morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-06-07
From: Thistle Hill Shelter

To: Tigger's Tree House, Etna NH
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: moderate rain

Up early breakfast, pack-up. It was still raining, put on rain jacket, the trail was in good condition for most part walking through the Pine Forest.The last few miles on Trail into New Hampshire was on paved road. I arrived at the Main Street Junction about 1130 hrs. I decided to stop at the Dartmouth Outing Club. There were a lot of people and activity around the college. At the Doc I spoke to the Secretary, she told me it was Alumni Day, Graduation Sunday. I told her I have a mail drop to pick up at Mountain Goat Outfitter, she told me that they are out of business but to check with the Post Office, both of my Mail Drop was there, plus my sleeping bag my Sister send General Delivery. At the Post Office I call Tiger's House, asked if I can stay the night, possible zero the next day, Ralph told me no problem he will call me back with pickup information. Went back to Doc, dropped off Mail Drop. Went to get Subway, in the Mall was a Barber stop, so I got a bald head for $21 t tip, seems the going price North Mason Dixon. Got a foot-long sub, finished and purchase another. At the Barber Shop, Ralph call told me he will pick me up at 1400 hrs at Doc.When I arrive at their home, he introduce me to Karen, they are both Retired Navy. What a great Trail Angel. They told me I can stay two nights, so I will be able to take a much needed zero day.All of the facilities are in the main house but sleeping quarters is a Class C Trailer Connected to the external power. I took shower, laundry and call in Chinese order enough food for two people. I finish most of it, had some leftover . Ralph and Karen has an Hiker kitchen with food, lounge with cable too/lots of movies and books. Everything an hiker need is there. They welcome me with open arms, early bed tonight. Post office to mail summer bag and outfitter EMS. Ralph is going to give me a ride.
Date: 2013-06-08
From: Tigger's Tree House, Etna NH

To: Tigger's Tree House, Etna NH
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Taking a much needed zero day, before I start the White Mountains.My Sister will update the entries.I still cannot beleived that I have walked through 12 States, covered over 1700 miles and only have two States left for the end of my journey.I am hoping to enjoy the Whites and then on to Katahdin, Maine.Had a goodnight sleep last night, even sleep in a little. Had breakfast, Ralph came to get me about 1030. Went to Post Office, mail off summer bad and other stuff, went to EMS, purchase fuel, insect head-net (the black files are getting to me always when I am sweating, they aim directly for my eyes). Pick up a stuff sack for my sleeping bag.When I get back I warm up the Chinese leftover for lunch. Karen asked what I want to do for dinner, so I said Indian food. My wife introduce me to Indian food and I loved it. Went to the trailer to get organized and fell asleep. I heard a knock it was Ralph ready for the food run. At the Restaurant I ordered Korma, Tikka Masala and Garlic Naan. Ralph went to get Pizza back at the house. I gave Karen a small portion of the Korma, she thinks Indian food is too spicy. It wasn't spicy, she said she like it.Went to my little tree house and enjoyed my Indian food. I left a little for later tonight. Tomorrow the plan is to go to brunch at a Restaurant on the Trail (Main Street) and hike after. I told Ralph eating too much really curbs my hiking, so it would be a small breakfast for me.Early bed for me, my body is well fed and rested for the last part of my journey to Katahdin Maine.
Date: 2003-05-23
From: Double Spring Shelter

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: light rain

5/23 Double Spring Shelter to Damascus, VA - 18.3 milesIt is raining like crazy right now. We are talking flood stage heavy downpours. I got into Damascus 1 hour and 15 minutes before all this started. I sure am glad the trail was fast and easy today, otherwise I'd be looking like a drowned rat or cat or just a really soaked, unhappy hiker. The weather was gorgeous today. Someone must really be looking out for me.Today wasn't extremely eventful other than the fact that I AM OUT OF TENNESSEE!!!! And at the state line Jerry was there as my own personal greeting party. He was just day hiking the 4 miles from Damascus to the state line. I was really happy to see him because it was a person who could ake my picture at that joyous moment. We hiked into Damascus together (in the sunshine) and talked about him turning 40 and being at a crossroads and wanting to change jobs, relax more etc etc. An AT thru hike didn't interest him, but section hiking did. He's from VA and belongs to a hiking club up there. Jerry also took my picture with the Damascus AT sign! I am soooo lucky. I was really hoping to get that picture.I'm staying at The Place tonight. It is a hostel run by the Methodist Church. Seems like an ok place, but they depend on the people who stay here to get chores done, like cleaning towels and bathrooms, etc. Doesn't look as though everyone has done a chore. No towel for me. And I'm not sure if I picked a good room to stay in. The door had Dare to Enter painted on it and glow in the dark scary pictures. I met Slow Poke today. He is another person that I had corresponded with prior to this trip. He's out of commission for a few days due to inflammed tendons in his knee. He got some Vioxx for it though. Glad to know Merck is helping out the hikers.I had dinner tonight at a cute little spot, but can't remember the name. It is the Inn of the Country or Country Inn. Either way I had a great dinner there along with Slow Poke, Double A and Hungry Hiker. Double A made a lot of her own gear and she has the coolest rain jacket. I want to make one when I get home.After dinner I talked with Ed for a while. I was telling him that I am feeling lonely. But it isn't a homesick lonely, more like I want some friends out here with me to enjoy and experience this trip with. I later learned at breakfast that I'm not the only lonely soul out on the trail.
Date: 2013-06-09
From: Hanover, Dartmouth College

To: Smarts Mountain Fire Warden's Cabin
Miles today: 22.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Up about 0530, after a good night sleep. I packed up my gear, had some left overs from the Indian food I had for dinner last night. Went over to the house to warm it up. I told Karen not to bother about the brunch at 0800 because I don't hike well with a super full stomach. Finish my left over and Karen give me a ride to Main Street where I got off the AT.I planned a 22 miles hike to Smarts Mountain. Got on the trial about 0930, stop at the coop (community store) to pick up my energy bar.The Hike to the base of Smarts Mountain wasn't too bad. I passed Bill Ackervy home, he gives free Ice Cream and Water to Thru-Hikers. I didn't stop, had Ice Cream for desert last night, was good on water.The First Part of the climb up Smart Mountain was easy, had a few view points. The second part to the Summit was a tough slug, it was a steep climb on wet rocks. I got to the cabin about 1830, went to the spring for water. The guide said water here is sporadic but because of the rain the spring had a good flow.The cabin is in decent shape, windows in place, door closes so hopefully it would keep the wind and cool temperature out. Cook dinner, clean-up, be bedtime soon. Long day tomorrow.
Date: 2003-05-24
From: Damascus, VA

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

5/24 Damascus, VA -zero dayOk, so the plan was to get town chores done and if the weather looked good, move on. The skies were gorgeous today, but I didn't make it out of town.Ate breakfast at the same place as dinner last night with Slowpoke, Vic, and Wood's Dragon. We all were feeling lonely for various reasons. But overall I think all four of us are missing that "hiking buddy" we all thought we'd find on the trail. I think we all have found people that we enjoy hiking with but can't seem to stay on schedule with. Who knows maybe we will become a little group, although our schedules are already off.Afer lunch I was busy with town chores. Then I headed to the outfitter to contemplate new shoes. They actually had the ones I was looking for but didn't have my size. So the great guy who's name escapes me at the outfitter shaved down my superfeet insoles to match my foot shape and bend better. I hope this means less foot pain. The great thing is that the insoles fit my boots and can fit the new shoes if I happen to come across a pair in my size.I also broke down in hopes to lighten my pack and bought a new cooking pot (it is actually called a kettle) and a new potstand/windscreen. I can't explain how cool the new potstand is, but it will help prevent me from leaving burn marks on picnic tables. I know it is dorky, getting excited over a $5 piece of metal but it has been designed perfectly for an alcohol stove. If anyone is actualy interested it is made by Trangia and may normally be sold in a package along with their alcohol stove, but here in Damascus the outfitter was able to sell the stand seperatly, thus making it available to soda can stove users. After my incredibly long visit with the outfitter i updated my maildrop schedule on my website (hint hint - send cookies and gummy bears), seam sealed my new tent, tried to pack an enormous amount of food (which ended up being split among 3 bags), put a hole in my new sleeping bag and sewed it back up, and figured out my schedule for the next 5 days. I am about to enter into some of the most scenic sections of the AT - Greyson Highlands. People say that it is just incredible with the views and the wild ponies. My plan is to go slow and enjoy it. If the weather is bad I will try and hold up in shelters until it clears. I want to see the ponies!!!It's late, 11:15. I plan on going to church in the morning before I head out. I hope the weather is as nice as it was today.
Date: 2013-06-10
From: Smarts Mountain Fire Warden's Cabin

To: Beaver Brook Shelter
Miles today: 27.9
Weather: mist

Woke up this morning to find that a mice made an hole in my hip pocket, trying to get to Granola Crumbs. Out by 0630, I will be climbing the First Mountain of the Whites. The Summit of Cube Mountain offered some lovely views, got to the base of Mountain Moosilauke about 1600, I decided to go for it. It was a 3.9 miles climb to the Summit. The climb was not as difficult as I imagined, just very very long. Arrive at the top a cold wind with cloud mist was blowing. I was able to get great views of the surrounding range. At the Summit I went to take pictures of the Plaque, then I make the mistake. I saw a sign saying Benton a Beaver Brook Trail with an arrow so I follow the sign,I was not expecting to see blazes, I was almost at the bottom. When I realized something was wrong I consulted my guide. It said Beaver Brook Trail is East, I know I was on the West Trail so I had to climb back to Beaver Brook Trail. It was 2.9 miles to the Shelter, to top it off it stated to rain on the way up form the Benton Trail. It got dark about 2050 hrs so I was hiking on wet rocks with a flashlight. I make it to the Shelter 2115, a Section Thru-Hiker was there, he had a fire going before the rain started, so it was a little easy for me to locate the Shelter.I quickly got water and change into dry clothing, cook dinner while the rain pour. Forecast call for rain next 2 days. Where is the summer temperature.It was so cold at the top of Moosilauke, I had to put on my rain-jacket to block the wind was cooling me down quickly after sweating on the climb up also under 400 miles to go to Katahdin! Whoopee.
Date: 2003-05-26
From: campsite near Creek Junction Station

To: VA 600/Elk Garden
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: light rain

5/26 Campsite before VA 728/Creek Junction Station to VA 600/Elk Garden - 12.1 milesI didn't get started on the trail until 10am. The rain had finally stopped and the sun was trying to peak through. Wood's Dragon and I took an early lunch break at Lost Mountain Shelter and then proceeded to climb up Whitetop Mountain.Right before the climb we walked through fields and ran into cows - 2 moms and 5 babies all hanging out right on the AT. I was afraid to get too close as they may try and chomp off my arm so Wood's Dragon went first and the cows just got up and walked away.The climb up Whitetop seemed to go on forever as we hiked extremely long gradual switchbacks where it felt like we were going back and forth across the face of the mountain. On the way up we saw incredible flowers including a bunch of pink lady's slippers and the red upside down ones (I'll identify them later)- Columbines. We finally made it to Buzzard Rock/Whitetop Mountain and took a break to take in the views.After a couple more miles we stopped at a nice campsite right next to a road, but at the start of the Mt. Rogers National Recreation Area. Shelton, Jason, Thomas and their dogs Mission and Sage shared our campsite. It was fun hanging out with new people and having some puppies around. As we ate dinner a guy in a van in the parking lot played his guitar, great ambiance as we chowed down on trail food.I ended up going to bed late, 9pm, as I had to watch Shelton and Wood's Dragon drink down a gatorade and moonshine mix, smelled like tequilla but I'm sure it doesn't taste like it.It's chilly tonight and I am still trying to figure out how to keep warm with my summer bag. Sleeping in my tent definitely helps. And I find that I sleep much better in my tent too.
Date: 2013-06-12
From: Eliza Brook Shelter

To: Garfield Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 28.1
Weather: few clouds

Up and out 0630, wanted to make up for yesterday short day. First climb was South Kunsman Mountain. This is the day the AT tested me, don't know why I am not going to quit.The climb was very steep, raining wet rocks, due to rain the stream were running high and strong. My first test I was crossing water rushing over some rocks, I made my step and shift weight on my right foot, nest thing I am falling and can't stop. I hit my right leg real hard on a rock just below the knee. It swell instantly. I was hoping it wasn't broken, put some weight on it non pain only from the bruises. I continues on. Next when I got to Cascades Brook the bridge was wash-out have to ford. The current was too strong, due to high-water, i walk back up stream, looking for rocks to hop across on, found a possible spot, got a strong pole. I had to jump 4 rock about 4 ft apart, don't ask how I made it across without falling in (would have been bad), strong legs, good balance.Test #3, climbing Mountain Lafayette the 2nd highest peak (the view from there are suppose to be exceptional), it started to rain harder, the temperature was in 20's , the wind was blowing me around. I had to crouch behind rocks for the gut to subside before walking, I couldn't see more than 2 feet ahead. It was tough climb, I don't know how i didn't lost the trail. I passed 2 older gentleman, the wind was blowing them off the trail. They were going to the Greenleaf Hut, I still had 4 miles to hike so I moved on. Hope they made it okay.I finally got to Garfield Ridge Shelter, a new nicely layout Shelter. I was good to changed into dry clothing and cook dinner.What a day I had on the trail today. I asked why test me I am not going to quit. Since I started the whites haven't seen a mountain view.Would you believed i walked 28.1 miles in that condition.
Date: 2013-06-13
From: Garfield Ridge Shelter

To: Nauman Campsite MM:1846.9
Miles today: 23.8
Weather: moderate rain

The rain finally stopped during the night. I woke up to a sunrise peeking through the trees. The first climb was up Gale Mountain. I stopped at the base, eating a candy bar and water before I start. A group of about 10 kids and 2 counselor passed me, the kid were excited, they were up and gone until they realized it was about a 100 feet climb. I pass them a few minutes later on a water break, I walked up without stopping. The view at the top was astonishing, what I expected from the Whites only took 3 days before I get to see the Appalachian Rang in its glory. I even get to see Mountain Lafayette (try to kill me) in the background. I could only imagine what views I would have seen if I had climb on a better day. The next climb was to Webster Mountain, more amazing views follow. The AT will make a Mountain Climber out of you. I was scaling some huge boulders at one point I looked at the blaze and said to myself you got to be kidding I am not going there but I have to follow so up and away I go.Today was really a beautiful day in the Whites, they sure lived up to it billing. After yesterday I was just ready to get out of the Whites without seeing any of it majestic view. Like the saying goes don't quit the AT on a bad day (I was bot going to quit).
Date: 2003-05-29
From: Hurricane Campground

To: Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 16.6
Weather: light rain

5/29 Hurricane Campground to Partnership Shelter - 16.6 miles Woke up at 3am to rain. I was all warm and cozy in my tent. Did I mention lately that I love my tent! I am really sleeping good in it and it is becoming my nice comfy home away from home.We finally left the campground at 10am. The sun was shining through and we were thinking it may turn out to be a nice day afterall. Well, it poured on and off all day long and the sun teased us every couple hours.The last 4 miles were tough. I was wet and cold and the trail was a river the whole time so I had puddles in my boots. But Wood's Dragon and I were determined to get to the shelter because we knew there was going to be PIZZA! That is right, we were headed to the shelter that has a hot shower and a pay phone so you can have pizza delivered. The AT is so rough sometimes.There were a couple of nice sites along the way despite the rain. Some rhodadendrums in bloom along with flaming azeleas. The orange and pink together along the trail was beautiful. There was also a baby cow lost in the woods and it followed us back to the pasture. When we got to the pasture Shelton, Jason and Mission were waving to us from a broken down school bus parked out there. They ducked in during one of the downpours. That was a funny site. When we got back to the trail the baby cow was standing in the middle of the trail mooing at us as if she was saying keep up. We did finally find her mom for her. She was the funniest cow. Wish I got a picture but it was raining too much to get my camera out.We finally got to the shelter and were so happy to get food and change our clothes. Wood's Dragon and I shared the Party Pizza -xtra large pepperoni pizza, cheesey breadsticks, hot wings and a 2 liter of soda. That hit the spot. This shelter is a nice double decker. Some of the people staying here are Pirate, Lenape John, Squaw, Tipperary, Snotrocket, No-Hear-um, Rub-a-Dub-Dub, Shelton, Jason, Wood's Dragon, Randy and his mom, and a few others. No Pepsi is in his tent on the deck of the Mt. Rogers Visitor's Center, a big no no according to one of the AT books. I wonder if he'll wake up in time so he doesn't get caught.It is nice to be out of the rain and in my warm bag. Into Atkins tomorrow for some Dairy Queen and a bubble bath.On a side note, Switchback wrote in one of the registers that his summer pack weight is down to 14.5 lbs including 3 days of food and water. With a pack like that he'll be in Maine in no time. Wish I could get mine that light without sacrifising some comforts.
Date: 2013-06-15
From: Osgood Tentsite MM:1861.8

To: The Barn, Gorham,NH, US 2
Miles today: 25.8

All out of food so need to get to my Mail Drop at the Barn. Start hiking 0645. the section before Pinkham was slow, saw the brothers camping, I explained what happened to me. The ankle holding up okay, Motrin 800 mg(ranger candy) did the trick or I am not feeling the pain. The weather is beautiful and it's Saturday so plenty of Day Hikers out on the Trail. Stop briefly at the Pinkham visitor center.1st climb was up Wildcat Peak, fun climb, trying to pull-up ____, got to the top a Guy was up there taking a break. We talked for about 15 mins. He was a Outdoor blog, then time for Peak. Met a couple Day Hikers, talk for another 15 min. The trail was creweed every hour or so. I had to make way to Hikers, the trail was really rough so it was an hard slug. They were some good views. When I got to the top of MT. Moriam I waved goodbye to the White Mountains. It was fun for most part except last Tuesday and Wednesday, happy I was able to see some of it, unlike the Smokies where I saw nothing. The last 2 miles of the trail to US 2 was flat and fast. Got to the junction 2045,call the Barn for a ride Doc__ pick me up, took quick shower. He gave me a ride to Chinese All You Can Eat. I ate about 4 plates, plus stopped at Subway for a Philly Cheese for snack later. Its after 2330 time for bed. Happy to be finish with the Whites - Maine next.
Date: 2003-05-30
From: Partnership Shelter

To: Atkins, VA
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: broken clouds

5/30 Partnership Shelter to Atkins, VA - 11.6 milesWe had some georgeous hiking weather. Sunny and warm. It seemed like we were hiking through Rhodadendrum Alley today. So many were blooming.We also learned something today about oak trees. Wood's Dragon had pointed out a seed pod to me one of the first days we were hiking together. It is leafy green with brown spots and when you open it up there is a clean fresh scent, something like a Bath and Body Works fragrance. Today I noticed some oak leaves with strange pustuels in the middle of them. They looked similar to the seed pods and we later found seed pods connected to branches of oak leaves. So now we know where they came from. Before we would just find them randomly on the trail.As we were hiking we had a conversation about bears. And during this conersation what do you think we saw................... a toad. Ok so it wasn't big wildlife, but it was something. Actually it was a rather large toad compared to the small tiny ones you see hopping out of the trail into the woods. We also saw a strange gord that looked like a duck to me. It was purposely positioned right at a creek crossing.We finally made it to Atkins around 4 and are staying at the Village Motel. We ate dinner at the Atkins Diner, where the owner offers free shuttles to hikers. Other important info about Atkins: it is small yet spread out. The Exxon has the Dairy Queen and the Texaco sells beer. That's all we needed.
Date: 2013-06-20
From: Beamis Mountain Lean- To

To: Hiker's Hut, ME 4
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: clear sky

Wanted to do as many miles possible, start hiking at 0630. The weather was beautiful, was even a moon out last night. As I started walking my energy level started waning on small climb. I was hurting, then I fell and hit my left knee, the shoes caused the fall, on the flat parts I was doing okay, but it was mind over matter propelling me forward. I was passing a couple hiking, I said my usual coming through, she turned around and shouted Saber, I couldn't place her. She reminded me, she is my wife Friend from Glen Dale KY completing her Section Thre-Hike of the AT. She said you lost weight, I decided there and then that I really need some good food so I will go into Rangeley at Swift River Pond.I met 2 South Bounders, told me about Hikers Hut 3/10 West of the Trail on ME 4. I got to the Hut at 1530, Catherine gave me a meatloaf sandwich, Steve drove me into town, stop at the for 16 oz burger and fries, walker to IGA store for a 2 day resupply and to meet Steve for ride back. Got back I paid $7 for a plate of Pasta and Meatloaf which was very good, at the Sarge I had got some chicken tenders to go, that for tonight.The Hikers Hut a cool place no electricity or running water (creek next to it). I am staying in the loft, 4 other Hikers here, 3 South Bounders. So I am fuel up and ready for Straton Saturday for my shoes. Today turned out not too bad.