morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-06-11
From: Pallisades Parkway

To: Bear Mountain Inn
Miles today: 7.0

6/11/20161402.2Enough of living the life of luxury by slack packing and back to carrying the load. However, plans were settled on staying the weekend with a friend of John Paul from West Point and Rugby days, which means no camping for two more nights and we get to go to church again this coming Sunday. We started on the South side of Palisades Parkway which meant crossing both sides of this four lane highway, my least favorite task. Today my Achilles heel was acting up. It is always something. Places where we could have really made time were hiked as slowly as the climbs. We had asked for and received an early start time hoping that by some miracle we could make it before noon to a pick up location with enough time to make it to the Ft Montgomery post office. We had a supply box coming there that was to include summer bags ( liners really) and a smaller size pair of pants for me. We really had two mountains to climb. West Mountain then Bear Mountain. Neither would have been particularly difficult now that we have more strength in our legs and a better wind except for my Achilles heel which made every step painful. With the heavier pack Bob's back started hurting again as well. Still the views were astounding. Also when we looked at Bear Mountain's tower from West Mountain we could not believe we would be down West and up to that tower in a few hours of hiking but we were. We climbed the tower and learned the history of that area.   It was impressive. The generosity and foresight and man hours it took to build a beautiful area for people to get out into nature. We were picked up at Bear Mountain Inn by John's friend who took us home where we met with his beautiful wife and four adorable children. We were treated to a great snack that served as our lunch and a grilled chicken dinner. We had showered, did laundry, made a stop at the PX for Epsom salts for Bob to soak his swollen, red, and mysteriously numb big toe. These friends of John's are most gracious and over and beyond kind.
Date: 2016-06-12
From: Bear Mountain Inn

To: Bear Mountain Inn
Miles today: 0.0

We took a zero with Caleb Gable and his delightful family. Church, a trip to REI, an attempt to do the trail that goes through the zoo, museum then crosses Bear Mtn.Bridge. The zoo area was closed and the blue trail was blocked off. The traffic was too bad to let me off near the bridge. We pick up our package tomorrow and do the bear Mtn zoo museum and bridge then walk 8 more miles to camp.
Date: 2016-06-13
From: Bear Mountain Inn

To: Graymore Spiritual Center ( ballfield)
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: broken clouds

7.31409.5Zoo and Bridge accomplished. Hike went slow due to my ankle. It seems to be the tendon between the ankle bone and the Achilles. It is most painful when I need to push off from it. Backpack us too heavy with new load. Are the liners we had sent to us heavier than our down quilts? Could be. Will I be too cold without my quilt tonight at 50 degrees? Could be.
Date: 2016-06-14
From: Graymore Spiritual Center ( ballfield)

To: Dennytown Road
Miles today: 8.2
Weather: light rain

1417.7Last night at Graymore there was a variety of hikers. Some going SOBO, others Nobo, and we who are flip flop. Some ladies with their sons, some singles, some pairs, some couples, and a group of young people who started in Georgia. We gave away part of our resupply because our packs were just too heavy. We slept chilly even though the temps were reasonable. So after breakfast we called John's friend and asked if he would mind bringing our over quilts back. I don't know what he owes to John but this young man has really gone out of his way for us and again this morning. Besides going out of his way to bring us out quilts, he surprised us with breakfast sandwiches. Also, he has treated us as family which we actually feel, despite only knowing them for such a short time. Love them all! I still love New York as well.   We saw another deer today. The woods were beautiful! There were too many rocks in too much of the trail for my ankle but it didn't have me crying like it did yesterday. I think the difference is the pack weight. We had lots of up and downs, in fact it was almost constant but they were not strenuous or challenging except for the rocks.   Camped at a group camp site tonight but off to the side in the woods. No Rain expected so we aren't putting up the tarp. Mountain house stew for dinner.
Date: 2016-06-15
From: Dennytown Road

To: Ralph's Peak Hikers Cabin
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: clear sky

1428.4354'I received this text first thing this morning "Dennytown Road! We camped there. That was where the bear came by my tent at 1 am."I am so thankful I did not have this information last night. I would not have slept well. Today's hike was really wonderful. There were a lot of areas of fairly smooth trail and a very long section along the side of the Mountain that was lined with rock including the bridge/ dam/ horse trail pictured here. I am very curious about the history of this section. There were also some stone fences we passed through which were very curious in the middle of the forest. One was maybe 100 yards long and amazingly 3 feet wide. There was also one serious rock wall climb. It was one of those where my mind said "no, way; no way," while my determination said, "you can, you will." Then there was too much trail that was full of rocks where the mind had to stay focused on foot placement. Just before the shelter there was a short area of boardwalk and a nice bridge across a stream. We crossed other streams today that required stone hopping including one that we soaked our feet in. In short a little of everything today. We saw three ribbon or garter snakes today. All but one was too fast for a photo. Then when we were resting for our lunch (in the shade between 2 and 3), we heard the movement of feet just across the hill we were facing and waited as still and quiet as we could so we could see them cross the trail. We saw one and she saw us. She stood still watching us while we also stood still. She tapped one of her front hooves one time them slowly turned and walked the other way still checking us out every few steps. The other deer must have gotten the message to go the other way. I really did well most of the day. I pushed myself for 30 minutes before our lunch break and it did not fare well for my foot. Those who are praying, thanks. For more specific prayer it is not really my ankle so much as the tendon between my ankle bone and my heel. Changing to ibuprophen has helped some. Tomorrow is reportedly an especially nice trail after the climb first thing in the morning. We will see.
Date: 2016-06-16
From: Ralph's Peak Hikers Cabin

To: Morgan Stewart Shelter NY
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: scattered clouds

1437.41310Hiked 5 miles over relative gentle trails and we'll marked. Bob saw a glimpse of a deer. We went to the Deli and spent way too much money and added too much weight to our food bag, but we were shopping hungry. We spent about an hour relaxing on the lawn behind the deli conversing with a good size group of hikers. From 52 on to the shelter the trails remained fairly nice until the last half mile. We passed the largest tree we have see. So far on this trail. Then there were some steep rock climbs that proved to be very difficult for me. I had to find creative ways to get up some of them including going up backside first and once had to remove the pack to get up. Finally we arrived at the shelter and Bob quickly found the perfect spot to hang the hammocks. The tarp was stretched but not deployed from the snake skin. It is only a 15 % chance of rain. Bob, as usual also found the place to hang the bear bags. In bed by 8:45. Late for us.Trying to step different to ease my pain I caused a new blister that eventually burst. It is one thing or another or both. I spent a lot of time today thinking about how I can fit into God's "program" In my late years. No answer yet.
Date: 2016-06-17
From: Morgan Stewart Shelter NY

To: Telephone Pole Shelter
Miles today: 7.8
Weather: clear sky

Telephone Pole Shelter 1445.21074'Some people run the trail and set speed records. Some people hike the trail and have daily goals for miles. Some people walk the trail and perhaps sees more of its beauty. Bob would say that I limp the trail. I may limp the trail but I am still on the trail and slow as I go, I am making forward progress and I am loving it. Also, today's trail was the smoothest and perhaps the most beautiful trail yet and it was easier on my foot. AT one point I saw a very little mouse on the trail in front of me. He was not bigger than an inch but I felt he was not a baby. He was a very dark gray and sat on the trail between two large rocks just wiggling his nose. I stood still and watched him until he went into a tiny hole just under one of the large rocks on the side of the trail. His little nose and whiskers stuck out just a little and continued wiggling and I wondered, "how many little wiggling noses have I passed on this trail completely unawares?"In bed at 6:15. Maybe we can get an earlier start tomorrow.
Date: 2016-06-20
From: Schaghticoke Mtn. Campsite

To: CT Route 341
Miles today: 3.2
Weather: clear sky

1466.7Today we hiked just from the Schaghticoke Mtn. Campsite to the road. It was a rocky steep descent. We were picked up at the trailhead by a shuttle and taken to his hostel but he took us by a hot dog stand on the way. We have been yearning for hot dogs since the first time we heard there would he a hot dog stand at the crossing and there wasn't...a couple of weeks ago. Ready to ice the foot and try to get it to heal. The hostel is beautiful and he did it himself.
Date: 2016-06-21
From: Bearded Woods Hostel 

To: Bearded Woods Hostel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

We took a zero today with the exception of going into town to get prescriptions filled and to buy some new larger shoes. My ankle issue is intolerable. Bearded Woods Hostel, however. Is awesome.   They create an almost family atmosphere with breakfast and dinner served family style and more than enough to eat. They have looked to every possible need of a hiker. The entire place is a piece of art. The owners, Hudson and Big Lee are extraordinary hosts.New darn though socks arrived at the post office.
Date: 2016-06-22
From: Bearded Woods Hostel

To: Bearded Woods Hostel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

No improvement. Move to a different hostel tomorrow as this one is booked. I am so depressed about my physical condition.   I can barely walk and not without significant pain. I need more time to heal.Everyone wants me to go to a doctor but no one has offered to pay for it. Ha I have had enough foot doctors for my lifetime.
Date: 2016-06-23
From: Bearded Woods Hostel

To: Marie's Hostel in Sharon CT
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

For felt a little better today, but took a short walk into the village and back and it nearly did me in. I am crying desperately on the inside and trying to keep a brave face on the outside. I contacted my daughter in law and asked her to send me my brace. I hope with it, even if it hurts to hike, perhaps I can avoid serious injury to these tendons (if they aren't already seriously injured.)
Date: 2016-06-24
From: Marie's Hostel in Sharon CT

To: Marie's Hostel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Brace came late today. We will try to do a short hike with it tomorrow.Maries is wonderful. She is more than sweet and has a marvelous sense of humor. She us 87 and sharp as a tack!She has bluebirds building a best in a birdhouse out front and a chipmunk she hand feeds on her back porch.
Date: 2016-06-25
From: Marie's Hostel

To: Falls Village
Miles today: 7.4
Weather: clear sky

Hwy 44 to Falls Village7.4We started this morning at 5:30 AM so we could hike mostly in the cooler morning hours.   The trail was beautiful and quite easy. Despite this, by the time we finished the 7.4 miles, we begged for a ride into town. My ankle tendons were done for the day.   My hip was aching from the extra weight of the shoe plus the brace. Worst of all my right knee complained loudly of the extra work required of it. The pain in that knee going downhill was excruciating and it was not a serious hill. Meanwhile, Bob was starting to have serious pain issues. I give up!   Seriously sad but resigned. The waterfall we saw near the end of today's hike was beautiful and a positive note on which to end this adventure.
Date: 2016-03-08
To: Tricky Temperatures
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

We are just a few days away from starting our journey. The Florida temperatures are supposed to be in the 80's this week. It's going to be a shock to our systems to go to the cooler temps of the mountains. I will be doing a walk this evening in running shorts and shirt, while planning on packing extra clothes for the tricky temperatures on the trail.But I'm looking forward to all of the changes we experience on the trail.It feels good to be lost in the right direction.
Date: 2016-03-10
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Well I completed the last day at work. It's kinda weird leaving not knowing what lies ahead in the next few weeks. On a good note, I received my first trail Angel treat from my boss...a box of Clif crunch bars I've already packed some of them in my food bag. Preparations are in high gear now.It feels good to be lost in the right direction
Date: 2016-03-11
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

We leave for Amicalola Falls tomorrow morning. I'm stuck between feeling on top of the world getting ready to start this trek to one second from peeing myself from the nervousness of it. Either way I get a warm sensation In addition, my daughter and I cootie-proofed our heads today at the barber shop. It feels good to be lost in the right direction.
Date: 2016-03-12
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

We left for Amicalola Falls from Jacksonville, Florida this morning. My buddy, Tom, was sitting outside our house waiting to see us off. It was very nice of him to do that.Another friend, Will, was willing to take us us up to Georgia. We are very apreciative of Will taking the time to get us up to the beginning of our journey.We checked in as hikers #597 and #598. After the check-in we took some pics at the arch and the falls. Tomorrow is the BIG day!!!!Thanks to everyone giving us the great comments and we'll wishes.It feels good to be lost in the right direction.
Date: 2016-03-13
From: Springer Mountain

To: Hawk Mountain
Miles today: 8.2
Weather: clear sky

Today was our first day on the AT. I have to admit I got a little teary eyed as we walked into the woods. It started out rainy and foggy but later in the day we had enough sun to give me a burn on my newly haircut head. Ariel was in her tent at 6:00 pm to recharge her body for tomorrow. Again,I want to give a thank you to Will. He even did the two mile hike in the rain and fog to the top of Springer Mountain so that he could get a photo of Ariel and me at the beginning.It feels good to be lost in the right direction.
Date: 2016-03-14
From: Hawk Mountain

To: View Entry
Miles today: 15.8

Day 2Yesterday was a good day. We topped Sassafras and Justice mountains. Between these mountains was a great place called Cooper's Gap We made it to Gooch Mountain shelter early. Had a little rain while setting up tents. There were about 7 official tents sites, but by the evening there were about 40 tents setup. It was crazy!!Day 3Today started off nice with a Trail Angel serving fruit and pancakes at Gooch Gap. The trail and weather were great. There were nice views all day. We had a second opportunity for Trail Magic at Woody Gap. A couple from Jacksonville were there serving drinks and snacks. Ariel had a Coca Cola and was was chat the rest of the day.
Date: 2016-03-14
From: Hawk Mountain

To: View Entry
Miles today: 15.8

Day 2Yesterday was a good day. We topped Sassafras and Justice mountains. Between these mountains was a great place called Cooper's Gap We made it to Gooch Mountain shelter early. Had a little rain while setting up tents. There were about 7 official tents sites, but by the evening there were about 40 tents setup. It was crazy!!Day 3Today started off nice with a Trail Angel serving fruit and pancakes at Gooch Gap. The trail and weather were great. There were nice views all day. We had a second opportunity for Trail Magic at Woody Gap. A couple from Jacksonville were there serving drinks and snacks. Ariel had a Coca Cola and was was chatting the rest of the day. We decided to camp short of the shelter to stay away from crowds. However a college group on spring break from Texas showed up at about six. We couldn't go father because bear cannisters are required in a ten mile section ahead of us. We have bear bags that have to be hung each night, but the bears in the ten mile section ahead must be smarter than the average bear. That's all for now.It feels good to be lost in the right direction.
Date: 2016-03-18
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

It's been a couple of days since I've been able to update my journal. My cell signal has been weak. We've been having a lot of fun. The views have been tremendous.We officially have trail names now. I am Carrot Stick and Ariel is Possumhead. Mine is because of all of the orange I am wearing and Ariel's hair is fuzzy on top like an opossum.We climbed Blood Mountain a couple of days ago. It was great. The shelter there is the oldest on the entire AT. Again, it's in an area that required bear canisters, so we hiked to the bottom of the mountain at Neels Gap. We rented a cabin Wednesday night and resupplied. Everything was twice the cost of a grocery store.Thursday was Day 5 on the trail. This was the best views of the mountains so far. We walked a ridgeline for a while with views on both sides of us. AT one of the gaps was man sitting to provide Gatorade and soda to us. He was very nice. He even drove up to the next crossing to meet us as we came out of the woods to make sure we filled our water bottles. We made it to Low Gap shelter (MM 43.2) later in the afternoon. THIS WAS OUR FIRST DOUBLE DIGIT MILE DAY OF 11.5 MILES!!!Today was Day 6. The weather was great and terrain was tough the second half of the day. We came out on a roadway at Unicoi Gap before starting a very steep climb to Rocky Mountain top. AT that gap was several people representing different churches from two hours away providing Trail Magic. We had hot dogs, bbq sandwiches, chips, drinks, and oatmeal cakes. They have been coming up for a day for over twenty years doing this for the hikers. It was a great boost to help get us up that mountain! We are at MM 54.3 tonight. Suppose to cool off and get rain tonight. It will be a test of our skills taking down tents in the cold rain and our resolve. I will try to post some photos when I get better cell signal. We hope to go into Hiwassee on Sunday to resupply. I may be able to do it then.It feels good to be lost in the right direction.
Date: 2016-03-20
To: View Entry
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: light rain

Day 7 (March 19th)We left Rocky Mountain early in the morning. We had slept at elevation 4017 feet with one other person. It was great being away from the crowds of the other shelters. However, the wind during the night howled like a train. I kept thinking the tents were going to fly away and I would wake up in Oz. I awoke without ruby slippers on my feet, so I knew I was still in GeorgiaAriel took her first fall coming down the mountain. Luckily her trekking poles kept her from falling face first onto the trail.After getting to the bottom of Rocky Mountain we immediately started a long and steep climb up Tray Mountain (from El 3113 ft to 4199 ft). It was tough, but fun at the same time.We continued ups and downs for several miles before having a final steep ascent and descent of Kelly Knob to finish at Deep Creek Shelter (MM 66). This gave us a total of 11.7 miles for the day. These miles may not seem very high, but believe me when I say they are butt kickers in these Georgia mountains. I can see why so many people stop their hike in Georgia.Day 8 (March 20th) FIRST day of springWe woke up this morning to 32 degrees by the watch Ron gave me, our coldest morning yet. Let me tell you that stripping down to nothing to put trail clothes on at this temp is tough. Try not to visualize this, it may be scary. After getting dressed, we had to put up our tents and equipment. My fingers were so numb that I couldn't fasten my backpack clips. I kept having to put my hands in my pockets to warm them.We had planned on a short hike to Dicks Creek Gap (MM 69.6). We had to call from the top Powell Mountain two miles from the gap to schedule someone to pick us up and take us into Hiawassee. We had to call from here because there is no cell service at the gap. We decided to try a shuttle service instead of hitching the 11 miles into town.We got a room at the Holiday Inn Express, then went directly to the Taco Bell to share a Grande Meal (6 tacos and 4 burritos). Afterwards we went into the heated pool to soak our weary bones. I stayed in about an hour and Possumhead was in for over three hours!!Later we went to a country buffet with a few other hikers we met at the hotel. Everyone we've met so far is very nice.I think we are going to spend Monday as a zero day (no miles hiking) for a couple of reasons. First, to rest our bodies after a week of hiking. My knee is a little swollen and I have a few blisters on my footsies. Secondly, it's suppose to get into the twenties with possible snow in the higher elevations. I will admit that I am not ready to experience that weather quite yet.I'm going to put some pics from the past few days in the photo section. Note, there may be more than one pic for each day. When looking at pics, select the day to scroll through photos on that day.It feels good to be lost in the right direction.
Date: 2016-03-21
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

We spent day 9 getting ready for the next several days ahead of us. The logistics to get supplies bought and bagged, plan stopping points each day, etc. is tiring. So we took a break in the hot tub and pool to help get our minds prepared. Tomorrow morning we are heading back to Dicks Creek Gap to hit the trail.We want to thank everyone for their comments in our Guest Book. It's great to know that so many friends and family are wishing us well.It feels good to be lost in the right direction.