morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2019-08-05
From: Cooper Lodge Shelter 

To: Gifford Woods State Park 
Miles today: 9.4

Somehow we slept in this morning and it was really cold when we woke up. We broke down camp and had to keep our jackets on for the first few miles. Other than sporadic mini up-hill climbs, we generally went downhill. We opted not to go into Rutland and instead go to the deli/grocery near the State park or the state park if they had a camp store. We we got to the State park, we decided just to stay the night. Despite the short day and nice weather, Skins¢ feet needed a break. We walked a bit from the park to a deli, where we got huge sandwiches. We ate half, got a bit of resupply, and walked back. We met up with some old friends - Samantha and Arthur, now named Donkey and Shrek. We played a few games of checkers (using chess pieces) and chatted with other hikers hanging around.
Date: 2019-08-06
From: Gifford Woods State Park 

To: The Lookout 
Miles today: 14.3

Early morning start out of camp expecting to do a huge 17 mile day. Lots of ups and downs today. We stopped at the first shelter and had an early lunch. We met a few SoBos who talked up the Lookout Cabin, a few miles before our planned shelter. We decided that we would stop there and enjoy a bit shorter day than planned. We had to pack a lot of water at the last stream before the cabin, and boy was it heavy! We made it to the cabin and it was definitely worth it!Great views from the crow¢s nest or ¢lookout¢ on top of the cabin. Lots of other folks stayed as well, so we had lots of company and people to talk with.
Date: 2019-08-07
From: The Lookout 

To: Thistle Hill Shelter 
Miles today: 14.8

One word to describe today would be - Humid! Lots of climbs today, but generally the terrain wasn¢t too bad. We made good time, but most of the day we expected it to rain. It was very muggy all day, and we crossed a number of roads with no trail magic. Then we came to Pomfret Road (1731.1) and there were a few sodas as trail magic, but also a sign to ¢The Backporch.¢ Two 2016 Thru-hikers own a house 100 yards off the trail where they sell some local and homemade goods. We had an amazing huge ice cream sandwich, Bearman had a chocolate mil, and we packed out two hard boiled eggs.for our ramen dinner. We left to try to beat the rain and had some steep climbs, but we got to camp and got a spot in the shelter. Bearman got water right before the rain started. We bunked up with Shrek, Donkey, Yankee, Red Beard, and Amanda.
Date: 2019-08-08
From: Thistle Hill Shelter 

To: Hanover, NH - Gretchen and Sean House 
Miles today: 15.4

We woke up a little late today, but then we heard there was another rainstorm about to roll through. So, we decided to hang in the shelter a little (about an hour) longer. Most everyone who stayed in the shelter hung out - Shrek, Donkey, Sir Mead, Yankee. Mulberry joined us after taking down her hammock. Despite the rain, the weather today was hot and humid. The terrain wasn¢t too bad, but there were some steep climbs. After a long day of walking, we made it to a road - Elm Street, which began multiple miles of road walking. We walked through Norwich, VT and eventually to the Connecticut river where we finished VT and entered New Hampshire! We finished our 12th state and hiked through Hanover, NH (around Dartmouth College) and to the Trail Angel¢s house. Gretchen and Sean were good people! Bearman left his boots for their garden to plant flowers in! They had the entire front yard as a garden. Gretchen was weeding her garden until 10:00 pm!We took a shower and did some laundry, then headed out to get food while the laundry dried. We went to Raminto¢s Pizza and got our free slice of pizza (both got mushroom) and garden salads. It really hit the spot! We got back well after our bedtime. Got our clothes folded and ready for bed!
Date: 2019-08-09
From: Hanover, NH - Gretchen and Sean House 

To: Grantham, NH - Rich & Jackie Atherley House 
Miles today: 0.0

Waking up in a bed was a nice change. We slept in a bit longer than usual, but started rustling around 7:15 am or so. We packed up our stuff slowly, and then thanked Sean - Gretchen had left for the morning and went back into Hanover. We started our day ensuring we walked the specific AT route, and then to Umpleby¢s for delicious breakfast sandwiches on rye bread. We sat outside and enjoyed coffee and great food. Around 9:30 am, we ventured to Left Bank Books where we left our packs while we walked around the town. Before leaving the bookstore, Skins bought two books from the store and then we ran into a lot of hiker friends we hadn¢t seen in a few days. After talking to a lot of folks, we went to Lou¢s got our free baked goods a crueller and muffin. We also had unlimited decaf coffee and some veggie quiche. We ran into more folks there, before heading to the library to relax and charge our phones. After a while, we decided it was a good time to venture to Rich & Jackie¢s home in Grantham. Rich picked us up at the Hanover Inn and brought us back to their beautiful home.
Date: 2019-08-10
From: Grantham, NH - Rich & Jackie Atherley House 

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0

We were so lucky to have ended our trip with such great people! Rich and Jackie were so welcoming! We did some additional laundry, had amazing snacks, dinner, and breakfast! Beautiful house and great conversation! We had such an amazing time getting to know Rich and Jackie better with great food and great accommodations!We took a bus ride to Boston airport and took flights home. Between the bus ride and the flight, Skins got to spend time with his sister-in-law and her boyfriend! They all enjoyed some delicious seafood for lunch and great time visiting!
Date: 2011-07-23
From: Monson, ME

To: Caratunk, ME
Miles today: 37.0

Ok, so I'm having a hard time figuring out how to get the miles on this journal to show what I want becuase I'm grouping my entries... So I appologize for that.After leaving Monson on July 21st, we hiked about 12 miles to the West Branch of Piscataquis River (ford) and tented near the river just after the ford. On the way there we had our first bit of trail magic!!!! Strider had left a cooler of soda, and it was cold! And so good!!!!! I loved it! That night we tented with Frogcatcher, Eric, S'myguess, and Keeps, plus three others that were out for a section hike. This place was dubbed "deerfly nest".July 22nd we headed up over Moxie Bald Mountain, picked some blueberries while we hiked and had a great view at the top, and a glimpse of the Bigelows in the distance. That night we tented at Bald Mountain Brook lean-to with Frogcatcher and Eric and a NOBO.July 23rd was the day that changed our hike... WE got up over Pleasant Pond Mountain, where before we summited, Nate and I both bonked... no energy... Anyways, we get to the top, Nate turns on his cell phone and he has a voice mail from the place that he had applied for his dream job. He got the job. Nate wants to be an amazing athletic trainer, and I have full confidence in him and what he wants to accomplish with his career, so of course he got the job and now what do I do????? Keep hiking? The next seven miles into Caratunk were the last with Nate for now... however I didn't know that at the time, I thought he was going to make it to Stratton with me. We rolled into Caratunk (Northern Outdoors) around 6pm, Nate called the guy and found out he had to be picked up the next day to get things sorted... It didn't hit me until the next morning...
Date: 2011-07-27
From: Caratunk, ME

To: Stratton, ME
Miles today: 36.5
Weather: scattered clouds

July 24th... the day I cried for most of the day... I was a mess... it started when we were walking over to breakfast... I couldn't control the tears at breakfast and then when I was packing... lunch I did okay, but it just seemed hopeless to keep them at bay. When I said goodbye to him at 2pm... it was the worst ever, it hurts just to write about it now. I had never hiked alone... EVER. I was scared and I wanted Nate to be with me... but his career is important to him and I understand. Before I crossed the Kennebeck, Challenger said hello to me and asked how I was... I just broke down... him and his friends consoled me, which quite a few people tried to do that night, but I couldn't stop crying, I felt so alone. Going across the river, the ferry man also helped to comfort me. I met Frogcatcher and Eric with their two friends, Stephan and Gretchen on the other side, thank goodness they were hiking with me, and someone was there to just be there for me. I talked with a few solo NOBOs at the Pierce Pond lean-to, and they really helped to talk about the things they went through. I slept pretty well that night because of all the crying, however, Frogcatcher's whiskey helped too. This was by far my worst day on the trail so far.July 25th I made good miles with Frogcatcher and Eric to the Little Bigelow lean-to, a 17 miler! I was just glad I still had people to hike with. This is when I met Earl Grey and Mammoth at the West Carry Pond lean-to at lunch, it was really great to talk with them, and they had some good words of wisdom. It was cool to find out that Earl Grey was from the next town over, small world, a comforting thought someone close to home was also out here. That night it rained hard, I'm glad I slept in the sheleter.July 26th Hiked at a good pace, but I was feeling gloomy from the weather, ran into a kid named RedBull, he was nice to talk for a while, seemed like he really had an agenda and a lot of miles ahead of him, it was sweet that he took time to give me advice on being solo. So I went up over the Bigelows in the clouds... hope to go back someday to get the view. I then booked it into Stratton, where I hiked out to ME 27 in the pouring rain and thunder and lightning... I was scared... I had about 2 miles left when I started singing 100 bottles of beer on the wall... I got down to zero and had to count back up to 40 until I got to the road. I was just really trying to keep my mind from freaking myself out... the trail was dark, it was wet, and I did not want to be there. Got to the road and my family friend "Aunt Jennifer" picked me up... I was so glad to see her!
Date: 2011-08-23
From: Skipping the Kinsmans

To: Glencliff, NH
Miles today: 9.3

August 23rd I woke up feeling in much better spirits. The day was wonderfully sunny and bright, today I will hike. Nate drove me up to the Hiker Welcome Hostel where I dropped off my pack and picked up a day pack. He drove me over to rt 112 where I had had my melt down the day before, but today was different. I was slack packing back to the hostel. Our goodbye was tearless, but I still miss him, but I tried really hard to be strong, and I was. Slack packing was probably the best decision I could have made. I felt GREAT! I was fast, my back didn't ache, my feet felt good, I felt like I was floating for the first half mile. Then I started climbing. It still felt great, I knew I could go faster, but my cardio shape still isn't running shape... its hiking slow shape, so I did what felt good, even though I knew I could go faster. I hiked over Moosilauke, had a great view, hiked down and met a girl that was doing summer research on the Moosilauke environment, it was nice to hike with someone new and talk on the way down. The last mile and half I hiked alone, afternoon was rolling in, but I knew I was close to the hostel. When I got there, Super Turtle, Serenity, and Rickshaw were all there! (I knew they would be from talking to Serenity yesterday) Now that I'm back with my hiker family I feel better. It will still be difficult to walk away from home, they said they would keep me on track. Coming over Moosilauke today I could see southern NH, which looked pretty flat... I think the bigger miles will start to roll in now.
Date: 2011-04-11
To: Happiness via the AT
Miles today: 0.0

Late last year, as I sat crying in my cube of the cube farm, I realized "No one is financially dependent on me anymore, why am I still doing a job I never wanted?" This was the epiphany I needed to decide to change my life. I have been sitting behind a computer for over 20 years, because life happened. I truly believe that everything happens for a reason and looking back over the past couple years I can now see which things have contributed to my awareness that I can take control of my life and my happiness. I started backpacking ¢on a regular basis¢ just last year. I have always loved the outdoors and I always feel most at ease in the woods. I decided I would reset my life, wipe the slate clean, and start all over again. I figured a thru hike of the Appalachian Trail would be a pretty good way to start this new book (not chapter cause I think it¢s a little bigger than that!) of my life.A few years ago I started doing birthday resolutions (my birthday is in December) instead of New Year¢s resolutions. Things like ¢this is the year to have fun¢ and ¢ this is the year to be good to myself.¢   It just so happened that this year, it was on my birthday when I was out to dinner with my sister and mother that the decision seemed to really take hold. It had been a whim before that, just a wisp of a dream. But, in order to change the subject I said to them ¢I¢m thinking about hiking the Appalachian Trail and then getting a job in outdoor education. Whaddaya think?¢ My sister kind of looked at me like I was me (crazy) but then, I don¢t know, it just seemed to blossom. Before I knew it the three of us were talking about this idea like there wasn¢t anything crazy about it at all. So here I am 4 months later, NOT getting ready for work on a Monday morning, dehydrator whirring in the kitchen, setting up my trail journal because I HAVE taken control of my happiness!
Date: 2011-04-11
To: the BEST of friends
Miles today: 0.0

I have to say that I am most impressed with myself that I made a plan and have executed it successfully. But, there is NO WAY I would have been able to complete this plan without the support of my AMAZING friends. I have always been a very self reliant person, but in order to implement an undertaking like this, it would be impossible to do it alone. I have always had an issue with accepting help, much less asking for it, and I think this process has helped me to realize it is ok to ask for support. I am amazed at my friends and the support they have given me in order for me to do this completely selfish thing. Everything from just being there to talk me down when I am having doubts, to taking on the fostering of my two cats (and their fur)! I have no idea how to thank everyone who has been there for me and I truly appreciate every minute thing that has been done for me. It is almost overwhelming to me that I have such a phenomenal group of people in my life. I cannot put into words how lucky I feel, I really can¢t.
Date: 2011-04-15
From: the BEST of friends

To: The last day of regular life (FENWAY PARK!!)
Miles today: 0.0

Yesterday as I was trying to make sure that everything at home was buttoned up, I started feeling a little stressed. Well, a little stressed... a lot! I decompressed by just laying down outside and watching the world. It was a nice practice day I'm not sure how to explain the feelings I have today. The only way to say it is maybe "anticipation of relaxation". Thinking about things like 'this is the last morning I will be able to drive to Pogo's for breakfast for a looong time!', 'The last day I will wear my sneakers and jeans.', 'The last day to yell at my boys that they should be outside on such a gorgeous day!!" I love that I am spent last night with my family and wish I had more time to spend with special friends. Tonight, it's off to Fenway Park with my youngest son (a Christmas present from him, which is the reason I am leaving for the trail tomorrow) I wish we had a third ticket so I could go with both my boys. I went to the gym today to get measurements of my body and my abilities so I can see how things have changed when I come back. Gotta get a "before" picture too! Tomorrow will be my first actual TRAIL entry! We fly out at 8am!!
Date: 2011-04-16
From: Massachusetts

To: Georgia
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Hi Everyone - This is Jessica and I will be transcribing Kat's trail log as she sends it to me via snail mail. So from this point forward, I will transcribe whatever is sent to me to the best of my ability. Without further adieu...Day 1(ish):Have I mentioned that my last name is Murphy? Having said that, the morning went smoothly getting off to the airport. As we were pulling into the airport, Dave called and said he was going to be late because...he needed a jump. Not his car, the plane...Well that worked out because it gave Donna time to get to see me off After Dave got there and refueled both himself and the plane there was a mild flourish of fanfare with pictures and hugs and off we went... towards a weather system that stretched from... oh! Georgia ALLLLL the way up the east coast! We got as far as Danbury, CT before we had to stop due to the weather, around noon. The guys at the airport were very helpful and, after we determined that we would not be able to continue on today, they helped us to find a hotel - they brought us there and then to the mall so we could waste time. Ahh, the mall...NOT! We both determined that the mall is akin to some bizarre alien planet that people actually us as their recreation. It was frightening. We walked back to the hotel and searched out another form of distraction. We determined that the military museum was within our definition of "walking distance" and proceeded to test our rain gear by walking what should have been about a quarter mile, but when you go the wrong way...ended up being a total of 3. (Murphy) I determined that my jacket and boots are excellent in the rain, and that I should wear my UnderArmor leggings if I plan on walking an hour in the cold miserable rainy conditions. We did not go to the military museum.We dinnered at Chuck's Steakhouse next door to the hotel, then hit the jacuzzi and pool.All in all, not a bad day
Date: 2011-04-17
From: Danbury, CT

To: Georgia
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Day 2(ish)We set out from Danbury this morning. I went fairly light on the breakfast thinking I didn't want to have too much in my stomach for a day of flying. I think that was wrong. I felt pretty icky from Danbury to Lancaster, PA. I might have been a bit dehydrated too, or it was that the headset was too tight. I dunno. I felt a lot better going from Lancaster to Martinsville, VA, where we stopped for a late lunch. It was so strange because we landed in "y'all" country. Just all of a sudden we were plopped into the South. Sissy was our waitress and she was a sweetie! The last leg was from VA to Jasper, GA where we landed at the Pickens County Airport around 7pm. We had called last night to see what our options were for getting to the trail. Randy greeted us when we got here. He had been tracking our flight and stayed to wait for us. He normally leaves at 6, but gave us the option of driving us to the trail head last night (it would have been dark when we got there) or he could take us to a hotel, or we were welcome to stay on the porch at the airport or pitch a tent on the lawn. We opted to open air it on the porch. So, we are here in Rocking chairs on the porch of this quaint little ranch house that serves as Jasper Airport. I'm glad I have my iPod since the highway sounds like it is closer than the runway. I realized I am glad I'm short, because I can fold my sleeping pad up to give my hips more padding. I wrapped all my clothes up in my fleece for a pillow, put on my camp socks that Amy made me, opened up the bottom zipper of my bag and was snug as a bug Oh yeah, we had dinner at Zaxby's.
Date: 2011-04-19
From: Hawk Mountain Shelter

To: Woody Gap
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 2.Today was a loong day. I couldn't seem to get myself organized and going. I did some laundry by the river and gave myself a "laundry bath." What I do is wet my clothes (down stream of course) then put just a drop of Dr. Bonners on it. I then squeeze the clothes lightly to mush the Dr. Bonners around. Then I squeeze it out over my head to get that essence of Bonners hair and use the wet Bonnered laundry to wipe my body down. Yes, I know I'm pretty much just moving dirt from place to place, but meh it was refreshing.We made 2 meeting stops today because it was a 12 mile day. I ended up hiking with Roger for a while. He is 65 this year. He was not going to be going as far as we, so every time I left him I told him it was a pleasure meeting him. Somehow, he caught up to us every time we stopped. We stopped at one stream (well Dave was there waiting for me) that was way to inviting to not stick my feet in. Dave followed suit, then Roger showed up and he too joined in. Salmon and her hiking buddy showed up and also enjoyed the cold water.There were a lot of ups, and lots of downs and I am slow on both. Heck I'm slow on the flats too!I had Dave stick with me for the last few miles to keep me going and we made it to the Woody Gap parking lot just as it started to get dark! We called for the shuttle and stayed in the Hiker Hostel for the night! O. M. G! A shower, a bed with sheets, a kitchen, laundry and a real live computer with a keyboard!!!Oh wild life seen today, a lizard, an eagle, squirrels (first time), salamander.
Date: 2011-04-28
From: Hiawassee (Day 2)

To: Bly Gap, NC!
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 11The storms ended up killing over 200 people and crossing the AT starting by Blood Mountain and going up the AT. We all felt very lucky to have been at the Blueberry Patch last night.Breakfast was served to us on the 4 season porch of the house. Pancakes with blueberry syrup, eggs, sausages, biscuits, gravy, coffee and orange juice. It was amazing and Gary and his wife kept making sure our coffee was filled and everyone ate enough. The Blueberry Patch truly is a gem on the trail.HighwayMan, Leonidis, Honey Badger, Moosette and myself were the first batch of hikers to get brought up to the trail head. The road was actually closed due to fallen trees, but that was past the trail head so Gary was able to go through to bring us up. Honey, Moose and I started out together. Moose broke off fairly early to sit by a nice stream and journal. Then Honey fell behind. The rest of the gang had long since come and passed us, but I actually caught up to them and passed them after I left Honey. We all reconvened at Plumb Rose Shelter head where Opie happened to be. (He had passed me earlier also...He had been at Tray Mountain the other night.) Opie said he was going on to the next shelter in NC. My plan was to also go there but stopping at Plumb Rose for lunch. I told him to save me a spot. Honey and Moose both caught up at Plumb Rose. Honey's tent pole has been broken and SuperDave and I got her all patched up. I was the only one who decided to continue on. NC or Bust!! It was a tough climbing day, but the weather was awesome and I made it to the NC Border at 6:30!! There is a little camp site just past the line and Opie was set up there. I pitched and then SmokeBreak and Wrongway showed up. They ended up being psudo NAJA's (North American Jack Ass) by deciding to start a fire and dragging an ENTIRE TREE into it to burn. Oh well; it was warm anyway. NC is chilly! I have my camp hat on that Amy made me! Toasty with my socks! 31.2 miles to Franklin. I think I will get up and at 'em tomorrow and see how far I can go Thermoregulation sucks.