morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-07-18
From: Wildcat Shelter

To: Lakes Road crossing
Miles today: 1.5
Weather: clear sky

Had my ultimate trail angel, after God of course, Miss Robin pick me up and retrieve my beloved ECCO boots that may have been hot, but delivered a month with zero feet issues. I nursed the blisters with duct tape and moleskin, great meal shower and back on the trail.
Date: 2016-07-19
From: Lakes Road crossing

To: Fingerboard Shelter
Miles today: 12.8
Weather: few clouds

Back on the trail after an intense rain and cold front brought beautifu dry air. Awesome hike to Fingerboard shelter passing some incredible lakes and, the lemon squeezer. Thought it was a joke! You have to crawl thru a tunnel then along a crack between huge boulders: bit over a foot wide. I couldn't find a way around and proceeded to get stuck. Should have taken my pack off. I've tried and hopefully uploaded photos. After skinning my elbows, knees, and pack made it thru and on to the campsite where a lively discussion ensued about the squeezer.
Date: 2016-07-20
From: Fingerboard Shelter

To: Bear Mountain Inn
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Left Fingerboard and immediately found a note that there were three rattlesnakes 50 yards ahead. They scattered before I could find them. Even with my good boots my feet aren't getting better and I will need to take a break. Black mountain brings the first views of the Manhattan skyline and when I reached for my phone to memorialize the moment it was gone! Retracing my steps along the cliffs I just climbed I found it teetering on the edge! As I created the mountain the roar of Palisades Parkway two miles down was clearly heard. You have to run across to the median! A half mile north is the visitors center for Harriman Park (water and potty!!). Two more mountains: West and Bear left.On West I met "Ghostrider" a southbound veteran tells me the trail is about to smooth out. My unit 1/17 Air Calvary traded our horses for helicopters but we always remain Ghostriders! God Bless brother and happy trails South! West mountain has great views of Bear and the Hudson River. The trail up Bear is incredible, carved out of the granite as stairs so it was a quick climb to the top and Perkins Memorial Tower with clear views of the Hudson, Manhattan skyline, and the Bear Mtn bridge. A quick two miles down to the Bear Mountain Inn and some relief for my feet! I have hiked 347 miles on this adventure: I've lost 26lbs and feel fantastic!
Date: 2016-09-03
From: Bear Mountain Inn

To: Dennytown Road Fahnestock State Park
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: clear sky

Robin had the Eagle on the trail by 7:50a, great job! Trail leaves Bear mountain inn and goes thru the zoo that doesn't open until 10a. Was able to jump the bypass chain and get into the zoo and over the bridge. Great cool weather and trail is much easier. Wish my ears worked as well as my nose, the doe estrus was nauseating: they must rut earlier up here. Met Mickey and Minnie Southbound since May. Long Toes NoBo. Just South of Albany Post Road in a fallen hiker with a nasty gash on her knee that was cut very deep and bleeding. She had fallen on the only sharp rock amidst all the river rocks. We exchange names and I was able to clean the wound but not stop the bleeding without pressurebut with pressure the bleeding did stop I put a piece of her torn dress on top of a pad and wrapped it with two turns of duct tape and it does it stemed the bleeding. Mary I suspect if you're reading this I should address she was sister Mary. You were wearing a crucifix and never uttered an off-color word. I kidded her that her prayers were weak and she said, "you came didn't you? And, she had already called for help to get her to the road! Ended a delightful day at Denningtown road with Philosopher, SOBO. Total miles thus far 362. Robin and Jim extracted me from the trail for a shower and awesome meal.
Date: 2016-09-04
From: Dennytown Road Fahnestock State Park

To: Ralph's Peak Hiker Sheltet
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Took a zero day to go to the Airshow at Stewart AFB and see the Thunderbirds....awesome show! Beautiful cool day for the trail thru Fahnestock State park. Love this park, took a detour to Canopus lake for fries and a burger then climbed to the top of Shenandoah mountain with the 91 memorial flag painted on top. Descended to one of the nicest shelters yet! The new Solong 6 tent is truly perfection! Thanks Judy and all the folks at Lightheart Gear in Asheville!!
Date: 2016-09-05
From: Ralph's Peak Hiker Shelter

To: Telephone Pioneers Shelter
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: few clouds

This is Labor Day and there are a lot of road crossings over this section of trail. Being Labor Day there are also a lot of hikers that are not through hikers. The biggest issue on this whole section of New York is water. The water at the shelter and most of the water on the ground is contaminated and even with treatment and a filter much of the metals still come through and leave you feeling nauseous.   As a result I've had to carry an exceptionally large amount of water. Both the Hudson river valley and the next valley to the east with the throughway are plagued with constant noise that carries clearly right up to the ridge in until you this send below the ridge on the other side you don't have the wilderness feeling!   Occasionally it feels so close that you feel like you're walking along the side of the interstate!   I suggest bringing earplugs for this section! Once I was able to to cross Highway 84 and the next ridge, the trail is absolutely beautiful and dead quiet.   The New York hiking club has done an exquisite job of maintaining in marking his whole section of the trail.   Although most of it's relatively flat there are still any of rocks to climb up and down! If you like parties there were invitations all along the trail for Labor Day celebrations! I arrived at the telephone pioneers shelter with no one here! And I am looking forward to a nice peaceful sleep tonight. Weather is awesome there's a touch of fall in the air and the leaves are already turning the trail yellow and brown.
Date: 2016-09-06
From: Telephone Pioneers Shelter

To: Ten Mile campsite
Miles today: 12.9

Hello, are we still in New York! The trail out of telephone pioneers shelter is smooth very few rocks and could be an ad for Bill Bryson. Water is scarce on this section of the trail because of the drought. I took a detour for a couple extra miles that I'm not recording at highway 22 I went south to Tony's deli for a phone charge, breakfast, and water. I continue to hike to the Connecticut border through beautiful farm fields and woods. I saw absolutely no one other than Tony's deli for most of the day. I stopped at Wiley shelter and use the hand pump to wash up and treated a quart of water. I met "Which Way" finishing her last section after ten years and she indicated there was probably water at White Road which is the border of New York and Connecticut. There was beautiful spring water jugs at the road crossing. All that was left is the long climb up 10 mile Hill and a lovely descent along ten mile river where it intersects with the Housatonic River. Enjoyed a dip in the river and a nice sunset. The new Solung 6 is an awesome tent with lots of ventilation- very nice on the warm evening!
Date: 2016-09-07
From: Ten Mile campsite

To: Mt Algo Shelter
Miles today: 8.6
Weather: clear sky

Yes 8.3 doesn't sound like much until you go straight up rock my rock. This was a very painful hike but very pretty. It was quite hot and humid at the bottom but decent at the top. I carried 2 1/2 quarts of water and drink all of it in 7 miles. All the listed water sources were dry. The next shelter is too far to make before dark and I would have to stealth camp. Since I am meeting Moondog tomorrow it would be very difficult to coordinate a rendezvous so, this afternoon is a nice break. In the morning I'll climb down off the mountain to Connecticut Highway 341 read Moondog and will slack back for six hours and Robin will pick us up. And that will conclude this short leg. The total mileage the trail journals shows is completely off and when I have time I can enter in all the missing dates so that should be correct but at the moment we are a little over 400 miles completed.
Date: 2016-09-08
From: Mt Algo Shelter

To: Dawn Hill Road MM 1476.3
Miles today: 10.9
Weather: light rain

Left Mt Algo at 7:30 to meet Moondog at 8:30a. Had 10 Princeton student hikers drop in last night and camp behind the shelter. Walked a mile into Kent for breakfast at the Village restaurant then a nice hike up the Housitonic, of course the AT makes you climb Caleb Mtn first. It was hot and humid so it was really nice to slack pack with Moondog. Met several SOBOs that left Katadin about June 10th. Leaves at the top were starting to turn yellow. The Lightheart Solong 6 is an awesome tent. The wide open screen sides really allow ventilation on these hot humid nights. Robin and her parents, Jim and Maria picked us up at Dawn Hill Rd near Cornwall for a nice end to this section and a great visit with Moondog. We celebrated with ice cream in Kent running into Breeze and Mosey SOBO. At this point I have completed 422.3 miles of the AT and am returning to NC to do 30 miles in the Smokies to pick up the hundred mile Centenial patch then, I try to get in more miles on the AT in North Carolina and Virginia. With luck I can rejoin Moondog next April and go from Connecticut to Katahdin. Until ...
Date: 2016-10-06
From: Allen Gap

To: Jerry Cabin Shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Marie aka J-Walker picked me up at 6 dark thirty at Johnny's Nolichucky Hostel and shuttled back to Allen Gap. Weather was lovely and cool for the climb and hiked the firescald ridge to Firescald Knob - Great views. I am carrying 34 lbs with five days food and extra water. At the end of the day will have hiked 433.9 miles of the AT. I saw no-one and had the trail to myself. As so often is the case when nature is undisturbed, a wild boar was feeding right on the trail and disappeared before I could get the iPhone unlocked to take a pic. I hadn't hiked more than another mile walking into the wind and a small bear feeding off the side of the trail that also quickly disappeared. This section of trail offers lots of very private and gorgeous campsites for the casual hiker if willing to hike several miles from roads. When I reached the shelter, there was no one. After I came back from getting water, Gone Walking, showed up. He actually grew up in Raleigh and graduated from Broughton High School. He now lives in Jefferson. Hiked the AT to Conn. As I was settling in, a couple young fellas, one just out of the Army and one just going in, dropped in anxious to learn about hiking the trail. Perfect day!
Date: 2016-10-07
From: Jerry Cabin Shelter

To: Hogback Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: few clouds

Left somewhat late in the morning after coffee and oatmeal. "Gone Walking" had an hour start, guess he knew we had rain coming! It was a long slog with awesome views and the rain didn't come down hard but still got soaked. Boots were full of water. Met Colonel an Grandpa, two retired Army Rangers slack packing to Allen Gap SOBO. Finally got to the shelter and into dry thermal underwear. Later Web and Scout showed up SOBO. He hiked non-stop twenty miles from Erwin! Next morning Jildabeast passed through to use the facilities and had spent the rainy night in a tent. Hurricane Matthew had joined with the cold front and a strong wind was blowing down trees along the ridge.
Date: 2016-10-08
From: Hogback Ridge Shelter

To: Bald Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: broken clouds

There are days that really suck and this one comes close. Matthew and the cold front have joined forces. The AT turns Southeast over this section and the North Wind was blowing across the ridge here generally around 5,000 feet at maybe 35 to 45 mph. This additionally was in the clouds and raining. My pants and boots were still soaked and I didn't want to sacrifice my last dry thermal underwear and socks, ditched the wet underwear and pulled on the wet pants, stuffed my feet into wet boots and started moving to get warm. I couldn't see squat through my glasses in the wind, rain and fog and promptly slipped on the first descent, breaking my fall with my wrist. After several miles the trail leaves the ridge for an welcome break and the peaceful Moye Gap. I was finally warm and alone. Don't ask me why but the peace was incredible so.. I pressed on, crossed Sam's gap and started the long climb up Bald. The wind and rain now added dropping temperatures and hypothermia started to set in so I stopped and pulled off the wet Froggie and started layering by which time I was shaking and shivering all over. I pressed on harder and realized that I really needed water! Found a clean trickle coming down the mountain and filled the bottles and continued the climb...now in the clouds. The trees were breaking and branches flying all over the place. As I approached the Bald the deer couldn't even see me! This bald is huge and on a clear day must be awesome. Finally, on the other side I descended to the Bald Shelter and crawled into my thermals and sleeping bag. By morning the temperature had dropped to 36 degrees and although still windy, it was dry!
Date: 2016-10-09
From: Bald Mountain Shelter

To: Uncle Johnny's Nolichucky Shelter/Raleigh
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: overcast clouds

It appeared I needed to get back to Raleigh to clean up wind damage. Also, I was very tired of my wet clothes. I wore the wet socks over my last dry pair to dry them and by three in the morning they were nice and toasty dry. It got very cold and I had to layer on everything I had. Once out of the sack, I just wanted to get moving with only thin gloves. My wet pants dried in the dry cold wind in about 15 minutes, but the soaking wet boots just soaked immediately through the socks and I had almost 17 miles to go! Gone Walking was planning to go to the next shelter, No Business Knob, so he slept a bit longer. I got up early and just left. Had a great break at Spivey Gap. Trail Angel, Lightening Man, had cokes, bananas, and twinkles! Life is good. I laid my wet socks on the asphalt and dried my feet before hiking the last. Good thing about this long leg the ups and downs average a lot more down. Cresting Temple Hill, the views of the Nolichucky river were incredible and the post storm air crystal clear. I arrived back to Johnny's at about 6P, took a shower and put on fresh clothes then went into Erwin for a feast!! Against my better judgment, I headed home to Raleigh, arriving at 11:30p. This will probably be it for this year since I'm heading to Colorado next month to ski. So far I have hiked 475.9 miles of the AT this year. Still about fifty more in NC. All of Georgia, part of Tennesse, New Jersey, Connecticut and all of New York. Robin joined me for an additional 30 plus in the Smokies. May God Bless all who have been so supportive of this adventure, particularly Robin, without whom I couldn't not have juggled the details. It has truly been an awesome experience and one I so look forward to continuing..
Date: 2017-04-01
From: Uncle Johnny's Nolichucky Shelter/Raleigh

To: Indian Grave Gap
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: clear sky

Colonel Bert graciously fed then drove Julie and the Eagle to Erwin, TN. Weather was overcast and cool with the sun coming out at the end of the day. Julie is strong and easily kept pace with the eagle??????. We hit the trail at 11:30 for a steady climb to Indian Grave Gap and camped on the ridge above the gap. Feels good to be back on the trail ..equipment is working well with both of us carrying 30#.
Date: 2017-04-02
From: Indian Grave Gap

To: Low Gap
Miles today: 9.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Very cold night with a lot of wind but beautiful morning and trail angels twice. No privies at any of the shelters nor bear cables. Shelters look rough so unless wx gets bad we will tent ... bad storm supposed to hit tomorrow morning. Both of us started getting sore feet so we are taking it slow to break them in!
Date: 2017-04-03
From: Low Gap

To: Little Rock Knob
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: few clouds

Got up at first light to try to put some miles down before the approaching storm. Very windy on the ridge about 30 gusting 40 then the rain! We got soaked and boots full of water! Clyde Smith shelter is simply nasty and was full. Since the storm had passed and we were exhausted but pressed on to Little Rock Knob and camped all alone. Very peaceful and we're treated to a spectacular sunset. The trail has much more traffic than last year and surprising since it is so early. We are getting off the trail tomorow for a zero day and to reposition the support vehicle. There is a snow storm forecast for Friday so we may adjust and slack pack a bit. Bald Eagle
Date: 2017-04-04
From: Little Rock Knob

To: Carver Gap
Miles today: 8.7
Weather: overcast clouds

It rained during the night so all our gear is wet. Woke up to a gorgeous sunshine and nice breeze: perfect for the long steep climb up Roan Mtn. At the tree line we stopped to rest in Ash Gap and dry out the gear. A couple from Switzerland showed with two stray beagles that attached to Julie. We pressed on looking forward to Bert picking us up on schedule at five. Right on time we arrived to find Bert with Robin! My birthday present! And, again Bert provided a welcome break with a steak dinner and goood company. We will take a zero day or two while severe weather passes at the Black Bear Resort and regroup.
Date: 2017-04-05
From: Carver Gap

To: Carver Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

With wind and snow all over Roan Mountain we took the opportunity to reposition our support Jeep to Damascus VA and settle in at the Black Bear Resort and celebrate the Eagle's birthday on Watauga Lake at the Captain's Table Waterfront restaurant. Plan to pick up the trail early tomorrow morning at Carver Gap. The lake shelter and environs at Watauga is closed for bear activity and requires a 19 mile run to make the next camping spot.
Date: 2017-04-08
From: Carver Gap

To: Bradley Gap
Miles today: 8.5
Weather: overcast clouds

After three zero days at the Black Bear Resort we reprovisioned and ferried the support Jeep to Damascus VA. The cold front dropped snow on the high ridges and trail. Robin dropped us back at Carvers Gap this morning and we headed north again in a freezing wind on an icy trail. The wind died down; the sun came out and the trail became very slippery and muddy. We decided to camp early at Bradleys Gap and enjoy an early start tomorow. It will be mostly downhill to a lower and much warmer elevation for all of next week..Amen!
Date: 2017-04-08
From: Carver Gap

To: Bradley Gap
Miles today: 8.5
Weather: clear sky

After three zero days at the Black Bear Resort we reprovisioned and ferried the support Jeep to Damascus VA. The cold front dropped snow on the high ridges and trail. Robin dropped us back at Carvers Gap this morning and we headed north again in a freezing wind on an icy trail. The wind died down; the sun came out and the trail became very slippery and muddy. We decided to camp early at Bradleys Gap and enjoy an early start tomorow. It will be mostly downhill to a lower and much warmer elevation for all of next week..Amen!
Date: 2017-04-09
From: Bradley Gap

To: Elk River
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Absolutely awesome day. Woke up to clear skies with temps in low 20's and ice in our water but calm winds. Nice oatmeal and hot coffee for the climb up Hump mountain. Entering the gap for Hump Mountain is spectacular! And, the view up the bald is magical, one of the highlights of the entire trip. From the top the view is also spectacular with a close view of the backside of Beech and Sugar mountains. Grandfather around to Roan and Tennessee is right there. We tromped through mud for several miles until descending below the snow line after which the path dried out, plants became green and, temperatures rose into the 80's!a good 60 degree difference in one day. Jones Falls just a short jaunt off the trail is also spectacular so we took the detour then descended to lush green fields along the Elk river to a campsite complete with a symphony of crickets and frogs under a star filled sky. They say you can experience all seasons in a day on the AT and today proved it!!
Date: 2017-04-10
From: Elk River

To: Spring at MM410.4
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Lots of folks on the trail, perhaps because it's Spring break. We had zero phone or internet signalAt the campsite and on most of the trail. Much lower and the ground is warmer. Day temp rise to 80 and the weather was perfect. We slept 11 hours - best night ever! We have confirmed cabin at Black Bear Resort for Tuesday night so Tuesday is a short day. There is no phone or internet signal at the resort so I'll update later. Because of Bear acitivity we have to hike straight thru the Watauga Lake area without camping and the shelter is closed so tomorrow will be a very long hike with full packs!
Date: 2017-04-11
From: Spring at MM410.4

To: Black Bear Resort
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: clear sky

Nice beautiful mostly downhill hike to Black Bear Resort. Both Jules and the Eagle are having minor foot issues and the next leg is long and through an area closed due to Bear activity so we made arrangements for our packs to be shuttled leaving us truly a nice walk in the woods with only "slack packs". Great evening at the resort.
Date: 2017-04-13
From:  Wibur Dam Road MM431.4

To: Iron Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: clear sky

Had a shuttle with Bob for breakfast at the Southern Restaurant then back to the trail for a late start at 10a. The ridge above Watauga Lake is an easy walk with spectacular views but subject to extreme weather as us evidenced by the numerous trees blown down. We are trying to make our Saturday reservations in Damascus but are still sore from the climb yesterday.
Date: 2017-04-14
From: Iron Mountain Shelter

To: Locust Knob
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Planned to make Damascus tomorrow but we have been enjoying the easy walk on the ridge with such great views, our mileage sort of died. We will split the remaining 17 miles to Damascus into 2 days. This will allow us more camp time to relax and read the Easter portions of the gospels and to reflect together on the meaning of the season. Then, because Julie will have to leave for an appointment, we can really celebrate her accomplishment of completing the entire Erwin to Damascus section and, experiencing all four seasons! About 130 miles...Bravo Julie!!
Date: 2017-04-15
From: Locust Knob

To: MM 465.2
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: heavy intensity rain

Got an early start with a possible arrival in Damascus today but iffy weather. When the raindrops started this afternoon Jules scouted the ridge for tent spots and we made an early stop just off the border of TN/VA and got the tents up and gear inside just in time for the rain! Should be a quick run to town to shower and wash clothes before Robin arrives. We plan to reprovision and relocate the Jeep further North.
Date: 2017-04-16
From: MM 465.2

To: Damascus
Miles today: 4.9
Weather: snow

We zipped down into Damascus for breakfast at MoJo's. Robin drove up to join us for a celebration of Julie's trip. We ran into our new hiker friends Billy Ray, Robbie and Candice along with Good Life and Marty at MoJo's. We walked to the Broken Fiddle Hostel for showers and laundry. Damascus is totally charming and super hiker friendly. All the houses and yards beautifully manicured. We took Blue Ray to Walmart to reprovision then checked into the hotel in Abington where we left the Jeep. Tomorrow we will move the Jeep to Pearisburg and drop a bounce box in Atkins then return to Abington with a return to the trail with Blue Ray early Tuesday morning.