morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-05-21
From: Ye Old Backpacker

To: Eckville Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

The Yuengling Brewery is located a short drive north in Pottsville so T Mac, Turbo, and I decided to go on a tour. We missed the early tour because our ride got stuck in traffic and we didn't make it back to the trail until 17:00. Since the drop off was at a shelter I decided that I didn't need to ruin a perfectly good day by hiking this late in the day. As for the Tour it was fantastic. Perhaps I should switch from Land and Water to Bioprocessing and work in a Brewery.
Date: 2007-05-22
From: Eckville Shelter

To: Palmerton Borough Hall Basement
Miles today: 25.1

The PA rocks reached their worst so far this afternoon but they still have yet to live up to the hype. The Basement is a nice place and has bunks for 14 people. The local girl scouts have put together a hiker packet that is really nice, toothbush, toothpaste, a calling card, and a prestamped postcard. I called home and found out that my next maildrop was mailed today because someone (who will remain nameless) forgot about it. Luckly I won't be early to the Deleware water gap so it won't be a problem.
Date: 2007-05-23
From: Palmerton Borough Hall Basement

To: Stempa Spring Campsite
Miles today: 11.6

I didn't start until 11 because the library didn't open until 10 and I needed to update my Journal. I didn't get a ride back to the trail so I walked the extra two miles. The trail reminded me of hiking out west. It was rocky and open. Actually very rocky and very open.
Date: 2007-05-24
From: Stempa Spring Campsite

To: Presbyterian Church of the Mountain Hostel, DWG
Miles today: 24.4
Weather: clear sky

Only .2 miles left in PA and I must say that I'm disappointed. The rocks just never lived up to all the hype. Extra sweet mail drop in Delaware Water Gap thanks to Mrs. Faulkner and the dehydrated peanut butter. I'm now down to under 900 miles to go.
Date: 2007-05-25
From: Presbyterian Church of the Mountain Hostel, DWG

To: Brink Road Shelter
Miles today: 24.8
Weather: clear sky

Hottest day yet. It was uncomfortable at 10 AM and all of the ponds and lakes were unswimmable due to No Swimming signs or too many lily pads. The 7th state was finished with only 7 more to go.
Date: 2007-05-27
From: Super Secret Shelter

To: St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Vernon, NJ
Miles today: 13.6

Short Day! I was done by 11:15. Well before the sun came out and baked everything i was hiding in the air conditioning. On the hike I saw 2 snapping turtles laying eggs on and near the trail. Due to the fantastic kitchen at the church I made dinner: Lasagna with an Alfredo sauce which was both fantastic and different. Not to mention much cheaper than eating out.
Date: 2007-05-28
From: St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Vernon, NJ

To: Wildcat Shelter
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: scattered clouds

I got up a half hour before everyone else to make biscuts, sausage, and gravy for breakfast for everyone. I came across a wild turkey later in the day. They can be pretty frightening animals, especally when you run in to a hen protecting her chicks. I should have waited for them to go back to the woods but there was a ceamery just up the trail. I got chased for a few yards as I walked between the hen and some of her chicks. A few hours were spent at the creamery waiting for the heat of the day to die down. Side note: New Jersey is done on to New York.
Date: 2007-05-30
From: William Brien Memorial Shelter

To: Graymoor Spiritual Life Center
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: clear sky

I saw many a wild animal today along the trail. Among those sighted were, a bobcat, two porcupines, two cyotes, a silver fox, and two bears, along with a lot of snakes and frogs. I was able to make out the skyline of New York City, 35 miles away, through the haze.I think I forgot to mention that the trail goes through Bear Mountain Zoo.
Date: 2007-05-31
From: Graymoor Spiritual Life Center

To: Morgan Stewart Shelter
Miles today: 27.9
Weather: clear sky

Long day but it was quite nice. I spent a nice siesta at the RPH shelter that also turned in to a dinner break. As I left the shelter rain started to move in. I got in at 9 PM soaked but I was finally cool for the first time in a while.
Date: 2007-06-02
To: Ten Mile River Lean-To
Miles today: 20.3

Back on the trail after a 24 hour layover. Is it still considered a zero day if one doesn't hike for 24 hours? We found a cooler of beer along the way to go with the ones T Mac bought. He had said he would buy if Turbo and I carried. Needless to say we quickly agreed.
Date: 2007-06-03
From: Ten Mile River Lean-To

To: Stewart Hollow Brook Lean-To
Miles today: 15.7

Only one third of the trail left now. It has been 829.4 miles since Blacksburg, the last time I got new shoes and its definitely time for a new pair. As my socks were also falling apart I picked up a couple pairs of those as well. I have decided to give up cooking, at least for a while. It is too hot to eat boiling hot food each day. I'll see how it works for a week or so before I decide if I will send my stove and pot home.
Date: 2007-06-04
From: Stewart Hollow Brook Lean-To

To: Limestone Spring Lean - to
Miles today: 22.3

Rain, rain, and more rain. It was on and off all day. At one point in the afternoon it let off long enough to dry out before it started pouring again. Along the way there was a free cold shower at an old hydroelectric plant. I chose not to partake seeing as the whole day was like taking a cold shower.
Date: 2007-06-05
From: Limestone Spring Lean - to

To: Brassie Brook Lean - to
Miles today: 8.7

Today became a short day because of the threat of a t-storm accompanied with half inch hail and because the library didn't have a time limit on thier internet. Some people take part in the Conneticut Challenge, hike through the 52 miles of the state in one day. I think I achived the oppisite, I spent 4 nights in the state. I'll finally be in Mass tomorrow.
Date: 2007-06-06
From: Brassie Brook Lean - to

To: Moon in the Pond Organic Farm
Miles today: 16.8

A nice short day where the term "Mountain" can be used for the first time since Virginia. While passing a swimming hole T Mac announced that he would buy a 6 pack for anyone who jumped in on this chilly, cloudy morning. There was no hesitation on my part and as an added bonus my sinuses got cleared out. In the afternoon I saw my first wild porcupine, which was pretty cool. When I got to the farm I was instantly sent out to the garden to weed. Dom (the owner of the farm) wasn't kidding when he said be ready to work. I also fed the goats, fed the calf, and collected chicken eggs.
Date: 2007-06-07
From: Moon in the Pond Organic Farm

To: Moon in the Pond
Miles today: 0.0

Is it still a zero day when you work hard all day? First thing this morning I helped load the goats into the trailer to be taken to the slaughter house. The rest of the day consited of tilling a garden (by hand), a lot more weeding, and trying to capture a swarm of honey bees that had broken off from the hive. The food during my stay was fantastic and I had some things that I had never had before: duck eggs, nettles, and hog neck soup.
Date: 2007-06-08
From: Moon in the Pond

To: Upper Goose Pond Cabin
Miles today: 27.5
Weather: clear sky

The mosquitos were so bad this morning that I stowed my treking poles so that my hands would be free to swat. It looks like I'm on my own for the moment, no one caught up yesterday. It was a little wierd not seeing T Mac or Turbo at the shelter at the end of the day since I had been hiking with them for 330 miles.
Date: 2007-06-09
From: Upper Goose Pond Cabin

To: Tom Levardi's House
Miles today: 20.6

I got a late start for a few reasons. It was cloudy when I first woke up so I thought it was earlier that it really was. I also had to wait for the caretaker to make some pancakes. Late start today means I'll get to town too late to do my laundry today so I'll have to do it tomorrow and get out late again. Anyway on to more exciting news. Today was hopefully my new sock day. It's bitter sweet because nothing is better than than pulling on new socks in the middle of the woods, as opposed to clean or day old socks. But I don't want to have to buy any more socks.
Date: 2007-06-10
From: Tom Levardi's House

To: Mark Noepel Laen-to
Miles today: 13.7

At the Dalton Diner I had one of the best breakfasts along the trail: an omelet with spinach, mushrooms, and sour cream. Did my laundry for the first time since the beginning of CT. Getting out late turned in to a blessing, the rain had stopped by the time I started.
Date: 2007-06-11
From: Mark Noepel Laen-to

To: Congdon Shelter
Miles today: 23.7
Weather: light rain

Climbed to the highest point in Mass this morning, Mt. Graylock, which for some reason has a lighthouse on top of it. After resupply and a quick lunch it was off to Vermont. After a week in my new North Face shoes I have come to the realization that they suck. The soles have started to peel away from the upper at the toe and the laces have started to rip. It looks like I'll need a new pair to finish the trail.
Date: 2007-06-12
From: Congdon Shelter

To: Kid Gore Shelter
Miles today: 18.7
Weather: light rain

Almost a non stop day, just two little breaks for snacks because of the bugs and an impending thunderstorm. The thunder started at 13:00 but it never rained. The only good thing about it was that I finished the day rather early. The views and shelters have been great through this part of VT. The section hikers shared their black beans and chili, which was nice to have some hot food. I'll be going back to cooking through the whites (NH) as it has been chilly the past few nights.
Date: 2007-06-13
From: Kid Gore Shelter

To: Spruce Peak Shelter
Miles today: 22.4
Weather: light rain

Today started out as a pretty crappy day. First a porcupine stopped by the shelter a few times to gnaw on the wood and not let me sleep. In the morning, as I was eating breakfast, not wanting to get out of bed, I watched clouds roll up the mountain towards the shelter. I sat around until 8:30 deciding whether or not to hike. All morning and part of the afternoon I walked through mist, it never turned to rain. It would have been great had my shoes not slipped on everything, and the overlooks not been fogged over. Things turned around for the last three miles. First I passed mile 1630.5 3/4 of the way done, or more commonly referred to as only 1/4 of the trail left. Further on I saw a bear (finally). Lastly the shelter had a wood stove, which I used to toast my bagels and take the chill out of the air.
Date: 2007-06-14
From: Spruce Peak Shelter

To: BIg Branch Shelter
Miles today: 19.3
Weather: broken clouds

Productive afternoon with 16.5 miles coming after 13:00 when I finally got back to the trail from resupply, new shoes and perusing the book store. There where some great views today, but the trail could have been better blazed. Alone for the night unless you count the bold mice, whom I think have a death wish.
Date: 2007-06-15
From: BIg Branch Shelter

To: Swan Song Shelter
Miles today: 21.3

Guide on how to maintain a shelter and have it named after you without waiting on the ATC or local trail clubs.Step 1: Own land reasonably close to the Trail.Step 2: Build it and they (hikers) will come. Thanks to Swan Song and Riverdog for an alternative to the public, much partied at shelter just of the road. Great hiking except that every uphill was steep. Coincidently only 500 miles to Mount Katahdin.
Date: 2007-06-16
From: Swan Song Shelter

To: Stony Brook Shelter
Miles today: 22.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Didn't leave until 8:30 this morning so thoughts of a 30 mile day ended quickly. Stopping at a Pub for a bite and a pint didn't help either. I stopped in at The Inn at Long Trail, which opened in 1938 and was once on the AT. Found out that T Mac, Turbo, Hatchet Jack, and El Train were all 20 miles ahead and heading to town tomorrow so I think I'll try to catch them.
Date: 2007-06-17
From: Stony Brook Shelter

To: Norwich, VT
Miles today: 34.6

No lookouts so it was easy to cruise. I woke up at 4:47 and hit the trail at 5:30. After being on the trail for 12 hours I stopped for dinner and possibly the day, but the lure of town, friends, and getting away from the bugs pushed me on. On my way to Hanover I passed the house of "The Brain"'s parents who had a sign out offering a place to sleep. I was walking up to the door to inquire if other thru hikers had passed by when I saw T Mac. I stayed the night and had a fantastic second dinner.
Date: 2007-06-18
From: Norwich, VT

To: Boston, via Hanover
Miles today: 1.5

Nice down hill walk into town. After breakfast I wondered around Dartmouth's Campus waiting for the bus. Along with a subway ride I made it over to Tuft's University to hang out with Chris and Chelsea for a couple of days. I gilled steaks to go along with baked potatoes and asparagus for dinner. It was finished off with strawberry shortcake.
Date: 2007-06-19
From: Boston, via Hanover

To: Boston
Miles today: 0.0

I felt today was very productive. I read "Plenty", a book about a couple who ate only foods produced within a 100 mile radius of their home. It was interesting and enlightening. I resupplied and made a strawberry, raspberry, and blueberry pie. I was invited to stay as long as I did the dishes and mad a pie every day for the rest of the summer. Back to the trail tomorrow. Sorry about the lack of Pictures but it looks like they will have to wait until I finish the trail. For everyone still looking for my pictures they can be found here: http://picasaweb.google.com/AnselAT07
Date: 2007-06-20
From: Boston

To: Moore Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: light rain

Back to the trail for a half day of hiking. I didn't really see the sights of Boston, just those between Chris's, Chelsea's, and the grocery store. I'm glad to be back in the woods where the nights are cool as opposed to hot and muggy. Chelsea made some fantastic blueberry pancakes before I caught the bus back.
Date: 2007-06-22
From: Hexacuba Shelter

To: Hiker's Welcome Hostel, Glencliff NH
Miles today: 14.7

Isn't it funny how ice falling from the sky can change your plans. After getting completely drenched along with a bit of hail I decided it was time for a hot shower and to go indoors. I spent the afternoon watching movies and eating the food that the Machoines and Aunt Ginny and Uncle Sean sent.
Date: 2007-06-23
From: Hiker's Welcome Hostel, Glencliff NH

To: Eliza Brook Shelter
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Entered the White Mountains and went above tree line for the first time. It was cloudy and windy, 40 - 50 mph. (Someone had a wind gage up there.) Here's a question for the ages "Why are we walking thousands of miles over countless mountains just to summit one?" Thanks to El Train for making me question my sanity.
Date: 2007-06-25
From: Liberty Springs Tentsite

To: Zealand Falls Hut
Miles today: 17.4

I absolutely positively love my life! (That may be an understatement) The whites make you work hard but the views are worth it. I'm working for stay at the hut, which means I spent 15 minutes of work for two meals and a roof to sleep under. I think I'm going to explode from all the food I ate.
Date: 2007-06-26
From: Zealand Falls Hut

To: Lakes of the Clouds Hut
Miles today: 18.9
Weather: clear sky

Staying just short of Mt. Washington tonight. The Huts are pretty cool and they would be cool to work at, if I can't get a real job for next summer. The ridge running up here is great, I wish more of the trail was this way. I went for a swim up at 5,050 ft, the water up here is still chilly.
Date: 2007-06-27
From: Lakes of the Clouds Hut

To: Stealth, Pinkham Notch
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: fog

The last 8 miles were HARD. visibility on Mt. Washington was limited to 10 feet or so. As the the day wore on the sky cleared for more great ridge walking. It also cleared up in time for me to moon the cog.
Date: 2007-06-28
From: Stealth, Pinkham Notch

To: Hiker's Paridise, Gorham, NH
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: overcast clouds

It took the whole way through the Whites but I finally got a 20 mile day in. I cracked the 300 mile to go point and I'm starting to dream about all the sitting that I'll be doing once I'm done. Dinner was some bad oriental food followed by some Ice cream and beer.
Date: 2007-06-29
From: Hiker's Paridise, Gorham, NH

To: Carlo Col Shelter
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: clear sky

Town chores and plain laziness kept me from the trail until 13:00. That wouldn't be a problem had I not be in NH where the trail is rocky and steep. I finally crossed into the last state. Only 281 miles to go. Its tough to wrap my mind around the fact that I have walked from Georgia to Maine.
Date: 2007-07-09
From: Bald Mountain Pond

To: Shaw's Monson, Maine 
Miles today: 12.5

Last town stop, maildrop, resupply, and hostel stay for the trip. The pub is closed on mondays so its gas station pizza, the only other option. Met a class from Christopher Newport University out to hike the 100 mile wilderness. Maybe I should have tried to get credit for this.
Date: 2007-07-10
From: Shaw's Monson, Maine 

To: Stealth on Barron Mountian
Miles today: 22.4

I didn't get out to the trail until 11:00, mainly from trying to digest the epic breakfast. 6 Blueberry pancakes, 6 eggs, 6 sausage links, 6 slices of bacon, and 6 orders of hash browns. I picked up a dress shirt from the hiker box to replace the shirt my backpack ate. Katahdin is getting so close that I can taste it. (It tastes like champagne and cigars).
Date: 2007-07-11
From: Stealth on Barron Mountian

To: Logan Brook Lean-to
Miles today: 28.0
Weather: clear sky

I started out by oversleeping since it was as bright at 8:20 as it was at 4:30 when I first woke up. Rained on and off thoughout the day so I chose to not take my shoes off when fording the river. The 100 Mile Wilderness should be changed to the 100 person per mile wilderness.
Date: 2007-07-13
From: Wadleigh Stream Lean-to

To: The Birches
Miles today: 33.0
Weather: scattered clouds

The middle 11 miles were getting me down, but I gained a second wind everytime I caught a glimpse of Katahdin through the trees. At 10:00 I was so hungry that I ate everything that I had left. Luckily there would be a store where I can get one more days worth of food. I practically ran the 9.9 miles. I'm so excited that I feel like a young kid on Christmas eve.
Date: 2007-07-14
From: The Birches

To: Mount Katahdin
Miles today: 5.2
Weather: scattered clouds

At 11:00 this morning I was done. There were not more white blazes to follow, just blue as far as the eye could see. It was a nice class II day, fantastic views that were interrupted periodically by the clouds. It was great to finish with four other guys that I had hiked on and off with for parts of the trail. I finally left the summit around 2:30, once the champagne and cigars were done.
Date: 2006-12-14
To: Peace of Mind
Miles today: 0.0

So, this is it. I have just finished my last final for at least 8 months. The trail seems ever so close as departure is right around the corner. February 12th is the big day. I am already chomping at the bit.My first experience on the trail was probably in seventh grade with my boy scout troop and has held an endeared spot in my life since. This is even with what I consider to be the typical first backpacking trip of torture. Mom helped pack. Imagine that.And now for my current endeavor. My last years of high school, as nature seemed to become elusive, I began to think and talk about thru-hiking as if it were a dream, an exciting thing to joke about. These fantasies seemed to slowly turn into a possible adventure. Throughout the Eagle Scout process, before I knew it, a good buddy of mine, trail name to be determined, and I were planning on thru-hiking spring semester of our sophomore year.We fully committed to the idea May of this past year and began the planning process, surprisingly to our folks approval and support. So we planned and talked etc. and decided on February 12th. We also prayed for a little "El Nino" to provide a relatively mild winter. It's been quite mild so far...So on with the background. This past August another buddy, our plans unbeknownst to him, suggested that we do the trail. With that, there was a trio.The end of the semester has anxiously been awaited for and is finally here. It is time to get down to business with planning and the organization to lay the foundation for a successful trip.Well, there is the background. It is finally time to get down to business.I can't wait!--?-"You see things; and you say 'Why?'; But I dream things that never were; and I say 'Why not?'" - George Bernard Shaw
Date: 2006-12-26
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

There has been another addition to the group. This makes four. We all met, trail nameless the other day and began to plan our re-supplies. We have planned up until Troutville, VA. At this point we will take about a week off to come home, plan the rest of the trail, and visit with those that we'll all be missing. Sam and I did a 100-mile section of starting in Troutville this past August to be sure that a thru-hike was something we truly wanted to do. And...we do. Our goal is to get to Troutville by April 1st. This is no April Fools. At least I hope not.The trail is beginning to fully-consume my mind. I feel prepared for what is to come and on track as far as planning is going. The next step is to begin composing our re-supply boxes. I am hoping for diversity in the menu. I have been trying to put on weight the past month, and have put on 12-15 pounds. I have yet to break the 200 pound mark. I would like to be 215 by the time February comes around. This is solely so I can lose it in the first 2 weeks of hiking.I can not describe the anticipation and eagerness that I feel. February can not come soon enough.
Date: 2007-01-18
To: Anticipation
Miles today: 0.0

Hello again and welcome. 24 days and I will finally be on the trail. I feel today that I am more prepared than ever. I have nothing holding me back now. I am solely the trails.North Carolina got her first taste of cold weather last night with some freezing rain and whatnot. It has been an incredibly mild winter, as I am sure you are aware, and I am somewhat surprised that I am welcoming this cold weather. I am not the warmest of blooded people, so February may be an adventure on the trail. Keeping warm is a pretty big concern of mine and since I haven't been able to beef up much, things may be interesting.Sam and I are headed to South Mountain this weekend to help with our old scout troop. I am anxious to see how my cold weather gear is going to treat me. Everything feels a little on the light side to keep me warm down into the teens. But technology never ceases to amaze me, so I guess we'll see what happens.I am finally getting around to posting some pictures from a 100-mile section in Central VA from this summer. Maybe I will even get gear and mail-drops posted. 24 days...-ChrisAll earthy delights are sweeter in expectation than enjoyment; but all spiritual pleasures more in fruition than expectation.--Owen Feltham