morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-08-02
From: Port Clinton

To: Port Clinton
Miles today: 24.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 77 - Port Clinton So I never intended to slack pack on this adventure - probably because it seemed weird to me to go out of my way to arrange shuttles just to facilitate it. But, because the hotel we needed to stay at was already in Port Clinton, and because the plan was to hike from the 501 shelter back to Port Clinton, why should I carry all my crap with me? Let me tell you, it was pretty sweet to carry like 5-10 pounds of basically only food and water. The four of us got dropped back off at the 501 shelter at 8, and that's basically where we split up. Sir Stooge was doing a short day so that he could meet up with his brother, while Hot Shot wasn't feeling too well and was likely not going to make it back to PC. So, Patches and I slack packed together for the day. And let me tell you, we were flying pretty good without our heavy packs weighing us down. The trail continued to be rocky as it has been in recent days, but it was definitely manageable. There weren't really any great views - mostly just a lot of ridge walking in the woods.   It was definitely nice to hike with Patches - getting to know new people is great, and it really makes the miles fly by. We finished the hike and were back at the Port Clinton hotel by 5:30 - just in time to enjoy some great food and a couple of brews before turning in for the night. I don't intend to slack pack again, but if it works itself out in the future I definitely wouldn't be opposed - I felt like I could have easily done 35 miles, no problem. Unfortunately, I'll be back to carrying the normal pack again tomorrow!
Date: 2003-08-14
From: Eckville Shelter

To: Bake Oven Knob
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Last night I just couldn't fall asleep. I tossed and turned, stretched,read, one o'clock, two o'clock, three, four,. I know Rodent didn't sleep that well either, because I heard him too and turn as well. It was funny though because the section hiker just talked in his sleep and loud too. Rodents feet were raw as can be on the top of the toes. So the caretaker of the shelter let him use the phone to call home. His mom was going to pick him up so he can get the foot situation taken care of. So alone I hike in the gap of hikers. Tired with a very late start 10:30 I go. I know at that point with lack of sleep that I was not going to make big miles. So I just wanted to make the 15.3 but was going to shoot for 17.4 to Bake Oven Knob Shelter, if I could go farther that would be great!The weather was way hotter then the comfort zone would of liked it, I thought for sure it would rain, but luckly Mother Nature proved me wrong. When I arrived at the firest shelter in the hottest hours of the day, I just could not resist a break. Life was being good to me. A shaded cool place to eat with a minimal bug count. I enjoyed it so much I tried to take a nap, but being concerned about milage to Delaware Water Gap,it was imposible. After looking at the map, and trying to make arrangements to meet up with my friend for the weekend, I decided that I needed to get to a telephone. I knew there was a resturaunt four miles from where I was. So onward I go!I get to th resteraunt and get a coke and Ice cream, as I wated for the phone to clear. By the time I was able to use the phone it was 5:00, missed Julie at work and the cell phone, So I left a message, for her to hike South bound to meet me.Hiking out from the resteraunt was great. I finally got a taste of the rocks everyone talks about, I wish I wasn't so tired though. I hiked as far as Baked Oven Knob, one mile shy from the shelter. Once I saw this place I couldn't resist the sunset. With me being so tired it just mad the decision so much easier. I would sleep in my hammock free from rocks, eat in the last daylight, and catch a sunset on the ridge. This just mad me re-think my hike and realize this is what I'm out here for. I've forgotten that somewhere in Virginia Maryland and West Virginia were very lbnd for me, and so was most of penn. I'm finally getting my spunk and excitement back on this trail. I missed it. I think I'm going to just hike straight for katahdin and just try to catch up with the big group to finish. If not I'm just going to go as far as I can everyday, enjoying the things I came out to see. I am going to do at least 15 miles until NH with a very minimal day off. Let see how this goes. I hope I can get an early start tomorrow. I have 44.5 miles to Delaware Water Gap where I meet Julie in 2 days, Yipee!Buttercup
Date: 2013-08-03
From: Port Clinton

To: Allentown Hiking Club Shelter
Miles today: 22.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 78 - Allentown Hiking Club ShelterPatches and I hiked together again today, which was nice. It rained for the first 3-4 hours, but eventually cleared up. I had talked to my buddy Dunt (of the Four Horsemen), and he said that after Dan's Pulpit the rocks start becoming the stuff of PA legend. He was right. It became more littered with bruising rocks and required boulder hopping pretty much the rest of the way to the shelter. I hear that the rest of PA is the roughest yet - we'll see!
Date: 2003-08-24
To: West Mountain
Miles today: 23.0
Weather: clear sky

Wow! Today was great. I had awesome weather in the 80's, breeze, nd no humidity. I woke up around 6:30 wih a cool breeze. I decided to eat a cold breakfast. A lot of light weight hikers take a mouth full of uncooked oatmeal and wash it down it water. I tred that approach with left over coke from yesterday. It didn't go to well. I've decided I like my food cooked. I don't think I will ever try to save time that way again. So I atesome Frosted Flakes I picked out of a hiker box.I totally breezed through my first ten miles. Great time with better spirits. I saw in the hiker register boxes taht I was close to Slide Show Bob and Curly Dan. Great! This means I really don't have to push 30 miles to try to catch up.At NY-17 after I almost got hit by a speding car, I recieved some great trailmagic from a man named Pat. Cold Juice (I really mis juce because it doesn' kep well), peaches, chocolate cookies, and chitos. He also told me Slide Show, and Curly Dan here right in front of me, going to William Brien Memorial Shelter. I thought finally I get to see NOBOs.I hit the Lemon Squeezer today. A thiht squeeze, which is a big thru-hikr hightlight. I asked a lady wit the AMC hiking club to take my picture. I ended up answering lot of questions on my hike. It was realy cool. Thin I climbed the lemon queeze wth my pack on. I was excited about that because most hikers have toremove their packs. I had alot of climbs and views today. On Black Mountain you could see the skyline of New York City. It looked small and out of place (this is coming from an anti-city person). Today, I caught up to he 'vacationers' Slideshow Bob, Curly Dan, Singe, Nova, and Bosco it was nice. Tomorrow I'm heaed forthe Graymore Friary a 12.2 mile day. But f I ger there before 4:30 I have a fre diner, which is said to be out of this world.
Date: 2013-08-06
From: Leroy Smith Shelter

To: Delaware Water Gap
Miles today: 20.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 81 - Delaware Water Gap (Chruch of the Mountain Hostel)We had heard someone come into camp in the middle of the night, and when we awoke we found that it was Stooge! He had done 34 miles yesterday in desperation for water (it had been quite sparse)! We caught up a bit before packing up and heading out. Thank goodness PA is over, because the rocks were terrible. Worse than any other day yet. It went back and forth between bouldering and walking through what looked like a dried up creek bed. I found myself thinking that if I lived in this area I would never hike this section of trail - it's just no fun to be honest. If you want to beat your feet up, though, then this is your place!   Haley again dominated the trail, doing 20+ through the toughest day in PA. When we got to the hostel, Stooge, Patches, Hotshot and Data were all there! We had been split up for a little while, but somehow we all ended up in DWG together. We went and got the hot dog and piece of pie special (for $2.49 mind you) as an appetizer, then headed to the DWG Diner for dinner. We had a great time there, then headed over to the local bar to top it all off. Great end to a tough day!
Date: 2003-08-27
To: Past Telephon Pioneers Shelter
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: overcast clouds

My food supply is really low today, my tummy aches. I'm cuttting it so close. I decided to go into town to resupply. So as I'm taking a break trying to find a clossest store to the trail, to get FOOD and call home to tell them I'm going to be in tommorrow. Then I discovered I LOST MY WALLET! No cash, no ATM, no credit card, not even a calling card to call home with. I had to remind myself 'keep it together', home is thirty miles away. I still need to make a phone call in town. Telling myself to 'keep it together'. As I started to walk down the trail I ran into a SOBO hiker Whispers. He asked how I was doing. Trying very hard to 'keep it together' I told him I lost my wallet. I just wanted to cry! Then I took a deep breath in and asked if he had a couple of bucks. I've become a begger. But he was more then willing to give me three dollors. I was never so happy or thankful for three dollars., it touched my heart. I'm going to send him Hot Chocolate in the mail in return. I've previously had problems asking for help. So for me to ask was a big big step of courage. I've always wanted to be Miss. Independent and would have to much pride to ask for anything. So I fianlly make it to a Deli 1/2 mile off the road. "Mountain Top Market Deli" with my three dollars. The man behind the counter shows me some nice looking pasta and chicken parm, but I just smiled while my tummy was grumbling and said "I'm on a tight budget" then went on and asked very embarrassedly "Can I have four slices of bologna?" He asked were that tough, and I told him I lost my wallet. He made me a sandwich and asked for a prayer in return. I said "thank you" and tears just started rolling down my face. I 've lost it, it is very emotional. I'm sitting out side of the deli right now long after the sandwich and tears are just pouring down my cheeks, as I'm writting right now.I had to get myself back to the non-crying mode and get my lunch for tomorrow, 2 granola bars. I have a dollar left, I'm hoping that well get me something in Kent to hold me over until my rid shows up. It's 2:00pm right now and I have 30 miles ill home. I'll write more tonight . the crying buttercupI hiked to the telephone pioneers shelter. I'm hungry and tired but the shelter was everything but appeallin and the water sourse was dry. So I ate the rest of my food, leaving two grannola bars. Idecided to hike on. The day light faded fast and I was tired. I could tell because I was stumbling over every rock and root. I probalby didn't even make it more then a mile. I decided I had to stop. I really wanted to make at least 3 more miles, so I don't have to hike in 20+ miles tomorrow. I should of known 19 miles with a town stop is the average that I do hike. I spent more time in town today and I was emotional afterwards so my pace was way slower then normal. Tomorrow I will probably be late in town. I hope who ever picks me up is pacient. Well its 9:00 at night and feels like midnight. I'm exhausted!Goodnight, Buttercup
Date: 2013-08-08
From: Delaware Water Gap

To: Brink Road Shelter
Miles today: 24.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 83 - Brink Road Shelter I entered NJ today, and was glad to be here. It was rocky like PA for about the first 5-10 miles, but after that it was pretty smooth. Sunfish Pond was cool - it's one of those trail icons that make you look forward to NJ. It's a glacial lake up in the mountains, so I enjoyed it even though it was kind of foggy/hazy. While there I met a couple young guys from Holland who were in the midst of an epic cross country hitchhiking journey. They were almost done, and wanted to experience a little bit of the forest before they were finished. Aside from the weather, so far I'd say they chose a good section.   I saw what I believe was the first swamp of the trail, so that was a cool sight. I also crossed a road which has been closed since Sandy happened. I took a little break there, and it was definitely a little weird. I sat in the middle of the road, knowing that no cars would come. As I sat in the eery silence at what was once a fairly busy road, I couldn't help but envision The Walking Dead. I don't THINK everyone is dead and that there are walkers among us. However, I also haven't seen many people since...I got to the shelter just before a big storm rolled in, and hung out with Data and one of the NJ ridge runners. I spent the night dodging rain drops as they came in through the shelter roof.
Date: 2003-09-19
From: West Hartford, VT

To: Hanover, NH
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Wow, today I ate good! Breakfast: french toast, sausage, orange juice, and a capuccino. Lunch: carrot cake and cookies, super 2 hot dogs and soda. Okay, so not the most healthy, but I didn't have to cook.The hike from West Hartford to Hanover went quick. Hanover is a town that usually sucks people in. I was proud that I went in, did what I had to do, and made an exit. I didn't do my laundry in town, which I probably should have. But clean clothes on dirty body wouldn't make too much of a difference. Plus, I'll be at a hostel in 3 days that offers showers and laundry. There was an awesome co-op store that had a huge organic selection. I took a little advantage of the situation. Pears, cheese, granola, soups, and a not-so-organic hot chocolate. I also bought a mid-weight shirt so I think I have my whole layering set for the rest of the trail.I did my email update which took me over an hour deleting all the junk mail. I don't know if I'm going to have another chance to check the email before I finish. I bought Julie's birthday present and sent it. And my phone calls got done. My friend Julie is going to do Mt. Washington for her birthday on Sunday. She is obsessed with that mountain. Dennis and his family are planning a weekend getaway. So they might visit me, and if all goes well, I might get an all-you-can-eat dinner at Pinkham Notch.I hiked out of town at 6 pm and night-hiked until around 8:30-9:00. It was dark, and I was getting tired. I think I hiked about 17 miles, which I'm not too impressed with. I shouldn't have stayed so long in town.The weather was not as bad as expected today. No rain last night. A bit windy today with sprinkles. Windy now, but there is a half a sky of stars. My hammock smells a bit musty. I hope the winds help air it out as well as air me out, too. I stink!I guess I was ambitious today. I really did get a lot done, put in my least amount of miles, plus I even hung my food bag. Not the best of hanging jobs, but it will be more of an obstacle for any critter that wants it. I think I hear one in it. I don't want to know. So I'm not going to check. That's just another thing to worry about instead of sleep.Good night,Buttercup
Date: 2013-08-11
From: Prospect Rock

To: Little Dam Lake
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: light rain

Day 86 - Little Dam Lake I got up early so I could catch Stooge and get a ride into town from his folks. We all went to breakfast together, theb resupplied. I went to a coffee shop and hung out while they had family time, and eventually we got back to the trail. Another of Stooge's brothers is going to hike with him again, so I'm guessing they'll fall a little behind. I hiked the day alone, and didn't get as far as i had hoped because NY is HARD right now. The terrain profile looks unimposing, but there are countless 50 foot ups and downs which require the use of your hands. Definitely a tough day. I ended camping by a lake (which looks more like a pond) - it was quite a nice spot. Hopefully i'll make up the miles tomorrow!Today's song: "Master of Puppets" - Metallica
Date: 2003-09-20
From: Hanover, NH

To: The Cabin Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Wow, a lot of climbing today. I'm whooped. I'm going to sleep. I'll write a late entry tomorrow.12:35 am -- I slept 4 hours and feel like I've slept 20. I woke up very thirsty! But I used up all my water on supper so I just had to hike 200+ yards down hill to fill up my water bottle. I really didn't mind the walk tonight. The sky is clear as can be and there is a nice cool breeze. I almost forgot what a clear NH sky brings. It is one of the most peaceful things. Calm with thousands of stars. It reminds you of how large this world is, but at the same time reminds you that you are part of it. I just took off my clogs and my feet are very muddy. I'm glad I got to see how dirty they are so I can wipe them before putting them in my already gross sleeping bag.Today I had some nice hiking. I hit two cliff ranges that just wiped me out. I thought I was just tired from lack of sleep but I did 3 climbs today. I wanted to do 5 more miles and push on, but the cabin was so inviting. I was hungry and way too tired.I thought of quitting the trail today up my last climb. My body was tired and I'm more than ready to finish. I cried going up the hill, torn between giving up and letting go fo the goal of the trail or pushing on, wearing out my body.Right now my spirits are back up and after seeing this sky I just think how beautiful these mountains are. I have not seen many clear skies on this trip as I wished for, but I think I've enjoyed the ones I have seen at a much more deeper level than hikers in the past years.This hike has given me way more than I could have imagined in my life. As I had tears in my eyes, I just thought on no matter what you do to prepare for this adventure, you will never be prepared for the Appalachian Trail. It is an experience that no matter how much you talk to people, how much you read, or how many documentaries you watch, you will never know the struggles and beauty until you make it your lifestyle. It's amazing! I love it, but I'm also almost ready to let go of the trail. I'm so close to Katahdin, but the trail is no longer about Katahdin for me. It's taught me there is more in life than Katahdin and sometimes you get more out of something in life than you expected. I'm happy and proud with how far I've come. I've learned that I can handle obstacles that are thrown in my way. I've also learned that I can let go of obstacles that held me back in life. No time to go forward with my life. Will I go home tomorrow? I don't know.As I just took in a big inhale, I felt a sigh of relief in the exhale. Relief.
Date: 2013-08-12
From: Little Dam Lake

To: Hemlock Spring Campsite
Miles today: 24.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 87 - Hemlock Spring Campsite The first 8.5 miles today was brutal. Steep ups and downs, climbing, and rocks. It took like 5 hours to do 8.5, and when I got to Tiorati Lake I considered calling it a day. However, after eating a ton of food and resting for like an hour and a half, I figured I'd give it another try. The first 5 miles went by quickly and easily, as the terrain lightened up significantly. I gained a little confidence that not ALL of New York would be brutal, and decided to give it hell and see where i ended up. There were a couple of hard climbs in there, but for the most part it was good. When I got to the monument at the top of Bear Mountain, who else was there but Uno and Lotus! I had caught up to then even with my stop in town yesterday. Together, we hiked down the other side of the mountain, crossed the Hudson (another of the AT "you've made it" kind of points, at least to me!) and climbed a ridiculously steep mountain in the dark before setting up camp. It was a really hard day overall, but I'm proud of how far I made it after i considered quitting for the day. I'm feeling confident!Also, i met the guy who (at least claims he) got bikes banned from the AT. The story goes that years ago he was going to try to be the first to ever bike the trail (well a combo of bike and carrying the bike when riding is impossible). He gathered sponsors and intended to write a book about it. He contacted the ATC and was told that, although frowned upon, biking was technically not forbidden. He thought he was golden, until the next day when he received a telegram. Apparently the ATC had called an emergency meeting the night before (after he called) and decided to officially ban biking on the trail. What an awesome story! I hope it's true. Today's song: "The Call" - Killswitch Engage
Date: 2003-03-10
From: Amicolola Falls

To: Springer Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 0.2
Weather: clear sky

After spending Saturday in Atlanta, and yesterday getting to Gainesville, today we got to Amicalola Falls about 10.30am. We both got an unpleasant shock when we hung our packs on the scales - mine weighed in at 52lbs, Verity's at 45lbs! Well over what we estimated. No question we'll have to do something about that when we get to Neel's Gap. We already sent back the one-man tent from Gainesville. First day's hike has been fairly hard. With three hard climbs, and several other lesser ones, we started the day at 1,800 feet and finished at Springer Mountain about 3,800 feet. We took about seven hours and got there about 6pm with an hour of daylight left. A beautiful, bright day, the sunset at Springer Mountain was something to see. By the time we'd got the tent up, worked out how to use the bear pulleys to hang our food, we cooked and ate in the dark with our headlamps. Only a couple of hikers in the shelter - Jeff from Florida and another Jeff from Washington state. A few others arrived and pitched tents. It's a beautiful moonlit night.
Date: 2013-09-04
From: Bill Ackerly's House

To: Trail Angels' House
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: broken clouds

Day 110 - Trail Angel Paul and Claudia's HouseWe had great views today on top of Smarts Mountain. The skies were clear, and there was a fire tower on top which offered a nice panorama. Later, we went over Mt. Cube and that offered good views too. We ran into Bud again on Mt. Cube, and we hung out up there for a good half hour before descending down to 25A. Early on in my hike, I got a message through trail journals from a trail angel named Claudia. She had been following my trip on TJ, and she and her husband Paul offered to let me stay at their place once I got up here (assuming I would make it another 1500+ miles ).   As I got closer to NH, we kept in contact and the offer was still on the table, so today was the day to finally meet them! The Voice was with me as well, and they invited him to stay in their lovely home too. They even cooked us burgers, hot dogs, and made us molasses cookies - what more could I ask for?!? We spent most of the evening sitting at the dining room table getting to know each other. We talked a bunch about the trail and the experience, and about life in general. It was really great to get to know them after anticipating it for so long. They were just as nice and giving as I hoped they would be, and this was definitely one of the best nights on the trail!   We also had the honor of meeting their two little granddaughters, who were super cute and very interested in hanging out with us, as well as their two pooches. It was a great night, and hopefully we'll have the chance to meet again one day!