morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-07-21
From: Cooper Brook Falls Shelter

To: Mahar Tote Rd., Whitehouse Landing 
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: moderate rain

I parted ways with both Wee Gillis and Lost Pony today which will likely be for good. They pushed on and I took a shorter day to come to Whitehouse Landing where I had sent a resupply box. It is a nice old time camp on Pemadumcook Lake. They have dinner and a breakfast so I spent the night. So far it seems like more of a no place than a yes place and while the people who run it are reasonably friendly, they will not go out of their way to help you out. It is also quite pricey. Next time I hike the AT I won't come here. I will say it was pleasant to swim in the lake and have a beer this afternoon. Especially since it was quite hot. The hiking is pretty boring since it is mostly flat. The forest changes often. There are many stretches of Hemlock and White Pine forest that are stately. I pass lakes and ponds that only add to the scenic splendor. Today I watched a young bull moose feeding in a river. More beauty and peace. Maine is beautiful. It is my favorite state on the trail. It is tough however. I suspect if Maine were in the middle of the trail, it would take more thru hikers out. Did I mention I killed 95 deer flies the other day? My head is full of thoughts today. More conflicting thoughts. I want this to last forever. It's time to go home. It will be so strange to be in my house, sleep in my bed, not have to get up, pack up, move on. The thru hiker talk is now about when we will summit. What day, our plans to arrive, what we will do after. For me, I could finish in three or four days. If I can hike 39 miles in two days, I could summit on Sunday. If not, I'll have three easy days to Katahdin Stream and summit on Monday. As always I'll see what the days bring. This last 100 miles has some personal meaning to me. If you know me, you know that my Dad died two springs ago. I believe I mentioned somewhere in this journal that he was really responsible for instilling a love of the outdoors within me. Dad was very organized and quite the planner. He made this book for my brother and I with everything we would need to know and all of his last wishes upon his death. One of those was various places he wanted his ashes spread. Since he first took me up Katahdin when I was seven years old, even though it was not on the list, I decided to take part of him for a walk through the 100 mile wilderness and leave him on the summit. I think he would like knowing this, I know he would like the actual hike, and I know he would be proud to know I had completed the trail. Three days to go.
Date: 2016-07-22
From: Mahar Tote Rd., Whitehouse Landing 

To: Rainbow Lake, East Shore
Miles today: 22.6
Weather: overcast clouds

It's over, for all intents and purpose, my thru hike is over. I chose to do the 39 miles in two days so tomorrow I will hike about 8 miles to Abol Bridge, and 10 more to the Katahdin Stream Campground. If I get to Abol early enough, I should get the opportunity to camp at the thru hiker shelter tomorrow night and summit on Sunday. If the weather is nice, that is exactly what I will do.There is beauty everywhere around me. It is incredible. I was shown that and why Rainbow lake is so named tonight. The sunset was gorgeous. I couldn't even see the sun but the clouds were the wildest colors. I took a million pictures and sat out until like 930. An old friend, Ian Macrae, commented on a picture I posted on Facebook. He said something like "this is what is available to those who choose to walk". I am so happy I made this choice. So much has been made available to me as a result of walking. I can't begin to count the many beautiful things I've seen and the many wonderful people I've met. There will be acknowledgements given in a later entry. For now I choose to sleep, rocked to sleep by the lapping waters of Rainbow Lake and sung to sleep by the call of the loon. If there is a heaven, I want it to be like this.
Date: 2016-07-23
From: Rainbow Lake, East Shore

To: Katahdin Stream Campground 
Miles today: 17.9

It's 420 on Sunday morning, July 24. I'm awake and while I'm tired, I can't sleep. Today I will summit and complete my hike. I'm excited. While hiking yesterday, I decided my night on Rainbow Lake was the last camping memory I wanted in my head. As a result, I gave up my spot in the thru hiker shelter and hitched into Millinocket and stayed at the hostel. I saw a number of my friends who summited including Magic, Spidey, and their crew as well as Lost Pony. They were all very excited. The hike yesterday was very easy, in fact I covered the miles by two o'clock or so. At Abol Bridge, I ran into Blaze whom I hadn't seen since Fontana Village. I also caught up to Wee Gillis. There was a restaurant and store there but I missed breakfast by 20 minutes. I settled for a coffee which i drank by the river with those other guys. It was relaxing and pleasant. The hike into the park was easy and beautiful, following the Penobscot River for a long way. Of course it had to rain a little before I was done.So that's it. Just like that I have five miles left to go. I have reduced the Appalachian Trail to a day hike. The weather looks good for today. Hopefully it will be a good day for pictures!
Date: 2016-07-24
From: Katahdin Stream Campground 

To: Mt. Katahdin Summit
Miles today: 5.2
Weather: overcast clouds

"The summit was like a magnet, pulling me inexorably towards the end". I first cultivated this thought when I hit the Tableland. I had just caught up to Ranger Ray who had started the hike before me. We talked a bit but I couldn't slow down. Usually at the end of the day I would slow down a bit to help transition into evening activities. Today I finished strong. Last night at the hostel, I met a flip flop hiker named Honey Bear. He carries a trumpet with him, everywhere. At the restaurant where we ate dinner, a woman was celebrating her 70th birthday. He played the birthday song on his trumpet. The whole place sang along. When he passed me on trail this morning, I told him of my many disappointments at road crossings when I expected a band and a party waiting for me (yes, we have plenty of time to think and fantasize while hiking the AT, and it's all about us!). Later, as I was taking my final steps towards the summit, he started playing the theme to Rocky, the other long distance hikers were hooting, hollering, and clapping for me. I was experiencing some wild combination of laughing and crying. I had done it, I had hiked from Georgia to Maine! Norovirus be damned, I kissed that sign! Un-fucking believeable! It was a bluebird day. We took lots of pictures and had some lunch on the summit. We probably spent an hour up there as a group telling stories, hanging out, knowing that when we left the hike was over. The group I was with were not the ones I knew best on the trail. Some of them finished before me, and some will finish in the coming days. For me, I am so proud to have completed this adventure. There were many times when I didn't think I could do it. And I mean many! But finish I have and now I have to go home which is all i have wanted to do recently. I wonder what it will be like? If you have read this whole journal, you will remember that back in January I made those lists suggested in the AT trials book. One of my statements was that I did not know if I would fit seamlessly back into my own life. Now I will find out. I appreciate the many supportive notes that people have sent me along the way. There are a few of you who have been my biggest fans. For that I say thank you very much. In the coming days and maybe weeks, I will continue to add to this journal. I want to share some acknowledgements and other thoughts about the trail once I have a chance to process my thoughts for awhile. I also want to write future entries on a laptop because it will be so much easier than always writing on my phone! For now, thanks to everyone for following along, thanks to mother nature for being reasonably kind in terms of weather, and thanks to my family for their unending support. More to come but now I'm off to the coast to eat lobster!
Date: 2016-03-23
To: Massachusetts 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Wow in 10 short days I begin the trip south to Georgia. The Stars have aligned and I have been blessed with the opportunity to do this thru hike. It was something I have always wanted to do since college. I was kicking myself for not doing this right after graduating but life got in the way. Now at 38 my husband and I have sold our house and moved to New York. With the sudden change and me not having to work right now it dawned on me I could really do this and here we are 10 days away from reality of it. When I announced to the world I was doing this a good friend of mine asked me if I would be offended if she join me. I was like " are you serious?" We spent the next 7 months prepping, buying gear, trying gear and doing practice hikes and overnights in the woods. Most of the time laughing at the absurdity of what we were attempting to do. People will look at us as the odd couple.   Hey that may just become our tandem trail name... Tick toc, Tick Toc.
Date: 2016-03-24
To: Massachusetts
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light snow

Did a quick trip up to Massachusetts for a teeth cleaning and a visit with Sharon. We have done our gear shake down and are going to do some basic prep. Reviewing the guide book for the first 45 miles just to familiarize ourselves with springs, shelters etc. We have already agreed to take it slow and to really pay attention to our feet. I have done a lot of training with my pack hiking in the Catskills of New York. Sharon has done some with me but most had been in the gym.
Date: 2016-03-25
To: Tannersville 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Heading back to the Catskills after my teeth cleaning and some pre-trail prep. Holy crap we are down to 10 days. Jeff booked the rental car which we will be picking up on April 2nd. I will be back up to Massachusetts to pick Sharon up on March 31. We start our drive to Georgia April 3rd. It's becoming more real by the minute. ????
Date: 2016-03-25
To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

When a college friend found out I was doing a thru hike of the Appalachian Trail he asked me to do him a favor. See his dad had a love for the AT and hiked the entire section of it in Maine. He made a walking stick from a tree branch which he used while he hiked the Maine section of the AT. With his failing health he was unable to continue on long hikes. His dad became a Trail Angel in Maine bringing dry socks and goodies to the shelters along the trail. In June 2015 he lost his battle with cancer and was never able to complete his dream of thru hiking. Well his walking stick was just mailed to me from Maine and arrived today in the Catskills of New York. My college friend asked me if I would bring his dad's walking stick to the summit of Springer in hopes it makes it to Katahdin I'm not only bringing it to Springer but feel compelled to make sure it travels all the way to Katahdin. To be entrusted with such a cherished object I'm moved to beyond words. I have another motivator to get my butt to Katahdin. Keep yours eyes open for the odd couple carrying a unique walking stick. We are down to 8 days to starting our drive from New York to Georgia. Boots hit the ground April 6th.
Date: 2016-03-26
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

In just 7 short days I get in the car and head south with Sharon to Georgia. Jeff and his dad are driving us south. Leaving home and leaving my guy Jeff, 2 cats and our dog Sandy is going to be the hardest part of the trail for me. I want to take the time to fully thank my husband Jeff for supporting me in this venture. It's going to be just as hard on him as it will be on me. Working full time and completely taking care of the house and 3 pets is going to be a lot of work. I would never be able to attempt this without his support. Last minute prep is happening. I keep unpacking and repacking my bag trying to reduce weight.
Date: 2016-03-28
To: Spruceton Valley Road
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

In my normal life I'm the volunteer Lean-To Chair here in the Catskill Park in New York State. I oversee the maintainers here in the park and we cover 32 lean-to's. We are volunteers through the New York New Jersey Trail Conference based out of Jersey. This club was the first to build the very first section of the AT on Bear Mountain and they continue to maintain that section as well as sections of the trail both in Jersey and New York. Part of my responsibilities as the lean-to chair is to visit all the lean-to's. Well what better way to train and condition ones self then to go to lean-to after lean-to here in the park. If you have ever been to and hiked trails in the Catskills they are not flat not gradual. They go up and then down. I walked up to John Robb lean-to on Hunter Mountain. This is the same mountain that has the ski area with the same name. Here are pictures from the day.
Date: 2016-03-29
To: View Entry
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: light snow

Did my last hike for my training and conditioning today. Total of 10 miles with the dogs. It will be my last walk with them until I get back. Very bittersweet as we have been attached by the hip for the last three months. My father in-law said I'm the pied piper to the dogs. When I walk in at the in-laws a walk is assumed and they jump up and immediately are ready. Sometimes they run outside and jump into the car before I can even get out. I would love to take them but that would be impossible to juggle 2 dogs and taking only one the other would be severely depressed. Hopefully they will be driven to me to do small sections. Today I walked the Ashokan High Point which is a 9 mile loop. We explored the top and walked back and forth the 1/2 mile summit adding another mile. In three days I have hiked about 27 miles. I feel fantastic, the feet are good, the legs are good. I can feel my body is so much stronger than it was around Christmas. Thank god for the Catskill mountains in New York that helped in my training. The steep peaks and crazy rocky trails will help me go "oh this isn't bad" when I get on the AT. I'm in the process of doing a go-fund me campaign to raise money for the Catskill Park to give back. Due to budget cuts the park does not get very much funding and is in need. My hope is I can do my part. This was my last big walk before my boots hit the ground In a week. The next 3 days will be spent going to Massachusetts to say goodbye to my mother and sister. Then back here Saturday morning to spray all my gear with Permethrin, dry and then repacking my pack one last time. Double checking, do I have everything I need and can I take anything out of my pack. Keep getting that weight down. 7 days!!! ????????
Date: 2016-04-01
To: Massachusetts
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Drove to Massachusetts to say goodbye to family and friends and to pick up Sharon. We were kind of holding our breath because she had massive knee pain out of the blue on Tuesday. She thought maybe something got torn on our practice hike 2 weeks prior. She was crushed thinking that after 7 months of planning it might all come to an end in an instance. Well she was able to finagle an appointment and getting to a specialist today (Friday). He gave her a cortisone shot and knee brace and said you are good to go no damage. Wohoo 2 thumbs up. We are a go!
Date: 2016-04-02
To: Tannersville NY
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Got up early this am at Sharon's. We loaded the car and I clicked a picture of her leaving her house the last time before we head to Georgia. She said it's such a weird feeling to be leaving and won't be back for 6 months. She said driving her car one last time for six months was just as strange. Some of these things I had not even thought of until it happened. We just arrived in Tannersville and have unpacked all of our gear to spray it with Permethetin. This helps to prevent bugs and mostly ticks. We leave in less than 24 hours. Holy crap.
Date: 2016-04-03
To: Virginia
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Up and showered, dressed and ready to pack up the car. Wake to snow with whiteout conditions. What the heck no snow all winter and our biggest storm is in April? Luckily here in the Catskills the snow band moved through before I got out of the shower. Massachusetts is getting hit worse than here so I'm glad it was today and not yesterday while I was driving back to New York. The wind is very strong and should make for an interesting trip off the mountain top. But once we get down to the Hudson River all should be well. Gotta say goodbye to the two kitties (Will and Grace) and then to our pup Sandy. It's weird how your fur friends are such a major part of your life and not seeing them for 6 months will be so very hard. Saying goodbye will be even harder. We then will be headed south no later than 10 am is our goal. Will post where we end up for the night as we don't have any reservations we are just wingin it. Hoping to make it to Virginia.
Date: 2016-04-04
To: Amicalola State Park and Lodge
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Holy crap in 24 hours I'll be trying to fall asleep in my last bed for awhile at Amicalola Lodge. Drove around 450 miles today from Staunton, Virginia to Chattanooga, Tennessee. We've done about 980 miles in 48 hours. We will sign in tomorrow to see what number hikers we are. I'm so excited and a bit anxious. The weather looks to hold for the first two days. (Knock on wood). Here are pictures from the day.
Date: 2016-04-05
To: Springer Mt Summit
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

We made it to Georgia and to Amicalola State Park and Lodge. We had a quick lunch and then walked down the "stairs" to the visitor center to see Tom to officially sign in. I am hiker 1320 and Sharon is hiker 1321. It was a busy sign in day and they ran out of pages as we went to sign in. Tom was very apologetic which we were fine with it. We are in no rush as we were just absorbing the beautiful day. Such a strange feeling my legs were almost shaking. I will say it again "I can't believe I am doing this". Now the walk back up the stairs, will be good prep for tomorrow. We are starting tomorrow from the summit of Springer and are not doing the approach trail except for the portion along the falls.
Date: 2016-04-06
From: Springer Mt Summit

To: Stover Creek
Miles today: 2.8
Weather: overcast clouds

We begin!Sharon and I got driven up to the parking area on Springer Mt. We walked up to the summit with Jeff and his dad. Took a lot of pics and walked back to the parking area. Sharon geared up as I already had my pack on and we said our goodbyes. I gotta say that was one of the hardest things I have ever done. This is going to be just as hard on Jeff as it is me. He is the most wonderful person I know and his support in this is beyond me. We walked the 1.8 miles to the shelter and arrived at 4:30. Everyone said go slow hike short miles and take your time. So we are! We are gonna ease Sharon into big miles. The loft in the shelter was open so Sharon and I decided to jump for it. It was Sharon and I and 15 other guys. All very friendly. We met a man with a dog named olive. Three guys from Vermont and a man from British Columbia. Sharon made Mac and Cheese for her dinner and I ate a bunch of bagged nuts, fruit bars etc to get the loose food down. We crawled up into the loft at around 7 for relax time before bedtime around 8 or 9. We are shooting for Hawk Mt shelter tomorrow. This would give us a 5.4 mile day.
Date: 2016-04-07
From: Stover Creek

To: Hawk Mt Shelter
Miles today: 5.3
Weather: moderate rain

We left Stover Creek and headed north. We continue our low mileage days so Sharon can acclimate. It's also helping me immensely with the slow pace. After the crazy thunderstorms last night with heavy rain we had the most beautiful day. Cool weather and sun with some wind made for a fantastic day of hiking. Sharon feels she's holding me back and going slow but in reality I go at my pace and stop to check to see where she is. After a bit there she is chugging up the hill so in reality I think she is doing amazingly well. We made it to Hawk Mt shelter at about 2:30 set up shop taking bottom level of the shelter. We have tents but with more rain possible why take the chance. So we are hunkering down for some sleep after our chores and dinner. Tomorrow is a big day for us with Sassafras and Justus Mt. More tomorrow if cell coverage allows. Forgot to mention we met the trail runner and maintainer Gus. He was a super chill guy and was very helpful in motivating Sharon.
Date: 2016-04-08
From: Hawk Mt Shelter

To: Gooch Mt Shelter
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: broken clouds

We left Hawk Mt shelter at around 9 and talk about a ton of ups and downs. Sassafras Mt and Justus Mt were a challenge especially after the 4 rather steep ups and downs. Sharon struggled but I had asked for some love on Facebook and people obliged. We were lucky enough to have a signal most of the time I could show her messages of support and love. It got her through. I switched off with using the walking stick and my poles. The walking stick were for the ups and the poles were for the downs. We named the walking stick "smitty" after my stepdad. So if you here about smitty in the future that is the walking stick. He passed from cancer in 1996 and I feel him close with me. When I randomly called the stick "smitty" it stuck. We arrived at Gooch shelter at 6:15 and did chores and dinner. We are passing out ASAP. Tomorrow the goal is woody gap and grab the shuttle at 5pm to the hostel for some R+R. Forgot to add in we met another ridge runner which was super nice again and told us a bunch of people already bailed by pushing to hard and to fast on the mileage end. Sharon felt good that she is still going. She met Phillip today who was having a hard time and when she caught up with me she had Phillip too and he was wearing her knee brace. Finally last thing to not around 8:30 the ridge runner came in and was scanning the log books looking for a hiker. Not sure why or what happened but remember to fill out the log books so you can be found if need be. Your last location will at least be known.