morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2019-08-25
From: Tom Leonard Shelter 

To: Shaker Campsite
Miles today: 11.3

The slowing down thing was tough but oh so rewarding! My morning started pretty slow... I woke up around 8 and had my first cup of tea. Then I hung around camp for a bit and started to think about breaking down camp... Then I had my second cup of tea... Then started to break down camp. Then had a little tea break to watch a bird looking for worms... Then finished breaking down... Then did some yoga and light core exercising... by the time I was ready to go it was 10 a.m.A bit of elevation lost and then a bit of elevation gain got me to my first stop of the day, Benedict Pond. I set up for lunch on a little rock overlooking the pond and watched as a few people floated by on paddle boards and canoes. I promise myself an hour break, so after eating I spent a bit of extra time just enjoying the silence. A heron flew down and spent some time grooming itself followed by some hunting. It was treat to get to watch him. Something I would have missed if I was trying to hike faster and get to the shelter sooner.After another hour or so of hiking, I took another break at a beaver pond and watch a lazy Beaver survey his land (or water, i guess?) before diving underwater for snacks. There were tons of birds, too. Some diving into the water to catch bugs and others playing games with one another in the trees.When I was down to my last few miles, I reassessed. I was well over an hour behind my normal time, but beyond happier than I normally am after so many miles. I actually managed to walk into camp with a smile on my face!Of course, getting the camp at 6 p.m. has its disadvantages... There's a group of college kids here who are respectful if not a little loud. They had commandeered the picnic table so I had to cook elsewhere. Not a huge deal, but hiking etiquette would have had them making room without my even prompting. Now they've made a fire and I've retired to my tent. They're currently talking loudly and I'm currently grumbling... Then again it's only 8:45. Still though, get off my lawn you ne're-do-wells!I remember doing a similar program when I was entering college... I'll bet we were a bit louder...For now, I go to bed happy, mindful, and ready for another meditative day tomorrow.
Date: 2019-08-26
From: Shaker Campsite

To: Upper Goose Pond Cabin
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: clear sky

Well. I brought the wrong sleeping bag for this trip. I know this now... Or rather, I should have brought a sleeping bag at all... My 40 degree quilt and "20 degree liner" were not nearly warm enough last night. I wish I had a thermometer with me so I could have measured exactly what the temperature was. All I know is it was COLD. I woke up several times. A couple of times, I was actually shivering! (Though, there was a pack of coyotes howling awfully close. So perhaps I was shaking for other reasons...) Really, though. I was dreaming about nothing but hot coffee. After I put my winter hat and puffy on, I was at least warm enough to sleep, but tonight, I think I'll also have some thick socks on stand-by. The college kids were sleeping outside last night. And they were happy to be awake this morning... What is their secret?! Proper sleep systems for the time of year I suppose... Another lazy morning this morning. Out by 10 and on my way to what promised to be a beautiful cabin. With only 10 miles to do, I was feeling pretty good.I saw a coyote on the trail just after leaving (well, he was running away from me so I guess technically I saw a coyote butt...) Another first! Later on, I came across moose poop. I didn't know they came all the way down to Massachusetts! Oh, now I reeeally want to see a moose! (But I'll take a bear or porcupine, Mother Nature. Really whichever of those works best for you...) Late morning, I came across a trail stand selling sodas and snacks. I grabbed a cold root beer to go. I had big plans to have it at my lunch stop. Lunch was tuna (and that still cold root beer!) by a secluded beaver pond. Dragonflies danced in the grass around me. A falcon stopped by, surveying. He landed on a branch and we locked eyes for a moment. The next five miles flew by as I pushed to get to the cabin. I knew that there would be some good swimming at the lake and wanted to get there before the sun went down. Five was the goal and I beat it by 30 minutes! The Upper Goose Pond Cabin is beautiful! There are mattresses on the beds and they make pancakes in the morning. A hikers dream! There are canoes that you can take out, but I think I'll wait until tomorrow for that. With only 9 miles to go tomorrow, I'm going to give the caretaker a hand with some chores and then go for a swim. I am very much looking forward to another relaxing day. I've been feeling rather poetic or whatever lately, so I started writing down things that came to mind. They aren't good, they're here for your viewing pleasure: PerfectionI saw four peopleFew words were shared between usAh! A perfect day.Cicadas Do we know why the cicada screams?Is it for love?Or maybe as science tells usFor lust?Or perhaps it's something else entirely. Maybe, Like the hiker who speaks when there's no one around to hear, simply to remind himself that he can.
Date: 2019-08-27
From: Upper Goose Pond Cabin

To: October Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: clear sky

I had a short day planned for today which turned out to be the right move because the cabin at Upper Goose Pond was incredible! I slept (mostly) like a baby despite mister Snorey McSnore-face in the bunk near mine. I am so happy that I thought to download a white noise playlist! I had chatted with the caretaker last night and told her that I'd happily wait to have pancakes until last since I was expecting to spend some extra time at the pond, so I slept in until 8. When I woke up, everyone had vacated the bunkhouse. I stumbled downstairs just in time for final call on the pancakes. They were exactly what this hiker needed! Afterward, I helped Motorcycle Mama clean up a bit by wiping down the beds.Once chores were done, I took a canoe out on the pond. It was one of the most serene experiences I've ever had. I was alone, surrounded by trees and water. The forest was quiet and the air was calm. All I could hear was a gentle lapping of water against the bottom of the boat. If I could, I would not have left that cabin all day. BUT, I have a friend meeting me in a few days and I don't think he'd be too happy about me being a day late...So by noon, I was on my way, quite reluctantly. The hike was easy and mostly uneventful. Stopped for a quick snack at another, smaller, much less exciting pond, passed a few beaver ponds where I watched some ducks swim around. Saw a frog and took way too many pictures of him. Now, I'm at the shelter, much more exhausted than I should be (I guess relaxing half the day makes me sleepy?). I'm going into town tomorrow, so I want to get an early start in the morning. I figured sleeping in the shelter would help me get up and out earlier, but the mosquitoes are eating me alive. I think they've evolved and actually like deet now. Maybe it's like a spice or condiment. Gives the blood an exotic flair?So hopefully, if I'm not anemic by tomorrow morning, I'll be walking by 830/9, and in town by 3/330. Can't wait for that soda, shower, and central air!
Date: 2019-08-28
From: October Mountain Shelter

To: Dalton, MA
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was a quick one as they normally are when I'm headed into town. The promise of a shower and some fresh food carried me over the mountains and through the woods to Dalton, MA. I did take some time to stop at a few ponds and overlooks for snacks, though I skipped lunch in anticipation of a large pizza in town. I got into town around 3 and walked straight to the Cumberland Farms for a cold soda and a banana. Then, it was off to my hotel to get checked in. The trail walks for about a mile or so through the town along sidewalks. The concrete can be really rough on your back and feet when you've got a full pack, so I figured I'd go ahead a knock out that mile or so while I could do it without an extra 40 pounds. Once I was all checked in, I called a local shuttle driver to drive me up the road to where the trail reenters the woods on the north end of town. From there, I walked back into town along the AT route and grabbed a small resupply at a gas station. Then, it was ice cream, laundry, shower, ice cream, pizza, beer, pack, tv, more pizza, ice cream, journal, and now sleep. Looking forward to sleep in a real bed tonight, but looking more forward to being back in the dirt tomorrow. Oh, and here's some artsy fartsy thing that popped into my head when the wind blew some dead pine needles out of the trees over me. Enjoy. The wind blows above and something sparkles as it falls from the sky, landing on the ground around me. It sounds like rain, but it's not. It is only the wind coaxing the spruce to relinquish its spent needles to the forest floor.
Date: 2019-08-30
From: Mark Noepel Shelter 

To: Williamstown, MA
Miles today: 9.6

The children were up until 11pm last night. I get exposing kids to nature, and I think these programs are great. However, someone needs to teach these kids some shelter etiquette. Groups don't take up entire shelters, they have to tent, and hiker midnight is 10pm. Which, my sweet youths, means NO UKULELES AFTER 8PM DON'T MAKE ME CALL YOUR MOMS. But that wasn't the only thing that kept me up last night. It was 1:30 AM when I heard the first scream. The children were finally done with their Jason Mraz concert and had quieted down. I had just fallen asleep a few hours ago. The scream was blood curdling and loud. If I had ever heard someone getting murdered in the woods, it was now. I lay still, unsure if I had actually heard the scream or if it had been a dream. Then again, it sounded like she was just outside my tent a little up the hill. The scream rose from a guttural moan to an all out high pitched squeal. As I reached up for my headlamp, preparing myself to get out of my tent and face the demon, I heard it. Two low "who... who". Have you ever heard a screech owl? No? Go google it. I'll wait. It was the single scariest thing I have ever heard in the woods. After I put two and two together, though, and knew what was sitting just outside my tent, it was pretty cool. It only screeched one more time, but I was secretly hoping it would a couple more times... Just to make sure all those off-key kids were wiiide awake. The hike up to Greylock was wonderfully challenging, and the views were equally rewarding. I spent a bit of time wandering and taking pictures before I headed down the other side of the mountain. There was another short climb to do before a steep decline into Williamstown, MA where my friend Will (ahh so many Wills) was meeting me. We had big plans to hit the breweries on the southern end of the state, do some grilling, and eat our weight in maple creamies, dilly beans, and cheese. As luck would have it, he just happened to pull down the street that I was walking along shortly after I emerged from the woods! Not far behind me was a thru-hiker named Hemmingway who stayed with me, the kids, and the owl last night. He stopped by as Will and I were getting settled. We chatted for a bit and gave him a beer from the cooler (Beer: a thru hikers favorite food!). I said goodbye and wished Hemmingway a safe hike and we were off to the next journey!The end of the season is likely here for me, and I'm not going to pretend that I'm at all happy about it. I haven't been off the trail, but I'm already feeling the post-woods blues. For now, though, its time to enjoy the best of Vermont with one of my favorite people, and start counting down the months until next spring. This summer'stotals: Days on trail: 31Miles Hiked: 330Nights in hotels/hostels: 7New friends: CountlessMoney Spent: I don't want to talk about it....
Date: 2019-04-17
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Gear choice is finalized, I think.  I've been on the fence between taking Z pack's Solo or Big Agnes HV2.  Z pack's is lighter by a pound, so it's my final choice.  Big Agnes gives me more privacy and weather protection, but I just can't justify an entire pound.  Not at my age - 76!  Z pack's Solo is so easy and quick to put up.
Date: 2019-04-17
To: Georgia
Miles today: 0.0

I'm carrying a new bear canister this year.  I got it at Gossamer Gear.  It's little! but should be ok.  I can carry 3 days of food in it, I think.  And if I take more, I'll hang it.  I'm bringing my old standbys - taco, peanut butter, candy, trail mix, and a lot of oatmeal.
Date: 2019-04-17
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I'm looking forward to the train ride - not!  26 hours from Buffalo, New York to Gainesville, Georgia.  I've decided to spend my first night there in the lodge so that I'm fairly rested to start April 22. Don't know how far I'll get this year and I don't care.  My fate rests with my knees and how long they can hold out.
Date: 2019-04-22
From: Amicalola 

To: View Entry
Miles today: 10.0

I'm all set to start today.  Arrived by train yesterday morning and stayed here at the lodge in Amicalola last night.  I wanted to start off with a good night's sleep and didn't think the train would be a good place to get one.  I was amazed at how full the train was!  The seats in the dining car were even sold out.Hope to go about 10 miles today.  The weather looks good.  Right now it's 44 degrees with a promise by the weatherman to reach 70.  The flowers are out! Perfect!
Date: 2019-04-23
From: Stover Creek Shelter

To: Justus Creek - maybe
Miles today: 9.0

Spent the night at Stover Creek Shelter, a dead zone for cell phones.  Tried to call home before climbing Sassafras Mountain and then again at the top of it (elevation 3347 feet) but with little success.  All is good. Will probably aim for Justus Creek campsite tonight.
Date: 2019-04-24
From: Justus Creek

To: Lance Creek 
Miles today: 9.6

Tough going yesterday getting over two mountains.  I drank and drank water but still felt dehydrated.  It's warm - 80 degrees and the leaves on the trees aren't out yet.  Today is starting out much better.  Had a good night's sleep at Justus Creek (mile 14.3) and today's terrain doesn't look as challenging. Highest altitude is 3593'.  I've made it to Lance Creek ( mile 23.9) and am going to spend the night here. Easier day today!
Date: 2019-04-25
From: Lance Creek 

To: Neel Gap ??
Miles today: 7.3

Another beautiful day!  Took this photo from the top of Blood mountain (4457')  I'm finding more and more that it's not a small world, but a closet.  Met someone yesterday who lives down the road from dear friends of ours.  The goal for tonight is Neel Gap at mile 31 but I'll see how things go.
Date: 2019-04-26
From: Neel Gap

To: Low Gap
Miles today: 11.5

The rain stopped this morning so I have decided to continue on.  I was pretty tired last night and thought about staying here an extra day and continuing on tomorrow.  But a good night's sleep in a real bed in a private cabin at Blood Mountain Cabins has spurred me on.  Nice people and the food was good!  Supposed to be chilly today with winds up to 40 - 45 mph.  Looks like dinner might be flour tacos with pb and j if the wind prevents starting a fire. The weekend's weather looks great! Called home while sitting under a tree with 100's of shoes hanging above me.  They're from all the hikers who buy new shoes when they get to the outfitter store here.  Quite a tradition! I myself bought new socks there.  So far my feet aren't in great shape but not bad either.  Ready to start up today's first mountain - Levelland (3870')  Tonight's destination is Low Gap Shelter at mile 42.6.
Date: 2019-04-27
From: Low Gap

To: Hiawassee
Miles today: 9.7

Called from the top of Rocky Mountain for a shuttle into Hiawassee and am spending the night in a motel here.  I'll decide after hearing tomorrow's weather if I'll stay here tomorrow and rest up or continue on.  The town will be very quick on a Sunday so I'm tempted to continue, but I'll see.  The descent into Unicoi Gap was very rough.  From the top of Blue Mountain to Unicoi it's 1076' over 1.5 miles.  I'm beat!
Date: 2019-04-28
From: Hiawassee

To: Sassafras Gap - maybe???
Miles today: 10.0

I've decided to hike today as I'm waiting for a diner to open for my breakfast.  Didn't get a good night's sleep - the right knee is letting me know it's there. Shuttle is picking me up in an hour and not sure if he'll take me back to the trail at Unicoi Gap (mile 52.3) or Dicks Creek Gap (mile 69).  The trail is a triangle in this area so I'll end up back here in Hiawassee Monday night hopefully. Probably will spend the night at Sassafras Gap or some place in between Unicoi and Deep Gaps. Weather is good and in the mornings I feel great.
Date: 2019-04-28
From: Dicks Creek Gap

To: Tray Mountain
Miles today: 7.4

Hot! Hot! Hot!  No shade today and temps had to be 80+ degrees.  Drank as much as I could all day.  I'm at the best campsite ever at the edge of a cliff of Trey Mountain (mile 58).  The woods are beautiful and  expect to see a memorable sunrise tomorrow morning.  Feel good, my knee isn't bothering me but it was very rough walking today.  Tomorrow will hike the 6 miles back to Hiawassee to complete the triangle of this part of the trail.  What a beautiful area!
Date: 2019-04-29
From: Tray Mountain

To: Hiawassee
Miles today: 5.7

Back in Hiawassee at the motel at mile 69 after having hiked the Triangle.  In bad need of a shower and clean laundry.  I'm in a catch 22.  Can't take a shower until clothes are clean.  Can't do laundry because there are no quarters and ATM has no money.  Will figure something out after lunch.  Sunrise was beautiful this morning from Tray Mountain.  Been hiking 8 straight days and the last day and a half were rough.  I've thought about resting tomorrow but the last day for the free shuttle back to the trail is today.  Everything will look easier after lunch, I'm sure!
Date: 2019-04-30
From: Dicks Creek Gap

To: North Carolina
Miles today: 0.0

Considered taking today off because of the temperature prediction of 90+ degrees, but I feel good and I'm just going along slowly, drinking water as I go. So happy with the new water filter I bought at REI!  Rested up yesterday afternoon and evening and so I'm ready to go on.  Currently at Buzzard Knob (mile 72.2) and hope to reach North Carolina (mile 77.9) later today.
Date: 2019-04-30
From: Hiawassee

To: Bly Gap
Miles today: 10.0

Made it just inside the North Carolina border to mile 78!  The next climb is several hundred rugged feet so I'm staying here for the night.  Felt great after talking with a guy who said at his age of 65 that he found the going very tough.  I just said that I wished I was his age and he was amazed at my 76 years!  Today was very rugged.  It's one thing to climb here but it's another to do it with a backpack and 90 degree heat.  However today is supposed to be the hottest day.  Feel good and just going to chill until the morning.
Date: 2019-05-01
From: Bly Gap

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Tough day today with two of the highest climbs on the trail.  The hike out of Bly Gap (mile 78.2) was no walk in the park at 4700' and Standing Indian Shelter was 5435'.  My backpack is giving me trouble so another one is being shipped to the Microtel in Franklin, North Carolina.  I'm spending Friday and Saturday night there to rest up a bit.  Tonight is at Carter Gap (mile 93.3).  I'm beat!
Date: 2019-05-02
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Rock Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: broken clouds

Reached the top of Albert Mountain (5052') at mile 99.7 about 1 pm and the view is fantastic!  Just amazing!  Trying to deal with technical difficulties today.  The stays on my pack that keep it rigid are coming apart and my jacket got wet during the night when it rained.  The good news is that it's beautiful today, my jacket will dry,  and my other pack will hopefully arrive tomorrow.  UPS tells me that it's now in Louisville, Kentucky.  A lot closer than it was yesterday.  I feel great and hope to get as far as Rock Gap (mile 105.4) today and take the bus into Franklin tomorrow.
Date: 2019-05-03
From: Rock Gap

To: Microtel in Franklin, NC
Miles today: 4.8

Good night at Rock Gap.  Slept well.  Quite a climb this morning and it's all down hill from here. Waiting with 5 other people for the 12:30 shuttle from Winding Stair Gap into Franklin.  UPS tells me my other pack is in Franklin, so it might even get to the Microtel before I do.  I'm so dirty that I don't know if I should even bother washing my pants or just pitch them!  Two nights in a bed and some R&R are going to feel so good.  All is good!
Date: 2019-05-04
From: Microtel in Franklin, NC

To: home
Miles today: 0.0

Today was decision day.  Started out at the Microtel with severe heartburn after too much coffee and breakfast.  Severe storms were predicted for this afternoon and evening and they were severe!  It rained like it just couldn't rain any harder.  The sciatica is really acting up and I just asked myself - why am I here???  So ... I rented a car and am on my way home.  Had a great time but the climbs were really rugged and my body is the oldest it's every been.  Should be back home by Monday as I'm going to take it slow and stop often.  Right now I'm in White Pine, Tennessee and am so looking forward to my usual diet of fruits, veggies, and organics when I get home.  The best thing that happened today was in the Engels supermarket in Franklin, NC.  Someone who works there came up and asked me if I was Harrison Ford.  When I told him no, he was really disappointed!
Date: 2019-06-03
From: At lodge

To: At lodge calm before the storm
Miles today: 4.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Pack is packed ready roll out early after breakfast.Base weight is 26 lbs not ideal but my tent is almost 6 lbs.By next summer/Next section I plan to have a zpack triplex(900$) expensive but It'll save 4 + lbs and I'll have room for my dog or friend to join me. Or both!I can swap my heavy sleeping bag after a couple weeks. Thatll save 1.5 lbsLess danger of 30 degree nights by late Juneshould be on the trail cruising by 7am.Looks like a day nap for this guy.
Date: 2019-06-04
From: Katahdin stream camp ground

To: Hurd Brook lean to
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Today was a brutal first day. My body said stop but my spirit wouldn't. It was 13.4 miles to the closest shelter and I was slowing down to a crawl with 3 miles left. Literally one foot in front of the other in the slowest and lowest back woods hurdle competition you've ever seen.But ive arrived victoriously and have eaten a Kings meal of couscous olive oil and protein nibs with a peanut brittle bar for dessert. Now time to elevate my feet and let Dr j Vernon McGee and the Holy Spirit sing me a lullaby. Starting my hike at the start of The Book.GenesisGood night ATWe meet again at dawn.Thought for the day...And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth ¢¦ .¢ (Genesis 1:28a, KJV).What or whom did were we to replenish or replace?What office was vacant that we humans refilled?
Date: 2019-06-05
From: Hurd Brook lean to

To: Rainbow Brook lean to
Miles today: 0.0

Swamps. Rocks roots, just missing the little muppet creations and I'd be on set of dagobah episode 5Hard day. Bugs were terrible. That may be my last shelter stay.In bag with bug net to avoid bugs. Sweating to death as a result.Continue in Genesis today.Faith alone saves but once saved we cannot help produce good works out of gratitude for said salvationShort day tomorrow no signal for a while