morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-05-25
From: Gravel Springs Hut

To: Front Royal / Mountain Cabbin Inn
Miles today: 13.4

Not even three miles out of the park this afternoon I had seen several deer. Then I turned a corner and saw a fawn (the one pictured) walking towards me on the trail. It took two more steps and then laid down out of instinct to avoid predators. It did not move a muscle.Three mile and I took a couple of quick photos before mama came through as we were readying to back up and give them some space. We hike back a hundred yards or so and waited a while but the fawn was still there when we returned. So we gingerly went around. Later we heard from others that it was still there. I do hope mama came back. It was a once in a lifetime experience for that encounter within twenty feet on the trail. I won't forget it ever.
Date: 2015-05-28
From: David Leaser Shelter

To: Harpers Ferry / Econo Lodge
Miles today: 8.7
Weather: moderate rain

We arrived in the history rich trail town of Harpers Ferry, WV today. That's right, we are no longer in the 550 mile long vortex of the state of Virginia. I can't tell you what a relief that is, not because I dislike Virginia but because it represents such a large part of the journey.The big visit today was the AT headquarters. I checked in as through-hiker number 289. I had started as number 577 in Georgia.
Date: 2015-05-29
From: Harpers Ferry / Econo Lodge

To: Harpers Ferry / Econo Lodge
Miles today: 0.0

Today I went in to Rockville, MD to visit REI and get a smaller and lighter weight pack. I love my Aarnnoack but it is just too voluminous now that some cold weather gear has gone home and I've dropped various other bits from the kit. I am now traveling with an Osprey Exos 58. I spent an hour at the store packing all my stuff in to make sure it fits. New base weight (no food or water) is just at 20 lbs. A savings of a full kg from the other pack. Let's hope it rides well since this is a big step to take almost halfway in...
Date: 2015-05-30
From: Harpers Ferry / Econo Lodge

To: Dahlgren Campground
Miles today: 17.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Leaving Harpers Ferry, WV today. An old city (by USA standards) with a tremendous amount of early America and Civil War history. The last few days of the walk have been through the history books in many ways. Today we passed by Fox Gap. I stopped to take in the peaceful scene with some reflection on the chaos of battle and lost lives over 150 years ago. I wish I knew more of the history here, perhaps before the next AT adventure.
Date: 2015-05-31
From: Dahlgren Campground

To: Raven Rock Shelter
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: light rain

My hiking partner over the last couple of weeks, 3-Mile, went back to town this morning with a fever and lack of appetite (or ability to keep food down). He was just a few days from returning home to work for ten days so he will be gone for around two weeks all up. Chances are I won't be walking with him the rest of he way, but it was a great run from 809.2 to 1040.6. Get well mate.
Date: 2015-06-01
From: Raven Rock Shelter

To: Rocky Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 19.8

I am officially in the North. While the whinging Poms refer to all Americans as Yanks, the more accurate definition would apply to those living north of the Mason-Dixon Line.The most tangible difference is the pronunciation of "Appalachian" where the 'a' following the 'l' was a short vowel in the south (App-uh-latch-in) it is now a long vowel in the north (App-uh-lay-chin).
Date: 2015-06-04
From: Pine Grove Furnace park / Ironmasters Inn 

To: Carlisle / Days Inn
Miles today: 27.3
Weather: light rain

The mileage today looks big at 27.3. But a great deal of that was flat. Including the corn field, a near dead flat (relatively) section lasting about 14 miles of southern PA. I was planning to go further but when I saw the Days Inn sign and a diner from the trail, Carlisle was my stopping loint for the night. Turns out the three guys I was pushing to catch in Duncannon by Friday night were also there at he Days Inn continents breakfast... How quickly olans change!
Date: 2015-06-05
From: Carlisle / Days Inn

To: Duncannon / Doyle Hotel
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Staying at the Doyle Inn tonight in Duncannon, PA. It is well described as "The Best worst hotel on the AT." The building is 100 years old and rarely if ever renovated and seemingly repaired only in case of emergency. But the food is great, the beer is cold and it is a right of passage on the trail.
Date: 2015-06-06
From: Duncannon / Doyle Hotel

To: Campsite at 1167.9
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: scattered clouds

We got a taste of the infamous Pennsylvania rocks this morning on the way out of Duncannon. Unfortunately I've been horrible at taking pictures today. I think the higher mileage and heat have made things more of a trudge than in the past. I'll try to do a better job of slowing down in the next few days, more for myself than the online entertainment. For your entertainment though, here is a proper beard check portrait; 79 days in groomed, gray and all.
Date: 2015-06-07
From: Campsite at 1167.9

To: William Penn Shelter
Miles today: 21.4
Weather: light rain

This is the at least second picture of ferns I've posted. They make a striking carpet for the forest and a bit of a magical walk when they are as lush as these. I think they also remind me of home in New Zealand. Quite unrelatd, we have arrived at mile 1189.3 in the most commonly used guide book on he AT. This means I have officially 999.9 miles to go!  Time to start counting down...
Date: 2015-06-08
From: William Penn Shelter

To: Eagles Nest Shelter
Miles today: 19.2
Weather: overcast clouds

The big milestones, like 1000 miles or 1/4 amd 1/2 of the way, get more permanent signage or markers on the trail. But I was happy to see this somewhat temporary reminder that I am still moving forward. Every little bit helps.
Date: 2015-06-09
From: Eagles Nest Shelter

To: Port Clinton / Microtel
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: light rain

There are a number of "must see" places discussed on the trail. Often they are food related, sometimes an exceptional shelter (where pizza delivery can usually be ordered) or just an epic scenic vista. The Port Clinton Barber Shop had not been hyped in any way, just noted in the guide book that hikers were welcome to hang out, charge their phones and have a cookie. Presumably it would also drum up some business.When I walked in, it was awesome. Frank stops cutting, everyone looks up from their magazine or coffee or cookie as each new hiker is given a short introduction by way of interview by Frank. The decor is classic barber shop, the clientele are genuine local and the atmosphere is as friendly as Cheers (with coffee instead of beer).To top it off, a lady named Yodeling Betty happened by and put on a short performance of two or three songs. It was a lovely interlude from the trail.
Date: 2015-06-10
From: Port Clinton / Microtel

To: Port Clinton / Microtel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Well it finally happened. I got proper sick; coming out of both ends sick. I suspect I made a water mistake or an unseen fly transferred some bug to my dinner in the crowded shelter on Monday night. It is possible that I had a bad burger in Port Clinton since the timing was a classic four hours after my bacon-cheeseburger lunch.In any event, I made way too many trips to the toilet in our hotel room for a period of 12 hours. Fortunately, Wolverine, Fireman and Bad Hiker were understanding and none of them showed signs of the illness. I had no way of joining them on Wednesday morning, completely dehydrated and with zero appetite. So I stayed another day.That day turned in to two with the goal of rehydrating and eating enough to have energy in reserve. On Thursday afternoon, when I still had fever and had to nap after walking a quarter of a mile to the Cracker Barrel, I decided to fly back to Dallas to recover at less than $84 per night.
Date: 2015-06-13
From: DFW

To: Mom's House!
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

What a difference some home cooking and endless napping can make! I felt better in a couple of days and was back to full appetite shortly after that. I was very worried that I had some Lyme disease symptoms and found some places in Dallas to get tested while I was on my airport layovers, but I now think that was fortunately unfounded.I've taken the opportunity to make some changes to my pack, break in a new pair of shoes, get a hair cut (but not the beard!), tailor my pants (which were looking like a potato sack over my skinny waist), finalize my NZ taxes and will visit my dad's gravesite for Fathers Day.I am booked on a flight and have arranged a shuttle to return to Port Clinton on Sunday, June 21st. It will be 11 days off all said, 3 in Port Clinton and 8 in Dallas. I think my old body needed it more that I was aware.I would be lying if told you I knew it would all work out fine and I'd be back on the trail soon; there was a real possibility taking that much time off could have been the end of the journey. When you are literally sick and tired, it is easy to ride the momentum down a path of least resistance. I booked my flight as soon as I realized that I had no desire to meet any of my local friends. I knew the topic of the AT would come up and I felt like was cheating every 2015 thru-hiker if I regaled with stories of my incomplete adventure. So the journey continues to completion, starting Sunday!
Date: 2015-06-21
From: Mom's House!

To: Camp site at mile 1222
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: broken clouds

Three Words: Naked Hiker Day. My first day back after 11 zeros, and my physique built on pop tarts, snickers, power bars and Gatorade is still finely tuned. In all seriousness it was great to be walking again. I had a terrible night of sleep and an early flight out of Dallas but after a couple of miles on the trail I was right back in the swing of things... No pun intended! I promise that is the last photo of my backside on this journal.
Date: 2015-06-22
From: Camp site at mile 1222

To: Allentown Hiking Club Shelter
Miles today: 17.2
Weather: clear sky

I was starting to wonder if I'd ever see the horrible rocks that the AT in northern Pennsylvania is known for. Even this morning, stretches that others described as "super gnarly" were just mild annoyances lasting fifteen or twenty minutes. This afternoon, however, a couple of good hour long stretches appeared. They probably feel worse at the end of the day when you are already tired.All things considered though, it's not nearly as bad as I expected. I'll let you know if that changes for the worse in the next three days. Hopefully not.As a total side note, a fairly well known ultra marathoner named Scott Jurek is making an attempt at the fastest hike of the AT, currently 46 days 11 hours and 20 minutes. He got in front of me yesterday before I made it to the trail in the afternoon. It was his 26th day; averaging 49.14 miles per day (that is 79 km per day for you imperially challenged readers). Most impressive work, but not my journey. I wish him the best of luck with his endeavor.
Date: 2015-06-23
From: Allentown Hiking Club Shelter

To: Campsite 1291.6
Miles today: 21.6
Weather: clear sky

On my approach to the Knife's Edge, one of the feature rock obstacles in Pennsylvania, I was privy to a full moon at nearly 9 am. It was not the Lunar body, rather it belonged to a section hiker named Google. It was so blatantly visible that I assumed it was purposely done and likely a case where she and her friends (Can Do and Boob on a Rock) mistook me for some other skinny white guy with a beard. I remarked quite audible that it "was quite a sight so early in the morning." On later discussion that afternoon at a shelter, I learned that it was a case of "pee nor or pee my pants on the rocks." She checked for traffic twice and let fly...Later in he morning, not two miles down the trail, I crossed a road to see three more middle aged ladies getting out of a car for a fat hike. Sure enough one went behind the car, oblivious to my approach, presented moon number two in her bid to lose some water weight. As her friends greeted me I explained it was he second time today my trail experience had been ruined. They were both oblivious until I told them to turn around and they saw the offender in action. I'd placed myself so their car obstructed a line of sight for which the lady was quite appreciative after her friends stopped laughing. And the rocks are still getting more pronounced.
Date: 2015-06-24
From: Campsite 1291.6

To: Wind Gap / Travel Inn
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: overcast clouds

I met up with Rabbit again yesterday. We started walking together midway through Virginia and I last saw him in the Shenandoahs when he took a couple of days off for a foot injury. We pushed ahead last night with the hope of finding a good campsite along the way. Best one I've hadnin a while, this is the morning view.
Date: 2015-06-25
From: Wind Gap / Travel Inn

To: Delaware Water Gap / Churh Hostel
Miles today: 15.6

The Church of the Mountain in Delaware Water Gap, PA operates a hostel for AT thru-hikers. They have an indoor bunk room that sleeps 8, an outdoor shelter that sleeps 6 and some lawn space for several tents. On Thursdays they have a hiker feed where church members being lot luck to share. Well there were twenty some hungry hikers and about the same number of church members. A giant pile of hot dogs, plenty of salad, beans and fruit, and some home made ice cream made for a great evening. It was nice to chat with the locals, meet a lot of new hikers and catch up with a couple of familiar faces over a plate or three of food. I had a really good chat with the pastor and hope to go back somewhere down the line for another visit. There is a lot of support on the AT. People are awesome.
Date: 2015-06-27
From: Campsite at 1315.6

To: Rutherford Shelter
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: clear sky

Today I saw a huge black bear a half mile out of camp in the morning. It was a Jurassic sized bear and I heard its hollow thumping footfalls before seeing it. Thank God it was headed away from me. It looked to be 500 lbs! Another safe sighting. New Jersey is known for its bear population on the AT so it was nice to see one. The highlight of my day was stumbling on a wedding reception at a stone pavilion on top of a hill in the early afternoon. The young couple had been married earlier and had a dozen or so guests sharing food and champagne. A hiker named Coyote and I were treated to much of the left over food, including blueberry pie, prime rib and dainty little cakes. We both tried to balance hiker appetite with manners. I think we did ok.Best wishes to your future, and many thanks for letting us crash your wedding party!
Date: 2015-06-28
From: Rutherford Shelter

To: Unionville City Park
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: clear sky

I got rained on for pretty much 24 hours non stop, including about 5 hours walking yesterday, 17 hours in my tent yesterday afternoon and overnight until this morning at 9 am. My tent was in a puddle where I had slept and compressed the softened ground. Damp could be used to describe most everything in my pack.After another three hours of walking in the rain today, it eased up and then stopped. I aimed to stay on the city park at Unionville, NY to be teed up for a post office visit when they open at 8 am tomorrow. I took advantage of the urban facilities to hang out my entire set of gear for frying in the overcast sky. It got better... Then it started to rain again. The town food made it all OK.
Date: 2015-06-29
From: Unionville City Park

To: Wayawanda Shelter
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: light rain

On the AT, New Jersey is known for its bears. NJ is also stereotyped for mafia and crime. These two worlds seem to have met in this old cemetery of cars along the trail. The weird thing is that it was at the top of a hill with no apparent way in or out.
Date: 2015-07-01
From: Fingerbranch Shelter

To: Fort Montgomery, NY
Miles today: 15.5

I have a dear friend from high school who now lives in NY City. I sent her an email with a picture of this sign to show how close I was to visiting. Our schedules did not work out and I'm pretty sure the culture shock of AT vs. NYC would have been a bit rattling for me. It is a much slower and simpler existence on the trail. And that is a very good thing.
Date: 2015-07-02
From: Fort Montgomery, NY

To: Clarence Fahnepack State Park
Miles today: 20.2

New York has shown a great frequency of displaying the American Flag from the moment I crossed the state line. From Prospect Rock I could see the Manhattan skyline peeking above a distant ridge. There was a flag there held up by logs which I presume is a lasting remnant of an impromptu 9/11 gathering point. It was stirring to see. And the bridge across the Hudson River left no doubt as to the patriotism felt in this part of the United States.
Date: 2015-07-03
From: Clarence Fahnepack State Park

To: Telephone Pioneer Shelter
Miles today: 22.0

I had a great visit with some local day hikers today. They had been passed by a hiker not long before I arrived and it had raised a number of questions for them. They politely asked if I would answer a few, so I happily stopped for lunch and fielded every query they had. It was a fun 40 minutes or so. I think they got excited about doing trail magic for upcoming hikers when I explained the best surprises I'd received. Go Team Stormville!
Date: 2015-07-04
From: Telephone Pioneer Shelter

To: Mt Algo Shelter
Miles today: 21.2
Weather: few clouds

I was welcomed to the state of Connecticut with a 4th of July picnic hosted by AT thru-hiker Turbo (one of three by that name I've met on the trail) and his family. Hot dogs, drinks, salads, chips and most usefully an awning to keep us dry in the rain. Thank you Turbo! And happy birthday USA.
Date: 2015-07-05
From: Mt Algo Shelter

To: Sharon Mountain Campsite
Miles today: 19.7
Weather: scattered clouds

The AT has signs at most every road crossing, even the unpaved rural roads, declaring it for foot traffic only. Imagine my surprise when I saw a guy on a bike. It would have garnered a few cross words if it was a mountain bike, but this poor fella had bitten off more than he expected while looking for a shortcut back to his car. He was good natured about it since I suspect he realized he'd have been better off taking the Lon way around.
Date: 2015-07-06
From: Sharon Mountain Campsite

To: Sages Ravine Shelter
Miles today: 19.9
Weather: light rain

Sometimes things look a lot the same along he trail. The state of Connecticut has been beautiful, lots of water and well maintained trail. It was a nice touch for the maintenance guys to add the AT logo to a log cut. Thanks again to all the clubs who give their time to keep local sections of the AT in good shape.
Date: 2015-07-07
From: Sages Ravine Shelter

To: Tom Leonard Shelter
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: scattered clouds

This was probably my 2nd worst day of walking. The terrain was fine, but I am moving slow and the bugs are getting nasty as expected in Massachusetts. I went through three cycles of getting rained on enough to put on my poncho onlybtonhave the sun come out and cook me ten minutes later. In short nothing was going well today. When I arrived at the shelter... Boy Scouts = no tent spots left. I wondered why I was doing this whole thing several times out loud and with foul language along the way. 1500 miles. That's a lot of miles to walk and I still have just about 1/3 of it to go. Left, right, repeat... that is the advice I use most often on days like this. Thanks Ferg.
Date: 2015-07-08
From: Tom Leonard Shelter

To: Upper Goose Pond Cabin
Miles today: 21.1
Weather: light rain

I caught up with some prior walking companions today. It was nice to chat and feel part of a group again. It also made me realize I'd been pushing myself pretty hard. 10 days in a row of just on or more than 20 miles. Sitting on the dock and soaking my feet in the lake by the cabin made me consider sloooooowwwwwwing down. There is no pot of gold at the end of the trail. The romance and memories are in the journey that happens every day. You can't walk the AT without a fair dose of suffering, but adapting and embracing he suck as part of the price paid for the people you meet and the badass you become is what make the journey bearable. Hammering through it will only cheat me of my opportunity.
Date: 2015-07-09
From: Upper Goose Pond Cabin

To: Dalton, MA
Miles today: 20.6

Apple Butter sent me a care package. I shared it with the other hikers staying at the Shamrock Inn in Dalton, MA. It was a win, win, win scenario. Thanks for giving back to the trail Apple Butter, we ALL appreciate it! The double stuff Oreos were the bomb!
Date: 2015-07-10
From: Dalton, MA

To: Dalton, MA
Miles today: 0.0

The Family (Sir, Hummingbird and Sister Em) came through town today and joined me for breakfast. Then we went to the bakery next door. Sir got quite excited about the snacks for later in the day and had to be restrained somewhat by Hummingbird. Hiker Hunger can be formidable at times, especially when fueled by lemon tarts and fresh muffins!
Date: 2015-07-13
From: Seth Warner Shelter

To: Goddard Shelter
Miles today: 21.6
Weather: light rain

Moose! The right of passage to see a bear on the AT had been in my head since before I started walking. But the moose was almost a total surprise when I came upon the the marsh three miles out of camp on the morning. I hung out for about ten minutes just enjoying the experience and making a few photos and short videos.
Date: 2015-07-14
From: Goddard Shelter

To: Stratton Pond Shelter
Miles today: 19.3
Weather: broken clouds

Vermont has a number of small beaver ponds and larger natural ponds. Some are big enough to look like a lake. More than a few minutes have been passes at the shelters debating the differences between the two. There is no consensus correct answer as yet, but always nice to get out of the green tunnel.
Date: 2015-07-17
From: Big Brook Campsite

To: Danby-Landgrove Rd
Miles today: 1.3
Weather: scattered clouds

After a hard 1.3 mile day, I am reunited with Seal Team 6. I've spent more time in town with them, but they are my trail family. Comrade and Moon Unit made the 45 minute drive to pick me up at 8 am for a couple of days to relax at a friend's house in Vermont. I'll miss you guys when we're done...
Date: 2015-07-20
From: Clarendon Shelter

To: Churchill Scott Shelter
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: clear sky

Today I passed over the top of yet another ski field. This time it was the more rugged and sizable Killington resort. I spent a couple of hours at the lodge on a sunny afternoon with temps in the late 70's. It was tempting to take the chair lift down and be part of civilization again for a while (chocolate milk on demand will do that to me) but the journey is not yet done. 490 miles to go as of camp this evening. The end is becoming real.
Date: 2015-07-21
From: Churchill Scott Shelter

To: Mountain Meadows Lodge
Miles today: 5.8

OK, today was pretty lazy at just under 6 trail miles. But I had a mail drop in the town of Killington which included my third and final pair of shoes. My second pair were troopers. They saw me through 920 miles on this walk and are only being retired because the tread is equal to a pair of dancing slippers in spots. Not so good for he rocks any more. From here on, I've got new tires, new trekking pole tips, a new pair of underwear with no holes and a healthy understanding of slowing down. Five weeks left, give or take... Hard to believe.