail head around noon, She also brought goodies which we ate on the spot and were able to feed a few fellow thru hikers as well. Barrel had friends with a "camp" on Lake Buel nearby where we spent the night of the 28th, all the next day and night. A wonderful time was had by all, with special thanks to our hosts Don and Kyle, and their grand daughter Jane. We ate and lounged, went for a swim in the lake, and rested.
Date: 2017-07-30
From: Merry Wood

To: Shaker Campsite
Miles today: 9.2
Weather: clear sky

After another delicious meal (breakfast burritos and Mimosas), we said fond good byes to Don, Kyle and Jane and headed back to the trail. Carolee once again played Trail Angel and gave out the remaining goodies to hikers as they passed by. She even gave a ride to a hiker with a lame dog.
Date: 2017-08-01
From: October Mountain Shelter

To: Crystal Mountain Campsite
Miles today: 18.7
Weather: overcast clouds

We hiked through Dalton, MA today and enjoyed food and beer at Jacobs Restaurant before hiking several more miles to the campsite for the night. Gene Morgan, a patron at Jacobs, told us he is 88 years old and just got his drivers license renewed. He also told us that the paper for US currency is made in Dalton. The weather has been very nice if a bit warm.
Date: 2017-08-08
From: Stratton Pond

To: Bromley Mountain 
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: broken clouds

After a rainy overnight, the hike today is best described as dank, dark, muddy and really not much fun.  We got a nice view of Manchester Center from Prospect Rock.  The highlight was spending the night at the Bromley Mountain summit where the ski patrol warming hut was open and available for hikers to stay in.  We got a great view of the sunset from there.
Date: 2017-08-09
From: Bromley Mountain 

To: Little Rock Pond Shelter 
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: clear sky

Today was sunny and cool, a great day to be hiking, except for the last 2 miles or so which caught us in a sudden downpour that drenched everything in sight including a bunch of day hikers who were not expecting rain.  Baker Peak was fun at midday.
Date: 2017-08-10
From: Little Rock Pond Shelter 

To: Clarendon shelter 
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: clear sky

Today was a nice day, no issues to speak of.  Got. Nice view of Rutland Airport from the trail.  We hiked to VT103 where Carolee picked us up and took us to dinner (Applebee's) and then ice cream (Ben & Jerry's) before returning us to the trail so we could hike the last mile or so to the shelter.
Date: 2017-08-11
From: Clarendon shelter 

To: US 4, Rutland, VT
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: clear sky

The hike today included a big climb over Killington Mountain.  We stopped at the top for lunch at the summit restaurant, which was nice but pricey.  Carolee picked us up again at the end of the day and after dinner in Rutland, delivered Persistent to a motel in town while she I proceeded to Orwell to spend the night at her family's place.  Also, Emma surprised me at the restaurant in Rutland by popping in unexpectedly.  It was delightful to see her.
Date: 2017-08-11
From: Clarendon shelter 

To: US 4, Rutland, VT
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: overcast clouds

The hike today included a big climb over Killington Mountain.  We stopped at the top for lunch at the summit restaurant, which was nice but pricey.  Carolee picked us up again at the end of the day and after dinner in Rutland, delivered Persistent to a motel in town while she I proceeded to Orwell to spend the night at her family's place.  Also, Emma surprised me at the restaurant in Rutland by popping in unexpectedly.  It was delightful to see her.
Date: 2017-08-15
From: Thistle Hill Shelter

To: Hanover, NH
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: light rain

After crossing VT14, we were hailed by Linda and Randy Hart, who offered breakfast on their porch, something they have been doing for who knows how long.  We hung out there awhile before resuming the days hike.  We also stopped at Dan and Whits in Norwich before having dinner at Murphy's in Hanover.  Sarah (Kristin's friend) picked us up and took us to her house for the night.  It rained hard overnight so we were especially glad to have a roof overhead.
Date: 2017-08-19
From: Hikers Welcome Hostel

To: Lost River Rd, NH 112, Kinsman Notch
Miles today: 9.3
Weather: light rain

the big climb today over Mt. Moosilauke went well, even with rain the previous day and overnight.  Carolee picked us up at the trail and we stayed in Lincoln at the Parker Motel.  Chilidawg and Barrel rejoined the group as well, temporarily at least.
Date: 2017-08-20
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Hi all, I know it's been a couple of weeks since my last entry and I'm not sure when I'll be able to fill in the gap, but for now I just wanted to say the hike is going well and I am about to enter the Presidential Range in the next couple of days.  I'll admit the miles are taking a toll on my body But there are now less than 400 miles to go so I'm sure I'll get there.
Date: 2017-08-22
From: Eliza Brook Shelter 

To: Liberty Spring Campsite 
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: few clouds

Climbing the Kinsmans today was very challenging but the weather was nice and we took our time.  Stopped for soup and coffee at Lonesome Lake hut.  After dropping down to US 3, we climbed again nearly to the top of Liberty to get to the campsite.
Date: 2017-08-23
From: Liberty Spring Campsite 

To: Galehead Hut
Miles today: 10.3
Weather: moderate rain

this was one of my favorite hikes, including Little Haystack, Mt Lincoln, and Mt Lafayette.  We got great views most of the day.  The terrain is more difficult than we are used to.  We were offered work for stay at the AMC hut which consisted of talking about our AT journeys to the guests staying there.
Date: 2017-08-25
From: Ethan Pond campsite 

To: Nauman Campsite
Miles today: 9.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Another beautiful day on the trail.  Elaine and Doug met us at Crawford Notch and drove us to a store where we could do some light resupply.  Then they hiked with us up to Webster Cliffs which was fun  and great to have the company.
Date: 2017-08-26
From: Nauman Campsite

To: Madison Spring Hut 
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: few clouds

today's hike included Mt. Washington but the real highlight was that Tyler and Emma met us on the trail and hiked with us up Washington.  They had camped at the trailhead for the Mt Eisenhower trail.  It was wonderful to see them and spend some time together.  We had lunch at the summit and they took the cog railway back down.  The afternoon hike was very difficult with a lot of rock hopping and scrambling.  We made it to the hut by around 7 and were told we could not stay there.  Unable to find a campsite in the area, the hut boss finally relented and allowed us to sleep on the floor. Altogether it was a day of highs and lows, literally and figuratively.
Date: 2017-08-27
From: Madison Spring Hut 

To: NH16, Pinkham Notch 
Miles today: 7.8

A straight up climb out of the hut area to the top of Mt Madison, then another tricky scramble down to below tree line. Even though the mileage was only 7.8 today, it felt a lot longer.  Ty and Emma were waiting for us at Pinkham Notch and took us to Gorham where we stayed.
Date: 2017-08-29
From: NH16, Pinkham Notch 

To: Carter Notch Hut
Miles today: 5.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Doug and Elaine picked us up in Gorham and after a nice breakfast at Welsh's, hiked with us up Wildcat before heading back down via one of the ski trails.  We were also joined by Lynne Walsh and her dog Wilson.  It was fun to share with them some of our experiences.  At the hut, we scrubbed pans for work.
Date: 2017-08-30
From: Carter Notch Hut

To: AT East on North Rd
Miles today: 15.3

we got an early start out of the hut with a steep climb to Carter Dome.  I had a difficult day with a lot of knee pain due to the terrain, but am doing my best to deal with it.  We returned to Gorham where we had left a box of food from the other day, and stayed at the same Motor Inn.
Date: 2017-08-31
From: AT East on North Rd

To: Wocket Ledge
Miles today: 8.4

After a night at the Motor Lodge in Gorham, NH, Persisent and I returned to the trail around noon and made it as far as Wocket Ledge, which had just enough room for two tents and provided a nice view of the area. It is also right at the 1,900 mile mark. The hike started with some light rain but not enough to really make us wet.
Date: 2017-09-02
From: Full Goose Shelter and Campsite

To: Grafton Notch, ME 26
Miles today: 9.7

Mahoosuc Notch was the highlight of today's hike, approximately one mile of scrambling through a "jumbled pit of boulders" as described in the AWOL book. It required hands and feet and two times I had to remove my pack to squeeze through narrow openings. It took about 90 minutes to cover the mile, but it was different and fun compared to the usual trail. After a steep and difficult descent into Grafton Notch, we made dinner and camped in the woods near the parking lot. A park employee got upset with us when we didn't take him up on his offer to find us a shuttle to town to escape the rain that was forecast. The reason we declined was that the shuttle ride was estimated to cost $100 or more.
Date: 2017-09-03
From: Grafton Notch, ME 26

To: East B Hill Rd
Miles today: 10.3
Weather: clear sky

A very windy and foggy climb today out of Grafton Notch and over Baldpate west peak and east peak. We were able to make it to the road by 2:30 and avoid most of the rain that began in the afternoon. We (Persistent, Chillidawg, Barrel and I) stayed in a cabin owned by the Pine Ellis Hostel in Andover, ME. It was rustic but served the purpose. We dined and resupplied at a local general store.
Date: 2017-09-10
From: South Branch Carrabassett River

To: ME 27, Stratton
Miles today: 8.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Today's mountains included South and North Crocker. We arrived at the trail head to find trail magic (pulled pork sandwiches, soda and beer, and home made cookies). We got picked up by neighbors of a high school friend, Jane, who has a camp about a mile from the trail. The neighbors, Megan, Jeff and their daughter Addie, took us to town for resupply, gave us a wonderful venison chili dinner with all the fixings, and returned us to the trail in the morning. This kind of generosity is a big part of what makes the hiking experience so special.
Date: 2017-09-15
From: stealth camping at mile 2059.5

To: ME 15, Monson, ME
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: broken clouds

An easy hike today with flat terrain. We got picked up at the trail head by an old friend and colleague, Cary, who had cold beer and soda for us. He delivered us to Shaw's Hiker Hostel and joined us for dinner at the Lakeshore House.
Date: 2017-09-16
From: ME 15, Monson, ME

To: ME 15, Monson, ME
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Persistent, Chilidawg, Barrel and I all took the day off as this will be our last zero day on the trail. We ate out, picked up our resupply boxes sent from home, and enjoyed the company of fellow thru-hikers.