morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-04-10
From: Dave's Place Damascus

To: Dave's Place Damascus
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Zero day: Didn't sleep well, no bed in Hostel,Sleeping Pad with Sleeping Bag, bag too warm for room. Woke up early, went to Laundromat at 0600, after laundry, stop at the Diner at the Exxon Gas Station, got Cheese Omelet and Blueberry Pancakes for breakfast. Clean out pack.AJ came in around 1000 hrs. We went to Food City Store for grocery, large selection, purchased 6 days of food $75 (ouch), food is expensive in this town. Purchase lunch at Food City Mac Cheese, Fried Chicken and Chicken Tenders.Eat lunch, took a nap. Sorted out food, get ready for tomorrow hike.Can't pack have to use Sleeping Bag.Nice easy day, legs are rested, hoping to be out by 0800 tomorrow.Hope I get some sleep tonight.
Date: 2013-04-15
From: Jenkins Shelter

To: Tentsite Aprox MM:603.0
Miles today: 27.8
Weather: mist

It pretty much rained all night. After last night fiasco I was ready to be gone. I was out about 0815, plan was to hike to Jenny Knob Shelter. The Trail was not too bad. I had to navigate the I-77 bypass very tricky(thanks to Awol Guide I was able to make it out with no mishaps). I also discover I don't like when the AT take roads, don't want to walk into wrong neighborhood (joke).I thought I was the only Hiker out, so I had Bob Marley playing on the Ipod. I was surprised as I approach a climb to see an Hiker in front of me. As I passed, we chat briefly. He said he thought the same. His trail name is So Far, he started 2 March so he is moving fast. He was going to Jenny Knob.I decided not to stop at the shelter but tent, so I can go to the Trent Grocery store in the morning .Today was an easy hike. In the cool drizzle.
Date: 2013-04-16
From: Tentsite Aprox MM:603.0

To: Tentsite Aprox MM:626.0
Miles today: 23.0
Weather: broken clouds

Out at 0745, cross the only Suspension bridge on AT - pretty cool. Walk the 0.5 miles to Trent Grocery, just wanted something different to eat, had enough to get me to Pearisburg.Order Philly Cheese, Cajun Fries (yes breakfast) Orange and Apple Juice, Little Debbie Cherry Pie. All gone in 10 mins. I spoke to the owner he use to live in Alaska, Anchorage Juneau areas - State Trooper. Got 2 Gatorade to go, getting tired of the chemical tasting water - will be picking up mu Sawyer Filter in a day.Today was going to be an easy day. I don't know whats with me and a full stomach its hard to get going at Saber speed (3 MPH). It was slow going the first 4 hours. Eventually I was able to get going. The plan was to stop at Doc Knob Shelter because of the the Rhododendron bushes going into Pearisburg.I got to the Shelter at 1630. There was a Section Hiker there, a retired Air force Pilot TFO. He told me the Rhododendron cleared before the power line and he saw a tent site up there. It was early and that would get me within 5 miles of Pearisburg. So I can nero tomorrow. I found a nice spot with great view for the sunrise -yep it rained
Date: 2013-04-17
From: Tentsite Aprox MM:626.0

To: Pearisburg MM:630.8
Miles today: 4.8
Weather: clear sky

Stop raining before sunrise, easy walk into Pearisburg. Met a Thru-Hiker who was camp a little closer to town. He passed me tenting and didn't see me. We end up staying at the same Motel Holiday Motor Lodge. The view down was nice. Stop at angel rest view point a short blue blaze trail. Great view of the city.Got into town 0930, went to the Plaza Motel where my mail drop was, the office was closed. I was told another Hiker Friendly Motel was next door, so i went there, check-in, explain to the Manager about my mail drop.When I got to the room I received a call, they picked up my package and will deliver to my room (nice hiker friendly). Unpack and dry out gear.My new shoes was in the package, my first pair last 630 plus miles but the freezing temperature in the Smokies damaged the sides so new shoes (I am happy).Lunch: All you can eat Chinese.My sleeping pad sprung a leak two nights back. I pay a shuttle to take me to a outfitter a town over, they don't sell sleeping pads or 150-B fuel, so have to wait until Trout-dale.Switch out winter gear, sleeping bag too warm, so have my 35 army poncho liner, hope it does not drop to 20. Mail off winter gear. The Post Office attendant very friendly, have an Hiker register. When I told her I am from North Pole, AK she said they send mail there for it to get to Santa Claus North Pole Stamp.Came back to room relax, watch TV. I end up watching the news, bad move -not doing that again, overall an easy day. Looking to get back on the trail
Date: 2013-04-21
From: Four Pines Hostel, VA 624 MM: 697.8

To: Tentsite Aprox MM: 720.0
Miles today: 24.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Left Hostel about 0820, easy 7 mile, hike to McAfee Knob. Lot of day Hikers out due to the nice weather.I chicken out didn't sit on the ledge. A woman asked if I run to the Knob. I told her I am Thru-Hiker, we talk about my experience answer the most people ask. She took my picture.I left after about 35 mins. The views was great but the best part of the day was yet to come. I didn't realized the climb up to tinker Cliffs. Was so long when I got to the top I was amazed how spectacular the area was not on the view but the trees that grew on the Cliffs, they were in full bloom. I spend about 1/2 hour there. Stop at the Shelter for water and hike 8 mils to Daleville. I was able to find a campsite within i mile of city.
Date: 2013-04-22
From: Tentsite Aprox MM: 720.0

To: Daleville 
Miles today: 2.5
Weather: few clouds

I packed up a left about 0830. I didn't realize how close I was to town. I got there in about 20 mins.The Howard Johnson is only a few yards from the trail. I asked the woman at the from desk if I be able to check in, she said yes even hold breakfast 0600-0900 for me. I have a large breakfast.Went to Outfitters , replaced sleeping pad, insole. light gloves. Did grocery shopping Kroger and my first and last super haircut. Stop at Wendy's for lunch had leftovers for dinner.
Date: 2013-05-07
From: Sister Home-Maryland

To: Harpers Ferry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Spend a great 4 days at my Sister home. Mom cooked everything I liked. first time in weeks, I went to bed with a full stomach.I weight myself before I left, I weigh 182, 3 less than my starting weight. So either I am not losing too much weight or Mom cooking fattened me up.I catch the 1600 hrs Amtrak to Harper's Ferry. I check in to the Hostel. So far the best Hostel on the AT. At $32 it is a little expensive but worth it.
Date: 2013-05-21
From: Rutherford Shelter

To: Meadow Lark Farm B&B, Warwick NY MM:1358.1
Miles today: 28.7
Weather: broken clouds

The first part of the trail was rocks, once I got pass High Point Mountain the trail condition improved significantly. I was almost back to Saber.Lot of grasslands, wild flowers, lot of the trail has Boardwalk because of swamp like areas. The trail goes around the wild life refuge for swamp animals. I saw cranes, geese and other wildlife. One part of the trail have about a mile of boardwalk through the swamp. As I approached Wawayanda Mountain, I met a trail maintainer who was out grooming his section of the trail. We chat for a while, he has a son Thru hiking this year, his son was at Trails Day when the accident happened last weekend. He took pictures of me, not very often he see a Black Thru-Hiker. As usual I always keep the best climbs for the end of the day. Wawayanda climb is steep rock stairs. It was very hot so I was bathing in perspiration all the way up.I made it to Warwick Turnpike about 1830. I call The Meadow Lark Farm B&B where I have my Mail Drop, no answer went to voice mail. I decided to walk into town 2.7 miles according to AWOL Guide. Biggest mistake of the hike so far, the road has no shoulder so every time traffic coming I step into the grass. When I step back on the road there was always about two ticks crawling up my legs (tick check tonight). I walk about 2.5 miles saw a sign Warwick Village 3.5 miles. Things not looking good and it is illegal to hitch hike in New York. Saw a guy working on his car, asked him how to get to the B&B. He gave me direction said it was another 5 miles (just what I need to hear). I follow the direction, something doesn't look right, saw a guy working on equipment on his farm, stop ask him how to get to B&B he said it is about 8-10 miles from his farm. At this point I was tired and hungry and it was getting dark. Walking on a road with no shoulder, people driving at 60 MPH plus. I was about to ask him if I can tent in his yard, before I could he said he will take me there. What a Trail Magic. Just when I was down and out. The place was difficult to find, finally had to GPS the address it was about 10-13 miles from his house. He drop me off about 2130 hrs. I thank him and his wife graciously, he refused to take any money.The B&B Hostess was not home, the reason no answer, I pitched my tent in the yard cook dinner. She arrived about 2210 hrs. She was very sorry, she is very nice. Bottom line I should have call ahead.I picked up my Mail Drop, new shoes, food. I took a shower, life is good again. Tomorrow is another day on the AT. Wish those miles I walked counted.
Date: 2013-05-22
From: Meadow Lark Farm B&B, Warwick NY MM:1358.1

To: Wildcat Shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: overcast clouds

I was supposed to be dropped off at 0930, didn't leave until 1100 hrs. When I got to the trail realized I was missing my hiking poles. The only place I could have left it was in the Farmer's vehicle. So Dorothy take me to the farm, he was home so I was able to retrieved my poles. Without the poles I can't travel at Saber speed.Did not get on the trail until 1145 hrs. This section AWOL Guide warn about, the rock climbing. This section is where the ATC send their Ridge Runner for training. It was slow but fun walking on the ridge and some rock climbing. My shoes perform fabulously, I was sticking on the rocks. When i got to NY 17 I saw the sign for Hot Dogs, so I walk up the hill got the special 2 dogs and chips with soda.The guy told me about the Ice Cream Creamery where I can use the spigot outside for water (NY water has a brown look to it). So I went bought a large Coconut Mint Ice Cream. At this point I know my hiking day was shot. So I fill up water, walked to the next Shelter 2 miles away. Got there about 1630 hrs, the earliest I have been in camp in a while. Set up tent, took a nap (didn't sleep well last night). Got up fix dinner, went up to see who was in the Shelter, 2 Female Section Hikers, I met briefly yesterday at Wawayanda Shelter and a Male Thru-Hiker start February. He heard of me from Inertia, he is ahead. Chat for a while, back in tent, early bed for me. Long day tomorrow.
Date: 2013-05-25
From: RPH Shelter

To: Ten Mile River Shelter
Miles today: 29.6
Weather: moderate rain

Up at 0530 It is still raining, ate the last of the Pizza. The boys decided they will take the 1830 hrs train at the Appalachian Trial Train Station, a 15 mile hike from the Shelter. I left about 0830. I started out in the rain but the rain stop about noon, but the high wind gust continued. They were a few brown down along the trail. Most of the creek, stream were overflowing, had to be extra careful crossing stream. The trail was mostly flat, there is a nice Boardwalk through the wet lands to the AT train station. The ten mile river was almost over flowing it banks from so much rain.When I got to the Shelter, two Female Section Hikers were there. One asked if I was a Thru-Hiker I said yep, she looked familiar, she then asked if I checked in at the ATC at Harper's Ferry, I said yes. She said she works there, she was the Landy that looked up the train schedule for me. I asked how she can forget me, I am the only Black Thru-Hiker on the trail. She was surprised how far I have come. She is going into Kent or resupply.I set up my tent, cooked dinner. The wind still blowing at least no rain.
Date: 2013-06-11
From: Beaver Brook Shelter

To: Eliza Brook Shelter
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: light rain

Woke up early but decided not to leave until 0800. The hiker told me it is a steep climb down Kinsman Notch. It was very a very scenic climb down, the water from Beaver Brook was cascading down the rocks forming a few water falls, there were hand holds and wood __ into the rocks. Stop to take a few photo at the Beaver Brook-Kinsman Trail Junction (the AT now follow older trails and very sporadically blaze, you have to be on the right trail). A 2012 Thru-Hiker has a box with Trail Magic, Tasty Cakes's, Brownie, soda etc. I grabbed a couple Brownie and Jolly Ranchers. Cross road and then the fun began.It was pouring rain temperature 40's, wind blowing, the first climb was not bad, steps then the trail got rocky, muddy, roots and up-downs. I was pretty much climbing on slippery rocks. It was picking your way through rocks, roots and mud. The going was very slow, when i wasn't climbing. It was hard for me to stay warm, at one point i heard a crack a tree branch fell right next to me, the leaf stem into my right arm. Guest my vibration caused it to fall. I was very lucky, could have been worst. I made the decision to stop at the next Shelter 3 miles away, it took forever to get there. I arrive at 1350 hrs, hike 9 miles in 5 hrs 50 mins. Got water, changed into dry clothes, ate the Trail Magic snacks, got into my sleeping-bag to warm-up (good decision i made to witched to my winter-sleeping bag). Tomorrow I will climb Mountain Kinsman. After the past two days I am so ready to get out of the White Mountains (views or no views). The rain finally stop about 1600 hrs but it is still cold.Fixed dinner, will be going to be early. So today my first near zero day on the trail.
Date: 2013-06-14
From: Nauman Campsite MM:1846.9

To: Osgood Tentsite MM:1861.8
Miles today: 0.0

As I was leaving the campsite which is adjacent to Mizpah AMC Hut I saw 2 Hikers outside having coffee, we start talking. They were 2 brothers Thru-Hiking the AT, started 1st March 2013, they were doing work for stay at the Hut. They caught up to me when I was filtering water and washing my 2nd pair socks, we continued to hike together. The trail from Mizpah to Lake of the Cloud Hut was the best the best trail through the Whites.We stop at Lakes of Cloud Hut, the pancakes leftover were free for Thru-Hikers, the cakes were $1.00 per piece. I ate about 7 pancakes. We then start the climb up Mountain Washington. It was not what I expected, it was an easy gentle climb. We got up there very quick. The weather was sunny temperature 60's, great for viewing the Ranges.I stop at the snack bar, today and one day resupply because ran short of food because of the short day a grand total of $20.00 for some snacks. The hut food section didn't open until 1115 hrs so we waited, got a hot-dog and chili which was good but expensive. I left the restaurant before the brothers but end up talking to an Ex-Army Biker for a few mins. The brothers got back on the trail before me, they thought I was ahead of them. On the way down MT. Washington I stepped on a loose rock and severely twisted my ankle. The pain was intense, I couldn't put too much pressure on it. I was hiking about a mile every 1 1/2 hrs. the trail after MT. Washington was rocky and a lot of ups and down. I finally made it to MT. Madison, the 2nd big climb, my ankle hurt like heck but I got over Madison. the views were astonishing, then the long step down the Mountain to the Osgood cut-off. I was hiking so slow I decided to camp at Osgood Tent-site to rest my ankle.I know the brothers looking for me, they asked a few Southbound Day Hikers if they say me. I met a guy who works as a Caretaker for the State Huts, he get paid to walk the Whites. P.S I didn't moon the __ railway, figure it won't be too hard to find me. Overall the day was great except for ankle. The Whites truly is majestic, I can only imagined what I missed at MT. Lafayette.
Date: 2013-06-22
From: Spaulding Mountain Lean - To

To: Stratton Motel,ME 27
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: clear sky

Pass the 200 miles to go Mile Stone (Bronze Plaque). Had to climb crocker 1 and 2,the climb was rocky on the way um crocker 1, a guy who was Handicapped was climbing up with some special made poles. I asked to pass several times he didn't answer. I touch him on the shoulder, he signed to me that he was deaf, he allowed me to pass. About 100 feet up was his hiking partner a Female. She was also deaf. It is great to see them out hiking.Cross a few South Bounders and day hikers out for the weekend.
Date: 2013-06-23
From: Stratton Motel,ME 27

To: Little Bigelowe Lean-To
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Slept in a little, packed up and went to the Restaurant for Breakfast. The brothers were there, they came in yesterday afternoon. We are hiking about the same distance, it is nice to see the same faces more than 3 day in a row. Order breakfast, wow 3 huge chocolate chip pancakes and cheese omelet. We catch up on the last 2 days. After breakfast Sue give us a ride to the trail head about 1130 hrs. We had 2 big climb, the 1st bigelowe was a gentle giant, the climb up was easy. The climb to the horn was steep, coming down the horn I rolled my right ankle and fell got a bruised on my right arm. Then it was time for 2nd bigelowe, at the summit the clouds move away just a bit so I can see some of the view. It would have be spectacular to see it on a clear day, lots of ponds, lakes, rivers and mountain, Maine is really beautiful.I had what I thought was a small climb before getting to the Lean-To, small bigelowe a 3000 feet was I wrong that mountain had about 5 false summit every-time you think you are at the top. It keep going and going, finally summit arrive at the lean-to about 1900, set-up tent, dinner. After Dinner a thunder storm came through so we ran to our tent for the night it lasted for 2 hours. Tenting is the best option with all of the Mosquitoes and biting flies in Maine.
Date: 2013-06-27
From: Shaw Lodging, ME 15

To: Cloud Pond Lean-To
Miles today: 19.1
Weather: light rain

I purchased breakfast yesterday, wasn't too hungry because I ate the food form last nigh this morning. Had a large group of hiker for breakfast even hikers staying at Lake Shore. I left breakfast to go to the post office to mail off the FLY. Sue gave me a ride to he trail about 0930. The trail was wet and rocky, so the going was slow, meet a few South Bounder, they warned me about the slippery rocks. Had a few Ford Sites but the water level was not too bad (this is the only thing I don't like about Maine no bridges across streams).I was hoping to get 20 miles today, after climbing Barren Mountain. I was getting low on water didn't have enough to cook and for the morning if i set up camp on the 4th mountain so I opt to walk the 0.4 miles to Cloud Pond. I barely got the tent up when the rain started falling harder. It was very windy, cook dinner in the rain. the Frogs in Pond is really noisy, hope they will not croak all night.If I am going to Summit on the 1st I will have to do a couple of 30 miles days and today was an hard, hope condition improve but forecast was calling for rain the 4 days. Off to bed hope for an early start tomorrow.
Date: 2013-06-28
From: Cloud Pond Lean-To

To: Logan Brook Lean-To
Miles today: 24.0
Weather: light rain

Last of the big mountain climb today, before Katahdin. The rain stopped early this morning, start hiking at 0630, the Frogs didn't stop until early morning hour. The climb over 4th and 3rd mountain was not too bad, just slow go with the slippery rocks. Had a wide Ford, the water was higher than Wormac but no problems Fording. With all the rain I am worried about the upcoming Fording Sites being Un Fordable. Then it was time for the day big climb up Gulfmaas and White Caps Mountain. As with all of the Mountains in Maine the climb was very steep guess after the Whites nothing is steep as with my luck it started to rain on the way up. White Gaps the wind was blowing hard, I was hoping to see MT. Katahdin for the first time from White Caps. At the to of White Caps I decide to stop at Logan Lean-To instead of East Branch because the temperature started to drop and I was wet.At the Shelter was a Older Couple and a South Bound - Section - Thru-Hiker. the Couple had some heavy packs. I stay in the Shelter, what an early start and my tent was wet from Last-Night. If I am going to make Baxter State Par in 2 days, I have to hike 30 + hours. The terrain look flat for tomorrow.
Date: 2013-06-30
From: Wadleigh Lean-To

To: The Birches, Baxter State Park
Miles today: 33.1
Weather: broken clouds

Last-night was my worst night on the Trail, between Hikers coughing, rolling on me. I did not get much sleep. Start hiking about 0615, the sun was out on Nestabubunt Mountain, I was hoping to see Biak but the fog was heavy in that direction. The trail was okay until rainbow stream lean-to. I say a South Bounder who told me it was muddy between Rainbow and Hurd Brook Lean-To.I stopped at Rainbow Stream Lean-to for lunch and water, fuel up for the hike to the Birches. The going was slow after grossing the stream, it was muddy, rooty, what look on the guide as flat terrain had a few small incline which slowed me down a little. I was able to see Mount Katahdin for the firs-time from the ledges. I arrive at 1530 hrs, here i was able to see the Mountain I hiked 2100 miles to climb. I chat with at woman who was taking pictures for a friend. I stopped at the store, Sandwich and Gatorade.I saw a South Bounder at BSP entrance, he told me about the high water at the Two Ford Site on the AT. He told me he was pushover by the current while fording. He advised me to take the bypass, he was a strong stocky hiker. I met another hiker who took the bypass, he told me the same thing.So the Purist dilemma, should I attempt to cross or bypass. I walked to the Ford Site, the water was high and gushing over the rocks. I walked up the steam to see if I can cross but look the same. I decided today my last day of hiking the AT I don't need to end up dead to please my ego so I walk back to the bypass and take it.I met a South Bounder on the bypass, he said the other end was un Fordable. I looked at it when I got to the junction, that Ford was worst I would have been stuck on the other side or forced to re-cross the first Ford. Got to the KSC camp around and the mosquitoes started a relentless attack on me. I twisted my bad ankle on loose rock on the road trying to move away fast.Range station was closed, so I walk to the Birches for my last night on the AT. One hiker was tenting on the pad, he was completing a Section-Thru-Hike of the AT. I set up my tent in one of the Three Lean-to's to keep the mosquitoes out. Fix my last dinner, reflected a little on my journey. knowing its not over until I am at the Crail The Brown Plaque).Going to sleep-in a little, hope the brothers will come early tomorrow.
Date: 2013-03-01
To: Hiker Hostel, Dawsonville, GA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

My Journey has begun! I left Colorado bright and early this morning. Zero dark thirty you might say. I arrived in Atlanta, GA at 11:15 and then took the Marta(subway) to the pick up spot. Josh the owner of the hostel picked me and two other hikers up at the North Springs Station and then drove us to the hostel. I was pleasantly surprised when we reached the hostel. It really is more like a cool log cabin/bed and breakfast, except you have to share accommodations. Everyone is really friendly. We spent the afternoon sharing gear stories, fears, ideas, and hopes of what this hike might be like. Unfortunately, it looks like the weather is going to challenge us right away. There is a 50% chance of snow tomorrow. But it will be a relatively short day of hiking so I think it won't be too terrible. Not everyone is hiking the approach trail. This is a 7 mile trail that leads to the southern terminus of Appalachian Trail on the top of Springer Mountain. The Approach trail is at Amicalola Falls State Park. I think it will be a nice start as there are beautiful waterfalls to see and a 600 stair climb to boot! Thanks to everyone who is supporting me with this adventure, I want you all to know that it really will help to know that you are all sending good karma along the way! Moxie