morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-08-26
From: Campsite Shy of Locust Creek

To: Rt 4 Killington
Miles today: 14.5

Today was a regular hiking day. Still seeing NOBOS making the trek north, at least 8 or more. Stopped at the state park for water and met 2 hikers hiking with a cat one of the hikers had found in VA. I found this quite unusual and took their picture. But the cat seemd purrfectly content munching on their jerky. Arrived at RT 4 and hiked down to the Mendon Lodge and the friendly folks here who I stayed with back in '07. Calf still on the fritz so plan to ice it tonight. Short hiking day planned tomorrow so I can enjoy Killington Peak which was fogged over in '07.
Date: 2010-08-27
From: Rt 4 Killington

To: Cooper Lodge
Miles today: 6.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Had a nice breakfast at the lodge where I chatted with an older couple for nearly a half hour about the trail, my writing, etc. Stacey from the lodge then took me back to the trailhead and I began hiking. Beautiful weather for the climb to Killington. Took my time to enjoy it. Along the way, met Chili and his father who is an 11 yr old hiking the trail (began at Springer when he was 10). Amazing stuff! Set up my tent near Cooper Lodge hut then took the .2 trail to the summit for nice views of what I had done. Camping with the ridgerunner and a family backpacking over the weekend.
Date: 2010-08-28
From: Cooper Lodge

To: Minerva Hinchey Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: clear sky

Day began ok but by noon my left calf was really hurting me with spasms running down the lower leg. Hiking very difficult and simply not enjoying this at all. Contemplated getting off. called Steve twice to talk about my woes. He prayed for it and offered some suggestions. I plodded along and reached the shelter early to rest. Trail today was still loaded with NOBO hikers, and I wondered how they will reach Katahdin in time.
Date: 2010-08-29
From: Minerva Hinchey Shelter

To: Lost Pond Shelter
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: clear sky

Warm night sleeping but had a good night thanks to tenting on soft pine needles. Headed out early but left calf still hurting esp on uphills. Kept an ace wrap on it but didn't help much. Doing the best I can hiking and still made out ok time-wise, though I took several rest breaks. Should arrive by Manchester tomorrow. Mosquito city here at this shelter.
Date: 2010-08-30
From: Lost Pond Shelter

To: Manchester
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: clear sky

Got out early to make time to the road and Manchester. Calf no worse today and maybe slightly better, but still hurts on steeper inclines. Nice but windy view from Bromley ski tower. Got the road and did hitch for a few minutes when an older lady stopped and drove me into town, even waiting at the PO for me to get my box before taking me to the outfitters. Ate at Friendlys, grocery shopped, then Jeff from the Green Mtn hostel picked me up. Sweet place here.
Date: 2010-08-31
From: Manchester

To: Campsite at the foot of Stratton Mtn
Miles today: 11.0

My roomate "Bon Bon" told me of a campsite after Stratton Pond, so decided to head for there. Jeff drove me to the trailhead and I started hiking around 10 AM. Talked to a mom and daughter "Chickadee" section hikers on the gravel road where I stopped for lunch. Filld up my water at the spring by Stratton Pond then proceeded on about a mile more and found the campsite area. Thankful for Bon Bon's report.
Date: 2010-09-01
From: Campsite at the foot of Stratton Mtn

To: Caughnawaga Campsite
Miles today: 14.0

Got an early start and up on Stratton mtn and the fire tower a little after 8 AM. I was able to call Joshua (Paul Bunyan - GaMe '07) for his 20th birthday. Views hazy though from the firetower. Remains warm and humid day, esp for Vermont. Between Story Spring Shelter and the tentsite, I heard a loud noise and looked to my right to see a large moose making its way through the brush. Guess the warm temps drew her out. Saw no moose in moose-rich Maine and NH, but here in lower Vermont, I saw one! At the tentsite tonight which are terrible - rocky, sloped, full of ash or swampy. Very unappealing place to spend the night.
Date: 2010-09-02
From: Caughnawaga Campsite

To: Melville Nauheim Shelter
Miles today: 12.8
Weather: clear sky

Hazy views again garnered from atop the firetower at Glastenberry Mtn. Talked to a section hiker who told me about the water sources farther south. Necessary as it continues to be warm and dry out. Plus many leaves are falling prematurely, I think from some kind of worm infestation. The trail is littered with dead green leaves. Did not have far to hike today so took several rest breaks but still got to shelter area at 3 PM. Buggy tentsite at shelter area next to a swamp with croaking bullfrogs. Talked to Steve (Papa Bliss) and set up meeting for tomorrow. Later that night three other SOBO hikers came in, including of all people, the newlyweds! We had a nice reunion!
Date: 2010-09-03
From: Melville Nauheim Shelter

To: Rt 9 Bennington
Miles today: 1.6

Walked down with the newlyweds to Rt 9 where they hitched to Bennington and I waited for Steve. He arrived and we went to town for a great omelet breakfast at the diner and then on to Lake George, NY to spend the weekened. I have a book galley to go over, and just time to relax and recupe.
Date: 2010-09-06
From: Rt 9 Bennington

To: Brook near VT/MA line
Miles today: 13.9

Steve dropped me off at the trailhead after having a wonderful time off of eating, talking and being together at Lake George, NY. Day went fairly quickly and found a campsite by a brook just shy of the state line. Warned of a hiker of bears on the ridge above me; decided to hang my food closer to my tent and pray they stay on the ridge. Cool evening.
Date: 2010-09-07
From: Brook near VT/MA line

To: Mark Noepel Lean-to
Miles today: 14.3

Had a pretty good night despite the bear warning and headed out. Crossed into Mass. early in the AM - then steep climb up from North Adams to the ridgeline. On one of the peaks there I got confused and began hiking back northward nearly a half mile before I realized my error. Hurried back and hiked on to Mt Greylock to nice views and expensive can of soda at Boscom Lodge. Down at the lean-to met a couple heading NOBO, surprisingly, this late in the game.
Date: 2010-09-08
From: Mark Noepel Lean-to

To: Kay Wood Lean-to
Miles today: 16.4

Town day today as I hiked through Cheshire and then Dalton. In Dalton I resupplied and bought some junk food to eat. Dried out tent from big thunderstorm last night. Hiked on to lean-to to find a college group there - noisy, not fun. Hope they settle down.
Date: 2010-09-09
From: Kay Wood Lean-to

To: Upper Goose Pond cabin
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Had a lousy night sleep with rowdy freshman in the lean-to last night, so packed up early and headed out. At Oct.m Mt Lean-to, ran into Nick (Moxie) and Alfalfa (Fay) who I had not seen since Stratton in Maine. Nice reunion, though Alfalfa had a case of giardia. Made good time and weather cool in 50's with sprinkles and a wind. Crossed over the MA turnpike which is always special for me as I recall seeing the crossing and wondering when is the next time I will be on the AT over the turnpike. At Upper Goose Pond, ran into Chicago Bull who is getting off in the AM. had a nice reunion around the little fire he had built. We are tenting tonight as I didn't want to stay in the crowded cabin and with the caretaker who is sick.
Date: 2010-09-10
From: Upper Goose Pond cabin

To: Mt Wilcox South Lean-to
Miles today: 15.8

Up early and the caretaker had pancakes hot and waiting. Great treat. Hiked out through interesting terrain including cows eating right on the trail. Kept an eye out for water that a hiker told me about as the above ridgeline is dry, and found one small source, a puddle, for the evening water. Water is getting tougher to find as it is so dry out.
Date: 2010-09-11
From: Mt Wilcox South Lean-to

To: Glenn Brook Lean-to
Miles today: 19.6

Basically a 20 mile day for me today with my side trip to the Corn Crib converted into a doll store and then into the lean-to. Day went pretty good as terrain was easy enough to do 2.5miles / hour pace. At the Corn Crib place, disappointed to find it was now a doll store, but the lady there gave me water. When I told her I was hoping to buy food, she had a basket of snacks for sale and then offered me her sandwich in the refrigerator case. I accepted gladly and as I ate, she told me tales of rattlesnake encounters. Glad though as the food got me up Jug End and to the lean-to after a long day.
Date: 2010-09-12
From: Glenn Brook Lean-to

To: Salisbury, CT
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: light rain

Foggy climb over Everett and Race mountains, all in the fog and wind for a cold hike. Remained cloudy during the day as I hiked into CT and on to Salisbury. Spent the night at Vanessa Bretten's home ina room with a tv. Got some food at the grocery store. "Steps" - who I met on a section hike in VA, is also here.
Date: 2010-09-13
From: Salisbury, CT

To: Pine Swamp Brook Lean-to
Miles today: 15.7

Waited for PO to open and had a delicious bagel with cream cheese at the coffee shop. On the trail at 9 AM. had to take a detour around Falls village consisting of a 2 1/2 mile road walk, not good on the feet. But the homes along the walk were gorgeous and expensive properties. Clouded up with pending t-storms, so got my water at a stream and hurried the last 2 miles to the shelter. A huge owl sat on a branch near the shelter and visited with me. I was the only occupant tonight.
Date: 2010-09-14
From: Pine Swamp Brook Lean-to

To: Mt Algo Lean-to
Miles today: 17.3

Last night was noisy in the shelter with acorns popping on the tin roof. A mouse also invaded my tp bag and had fun tearing into a roll. Reminds me why I hate shelters. Headed out to try and make it to Kent to mail home some stuff I don't need, including my beloved seat cushion that has finally bit the dust after 1 1/2 thru hikes (or over 3,000 trail miles). Dragging today in the Am but better by the afternoon. In Kent I ran into the newlyweds who had spent the night at the Fife and Drum (a wedding gift for them). I mailed home some gear then had a Chinese feast before heading up to the lean-to for the evening.
Date: 2010-09-15
From: Mt Algo Lean-to

To: Telephone Pioneer Shelter
Miles today: 21.1
Weather: broken clouds

First 20 plus miler of the hike and it went well as the terrain wasn't bad. Weather beautiful and crossed into NY. Had some good hot dogs and a free Snapple drink at a stand, but not so good encounter when a strange gray van pulled up directly in front of where I was eating. I nearly took off but it suddenly just left. Come to find out, two older men across the street noticed where it had parked and were coming over to help me if needed. Just shows God's hand of protection out here. The two men took my picture by the Dover Oak; I got my water then arrived at the lean-to. The newlyweds joined me a half hour later.
Date: 2010-09-16
From: Telephone Pioneer Shelter

To: RPH Shelter road
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: clear sky

Not a great night as the tenting sites are all hilly at the shelter. Still, got a pretty early start, though my stomach wasn't used to the fatty hot dogs, so had to stop several times. My food supply ran very low and I was hoping to have time to stop at the deli and grab lunch. Thankfully I forced myself to move and had a superb lunch of a thick breaded chicken cutlet on a homemade Kaiser roll, banana, and devil dogs washed down with orange soda. It tasted SO good! On the trail and made it to the road just as my sister's friend, Jackie pulled up to take me to my sister's house for the night. I plan to spend the weekend with my parents up near Kingston, then I will be back on the trail Monday.
Date: 2010-09-20
From: RPH Shelter road

To: Graymoor Shelter
Miles today: 18.8

Had breakfast at Deanne and Jackie's then Jackie drove me to my starting point near the RPH shelter. Picture perfect day for hiking but continues to be very dry. Pack heavy from the resupply. Made good time to Graymoor - hiker there told me that the monastery would house hikers so walked about a mile uphill to check it out - but found it a bit pricey and decided not to. Tried to get back to the shelter and promptly got lost. Finally found it after and additional mile and added hills, sigh. Here with a section hiker, Camel. Only ones here.
Date: 2010-09-21
From: Graymoor Shelter

To: Fingerboard Shelter
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: clear sky

Chimes ringing all night at the monastery kept me awake a good deal of the night, Headed out early though, crossed Bear Mt bridge and the Hudson River, but too early to go through the zoo. Took in the "new" AT trail up Bear Mt, but when I reached the road, the blazes became confusing and ended up with a mile roadwalk I didn't need to take. And it was already going to be a long day. Not a happy hiker. That and I had to carry in my evening water 8 miles to the shelter, so when I arrived, I was bushed. But did see Little Engine who I had not seen since my early days in Maine.
Date: 2010-09-22
From: Fingerboard Shelter

To: Rt 17A
Miles today: 16.4

Today ended up being very warm which I was not used to at all. That, rocky terrain, a bout of the runs, and having to forage for water made for a tough day. But I was also looking forward to the day as a couple from White Blaze had e-mailed me and asked if I would like to spend the night with them. I happily accepted. I arrived at 17A, got an ice cream cone at the Creamery, and then they came and picked me up. Had a wonderful dinner and conversation. Feel really blessed esp when I heard the t-storm outside tonight.
Date: 2010-09-23
From: Rt 17A

To: County Rd 517
Miles today: 17.3

Decided on a slack as the lovely people I am staying with offered their home once more to me. Glad I did as the terrain was rocky to start and I didn't seem to have a lot of energy today. And the humidity was up as well. But did cross into NJ from NY to make another state on the list. Stopped at a farmer's stand for ice cream and a homemade donut. And proved well that I did slack as got back to the house and found a voicemail from my agent and request from my book editor for an idea on a Christmas novella. How to come with an idea in less than an hour proved even a tougher challenge then hiking the AT. Don't know if it will fly but I did my best, esp as I have no access to any ideas or files.
Date: 2010-09-24
From: County Rd 517

To: High Point Shelter
Miles today: 16.6
Weather: few clouds

After another stellar breakfast of scrambled eggs and sausage cooked by Mick, my lovely hosts drove me back out to the County Rd and offered a fond farewell. I was never so blessed by such hospitality. Weather today was cool and overcast in the AM for my walk around Walkill wildlife sanctuary where I saw an abundance of different birds. By noon the sun came out and it grew hot. Stopped at the End of the Line Grocery that straddles the NY/NJ state line for a BLT, cold soda and ding dongs which were all excellent. That afternoon, had some guy following me on the trail and didn't like it, so moved on ahead and found a stone wall to hide behind until he passed. One just needs to be attentive out here. Here at High Pt shelter by myself.
Date: 2010-09-25
From: High Point Shelter

To: Brink Road shelter
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: clear sky

Out early for another high mile day - saw the early morning sun on High Point monument which I view often on my trips to NY to help out my parents. Got water at the park headquarters ans it is turning out to be another warm day. Water is really an issue these days. I was so grateful for water I received today from the scoutmaster of a troop out hiking, and also from a 2009 thru hiker, Hellbender, who gave me the rest of his water. With the water issue and realizing as I looked at upcoming PA and the miles left vs the time factor, I am seriously rethinking my hike. And I had not been home in VA since before I went out to Chicago in early June when my mom broke her hip. Steve is coming up tomorrow to spend and overnight, and I am contemplating going home for a few days and then hiking the Troutdale to Springer section of the trail and leave PA and MD for a spring hike next year. That would put me home in mid November, in time to celebrate Steve's birthday, my anniversary and the upcoming holiday season. I'll see what Steve says and how I feel in the AM. Headed to the shelter and was joined by another SOBOer rocky (or something like that).
Date: 2010-09-26
From: Brink Road shelter

To: Mohican Camp Rd 
Miles today: 14.5

Saw my first medium size bear of the trip. He was not interested in hanging around on the trail and scampered away. Also saw a wild turkey. Steve then surprised me by showing up at the Blue Mtn Road crossing so he was able to slack me for a good chunk of the day. After I told him of my contemplation with hike changes, he liked the idea very much (what hubby wouldn't want their wifey back home, and then in time for birthday wishes in November?). And so after a ten mile day tomorrow into Delaware Water Gap, I'll leave the trail for a few days at home in VA and then hop back on in the south and finish the trail from southern VA all the way to Springer. Then one could technically say I started in Maine and ended in GA, but I will have Delaware Water Gap to Harper's Ferry to complete in the spring of 2011, which is good for me (and I already have a 2011 trail journal set up here as that was the original year of my SOBO attempt). For those who have followed my journal and left notes, for the wonderful trail angels and those who have prayed for me and my journey thus far, thank you. It is not over yet, but God has been with me every step of the way.
Date: 2010-09-27
From: Mohican Camp Rd 

To: Delaware Water Gap
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: moderate rain

Overcast day with intermittent rain, but Steve dropped me off at the trailhead to slack into town. Fairly uneventful hike though the rocks around Sunfish Pond left a nice bruise on my right knee. Once at the highway it began to rain in earnest, and crossing the bridge, the heavy truck traffic made for a windy, wet crossing. Once in town I changed at the church hostel, then Steve and I drove home to Virginia. Good-bye PA, see you next spring. Hello Troutdale all the way to Springer come October 3rd when I return to the trail.
Date: 2010-10-02
From: Home

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Had a good week at home and managed to write up a proposal for a novella that my editor bought. SO I will have work when I return! Today I am packing up my backpacking,along with colder weather items, for return to the trail tomorrow. I will hike Troutdale, VA to Springer. Then that leaves PA and MD for next spring to complete my SOBO of the AT.
Date: 2010-10-03
From: Troutdale

To: Wise Shelter
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Steve dropped me off at the road crossing of the AT where I left off in May to begin my journey south to Springer. Ran into several SOBO flipfloppers, so am not on my own going south. Over cast and foggy with some sprinkles. Made good time though and did more than I thought, getting into Wise shelter. Here alone in the shelter - second time on my hike this year.
Date: 2010-10-04
From: Wise Shelter

To: Campsite near Beartree Gap
Miles today: 20.5

Cold night but had a good night's sleep in the shelter which is rather unusual for me. Glad I switched to my 15 degree bag for this part of the hike as I needed it. Surprised the day dawned partly cloudy as it was supposed to rain. Grayson Highlands was beautiful in the early morning sun and clouds - took many pictures. Ponies were there waiting for a hand-out. Beautiful scenery also coming off Whitetop and Buzzard Rock. Decided to put in as many miles as I could to make it a shorter hike into Damascus. Found a campsite right off the trail - ate and went to bed. I was tired.
Date: 2010-10-05
From: Campsite near Beartree Gap

To: Damascus
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: light rain

Some rain during the night but nothing major. Did get some early Am rain and trail hard to see, even by 8 AM. But made good time into Damascus and promptly had my burger and fries for lunch. Staying at the hostel here. Hope to get out early tomorrow for a few bigger mile days. We'll see.
Date: 2010-10-06
From: Damascus

To: Campsite south of Double Springs
Miles today: 19.0

Crossed into TN today and met by a relentless cold wind all along the ridge. Quite a shock to my system on my right ear that took the brunt of it. Vascillated between feeling too cold and being too hot while going up hills. At Abingdon shelter someone left an unopened packet of garlic and lemon pepper tuna on the table. So I had an extra special treat for my lunch. Here at the campsite with some SOBOs I met - the Griswolds, and their dog Otis.
Date: 2010-10-07
From: Campsite south of Double Springs

To: Campsite on Watagua Lake
Miles today: 21.3

Early start - morning sun was nice and then greeted at a road crossing with trail magic left by a church - yummy honey buns and oatmeal cakes. I was famished and had three honey buns. (!) Warmer today but usual ascents and descents. Came across an apple tree with wonderful HUGE apples. Had one for my lunch and it was so sweet and juicy. Hard time deciding on a campsite tonight; finally settled on one right on the lake. Saw the Griswolds who are staying with family for the weekend. Ducks quacking the lake were fairly loud. But an interesting place to spend the night.
Date: 2010-10-08
From: Campsite on Watagua Lake

To: Campsite south of Moreland Shelter
Miles today: 19.5
Weather: clear sky

Good climbs around Laurel Falls today, but the falls were very pretty. Saw views as well that I missed in '07 as had bad weather then for this part of the hike. Arrived at Kincora to pick up my mail drop and found the hostel open, so took a shower and did laundry. Back out on the trail for a nice hike with a gorgeous view of the Roan Highlands before me in fall splendor.
Date: 2010-10-09
From: Campsite south of Moreland Shelter

To: Campsite base of Hump Mtn
Miles today: 21.0

Was not intending to hike so far today, but it being Columbus Day weekend, at my original campsite goal - Doll Flats, was loaded with hikers. SO carried my bag of water another 2 miles to a campsite just before Hump Mtn that some hikers told me about and was never so glad to get there. I was exhausted. Before that I got lost near 19E as the blazes just disappeared. At road I flagged down a pick up truck carrying a family and they asked if I would like a ride to 19E. I was very thankful for their help. So it was a trying day in many respects, but God was there to help me in every way possible.
Date: 2010-10-10
From: Campsite base of Hump Mtn

To: Greasy Creek Gap
Miles today: 19.5

Weather spectacular for crossing the Roan Highlands and bald region - saw views galore and also people galore. Then coming down Roan Mtn I ran into my good friend Signage (!). She was doing a section with some friends. I was never so surprised and encouraged. Decided to head for Greasy Creek Friendly hostel for some more substantial food, shower and a bed.
Date: 2010-10-11
From: Greasy Creek Gap

To: Curly Maple Gap Shelter
Miles today: 20.5
Weather: clear sky

Met the owner for the hostel, Connie in the Am as she was out most of the evening. She fixed my a chicken biscuit sandwich for breakfast. That and a banana gave me energy for the AM hike. Another beautiful day to hike with hunter also out in full force, rifles ready even on the trail, so glad I have my orange vest on my backpack. Enjoyed some of the food I bought at the hostel, so had a big lunch. My left knee is also acting up, probably for yesterday's scrambles, so took it easy. But still made good time to the brand new Curly Maple shelter just completed. I think i might be one of the first hikers to sleep in it.