morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-06-18
From: Palmerton Pennsylvania

To: Lerory A. Smith Shelter
Miles today: 16.2
Weather: moderate rain

Today's hike started off with a fun climb out of the Lehigh Gap. We had to put our trucking poles away so we could use our hands to traverse the huge rocks. The view to the town of Palmerton was great. Soon after the climb we reach an area of the AT where the trail has been re-routed due to efforts to reestablish the forest that was deforested by a zinc mine that was here from 1898 to 1980. The whole ridge is barren with only a few shrubs and trees growing. I have to admit that I got a little lost right after this detour. I missed the white blaze and walked almost a mile be I realized that I was off the trail. I turned around and soon saw "Techie" and "Chin Music" coming down the same road. We found a side trail that let us back to the AT. In Pennsylvania it has not been easy to find enough water and today was the worst. I had to go down half a mile to find a spring. I was very thirsty so I drank a liter of water right away. I brought two liters back with me just in case the shelter did not have any water. But I really did not need to because about three miles from the shelter it began to pour. I now had more water than I needed, in fact I got a flash flood warning on my phone from the Weather Channel.
Date: 2003-09-20
From: Spaulding Mountain Lean-to

To: Stratton, Maine
Miles today: 110.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 149 ----- I'll make this brief since I really wasn't even planning on stopping in at this town. It rained on me all morning, and by the time I got to the road I was going to sit there and dry off a bit since it stopped. A couple of other hikers ended up getting a ride, and I thought I'd just go in and get some lunch. I deserved that much. Just in and out, right? The Stratton vortex sucked me right in and not only did I end up staying the night, but stayed the next day as well. What can I say, it was a Sunday and football was on all day. I've always enjoyed these unexpected stops on the trail. Till next time.
Date: 2013-06-19
From: Lerory A. Smith Shelter

To: Delaware Water Gap
Miles today: 20.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Today's destination is Pennsylvania/New Jersey border, the Delaware River is the dividing line. We will stay the Church of the Mountain hostel. It will just be "B-Rocket" and me from here on out because "Chin Music" has decided to NERO at Wind Gap and "Techie" has plans with his girlfriend for the next few days. We decided to go all the way to Delaware Water Gap because the hostel is supposed to be nice and the town has some good restaurants. The terrain is easy enough that twenty miles is pretty doable, at least it looks that way on the elevation profile. Well the talk on the trail about how bad the rocks can be must be talking about this stretch. Much of the trail is so rocky your feet hardly hit dirt for long stretches. But near the end of the very long day the trail did smooth out as it descended into the town of Delaware Water Gap. A nice treat at the end was trail magic provided by a thru hiker's, "Coolie McJetPacks", dad; beers, pickles, postcards, twizzlers, and a lot more. This was a nice place to stop for the short walk to the hostel. A few of us meet at a local bar and grill for beers. We enjoyed watching some hockey on the TV and chatting about the trail.
Date: 2003-09-25
From: Moxie Bald Lean-to

To: Monson, Maine
Miles today: 73.3
Weather: broken clouds

Day 154 ----- I've been waiting to get to this town for quite some time. It's been somewhat of an end of the line marker in my mind. I'm meeting my Dad tomorrow to hike through the 100 Mile Wilderness and then only one more climb will stand between me and the finish line, Mt. Katahdin. I'm in hopes for some decent weather but my pleas to the weather gods thus far have been futile most of the way. Looks like they may be sending us the remnants of another hurricane for this weekend. But for now, I'm just going to enjoy the comforts of Shaw's Boarding House, one of the most recognized hostels on the trail. I hear their breakfast is legendary so I'm really looking forward to that. It's funny, because this far into the hike I thought I would have known just about everyone around me. I showed up here today and only knew a few people out of the twenty or so that were here. It's nice meeting new people, I just didn't think I would be meeting them on a daily basis once I got to Maine. I'm probably going to end up on top of Katahdin and meet someone who started at Springer the same day I did. I guess you just never know cause the trail is still full of suprises.
Date: 2013-06-20
From: Delaware Water Gap

To: Mohican Outdoor Center 
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: light rain

We did not plan on staying here but after eating a great roast beef sandwich with all the topping and a ice cream sundae cone and the fact that they had WI-FI so "B-Rocket" could get caught up on her journal we agreed it was a good plan. It turned out to be better than we expected. The director of the Appalachian Mountain Club lodging was staying here and he treated us to pizza and Yuengling beer. He also gave me his card and said if I needed anything to call when we got to the Whites. Another bit of Moxie magic came in the morning, I forgot to buy a new fuel canister for my stove while I was in Delaware Water Gap, and was asking if they knew of a place that I could get a canister. A guy at the center said that he had some in the storage for the youth outreach program. So my problem once again was solved. Jackie posted a question on my journal about what kind of boots I have, they are Asolo Fission with Gore-Tex and Vibram soles. Very comfortable but your feet are still always sore!
Date: 2003-10-08
From: Katahdin Stream Campground

To: Mt. Katahdin, Maine
Miles today: 114.5
Weather: clear sky

What can I say? I almost don't want to attempt to capture the moment because I'm sure my words won't come close to doing my feelings any justice. Hiking the AT is one thing, but I'm beginning to wonder if trying to put it into perspective may prove to be even more difficult. It's tough for me to imagine that it has all come to a close. I don't feel sad, at least not yet, because as of now I'm more than ready to get off this trail. The AT seemed to change on a regular basis, and I'm sure I changed right along with it. Hiking this trail has seemed to have gone from being my goal, to being my job, to becoming a lifestyle, if that makes any sense to you. Anyways, I can honestly say that I have no regrets. Would I hike it again? Don't count on it, at least not anytime soon. But from now on the AT will always occupy a place in my heart. It was a feat that pushed both the body and mind to their limits and rewarded me by coming away with an experience that I will take with me for the rest of my life. So I'm happy to say I did it. That I've taken what was once a dream and turned it into a reality.However, I could not have made this reality come true on my own. I want to thank my family and friends for their love and support, which helped to keep my spirits up in even the most dreary of times. I could not have done it without you, especially my parents, who took care of all my maildrops giving me one less thing to worry about. I'd also like to thank all my hiking companions who became my family during those five and a half months. I remember at Springer Mt. I wrote a quote from Confucius in that first register which said, "In walking long distances one must always take the first step." I guess it would also be true to say that in walking long distances one must always take the final step as well. I can't believe I'm going home.
Date: 2013-06-21
From: Mohican Outdoor Center 

To: Gren Anderson Shelter
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: few clouds

To celebrate the summer solstice it is a thru hiker tradition to hike naked. No some hikers take this to the extreme and will hike the entire day completely naked. "B-Rocket" and I decided we couldn't pass up the opportunity to participate in this tradition but two miles would be sufficient. We did get to see a few other naked hikers. It was truly an experience. The trail has been pretty flat so we had twenty miles on our plan. We realized that we would be at a fire tower right around sunset. But we did not realize is the hill that we had to climb to get there. We did manage before the sunset and got some nice pictures. We also saw two more bears today. They say there is one bear per square mile in New Jersey. The two we saw were just running across the trail. When we finally reached the shelter is was dark. There were some weekend hikers at the shelter. We met "Lucky Strike" who is from New Zealand. He is an ultra-light hiker. Can you believe his pack only weighs seventeen pounds! He got his name because he was struck by lightning.
Date: 2003-03-13
From: Sassafras Mountain

To: Gooch Mtn
Miles today: 4.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Awoke early and had a few light sprinkles, but could see lightning in the distance. Got up in the dark and started stashing the gear but got a reprieve when it passed to the east. As soon as it was light enough to see the trail clearly, I started north with only one goal in mind--water. I was dry and dragging from the start. Off Sassafras, up and over two more peaks and I came to Justus Creek. Nice wet, cool water at last. Recovery time! Got all the containers full, the mat rolled out, the boots and socks off--this is going to take a while. Lounged around a little too long...when I resumed hiking, thunder was soon heard. Tried to make it to Gooch Mtn shelter but the rain was faster than I was. Everyone had the same idea, and at least a dozen people passed me just before the shelter. I spied a ridge and headed up there to set up, only to have the rain stop. So I'm across from Gooch Shelter. I can hear all the folks over there talking and a dog barking. I am cozy here.
Date: 2003-03-21
From: Goose Creek Cabins

To: Past Hogpen Gap
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Friday:   Slept many, many hours last night. The fever broke and I packed my gear this morning and got on the shuttle to Neel's Gap. Weighed my pack there--45 lbs.--ugh! I started out but before I went even a half mile on a gradual ascent, I was wondering if this was a good idea. My chest burned and I was coughing a lot. I just slowed my already pathetic pace and just tried to keep moving. The scenery made it worthwhile. Finally it was clear, sunny and beautiful. You could see all the details on the opposing slopes and mountain after mountain, like steps into the distance. Stopped to take breaks at scenic overlooks and watched the hawks and buzzards riding the thermals. Saw a turkey today also. Things were going ok until I got lost coming off Cowrock Mtn. Wasted an hour and much energy having to backtrack and summit it twice. I had hoped to make it to Hogpen Gap to camp. I did, but I don't know how--I was beat. There was really only one campsite there and it was occupied. I trudged on and finally found an old site just off the trail. Got the tent up and I'm down for the count. Feet got a little sore today, but no blisters. Must have gone close to an extra mile while lost--gotta pay more attention.
Date: 2013-07-31
From: Hikers Welcome Hostel

To: Eliza Brook Shelter
Miles today: 7.5

Today my very good friend Deirdre, my special trail angle, came to hike a few days with me. Her son Devin came with her and our initial plan was to hike for seven days. I was a little worried about the duration but I settled in with enjoying the company and knew this week¢s miles would not be my priority. They both did very well considering they were not used to such heavy packs. And let¢s face it, the Whites are very hard. We made it up Kinsman Notch and Wolf Mountain which was a good trek. We enjoy our first night of camping at the campground. I show them how I cook and all that goes on at camp. We were very tired so we go to sleep right after nine o'clock. Deirdre sleeps with me in my UL 2 , a two man tent, and Devin sleeps in their tent. Because the tent she bought said it sleeps two but we're not sure how short they think people are. Devin who is only around five foot two couldn't lay straight; so he had to lie diagonally. Anyway Deirdre who is kind of nervous about the bears situation didn't sleep very well. In the middle of the night she hears something messing around outside the tent. Then she tells me, "Don't freak out but I have a gun". I didn't really care that she had brought the gun but I was just worried that she was going to fire it when I knew the noise was not a bear and most likely it was just a little mouse. Luckily whatever it was went away and we were able to go back to sleep.
Date: 2003-03-23
From: Poplar Stamp Gap

To: Blue Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 6.0
Weather: broken clouds

Ate some breakfast before I left this morning. A dozen people went by before I got out of camp. I put a bandage on my left shin--it won't heal and gets torn open again when I remove my socks. It's red, swollen and painful. I met Sassafras and Brenda this morning on the trail. They are going along better than they had anticipated. We exchanged pleasantries and they left me in their dust. Had to cross alot of rock tumbles on sidehills. I picked my way through carefully--one slip could be disastrous. I made it to this shelter, filled my water bottles and had intended to go farther to find a tent site. No one is here though, except Graham and his dog and he has a tarp up. So I decided to try the shelter scene. We'll see if the mice chew my face off during the night. I put on my tights tonight, as I think it's going to be a little cooler than last night. Also hung the food bag for the first time. Two Speeds and the AT Boonies just came in. I know them from Goose Creek also. Wonderful scenery again--any description I make would hardly do it justice. It is great to have it clear so that at least you get the reward of a view after laboring to the top of some of these climbs.
Date: 2013-08-02
From: Flume Parking Area/Chet's House Hostel

To: Garfield Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 9.6
Weather: scattered clouds

After saying goodbye to Deirdre and Devin around 7 AM I now had to find a ride back to the trail. "Shepard" said he could but I would have to wait as he was taking "Chickadee" and "Tugboat" to resupply. But the trail community seems to be there when you need them. "Ninja SOBO" was getting ready to leave and I ask her about how she was getting to the trail. She said a local thru hiker, named "Duster", was going to take her and if I wanted to go and was ready that would work for her. So off I was, although today hike would take me less than ten miles the terrain would slow me down very much. Starting at Franconian Notch I would climb five peaks over four thousand feet. Starting at Liberty Mountain, Little Haystack, then Mount Lincoln, Mount Lafayette , and Garfield. I had gone up and down over four thousand feet elevation gain and I just can't explain how tough these mountains are. The trail can't really be described as a trail. It is more like a ladder of rocks piled up on the side of a very steep mountain side. The climb up is very strenuous on your heart and legs. The climb down just punishes your knees and feet. All the time you're just hoping that you don't step on a loose or wet rock that might cause you to take a bad fall. So far, "Knock on Wood" I have not had any hard falls. I have turned my ankle and strained my knees with some close calls though. I am very pleased when I reach the shelter. This shelter was just built last year and it was very nice. The wood they used to make the shelter was selected from trees nearby and the woodwork was fabulous. Soon the shelter filled up with some trail friends that is always nice to reunite with familiar hikers: "Shepard", "Chickadee", "Tugboat", "Bela", and "Bird" are all there. Best of all a rain storm comes and goes as we all sleep nice and dry.
Date: 2003-03-24
From: Blue Mountain Shelter

To: Sassafras Gap
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: clear sky

Awoke to a giant, red sun from behind a mountain this morning. Slept OK in the shelter, although the wooden platform is much harder than the ground. Tenting is also warmer, I think. But not having to pack the tent was a plus. Two Speeds and the Boonies left just before I did. The descent into Unicoi Gap was steep and rocky. When I got there, there was no sign of the others who were going into Helen. It was a cloudless, sunny day--actually hot--while standing there trying to hitch a ride. Traffic was slow and folks weren't in a do-unto-others mood. Finally I gave up and continued on the trail. An old fat guy with a backpack doesn't seem all that intimidating--oh, well. Tray Mountain was a big climb. I walked all day without taking any long breaks. My knees were starting to feel it. I started tripping over little things because I was just too tired to pick up my feet any more. Time to set up the tent.
Date: 2013-08-03
From: Garfield Ridge Shelter

To: South Twin/Zealand Falls
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Okay, today and tomorrow's millage is going to be a little mixed up. They say the AT is so well marked that you can't get lost. Well I guess that's true except in the Whites. I was having a great hike. I stopped in at Galehead Hut and had a great piece of cake. And found a few supplies I needed in their hiker box to hold me over till my next resupply. When I got up to the South Twin Peak I stopped and called my husband, David. It was windy and cold so I made the call short. I guess when I got up I didn't take a second look at the sign and just kept going straight when I should have gone right. It wasn't until I had hiked down about five miles that I realized I was on the wrong trail. Here in the Whites, the white blazes aren't as common as in the southern part of the trail. Luckily for me a nice young man named Joe saw me looking at my guide. When I ask him if he knew what trail I was on he had a real map that we could look at to figure out where I was. Now I had two choices: I could hike back up almost a thousand feet in elevation or I could let Joe drive me around to the Zealand trail which is on a flat ridge to take me back on the AT. The only problem with this choice was I would miss around six miles of the AT. Now I am not that crazy of a purest as some AT thru hikers I know. But this did not sit well with me. I did take the choice of going around to the Zealand trail because it was getting late and I would not make it to the hut by sundown if I tried to go back. But I did decide to sleep on it and make a decision in the morning on whether or not to go back and make up the miles. Luckily when I got to the Zealand hut I was able to have work for stay. This is for thru hikers to able to stay in the huts that usually cost around hundred dollars per person. For an exchange of one to two hours of work: usually washing dishes or some kind of cleaning task. We get to eat leftovers and sleep in the dining room. Tonight at the hut a family was having a reunion hike. They have been meeting at the hut for twenty-one years. We, the other thru hikers and myself, enjoyed talking to them about hiking.
Date: 2003-03-28
From: Stealth Camp

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: overcast clouds

   Overcast and windy all day. Had a hard time regulating my temperature. Seems I was either too hot with a windbreaker on, or too cold without it. Never was comfortable all day. Left GA today and NC immediately greeted me with several steep climbs. I hope the whole state isn't like the first couple of miles! I was laboring all day, and when I got to this shelter, I had had enough. I pitched the tent and saw several other hikers here. Found out today I am even slower than Molasses--lol. Met her on the trail today and she is in the shelter tonight. I think they are going to have a fire and I might wander up there later. But right now I am just so happy to be snug in my tent.
Date: 2013-08-07
From: Zero Days with Deirdre

To: Gulf Side Trail
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: overcast clouds

I met "Bearbell" at 7:00 AM to start up Crawford Notch. I first met "Bearbell" in Pennsylvania at Corry Gap Shelter. He is originally from France but has been working in South Carolina for seven years. He has a strong accent but speaks very good English. Crawford Notch is the beginning of the Presidential Mountain Range. We are planning on hiking to Lake of the Clouds hut. The elevation gain from Crawford Notch to Mount Washington, the highest mountain in New Hampshire, is five thousand feet. Our destination is just below this mountain. All of the peaks in this range are named after presidents or famous politicians. We are very happy that the weather is just fabulous. We enjoy many views; take a few breaks up on the peaks. We were hoping to get work for stay at Lake of the Clouds; but we were too late, they already had eight work for stay hikers before us. They said we could stay in the dungeon, a storm cellar, but when we looked at the cellar it really was disgusting. The ground was wet and smelled like urine. So "Bearbell" and I decided we better just hike on and find a stealth site. At six o'clock we hiked up Mount Washington and reached the summit around 7:00 PM. The manager at the visitor center was concerned and asks if we wanted to ride the train down. But that would just add to our problem. We only had one choice and that was to hike down below tree line to get out of dangers way of the cold and possible lighting storm. We were very lucky that it was not already raining. We decided to go down the Great Gulf Trail. What we did not realize was this trail was so steep it would take up more than two and half hours to get down to a place with an adequate tent site. The trail was basically a rocky waterfall over seventeen hundred feet in elevation descent in only point seven tenths of a mile. It really is amazing that we didn't sprain or break anything. When we finally get down we are able to find a fairly flat spot pretty quickly. Darkness has set in and we quickly cook up some dinner. We had a very aggressive visitor, a little mouse visited us. This little guy was jumping all around the site trying to get to our food. After dinner we were both exhausted and fell asleep right away even though the ground was not that flat.
Date: 2003-03-31
From: Unknown Gap (Betty Creek? Mooney?)

To: Franklin, NC (Wallace Gap)
Miles today: 8.7
Weather: few clouds

   Woke up cold. As soon as it was light enough, I threw everything into the pack and took off. This isn't a trail--it's an obstacle course!! Even with my pack weight cut almost in half, this is a tough section of "trail". Rocks and snow....   When I got to Wallace Gap, I could hear a vehicle coming. I charged out of the woods and practically tackled the car--the woman driving must have freaked. I explained that I needed to go into Franklin and I must have looked pathetic enough that she truned around and took me to the Franklin Motel. She also gave me the number of a friend of hers in Franklin in case I needed anything. The Franklin Motel is close to restaurants and the food store, and within walking distance of the library for internet access. Anyway, it is clean and the people who run it are friendly and helpful. Nice to have a bed and a shower.