morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-05-18
From: Campsite

To: Stealth Camping
Miles today: 18.7
Weather: light rain

Great hiking weather day. 18.6 miles.BlueJay hiked with us today who I met in Hiawasee, Ga. way back in the beginning. Funny how you think you¢ll never see someone again and here they are 700 miles later!Went under the guillotine today, ¢Let it go, I got it!!!!!¢   See pic.If you have ever been in the woods walking along and you came upon a cooler that had sandwiches and drinks inside, would you sit down and eat/drink? LOL¢¦ I don¢t even hesitate. Without question I would eat and drink with wild abandon. In the real world no way!
Date: 2014-05-20
From: 800 Miles...

To: Camping at Porters Field
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: clear sky

Approx 18 miles today. I hiked solo today with the occasional Hello from others. Nice day with beautiful VA views. I¢m in my tent at 7pm and hoping to catch up on some much needed rest. I¢ve had two big climbs in last two days and I¢m tired. There are always more to come.The pics are of the James River and the pedestrian crossing built for AT Hikers¢¦I can¢t believe how tired I am¢¦ so far I¢m camping alone as well¢¦ Hopefully no bears!!!Amazing !
Date: 2014-05-21
From: Camping at Porters Field

To: Maupin Shelter
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: moderate rain

Tough day again today. I¢m sorry that I purchased trail runners. The rocks just punch thru and my feet are paying the price. In Waynesboro I¢m going back to a more solid boot.Today I had a 5 mile descent a 6 mile ascent after that. ughhhhh, all loose rocks!! But I¢m here¢¦ approx 18 miles.The pic is of a suspension bridge. I forgot the name and I¢m too tired to look it up.Tomorrow I make a big push for Waynesboro, VA. It¢s 20 miles, but if I have to, I¢ll pull up short then leave real early to get there very early on 23rd.
Date: 2014-05-22
From: Maupin Shelter

To: Waynesboro
Miles today: 20.4
Weather: light rain

I¢m here, but it wasn¢t without pain. I got off the trail this morning after several miles to hitch into town for a Dr visit for feet issues. He took care of my blisters and told me to get shoes that fit correctly, so much for outfitter ¢experts¢. Tomorrow back to the outfitter for new shoes again. I¢ll be happy if they work. Anyway, after a few hrs I got a ride back to the trail to finish the day and into a hotel. The rocks were brutal and worse is coming in PA.I also missed a Southbound Hiker that has been following my blog. He hiked to meet me and we missed since I was at the Dr. I¢m sorry about that. Didn¢t know he would be there or I would have hiked on. Better days are coming tomorrow!Still amazing !!!Here is a picture of me on the zip line at the Captains. I meant to include it in that blog post but I missed it somehow.
Date: 2014-05-25
From: Waynesboro

To: Blackrock Hut Tenting
Miles today: 22.1

Back on the road again. All caught up and nothing chiseling away at my feet.Rick it was great to meet you. Thanks for your patience...We hiked 22.1 miles after we found out the trail had been extended over Calf Mountain instead of the old way around it. Ridge Runner Blissful gave us the good news... Ouch!We did see two bears today. One was just 20 yards away and the other was just a cub within feet. That made me very nervous and I quickly suggested that we move on before momma decides to take charge! I tried to get a pic but the bear wouldn't hold still.I didn't take any pics today but I'll show you a pic of me re-supplying in a grocery store.
Date: 2014-05-26
From: Blackrock Hut Tenting

To: Stealth Camp
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: overcast clouds

16.5 miles today, we were a bit tired from yesterday. Saw another bear today and a doe that had just dropped a fawn. She wouldn¢t move from us more than 20 yards so I know the fawn was motionless nearby but we couldnt find it.Had a nice lunch at a Skyline Drive restaurant. (pic is after lunch).The Park Service is real sticky about where we can camp, but getting to the next hut wasn¢t going to happen¢¦ so stealth it is!!The other pic is looking up thru my mesh ceiling at the trees and sky before I passed out for the night¢¦ Which reminds me¢¦ Goodnight!Amazing !!!
Date: 2014-05-27
From: Stealth Camp

To: 900 Miles!!!!
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: overcast clouds

About 16 miles again today, passed the 900 mile mark and just kept moving¢¦Today I saw something I never dreamed I¢d ever see on the Appalachian trail. 10 Amish girls hiking with full Amish dress and full backpacks!!! I wanted to take a pic but didn¢t. I was surprised to say the least.Late in the day we could hear thunder rolling in so we decided to get a cabin at Lewis Mountain Campground. It poured. The hut was less than a mile away and full of hikers, which means tenting in a thunderstorm. I¢m so glad we are inside and dry.
Date: 2014-05-28
From: 900 Miles!!!!

To: Skyland Resort Campground
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: light rain

About 17.0 miles today. Luray, Va. tomorrow for resupply then back out.We got caught in a thunderstorm 1 mile before end of day... scary!The pic is of me and Yogi at a place we stopped for lunch. The other is of the trail, straight and level, which is very rare! It's usually uphill.
Date: 2014-05-29
From: Skyland Resort Campground

To: Luray Resupply
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Stayed overnight in Luray, Va. for the usual resupply laundry and a shower. We said goodbye to Dallas as she headed back to the trail this morning. Time to Eat is almost finished with his hike to Harpers Ferry¢¦ Then I¢m on my own again unless someone new or old pops up.I decided I wanted to try the aqua blaze for a couple days. (Don¢t panic) if/when I make Katahdin. I will be back to make it right! This was a good choice for me now since I need some time for my feet. HYOH (hike your own hike)¢¦ and I am.Sorry no pic today. Tomorrow!
Date: 2014-05-31
From: Aqua Blazing Day 1

To: Aqua Blazing Day 2
Miles today: 20.2
Weather: light rain

Aqua Blazing is OK, but it¢s still a lot of work. No free ride even on water!! I¢ve had my fill and im ready to get back on the trail tomorrow afternoon. Time to Eat is anxious to get his hike over and go home to his family. I can certainly understand his feelings.. I miss mine!!Here is a pic of me on the water. The other I tried to get a pic of a dam but it¢s to hard to see.Still amazing !
Date: 2014-06-01
From: Aqua Blazing Day 2

To: Blackburn ATC Center
Miles today: 19.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Back on the trail and glad of it¢¦ Just two days to finish the aqua blaze. it¢s a lot harder than imagined. We were back on the trail before noon and as we hiked were told of trail magic at Blackburn center, Free dinner!!! So that became our goal¢¦ To Eat!!! We made it by 5pm and had a feast with about 15 others. Awesome.Today we passed the yellow 1000 mile pole and passed from VA to WV. Tomorrow we will make our way into Harpers Ferry with a short 12 mile hike and check in at the ATC conservancy for my official weigh in and photo. I have heard so far that 340 hikers have made it this far and received their check in numbers. Out of 2 to 3 thousand that started¢¦ I¢m in good company.
Date: 2014-06-02
From: Blackburn ATC Center

To: Harpers Ferry
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: clear sky

Rough trail into Harpers Ferry this morning, lots of rocks. I took a pretty good fall yesterday. I didn¢t think much of it at the time but today my right side ribs are very painful. I can barely get up from a prone position, and my arm is black and blue. I want to hike out tomorrow but I may stay a day. I will know in the morning.Got into the ATC Conservancy and did my official weigh in and had my pic taken for the yearbook. I was Hiker number 365. That¢s all that have made it this far so far this year. As for my weight¢¦. I¢ve loss 45 lbs. Im eating like a horse all the time. You wouldn¢t believe it if I described a in town meal, it¢s crazy.Anyway, I hope to be back on the trail tomorrow and into MD then PA as quickly as I can, maybe 3 days.Everything is truly amazing on the trail !!!!
Date: 2014-06-04
To: It is FinishedÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ¦
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

This is one journal entry that I never imagined I¢d be writing! Without going into a lot of detail my injuries were much more serious than I had first thought. I went to the Dr. Yesterday for x-rays. I cracked 2 ribs and I have a pretty good bone bruise¢¦ which I never knew was even possible. It¢s all I can do to even move. Sneezing, coughing, and laughing are incredibly painful, even just taking a deep breath! Its hard not to feel like I let so many people down, yet at the same time is still an incredible accomplishment to go so far. The Dr. said up to 4 weeks recover time and I¢m off the trail. She had a lot more to say but that¢s the bottom line. Thank you so much to all of you that have been so encouraging, supportive, and kind. There were moments when it is what kept me going. I¢m slowly making my way home now where I will be on the mend.The trail becomes a huge part of who we are and the dream to stand on Katahdin. Maybe next year.I met the best people along the way and pray that each of you will find success. Be safe.It¢s been awesome Amazing Grace!
Date: 2014-06-06
From: It is FinishedÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ¦

To: Flip Flopping the AT
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

For some strange reason that I cant wrap my arms around¢¦ I have to get back to the trail !!! My family and I have been discussing this knowing that I can no longer finish the trail as a Thru-Hiker. The plan is to return to the trail in Maine at the end of June after my recovery¢¦. then hike south as far as I can with the remaining 6 weeks I have before I return to work. I still wont be able to complete the trail back to Harpers Ferry and my brief aqua blaze this year¢¦. however, I will have enough vacation next year to finish the remaining trail miles and complete this awesome journey!!! This hike has defied description by my journal entries¢¦ The beauty, the peace, the awesome people I have met, the support from so many I don't even know¢¦and those I do. Most awesome is the grace that I have received even with difficult challenges and an injury set back¢¦.. Everything happens for a reason ! Its not the way I had planned to hike the trail¢¦ but I can still get it done as a section hiker¢¦.. with BIG sections !I'm so excited to have the support from home and all of you¢¦.. All things are possible !Tank¢¦¢¦ I'm not much of a Tank anymore¢¦. more like a HalfTrack as one of my friends has suggested.
Date: 2014-06-10
From: Flip Flopping the AT

To: In Training
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I¢m counting the days until I can return to the trail. I see my own doctor tomorrow for an update on my mending. I¢ll even have a chance to get his opinion on my feet issues which are resolving themselves but I¢m there so why not ask. Right now my plan is to get back on the trail Jun 25th. It¢s strange to think about heading south but I¢m sure I¢ll adjust quickly. I¢ll update as I have more info. ¢¦ In the meantime I¢ll just keep working on my training !!
Date: 2014-06-15
From: In Training

To: Still Training
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

I¢m working hard to get back on the trail. Training is exhausting!I see the Dr. on Thursday and I fully expect to get cleared, even though honestly the ribs still hurt alot and probably will take quite a while to really heal. I can get my backpack on and it feels ok¢¦ so that¢s progress.I¢ve got my plan in place to get back to the trail leaving home on the 23rd, hiking the 25th.Looking forward to seeing some hiking buddies and making new ones!!
Date: 2014-06-21
From: Still Training

To: Ready to goÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ¦ Again
Miles today: 0.0

Yesterday I received the green light from my Dr¢¦ to return to the trail. She says it¢s going to hurt for awhile but it¢ll get better in a few weeks. I¢m ready. ¢¦. my flights are all set up¢¦ I have my room in Millinocket and I¢m counting on good weather¢¦lol.I¢m repacking my pack and trying once again to lighten the load¢¦. As long as it doesn¢t snow I should be good.
Date: 2014-06-25
From: Ready to goÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ¦ Again

To: Katahdin Summit
Miles today: 10.5

I made it to the top today... It was raining a moderate rain. Going up was easier than coming down. Very slippery and scary. I should have taken rock climbing lessons. I met another thru hike finishing his hike. He had the same issue as me, was injured and left the trail for a few weeks. I'm glad I was there to congratulate him as no one else was there. His trail name is Emperor. Real Name Is Chris... lots of Chris's on the trail.The descent was so slick I actually had to slide along many areas on my butt so I wouldn't slip of my feet. I learned that after I fell again... I won't tell you I hurt my ribs again. I'll decide what I doing about it tomorrow. I dropped off the rock I picked up on Springer when I started in Ga. I took a lot of heat because it was a bit large and weighty... oh well.
Date: 2014-06-26
From: Katahdin Summit

To: Southbound!
Miles today: 0.0

My pack is heavier than it has ever been. I have to carry enough food to get through the 100 mile wilderness. Looks like the bad weather has passed and I should have a few good days. I wont have signal to provide blog updates for a week or so, but I will try to check-in a few times a day with my GPS unit. You can follow me here ¢ http://thruhikeat.com/follow-me-2/I hope to be at the Wadley Stream Lean-to on sat night. I have the awesome honor of installing a plaque to honor Buffalo Bobby who passed away near this spot on his 3rd AT hike. He was loved by all who had the good fortune to know him. Thank you to his family and Trolley Stop.The picture is of¢¦well ¢¦Tank !
Date: 2014-06-27
From: Southbound!

To: 100 Mile Wilderness
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: overcast clouds

I¢m in it¢¦ so you probably won¢t see any of my messages for a while.Lots of roots¢¦ all sizes¢¦ like spaghetti on top of spaghetti. I stopped early at the Hurd Lean-to. It¢s 4pm.I have a big 20 mile day tomorrow to make Wadleigh¢¦ To install the plaque. I¢m not sure I can do 20 but I¢m going to try. Lean-to spacing isn¢t ideal. I¢m at the lean-to but I¢m in my tent since the mosquitoes are so horrible. Not to many black flies yet¢¦ Maybe I am at the end of fly season¢¦ we will see.I¢ll have a couple look backs at Katahdin tomorrow for photo ops. All I saw on my climb was fog rain and clouds¢¦ But I made it !!The picture is of the sign at the beginning of the wilderness warning me not to do this if I¢m not prepared¢¦ I¢m still not sure I am.No company today at all... either direction which is really strange and kinda creepy at the same time... I like people.
Date: 2014-06-28
From: 100 Mile Wilderness

To: 100 Mile Wilderness - Day 2
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: clear sky

I planned to do 20 miles today but with the root system and all the mud I had to give up at 12. I¢ll install the memorial tomorrow¢¦ I¢m really beat. I feel like my lower body is eating my upper body. Already I can¢t eat enough.I finally saw another Hiker going north and we both ended up at the same shelter tonight. It¢s nice to have someone to chat with. His name is Theron.. and he is in the pic I have today. Can you see the log across the stream¢¦ it¢s part of the AT. Maine doesn¢t believe in bridges for Hikers. Yesterday I had to ford my first steam¢¦ I put on my crocks and waded across to keep my boots dry. It was ok except the part where my feet sank a foot into the muck¢¦ yuck!!! More mud and rivers to ford tomorrow and for the next several days.The other pic is of Katahdin as I move South.
Date: 2014-06-29
From: 100 Mile Wilderness - Day 2

To: 100 Mile Wilderness - Day 3
Miles today: 5.6
Weather: broken clouds

Today I made it to Wadleigh Lean-to and installed the memorial plaque.I told myself that I would not complain about my feet, knees, and ribs on my Southbound hike¢¦ well¢¦ I had fallen again on the left side ribs, but it still affected the right side¢¦ Very painful. My feet and knees are worse than before. I was sitting on a gravel road and a park Ranger was driving by and asked if I was ok. When he saw me try to walk be suggested the hike was over¢¦ I¢m done.It¢s not a failure in any way. I accomplished so much more than I didn¢t. It was an awesome moment in my life. It¢s just time to go home and heal.You only fail if you never get off the couch and try!!!
Date: 2015-04-24
From: AT 2014 and My Hike for Autism

To: Harpers Ferry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

In March 2014 I stepped onto the Appalachian Trail with 2 goals. 1) To raise money for a wonderful non-profit organization and 2) to realize a life long dream and complete the AT. With the help of many friends and strangers, I reached one goal. We raised over $11,000 for the Brent Woodall Foundation for Exceptional Children. After hiking over 1,000 miles, injuries stopped me from completing my second goal. I wont let that stop me, I will continue my hike beginning 04/25/2015. I plan to complete approximately 400 miles before I have to return to work and hopefully the remaining distance in 2016. Please continue to follow me on my journey. I read all comments posted on my blog, they motivate me, so keep them coming.
Date: 2015-04-26
From: Harpers Ferry

To: Crampton Gap Shelter 
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Sunday April 26 - Harpers Ferry to Crampton Gap Shelter - 10.4 MilesDay 1 of only 5 weeks but I'll make the best of the time I have. If things go well I'll cover 400 more miles towards my goal of completing the entire AT... TIME TO EAT was kind enough to provide transport from the airport to Harpers Ferry. Thank you so much! I met up with FRANKIE THE SLEEPER and off we go on a beautiful Sunday morning... excellent day all around. The first pic if us as we headed to the trail head. The next is 3pm and gone for the night... zzzzzzzz
Date: 2015-04-27
From: Crampton Gap Shelter 

To: Pine Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: clear sky

4/27/2015 ¢ 12.5 Miles ¢ 22.9 Total MilesI did 12 miles today and beat the rain to the shelter but it was full of snorers that we shared a shelter with yesterday, also a youth group so I¢m in my tent listening to the rain and waiting for bears. Lots of new faces but only a couple of thru-hikers since we are pretty much ahead of them that left Georgia this year. Spring is just beginning so nights are cool to cold. There was a dusting of snow but tomorrow promises a beautiful day near 70 degrees. So far the hike is different from last year with respect to no pressure to be anywhere at a certain time¢¦ I¢m on the sweet side of pain this time. It¢s amazing how fast I lost the skill level I had managed last year¢¦ but in a few days I¢ll be back in the routine. I go into town in a couple of days for my first food drop and a badly needed shower!!! Yahooooo¢¦ I smell like a hiker. The picture is of the first Washington Monument¢¦ how many of you knew there were two?!
Date: 2015-04-28
From: Pine Knob Shelter

To: Raven Rock Shelter
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: light rain

Gorgeous day to hike today. Tenting tonight at Raven Rock shelter. The snorers are here again. The last climb was 800 ft. That doesn¢t sound like much but just to give you some idea, Do this¢¦ put a 35lb bag of cement on your back and climb 80 stories¢¦ oh and cover the stairs with rocks that move. Let me know how that goes, lol. The pic today is self explanatory. Yes it¢s the trail!!
Date: 2015-04-29
From: Raven Rock Shelter

To: Waynesboro, PA
Miles today: 7.5

We we¢re given another awesome day of hiking today. Beautiful weather. We actually had our first encounter with trail magic. A gentleman offered us a place to stay, showers, dinner, lodging and would pick us up at the trail and bring us back in the morning. But because I am no longer a thru hiker, we decided his generous offer would be better for hikers that had actually been on the trail for 1100 miles this year. We continued on to Waynesboro and found a Days Inn. We still found trail magic with a free ride from the trail, to the post office to pick up or drop boxes of food, and then a ride immediately from there to the hotel. It worked out fantastic, ya gotta love trail magic!!! People are so awesome!!! The pics today are of an overview and at the Mason Dixon line¢¦ strange place for a mailbox¢¦ lol. We are in Pa. known for its horrible rocks, 200 miles worth. They say that if your spirit can be broken, it¢ll happen here
Date: 2015-04-30
From: Waynesboro, PA

To: Rocky Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 12.3
Weather: clear sky

Today we hiked about 13 miles. We managed to stay ahead of the thunder & lightning, which still gave me a creepy feeling. Carrying aluminum poles isn¢t conducive to staying alive during thunderstorms!!! It really was a nice day to hike, not to hot. Next week will be different from what we hear. Settling in for the evening we had to kill black widows hanging over us¢¦ ahhhhhh all good now. First time I¢ve seen two shelters together¢¦ check the signs!
Date: 2015-05-01
From: Rocky Mountain Shelter

To: Birch Run Shelter
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: few clouds

Not much to report today. Stayed ahead of the weather and hiked into Birch run shelter. I was hiking along wishing I could see some wildlife. I looked up and saw a big black lab running towards me¢¦ Just for a split second you can imagine what I thought it was!!! No more wishing for wildlife¢¦lol
Date: 2015-05-02
From: Birch Run Shelter

To: Pine Grove Furnace
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: overcast clouds

We made it into Pine Grove Furnace today. They have the 1/2 gal challenge here for Hikers. I did not partake even though I love ice cream. We stayed at the Iron Masters Mansion Hostel¢¦ goggle the mansion. It has a very interesting history, too much to write about. It was built in the 1800's.
Date: 2015-05-04
From: Alec Kennedy Shelter

To: Darlington Shelter
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Darlington Shelter 18.2 miles today, plus 0.5 for water uphill both ways. We crossed the Cumberland Valley which was pretty nice although the last 2 miles were very tough, we got here! On in the Duncannon tomorrow. I have a food drop at the Doyle hotel which is really a toilet, so it has become the Doylette. We won¢t stay there but will get a burger which are supposed to be good. You never know what you¢ll see on the AT, we ran into 3 super men and 1 superwoman¢¦.. safest we have been on the trail so far!!
Date: 2015-05-05
From: Darlington Shelter

To: Duncannon
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: overcast clouds

We rolled into Duncannon yesterday afternoon after a 2 mile rock scramble¢¦ they just keep getting worse from here. We did eat at the Doylet. The cheeseburger is the meal of choice and it was quite good. They wouldn't let us check out the rooms before we paid, so we moved on to the Stardust Motel, a 40's/50's roadside motel. Much better than the Doylet (thats not not saying much). Wednesday, 5/6 we will take or first zero in 10 days for a much needed rest and to avoid wx moving thru the area. The pics today are of the view into Duncannon, the Doylet, a group picture of Tank, Airforce 1, and Frankie the Sleeper, and and what I have decided is man¢s best friend. No dog can top this!!!
Date: 2015-05-07
From: Duncannon

To: Peters Mountain
Miles today: 10.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Back on the trail¢¦ tough climb out of Duncannon. Lots of rocks, they do work on the feet! We had the pleasure of watching a cub scout troop for about 10 min at an overlook¢¦ one in particular was a serious nose miner enjoying the occasional taste and licking his fingers to finish up. We got all forms of cheap entertainment out here¢¦ The pic is of Frankie and myself at the overlook.
Date: 2015-05-08
From: Peters Mountain

To: Rausch Gap Shelter
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: clear sky

Good day¢¦ long day!!! 18 miles today. Saw my first rattle snake, one more step¢¦¢¦. It scared the heck out of me. I backed up pretty quickly. I¢m at the Rausch Gap Shelter being eaten alive. I¢m exhausted¢¦ night all.