morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2017-09-21
From: Katahdin Stream Campground, Baxter State Park

To: Mt. Katahdin Summit
Miles today: 5.2
Weather: scattered clouds

At the Baxter State Park gate by 5:46 am. Second in line for the gate opening at 6:00 and 8 mile drive up winding gravel road to Katahdhin Stream Campground to meet up with others completing climb today as well. Minor hold-up with getting a hiker permit, due to Ranger not arriving until 7:05. On trail by 7:10 and climb to the top completed in record time by 10:30 am. Did the picture taking and then started down what I thought would be an easier descent on the Saddleback and Chimney Pond Trails. Big mistake thinking this hike would end easy. No way- after about an hour of broken gravel downhill hiking, hit the boulder/rock field. Another hour of scrambling over boulders on extremely steep slopes. Finally reached Roaring Brook campground on the eastern side of Mt. Katahdin around 3:00. Long trip back into town, with Amy driving and U-turn, Gnome, and I sleeping. Came back to hotel, showered, one load of essential only laundry, and then back out to eat at Scootin Inn, Millinocket. Good food, lots of hikers there, as well as locals and now goodnight.
Date: 2017-09-22
To: After the Trail - Day 1
Miles today: 0.0

Up and going this morning at the Millinocket hotel. Had breakfast and talked to some hikers. One I knew from last couple weeks. Picked up UTurn, Hiking Gnome and Butterfly at the AT Hostel for trip to Bangor. UTurn flying home to KC from Bangor and other 2 were dropped at bus station. Got a snack from McDonalds and headed for the Maine coast. Stopped at Young's Lobster Pound in middle of afternoon. We each had a hard shell lobster along with coleslaw, chips and a whoopie pie. Good casual place in Belfast ME. Drove to a neighboring peninsula and out to the B & B at very end of land. Took a walk out to ocean and onto beach / rocks. Tide way out and able to walk many places. Could have walked about half mile to an island, but I wasn't into that. Back to Inn and had dessert and coffee. First day not hiking. Feels different but good. Feet and knees hurt but not bad.
Date: 2017-09-23
To: After the Trail - Day 2
Miles today: 0.0

Second day off the trail. Our B & B room did not have private bath. No big deal, been living that the last few month. And what did I do in the morning again? Yep walked. And walked on rocks along the shore. Guess I am easing back into the non hiker world. Had breakfast and got going to see more in the area. Worked our way off the peninsula and stopped in Searsport for the Penobscot Marine Museum. It was a couple blocks of buildings and homes used for the exhibits. Interesting, especially the small wooden boats collection. Lobster fishing and sea captain life also well covered. Had lunch of fried seafood platter in the downtown area of Belfast nearby. Belfast had a lot to offer too. Long drive then back to Boston. I thought it would be quicker, but was over 200 miles. My vision of driving all the way back home was not too clear. Thought that would be a good way to transition back, but glad I did not push for that. Checked into hotel near airport and then to a nice Italian restaurant in an older neighborhood in Revere.  Still on the food trail. Feet are hurting, maybe more than they ever did on the trail. Must be cause I'm not just walking it off all day. I expect this will last a while. Not that bad, unless I'm barefoot on a hard surface. Knees also aching mildly.
Date: 2017-09-24
To: After the Trail - Day 3
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

We slept better last night. Were worn out from the last couple days. Must be all the eating. I spent some time repacking my backpack into carry on mode. Removed waist belt and pulled in all the straps, etc. Also used a grocery bag (classy) for a carry on personal item. Put a few things in it. All set with hiking poles strapped to outside of pack. Returned car at rental center. I like these centers. Have been seeing more of these lately. Sat next to a lady and granddaughter from nearby Princeton, IL on way home. At, O'Hare, we were picked up by friends Bob and Laurie. Stopped for meal in Naperville on way back to Sandwich. Home about 3:30. Great to be back. All's well here. Amy has things looking good, especially the flowers and grasses. Friend Nancy had been taking care of cats. She left cookies and cake for us to come home too. And a couple pumpkins on the front steps. Nice to have good friends. This will be my last daily journal entry. Look for a few more entries in the future with some overall reports on how my hike went, gear etc.
Date: 2018-03-17
To: Plans set to Return to Trail
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I'm going back to the trail in April. Really looking forward to it now. Not only will this fully complete the 2200 miles of the AT, but will satisfy my desire to go hike again.  After getting home at end of September there were a number phases of getting back to real life at home. First it was the happy to be in the comforts of home and the people aka Amy. Then missing the trail set in and I was in a form of 'post-trail depression'. Most of my hiking friends had the same feelings and it is hard to explain to others. And now, where I have been for most of the winter is happy in normal life, but desiring to go hike again.  So will hike the 400 miles of trail I did not do. These were skipped when I got hurt in June. When I returned to trail in July, I skipped ahead to where I expected to be at that time. The remaining section is from 'The Priest' in VA, north to Port Clinton, PA. This includes the trail in WV and Maryland.  Plan is to start hiking April 1st. Amy will travel with and slack pack me for about a week. Then I'll hike on and plan to complete by end of April. How I get home from PA is yet to be determined.
Date: 2018-03-31
To: Travel back to trail
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

We drove to Lexington, VA today. Made really good time and were able to watch Loyola Final Four game. That did not end well but they sure made a run. Stopped for some icecream later in the afternoon in WV. Got caught in a parade of fire engines. Must have been over 100. Found out after searching internet that it was a tribute to 2 volunteer firemen who were killed in a crash on way to an accident on the interstate. Sad story.More details of my hiking plans.... I will start at US Rt 60 east of here. The first 45 or so miles will be pretty rugged. Over 'The Priest' and several other higher mountains. After that, the AT gets into Shenandoah National Park paralleling the Skyline Drive. Shenandoah is about 100 miles running mainly on the along top of mountains. Elevations running about 3000. Then I hike approx 35 miles to Harpers Ferry, WV and 40 miles through western Maryland into Pennsylvania. I'll finish in PA after hiking around 150 to Port Clinton, PA. Overall it is 400 miles.I hope to get through more than half the Shenandoah's while Amy is here slack packing me. We have a couple more places to stay as I move north. Looking forward to having Amy around and enjoying the easy life. We brought some goods for Trail Magic. Hope there are a lot of thru hikers in this area.
Date: 2018-04-01
From: VA 60. Beuna Vista, VA

To: Salt Log Gap
Miles today: 8.5

Started cloudy, a little windy on top of the mountains, but warmed up quickly once I got on the trail. A few hikers along the way. Only thru hikers I met were Tea Time and Peak who were from the DC area. They are hiking sobo, doing a flipflop started in Duncannon PA back in February. Ran into several days of snow early but have made it through the worst it seems. Amy and I gave them a ride into Buena Vista to the Food Lion. Understand how wonderful it is to catch a ride to town, so thankful to be able to do that for others now that we have our car with us. Really liked walking across bald on Tar Jacket Ridge(see picture in photo areas) Stopped for lunch near Cow Camp Gap Shelter. Wildflowers beginning to bloom in lower elevation, not much happening above 3000 feet elevation. Amy, on the other hand, saw many wildflowers on her trip to the Natural Bridge State Park. The rock formation rises 215 foot and forms an arch over Cedar Creek. It was first surveyed by George Washington, yes-- THE George Washington and Thomas Jefferson actually bought the property for 22 shillings from King George III. That Tom Jefferson knew how to make land deals. We ended our Easter Day by going out to eat at the Southern Inn in downtown Lexington. Great finish for the first day. Big day tomorrow- a 17 miler. Luckily my ride will be at the end to pick me up.
Date: 2018-04-02
From: Salt Log Gap

To: Rt 56 Tye River
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: few clouds

The Chevy Equinox made it up the mountain to Salt Log Gap again. Muddy this morning with rain overnight. Not raining when Amy let me out, but very foggy. Stayed foggy all day, especially at the higher elevations. Put rain gear on. Removed jacket later, but left pants on. I hiked strong for a couple hours and 5.5 miles to a shelter. Stopped for a while to eat and drink. Then on up to Spy Rock. Climbed up, but the views were not good. Had trouble coming down and finding my way back to the trail. The Priest was next mountain. Long rocky climb up to top, and again no views. Las leg of day was long trip down mountain to Rt 56 where Amy picked me up.  Saw very few hikers today. Three boy scouts early. Some day hikers near Spy Rock and just one section hiker. No thru hikers.  I met up with Amy and we drove to our Airbnb in nearby Avon for the next 4 nights. Cleaned up and went down road to famous hiker brewery Devils Backbone. Had good meal and back for night. I'm ready for some sleep now.  Amy's day, after dropping off Dale, started with a trip to Crabtree Falls for short hike and then to Cyrus McCormick Farmstead. This outing seemed slightly sacrilegious, having lived in the land of the Plano Reapers for many years now. Hate to disappoint the people of the great state of VA, but good ol' Cyrus did not INVENT the reaper all by himself. He added to the idea from the 1861 manufacture of the grain harvester by brothers Charles and W.W. Marsh and George and Lewis Steward of Plano that first manufactured the Marsh Harvester. William Deering joined the firm and brought in the addition of an automatic binding attachment for the harvesters. From there, Deering buys the operation and moves to Chicago, teams up with McCormick and you have the McCormick-Deering reaper, which later becomes International Harvester Co.
Date: 2018-04-03
From: Rt 56 Tye River

To: Reeds Gap
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: moderate rain

After a 3000 foot drop at the end of yesterday, it was of course, a lot of climbing to start today. First stop at Harper's Creek Shelter, then continued the long climb to Three Ridges mountaintop at 3959. Stopped again at Chimney Rock. Sun came out about that time, had been cloudy/foggy much as the same the last couple of days. Coming down from 3 Ridges, stopped at Hanging Rock. Clouds moved back in and wind picked up, about 30 minutes later, light rain--not enough to put on rain gear. Past the Maupin Field Shelter and Meadow. Lots of good camp spots here. One last climb before final descent to Reeds Gap.Amy surprised me and met me about 1/2 mile from end. Hiked together back and the sun came out. Met up with Jelly Knee and Bamboo at the parking lot. Had talked to them yesterday at Rt. 56. They are hiking sections. Thank you Jelly Knee & Bamboo for the PBRs and chairs to sit in. Back to Waynesboro and great burgers at Jake's Bar & Grill where I had eaten last year.
Date: 2018-04-04
From: Humpback Gap Blue Ridge Parkway

To: Jarman Gap/ Skyline Drive
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: broken clouds

Jumped ahead to starting point today because last year I hiked the 12 mile stretch from Reed's Gap to Humpback Gap. First several hours in morning was a nice hike near the BlueRidge Parkway. Weather was warm, with one little sprinkle. Talked to day hiker who had thru-hiked SOBO in 1990. He had written a book that included a stretch of highway on I-80 down by Ottawa that was used as a testing site for surface materials. Both Amy and I knew exactly where that stretch of highway is and had always wondered why the signs for experimental paving were there. His book is entitled, "The Big Roads- History of the Interstate Highway System". When I got to Rockfish Gap where BRP ends and Skyline drive begins, I blew into Shenandoah National Park, with winds picking up and gusting to 50 mph. Fortunately, it was a west wind and I was heading north, so although it wasn't exactly pushing me, it was better than walking into it head on. Temps stayed around 50 and I stayed warm with three layers on top, shorts on bottom.Winds had toppled the outhouses at Beagle Gap. Amy saw the PPP(porta-potty professional) uprighting them and hosing them down. Don't know how much this guy makes a year, but pretty sure he's underpaid, especially on days like today. Highest mountain today was Bear's Den. Communication towers were singing in the wind on top of this mountain today. Also found a fire ring encircled by tractor seats. Somebody getting creative and reusing the tractor seats. Might not be that comfortable, but they were clever. (see photos)Finished the day about 4:00 and headed to the Ming Garden Chinese Buffet, which may qualify as the best chinese buffet east of the Mississippi. This is a real compliment, because I am not a big chinese buffet fan, but this one is a pleasant exception.
Date: 2018-04-05
From: Jarman Gap/ Skyline Drive

To: Doyle River Falls Trail- SNP
Miles today: 17.2
Weather: heavy intensity rain

Took off from Jarman Gap in 26 degree temps. Sunny and not much wind though. Had to put on my down coat and kept that on until around 11:00am. Trail was nice and smooth and not as many rocks as yesterday. Was able to walk with a good stride. Stopped to talk to Hammer and Nails, a man and dog team. Hammer was the dog. Shared my water with the dog,as they were running low. Nails is planning a south bound thru hike starting in July, so he was doing practice hike. Not long after that, met up with Cheesesteak and another guy. Doing a flip-flop thru-hike. starting at Harper's Ferry. Climbed up to Black Rock summit where I met up with a school group of 8th grade/freshman. Nice views, clear. Stopped for lunch and met up with Klank, another SOBO flip-flopper. Hikers today were planning to get to Waynesboro by Friday and zero there due to snow in forecast. Reached Doyle River Trail in plenty of time to meet back up with Amy.Amy spent the day in Gordonsville, VA checking out the shopping and a very cool old hotel that served as a military hospital during the Civil War. We fixed up a plastic container that we have filled with trail magic goodies to leave further north tomorrow. Checked out another of the many breweries that are popping up all over this Shenandoah Valley and back to our AirBnb for our last night here. Tomorrow we move to the next northern section of the park.
Date: 2018-04-06
From: Doyle River Falls Trail- SNP

To: Highway 33/Swift Run Gap
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: light rain

Saw a rafter(group of turkeys according to SIRI) of 10 turkey hens being impressed by one large Tom who looked just like a Thanksgiving postcard. Warmer today, best day so far. Wind was moderate. Hiked around the Loft Mountain Campground complex. It was not opened yet for the season. Dropped way down to Ivy Creek, followed by a series of ups and downs. Ups seemed tougher today than what I've experienced the past few days. Shenandoahs have been pretty tame, wide and smoother trails, not as steep as other parts I've experienced. Stopped and ate lunch at Simmons Gap, then long climb up and down to Powell Gap. At Powell Gap several winter blowdowns of multiple trees. Thankfully trail maintenance had cleaned them up.Next got to Smith Roach Gap where Amy had left trail magic in a plastic tub. Not many hikers today, so not too much was consumed--maybe a Moon Pie or two. Finished going up over High Top Mtn and then down to Rt. 33 where I met Amy.Moved to a new Airbnb that is pretty special. A newly built cabin on a ridge looking out toward mountains. Nearest town called Ruckersville.
Date: 2018-04-07
From: Highway 33/Swift Run Gap

To: Milam Gap
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: clear sky

Started today in the mid-20's with some wind. Cold, but I was dressed warm, even though no long johns necessary. The breeze got calm and snow started up around 11:00. Light at first and then more as day progressed. Never put on my raincoat, but snow was falling off of my puffy coat. Buff around neck and ears has been a good combination with my hat to keep warm. Best part of the hike today was over Bear Fence Mtn. There was a loop trail around the top of the mountain that was a good way to see the mountain and lots of exposed rocks. Some scrambling over the top. Stone work, probably done by CCC, shored up the sides of the trail in many places. Went around Lewis Mtn cabins. A few people car camping there. There was a walk-in cabin called Pocosin. People were there because I saw smoke coming out of the chimney. Would have been the place to be on this cold day. Met up with a couple who were planning a 70 mile section hike. They were turning back to their car after a very cold night at Bear Fence Mtn Shelter. Other than that just a few hardy day hikers today.  By the time I got to my destination around 3:00, the ground was turning white. Amy picked me up and we had a relaxing evening eating our leftover German sausages from the Bavarian Chef restaurant last night along with some baked beans we had brought along. Our plan was to do trail magic with it, but with so few hikers, that has not panned out. Amy's day included stops at 2 pottery places and the Plow & Hearth Outlet Store, which may be as close to a gardener's heaven as one can get. For those not familiar with Plow & Hearth, it's an on-line catalog that features everything from outdoor wicker furniture, trellises and tomato supports to gardening tools. Amy will return there tomorrow as well, since the cold of today kept her from seeing it all.We are enjoying the interesting names of the gaps, hollows, and overlooks in this section. Here are some of our favorites: Naked Creek, Smith Roach, Ivy Creek, Bacon Hollow, Hazeltop Mtn, Rocky Top(not in Tennessee), Beagle Gap. Wish we knew the origins of the names, but so many are unique and creative we are sure they all have stories to tell.
Date: 2018-04-08
From: Milam Gap

To: Rt 211 SNP entrance
Miles today: 20.3
Weather: clear sky

Cold and bright morning. 20 degrees with about an inch of snow on the trail. Only footprints were of deer and maybe a fox. Moving about normal speed, occasional ice near springs. Got up Skyland Campground. Some campers in tents. Didn't see any other hikers until noon- all day hikers. Stopped at 4 hr/10 mile mark. Hiked on Stoney Man summit, highest point in SNP. Coming down other side encountered 20 rock climbers, and organized group from a college.Most snow gone by middle of the afternoon. Rocks got bad around Pinnacle Mtn. and more day hikers around there. Finished the day with a 3 mile rough downhill(steep and rocky) to Thorton Gap. Picked up by Amy around 5:30. Back to cabin, clean up and Sal's Pizzeria in Stanardsville. Very good.
Date: 2018-04-09
From: Rt 211 SNP entrance

To: Gravel Spring Shelter
Miles today: 14.3

Up and out early on Monday morning. On our way to the trail, we are driving along and a hen turkey shot out from the side of the road. Amy was driving and when she went to get out the driver's door would only open about 6". Snow was coming down, and when we reached the entry gate, found out southbound Skyline Drive was closed for plows. Luckily, we were heading north and so I started on today's hike and Amy headed back to Illinois. I spent the night in a shelter with 3 others: Farmer, and his daughter, and a guy named Cup. Also renting, is Purple and I imagine some mice are around. Cold is the word. Probably about 30 degrees, which is where the thermometer stayed all day. Light snow most of the day, so ground is white, but no real accumulation. After Amy let me out, I hiked about 5 miles before catching Purple. Had been following tracks for quite awhile, so I knew someone was ahead of me. Talked awhile and I went ahead. Stopped at Elk Wallow Wayside. They were open to my surprise. Serving food, but nowhere to eat inside, so I decided to just eat my own food outside. Got cold pretty quick. Put on rain gear for extra warmth. Good climb after this, so warmed right up. Arrived at shelter around 5:00pm. Others trickled in. Supper was good--a trail favorite- Knorr Teriyaki with Fritos and some of the new cheese I am trying called cotija cheese. Similar to grated Parmesan, but really lasts a long time. In my sleeping bag. Hope I stay warm.
Date: 2018-04-10
From: Gravel Spring Shelter

To: Mosby Campsite
Miles today: 16.8

Stayed warm last night. Did not sleep that well due to snoring. Awake about at 6:30 but did not take going to quickly first day on the trail. Good group here. Cup got going early. Then me. Don¢t think I will see any of them again. Cup fast. Purple slow and others are SOBO.Sun came out about nine. Not really that warm yet, but looking better. Hiked over Marshall Peak. Still plenty of snow on the ground at this high elevation. After that it was Compton Mountain. Snow pretty much gone by this time. I met a group of eighth-graders from California who were climbing up as I was going down. They were on a field trip to the east. After that it was mostly down to the highway to Front Royal. Did not go into town or to the nearby hostel. I am shooting for two more days before needing to resupply.Feeling tired but decided to go on to this campsite. Made for a long afternoon. My shoulders are getting sore carrying this heavy pack again. Made it to campsite by five. I am the only one here. There are some Daffodils down by the spring. This was a home site at one time looks like. Could¢ve gone a few more miles to a fancy shelter, but I was tired and needed to stop.In my tent and hoping to be warm again tonight. should be as I think the tent is warmer than shelters.
Date: 2018-04-11
From: Mosby Campsite

To: Myron Glaser front cabin porch
Miles today: 18.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Not as cold overnight, but probably low 30s. At least not ice in water bottles. Left campsite that was named for guy in sign picture. Confederate officer. Had been a home site as can see the flowers planted in row. Maybe it was his.Thinking of Lauren as always. Nine years. What she would be by now. Wife, mother, HR manager, lawyer. But for sure a loving daughter, sister, relative, friend. Miss her.Saw a bear cub running away from me across trail. Watched close for mother but did not see.Middle of day hiking normal. Talked to Amy and Nancy having coffee. And mom and dad later. Hiked thru Sky Meadows state park. Talked to a couple day hikers. They took my trash. Thank you.Planned to camp near Rt 50/17 but no decent place. Tired by now but had to go on. Next shelter up (of course) about 4 miles. Met up with Walkie Talkie at highway. He young and fast. Talked of a while going up but he pulled away. A little over a mile came to side trail sign to Myron Glaser cabin. My guide just said ¢locked¢. Decided to see if place to camp there. Beautiful stone cabin with front porch that is perfect. Table and porch swing and place for tent. About a quarter mile off trail but great place.Tomorrow about 10 to a hostel and resupply.