morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-04-14
From: Fontana Dam

To: Spence Field Shelter
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: overcast clouds

After our Hike Inn stay and lecture we (Greenhorn, B1, and Bear Bait) were all on high alert. We did meet up with several Armenians who were out of there element. No tent wall mart sleeping bags and blow up mattresses. One was dragging a suitcase with wheels down the trail. I guess the ridge runner asked them to leave the park and I am sure they were happy to go. They were not quite ready for prime time and could have gotten in serious trouble without the proper gear. My hat is off to the ridge runner.
Date: 2012-04-16
From: Double Springs Shelter

To: Gatlinburg
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: few clouds

Cold and rain today. Clingman's Dome looked like a space ship landing in the fog and it was really cold and wet. We were glad to get to Newfound Gap and the bright lights of Gatlinburg. We spent the night at the Grand Prix and ate at Shoney's. B1 got a replacement pack from Granite Gear from the NOC. The Vapor trails pack he was using started to tear on its sides and Granite Gear replaced it with their new version free of charge.
Date: 2012-04-17
From: Gatlinburg

To: Pecks Corner Shelter
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: broken clouds

Hitched out of Gatlinburg with lots of new( fizz,Carver and Count Chocula) and old friends ( Bear Bait). Gatlinburg is such a complete difference from the trail and I am not sure what to think of it. Anyhow Bear Bait and I started hiking towards Pecks in the fog, rain, and sunshine. We did manage to see some views along the way. I was the first at Pecks and took control of the most comfortable chair any shelter could possibly have provided.
Date: 2012-04-18
From: Pecks Corner Shelter

To: Crosby Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.9

The last shelter we(B1, Lynsey, Bear Bait,fizz,Carver and the Count) would stay in while hiking through the Smokys. I was getting a bit tired of being crammed into the shelters and was really looking forward to having the luxury of camping anywhere along the trail. I am sure none of us saw any bears,snakes or boars but I am sure they are out there in the woods.
Date: 2012-04-19
From: Crosby Knob Shelter

To: Standing Bear Hostel
Miles today: 10.5

What a really cool place,it was like visiting an antique store. Outhouse,outside shower, hand wash laundry complete with hand crank ringer. Very good resupply and everything was on the honor system. Just keep track of all you use then put the money in an envelope and drop it in a box. And talk about real life caractors this place was full of them. Rocket was my favorite. He had my in stitches the whole stay with his stories about hiking the Smokys and his interaction with a certain ridge runner. My favorite story was when he was starting to enter the Smokys and the ridge runner told him he had a bad reputation from other hikers as a heavy drinker. The runner ask Rocket how long he planned on hiking in the Smokys. Rocket replied " How many shelters do you have". The runner then said he didn't look like a hiker and Rocket told him he wasn't and that he was a vacationer.
Date: 2012-04-20
From: Standing Bear Hostel

To: Roaring Fork Shelter
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Another cold rainy day. Max Patch was in a cold fog and rain with a 25 knot wind. It was getting colder and colder. When I got to Roaring Fork Shelter it was full to capacity but thankfully there was room under the shelter and I was glad to crawl into that space got into my sleeping bag then watched the cold rain turn to sleet/snow. I shared that place with 5 other hikers :B1, Turbo Toes Tab, Orca and Lady Slipper. The next day I heard that one of the hikers from Standing Bear Farm had to be rescued because he had hypothermia.
Date: 2012-04-21
From: Roaring Fork Shelter

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Another wintery morning. Everything was cold and frozen including my shoes. I got dressed loaded up my pack and raced for Hot Springs. I didn't warm up until just passed Bluff Mountain. Finally the sun came out and things started looking a lot better. B1 and I stayed at the Alpine Court Motel.
Date: 2012-04-23
From: Hot Springs NC

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Heading home but will return to the trail in June. It looks like I am missing some days in this journal, oh well I think I got most of the trip recorded. So to sum up this section of the AT here is the following.*271 miles total*At least 60 Aleve tablets and the same amount of Snickers Bars got me through this section.* I will lose 3 toenails.* I lost 12 pounds.* No blisters.* Most of all I miss all the people I met and hiked with for this section.* I was glad I brought my 20 deg sleeping bag.Hope to see you guys in June at Harpers Ferry."not so Slowski"
Date: 2012-05-31
From: Home

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Starting to pack for my next section,how am I ever going to get all this stuff in my pack. Will fly to Baltimore on Friday the 1st and spend Friday evening and Saturday with my sister and family. We will camp out in Shenandoah National Park Saturday night. SNP is where I first started backpacking 46 years ago I will start hiking on June 3rd from the South entrance station at Rockfish Gap and continue North for a month.
Date: 2012-06-03
From: Rockfish gap

To: Wildcat Ridge Trail
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Spent the night of the 2nd with Lisa,Al and Lisa's grandson little Stanley at Loft Mt Campground SNP. They dropped me off at Rockfish Gap today and I started hiked North. Tonight I am stealth camping on Wildcat ridge after hiking about 12 miles.I have just enough water to make it to the next spring...I hope.
Date: 2012-06-04
From: wildcat Ridge Trail

To: Loft Mt Campground
Miles today: 13.0

Early start today from Wildcat Ridge where I stealth camped. I needed to hike almost 7 miles to get to the next water source but I ran out of water 2 miles before I got there. Big surprise today, I met Ranger Bill from Portsmouth NH. There was a story about him in the Herald last March which outlined his pending thru hike. We are staying at Loft Mt. Campground.
Date: 2012-06-05
From: Loft Mt Campground

To: Hightop Shelter
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: scattered clouds

6/5/12.    14.5 miles Stayed at loft Mt campground last night. The campers next to me stayed up and partied until 2:30 this morning. So I got an early start this morning and made as much noise as I possibly could getting ready for this mornings hike. Am staying at Hightop Shelter. 14.4 miles. Today it rained on and off this morning and it is very cool this evening. Starting to meet more NOBO's.
Date: 2012-06-06
From: Hightop Shelter

To: Bearfence Shelter
Miles today: 13.5

6/6/12      Light rain this morning. Hiked to Lewis mountain campground where I had lunch and picked up some supplies. On the way I saw lots of does and two bucks which were in velvet. After Lewis MT. campground I only had to hike .8 miles to Bearfence Hut. On the way I climbed Mary's rock. While there I met.about 8 people who grew up in the same county as I did and they went to the same High school and one of them was coached by the same football coach. Small world.I missed the sign post and hiked 2 miles before turning around after realizing my mistake. Now for the signpost thing. In SNP the signposts are made of concrete and on top of the post is metal bands 1" wide with the trail name and mileage stamped. The letters are about 1/4" wide with direction arrows. Older hikers like me need to get very close in order to see where to go. Last nights stay at Bearfence Hut was was very nice except for all of the mice. I am currently at Big Meadows for a much needed shower and laundry.
Date: 2012-06-07
From: Bearfence Shelter

To: Pass Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 15.3

6/7/12 Pass Mountain Shelter 15.3 miles.OK this park is making me go soft. I just ate a huge breakfast at Skyland Resort and Restaurant. I have found that I only have to carry about 2 days worth of food in this section. I was also looking forward to eating dinner at Panorama Restaurant at Thornton Gap but was disapointed to find it was closed and the building removed.
Date: 2012-06-09
From: Gravel Springs Hut

To: Front Royal Terrapin Station Hostel
Miles today: 9.6

6/9/12 Front Royal Terrapin Station Hostel.It is very warm and humid this morning. I didn't even feel like eating breakfast until about 11:00. Saw a little fawn this morning while hiking to the Hostel. So far I am the only one here but I am sure more will show up. The shower and laundry were well earned. Arrived at Front Royal Terrapin Station Hostel around noon. I only have to hike another mile to finish SNP. The park has more wildlife than any place I have been. I saw plenty of deer, turkeys, a rattlesnake and a mother bear and two cubs.
Date: 2012-06-11
From: Front Royal Terrapin Station Hostel

To: Manassas Shelter
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: broken clouds

6/11/12. Manassas Shelter 14.5 milesNice stay at the Hostel what with a hot shower, laundry and sodas. Today I hiked into Col. Mosby's camp and the area where traveled during the Civil War. I think they called him the Grey Ghost. Arrived at Manassas Shelter around 4:30 just before the rain. Feeling better today but it is still very hot and humid.
Date: 2012-06-12
From: Manassas Shelter

To: Rod Hallow shelter
Miles today: 12.9

6/12/12 Rod Hallow Shelter 12.9 milesRaining from the start to the finish of today's hike. Another rattlesnake scared the $$&& out of me. The buzz they make with their rattle is a real heart stopper. Also saw several deer today and now that we are out of SNP they run away. Started hiking what is called the roller coaster up and down up and down for 13.5 miles.
Date: 2012-06-13
From: Rod Hallow Shelter

To: Bears Den Hostel
Miles today: 9.9

6/13/12 Bears Den Hostel 9.9 miles. Nice stay at Rod Hallow Hostel. Weather today is great cool and clear. Saw the real Slowski today, a box turtle. Tonight at Bear's Den the owners are going to fix us a big hiker meal . Pick up a mail drop too. Now my food bag is back up to 6#'s. When I got here I only had one pop tart and 1/2 a dinner left and worse no snickers bars. Have been hiking with some really nice people: Long Skirts, Medic, Carrot, Kit Kat, UHF,Taos, Pic Wick,Socks and Dead Eye. Tonight Queen Devi provided us with breakfast for dinner. Biscuits eggs,gravy and eggs.It is very possible I will gain weight on this section of the AT.Also sorry about the pictures, sometime when I download from my Iphone the get turned around the wrong way. I will edit them and correct Iphone spelling mistakes when I get home.
Date: 2012-06-14
From: Bears Den Hostel

To: Harpers Ferry WV
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: scattered clouds

6/14/12 Harpers Ferry WVBig day today my first 20 mile day. I hiked from Bears Den Hostel to Harpers Ferry. I am staying at the Tea Horse Hostel. Checked in at the ATC and had my picture taken and made an entry in the log book.
Date: 2012-06-15
From: Harpers Ferry WV

To: Towns Inn
Miles today: 1.0
Weather: overcast clouds

6/15/12 1 mile today in Harper's Ferry WV.B1 caught up with me and we are staying at the Towns Inn Hostel in Harpers Ferry WV.. Stopped in at the ATC and signed the register and they took my picture. Passed by Jefferson's Rock where my father and I hiked to 46 years ago.
Date: 2012-06-16
From: Harpers Ferry WV

To: Dahlgren Backpack Campground
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: overcast clouds

6/16/12 Dahlgren Backpack Campground. 17 milesNice stay at the Towns Inn and ate a very filling breakfast this morning. Hiked 3 miles on the C&O canal then the rest of the way was trail. Danlgren is a backpacking campground with flush toilets and shower. It is very near Antietam Battlefield and we hiked past several battlefield areas near South Mountain.
Date: 2012-06-17
From: Dahlgren Campground

To: Ensign Cowall Shelter
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: broken clouds

6/17/12. Ensign Cowall Shelter 13.9 milesGood hike from the backpacker campground. Passed by several Civil War sites and Washington Monument.  Met up with B1 and Paul with Bunions and finally met Talks a lot. We shared this shelter with 6 lady hikers who were out for the weekend. They had pleanty of food to share and I didn't turn down a single thing and I still went to sleep feeling very hungry.
Date: 2012-06-19
From: Dahlgren Campground

To: Quarry Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: scattered clouds

6/19/12 Quarry Gap Shelter 12.2 miles Hiked to Caledonia State Park. B1 and I stashed our pack and hitched to town for lunch and short term resupply. Back at the park we went swimming. Arrived at the shelter around 4pm.
Date: 2012-06-20
From: Quarry Gap Shelter

To: Pine Grove
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: light rain

Pine Grove 17 miles. Early start this morning due to the pending hot day. Passed the 1/2way marker and another rattlesnake. My trail buddies want to change my trail name to rattlesnake magnet. Arrived at Pine Grove and watched several hikers eat a 1/2 gallon of ice cream, B1 was one of them. We stayed at the Holly Inn . The 21st is hike naked day I'll let you know if I see anyone naked or decide to do it myself. Pictures to follow.
Date: 2012-06-21
From: Pine Grove

To: Alec Kennedy Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: overcast clouds

6/21/12 Alec Kennedy Shelter 15 milesAfter a nice stay at Holly Inn I started my hike today with the temperature at 85. Today's high hit 98 and it was very humid.  It was too hot to stay at the shelter so I tented near  a cool stream and was in the sleeping bag by 8:00.
Date: 2012-06-22
From: Alec Kennedy Shelter

To: Darlington Shelter
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: overcast clouds

6/22 Darlington Shelter 18.3 miles.Another very hot day. Had breakfast at the 101 in Boiling Springs. The rest of the day we hiked thru corn,wheat and soybean fields. We had to complete the entire 18.3 miles today as there is no camping in this area.
Date: 2012-06-23
From: Darlington Shelter

To: Duncannon Pa.
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: light rain

Duncannon Pa. 11.2 milesMade it to town today. Showered at the Doyle Hotel and had a great breakfast. I started this section eating SOS on toast and ended this section eating SOS on toast. Met Trail Angle Mary and she gave me and Talks a Lot a ride to Harrisburg Pa Amtrak Station. I must say the train ride home was very comfortable.
Date: 2012-08-02
From: Kent Ct.

To: Silver Springs Campsite
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Started hiking around 1pm. I made it to Silver Hill Campsite which had a hand water pump, pavilion and porch swing. Shared this site with a fellow from Rutland named Shawn. Today hike included about a 5 mile section along the Housatonic River.
Date: 2012-08-03
From: Silver Springs Campsite

To: Toy Makers Cafe
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Silver Hill Camp to Toy Makers Cafe. The owners let campers stay behind the cafe and I plan on eating a breakfast the next morning. I ordered a large pizza for dinner and hoped another hiker would show up to share in this feast but none did so I ate the whole thing. That night I came nose to nose with a skunk around 4 in the morning. He was trying to get to my food bag while I was sleeping inside my tent. I didn't get sprayed but it was still a very close call.
Date: 2012-08-04
From: Toy Makers Cafe

To: Brassie Brook Shelter
Miles today: 12.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Another Hot and Humid day today and I have been wet from sweat since I started hiking this trip. I had a great breakfast at the toy makers.....Bangers and eggs. They are calling for rain tonight so I plan on staying in the shelter. Hope the temperature drops off after the rain. Stayed in the shelter area with Smiley and Ty-Dye.
Date: 2012-08-05
From: Brassie Brook Shelter

To: Hemlock Shelter
Miles today: 8.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Humidity is still very high also drinking water is getting harder to find. Crossed over Mt Everett with 16 oz of really nasty water I got from a bug infested pool. I gave it a double dose of chemicals just to be safe. On the north side of the mountain there is a picnic site and a very nice lady left about 30 gallons of drinking water for hikers.... what a treat and again thanks to all of the trail angels.Another case of "be good do good". Made it to Hemlock Shelter before the rain. Shared the shelter with Old Tomato, Ty-Dye, Yogi and Boo Boo.
Date: 2012-08-06
From: Hemlock Shelter

To: $3.00 a day Hostel Great Barrington
Miles today: 16.3

Long day and still very humid. Interesting day, first I passed a monument identifying the last battle of the Shays Rebellion. While there I took a picture and my trail guide fell out of my pocket when I pulled out my camera. I hiked another mile before I realized I did not have my guide. I back tracked and found it laying on the ground...what luck., I would have lost a very valuable piece of information. After that I separated my maps from the guide and carried them separately so that I would not lose everything. I continued hiking North and reached MA route 23 where Bear Walker from the $3.00 a day Hostel picked me up. Spent the night in Bear Walker and Buttons backyard, showered and spent a good evening with other hikers. Again nice folks helping other hikers.
Date: 2012-08-07
From: $3.00 a day Hostel Great Barrington

To: Upper Goose Pond Cabin
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Bearwalker dropped me off at Ma23 and I started hiking toward Upper Goose Pond.Long day but it was worth the hike. The cabin was full and lots of campers were tenting in the area.I counted 33 total. Had pancakes for breakfast and went swimming after breakfast all at no cost just a donation.
Date: 2012-08-09
From: Tom's house Dalton

To: Mark Gospel Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: light rain

Left Tom's early and ate breakfast in Dalton. Hiked thru Cheshire Mass and met Nuga then Carver at an Ice Cream store. After 2 liters of Gatorade, 2 hot dogs and an ice cream I continued on to Mark Gospel shelter.
Date: 2012-08-10
From: Mark Gospel Shelter

To: Williamstown Mass
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: moderate rain

Rain day today so I got an early start and made it to the summit of Mount Greylock. Had breakfast in the Lodge while waiting for a thunder storm to pass.Nuga was there as well as Cool Pants Daddy and his son Cool Pants. Nuga and I decided to get a room in Williamstown and resupply at a local grocery store. We started hiking and another thunder store was soon on us but we managed to reach a shelter before it let loose. After that storm we continued on to town. Later that evening we were treated to a free dinner a a local Mexican restaurant.
Date: 2012-08-11
From: Williamstown Mass

To: Congdon Shelter
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: light rain

Todd showed up this morning and we will hike together for the rest of the trip. Of course we were greeted by a driving and rain mixed with thunder and lightning. It finally stopped when we got to the shelter. We tented out and we were very happy because there were reports of flying squirrels and mice in the shelter.We hung our food bags and still something got to one of Todd's bags. Welcome to Vermont or is it Vermud.
Date: 2012-08-13
From: Kid Gore Shelter

To: Stratton Pond Tent Site
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: heavy intensity rain

Todd and I got up early this morning and starting Hiking towards Mt. Stratton. As has been usual this summer the summit was closed in with clouds and pending rain although I did get to see the country side from the fire tower. We continued on and made it to Stratton Ponds shelter and we decided to stay at the tent platforms. We went swimming and cleaned our clothing. This area is very pretty.
Date: 2012-08-14
From: Stratton Pond Tent Site

To: Manchester Center VT.
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: clear sky

Another early start this morning. We hiked along the edge of the pond and took in the views and wildlife. We saw a beaver swimming in the pond and heard loons this morning. Reaching route 11 finished up VT.for me. We stayed at the Green Mountain House that night and headed home the next day finishing up this season of hiking.
Date: 2013-03-16
To: Tuckersman Ravine
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Tuckersman Ravine is the first hike of the season. This type of exercise will get me ready for my next AT section hike.... Hot Springs NC to Shenandoah NP. I have been working out at the local gym but there is nothing better than going on a real Hike. Does downhill skiing count as hiking?
Date: 2013-04-30
From: Hot Springs

To: fire tower south of Spring mtn
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I will be Starting this next AT section where I stopped last spring. I plan on hiking North for 3 to 4 weeks and hope to be in Damascus Va on the 17th.Made it to the fire tower just south of Spring Mtn shelter about 9 mi. Met Sparky Dave from Philly ...another Electrician. Most people are staying out of the shelters due to the Noro virus. The weather is cool and very cloudy.Thanks to my sister and brother for driving me to NC and Ellis, Helen for a wonderful dinner. And another special for Brenda for letting the wild bunch sleep over and then driving me to Hot Springs.
Date: 2013-05-01
From: fire tower south of Spring mtn

To: little Laurel Shelter
Miles today: 9.6
Weather: overcast clouds

On the cool side this morning and light rain. Packed up and headed out for Laurel Spring shelter. The rain stopped but the wind is really blowing and on the cool side. Camped away from the shelter and Sparky Dave set up close by. Met Angel and Guard and they hiked the JMT last year. They gave me lots of info about that hike.
Date: 2013-05-02
From: little Laurel Shelter

To: Flint Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Cold and windy again this morning but no rain. Hiked a rocky ridge this morning and the views were pretty good what with the cloud cover and fog. Again I camped near the shelter but did not go near it due to the Noro Virus. Lots of hikers have been getting very sick from staying in these shelters and I am not taking any chances.
Date: 2013-05-04
From: camp south of the Meadow

To: Camped north of the Hogback shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: clear sky

OK enough of the wind...at least it is not raining. Should have stayed on top of the Meadow area as there were much better protected tent sites. Crossed over the Bald in fog, rain, sleet and 25 mph wind. Just like Max Patch last year. Stayed at the Whistling Gap camp area. Nice name that lived up to its name...the wind was really blowing hard. I was hunkered down in my tent that evening but nature called and believe it or not there was Nooga setting up his tent. I hiked with Nooga last year and it was good to see him again.
Date: 2013-05-06
From: Erwin TN

To: Erwin TN
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Another zero day due to pending rain. Washed my cloths, dried out my tent and was ready to re-supply and feed. Sparky Dave and I headed for town and came across a dinner called Hawg and Dog diner. So keeping up with tradition I ordered the only meal that included a Hot Dog...the "Hawg and Dog". A hot dog with Carolina BBQ, chili and slaw on a hot dog bun....yum yum. I was still hungry so I order 2 BBQ sliders and that night at the motel I ate a pint of Ben and Jerry's. I will have to hike lots of miles to work all of this off.
Date: 2013-05-07
From: Erwin TN

To: Deep Gap
Miles today: 12.1

Ms Janet picked a bunch of us up at the Super 8 and shuttled us to the trail head. Ms Janet is very famous in the AT world for helping hikers with her shuttle service and I am glad to have finally meet her. She follows the hiker swarm North and shuttles people to various locations along the trail. We hiked over the Beauty Spot another fog and rain mountain top bald. We ended up at Deep Gap and hunkered down in our tents again.
Date: 2013-05-08
From: Deep Gap

To: Greasy Creek Hostel
Miles today: 12.0

Due to rain and I am sorry to say Dave's sore ankle we headed down .6 miles to the Greasy Creek Hostel. This is Dave's last day on the trail due to his injury and he will head home tomorrow. Because of the weather the Hostel filled up with at least 30 people. All the bunks and beds were filled and people had to sleep on the floor. A dry and almost warm and very crowded stay. Good luck Dave and hope we can hike again someday.