morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-06-09
From: eckville shelter

To: pa 309
Miles today: 11.5

Forgot to mention that I caught up with bill "poppop" again yesterday at eckville shelter, I think i've already mentioned it, but bill started the same day I did from springer, ga march 15th. Left the shelter around 9 and could see that it was going to rain soon. Had an easy climb early on, then it started to rain hard once we got up onto the ridge. The rocks are tough to navigate without water, so the rain made the hiking quite treacherous. Decided to crash out early today 2-pm, and stopped in at the conveniently located blue mountain restaurant and bed and breakfast; getting a room to escape the rain and slippery rocks, knife edge and bake oven knob are looming tommorow.
Date: 2010-06-10
From: pa 309

To: camping off the trail, north of weathering knob
Miles today: 19.2

Favorite day of Pennsylvania so far. Left the b&b around 8 and went over knifes edge which was all rocks and boulders, then up bake oven knob and onto palmerton. Stopped in for cheese steaks in palmerton around mid-day, then made the climb out of lehigh gap which was a highlight. Really wish I had a camera, the views were excellent. The ridge you climb up to out of lehigh has been completely de-forested because of a zinc smelter that was upwind in palmerton from 1898-1980. Up until a few years ago nothing would grow here, but now it's a superfund site which means public funds had been dedicated to its revitalization and it seems to be recovering well. Very cool climb out of lehigh gap onto this ridge, parts of it were almost straight up, I heard someone say that it was rated the hardest climb south of the white mountains. Got more ticks on me today than the whole trip combined, mostly dog ticks though, camping somewhere north of weathering knob, which also had great views
Date: 2010-06-11
From: camping off the trail, north of weathering knob

To: camped afew miles north of wind gap
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Pretty uneventful day, the trail in PA is mostly rocks at this point, the terrain is very easy in terms of ups and downs, but the rocks make things much slower going. Hiked into wind gap with bill "poppop" and had dinner with he and his wife who came up from WV to visit for the weekend.Deleware water gap tommorow which means out of PA for good. Thinking about getting a bus there into NY city to surprise Sarah who is visting her friend in queens for the weekend.
Date: 2010-06-12
From: camped afew miles north of wind gap

To: Deleware water gap-new york, new york
Miles today: 11.4

Decided early this morning that I was gonna hike to Deleware water gap (dwg) then get a bus into nyc to surprise sarah, and visit one of my friends from high school and middle school. Got to dwg at noon, walked straight to the bus station and got a round trip ticket to nyc. Left at 12:55pm and arrived in nyc port authority at 2:30pm, sarah got in around 4pm from va on her bus, and she had no idea I was there. I was able to visit with her for a little after I surprised her, then she went off with her friends to queens. I then met up with my buddy Dan Bauers whose apartment in manhattan I crashed at for the night. We went to a few bars and saw some of the city, complete opposite end of the spectrum for me coming from the trail, quite the shock as there is an ocean of buildings in ny. back on the trail tommorow afternoon in dwg
Date: 2010-06-13
From: Deleware water gap-new york, new york

To: mohican outdoor center
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Left nyc port authority around 3pm on my bus after visiting with sarah again in the city. On the trail by 5pm from dwg, and made it to mohican outdoor center in the dark around 9:30pm. Sleeping on the floor of the lobby here as the door was left open and I could not find the camp site in the foggy dark.Good to be out of PA and in Jersey.
Date: 2010-07-15
From: Woodstock stage rd. Barnard brook

To: The norwich inn, norwich, vt
Miles today: 19.4

Thanks to my buddy's uncle, tonight's stay at the norwich inn was free...thanks again dave!Haven't written anything in a while, just been updating mileage and location from my phone. Will be in new hampshire tommorow, only two states to go, plan on finishing no later then august 15th. Hiking the past couple weeks has been hot, vermont was beautiful though, nice to be back into some real mountains after hiking through md pa nj ny ct ma.
Date: 2010-07-23
From: zealand falls hut

To: lake of the clouds hut
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: broken clouds

Tough day, the whites are tough but beautiful, stayed at my first hut last night where I did a work for stay. Ended at lake of the clouds hut, where ill do another work for stay tonight. Had views of mount washington today which is the tallest mountain in the northeast at 6288', will go up and over it tommorow morning as its only a little over a mile from this hut.
Date: 2010-07-30
From: bemis mountain lean to

To: gull pond lodge-rangely, me
Miles today: 17.7

much easier day today, hiked to ME route 4 with intentions of resupplying in rangely, than returning to the trail, but decided to stay at the gull pond lodge instead-very happy with this decision. Never realized how much water was in Maine, there seems to be an endless amount of lakes and ponds, they are everywhere, as far as the eye can see when you get to the top of the mountains here.
Date: 2010-08-03
From: little bigelow lean to

To: pierce pond lean to
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: light rain

terrain has leveled out a bit now that we are finished with the major ranges in southern and central maine, today was a much easier walk to pierce pond where harrison pierce pond camp is located-they cook you breakfast at the camp here-for 11$ you get 12 small pancakes, eggs sausage and bacon, niiice. There is so much water in Maine, ponds and lakes are everywhere-still have not seen a moose, very dissapointing.
Date: 2010-08-05
From: moxie bald, bald mountain pond

To: monson, me-shaw's hostel
Miles today: 17.9
Weather: broken clouds

easy walk into monson today, hot and humid all morning though. Staying at shaw's here in monson, me-offers an all you can eat breakfast complete with bacon, eggs, pancakes, sausage, homefries-i'm going to miss being able to eat like this when I'm finished.
Date: 2010-08-09
From: cooper brook falls lean to

To: sand beach on the shore of nahmakanta lake
Miles today: 21.2

up early to make it to white house landing today. Ate the one lb burger half a 14" pizza, packed up the other half to-go and picked up a couple of snacks to hold me over until abol bridge. White House landing was great, would love to take another trip back there to fish the lake, there was a group staying there from mass who were catching salmon, brook trout, and lake trout-all of which I am pretty unfamiliar with coming from the south. WHL is dog friendly too, so I could bring porter who would thoroughly enjoy all the water these lakes in maine have to offer. Camped out on a beach on the banks of nahmakanta lake, something tells me I am going to miss this kind of living when this is all over.
Date: 2010-08-10
From: sand beach on the shore of nahmakanta lake

To: abol bridge
Miles today: 23.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Up and over nesuntabunt mtn. early this morning, great views of katahdin from there as well as rainbow ledges later in the day, and here at abol bridge. called home to make some last minute arrangements as my girlfriend and mom and dad are joining me for the finish on thursday-I've told them repeatedly how tough the hike up katahdin will be, but they are still game, I look forward to seeing them very much.
Date: 2010-08-11
From: abol bridge

To: the birches lean to
Miles today: 9.9

Caught up with Sarah and my folks at the birches, gonna meet me early tommorow morning for the hike to the top, we had a nice re-union in the parking lot of katahdin stream campground this afternoon. Hike today was a walk in the park, some very nice waterfalls between here and abol bridge-big niagara falls is the name of one. More spectacular views of katahdin today, bitersweet now that this trip is coming to an end, have enjoyed hiking with sonic, bowtie, samurai and others during these past few days and weeks, and won't forget all the other friends i've met throughout.
Date: 2010-08-12
From: the birches lean to

To: katahdin
Miles today: 5.2
Weather: broken clouds

Hike is over, 2179.1 miles, 14 states....far more good memories than bad, a journey and experience I will cherish for a lifetime to come. Had a beautiful day, hike was tough and the scenery was spectacular. The summit was a little more crowded than i would have liked, but oh well. Sarah and my folks made it to the top as well, they admitted to me after that they weren't expecting such a difficult hike, but I think they stilled enjoyed it just as much nonetheless.I don't really know what else to write as I am sure it will take a few days for it to sink in that my hike is actually over, but for now we are headed to bar harbor to enjoy the coast of maine and to eat some lobster.
Date: 2010-02-12
From: Pending

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Hello again. It's hard to believe that it is almost the middle of February already. I am still planning to get back on the AT on May 2. I have been working again [part-time, if there is such a thing] for the Polk County School Board. That will likely continue through April 30. I am also the race director for 10K & 5K races being held in conjunction with the RRCA National Convention being held in Lakeland, FL April 21-24. The races are set for April 24. So... I will definitely not get bored during the next two months, that's for certain! I am really looking forward to returning to the AT. As in the past,my family, co-workers and friends are quite supportive of me returning to the AT adventure. If you are reading this journal and think you might want a hiking partner on the AT [between Hot Springs, NC and Harpers Ferry, WV] anytime during the May 2 through June 30 timeframe, please contact me at wstrouse@tampabay.rr.com I plan to be in Damascus, VA for the Trail Days celebration May 14,15,16. I'll need to keep a pretty steady hiking pace to do that but I am fit, committed and confident.It would be great to have company if your available and so inclined. Well, got to close for now. I'll provide another update on my plans sometime in early March. Later...Roadrunner
Date: 2010-02-18
From: Pending

To: Planning
Miles today: 0.0

Hello Again... Time is passing by quite rapidly and it will be May before we know it! There has been a slight adjustment in my earlier plan. The goal to date is to resume my northbound trek from the Iron Horse Inn in Hot Springs, NC on May 1. I want to be in Damascus for Trail Days by the mid-afternoon on May 14 and leaving one day earlier that my original plan will help me to accomplish that. My wife will be driving me to Hot Springs on April 30. I have been planning by using David Miller's book, "The AT Guide 2010". You might be familiar with it under its former title in prior years, "Appalachian Trail Pages". It's a great planning tool and reference guide while on the AT. All the info you need is there... everything from shelter locations, water sources, town information, and elevation charts by the mile. I recommend it highly for anyone who is planning a trek... from a day hike to a thru hike. It's not expensive and it's up-to-date with all the essential info one would need. By the way... Im looking for a hiking partner or two to join me for any or all of my section hike between May 1 and July 3 or so. If that timeframe matches your plans in any way, contact me at wstrouse@tampabay.rr.com It's always good to have company on the trail [it's really a "people experience"] and I'd love to share the journey. I am NOT your "typical" 65.7 year old couch potato. I am fit [from the 5 half marathons I've completed since Dec. 3 as well as my regular running program of varied distances - including 10 mile runs on most Sunday mornings early], motivated, and experienced [from my experience hiking 280 miles of the AT in April 2009]. If you're looking for a friendly soul with integrity to link up with, I may be your man! Well, got to close for now. I'll provide another update sometime in early March. Later... Will [Florida Roadrunner].
Date: 2010-03-21
To: Getting Closer!
Miles today: 0.0

Hello Everyone [or Anyone who may have an interest]. March is flying by and with everything on my "To Do" list growing by the day, April will be here and gone in the blink of an eye. "White blaze fever" is gaining "heat" daily. I am really getting ready emotionally for the arrival of April 30, when I depart Lakeland, FL headed for Hot Springs, NC. Friends and family seem to sense my anticipation of returning to the AT and are asking me many "Q's" about my plans for the AT 2010. While every day on the AT is unique, things can happen when you least expect them to, I feel much better prepared for what I might face in 2010, due largely to the experience of 29 days on the AT from AF state park n Georgia to Hot Springs, NC in 2009. My "plan" is to get to Damascus, VA from Hot Springs by April 13, late in the day [or early pm on April 14]. I already have reservations at a B&B there for three nights. To do that, I'll need to keep a pretty steady pace for those 13-14 days, with limited town trips for re-supply. I'm really excited about participating in Trail Days! It will be great to mingle with all segnments of the AT community! Well... I need to close my thoughts for now. I'll provide another update in about a week. Will
Date: 2010-03-29
To: One Month To Go... AT 2010
Miles today: 0.0

Hello Again... It's hard to believe that exactly one year ago, I was spending my first night [March 29, 2009] on the AT at Stover Creek Shelter, about 3 miles from Springer Mountain. As I recall, it was a cold, damp night. I arrived early enough to stay IN the shelter and I remember that mice used my boots to deposit some seeds and grass clippings. It was that first night also that "informed" me that a 40-degree fiber fill sleeping bag would not be enough to get me through the cold nights on the AT. Here it is March 29, 2010 and I have 31 days remianing until I hit the trail again from Hot Springs, NC where I left the AT on April 28, 2009. I have been putting some "finishing touches" on my gear selection and planning and other than needing to organize my food selection process, I could leave at any time. Commitments at "work" and with the Lakeland Runners Club require me to delay the next phase of my journey until April 30. I am really getting anxious to get back to the AT! Well,got to close for now. I'll pick up this conversation again in a week or so. Later... Roadrunner
Date: 2010-04-13
To: Getting Closer Yet!
Miles today: 0.0

Here it is only 17 days 'til I return to Hot Springs, NC to resume my journey on th AT. I met this week with my friend, co-worker and "again to be journalist" Patti, to discuss the process. She has agreed to serve in this role for me as she did in 2009. The more we talked, the more excited I am getting about getting back on the AT. My wife is also again supportive, even though my absence will undoubtedly be a bit of a hardship for her in some ways. My friends at church, running colleagues and my co-workers all seem to share in that support and are again quite encouraging. I have everything I need to pick up where I left in 2009, except for the first week's food supply. I do have several important tasks and details to wrap up in the next two weeks. Aside from that, I could leave tomorrow. As I think about resuming this adventure, I am wondering just how much this year's journey will be like last year's and also how different it may turn out to be. Serendipity is likely to be the norm regardless! I hope that if you find an interest in my experience, you will "tune in" to my Journal as I hike North. I hope to provide an update [thru Patti] at least weekly. That's the plan at least. I again hope to also provide numerous pics for your analysis and enjoyment as well. Well, it's getting late and I must finalize my federal tax return early tomorrow morning, so I'll sign off. It you are interested, check in again in about five days to see just where I am with my final planning. I'll likely include my gear list and other deails in my final prep for departure. Until then... may God bless and keep you [and me] safe! Later... Roadrunner.
Date: 2010-05-02
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Spring Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Well, I'm back on the trail after two great days with my wife at Hot Springs. Exciting! I was so busy the past 3 weeks trying to wrap up many projects and directing a major road race in Lakeland that I did not get to update my journal as planned. Ill try to provide my gear list sometime later when I update again.Today, the weather is very warm and breezy. Did not see too many hikers today for some reason. Looks like I'll be hiking alone a lot during the day. First day has been a good one and the shelter group has been cordial. Harper's Ferry... here I come! The short term goal is to get to Damascus,VA by mid-afternoon on May 14. I think that's doable. Time will tell. Got to close. Later..
Date: 2010-05-03
From: Spring Mountain Shelter

To: Jerry Cabin Shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: light rain

Rained Over-night! Today has been tough. Lots of uphills. Weather was cloudy and cooler. Staying with the same group at shelter, but hiking alone during the day. It's been a good day overall and the other hikers are friendly. People make the AT experience and it's been good to meet some new souls.Goal tomorrow is to get to Hogback Ridge Shelter... 14.7 miles away. Closing for now...
Date: 2010-05-04
From: Jerry Cabin Shelter

To: Hogback Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: clear sky

Great weather today. Sunny, cool, breezy!The morning flew by today. The "course" was relatively flat [ RELATIVELY!]... The afternoon has gone much slower due to hills, valleys, hills, valleys, etc. I met 3 new hikers today- Aqua Man, Featherweight, and Ball Hawk... all young in their 20's and planning to go to Maine. The group I've been seeing at the shelters have been Skip [from Orlando], Dennis [from PA], Winging It [from Richmond, VA], Sand Man, and Powder [with his dog, Russell- a great pup!]. there have been several others as well, whose names escape me right now. Later...
Date: 2010-05-05
From: Hogback Ridge Shelter

To: No Business Knob Shelter
Miles today: 20.7
Weather: clear sky

Very warm today! There have been great views today though. Little Bald was beautiful! It's a miniature Max Patch [from 2009]. Hiking on and off with the group that I named yesterday. I had planned to stop at Bald Mountain Shelter, but decided to move on. Ogelsby Branch was unbelievably beautiful! Streams and cascading waterfalls. The PM dragged on, and I was really running out of gas. I arrived at No Business Knob Shelter quite exhausted! I couldn't muster enough energy to cook- drank my gatorade and went to bed! My first 20+ mile day ever on the AT. Tough! Later...
Date: 2010-05-06
From: No Business Knob Shelter

To: Uncle Johnny's Hostel
Miles today: 6.5

Great views of the Nolichucky River today! Today is a short day, much needed after the 20.7 yesterday. I am missing my wife and friends greatly. That's the one downside of hiking. I stopped at 10:30 am at Uncle Johnny's. [My computer time is up, so I'll come back to this entry later.]I'm back...Johnny's hostile is a great place... rented a private cabin room for $23, showered [heavenly], drank 3 Dr. Pepper cold drinks, made two runs into Erwin, TN [all you can eat pizza for lunch and then for dinner, great Mexican food at Aztecas, plus a food re-supply at Big Lots. The hikers' dream!I mailed about 2 lbs of stuff home and bought a water filtration system. Water has been a little bit of a problem [apparently dry this year in this area]and I want to be sure I can get it [clean] when I need it. This afternoon provided a much needed rest and rejuvenation time. Many in the group stayed at Uncle Johnny's as well. Met Wooky,Marcus [from Germany] and several others. The fellow hikers are great! More to come tomorrow.
Date: 2010-05-07
From: Uncle Johnny's Hostel

To: Cherrt Gap Shelter
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: clear sky

Today was another hard day [hard but good].I hiked the first 5 miles or so rather quickly. the area was filled with beautiful streams.After Curley Maple Gap shelter, things goat a bit more difficult. I now know why Rocky Top is the VOLS' theme song! There were some tough climbs but one good one involved a climb up to Beauty Spot, another beautiful bald. Many of the balds in this area of the AT have remnants of old apple orchards. The trees were covered in whit to pink blooms. Apples should be plentiful in several months in this area.Beauty Spt reminded me of yet another miniature Max Patch. Great view of the mountains in 360 panavision! Another climb took me over Unaka Mountain. At the top was an enchanted giant Christmas tree forest! Absolutely beautiful with all the aroma associated with Christmas! It was a tough climb, but really enjoyable at the top and on the trip down.Arrived at the shelter about 5:00 pm. The shelter group here was a bit younger- a couple- Sticks & Stones, Stucco [from DC]and her friends, Adam and PJ, Brian and Dan. All really cordial, supportive and encouraging! Tomorrow will likely be a long tough day... Got to climb Roan Mtn. Later...
Date: 2010-05-08
From: Cherrt Gap Shelter

To: Overmountain Shelter
Miles today: 22.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Today was amazing. My original plan was to hike only to Roan High Knob shelter [the highest shelter on the AT at 6,275 feet. The day seemed to be quick however, even in spite of a roller coaster ride. The climb up Roan Mountain was the toughest to date [2009 included. It included a rise of 2,000 feet over just 3 miles and had many rocky/rooty sections. I got to Roan Knob Shelter at 4:50 pm and after thinking of the dropping temperatures and high wind, decided to press on. When I got to Stan Murray Shelter at 7:00 pm, 3 older hikers were there and said they would make room for me; but also gave me some new information. They told me that only 2 miles ahead was Overmountain shelter and that there was a group of past thru-hikers there who had made chili, cheese sandwiches, fruit, beverages of all types, etc. and that they were giving them to all who arrived. That sealed the deal! Trail magic, as it's called! I covered the next two miles in 32 minutes flat. They had told me to look for the Dolly Parton sign directing hikers to the shelter. {Yes... Dolly Parton sign!]The old guys had spoken the truth. So on one of the coldest nights thus far [30 degrees with 40 mph winds] I had three bowls of hot chili, fruit, beverages and a relatively warm spot in an old barn, now turned shelter. IT WAS COLD AND WINDY, BUT NO ONE SEEMED TO CARE. THERE WERE AT LEAST 20 OF US AT THE BARN TONIGHT! COZY, WELL-FED AND HYDRATED! Tomorrow will be a great day!
Date: 2010-05-09
From: Overmountain Shelter

To: Mountaineer Shelter
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: scattered clouds

It started out quite cold today. My fingers were numb for about 3 hours. I did not bring gloves this year. Might be a mistake. Time will tell. Might have to use socks if this happens again.The day eventually warmed and things were going quite well. Until... I missed an AT turn marker and almost got lost. I knew where I was, but did not know which direction to turn to get back to the AT. I followed a dirt road East, and finally saw Skip ambling up a wooded hill [the AT]. He and I hiked for the rest of the day together. It was good to have a hiking bud for a change. Skip lives in Orlando, Fl. I plan to have him over to the house sometime in August on my return from this year's section hike. He's a good guy, but plans to leave the AT at Damascus to return to his college classes in Orlando. Today was a very good 18 mile-day. Later...