morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-05-09
From: Peters Mountain shelter

To:  Yellow Spring Village campsite 
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: scattered clouds

A group of six hikers arrived late at the shelter last night and it was about 9:30 by the time they got settled in and quiet. Long past hiker midnight. Shadow and I woke early and started packing up as we wanted to get a jump on the predicted heat and humidity. The trail was the usual scattering of Pennsylvania rocks but the heat was oppressive and the climb north after crossing Pennsylvania 325 seem to last forever. I stopped at the top of the incline in a pine grove and spread my ground tarp for lunch and a rest. Vicky, one of the 6 hikers from last nights shelter, soon joined me with pictures of a huge rattlesnake she just encountered on the trail coming up the hill. I'm always on the lookout for rattlesnakes and twice believe I've heard what may have been the warning rattle as I passed by, but other than a quick glance, never went back to investigate. After a longer than usual break I moved on up the trail. The campsite I had in mind had no water so I needed to resupply before camp. I passed by several streams but didn't want to add the water weight until the last possibility so stopped at Rattling Run. The water from the run was a little greenish but after I filtered I added some chlorine dioxide tablets to make sure it was potable. I arrived at Yellow Springs Village campsite late afternoon and was glad to get there. A mailbox with a few journal entries mark the spot. I set up my tent and settled in and Shadow soon arrived. She also saw a rattlesnake on the trail today. I think I just step over them.We were joined later by a hiker who had done a 26 mile day. Not much conversation from him. He was exhausted and in his hammock soon sleeping. Close to dark Rebel Yell stopped by camp. Because of the heat, he stopped in the middle of the day and was planning to do some night hiking to the next shelter. The last time I saw Rebel Yell was at Pinegrove Furnace state park where he completed his half gallon challenge. I threw a bear line and was successful after only three attempts. Shadow and I hung our food bags and went to our tents. The bugs were crazy and I was tired. A long hot day but a good day on the AT.
Date: 2015-05-10
From:  Yellow Spring Village campsite 

To: Swarta Gap
Miles today: 10.7

I woke to a foggy damp Mother's Day. I'd had a good nights sleep in my tent but my first thought was that I needed to give myself a Mother's Day shower! I looked in the guide and found a shuttle possibility and a Comfort Inn but I had no phone reception. I packed up, wished Shadow a happy Mother's Day and began hiking north stopping occasionally to check for reception. A nice easy 5 mile hike to the Rausch Gap Shelter where I came across four day hikers and their dog. We talked for a while but I still had no reception. A sign by the trail says that this is the site of the village of Rausch Gap from 1829 to 1910. A coal mining and railroad community both of which failed in the area. A community of 1000 people and little evidence of it exists. I stopped for a break on top of Second Mountain. A fellow hiker, Dusty, passed saying that he wanted to get into Lickdale for a hot meal and planned to hitchhike. I continued on and when I got close to PA 72 I was able to get reception. I talked to Joyce who agreed to meet me at the iron bridge at 3:00 and take me to the Comfort Inn. My Mother's Day was saved. I arrived at the iron bridge an hour early so I was able to relax and take in the views. A bench on the hillside above their bridge was my resting spot. I realized that I was so focused on getting out of the woods I didn't spend a lot of time looking around. I'm glad I had that hour to simply sit and rest and watch the birds.
Date: 2015-05-11
From: Swatara Gap Iron Bridge

To: 501 Shelter
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: scattered clouds

After my Mother's Day break at the Comfort Inn Joyce picked me up at 10:00 and took me back to the iron bridge. As soon as I got on the trail I met Newfound, a hiker who had started at Springer Mountain in Georgia this year. A short time later I hiked underneath the I-81 overpass and was approached by what I believe to be a homeless young woman. She simply said "you're so lucky" as I hiked by. I am...hikers carry only essentials and enough food to get to the next resupply point but I can return to my home and family at any time. I don't know that she can. I wish her the best. I stopped at William Penn Shelter and met a father and son on a short section hike. They were also from Ohio. I considered spending the night but after a break decided to hike the remaining 4 miles to 501 Shelter. I'm glad I did. It was an easy country lane hike until the last mile which became very rocky but there was a fantastic view at Kimmel Lookout just before the shelter. When I arrived at the shelter I was greeted by Shadow and Newfound and several other hikers. A fully enclosed shelter with a bunkbeds and a huge plexiglas hexagon opening in the middle. Potable water was provided by a caretakers hose next door and a solar shower was something less than I expected. Shadow and I planned the next few days of hiking. We were both tired and hurting. We'll take a short day tomorrow.
Date: 2015-05-12
From: 501 Shelter

To: Hertline Campsite
Miles today: 5.6
Weather: broken clouds

A slow start this morning but we finally got on the trail. We planned a short day to give ourselves some rest and I was feeling much better today. We took the trail slowly and Shadow and I hiked together all day. We took a break and enjoyed a beautiful view at the shower steps trail. Hertline campsite is right beside a beautiful stream. The campsites are on a mountainside so there are several different levels with at least five different camping areas on both sides of the stream. Shadow recently read a book about Grandma Emma Gatewood and read that she had camp here at Hertlein many years ago. Another opportunity to let the imagination wander. We were joined later in the evening by Hermit, a thru-hiker who started March 3 at Springer Mtn. in Georgia. The Springer bubble of hikers is getting close. A nice, take it easy, slow hiking day on the AT.
Date: 2015-05-13
From: Hertline Campsite

To: Eagles Nest Shelter
Miles today: 9.5
Weather: clear sky

The hike today was easy-going. I kept hearing that the rocks were going to become more challenging after 501 Shelter but either I have just grown accustomed to the rocks or the hardest is yet to come. I suspect the latter. Shadow was a good bit behind me so I stopped and took a break with a trail maintenance person who was eating his lunch. He is 72 years old and he and his wife have been managing this section of trail for 29 years. Amazing!!! When Shadow joined us we continued our hike to Eagles Nest Shelter and found some more of those Pennsylvania rocks on the way. We decided to tent near the shelter rather than sleep in the shelter. We were joined by a husband and wife who are flip flopping to Maine then hiking south from SNP to Springer. Another peaceful nights sleep and another good AT day. PS. Forgot to mention we ran into Old Scout again yesterday.
Date: 2015-05-14
From: Eaglesnest Shelter

To: Port Clinton
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

The hike from Eaglesnest to Port Clinton was through state game lands. Shadow and I hiked together most of the day. A section of our hike was plagued by tiny webbed worms falling from the trees.  I wore my hat but wished for an umbrella. We stopped for a break at Alburn Lookout to clean off the worms.  The descent into Port Clinton was dramatic, 982 feet in 1.6 miles. We met a local hiker who was a botanist and he accompanied us down to  the Schuylkill Trail identifying every plant and tree along the way. We saw many American Chestnut saplings but we're told they become diseased and die well before maturing. The AT crosses the Port Clinton Trainyard and continues into town but as we were about to cross we found trail magic in the crotch of a tree.  A supply of Gatoraid and a huge box of Dunkin' Donuts welcomed us. As we walked by the Port Clinton firehouse I was greeted by a local volunteer fireman who quizzed me on how I would react if bitten by a rattlesnake. I passed the test. He wanted to make sure hikers know not to cut and suck. Shadow and I continued on to the Port Clinton Hotel which was about a half-mile off the trail. A historic building once used as a stagecoach stop. We shared a typical hiker room which was almost clean, with furnishings appropriately aged and a broken door lock. The bathroom was down the hall and had plenty of hot water so that made everything alright. We ate a good meal in the restaurant downstairs and were done for the night.
Date: 2015-04-07
From: Neel Gap

To: Low Gap Shelter 
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: light rain

After a very nice gathering at the Mountain Crossing Hostel, we pack up very soggy gear and head off to Low Gap.The weather is better, some sun.Absolutely torrential rain last night has left our gear soaked and heavy. The air contains more moisture than I have felt in a decade. At 3 pm we reach trail mai at Tenata Gap. Christian themed group handing out goodies. We have a soda and snack, then move on quickly.We arrive at Low Gap at 6 pm to find familiar faces.
Date: 2015-04-08
To: Unicoi Gap
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: overcast clouds

The ten miles today came harder than the 11 miles yesterday. Hot, hazy, and humid conditions make the walk difficult. We get some nice views with many small waterfalls, springs and seeps.We separated today and walked at our own pace. Danielle beat me to Unicoi Gap by about 15 minutes. I listened to music today for the first time on the trsil... it was wonderful. We jumped a shuttle to Hiawassee at about 4 pm. Had Mexican food and grabbed a room at a slightly antiquated motel. Planning and scheming for tomorrow.
Date: 2015-04-20
From: Brown Fork Gap

To: Fontana Dam Shelter 
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: light rain

Unfortunately, it is difficult to maintain the blog with spotty signal and the burden of charging devices. We're doing well with over 170 miles of hiking under our belts.Slightly behind schedule due to heavy rains. .. however, our spirits are high and we don't think we're too far off pace.
Date: 2014-08-03
To: Hello!
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Hello!welcome to our Adventure! I am Trashman and this is Tumbles. Our goal is to hike the Appalachian Trail starting at Springer Mountain and hiking to Katadyn. We are a brother and sister team with support being our family. We hope that you follow our story and get inspired to Hike too. Happy hiking and Confido.
Date: 2014-08-15
To: Who is Tumbles?
Miles today: 0.0

Hey! I am Tumbles and I want to tell you the story of my trail name. Back in the Fall of 2010 my Dad said, ¢We are going backpacking.¢ I replied, ¢What is backpacking?¢ My Dad told me all about backpacking. It sounded fun, I was excited. Six days later, we had our gear together. My brother Trashman and I wanted to know where we were going backpacking that weekend. Dad told us, ¢The Appalachian Trail.¢ Trashman was excited! My other brother Bug and I did not know what the Appalachian Trail was all about. So Trashman told us what he knew about the trail.         The next day we were at the Appalachian Trail. We got out of the car and headed up Springer Mountain. On the way up, I could not believe how beautiful the wilderness appeared. When we got to the top, we took a few photos and signed the log hidden in the rock. We all got a pebble and then headed over to the shelter. When we got to the shelter we met Pine Needles (nursing student) and his girlfriend. They had come up the Approach Trail for an overnighter. Bug and I checked out the shelter and thought it was cool. Leaving the shelter we headed back down to the parking lot and grabbed our packs and headed toward Three Forks. As we walked, Pine Needles caught up with us and asked if he could tag along for a day hike. Dad said yes.         About a mile before Stover Creek Shelter I slipped on a loose rock and fell, gashing my knee wide open. Dad and Pine Needles were behind Bug, who was behind me. Trashman and his two Scout buddies were in caboose. Bug explained what happened, since nobody else saw me fall. Dad and Pine Needles cleaned the wound and bandaged it up. Dad told everyone that it looked like I needed stitches, and we would need to hike back to the car and head home. I was so mad; I was having so much fun. I refused to go back and insisted I was ok, and that we should head to Tree Forks. Dad replied ¢OK Tumbles.¢ Everyone laughed, and Pine Needles suggested we trade packs, since he just had a Camelback. I agreed and we continued on the Trail.         At Three Forks Pine Needles headed back to Springer, and we set up camp for the night. My knee did not feel too bad, so when Dad asked who wanted to go see the Long Creek Falls, I decided to go with him and Bug. Trashman and his Scout buddies stayed in camp. As we hiked people would stop and ask about my knee, Dad would introduce me as Tumbles, and then let me explain. In the morning we headed back to the car by way of the Benton Mackaye Trail. I got my trail name on my first backpacking trip, and carry the scar to this day. I look forward to taking on the challenge and hiking from Springer Mountain to Mount Katahdin with my big brother, Trashman. Hope to see you on the Trail! ¢In every walk with Nature one receives far more than he seeks.¢ John Muir
Date: 2014-08-18
To: Who is Trashman
Miles today: 0.0

Hello! My trail name is Trashman, and I thought I would tell you a little about myself. First off, why am I called Trashman? Whenever I went on a Scout outing(backpacking, canoeing, hiking, or camping, it didn't mater), I would pick up trash and carry it out. Soon, my friends began calling me Trashman. I have been involved with Boy Scouts for over 7 years, currently as an Assistant Scoutmaster. I earned my Eagle Scout on November 7, 2013.I cancelled my plans for a 2014 SoBo hike in order to hike with my sister, Tumbles, this year. My goal is to Hike the A.T. in three Months starting March 1st ending May 31st. I plan to be a Purest, but we shall see. Well, now you know more about me, hope to see you all on the trail. Sincerely Trashman.
Date: 2015-01-28
To: Trashman's List
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Naturally, with any preparation to do something as epic as the Appalachian Trail, there should be plenty of research done. Recently, I finished Zach Davis¢ book Appalachian Trials and made my lists. Thought I would share this list.The 10 reasons that I need to hike the Appalachian Trail:1. Because I need to prove to myself that I can.2. Because if I tell someone during a job interview that I Thru Hiked the Appalachian Trail, it may show that I am capable of finishing something that I start.3. Because my sister wants to and I want to be there to back her up.4. I need an adventure.5. Because it is something my dad has not done (sorry dad).6. I want to meet new people and be part of an awesome community.7. I want to prove to my extended family I can accomplish this task.8. It will be fun.9. I would like to get back in shape.10. I want to hike the AT for all my friends and family that can't or will never have the chance to hike the trail.My list was longer than this, but I wanted to make it a manageable size. Let me know what you think. Preparation is going good. We had a small set back the other day when our Excel Itinerary was lost when my dad¢s computer crashed. Working on redoing that spread sheet. We need to seam seal our tents, and find some Tyvek for our ground cloth. I love my new backpack and may not swap when it warms up. (Thank you Wildcat). We really look forward to meeting so many interesting people. We hope to spend some time hiking with Trail Pilgrim, Bean Counter, and many others starting the same weekend. We would love to meet the Orr Family, but may not bee able to catch up with them. We know we will be looking forward to seeing Wildcat as he heads South. The excitement of this trip is overwhelmingly awesome. I hope we can tap into that when the reality sets in. We are definitely pulling for Subman (especially this week) and The Ten Paws, as well as any of the other early starters. I want to get my dad to post an introduction soon, since he will be helping maintain the journal. Be safe everyone.
Date: 2015-03-14
To: This will be the last one you guys get!
Miles today: 0.0

We leave for the A.T. today! (14 of March).Trashman and I are super excited for our upcoming thru hike. To meet our fellow hikers and to finally hit the trail, it is about time! But when you read the title, you may have had the impression that we were not going to share, anymore (even thou we only have 6 posts, counting this one). Trashman and I are asking our Dad (trail name Master Yoda) to post our journals and photo¢s. So we will have more for you guys! We will get on when we can to edit and add to what content he places on here. I am glad that my family and friends are helping us.   Confido and Happy Trail¢s! Trashman and Tumbles!
Date: 2015-03-15
From: Hawk Mountain Shelter

To: Gooch Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: few clouds

Posted by Master Yoda for Scout and Tumbles:Woke up to a beautiful day. Since we have been on this part of the trail before, we know what to expect with Sassafras Mountain. We got to Gooch Mountain Shelter by 3:00 pm and started cooking biscuits, which did not work out well. We did chili too, since the biscuits didn¢t work out. Hung out with pretty cool friends around a campfire. Everything is dried out now. Scout has a few blisters, but Tumbles feet are doing well. Tumbles dropped her filter in the creek yesterday, but it has been sanitized now. Called home and headed to bed at 9:00, we decided to make the push to Neel Gap tomorrow, but will stop short of Bear Canister Zone if we don¢t feel up to it. We Love This!
Date: 2015-03-16
From: Gooch Mountain Shelter

To: Blood Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: broken clouds

Master Yoda posting for Scout and Tumbles:Got this photo about 1:00 (all times will be Eastern unless otherwise stated). Just as we got a call from Tumbles. They have decided to hike the shorter distance today and make Neel Gap tomorrow. They are hiking with Honey Bee and August. Tumbles was just a chatter box. I asked them to send a group picture. They all seem in high spirits. If we hear from them tonight I will glean more info.Master Yoda Edit:Scout and Tumbles watched the Sunset from Blood Mountain. When they got to Lance Creek they felt so good and it was early, so they decided to push to Neel Gap today. As they made the top of Blood Mountain, Tumbles felt slightly dehydrated so in the interest of safety they decided to stop for the night. Scout's feet are healing up, Tumbles hydrated up well enough, but they are both tired and headed to bed with the sun. They are having the time of their lives.
Date: 2015-03-17
From: Blood Mountain Shelter

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

Master Yoda Posting for Scout and Tumbles:Sauntered into Neel Gap this morning for a shower and the resupply box. Decided to ditch the Grits and Oatmeal into the hiker box. Added a block of cheese. Decided not to wait in line for laundry. Working on the Thru Hiker smell. Honey Bee's knee is hurting, (Tumbles loaned a knee brace for a little while)she and August are going to Nero at Walasi-Yi. Rather than get sucked in to the luxuries of civilization, Scout and Tumbles hit the Trail to see how far they could go. Instead of stopping at Whitley Shelter (1.2 miles from the Trail!) they found a Stealth Camp. Both look like cooked lobsters, even if they made it to Maine right now someone might get confused and try to eat them! Hmmm, seems like a small bottle of sunscreen is sitting on the China hutch... Weight is important. Long miles = aches and pains. Still excited about the hike. They are glad they passed the big test and made it beyond Walasi-Yi. 20% of Thru Hike attempts ends at Neel Gap, Walasi-Yi Center. Good job Team Confido!
Date: 2015-03-18
From: Hogpen Gap

To: Blue Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.9
Weather: broken clouds

Master Yoda Posting for Scout and Tumbles:Five days and Fifty miles. Making good time. Hiking with Chewbacca, Smoothly and her brother. Having a great time around the campfire in the evenings. Definitely getting sore, but enjoying the views. Hope to send some pictures and videos home this weekend.
Date: 2015-03-19
From: Blue Mountain Shelter

To: Tray Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 8.1
Weather: moderate rain

Master Yoda posting for Scout and Tumbles:Back on schedule to make Hiawassee tomorrow and meet up with the Family for Tumbles birthday. Tumbles says she needs toe socks, she is tired of the duct tape. Very poor phone reception at the shelter. We hope to have more video and photos this weekend. Thank you all that are offering words of encouragement.
Date: 2015-03-20
From: Tray Mountain Shelter

To: Dicks Creek Gap
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Master Yoda for Scout and Tumbles:I will add more later, quick note, we hooked up the old pop-up camper and drove to Dicks Creek Gap to pick up Scout and Tumbles for a resupply and Birthday event. Tumbles turned 16. We have new pictures and video to share and will up load ASAP. Met some really cool people while the family did Trail Magic as we waited for them to hike in. More to come.
Date: 2015-03-21
From: Dicks Creek Gap

To: Bly Gap
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: broken clouds

Master Yoda for Scout and Tumbles:Just got a call from Scout and Tumbles just as we arrived home. They left Dicks Creek Gap about 4:20 pm EST and arrived at the North Carolina/ Georgia border at 10:20 pm EST. They are going to Bly Gap after they "Kiss the Sign" and take pictures. These kids are crazy, but having a blast. Tumbles wanted to make the Border on her Birthday, and against all odds they made it! It has taken them 8 days to make the border, first state down. Also, they spent over 24 hours with the family helping with Trail Magic, eating Pizza, doing laundry, getting a shower, checking out the fish hatchery at Moccasin Creek State Park, playing with brothers and sister, getting re-supplyed, celebrating Birthdays, drying gear, etc. All the words or encouragement do help folks, Thank you from them and the Family.
Date: 2015-03-24
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Rock Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: broken clouds

Master Yoda for Scout and Tumbles:We got a text from Tumbles at 100 miles! Then a phone call from the top of the Fire Tower at Albert Mountain. They pushed to Rock Gap Shelter for a short hike to Winding Stair Gap in the morning. Thank you Tim and Kristy for agreeing to help them into Franklin. We are really proud of Scout and Tumbles. They started the Thru Hike 10 days ago on the 14th and have passed 100 miles.
Date: 2015-03-25
From: Rock Gap Shelter

To: Silar Bald Shelter
Miles today: 8.0

Master Yoda for Scout and Tumbles:Made it into Franklin to Resupply. Whirlwind in and out of town. Cell service spotty after town. Got a text when they got to the Shelter and set up camp. A happy birthday to hiking buddy August, they celebrated with muffins from Trail Magic.
Date: 2015-03-26
From: Silar Bald Shelter

To: Wayah Bald Shelter
Miles today: 6.8
Weather: light rain

Master Yoda for Scout and Tumbles:Enjoyed the views from Wayah Bald Tower. Going to push for the NOC tomorrow. Not looking forward to the incoming weather. Did not really stay at Siler Bald Shelter last night, stopped a few miles short and stealth camped. (Will not change the log to keep the miles correct.) Doing well, love the views, people and freedom. Thank you for all the encouragement.