morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-08-28
From: High Point Shelter

To: Stealth
Miles today: 17.2

Ended up being one of the best days yet. Totally slept in because of the rain. Did start about 9, I think. Some rocky areas again, but also did some 3 miles an hour also. Leaves are changing color already. Amazing. Counted 102 newts today on the trail. They love coming out after a rain. Hip sores are still bad. Putting alot of cream on them.
Date: 2012-08-29
From: Stealth

To: Stealth
Miles today: 19.2

Chalk another one up for the trail. My shoes bit the dust today. The bottoms fell completely apart. Granted they were not new, but thought they would last longer then 6 days. Forget it was Labor day on Monday, so will need to wait til Tuesday to get packages. Got up early today for a great sunrise. Was a little cold. Stayed wrapped up in sleeping bag to watch sunrise. Hiked on some nice ridges today. More rocks of course. Will not let the trail win. Havign a great sunset before bed now.
Date: 2012-08-30
From: Stealth

To: Delaware Water Gap - Church of the Mtn.
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: clear sky

Another cold morning. Waiting for the sun to come up before getting out of hammock. Was in no rush today. Took time getting into town. Arrived about 11. Had to wear crocs into town, was not that bad. Went to Hostel, dropped stuff off. Was only person there. A great hostel in the Church. Went to the Farmers Market for a hot dog and slice of pie. Great stuff. Got boxes and new shoes at outfitters. 3 more SOBO's showed up. Had no idea they were that close. Q, Slowride and Devo. Rested at hostel in the afternoon and went thru boxes. The Church was having a potluck dinner at 6. Last one of the season. The most food I have ever ate. Gained about 4 pounds. The halfway mark is coming up.
Date: 2012-08-31
From: Delaware Water Gap - Church of the Mtn.

To: Campsite
Miles today: 9.8
Weather: broken clouds

Ended up sleeping on the couch in the hostel. More comfortable then the bunks. Went to Diner for breakfast about 7. Average Diner, nothing special. Waited for Post Office to open and hiking by 9. Small climb out of town of course, with full belly and pack again. Never fails. Need to break new shoes in. Got a 9.5 size instead of 10. 10's seems to big. Some rubbing on the right pinkie toe. Should be ok after a few days. Got into the start of the "rocks" today. Should be fun. Water sources are far apart now. Need to start looking for bears and snakes. Made the 900 mile mark today.
Date: 2012-09-01
From: Campsite

To: Leroy Smith Shelter
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: broken clouds

Got into Wind Gap a hour early, about 10. Did not have far to go today, so walked around town. Thought about a movie, but nothing playing until the evening. Got to shelter about 3. Rocks not that bad yet. Another SOBO and section hiker showed up. Had some nice conversation and fire. Normal mile day tomorrow. Water sources maybe a issue.
Date: 2012-09-02
From: Leroy Smith Shelter

To: Palmerton, PA
Miles today: 15.5

Water, where is their water? 2.5 liters to last the whole day. Rocks still not that bad. Got lost going into Palmerton. Was literally on the wrong side of the rail road tracks. Had to cross river to get into town. No one was around to let me into the hostel. Thankfully, two other hikers were already there. Mr. Coffee and Protester. Both NOBO's. They mad cheeseburgers for dinner. So good.
Date: 2012-09-03
From: Palmerton, PA

To: Campsite
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: light rain

Mr. Coffee and I got up about 630, had breakfast and talked. Got a ride out of town, thankfully. Did not want to get lost again. On and off rain in the morning. More rocks, but still ok. Mostly slow going. Water was still a issue. Will try to get to Port Clinton tomorrow. More rain coming.
Date: 2012-09-04
From: Campsite

To: Windsor Furnace Shelter
Miles today: 18.6
Weather: light rain

A lonely day.Did not rain as much I thought it would last night. Did good getting stuff packed up a little wet. Hard doing a normal day after going slow. Took lots of breaks. More rain on and off today. Saw only 1 person today. More rain tonight, so staying in shelter. No views today at all. In the clouds all day. Finally get resupplied tomorrow.
Date: 2012-09-05
From: Windsor Furnace Shelter

To: Eagles Nest Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Was nice to have the shelter all to myself. Got started about 8. Got to Post Office before 11. Buzz, Woody and Littlefoot showed up at Post Office. They had spend 3 days a Hershey Park. The Peanut Shop in Port Clinton was cool. Loadedup on candy. Took another fall today. Broke the handle on the pole. Weather finally cleared off by the afternoon. Was able to dry stuff out.
Date: 2012-09-06
From: Eagles Nest Shelter

To: 501 Shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Basically a normal start to another day. Going by 830. Great pace all day. Took some nice longer breaks. Saw some eagles at the lookout. Difficult to use broken pole. Will need to get new ones. Ordered pizza from shelter, was great. 1000 mile celebration. Now just need ice cream. 3 NOBO's at shelter, wow. They found a SOBO's hat on the trail. I took it from them and will try to catch up to him to give it back.
Date: 2012-09-07
From: 501 Shelter

To: Campsite
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: clear sky

Amazing thunderstorm last night. Was really glad I was in shelter. Got up early, but slow going. Left about 830. Still liking the scenery changes in PA. Found 2 new wood poles to use. Should work out great. Wore crocs for the first half of the day. Trying to keep shoes dry. Could of pushed it to next campsite, but did not. Need longer days soon. Still feeling good about the journey. A little tired. Need to push on. Harpers Ferry not that far away now.
Date: 2012-09-08
From: Campsite

To: Clarks Ferry Shelter
Miles today: 24.7
Weather: broken clouds

So much for a uneventful day. Morning was good. Got going early to try and stay ahead of the rain. Stopped for lunch about 1230. Got trail magic twice. A 6 inch subway sandwich and leftover snacks from 2 different section hikers. Got done with lunch just in time. Big rain storm started. Rain and wind over some balds. Had memories of NH. Only one at shelter again, so slept in shelter. Glad I pushed big miles today, easy hike to town tomorrow.
Date: 2012-09-09
From: Clarks Ferry Shelter

To: Darlington Shelter
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: broken clouds

Made a small fire in the morning to try and dry cloths. A little successful. Got into town about 1030. To early for ice cream place. Ended up walking thru town. Found the Doyle. Little interest in going in. Not open yet anyway. Got a pint of ice cream and gas station and pushed on. The "very rocky" section out of town, was no big deal. Some fields today, but no wind to fly kite. Got to shelter about 445. Finished drying cloths. Happy Birthday to Neptune and Jupiter today. Need to push it to Harpers Ferry. Half way mark coming up.
Date: 2012-09-10
From: Darlington Shelter

To: Campsite
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: broken clouds

Well again, not sure how to sum up this day. High hopes and a great start. Flew kite in a field. Then stopped dead in my tracks when I went into Boiling Springs for resupply and box was not there. Have little food to continue. Stuck til morning, hope box arrives. Did 14 miles into by 1, felt super. The Universe wanted me to stop. Clip on solar charger broke, one of my wood sticks broke and no box. Went to campsite outside of town instead of going to hotel. Save some money. Campsite next to rail road trail. Not sure when I will get to Harpers Ferry now. Beard is getting long. Weird to eat and drink. Not going to trim it.
Date: 2012-09-11
From: Campsite

To: Stealth
Miles today: 17.5

About 6 trains during the night, love it. Still slept good. Got to Post Office and still no box. After a small meltdown, finally decided to have box forwarded and head out. Got a few days of supplies at Conveince Store. Left about 11. Head down and feet forward all day. Stopped just short of the halfway mark.
Date: 2012-09-15
From: Rocky Run Shelter

To: Harpers Ferry - Teahorse hostel
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: clear sky

A boyscout troop showed up at the shelter late. They wee very loud. Up late with them. Got going about 8. Tried to make fast miles today into Harpers Ferry. Did not happen. But finally made it to Harpers Ferry. Another mix a emotions. Made the ATC by 215. 2 boxes were there, so that was good. Got registered and was #79 for SOBO's. Checked into hostel. My whole body was sore. I guess a break is good. Took a bath in the jetted tub. Felt great. Another rest day tomorrow as I wait for Post Office on Monday to hopefully pick up another food box.
Date: 2012-09-17
From: Harpers Ferry - Teahorse hostel

To: Bears Den Hostel
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: overcast clouds

More milestones today, less than 1000 miles to go and back in VA. Left Harpers Ferry about 930 after not getting maildrop box, again. It is out there somewhere, I will find it. Trail was a little rocky today, started to get back in the ups and downs. Did the beginning part of the "Roller Coaster". About 8 more ups to do tomorrow. Stopped at Bears Den Hostel, to see Steady and Deal (the caretakers.) SOBO's from last year that I followed to get ready for my journey. Deal was not there, but was great to finally meet Steady. Relaxed with two other hikers as we are getting ready for the big rainstorm tonight and tomorrow. So far, nothing. Will see what tomorrow brings.
Date: 2012-09-18
From: Bears Den Hostel

To: Sam Morre Shelter
Miles today: 3.0

Got up, raining and very windy. Checked radar at hostel, hoping for a break in the rain. Hung out until 11. Decided to make a break for it. Got some heavy rain while starting the Roller Coaster. Got to the first shelter to take a break. Started raining even harder. I was done for the day. Will finish the Roller Coaster tomorrow.
Date: 2012-09-19
From: Sam Moore Shelter

To: Manassas Gap Shelter
Miles today: 19.8
Weather: clear sky

A cold morning with more rain overnight. Finished the Roller Coaster, not quit what i expected. Just typical ups and downs. Had a better pace after the Roller Coaster. Saw a good amount of section hikers today. Got to shelter at 530, how great. Had a couple smalls views today. Nice field in sky meadows, but no wind. Going to be cold again tonight. Setup hammock in shelter again. It was a good day.
Date: 2012-09-20
From: Manassas Gap Shelter

To: Tom Floyd Shelter
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: clear sky

Nice morning, not super cold. A great spring at shelter. Caught up to Tortoise at next shelter. He did not leave yet for the day. Nice easy 5 miles down hill to town. Got a lift and went to Post Office. Front Royal is a cute town. Went to Visitor Center who is very hiker friendly. Got back to trail about 330. Heavy pack again going out of town. Stupid chocolate. When I got to shelter, Tortoise and a scetion hiker, Jimmy were there. Was nice to chill with them. The start of SNP tomorrow.
Date: 2012-09-22
From: Pass Mountian Hut

To: Rock Spring Hut
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: scattered clouds

A day for the record books. Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha HaHad hopes of a 27 mile day. Their was a Apple Butter Festival at Skyland. Had to check it out. Food line was way to long to waste time. And no funnel cakes, very sad. Tortoise got lost earlier inthe day, we finally meet up and decided to stop at Rock Springs. 15 other people there. It was a Saturday in the SNP. A group of rednecks, yuppy hikers, beer drinking kids and a bunch of weekends. Not alot of sleep.
Date: 2012-09-23
From: Rock Spring Hut

To: Hightop Hut
Miles today: 23.9
Weather: clear sky

43 degress inthe morning, I am going to die. Got up early after very little sleep with everyone being loud. Left at 730 in the cold. Best way to warm up is to start hiking. Trail is still nice and "smooth" in SNP. Tortoise and I were goingto push 30+ today, but ran into Trail Magic Picnic and that stopped us for a couple hours. Gunrunner, a NOBO from earlier this year was doing the Trail Magic. Made shelter by 630. Another good day. Choo Choo and Kory Kory also at Shelter.
Date: 2012-09-24
From: Hightop Hut

To: Black Rock Hut
Miles today: 21.4
Weather: scattered clouds

A nice more quiet relaxing day. Not as many people around. It is not the weekend anymore. We all got up late, 7ish. Cold again. Left by 845. Took it weasy on nice terrain. Tomorrow will be different, need to push into town. Skipped wayside today, waiting for town. Saw first bear, before peak of Blackrock. Ran down hill in front of me. Still a lot of deer. Saw a family of 4 deer walking up hill . Very cute. Made 1300 miles. Time to start counting down. 877 to go.
Date: 2012-09-25
From: Black Rock Hut

To: Waynesboro - YMCA campsite
Miles today: 20.0

We all got up early, still dark. Kory Kory left in the dark, he was very cold. We got fire going to warmup. Left by 745. Plan to hit town by 4. Last 1/4 of day was slow, got over heated/dehydrated. Flew kite for a hot second on a small bald. Got pickup by trail angels and brought into town.
Date: 2012-10-01
From: Matt Creek Shelter

To: Bryant Shelter
Miles today: 22.7
Weather: light rain

Another killer day. Survival of the fittest. Saw 2 bears this morning. That will get you going. Light drizzle in morning but still left before 830. Alot of climbing today. Above 4000 feet again. Glad I pushed to Bryant. Shelter is like a big tree house. Springs are a little dry. Light rain before bed. Will see what overnight brings.
Date: 2012-10-03
From: Wilson Creek Shelter

To: Daleville
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Got up early with one of the other section hikers. Even more rain over night. Had some good climbs to start the day. Took forever to get into town. Went to the hotel, then Post Office. 4 other SOBOs were in the room next to me. Snickets, Ken Doll, Turtlebox and a fourth I did not meet. Hung out and talked with them for a while. They have been there 5 days with different injuries. They left the next morning. I took a extra day for my feet. At least I was able to watch some baseball playoffs.
Date: 2012-10-06
From: Daleville

To: Catawba Shelter
Miles today: 17.7

Up early to have hotel breakfast again. Was ready to leave by 730. Left foot still not happy to hike, but need to push on. Decided to go to one pair of soks to relieve some pressure on the foot. Helped some. The first 2 miles were the hardest yet. Limping with a lot of pain on the feet. Stopped multiple times and almost turned around to go back into town. Very emotional to face that I my need to stop the hike. As a stubborn hiker, you keep putting one foot in front of the other. Took about 6 miles before most of the pain in the feet eased up. Made it to first shelter for a break. Still must keep going. Rain all day tomorrow, so want to get over McAfee Knob in good weather. Making a good pace now. Knob was busy since it was Saturday. Finished the day great spirits and in good time.Finally a day of victory over the Trail.
Date: 2012-10-09
From: Sarver Hollow Shelter

To: War Spur Shelter
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: overcast clouds

First time really sleeping in. Out of hammock at 830. Did not start hiking until 1030. So cold and wet, do not feel like moving. Felt better as day went on. Another SOBO, Smokey, caught up to me at the first shelter break. He just got back on the trail after taking a break. Both feet are now hurting on and off. Still in the game.
Date: 2012-10-10
From: War Spur Shelter

To: Stony Creek Vally
Miles today: 12.4

The body is finally breaking down. Made it to Bailey Gap Shelter, where Smokey was taking a break. Made the final decision to stop hiking. Body to sore and to much of a struggle to continue. Went another 3.6 miles to the road (VA 635). Called the Woods Hole Hostel to get a shuttle pickup. Spend the night there with some really great people. A good way to end the trip (for now).
Date: 2014-06-01
From: Stony Creek Vally

To: Bland, VA
Miles today: 62.5

Finally back on the trail! Drove to Woods Hole Hostel and got a shuttle back to Stoney Creek Valley. By the time I got back to WHH, decided to catch another shuttle going south and hike back north to WHH. This would eliminate any bad timing to get a shuttle back to the hostel. Hiking north was ok. Felt like I was betraying every MEGA on the trail haha. Was just happy to be hiking and getting more miles in.
Date: 2015-03-30
To: Countdown begins
Miles today: 0.0

Just over a month away and will begin the last section of SOBO hike. Very excited about the start of this hike. On May 5th will be hiking with my girlfriend from Bland, VA to Damascus, VA and spend the weekend for Trail Days. After spending about 10 days of hiking with the girlfriend, I will continue to Springer Mtn. Looking to be done on June 20th, the same day I started on in 2012.
Date: 2015-04-26
To: Damascus
Miles today: 0.0

Going into the last week before heading to Damascus. Will spend the night in town before getting a ride to the start of the trailhead in Bland. Most of the food is packed and ready to go. Need to do more dehydrating of meat to get ready for the next two months. Been having a blast with the dehydrator so far. The Spot GPS tracker will be available again for daily stops. The direct link is-http://share.findmespot.com/shared/faces/viewspots.jsp?glId=0UtqvDobdtr0oms9bfWA1f6JQ8GDWD62MWill make more updates after getting back to Damascus for traildays. Happy hiking!
Date: 2012-05-24
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

It's that time again! On Saturday, May 26th (which just happens to be my birthday!), I will fly from Florida to Hartford, CT. I will meet my hiking partner, Judy--also known as Lucky Dog, at the airport. She is coming from her home in MO. We will be met by Trail Angel, Julie, who will deliver us to the Guilder Pond Picnic Area, where we left off last year. I am very excited and ready to be on the trail. It will be a nice respite from the grueling pace of my husband's Congressional campaign (www.CrowderforCongress.com). The pounds have been creeping onto my body, so I look forward to getting fit, strong, & losing at least a few of those pounds. Our hike this year will include about 46 miles in Vermont that I have already done & I'm looking forward to that. For once, I know what the trail has in store for us, & it is good!
Date: 2012-05-26
From: Guilder Pond Picnic Area (& Stuart, Fl)

To: Glenbrook Shelter
Miles today: 0.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Bob & I got up early & headed to the airport in West Palm Beach. He let me out right at 7 am. After some confusion over my boarding pass, I finally got through security, & grabbed a free birthday smoothie at Starbucks. By thIs time, they were already boarding my flight. The plane was late taking off & late landing in Newark, making my already tight connection even tighter. I had to hurry to another terminal, then found my gate had been changed. But, I needn't have worried because the next flight was late, too. This was all stressful, but things began looking up once I landed. Judy, had just arrived from MO, & I caught up with her at baggage claim. Then, our trail angel and shuttle driver, Julie joined us. Judy & I donned our packs & headed with Julie to her car. Our first task was to purchase fuel, which cannot be taken on the plane. This proved way more challenging than expected. After not finding it at Walmart, as expected, Judy & I were both on our phones, calling outfitters & outdoor stores. Most people didn't even know what we were talking about, & then one little general store said they had it! Yea! We hurried there only to find 2 large propane canisters like you would use for a car camping type camp stove, not little backpacking stoves. We finally did find the fuel in a larger size than we wanted, so Judy & I are sharing one canister until we come across the right size. That problem solved, we had a good dinner & carrot cake at a general store in CT, then Julie drove us on up into MA & to the Guilder Pond Picnic Area that is located in a place called the Everett Reservation Wilderness Area. This is where Bob picked Judy & I up last summer. We bid good-bye & walked the half mile--over quite rocky & rugged trail--to the shelter. There was a boyscout group camped out on the mountain above, but we had the shelter to ourselves. It was 7:00 pm--much later than we had hoped. Once settled in, Judy produced some little mini bottles of wine which we drank to celebrate my birthday. We enjoyed good conversation & then got into our sleeping bags about 9:00.
Date: 2012-05-27
From: Glenbrook Shelter

To: Stealth campsite on June Mountain
Miles today: 9.6

Last night was perfect sleeping weather in the shelter.  I was comfortable wearing my fleece shirt & leggings.  By early morning, I was cold if I didn't keep my head inside the hood of my bag.  Judy & I got an early start, but not on purpose!  It gets light very early up here in the north, & it was daylight & the birds were singing, so we just got up & started getting ready without looking at the time.  When I happened to look at my watch, I thought it had stopped!  It said 6:15 & we had been up for awhile!  By 6:45, we were on the trail.  The first few hours were slow going.  The trail was rocky & rooty, with a lot of little (but steep) ups & downs.  It was not all that hard, but you had to watch every step, which is tedious.  Maintaining that level of concentration takes a lot of energy.  By late morning, the terrain had become easier, but now we were walking across some beautiful meadows & it was getting hot.  Then, we got into a very swampy area with planks to help keep us out of the muck, but the mosquitoes were awful!  We had to stop & put on repellent, & that helped.  We reached MA Hwy 7 & walked .3 miles up the road in the hot sun to a restaurant, but it was closed for a once a year special event.  No real food lunch for us!  It had been a very hot walk & the thought of walking back caused me to not hesitate to ask a young man there if he would take us back to the trail, & he did!  Once back on the trail, we stopped at a little bridge over a stream & ate some lunch, then continued on.  Although it was early in the day, we began looking for a campsite.  It was too far & too hot to go another 4 miles to the next shelter.  We carried extra water so we'd have enough for tonight &to get us to the next water source tomorrow.  We found a good spot part way up June Mountain & called it a day at 2:30.  We have had time to organize ourselves, work on our journals, & look ahead at our itinerary.  We had no trouble keeping ourselves busy, & I think we did enough for a first, fairly hard day.  At 7:10,  it is still warm, but feels like it will be cooling down soon.  I am very cozy in my tent.  I sure hope I am not too sore tomorrow!
Date: 2012-05-28
From: Stealth campsite on June Mountain

To: Mt. Wilcox North Shelter
Miles today: 9.5
Weather: clear sky

Last night never really cooled down.  I wore very few clothes, & was able to just tolerate being in my sleeping bag.  I was glad to be tenting because the mosquitos are vicious & I could hear them buzzing on the other side of my tent screen all night!  Today was a hard day with a lot of climbing.  Judy--who keeps track of such things--reports that we gained close to 3000 feet over the course of the day.  It was also extremely hot, muggy & often buggy!  It was gorgeous trail, though, & provided great variety in both terrain & scenery.  The morning included a couple of long uphill slogs, & a lot of smaller ups & downs that make for fun hiking, but are strenuous.  We stopped for an early lunch about 10:45 (we'd been on the trail since 7) because we were both exhausted & starving!  Just after that, we passed through an area called Ice Gulch--stunning with huge rock formations & ferns.  We didn't reach the shelter until almost 5:00--meaning that we were on the trail for 10 hours.  That is indicative of a very tough & slow day.  We were hot, sweaty, stinky & very happy that no one else was here so we could strip down & rinse our bodies & clothes in the nice, freezing cold stream in front of the shelter.  We have a longer day tomorrow, so we are hoping for easier terrain.