morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-03-09
From: Dick's Creek Gap

To: Standing Indian Shelter
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: few clouds

 Left Motel at 7:15. Went to Ingles and each got a muffin, banana and Starbucks coffee. Got to road to hitch back to trail at 8:00 Got picked up by Bert heading to pick up his gal for church and was running early, got a ride at 8:45. Took us to trail head, he is retired and keeps busy with art, dancing and volunteer work. Got to Plumorchard shelter at 11:00. Got to Georgia/North Carolina Border at 1:00. Eat lunch at the ceremonial tree. Took a quick break at Muskrat Shelter at 3:15. Deep Gap at 5:15. Standing Indian Shelter at 6:25 where we met Princess, Rocket man and Ranger. All tenters, so the shelter was empty, also no young kids, 50 plus crowd. In bed by 8:15.
Date: 2014-03-10
From: Standing Indian Shelter

To: Rock Gap Shelter
Miles today: 19.7
Weather: clear sky

Left Standing Indian Shelter at 7:45, arrived top of mountain at 8:30. Took a break at Carter Gap. At Betty Creek Gap, Walk softly took a spill landing the bridge of her nose into a tree root, and bending the nose guards on her glasses and cutting her nose, so we decided it was time to take a break and have lunch. Got to Rock Gap Shelter and met up with Happy, Long Step, Motley, and met Nails for the first time.
Date: 2014-03-11
From: Rock Gap Shelter

To: Wayah Shelter
Miles today: 14.8

Left Rock Gap Shelter at 7:30. Winding Stair Gap at 9:30. Silver Bald Shelter at 11:30. Had lunch at Wayah Gap from 1:00-1:30. Wayah Bald Tower at 3:00. Goofed off there where we saw Nails and met 3 x 5. Got to Wayah Shelter at 4:00, set up tent and filtered water. Eventually Nails came along. We figured we were the last in for the night but Happy, Long Step and Mogley arrived. Today was a beautiful day, it got up into the 70's. Almost to warm for hiking.
Date: 2014-03-12
From: Wayah Shelter

To: Wesser, N C- Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 16.5

We left Wayah Shelter at 6:10. Did a little hiking in the dark. It is raining, so we have our pack covers and rain gear on. Had a break at Cold Spring Shelter at 9:00, met Chainsaw and his friend, no trail name yet. Telico Gap was a tough climb. Going over Wesser Bald was fine, but coming down is rough on the knees. Glad to get to Rufus Mountain Shelter, that meant only a mile to go. Got to Wesser about 3:00. It rained all day and was getting colder. We ran into Tenacity. Had to go over to the stone house to register for a bunk. I watched the packs while Make Time got the last two bunks. Then we went and got a Wesser Burger.
Date: 2014-03-13
From: Wesser, N C- Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: Brown Fork Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Got up early and packed gear we hung in bunkhouse to dry. Then went to have Breakfast at 8:00 at Rivers Edge Cafe, both had a great vegetable omelette. After breakfast, picked up packs at bunkhouse and on trail by 8:55. It had snowed during the night. It was a cold and grueling uphill climb. Later in the day depending on which side of the mountain, it would go from cold, windy and freezing to the other side mild and warm. Early in the morning we were soon passed by 3 x 5, then Sunrise and finally Tarzan. We ended the day at Brown Fork Gap, where we met up with the three who passed us. Pack rat was also there, but only momentarily for a break, before heading on to do some night hiking. He had a good night for it. It was clear and the moon was shining brightly, though very cold night.
Date: 2014-03-14
From: Brown Fork Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Hilton Shelter
Miles today: 12.7

Left Brown Gap Shelter about 7:55. Took a break at Cable Gap Shelter about 11:00. Saw an entry for Skinny D, she stayed at the shelter on 3/9. She started the same day we did, except she did not do approach, so she is about 4 days further ahead then us. She started out with only a 12lb. pack without water. Will not probably see her again. About 3:00 we arrived at the Fontana Marina, where we met Baggy and Cheeseburger. Make Time went down to the Marina and bought us a couple of cokes, while I cleaned up at the restroom there. Got to the Fontana Dam Hilton Shelter at about 4:00, where we were surprised by the presence of the Leap Frog Cafe once again. Serving up Hot Dogs and Nachos. What a life! We set up camp and went to bed early.
Date: 2014-03-15
From: Fontana Hilton Shelter

To: Fontana Lodge
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Got up about 6:30 and made some coffee, shortly we had a beautiful sunrise, and could smell Leap Frog Cafe cooking bacon. Make Time went down to get more coffee and talk with Fresh Ground. I started packing up our gear, then went down and had bacon and eggs. Then we finished getting our gear together and gota ride to the lodge by Fresh Ground. Checked into Lodge, then got our laundry together and went up to laundry mat and general store. While we were doing laundry, Happy, Long Step and Mogley appeared. Returned to the Lodge and went to restaurant and had a great lunch. Then went to room and got our gear cleaned up and packed away. Went on the computer and got our permit for the Smokys.
Date: 2014-03-16
From: Fontana Lodge

To: Russell Field Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: heavy intensity rain

 Had a good breakfast at the Lodge, then got a ride to Fontana Hilton. Left our old canister of fuel in the hiker box with Leap Frog, got a new canister and did not wish to carry two. It was already raining before we started, had our rain gear and pack covers on. Stopped by Dam visitor center, since so many cars were there we thought it was open, no such luck. Got on trail across dam and followed road, before heading into the woods. Did not stop until Carter Gap shelter, ran I to Chainsaw aka slumber Jack and his brother. Had a break, but the rest of the day we kept going, too wet to stop, until Mollies Ridge Shelter, but it was completely crowded with hikers taking a zero, do we went on to Russell Field Shelter. It was a long and miserable day. Was glad to run into Happy, Long Step, Motley, Slumber Jack and brother. The shelter was more comfortable than previous and with good company.
Date: 2014-03-17
From: Russell Field Shelter

To: Siler Bald Gap
Miles today: 14.7

Got on the trail early, another miserable day, but not quite as bad. Had planned to go to Mt. Collins Shelter, but my knees (Walk Softly) were killing me. When we arrived I thought that the shelter was full and we would be moving on, but Make Time said there was only 5 people, they had completely monopolized all 12 spots plus had all there wet clothes strewn all over the shelter. I did not really feel comfortable dtaying , but while in the Smoky's they require you stay in the shelters. We arrived about 6:00, it took them awhile to provide a space. Then implied they were going to start a fire, but ended up working on stove for half hour which they never got started. The spent from 7:00 to 9:00 trying to start fire, which they never got going. I had thought about doing it, but Make Time said I should mind my own business. So it was a cold night.
Date: 2014-03-18
From: Siler Bald Gap

To: Mount Collins Shelter
Miles today: 8.0

We originally planned to go on to Hot Springs and skip Gatlinburg but my knees have really been bothering me. Should of gone in to town but I was hurting too much. Asked Make time to go to Mt. Collins. Arrived about 2:00. Met Steven a volunteer trail maintained, and two Ridge Runners, Carl and Fletcher. They had torn out the old privy and waiting for helicopter to arrive with the materials to rebuild, but flight had been detained, so they were making other improvements. Nice job! At 5:00 Steven built a great fire.
Date: 2014-03-19
From: Mount Collins Shelter

To: Newfound Gap
Miles today: 4.5

We got up at 5:30 to go into town. It took me forever, I could hardly walk. Got a ride from a nice couple into town. Checked into the Grand Prix Motel. Make time came to the room and told me to look out the Balcony window. Saw Happy, Mogley, and Long Step heading back to the trail. Wish them well, and hope to see them up the trail. Took a shower and did a load of laundry. Called my Doctor, who filled a presciption for me. So we made a trip into town to fill the Prescription. Had an hour to wait, so went and got some lunch. Make Time booked two nights at the hotel. We took the trolley to the library, very nice. Next to Community center withiindoor pool and bowling alley, and the High School.
Date: 2014-03-20
From: Newfound Gap

To: Gatlinburg
Miles today: 0.0

Today put on the second load if laundry and got our year all cleaned up. Decided to catch the trolley and ride around town, since I can not do much walking. Ran into Princess and Rocket man, did not get to talk , they spotted us getting on and knocked on the window and waved. Decided to stay another night. Not getting any better, so unfortunately decided to go home. Made reservations for shuttle and train ride home.
Date: 2014-12-10
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

my prep for the "pct" consisted of a 39 day bicycle trip by myself from canada to mexico...................a lot easier than the "at" in 2010................I had hoped to hike the "at" again with my wife[walk softly}............she hurt herself on the "at" in 2012 and 2014............I left her home on my bike trip as well as the beginning of the "pct" in 2015.................she may join me in Oregon............if I should make it that far.............make time..............2015!
Date: 2014-06-15
From: Bear Mountain

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Gathering gear and food. Making mail drops. I had forgotten how much work this was. I am going to try a hammock this time instead of my Shires tarp-tent. No worries about wet ground or rocks. Pack weight should still be relatively light 20 pounds w/o food and water. Am going to do a section hike from Bear Mountain, NY to the end. I have 40 days to do it. 821 miles. There are going to be some long days. I dont plan many motels, just hit the town for resupply and gone. maybe a shower. I had also forgotten how bad I smell during the hike. Until I took a big whiff of my backpack!
Date: 2014-07-08
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

As mentioned earlier, I am using a hammock instead of a tent. see the photo. It has a tarp for rain shelter and a bug net cause this is suppose to be the worst section for bugs. I hate mosquitoes. It is pretty comfy, I tried it out a couple of times, but I don't know if, when I'm really tired from walking all day. The best thing is, one only needs two trees to hang it. No worries about rocks, water, low spots, uneven ground and so forth. I modified the suspension system to be more lightweight and easy to hang.Three days to go --
Date: 2014-07-12
From: Mt Willey shelter

To: Mt Algo Shelter
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: light rain

Started out at about 8:30 after I cleaned camp, cooked breakfast. Hot day going up the mountain and stopped at noon for lunch. Have to find new water lot of sweat, a lot of sweat.. And still have the rest of the day to go. I'm going to 8 miles so far. Made it to Mt Algo shelter. Man I'm beat. 9 liters of water
Date: 2014-07-13
From: Mt Algo Shelter

To: Caesar Brook Campsite
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Started out a pretty good day. Long though. Non eventful today, great views but no animals save a garter snake and a lot of squirrels. A few chipmunks scurrying along. Went over a few mountains today and the temp was around 87 degrees. Probably more than 12 liters of water again. Hurt my knee going down Pine Knob Mountain. Camped at a place called Caesars Brook Campsite, no shelter but open space to pitch your tent and water available. It rained and thunder stormed all night but I was dry in my hammock. Two other groups had to move their tents because of the water. One of the girls hurt her ankle coming down the mountain and had to go slow. Her partner went ahead to pitch the tent. The first girls said she saw a bear at the top of the mountain and was quite scared.
Date: 2014-07-15
From: Pine Swamp Brook Shelter

To: Limestone Spring Shelter
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: light rain

Hot Again. 87 degrees. Large Mountain to go over then 1/2 mile down to shelter about 1/2 mile drop in elevation. But Gorgeous. Beautiful. There is a waterfall coming down the mountain then the water from a limestone spring gushes out here and joins the main brook. About 500 gallons per minute comes out of the spring. You can see the granite on top and the limestone under the water. Amazing. It truly is a wondrous creation bu Jehovah. Thunder stormed all night but we were protected by the mountain
Date: 2014-07-16
From: Limestone Spring Shelter

To: Brassie Brook shelter
Miles today: 8.6
Weather: overcast clouds

It was a cool day.The rain brought a cold front with it. Bad news was the trail was a river. Feet were wet all day. Stopped in at Salisbury , Connecticut to eat lunch and resupply. Great views along the way. Stopped aBrassie Brook shelter for the night.
Date: 2014-07-17
From: Brassie Brook shelter

To: Glen Brook Shelter
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: scattered clouds

WOW. 55 degrees last night. Not ready for that!. Great walk through Sage's Ravine. Absolute one of the best views on the trail. The Sage's river runs along side with water falls and springs all over. The springs gush up out of the water and the water is cold. Can drink without disinfecting. The walk continues up Races Mountain and over Mount Everett. Got some great pictures of animal tracks, especially BEAR. Stopped at Glenn Brook shelter for the night. Was an neat evergreen forest all around the shelter.
Date: 2014-07-18
From: Glen Brook Shelter

To: Mt Wilcox south Shelter
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: light rain

The temp got down to 58 degrees. Was ready this time.Up Race Mountain and more pics of tracks. Raccoon included. Through a large swampy forest today . Saw some Chanterelle Mushrooms that I was going to pick but I was followed by a swarm of huge mosquitoes. Every time I would stop they would bump into you and throw you off balance. Got my picture and took off. When I got to a bridge the other half of the swarm was laying in ambush. Wow, so many bugs. I put some Deet on at the bridge and the mosquitoes scrammed. Should have thought ahead. Anyway, wanted to stay at Great Barrington for the night but it was a weekend and the town is the recreation spot for the affluent New Yorkers. Rooms were at least 100$ more per night with some at 369$. Not for me. Went on the Mt Wilcox shelter for the night. Had a nice cold spring for water here.
Date: 2014-07-19
From: Mt Wilcox south Shelter

To: Upper Goose Pond Shelter
Miles today: 14.8

It was cool today, not over 75 degrees. Mostly level. Lots of Bog boards during the day. Heard rumor of pancakes being served at the shelter in the morning. Made the trip around a big beaver dam, to the cabin. What a place in the middle of nowhere. Had a caretaker named Ruth with here husband and one of her daughters. My feet were sore. Later Ruth made dinner for some of us. Pork loin, potatoes, salad, and green beans. What a treat. Then again the rumor of pancakes. mmmm.
Date: 2014-07-20
From: Upper Goose Pond Shelter

To: Kay Wood Shelter
Miles today: 18.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Guess what? PANCAKES!. I had seven and two huge cups of coffee made the right way, Strong. Ruth did a wonderful job. It was a good thing too, because I next traveled the longest yet, 18.1 miles. It was all flat but man did my feet hurt. Went by lots of beaver ponds again. Stayed at Kay Woods shelter for eat and sleep. Into Dalton, Mass for rest and resupply tomorrow. short day ahead. Did I say my feet hurt?
Date: 2014-07-23
From: Hiker Kiosk in CHesire

To: Sherman Brook Campsite
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: broken clouds

Started at the Hiker Kiosk in Cheshire and went up over Mount Greylock, the highest peak in Massachusetts. Had a slad at the lodge where I should have had a big juicy burger. Stayed at a Campsite where there was no shelter, just some tent platforms. It started raining but I was OK asleep. I heard a noise, and intruder, but it was only a late hiker moving my gear around. I told him to bug off there are other platforms to go to so he moved on. Nearby was Pete's Spring. Water was bubbling up thru the sand. Quite impressive and the water tasted good. I am not filtering and am using bleach for questionable water. for the most part all the springs look good.
Date: 2014-07-24
From: Sherman Brook Campsite

To: Congdon SHelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: light rain

It was a cool day after the rain last night. Did not get over 75 degrees. Made for great hiking. Saw plenty of Beaver Dams. Amazing your standing below the water level of the dam, and a small animal did that. Saw a couple of ruffled Grouse in the trail and a Humming Bird nosing around. A beautiful Day
Date: 2014-07-25
From: Congdon SHelter

To: Goddard Shelter
Miles today: 20.7
Weather: clear sky

A Loooong day. over 20 miles. Man my feet hurt. But it was worth it. It was a beautiful Shelter area way up a lot of stone steps placed in the mountain side. A piped spring with super cold water coming out. The height was 3573 feet one of the highest shelters. Did I mention that I am in Vermont now. Yesterday was the crossing point between Mass and VT. Goddard has a restored Fire Tower one can go up. I went early and took some pictures of the sunrise. WOW!
Date: 2014-07-27
From: Story Spring Shelter

To: Douglass Shelter
Miles today: 15.3

The challenge for the day was to go up over Spencer mountain. The threat of rain was in the air, but... Well guess what? It started raining about three quarters the way up. Rain, Lightning, Thunder, cold wind. Part of the experience. Best picture I got was the Fire tower at the top and it has rain drops on the lens.
Date: 2014-07-28
From: Douglass Shelter

To: Green Mountian House Hostel
Miles today: 5.8
Weather: scattered clouds

In to Manchester Center to resupply and pickup my Drop Box. Stay at Green Mountain House, a hostel that caters to Hikers on the Long trail and the AT. VERY nice place. Hot shower, Ice cream, Laundry and bunk. Shuttle back to the trail. But first, Rain! Lots of it. Walking through water. Six Mountain streams with cold water in your shoes. Oh well.My total mileage so far is 203 miles
Date: 2014-07-29
From: Green Mountian House Hostel

To: VT road 10
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: scattered clouds

I modified my pack cover to use as a day pack and slack packed today. That is, I only took water, lunch and some snacks. Not my whole pack. Did over 17 miles in 6 hours. What a day. A view of Griffith Lake high in the mountain and a Brick and Glass foot bridge in the middle of nowhere. The trail went over a ski slope near Bromely Mountain. At Peru Shelter there was an inquisitive chipmunk and Red Squirrel. Great day.
Date: 2014-07-30
From: VT road 140

To: Govenor Clement Shelter
Miles today: 22.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Got another ride from George up to Route 140 to continue hikeing. George knows alot about the area and was telling me about the marble mine under one of the mountains that the marble is used for most of the government buildings in DC. He was mentioning how long a Beaver Dam lasts. I had never thought about it, but it depends on the size of the pond. If the pond is large the beaver has more trees to eat near the water. If the pond is small, the beaver has to go further out to the woods to get something to eat and the yotedogs (coyotes) get them. Yes there are eastern coyotes out here. Passed by an area damaged by Hurricane Irene and had to detour about 2 miles for a road walk. Had a great vista of a local airport along the way.
Date: 2014-07-31
From: Govenor Clement Shelter

To: Killington Inn
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Nice cool day for the climb up Killington Peak, about 4600 feet. When I got to the top, I cound see some storms coming from the south so started back down right away. The gondola for the ski lift was supposed to be running , but NOT. I wanted a ride. I had a mail drop at Killington PO but missed the time so stayed at the Killington Inn. Very nice old time Motel from the old days. Very Clean.
Date: 2014-08-01
From: Killington Inn

To: Stealth camp
Miles today: 13.0

I picked up my resupply at the PO and continued to the Outfitter half mile down the road. I had broken the buckle on my waist strap on my pack, wanted a new one. They did not have but suggested I call Gregory backpacks. I did and they are sending a new one to Hanover. Great company. they already fixed the zippers on my pack for free. One of the shelters is at a place called Stoney Brook. Nearby were crystal clear mountain stream pools. I would have dove in if it was a little hotter.    Three mountain up today and I wanted to camp at a lookout that had no water. So I had to carry water up the last one. Water is heavy you know. Anyway, Iwent as far as I could and just stealth camped for the night."IDDO"ism-- When you see daylight in between the trees and think you are at the top... you are not, the trail turns and you go more up...
Date: 2014-08-02
From: Stealth camp

To: Wintturi Shelter
Miles today: 16.4

I heard a squirrel or something bounce through the leaves about midnight, then.... about 3:30 am something big in the leaves. When I woke fully it had galloped away up the hill. Considering the only thing with hooves out here is moose.....   Finally made it to the lookout. What a great view. The private landowner rebuilt the cabin and put a platform on the roof.
Date: 2014-08-03
From: Wintturi Shelter

To: Thistle Hill Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: broken clouds

A lot of "Trail Magic" today That is where someone's generosity leaves food or water for the hikers on the trail.So I had a coke in the stream (cold) only halk - I dont drink cokes really but it was cold.   A lady was dropping off her family to go camping and gave me a blueberry muffin.   Down the bottom of a hill some one left homemade chocolate chip cookies, gallons of water and bananas. Also offered to take your trash and they would dump it. On the trail you have to carry your trash out until you get to a trash can. Thank can be 50 miles or so. More weight a hiker does not need.   I ate a lot today and calculated my calories - 3400. Not near enough to sustain performance and weight. I have lost about 20 pounds already.
Date: 2014-08-04
From: Thistle Hill Shelter

To: Norwich Inn
Miles today: 13.0

Last night before I fell asleep I heard a train down in the valley. Durring the night I heard two different owls. One I know was a Great Horned Owl. Who .. Who.. Who. One day hikers dog jumped a red fox at the spring where we get water. In the morning was a beautiful 3 hours of hiking. Cool and not to hilly. I had lunch at Happy Hill Shelter, the original was built before the AT was started in 1918. The At was built around 1938. There was more " trail magic" one one road foutr in a row in sight of each other. Some people are still nice.
Date: 2014-08-01
From: Trescott Rd Etna NH

To: Trapper John Shelter
Miles today: 12.2

Hiked from Trescott Rd Etna NH 12.2 miles. Started the hike with Bucket list. Retired law inforcement person. He came into the shelter area where I'm at.  The view in Moose Mtn was nice. I spent about 40 min. finishing my subway sandwich and taking in the view.I took a 3 hour break at Moose Mtn Shelter.  Moose Mtn wasn't too bad. Holts Ledge was a 1,000 foot climb over a short distance. It was a six rest stop climb. Was a real nice view too. I left Moose Mtn Shelter with a lot of water. Just could not bring myself to dump it. It's a good thing. I ran out of my hydration bag of water before the top. Had to dip into the extra water I was carrying. Glad I had it. At Trapper John shelter for the night. Quite a few people at the shelter area tonight. There are some people still talking. One guy is cooking dinner.  I ate a late dinner. Just wasn't hungry when I got in. So I'm going to try and get to sleep now. I know I'm going to wake up before sunrise. Never sleep well on the trail. Hoping I'm tried enough tonight. That's all for now.