morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-07-27
From: Hanover, NH

To: Killington, VT
Miles today: 42.3
Weather: few clouds

Day 53 7/25, 14.7 miles M456.8Connie and Mark (NOBO thru-hikers) gave me a ride from Days Inn to Starbucks. THANKS!! I crossed into Vermont today (Connecticut River) then walked through town. Before entering the woods again, a family on Elm Street had trail magic waiting for me. I enjoyed the coke!   I later stopped by the home of Linda and Randy Hart in W. Hartford after they "rang the bell" for me. I enjoyed a piece of celebration cake made for the 600th hiker this year to visit them earlier that day. The sodas were nice, too. I then hiked my way back to the woods and after a climb, enjoyed by first taste of wild raspberries. Amazing, small (about the size of small blueberries), delicious. Vermont is beautiful. I stopped in at the Thistle Hill Shelter and found about 30 people there. Most in tents, so I set up my tent as well. The brook (water source for the shelter) had a nice water fall (about 4 feet) that worked well for a brief shower. I met two SOBOs today who summited Katahdin on May 24th (OSHA, the son, and XX "Dos Equis", the father). The trail in Vermont now has switchbacks and dirt suitable for trekking on, a very nice change. The trail has progressively gotten easier since Mt. Moosalauke in NH.Day 54 7/26 14.2 Miles M471.0Started late after a long overnight rain. I waited to start packing after the rain quit and on the trail by 9:10 AM. More great raspberries today and more nice, easy trail. Nice to walk through a few fields, seeing more houses, crossing more roads, finding more fruit along the trail. Meadows, farms are a nice change. I met another trail angel offering sodas, brownies, and watermelon. Fantastic on such a hot day. I spent this night at The Lookout Cabin, a privately owned off-the-grid cabin whose owners open it up to anyone who wants to use it (no fires, though). Cabin has a lookout balcony on top offering 360 degree views. I could see Moosilauke and Killington Mtns from here, and a very nice sunset. I met a family here with 2 five year olds, an 11 year old and their mom. They are sectioning the AT in 2 stages. They hiked the southern half last year (the twins were 3 when they started) and plan to finish this year. They seemed very happy.Day 55 7/27 13.4 miles M484.4Slow, easy start for the day. My feet have continued to hurt, even though I bought new shoes in Lincoln, NH. They feel bruised and swell to huge, can't see the bones of my feet and ankles. Trail was easy today. I arrived in Killington at around 2 pm and checked into the Mountain Meadows Lodge and picked up a resupply package. Showered then had lunch and dinner delivered.
Date: 2015-08-14
From: Falls Villiage, CT

To: Pawling, NY
Miles today: 37.8
Weather: broken clouds

8/13 Day 72 19.7 miles M722.4I hiked today along an amazing 4 miles in the Housatonic River bank, smooth flat trail with the River to my left flowing in my direction faster than I could hike. The valley was framed by two 1000' ridges on each side. Was nice to have a flat hike on a beautiful, clear day with puffy white clouds against a blue sky. The river is much bigger here than when I crossed it a week earlier in MA and even much bigger than at Falls Village. The trail sometimes would wind away from the river a few feet to give me a great view of the mountains and flowering flood plain between the river and the mountains. The peacefulness of the walk was interrupted by a couple of trains on the opposite bank. After a 1-mile gravel road walk, the trail turned away from the river to the right and made a very steep ascent for about 750' (estimated), requiring a bit of quadrupedal climbing, to St. John's ledges. From this vantage point, I could see the river and train tracks in the valley, a few houses on the opposite mountains. On the way down the other side of the mountain, I encountered a group of three hikers on a short-distance hike, one woman was having significant issues with her little toe exactly how I often have. We taped it as I do mine, but I'm afraid she was in for a difficult time to manage those blisters. I noticed today as I am reaching the southern and western end of Connecticut, that one species of trees is already dropping leaves for the fall.8/14 Day 73 18.14 M740.5I hiked the final 13 miles of Connecticut today. Have enjoyed this state and all of New England, regretting only that I took so long to discover these amazing states. Easy hiking through forests and fields today, good water, and a few easy mountains. I stopped initially at the AT Railroad station on NY22, this is the North Metro out of NY that terminates at Grand Central Station. I was going to stay at the Garden Center where I will pick up my package mailed. I arrived after they closed, and they had stopped allowing tenters. This is the second place I've encountered this year where the offer had been rescinded. So, I hiked toward Pawling about 0.6 miles to Tony's Deli... had dinner (delicious chicken cutlet sandwich, bowl of egg salad, 2 root beers, one beer, 2 ice cream novelties... can't wait for breakfast!) and was thrilled when they let me tent in their grassy lot between NY22 and the N. Metro Tracks. Of course the train was loud, but the traffic was more so, both until about 11 pm. Thankfully I carry earplugs and slept well through the night.
Date: 2015-11-02
From: Erwin, TN

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 68.5
Weather: overcast clouds

10/29 Day 149: 16.8 miles M1863.3Bald Mountain ShelterLeft Erwin at noon. Three-fourths of today's hike was uphill. Steep climb out of Erwin heading south but also some very nice views of the valley and Nolichucky River. The overcast cleared up by evening with a noticeable drop in temperature. This shelter is above 5000', windy and probably temps will go down to the low 30's by morning. As I hiked into the sunset, I had to stop to put on my rain jacket to keep warm. Much of the trail had a slant to the downhill side of the trail giving my lower legs a bit of a workout. Hadn't been able to get a phone signal enough to even send a text msg for two days.10/30 Day 150: 25.1 miles M1888.4Jerry's Cabin ShelterUp at 6am and out by 7am, I witnessed a spectacular sunrise hike over Big Bald! Wow! As I hiked up the slope, I noticed the frost, which wasn't at the Bald Mountain Shelter. Temperature change was just enough to bring the ice. I was fully dressed for warmth. The weather was gorgeous all day, as was the scenery and hiking. At the end, the trail went up and over mountains, rock outcroppings, and in step-wise motion reminding me a bit of Maine. As I began the last couple of miles coming off Bald Ridge, just north of Jerry's Cabin, I entered a field where the views were quite good, seeing the far-distant Smokies in the sunset.   There were four trail maintainer/volunteers in the shelter with French Press and me. They had a very nice fire going as I arrived, we enjoyed company into the early night hours.10/31 Day 151: 26.4 miles   M1914.8Alpine Court MotelAnother sunrise hike today, I left at 6am by headlamp, and began seeing dawn break about 7am.  The sunrise continued to develop as I took the high ridge trail (not taking the bad weather trail) up to Firescald Knob...this was the sunrise to see. Clouds across the sky, some blue sky, black mountain silhouettes, and a maturing sunrise were so good I had to stop for 30 minutes to watch the show. I loved the quiet moments in the cold wind at 4500'. The valleys both east and west were deep and could have been quite colorful, except probably passed the fall color peak. A very memorable moment. The rest of the day was spent adjusting gear trying not to sweat while hiking up hill and not get cold on the down hill. I stopped numerous times to get the temperature right. By 2pm, I had 11 miles to go at Spring Mountain Shelter to Hot Springs. Was a nice descent into Hot Springs with several rock outcroppings and views of Hot Springs and the French Broad River.  The town was bustling as I arrived at 6:45pm with young children and parents accompanying for Halloween, live music in the air, and many hikers and otherwise vacationers filling the restaurants, taverns, and pubs. Lots of fun. After a while, Lynette and I found each other and had a great meal, checked into the hotel. Happy Halloween!11/1 and 11/2 Days 152 and 153. Zero miles.Much needed double-zero day enjoying company of Lynette, other hikers, Bluff Mountain Outfitters, and a dip in the Hot Springs spa.
Date: 2015-12-15
From: Amicalola Falls State Park, GA

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Since coming off the trail, I've received many questions related to how hiking the trail changed me. I have a hard time seeing how I've changed or that I have at all. Others might be able to see more easily over time. I can say that I had plenty of experiences that I would not have had at home. I had time to reflect on experiences and what they might mean while hiking. I do know I felt a range of emotions and over time through the hike felt increasingly stable and at home in the woods and came to feel the rhythm of hiking everyday as natural, even normal.Either through conversation or personal reflection, the following are what became clear for me: - The kindness of strangers - The importance of family - Don't fight the trail, just be on it, simply hike what the trail gives me. - Most of my concerns seem petty - Very little material wealth is needed to be happy - I am at home in the woods - Walking is our natural state - There is nothing to fear - Give advice only when asked - Speak the simplest truth - Everyone hikes their own hike - Be willing to hike on rather than ask someone else to change - Become one with the present - Physical exercise is a currency and key to our well-being
Date: 2015-02-17
From: Springer Mountain

To: Springer Mountain
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I've been thinking about setting up some sort of online journal for a few weeks now...to keep anyone interested posted on my whereabouts, to organize my practical thoughts, and perhaps to connect and contribute what I can to the vast hiker community online. I'm kind of new to publicizing my plans, goals, and dreams (partially shyness, partially bc of accountability, fear of failure), even to my own circle. My reasons for hiking felt very private, and I have been more of a hermit of late. Been working through a rough patch, this hike as the lifeline keeping me looking forward. Many around me don't quite understand what i am doing, or why, and it feels presumptuous to imagine that anyone who does not know me would be interested. But, wow, have I learned a lot from others over the past month. Curiosity (and a rational dose of fear) lead me to a generosity of knowledge...gear choices and bear hangs, the wisdom of those who have made it to Maine or decided to stop, to getting derailed, absorbed for hours in fascinating adventures of others around the world...the random sharing of experiences has become something I am particularly grateful for.   (I tend to be on the fence about the quality of life post-internet., kind of a misanthrope still bitterly missing the 90s. Outed! But still anonymous enough that hopefully folks won't be afraid to camp around meSo, for now, i think this journal may just serve as my attempt to start returning the favor. So, here goes...
Date: 2015-02-21
From: Springer Mountain

To: Springer Mountain
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Thank you for the encouraging comments, that was a nice surprise!So...I am all packed and ready to go.   It looks like the weather is going to warm up a bit after Saturday. Very glad to have the opportunity to do a 2-3 week "test run" before deciding what to bring for the long haul. I feel pretty good about everything (my luxury item is excess warmth items) except maybe my kitchen. I am bringing a jetboil that I have used a lot while traveling...i feel like, for the weight I could probably do better, and might rather ultimately bring a pot and invest in a little minimal stove. Not sure. A lot of these things I feel like i won't know until I am really in it. Most of what i have accumulated thusfar is freeze dried/dehydrated (harmony house) or pasta/quinoa. so...who knows? Will just have to see., suggestions appreciated.Definitely have been looking at food differently while considering this hike. I always figured that the weeks before I took off I would be out training or something...trying to get to peak health. Chugging whey and getting slim. And eating well, so I could afford to slip a bit when i start living on starch and sugar. Nope. I've been more sedentary than I have been in years, and in the past two months have probably put on close to 10 pounds. Eating absolute garbage. Ok, so after the weather hold up I started dipping into my calorie stash because it was right there...I'm at least one box into my pop tart stash. And i may have started on the oatmeal a few days prior.I've got to be on my way here, soon.Setting out will actually be a return to healthier habits, in general, and kind of working in reverse as I will possibly be eating better. I would like to try to keep decent nutrition as high a priority as possible, and am hoping that my energy level will sprout up after a few days of hiking...So, does anyone on the trail, past or present, have any advice on this? I am bringing a bag of protein powder and a good multi and B 12...Looks like the ice should be melting around Sunday, so I am running out of reasons to not leap. Hopefully there will be some pop tarts left for the hike.
Date: 2015-07-23
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

In the course of gear revision we realized that for some reason our stove does not work properly. Actually it did not work at all. Thought it might be the fuel line, which appeared to be blocked by rust. Did the whole stove maintenance program recommended by MSR including pump, jet and fuel line maintenance. Took me 2 ours to do it. Changed a few O-rings. At least the stove won't break far from civilization after these efforts.
Date: 2015-07-24
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

In one week our flight will go to Boston where we are wishing to meet Becca. She is the sister of Hobo, a former hiking companion we have met in 2013. We had been sharing the trail together with Hobo for several weeks. Owing to that we got to know his warmhearted family. Becca is planning to support us to get to Gorham at the New Hampshire/Maine border. From Boston it is approximately a 3 hours drive to the trail head where we are going to reenter the Appalachian Trail. We are nervous about the whole undertaking since we haven't been staying outdoors in our tent for almost 2 years. Memories of cold nights and wet periods of rain faded meanwhile. The positive moments and feelings of the last adventure stayed in mind primarily. Most likely our physical condition is under all pig currently (german saying - means really bad). The first few weeks will shape us necessarily. According to the opinion of many hikers the part in southern Maine is considered to be especially strenuous. Well, we are waiting for take off patiently. We'll find out soon.
Date: 2015-07-29
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

It is getting serious: Tomorrow morning our flight will bring us to Dublin where we are going to stay for a single day. This is because direct flights are incredibly expensive this season. At least we can do some sightseeing in Ireland's capitel. The library belonging to the Trinity College is supposed to be especially worthwhile to visit. Maybe we should go for a Guinness in the evening, because Guinness contains vitamins and calories - both very important for long-distance hikers. We have composed our gear finally. Have not measured the total weight due to fear. But basically we will carry the same stuff as two years ago. The stove turned out to be irreversible damaged. Maintenance did not help. The fuel line is still full of solid carbon. Though we will buy the very same one again once we arrive in Maine.Looking forward to the coming adventure.
Date: 2015-07-31
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

We had one short day in Dublin. Visited Trinity College and the legendary temple bar. Next time we will take us more time to browse through the city. Stayed over night in a cheap hostel which was home of several party people. Couldn't wait to carry on traveling. The whole immigration and custom process for the states was carried out at Dublin airport. So we had to answer a few questions about the purpose of our trip before the officer said 'Welcome to the U.S' (though we were still in Ireland). Once arrived in Boston we ran into Rebecca who picked us up and brought us to her beautiful lake house in Maine close to Raymond where we rested after a swim in the lake and a nice dinner.
Date: 2015-08-01
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Today we started our day with some stand up paddling (see photo section). Afterwards we organized provisions for the trail and some white gas. In the late afternoon we met with Hobo and his wife Anita. We haven't seen them for two years so it was nice to share our stories about the trail in 2013. Hobo spent 7! month in the woods and finished at the northbound of the AT on Mt. Katahdin in the first week of October. Anita supported him and also other hikers at the weekends. Tomorrow Hobo will bring us to the Austin Brook trail in Shelburne, NH around 6. This trail leads directly to the place where we left the AT two years ago.
Date: 2015-08-02
From: Gentian Pond

To: Carlo Col Shelter
Miles today: 5.2
Weather: clear sky

Finally we had our first day on the trail. Hobo drove us to the Austin Brook trail. After goodbye we started hiking around 8:30. Two hours later we arrived at Gentian Pond shelter. So far everything worked well. Behind that shelter the Austin brook trail connects with the AT. From there on the trail became more difficult instantly. Quite a few boulder had to be climbed and the downhill of Mt. Success was sometimes exposed. Due to our poor shape it took us 6 hours for the 5.5 miles to Carlo Col Campsite. But this site is the very first in Maine, so we made it through 13 states already. We've also met a few thruhiker but they passed us with speed of light. It will take some time until we can compete with them. Tomorrow will be a demanding day as well. But it feels good to be out here again.
Date: 2015-08-03
From: Carlo Col Shelter

To: Mahoosuc Notch north end
Miles today: 7.1

This morning we left the camp at 7. During the first 4.4 miles we climbed four assigned peaks that offered great views back to the White Mountains. After lunch at Full Goose Shelter we hiked down to Mahoosuc Notch. The notch is supposed to be either the most difficult or fun mile on the trail. It basically one mile of big boulders that have to be climbed or surrounded. It took us 2 hours to go through. The first half was enjoyable, because it was a really hot day and there were a few chilly breezes in the notch due to ice. The second part was exhausting. We stayed in the campsite at the northern end of the notch. After dinner a severe thunderstorm brought a lot of rain and lightning. A lot of our stuff got wet.
Date: 2015-08-04
From: Mahoosuc Notch north end

To: Baldpate Lean-to
Miles today: 9.3
Weather: clear sky

We cleaned our tent this morning because it was dirty from the thunderstorm. First peak we had to climb was Mahoosuc Arm, which is the place were in the German documentary about the trail the hiker Wolfmen decided to quit (wonder who would leave the trail so close to finish). On the way down to Grafton Notch we went into a thunderstorm again, this time with hail of 2cm in diameter. We are 3 days on the trail and have already encountered two storms. Wouldn't mind if the weather was getting better. Arrived at camp at half past five. Tonight we share the campsite only with Gangrene an analyst coming from New York.
Date: 2015-08-05
From: Baldpate Lean-to

To: East B Hill Rd., Andover 
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: scattered clouds

We hit the trail before 7 and climbed the two baldpate peaks early in the morning. The east peak was our favorite mountain on the trail in Maine so far. Very nice views to all sides and decent ridge walking at the top. We were planning to go into the town of Andover today in order to resupply and to get a shower. We got the shower by heavy rain fall just one our before we reached the road. There we were picked up soaked with water by a shuttle of the Pine Ellis Lodge where we're going to stay for the night.
Date: 2015-08-06
From: East B Hill Rd., Andover 

To: South Arm Rd.
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: light rain

According to different weather forecasts the chance of rain for the region of Andover was predicted to be between 0-20% today. And guess what, there were a few showers even though. Fortunately none of them was strong enough to bother us, but the trail has become really muddy. We walked from East B Hill Rd. to South Arm Rd. So two paved roads with only 10 miles in between, which is rather rare in Maine. Though, there is never a car coming through. Despite all that mud, the trail itself was gentle, that is no boulder climbing anymore. Hoping to be in Rangeley until Saturday evening. Looking also forward to meet Hobo at the weekend, who is planning to see us.
Date: 2015-08-07
From: South Arm Rd.

To: Bemis Stream Campsite 
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: overcast clouds

We hiked over 12 miles today although we are in Maine. One reason could be that the trail was gentle most of the time, furthermore we ran out of food so the packs were lighter. Maybe we've even improved our shape a little. At the trail one could find plenty of blueberries. We ate probably half a pound each. By the way, it did not rain today.
Date: 2015-08-08
From: Bemis Stream Campsite 

To: Rt. 4, Rangeley
Miles today: 14.2

Excellent day. We met Anita and Hobo where the trail crosses Rt. 17. They prepared some trail magic for us and all the other hikers who were coming through. Trail magic is when people support hikers on the AT unexpectedly and without particular reason. So Anita and Hobo organized a lot of food and drinks. We left our backpacks at their car and continued with less baggage to the next road crossing of the AT at Rt. 4, close to the town of Rangeley. This procedure is called a slackpack in hiker slang. Without the heavy stuff we could do more miles than usual. At Swift River Pond Campsite we ran into Ted and Jason, who work for the MIT in Boston. They were out for the weekend. Ted did a big effort in fishing, so the picture of the day is dedicated to him. At 15:30 our hike was over already and we drove to Hobo's and Anita's place where we enjoyed hot dogs and a campfire.
Date: 2015-08-10
From: Rt. 4, Rangeley

To: Poplar Ridge Lean-to
Miles today: 10.7

We were brought back to the trail by Anita and Hobo at Rt. 4 around 10:15. That meant a later start than usual. Before we climbed the 3 peaks of the Saddleback mountain range, we visited the privy of the Piazza Rock Lean-to - a Lean-to is also a shelter. The privy there can be occupied by two people simultaneously. But instead of a wall that separates both toilet seats there is a board game installed in between for entertainment reasons. We resisted to play a match and went on to Saddleback Mountain which is known as a place for skiing in the winter. The whole ridge connecting that peak with the following one is above tree line offering nice views over the ski area. We stopped our hike at Poplar Ridge Lean-to where other northbound thruhikers had started a nice fire to enjoy the rest of the day.
Date: 2015-08-11
From: Poplar Ridge Lean-to

To: Spaulding Mountain Lean-to
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Rainy day. It started raining shortly after we had left the camp. It became more intense accompanied by strong wind eventually. At half past 12 we got to the Lean-to where we planned to stay for lunch. The heavy rainfall went on, hence we did not leave the shelter anymore. So only a short day but with wet boots. Tomorrow we are going to stay in Stratton to dry out.