morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-09-08
From: Bromley Mt. Warming Hut

To: Peru Peak Shelter
Miles today: 7.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Had a great sunrise. I didn¢t even have to get out of bed to see it. Early start at 7:30 am. No water between Bromely Mt. and Pero Peak Shelter so I have to ration 2 liters. Had a couple of descents and a couple of ascents today but nothing huge. Got to this shelter at 11:45 am. Nice brook in front. Before I got here though I heard someone shout out to me from behind. It was Rock Ocean who I hadn¢t seen since the Shenandoah. He got off to go to Scotland for a few weeks and is bouncing around trying to finish the trail this year. He stayed at the shelter for over an hour. Then I met Brownie who is trying to finish after getting injured early in her hike. I really enjoyed talking with her. I washed myself and my clothes, ate lunch, and read some of my book. It has rained twice and it is almost dark. Looks like I have the shelter all to myself. Should sleep well with the water running.
Date: 2015-09-09
From: Peru Peak Shelter

To: Little Rock Pond Shelter
Miles today: 9.7
Weather: clear sky

Slept very well. Stayed in my bag until 7:45 am. Left at 8:30 am. Another easy terrain day. The leaves from the Birch trees are starting to drop and cover the trail. Every time a breeze blows through the trees it rains leaves. Got a couple of great views climbing up Baker Peak. Lost Pond Shelter and Big Branch Shelter Areas look like good places to stay if it is not the weekend as they are close to the road and there are swimming holes in the brooks in front of them. Plenty of tent sites also, Had lunch at Big Branch Shelter then moved on to here. Got here at 1:45 PM. I set up in the shelter then took a swim in the pond, The water was perfect. Might be my last chance to swim as I think starting tomorrow it is going to cool off considerably. We will see.
Date: 2015-09-10
From: Little Rock Pond Shelter

To: Minerva Hinchey Shelter
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Another good nights sleep. Got a good rain shower for a couple of hours last night. Skipped breakfast and headed out at 8:30. Nice walk along the pond then started my climb. I passed a small stream and then decided to go back to get water thinking that it was the only water source only to find out 5 minutes later I was walking over it. I ran into two large rock cairn gardens before getting to the Greenwall Shelter side trail. Decided to wait to eat lunch at this shelter. After I summited Bear Mountain I seen 2 deer. I was able to stop and check them out as they were checking me out. I got here by 1:00 pm. I got water, gathered firewood then ate lunch. I then did sine reading and gathered more wood and started a fire. There are 5 is us in the shelter as the rain started at 6:00 PM. Fire still going but not sure for how long. Going into Rutland tomorrow to resupply. Rain should be done in the morning.
Date: 2015-09-11
From: Minerva Hinchey Shelter

To: Yellow Deli and Hostel
Miles today: 2.7
Weather: overcast clouds

It was a wet night but was able to keep the fire going all night. I wasn¢t planning on coming here for a couple more days but I am glad I did. The people here are extremely hospitable. I first stopped at Whistle Stop Restaurant for breakfast which is only .5 off the trail. I met Plans Too Much who likes to shuttle hikers into town. He offered me a ride so I took it. Rutland is an old town with some old wonderful buildings. After a shower I took a little walk around town. Did my resupply then went back to the hostel and checked the weather. With all of the rain forecasted for tomorrow I will take a zero.
Date: 2015-09-12
From: Yellow Deli and Hostel

To: Yellow Deli and Hostel
Miles today: 0.0

Stayed up late reading and talking with other hikers. Pink and Breeze came in today also. I stayed with them at the shelter a couple of nights ago. I helped out cleaning the hostel and took another walk around town. I stopped in a used book store and found a book I will donate to the Archives Committee for District 20. I mailed it home and then just relaxed the rest of the day. Still getting more rain tomorrow so will zero again.
Date: 2015-09-13
From: Yellow Deli and Hostel

To: Yellow Deli and Hostel
Miles today: 0.0

After a great breakfast, which comes with the stay, I went for a long walk. I then went to the Moose with Pink and Breeze to have lunch but we decided just to have our drinks instead. Ate lunch at the hostel and did some more cleaning. Then I went to Wendy¢s for lunch and a Frosty. After returning to the hostel a bunch of us just sat around talking. I ran into Rock Ocean again but he was only in town for a couple of hours. For dinner Breeze, Pink, Walkie Talkie and myself headed to a Chinese restaurant for dinner which was quite good. The last two nights were pretty loud with the bar right across the street but tonight is much quieter seeing it is closed. Trying to finish a book so I can leave it here. Will get a late start tomorrow as I won¢t be able to get a bus back to the trail head until 3:00 pm.
Date: 2015-09-14
From: Yellow Deli and Hostel

To: Claredon Shelter 
Miles today: 1.0
Weather: clear sky

Another great breakfast. As there are only 2 buses that go to where I get off I decided to take the 3:15pm. I only was doing 1 mile so a late start was no problem. It never did rain in town before I left but I could tell it rained around here. The first half mile was very steep. It took me a little longer than usual. Then it was a steep down to here. The water source was flowing well and there are just 2 of us in the shelter tonight. My pack is heavy with all this food so might just do 6 miles tomorrow.
Date: 2015-09-15
From: Claredon Shelter 

To: Cooper Lodge Shelter
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: clear sky

It was chilly so I wore my jacket to bed. Got up earlier than I wanted but decided it was a good thing. Had an apple for breakfast and left at 8:15 am. Had a steep climb to start off my day. I have been running into quite a few apple trees and picking some sour apples here and there. The terrain mellowed and I stopped at the Governor Clement Shelter which was built in 1920 and had lunch. It was so early that I decided to do 4.3 more miles to here. I was all uphill with some short flat spots here and there. I stayed here in 20152 and the roof leaked. Decided to stay in the same bunk as there will not be any rain tonight. Will hit 1,700 miles tomorrow and will pass the AT/LT junction where the LT goes North to Canada and the AT more easterly to New Hampshire. 99% of my day looks like it will be downhill.
Date: 2015-09-16
From: Cooper Lodge Shelter

To: Gifford Woods State Park
Miles today: 9.4

Thought I had the shelter to myself when I went to bed but at 9:30 I heard someone trying to open the door so I got up and let Maple Leaf in. He set up his bunk and we were both to sleep quickly. In the morning I ate breakfast and packed up. Before I left though Maple Lead wanted to take a pic of me standing in front of the shelter. It was a beautiful day as I hiked. I stopped at the Churchill Scott Shelter for a little break and then hikes 1 mile from there to reach the 1,700 mile mark. This is the last 100 mile I will pass on this trip. I was going to camp at Marine Junction, where the AT and LT separate, but with no water or stealth sites nearby I decided to come here so I could recharge my phone. They have a couple of hiker sites here for only $6. When I stayed here in 2012 it was raining so I thought it would be nice to stay in good weather. Looks like a short day tomorrow. Will have to see how I feel.
Date: 2015-09-17
From: Gifford Woods State Park

To: Stony Brook Shelter
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: clear sky

Another beautiful night. Woke up and took my time. After I ate breakfast I started to hike at 9:15 am. Kent Pond is real nice. A little too close to the road to stealth camp but a nice walk. I stopped at Thundering Falls and took a short break there just listening to the water come down the rocks. After that I had a steep 1 12 mile climb. My legs got real tired at the top. After that it was an easy hike down here to the shelter. I set up my tent just past it near the stream. I found a moose track just 12 ft from where I set up my tent. I hope he doesn¢t come through here tonight and run me over. I have a good little fire going and will try to stay up for a while. Will see how that goes.
Date: 2015-09-18
From: Stony Brook Shelter

To: Wunturri Shelter
Miles today: 9.8

Weather has been great at night. I did have to put my jacket on just before daybreak though. After breakfast and putting out the fire pit I left at 8:25. Plenty of little ups and downs today. The first interesting thing I came across was an extension ladder which I had to use to get down a sheer rock face. This is the second one I came across this year. There are plenty of bear and moose signs along the trail. I would love to see a big bull moose. I stopped for water at Locust Creek and then headed to the lookout which is a privately owned cabin with a deck on the roof. It has a 360 degree view. I could see White Mountains off in the distance. The owners allow hikers to stay as long as they or their friends don¢t want it to themselves. I plan on staying up here next time I come through. I am now at the shelter and have gathered firewood for tonight. I might be alone again but it is still early.
Date: 2015-09-19
From: Wunturri Shelter

To: Cloudland Shelter
Miles today: 9.8

Had a visitor last night but not sure what it was. Skunk, porcupine, coyote? We're not sure. Got an early start seeing the other two guys in the shelter are early risers. My first stop was On The Edge Farm where I had a second breakfast consisting of a whole strawberry-rhubarb pie and a quart of chocolate milk. I also purchased a pound of sausage to cook for dinner. Had several steep climbs today. I kept running into Spare Body Parts and his wife Webby who are using 2 cars to slack pack. They hike south but are moving north. This is like the fourth or fifth day in a row. I won't be seeing them again as I will not be hiking that far tomorrow. I stopped at the Cloudland Market which didn't really have anything for resupply but I did buy a homemade root beer soda, a pint of ice cream and a pound of smoked chorizo. I then headed to the shelter. It is about 3 tenths of a mile from the trail and even though the trail guide doesn't say it has water there are two streams on the side trail to the shelter. The shelter is privately owned by the owners of the Cloudland Market. I am by myself tonight. I have a roaring fire going that I built up after cooking my sausage over the pit earlier. it's suppose to cool off tomorrow with highs in the sixties. Planning on only doing short miles tomorrow. I just heard a deer run off and snorting up a fit when it saw my fire. will hit the sack soon. have a good night.
Date: 2015-09-20
From: Cloudland Shelter

To: West Hartford, VT
Miles today: 6.6
Weather: broken clouds

Started to rain at 12:30am last night and didn't stop until 5:00am. It did cool it off considerably. I didn't leave until 9:00am as I was planning to do only a couple of miles. When I got to the Thistle Hill Shelter I started talking to a couple of SOBO section hikers who told me that Steve and his wife still let hikers tent in their backyard for free. I stayed there in 2012 with Passionflower and Sparky. I enjoyed staying there last time so I decided to head there instead. They remembered me and welcomed me whole heartedly. Got here at 2:00pm. I have had dinner and am building a fire. will have a couple of apples for desert which I picked growing wild along the trail. Most are sour but there are many that are also great. Unfortunately I have only 2 more hiking days left. have a good night.
Date: 2015-09-21
From: West Hartford, VT

To: Happy Hill Shelter
Miles today: 4.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Not a great start to the day as I learned that a great friend and staunch supporter of my journey was killed in an accident last night. Steve followed my hike closely and always left funny comments on my Facebook page. He will be dearly missed not only by myself but to the many people who knew him. I said goodbye to my hosts and headed out. I only hiked 4 miles today but with the bad news it seemed like forever. I did meet 4 young ladies doing a 20 mile day hike and talked with them for awhile. Dana was full of questions as she wants to thru hike some day. She told me to stop by Starbucks in Hanover where she works and that she would buy me a cup of coffee. I love all the people that give so generously. Got here pretty early and set up my tent in the shelter as I think I will be the only one here tonight. The guide said that the stream here dries up sometimes but is flowing good right now. I will be in Hanover tomorrow which will end my hike. I am disappointed that I can't finish but I will be back to complete it some day. Hey, I have done the whole thing once at least.
Date: 2015-09-22
From: Happy Hill Shelter

To: Velvet Rocks Shelter
Miles today: 7.3

Slept good last night. Woke up at 7:30 and tried to go back to sleep with no luck. Took my time packing up. Hit the trail at 9:30. Easy terrain going in. 3 miles of it was a road walk. As I walked into Norwich, VT there was trail magic set up on tables in front of the homes that line the trail through town. I got an apple, a Coke and a snack cake at the first one. I picked up a Milky Way and an orange at the next one. I got a bottle of water next. I skipped a few and at the last one I got a Dr. Pepper and a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. I then proceeded to cross the bridge over the Connecticut River leading me into Hanover, NH. This is a college town, home to Dartmouth College. Many of the businesses offer reduced prices or even some free stuff to hikers. This is a very hiker friendly crowd. I stopped at C and A Pizza for a free slice and purchased a second one with a soda. I then headed to the Richard W. Black Rec Center to get a$3 shower and a $2 laundry. I stopped here in 2012 to do the same thing. I found the note I wrote in 2012 still hanging on the cork board wall. I was surprised to see still here after 3 years. I headed to the shelter where I will be staying the next couple of nights. Looks like I am by myself again tonight. Should be peaceful.
Date: 2015-09-23
From: Velvet Rocks Shelter

To: Velvet Rocks Shelter
Miles today: 0.0

Another great nights sleep. Woke up and went back into Hanover to get breakfast and check out the town. I had breakfast at Lou's consisting of 3 pancakes, 3 eggs over easy, bacon, home fries, juice and milk. I walked around town checking out the book store, the Hood Museum of Art and the place where I will catch my bus home tomorrow. I stopped at the outfitter that gives a free Snickers Bar to hikers and talked with the staff for awhile. Fro. There I went to the co-op grocery store to get dinner. While I was there I ran into Brownie and sat and talked with her as she packed up her resupply to continue North. I am so happy that I got to see her again. She is probably the last person I will see that I met on the trail. Wishing her a safe and fun finish to Katahdin. I cooked a couple of burgers here at the shelter and am packing up what I can so I can head to town in the morning to get breakfast before I catch my bus home. I haven't even left yet and I miss the trail already.
Date: 2015-09-24
From: Velvet Rocks Shelter

To: Naples, FL
Miles today: 0.0

Up early at 6:45am. Couldn't go back to sleep so packed up and headed back to Lou's for breakfast again. Went and sat at The Green for awhile and with a hour and a half left to catch my bus I remembered that Dana told me to stop in at Starbucks. She said she would be working Thursday and that she would buy me a cup of coffee. When I got there I didn't see her anywhere so I went ahead and ordered a coffee any way. The young lady behind the counter asked me my name. Seeing how I need to start getting used to saying my real name I said Mike. Then the other young lady asked me my trail name and I told her Voltron. She then said that Dana had left me something. She went to the register and handed me a $10 Starbucks gift card. I can't believe that Dana did that for me. What a sweet young lady. I hope she gets her chance to thru hike someday. I have caught my bus and should be home late tomorrow afternoon. It's hard saying goodbye to the trail and all of the people I have met. I do know that I will return some day.
Date: 2015-02-27
From: Home

To: Amicalola SP
Miles today: 0.0

So here in Tennessee we had 8 inches of snow yesterday.Couldn't help but think of the AT with the same weather.Or deeper weather.Maybe if we ignore the weather it will go away?Back to re-packing the backpack--umpteenth time.Has anybody else fallen into the same habit?And does it do any good?Our daughter sent me a copy of "A Walk in the Woods"about 18 months ago.Really funny.How not to do a long distance hike.But a good read.
Date: 2015-02-28
From: Amicalola SP

To: Amicalola SP
Miles today: 0.0

Mar 02 is D-day.Shuttle to FS42,S to Springer Mtn,pictures,sign log,face N,start walkin'. Sounds easy from here at the house.2 friends are also starting so it will be better than just hiking alone.Alone prob not gonna happen anytime before Neel Gap or Hiawassee? Travis at N Georgia Mountain Outfitter advised me to limit each day to 8 miles until my legs,joints,muscles get adapted.I wonder how long it takes to get your 'trail legs' but I guess it varies from one person to another.A lot to think about...
Date: 2015-03-01
From: Amicalola SP

To: Amicalola SP
Miles today: 0.0

Fellow 2015's:Let me know if you have ques re trail for first few days(daze?)and I'll try to me your point man.Limited by cell coverage of course.Some of us did a shakedown on labor Day weekend--that helped self-confidence some.Chief says 'time spent on recon is seldom wasted'.He nailed it!(hindsight is 20:20). After all the rain and snow there should be plenty of water and we newbies will abide by the tradition of carrying too much food-right? LOL!Seriously let me know if you need trail info.
Date: 2015-03-11
To: failure to launch?
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I've changed start date to 3-16.Ice and snow last week.A friend who was going to hike w/me had to start alone because of time considerations is off trail now with injuries.And he is the better hiker!In spite of the good counsel "do not make a big schedule of your hike" I kinda sort of you know figured a 3-week plan...duh! So 'plan B' is start slow,think ahead,eat more(and often) and rock steady northward.Is there such a thing as a window of opportunity between last possibility of snow and early emerging of ticks,snakes and bears? Don't we wish? Blessings and take care.
Date: 2015-03-12
From: home

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

So I looked at the weather and the trail conditions and decided to postpone until Monday 3-16.Friends have reacted with a few saying 'wimp' but most have said 'wuss' Well.One article on whiteblaze.com said that if you schedule exactly your thruhike the best use of the sched is to start a campfire with it the first night.Probably right-on.(I did kinda sort of figure my time to get past the Smokies(GSMNP)and realized I was wasting my time--too many variables)So my calendar is 2 weeks off.Do you think there could be a window of opportunity between 'last snow on the AT' and 'emergence of ticks,snakes and bears'? Me neither--just wishful thinking.I have waterproofed and permethrined my stuff so I might be ready either way.Wanna take a walk w/me?
Date: 2015-03-16
From: Amicalola SP

To: Hawk Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: clear sky

Monday, finally, start day! A shuttle to FS42 then stroll down to Springer Mtn. Lots of hikers, at least 30 at Springer! Wow! Back north to the parking lot at FS42 - still full of cars.Hiked out to the Hawk Mtn. Shelter. Only 2 or 3 in the shelter but at least 25-30 tents.Highlight of the day: helped another hiker make it to the shelter area.
Date: 2015-03-17
From: Hawk Mountain Shelter

To: Gooch Mountain
Miles today: 9.0

Sassafras Mtn. and Justus Mtn. are tough! Gooch Mtn. Shelter and tentsites were crammed - 65 or 75 people. I hiked another mile to the top of a mountain and pitched my tent in the woods.Highlight: met first Warrior Hike hiker, Nate and Mama Goose.
Date: 2015-03-19
From: Lance Creek

To: Neel Gap
Miles today: 7.4
Weather: few clouds

Hiking in rain today. Stopped at Woods Hole Shleter just to escape the cold wind. So I listen to another hiker talking. we are 28 something miles up the AT. Rainy. Cold. But I realize I'm standing next to Speak Easy whose home is two blocks from mine! We walk back to the trail and start to ascend Blood Mtn. Haven't see him since! Speak Easy can cover miles! To do the 1 mile ascent took me 1 hour and 20 minutes. Highest GA mountain on the AT. So many hikers - Blood Mtn. Cabins, a great place to stay, was filled and they had to turn away 100 hikers.
Date: 2015-03-20
From: Neel Gap

To: Sheep Rock Top
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Lots of hikers. Great time talking with some Warrior Hikers. Also got to call Casie to greet the boys and called home too of course. Called from Cowrock Mtn. My campsite was very windy.Most interesting thing today: saw and stopped 2 NOBO (northbound) hikers who had gotten turned SOBO. They couldn't believe it!
Date: 2015-03-22
From: Unicoi

To: Hiawassee
Miles today: 0.0

Best day so far! Finally met Gary and Lennie Poteat! They are not openning BLueberry Parch Hostel this year. After 22 years of continuous Christian ministry, they are taking a break. So Hiawassee is a friendly town, maybe I could just rhumb down the 5 miles to Macedonia Baptist Church. I maybe sort of got out of practice hitchhiking since I haven't done any in 40 or 50 years...but folks gave me a ride not just to the church, but right up the driveway to the front door! I strongly recomment Macedonia Baptist Church. Music, gospel message, friendly. I got invited to lunch. They drove me vack to the motel. A sabbath day's rest was exactly what I needed.
Date: 2015-03-24
From: Wolfpen Gap

To: Dicks Creek Gap
Miles today: 9.8

At Top-O-GA Hostel watch your wallet! A friend had to cancel their reservation and T-O-G wouldn't refund. "We'll just give you a credit for a future visit with us!" Crazy. The hostel is so crammed with thru hikers that people are tenting outdoors and hanging hammocks in the trees but Top-O-GA can't refund! And the hikers aren't gonna pop back by anytime soon - they have another 2,119 miles of walking!
Date: 2015-03-26
From: Bly Gap

To: Standing Indian
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: light rain

The climb up to Courthouse Bald was 800 feet in 1.3 miles but it was tough. At mile 81 was Muskrat Creek Shelter. The guide book doesn't mention the site of the plane crash on the ridge above but a local guy told me of the cargo of the plane and a dead bear nearby. Can somebody look that up? Very intersting.
Date: 2015-03-28
From: Betty Creek Gap

To: Rock Gap
Miles today: 8.5

Climbed Albert Mountain. It's 5,250 feet. I came in from the south. Climbing. If you want to hike Albert Mountain you come from the north. But from the south it's a CLIMB. There's a fire tower on top and you can go up it. The view is great! Another hiker said one of the mountains in this picture is Mt. Mitchell. Surely another one is Katadin! Goin on to Franklin and church tomorrow!