morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-05-12
From: Watauga Lake 

To: Marion, Va
Miles today: 104.0
Weather: few clouds

It has been an extraordinary couple weeks. Last week I crossed into Virginia, which originally was my number one goal to walk all the way back to my home state. The feeling of accomplishing this goal is difficult to put into words. Later in the week I crossed over five hundred miles and in a day or so I will have completed 25% of the trail. Another 25% is Virginia itself and then into the North I will venture. Across the rocky state of Pennsylvania. The length of the trail is still very daunting. The hikers that are still plugging along are determined, driven, some are obsessed, others steely eyed, the trail holds us all in awe of its gifts of beauty. Two days ago I crossed the Grayson Highlands and spent parts of my day hiking across rocky outcroppings, open fields, high elevations and wild ponies. The ponies were hiker friendly and would approach you, lick the salt from your legs and arms, there were new borns, pregnant mothers, stags and mares. They are multi-colored, painted, various colored manes and being in the wilderness among these animals was a surreal feeling. What a life we lead....
Date: 2013-05-20
From: Marion, Va

To: Pearisburg, Va
Miles today: 164.0
Weather: clear sky

I'm in Pearsiburg, VaThis is a life that has no explanation, except we are doing it and surviving. We push, we moan, our bodies groan it leads to pain and always gain. It is what it is, we choose to live. A perfect life, what is, what is the daily choice of strife. Can life be repeated, or does repetition only lead to depleted. The sincerity of what you choose or even lose. Let those who challenge, challenge. Make life yours and yours only!
Date: 2013-06-26
From: Luray, Va

To: Harper's Ferry, WV
Miles today: 81.8

Pulled into Harper's Ferry around 1:30PM! The emotional and pyschological halfway point of the trail. The trail border's the West Virginia and Virginia border for about ten miles and after 550 miles or so in my home state I am finally leaving Virginia, for now! Into the North, the land of the Yan-Kees! I am officially hiker number 782 that has made it to Harper's Ferry from Georgia. Talking with the Appalachian Trial Conservancy there is an estimated 2700 hikers that started in Georgia and they estimated with the current rate there will be about 1100 that make it this far this season. Last year nearly 1000 hikers made it to Harper's Ferry and of that group only 350 actually finished in Maine. I stayed the evening at the Imberts, my sister's in-laws, they lived in Lovettsville, VA. They treated me to a spaghetti and meatball dinner, apple pie and ice cream, all the beer I could drink and I soaked in their hot tub to cleanse my stinking hiker body and soul!The heat has been horrific the last several days! The humidity is the kicker, ranging from 75% to 100% humidity, which makes the air feel like swimming through mud. I am soaked from head to toe with sweat after an hour of hiking. I'll stop, wring out my clothes from sweat, literally a brown, nasty stream of water pours from my clothes and the air is too thick for my body or clothes for that matter to dry out. I met a couple that thru-hiked last year in the middle of the roller coaster, a 13 mile section of steep ascents and descents, they were providing beer and fresh fruit. Peter Pan and Zingo were their trail names and they told me that it was hot from here all the way to Vermont. It is becoming ever clear that I am truly at the mercy of the weather. Be it heat, humidity, rain, thunderstorms, snow, ice, freezing temperatures, weather is the hardest and most challenging feat.West Virginia is a quick, blink of a hike and into Maryland for forty miles. Then on to Pennsylvania for 300 some miles, New Jersey to New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts,Vermont, New Hampshire and finally Maine!
Date: 2013-07-05
From: Harper's Ferry, WV

To: Boiling Springs, PA
Miles today: 97.4

Day 116 - July 16th - 1116.4 miles - Boiling Springs, PA. So the last week or so has been a bit different. Started off the beginning of the week from Harper's Ferry, WV. I continued on through Maryland for three days. Maryland is approximately forty miles along the ridge of South Mountain. For those history inclined or interested folks, it was the route the Army of Northern Virginia took while they invaded the North for the first time in September 1862 which ended in the single bloodiest day of the Civil War at Antietam. And then again in June of 1863 they trekked north to the West of the mountain to shield themselves from the Army of the Potomac, eventually turning east towards Washington and clashing with the North at Gettysburg for a horrific three day battle on July 1st-3rd. Both sides shared nearly 51,000 casualties and the North turned the tide of the war, preserving the union we celebrate this weekend. Walking in their footsteps was very eerie and awe inspiring at the same time. My father picked me up on July 2nd the second day of the battle and we went into Gettysburg for the 150th anniversary. What a feeling to walk to the same point as if a solider and then visit the site of such carnage. I found myself transfixed at the open fields, where men from both sides believed so strongly and died so strongly with such conviction. After spending the day with my father, which I will always cherish! He dropped me back on the trail and two days later I crossed the actual halfway point of the trail. I have made it to where Mt. Katahdin is closer then Springer Mountain, though I share the same conviction for completing the trail, I am still amazed I have made it this far. I won't lie and say that I never have doubts. They are always there, have been there from day one on Springer Mountain. However, the further and further I push, the longer and longer I grind, the light grows stronger and stronger. I have always visualized the trail as one big mountain. For the last three and a half months I have been climbing and climbing and some more climbing. Now I have reached the peak, I'm on the backside of the mountain. And yes I know this is only figuratively speaking as many mountains are to come, more doubts, hot days and hard ground to pound. But, in my mind I am walking downhill now, up through the Northern section of the trail and I am still loving my life.
Date: 2013-07-20
From: Boiling Springs, PA

To: New Jersey
Miles today: 195.1
Weather: light rain

Pennsylvania Where to begin? This last three weeks has been the most difficult on the trail for me. It has become a mental grind, grinding out mile upon mile, were talking grinding like trying to teach someone how to drive stick shift for the first time or nails on a chalk board. A game of wills and determination.Last week there were record high temperatures all week. So hot that all day you sweat profusely, you can literally wring out your clothes, shorts, underwear, shirt and bandana, yes that makes you naked except your still wearing socks and boots. At night all you want to do is cool off, nope, instead you crawl into your hot sweat oven tent, no air movement allowed. I have never appreciated air conditioning more in my entire life, I would dream about it. The bugs are relentless, it has been a wet spring in Pennsylvania, they have been breeding and brooding, waiting for a chance to strike. It's dry now, hasn't rained in a week, so they are swarming around you, a fellow hiker claimed his favorite game was how many gnats can you kill. He would stop smack his hands together, hold and squish, then count your kill count. His record, 40, not kidding. These little bastards follow you all day, buzzing around your face, dive bombing your eyeballs and ears, sticking to your sweaty body, I joked I had my own entourage. Each hiker had their own swarm and if you got too close to another hiker you would absorb some of their gnat party, like if you ever stare at a lava lamp and watch the lava balls meld together, except angry and vicious. Davy Crockett and I watched a bunch of gnats attacking a centipede and the centipede would writhe and twist, frantically trying to stop them. At one point I literally threw a child like hissy fit, stopped ripped off my bandana, and started whipping it ever which way like a horse swishing his mane at flies.Water is scarce, like ten miles apart in spots. It's bleeping hot out here, I'm sweating so much I don't even need to pee all day, I need a lot of water. You better carry a lot of water or you'll be in bad shape in a hurry. Not to mention I would love to soak in some water to cool off. That's not happening in Northern Pennsylvania, forget about it, it doesn't exist.Finally, the rocks. What the trail in Pennsylvania is known for! There are big boulder fields where you jump from rock to rock. Medium sized rocks spread out all over that you have to climb over all day and then small fields of rocks tightly packed together all over the trail. Not smooth rocks, jagged, sharp, pointy things approximately bowling ball sized and you are walking on top of them for miles. Combine all four of those together and it makes for a great time. This goes on all day! Day after day after day. I never in my life thought I would say I can't wait to go to New Jersey!....Life continues unabated and I slave to the grind unrelated to those I love and miss without the moments of their bliss. Pain and fortune so intertwine and thoughts of future on my mind......
Date: 2013-08-02
From: New York

To: Kent, CT
Miles today: 101.5
Weather: clear sky

New York One could split the trail in New York into two distinct sections. The Southern section is everything south of the Hudson River. No one ever discusses the difficulty of the trail in this section. In AWOL¢s guide book, he gives a brief disclaimer, ¢Despite the unimposing profile this section is rocky and characterized by abrupt ups and down which can make this section challenging.¢ After the rocky hell of Pennsylvania, I had very little concern for this disclaimer. Little did I know that New York was going to be climbing up and down enormous rock outcroppings all day. At one point you go through a section called the Lemon Squeezer, I had to take my pack off and carry it over my head and immediately after there is a trail labeled easy way, the real trail goes over an enormous rock, where I had to do a pull up with my pack on, not easy, a few other sections required removal of the pack and often I would throw my poles ahead of me, damn things really get in the way when you have to rock climb as opposed to hike.Don¢t get me wrong this was fun as hell to me. A lot of the trail is long open ridge-lines, where you are walking along exposed rock bed, one long rock. I had the theme song to The Last of The Mohicans playing in my head for days. The book was based in this area, the movie was actually filmed in the North Carolina Mountains. So picture me running up the rocks, hiking poles in hands like Daniel Day Lewis with two long rifles, except not running , sweatier and maybe a touch less handsome, just a touch though.You hike over Bear Mountain, which has views of the New York City skyline to the southeast and may be the nicest constructed trail so far as 100,000 plus visitors come to this park each year. The rock stairways are beautiful, the walkways are crushed stone and you get some great views of the Hudson River. It is difficult to get lost on the trail as it is so well blazed with rectangular white blazes, but the trail in southern New York needs a light blaze attention. Countless times I would find myself looking down at a semi-beaten path thinking this can¢t be the AT, sure enough I missed the turn and would have to walk around aimlessly in the woods looking for a white blaze. I promise it wasn¢t just me, the semi-beaten path I spoke of earlier is there because many a hiker did exactly the same thing. After the Hudson River the trail becomes a bit easier to navigate and easier to hike as well. It is still pretty trail, you are deeper in the woods and less along ridges. You hike through some swampy areas and past some nature reserves, there is actual farm land here as well and the landscape reminds me a bit of the rolling hills of Central Virginia.The mountains appear to be going through puberty as they are starting to grow larger again. It makes me happy to think in a few weeks I¢ll be back in higher elevations and perhaps above the bug clouds!
Date: 2013-08-06
From: Kent, CT

To: Camp Cushwa, Ma
Miles today: 50.4
Weather: overcast clouds

ConneticutThere is about 60 miles of trail that runs through the western section of the state. The landscape is rolling hills,steeper climbs, pine forest and mature hardwoods. The water sources in Connecticut are far more plentiful and clear,not brown or black water that was common in New Jersey and New York. The vistas are overlooking mountain ranges and i finally crested over two thousand feet in elevation which I haven't seen since briefly in Pennsylvania. There are some significant climbs such as Bear Mountain, yes another Bear Mountain, mountain names are frequently repeated especially animal names like Hawk, Bear, Deer, etc. It is possible in Connecticut to actually get some bigger miles again, I had one twenty plus miler and several eighteens. I spent only three nights in Connecticut. The hiking herd continues to be thinned out, at least once every other day you hear of some dropping out, as our communities gets smaller word travels fast and you usually know or at least have heard of the hiker that has hung up their boots.I ran into St Croix, Nutella and Double Dare in Kent, Ct and Double Dare and I had a few beers at a tavern in town which slowed my progress for the day, oh well its a long journey and Kent is likely the only town I will spend any time in, in Connecticut. I had to stop in for some mail, both Scarpa and Osprey are replacing some worn gear, both excellent gear choices. I spent a portion of the state breaking in my new boots, not an easy task on trail. My friends from Virginia Connie and Andrew sent me a care package as well and after my recent packages from my sister, Uncle Kirk and Aunt Sandy I am carrying a heavy pack, my food bag hasn't been this big since the Smoky Mountains. I'm in New England now! Farewell Mid-atlantic, once I get to Massachusetts, I get to rest at Camp Cushwa, a woman my mother met at a dog show has a home in Sheffield that I will rest at for a day or two before heading North for the final four states and last push to Maine. I crossed under 700 miles to Katahdin, over 1500 miles and into my tenth state, all within twenty four hours.
Date: 2013-09-29
From: New Hampshire

To: Monson, ME
Miles today: 191.4

Monson. The last trail town before the end. As I sit here in middle Maine I barely comprehend the finality of this week. Perhaps the six and a half months of hiking, day in and day out, or the reality of the end is hard to fathom. This has been a journey of a lifetime. Through fourteen states, up and over mountains, across streams and rivers, beyond my scope of understanding, the trail has provided an experience which can not be placed in words, written down on paper, broadcasted across the web of internets. I only wish I could have carried you in my pocket and shown you the beauty of it all, the hardship, pains and grit. Unfortunately, only walking it can show you it, in its completeness. Maine is really the 282 mile wilderness, so another 6 days in the woods is nothing compared to the last three weeks. It is a boggy, rooty, mountainous state. The southern half has multiple large climbs like Saddleback, Crocker, the Bigelows, each mountain has several peaks. The mountaintops are exposed and have 360 degree views of your past, present and future. The Bigelows where covered in ice, reminding me that winter is coming and this adventure most have an end. Into the 100 mile wilderness I go and then up the mountain that has haunted my dreams for the last six months.
Date: 2013-02-19
To: Almost ready
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light snow

Well I've tried for years to kick this desire to hike the AT but I can't so here we go. After 37 years supporting out troops (USAF Egress/Munitions) I retired and for some unknown reason think this will be relaxing. I plan on 100 miles a week with at least one zero day/week. We will see how that works out. I started with a pre-trip pack wt of 55 lbs and got it down to what I thought was a reasonable 47 lbs. Then I got some books and talked with Corona Sam. What an eye opener. I'm now at 36 lbs w/o water but that is with 6 days of food. That will change after week one (I hope). Guess this won't be like a 2 week elk hunting trip. Thanks Corona. Now off to another week or two of procrastination and change...wish I would just go before I change my mind or go broke.
Date: 2013-02-27
To: Final pack before leaving Zion
Miles today: 0.0

Well all the gear has arrived and I've tried it and packed it. The Easton Kilo 1 sure is light and a little smaller than I hoped. I hope it holds up as I have never tried anything this light or thin. The NeoAir is sweet. Don't know how I did it all these years on other things. Without regearing or some other twist of fate I will be sweating it out with 43 lbs. Hopefully this will go down as time goes on. Now if the trail gods are laughing with me and not at me I should be on the trail in about 3 weeks. If they are laughing at me I'll still be there in about 3 weeks but I'll have to pack another 10-15 lbs in just to insure a hardy laugh. Hope this is going to be as fun as it has been in my mind. I can hardly stand still I'm so excited.
Date: 2013-03-09
To: Leaving UT
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Here we go. Leaving Utah for the trip to the trail. Colorado, Oklahoma, North Carolina & South Carolina to see friends and family on the way and then on to Springer. I may have to delay a week or two due to my moms health but hoping it turns out to be nothing to worry about. Still planning for a 22-25 Mar departure in GA. Darn pack grew to 45 lbs...hope it goes on a diet on the road trip across.
Date: 2013-03-23
To: Final prep
Miles today: 0.0

OK thanks Corona Sam for the advice on lightning my load...even if I didn't listen well. I did reduce weight with a different pack and have a new lite weight sleeping bag on the way. I will pick it up when I get to Franklin, NC. One more day left before placing one foot in front of the other for 154 days. Can't hardly sit still eat or sleep at this point. Here is to the new friends I hope to make on the trail and another great adventure....however far it takes me (maybe I'll catch up to Corona Sam). See you starting Monday.
Date: 2013-03-25
From: Springer Mt Shelter

To: Gooch Mt Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: light snow

Day One great! Made it to Gooch shelter. Snowed most of the day, but no real accumulation. Only got into the 30's. Met some great hikes, one who was 85 years old. Froze trying to sleep and finally put on enough to sleep at around 4 am. Slept until 9 am, so no early start. Happy Hiking.
Date: 2013-03-26
From: Gooch Mt Shelter

To: Lance Creek
Miles today: 8.8

Day 2 and only to Lance Creek, 8.8 miles due to a late start. Gotta cross bear country and 11 more miles was too far to try to try given the time and elevation to be crossed. Oh well, it's not a race. Tonight I will dress for the cold...going down to 24 degrees. Happy hiking.
Date: 2013-03-27
To: Hogpen Gap
Miles today: 14.3

Another cold nigh but with all cloths on it was a much warmer night. Cannot wait for a better sleeping bag. More great folks on the trail today from all ages and backgrounds. Suprized at the lack of wild life at this point...guess it's still too cold and not enough new growth to get them up here yet. Great to see the views of these great mountains its been years and I have gotten used to the western views vs all these trees. Fantastic. Happy hiking, Grizzley.
Date: 2013-03-28
From: Hogpen Gap

To: Blue Mt Shelter
Miles today: 11.9
Weather: few clouds

Finally got the warmth cured and had a good night. Not making the miles as planned but thats ok. The amount of vertical gain and loss each day is a bit more than expected but I don't think I would want to go faster at this point anyhow... too pretty to rush. Hopscotch with several hikers today and great company at the shelter. Time to go pop blisters. Happy hiking, Grizzley
Date: 2013-03-29
From: Blue Mt Shelter

To: Tray Mt Shelter
Miles today: 8.1
Weather: overcast clouds

May switch guide books to one with elevation profiles. Sure is nice to see what the day has in store. Really enjoyed this day. breath taking views that my pics won't do justice to. Warm sleeping again and only and few days away from a new sleeping bag. Everything except my toes are holding up well but that's a small price to pay for this experience. Finally saw a bear track that must have come down the trail last night. No bear though. The owls sang to us last night. Happy Hiking, Grizzley
Date: 2013-03-30
From: Tray Mt Shelter

To: Dicks Creek Gap
Miles today: 11.1

Hiking down for a down day today. My kids and granddaughter will pick me up for my first zero day. Really neat laurel tunnels to hike thru and some more great vistas. Corey came up the trail about 5 miles and I got to go the rest of the way weightless. Nice change from the 48-50 lbs I've been carrying. This will change starting Monday as some stuff is staying with them...never to see the trail again. Guess you can teach an old dog a new trick or two...if you can get their attention. Happy Hiking, Grizzley
Date: 2013-03-31
From: Dicks Creek Gap

To: Zero Day
Miles today: 0.0

Staying with kids and Grand Daughter today. Thanks Jess for the great chili supper, a great omelet breakfast and whatever the rest of the day may bring. Evelyn is a barrel of fun. Played doctor and fixed all blisters...I hope. Will have to hike gingerly for the next few days. Plan on hitting the trail Mon morning. Happy Hiking, Grizzley
Date: 2013-04-06
From: Cold Springs Shelter

To: NOC
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: clear sky

Met Corey at NOC and scored a new pack....comming in a week or two. Good food and lots of vendors supporting the thru hikers. Looks like great ragting and kayaking stuff here also. Mountains are still winning. They are not straigh up and back like out west. Outh here you climb and descend 5000 feet to gain 1000 feet over all. But still having the time of my life.
Date: 2013-04-17
From: Hot Springs

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 0.0

Great food and drink and a whole new bunch of hikers. Also got to see Corey, Jessica, evelyn, Katie and Kaycee. Good to see family every so often. New pack is in and feels great but my resupply seems heavy...who e whine whine...BEER. Oh well to.borrow I'm off on the trail again. Only 2-3 days behind my plan. Not bad for how hard it kicked my butt.
Date: 2013-04-19
From: LittleLaurel shelter

To: Flint Mt Shelter
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: light rain

Rained today. Kept me from seeing some spectacular views of the Black Cliffs. All I saw was white fog rain and clouds...do it goes. Got very wet and cold but it all worked out. Even got my boots thawed out I'm the morning. Happy hiking.
Date: 2013-04-22
From: No Business Knob Shelter

To: Erwin
Miles today: 4.6

Staying at Uncle Johnnies wash shower resupply and eat. Great place for BBQIs Hawg and Dawg. Had 2 different entrees and both were great. the Nolichucky River looks like a great place to raft kayak fish and swim. Just a bit cool still. Back to the trail tomorrow.
Date: 2013-04-25
From: Clyde Smith Shelter

To: Overmountain Shelter
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: clear sky

Ice on everything this morning must hike carefully as the trail is slick. Great ice sparkle on all of the trees. This shelter is a converted barn and has the best camp views yet. Should be the best sunrise spot so far. One month in and I'm at mil 382.9 only a little short of my planned 400 miles per month. Still loving every thing about this adventure... living the dream...Thanks to all who have supported me. Happy hiking