morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2017-06-30
From: Stratton Pond Shelter 

To: Goddard Shelter 
Miles today: 19.4
Weather: broken clouds

Plan the work, Work the plan- that was my motto for today.  I knew I didn't have to be fast, I just needed to start early, be consistent, and hike all day.  And it worked!  I successfully hiked on by the shelters with bear problems for a person best in mileage. 6:45am- I was on the trail, 8:20am- on top of Stratton Mtn, 10:15am- on the other side of Stratton & eating my snack in time to watch a bunch of super excited Boy Scouts roll out of mini vans to hike Stratton. Then, it was back into the big green tunnel of mud for most of the day.  The mud is so thick that I slipped and fell in it when I was literally standing still!!  The last 4 miles of the day made it all worth  it, because Glastonbury Mtn was beautiful! The trail takes you along the tree line & it is something.  They also created tent sites where it just some pines & sky.  I made it to the shelter just in time for yet another crazy night of thunderstorms. We were squished in like sardines, all sleeping lined up side by side. In all the chaos someone took someone else's pack cover instead of their rain jacket. So one poor guy was out a pack cover & the other was in for a surprise whenever they next reached for their jacket.  I do have to say the  rain has been very... consistent.  While it has rained almost every day, it seems to only rain between 5pm & 5am, so I've barely ever had to actually hike in it.
Date: 2017-07-01
From: Goddard Shelter 

To: Congdon Shelter
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: broken clouds

VERMUD- now I totally get that word!!  Another whole day of mud slogging.  It's like the AT trail designers said, "What, a flat terrain day? Let's send 'em thru the mud to make it more interesting!"  The mud even went right up to the front of the shelter!Remember the fire swamp scene in Princess Bride when they  step into the sand pit that sucks them in?  That pretty much happened to me today, only with mud! Luckily, I haven't seen any rodents of unusual size!Over the past couple of days, I've found more southbounders & we are a little group of 4.  One got attacked by the mud & is getting off trail today with a pretty banged up, swollen knee. One finishes in Williamstown, because she is doing the lower half of the LT, and one ends in Dalton because that is the last section of the AT he has left.  It's nice to have familiar faces to see at the shelters & along the trail.Tomorrow I head for the MA border.  I wonder if there will be a big green sign saying, "MA welcomes you", like on the turnpike...
Date: 2017-07-02
From: Congdon Shelter

To: Wilbur Clearing
Miles today: 17.0

The morning started a bit rough. I'd say it was the closest I've felt to being down since I started the trip.  After another night of rain, the shelter & campsites were pretty much one big puddle. Wet & stanky shoes, wet tent, wet feet, and mud galore.  Also, I had to say goodbye to Firefly because the mud just finally got to her.  She got washed out of her tent last night & decided to hike back the 5mi to Bennington to get a hotel & a ride home, rather than fighting another day of mud to finish the southern LT.  I will really miss her.  So I decided not to let the mud get me & set a goal to go further than planned to get back over the border and out of the mud! I wish I could have made a sign for my pack that said, "North Adams or bust".So water & mud, ankle & sometimes shin deep motivated me onwards!  I got a little teary when I hit the MA border. Home...Bill surprised me and met me in North Adams with pizza & every kind of liquid I could have wished for, supplies, and a clean shirt! It was glorious!  I ate half a large pizza- OMG!!Fueled up, I got back on the trail for 3 more miles, which got me set for tomorrow's climb up Greylock.  Funniest thing of all... there was a group of summer camp/Boy Scouts at the shelter & they kept cheering loudly from across the campground, "A positive attitude changes everything!"Indeed...
Date: 2017-07-03
From: Wilbur Clearing

To: Crystal Mountain Campsite
Miles today: 16.1

Big day! Climbed the last big mountain of my trip- Greylock.  I'm so glad I did the extra miles yesterday, because those 3 miles got me up the first 2000 feet.  The top of Greylock was beautiful and a bit foggy, and incredibly peaceful this morning. I think it was the first time that I really understood that the monument was built to honor our war heroes.From there, it was on to Cheshire Cobbles. Yikes, that thing is steep!  Ran into somebody I used to work with on the way up & of course, he absolutely didn't recognize me until I started talking to him!  I guess that's what a baseball hat & 8 days without a shower get you!!Home is getting so close!!!
Date: 2017-07-04
From: Crystal Mountain Campsite

To: Kay Wood Shelter 
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: clear sky

Happy 4th of July!!  Cut today short because I woke up feeling pretty dizzy & ill.  I think I just dehydrated myself yesterday.  But, I got to Dalton & refueled, which helped a ton. The shelter site is really beautiful & the only one on my journey named after a woman, so I figure it's a fitting way to celebrate the 4th! Also, this lines me up to spend my last night on the trail at Upper Goose.  I can't wait to swim in Goose Pond & eat pancakes for my last trail breakfast!  What a day to be on the trail!! Folks were hiking with flags on their packs, flag bandanas, and everyone was especially upbeat. At about 10am, I wished a guy happy 4th & he gave me a big smile & said, "I've got beer! Want some?"  Only on the AT will you find a guy with a British accent, wearing a John Deere hat & offering you beer @ 10am! Since the world was already spinning around me from the dizziness, I declined.  ... What a great trip!!
Date: 2017-07-05
From: Kay Wood Shelter 

To: Upper Goose Pond Shelter
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: clear sky

Today's 18miles flew by.  The weather was warm, breezy, and not humid under the tree canopy. And, my miles were mostly flat & downhill, which was pretty sweet!  I got to cross the bridges over the Turnpike, which is so surreal after almost 200 miles of woods.Upper Goose is still heaven on Earth... I took a swim, ate dinner with some awesome hikers, and am pumped for pancakes and coffee in the morning.  Tomorrow, I hike the last 7miles home to my front yard!  I can't wat to see all my boys & Daisy;  I can't wait to take a shower and sleep in a real bed;  I wonder if I'll remember how to walk without trekking poles in my hands; I can't wait to go for a run without a pack on my back and to see how many miles I can now run.  I will miss the solitude of my tent & the music of the birds and the simple, daily routine of having 1 goal for the day.  I hope I will remember what I learned out here about how kindness always wins out & that the best thing to do in life is, as they say, to hike your own hike.
Date: 2017-07-06
From: Upper Goose Pond Shelter

To: HOME
Miles today: 7.5
Weather: broken clouds

After a delicious breakfast & a greeting from a porcupine, I made my way home! I always forget that Upper Goose Shelter side trail adds anothe half mile to the distance, but it's definitely worth the extra steps!  I made it home by lunch time & had the best greeting ever from Daisy!  The boys fed me an awesome lunch & I got to take a real shower!!I think I will have a ceremonial burning of my boots & socks- I can't imagine anything getting the terrible smell out of them!!  Plus, my boots have served me well over the last 2 years & they deserve a good retirement! Over 200 miles in 18 days, not bad for a lady who has celebrated her 39th birthday 5 times now!Thank you to to everyone for all the support & encouragement, the re-supplies & drop offs, & especially for the "are you still alive?" and "finish strong" text messages! Happy Trails...
Date: 2017-10-05
To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Once More Into The Breach! No training, no prep, just Do It!Provided Mother Nature keeps the hurricanes away this time, I will be hiking the hallowed hills and byways of Stonewall's legendary Foot Calvary: Harper's Ferry, through the Gaps, Front Royal, down thru the Shenandoah Park to Waynesboro and finally to Montebello/Tye River crossing. There may be some short side trips for a battlefield visit. This will complete all of Virginia, leaving me a gap of Maryland and Pennsylvania for next spring and a final jump to Great Barrington, MA for the last leg. Lots of "ifs", "ands", and "buts" between here and there.Edit: Oct 31.As you read this journal you will find that I did not make it the last 30 miles to the Tye River crossing due to stupidity on my part. Forgetfulness happens when you are focused on the immediate action you are about to take.This means I did not complete the VA section. Looks like I will be back next year at some point to finish the 30 mile section.
Date: 2017-10-08
To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

We lucked out for a change. Hurricane Nate missed us but we did get some rain and winds. Nothing special this time. All the stuff has been gone thru 3 times, drop box ready for mailing to Front Royal, boots checked and ready, tickets for Amtrak purchased, double checked my brother for ride to train station midnight Tuesday night, and made reservations at Tea Horse hostel in Harper's Ferry for Wednesday evening. Maybe I have everything ready and then again there is probably something missing from the pack.
Date: 2017-10-11
From: Savannah, GA

To: Harper's Ferry, WV
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Well Amtrak started the trip like usual - late. Savannah boarding was an hour and 15 minutes late - 0105 to 0220. We eventually got back on schedule. Why is this important? I only had a 40 minute window for next connection in DC. Somewhere south of Petersburg, VA we sat for 40 minutes. From 20 minutes ahead to 20 minutes behind schedule. We eventually got to DC with 20 minutes to spare. Needless to say, I was running to the next train. Took directions from a Red Cap service agent that turned out to be "incorrect". Turned where he said, but that failed to take me thru a gate. Was severely reprimanded by an Amtrak lady. She eventually let me thru after satisfying herself that I had been brow beaten enough. Made the train with 5 minutes to spare. Got to Harper's at 1745 to find light rain falling. Headed uphill to find the hostel a mile away. New AT hiker, Corey, finds his way there also. Two thru hikers there on a zero day, plus 2 guys doing a bike ride of the C& O Canal path from Pittsburgh to DC were also in. Good nights rest.
Date: 2017-10-12
From: Tea Horse Hostel, Harper's

To: Blackburn Trail Center
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: clear sky

Good night at the Tea Horse. Great breakfast of waffles and juice. Recommend this hostel if you are in Harper's Ferry. Finally started Blue blaze trail from ATC hedquarters at 0830. This hopes to be a trip that finishes WV and VA sections - southbound. Need to get to Tye River crossing to complete the trip.Ahhhh! The joy of being in the fall woods again. The rat-a-tat-tat of acorns falling, the thump of hickory nuts passing your head, the ka-whomp of walnuts hitting the trail, and lastly, the cracking and crashing of Widow-makers hitting where you were standing 30 seconds earlier. In this case, an entire tree.Overcast and misty most all day making the hiking pleasurable. Cool and breezy helped. Met a tour group of "senior folks" with a guide doing a walk on the trail. Called themselves Road Scholars for which I mistook for "Rhodes Scholars". My mistake. They were doing four states along the AT in short day hikes - VA, MD, PA and lastly, WV (today). According to the guide this used to be called "Elderhostel", which apparently is now " passe'. Mostly ladies in 60's and a couple of gentlemen. I think I had my picture taken a few times - dirty old hiker trash - for their future funny stories.The climb out of the Shenandoah River valley was slow but not overly taxing for my first day. Found a couple of spots that I believe were War Berween The States cannon emplacements (Confederate) on Loudon Heights before I got to the top. Old roads serviced this area, mostly wagon tracks more than a road. The ridge is crowned by quartzite and is strewn with rock gardens thru which the trail always navigates. Never miss a chance to go over or thru rocks is the current philosophy.Stopped at David Lessor shelter and then moved to Blackburn Center at 1630. Cory- first time AT hiker- made it in at 1730. For a hiker cabin, the wood stove was a welcome addition as temps were dropping. However the wooden bunks with no mats were not a pleasant end to the day. I left my Neo Air home to cut out a few more ounces. ouch!No major events today, thankfully. Did see a yearling doe and heard a hen turkey during the hike.Not a bad day for first day out and being an old dawg!
Date: 2017-10-13
From: Blackburn Trail Center

To: Sam Moore Shelter
Miles today: 10.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Cool and misty, with breezes again. Managed to struggle out of Blackburn at 0900. They do not tell you it is 150 feet almost straight down/up to get in and out of this spot. Fog and mists kept things cool. Also allowed for quiet walking, which led to finding 2 small bucks locking horns and playing next to the trail. A couple of grunts and they decided to head downhill. 30 yards up the trail were a doe and yearling eating apples that fell in the trail. Flags up and they were gone also.Good trail until after lunch when I hit the Roller Coaster ( 13.5 miles of ups and downs). Reminds me of the 30 miles in GA before getting to NC. These are knee killer hills, even though they are not that high, just straight up and straight down for the most part - no switchbacks or side hill tracing. Just about killed me!Long, tough day for the old dawg.Reached Sam Moore about 1600. Another hiker my age came in later, Robert from Ohio. Cory made in even later.
Date: 2017-10-14
From: Sam Moore Shelter

To: Rod Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: scattered clouds

A restless night with little sleep. Not sure why but guessing it was that hard wooden bunk with no padding. It came into play immediately once I started back on the Roller Coaster. No energy, no legs, and no lungs. Started to wonder if I was having a minor AFIB event. Took extra meds per Doc's orders just in case. Much better after lunch. Lots of day and weekend hikers on this Saturday. Also some section hikers.Cool and cloudy again with temps in 60s. At least I was cool, but soaking wet as usual from the "work".Found a young doe eating acorns after lunch. She just stepped off the trail and kept eating as I walked by. Could hear her thinking - dumb humans, out walking these hills!Made Rod Hollow at 1600, early enough to do all the necessary stuff without a rush before dark. Robert checked in an hour later, right on schedule according to him - speed 1 mile per hour.
Date: 2017-10-15
From: Rod Hollow Shelter

To: Manassas Gap Shelter
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: clear sky

Overcast again this morning. Left for Dick's Dome Shelter at 0830. Expecting two long climbs today and was not disappointed. However, I seem to be getting better at climbing. Legs and lungs are getting stronger. Trail is much better thru these sections, with better grades and switchbacks that help the effort.Told Robert I was heading to the Dome and would see him there. However, I arrived there at 1330, 8.3 miles in 5 hours, much faster than I anticipated. Weather cleared to some extent so I decided to push on to Manasas Gap shelter. Did not leave a message for Robert, as he knows I am moving faster now. Arrived at Manasas Gap around 1630. North bound hiker from Germany came in a little later. His visa expires in another month so he will only get into PA a ways before he has to leave the country. Thinks he will come back in a couple of years to finish the trail.Called home and reported that I was still on schedule and trying for Front Royal for Monday night.Awoke to rain around midnight. Where did that come from as it was clear to the west when I went to bed. Rain was accompanied y high winds most of the night. Things going crack and bump in the night - not animals!!
Date: 2017-10-16
From: Manasas Gap Shelter

To: Front Royal, VA
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: moderate rain

Awoke to wet stuff around the camp site. Last night I had to string the hammock in a pair of trees that were a little too close together for optimal hanging. The tarp was stretched tight but the mists/fog got underneath anyway. I put the tarp away wet and hammock was damp from humidity. Temp definitely dropped and winds continued all day. Wind chill was a factor until around1400.Met a group of ladies doing day hikes from Chester Gap to Harper's Ferry. Told them they would enjoy the Roller Coaster --- with a grin!! Whatever, they were having a good time. Would not be any bears anywhere around with that group laughing and talking as they hiked. Probably no other animals either.Calf muscle or ligament was killing me by the time I topped out on the last climb. Will need rest in Front Royal to let it heal some.Reached US 522 at Chester Gap around 1500. Called a Yellow Cab and hit Post Office and then motel. Nice long hot, soaking bath for the hurting muscle and the rest of me. Hiker smell killed for a while, except for clothes. Washing them tomorrow.Caught up on calls to home and FaceTime to grandson, as well as journal needs.
Date: 2017-10-17
From: Front Royal

To: Front Royal, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

A day of rest. Helping the calf muscle and other minor pains.Got my clothes done, foot care items, mail, and journal caught up to date. I picked up a new canister of butane/propane mix for my backpack stove and a long sleeve thin shirt from Stoke's General Store on Main Street. Good place for "stuff". I don't know how they got all that stuff in the store but it seems to go on forever. Recommended stop for necessary items except food. Classic, old style general store.Good hot meals and extra rest today. It will be needed for tomorrow. Looks like about a 2000 foot climb to second hut, if I can get that far. Also looks like water may be a big issue on this end of the Shenandoah park. Dry weather and long distances between any viable springs. I hate carrying extra water but may be forced to have 1 more liter in some areas.At least weather is looking good for next few days.
Date: 2017-10-18
From: Front Royal

To: Gravel Springs Hut
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: clear sky

Resting did wonders for the calf muscle. Traveling was better today. Temps in 60s and 70s. Clear weather.Passed 4 does this morning on first climb. They do not care that you are here. Stand there and look at you, wondering why you interrupted their breakfast.Travel time improved. Reached Gravel Springs hut at 1630. Four southbounders arrived- Juipter Giant, Good House Keeping, Phoenix, and last but not least, Santa Claus, also known as Just Bob. He came in at 2000 with bells a jingling and lights a flashingWatched a half-grown bear cub ramble through the rocks down from the shelter while we finished eating. Small buck came and drank from the spring 50 feet from shelter while we ate. Santa's deer roamed around all night keeping me awake for a while. No big bears tonight thankfully.About 2800 feet of elevation climbing today.
Date: 2017-10-19
From: Gravel Springs Hut

To: Pass Mountain Hut
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: clear sky

Got out of Gravel Springs by 0830 for 4 long climbs today. Weather was great again today.First climb not so bad, second climb was a butt kicker. Made Elk Wallow wayside on Skyline Drive by 1200. Everyone from last night was already there eating. Gatorade and blueberry pie was lunch. Third climb after lunch was also a butt kicker. Wondering when I will get legs and lungs. Last climb at 1500 was not as bad but a lady in her 60s left ahead by a few minutes and beat me to the top and she had a knee replacement last year. Pretty well beat out by then. Finaly got a phone signal after 3 days, checked in at home nothing to report on that front.Made Pass Mtn hut at 1645. No water here. Met Randolph from Warrenton, VA. About my age. Good conversation for a while. About 1800 an 8 a point buck walked up within 30 feet of the hut and looked around as if to ask - what the heck are y'all doing here? Then walked on looking for acorns, etc.
Date: 2017-10-20
From: Pass Mountain Hut

To: Timber Hollow Overlook
Miles today: 12.8
Weather: clear sky

Did not make Hawksbill Hut. 2800 feet of elevation climbing today did me in. Stopped and camped off-trail near TimberHollow Overlook on Skyline Drive. Left Pass Mtn hut at 0830, crossed Thornton Gap and got water at the Pananorama parking area rest rooms.Mary's Rock climb was a challenge - 1200 feet. Met and/or was passed by several day-hikers going up to the "rock". On top, wind was blowing like a banshee - 30 to 40 knots. Took pics and got off the ledge. Moved on to the Pinnicle Rock (another 700 feet) and down to the Pinnicle picnic area for more water. Tackled Stoney Man Mountain next ( 800 feet). Down to Skyland Resort and more water at the stable area at 1600. Getting late and knew I would not make Hawksbill Hut. Finally hunkered down at 1700 near Timber Hollow Overlook. In the sack by 1800 and listening to cars on the Skyline until 2200. Sleep was not easy coming. Hoping for better travel day tomorrow. Now more than 1.5 days behind my original plan.
Date: 2017-10-21
From: Timber Hollow Overlook - off- trail

To: Bear Fence Hut
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: clear sky

Out early to make up some time. Passed Rock Springs hut, got water, and kept moving. Made Big Meadows Campground by 1130 and found Just Bob at the showers. Did mine also; first since last Tuesday. Headed over to the wayside for lunch. Saturday on the Skyline in the fall - a million folks here. Got lunch and and some resupply. Spent 2 hours doing this stuff. Finally got moving again at 1430.Pushed hard to get past Hazel Top Mtn (another 500 feet) and then Bear Fence Mtn (300). Made Bear Fence hut at 1800.A very long day, but a happy day.
Date: 2017-10-22
From: Bear Fence Hut

To: High Top Mtn Hut
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Another long day with 2 heavy climbs. Getting better but still not there yet on legs and lungs. Last climb up High Top was 1100 feet. And then there were several smaller ones.Clear and warm day, good for hiking. Left Bear Fence at 0830 and reached Swift Run Gap entrance station to Skyline Drive at 1400. Took a rest before the High Top climb, got water and left at 1430. Struggled up those rocks until reaching an overlook rock pile at 1600. Got few pics out into Shenandoah Valley and the rock pile. Windy again up this high, but not as cold as previous tops earlier last week.Booked out for High Top Hut after calling home to check in. Got there at 1630 to find Just Bob already there. Steep down hill to water at a spring but at least there is water here. Did all the necessary things just in time to beat the wind storm. Winds, fog, clouds, mist start the night and then the occasional drizzle started. Everything under my tarp got damp from the mess. Looks like rain tomorrow.