morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2018-05-01
From: Dahlgren campground 

To: Raven rocks shelter
Miles today: 18.8

The Dahlgren campground was pretty crowded.Its a nice spot with free showers and bathrooms just for hikers.I left camp at 7:20 and the first half of the day was nice, then Maryland showed its ugly rocky side.I walked past the original Washington monument and got a little refresher on American history on the way up.I thought about stopping at the shelter at 15 miles but decided to hike a little farther.Going up the last two climbs I was running on fumes! Got to camp ,Set upMy tent cooked dinner and tried to sleep through bad hamstring cramps.Hopefully tomorrow goes a little smoother.
Date: 2018-05-02
From: Raven rock shelter

To: Tumbling run shelter 
Miles today: 13.2

After doing close to 19 miles yesterday, I decided to sleep in.The full moon has been like a flashlight above my tent keeping me awake.Todays hiking was much easier than yesterday.Only one rocky section.I thought Pen-mar Park would have a soda machine but sadly they don¢t open till this Saturday.I crossed into Pennsylvania today walking past the mason/Dixon line.At Antietam shelter I found the best trail magic ever! Loaded natchos, 2 hot dogs, 2 glasses of look aid and three Coca-Cola later IWas feeling much better!I even snagged another coke and banana for breakfast guess the hiker appetite is upon me.
Date: 2018-05-03
From: Tumbling run shelter

To: Trail of hope Hostel 
Miles today: 9.6

I can honestly say this was the nicest shelter I have tented at.Gravel pads meticulously groomed, a freshly painted outhouse with hand sanitizer!The shelter is actually two, one marked ¢snoring ¢ and the other ¢non snoring ¢LOL The camp host walked through with free sodas.Yes thank you! With a forecast of temps reaching 91deg. I decided to get up early and hike in the dark.After a quick breakfast of a banana, protein bar and a Coca-Cola,I was ready to go!I had a small mountain to climb from the get go. Hiking in the dark is a world unto its own.I was having fun until I realize that blue and white blazes look a lot alike in the dark.A quick check on my gut hook app and I was back on the trail. I reached a busy US 30 and walked 1.3 miles to the trail of hope Hostel by 10:30.Only one other hiker here,Good day on the AT.
Date: 2018-05-07
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: mist

Sorry readers for the delay. Trail of hope hostel owner Robert has been slack pack myself and three other hikers for the last three days,and it¢s been great.Nothing like getting to a bed and shower at the end of the day.  5/4/18- 12.6miles shippensburg roadie back to Hostel 5/5/18-17 milesShippensburg road to PA34 5/6/18- 19.8 miles PA 34 to Super 8 hotel Carlisle PA. This concludes my first week and 110.4 miles of hiking.So far things are going good, I¢m slowly getting my trail legs back.
Date: 2018-05-07
From: Super 8 hotel 

To: Duncannon 
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: scattered clouds

After a shower and a couple of good meals at the Middlesex dinner , I feel ready to continue on.The first half of today¢s hike crossed many farmers fields and boardwalks and I was able to make good time.About 11 miles in  the trail reminded me I was still in Pennsylvania.The last 6 miles into town where very rocky.Tonight I am staying at the Doyle hotel.
Date: 2018-05-08
To: View Entry
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: clear sky

The Doyle has gotten a bad reputation as a run down has been.I really enjoyed staying here! My room was on the the third floor, the bed was comfortable, There was a fan , the bathroom was communal and the shower was fantastic.Today I am catching a ride to PA 325 and Slackpacking 17.7 miles back to the Doyle.Oh yeah did I mention they have a bar and restaurant downstairs?
Date: 2018-05-09
From: Pa 325

To: View Entry
Miles today: 11.2

After getting dropped of at PA 325  by trail Angel Mary,I continue north.Another beautiful day,blue sky¢s the trees are really leafing out but I know this weather won¢t last forever.After about five hours of hiking my energy level was running low, so I decided to pitch at a beautiful spot next to a creek.After dinner I soaked my feet in the cold stream and tended to my many blisters.
Date: 2018-05-10
To: Pine Grove PA
Miles today: 15.6

I had a good night camped Next to a creek.  I saw a few hiker pass by, I think they were headed to the Rausch gap shelter.Today the trail was diverted because of a prescribed burn area on top of second mountain.So for a mile I walked a rutted muddy 4 wheeler trail.The trail reconnected and soon enough I was back walking around and stubbling on PA s many boulder fields.At the PA 645 road crossing I called a shuttle and am staying at the comfort Inn in Pine Grove.
Date: 2018-05-11
From: Pine Grove PA

To: Eagles nest Shelter 
Miles today: 17.1

After checking the weather, I made the decision to hike a little longer today.Todays hike was more of the same rocks, rocks rocks.Walking for hours gets mesmerizing and you have to keep focused or you¢ll fall.I made the decision to stay in the shelter because it¢s 100% chance of rain and Thunder showers tonight.This is only the second time I have stayed in a shelter.
Date: 2018-05-12
From: Eagles nest shelter 

To: Hamburg PA
Miles today: 9.3

well I was glad I stayed in the shelter last night because it poured. We had four hikers and fortunately no one snoored.Today is a milestone day.Once I reach Hamburg I will have hiked all of PA. In 2011 I flew down and hiked 104 mile section Port Clinton to Branchville NJ.Todays hike was short but PA threw every rock at me it could.The last downhill into town was murder on my knees but I just take it slow.I took the river path to the Microtel inn. tomorrow a much new zero day.
Date: 2018-05-14
From: CulverÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs gap 

To: CulverÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs gap/ Branchville NJ
Miles today: 11.4

Today I caught a shuttle to Culver¢s gap/ Branchville NJ. I am bypassing 104 miles of the trail that I hiked with my son Frank, in 2011.Its is a notoriously rocky section and quite frankly I am happy to be done with Pennsylvania.I hiked 11.4 miles and I am staying at the Rutherford shelter by myself.Its .4 of a mile off the trail.
Date: 2018-05-15
From: Rutherford shelter

To: Pochunck Mtn sheler
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Well today was an interesting day.  After reading an ominous weather forecast, I decided to leave early.I was on the trail by 5:30Am. About an hour into the day I took only mySecond fall on the AT. Sadly I snapped one of my carbon fiber hiking poles. After a quick text home, I have a new pair shipping ahead to a hotel I will be staying at.Sad I have carried those poles from Georgia.As the day wore on the temperature climbed to 89deg. NJ may look flat but it has a lot of rolling hills.By 3:00 I loaded up with water and climbed the last steep hill to the shelter. I arrived just as the stormHit. 70 mph winds rain, hailThunder and lightning. I was glad to be in aShelter!A
Date: 2018-05-16
To: Appalachian Hotel
Miles today: 6.5

Today will be my shortest day hiking only 6.5 miles, what a slacker! It¢s always good to get in to town and clean up and eat real food. The trail today was awash with rain and mud and lots of blown down trees from yesterday¢s storm.Part of today¢s hike took me over beautiful boardwalks, through a wetland area with many species of birds.
Date: 2018-05-17
From: Vernon NJ

To: Green wood lake
Miles today: 15.1

after a restful night in the Appalachian hotel, I started back on the trail at 6:50am. Up first was a 1000¢ climb up wawayanda Called Stairway to heaven. The early start and dunkin donughts made the climb easy.Also it rained for four hours.By the time I hit the border of NJ/NY it had stopped raining but then the real work began.This section has some huge boulders and slanted rock faces that I could not stay upright on. This is easily the toughest day Of this trip. Finally reached NY18A road crossing and walked to the Bellvale creamery.Highly recommended! Tonight I am staying st Anton¢s on the lake hotel. Today¢s mileage 15.1 miles, 249 miles this year,
Date: 2018-05-18
From: Greenwood Lake 

To: View Entry
Miles today: 9.1

After a good night spent at Anton¢s on the lake I was ready to get back to hiking.Greenwood lake is a very Quiant town, This weekend they are hosting the Hoboken film festival.I probably would not have stayed here but I need to pu a mail package of contact lenses, socks and surprise candy. Thanks baby! I couldn¢t get a ride back to the trail so I walked the three extra miles to where I got off yesterday. As a result I got a late start. After a challenging 9.1 miles I found a sweet camp spot next to a lake and called it a day.
Date: 2018-05-19
From: Little dam lake

To: Cold wet day
Miles today: 12.5

I had a good nights rest in my tent and packed up early was on the trail by 5:30am. Today was a tough day not only because of the challenging Terrain but because it rained all day and the wind was blowing constantly. On the technical descents I was shivering and couldn¢t wait for the next climb to warm up finally made the William Brien memorial shelter. Nice shelter with bunks. 12.5 miles for today.
Date: 2018-05-20
From: William brien Memorial shelter 

To: Ft Montgomery NY
Miles today: 10.2
Weather: mist

After a bone chilling wet windy hike yesterday, I was hoping today would be better. And it was.The trail took me up bear mountain on beautifully placed stone steps.The sun came out and I was able to take a break and spread out my gear to dry. As I crossed seven lakes Dr a 50/100 mile road bike race was taking place. The riders were climbing bear mountain than descending at break neck speeds on a blind corner where the trail crosses. I had to wait for a break in the peloton and sprint, okay fast walk across the road.The view of the Hudson River valley on top of bear mountain was spectacular. So much history of our country in this area.Desending the mountain brought me to a beautiful park and lake. A concession stand was open and I stopped for two hot dogs and cokes.No shuttle was available so I walked the 1.5 mile road walk to Bear mountain bridge hotel for the night.
Date: 2018-05-21
To: Clarence Fahnestock state park 
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Today was a milestone day on the trail. I have often thought about walking over this river.It was a beautiful morning as commuters were driving to work.The view was stunning. Walking across the bridge with cars zooming by suspended hundreds of feet up, even a freight train passing under next to the river and a helicopter spraying for bugs passing overhead.So much going on! The climb up from town was a good one and I was happy to be getting it done early. Around 6 miles in The trail crosses the Appalachian market and deli. What a great stop for a sub and coke! The real story of today and the next few days is the downed trees on the trail. I was told by locals that a tornado touched down a week ago.In many areas the trail was completely covered with huge oak trees blocking the trail.I had to scout around, under, over take my pack off throw it over. A lot of extra work! Some people wereGetting Uber rides around the affected area.Since I had a nice day I hiked 20.6 miles cause rain is forecast.
Date: 2018-05-22
To: Morgan steward shelter 
Miles today: 14.0

The  main theme continues to be the downed trees on the trail. Today however trail volunteers had tied white survivors tape to guide you through the best route. These volunteers are the best and they have really got there work cut out for them.A highlight today was passing the RPH shelter. It¢s a brick three sided shelter with bunks. You can even order pizza since it¢s close to a road. At mile 1435.2 the trail crosses NY52 and a easy .5 mile road walk brought me to Danny¢s pizza and mountaintop market Deli. I had a calazone and two Pepsi ( no cokes). Delicious! Next door I resupplied and ordered a turkey club to go for dinner.Despite the downed trees, I¢m liking New York.
Date: 2018-05-23
From: Morgan Stewart shelter

To: Wiley shelter
Miles today: 16.2
Weather: overcast clouds

I¢m glad I was in the shelter last night as it rained with thunder and lightening. The trail took me around nuclear lake this morning. Not sure why they call it that, I thought it was beautiful.Around 1:00 I crossed the train station at Pawling and found Roseanns food truck in a nearby parking lot. A 1/2 pound angus beef burger and two cokes later, I was back hiking.I made 16.6 miles to Wiley shelter. Around 7:30pm two thru hikers show up. One had just received three care packages and had a food bag that probably weighed 20 lbs. She is a gormet chef in NYC and was trying to give away food. So yeah I got some trail mix and animal cookies for desert.
Date: 2018-05-24
To: Kent Ct
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: clear sky

As usual I was the first one up. On the trail and hiking by 6:00 am. So much cooler and it¢s nice to see the sun come up.Today I crossed into Connitecet. Another state down. A beautiful walk this morning around the Housatonic River. 12.7 miles I made Kent Ct and will be staying two nights at the Fife & drum Inn
Date: 2018-05-25
From: US 7

To: Kent
Miles today: 23.0

After a restful night at the Fife n drum inn, I decided to stay another night and slackpack back to Kent. After inquiring at the outfitters, Frank the backup driver was available. I explained where I wanted to go to have a 16.6 mile return trip. Frank knew where that was and in a little while dropped me of at a parking lot. We said our good byes and I started walking.Slackpacking is great. Only what you need for a day hike. After two hours I was a little confused because having studied the guide I knew I had a climb soon. A quick check of my app reviled that I was 6.5 miles farther away than from where I planned to start. Okay so today was going to be 23 miles not 16.6. The bad part was I had three climbs towards the end of the day.After 11 hours I finally arrived back at the hotel.Well it got me further down the trail and I have a hotel to stay in.
Date: 2018-05-26
From: US 7

To: Brassie brook sheltet
Miles today: 14.6

So I was still tired from yesterday¢s long march but that¢s all part of this trip.Leaving US7 you hike next to a HIgh school past a beautiful waterfall and through a subdivision.The view of the day and maybe the best this year was rands view, a spectacular meadow with rolling hills as a backdrop. Connecticut has been one of my favorite states. The climb up lions head was a challenge at the end of the day,
Date: 2018-05-27
From: Brassie brook shelter 

To: Great Barrington MA
Miles today: 16.4

With a forecast of afternoon rain and three mountains to cross, I knew I had my work cut out for me. I awoke early and was packed and hiking by 6:00 am. All three mountains were in the first eight miles. I was hoping to get over two before it rained and that¢s what happened. Bear mountain was steep up and down. Mount race gave many false peaks before I hit the top. And mount Evert had 8x8 treated lumber anchored into slick rocks for steps.The worse part was the dangerous descent of mt Bushnell in the rain. Several rock decents required slow focused footing, or you could take quite a fall. Finally off the mountain and over a few fields and swamps, I arrived at highway crossing US 7. amazingly I got a ride in about five minutes.Tonight I stay at the Days inn.
Date: 2018-05-28
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Yesterday after arriving at the hotel I realized just how tired I was fighting the trail and I haven¢t had a zero in two weeks. So today I rest. I didn¢t want to go out last night so I ordered take out. One 12¢ pizza, a dozen wings, a small salad and a 2 liter of Pepsi later, I was feeling better. I haven¢t eaten like this since I was a teenager. And yet I can tell I have lost significant weight.
Date: 2018-05-29
From: Dalton

To: Change of plans
Miles today: 13.9

Originally my plans on this trip were to section hike from Harper¢s Ferry WV to Hanover NH. About 10 days ago Linda my wife, decided to take a long weekend trip to Las Vegas, to escape the cold spring in Alaska. After a few days walking and thinking, I have decided to cut my trip short and meet her in Vegas. After some planning I decided to skip ahead yo dalton mass, and hike to Manchester center Vt for this year. I wil return another year to finish the section I have missed.
Date: 2018-05-29
To: Mark noepel shelter
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: few clouds

After arranging a shuttle driver and getting dropped off in Dalton Mass. I started hiking.The trail walks through town and you get to see people¢s neigborhood.To think you have the trail so close to you! Today was a beautiful sunny day and it got up to 85 deg. 8 miles into the day I came to a small hotdog/ ice cream stand in Cheshire MA. What a find! 1 hotdog 2 sodas and an ice cream cone later I was feeling better. I took a 23 oz gator aid in my pack for this afternoon. The next four miles were an up hill climb to the shelter. A real challenge at the end of the day and the hot temperatures made it worse. Climbing mountains is a lot of work and I have to convince myself that I can do it! Finally I arrived at the shelter set up, ate a quick dinner and crashed for the night.
Date: 2018-05-30
To: Seth Warner shelter
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: clear sky

Last night I didn¢t sleep well. I awoke with a stiff neck and a headache. I was up, packed and hiking by 6:00 am. This morning I finished the climb up to mt greylock the highest point in Massachusetts. I arrived about 7:30 am and the view was beautiful. The desent down wasn¢t bad and eventually I came out of the woods and was walking through someone¢s neighborhood again going into north Adams. Now I need to tell you a story that happened awhile back.Back in NY I was in a shelter, by my self, ready to go to bed, when a wetGerman hiker showed up.We interduced our selfes and he proceeds to explain that he can¢t get his ATM card to work.He has been on the phone with his mom back in Germany and was wondering if he could borrow some money for food.I felt he was genuine and loaned him $40. Despite being a faster hiker than me, I continued to meet him on the trail 4 times.I saw him in Kent Ct getting his poletips replaced at the outfitters. When he went to pay his credit card it was declined. Not to worry he said I¢ll go to an ATM. Later I walked by him sitting head down by the ATM.Not good.The next day slackpacking back to Kent I met him on the trail again. He explained that his mom had sent money through pay pal to pay for his poles and not to worry he would send me the money to Alaska. After coming off the trail in north Adams a car stopped rolled down her window and asked would I like a ride into town? You bet! A very nice young lady and former thru hiker drove me to the grocery store and waited while I resupplied! As I walk into the grocery store, who do I meet but the German hiker and with a big smile on his face hands me my $40. Funny how things work out.
Date: 2018-05-31
From: Seth warner shelter

To: Bennington VT
Miles today: 11.5

Last night I slept much better in my tent and was able to keep the bugs at bay.I packed a banana and a muffin from town yesterday for today¢s breakfast.Packed and ready I was on the trail st 6:00 am.Vermont is living up to its reputation as a muddy state. And the bugs are out in full bloom. Today I walk on many planks that try to keep you out of the mud. Many are slippery and loose. Some will pop up when you put weigh on them. After a long rocky desent to VT 9 I was met by my motel driver at the catamount motel. They offer free shuttles. I will be staying here two nights.
Date: 2018-06-01
To: Bennington VT
Miles today: 0.0

I have a greyhound bus ride arranged out of Manchester center VT to Boston on June 7 th. I have 41 miles to get there so I¢m ahead of schedule, hence the zero days.The hotel is a little out of theWay and requires an uphill walk to get back. Grrrr. Today I plan to  clean up eat and plan for the last push to the finish line for this year. I am really looking forward to seeing my wife and spending time with her. We have been married 39 years and it¢s hard to be away from her.
Date: 2018-06-02
From: Bennington VT

To: Kid gore shelter 
Miles today: 14.4

My stay at the catamount hotel was restful. Like so many motor inns on the trail, it was probably built in the 60s and has seen better days, but for hikers it works just fine. The catamount offers free shuttles back to the trail, so in no time I left the comfort of town to the solitude of the woods.The AT in Vermont goes through the green mountains  and they certainly are that.So far there have been no views at the summits as the trees cover the whole mountain. The only real view I got today was climbing Glastonbury tower and it was spectacular. I have met many long trail hikers as it runs consecutively with The AT through part of Vermont.I stopped 14.4 miles at the kid gore shelter and set up my tent as the bugs are bad.
Date: 2018-06-03
From: Kid gore camp site 

To: William B Douglas shelter
Miles today: 19.9
Weather: clear sky

When I stay in town I try to always pack out town food for the next day. I had a few odd looks from long trail hikers when I pulled out a can of coke and breakfast bagel last night for dinner.This morning I had Dunkin¢ Donuts for breakfast ( America runs on DD). Today was a perfect day weather wise to hike . Temperature in the low 70s and just enough of a breeze to keep the bugs away. Because I am very tired of walking I decided to bypass Straton mountain and hike the logging road bypass. It turn out to be one of the most enjoyable walks of this trip. The road was a rolling grass road that I was able to stroll and not worry about tripping on rocks roots or losing my shoe in a mud hole! Iam starting to see moose dropping and tracks, feels like I¢m back home. Vermont has a lot of frogs on the trail, many varied colors. After a slow start I finally got in the zone and decided to push miles.With a 100 % chance of rain tomorrow I made for William B Douglas shelter .5 miles off the trail. I am staying here with Andrew a local college kid who is section hiking the long trail. Ironically this shelter was built in 1956 the same year I was born.
Date: 2018-06-04
From: William B Douglas shelter

To: Manchester center VT 
Miles today: 5.8

This shelter is located in a boggy area and the bugs were bad. We kept a fire going most of the evening to drive them away. This log shelter has many cracks between the logs and the wind blew through them last night. Fortunately when it started raining at 2:00 am I stayed dry. The 5.8 mile walk to VT 11 went quick and gave me time to reflect on what a great section hike this has been. I hitched a ride quickly and will be staying in Manchester center for two days till I catch the bus to Boston and fly out to las Vegas to meet Linda.
Date: 2019-06-07
From: Great Barrington,Ma

To: Tom Leonard shelter 
Miles today: 6.4

after many miles travel by plane and bus. I¢m finally starting back on the trail. A busy morning resupply and packing means a noon start time. My shuttle driver Joe, who is retired and drives hikers to the trail for donations dropped me off at US7. Its so strange how one minute your in town the next your walking in solitude in the woods . Today¢s hike was short and hot. Temperatures in the upper 80s. I can tell it will take a while to get back my trail legs. After an afternoon soaked in sweat, I hit the Tom Leonard shelter and found a nice tent spot for the night.