morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-07-30
From: Melville Nauheim Shelter 

To: Kid Gore Shelter 
Miles today: 12.8

Didn't sleep well in the shelter last night, one guy was constantly shifting around on his air mattress which sounds like a bag of potato chips being crushed in a bag. On the trail at 7:15 and the days weather conditions was the best since I have returned last Monday. Both temps and humidity were lower, not much sweating. I was going to stop at the next shelter and wait for Roadrunner to catch up, but I received a text message from him saying that he was going off the trail. He fell the day before yesterday and injured his hip flexor, which was causing him a lot pain when walking. Well back to my original plan and I decided to hike to the next shelter 4.3 miles away. The plan was to be in Manchester Center on Monday afternoon, however a front with lots of rain is suppose to come thru tonight with the possibility of rain all day tomorrow. I picked a fine night to tent, but I didn't want to stay in the shelter so that I could get some sleep. Hope I don't regret it after it starts raining. Note of Interest: A mouse or chipmunk chewed into one of my food bags last night that I had hanging in a tree. The unusual thing was that it only went into the bag that I store my trash in and ate nothing else. Three others had the same thing happen to them. That is a new one on me.
Date: 2016-07-31
From: Kid Gore Shelter 

To: Zero Day at Kid Gore Shelter 
Miles today: 0.0

Well it happened again last night, something got into my food bag that was hanging in a tree. No damage, just another hole in one of my food bags. I tented hoping that the forecasted rain would be short. It started raining around 10pm and continued to 7am. I haven't had any cell reception for the last three days, so I didn't know that it was supposed to rain for the next two days. After the sheltered hikers left, I moved all my gear to the shelter so that it could try to dry out. The shelter has a nice view with an unobstructed opening, the problem is that the wind is blowing from that direction directly into the shelter. The temps or in the upper fifties with light rain and mist all day, really damp. Hope tomorrow is better as I have to move on due to running low on food.
Date: 2016-08-01
From: Zero Day at Kid Gore Shelter 

To: Stratton Pond Shelter 
Miles today: 15.0

On the trail at 6:30 with damp clothes, sleeping bag, backpack and just about everything else. I can feel the extra weight on my back. Temps today were in the mid-fifties to start with. It rained moderately for about an hour, as the sun tried to pop out of the clouds. Hiking wise it was the coolest day I've had for hiking, the only problem the trail was muddy from all of the rain. Vermont is known for its boggy and muddy trail conditions when it rains. Looks like a four or five day drying out period is forth coming.Taking a zero day tomorrow in Manchester Center, Vt., it will be good to get things dried out and a shower to wash six days of sweat and dirt off.
Date: 2016-08-02
From: Stratton Pond Shelter 

To: Manchester Center, Vt 
Miles today: 10.7

Of course it rained for four hours last night adding to the muddy and wet trail conditions. Late start of being on the trail at 8:30, fortunately there were not any difficult up and downs, just lots of mud and standing water. I averaged a hiking speed of about two mph, which is good for me, the slowest hiker on the trail. For some reason I speed up when the destination is going into town. When I reached the hi-way into Manchester Center, Pocahontas, who had passed me a few minutes earlier, was standing on the road trying to hitch a ride into town, which was 5 miles away. As I crossed the road she didn't realize that a red pick up had stopped about a 100 yds. down the road to pick her up. I yelled to her that she had flagged a truck and she came running down to where I was. As we walked to the truck, we exchanged names and discovered that we were staying at the same hostel. I'm glad she was able to quickly hitch a ride, never hurts to be cute and twenty something. The couple in the truck were locals and were very interested in our hiking experiences. They dropped us off in town so that we could get something to eat and do some errands before the owner of the hostel came to pick us up. Had a nice evening at the hostel with the other hikers, some whom I have previously met. Taking a zero day tomorrow.
Date: 2016-08-04
From: Zero Day in Manchester Center, Vt 

To: Peru Peak Shelter 
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: broken clouds

After a good night's sleep in the hostel, I started on the trail at 9am. The day was cool for a change, which made the 1500 and the 1000 foot climb a lot easier. The trails are muddy, but they are always muddy in Vermont. As of 8pm I'm the only one in the shelter, there is a girl scout troop tenting next to the shelter, along with three or four tenters scattered around.This shelter is located next to a running creek, so I'll be listening to running water all night. Nature and Umgawa are closing the distance, I think they are one shelter south of me tonight. Maybe tomorrow night we will be at the same shelter. Overall today was good, my spirits seem to be lifting due to the good weather.
Date: 2016-08-05
From: Peru Peak Shelter 

To: Greenwall Shelter 
Miles today: 14.6

I was on the trail at 7am with pleasant hiking conditions to start the day, but as usual by late morning it was heating up. The day was highlighted by nice views from Baker Peak and Little Rock Pond. Arrived at Greenwall Shelter at 5:30, with the possibility of some rain tonight. That seems to be the norm whenever I tent. Hope it stays dry tonight.
Date: 2016-08-06
From: Greenwall Shelter 

To: Charendon Shelter 
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: overcast clouds

I was on the trail at 8am, later than usual, but I was only going to do less than 9 miles. I had one big up and down with a 500 ft. steep rock climb at the end of the day. Today was another hot and humid day, with a 20 minute thunderstorm at about 12:30, luckily I was in a shelter eating lunch when it started.Had my first trail magic since I entered Vermont. As I arrived at the shelter for the night, a former thru hiker showed up with two pints of Ben and Jerry's ice cream, navel oranges, bananas and Klondike bars. I took a pint of ice cream and two oranges. Well Nature and Umgahwa caught up to me today, they came into the shelter at 5:30 and are going to hike on to get a few more miles in. I've got a big day tomorrow, with a 2500 ft. up and down over Mt. Killington and 16 miles of trail to hike. I'm hoping to be on the trail at 6:30.
Date: 2016-08-07
From: Charendon Shelter 

To: Mt. Killington 
Miles today: 10.4

Started out at 6:30 with the coolest morning yet this year. I thought that with the lower temps I could move faster and make better time. The climb to the top of Mt. Killington took longer than I had planned, but was still with in an hour as to where I wanted to be. I made the mistake when the trail reached the highest point on the mountain to take a side trail to the lodge on the summit. It was a steep rocky climb of 300 to 400 feet and once I reached the top I realized it was going to be a very difficult descent. That is when I became discouraged and decided that I'm finished for the year. So I took the easy way down, via the gondola and a bus ride into Rutland, Vt., to a hostel where a lot of hikers were planning to stay and take a zero day. It was really strange that a lot of the hikers that I have met on the trail were there also. Of course Nature and Umgahwa were there and we had dinner last night at the local Burger King. I'm taking Nature, Umgahwa, T3 and Chev out to lunch tomorrow before I catch a plane to Gainesville.
Date: 2016-08-08
From: Mt. Killington 

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Unfortunately I am having to leave the trail and return home. This year it has been a struggle hiking and trying to reach my daily quota of miles. It is possibly due to a lack of energy caused by my thyroid. I had half of it removed last year and haven't had to take any suppliment, maybe I need to reconsider for future hiking endeavors. Only spent five weeks on the trail and hiked 355 miles, way short of my original goal. Maybe next year I can complete the AT.
Date: 2018-08-24
From: Delaware Water Gap, Pa. 

To: Mohican Outdoor Center
Miles today: 10.3

After driving for almost two days, I made it to the Pocono Inn at Delaware Water Gap to start hiking the section that I skipped over in 2016. I left the motel at 7am to hike a short distance to the trail, the temp was in the mid 50's, nice for the first day on the trail. The trail was not challenging, no big ups or downs, but it was very rocky. I had planned to arrive at the Outdoor Center by 3pm and was right on time.Being that it's my first day, I was struggling with all the physical issues that occur until you get your trail legs, sore hips and shoulders, due to the pack weight and sore legs and feet due mostly to the rocks.I had planned to hike to the next shelter tomorrow which is 14 miles away, not sure if I'm physically ready for that distance do to my lack of conditioning.
Date: 2018-08-25
From: Mohican Outdoor Center

To: Brink Shelter
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Left the Outdoor Center at 7am. The plan was to get to the Brink Shelter by 5pm. Normally that would not be that difficult, but I was sore from yesterdays hike, in another 3 or 4 days I should have my trail legs. Todays hike was easier, as it wasn't as rocky and I benefitted from 4-5 miles of relatively flat and smooth trail. I did have my first fall as I slipped on a flat wet rock, luckily I fell into a bed of ferns and not rocks or poison ivy.I'm in the shelter by myself, two hikers just came in and are going to tent. Mosquitos are a problem on the trail and in the shelter. This is the first time on the trail that they have been a problem for me.
Date: 2018-08-26
From: Brink Shelter

To: Gren Anderson Shelter
Miles today: 6.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke up this morning at 5:45 and decided I needed to get going. Only problem, my legs didn't think so. It was difficult to make them go. After only hiking for three hours I had only covered three miles. Decided the best thing to do was just do a nero  day and only hike to the shelter which was only 3.5 miles away. Yesterdays hike pushed my legs beyond the max, just need a low mileage day so that I don't develop any problems.I did manage my first treat on the trail, I stopped at GYPS Tavern for an outstanding cheeseburger and beer on the shores of a lake at Culvers Gap. Arrived at Gren Anderson Shelter at 3:30. My legs feel much better after a low mileage day.
Date: 2018-08-27
From: Gren Anderson Shelter

To: High Point State Park
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Last night the mosquitos were unbearable, I eventually had to get up and set up my tent inside the shelter. It is getting warmer, the temps are expected to reach the mid-90s for the next few days.Today was possibly one of the worse days I have ever spent on the trail. Not only was it one of the hottest, but the mosquitos were ferocious all day. I have bites all over my back because I can't reach it with mosquito repellent, whatever my pack doesn't cover the mosquitos chow down on.I finally got off the trail at 4:30, checked into a motel for a much needed shower and did my laundry. The next couple of days are going to be a challenge.
Date: 2018-08-28
From: High Point State Park

To: Unionville, NY
Miles today: 8.8

If yesterday was one of the worst days on the trail, today was the worst. Last night I stayed in the High Point Motel, about 1.5 miles from the trail. It was nice to take a shower and laundry my trail clothes. The next morning I thought that I had a ride back to the trail, however the driver never showed up. So I decided to hike back to the trail, big mistake, it was all uphill with a few flat area. It took me 45 minutes and the temp had already reached 80 degrees, I was expending energy that I didn't want to because of the plus 90 degree temperature that was forecast for today. What made it worse was I was expecting to get a free Pepsi from the visitors center, no, free Pepsis are only for the thru hikers, not the section hikers. They wouldn't even sell me one. Needless to say I was a little pissed, as I was counting on that Pepsi to replace the energy that I used just to get there.After cooling down and rehydrating, I started on the trail at 9:30, it didn't take long to figure out that it was going to be a long hot day. I think today was the hottest day that I have ever hiked. I probably drank 1.5 gals. of water and had to break every 30-40 minutes just to cool down.I finally made it to Unionville at around 4:30. Checked into the grocery store so that I could camp in the municipal park and set up my tent. After dinner at Annabella's Pizza, I tried to retire to my tent, but it was so hot that I was sweating inside the tent. After removing my rain sheet, for the purpose of sleeping with just the mosquito net and staying cooler, I was able to get a few hours of sleep. I'm going to do a zero day today, because the temps are expected to reach the mid-90's again. It's way to hot and very uncomfortable for hiking. There is a Bed and Breakfast in town, going to stay there tonight. I can't emphasize how miserable I am. I'll let you know when I start to have fun.
Date: 2018-08-29
To: Stewart International Airport
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Just my luck, there isn't a B & B in town, the closest motel is 40 miles away. I need to get out of the heat, decided to pay a shuttle driver a $100 to get to an air conditioned room to plan my next move.Fortunately there was a vacancy at the motel. After I checked-in, took a shower and ate lunch, I decided that this adventure wasn't fun anymore, due to the mosquitos and mid-90's temperatures. I made a flight reservation from Stewart International Airport, I'll be home for dinner tomorrow night.
Date: 2013-02-20
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Hi, my name is Fred McFarland and I will be 63 years old when I start the Appalachian Trail on March 7, 2013. Although I have dreamed of backpacking the PCT (Pacific Crest Trail) since my early twenties I never gave much thought to the Appalachian Trail. This can be attributed to the fact that I am a west coast guy with very little traveling experience. About 10 years ago I came across a book called "A Walk in the Woods" by Bill Bryson. After reading the book I added another dream to my list. In September of 2012 a long time friend, Joe Estes aka PILGRIM, informed me that he was doing a thru hike of the AT. With the blessing of my wonderful wife Jill, I jumped at the chance and asked Joe if he would like some company. The adventure was about to begin. God willing, Pilgrim and I will complete our through hike from Georgia to Maine, a total of 2189 miles.
Date: 2013-02-24
To:  First Shake down 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

During October, November and December I spent most of my time researching, buying, returning and rebuying gear. After many trips to REI I was adopted by the sales staff. I tell them I am only coming in to visit my money but of course it is a pleasure to meet with the great salespeople there. Finally on January 19, I got to do my first shakedown hike with Pilgrim, John and Dave. The trip was very informative as I learned setting up my tent on the trail was a lot different than my backyard and 40 pounds is way too much to carry!
Date: 2013-02-25
To: Sycamore Canyon
Miles today: 0.0

For our second shake down hike Pilgrim, Dave, John and I hiked into Sycamore Canyon. My pack was much lighter and hiking more pleasant. No more problems with the tent (not backwards, fly on right side up, and ground cloth facing right direction). Wouldn't you know it my dinner boiled over again! You have to keep a sharp eye on those stoves!
Date: 2013-02-26
To: Chino Hills Hiking
Miles today: 0.0

As March draws near I am chomping at the bit to hit the trail. Lately I have been hiking in the hills around my house in an effort to toughen up my feet and get accustomed to my pack. My pack weight is down to approx. 32 pounds including 4 days of food and water. Today I was joined by my wife and Maria Oms, a long time friend. The weather was terrific but we only put in around 4 miles instead of our usual 7-8.
Date: 2013-03-06
To: Springer Mountain
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

My flight to Atlanta, Georgia left LAX today at 6 am and arrived at 1:30 pm Atlanta time. I had plenty of time to discuss my trail name options with Pilgrim and he came up with Trekker. My direct link to trailjournals.com. should show up on the webpage in a few days.I also want to thank everyone who came to my send off party last Saturday. I enjoyed visiting and answering all your questions. I will try to keep you updated and post pictures. Only one photo shows up on the journal page, however check the Photo Link to see more as I add them.Arrived at the hostel hiker at 7:00 pm after stopping at Walmart for supplies.Met Coulter from Rhode Island, William from Alaska and Mady from Idaho. Willie, the shuttle driver, was full of stories and advice on the way to the hostel. Josh and Lee run the hostel. Lee rides a carbon road bike. I enjoyed talking with her.During dinner, Fresh Grounds told us about his past adventures on the trail with Hoarder. I also met Febe from Illinois. She had to leave the trail at Woody Gap because of the cold. She will continue tomorrow. Hopefully we will meet again along the way.I still haven't met everyone here yet. I will try to post again tomorrow. I can't believe I'm taking my first steps tomorrow.
Date: 2013-03-07
From: Springer Mountain

To: Hawk Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 8.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Lee and Joshua provided waffles, grits, scrambled eggs and oatmeal. Then they shuttled us to the service road parkimg area .9 of a mile to Springer. Because of a storm the day before, the trail was pretty frozen and treacherous. The forest was spectacular with all the limbs coated in ice. With the sunlight shining through them it looked like a fairy tale. I tried to take pictures but it won't due it justice. The hike to the top of Springer started at 8:30 am and 25 degrees. As the day warmed the ice began falling like it was raining. Very eerie. It was fun until the ice went down your neck!We crossed several streams and bridges which were slippery but picturesque. Too many sights to take in. The melting snow and ice made for some muddy trails. The high temp was around 45. We reached the shelter around 3:30 and found a full house so we are tenting. From the hostel there is Wiliam, Mary, and Jordana. I can remember names of Flash, Kit, Daniel, Dalton, Nick and Matt that I met at the shelter. There are perhaps a dozen more. Too much to take in. It is 6:30 pm and we are all settling in. Well most are. In the background I can here someone playing what sounds like a flute or recoder. Very soothing. Well the temp is dropping fast so that is all for now. I need to bundle up and get warm.
Date: 2013-03-08
From: Hawk Mountain Shelter

To: Woody Gap, GA
Miles today: 13.1

Last night was really really cold, but this morning is turning out great. We started at 8:30 and hiked until about 5:00. The trails were frozen at first but soon turned to mud. When we started climbing the views were spectacular but hard to caputure by camera. I did my best. I hiked most of the day with Mary aka Flute. She plays beautifully. We only stopped briefly at Gooch Gap shelter for a quick lunch then made a push for Woody Gap. The trail took us over Justus Gap and Rock Mountain which were really tough climbs. By the time we made Woody Gap all three of us, John, Pilgrim and myself were out of water and spent. When I looked down there was a bag of cold bottled water. Our first trail magic! Next I heard "hot dogs come and get it". Hot dogs, hot chocolate, coffee, chips, and water all provided by Fresh Grounds who thru hiked last year. He is camping here tonight and providing hot coffee and hot chocolate. Making friends with Mary, Rob, and Broken Pack who stayed at the hiker hostel. We have also been hanging with Kit aka Clever Girl, Matt now Dump Truck and Nick now Appollo.Two days ago it was 1 degree here wth horrible winds. We have been very lucky with the weather. Even though the daytime warms up enough to wear my short sleeve shirt, the temps drop as the sun goes down. I'm bundled up in my sleeping bag with all my clothes, but it still feels cold. Can hear the road noise from here, but also the sounds of Mary's flute.
Date: 2013-03-09
From: Woody Gap, GA

To: Neel Gap
Miles today: 10.5

Started the morning with Fresh Grounds saying coffee, grits, oatmeal, hot chocolate come and get it. That was at about 6:15 am. What a treat. We started out about 7:40 climbing Big Cedar mountain right out of the gate. A gentle climb of about 400 feet in 1 mile. Spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. We then decended 900 feet in the next 2 miles. We were walking on a leaf covered trail which was easy on the feet. The trees are oak, poplar birch and maple. That is what I can remember; just so much to take in. That is how the day went until we hit Blood Mountain where we climbed 700 feet in 1 tough mile. Mind you the trail here is rocky, slithery and off camber. The top of Blood Mountain is at 4461 feet. We then went down to Neels Gap at 3125 feet in 2 miles. This was by far the hardest part of the day. On the way down we followed rock slopes at a good angle side ways. We encountered ankle deep leaves that covered ankle twisting rocks and shoe grabbing roots. Hard to explain but believe me it was difficult. We passed a lady, Super Mom, and her daughter, Snowflake, and 2 sons. The kids are home schooled and headed for Maine. Snowflake is 8 and the two sons a couple years older. Tonight Pilgrim and I are sharing a cabin with Mary. Thats all for now, it is 8:00 and 2 hours past my bedtime. Keeping everybody awake! P.S. Added several photos today
Date: 2013-03-10
From: Neel Gap

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: few clouds

Beautiful day with bright blue sky and whispy white clouds. We climbed several mountains and followed the ridge line. The wind in the trees sounded like pounding surf and the leaves rustled in time to my pounding heart. Tonight we are hunkered down in a shelter preparing for rain tomorrow. It is probably going to be my first miserable wet day. For company we have Mary, Pilgrim, Clever Girl, Dump Truck, Apollo, Seventeen, Hot Dog, Trudger and a host of other people camping. It is going to be hard to remember everyone. Shelter life is definitly different.