morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-03-29
From: Silers Bald shelter

To: Icewater Spring shelter
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: overcast clouds

With clouds in the sky I made haste with most of the day. I wasn't sure if it was a sign of rain or snow. I did take the time to visit the Clingmans Dome Tower. Another incredible view at 6655 ft, the highest on the AT. There I saw Nothern, Mack, Hotdog, Whistle, Dumptruck and Clever Girl. Clever Girl was recovering from 2nd state hypothermia and a frost bitten hand. I was concerned. The view atop Clingmans was brief because it was so incredibly cold, but it made for nice pictures. Frosty, snow topped, and monochromatic. The terrain was icy, snowy, slushy. A real pain as I was unable to gain any strong footing. We hit some impromptu trail magic via a couple and their daughter who were out day hiking in the show. They had a nice spread of real food and were generous. I quickly pulled off a chunk of baguette and topped it with cheddar cheese, tomato and tabouli. Man did that hit the spot! I took a picture of everyone and went about my way. Most everyone I was with that day were planning on going into Gatlinburg. I however was not. I wanted to get out of the smokies. At around 230 that day it began to snow again. I was worried as I crossed Newfound Gap because I still had 3 miles left and my clothes were getting drenched. I always have heard about the tourists in this area, and there was no shortage of them as I ascended out of Newfound Gap. People were dumbfounded and marveling all smiley and happy thinking what I was doing was cool. I couldn't have cared less to talk to them. I was soaked, only warm from my body heat, and had more wet slush to hike through. Upon arriving at the shelter Mudmouth, Yardsale, Northern and I were the only thru hikers. The rest were a combination of men taking their boys out and a group of young section hikers fromPA. Overall, a cozy night in the shelter, as the dads got a nice fire going. Thanks dads!
Date: 2013-03-30
From: Icewater Spring shelter

To: Tri Corner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: clear sky

Woke up to a fresh 7 or so inches of snow on the trail, and also the first shelter rodent sighting: a weasel! The snow worried me. The trail was hard to find, and because the temp was slowly warming it was turning into slush. I remember a long, arduous day of sloppy hiking. I fell down multiple times. I postholed. I just wanted it to end. The sun was out and by the time I reached Tri Corner I was greeted by ChinMusic and K Fox. Northern was there cooking. Another couple ( don't remember their names) were there as well. Everyone was taking full advantage of the sun and drying out their belongings. It was good to finally meet chin music. I had been following his thoroughly kept journal since I started and am a fan of his trail commentary. I just recall wanting that day to end. I was sick and tired of snow, of seeing white. It was messing with my brain. Tossed and turned that night in the shelter.
Date: 2013-03-31
From: Tri Corner Knob Shelter

To: Standing Bear Hostel
Miles today: 18.4

So this was it, judgement day. I knew I would be out of the Smokies today. I was down to my last pair of dry socks and had saved some pants to sleep in. Everything else was drenched. I got up and threw on the rain gear. immediately upon leaving the shelter I was wading through icy slush up past my ankles. I knew I had to be tactful in my escape out. No time for photos, no stopping for lunch. It was slush for the first 3 miles. I had to keep moving my toes just to make sure they hadn't froze. K fox and I stuck together for most of this first stretch. I had to breathe deep and controlably to make it through. My toes and hands were numb. It seemed no matter where I walked the my feet sank through the melting ice and snow. I was probably moving close to 1.5 miles an hr. Once I started to descend and lose elevation, I was ecstatic because the ice had turned into a small wet stream and I knew that running water was warmer than still water. I was practically speed walking rest of the way down to the I 40 underpass. I was so ready to be out of there, I neglected to deposit the other half of my permit stating I had exited the smokies. At the underpass was the famous Fresh Grounds and his bountiful trail magic. Northern had made it there before me and had already eaten 3 hotdogs. I had 2, some chips, 2 twinkies, a cup of soup and a mountain dew. I could immediately feel my feet swelling. The hike up to the standing bear hostel was difficult, but we made it there eventually. Yardsale and Mudmouth were already there, as well as Trekker, Pilgrim, young Lucas, Smiles from the UK, and Northern. Chin Music also showed up. thanks to Curtis, Maria, Gator and Rocket for the amazing Easter dinner, shower, and cozy bunk. My feet were def swollen. My right toes were like Vienna sausages. The night was spent hanging around the wood stove drinking pbr and sharing various stories while attempting to dry out our clothes.
Date: 2013-04-01
From: Standing Bear Hostel

To: Walnut Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Waking up in a warm bunk room to the pattering of rain on the metal roof was relaxing. Getting out of the Hostel was slow, as it usually is after comfort foods, beer and showers. On the climb up I photographed some budding trillium. The day was nice and brisk, with some rain clouds flirting up above. I do recall crossing the beautiful Max Patch at 4629ft and seeing some remaining patches of snow. I almost went into shock. The wind on top of Max was slamming as I stopped to take a few snapshots. The clouds above were looking menacing, and light, yet sharp rain sprinkles began to fall. I picked up the pace as to avoid getting drenched. To my left, in the near distance, I noticed a group of 3 braving the wind and looking for a place to tent. I waved, and they waved back. It was 5:00 when I reached Roaring Fork Shelter with Yardsale and Mudmouth. In order to lessen my mileage for tomorrow into Hot Springs, I decided to push on 4.9 more miles to Walnut Mountain Shelter. I was pretty much running on fumes. I had just enough water left, but my food bar rations were spent. I wanted to get there with haste in case the weather decided to change it's mind. I arrived at the shelter by 6:30 where I met Gyro, Shaggy and Carpenter who were building a fire pulling dry wood from a nicely stored cache piled up. Yardsale and Mudmouth trailed in shortly behind me and tented in the nearby grassy clearing. There was just enough room for me to squeeze in and by 930 I was finally in my bag. The shelter was quite tiny, drafty, And the floor boards were uneven, but it did the job. I woke up every hour tossing and turning, and the wind was gusting. But I some how managed to get some rest. I was excited for Hot Springs because of my mail drops awaiting me.
Date: 2013-04-02
From: Walnut Mountain Shelter

To: Elmers Sunnybank Inn
Miles today: 13.1

I was eager to get to Hot Springs. There were maildrops awaiting me including some George Howell Coffee( thanks Nawaf!)my porlex mini hand burr grinder, Kantan paper drippers, kettle( thanks mom!) more probars, quinoa, and some assorted other snacks thanks to Holly. I arrived in town around 2:30 and checked in to Elmers, where I was greeted by Matt and Dante. They both currently work at the Inn and were Southbounders who finished this past December. We talked for a bit in the beautiful sun and I was given the grand tour of the Inn. Any thru hiker stopping in Hot Springs needs to stay at Elmers. The house dates back to the 1840s and is filled with all sorts of incredible things. Earl Shaffer stayed in room 4 at one point in time. Room 4 is also allegedly haunted by a woman and a young boy. I stayed in room 5 on the opposite side of the wall. After cleaning up and going through the mail, I walked down to Bluff Mountain outfitters and resupplied on some healthy snacks and kombucha. I bought an avocado which I later used in a camping dish including quinoa and grits. Since I was the only guest at the Inn, Elmer wasn't going to be making his legendary multi course vegetarian dinner, so I opted for the Smokey Mntn Diner across the street. Northern Joined me at the booth, and we feasted while talking to Trekker and Pilgrim. For desert we had Peach Cobbler with ice cream. I had over eaten. It was great. I slept great. My feet were still swollen.
Date: 2013-04-03
From: Elmers Sunnybank Inn

To: Elmers Sunnybank Inn
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I enjoyed my stay so much at the Inn I decided to take a zero and stay another night. For Breaksfast Elmer cooked some amazingveggie omlettes with English muffins, canteloupe, granola, apple juice and coffee. Again, I can't stress enough how great the stay is here. The rest of the day was spent exploring around the house taking photographs, reading articles, eating ice cream, talking with the hosts, and doing laundry. I stopped for moment in the library parking lot to use their wifi. I must also note an act of kindness from earlier. A thru hiker named Taco had left town earlier that day and his girlfriend kindly paid for my ice-cream. I forgot your name, but thank you ever so much. It won't be forgotten. That night the Inn had filled up. In the house were Chin Music, Lucas, Grimm, Eagle Runner, ZZ Topless, packrat, Lady Gray. Only a couple of us had the dinner. Holy cow was it off the charts. Miso tofu shrill soup, salad, kale, rice, curried veggies, and cake with ice-cream served with a mint tea. Ooohhhhhhhh..... Feet were still swollen btw
Date: 2013-04-04
From: Elmers Sunnybank Inn

To: Spring Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: snow

Leaving Elmers was difficult. I felt at home there, and the breakfast consisting of walnut pancakes, granola and fruit made it even harder to not take another zero in town. My feet were still swollen, but I had to get back on the trail and make some progress. I decided to leave regardless of the rainy weather which was a dumb idea. It slowed me down, and even though the rain hel up for an hr or so, slowly but surely I gained elevation, and slowly but surely the temperature dropped. I was not expecting this. It was a tough 11 miles. Ice shards were dropping like shrapnel from the trees above. The ground around me looked like shattered glass. Visually it was stunning, but for some reason I was really uncomfortable hiking. In the distance I kept hearing the ice shards dropping in heavy loads. My hands were so cold hardly move them while attempting to put my damp gloves on. When I arrived at the shelter Lady Gray was there staying warm. I decided to not get water due to the cold and rain that was looming. My main concern was staying dry and warm. A section hiker named Red Beard arrived as well. Shortly after his arrival, we witnessed the ground freeze over right before our eyes. it was surreal. My cooking was brief, and I cocooned in my sleeping back quickly. What an oddly difficult day. I thought the cold and ice was behind us.
Date: 2013-07-06
From: Lee, Mass

To: October Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 7.0

It was weird to come back to the trail. I got a bus to Lee, Mass where I stopped last year and then started to walk the 5-6 miles to the trail. I got a ride for the last mile or so and then I was there - the exact spot I left the trail last year! And then I remembered what I wrote at the end of last year's hike and I knew... No more whimpers, it's time to bang it out! Then I walked a few more miles and I remembered what the first day is like. And I may have whimpered just a little bit. All in all it was a good first day; I walked about 11 miles, my feet feel fine, I am tired and I have a few aches. But I am about to sleep, I have plenty of ibuprofen (hereafter known as vitamin I) and most importantly, I have willpower!
Date: 2013-07-07
From: October Mtn Shelter

To: Shamrock inn, Dalton Mass
Miles today: 12.0

Today had a little bit of everything. I broke camp at 7:30 (a little later than I like) hiked 6 miles to the top of Warner hill. It was beautiful! Nice sun, great view and blueberries! I ate blueberries and snoozed in the late morning sun. Then I walked on and it showered in the middle afternoon. I made it to Dalton, got lost and walked an extra 2-3 miles, and finally made it to the motel around 4:00 PM. Just in time for my town chores - shower, laundry and food. I know it has only been two days but I really needed that shower...I have been meeting a lot of hikers on the trail, including some week long section hikers and a few of the serious thru hikers. There were 5 others at the shelter last night and two others came to the hotel tonight. As I have said, you may hike by yourself, but you are never alone!
Date: 2013-07-08
From: Shamrock inn, Dalton Mass

To: Crystal Mtn Campground
Miles today: 5.0

What a great day! Due to the way the shelters are spaced out and wanting to give my body / feet an easy day (just a precaution) I walked only 5 miles. That left me time to eat a great breakfast at the Dalton Restaurant, and time to hang out back at the room. Around 10:30 I left town and started walking. Today I saw raspberries by the trail and they were delicious. I got to the campsite by about 1:00 PM and set up for the night. So, by about 1:30 I had nothing left to do. It is still pretty buggy so I snoozed for a while in my tent. I can't tell you how wonderful that was; a nice day, a nice breeze, birds chirping and no sounds of man (although the smell of a freshly cut lawn would have added to the experience). A great day backpacking sure beats a bad day fishing and we all know where that's heading..
Date: 2013-07-09
From: Crystal Mtn Campground

To: Wilbur Clearing Shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: light rain

What a day! Today I did a lot of miles (it would have been a good day in my prime last year). Add to that a good bit of climbing and I am very pleased. My feet aren't happy, but they aren't hurt either and the rest of me is in good shape. Today I climbed Mt. Greylock. This is the first 3,000 foot peak on the trail since Virginia. There is a lot more climbing to go, but as I said, this went well.I also broke the 600 miles to go barrier. Yes, I am keeping track again this year.I met 3 more hikers today. The last two, trillium and screamer, are at the shelter tonight. Screamer also hiked last year so we traded stories and it turns out that we knew some of the same people. Way cool!
Date: 2013-07-10
From: Wilbur Clearing Shelter

To: Williamstown Motel
Miles today: 3.0

Well, I guess I don't have 16 miles in me just yet after all. The hiking started fine, but it is hot today and after an hour or so I was done. So I decided to stop in Williamstown. This is also good because the next town is 5 days away and that would have been 7-8 days since the last town. I can't even imagine what I would have smelled like and I would have run out of power for my cell phone and ... This is much more civilized! I can eat (I have started to get the hiker hunger back) and sleep and start in again tomorrow (after breakfast).I met my first southbound hiker today. His name is Mercury and he has been doing 20+ mile days since he began - all through Maine and NH. He might just be a hiker of a different breed.
Date: 2013-07-11
From: Williamstown Motel

To: Seth Warner Shelter
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Well it took almost an entire year but I made it through Massachusetts! 11 states done, 3 to go. I started hiking around 10:00 AM and hiked only 7 miles. That completed my second consecutive nero (hiking near zero miles in a day) which I thought would be better for my body than taking a single zero day. This does put me about 10 miles behind schedule, but that's not a big deal. While my feet are sore they are still not injured. So, I am expecting that I can pick up the pace a little over the next few days.It was a beautiful day today. Not nearly as hot and humid as it has been, and still sunny with blue skies.I must have seen at least a dozen other hikers today. Some were north bound thru hikers (I won't see them again) and some were section hikers like me. And there was one couple that is hiking the Long Trail (it shares the first hundred miles of Vermont with the AT). I saw Trillium and Screamer again today. It turns out that Trillium grew up in the next town over from us when we lived in Massachusetts. Small world!
Date: 2013-07-12
From: Seth Warner Shelter

To: Melville Nauheim Shelter
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: clear sky

I got on the trail fairly early in order to do the extra miles today.   I think (and hope) that my body is catching up to where I expect it to be. Today's hike seemed easy, but I have thought that before and so I will have to wait until tomorrow to know more. It would be nice to be able to get a little ahead of schedule so that I could take side trips into the towns and stuff.It was another beautiful day! I passed some very pretty lakes in the morning. In the early afternoon I crossed the road that leads to Bennington, Vt. There I met a man named Steve doing trail magic. I had 2 of the best tasting sodas in recent memory (since the last cold ones on a hot trail day). He told me of how some folks in town were trying to cater more to hikers. I was tempted to take a ride in with him and see the town where mon went to college. But, there was no way to fit it in so I kept walking. I am going to come back and visit Bennington, maybe when I finish the hike.There are half a dozen other hikers at the shelter tonight. They are all thru hikers and they all knew each other.   Some hadn't seen each other since Virginia, so they had quite a bit of catching up to do. It was fun to listen in; I heard the stories that are so important to their journeys and perhaps a new one was made tonight. I know the stories will remain important for the rest of their lives. Pretty cool to see.
Date: 2013-07-13
From: Melville Nauheim Shelter

To: Story Spring Shelter 
Miles today: 17.0

It was cool and cloudy today and I made it 8 miles to the first shelter for lunch without any issues. As I was about to leave it began to shower, so I stayed. I waited until the shower stopped and then headed out again. But it started showering again and I got soaked. I didn't really mind, but it did ruin any views there might have been from the fire tower on Glastenberry Mtn. I met a pair of college students from Puerto Rico today. They are hiking Mass and Vermont. It was fun to talk to them. I also met 3 new thru hikers today; Little Rock, Tank and Slacks. This is my third night in a row with Goose and All the Way, two more thru hikers.
Date: 2013-07-14
From: Story Spring Shelter 

To: William B. Douglas Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: light rain

The bigger miles caught up to me today. It was a tough day, but it sure was a pretty day. First I climbed Stratton Mountain. At the top I met up with a trail crew that was hiking the mountain on their off day. One of them hiked the trail last year and I am pretty sure I knew her. Then I went on to Stratton pond and then finally the shelter. A couple of miles before the shelter I completely ran out of gas. I had to stop, rest, drink water and eat. I did make it to the shelter, slowly, and ate and drank some more. I am feeling much better now and I am ready for bed at 7:30 PM. I also can't wait for tomorrow. A measly 7 miles and a hitch and I will be in a hotel. I can't wait! A shower, clean clothes, and town food! Lots of town food!
Date: 2013-07-15
From: William B. Douglas Shelter

To: Sutton's Place, Manchester Center, VT
Miles today: 6.0

Why is it that I can never remember to take pictures when I get into a town? Could it be the anticipation of eating boatloads of food?I did the 6 miles to the road crossing pretty quickly. I hitched a ride into town with a really cool guy. He was an electrician and has been installing solar panel systems locally for over 30 years. Also, he has been off the grid for about that long too. You can imagine I had a thousand questions for him, but the ride ended before I got through many of them. Too bad!As soon as I got to Sutton's Place I took a really wonderful shower and noticed they had a bathroom scale. It looks like I may have already lost about 10 pounds (in 10 days)! Doesn't that sound like a diet plan from the tabloids!As I was finishing my town chores I ran into the Puerto Rican couple, Slipster and Farfalla, in town. We went and had some food and got to talk. He is a physics student and she is a biology student, both in college, both very smart. I will try to take pictures of town tomorrow...
Date: 2013-07-16
From: Sutton's Place, Manchester Center, VT

To: Lost Pond Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Today was a day from heaven! It was warm with clear blue skies and only a few puffy white clouds. There was a nice cool breeze, the smell of the pines was amazing, the views were great and the climbing was a lot easier than I expected. It was that perfect summer day that I always remember when I think about my childhood.
Date: 2013-07-17
From: Lost Pond Shelter

To: Minerva Hinchey Shelter 
Miles today: 15.0

For the second year in a row I am hiking the AT on my birthday. Last year I was in NJ just a few miles from New York. This year I am in Vermont. As with last year, I have no special revelations to share. I do know that I will NOT be hiking the AT on my next birthday!Today's hike was a killer. The first 10 miles were pretty flat and easy walking.   I saw Little Rock Pond and cairns (piles of stone used to mark a trail). The cairns were in two places and they looked like monuments. Then I stopped for lunch at a shelter and headed out for the next 5 miles.Oh My God! The book said it was 5 miles with an elevation gain of about 450 ft. Sounded like more of the same flat stuff... In reality it was a 1400 foot climb in the blazing sun followed by a 1000 foot descent... That climb chewed me up and spat me out... It took me 2 hours to go 2 miles. Finally, I made the next shelter and that was all she wrote for this hiker.
Date: 2013-07-18
From: Minerva Hinchey Shelter 

To: Cooper Lodge
Miles today: 14.0

Today's hike was even harder than yesterday's! I am not sure how I made the last 4 miles, but I know it took about 4 hours.The day started by crossing a neat suspension bridge. Then there was a trail detour that was longer than I expected. I also got lost and wound up walking an extra 2-3 miles. Finally, the killer climb up Killington Mtn. I passed the 500 miles to go mark today.Tomorrow I am going into town. My last resupply in Vermont.
Date: 2013-07-19
From: Cooper Lodge

To: The Inn at the Long Trail, Killington VT
Miles today: 8.0

I left the top of Killington (as near as the AT gets anyway) very early in the morning. I was in a hurry to get to town. I did the 8 miles plus a couple more (got to stop getting lost) and arrived at the inn slightly before noon. I now realize just how much the heat and hiking took out of me these last few days. Not to worry; a few hours of sitting in the cool, eating a lot of food and drinking a couple of beers has brought me back to the living. In fact, there is an Irish pub in the Inn and a band is about to start playing. So I must end here; more eating, drinking and listening to music to do! Isn't hiking wonderful?
Date: 2013-07-20
From: The Inn at the Long Trail, Killington VT

To: The Inn at Long Trail 
Miles today: 0.0

I took my first zero today. The Inn at Long Trail is a great place, my feet are a little beaten up and I have hiked about 150 miles, so why not? And I am still a little bit ahead of schedule! As it turns out I am not the only hiker zeroing here today.The day started with a great breakfast of blueberry pancakes. After that I didn't really know what to do with myself, so I took the bus to Rutland. I walked around the local farmers market, but had forgotten about my feet (a good sign) and so came back fairly soon. Now I don't know what to do with myself again. Who knew that resting could be so strenuous.