morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-08-27
From: Pine Plantation

To: Trapper John Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: few clouds

      With it raining off and on during the night, I had a wet tent to pack in the morning. I also had a good bit of condensation inside, which hasn't been much of a problem. At first light, and again later as I was packing, a coed group, of what I presume was a cross country team, came running by on the trail. Not being a morning person myself, I marveled that someone would do that first thing in the morning. It gave me hope that the trail was fairly clear for some distance. This proved to be the case, as the first part of the day was comparatively gentle, and then got progressively more difficult.      I crossed one high meadow filled with goldenrod, milkweed and red clover. It provided a 360 degree panoramic view of mountains and valleys, and I stopped in the shade of every isloated tree to enjoy and admire that beautiful spot. Later came the steep climbs. First up Moose Mountain, which the sign at the top said was only 2200 feet. It seemed more like 4000. When I finally wheezed my way to the top, I was beat. I took some time and spread out my tent and ground cloth to dry in the sun, while I drank in the view and a quart of water.      Then it was a steep down, before starting another steep and seemingly endless climb up to Holts Ledges. The mountains here are like the ones in Georgia. You keep going up and up and up, and when you think you have to be near the top, you realize you aren't even close. It is like climbing an endless mountain.      Going down, I couldn't decide whether to go to the road or stop at the shelter to camp. There probably wouldn't be any other spots, and I made the turn into the shelter. There was a suitable area for my tent, and water close by, not to mention the captain's chair toilet seat in the privy. My feet and legs were sore, and I turned in early.
Date: 2013-06-02
From: Paul C. Wolfe Shelter

To: Waynesboro - Rockfish Gap
Miles today: 5.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Easy hike today so I took my time with leaving. I made tea and had a granola bar for breakfast (this was the last of my food), then left at the same time as Lewis and Clark . Lewis asked if I minded talking as we walked. Not at all! It was a pleasure to talk with him and we chatted the entire way into Waynesboro. He is contemplating a thru hike someday and already has a lot of knowledge about the trail.The time flew by and after arriving at the parking area, Clark very generously offered me a ride to town. Lewis and Clark - thanks again! It was so fun hiking and camping with you. I wish you could have continued with me all the way to Maine. Good luck and blue skies for all your future hikes.I first planned to camp at the YMCA but a check of the weather showed thunderstorms. Change of plans - instead I got a room at the Quality Inn. First order of the day is a shower, then laundry. then to the store. I really didn't want to eat restaurant food so I bought a Caesar salad kit, microwave veggies and fish. I cooked the fish in the room microwave and it turned out pretty good. I'm totally full right now watching 60 Minutes.Tomorrow morning I meet Karen for a week of hiking in the SNP. The SNP is known for gentle trails, Waysides (concession stands), and frequent crossings of the Blue Ridge parkway. It will be fun to have her along. Many hikers suffer from the Virginia Blues because the state is so long but I haven't had this problem - thanks to visits from Aunt Sand and Karen. Variety is the spice of life...
Date: 2003-08-31
From: Glencliff, NH

To: Beaver Brook Shelter
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: overcast clouds

      I made a slow departure in the morning. Mt. Moosilauke was my introduction to the major league of mountains that I'm entering. It took me four long, struggling hours to reach the summit, which was crowded with day hikers. The top is above treeline, offering spectacular viewing of at least a hundred peaks in all directions. It was chilly, even in the sun, with an unhindered breeze. Wearing only shorts and T-shirt, I spent only a short time exposed at the summit.       I started down to the shelter on the back side. The descent was even steepre that the climb, and just as slow. When I arrived the tent sites were taken, but there was space in the shelter, where I staked out a place. We had a good group here: D2, the ridgerunner; his friend, Mike; Tom for Short; Bonanza; and Sun Dog. The view out of the front of the shelter consisted of the mountains to the north. Off in the distance we could see the cog train going to the top of Mt. Washington. We spent the time until dark chatting and comparing experiences. Everyone was tired and turned in early.
Date: 2013-06-06
From: Pinefield hut

To: High Top Hut
Miles today: 8.2
Weather: light rain

Oh my goodness! Did it rain today! It was very overcast when we awoke and I hurriedly packed my things so they would all be dry. Flame sent me a very thick trash bag as this is what is used as added protection against the rain. It came in handy today.The rain started as I walked out of camp around 8 and never let up the rest of the day. I made the 8 miles to the shelter by 11:30. Long day ahead of me at a shelter but at least I was under cover. Clover was hiking separate since she was road walking. I was going to give her until 2 or so before sending out the search party so you can imagine how happy I was to see her walking up to the shelter around 12:30. She made excellent time! Nothing like a little bit of bad conditions to crank out the miles.A lot of the same folks from the night before spent the day watching the rain - Jiffy Girl, Woodman, Jason. Toast and Rusty Ramps were in for a while before moving on. Other people also came and went throughout the day. This shelter is only 3 miles from the road to Elkton, VA so many are jumping off to get a hotel.Clover is jumping off tomorrow to go home. She had planned to stay 7 days but with the hut spacing it would have put her in an awkward spot to be picked up. She has been able to get a taste of the hiking experience and will leave before her feet are totally messed up (she's been having trouble with them). It's been a pleasure to have her but now I will have to get back to the business of getting to Maine.Woodman had a deer tick embedded under his arm and we had a heck of a time removing it. I think a bit of the head may be still be in there. Beetle juice was the surgeon and I stood by with the neosporin. He will keep an eye on it to see if a bulls eye rash develops. I passed a girl today finishing a last section from her thru hike last year -MoMo. She was hiking with Queen City ( yes, Jess, he is from Cincinnati). She will be finished at Rockfish Gap, about 50 miles or so. She was so happy - even walking in the rain.
Date: 2003-09-01
From: Beaver Brook Shelter

To: Eliza Brook Shelter
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: overcast clouds

      I forgot to mention the other day that my pack weight leaving Glencliff was just under 37 pounds. That included the heavier clothing and five days of food, and water. I remember, when I left Neel's Gap, I was lugging 45 pounds in similar fashion. Tom for Short and I started out together this morning trying to get down off Moosilauke in one piece. We followed a steam with many chutes and falls. It was slow, steep, dangerous going. When we finally got to the highway, we took a break and debated whether to go down the road for a coke and hamburger. Instead we headed up the mountain across the pavement.      The nine miles today felt more like thirty. At one point I stopped and felt I was never going to make it to the shelter. I did manage to get there, but I was exhausted. I set up the tent, ate a bagel, and listened to the horrow stories of what was still in our path. Looking at the maps, and hearing what the others had to say, didn't do much to boost my enthusiasm. As soon as it started getting dark, I was in my tent and down for the count.
Date: 2003-09-03
From: North Woodstock, NH

To: Lincoln, NH
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

      There was a lot of noise outside last night from the tavern across the street, so we didn't get much sleep. Vic and I went for breakfast. Afterwards, I went up to the laundromat, stopping at a couple of motels to check their rates. The forecast was for rain, and I was feeling very drained.      I packed up my stuff, and went to the convenience store to pick up some snacks. I asked about a reasonably priced place to stay in town. The lady made a call and soon I was heading a mile up the road to a nice, clean, quiet motel with off season rates. I took a nap and found it raining hard when I awoke. It rained all evening, night, and into the morning.       It had been a prudent move to stay in town, since I wouldn't have gotten very far today anyway.
Date: 2013-06-09
From: Byrd's Nest #3 Hut

To: Gravel Spring Hut
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: broken clouds

I knew the dreaded poison ivy would strike! I have a bit on my ankles and crossing my fingers it doesn't spread.Big day today so I started out at 6:30. Weather is overcast - rain possible later in the afternoon. It never really did rain but I'm in the shelter for two reasons - we have about 35 boy scouts tenting here and I don't want to pack a wet tent if it does rain.Day for trail magic - yeah! Banana and coke (perfect combo - thanks Low rider) and a granola bar (always like those).Last Wayside today (sob). I had a cheeseburger and soft serve ice cream for lunch. Au revoir Shenandoah National Park! I will miss your restaurants.Didn't cross paths with too many people today. Must have been the weather. I did meet Iditarod and his dog. He wants to do a thru hike next year and so asked a few questions about gear. Best of luck with your plans and feel free to contact me if you have other questions. Past thru hikers were so helpful to me when I was planning my trip.The fiddle player is staying here so we have some music tonight. Always a nice way to end a day out in the woods.
Date: 2003-09-06
From: Stealth Camp

To: Nauman Tentsite
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: mist

      I passed Ethan Pond this morning. It was a lovely spot, but no moose were around, which would have made it perfect. After crossing Crawford Notch, I began scaling Webster Cliffs. There were several great overlooks straight down into the notch below. Getting up there though was exhausting and, in a couple of spots, downright scary. In one instance, I had to cross a bare, wet rock cliff that made me very nervous. A slip there would have been the end of this adventure. I am way past that indestructible phase of my life, but I try not to dwell on the danger. I figure that if other people can do this, I can too, even if the vast majority of them are less than half my age.      Since entering New Hampshire, the difficulty has definitely been ratcheted upward. It is no place to do anything reckless or stupid, because you could very easily get injured, crippled, or dead. I made it to the top with only a bloody elbow to show for my efforts.       By the time I got near Mizpah Hut, I was too tired to even search for a campsite. I found Mike, the tentsite caretaker, who directed me to the overflow camping area. It was worth the eight dollars at this moment. I went into the hut, which was totally booked. I paid a dollar for leftover baked goods--some sort of bars with raisins, of which I had several while I watched the throng in the dining hall noisily devoir their dinner.      Some kids outside were handfeeding the Canada jays, or lumberjacks, or whatever other of several names, these birds are called. I crawled back up the hill and changed into warmer, dryer clothes as the temperature dropped. It should be good sleeping on a clear, cold, moonlit night.
Date: 2013-06-12
From: Ashby Gap

To: Bears Den Hostel
Miles today: 25.1
Weather: clear sky

Quick note: today's mileage was 14.5. The counter was off so I had to add some to equal what is in the guidebook.Had to say good bye to the retreat center and St. Kris. The latter will be meeting me at Harpers Ferry on Friday so not a final good bye.Today was spent at the AT themepark. The one and only ride was the roller coaster and what a wild ride it was! The guidebook describes it as 13.5 miles of tightly packed ascents and descents. I am not too fond of roller coasters and this one was not a lot of fun. In fact, the final .5 miles to Bear's Den hostel was brutal! I was up at 5:30 this morning and am really exhausted.I am staying at Bears Den tonight. This is a really cool hostel owned by the ATC and run by the PATC (Potomac Appalachian Trail Club). We had trail angel Queen Diva bring in dinner for all - around 30 people - chicken and noodles, mashed potatoes and green beans. It was free, all you can eat, and I had two helpings! I am very full right now!Thunderstorms are expected tomorrow afternoon so I am getting another early start. I can barely keep my eyes opened so good night all.
Date: 2003-09-07
From: Nauman Tentsite

To: Lake of the Clouds Hut
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: broken clouds

      This was going to be a perfect day to get over Mt. Washington. Clear, cool, and no wind. I was really stiff when I got up this morning. Trading the warm clothes for shorts and t-shirt wasn't pleasant, but needed to be done. They proved more than adequate for the first climb.      Most of the day was spent above treeline, or in stunted spruce and balsam not over head high. The weather began to change. From crystal clear, by the time I got to Lake of the Clouds Hut, visibilty was only about fifty yards, and getting worse. I decided not to try to continue. I asked about work-for-stay, and being first to ask, was granted a bunk and food. In return, I cleaned out one of the bunkrooms thoroughly, and helped set up the dining room for supper. They had 84 guests staying there. Outside it was cold, windy, and visibility was maybe fifty feet at best.      The staff at this hut was very friendly and cordial. I had three bowls of hot vegetable soup to ward off the chill. It was cool inside, even with all those people and cooking stoves going. After dinner was finished, and everything was cleaned up, the croo and work-for-stay thru hikers finished up the leftovers of salad, bread, stuffed shells, and brownies. This was making me think that maybe I should have done this at other huts also.       There were seven thru hikers staying here, and we were assigned one of the bunkrooms. Other than smelling like a stable, it was quite comfortable. This was the same room I had cleaned, for all the good it did. Lights go out at the huts at 9:30, and I was in bed before then, as much to keep warm as any other reason. I was glad to be inside tonight.
Date: 2013-06-13
From: Bears Den Hostel

To: David Lesser Shelter
Miles today: 11.1
Weather: moderate rain

Yawn and stretch... I had a wonderful night's sleep and then woke to coffee. Doesn't get much better than that. Oh wait, it does - made pancakes for our little group of early risers. Or I should say I mixed them up and then Tags took over the cooking duties.It started storming soon after leaving this morning. After a point you are so wet that you cease to care and just enjoy the rain. It reminded me of when my kids were little and they would play in the rain on hot summer days. We live in an old farmhouse and for a while only had a dug well. Every summer we would run low on water so summer showers were a cause for celebration. You dry out so the rain is not as bad as first thought.I had a couple of other 'cause for celebration' today. I finally got off this darn roller coaster AND I passed the 1000 mile mark!The latter just threw me for a loop. I normally don't pay attention to mileage - I'm just out here taking long daily walks - so there I was walking in the rain, up a steep hill, and I started getting all choked up. The mix just doesn't go well. I was starting to cry just thinking of how much I've always wanted to do this and here I am - little ole me - walking from Georgia to Harpers Ferry and hopefully to Maine. If that doesn't give hope to others wanting to do this, I don't know what will!Lunch was spent at the Blackburn Nature Center, another place run by the PATC. It is also a very nice place to hang out although the hiker hostel only sleeps 4. The caretaker Karo hiked in 2011 with Kermit. Today she made snicker doodles and I had three (I could have eaten a dozen!). Thanks again Karo!I'm at the David Lesser shelter. Made it in just before another round of storms. It's the one just before Harpers so I can get an early start to meet St. Kris There are two tenters here but no one else on the shelter - yet. After I wrote that Chicago Bear came in - a section hiker from Chicago, of course. He meant to go North from Harpets Ferry and instead hiked South! Ughhh!
Date: 2003-09-10
From: Stealth Camp

To: Gorham, NH
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: scattered clouds

      I made it down to the highway today and hitched a ride into town. The Hikers Paradise offers a hostel situation, but I opted for a motel room instead. My feet were really sore again today. I took a shower, a nap, and went to the convenience store for something to eat. I watched some baseball on TV from the bed for awhile. Chores will have to wait until tomorrow.
Date: 2013-06-16
From: Dahlgren Backpack Campground

To: Raven Rock Shelter
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Happy Father's Day to all fathers!A noisy night in camp last night, between the puppy next door and the partiers with the Knob Creek ( oops - I was kinda one of those).Up and out at a respectable 7. First order of the day was to visit the memorial to the father of our country. There really is the original Washington Monument in Maryland. It was built in 1827 and looks like a big milk bottle - although it was definitely quite the thing back in the day. You can walk to the top and the view is beautiful.Not much else happened in the first part of the day - just a nice normal stroll through the woods - but the second part was full of surprises. First we had an unexpected rainstorm. I didn't even bother with the raincoat - just bring it on at this point. Then I came on some nice trail magic after the rain. just before the last big climb of the day. Hot dog and Guiness. Sweet! We did a 18+ mile day today so I was pretty tired. Then, just as I was getting ready to leave, they brought out ice cream. Ooh! I will never make it to the shelter! I got it to go (in a cup) and ate it as I climbed the big hill. Didn't even notice the climb.At the shelter with Army Ant, Invisible Man, and Slim Jim. Also some boy scouts and section hikers. The weather should be good the rest of the week. We are wrapping up Maryland. Seems quick.
Date: 2003-09-11
From: Gorham, NH

To: Gorham, NH
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: mist

      Sleeping in was a luxury. It was worth missing the free early morning breakfast included with the room. I borrowed a day pack and pedaled up to the food store to resupply. It took massive self control to not go crazy and overbuy. I got a couple of bananas and plums, plus my usual trail rations. The nearby Chinese buffet didn't make any money, when I showed up for lunch. A nap helped digest the huge amount of food I consumed. I finally found a washing machine open at the motel, so the laundry got done. Zero days go by so fast.
Date: 2013-06-17
From: Raven Rock Shelter

To: South Mountain, PA
Miles today: 17.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Welcome to Pennsylvania!...and now crossing the Mason Dixon line. All Southern hikers proceed to the indoctrination center so they can be detoxed of all grits and informed that the North actually won what they call the War of Northern Aggression (Civil War).I am back in the North! Starting my 8th state! Yeah baby!Three miles into our day we came to Pen Mar Park. It was only 9:30 but, since a pizza place delivers to the park, Army Ant and Invisible Man were talking pizza for lunch. I was for it too until plans were hatched to go to a Tavern off the trail at the end of our day. I'm still carrying a big resupply so I needed to eat at least one meal from it. Slim Jim is in the same boat so we declined the pizza and resumed hiking. And so it was that we came to the Mason-Dixon Line - Slim Jim representing the South and me the North. We got pictures of him with his head in the South and me with my head in the North. Another milestone down.The day was one of those just perfect for hiking. We've been lucky this week other than the brief bits of rain. Temps have been in the mid 80's and low humidity. I hope it continues like this until I get through PA.I kept to my hiking other than a short lunch stop. I am a slower hiker than the rest and wanted to make sure I was at the end of day meeting place on time. No worries - I kept up just fine.I saw my first rattlesnake today! I got a video of Army Ant trying to get him to coil. Just like with the bears, this snake wasn't menacing - just minding his own business. It was pretty amazing how loud the rattles were though.We made it to the Tavern, which is really a bar. I had wings and rings and a Yeungling. The bar owner is letting us tent in the back. These small towns along the trail are very hiker friendly, which is a great representation of our country. Out of our group of five, we have one from Australia (Invisible Man) and one from Germany (Lost). It's been a good day. I am loving this journey and can see how people get hooked on the lifestyle.
Date: 2003-09-13
From: Dream lake

To: Fall Goose Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: clear sky

      After taking enough ibuprofen, I slept fairly well. The noisey red squirrels got me stirring early. When dressing, I decided to try wearing two pair of liner socks under the wool pair. I was hoping that less friction may decrease the foot discomfort I have been having. I arrived at Gentram Pond, where I had hoped to get to yesterday.   This pond had a solid bottom, where swimming would have been possible. It emptied into a deep canyon that framed a view of the mountains.      I sat on the shelter platform in the sun, and had a granola bar breakfast. That was the good part of the day. Then came the seemingly endless climb up Mt. Success. I was completely soaked from the sweat long before getting anywhere near the top. The exposed summit was clouded in, with a stiff breeze pushing drizzle and rain, and I was soon shivering. The wet conditions coupled with my exhaustion, combined to make the rocks treacherous. I slipped and slid and crawled across the rock ledges, falling several times. I was taking a beating during this departure from New Hampshire.       There was no celebration at the Maine border. It was more like a sense of relief at having survived. The extra socks hadn't made any difference, my feet and ankles were trashed. I was covered with dirt from the thrills and spills of trying to scale rock ledges as high and perpendicular as the walls of a house.       Back at lower elevations, it was a little warmer and dryer anyway. I set up away from the shelter area and tried to get rehydrated. I'm in Maine.......