morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-05-11
From: Raven Rock Shelter

To: Deerlick Shelter
Miles today: 9.6
Weather: clear sky

Today I am in no real hurry since I am only going to Deerlick Run Shelters where I will meet up with the boy scout troop from my home town. They will be hiking 10 miles tomorrow so I will get to spend the day and hike with them. I left around 7:30, late by my standards, and climbed slowly over a fairly rocky trail to High Rock. This is where the real rocks are born. Coming down was a rock hopping challenge not to fall on your face. The rocks seemed to go on forever and continued up the next climb. It may have only been about 2 miles but it was a workout. Once over the final bump the trail smoothed out and I knew I was getting close to PenMar Park. I rested only a few minutes before moving on. Although it was a beautiful sunny day it was still very cool. After the park there was another rocky climb but then it leveled out. The rocks slowly diminished and it the last 2 miles were a fairly nice walk. Being in early was nice and I had a chance to catch up on journals and have a nice campfire. The fire is just about out at 7:30 and I am fighting sleep. I will probably make it until 8:00 but doubt I be awake any longer. I'll see the troop in the morning.
Date: 2012-05-12
From: Deerlick Shelter

To: Rocky Run Shelter
Miles today: 10.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Last night after a long travel from Williamstown NJ Troop 234 scouts and leaders arrived at Deerlick around 11:00 or 11:30 pm after a hike up from PA RT 16. Luckily I was the only one in the shelters so instead of setting up tents the scouts and leaders were able to sleep in the shelters. A rare treat. We were all up around 6:30 to a beautiful day. Everyone had breakfast and was packed up and ready to hike by 7:45. The first few miles to Antietem Shelter was a mild walk with a scheduled break which allowed for sowe down time before continuing on. The trail up to Tumbling Run Shelters was level and began to climb immediately after. The trail was rocky and slow as we negociated the rocks. It was a trying walk most of day. We took a lunch break a few tenths from Chimney Rocks, not realizing we were that close to the views. We finally got to the turnoff for the Rocky Run Shelter. It was .3 of a rocky downhill walk to the shelters. Water was another .3 downhill. Overall it was a great day. I have hiked a number of years now and not been able to meet up with the scout troop I spent a number of years with as a leader many years ago when my son was a member. It was so great to finally meet and hike with the scouts and leaders after all this time. They are tuely an organized group that represents what scouting is all about. They are confident in their outdoor skills and very organized in everything they do without being tied to a regimented schedule. I had a great time. The scouts had a campfire after dinner and everyone was asleep as darkness fell.
Date: 2012-05-13
From: Rocky Run Shelter

To: Caledonia State Park
Miles today: 3.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Well it has been a great journey. I have been having more pain in my left heel over the past few weeks and enjoying the trip less and less. I have been putting in the miles but not totally feeling as good as I should have. I have been thinking of getting off the trail and when offered a ride home I gladly accepted. I have enjoyed the early spring and all that goes with it. I enjoyed the warm weather and the early leaf cover that helped protect me from the searing sun. I have enjoyed the trail for what it has to offer and teach each and every time I come out. I have learned that I do not have to attempt a though hike each time out to be happy. I am happy for what I have accomplished but also happy to be going back to the creature comforts and life I am use to, sitting on my deck with a glass of wine in my hand. I have many reminders of the trail through the people I have met, places visited and the pictures I have taken. I can now sit on my deck, drink my wine and remember all the people and places as I look at all the pics I have taken. Best of both worlds. To all pursuing their dream I wish you the happiness I have found on the At. Enjoy!
Date: 2012-01-05
From: Home

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Hello Trail journal Readers,I¢m not sure when my journal will be updated when on the trail. I may just wait until it¢s all over and try to fill it in. I just don¢t want to take away from my trail time while I¢m there. This will probably be a once in a lifetime experience for me and I don¢t want to waste one moment of it.   I¢ve got all my gear and I¢m ready to go. Hope to see you on the trail.For my preps take a look at my 2011 AT journal.
Date: 2012-02-13
To: Looking Ahead
Miles today: 0.0

Nine days to go. Only last minute preps left to do. Two drop boxes left to fill. Time to commit to the reality that it¢s going to happen soon. It¢s a little hard to do¢¦ walk out of a perfectly warm shelter, away from cable TV and civilized comforts, from friends and family, and walk into the unknown. To live primitively enough that staying warm, safe, and well fed becomes a difficult necessary. Then there are those mountains, walking up one and down the other side just so you can do it again with the next one. I can see how some people would find it difficult and quit.But to me, I love the idea, this will be one of the best times of my life. I¢m more at home away from civilization. Every tree and rock is special to me. I love being out in good weather and bad. I like being alone with my thoughts. Enjoy pushing myself to the limits of strength. Love to explore thick dark woods and watch the birds and animals play.I want to immerse myself into nature and the natural beauty of the earth. Feel it¢s power and fury. Taste it¢s sweetness and swallow it¢s bitterness. Look over the land from tall mountains. Swim in deep water. Walk until I can¢t walk another step and then walk some more. Sleep under the stars and stare at the moon.My hike will be one of a kind. More dangerous and yet more rewarding then most. I can¢t wait.
Date: 2012-02-22
To: Sleep
Miles today: 0.0

Heading out in a few hours¢¦ can¢t sleep at all. The anticipation is killing me. Hope all my gear and myself gets to the trail without any major problems. This is the part I dread most¢¦ getting to the airport on time¢¦ all the gear checked in¢¦ boarding the plane¢¦ watching the wing to make sure it doesn¢t fall off in flight¢¦ finding all the gear (it¢s amazing how valuable gear that will keep you alive becomes.)¢¦ repacking all the gear at the airport into a load I can carry¢¦ finding the train and boarding with gear¢¦ exiting the train and finding the shuttle. Aaahhh! *takes a deep breath* When I get to the trail and only have to worry about Bears¢¦ Snakes¢¦ Ticks¢¦ Mosquitoes¢¦ Black Flies¢¦ Hypothermia¢¦ Giardia¢¦ Widowmakers¢¦ Lightning¢¦ ¢¦I¢ll feel a lot better.Answering a post from my Guest Book- Thanks for reading, Bubblegum. If you look close she is standing on higher ground that gives her an inch or two, but I would say she is about six foot four, or five. Amazing right? The boots were a find, size 12 for my soon to be expanding feet, discounted to get rid of the last pair for a discontinued style, regular price was $69.99. Most stores have a discount rack on boots in spring/early summer but only expect the smaller and X large sizes to be left. Always look for seasonal gear at the end of the season for discounts. You can find some amazing deals. I¢ll let you know when I cross the James River in Virginia. Good luck.
Date: 2012-02-22
From: georgia

To: Hostel in Ga
Miles today: 868.0

The Journey begins...Family said their "see you later's" and in a moment he turned and walked to the boarding door. Without looking back the Journey begins... 785 miles later the flight from Dallas / Ft Worth was uneventful arriving some 30 minutes early to Atlanta. Leigh the owner of the Hostel had provided the best detailed instructions and information to facilitate an easy transition from airport to her pick up point concluding some 83 miles north of the Atlanta airport. An email message was received at approx 833pm that my brother had arrived safely to his first resting place for this journey. In the wee hours of this morning the walk will commence and Animal will join the ranks of those that have walked the AT before him as well as those who are yet to make this monumental journey. Safe travels my brother. Safe travels to all the hikers out there. Enjoy your journey!
Date: 2012-02-23
From: Hostel in Ga

To: Black Gap Shelter
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: light rain

Start: Amicolola FallsThe approach trail is tough! No one tells you how tough, I mean you hear whispers of the stairs at the falls but I had no idea. When you get to the first stairs it says 175 steps. "ok" I say. 175 steps is alot of steps... just when I am several stories high there is another sign that tells you there are about 500 more steps. The good thing is the view of the Falls. The view at the top is amazing. After a rest I continue into the mountains. Beautiful day, sun shining, temp in the 70's. The mountains are almost as hard as the stairs to climb. I take alot of breaks. It is a test of will to make it to the first shelter and it takes me all day. My first night and im all alone in the shelter. I gotta give a shout out to hiker Hostal for their fantastic bed, breakfast and shuttle service. Also, I gotta say Hi to "Easy Strider" a hiker I played leapfrog with all day.End day one.
Date: 2012-02-25
From: Black Gap Shelter

To: Stover creek shelter
Miles today: 2.8
Weather: broken clouds

Cold! It is in the 20's and the wind is howling. Springer is a BIG mountain. Once I get on top I was surprised how normal it is. It's not really cleared, there is a plack and a log book inside a rock that I sign. I cant stand around for long, it's to cold. So I follow the first white blaze onto the AT down the mountain. After the sun comes out it gets warmer, the layers of clothing come off and before I know it I'm at the shelter. "Spider" rolls in and leaves. I stay with "August", "Forrest" and "Skiddles". "Pappa Hikes" must have passed us. End day 3
Date: 2012-02-26
From: Stover creek shelter

To: Hawk Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.8

"Easy 5 mile day" I was told and it was not bad. It warmed up some after the sun came out. I stopped to enjoy a waterfall that is a little off the trail. Enjoyed a nice lunch there. After a few ups and downs I made it to the shelter. Met new friends "Caveman and Beth" "Cavemen" is hiking with his dog, a very well behaved dog. The rest of my group cought up and we had a good time around the campfire. Tomorrow is another day to hike. End day 4
Date: 2012-02-27
From: Hawk Mountain Shelter

To: Gooch Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Tough 7 mile day! Sasafras Mountain kicked my butt bad. Its a sharp up and down that will wake you up. Water is a long walk from my starting point and I got hot and thirsty. It didnt help that it rained the night before because my tent and some other wet gear made the pack overly heavy. "Caveman and Beth" passed me and said they are going to push for a long day. By the time I got to the shelter I was beyond tired. Met many new hikers, "Bill", "Gusty" and others. Plan on a zero tomorrow. That will mean I will be leaving the group but out here you hike your own hike. I need a rest.End day 5
Date: 2012-02-28
From: Gooch Mountain Shelter

To: Gooch Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Zero day! Just healing and getting stronger. Also I was getting ripe so I made myself a pot bath... it worked great. Met "Nomad" again and he decided to stay the day. "Grey Goose" wandered in and many others followed. Moved into the shelter because it is going to rain tonight. End day 6
Date: 2012-03-01
From: Gooch Mountain Shelter

To: Lance Creek
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: clear sky

At trail miles 23/trip miles 338 mile day! It did not rain afterall, in fact it was sunny and warm. I had spaghetti last night and felt the power flow in my legs. Today was mostly a ridge walk with some mountains in between. I was planning to cover 10 miles today but when I got to the creek nomad I found that "pappa Hiks" had already set up camp. "Sean", "Two Isles", and "Drag your tail" joined us and we had a blast.End day 8More to come later...
Date: 2012-03-02
From: Lance Creek

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 7.5
Weather: light rain

Journal day 9 at miles 30.5 / trip miles 407.5 mile day. In my earlier journal posts I left out a lot of expierences that may worry family reading them. Now im going to post everything. First, I have to tell you about my hat. I have this very warm fleece and fur hat. Its warm and I love it but when I look at the ground as im walking the fur blocks out the rest of the world beyound 4 feet. I do not see other hikers walking tward me, I miss signs and side trails, and I hit my head, twice, hard at Springer Mountain. Fortunally I only wear this hat on cold days. Today Im not wearing this hat. Its warm and its going to storm later but over the next few days its going to get cold and the hat will come into play. My plan is to hike over this 5 mile section of trail where bears have stolen a lot of hikers food. The last three years this section of the AT has been closed. Then I will make it to Neels Gap where they have showers, laundry, store and bunks. Then in less than an hour I would walk out of there and to the first campsite about a mile away. It was a good plan. The air was damp and full of thick fog. The wind howled and the trees made creeking and cracking noises. Every time I stopped to take a break I could hear twigs snapping around me but all I could see was fog. I ran into someone at Slaughter Creek at the base of blood mountain. I did not stop, you could feel the storm comming and I wanted to finish this big Mountain before it hit. After a long climb I get to the shelter at the top where I met Two-isles, TragginTail, and Pappa Hicks. Two isleswent down the Mt as I stopped to talk with Pappa Hicks. 3 more guys show up and I finally start down the Mt. That was when the storm hit. Rain and wind made rocks slick and hard to see. I missed a turn in the trail and ended up at the edge of a cliff. I had to climb up 40 yards of slick rocks with my heavy pack and bucket in the pouring rain. Somehow I made it down the mountain. By the time I got to Neels Gap the rain had quit but I could go no further. Tonight I sleep in a bunk.
Date: 2012-03-03
From: Neels Gap

To: Campsite at Miles 35.5
Miles today: 5.0

Day 10 Trip At miles 35.5 / Trip Miles 45 / 5 mile day5 mile day. Had a good time at the hostal last night. Met Sgt Rock and Yogie who I played leep frog with two days ago. Talked to my sister and mailed the first set of journal posts.It was cold and it is going to get colder. I was playing the water game and loosing. You see, water is heavy and so you want to carry just enough to get you to the next water source. Well, I had the hat on and missed two side trails to water. After a few miles I was getting concerned and thirsty. I ran into Bat again. He was looking for water too.Found a mess on some rocks where a bear had gotten someones food. I found a campsite around 3pm and decided to stay. Had a good meal, hung my food, got water, and crawled into my tent when it was getting dark. Alone!They came about an hour after dark. Calling to each other, it was a shrill call similer to the velasaraptors in Jerrasic Park. They came from the north down the AT and decided to have a party next to my tent. They were fast running around everywhere. I dont know what they are... never heard anything like them except in the movies. Then they started to sniff at my tent. There was a full moon out and I could see the shadows. It took a long time for them to go away and a longer time before I could sleep.
Date: 2012-04-27
From: Campsite at Miles 35.5

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Hi everyone,I¢m in Damascus, Virginia. Walked over 400 miles of the AT and still going. Walked in snow, rain, and sun¢¦ seen all kinds of animals including five bears¢¦ two bears were real close. Met the nicest people you can imagine both on and off the trail. Ben caught in thunder storms on mountains five times. And I¢ve seen the most beautiful views that a camera just cannot capture.I¢m going to just give a brief update whenever I get to a computer. Later I can fill in more details and add pictures¢¦ find my facebook page to see them when they are loaded. Until the next town-AnimalPS Yes I still am carrying the bucket. ?
Date: 2012-05-12
From: Damascus, VA

To: Pearisburg VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Just outside of Pearisburg VA. Done over 600 miles now and still going. I¢m doing about 100 miles every 8 days. The cheap gear is doing ok, had to replace or fix some of it but it¢s working for me.The people on and along the trail are amazing! I can¢t say enough good things about the people I meet.The weather has been good¢¦ even when it¢s raining, it¢s a good rain.Until next time,Animal
Date: 2012-06-04
From: Pearisburg VA

To: Waynesboro, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I¢m now in Waynesboro, VA¢¦ over 800 miles from my starting point and still going.Doing well! Every day is still an amazing adventure and a struggle¢¦ loving every moment.I¢ll try to share the highlights when my journey is over.-Animal
Date: 2012-06-15
From: Waynesboro, VA

To: Harpers Ferry, WV
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

About 1000 miles down the trail and still going. Entering a new realm of the journey that I don't have the time, or may never have the words, to explain.Spring is changing to summer; bugs, growing plants, and heat are all new. Miles pass under my feet and my mind wanders in strange ways. Memories are relived as I walk on autopilot. People,friends, and family are missed and thought of often. Possible futures are planned. Pains are felt and endured or ignored.I'll be at the halfway point soon. Time is flying by as I walk from town to town. I think soon the answer to the greatest question will be known. Why? Still, the most amazing thing is the people I meet. We must all have a capacity for good that I did not know about. The trail has shown it to me and I will be forever grateful.Until the next town.
Date: 2012-07-11
From: Harpers Ferry, WV

To: Delaware Water Gap, PA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

I made it to Delaware Water Gap¢¦ about 900 miles to go and still going. I have survived a tornado, 17 ticks in one day, and 120-degree heat index with little water.(the tornado hit right outside the shelter I was in and felled three trees.)Moving out of Pennsylvania and into New Jersey.Until next time.
Date: 2012-08-13
From: Kent, CONN

To: Manchester Ctr, VT
Miles today: 0.0

I¢m in Manchester Ctr, VT. Over 1,600 miles hiked and less then 600 to go. The trail is getting more beautiful every day¢¦ I know how it is in Maine and can¢t wait to get there. I¢ve had some problems but hiking is all about overcoming problems. Just one more stop before the white mountains¢¦ Hanover, NH.Until next time¢¦
Date: 2012-08-25
From: Hanover, NH

To: Warren, NH
Miles today: 0.0

Ok, I have hiked 1,785 miles of the AT and I have 398 miles to go. I did some math today and found out that there is no way I¢m going to finish on September 24th. I am about 9 days behind my original schedule and the mountains are getting to big to rush through. My best guess is finishing on, or around, Oct 1st. The 7 extra days will give me a chance to stay safe and enjoy the trip.
Date: 2012-09-25
From: Gorham, NH

To: Stratton, ME
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

About 2,000 miles down the trail now, and only 188 left to go. Expect to finnish in about two weeks. I can see the end and have mixed feelings, but now it is time to sprint... dodging bears and moose as I go. Weather is the only thing to stop me.
Date: 2012-10-14
From: Going Home

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

The trail can do a lot of things to you as you walk it's length. It can teach you a lot about yourself... even as it changes who you were into who you are. It will tear you down and build you up into a stronger person, not just physically but mentaly and spiritually as well. You can find meaning, and purpose, and peace just by hiking it's path. All these things the AT did to me and more. I will strugle the rest of my life to remember the lessons Ive learned and use the strength it gave me.I've had the privilege to meet the most amazing people on and around the trail. To meet them and to feel they are an extended family... and this can happen in the first few seconds of meeting them. Something about this journy draws people together and brings out the best in humanity. I wish this sort of thing, the shareing and joining together of people without the normal selfishness and greed we see in the world, happend more offten. Anyway, I plan to keep in touch with as many of these great people as I can.It will be a while before I will try another long hike. (sorry Professor.) Not because I don't want to, but because there are some things I need to do first and these things may take years. They say wanting can be sweeter then having or doing... well I will just have to enjoy the sweetness of wanting to hike for a time.I've had a successful thru-hike, better then I ever thought it would be. I need to thank virtualy everyone that I talked to on and off the trail for this success and giving me hope. Without hope all of us would fail.I've been asked a lot of questions on the trail, one is 'How did you hike that far carrying that bucket?' and I'd like to close with one of my answers-"It's all mental... well, all exept the physical parts."And another I've used for the constant question 'What's in the bucket?', givin to me by a great thru-hiker and friend Sipsey-"Bear hearts!"
Date: 2012-11-20
To: My Bucket List
Miles today: 0.0

Why did I carry the bucket-1. It saves me over $2,000 in food costs. Re-supplying in bulk at larger, and cheaper, groceries stores once every 2-4 weeks..2. I can wash my clothes in it. Keeping me out of towns longer and saving me $$.3. Exercising my arms. Hikers end up with strong large legs but scrawny small arms.4. It keeps animals out of my food. Small animals can¢t bite through it and larger animals can¢t smell the food.5. It makes a good seat.6. I can take a bath out of it.7. I can wash dishes in it.8. You can carry a lot of water to camp with it.9. It¢s a lightweight carrying container.10. It can keep items dry on river crossings and in rain storms.11. It makes a nice table.12. Swinging a heavy bucket is a great defense weapon.13. It¢s a flotation device.14. You can cook in it.15. It helped my balance when rock climbing and log/plank walking.16. Makes a great stepladder over large rocks and up trees/high walls.17. It helps you reach the tops of large rocks/cliffs by giving your hand a flat surface to pull/push yourself up with.18. It kept me from smashing myself on rocks to bad when I fell.19. You can catch food in it... crayfish, turtles, snakes, lizards, insects, and small game.20. Hat in a hail storm.21. Conversation piece.22. Top is a Frisbee.23. It made me famous. (Not necessarily a good thing.)24. It made my hike more of a challenge. (As if it was not hard enough.)