morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2019-05-18
From: Stealth Camp Site 

To: Morgan Stewart Shelter
Miles today: 20.8

Left camp at 6:45am. Trying to put in 21 miles today in order to catch the train into NY City to see my son for a couple of days. The first 7 miles was slow going as the trail was very rocky. I wasn¢t sure we would make the miles. After awhile the trail opened up and we were able to increase our mile average. The afternoon was pretty much one climb after another, but fairly nice trail until the last mile when there were a few steep rocky climbs. The trail was poorly marked and got off trail a few times over the last mile. There were a fair amount of day hikers out being that it was Saturday. Finished the 20.8 miles a little before 7:00pm, set up camp had dinner and climbed into my hammock. Up early tomorrow, 11 miles to the 2:30pm train,  which happens to stop right on the trail.Ascent 4250Descent 389120.8 miles
Date: 2019-05-19
From: Morgan Stewart Shelter

To: View Entry
Miles today: 10.9

Out of camp at 6:30 in order to do the 11 miles to make the 2:35 train to NY City. The terrain was fairly easy and we made good time arriving at the train stop at 11:30. There is a landscape/nursery right next to the trail where you can take a hot shower for $5. After showering and putting on what clean clothes I had for the train ride, we walked half a mile down the road to a deli. A couple of section hikers gave us a ride back down the road.  Train arrived on time for the  two hour trip to the city. Arrived at Grand Central Station at 5:00pm. What a stark difference from just two hours ago. I was walking in the woods just two hours ago and now I¢m walking in the concrete jungle...I¢ll take the woods any day. Met my son for some good NY pizza after he got off work. The next day, he got off work at 12:30 and we made our way to a Cuban restaurant for lunch. After lunch we went to the new John Wick movie. I think there were no less than a thousand people killed in the movie, and John Wick, shot no less than 10 times, motorcycles crashes, multiple knife wounds and a plethora of attacks by would be MMA fighters, prevailed in the end...no surprise. Walked around the city a bit and then found a good burger spot for dinner. It was great spending time with my son.Ascent 1468Descent 233110.9 Miles
Date: 2019-09-12
From: Route 22

To: Ten Mile Shelter
Miles today: 9.4

Day 84Came off the trail for the summer on May 29. Went back to Steamboat and had a great summer. Today, back on the trail to try and wrap up Connecticut and Massachusetts. Flew into NY city yesterday. Had dinner with my younger son, good to see him. My older son happened to be flying in to NY as well. We shared a room, although he didn¢t get in until almost 1:00am. I was out of the room in the morning before he woke up. Headed for Grand Central Station where I was to meet up with Ted at 9:00 to catch the train to Pawlin NY, our stop off spot in May. Two hour train ride, then grabbed some Deli in Pawlin before heading to the trail. Got to the trail head at 1:40. After 7 miles we crossed into Connecticut. Five states to go. Ran into 5 SOBO¢s. They had started from Katahdin in mid July. They will be in for cold weather down south when they finish in December. After 9.4 miles we stopped at Ten Mile Shelter for the night. Two other section hikers here. Ate dinner, another deli sandwich I carried out from town. In my hammock by 7:45, writing this blog and maybe watch a movie before bed. There are two Bard owls having a discussion as I write. Ascent 1708Descent 189510.4Miles
Date: 2019-09-13
From: Ten Mile Shelter

To: Stewart Hollow Brook Shelter 
Miles today: 15.4

Day 85Out of camp at 8:00. Hiked a mile and a half on the trail to a side road to what we thought was going to be a restaurant. Ended up being a convenient store. The road had an old 19th Century covered bridge. The people who ran the store were very nice and appreciated hikers. A chocolate muffin and a couple of hard boiled eggs and off we went. Planned on a 15 mile day, but knew there were a number of climbs that might deter our plans. Back through the covered bridge and up a 900 ft climb. Wasn¢t too bad and at the top we were rewarded with our first view. The first day was nothing but PUD¢s ( pointless up and downs.) Made 8.5 miles by 1:30 and had lunch at a shelter. The two guys from the previous nights shelter showed up just as we were finishing up lunch. They were stopping for the day. We had another 7 miles to go. Met a trail runner after a few miles. Trail runners are volunteers who help maintain the trail and make sure hikers are behaving themselves. Talked for a few minutes and she assured us we would have a challenging down hill towards the end of the day. We reached the section she was referring to at mile 12 and she wasn¢t kidding. A very tenuous and steep half a mile, climbing down over large rocks and boulders. Not embarrassed to admit doing a few butt slides. I told Ted I would wait for him at the top so we could descend together. Jokingly, I said I didn¢t want to have to climb back up if he fell. Fortunately, we both made it unscathed. 2 flat miles to camp to wrap up a 15.4 mile day. Our legs were rubber to say the least. Set up camp quickly and had dinner as it was getting dark. Full moon tonight. Ascent 3895Descent 375015.4 Miles
Date: 2019-09-14
From: Stewart Hollow Brook Shelter 

To: Stealth Camp Site
Miles today: 12.5

Left camp a little before 8:00am. Had a nice three mile flat hike along side a river. Flat sections on the AT are rare. Ate breakfast by a creek where the flat trail turned into a 700 foot climb. It was a fairly easy climb, but was another PUD, no views at the top. Thunderstorms were predicted around 4:00 o¢clock, so we kept moving trying to get to a camp site 12.5 miles away. Got rained on a bit around noon, but kept moving. Stopped at a shelter at 2:30 for lunch. The gnats and mosquitoes were crazy bad, but when you went into the shelter they didn¢t follow. Ate quickly as we had 2.5 miles to go. I flew down the trail trying to beat the rain. I jogged the last half mile. Arrived at camp, still no rain. Set my hammock up and started on the rain tarp. Wouldn¢t you know it, I had a huge tangle in one of the lines and it was starting to rain. Ted showed up as I was messing with the line. He quickly set up his tent. I got the tangle undone and staked it down. Now I¢m in my hammock listening to the rain drops. Supposed to rain on and off all night but clear up by morning. 13 miles tomorrow to get to Salisbury and resupply. Ascent 3207Descent 235412.5 miles
Date: 2019-09-15
From: Stealth Camp Site

To: Salisbury Connecticut 
Miles today: 13.2

It rained until a little after midnight. I enjoyed the rain from inside my hammock. Left camp a little before 8:00 headed for Mountain Side Cafe, a restaurant staffed by recovering addicts. It was excellent. I had a western omelet, home fries, and toast. I also placed a to go order. Pastrami Reuben, chocolate chip cookie, and a chocolate shake. A few mile road walk while drinking the milkshake then a 1,000 foot climb. The climb was fairly easy as it was a nice grade. Lots of day hikers out today. Passed 8 SOBO¢s. Nice part of Connecticut with large New England style houses. Rest of day fairly easy. Made it to Salisbury, Ct. around five and made our way to a 300 year old house that has rooms for rent. Two dogs and two cats to keep us company. Salisbury is very small, with beautiful old houses, no hotels, a few restaurants and a post office. A summer and weekend place for New Yorkers. Resupply at the grocery store tomorrow morning and back out to the trail. Should walk into Massachuttes sometime tomorrow, state #11.Ascent 2175Descent 267413.2 miles
Date: 2019-09-16
From: Salisbury Connecticut 

To: Sages Ravine West End
Miles today: 7.5

Slept fairly well given we were in twin beds and my mattress kept inching its way off the bed. That¢s what you get for $35 a night. Additional $5 to do your laundry. Ted and I combined our laundry, two for one! Ted kicked the house cat on the way to the bathroom in the middle of the night. Woke up at 8:00 and made our way over to a bakery for breakfast. After breakfast, we went to the grocery store to resupply. It was small but well stocked. Back to the house, packed up and went back to the bakery to pick up sandwiches for dinner. When we went for breakfast they said they wouldn¢t make sandwiches before 11:00. So back we went. Anything to eat real food on the trail. Got a ride back to the trail by the woman who rented the rooms. It was a little before noon. One of the dirtiest cars I¢ve ever been in. Fortunately, the house was cleaner. Three, five hundred foot climbs in the first four miles. The third was to the top of Bear Mountain. At top, the best view we¢ve had. The Connecticut country side is quite beautiful. Bear mountain is the highest point in Connecticut at 2,316 feet.  Short 7.5 mile to a nice camp site. No one here but us. There¢s a bear box here but it ¢had¢ a pad lock on it. That¢s right. A couple whacks with a big rock took care of that. Bear boxes are to be used to put your food inside and keep the bears out of it. No tarp tonight over my hammock. Should have a good view of the night sky. Hope it doesn¢t rain. Ascent 1934Descent 11807.5 miles
Date: 2019-09-17
From: Sages Ravine West End

To: Great Barrington 
Miles today: 14.5

Cold night, temperature dropped below 40. Out of camp at 8:00am, our usual time. We would cross into Massachusetts in a few miles. A 1,200 ft climb which included a nice ridge walk overlooking the valley below. We stopped just before the top on a rock out crop with a great view. Sat there for about 30 minutes, difficult to get going again. The climb down the back side of the mountain was steep and rocky. After hitting the bottom, the trail immediately went back up the next mountain. It was only a 700 foot climb, probably the steepest climb we had in a while. Water had become a problem. We were almost out and every creek we crossed was dry. The next two shelters were also dry. Finally, we were able to get some water from a couple of standing pools. Not optimal, but we needed water. Hiked another 8 miles for a total of 14.5 miles. Got a ride from a shuttle driver to the town of Great Barrington. Staying in a small hotel, had dinner at a Greek restaurant and did a small resupply. Ascent 2458Descent 324314.5 miles
Date: 2019-09-18
From: Great Barrington 

To: Route 24
Miles today: 8.4

Didn¢t sleep well last night. I¢ve had some congestion the last few days and today when I woke up a cold had set in. Didn¢t feel to bad, mainly a runny nose. With the head cold and the temperature dropping into the low thirties tonight, we decided to slack pack backwards and end up back in town. After breakfast, we were able to get an Uber back to the trail. I think there¢s only one Uber in town. The driver was difficult to communicate with and we ended up driving to a few different places before finding the trail head. He said he would be available later today to give us a ride back to town. We had a quick four hour hike to cover the 8 mile day, a short day. Had a nice lunch on the side of a cliff overlooking the valley below. After 8 miles, we arrived at the road crossing and tried Uber, nothing. After a while we called the shuttle driver we used yesterday. It would be an hour before she could get to us, we had no choice. Back to town, clean up, and off for pizza. Hopefully, tomorrow morning the Uber driver will be available so we can get an early start. Ascent 1747Descent 14368.4 Miles
Date: 2019-09-19
From: Route 24

To: Official AT Camp Site
Miles today: 9.4

After breakfast got a shuttle back to the trail around 10:00.  Short day, 9.5 miles. A few climbs, but for the most part a fairly easy day. No views, but nice trail. Stopped by a beaver pond for lunch. Felt good sitting in the sun. See if you can see the ¢thing¢ in the picture above. We think it¢s the Massachusetts Sasquatch. We¢re at a nice camping spot tonight. Tent pads, privy, and bear box. No one else here, but there is a road near by as we can hear cars. Supposed to be in the low forties tonight. Good sleeping weather. Cold better today. Ascent 1957Descent 2048Miles 9.4
Date: 2019-09-20
From: Official AT Camp Site

To: Mass Turnpike
Miles today: 11.3

Out of camp by 8:00 for our last day on the trail this fall. We did 101.1 miles in 9 days, two of the days being half days, no zeros. Averaged 11.3 miles a day, longest day 15.4, shortest day 7.5. Nice hike today, with the last mile along Upper Goose Pond. It was a beautiful, sunny day and the pond was gorgeous. Hiked to the Berkshire Lakeside Lodge and got a ride by Donna the shuttle driver to Pittsfield, Mass., where we rented a car. Stayed in Pittsfield for the night and had a nice dinner at an Italian restaurant. Got up early the next day and drove to Boston, Logan International Airport to catch a flight back home. Plan on returning to the trail next spring to finish the journey to Maine...see ya then.
Date: 2019-04-01
To: Stealth camp 8 miles north of Big Meadows Wayside 
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: broken clouds

March 31, 3019Finally started my journey after a year of planning (maybe obsessing!).  Have a great family and am grateful for all of there help and support.  Blas© and Alvina stopped by before I left to wish me well, and Pat wished my journey to be all that I wanted.Chris drove me down to Virginia, and we met Matt in Elkton for breakfast before heading to Shenandoah National Park and the start of my hike at the Big Meadows Wayside.  Matt and Chris hiked with me for a couple hours before sending me off.I continued on, stealth camping about 3 miles beyond Rock spring Hut.  Temps about 50 degrees but with strong winds made it feel cold.  It was down to 31 degrees at 7 pm
Date: 2019-04-01
From: Stealth camp 8 miles north of Big Meadows Wayside 

To: Birds nest 3
Miles today: 8.0

Well, it¢s April fools day and Shenandoah decided I was it!  Woke up about 12:30 am last night,I think for two reasons:  my face and nose were really cold, and the wind sounded like a train coming up the western slopes.  Fortunately I was on the east side of a knoll so was somewhat protected.  I was sleeping with many layers, including my down jacket as I was expecting it to be cold.  Pulling the hood over my face made a big difference.  Woke up again at 3 with cold feet.  I had placed the socks I hiked in under my shirt when I went to bed, and put on a dry pair to sleep in, so I tried swapping these out.  Felt great initially but that did not last long,  even either the down booties I had.  Was up at 5:30 as I couldn¢t hold it any longer.  Thermometer read 13 degrees.  My water was frozen solid so I placed it on my chest under the quilt.  Waited till about 8 to get up, trying to let the sun warm things up a bit (it was 20 degrees).  Fortunately, my water melted out enough to make 2 cups of coffee!!Spending the night at Birds Nest 3 Hut.  Hope it will not be as cold tonight.
Date: 2019-04-02
From: Birds nest 3

To: Stealth camp .5 miles south of Elkwallow Wayside 
Miles today: 11.3

stayed at Birds Nest #3 Hut last night.  Woke up about midnight shivering, apparently my quilt had slid off my shoulders.  Decided to add some more layers of clothing, including my rain gear, and I unpacked my under quilt and used it over my upper body.  Nice and warm after that!Woke up too dim light but went back to sleep till around 7.  It was 27 degrees with a stiff easterly wind.  Shortly after starting mi hike I came across two deer and they totally ignored me as I walked by about 20 feet away.  Later came across a couple of guys doing trail maintenance- it was nice chatting with them.  Did not see anyone else on the trail today, and found myself a nice stealth campsite about a half mile south of Elkwallow.
Date: 2019-04-03
From: Stealth camp .5 miles south of Elkwallow Wayside 

To: View Entry
Miles today: 13.0

Another cold night last night, it was 27 degrees at 3 am when nature called.  The stars were brilliant, but a little too cold to linger!  Woke myself up snoring at about 7 and decided to get going.  The day turned out beautiful, with bright sunshine and the temps went into the upper 50¢s.  After three days of warring mittens, fleece, and down jacket it was nice to get down to a t-shirt and hiking pants!  Switched to a long sleeve T after about two hours- wouldn¢t want that belly white flesh to burn!!  A little snow remaining on Hogback Mountain.Had some great views of Shenandoah valley today, and saw six deer off the trail.  Stealth camping about a mile south of Compton Gap.
Date: 2019-04-04
From: Stealth camp 1 mile south of Compton Gap

To: Mountain Home Cabin Hostel 
Miles today: 7.5

had a great night, the sky was clear and the stars were beautiful!  The temp went down to 41, but was up to 60 by 9 am.  Loosing a lot of elevation today and saw a lot of flowers on my down to Front Royal.  Trees are also starting too leaf out the farther I descended.Met Wayne from the Potomac Appalachian Club.  He was doing trail maintenance and took the time to give me some of the history of the section of trail I was hiking - always interesting!Stopped at Tom Floyd shelter to have lunch and met ¢Wrong Way¢, a NOBO who started in Georgia and was hiker #4 hit the trail this year.  His uncle was picking him up at the Rt 522 crossing for a little break with the family.  When I got down to 522 his uncle had just arrived and he introduced me before they went on their way.  I expect Wrong Way will pass me on the trail in a couple of days.Made it to Mountain Home Cabin Hostel and had a nice hot shower and got my clothes washed before Scott took me into  Front Royal so I could get some dinner (also beer and wine!).  This hostel is awesome!  Clean, neat, and Scott and Lisa are great hosts.
Date: 2019-04-06
From: Mountain Home Cabin Hostel 

To: Manassas Gap shelter 
Miles today: 10.4

left the Mountain Home Cabin this morning after a really great breakfast- thanks Scott and Lisa!!  Last night their was a couple staying at the hostel, Steve and Karen who were doing a six week SOBO to raise awareness of overdose deaths.  Also, Brian, a college student who wants to write, but decided he needed more life experiences in order to improve his work.  He was going SOBO.  Bob, another SOBO, was also spending the night and like me is retired.Starting out this morning it was very foggy and cool with temps in the mid 40¢s.  Warmed up nicely to around 70 with sun and clouds so it was a great day.  I met Sarge on the trail and we walked about 4 miles together.  Sarge is a 70 year old Purple Heart veteran from Florida who is doing a section hike to Pennsylvania.  He was staying the night at the Molly Denton shelter and I stopped there for lunch before moving on.  While I was there Old Bastard strolled in with his granddaughter to show her the shelter and hike some of the trail with her.  Just before I left Mojo Mama stopped by on her way to Mountain Home.  She has been there for a week preparing for her flip-flop, and was returning from a rainy day/night shakedown hike.  I expect we will cross paths again as we make our way to Maine.
Date: 2019-04-07
From: Manassas Gap shelter

To: Rod Hollow shelter 
Miles today: 13.0

Was by myself in the shelter last night.  Woke up to birds singing and an overcast sky.  The day quickly warmed up to 70, the sun came out and it was a great day for hiking with a nice breeze to keep me cool.  Lots of weekend hikers on the trail but I did meet one thru hiker named Timps who is doing a SOBO flip-flop and started at Harpers Ferry.  He almost completed the trail was last year but broke his leg in Vermont.  Hope he gets to finish this year.  Made my way to Rod Hollow shelter.  Caught a few sprinkles as I got there and the forecast is for rain tonight and maybe  some tomorrow.  Was cooking dinner when Wrong Way showed up.  He had a great time visiting with his uncle.  Got to talking with him and found out he worked for the semi conductor industry, then did some custom cabinet making and millwork, and is now a glass blower working out of Ashville NC.Two other hikers came in just before dark.  Alex and Larry are doing a section hike hike from Rockfish Gap to Harpers Ferry.  They are both recently graduated medical doctors who are taking some time to have fun prior to starting their residencies in June.  I asked them why they choose being a Dr. and the both said they were into science, but wanted more interaction with people.
Date: 2019-04-08
From: Rod Hollow shelter 

To: Bears Den Hostel 
Miles today: 10.0

Wrong Way was the first one out this morning.  I left shortly after, both of us heading to Bears Den Hostel.  Alex and Larry said they typically don¢t get going till around 10.  They fast hikers and I expected them to pass me on the way to the shelter, but the arrived at the hostel more than an hour after me.  They proceeded stopped in for some ice cream before continuing on.Today I started a section of the trail called the Roller Coster.  Most of the day was spent going up and down a series of steep and rocky hills.  ~3300 feet up and 2800 feet down.  These are known as PUDS (pointless ups and downs).  As you enter the coaster there is a sign telling you to ¢enjoy the ride!¢Three other hikers came into the hostel for the night, Hobbit, Hawk, and T-Rex.  They had all done over a 30 mile day.  Hobbit did the PCT in 2016 and is planning to do both the AT and PCT (again) this year.  Hawk and T-Rex met while hiking the trail and found that they both have a similar pace (crazy fast!) and have been hiking together since.  T-Rex needs to go back to work in June and is a little concerned about the New England snow pack which could make it difficult to complete the trail that early.  Hawk and Wrong Way are planning to do a yo-yo (GA to ME, then back to GA).I really enjoyed talking with these guys.  You can feel their enthusiasm and joy.  Great vibes from people doing exactly what they want to be doing!
Date: 2019-04-09
From: Bears Den Hostel 

To: David Lesser shelter 
Miles today: 11.4

Hawk and T- Rex were up early, I think around 5, to get their day going.  I guess if you¢re doing 30+ miles a day you have to get an early start.  Hobbit and I cooked some pancakes for breakfast and Wrong Way joined us for coffee.  Wished Hobbit well as he left.  I think it is very unlikely that I will see him again.Wrong Way passed me not too far into my hike.  I may see him again in Harpers Ferry, but if not I hope I¢ll see him on his south bound journey.  He is doing a blog on YouTube called ¢Where¢s Wrong Way¢.  I¢m looking forward to following his journey!Met three other hikers today, GI Jane who is doing a SOBO flip-flop from Harpers Ferry, Vicki who is going SOBO to GA, and will complete the northern part of the trail next year.  Polo is doing a SOBO flip-flop from Harpers Ferry.  Depending on how fast they hike I may see them again on their south bound hike from ME.
Date: 2019-04-10
From: David Lesser shelter 

To: Harpers Ferry 
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: clear sky

Had the shelter to myself last night.  Really nice shelter, but a half mile round trip to get water, and it was a very steep climb down.  The spring was flowing well and the water was clear and cold.  The coyotes started howling just as it was getting dark.Was up a little after 7, and got an early start on my way to Harpers Ferry.  The trail was relatively easy today as I left Virgina behind and entered West Virgina.  Decided to take a detour to a deli about 0.3 miles off trail.  Got a turkey grinder and some resupply and continued on my way.  Couldn¢t hold off long on the grinder so I had an early lunch!Signed in at the AT Conservancy, I am #50 for flip-flop hikers this year, then made my way to the Tea House Hostel where I am spending the night.  Wrong Way showed up just before I was heading out for dinner.  Look forward to seeing him on the trail tomorrow.  Reader was also staying at the hostel- he is doing a flip-flop and started at the Delaware Gap.  Slo dog was also spending the night and starting a Nobo flip tomorrow, so I expect to be seeing him on the trail.