morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-07-22
From: Manchester Center/Rutland

To: Stony Brook 
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: scattered clouds

First day on the trail and yes it does start up hill. It is very hot but I am anxious to start. I met Obie Wan in the parking lot so we started together. It didn't take long for him to leave me as I was going slow compared to a hiker who has covered 1700 miles. It was a tough day and I was extremely tired when I got to camp. I met Sky Chicken (SOBO) hitch a hiker.net and some other neat hikers but I was too tired to chat. I sat up my tent fixed dinner and and laid down. It was hot with little breeze so sleeping was difficult.
Date: 2014-07-23
From: Stony Brook 

To: Wintturi
Miles today: 10.2
Weather: broken clouds

Last night was a tough night after a hard first day. And guess what? Another long day with lots of climbs. I am not in trail shape yet so the miles are telling. I did 10 miles with frequent breaks, the climbs and the heat are not a good combination. I got to camp at 4:30 set up my tent behind the shelter and started dinner. I should add there are a lot of things to do when you get to a campsite... tent location, get water, change shoes, unpack backpack, blow up sleeping mat, put all stuff in tent and then prepare dinner. Just as I was finishing dinner the thunder started. I decided to pick up my tent and since no one was in the shelter move it inside. I just finished moving everything when the rain came. It poured for 3 solid hours so tomorrow will be muddy but cooler.
Date: 2014-07-24
From: Wintturi

To: Thistle Hill
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: clear sky

A very long day... 12 miles with lots of up and downs. The storms last night broke the heat so except for the mud a welcome change. I am having some trouble with my left Achilles' tendon after hyper extending my foot on a down hill rock. And my back is tightening up again. I am feeling the effects of a tough start. At the speed I am going I am by myself most of the day. I do meet some SOBOs and I get passed by the NOBOs who seem to me like they are flying. When I finally got to camp all the tent sites were full (mountain terrain) so I rolled out my sleeping bag in the shelter. Met two nice families on a section hike, they had taken 4 of the tent sites. But the young girls were fun and enthusiastic and actually cheered me up after a hard day. I should say Vermont is beautiful, very green, clear sparkling streams, impressive mountains, friendly locals but I can't wait to reach NH!
Date: 2014-07-25
From: Thistle Hill

To: Happy Hills
Miles today: 0.0

I finally had a good nights sleep. The temperature was cooler and I think exhaustion took over. I love my one person tent, peace and quiet after a night in the shelter. And today the morning trail was great, 4 miles of mostly down hill. I say mostly because even going down hill the trail finds small steep climbs to remind you of its power. But I was rewarded with a trail magic breakfast at Randy's. Now that was some good eats. Unfortunately the afternoon was a huge up hill climb but a full stomach makes the hills seem not so high. I am still struggling with my Achilles and now I am feeling the beginnings of shin splints on my left leg and my back is still my back! Oh, the pains of a section hiker. I reached the shelter at 3:30 pitched my tent, did my chores and took a nap.... Tomorrow New Hampshire!
Date: 2014-07-26
From: Happy Hills

To: Hanover, NH
Miles today: 7.2

I was up early, 5:30 and on the trail by 6:30. I needed to get to the Post Office before noon and I needed to find a place to stay in town. Last nights shelter had a list of people who allow hikers to stay at their homes. When I reached town I called a few... Booked full. I finally found Greg Cook who said yes but he was out of town all day. So after picking up my box at the PO. I needed a place to shower and do laundry. The hiker book recommended the community center. So I hiked another mile only to find it closed on the weekend. But a true trail angel, Pastor Mary, was there setting up for a Sunday church service. She took me home where I took a shower while my hiking clothes were washed, and then she cooked a wonderful breakfast. We had a great conversation, it was nice to talk about something other than the trail. Richard (husband) could not have been more gracious and interesting. They offered me the spare bedroom for the night so I called Greg and cancelled with him. I am going to church with Mary in the morning then hit the trail. Mary and Richard Detsch are the greatest! On the trail things have a way of working out.
Date: 2014-07-27
From: Hanover, NH

To: Lebanon, Ohio
Miles today: 0.0

A phone call from home is taking me off the trail. I will be going home to attend the funeral of a close relative. Sadness is over welling. I am thankful for Mary & Richard for opening their home and their hearts to me. They are taking me back to Rutland so I can catch the morning train to Toledo. I am not sure of my next move...
Date: 2014-08-01
From: Lebanon, Ohio

To: Rutland, Vt/Hanover,NH
Miles today: 0.0

I made it to Lebanon, Ohio after a long train trip (24hrs) and a 4hr drive on Tuesday. It was good to share some happy family memories during a sad time. Family is important! After some discussion with Becky I decided to return to the trail. It will be a long commute back to New Hampshire and I will have lost a week but will still have about 3 weeks to hike. Obviously I will not get as far as I had planned but the joy is in the journey. I should be back on the trail Sunday afternoon. Just a side note, I have heard from my Hanover, NH "angels" and they will get me from the train to the trail this weekend. Looks like all system go!
Date: 2014-08-02
From: Rutland, Vt.

To: Hanover
Miles today: 0.0

Becky and I started our drive home from Lebanon at 10pm. We made it to Toledo's train station about 12:30am. Becky drove on home and I camped out in the station until 4am. I made the trip to Schenectady, NY with just one small problem... my legs and ankles started to swell. I decided to go to the hospital emergency room to make sure it was OK to hike. The Doc assured me it was and they would go down quickly. So after a 6hr lay over I boarded the train to Rutland. Got in about mid-night and quickly went to bed. Richard and Shane (son) picked me up at the hotel and drove back to Hanover. Mary had tacos planned for lunch and had invited some of the congregation over. Great food, Great conversation, Great day.
Date: 2014-08-03
From: Hanover

To: Velvet Rocks
Miles today: 2.0

I had a nice day with Richard, Mary, Shane & Yiru. A super nice family! I hit the trail at 3:00 did a short 2 miles and reached the shelter. I set up the tent, had everything organized then went for water. It was .7 mi. up & down a blue blaze trail. It followed a bog/ stream to reach a small spring. I got plenty of water and shared it with 42 while he started a fire. At about 5pm three young hikers came into camp... strung up their hammocks, opted for no water and lights out at 7pm.
Date: 2014-08-04
From: Velvet Rocks

To: Moose Mtn
Miles today: 9.5

When I got up this morning the shelter area was packed, about 10 to 12 hikers came in later that night. I hurried to get out of camp before the group started to move out. It was a steep up hill to start then it was a normal day - plenty of ups and downs. Two of the section hikers who started that day realized neither of them had a stove. They hitched into Etna and bought one... Oh, the importance of planning. I got into camp early had a snack and rested before dinner. I am still not feeling my trail legs. That week off set me back.
Date: 2014-08-05
From: Moose Mtn

To: Firewarden Cabin
Miles today: 12.5

This was an extremely hard day. The day started out nicely with a small climb and the a long gradual down hill ending at Bill Eckersly house. FREE ICE CREAM! He is a legend on the trail as a great host and helper. But then everything changed... The trail was all up hill and steep. And the last mile was the hardest, almost straight up and rocky. This included rebar on the rocks! I was exhausted when I reached the cabin. The forecast called for rain so I opted for the cabin.
Date: 2014-08-06
From: Firewarden Cabin

To: Hexacuba
Miles today: 0.0

I didn't sleep well last night. I chose the cabin because of the rain forecast. I should have know better. At around 9pm a hiker came into the cabin. He sounded like a full construction crew slam banging everything around as he got settled. I tossed and turned the rest of the night. But the good thing was about 4am it did rain... So yea for the inside! I got up a 6:30 and did not feel well. I am sure it is a combination of not enough sleep or food. I still have not found my trail legs or my trail appetite. The trail has been very difficult so far this year and today was no different. It started with a steep down hill over boulders, then we hit mud and then up hill to the shelter. It was only around noon but I was done for the day. I hiked up to the shelter, dropped my pack, hiked back down to get water, set my tent then took a nap. Two hiker brothers came into camp with their dog Jack. Jack loves the trail!
Date: 2014-08-07
From: Hexacuba

To: Ore Hill Tent Site
Miles today: 7.2

I woke up this morning feeling really good. I had rested yesterday afternoon and had plenty to eat so all was good. The morning was a long slow down hill with plenty of water spots.i met 2 day hikers who gave me a banana, always a treat! I reached a road crossing at the bottom of the downhill and looked at the beginnings of a long steep up hill. I was feeling really good so started my climb and saw a dark sky forming. The higher I got the darker the sky and I know I was in for rain. I put on my rain gear.... Got to hot so took off my rain gear... It started to sprinkle... Put on my rain gear.... Stopped sprinkling... Got to hot so took of my gear... Not yet to the top but closing in... It started to rain... Put on my gear... It started to rain really hard so I got under a tree and waited a few minutes... It rained harder so I started hiking hoping to get to the tent site quickly. I arrived and set up my tent upside down to keep it dry, turned it over and crawled inside. The rain slowed down right before it turned really dark, the temperature dropped and it started to hail. So I am in my tent for the rest of the day.... The tent is pretty small and getting smaller.
Date: 2014-08-08
From: Ore Hill Tent Site

To: Glencliff
Miles today: 7.5

It is midnight and I have been in my tent in the rain since around 2pm. The rain and the wind makes sleeping difficult. That's a long time in a tent. The rain stopped early in the morning and I was up and on my way by 6:15 heading for a hostel with a warm shower. The sun came out and the morning was beautiful however the trail was not. It was muddy, wet and slippery. I was careful on my downhill hike. And then it happened, I fell. I planted my left foot and it flew out from under me. I came down hard on my right side with my right knee bend under me. I laid there for a few minutes taking inventory... Nothing broken, no blood, backpack attached. Trying to get up in a muddy trail with 30 pounds on your back is not easy. My back is hurt and my right knee is sprained. So I limped into Glencliff and the Happy Hiker Hostel. I think tomorrow is a zero day.
Date: 2014-08-09
From: Glencliff

To: Glencliff
Miles today: 0.0

Now I know why I don't stay in hostels. There are too many lost souls (hikers on the trail fighting the injustice of the corporate world... while they carry their REI gear, eat their Mountain House food & keep connected on their IPhones) who are disillusioned with their lives and relationships. And each of them are ready experts willing to give advice on everything. The conversations are difficult. Oh, the quietness of my small tent. Now that is not everyone at a hostel but it is the vocal ones. I gravitate to the international hikers. They are here for the adventure. They listen and learn. I am taking a zero day resting my back and knee. My plan is back to the trail tomorrow.
Date: 2014-08-10
From: Glencliff

To: Mtn Moosilaucke
Miles today: 10.2

We were up at 6:30 and Legion fixed a great breakfast: Pancakes, eggs & bacon. Now that is a great way to start a day of hiking. And we needed the energy as we had Mt. Moosilauke in front of us. There is a tradition for the male hikers to wear a dress as they climb. I passed on that particular idea but a few of the younger guys participated. We did 2 things on today's hike. First we slack packed, meaning we carried only what we needed for the day. Secondly we hiked from North to South. So after climbing a 4000 ft. Mountain we ended up right where we started. But it was a beautiful climb... The trail follows a waterfall on the way up and a forested path on the way down. The top of the mountain is above the tree line so you can see the green mountains tome south and the rest of the white mountains to the north. It took 3 hrs to get to the top and another 3 her to hike down the mountain. I picked up my stuff, along with Storm Crow (Joe) and Miss Janet drove us to Lincoln, NH. We dumped our stuff at Chet's hostel and went to dinner. It started to rain really hard so I am going to wait until tomorrow before deciding to go back out.
Date: 2014-08-11
From: Mtn Moosilaucke

To: Franconia Notch
Miles today: 17.0

This is my last day on the trail. The forecast calls for a major storm to hit this area in the next couple of days. I do not feel comfortable hiking over these mountains in bad weather so I will do a major climb today then head for home. This is a tough day. The trail starts with a 1600 ft. climb right off the trail head. Now that will wake you up! Then after getting to the top of mt. Wolf you drop 1000ft. That is a 2600 ft.. elevation change in the morning. It was also my introduction to the Whites...steep climbs over huge boulders. Next came South Kinsman a 2000 ft. climb in 2 miles. I could not have done that with a full pack.... Good thing I slacked. It was extremely difficult and extremely scary. It is no place to be in bad weather. We then dropped 300 ft. and faced a 500ft boulder scramble to the top of North Kinsman. There was no fanfare or band playing when we got there so we headed down. A very steep decline over big rocks. I fell twice. The last time I cut my hand and had to wrap it in a handkerchief. Difficult to get the bleeding to stop.so this re enforces my decision to stop. I am going to have to re-think my strategy to complete the Whites. I will need to shorten my days and figure out how not to carry a full pack. This has been a difficult section. I have met some wonderful people: true trail angels... Mary & Richard; the most informed person on the trail... Miss Janet; my last hiking partner Storm Crow (Joe). The trail no matter how difficult lifts your spirit. I look forward to next year and getting to Maine.
Date: 2015-06-14
To: Getting ready for 2015
Miles today: 0.0

It is the Middle of June and I am starting the planning process. I have been training since we returned from Florida in March. I go to the gym 2 times per week and work out with a trainer and then hike in the woods around our condo. I have many of the supplies left over from my shortened hike last year. So other than some snack foods I think I am all set supply wise. The difficulty so far has been trying to solidify my travel arrangements. It seems it is difficult to get from Detroit to Lincoln, NH. Looks like another year of car, bus, train, bus, car... and another 24 hours of travel. Nothing is confirmed yet... Sometimes I think hiking is the easy part... more later
Date: 2014-04-05
From: Deep Gap

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 8.5
Weather: overcast clouds

First day back on the trail. Had a fun conversation with the shuttle driver from Standing Bear Hostel, quite a character. Standing Bear Farm was neat, would love to stay there some time. There was a huge trail magic setup at Deep Gap but since I was just starting I figured I would leave to food for people who needed it. Hike up to Standing Indian Mountain was not too bad, view was ok but a lot of bugs. Afternoon was easy, not much to see, go to the shelter early, a lot of families there for weekend hikes, they had taken over the whole shelter. Had a nice talk with 2 guys out for the weekend, shared some SoCo and chatted about gear. Wasn't too cold guess in the 40s, new sleeping bag is super warm.
Date: 2014-04-06
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Rock Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Cloudy this morning but not too cold. Morning hiking was good, ran into a cool campsite surrounded by bushes right on the trail. A couple tents, nice little fire to warm my hands and a guy wearing Elmo PJ bottoms, something I had never seen before on the trail! Pretty funny. There was a steep climb to the top of Albert Mtn, but not as bad as everyone makes it out to be. Wonderful view from the top from under the fire tower. I lucked out, there was a group of students and a professor from Clemson University on a field trip, and they had the key to get in the tower, even better view from there! Not much to see rst of the day, made it to the shelter by 3:00, was first one there so I got a spot inside since it was suppose to rain that night. Was joined later by a family of 5 who were out for a 50 mile hike, Elmo PJ bottoms was with that group, very nice people had good talk. Later a family with 2 young kids arrived, they were thru-hiking, no room in the shelter and hardly any room for a tent so they squeezed their giant tent next to the shelter. Rained hard all night, glad to have a dry place to sleep. Around midnight a guy came in, looked around with his flashlight but no room in the shelter so he slept on the picnic table under the awning.
Date: 2014-04-07
From: Rock Gap Shelter

To: Wayah Bald Shelter
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Rained all day, no views, hiked an extra 2 miles to reach a shelter but it was full, a few strange characters there(I would end up running into them for most of the trip), gave me a weird vibe, some had been there a few days, I would later learn they did not have any money and begged food off people to keep hiking, not someone you would take home to mom. Set up tent and hung out there to keep out of the drizzle, made dinner in the vestibule. At midnight "the crew" left the campsite making strange animal noises and yelling but never came back. had a good sleep.
Date: 2014-04-08
From: Wayah Bald Shelter

To: NOC
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Got up and was on trail by 7:00am, little cold but not bad. Clouds cleared and had great views, especially Wesser Bald which had an observation platform you could climb up to get above the trees. Booked on down to the NOC by 2:00, got a room with Captain & Lunch(I had seen them along the trail and talked a few times), when I came out of the general store I stepped on my belt buckle and broke it! Luckily there was an outfitter there so I got a replacement, which was twice as big as the original but worked. Had great dinner, burger and onion rings, did laundry, shower and resupply. Rested up and enjoyed the bunk, but I sleep better in my tent.
Date: 2014-04-09
From: NOC

To: Locust Cove Gap
Miles today: 10.3

Had good breakfast at restaurant with Captain and Lunch, Looked around the outfitters one more time before I headed out. Hit trail at 9:30, long uphill out of the NOC, 3,000 elevation gain, tough day. Great views at Cheoah Bald, tempted to camp there but needed to do more miles. Only ended up doing 10 miles but my legs and knees were tired. Decided to stop at a little gap, ended up being 5 tents there and next to each other. Very quiet group, everyone went to bed by 7:00. I have to decide how I will do the next 2 days to Fontana Dam Village, 17 miles tomorrow and a 0 day or 12 miles tomorrow then 5 into town.
Date: 2014-04-10
From: Locust Cove Gap

To: Fontana Dam Village
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: clear sky

Not much to see today. Got really hot, think I like the cooler weather better. Got to the shelter I planned to stay at (12 mile day) by 1:30 so decided to go all way to the town of Fontana Village today. Made good time and got the shuttle to the hotel no problem. The room was very nice and the hiker special price was good. When I check who is sitting in the lobby using the internet but Captain, Lunch and Bear Bag so we all had dinner together, fun, time good food. As we sat down to eat I asked the waitress what time the 1 local convince store was open till, she said only 30 min more, but what did i want and they would bring it here to me, that's service, needless to say I gave her a big tip! Good sleeping in hotel tonight, getting a shower, and using the internet. Gonna relax tomorrow and get ready for Smokey Mountains National Park, it has the highest mountain on the whole AT, even higher than Mt Washington.
Date: 2014-04-11
From: Fontana Dam Village

To: Birch Spring Gap Campsite
Miles today: 7.1

Slept late at the Inn and had a yummy breakfast at the restaurant. Watched TV till 10 then walked down to the store to resupply. Got lunch at the Pit Stop, a cool garage that was converted into a convince store. Repacked everything and got the shuttle back to the trail. Knee hurts a little and pack is heavy with 5 days worth of food, had a short hike to the Fontana shelter where I set up my tent, only a mike it is right on the lake and next to the dam, very hot out and lots of bugs. A short time later a couple hikers I did not care for showed up(same guys from before), that combined with the heat made me decide to change my plan. I packed up real quick and decided to start the Great Smokey Mountains National Park today instead of resting and starting tomorrow. There was a campsite 6 miles away which would break the 3000 foot climb up over 2 days. I hit the trail at 4:00, the climb was steep and hard but there was a great view from Shuck Stack fire tower. As I was climbing a long uphill, head down I spotted some keys on the ground. Was not sure if I should hang them on a branch in view for whoever lost them, or take them with me. I decided to take them and find a ranger to give them too. When I got to the fire tower I saw a day hiker and asked him if he lost his keys, he looked in his backpack and said he had, I gave them to him and he was very grateful. I reached camp before dark, set up and had a nice chat with 4 college age kids who were thru hiking, 2 were brother and sister. Funny story, the sister wanted to thru hike but dad said the only way she could go was if her brother came along so there they were. Good sleep, rained a little, heard coyote calls during the night.
Date: 2014-04-12
From: Birch Spring Gap Campsite

To: Spence Field Shelter
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: clear sky

Hot day today, no views, just uphill all day. Made it to the shelter by 3, no energy and my legs were tired. Ridgerunner here tonight, they walk the trail and enforce rules, provide info to hikers. Chatted for a bit and went to bed early.
Date: 2014-04-13
From: Spence Field Shelter

To: Mt Collins Shelter
Miles today: 19.8
Weather: few clouds

The ridge runner said the first 6 miles of today's hike were the hardest part of hiking the GSMNP so a bunch of us got up early to get going. I was on the trail before 7:00 am and got some good sunrise pictures. The trail was not that hard and the hiker grapevine said the weather would be real bad the next 2 days so I decided to push it and see Clingman's Dome today while the sun was out, it is the highest point on the whole AT with a cool observation platform and great views. Long hard day with a lot and lots of uphill but the views were amazing. Sun was blazing and started to get a sunburn but was able to get some sunscreen from another hiker. Did the whole 20 miles, made it to the shelter, had dinner and went to bed at 7 pm. Fun day with lots to see. Saw Bear Bag at the shelter, had not seen him since dinner at Fontana Village.