morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-06-25
From: Caesar Brook Campsite

To: Falls Village CT
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: few clouds

Got on the trail early as we wanted to make sure to arrive at Toymakers Cafe before they closed at 4:00 pm. They allow hikers to stay on their property with permissionand by the way, have great food. Ran into the Wanabeeswho I had met in Harper's Ferry. Injury issues are forcing them to leave the trail and they were zeroing in the area.Yoda and I spent the morning climbing and descendingall over the mountain. A very tough day again in CT. I mean, when people think Connecticut, they think mountains; right.Strider, Manatee, Yoda, Riptide and two yet unnamed thru hikers are tenting here tonight. Tomorrow, on to Salisbury Where we are staying at the home of Maria McCabe, the 87year old legend that rents rooms and drives hikers all over theplace. Living the dream!CP
Date: 2016-06-26
From: Falls Village CT

To: Salisbury CT
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Today took a nero to do laundry and resupply aftera short 8 mi walk between the towns. That is important,because tomorrow's hike is over 3 peaks and a lot ofelevation changes as we leave CT and enter Massachusetts,state #8. As I had mentioned before, Marie McCabeis 87 years old and hosts hikers in her home. She is quiteremarkable for someone of that age. Salisbury is full ofthru hikers and the quaint town is very friendly. Allof these small towns in CT are picture perfect New England.Living the dream!!CP
Date: 2016-06-27
From: Salisbury CT

To: S Egremont MA
Miles today: 17.8
Weather: broken clouds

The hike today was highlighted by climbs and descentsof three peaks: Bear Mt, Race Mt, and Mt Everett. All of them created their own challenges and made for a grueling day. Bear Mt in particular had a very steepscramble that seemed to go on forever. Glad that is over!I'm so exhausted that I'm falling asleep while writingthis journal. Living the dream!CP
Date: 2016-06-28
From: S Egremont MA

To: East Mt Retreat Center
Miles today: 11.1
Weather: light rain

After yesterday's long hike, today seemed verytame by comparison. The humidity was quite highwhich made the one big climb difficult, but the trail was not too rocky. Checking the weather, it calledfor afternoon severe thunderstorms with high windsand hail. As a result Yoda and I got off the trail to the East Mt Retreat Center instead of staying at a shelter up on the mountain. Interesting place thatpeople come to for peace, quiet, and introspection.Hikers are welcome, but need to be seen and notheard. We are the only hikers here tonight. Regrettably, Yoda is leaving the trail tomorrow asplanned. I have enjoyed hiking with him; he taughtme alot about pushing my limits, and hiking with consistency. We also had many interesting discussions,since we are polar opposites politically, and actuallyfound some common ground on some issues. The trailis the great equalizer. Living the dream!CP
Date: 2016-06-29
From: East Mt Retreat Center

To: Mt Wilcox South Shelter
Miles today: 4.0
Weather: clear sky

Very short day on the trail today, as I was to rendezvous with Striderwho was about a day behind. However, Yoda and I walked 4 mi into Great Barrington for a terrific breakfast at the GB coffeebar. I bid Yoda goodbye and caught a ridiculously expensivetaxi to the trailhead. I got to the shelter early and was greeted by a group of campers from Camp Becket in the Berkshires. They were pleasant, but a bit loud as expected from a bunch of twelve year olds.Strider arrived late all of the tent sites were claimed so he put up his tentin the shelter because of the hoards of mosquitoes. Massachusetts has been quite buggy so far. Tomorrow will be a long day hiking to Goose Pond Cabin run by the Appalachian Mt Club. Living the dream!CP
Date: 2016-06-30
From: Mt Wilcox South Shelter

To: Goose Pond Cabin
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: clear sky

Long day into Goose Pond Cabin. Run by the AMC, it is a bit of a haven for hikers in the Berkshires. A beautiful pond, withswimming and canoeing; a 16 bed bunkhouse, tent sites, and a pancake breakfast. There is no electricity or indoorplumbing if you know what I mean. I was very tired when I arrived and quicklyset up my tent. I braved the bugs, and actually cooked dinnerfor a change, and then got in my tent. All of a sudden a guy comes into our tenting area yelling "who wants ice cream"! Of course everyone took an ice cream sandwich. There is a forest service road nearby, and I quessthe ice cream trail angel, got the stuff in town and raced back. What a treat!Ah, the simple pleasures on the AT. Living the dream!CP
Date: 2016-07-01
From: Goose Pond Cabin

To: Washington Mt Rd
Miles today: 11.1
Weather: clear sky

Today's forecast was for severe weather in the lateafternoon, so the race was on to beat it to the next shelter. However, the sky darkened and I got to "the cookie lady's house. It is a large you pick'em blueberryfarm owned by a couple in their 80's. There are cookies on the porch and they sell sodas, and Klondike Bars. With permission they allow tenting, which with the incoming weather was necessary, as it seemed to be too late to get to thenext shelter. The storms did hold off until after dark, and were lesssevere than forecast, but it did rain heavily overnight. Tomorrow into Dalton MA for laundry, showers, and resupply. Living the dream!CP
Date: 2016-07-02
From: Washington Mt Rd

To: Dalton MA
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: fog

My tent got very wet overnight, but fortunately the morningyielded a stiff breeze and sunshine to help it to dry out. It did however result in a late start. Got into Dalton about 1:30 pmstarted laundry, and ate a pizza next door. The Dalton Community Center offers showers to hikers, so I headed that way at about 3:30 pm.The center's hours in the hikers guide were 7-5 on Sat; but recently theychanged the schedule to 7-3. Oops, no shower. Found a place to tent in Dalton and will work on the shower tomorrow. Living the dream!CP
Date: 2016-07-03
From: Dalton MA

To: Mark Noepel Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Started the day with a shower that Strider was ableto yogi at the only motel in town. After a good breakfastat a coffee house I climbed out of Dalton. By the way, all of the material that US currency is printed on is madeIn Dalton MA.I had an uneventful 9 mi or so into Cheshire MA and then faced the largest climb of the entire hike so far.Mt Greylock is MA highest peak, and just to the shelter part wayup it was 2800 ft. Fortunately the trail was fairly well groomedand I arrived at the shelter at about 6:00 pm. Since it is the4th of July weekend, the shelter was filled with weekenders.The good news, is that they shared some real food; the bad news is that all the good tent sites were taken. I was able to find an adequate but not great spot. Tomorrow to the top of Mt Greylock.Living the dream!CP
Date: 2016-07-04
From: Mark Noepel Shelter

To: Wilbur Clearing Shelter
Miles today: 6.4
Weather: broken clouds

Spent the 4th on top of Mt Greylock with a whole lotof families who drove up to the peak. The views werefantastic, both looking back toward MA, CT, NY, and NJ;places I had hiked, and into VT and NH which lies ahead.Today's distance was minimal and relaxing on top was needed.Since I am taking some R&R with my wife on the Maine coast,this will be my last post for about ten days. Without Marcy'ssupport on the home front I would not be able to live the dreamof hiking the AT. We are going to have a great vacation in ME.Living the dream!CP
Date: 2016-07-20
From: Dalton MA

To: Stealth camp just before Congdon Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: clear sky

After two weeks of vacation along the Maine coast, and goinghome for family; especially my grandson, it was time to get back on the trail. I tented at Tom Levardi's house in Dalton MA, and he shuttled Strider and I to the trailhead in N Adams MA. It felt gooduntil I took an almost catastrophic fall going up a rock scramble early in the day. I lost my balance and fell backwards down the slope, and fortunately my pack hit the large rocks first. Thank God that I didn't turn orI would have impacted my head or back, and I wouldn't be writing thisjournal. Quite a close call, although I did sustain a whiplash injury from my neck snapping back violently. More on that later! The rest of the day involved much climbing (almost 4000 ft) and descending (2517 ft). A brutal day! Because we got a late start, we had to stealth camp along a creek just short of Congdon Shelter as it was getting dark. Very lucky to be still living the dream!!!CP
Date: 2016-07-21
From: Stealth camp just before Congdon Shelter

To: Glastenbury Mt lookout tower
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: scattered clouds

My back was bothering me all day, and it didn't help that I had toclimb 4400 ft including a steep 700 ft climb at the end of the hike.Arriving at the inviting Goddard Shelter, all of the tent sites were taken and the shelter full, so more hiking ensued. I was totally exhausted and beginning to experience some pretty serious backand shoulder pain. Shared dinner with Strider and went to bed.Hopefully I will feel better tomorrow. Trying to live the dream!CP
Date: 2016-07-22
From: Glastenbury Mt lookout tower

To: Story Spring Shelter
Miles today: 8.6
Weather: overcast clouds

The back isn't cooperating at all and I struggled all day. The worst was the last two miles when I had to stop every few minutes to relieve the pain. If this continues, my hike may be over. I stumbled into the shelter white as a ghost and immediately layed down to rest. Strider set up my tentand shared his dinner with me. Tomorrow I will try to get a ride into Manchester Center and see a doctor. Barely living the dream!CP
Date: 2016-07-23
From: Story Spring Shelter

To: Green Mt House Hostel
Miles today: 4.0
Weather: clear sky

I was able to walk to a trailhead parking lot, where someweekenders from NJ gave me a ride to town. Because it was Saturday, my options to seek help was limitedin this small town. I checked into one of the nicest hostelson the trail in Green Mt House and rested all day. Had a filling dinner at a tavern dating back to 1790. Manchester Center is a beautiful and prosperous little town, but the nearestER or urgent care is 30 mi away in Rutland VT, and no way to get there on the weekend. Monday morning I will try to see someone,either here or in Rutland. Living the dream!CP
Date: 2016-07-24
From: Green Mt House Hostel

To: Green Mt House Hostel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Spent the day resting and trying to lower my pack weightin case I continue. Since there is a full kitchen at the hostel,I went to Shaw's and bought steaks and baking potatoes forStrider and I. Strider, who continued on over Stratton Mt yesterdayarrived in town about 2:30. The hostel is overflowing tonight. Hong KongSteve is here, and is a practitioner of Chinese massage and worked on my back which I hope helps. Living the dream!CP
Date: 2016-07-29
From: Killington Peak

To: Yellow Deli Rutland VT
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: light rain

Since my last post, all had gone well until coming down Killington Peak, I was within 1 mile of US4 in Rutland; when I slipped on a wet rock and fell directly on my left shoulder. I immediately knew that I had sustained some structural damage, and initially thought that the collarbone was broken. However, it was likely a partial separation that went back in place; but the pain was severe and required me to carry my pack with only the right strap. Luckily, I was only 1 mile from the road. Went to the ER at Rutland Regional Med Center where they did nothing but waste my time. Cowboy camped on the deck of the Yellow Deli in Rutland, which was fun. Tomorrow I am headed home to be evaluated, since I cannot continue the hike in this condition. My goal is to get treatment, recover and then meet Strider at Rockfish Gap in about 5 weeks to start our flop to Springer. I'll finish NH & ME at a later time. Trying to live the dream!!CP
Date: 2017-10-17
To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Just spoke to Survivor Dave in ATL to arrange a shuttle to Amicalola Falls SP on April 7, 2018. I will resume my hike after injuring my shoulder coming down Killington Peak in 2016. That was a Flip Flop which started at Rockfish Gap. This time I'm going to start in GA,; walk to Rockfish Gap, and jump ahead to Rutland. Looking forward to joining the class of 2018. I learned so much about gear needs, unnecessary items, pack weight, resupply, mileage, etc that it should be a lot smoother and more enjoyable this time around.CP
Date: 2014-07-15
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Out of respect for the 2014 Hiker who had the trail name Mary Poppins I have chosen another name. At work, some time ago, I changed my name to Hazel. Why you ask, it is because there where getting to be far too many people with the same name as me. There were no Hazels I had been reading the book A Fault in Our Stars. The main character is Hazel. She is smart (I am not). She has a good attitude and I really liked her. So Hazel it is.Last week I got my back pack. I'm so excited. I got the Gregory Diva 60. I thought I wanted the 70. I decided the bigger the pack the more stuff I'll try to take. If I could make it with a book bag that would be easier to carry.Yesterday I ran 8km in the morning then carried my groceries home in my book bag 11km. It was my day off. I am a server at a senior's home. I run on my feet all day. I hope it will serve me well for my hike.
Date: 2015-07-24
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I just don't like them. I am really trying to get over my fear of them. I even touched one at the zoo. I have studied them, behavior,diet and their likelihood of hurting me. I thought I was doing better till today. I was running. I normally come across a couple or so down by the river on the path. This little guy was on the sidewalk on the bridge. He had nowhere to go, neither did I. I stopped. I couldn't pass. I looked around hoping someone else would come along. They didn't. The snake parked himself on the very edge. I hoped he would stay there as I passed as far on the other side as possible.What am I going to do on the trail! If you hear a scream it's me coming across a snake. I'll be frozen in place until the snake moves away or someone else gently persuades it to move.
Date: 2015-08-09
To: Mountains
Miles today: 0.0

I climbed Cascade Mountain in Banff, 9835ft. Up was hard work. Down was terrifying. So much loose rock and so steep. I got stuck three times. I just couldn't move I was that scared. My very kind friend gently helped me. I wish she was coming on the trail with me.I learned a few life lessons up there. #1. I could not see the trail as I looked down at all the rocks. Sometimes you just have to have faith and take one step at a time without knowing exactly where you'll end up. #2. I always thought if I worked really hard, gave it my best, I could accomplish my goal. On the mountain I couldn't. There was one spot where I lost my footing. Couldn't get a grip anywhere with my feet. I was hanging on with my hands to a small edge in the rocks. I really thought , this is it, today I die. My friend came for me. I did not want to take her hand. I thought I would pull her down too. She said she had good footing and a firm hold. I took her hand and she swung me over. Sometimes after all you can do, you need help. Let people help you.
Date: 2015-12-06
To: Am I Ready?
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

I registered my hike this morning with the ATC voluntary registry. There are only 130 days till I start. I've never done anything this big before. Have I done everything I can to prepare? Have I studied enough? Am I fit enough? All these doubts are becoming more real. My big dream is coming closer to reality. I am going to make it happen. It all depends on me.In church today the lessons focused on Christ's life and mission. And how we should emulate his works in our everyday life so that we can return to live with Him. My mind wandered. What if I knew the date I would meet my Savior. How would I be preparing differently. I think my questions would be the same. Have I done everything I can to prepare? Have I studied enough? Am I fit enough?I've read Zack's book. I've written down so many reasons why I want to go. I am probably the most stubborn, self motivated, independent person on the planet. Yet I am filled with self doubt over this undertaking. I have the ability to turn problems into positives. I will say this anxiety and self doubt is a blessing to keep me on my toes and planning toward my start date. What do you think?
Date: 2016-01-01
To: This is the year
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

It's 2016.Happy New Year! I am so excited. The year I have been waiting for is here. I'm trying not to plan every mile. I would like to just go and let it unfold naturally, but I can't. I keep looking at the miles, the elevation, the access to groceries, showers and hostels. I just want to get started.
Date: 2016-01-08
To: flight booked!
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I've been living and working in Alberta since Sept 2014. I went home to New Brunswick for almost three weeks this summer to see my son graduate and to run two of my favorite races. When I left home I wasn't sure I would ever live with my husband again. I was so tired of being told "no" all the time, to anything. I worked in a nursing home. I knew many men and women who sat in their wheel chairs or lay in their beds wishing they had have done this or that in their lives. I didn't want to become one of them. I didn't want to say, "I would have hiked the AT if my husband let me". How sad would that have been. Time and effort have changed my husband. He now wants to drive me to Georgia and slack pack me for the first few days. It is 99 days today till I start my hike. It is 81 days today until I fly home. I am nervous and scared. All normal feelings when approaching a huge adventure. I may not finish but it will not be because I didn't try.
Date: 2016-03-03
To: What am I doing?
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

When I am at work I just focus on work. They don't know I am counting down the days. When I am at home on my day off like today, I am in total panic mode. I am to the point right now that I can't think what to do first. Know one really understands these feelings unless you are preparing to jump off this cliff yourself.I leave Calgary March 30. I straighten out plans with my family (as much as possible). Then I drive to Georgia am start my hike April 16. I think I will do the approach trail on the 14th. I'll let the weather decide that for me I think I'll go for a run. That always helps.
Date: 2016-03-04
To: Thankyou
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

I am so grateful to the people who have given me encouragement and support. It really means a grate deal to me. Thank youToday I received my tent in the mail. I set it up in the living room That completes my gear. I have to thank Rob Peterson from Big Agnes for helping me get my Copper Spur UL1 at a discount. He even sent the footprint and the new Mini Glow lights. I'm all set now.
Date: 2016-04-13
To: On the road
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

We left home yesterday. It took forever to get out of the house. We got as far as Portland Maine. Today we are staying in Waynesboro Pennsylvania. We made good progress. Lots of road work held us up.Stephen is so sick with a cold. I am getting over it much faster. Hopefully he will get better before we start camping.I am very excited to be so close to the trail.
Date: 2016-04-15
From: Amicalola Falls

To: Springer Mountian 
Miles today: 8.9

I made it here. That was goal #1. I did the approach trail today. It was wonderful. I really enjoyed the stairs and the waterfall. It was a beautiful day with sunshine and a light wind.I went to an outfitter this afternoon. I decided to give hiking boots a try. Maybe they will save my feet from too much wear and tear.I can hardly wait to hike tomorrow.
Date: 2016-04-16
From: Springer Mountian 

To: Gooch Gap
Miles today: 17.2
Weather: clear sky

Today was great. Lots of ups and downs with beautiful views at every turn. I can't figure out how to put pictures on this journal from my phone.I had my picture taken at the arch at the beginning of the approach trail yesterday and at the plaque at the start of the trail. It was so emotional for me to finally be here.I am carrying my daughter's baby shoes with me. Jen would have been 29 this year. She took her life June 14 2012. I will walk with her.My husband is helping me for the first week of this adventure. I am not carrying a full pack yet. It is a real luxury to start this way. I am very grateful for all the help.I have learner how to add pictures now. I'm going back through my journal putting them in
Date: 2016-04-17
From: Gooch Gap

To: Neel Gap
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: clear sky

I have been worried about doing Blood Mountain because of the reports I have read in these journals. Let me help out those who follow, don't worry about it. Yes, it is hard. It takes effort, but it is not scary. I never felt like I was going to fall because it was steep on the way down. That is scary. Feeling helpless or out of control. That is scary.The next scary thing is my feet. My big toes have blisters on the bottom of them. My little toe on the right has a blister, the left is just angry and red. The ball of both my feet are not happy with me. This is going to be a problem. I hope it goes away soon.
Date: 2016-04-18
From: Neel Gap

To: Hogpen Gap
Miles today: 6.9

I am disappointed with my mileage today but I know it's really all I could do. My feet are so swollen. Uphill is ok and down is very painful. I am also having sun stoke symptoms. I am so burnt. The sun is great to have but it seems I sweat off the sun screen very fast. I know I will get better. I am putting my feet up for the rest of the day. I hope I get a good day in tomorrow. We are in the town of Helen for the next two nights. The Best Western here gives hikers a very generous discount. This is the best place we have stayed.This is a German town. I bought some Hansel and Gretel fudge. That should fix me right upLast night I only woke up once. That is remarkable for me. Who knew hiking would be the cure for insomnia.Thank you to the two ladies who gave my husband directions and water on the road to Springer. Such wonderful people.
Date: 2016-04-19
From: Hogpen Gap

To: Unicoi Gap
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Another beautiful day on the trail. I can't believe I get to do this. My feet are still complaining but I iced them last night and again today when I was done hiking. That really made a positive difference. I met several nice people on the trail. Jess is hiking by herself. She is very pleasant. She had a short day today because of blisters. I have met several people who said it's harder then they thought it would be. One called for a shuttle at a break stop and was planning his flight home. I am tired and very sore but I know it will get better and my only thought is, how can I get better faster. I just want to do it.
Date: 2016-04-20
From: Unicoi Gap

To: Dicks Creek Gap
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: clear sky

This was a long day with sore feet. I did enjoy all the scenery. I love being in the woods. It is the last day travelling light and I wanted to make the most of it.For the past two nights we stayed in Helen at the Best Western. I never wanted to leave they were so nice there. So clean and friendly. Tonight we are staying at the Budget in Hiawassee. Never stay here.