morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-06-03
From: 501 Shelter

To: Port Clinton
Miles today: 0.0

Seeing as the day was predicted to be stormy, I got out at 7 and rolled along, meeting a fellow named Problem Bear who'd started the Eastern Continental Trail in January. I ate at the stream before Eagles' Nest Shelter with Santa and Legs, then clambered down into Port Clinton around 5.There's a pavilion there set up by a local church that's pretty cool, but the hotel restaurant was not enthused about us at all. At any rate, there were a bunch of folks there--Santa, Legs, Down-Low, Sun Bear, Canadia, Red, Geared Up, Reroute, Mary Poppins, Cupcake, and Finn. My bite was a bit worse, so I made plans to get into town to see a doctor.
Date: 2014-06-04
From: Port Clinton

To: Eckville Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

I caught a ride with Trail Wife's dad, Chris, to the local Urgent Care, where, after some fun with insurance, I got blood drawn and doxycycline prescribed. Part of the reason he was so willing to help out was that he thru-hiked with some friends of his in 1981. I resupplied in the Hamburg Wal-mart, had lunch with Santa and Finn in the pavilion, then got out of town around 1. I met a day hiker practicing for Kilimanjaro at the Pulpit Rocks, caught some trail magic at the road you take to the Eckville shelter, and made it there to find Valles, Bo, and Emperor--section hikers--and Sun Bear, Two Braids, Finn, Santa, Down-Low, and Marshmallow.
Date: 2014-06-05
From: Eckville Shelter

To: George Outbridge Shelter
Miles today: 0.0

I left at 8:30, and saw Cowgirl for the first time since before Hiawassee. It was not joyous, though, as she had lost her dog. I promised to call if I saw it, then moved on. I took lunch at Allantown shelter, then spent a fun time scrambling over rocks before hitting some trail magic set up by Bootburner's friend Jonah. I got into the shelter at 9:30.
Date: 2014-06-06
From: George Outbridge Shelter

To: Leroy Smith Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I'd shared the shelter with Legs, Sloppy Bear, Santa, Marshmallow, Purple Pants, and Bootburner, and was out by 8. I had a brutal climb up the ridge to the Palmerton Superfund detour, instituted due to zinc refining for about 90 years, and it's been in recovery for about thirty. While on my way, I met a fellow named Curtis who was doing a documentary for the trail, and was interviewed by him.There was trail magic water at little gap, where I met Sloppy Bear again, and soon I was off.I reached Leroy Smith at 5, where the water was a pain in the neck to get to, and I was joined by Survivorman, Santa, Legs, Finn, Cupcake, and Mary Poppins.
Date: 2014-06-07
From: Leroy Smith Shelter

To: Delaware Water Gap
Miles today: 0.0

I got out before 8, met some birders at Wolf Rocks, and met a whole bunch of folks at Kirkridge Shelter. I then made Delaware Water Gap before supper, where I stayed at Church of the Mountain Hostel with Mary Poppins, Survivorman, Cupcake, Die Hard, Blue Eyes, a ridge runner, Reroute, Twizzler, and others.
Date: 2014-06-08
From: Delaware Water Gap

To: Delaware Water Gap
Miles today: 0.0

I woke at 7 and zeroed, as my uncle and aunt were visiting. I visited with them, relaxed, and resupplied, after which I relaxed some more. Other folsk included, Mary Poppins, Prom Queen, Ice Party, Wees, Marshmallow, Grasshopper, Down-Low, and Die Hard.
Date: 2014-06-09
From: Delaware Water Gap

To: Brink Road Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

I got out at 10, calling the Urgent Care on the after a few days of playing phone tag, and found out my Lyme results were negative. I'd been on the antibiotic, though, and so I determined to continue on--don't want to help create superbugs, after all. I hiked in clouds and over enough rocks that I began to question the label of "Pennsylvania" rocks. I met Grasshopper, who was going slwo due to ankle trouble, then pushed on to Brink Road, which I got to around 8 to find Mary Poppins, Boomer, Smudge, Bootburner, Marshmallow and Wild Breed--his sister--and Moose, who did not stay but night hiked out.
Date: 2014-06-10
From: Brink Road Shelter

To: Murray Cabin
Miles today: 0.0

Out at 9:30, and hit Joe's at 11. Boomer and Smudge went into town, but I hiked on to find Moose at a fire tower. He'd had a bit too much to drink the night before, when he reached the road, and had stumbled up the mountain and stayed on the fire tower that night. On the way, I ran into Bootburner's friend Thirsty, and reached Mashipacong at 3:30 for lunch, where I ran into four section-hikers.I reached the Murray cabin at 9:30, where I met Down-low, Mary Poppins, Bootburner, Thirsty, and others.
Date: 2014-06-11
From: Murray Cabin

To: Wawayanda Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

The others were Reroute, Survivorman, and the Machine, who was back on the trail after her rest. I left at 7:15 and was rained on off and on until Pochuck, where I met Twizzler. I waited there a few minutes, then went on to hit Heavenly Hill Farm Market for Lunch, where I ran into Pooh Bear. The climb uphill had some rain, but not much, and I got into the shelter at 5:30. There I met a ridgerunner named Zed, some sectioners, and everyone from the Murray cabin.
Date: 2014-06-12
From: Wawayanda Shelter

To: Wildcat Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

I got out later than planned--a little after 9--and managed to cross into New York. I say managed deliberately, for it had rained the night before, and the trail crossed several boulder fields--in point of fact, it seemed to be deliberately routed across boulder fields.I stopped for lunch at the hot dog stand and ice cream place at the road--right good food--and went on to Wildcat, where, since the terrain promised to be as bad further on and the weather was supposed to be bad, I stayed.Also there were Spice Kit and Coconut, Shy Bear, Mary Poppins, Survivorman, the Machine, Flossie and Gray Squirrel, Josh, a section hiker from South Dakota, and others.Later that night, in the midst of pouring rain, several people came in, two of whom took the last space in the shelter.
Date: 2014-06-13
From: Wildcat Shelter

To: Fingerboard Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

Turned out the folks who'd come in were Boomer, Smudge, Dorothy, Rocket Girl, and Mudderfingers and Cool Story. I got moving nineish, then scrambled through rain and rocks until around noon, when the rain stopped and I saw blue sky for the first time since I'd entered New Jersey. I reached the shelter around 4, and, since it was supposed to storm soon and I wasn't sure what I was looking at in terms of trail to get to the next place, I stayed.Also staying were all the latecomers from the night before, Survivorman, the Machine, Mary Poppins, Prom Queen and Trail Wife, a sectioner named Grinder, and Finn, Legs, and Santa.
Date: 2014-06-14
From: Fingerboard Shelter

To: Graymoor Spiritual Life Center
Miles today: 0.0

There was actual sunlight that morning, unfiltered by clouds, which meant that I managed to get out before 8. I saw the New York skyline as I went down Black Mountain, then had a long conversation about the trail and life and whatnot with a day hiker named Pat.I then hit Bear Mountain, where I ate twice, and was unable to go through the zoo, as it had been closed for an hour and a half. I then crossed the Hudson and made it up to Camp Smith Trail, where I found Rocket Girl and Legs, who were waiting for Dorothy, Finn, and Santa to return from taking care of a sick day hiker.I made to the Appalachian Market, where I resupplied and ate again, and got into the shelter at Graymoor around 10:00,to find a bunch of folks playing Mafia. This included Prom Queen and Trail Wife, Finn, Legs, Santa, Smudge, Boomer, Dorothy, Rocket Girl, Coconut and Spice Kit, Kamikaze, Wet Dog, and Deep Blue, along with several others who were asleep.
Date: 2014-06-15
From: Graymoor Spiritual Life Center

To: RPH Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Other folks around there were Reroute, a section hiker named Captain America for his flag shorts, Flossie and Gray Squirrel, as well as C.V., a slightly bonkers English Lit major from Berkeley--but I repeat myself.I headed out at 8, through a bunch of Haitians who were showing up to celebrate the Feast of St. Anthony, who apparently is the patron saint of finding lost things. I ended up helping Wet Dog get himself pointed in the right direction shortly afterward, and I took a quick stop by the beach concession at Clarence Fahnestock State Park after running into some day hikers.I made it into RPH to find Flossie and Gray Squirrel, and ordered pizza as well. Soon, most folks from Graymoor showed up, save for Reroute, Captain America, C.V., Coconut, and Spice Kit.
Date: 2014-06-16
From: RPH Shelter

To: Telephone Pioneers Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

A fellow named Grrrr!, who'd attempted the trail last year came in to do some trail magic for a few days, so we all got a later start than intended--I didn't leave 'til 9:30. I met Happy Feller, who'd gotten off in Erwin, and Reroute as I went along Hosner Mountain, and took lunch at Morgan Stewart Shelter, where there was a day hiker as well. I enjoyed some trail magic at NY 55, and finally stopped at Telephone Pioneers, as I had arranged a ride to get into Pawling to resupply. Also there were Mary Poppins, and Coconut and Spice Kit.
Date: 2014-06-17
From: Telephone Pioneers Shelter

To: Wiley Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I got out of the shelter at 8 and got a ride into town at 9. I resupplied, laundered, and hit the library, after which I had lunch. I finally got out of town at 4, hit the trail at 5 after getting some trail magic left by the local Girl Scout group, and rolled along.I saw Wet Dog at the landscaping place next to the RR station--the owner likes hikers, and will let them stay there. Pushing on, I met Flex and Maineiac as I went up Hammersly Ridge, and got into the shelter before 8, where I found my guidebook that had gone missing that morn.At the shelter were a sectioner named Blue Jay, Flex and Maineiac, Survivorman, the Machine, and others.
Date: 2014-06-18
From: Wiley Shelter

To: Stewart Hollow Brook Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

I headed out at 8 that morning, only to run into Guy on a Buffalo, who'd gotten Lyme Disease and had to take a few days off, doing trail magic with his parents. I stayed far longer than intended, then swung on up to find some more trail magic at the 2/3 mark. I ate lunch at Mt. Algo, where Survivorman, the Machine, and a sectioner from HF-Katahdin named Lightning Bolt stayed, found minor trail magic at the road, clambered up and over and down Caleb's Peak, and reached the Housatonic River, which I followed for awhile. At the trailhead, I found trail magic being refilled by a guy named Memphis who'd done the trail the year before with his girlfriend, Cutie.I finally made it into the shelter with Spice Kit and Coconut to find Flex and Maineiac, as well as Mary Poppins and others.
Date: 2014-06-19
From: Stewart Hollow Brook Shelter

To: Limestone Spring Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

It rained until 9ish, which meant that I didn't leave 'til nearly 10. After dealing with sadistic and stupid pointless ups and downs, I ate lunch at Pine Swamp Brook with a scout troop that's been section-hiking the AT for two decades. I then got lost briefly after Falls Village,then made it into Limestone Spring around 9 after scrambling down a half-mile downhill. Mary Poppins was the only one there.
Date: 2014-06-20
From: Limestone Spring Shelter

To: Pine tree on Mt. Race
Miles today: 0.0

I got out at 8:30, scrambled up the rocks, and then went down into Salisbury, which I reached by 10. I was supposed to pick up a package with a hiking pole part in it--one of my current ones is ridiculously bent--but found no package. I then went to the library, the first free public library in America, stayed a few hours to journal and recharge, then went to the local grocery store with Mary Poppins to get lunch and resupply. There we met Flossie and Gray Squirrel, and lunch was had. I went back to the PI and outfitter, and there was still no package. So I swung out of town at 4, got water at the cemetary, and went up the hill. By 8:30, I'd passed the 1500 mile mark, the MA-CT border (which is mismarked), and realized that I wasn't going to get where I wanted to be due to a late start, very rocky trail and a steep downhill down Bear Mountain. So, I set up my tent in the only spot available, under a big old pine tree, but not before checking my phone to find communication from home saying to call.So I did. My package had ended up in Puerto Rico, and so I asked my parents to send it to Cheshire.
Date: 2014-06-21
From: Pine tree on Mt. Race

To: Tom Leonard Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I got out at 8ish, clambered over Mounts Race and Everett, and found a group of day hikets who told about trail magic water at the road and that Class Act was off the trail. I took lunch before Jug End, then clambered down the mountain into a mosquito-infested swamp, after which I came upona monument commemorating the last battle of Shay's Rebellion, one of thf major impetuses for the 1787 Constitutional Convention.Anyhow, I went on to Route 7, where I was given strawberries by a fellow whose daughter was hiking, and bought a Coke from an antique store. I made it to the shelter before 7, aftr seeing the only time that I've seen the trail not go over a boulder. Also there were Flossie and Gray Squirrel, Fkex and Maineiac, Shy Bear, and Guy on a Buffalo.
Date: 2014-06-22
From: Tom Leonard Shelter

To: Upper Goose Pond Cabin
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

I got out at 8, and got a slow start due to rocks. I saw Handsome Dan for the first time in 1000 miles, at the turnoff to the shelter before Mt. Wilcox, and did not recognize him until he spoke due to his very impressive beard.I ate lunch past the shelter after that mountain, and, after a bad climb up Baldy Mountain, got to Upper Goose Pond Cabin at 6:30. Everyone from the last shelter was there except for Maineiac, and we also had Handsome Dan, Thin Mint, and some weekenders. The caretaker was also there, her name was Nancy, and she was cool.
Date: 2014-03-17
From: Springer Mountain

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Caught a shuttle from Amicalola Falls to Springer Mtn. With a couple of other hikers. Started out @ 10:15am. It's rainy and foggy; can't see over 50 yards in front of me. Stopped at Gooch Gap; no available space at the shelter, so I pushed on to Woody Gap. "tenting" at the gap. It's cold and raining; perfect for hiking. With over 2 inches of rain, the trail is very muddy. It's 6:30pm and still raining. I'm cold and hope to be in my sleeping bag very soon.
Date: 2014-03-18
From: Woody Gap

To: Low Gap
Miles today: 0.0

Left Woody Gap @ 7:30am. That's the earliest I could leave without a head lamp. Arrived @ Needles Gap @ 12 noon. Bought a burger and coke: man that tasted good! My tent had a leak, so I bought a new one. Met legendary "Captain Jack" -12x thru hiker. Also saw Wes- shuttled driver to Springer Mtn. Showered, charged my phone, got to hold and pet a cat. Left @ 2pm. Along the way, received some trail magic; a tasty apple. The weather is 'nippy' and very windy.Arrived @ Low Gap ; tenting it here in my new "Fly Creek 1" weatherproof tent. Living the life of luxury!
Date: 2014-03-19
From: Low Gap

To: Hiawassee
Miles today: 53.0

Woke up from Low Gap in rainy, windy, 40 degree temperature. Packed up fast; very important for survival. Camping, in a heavy mist, makes all your gear damp. These are the conditions I've dealt with the past 2 days.Hiked 10 miles to Unicot Gap. Caught a shuttle ride to Hiawassee. It was delightful to see the sun for the first time in 4 days. In town, I saw Wes, the shuttle driver that drove me to Springer Mtn., for the third time!Ate at Dairy Queen twice! I'll need it for my upcoming 2-1,000 ft. Climbs tomorrow.Staying at the Hiawassee Hotel. What a deal! For a mere $40 I get a room to myself (luxury) plus a ride to/from the trail. Had to put my feet up, to ease the swelling.After logging 53 miles on this muddy, dirt-filled trail, I had a "pack-explosion." It felt great getting everything dry and cleaned up.Looking forward to sleeping in a "real" bed tonight!
Date: 2014-03-20
From: Hiawassee

To: Plum Orchard Gap
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: clear sky

Caught the shuttle out of Hiawassee and got on the trail by 10am. First clear day. Hiked 21 miles to Plum Orchard Gap shelter. It's a beautiful day! The shelter had space available. It's great lying level to sleep. It's the simple things in life!
Date: 2014-03-21
From: plum Orchard Gap

To: Long Branch 
Miles today: 28.0

Left from Orchard for the first full day of hiking. Another beautiful day! Tested my abilities- made it to Long Branch; after 11.5 hours of hiking- tallying up a total of 28 miles. Luck seems to be going "my way" as I found shelter space again. What a dream!I hit two milestones today. Said good-bye to Georgia and hello to North Carolina. Plus logged a grand total of 100 miles. My body has been very kind to me!
Date: 2014-03-22
From: Long Branch Shelter

To: Wallace Gap Shelter
Miles today: 0.0

Woke up from Long Branch shelter and hike to Wallace Gap. Caught the Budget Inn shuttle service into the town of Franklin, N.C. Enjoying the good food, carbing-up, and sharing trail tales of fellow hikers. Waiting to catch the shuttle bus to Wal-Mart, so I can re-supply some goods. I experienced "hikers-high" today. The equivalent of a runners high.It's an amazing thing to experience; special pace, rhythmic walking and breathing.With temps averaging 30-35 degrees the last couple of frosty nights, I'm soaking up this bright, Sunny day, basking in the 65 degree temperature..
Date: 2014-03-23
From: Wallace Gap Shelter

To: NOC
Miles today: 0.0

Woke up @ 6am. Packed up and ready to leave hiker hostel- "Budget Inn."The Associate Pastor, for the local Baptist Church, picked us up for a rise & shine pancake breakfast, @ 7am. Sure did taste good! We shuttled back to the Inn when we were done.I'm hiking faster than my "Trail Family" but there 's another family waiting along the trail.Ron, at Budget Inn, shuttled us back to the heads of Wallace Gap. It started raining, but it didn't last long, so I took off my rain gear. The weather"a cold- perfect for hiking!Walked up to Wall Wayah - Bald Stone Tower. What a beautiful view!Kept hiking. I tested my abilities today; hiking 31 miles to Nantahla Outdoor Center. Success!!!I made with the encouragement of two trail buddies. The last hour of hiking was in the dark.My body is performing perfectly. It's a dream come true! Thanks Joan, for the socks.
Date: 2014-03-24
From: NOC

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Woke up from NOC. Had breakfast with Cargo & Finn. They let me join them in their room, so buying their breakfast seemed like the right thing to do. We ate at the Rivers Inn Restaurant.Left at 9am. Hiked all day to Fontana Dam.Called the shuttle service to pick me up at the lodge.Too late for dinner tonight; restaurant 's closed! Settled for next best option; Chris and an coke.not the most healthy dinner for someone requiring so much performance from their body, but man, the coke sure tasted good!Planning to take a "zero" here tomorrow. Can't think of a better decision I made in such a long time.
Date: 2014-03-25
From: Fontana Dam

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Wow! What an amazing breakfast! Don't remember the last time I was so excited about eating a great meal. Organized my back pack. Worked up an appetite from that rigorous task, so I headed to lunch.Worked up a bigger appetite after relaxing, so went to dinner..I ordered what any red blooded American would order when your at Fontana Dam:A Dam burger!Tomorrow it's me "vs" the Smokey Mountains. Living the dream!
Date: 2014-03-26
From: Fontana hostel

To: Kerrick Knob Shelter
Miles today: 0.0

Left Fontana hostel-too the shuttle from Fontana Lodge. Made it back to the trail by 9am for the Smokies. Hiked 8 miles in snow, with the wind setting in. Made it to Kerrick Knob shelter -stopped for a spot. Hiked a grand total of 25 miles today. The temp got down to 25 degrees- had to get moving fast!
Date: 2014-03-27
From: Kerrick Knob shelter

To: Ice Water Spring Shelter
Miles today: 20.0

Hiked in snow, slush, & wind all day. My feet were soaking wet. Made it to Ice Water Spring shelter. Logged 20 miles today. Stayed in my sleeping bag for 14 hours- just trying to warm-up. Woke up at sunrise and got off to an early start.
Date: 2014-03-30
From: Standing Bear hostel

To: Deer Park Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 50.0
Weather: broken clouds

Left Standing Bear hostel a bit late; yesterday was a long hike! Logged 20 miles today; the weather was perfect for hiking! A thunderstorm hit fast and we all got wet. There were about 15 people in the shelter. I was all wet, so I had no choice but to keep walking. Made it to Deer Park Mountain shelter; 30 miles from Standing Bear. I was surprised to find an available spot at the shelter. Woke up to 3 inches of snow. The winds were gusting; 30-40 miles/hr. Got dressed and hoofed it to Hot Springs 3 miles away. Hikers that stayed on the mountain were covered in a foot of snow! At Hot Springs now; ready to leave in the morning with lots of good food! ?
Date: 2014-03-31
From: Deer Park Mountain shelter

To: Jerry Cabin Shelter
Miles today: 26.0
Weather: clear sky

Woke up at Hot Springs and got breakfast at Rocky Mountain Diner. Went to Hillbilly Market and grabbed a subway sandwich. Went back to Elmer's, packed up and left at 7:30am.Hiked 26 miles to Jerry Cabin shelter. Started hiking in dry gear, but ended up snowy, and sloshy mess. My feet are cold! Got shelter space. Not looking forward to tomorrow's hike. More of the same; snow & slush.
Date: 2014-04-01
From: Jerry Cabin shelter

To: Bald Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 25.0
Weather: clear sky

Woke up from Jerry Cabin shelter. Left with wet socks and shoes and hiked out of the snow fields for about 5 miles. The sun came out, so I dried my shoes. It sure was great hiking in dry shoes. Hiked 25 miles to Bald Mountain shelter. Found shelter space. Looking forward to eating and getting some shut-eye.
Date: 2014-04-02
From: Bald Mountain Shelter

To: Erwin
Miles today: 16.0

Left Bald Mountain Shelter and hiked 16 miles today. Ate at a KFC buffet and resupplied at a dollar General store. Gave "happy Fellow" his jet-boil that he left at the previous shelter; he sure was happy to get it.Celebrated another trip around the sun; today's my birthday!!!! Lot's to be grateful for....my body is being very kind to me.
Date: 2014-04-04
From: Clyde Smith Shelter

To: Mountain Harver Hostel
Miles today: 15.0

Hiked over Roan Mountain into Elk Park North Carolina.nnot my longest hike, but by far the hardest. Hiked above 5,000 ft. For 15 miles. It was windy, icy, and cold. Sure was glad to get off the mountain today.
Date: 2014-04-05
From: Mountain Harver Hostel

To: Braemar Castle Hostel
Miles today: 0.0

Left Mountain Harver Hostel and hiked to Hampton Tennessee. Staying at the Braemar Castle Hostel.Eating food in town. Trying to "carb-up" for my trip to Damascus. Having completed over 420 miles of hiking, everything is "good to go."
Date: 2014-04-10
From: Braemar Castle Hostel

To: Thomas Knob Shelter
Miles today: 75.0
Weather: few clouds

Here at Atkins. Covered 75 miles in 3 days after leaving Damascus. Staying at Thomas Knob Shelter. There's nothing but a gas station and motel, and one restaurant; but it's very convenient.Sitting in my hotel room, icing up my leg. I'm hoping to leave in less pain than I arrived.Re-supplying my food source at the local Sunoco gas station. Grabbed breakfast at the restaurant, in the motel.
Date: 2014-04-11
From: Thomas Knob Shelter

To: Chestnut Knob Shelter
Miles today: 23.0
Weather: clear sky

Woke up in Atkins, went to the "barn" and had breakfast. Also grabbed a sub sandwich for lunch.Managed to hike 23 miles, but was in pain all day from the swelling in my ankle.I'm here now, at the Chestnut Knob Shelter; have it all to myself. It's great! The shelter is completely enclosed.