morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-05-21
From: mohican outdoor centet

To: Culvers Gap
Miles today: 17.9

We left The Mohican Outdoor Center really early to hike to Culvers Gap. The only place we could find to stay was the Forest Motel. We are pathetic fans of the TV show Survivor. We hoped to see the finale tonight. The first 7 miles of trail were pretty nice. Not too rocky. Then, the usual rocks, boulders, rock scrambles, ups and downs started. We passed Brink shelter which could have been a destination for the night. We have been meeting up with Rat and Bearcat for several evenings and we really liked them. We finally arrived at Culvers Gap and went to Gyp's Tavern. It is a well known place on the AT where a lot of hikers stop. The motel was going to pick us up there but we had a beer and ordered 2 bar pizzas to go. They were big and only cost $5.00 each. The driver from the motel picked us up and took us to his place. Once there we were informed they only had satellite TV with no local channels. We would miss Survivor afterall. We were bummed. I guess we ou8tsmarted ourselves. 17.9 miles is a lot for us. At least we were inside and dry and warm. The forecast was for cold and thunderstorms. We are happy to have urvivor at home on TEVO. We will see it sometime.
Date: 2014-05-22
From: Culvers Gap

To: High Point State Park
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: clear sky

During the night last night several thunderstorms came through. Glad to be indoors. We planned to stay at a shelter tonight but arrived before 3:00 and the shelter was .4 miles off trail so we went on. This morning we hiked 3 miles and a storm came. we were .1 miles from a shelter so we stopped to wait out the pouring rain. After 45 minutes were once again on our way. The trail was rocky but not bad. We stopped at the next shelter for lunch. Water was sparse but there was city water in the bear box. Yay! We ended up hiking to Highpoint and a shuttle picked us up and took us to High Point Country Inn. There was not a shuttle into town so we had to eat our trail food. There was a ma that said he was going into town so he brought us a 6 pack of beer. Better than none. This motel has nothing around it for a hiker to go eat or drink. Hope tomorrow is better.
Date: 2014-05-23
From: High Point State Park

To: High Point Country Inn
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

We are staying in High Point Country Inn today. Codger said his foot had a slight pain in it in the morning and at the end of the day it had become a lot worse. Well, this morning it is even worse. We decided to stay off the trail today and I got a ride to town and bought fresh food ( salad, apples, bananas, oranges, Yumm!)and Advil and a bag of ice. Codger is icing his foot and taking Advil all day. Hopefully better soon. We hope to continue our hike. If not we will come up with a plan B.
Date: 2015-05-21
From: none yet

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Here we go again.On June 1, 2015 we will fly to Newark, New Jersey. On June 2, 2015 we will start hiking the trail and head to Unionville, New York for our first day.We have been working on our mail drops, packing,and we even bought a new tent.I hope we like it. We will hike for one month and fly home from wherever we get to. This section seems like it will be a lot of fun. We are pretty excited. 2 years ago we met an awesome couple from South Africa. They hiked half of the trail and went back home. This year they are back in America to hike the second half. The four of us are planning to meet in New York before they start their hike. To mr that is pretty neat. I hope it works out. They have been living in New York for 2 months.I will keep the journal going so I hope you can follow.
Date: 2015-05-27
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Friday we mail our mail drops. How exciting. It is always great to receive things from home even if you send them to yourself. We have 3 mail drops and if we can go further we will wing it. The seem to be a lot of places to eat close to the trail. It is really exciting now. Can't wait to get back.
Date: 2015-06-02
From: newark. new jersey

To: Highpoint
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Here we are in Highpoint and it is pouring down rain and 47 degrees. It doesn't look like it is going to get better. We can hike on to unionville or stay in a nice warm room. What would you do? In unionville the place to stay is a wet cold park. No shelter. It is hard not to hike. It is also hard to be wet and cold. So far we are staying in the warm dry room.Springbok and kitty- this is an advantage for youTrashbag and Codger
Date: 2015-06-05
From: Vernon Episcopal Church Hostel

To: Wildcat Shelter
Miles today: 17.1
Weather: broken clouds

We left the church Hostel and headed for Wildcat Shelter. First we climbed the stairway to heaven for 1 hour or more. it was extremely hard. We got to get a hot dog at a hot dog stand just off trail. The weather was beautiful. In the trees catepillars ate munching on leaves and pooping and it sounds like rain all the time but all it is is poop. Stayed at the shelter tonight but in our tent. A lot of fun today but hard, hard climbing.
Date: 2015-06-06
From: Wildcat Shelter

To: Island Pond Outlet
Miles today: 11.9
Weather: scattered clouds

We hiked 11.9 miles today and it was to date the hardest hike we have ever done although almost as bad as yesterday. The footing and terrain are equally hard. we were planning on making it to Fingerhut shelter but after 11 hours we decided to stop 2 miles short. It was beautiful but also the hike from hell. We camped at Island Pond Outlet and it was a beautiful night.
Date: 2015-06-07
From: fingerhut shelter

To: Bear Mountain Inn
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: overcast clouds

We made it to bear mountain. Beautiful place. The terrain the was better today. We met a trail angel at finger hit shelter named Odie Green that was a thru hiker in 2010 and said when he made it to the top of Mount Katahdin he drank a beer, threw a frisby and cried like a baby. I believe that is how it must feel to get there. He had snacks beer and nuts and chips. We made it threw the lemon squeezer but somehow missed the 100 foot wall we were supposed to climb up.That is not too bad, There were climbs - ups and down - but not like the last 2 days have been. Tonigh we are going to get to bear mountain inn. Trail is steep but fun today. We are tired and might take the day off tomorrow.
Date: 2015-06-08
From: Bear Mountain Inn

To: Bear Mountain Inn
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

We are at Bear Mountain Inn taking the day off. This morning it was pouring rain so it made the decision easy to stay here. Besides the area is beautiful. We are getting hungry already and eating more. We walked a couple of miles today but are trying to rest. Hikes have been steep up and down with boulders and rocks. Afoot and lighthearted, I take to the open road, Healthy, Free, the worldbefore me, The long, brown path before me leading wherever I choose.Walt Whitmen
Date: 2015-06-09
From: Bear Mountain Inn

To: graymoor spiritual center
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: few clouds

Left bear mountain. Dreary but going anyway. Crossed the Hudson River. What a thrill. Met one more and his dog jazz. First climb was 1000 feet. After 7 great miles. We stopped for lunch at the Appalachian store that was on trail. Since we only he'd 1 more mile. We.bought 2 35 oz beers. Stayed the night at graymoor with some other hikers. A fun day
Date: 2015-06-10
From: graymoor spiritual center

To: clarence fahnestock state park
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: clear sky

Left grey moor at 7;06 am. Today the hike was up and down and a lot of rocks. 13.2 miles of rocks. We met miles to go and sidetrack. They later provided trail magic. Ice cold Mountain Dew. They were our age and also section hikers. Our campsite is awesome. Hot showers. Flush toilets and water. Wow. Even a picnic table. I am getting hungry now. A lot of mashed potatoes and veggies.Trash Bag and codger
Date: 2015-06-11
From: clarence fahnestock state park

To: morgan shelter
Miles today: 16.0

Left state park after a miserable night. Loud traffic and a domestic violence happening that kept us up a Hugh part of the night. Left camp early to get away from the park. Hike today was pretty awesome. Only a few boulder climbs. We camped at a shelter with notty boy, soup mix, freight train, and beetle. A fun group. We had a lot of fun at dinner. Tomorrow will be wingdale and a motel.
Date: 2015-06-14
From: kent Ct

To: beatded woods
Miles today: 15.9

Today the hike was hard for the first part. Then a great river walk we tackled skiff mountain, calebs peak, and at John ledges. Very different terrain. After that we reached a river road for 6 miles of flat along the. House tonic. We arrived at west Cornwall road and paged Hudson to take us to the hostel. Bearded woods is an amazing place. Big lu and Hudson are very gracious hosts
Date: 2015-06-15
From: beatded woods

To: bearded woods
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

We decided to take a zero today because it was pouring down rain and my ankle hurts. We stayed at the hostel with one more and Jazz. One more is 68 years old and in great shape. Jazz is his dog and hikes with him everywhere. For dinner last night we had trout, rice and bruschetta. Big lu is a great cook. We went to Salisbury with Hudson and mailed some unnecessary things home and got a bottle of wine. Dinner tonight was herbed chicken pasta with veggies and salad
Date: 2015-06-16
From: bearded woods

To: falls village ct
Miles today: 10.0

A slack pack day. Big lu took us to west Cornwall road and we hiked to falls village. Rocky and steep for first 7 miles then fairly flat. 3rd night at hostel. Dinner was Italian night. Shells with ricotta and meatballs salad. Yummy bread. We are leaving hostel tomorrow. It is s good thing. We are eating a lot.
Date: 2015-02-05
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Well guess it's about time to get my journal started back up. Got all my gear out and organized. Ordered a few new items, a Steripen, new battery backup, new summer shirt and a couple other small items. I've upped my training exercise routine. So it's starting to feel real again.Can't help but have an ache in my heart that I had to give up my hike last April. I think about it often I'll try not whine about it anymore after this post, it's a new year and new hike. But I'll always have that incomplete journey in the back of my mind about what could have been. I've seen and heard of so many that I hiked with that made it all the way and wish so much I was one too. To all that made it and completed their hike you guys are the best. Fitty Shrimp, Furel, Bama, Big Spoon, Twist and her dog Oliver, Easy Rider, South Bound, True Story, Giggles, Chuckles, Sprinkleburst (did Cupcake make it?), and Hatrick who I hiked with the most out of this group. I sure others made it too, but these are the ones I know for sure that did. I'll remember my time on the trail in 2014 forever.Now so much for last year, time to move on.So I've considered my options. I could start over again. It's such a great experience those first few weeks, with all the excitement and energy of everyone starting out. But with my luck, I'd make it to Hot Springs and have to come off the trail again.So as of now I'll start this year where I left off, on about the same day that I came off, April 19th. This will make me a section hiker. A long section hiker, but a section hiker no less. I really, really wanted to thru hike so that's a big bummer, but alas it is what it is.If things go exceptionally well and I get to Katahdin in good shape and early enough, then I've toyed with the idea of flip flopping and heading back to Hot Springs and hiking the 270 miles back to Springer. Probably a just a dream but a dream no less.Well that's it for now. I'll do a few more updates before April but can't wait.
Date: 2015-02-11
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Updating my journal while out on the trail is quite a task. I update in my tent at the end of the day, usually right before I turn in. It's always a conflict to get down as much as I can of the days events and finishing so that I can get to sleep. I bring this up because in order to save time, my review of what I've written is at best cursorily. So if you followed my journal last year, and saw all of the many bad typo's, this is my excuse along with a horrendous spell checker on the android app I was using and the fact that I'm not a very good speller to begin with.So with all those excuses, please take that into account as you read this years journal. Hopefully with this new word program and more practice it will be a little better this year.
Date: 2015-02-13
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

I had someone ask about my training routine to get ready for the AT.I've changed it up some from last year, I did't start in earnest until Jan. 1st this year. I started much earlier last year. But I know a little better of what to expect now.I slowly ramp up my training, adding a little increase every two weeks. Two weeks seems to be the time needed to acclimate to my increased load. By April I'll be walking ten miles and carrying thirty pounds.I walk the blocks in my neighborhood which are all about a mile each, but I have one block I do the most, usually seven times. The reason is it has the greatest elevation change in the neighborhood. Fortunately North Florida is not completely flat, and I get about 135 feet of elevation change on the block I've dubbed "Mount Busy" (a reference to the cul de sac at the top of the hill).When I'm walking the full ten miles, this takes up most of my morning, a lot of my day. But even still, the first two weeks on the trail last year, I kept having the thought,"gee I wish I'd trained harder for this".About two more months and I'm sure I'll be thinking it again.
Date: 2015-02-23
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

If you're like me, there are just too many people's Trail Journals to follow a lot so you find certain ones to follow that stick out. Prior to starting my hike in 2014 I followed several from 2013, and some made it to Katahdin.One that stuck out that was very well written and I learned a great deal from was ChinMusic's.So a couple things I stole off his journal that I found pretty funny is this poster and you tube video.
Date: 2015-03-24
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Haven't much to update. Training is going well, doing 10 miles a day with 27 pounds. All my equipment is ready to be put into my pack, with nothing more that I need to purchase.Only news is it looks like I'll be departing about a week earlier. Gail has the week of the 3rd through the 12th off, so rather than make two trips to north, we'll spend a few days in Dalton Ga. and then head to Hot Springs where I'll resume my hike north.So looking forward to being back on the trail.
Date: 2015-04-08
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

We're spending the week slowly making our way to Hot Springs my starting point this year.We spent two days in Biloxi and two days at DeSoto State Park in Alabama, and have made our way to Dalton Georgia where Gail' brother lives. We'll leave for Hot Springs on Friday where she'll drop me off and head back to Tally.It's been a week of celebrating our forty year anniversary and enjoying each other's company before I take to the trail for six months. DeSoto State Park AL
Date: 2015-04-09
From: Hot Springs

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: overcast clouds

We had a shuttle take us to Garenflo Gap, the place Chuck Norris picked me up last year when I came off the trail.I'm not a fan of slack packing but that's what we did today. I just didn't see the purpose in hauling my pack for a seven mile walk back to town. So it was a nice pleasant walk, but it truly didn't feel like hiking. I guess that will be tomorrow when I strap on the pack, say goodbye to Gail and head north.Still a great day walking the trail with Gail, and she got to see some of the beauty I get to see each day.So looking forward to tomorrow.
Date: 2015-04-10
From: Hot Springs

To: Spring Mountain
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: overcast clouds

This was the first real day for me back on the trail. I was actually hiking today with 30 pounds on my back and on my way to spending the night in a tent.It's a steep climb out of Hot Springs but the French Broad River flows beside as you climb up. I always enjoy water flowing beside me while hiking. There are a couple great views of Hot Springs as you ascend especially at Lovers Leap. It threatens rain all morning, but never delivered. The overcast sky kept it rather cool. By afternoon I was pretty worn out. I did make the shelter by 3 so I guess I made decent time. Met several thru hikers including Half Blind who truly is half blind and Ferris who is taking the day off.All in all a good first day back.
Date: 2015-04-11
From: Spring Mountain

To: Jerrys Cabin 
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Last night I guess I made a comment about how far I wanted to get and being my first 15+ day and Ferris says, oh it's just a climb up to the fire tower, and then it's mostly flat. It was a hard and soul searching climb all morning. It's the only time I've really entertained so many thoughts of giving up. I found my thinking just get to a road and call Matt from Hot Springs to shuttle me off, just make it to Erwin and I can say I did some but I hurt my back, lots of different things to keep me putting one foot in front of the other. Around noon I made the summit and I was left with how hard this truly is for me.But it only got harder. I played back the rest of the afternoon what Ferris had said. She didn't known about the rocks. All rocks, big and little rocks, bad rocks and truly dangerous rocks. But I hiked on, though slowly. At mile 285 there's a blue blaze bad weather by pass. It would soon be apparent why they would need one. After scaling several rock climbs I summoned Big Firescald Knob and I found what all the pain and effort was for. It was a lot of course the view, but truly it's so much more. To know that you are accomplish something so amazingly difficult, to be where you are, I guess that what makes worth it.I guess my most difficult foe is myself. I so want this to be easy, to be able to hike like others who zoom by me, and put in twenty and thirty mile days. It's not easy to not be competitive for me, and I tell myself keep at it for a few weeks and I get my trail legs back. But I know there's probably not going to be any easy days on the trail.Got to Jerrys Cabin shelter around six and was asleep not long after.Another long day tomorrow.
Date: 2015-04-12
From: Jerrys Cabin 

To: Hogback Ridge
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Got a pretty early start, and had an immediate climb to start my day. It was beautiful weather sunny with a crisp breeze. At the summit there was a beautiful bald.The trail became very nice for miles after that and I made good time. Got to Flint Mountain shelter a little before noon where I had lunch. Shortly after leaving I meet two trail angels who offered me a hot dog and cold coke. So good.The next eight miles went pretty slow with the final four being all climb up. When I got to Hogback Ridge there were only three who had been at Jerrys Cabin shelter the night before. Gypsy is a CPA taking a break until she starts law school. She wants to teach tax, and is hiking for only nine weeks. And there is Two Bags who I so wish I had Gorton a photo of. He hikes with a normal looking back pack, but rather than trekking poles he carries what looks like bowling ball bags, one in each hand. And there is Mr Mogoo who is also on Tail Journals from Holland a retired harbor pilot. The next shelter from here is another ten miles from here, but I'm thinking hard to hike on another three, to make the next day a thirteen into Erwin Heard it's supposed to rain all day tomorrow. The adventure continues.
Date: 2015-04-13
From: Hogback Ridge

To: Tentsite
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: broken clouds

The day started pretty easy. A pretty easy climb and then a downhill to Steer Gap.When I got to the road there was a white board sign promising trail magic at the top of the hill. It was worth the climb as Quiet Paul was there cooking up scrambled eggs and hash browns along with fresh muffins and oranges. Despite having just finishing my own breakfast I stuffed down as much as I could.After crossing under I40 I started an long hard climb from about 4000 to 5600 feet. At the top is Big Bald, an amazing open field that was shrouded in mist.I hiked on past Bald Mountain shelter going another three miles. I set up my tent at a campsite and was climbing back up from the water source when to my surprise there set Gypsy who had the same idea about getting into Erwin earlier that will get me in to Erwin hopefully in time to do my laundry.
Date: 2015-04-14
From: Tentsite

To: Erwin
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: light rain

It started raining sometime in the night. A slow steady rain that was pleasant to sleep through. But it's never fun packing up wet gear. I'm sure the water in my tent adds a pound. I got going ahead of Gypsy, and told her I was sure she'd pass me later which of course she did. I got to No Business Knob Shelter and to my surprise she was still there, but also Mr Magoo, who had hiked on five miles instead of three. He was quickly off while I had lunch, and again I got going ahead of Gypsy. I told her I'd see her when she passed me which she did.It rained off and on during the day causing several stops to don rain gear (sweat gear). Funny thing that happened, while I had my gear on a hiker passed me, stopped a few feet in front of me turned around and asked "You hiking in Tyvick?" I told him it was Cuben Fiber but I don't think he believed me.It's a long descent into Erwin with many great views of the town and Nolichucky River. I got to the hostel at four which gave me just enough time to grab a shower before the shuttle left for dinner and resupply.I had dinner at a Mexican restaurant with several other hikers and Uncle Johnny and his wife.Not sure what I'll do tomorrow, hate the idea of needing a zero this soon, but there rain forecasted for all day.
Date: 2015-04-15
From: Erwin

To: Erwin
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

A zero dayHated the idea of taking a zero this soon. In the end I guess mentally I needed it. A lot of rationalizations but in the end it was too hard. But tomorrow I'll give it heck.Spent the day by having an enormous breakfast, then lounging in the bunk house with Mr Magoo updating our trail journals.Went to dinner with the shuttle van completely full. Most went to the Mexican, but having eaten there last night I went Italian and was joined by Sarge the shuttle driver.Full belly and a day of rest, I'm anxious to get back on the trail tomorrow.
Date: 2015-04-16
From: Erwin

To: Cherry Gap
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Today went pretty good. The Zero day yesterday certainly helped.I was dreading the ascent out of Erwin about 300 foot gain, but it wasn't bad.It was a gradual rise for most of the morning with numerous streams flowing down to the Nolichucky River. The numerous waterfalls it made for a delightful morning and I made great time.I passed Curly Maple Shelter, and all five people there I would see at the next shelter; a married couple section hiking and Southpaw, Shit to Do, and Dazzale.At Indian Grave Gap I was treated to trail magic by BT. Shorty Cobb who had been at Uncle Jonnies also showed up. After a couple brownies, an orange and a short cup of coffee 2@I was back on the trail.Cobb and I passed each other all afternoon. He is a retired navy man and quite interesting. This is the third year in a row he is hiking the AT. He competed it on a long section hike last year.Midafternoon I met a day hiker who is 72. He said he tried to come out at least once a week to walk some. He was a retired accountant so I identified with him.Made it to the shelter about five thirty so had plenty of time to set up, cool down and eat. Great day on the trail and oh did I mention, 17 miles today!