morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2017-07-11
To: Katahdin... Here I Come
Miles today: 38.3
Weather: clear sky

7/10/2017 - East Branch Shelter - 17.0 miPretty nice hiking today. There was a very fine misty rain in morning but it gave way to sunshine. It was one foot in front of the other... up and over the last 4 remaining mountains. After that... all downhill to the shelter. My feet are hurting pretty good these days. I think it's my boots that are just not able to support my feet anymore since they are crumbling to pieces. The fix in Monson lasted about 4 hrs. The soles have worn down so thin I feel every rock. They will get me up and over Katahdin. I didn't take any pics today... sorry I'm getting lazy. I would have taken a pic of the stone Dalmatian on this side of White Cap but I missed it. I did see other pics of it, pretty cool to see in the woods. This is my last night in a shelter. The next two nights will be at campsites to get me in position to get to Katahdin. I'll try to take some pics tomorrow. Good Night.7/11/2017 - Stealth Camping - 21.3 miToday was the most beautiful day to hike I have had... so the miles. Tomorrow I'll get into a hostel and wait on the weather to summit. It's supposed to rain again but we will see. I'm ready for this journey to come to a close. It is a dream realized... not like I planned but none the less! Thank you to all of you who supported the cause, were kind in your comments, and always encouraged me. My plan is to hike Katahdin on Friday. Rain is in the forecast for Thursday and Saturday. So if I can get all my ducks in a row tomorrow... Friday is the day. I will have my GPS on tracker all day so if you are interested in seeing my track up and back down Katahdin, check out the live map. It'll be slow... haha. I'll update more tomorrow.... The pic....some handsome stud!!
Date: 2017-07-15
To: KATAHDIN!!!!
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I'm so glad I waited 1 day for the rain to pass....today was totally amazing !!! The shuttle dropped 8 of us off at the ranger station base of Katahdin... I was first to get my pass to climb and I was outta the gate....I flew up that mountain I was so pumped... Probably didn't look like that with the tracker but I hauled. Next time I saw the other seven hikers who were all southbounders I was on my way back down. They were on their way up...huffing and puffing on day 1 for them. When I approached the summit I didn't think I would lose it but after I asked another hiker to take pics of my moment,,,, I lost it !! There was about 20 people there and my sobbing got everyones attention...and after I did my thing on the sign I actually got an applause from the group...which didn't help my blubbering at all.... I took about half an hr to sit and reflect...answered some questions and just regained myself. The hike back down was quiet for me and passed quickly. I hitched out of the park with two rides....and it was over...just like that!!A journeys end and a dream realized!!!!Pics....self explanatory.THANK YOU.
Date: 2017-02-20
To: Mt. Katahdin
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I am going to continue my hike in 2017 (I've described this further in the next page). I did have the opportunity to hike some of the AT in Connecticut during Oct-Nov, 2016. Camping near Bear Mountain on Halloween night was cold. It got to 18 degrees but weather was clear.
Date: 2017-02-20
To: Mt. Katahdin
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

After a lot of thought, I have decided to continue and finish my hike of the Appalachian Trail. Last year, I started on the Amicalola Falls and ended my southern portion of my hike at Possum Creek in Virginia, near Atkins Virginia. I also restarted hiking last summer 2016 at North Adams, Massachusetts, which is the final road crossing before you enter the Vermont section of the Appalachian Trail. I hiked from there into the Whites and stopped at Lincoln, New Hampshire. At the end of October, I hiked a large section of the AT in Connecticut. I hiked two day hikes and a two night trip from Southern Massachusetts to Salisbury, Connecticut. It felt good to be back on the trail and I'm sorry that I had to end my hike in New Hampshire. So, I am going to restart my hike at Possum Creek and hike north in Virginia. I can't wait to restart, and I am going to head down to Virginia from my home in Upstate New York around Mid March. I'm hoping that the weather will be good and that I can get up to speed faster as I weighed more last year. I will share the story of all of my upcoming travels with all of you. I will be taking my iPhone with me and I will write in my blog while I am on the trail. I am looking forward to getting to Maine in late July early August. I want to swim every day which is what I did many times on the AT last year.For relaxing times, make it Suntory Time.
Date: 2017-02-20
To: Virginia on the AT
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

I wanted to write briefly about the changes that I have made to my gear since I started the Appalachian Trail last year in 2016. First, I swapped my heavy Lowe Alpine Contour Mountain IV backpack and got a new backpack from Hyperlight, which does it manufacturing and sales in Maine. It's a wonderful pack and the people at Hyperlight have great service. Some of the seam sealers came off, and Hyperlight fixed it for me. The only problem with the Hyperlight pack is that I can't carry a huge amount of stuff, but perhaps that is a good thing. My Primus Stove had a burner that was too big and it got clogged, so I switched to an MSR Pocket Rocket, which I absolutely love. I am keeping my Eureka Midori Solo tent. It is just perfect for me. There is a section that is just big enough for one person, and then there is a large vestibule where I can put my stuff and even cook. I love it. I know that so many people like Big Agnes Tents, but I am a huge fan of Eureka, partly because its main research and development facility is in Conklin, NY, near where I live. I also bought a small emergency Petzl Headlamp, which I think is amazing. It has a red light so that you can read in a shelter, without keeping anyone else up. When I got to Hot Springs, North Carolina, I swamped out my hiking books to Adidas Trail Runner, which really helped me achieve a faster hiking speed. My Snow Peak Titanium brew pot worked incredibly well, so I am using it this year. I have transitioned to synthetic clothing. The only cotton that I am taking is a cotton towel that I use to lift my cook pot. I also use it as a pillow when matched with my clothing stuff sack. I will also use a Petzl Tikka Headlamp. I also have a titanium set of utensils and a titanium cup. I'm so happy that I don't have to spend a bunch of money on gear this year. I still haven't consolidated everything yet and I have to do that soon.
Date: 2017-02-21
To: Virginia
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I wanted to write briefly about the changes that I have made to my gear since I started the Appalachian Trail last year in 2016. First, I swapped my heavy Lowe Alpine Contour Mountain IV backpack and got a new backpack from Hyperlight, which does it manufacturing and sales in Maine. It's a wonderful pack and the people at Hyperlight have great service. Some of the seam sealers came off, and Hyperlight fixed it for me. The only problem with the Hyperlight pack is that I can't carry a huge amount of stuff, but perhaps that is a good thing. My Primus Stove had a burner that was too big and it got clogged, so I switched to an MSR Pocket Rocket, which I absolutely love. I am keeping my Eureka Midori Solo tent. It is just perfect for me. There is a section that is just big enough for one person, and then there is a large vestibule where I can put my stuff and even cook. I love it. I know that so many people like Big Agnes Tents, but I am a huge fan of Eureka, partly because its main research and development facility is in Conklin, NY, near where I live. I also bought a small emergency Petzl Headlamp, which I think is amazing. It has a red light so that you can read in a shelter, without keeping anyone else up. When I got to Hot Springs, North Carolina, I swamped out my hiking books to Adidas Trail Runner, which really helped me achieve a faster hiking speed. My Snow Peak Titanium brew pot worked incredibly well, so I am using it this year. I have transitioned to synthetic clothing. The only cotton that I am taking is a cotton towel that I use to lift my cook pot. I also use it as a pillow when matched with my clothing stuff sack. I will also use a Petzl Tikka Headlamp. I also have a titanium set of utensils and a titanium cup. I'm so happy that I don't have to spend a bunch of money on gear this year. I still haven't consolidated everything yet and I have to do that soon.
Date: 2017-02-28
From: Virginia

To: Mt. Katahdin
Miles today: 0.0

I have found all the equipment that got scattered around the house when I left the trail last year. I got my 2017 AT patch. So I will carry it on my pack along with my 2016 AT patch and my scallop shell. I carry that in memory of my hike on the Chemin (Way of Saint James) in France. This year as I prepare to restart my hike I am resolved to make it to Maine and stand on the summit of Mount Katahdin. I plan to head south the second week in March.
Date: 2017-03-18
From: Virginia on the AT

To: Mt. Katahdin
Miles today: 0.0

Because of the weather that we got hit with here in Upstate New York, I have had to delay my AT start date to Tuesday, March 21. My hometown got dumped with over 33 inches of snow. I will be starting from where I left off at the south north of Atkins, VA. I am very excited to finally begin hiking the trail again. At the beginning I will just be hiking by myself, but some of my friends have expressed an interest in hiking with me in April/May. It would be great to have some company on the trail. I met one of my friends on the trail last year when we decided to hike together. Another friend is transitioning jobs and has some free time on the AT. Both of my friends want to hike the AT in Virginia. I really want to finish my hike this year. I so sorry that I didn't finish last year, but I have waited many months for another shot at the AT. My father will be driving me down to Virginia on Monday, March 20th. The snow accumulation north of Atkins, VA, should be negligible once spring arrives. I will be writing on the trail as much as I can and I invite you all to follow me on my hike.
Date: 2017-03-21
From: Possum Creek Near Atkins, Virginia

To: Campsite at mile 564.2
Miles today: 7.6
Weather: overcast clouds

After being unable to start last week due to the blizzard in upstate NY, I was finally able to begin my 2017 AT hike today. My dad and I drove down yesterday and we stayed the night in Wytheville VA. It was 26 degrees when we left and 62 when we arrived. Got up early today and had an awesome breakfast at the motel (Hampton Inn) and we drove up to the small AT parking area where I stopped hiking last year after starting March 17, 2016 at the Springer approach trail. After hiking the 556 miles, I shuttled north from here to hike from North Adams MA to Franconia Notch NH so this year I will hike from Possum Creek to North Adams and then start in NH where I stopped. So I begin again today. I am hiking my way back into shape again. It worked last year. I was afraid there might still be ice on the trail but didn't find any today. I hiked over two ridges. I saw that a hiker named Billy Goat stayed at Knot Maul shelter last night but I didn't see him today. I am ahead of the bubble but they will catch me. I thought I might get as far as Chestnut Knob Shelter but crapped out at the campsite just before the main ridge. The afternoon turned sunny without much wind. No problems with water now. The creek that was .3 beyond the campsite was gushing. I put up my tent and enjoyed the setting afternoon sun. It's good to be on the Trail again.
Date: 2017-03-22
From: Campsite at mile 564.2

To: Walker Gap campsite
Miles today: 5.4
Weather: broken clouds

The campsite last night was nice and sunny and I slept well. A bit too well and I didn't get up and on the trail until 9:45. There was a steep ascent up Chestnut Knob. A section hiker named Visa overtook me and was really cruising. I stopped at the pond on the ridge. Plenty of water this year. I made it up to the top of Chestnut Knob where I found the shelter to be wonderful. It's fully enclosed and very nice inside. Billy Goat did stay there last night I noticed in the log. I keep hearing that people up north are freezing today but it was a beautiful day without a cloud. Tonight will be cold and I thought about getting to St. Lukes hostel but decided I wasn't going to get to the trailhead in time for the shuttle. So I decided to camp at Walker Gap at this beautiful campsite. Good spring too. It will be cold but I have a 20 degree bag, liner, and heavier down jacket and extra base layer so I think I'll be fine. I note that this mountain is over 4400 feet and I won't be climbing that high again until I get to New Hampshire.
Date: 2017-03-23
From: Walker Gap campsite

To: St. Lukes Hostel
Miles today: 4.7
Weather: clear sky

It was very cold last night. I had all my layers on and my water filter in my sleeping bag. But I wasn't bothered too much and slept fine. I got up late. It was hard to leave a warm sleeping bag into the freezing air. They tell me this is the last really cold night. We'll see. I finally got packed and moving around 11 AM. Definitely a late start. After a climb out of Walker Gap the ridge wasn't too much of a climb but it was not level and rocky and hard to make up a lot of time. I decided to head to St. Lukes Hostel tonight. They agreed to pick me up at the Rt. 623 road crossing at 4pm and I was there on time. After a short drive I checked into the hostel. It's an old farmhouse and very nice. I was surprised to find that Billy Goat was there and some other hikers. He was taking a nero and a zero. So we're having a communal dinner tonight and breakfast tomorrow. It's great to be back on the Trail.
Date: 2017-03-24
From: St. Lukes Hostel

To: St. Lukes Hostel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I really liked St. Lukes Hostel. I had a wonderful dinner with the other hikers. It was pasta with organic beef and local ingredients. Really good! I decided I was still a bit tired and sore and needed a zero. So I stayed at the hostel today. Billy Goat and the other hikers moved on. But three more hikers showed up after 4PM. Another dinner awaits. Tomorrow I am heading north on the trail again. It's great to be on the trail again.
Date: 2017-03-25
From: St. Lukes Hostel

To: Laurel Creek
Miles today: 8.8

It was easy to keep sleeping but I dragged myself up around 8AM. After a good breakfast of eggs and bacon and hot coffee, I packed up and was dropped off at the trailhead at Rt. 623. The hostel staff seem to be excited that the bubble is starting to arrive. The zero day was a real restorative. I felt rested and ready to hike. The trail seemed more forgiving today. Fewer rocky sections. I passed by Jenkins Shelter and signed the log book. There was a volunteer trail maintainer there and I had a nice talk with him. But I pushed on up the ascent to the next ridge and then on to the big descent to Laurel Creek. Much warmer today. Seems like a good place to camp and last water until my destination tomorrow, Helvey's Mill Shelter. Unfortunately I couldn't locate the good campsite described in Guthooks notes and managed to cut myself clearing brush. But I'm now cooking dinner. I'll probably find those campsites in the morning.
Date: 2017-03-26
From: Laurel Creek

To: Helvey's Mill Shelter
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: few clouds

I got up around 7AM so perhaps I am getting more accustomed to the Trail again. It was supposed to rain later today so I wanted to get a good start to avoid having all my stuff get wet. After a hasty breakfast I packed up and started out. I quickly found the good campsites and the picnic table that had been described in comments from Guthooks. So much better than my campsite last night. I will provide a few more directions with a comment to Guthooks so others won't have the same problem. After the ascent after Laurel Creek, I got moving. But by 11AM the rain had started. It became heavy though I had been warned and put on rain gear. Somehow rain makes you hike faster. I got through to the dirt/gravel road leading to the RT 52 and I-77 crossing. Another hiker from Zurich, Switzerland conferred with me about the correct trail direction. Then the last descent to the highway road walk and crossing of I-77. I made it up the last ascent to Helvey's Mill Shelter. ReddMage was there when I arrived. He has his own Youtube channel and has been on the trail since February. The water source was a steep trail down. But it's the only water source for the next seven miles. I'm in the Shelter tonight since there might be more rain to come.
Date: 2017-03-27
From: Helvey's Mill Shelter

To: Jenny Knob Shelter
Miles today: 9.7
Weather: light rain

I got up a bit later. ReddMage had mumbled something about that I snored too loud and he left early. Another hiker had showed up around 11PM last night after finishing 25 miles. As for me, I got up around 7:30 AM. I had breakfast and got packed up. As I got back to the trail I met another nobo hiker, Johnny Tsunami. He apparently loves night hiking. I had a very entertaining conversation. Part of what I like about the AT is the conversation with fellow hikers. I got going around 10AM. I was making progress but the going was a bit rough with constant small ups and downs. The threatened rain never materialized. I finally got to the VA 611 crossing around 4:30 and started up Brushy Mountain. The spring shown in Guthooks was dry. The climb was slow going. But I finally arrived at Jenny Knob Shelter around 7:45. Tomorrow I am going to do a nero to Trent's Grocery. Johnny T. said he was heading there. I've got the shelter to myself. Microsoft Lady is in her tent and there's another guy in a hammock. I hear those storms may yet arrive tonight so I'm in the shelter. Lots of room.
Date: 2017-03-28
From: Jenny Knob Shelter

To: Trent's Grocery
Miles today: 6.8

I was the only one staying in Jenny Knob Shelter last night. Sure enough, sometime in the middle of the night it really poured. Some water leaked into the shelter but it was very nice to be in the shelter and not have to pack a wet tent in the morning. The other two hikers stayed in their respective tent and hammock. Next morning it was still raining. I waited a bit for it to stop. I got on the trail at 11AM. But then it started raining again. Oh well, no rain no Maine, etc. The trail was in great shape. Thank you Roanoke Hiking Club! I met a couple on a flip-flop hike with their 9 month old baby. That kid will be the youngest to thru-hike the AT. My destination was Trent's Grocery, a hiker-friendly establishment close to the trail. I arrived there at 5PM and immediately had burgers, fries, and a large A&W. Great southern hospitality. Life is good!
Date: 2017-03-29
From: Trent's Grocery

To: Wapiti Shelter
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I had a great campsite next to Trent's Grocery. Thursday morning was a bit foggy but it lifted quickly. I packed up and headed into the store to get some breakfast. It's all good. I recommend the "breakfast platter". I had two. They showed me a photo of the front of the store in April with 15-20 packs from AT hikers out front. I got back to the trail a little after 10AM. The going was really pretty easy today. Beautiful day with sun and temperatures in the 60's. I hiked through a rhododendron tunnel sometimes. There were six stream crossings. I got to Wapiti Shelter around 5PM. So far I'm the only one here. Tomorrow I am looking forward to the 1800 foot climb from Wapiti to the ridge. But once that's over, it's all downhill to Woods Hole Hostel. No bandwidth today for a photo.
Date: 2017-03-30
From: Wapiti Shelter

To: Woods Hole Hostel
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: overcast clouds

No other hikers showed up last night at Wapiti Shelter. I woke to a light drizzle but it stopped after a few minutes. I got packed up and started up the so-called brutal climb of what shows to be 1800 feet on my Guthooks map. But it didn't seem that bad or maybe I am hiking my way into shape. But as I reached the ridge at 3900 feet it was totally fogged in and the fog never burned off all day. So no views for me. Just fog. I got to Sugar Run Road around 4:30PM and hiked down to check in at Woods Hole. I have heard about this place for a year and it's great to finally be here. I was showering up before dinner and found a large tick. Yuck. Oh well, at least these large ones are not supposed to transmit Lyme disease. I am taking a zero day tomorrow. There's a 100% chance of major rain. Also, my friend Allen from DC will be arriving here tomorrow and joining me on the trail through the Four Pines hostel that we will reach in a few days.
Date: 2017-03-31
From: Woods Hole Hostel

To: Woods Hole Hostel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

The rain pounded down last night on the roof and woke me up. It was pouring when I got up and it was a great day for a zero. I had a great dinner last night--it was some kind of Mexican lasagna. Yum! So I am glad to be off the trail and tomorrow the rain will be over and it will be time to hike on. My friend Allan arrived this afternoon. He will be joining me for several days as he tries out the hiking life.
Date: 2017-04-01
From: Woods Hole Hostel

To: Campsite and spring at mile 632
Miles today: 9.2
Weather: overcast clouds

I had a great dinner and dessert. Neville recruited me to mix cookie dough. Then there was home-made ice cream. The rain ended. My friend Allen did a preparation hike up to the end of Sugar Run Road in training. After a comfortable night we got up to a great breakfast and then packed up. We were on the trail by 10:30. Hey, it's hard to leave Woods Hole. The rain was over but it was still a bit cloudy and windy. But we hiked up the gap and then down the ridge. The trail was a bit muddy in a few places after all that rain. We got to Pearis Ledges and then headed down to the campsite and spring at mile 632. The spring was gushing. Tomorrow we have a nero to Pearisburg.
Date: 2017-04-02
From: Campsite and spring at mile 632

To: Pearisburg--Angel's Rest Hiker Haven
Miles today: 3.3
Weather: few clouds

The campsite was great but it did feel cold as the night came on. It later rained and that was surprising since we did not expect it. Next morning was bright and sunny. We had a nero day to hike into Pearisburg and resupply. My friend Allan finds that he finds the hiking life and culture of the AT very interesting and will be hiking further with me. He arranged to shuttle back to Woods Hole to get his car as they were going to be in Pearisburg picking up mulch for the new garden. Some hikers arriving there after us were doing work for stay and helping plant early spring crops like kale. We headed to the new Angels Rest Hiker Haven. (Note that Angels Rest is the name of a prominent rock outcrop and view just before Pearisburg on the AT). The hostel is new. The bunkhouse has just opened. Allan is visiting a friend in Roanoke and will be back at the hostel later tonight. We're hiking out tomorrow. Rain or no rain.
Date: 2017-04-03
From: Pearisburg--Angel's Rest Hiker Haven

To: Rice Field Shelter
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: broken clouds

My friend and fellow hiker Allen got back to Angels Rest Hiker Haven at 5AM. But he wanted to hike on today. It took until around 10 to get underway. We crossed the New River and headed up the first hill. About the time we got to the main climb the rain moved in and it poured. I was soaked as we climbed up to Rice Field Shelter. Interestingly enough my gear did not get wet in my Hyperlite pack. Now we're here and trying to dry out everything. Two sobo's are here with us. Gap started SOBO on July 27 and Dory on July 22. They're getting closer to the end of their hikes. We've got a bigger mile day tomorrow to get to the Captain's Place.