morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-04-26
From: bake oven knob shelter

To: Slatington Pa (pa 873)
Miles today: 7.2

Slept warm last night and was packed up and on the trail about 7:45. The trail today maintained its rocky consistency for the most part and I found that my left ankle was very sore. I noticed last night that both my ankles were sore and commented to BD that I never remember my ankles being sore...lots of other things but never my ankles. A testament to the grinding and pointed terrain I suppose.  We did make our way to Pa 873 and Slatington Pa. around 11:15. We had already talked with Ira Fine the owner of an apartment type building(Fine Hotel)...I say that because his tenents are all long term except for AT hikers. He came and picked us up from the trail and brought us to his place in Slatington. See picture above.  We quickly showered and grabbed some lunch at the "shack". Good food and atmosphere. We have also done laundry and sent some items home.  My ankle is swollen some and the hike out of Leigh High Gap is supposed to be even crazier than what we have just gone through. Not sure how that's going to work for me. Just have to see I quess.Love to my girls...pod out
Date: 2012-04-27
From: Slatington Pa (pa 873)

To: Leroy A Smith shelter
Miles today: 16.1

Crazy day. Don't even know how to begin to describe the hike up out of Leigh high gap. It is up about 1000 feet or so all steep but the last half mile was crazy up. There were several times when I just threw my poles up the Mtn and had to climb hand over hand. You know it's crazy when you see the next white blaze on a rock face in front of you that you're not sure exactly how you are going to reach. On top of the rocks/cliffs the wind today was 25 to 35 mph with gusts to 45! Crossing over the top rocks with the wind howling was, I must admit, scary. The adrenalin rush was noticeable.  We did make it over only to find one more straight up complete with its own set of rocks. The last of the 15 or so today was really not that bad. A few rocks but manageable. We made to the shelter only to find it full with weekenders so we are camping just up from the shelter. The wind is still whipping...I am in my tent and bag listening to it rattle the fly on my tent...must be still gusting to around 30 or so. The ankle didn't seem to hurt early on...most likely because of the adrenalin associated with fearing for ones life ...but did get uncomfortably sore as the day wore on. Anyway I took some vitamin I and will be off my feet for awhile now. Will see what tomorrow holds. I know the low tonight is suppose to be 34...that will make getting up and packing up a little more of a challenge. Thanks for all the prayers...I know they are keeping me up and sustaining me minute by minute, day by day.Love to my girls...pod out
Date: 2012-04-28
From: Leroy A Smith shelter

To: Kirkridge shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke up this morning to a temperature of 33deg. with a slight breeze. It was chilly...I got everything I could packed up before getting out of the tent...much warmer in the tent than outside probably 12 to 15 degrees. Took the tent down packed it up and we were on the trail about 8:45. It warmed up fairly quickly and we took our time getting to Pa. 33 (Wind Gap) only about 4.5 miles. We had planned to hitch into town and get lunch then get back to the trail. BD had our morning prayer in which, among other things, he asked for a ride when we got to the gap. It will come as no surprise to those who know our Savior that we were not only picked up quickly but the older couple that picked us up also came by the diner and picked us back up and took us back to the trail!   Is that cool or what. We climbed out of wind gap which just happened to be straight up for about 500 feet before it gradually topped out about 650. We are now camping just pass Kirkridge shelter in an opening with a great view of the valley below. Lots of people tenting here...probably 15... But there's lots of room. The trail today was not nearly as difficult as before. Although there were challenges like wind gap and wolf rocks it would seem as though Pa. is finally giving up the ghost and resembling a normal trail again. Tomorrow we go into Delaware water gap and the end of Pa. I must say that I have not enjoyed the rocks here. They made the trail unenjoyable for me...always having to concentrate so hard on footing that I feel like I really didn't get to enjoy the surroundings. I feel blessed to have made it through without a fall or major injury. Speaking of injury...my ankle held up well today and without crazy terrain tomorrow I expect to be at 100% again. Starting to feel really strong again with only a couple more days left for me this time. I planned to get off in time to get back to NC sometime this Friday so that I can see my baby girl go to her senior prom. Looks like I will get off in Unionville NY on Thursday and try to find a ride to  Stuart International Airport (looks like about 34 miles) to catch a flight on Friday. I have no idea how all that is going to work out but I have faith that it will. If you happened to be reading this journal and are from this area and have a better idea...other airports, etc I'd appreciate your input. Hunkering down now in my bag the temp is really dropping. It's been a good day.Love to my girls...pod
Date: 2012-04-29
From: Kirkridge shelter

To: delaware water gap
Miles today: 6.6

Cold night! Stayed mostly warm all night but completely cocooned In my bag. The morning was glorious with bright sunshine and quickly rising temps. We were up and on the trail around 8:45. Only 6.6 miles today into Delaware water gap and the church hostel. The trail was reasonable with a very steep and rocky descent into the gap. The hostel here is great( the basement of the Presbyterian church)...better than at least 3 hotels we've stayed at on this section. We quickly showered an went in search of food. Found some fried chicken at the diner and then went to the bakery next door. Wow, the bakery is incredible and you should not miss an opportunity to visit. Whether hiker or visitor you simply  must go there and experience it! Later we washed clothes by hand and dried them in the sun Then it was back down the hill again for supper. Is this the tough life or what? Also had a chance to solidify my travel plans for the end of the week. If all goes well I will be back in NC by late thursday evening. Bitter sweet I guess but more about that later. Resting tonight and glad to be inside with temps around 30 tonight. Tomorrow we plan to do breakfast then the trail again by around 10 ish. Only planning to do about 10 tomorrow so no real rush. That's all for now. Thanks again for all the prayers.Love to my girls...pod.
Date: 2012-04-30
From: delaware water gap

To: Mohican Outdoor Center
Miles today: 10.5

The hike today to the Mohican outdoor center was accomplished pretty quickly. The 1000 foot uphill out of the gap was about as easy as a 1000 ft climb can be. Mostly easy to moderate trail with nothing crazy. We passed by a beautiful glacier lake (pictured above) and the trail meandered upwards from there and ultimately down again into the center. Our plan was to stay here tonight and we are sticking with that. It is hard to stop so early in the day but rain seems to be in the way and the little cabin we are in is pretty cool. It would still have been nice to cut into the 17.9 we've got planned for tomorrow. The weather today was good, a little chilly this am but warmed up quickly and the 10+ miles seemed to go by fast. We are now walking with a new hiker (Whamo) that we met a couple days ago so new friends, new conversations seem to make things go by more quickly.  Not much else going on for now. Resting up and getting ready to go again tomorrow.Love to my girls...pod out.
Date: 2012-05-01
From: Mohican Outdoor Center

To: Gren Anderson Shelter
Miles today: 20.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Got a lot done today! We started out around 8:30 with 17.9 as the tentative plan. The miles went quickly with "Whamo" leading and we were at culvers' gap by 4:30. The terrain was reasonable and with the exception of the dampness from the early morning rain the walk was comfortable. Once we were at the gap we stopped at Gyp's Tavern for a nice rest and some food and hydration. The plan was to leave there and camp close by however there really was no good place to camp so we decided to walk another 3 miles to the next shelter. So we ended up doings almost 21 miles for the day. With the rest at the gap i really feel pretty good! Only 2 days left for me out here and only about 18 miles. It will be bitter sweet I know but I am looking forward to seeing the family again. That's about it for now, in the bag and resting. The night  is beautiful with the moon and finally some reasonable temperatures.Love to my girls...pod out.
Date: 2012-05-02
From: Gren Anderson Shelter

To: new jersey 23
Miles today: 11.5

After a great clear night we woke this morning to a heavy mist that quickly turned into a light but steady rain which would continue for all of our 11.5 miles today. Thankfully it was 50 degrees and not 30!  Glad we did the extra 3 last night so today would be shorter. In some ways it was really a tougher day today than the 20 yesterday. No huge hills but it seemed endless ups and downs. No switchbacks just up and overs with the added obstacle of slippery rocks to go with a chilled, wet body. We made our way to the park ranger station and decided to call the local hotel rather than camping in the rain. Good decision. It was nice to get warm and dry and also take care of the laundry. Looking forward to my last 7 miles tomorrow and getting back to NC. BD will be heading on with our new found friend Whamo. The two of them will no doubt have a great adventure and I'll get to read about it on trail journals instead of living it with them in the woods. Don't get me wrong my time out here has been good in a lot of ways but I'm ready to be done.  More reflection tomorrow I'm sure. Love to my girls...pos out.
Date: 2012-05-03
From: new jersey 23

To: Jim Murry's place
Miles today: 7.0

...and all good things must come to an end same as the "wildwood weed" ( an old one but still a song reference) and so this section of the trail is over. We were out for 20 days and walked some on 18 of those days to the tune of about 235 or so miles over more rocks and crevices than I care to remember. The weather, with the exception of about 3 days, seemed to suck. I know that's a little harsh but that's just the way it felt for me...always seeming cold and wet and windy.  We did the last 7 miles this morning to Jim Murray's place  where I showered ( completely outside btw...no walls etc but hot water...seemed a little weird yet also freeing in a crazy sort of way) changed into clean clothes then hit the road to the airport. I was blessed to have Jim drive up and offer me a ride to the airport. We talked about hiking and life in general and in no time the ride was over. Now I am at the airport where my flight has been delayed to the point where I've had to change my destination airport to Greensboro and won't be there until about 11 pm. It will be well after midnight before I get home but at least I will be home. It was certainly...sad I guess is the right word. .to see BD go off without me...we've walked almost 1350 miles together and have shared more memories, both good and bad, than most people will have in a lifetime. I guess that is what friendship is really all about... Not what you have but what you share with someone else. To that my large friend I say, " here, here, well done!" I don't know if I will ever make it back to the trail or not...there's a lot to consider. Lots of people make sacrifices on my behalf when I'm out here and to each one of them...especially my wife... I say," thank you for allowing me the opportunity to take this time away. I know that somehow, in ways I can't explain, I'm better for it. A better man, a better husband, a better father, a better son, and even a better servant to my Savior Jesus Christ."With that the Podman signs off for the last time...  )Loving the sound of life...IPOD!
Date: 2014-06-01
From: Bill murry's place

To: manchester center vermont
Miles today: 309.7

Never say Never! If all goes well tomorrow I will be back on the trail in Vermont. It's crazy I know. I'm looking forward to the challenge and the time in the woods. Who knows how long the trip will be this year. I will go as long as I can. Time in the woods always give me a new, fresh persective on life and what's really important. I look forward to sharing my journey with those who read along. May God bless you and keep you, Ipod.This mileage adjustment should make the overall journal numbers corredt
Date: 2014-06-02
From: VT 11& 30

To: peru peak shelter
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: broken clouds

Manchester center 1647.2 to Peru peak shelter 1657.3 I am sure at this point that the love hate relationship I have with the trail can never fully be explained. I was sure after my last section that I would not be coming back. Yet...here we are. Big Daddy and I back at it again. Our trip to get back to the trail started at 3 am Monday morning and after two plane rides an expensive taxi ride we hit the trail at 3:52 pm. We would finish for the day around 9:15 in the dark with our head lamps blazing. The trail today was not terribly hard but a 40 lb pack that had way too much food in it made it a little more challenging than it should have been.Bromley mtn was awesome...sat in the chair lift and admired the view and enjoyed the breeze! Finally got some late dinner and everything set up around 10. It's been a long day. As always I miss my wife and daughters! You guys are awesome and I love you. Turning in for know. Pod out.
Date: 2014-06-03
From: peru peak shelter

To: greenwall shelter
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Peru peak shelter 1657.3 to Greenwall shelter 1671.8. Got a good nights sleep and woke up at 5 am refreshed and ready to get started. By 6:50 I had actually gotten up packed up and ate breakfast. Big Daddy was up as well although I'm pretty sure that was only because of my insistence. We had a few nice views (Baker peak and Little Rock Pond) but mostly just slogging thru the mud, muck, and mire of Vermont. We went a little further than our original plan... No real surprise there but we did at least try to be smart about it...stopping often, eating occasionally, and drinking lots of water. By the end of the day my knees were killing me. Which is really no surprise when I considered that though we spread it out over two calendar days we had just walked 25 miles in 25 hours. Not really the slow start we talked about. Sitting in the shelter now with Big Daddy, Ike, Hoot, and   Sundance. The rain and thunderstorms have come! We did get to the shelter and were able to eat before the bottom dropped out. I can hardly wait to see the stream...I mean trail tomorrow. Hopefully well make it safely down the mtn and catch the hourly bus into Rutland (approx 8 miles). Thanks to those you signing the guest book and praying for me and Big Daddy. It matters more than you know. iPod out.
Date: 2014-06-04
From: greenwall shelter

To: vt 103
Miles today: 7.8

Greenwall shelter 1671.8 to VT 103 1679.6Webster contacted me today to ask for permission to use my likeness in the 2015 dictionary...I graciously agreed once I found out that I would be replacing the snail beside the word "slow". It was a...long, muddy, slippery, falling, painful kind of day. The knees really hurt all last night and I was not at all sure how I was going to make the 7.8 miles to VT 103. In addition to the knee issues it also rained most of the evening and night...great for sleeping...bad for hiking especially downhill on lots of very slick rocks and roots. After a tedious walk that started at 7 am and ended (at least for trail walking) around 1:30. We finally made the road and walked another mile to the Deli. Large fully sugared and caffeinated Mt Dew and an exceptional turkey sub made everything look a little better. We sat on the porch and enjoyed the meal and tried to figure out our next move. We finally decided to start walking toward Rutland and "throw out the hook" sure that someone would see our desperate condition and give us a ride into town (approx 6 miles away). We were wrong many saw but none offered any help. After walking approx 4 miles with no one offering us a ride I decide to call the hiker hostel and see if they would help us out...they did. H came and got us and brought us to the hostel. Great place! Friendly and comfortable. So all in all that was another 12 or 13 miles on an already overworked pair off knees. Johnny was very patient and helpful today...I was really struggling and he could have gone much faster...but he never left his wingman. That's what friends are for! We're going to take a zero day tomorrow and rest up then go from there. Big thanks to all those praying for me...without help from above there is no way I could have made it today. Hello to all my girls, love u bunches ????
Date: 2014-06-05
From: vt 103

To: vt 103
Miles today: 0.0

It was nice to be clean and well fed again last night and have a bed to sleep in. The sleeping was tough however given the hostel sleeping beds are facing a busy street surrounded by multiple bars that don't close until 2 am. It was hot so sleeping with the windows open was like trying to sleep at the circus then around 5 am the trash trucks started and all I could do was chuckle and rub my knees which by the way feel a little better today ( which is say that I now can walk upstairs one foot then the other as opposed to up one drag the other )Got up at 6 and went to the " gathering time" with H. This proved to be interesting as we fellowshipped with them, sang, prayed, and had breakfast with the "community". We have more in common than we have differences. They are certainly a loving group that have been very helpful. Tomorrow we are going to try a 5 mile slack pack to test the knees. It will be a good gauge of what's to happen next. Thanks to all of you for your prayers! Love to my girls, I miss you, pod.
Date: 2014-06-06
From: vt 103

To: robinson brook
Miles today: 6.1

Slept well last night. I guess the circus came during the day and collected all their clowns Got up around 6 and had breakfast at the hostel at 7. "Plans too much" our shuttler picked us up at 9am and dropped us off at the trail around 9:30. We finished around 1 pm having done only 6 miles and that without a pack ( BD graciously agreed to carry a light book bag with a few essentials in it just in case). The idea was to test the knees and evaluate what to do next. Overall the knees are a little better but the steep downhills still hurt badly even without a pack. The next step will be to do approx 13 miles slack packing tomorrow over Killington Peak ( approx 2300 feet ) and reevaluate. It's very frustrating this time. For the first time I really want to be here and enjoy the hike and finish it. However it's also the first time I have been physically unable to do so. I know that God is always good and that His plan is always better than mine. That doesn't mean I understand it. Staying here at the hostel has opened my eyes to what true biblical community might look like and if we had not been slowed down I would have never been able to experience all that I have while I've been here. We'll just have to see what lies ahead. Thank you for all your prayers. Pod out.
Date: 2014-06-07
From: robinson brook

To: us 4
Miles today: 11.3

Robinson brook(1685.7) to US 4 (1697.0) 11.4 milesSlept well last night and rested the knees. Got up had a muffin or two and met our ride to the trail at 9 am. The plan was to slack pack another day to try to get the knees back on track. The weather today was fantastic with temps in the low 70's and a gentle wind. The trail itself was as good as it has been so far. Still muddy but not too rock crazy. The up to killington peak was about 2300 feet and took us about 2.5 hours to complete. At the top we decided to take the .2 mile blue blaze to the very top. It was a very steep rocky climb but the views at the top were worth it. Getting down was much harder but we managed with no injuries Finished the last 7 miles to US4 and then walked up to the "Inn at Long Trail" had a cold soda and caught the bus back to Rutland and the hostel to collect our things and plan for the next couple of days. Going start back tomorrow with the full pack and plan for about 10 miles a day for the next 3 days. The knees are getting better but the downhill's are still painful but manageable for now. I'm just going to take one day at a time and try to stay. If I'm going to be able to handle the Whites I've got to take it easy now. Thanks again for the prayers and emails you'll never know how much they mean. Today was really the first time this trip that my thoughts and prayers where centered on others instead of myself. Time with the Master is always good. Feeling His presence and seeking Him for just Him. It's easy to over complicate things especially in the hectic world we live in today. Listening for the melody, pod.
Date: 2014-06-08
From: us 4

To: stoney brook shelter
Miles today: 10.0

US 4 (1697) to Stoney Brook shelter (1707.0) 10 milesSlept well last night. Got up this morning an began the process of trying to lighten the pack. I was able to drop about 5 lbs mostly food but it did make a noticeable difference. We got some breakfast and caught the bus back to the Inn at Long Trail. The weather today was great. Clear skies, 82, and a little breeze for most of the day. We had a great stop at Mountain Meadows Lodge where we found some easy chairs and a great view of the lake along with some snacks and an ice cold diet Pepsi. It was an enjoyable moment...or 45 we then finished the last 5 miles or so to the shelter. This turned out to be tougher than we thought. Quimby Mtn would have its say. At only 1150 feet of elevation change the climb looks innocent enough but as we all know it's not usually the elevation that gets you as much as it is "how" you get to climb it. Well Quimby was mostly straight up and seemed to never end. We did finally get to the top and made it to the shelter. I thought somewhere along the way today that the struggles we face are important. We need them. They help to shape us and our perspective. Without them we wouldn't know the good times and we would never have to depend on any one else. One of the best things about being out here is how it effects your "perspective". It always makes me appreciate life more and being out of my element seems to heightens my senses and awareness of what's really important to me. If you're reading this I hope you'll take some time and think about what's really important to you. Make some changes if you need to. On another note the knees faired better today with the shorter miles and somewhat lighter pack. Still some pain but manageable. The terrain while steep was much dryer and the downhills were less rocky so the stress was less than earlier in the week. The plan is to do 13.3 tomorrow and 13 on Tuesday. At that point I should know what needs to happen next. Thank you to all who have signed the quest book and who are praying for me. It matters and you're awesome. Pod out! Listening for the melody but right now all I hear is snoring)