morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-09-20
From: Abol Pines Campground

To: Katahdin Stream campground
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: clear sky

We had just spent our last night camping together. It was really all too sad for me. I am going to miss Storm terribly. I woke up several times in the night. I usually pee around three. My Therma Rest sleeping pad is very noisy, but comfortable I love it. Anyhow, I think I wake Storm up moving around on it. Now he has to pee at three too He always says, "is it time", meaning time to get up. If it's too early I say no. We have a fun routine. This morning I could hear him outside my tent so I got dressed and unzipped the door. Storm was making hot chocolate for me. Our last morning in the woods together.I really can't express how wonderful this journey has been. It has been made that much better by having someone who wanted to stick with me. To share it with me. What an honor and a privilege.We had only 9.5 miles to cover until our last mountain. We had been told they were very easy miles. One last time, don't believe what you hear. We had to ford the stream in two places. There were rocks and roots. There were also flat beautiful stretches. I told Stephen to meet us at the campground at 1. We were there at 12:25, so was he. We all went over to the ranger station and got registered for our summit the next day. It was wonderful to go back to a hotel get cleaned up and fed. That is the longest I have been without a shower and clean clothes. I really don't want to go that long again. This is day 6 of not falling. I guess it had taken me this long to learn how to walk
Date: 2016-09-22
To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I kept telling Storm he could finish the hike faster if he didn't wait for me. I said you should hike with Cake she is faster. You will have fun. I wasn't trying to get rid of him. I just felt bad when he had to wait for me. I am amazed at his patience and that he really enjoyed being with me. He even wrote down in his phone some of the things I always said so he wouldn't forget them. I know we will remain friends but it is not the same as being together every day. I could have finished this hike on my own but it would not have been nearly as fun. One morning we did not want to change out of our leggins we sleep in. As the day got warmer I had to find a place to do a complete bottom change. Pine needles on your socks as you slip into your shorts, not good. Storm was in the same situation. We got to the top of something and it was all rock with some good boulders to lean on. I said ok I need to change here. No peaking. Storm said he would change he too. We were about 15ft apart each with our own boulder for support. I said, you realize this is when the boy scout troop is going to come up the trail We had such fun. I want to thank Storm for all his help, support and friendship.
Date: 2016-10-11
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I came on this hike for many reasons but I did it in memory of my daughter Jen. She would have been 29 years old on April 16 when I started. I carried her baby shoes with me from start to finish. I also wear one of her rings. It was nice to have a bit of her with me. Towards the end of the hike I told Storm I wanted to get a picture of Jen's shoes with some of my favourite things. He and I collected the leaves and looked for a sunny spot with bright green moss. I also love the white birch bark and this beautiful ivy that grows along the trail. I tried to get it all together for the picture. Jen didn't really like camping but she loved walking in the woods with her dog. I have come to a peaceful place in my heart now. I still wish she was here. I still wish I could have stopped her, helped her. But, now I am not so sad. Jen did what she felt was the only choice for her. I have to go on living. I have to be happy. I can be happy. I have chosen to be happy. I know I will see my daughter again. I now know that Jen knows I love her. That's all that matters. I am grateful for the time I had to ponder in the woods.
Date: 2016-12-26
To: Merry Christmas 2016
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I am working on my journal now. I want to add the pictures to each day. I didn't know how to do that for over half my hike. Finally I met Storm and asked him to teach me how to add pictures. Well now I have plenty of time to work on my journal.Just a little update on me. I never finished high school. It's something I always wanted to do. About 10 days after I finished my hike I started GED school. I am registered to write the test in Feb. It is five tests with a total time allowed of 10hrs, given over two consecutive days. I am so happy to be doing this. I have applied for cooking school in the fall I hope I get in. I feel I'm taking charge of my life.Merry Christmas everyone Make great plans for the New Year.Be kind Be patient Be happy Be grateful Be forgiving Be present/deliberate/ don't just exist LIVE!!!
Date: 2018-07-29
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

After finishing my hike my first priority was to finish high school. I enrolled in the Adult Learning program and got to work. Oct 2016 - March 2017 I studied and wrote test after test. Mar I took the final testing and passed. At 52 years old I finally finished high school with a GED. Better late then never.Next I enrolled in College. The Culinary Arts program at NBCC St.Andrews. I had been cooking for years but had no papers of any kind. Another life goal.
Date: 2015-10-28
From: Damascus

To: Damascus
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

I attended the Oct 12-16 Warren Doyle ATI class in prep for my 2016 Thru Hike. Interesting class, lots of good details on the trail. We also hiked three different sections of the trail in the Damascus area.Still gathering my gear and reading others journals for advice.Looking forward to mid March to begin the hike.The adventure awaits!
Date: 2016-03-28
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Burningtown Gap
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: light rain

Stayed with my brother this past weekend for Easter. It has been 12 days since I started my journey and 10th day on the trail. Made it to Wayah Bald, elevation of 5342 ft, beautiful views. My dad used to take us hiking there.
Date: 2016-04-06
From: Tri-corner Knob Shelter

To: Standing Bear Hostel
Miles today: 18.1
Weather: clear sky

I finished the last stretch of The Smokey Mountain State Park and I'm about 35 miles from Hot Springs. At the hostel I had 4 orange sodas, pepperoni pizza and cinnamon role. Yum! The bunk house I stayed in had 14 bed spots and half of the guys were snoring.
Date: 2016-04-12
From: Flint Mountain Shelter

To: Sams Gap
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: broken clouds

It rained all morning, but I got some trail magic (which is people who come in that give out food to the hikers) I got a cinnamon roll, coke, and banana. Delicious after being wet uncomfortable all day. But Im staying with my cousin Jim and Linda tonight and tomorrow night to recoup.
Date: 2016-04-14
From: Sams Gap

To: No Business Knob Shelter
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: overcast clouds

I made it to this shelter and I believe it was called no business because there wasn't anywhere for you to do your business. I saw two bald eagles today, very pretty. I weighed myself when I stayed with my cousin and I think I was dehydrated because I was down about 20 pounds. But after eating and rehydrating I went back up about 10-12.
Date: 2016-04-15
From: No Business Knob Shelter

To: Indian Grave Gap
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: broken clouds

I went to a Hostel called Uncle Johnnys and restocked my food supply and then got a ride from a Sherriff Deputy to a pizza buffet in Erwin TN and then continued hiking after eating 9 slices of pizza, a salad, and abut 5 mountain dews.
Date: 2016-04-20
From: Black Bear Resort

To: Campsite above Watuga Lake
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: clear sky

I saw a helicopter stop to pick up some water to drop on the forest fire today which was pretty cool. While I was hiking I could still the smoke. I also went over top Watauga Damn which is the largest earthen damn in the US. I made it to the shelter but it was full so I had to walk a little further to find water and set up camp.
Date: 2016-04-21
From: Campsite above Watuga Lake

To: Abing Don Gap Shelter
Miles today: 21.1
Weather: overcast clouds

It was a good hiking day very warm and muggy. There was a spot at a road crossing on highway 91 where some girl scouts left some trail magic. It started to rain before I got to the shelter so it was nice not to have to set up the tent.
Date: 2016-04-25
From: The Meadows

To: High Point
Miles today: 26.5
Weather: clear sky

I saw a lot of wild life today, about 10 deer, some texas longhorn, and my first bear! As I was walking along I just happened to see a big black bear about 80 yards ahead of me so I started to knock my hicking sticks together to make some noise, the bear saw me and ran away from me but in the direction I was headed. So as I was walking I continued to make some noise, and I could see the bear still running ahead of me, but because I was paying attention to the bear i stepped of the side of the trail and fell but I luckily caught myself before I rolled down the hill. After I got up I lost the bear so I continued to make noise as I was walking. Finally I got to the campo site and it was dark so I quickly set up camp and went to bed. Around midnight I heard something walking outside my tent and, I listened for a little bit but finally had to get up and see what it was. When I shined my flash light around I saw the eyes of something pretty big but I never was able to see what it was. Needless to say it was a LONG day!
Date: 2016-04-29
From: Davis Farm Campsite

To: Bland, VA
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: broken clouds

I made it to Bland, VA where Ill be staying in Big Walker Motel for the next couple nights. My Mom, Brother, Sister-in-law, and niece are coming to visit with me tomorrow and bring me some food! It will be nice to have the next couple days off to relax and eat. I can tell Ive lost some weight so Im taking advantage of these days off.
Date: 2015-12-30
To: Facial hair has me missing the trail
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Since I left the trail and have been trying to function in society again I find that seeing beards makes me sometimes smile and sometimes feel melancholy. Before the trail I was not fond of seeing facial hair on men. Since returning it is quite the opposite. It reminds me of a wonderful adventure I experienced in my life. At the same time it reminds me that that adventure has yet to be completed.
Date: 2016-01-01
To: The Trial is Calling....
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

For the first time since I came off the trail in July I am truly happy. When I came off the trail I told myself I would eventually finish the trail through section hiking over the years. But a week at a time on the trail does not compare to immersing yourself in the trail for months. So I have decided I will work hard to save up the funds to go back to the trail this summer to finish my hike.I plan to go back to the Bellvale Creamery in New York, my last good memory on the trial, and continuing from there to Katahdin.I am a very goal-oriented person and hiking the Appalachian Trail is a goal I want to complete now, not years from now.
Date: 2016-01-03
To: Saving Every Penny
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Now that the decision has been made it is time to get serious about saving up the funds. Saw this Penny Challenge on Facebook that shows by the end of the year you would have $667. Since I need the money for this summer I have started two penny jars and saving for half of the year, I'll have $333 by June 30. Not bad for spare change.
Date: 2016-01-16
To: New Kicks for 2016
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I found some new trail runners for when I return to the trail this year to finish my 2015 hike and when I saw what they were called I was sold. They are Salomon Fellraisers. If you know any thing about my 2015 hike you know how appropriate the name is for me. Hoping these Fellraisers keep the falls from being so hurtful this year and I'm able to just rise up and keep on hiking.
Date: 2016-02-07
To: What type of hiker are you?
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

I just figured out today what LASH stands for in hiker terms and I have to say I like it. It stands for Long Ass Section Hiker. Since I plan on completing the entire Appalachian Trail in just two long ass sections over two seasons, I will be a LASH rather than a thru hiker when I summit Katahdin this summer. All due respect to my thru-hiker friends but I am kind of a fan of having the word "ass" in my hiker tag line.
Date: 2016-04-09
To: Trail Anniversaries
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

The last couple of weeks my Facebook has been filled with my trail friend's trailiversaries. One year ago we were going through what the class of 2016 is going through now. Those feelings of anxiety and anticipation and the realization of a dream/adventure just beginning. The honeymoon phase when everything is wonderful, even the unpleasant things. I am paying special attention to hikers starting about the time I did last year, March 30. Because these are likely the hikers I will have the chance to meet when I return to the trail in July in New York. Enjoy your adventure class of 2016 and be safe. See some of you in New York and beyond.
Date: 2016-06-23
To: Still waiting to launch
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

It feels like I am going to be the last hiker to the trail this season. Have been following some hikers on Trailjournals.com and some have already gone home before I even set foot on the trail. Still trying to figure out some of the hikers I may have the opportunity to meet from the class of 2016. Also happy to know that fellow 2015 hikers have returned to the trail this season to finish what they started last year. A little over two weeks until I am back on the AT. Plan on doing trail magic for a couple days before I return on July 11.
Date: 2016-07-10
To: Trail Magic
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Trail Magic on July 10th was at High Point State Park in New Jersey. We had many hikers: 9 thru hikers, two section hikers and a Boy Scout Troop. Some of the thru-hikers names were: Salt, Pepper, Sea Dog, Mountain Rose, Cheese & Beer and Scuba Steve. The Boy Scout troop was especially surprised by the trail magic and the troop leaders are interested in maybe doing Trail magic in the future.
Date: 2016-07-11
To: More Trail Magic and on the trail
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Today's Trail magic was at a parking lot off Arden Valley Road in Harriman State Park. Thru-hikers at this location were: Slow Jam, Otter, Terodactyl, Lighten up, Fish & chips, Christins, Little Red, Buff, Rasputin, Applejack, Gnome, Bang bang, Juice, Shaggy, GaMel, Right lane, Pirate and Big Bad Wolf. We ended Trail magic around 4 p.m. went back to the hotel and had dinner then went to Bellvale Creamery for dessert. From there I walked a short ways down the road and got back on the Appalachian Trail.
Date: 2016-07-12
From: Wildcat shelter

To: Fingerboard shelter
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: clear sky

First full day on the trail. Rehiking the hike the that ended of my thru hike last year. With one change stayed on the AT. What I was trying to avoid last year wasn't that bad.I was on the trail at 6:30 a.m.Hiking Pace was great, felt fresh and strong then I hit the section called Agony Grind and all that rock climbing sapped all of my energy. My first 7 miles went well the second 7 I was crawling.The Lemon Squeezer towad the end of the day sucked. As if squeezing between rocks that force you to take your pack off to get through wasn't bad enough it was followed by a hellaciously steep climb.
Date: 2016-07-13
From: Fingerboard shelter

To:  Beechy Brook
Miles today: 7.6
Weather: broken clouds

Between the exhaustion from yesterday's hike and the humidity today I had no energy from start to finish. I probably had as much break time as hike time today. My mind has already done 1400 miles and wants to do miles now but my body is not in the shape it was a year ago.Meet Duckbat and his girlfriend yesterday and saw them on the hike today as well. I forgot my lighter to light my stove and they had an extra lighter they gifted me. Yay, warm food for dinner! At William Brien shelter a day hiker wanted to talk to me about long distance hiking. She would like to do the AT in sections someday. She gifted me an apple and protein bar. Around 7 p.m. Nachos, Plenty and High-tech camped at the brook as well.
Date: 2016-07-14
From:  Beechy Brook

To: Graymoor Monastary
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: light rain

After eating 2 dinners yesterday my energy was pretty good today. It rained last night and humidity was horrendous. Today's hike included going up and over Bear mountain. During the climb up the mountain I was passed by Seadog, Salt and Pepper (from the Nee Jersey trail magic) and they recognized me. At the top of Bear mountain are three vending machines as well as a deer waiting for somebody to buy chips. Lots of litter on the mountain trail, it is sad to see. After you descend you go through the trail zoo then across the bridge over the Hudson river. The climb after the bridge was taking so long I was going to stop at a campsite but I somehow missed it and ended up going to the Graymoor monastery, they let hikers stay at the ball field shelter. I was glad things turned out the way they did because after all of the Appalachian Trail books I have read I have always wanted to stay at Graymoor. On the way to Graymoor I stopped at the Appalachian Trail market for dinner. The quesadilla was so big I will have it for breakfast and lunch tomorrow as well.Will add photo later, I use a camera not my phone. ( :
Date: 2016-07-15
From: Graymoor Monastary

To: stealth site 1419.9
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: clear sky

Quesadilla for breakfast on the trail before 8 am. Good energy, nice terrain. A couple hours later hikers started passing me. Quesadilla for lunch. By early afternoon I was sacked again I couldn't keep my core temperature down in this heat. I even poured water over my head at a water source. I was headed for Fahnestock State Park but instead decided to stealth camp near a lake. Lots of bird activity and toad activity on this Lake.Just like last year I have to give my body time to adapt before I can do the bigger miles again. Patience, not one of my strengths.
Date: 2016-07-16
From: stealth site 1419.9

To: RPH shelter
Miles today: 8.9
Weather: clear sky

Warm morning hike to the Fahnestock state park. Rolled in just as concession stand opened. Early lunch, Italian Ice and Gatorade. Stayed a few hours and just before getting back on the trail took a dip in the lake. That kept my core temperature down for a couple of hours. Pretty easy hike into RHO cabin shelter.There was one ripe blackberry on the trail and I ate it.RPH cabin is close enough to the road that they deliver food. I had a Caesar salad and pizza. Leftover pizza will be breakfast tomorrow.Many hikers at this location including: Wet tent, good doctor, turtle, long Portage, signpost, Peaches, Sea Dog, salt, pepper and Muffin Man
Date: 2016-07-17
From: RPH shelter

To: stealth site Nuclear Lake
Miles today: 14.0

Pizza for breakfast. Hiked 6 miles to a road with another deli where many hikers headed to get food, sodas, ice cream as well as fill our water bottles.After leaving there and back on the trail the bushes started to have more ripe berries. The terrain was pretty kind to us today. Saw many hikers on the trail today. As I hiked in the afternoon a singing hiker came up behind me. His name was Kemosabe and he's from Niles, Michigan. We talked for a bit and discussed the falls we had had. As he hiked ahead he took off kind of quickly and proceeded to fall right in front of me. Thankfully just a scratch on the arm and a torn t-shirt sleeve.Reached Morgan Stewart shelter early and I felt good enough to get more miles. So I headed for Nuclear Lake to stealth camp. Come to find out there are many signs posted for no camping at Nuclear Lake that I didn't see until I left the side trail the next morning. As I was hiking today I kept smelling pizza seems like I was sweating it from the pizza I had the night before.I enjoyed today.
Date: 2016-07-18
From: stealth site Nuclear Lake

To: Wiley shelter 
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Left my stealth site at Nuclear Lake and later saw signs all day about not camping at Nuclear Lake. Oops.Had my first trail magic of this season at Dover Road from hiker, Miles to go and her husband Sidetracked. Mountain Dew, chocolate chip muffins, dark cherries.Had Trail berries again today. Route 22 was a visit to Tony's Deli. Stuffed myself and hauled out half a sandwich for later. Leaving Route 22 was heat of the day and was slow going. At 3 p.m. rain rolled in and that was refreshing.At Wiley shelter Super Hip (2012 thru hiker) had Trail magic of donuts and soda. Other hikers at the shelter tonight we're Wilder bang bang and moonshine. During the trail magic a Rowdy group rolled in to eat and drink and then rolled out.
Date: 2016-07-19
From: Wiley shelter 

To: stealth site 1467.8
Miles today: 13.4

Rained last night and in the morning the humidity had finally broke. Met up with Wet tent at Ten Mile shelter and hiked together for a little while today.Entering Connecticut was gorgeous smooth trail, big beautiful stream. Later in the day we were climbing rocks again. Into Kent for dinner bacon BBQ hot dogs. Climbed half mile to stealth, other hikers did the same.
Date: 2016-07-20
From: stealth site 1467.8

To: Ceasar brook campsite
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: clear sky

Had trouble falling asleep last night, feet couldn't get comfortable.Starting to see some hikers more than once. In a bubble with Wet tent, Wilder, Bang Bang, moonshine and McLovin.After a week already having some firsts. Have a dark toenail so it's looking like I may lose one this year. Have a blister on my heel, first AT blister. Hiked with music for the first time today and also today first time hiking Commando.At campsite with wet tent, McLovin, a local guy hiking Connecticut and another hiker.Some highlights today was the descent down st. John's ledges which was extremely steep. And on the flat portion of the hike today met Val with her dog she is from New York now living in Vermont and I crossed paths with her on the trail in Connecticut out for a day hike.
Date: 2016-07-21
From: Ceasar brook campsite

To: Falls Village, CT
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: moderate rain

Today did not turn out as I had planned. The plan was up early make my way to Falls Village to go to the hostel for the evening and zero day tomorrow. I was so looking forward to this since this was going to be my first shower since I started the trail 10 days ago. I texted the hostel at 8 a.m. to reserve a bunk for Thursday and Friday.I stopped for a snack and checked my phone to find out that the hostel had no availability until Saturday. The only other option in Falls Village with showers is an expensive hotel.Went into town for my mail drop at the post office and told them I had just missed the open hours of the restaurant in town. The staff at the post office called the restaurant to see if they could still feed a hungry hiker. The response was, "Send her over." They let me in the closed restaurant and made me a cheeseburger and I had a soda.It was now the heat of day and I had a resupplied (heavy) food bag, 2 liters of water and a 900 foot climb to a shelter that was three miles up the trail and a half mile off the trail. The restaurant owner said he lets hikers tent on his property. So I hung my hammock with plans to do that 900 foot climb during cooler morning temperatures. I made a reservation for a room 7 miles up the trail in Salisbury for a shower and laundry tomorrow. There was another tent here that turned out to be a hiker I know, Kemosabe and his wife, Foxtrot.