morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-07-24
From: Joanna's house

To: Island Pond Mountain 
Miles today: 7.5
Weather: overcast clouds

It was good to go to church today. The people were very friendly. The talks were about, Finding Peace Through Christ. We had a spaghetti dinner then they got me back to the trail about 4:15. I had 9.3 miles to cover to get to the shelter. Thar just wasn't going to happen. I camped just after I did the Lemon Squeezer. It was almost completely dark. I knew it was coming up. In order to get through I had to take off my pack and carry it infront of me. Then I put it and my poles on the ledge. I walked on a bit then got myself up and went back for my stuff. I shone my headlamp down where I came from to make sure I hadn't dropped anything. From there I had to climb to the top. There was a lovely grassy area to camp. My reward for making it I was by myself but I was fine.
Date: 2016-07-25
From: Island Pond Mountain 

To: Hemlock Springs Campsite
Miles today: 19.5
Weather: scattered clouds

I woke up excited for the day. I was to see views of the NY city skyline and the trail went through the zoo. It was not an easy hike. I was slowing down around 10 but I joined a little group I like (Storm Crow, Shake and Bake)and the conversation helped kept me going. I was at the top of West Mountain when the first storm hit. It passed quickly. I thought if I hurry I can be under cover at the zoo when the next one comes. Bear mountain is bigger but so easy. The trail is just a masterpiece. The work that went into it is outstanding. It was a true pleasure to hike it. At the bottom the park concessions were closed. The zoo was closed. I had trouble finding the alternate after hours trail. I asked some picnickers how to get to the bridge. They were helpful and seemed surprised I came over to talk to them. I made it to the bridge just in time for the big storm. At the start of the bridge (over the Hudson) I could see the water. I wasn't even in the middle and the rain was so hard I could just see immediately in front of me. I still had to make it to the campsite that involved a steep up hill. The river of water coming down the trail added to my day. It had been hot even after the first storm. Now the temperature was dropping. It was hard with my glasses covered with water. At the same time it was refreshing I got to the campsite and the rain was almost done. I got set up fast. I was so tired I couldn't eat. I got out of my wet clothes and hung them in the tree to dry ( hu,hu) They couldn't get any wetter!
Date: 2016-07-26
From: Hemlock Springs Campsite

To: Clarence Fahnestock State Park 
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: broken clouds

Happy 25th Birthday to my son Jason. He thinks I'm out here to find myself. I didn't know I was lost The four miles from the campsite to the store went fast. I was hungry. The staff at the Appalachian Market were just great. I ordered breakfast. Two pancakes, three eggs, sausage and bacon and cheese and a hash brown. I got chocolate milk and orange juice. There was a place to sit inside and watch the news. I had some clothes drying on the picnic table out front. I couldn't get half, not even a third of that down. It took me all day at a couple bites at a time to finish it. I let myself get so hungry I couldn't eat. That was bad. Plans just didn't turn out yesterday and had repercussions today. I was dragging my feet around 10 again when two little trail angels joined me. The conversation kept me moving and got me past that tired feeling. Thank you to Lamb and Strawberry out here spreading their testimony of God to hikers. Hikers, generally poor lost soles Not long after I settled in at the campground Tinker came. I was so happy to see him. We talked at the Mohican Outdoor center when we had dinner with the quilting ladies. It was nice to chat with him again. This state Park let's hikers stay one night free. Unfortunately the showers were cold. They ran out of propane. The AT campsites were very close to a busy road. Amazingly I slept well after my cold shower
Date: 2016-07-27
From: Clarence Fahnestock State Park 

To: Morgan Stewart Shelter 
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: clear sky

I'm in a real slump. This heat is killing me. I go to bed sweaty. I get up sweaty. I put on the same sweaty clothes. I feel so tired. I stopped at 4 today.I crawled in my tent and didn't socialize with anyone. I didn't want to spread me bad mood. I am starting to doubt my ability to finish.
Date: 2016-07-28
From: Morgan Stewart Shelter 

To: Ten Mile River Shelter
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: clear sky

Today was interesting. I was dragging my button up and down the hills. I got to the Wiley Shelter and I thought ok I'm done good day, 16.6 miles. Then some others came along and told me what a nice place the next shelter was supposed to be. As soon as they said it was by a river I was hooked. I love washing in the river. We haven't had flowing water for some time. Then there was an added incentive to push on, I crossed into Connecticut, state number 11. I put on my headphones and music. The miles flew by.
Date: 2016-07-29
From: Ten Mile River Shelter

To: Stewart Hollow Brook Shelter 
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: light rain

Today was fun. Storm and Dragon Head caught up to me early. I decided to tag along behind them. The conversation was interesting and makes the miles go by quickly. We were all going into Kent for laundry, resupply and lunch. I asked if I could join them. I didn't want to assume. They were very fun to spend the day with. In the afternoon we had a very tricky decent from Caleb's Peak to St John's Ledges. The stone steps were not safe. It was nice to have someone there to do it with. After that it was a flat walk to the shelter. Our reward for the hard day.
Date: 2016-07-30
From: Stewart Hollow Brook Shelter 

To: Toymaker Cafe Falls Village 
Miles today: 18.1
Weather: overcast clouds

I had a fun day hiking mostly all day with Storm and Dragon Head. Storm was meeting his husband Jeff and his old hiking partner Trooper. I was looking forward to meeting them and maybe they would have a pop for me too. I fell behind the guys because of a steep down hill. I am very slow and careful on those. I got to the road I thought they were meeting on and.... no one was there. I through a minny tempertantrm, wishing I wasn't so slow. I carried on and came to another road crossing and there they were. Yay, I got to meet the people I had heard about. I got a pop, two egg salad sandwiches, a nectarine and two cookies. It was so great. We only had 2 and a bit miles left to do. Jeff took our packs a we just flew. It felt like it took 10 minutes to cover those. We set up our tents behind the Cafe. I hope I thanked Jeff and Trooper enough. What a beautiful day.
Date: 2016-07-31
From: Toymaker Cafe Falls Village 

To: Brassie Brook Shelter 
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: light rain

It was raining when I woke up. My tent wasn't a little wet inside. I made a quick bathroom trip then dove back into my tent to get organized. Storm, Dragon Head and I had breakfast together. It was very nice. I had the best mug of hot chocolate. We waited out the rain from inside the cafe. We got hiking about 9. A wet tent weights a ton. The guys were going into Salisbury so I said good bye and carried on. It had a bit of a climb. Not a real easy day and it was drizzling. I was warned in the morning, at break and around 3, not to hike Bear mountain in the rain. I thought about it. I listened. I had a short hiking day and about 14 hours in my leaking tent in the rain.
Date: 2016-08-01
From: Brassie Brook Shelter 

To: Sheffied
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: clear sky

Going up Bear mountain was not hard. Coming down was, as they say, technical. That means you have to watch every step or you will be seriously hurt. The next challenge of the day was mount Race. Some ridge walking in the drizzle, not bad. Then came mount Everett steep up, technical down. Mount Bushnell was just a continuation of the decent from Mount Everett. It was not even discussed as being hard. It was so difficult. I would look at the rocks and think which way would hurt less So I did have a slip. My poor knee that was starting to heal got all cut open again. It bled right down into my sock. I had another 6.6 miles to go. I decided to stay at a hostel. I tent but have shower,laundry and house privileges. I got all cleaned up. Jess the owner said congratulations you just did the hardest part of Massachusetts. She said a lot of people get injured and even have to end their hike here at this point.I am so glad I made it
Date: 2016-08-02
From: Sheffied

To: Shaker Campsite 
Miles today: 17.6

Jess made a nice breakfast this morning then I was on the trail by 8. I was feeling good. We crossed through corn fields. I love those. The corn is so tall and healthy looking. Back into the woods and up the first of many climbs. I met Skinny Fat Man. We hiked together for the rest of the day. It was such a treat getting to know him. He has a short time to do the trail. In order to reach his end date of Sept 1 he has to do 21.8 miles a day. I'm glad I don't have that kind of pressure. He had supper at the campsite with me then pushed on for some more miles in the evening.
Date: 2016-08-03
From: Shaker Campsite 

To: October Mountain Shelter 
Miles today: 18.7

I had a great night's sleep. I was so comfy I really could have stayed in my tent. But the miles were calling. I made it to the Cabin at Upper Goose Pond. This is a cabin for the hikers. It has a volunteer care taker. As I hiked to it my hope was to be able to sit in a chair on the porch and to go canoing. When I got there I got a rocking chair on the porch, yeh my favourite. Ninja and I took the canoe out. It was so beautiful out there. It was also a change of pace to do something other than hike. Ninja just started hiking again this week. She went home last year after 1500 miles, with multiple stress fractures. Now she is back to finish it. I am happy for her. She is such s nice girl. There is always someone new to meet right around the next corner. I gave myself two hours down time at the cabin then carried on. Whenever the girls shows a flat walk you know something is up. Rocks and more rocks.
Date: 2016-08-04
From: October Mountain Shelter 

To: Crystal Mountain Campsite 
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: light rain

Oh this was a good day. It started out with a visit to the cookie lady. I got to her house at 7:15. She was up and smiled at me and offered me a cookie. It was wonderful. She sells boiled eggs, so I bought 2 for 40 cents each. She has a beautiful garden and blueberry bushes. I thought about Cranberry. She is going to love it here. I picked 1.25 worth of berries. It was a great breakfast. The hiking was easy. I got to to the town of Dalton. We walk right through it. I got a shower and my laundry done. I got some food and carried on. I didn't recognize anyone at the campsite. Everyone is very friendly. berries, it was a great breakfast.
Date: 2016-08-05
From: Crystal Mountain Campsite 

To: Wilber Clearing Shelter
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: light rain

I came down Crystal Mountain and through the town of Cheshire. I stopped at the Dunkin Donuts for a breakfast sandwich. That was fun. I saw Eighteen there. The girl I spent time with way back in Pearisburg. It is good to know she is still on the trail. Then it was time to hike up mount Greylock, about 2300 foot gain over 7 miles, not bad. Ninja caught up to me at the top and we had a late lunch at the lodge. The guys came to the shelter just around bed time. I was so happy to see them again. They had a slackpacking plan for the next day and wanted to include me. Wow, I accepted and hoped that I could keep up.
Date: 2016-08-06
From: Wilber Clearing Shelter

To: Bennington Vermont
Miles today: 21.4
Weather: broken clouds

I left earlier then the boys so I could take my time on the down hill. I am so slow on those. We were to meet at the Chinese food place at 11. I was doing well until the mud puddle at the bottom. I slipped right in. It really was the best place to do it as I was on my way for a shower anyways. The YMCA had a great shower. Lots of room and very clean. I had my laundry on the go while we ate lunch. It was so fun to be there with Storm"s family. I felt fortunate to be included. The plan from there was to hike 8 miles and meet at Country Rd. We left at 1 and were making good time then came the text. Country Rd was impassable. We had to continue on to VT9. Ten more miles. I only had my hiking poles. Dragon Head had a small pack and was carrying my water. We were under pressure because we did not bring our head lamps. It was a lot of miles to cover in an afternoon. We celebrated entering Vermont. Our mood was good all day. At the end we had a very steep decent. It was almost dark when we started down. I was terrified . The more I thought about it the more my feet did not want to move. Storm was a great help. At the bottom his Mom and sister were waiting. They had a hotel room for us and food. It was the perfect end to the day. I was so grateful.
Date: 2016-08-07
From: Bennington Vermont

To: Kid Gore Shelter
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: few clouds

We did not get off to an early start. We were however happy ,well rested and fed. Vermont has lots of mud. This is something I was not aware of. It doesn't matter. I have to go through it anyway. We had lots of rock roots and mud as we made our way. I climbed the look out tower at Glastenbury Mountain. It was an amazing view. Storm was able to point out the mountains we are headed for. I am so excited to be doing this amazing trail. I hope my body holds up to the challenge.
Date: 2016-08-08
From: Kid Gore Shelter

To: Windhall River 
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: light rain

Today we hiked up Stratton Mountain. This is the summit on which Benton MacKaye was inspired to propose the creation of the AT. I was really excited to see what he saw. The whole way up the mountain I was thinking of how he saw it. By the time I finally made it to the top I was a little ticked off. Storm was there waiting for me. I said, so he hiked up this pile of roots and rocks and decided to share that experience with every one! We passed the 3/4 way mark today. Maybe I'm a little burned out.
Date: 2016-08-09
From: Windhall River 

To: Green Mountain House 
Miles today: 8.7

Short day into town. We are in Manchester Center. This is a beautiful town. Cathy and Doug were at the parking area with their hiking daughter Izzy. They gave us a ride to town and then offered to host us in a few days. People are so great. I was sad to say goodbye to the boys but we were all staying in different places. I stopped in at the New Balance outlet store. Everything was 50 percent off. I got new shoes. I was so sad to let my runners go. I love them but there is no more tread on the ball. They were a little dangerous. I got my resupply then Jeff came and picked me up. Green Mountain House was beautiful. The attention to detail was amazing. It was a great stay
Date: 2016-08-12
From: Wallingford Vt 

To: Governor Clements Shelter
Miles today: 13.4

Cathy and Doug made us a great breakfast , waffles and yogurt and maple syrup. I ate three happily. They have a beautiful home they built together and have lived in for the past 30 years. It was hard to leave. I am so thankful for their kindness. Back to the trail about 8. I hiked till 4 and I was done. I felt so tired. I got my supper and about an hour later I was all better, ready to go again. I think I have to adjust my eating again. Dragon Head and Storm got to the shelter. I was so happy to see them
Date: 2016-08-13
From: Governor Clements Shelter

To: Gifford Woods State Park 
Miles today: 13.7

The day started out with the climb up Killington. It was misty and not as bad as I thought. I had breakfast at the top then started down in the fog and drizzle. Then the rain started. It came down in buckets. Storm and Dragon Head were waiting for me at the road to see if I wanted to come to town with them. I said no, I would carry on to the park and see if I could get us a shelter for the night. I got there just as the office was opening. There were no shelters left just one cabin. It had two bunks and a futon. I called the guys they said yes take it. I was comfy in my new little home while they were trying to get laundry and shower in town. I met my neighbourhood at camp. They were so interested in my hike. They offered to take me to town. That was great. I got chocolate milk, a salad and some other goodies. The rain was coming down hard again. I was telling them how the boys had to walk from the road three miles to the park. They offered to pick them up. I said no they have to cover that part of the trail. We can't miss anything. I think they understood. The boys had to walk through thunder and lighting so close it shook them. When they got to the cabin they were wet and muddy. So much for laundry and shower in town. They went to have a shower again, at the park. Gifford Woods State Park is the cleanest friendliest Park. I would like to go back there. The thunder and lighting carried on all night. We were so glad to be inside.
Date: 2016-08-14
From: Gifford Woods State Park 

To: Lookout tower 
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: overcast clouds

I really didn't want to leave that cozy little cabin. I had to put on wet socks and clothes. They warm up as I hike. It is just hard putting them on. The falls were so beautiful. Dragon Head didn't mind posing in front of it We had a steep climb up Quimby Mountain, 1500 ft in 1.3 miles. It took a lot out of us. Storm's family met us at a road crossing. They had Mountain Dew for us then took our packs to the next road crossing. It is so great to hike without the pack. I was running I felt so free and strong. That only lasted until the next road crossing when was got our packs on and started climbing the next hill.
Date: 2016-08-15
From: Lookout tower 

To: West Hartford 
Miles today: 18.9
Weather: broken clouds

The boys were very pleased with themselves this morning. They were up and ready to hike before me. The promise of food at a bakery / deli might have had something to do with it The bakery was great. Dragon Head and I bought a pie together and split it. It was peach, raspberry and blueberry. So good. I must say it was a little hard hiking with that pie in my tummy. A tough price to pay At the end of our day Storm had arranged for his friend to pick us up. We stayed the night at Chris and Andy's house. They were so good to us. Supper was amazing. We got fed and showered and laundry all my favourite things.
Date: 2016-08-16
From: West Hartford 

To: Hanover NH
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: scattered clouds

After a great breakfast and a good nights sleep the miles flew by. We crossed the Connecticut River and into state number 13. I am amazed how far I have walked. Just a little every day gets the job done. Hanover is beautiful and very hiker friendly. I was so excited to see Stephen. We got to the campground he found and after some site confusion on the part of the camp host, we got set up. Stephen "camps" in style. He needs power for computer and phone. He even brought the kettle for my hot chocolate in the morning.
Date: 2016-08-17
From: Hanover NH

To: Goose Pond Rd 
Miles today: 13.9

Stephen and I had a slow morning together. We met Storm, Dragon Head and Ninja in Hanover. They stayed at Greg's house. We had a nice day hiking without our packs on. Stephen met us at a road crossing and we refilled our water and snacks. It is so nice to have his help for a few days. Everyone came back to our campsite. This is our base for now.
Date: 2016-08-18
From: Goose Pond Rd 

To: Wentworth 
Miles today: 19.7

I was nervous about today's hike. We started with a good climb. At the top the guide says, "precipitous drop off". What the heck does that mean! How am I supposed to sleep knowing I have a precipitous drop off. I am very nervous on the down hills. Actually it would be fine if they were just hills but they are not. Turned out the down was not so terrible. The drop off was at the top but we didn't have to climb down it. All that worry for nothing.
Date: 2016-08-19
From: Wentworth 

To: Moosilauke
Miles today: 19.1
Weather: few clouds

Today we are southbounders. The north side of Moosilauke is very steep. Seeing I had Stephen's help I gave myself every opportunity for success by climbing up the steepest part and doing the day without my pack. The climb up is along a waterfall. I tried to stop and take in how beautiful it was but having to watch every step made it difficult. This is our first mountain above tree line. The views were amazing. I looked toward the climbs to come. How am I going to do that?! One step at a time. We met Stephen at the road crossing then did another 10. It is wonderful he has been able to come and be apart of this hike. I am already upset about him leaving. Surprisingly I had more energy than I thought I would at the end of the day. Good thing because we had shower then laundry to take care of before Stephen left.
Date: 2016-08-20
From: Moosilauke

To: Eliza Brook Shelter 
Miles today: 7.5
Weather: clear sky

I had a hard time saying good bye to Stephen this morning. I had to let the others go on without me. I got back on the trail about 1. I was very emotional. I am scared to do the Whites. I cried over supper. I used the Kleenex pack Stephen gave me. I made hot chocolate, that always helps. I cried because Stephen brought the kettle for me to camp. I have to refocus.
Date: 2016-08-21
From: Eliza Brook Shelter 

To: The Notch Hostel 
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: light rain

The climb up Kinsmen mountain was hard. Very technical as a friend of mine would put it. I thought, if this is what it's like I might take a very long time to do the Whites. Fortunately I got to talk to some informative locals who assured me it was not all like that. Lonesome Lake was very beautiful. I saw a lot of people there and on the trail from there to the road. I am in out of the rain tonight. I texted Storm. I hope to catch up soon.
Date: 2016-08-22
From: The Notch Hostel 

To: Garfield Ridge 
Miles today: 10.3
Weather: scattered clouds

The Notch Hostel was very comfortable and clean. I slept well, in a bunk room. That's amazing. I decided to take the 7:30 shuttle back to the trail. They said the weather looked good to go over Franconia Ridge today. It was a steep climb. As I got to the top I stopped to put on pants and a sweater. I had two miles of exposed ridge line to cover. Two boys ran by me in t-shirts and shorts. I told them it was going to get cold fast. They kept going. Very soon two different young men passed me going southbound. They had just done the ridge. They had on coats, hats, socks on their hands. They warned me the winds were bad. At this point I had no choice but to go through it. I got out above the tree line and at first it wasn't so bad. Eventually there were times I could not see the trail. I was walking in the clouds. One girl later described it as looking out an airplane window only we were in it. I learned that night from the campsite caretaker Sarah , that I went through 80 mph wind gusts. It blew me right down. I tore open my right knee again. It will heel after the hike I feared for my life on that ridge. I was wet and cold and exhausted. I cried. I prayed. I couldn't wear my glasses. They were blowing off my face. My eyes were tearing in the wind. My cheeks were blowing in the wind. When I couldn't find the trail a man came by and I followed him for a minute. When I was so tired a man came by and said you are almost there ( to the trees). It seems to me I had angels helping me in the moments I really needed it. I was so grateful to be in my tent at camp that night. It was so cold I could see my breath in my tent but I was warm and fed and safe.