morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-05-09
From: Priest Mountain Shelter

To: Maupin Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: light rain

Today consisted of descending 3000 feet in 5 miles and then ascending 3000 feet in 5 miles. Neither had much in the way of breaks in them. Today's total mileage was a relatively moderate, 13.8 mles. The result was an early arrival at Maupin Shelter and some time to sit and enjoy the sunshine. The treat for the day was when thru hiker, Baker, arrived and baked some muffins in the special stove setup he carries. It was a nice finish to the day.
Date: 2013-05-10
From: Maupin Shelter

To: Waynesboro
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

With the rain we've had recently the springs and streams are running high. There's no shortage of drinking water. It also makes for some tricky (wet) stream crossings. Trying to pick a good combination of rocks to hop across is fun and challenging. I had to wade across a stream for the first time today. I decided to go into Waynesboro to resupply before entering Shenandoah National Park.
Date: 2013-05-13
To: Hightop Hut
Miles today: 21.4
Weather: light rain

Today was the first day I was able to take advantage of the park's concessions stands. Late morning, I arrived at Loft Mtn Wayside and ordered a late breakfast and a blackberry shake. It made for a very good afternoon of hiking. I hiked to Hightop Hat. I did 21.4 miles today.
Date: 2013-05-15
From: Rocksprings Hut

To: Pass Mtn Hut
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: broken clouds

I had a four mile hike to get to the Skyland Restaurant for their breakfast buffet. I definitely got my moneys worth! It was one of the warmest days of hiking so far. I did 15.4 miles and made it to Pass Mtn Hut.
Date: 2013-05-16
From: Pass Mtn Hut

To: Gravel Springs Hut
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Hikes in the Shenandoah National Park have revolved around getting to the next restaurant. Today was my last chance. I had an early lunch at Elkwallow Wayside and one last blackberry shake. I've been able to take it easy, mileage wise, the last few days. My daughters will be joining me for a few days of hiking next week. I'm in Gravel Springs Hut. 13.1 miles today.
Date: 2013-05-19
From: Front Royal

To: Manassas Gap Shelter
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Left Front Royal to hike with my two favorite-est people. My daughters have have joined me, for 5 days of hiking on the Trail. We hiked into the cloud. It wasn't really raining, but as the moisture collects on the tree leaves, a breeze will get the water drops to fall. It feels like its raining.The girls did a great job of hiking. Very tired and glad to be at the shelter.The shelter area was busy. A group of guys, just out of high school, from Maryland and a larger group of high school seniors from Philedelphia, working their senior project.Manassas Gap Shelter, 10.7 miles
Date: 2013-05-20
From: Manassas Gap Shelter

To: Rod Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was the second day of hiking with my daughters. They were tired from yesterday's hiking but we made great time, arriving at Rod Hollow Shelter by 1:50pm. We needed to tend to some blister problems. Otherwise, they are enjoying the hike. Hopefully, that means my hiking pace with them is tolerable.I've been surprised at their appetites. I thought I'd be getting to finish their leftovers. That's not happening.Rod Hollow Shelter, 12.9 miles
Date: 2013-05-21
From: Rod Hollow Shelter

To: Bears Den Hostel
Miles today: 9.9

Today we got to start the part the trail called the Roller Coaster. We did about 9 miles of it today and another 4.5 of it tomorrow. So far the climbs have been a little longer than what I've had to deal with recently. All in all its reputation, so far, has been worse than the reality of it. Our destination was the Bear Den Hostel. The motivation of shower, pizza and ice cream was enough to get us there by shortly after 1pm. Bears Den Hostel, 9.9 miles
Date: 2013-05-22
From: Bears Den Hostel

To: David Lesser Shelter
Miles today: 11.1

We got a good start to the day with a pancake breakfast at the Bears Den Hostel. The finish of the Roller Coaster was more of the same. It seemed to me, more of an easier remeinder of what I've hiked through earlier in the trip and what is still yet to come. The three of us started down a blue blaze trail to the Blackburn AT Center to get some water. The trail seemed longer than the .2 miles listed on the sign. About half way down, Joelle decided she had gone far enough. Virginia and I continued, leaving our packs with Joelle. After refilling our water bottles, the Blackburn caretaker gave us soda and cookies. It made the trip down and back worth it. Good cookies! We stayed at the David Lesser Shelter after an 11.1 mile day.
Date: 2013-05-23
From: David Lesser Shelter

To: Harper's Ferry
Miles today: 8.7
Weather: light rain

Today was the last day of hiking with my daughters. It's been a wonderful five days of hiking for me. We hiked to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy Headquarters in Harper's Ferry. I was the 170th Thru Hiker to register this year. We did some touring of the historical town of Harper's Ferry and had a nice dinner to celebrate the week. Haper's Ferry-8.7 miles.
Date: 2013-05-24
From: Harper's Ferry

To: Rocky Run Shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: light rain

After emotional good-byes, I resumed my hike northward. The Weather turned blustery today. This after I sent home a couple of cool weather clothing options back to Wisconsin. The last two days, I've finished the states of Virginia and West Virginia. Tonight I'm at the Rocky Run Shelter after 16 miles.
Date: 2013-05-25
From: Rocky Run Shelter

To: Raven Rocks Shelter
Miles today: 20.6

I did miss the extra clothing last night. It got cooler than it has in a while. The number of scout troops out for overnight trips, quickly reminded me that it was a holiday weekend. Shelter areas that I passed during the day were filling up fast. Fortunately, Raven Rocks Shelter didn't have any larger groups camping there. I was able to get a spot in the shelter. Earlier in the day, I passed the first Washington Monument, in Boonesboro, MD. My home for the night was at the Raven Rocks Shelter-20.6 today.
Date: 2013-05-26
From: Raven Rocks Shelter

To: Quarry Gap Shelter
Miles today: 25.4

I crossed the Mason Dixon Line and entered Pennsylvania. The trail has been relatively flat, making it fairly easy to do some longer mileage days. The AT passes through two Pennsylvania State Parks. The first one I got a soda out of a vending machine and the second, refilled a water bottle. In between, there was some trail magic, donuts! Isn't trail magic great? A full shelter meant I slept in my tent. That was the first time since 4/21. Quarry Gap Shelter after hiking 25.4 miles.
Date: 2013-05-27
From: Quarry Gap Shelter

To: Ironmaster's Mansion Hostel
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: clear sky

Today I passed the official half way makter on the trail, 1092.9 miles. I also made it to the Pine Grove Furnace State Park, which is the home of the Half Gallon Ice Cream Challenge. Not much of a challenge for me. It was like I'd been trainging my whole like for this one! And really it's only 1.5 quarts. I ordered a hamberger afterwards and I was still hungry! I'm staying at the Ironmaster's Mansion Hostel. It's a restored mansion from the iron ore mining and iron prduction era in what is now Pine Grove Furnace State Park. Ironmaster's Mansion Hostel-16.9 miles.
Date: 2013-05-28
From: Ironmaster's Mansion Hostel

To: Alec Kennedy Shelter
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: overcast clouds

The caretakers at the Ironmasters Mansion could help their hostel business if they improved the meal volume to better match a hikers. Both meals I had there were nice enough, but left me wanting more. A lot more!!Fortunately, today's hike went near the Green Mountain Store. A late morning sub sandwich brought my caloris intake closer to where I need it to be. As long as I'm beefing, there was a section of today's hike descibed as a rock maze. The intentional routing of the trail in, out, and through outcroppings of rock was not entertaining. The people planning these routes should have wore a 35lb pack with a 15 mile warm up, before they started laying out routes. Obviously, I am not a fan. I made it to Alec Kennedy Shelter-15.7 miles.
Date: 2013-05-29
From: Alec Kennedy Shelter

To: Darlington Shelter
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Well, I was loooking for warmer temperatures. It went to summer time temps today, high 80s and plenty of humidity. It was a flat walk to and through Boiling Springs. I got to the Boiling Springs early enough for a late breakfast (or 2). The majority of the remaining hike was along the edges of farm fields. Corn is up, hay is being cut and my seasonal allergies have kicked in. I'm at Darlington Shelter-18.2 miles today.
Date: 2013-05-30
From: Darlington Shelter

To: Duncannon
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: clear sky

Today is more of the same, summer weather and fields of hay. The climb down into Duncannon gave me a taste of the rocky terrain Pennsylvania has the reputation for. I'm staying at the Doyle Hotel. It's a hiker friendly hotel, at a great price. Duncannon-11.3 miles
Date: 2013-06-01
From: Duncannon

To: View Entry
Miles today: 19.7
Weather: scattered clouds

The shelters are not well spaced when leaving town. It was either 4.6 miles, 11.3 miles, or 29.3 miles. I was at the 11.3 mile shelter before 1pm, which seemed like too short of a for the the first day leaving town. The 29.3 miles wasn't going to happen in this heat. The compromise was to tent at just under 20 miles.   19.7 miles was my total for the day.
Date: 2013-06-02
To: William Penn Shelter
Miles today: 23.0
Weather: few clouds

It tried to rain a couple of times today, but only managed a few rain drops each time. Around here, the Cicadas are emerging from their 17 year incubation. You can see them most any where. They are also calling to attract a mate. The buzz is 7 kwHz loud. When there is a large concentration of them, their call sounds like a 1950's science fiction movie's alien weapon. Did you know that cicadas are a good protein source? There are recipes for cicada tacos and spicy Szechuan cicada. No, I'm not planning on trying any of these recipes while I'm on the trail.
Date: 2013-06-03
From: William Penn Shelter

To: Eagles Nest Shelter
Miles today: 19.2
Weather: broken clouds

The Pennsylvania Rocks contine. They are not consistently the same size or shape, but ccontinually a challenge. I spent the night at Eagles Nest Shelter with two south bound section hikers. Both of them had hiked the New England portion fo the Appalachian Trail. Their insights into that part of the trail well be very helpful when I get there. This is an excellent example of the great camaraderie that exists all along this trail. I spent the night at Eagles Nest Shelter after 19.2 miles.
Date: 2013-06-04
From: Eagles Nest Shelter

To: Hamburg 
Miles today: 9.3

I hiked into Port Clinton today and picked up a package from home. Then I failed at my attempt to hitchhike into Hamburg, PA to resupply. What's another mile or two of walking for a thru hiker? I did get two rides between stores from some locals. One from a member of the local trail club. The other from a lady who has a son currently hiking the AT. A big thanks to both of those Trail Angels. Hamburg-9.3 miles.
Date: 2013-06-06
From: Hamburg 

To: Allenton Club Shelter
Miles today: 21.9

I walked back to the trail from the motel. For the most part it was an easy day of hiking. I missed the signage for the shelter I had planned to stay at. It wasn't until I passed another hiker, who asked me where I was headed. When I told him where, he told me I had missed it. So on to the next shelter. It worked out fine because I got some extra miles in. I stayed at the Allenton Club Shelter-21.9 miles.
Date: 2013-06-07
From: Allenton Club Shelter

To: Buroughs
Miles today: 17.8

Today it was rain and rocks. This is not a fun combination on a trail! There were lots slips and even some falls. I hiked into Palmerton in hopes of drying out some. I'm staying at a city owned free hostel called the Buroughs or as they say on the trail-The Jail House. It's in the basement of an auxiliary city office building. Very spartan, but hey it's free. Buroughs-17.8 miles.
Date: 2013-06-08
From: Buroughs

To: Leroy Smith Shelter
Miles today: 16.2

The climb out of Palmerton was actually fun! At least on the bouldering part that I needed to do on the upper third of the climb. Today also, included some Trail Magic from an Adventure Scout Troop. There were all sorts of good things a hungry and thirsty hiker would want. I filled up. I stayed at the Leroy Smith Shelter-16.2 miles
Date: 2013-06-11
From: Delaware Water Gap

To: Blue Mtn Lakes Road
Miles today: 17.8
Weather: mist

I went out for breakfast this morning. That contributed to a late start. The walk across the bridge over the Delaware River was a long one. It got me into New Jersey, the eighth state of my hike. There are still plenty of rocks, just not quite as bad as Pennsylvania. I wound up tenting along the trail tonight. I spent the night somewhere along Blue Mtn Lakes Road-after 17.8 miles.
Date: 2013-06-12
From: Blue Mtn Lakes Road

To: Machipcong Shelter
Miles today: 19.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was a very pleasant day of hiking. The trail crossed a road with a sandwich shop within sight. That meant a lunch of a sub sandwich and a cold drink. While hiking on the ridges there were some nice views of the lakes below. Machipcong Shelter-19.4 miles.
Date: 2013-06-13
From: Machipcong Shelter

To: Pochuck Shelter
Miles today: 19.6

Today, my 100th on the trail, started differently than all the previous ones. While packing up to leave, a bear appeared at the edge of the clearing around the shelter. He appeared to be waiting for us (myself and the other hikers) to leave so he could check things out. He may have been looking for some breakfast. Otherwise, it rained all morning and started up again late in the afternoon.
Date: 2013-06-14
From: Pochuck Shelter

To: Wawayanda Shelter
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: light rain

The rain eventually stopped overnight. It made the trail wetter and muddier than it already was. The sun made an appearance early afternoon, but only lasted a few hours. I opted for a shorter day of hiking in the hopes of drying some of my gear out. Wawayanda Shelter at 11.5 miles.
Date: 2013-06-15
From: Wawayanda Shelter

To: Wildcar Shelter
Miles today: 12.1

Today I hiked into the state of New York, the 9th state of my hike. It seems that the further north I get, the further the towns are from the trail. In New York hitchhiking is illegal and drivers have not been inclined to pickup hikers. Hillbilly and I walked to town to resupply and of course, to eat. Instead of stopping at the trail, we continued 0.1 miles further to get to a hot dog stand. After some hot dogs and cold sodas, we returned to the trail. At the next shelter, the mosquitoes were bad enough that all the hikers there tented, rather then getting bit up sleeping in the shleter. Wildcare Shelter-12.1 miles
Date: 2013-06-16
From: Wildcar Shelter

To: William Brien Memorial Shelter
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: clear sky

I spent most of the afternoon hiking in Harriman State Park. There were lots of families enjoying the day, after all, it was Father's Day. I'm really missing my daughters today. I saw seven deer, a single day high. That included a doe and her fawn. William Brien Memorial Shelter-19.6 miles (less then 800 miles left)
Date: 2013-06-17
From: William Brien Memorial Shelter

To: Fort Montgomery
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: light rain

I hiked into Fort Montgomery to resupply and to clean up. So far in New York, the trails have had some rugged uphills. I keep telling myself that this is good training for Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. The trail today went through the Trailside Museum and Zoo at Bear Mountain. Thru hikers seemed to be part of the zoo's exhibits. At least it felt that way to me! There were lots of stares! Fort Montgomery-101. miles.
Date: 2013-06-24
From: Belters Campsite

To: Salisbury, CT
Miles today: 10.8

I decided last night that due to poor budgeting, on my part, I would suspend my hike. I spent the night at the Bearded Woods Hostel. A wonderful place, with great food. With the help of Big Lu, I was able to arrange a bus ride home. My plan is to try and get a short term job in Wisconsin and return to the trail by the end of August. I will make my way to Maine and re-start at Katahdin. I'll hike southbound back to Salisbury. The "flip-flop" will avoid hiking north in a rush to Maine and the worry about an early closure of Katahdin in October. Thanks to everyone for their support and words of encouragement. This hike isn't finished yet.
Date: 2013-08-12
From: home

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

To anyone still following my journal, I'm returning to the trail on Friday 8/16. After a long drive east on Tues and Wed, I will be joining Grrrr on a ride from CT to Millinocket ME on Thu. A shuttle to Baxter SP on Fri and a climb up and down Katahdin. It will be great to back on the trail again and to be hiking with Grrr again.(only SOBO this time)It's not how I envisioned my hike when I started in March, but doing a flip/flop, will give me the best option to complete my AT hike this year. The bonus will be seeing some of the NOBO friends, I had the chance to get to know a bit earlier this year, as they close in on completing their hikes.
Date: 2013-08-16
From: Katahadin

To: View Entry
Miles today: 5.1

It felt good to be back on the trail. The climb up Katahadin went well, the adrenalin helped fuel the climb. I wasn't prepared to see all the day hikers at the summit, but from what I've been told, during the summer it is very common. It rained on the way down, making the steep boulder areas more treacherous. The Baxter State Park Rangers were very helpful in finding a campsite for Grrr and myself, without the reservations that are required by park rules.
Date: 2013-08-17
To: Hurd Brook Lean To
Miles today: 13.5

The hike out of Baxter State Park was relatively easy. The upside of the hike today-I got to see 5 hikers that I had met earlier this season. It was great to be able to congratulate them on closing in on completing their hikes. The downside-Grrr aggravated a knee problem and decided to leave the trail and return home.
Date: 2013-08-18
From: Hurd Brook Lean To

To: Rainbow Stream Lean To
Miles today: 11.5

Today was the first full day in the 100 Mile Wilderness. There's a sign stating you should have 10 days of food with you, because of the lack of resupply spots. My head keeps telling me that I should be doing more mileage, but my legs remind me that I took too much time off and should take it easier. Maine uses different terms for a couple of trail places. A shelter is now a lean to and lakes are called ponds. There are some really big ponds!
Date: 2013-08-19
From: Rainbow Stream Lean To

To: White House Landing
Miles today: 15.6

The hike today included multiple views of large ponds and rivers. I decided to stay at the White House Landing Hostel. It requires a boat ride to the hostel and you get their attention by using an air horn. It gave me a chance to buy a few food items to get me to Monson without worrying about how much I'm eating.
Date: 2013-08-20
From: White House Landing

To: Cooper Brook Falls Lean To
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: clear sky

I got a later start this morning because of breakfast at the hostel and the boat ride back to the trail. My feet are the latest body part to complain about the return to the trail. I didn't maintain the calluses on them, that I earned earlier this year. I'm staying at Cooper Brook Falls Lean To. It has a beautiful cascading stream in front of it. There is a swimming area in front of the shelter. It was a nice refreshing end of the hike.
Date: 2013-08-21
From: Cooper Brook Falls Lean To

To: Sidney Tappan Campsite
Miles today: 17.1

Today was the longest and toughest day so far. I went over Snow Cap Mtn. The climbs are an indication of what's to come in New Hampshire. I got to see Patriot, another trail friend. So Far, I've got to see over 15 NOBO hikers I had met earlier this year.
Date: 2013-08-22
From: Sidney Tappan Campsite

To: Chairback Lean To
Miles today: 11.7

Today's hike was short, but more difficult. The climb over Chairback Mtn. included some bouldering. Earlier in the day, I saw my first Maine moose. She was browsing on aquatic plants in a bog pond. I watched for about 15 minutes. I also saw a white tailed deer. I'm not sure who startled who more.
Date: 2013-08-23
From: Chairback Lean To

To: Wilson Valley Lean To
Miles today: 15.6

A lot of ups and downs again today. I had hoped to get closer to Monson, ME. in an attempt to get to the post office on Saturday before it closed. It looks like I'll have to wait until Monday to pick up my package. At the Wilson Valley Lean To, a group of 6 section hikers, all from a company named Metso(?)spent the night. They told me that Metso was once part of the Allis Chalmers Corperate Group. Allis Chalmers was once the largest employer in West Allis, where I now live. The best part is that, they shared their Irish coffee with me. Yeah baby!
Date: 2013-08-24
From: Wilson Valley Lean To

To: Shaw's Lodging
Miles today: 13.7

No major climbs, but a lot of smaller ups and downs (like most of Maine). I walked into Monson, cell service was not good enough to call for a shuttle. I'm resupplying and taking a zero day on Sunday. I have a package at the post office that I'll pick up on Monday before returning to the trail.
Date: 2013-08-25
From: Shaw's Lodging

To: Moxie Bald Mountain Lean To
Miles today: 14.6

Another day of crossing paths of NOBO's closing in on completing their thru hikes. Frost and Sunshine, EZ, Hawkeye, and Chick a Dee. Its been enjoyable seeing familiar faces. I forded another river today. Maine doesn't build many bridges, unlike further south on the trail. I saw a beaver, loons and heard coyotes at the lean to this evening.
Date: 2013-08-26
From: Moxie Bald Mountain Lean To

To: Pleasant Pond Mountain Lean To
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: broken clouds

I saw a cow moose and her calf as I was packing up this morning. The day started with a 2 mile butt kicking climb up Moxie Bald Mountain and followed up with a 5 mile climb over Pleasant Pond Mountain.
Date: 2013-08-27
From: Pleasant Pond Mountain Lean To

To: West Carry Pond Lean To
Miles today: 19.7
Weather: light rain

Today may have been flattest day of hiking I'll see for the rest of my hike. That included a 5 minute canoe ferry across the Kennebec River. The ferry is mandatory because of a hydroelectric dam upstream that may release water and drastically change downstreamn water levels. Personally, it felt good to have a canoe paddle in my hands for the first time this summer.Tomorrow is the start of a series of tougher mountains. The Bigelows, the Crockers, Spauldings, and the Saddlebacks will make for a grueling next few days.
Date: 2013-08-28
From: West Carry Pond Lean To

To: Horn's Pond Lean To
Miles today: 17.9

As expected, the climbing started. On the climb up Little Bigelow, there was a nice distraction of wild blueberries. Of the rest of the peaks in the Bigelows, only Avery had a view. That was because Avery was above the cloud deck.
Date: 2013-09-01
From: Stratton, ME

To: Spaulding Mtn Lean To
Miles today: 13.5

The day started with a 5 mile climb up. I got over North and South Crocker Mtns by noon. Sugarloaf and Spaulding Mtns in the afternoon. For the most part the climbs went well. There was a fall, on a mostly flat area, that involved a tree and the right side of my head. My ear took the worst of the impact.
Date: 2013-09-03
From: Spaulding Mtn Lean To

To: Piazza Rock Lean To 
Miles today: 16.9

I got an early start today, in hopes of making up some of the mileage lost yesterday. There were multiple climbs again today. Saddleback Jr, The Horn, and Saddleback Mtns. The peaks are starting to get higher, regularly over 4000 feet. The mountain elevations continue to increase to just over 6000 feet in the White Mountains. At the higher elevations, the White Birch leaves are staring to drop.