morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2017-07-09
To: Kent
Miles today: 0.0

6/15:Hiked 21.8 miles to Telephone Shelter on a very humid day. Againthere were a lot of women on the trail. Today I lost my toothbrushand I¢m in great need of a zero day so I¢m going to Kent Cttomorrow. I came into camp and Ketchup was there. A woman thatNorseman introduced me to back in Delaware Water Gap named WonderWomen told me that she also was going into Kent because tomorrow washer 50thBirthday.6/16:Hiked 21.2 miles into Kent, CT on a hot day. I crossed the NY-CTborder along the way. There was to be no rain today, so you gotit¢¦.It rained very hard all afternoon. The whole time it wasraining, the trail was all rocks with imposing abrupt ups and downs.Let me tell you, there is no happiness when dealing with a rocky tailin the rain. For a few hours in the rain, I was hiking with a womannamed Rocket Fuel, but she stopped for safety issues. By the time Igot to Kent, I must have looked like a wet cat that had been hit by atruck. On my way back to the motel after dinner, I ran into WonderWomen so we had a drink for her birthday.Note:I¢m not saying that the water in the state of New York is not safe,but none of it looked or tasted any good.6/17:Zero day. I can report that there is a lot of money in Kent, Ct. Ican also report that I have no legs to hike with.6/18: Planned to hike 17 miles toPine Swamp Brook shelter. I hiked 11.1 miles to Cornwall Bridge, CT.It was a hard hike, and I had no legs on a very humid day. I got amotel room for the night.6/19: Unplanned zero day. I have nolegs to hike. I can no longer see going to Maine. Dalton, MA is myhalf way point and it is 90.3 miles away. I will hike there and thinkabout my way forward.6/20: I awoke at 4:15 am and knewthat my hike was over. With 1010 miles behind me, I have no legs togo on. From where I was, there is no bus or train service, so I got aride from the motel owner about 20 miles to where I could rent a carand head back to Ohio.
Date: 2017-07-10
To: Toledo
Miles today: 0.0

6/21: Arrived into Toledo lateafternoon.6/27: Looking back, this was ajourney few people make. In the end, I melted in the heat and lost mylegs to keep going. I need to thank my hiking mentor Ron White forwhom I learned so much about how to hike. I meet a lot of greatpeople on the trail. Just to name a few: Boo Boo, Stealth, Papa,Norsemen, Crazy Tree, Peace Walker, Matt Smith, Ketchup, Rooster, TheJoker, Capt. Kirk, Wonder Woman and Miss Janet.The entire trail is 2,190 miles long,and I hiked 1,010 of those miles. Not bad. At some point I would liketo finish the rest of the trail, but not in the heat. Thanks toeveryone for all the love and support you gave me on this journey.Trail saying: Women come off thetrail looking like Goddesses, men come off the trail looking likePrisoners of war. - - This is very true.
Date: 2017-05-06
From: Harper's Ferry

To: Ed Garvey Shelter
Miles today: 6.0
Weather: overcast clouds

First day of the trail. Rainy and afraid of poison ivy at the shelter. Wander about 100 yards on a side trail (through what seemed like a forest of poison ivy). Found a decent spot to pitch tent. Took an hour and a half to hang bear bag. Still having the time of our lives. Too good to be out here. Here's to the next six months.
Date: 2017-05-09
From: Annapolis Rock

To: Cowall Shelter
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: clear sky

Stated late today. Still put in 7 miles. They just seem to fly by. This was the day we met No Rush. Boston as could be and a true brother. Set up our tent across from him and shared many, many laughs. The best part of this trail is meeting people. Met Will-da-beast and Peacewalker the day before. Starting to really become Detour. Starting to find our stride.
Date: 2017-05-11
From: Pen Mar Park

To: Deer Lick Shelter
Miles today: 4.5
Weather: scattered clouds

We started today in the rain. First time we really got a chance to see what our raingear could do. It worked, sort of. Apparently waterproof means mostly waterproof. Our gear stayed dry and we managed to set up the tent without getting the inside soaked. It was a real sort of day. Not easy and certainly a reality check. This is going to be hard.
Date: 2017-05-12
From: Deer Lick Shelter

To: Rocky Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 9.7
Weather: overcast clouds

After the dismal rainy day yesterday, we awoke with fresh spirits and tried to figure out how to dry all that was wet. Packing our wet bags for the first time, we mounted up and pushed forward, shoes a little soggy. We made it almost ten miles today, our biggest yet and I was rewarded with my first blister. A tiny one, hoping for the best tomorrow. We made it to camp safely and we were able to setup and Rayburn dinner without rain. Here's to a long day tomorrow.
Date: 2017-05-13
From: Rocky Mountain Shelter

To: Trail of Hope Hiker Hostel
Miles today: 2.9
Weather: moderate rain

After our longest day yet and a very wet morning, we decided to take it easy and have a Nero in Fayetteville, PA. After good advice from a friendly fellow at the shelter, we decided three miles and lunch and a night out of the woods would be a great way to recoup. So we hit the trail and immediately found bear tracks. We followed them nearly all the way to the Route 30, mesmerized the entire time. They seemed fresh but we had no way of knowing. Upon resurfacing, we took a left down the road and headed for the hostel. We found Timber restaurant and hunkered down for a delicious home-styled country meal which ended with an amazing banana split. It was heaven. A friendly couple gave us a ride down the road three tenths of a mile. While riding with them, I realized my dad was really close so I gave him a holla and we met up for dinner just a short while after. He bought us dinner cause he's the best and then brought us to Walmart for some supplies. He also bought those for us. Today, my dad was my trail angel. It was a great day. At one point I turned to Adrienne and said, "It's been so nice to think of people as angels instead of demons all the time."  That thought is sticking with me a while, I think.
Date: 2017-05-15
From: Tentsite east of ridge road

To: Somewhere just past Pine Grove Furnace State Park
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: clear sky

Lots to learn out here. How to hike over ten miles in a day, how to setup up camp in the dark/stealth camp, how to hike in the dark, how to truly love your hiking partner, how to be both strong and gentle. Every day is new. Hilton, Northern Lights and Forrest (the dog) became our hiking partners for the day. We ate three meals with them as we followed each other through the woods. So cool to meet new people and learn. I'm a teacher but I love to learn. Just want to be a better person and more importantly, a better husband. Oh, also, Adrienne finally got a trail name. It's Ishmael. And if you ask her why, she's going to tell you to read a book.
Date: 2017-05-16
From: Somewhere just past Pine Grove Furnace State Park

To: Mountain Creek Campground
Miles today: 6.6
Weather: clear sky

Made it to Mountain Creek Campground and our first mail-drop pickup. Unloaded all the food and it weighs so much! Packed up our bags and they were way overloaded. Going to head into town tomorrow and send some of it forward down the trail to pickup later. Starting to figure out how this whole thing works and finding some good strategies. On the way down to the campground, we followed an "unmaintained trail." Turns out that actually means you have to basically  bushwack as it was totally overgrown. That was an experience to say the least. Looking forward to tomorrow and more miles. Meeting my dad and my brother in a few days. Realized this morning that for the last week and a half, we've woken up everyday and done exactly what we've wanted to do. Nobody is bossing me around out here out here.  Doing whatever I want when I want.
Date: 2017-05-17
From: Mountain Creek Campground

To: Tentsite 10 miles before Boiling Springs
Miles today: 3.9
Weather: clear sky

Today was maybe the most eventful thus far. Started off with organizing our oversized maildrop into two halves and deciding on more stuff to send home. Once we packed up our belongings, we walked to the road and stuck our thumbs up for the first time. Five minutes later we were riding with out first ever hitch. Turns out his son is currently on the AT, go figure. He brought us to the post office and then to a great place for sandwiches. After eating a wonderful lunch, we stuck our thumbs up again until another friendly soul picked us up and brought us back to the "trail." Well, thing is, the unmaintained trail we had come down the day before was not on our list of top options for getting back to the AT. We decided a dirt road that intersected the trail would be easier. So we were dropped off and started looking. While gazing at our map and phone, a dude across the street gave us some info. He said to look for "a trailer, a gate, a log and two roads." In about a half mile we found our dirt road and started heading up it feeling quite confident and relieved to not take the same awful trail from the day before. Soon enough, our road ended and became hunting trails marked with orange tape. We decided to carry on, hoping we were on the right track. We weren't. After the trail took so many turns I wasn't quite sure which way we were going or supposed to go, I opted for the map, compass and GPS on our phone. In about a half hour, we felt dreadfully lost and started bushwhacking south. At just about the point we thought we were for sure lost, I felt like the trail was just above the hill we were on. In a last ditch effort, we pushed forward and soon enough, we were on the AT again. I had never been so happy to see white paint. That first blaze was a thing of beauty. It was about 20 after 3 and were were about a mile and a half back from where we left off the day before. We trucked forward for about twenty minutes and Ishmael (Adrienne) dug it hard. I ran back to make sure she was ok and somehow she had managed to only bruise her knee. We got her on her feet and pressed forward till we found a spot to camp. And just when it seemed the day couldn't get any stranger, as we're setting up camp, a four or five foot snake slithered through and circled us twice before heading off and vanishing in the woods. We settled down for the night, had dinner and gratefully laid down on our sleeping pads for a nice evening of rest.
Date: 2017-05-18
From: Tentsite 10 miles before Boiling Springs

To: Backpacker tentsite
Miles today: 9.7
Weather: light intensity drizzle

Made 10 miles today. It was a much better day. Felt like we crushed it. This campsite is hilarious though. Right next to train tracks with a train that runs every 45 minutes. Hoping it doesn't rain. Oh, and we randomly saw No Rush at the bar we were at. It's wild how life works.
Date: 2017-05-19
From: Backpacker tentsite

To: Darlington Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: broken clouds

Biggest day so far. Stood on top of a mountain yesterday before we got to town, crossed a massive valley today and stood on a mountain on the other side before we went to bed. Feeling great out here. Stronger everyday and feeling like we can do this thing. Hit 100 miles. Met some cool people and had a mountain top jam session. This is life. Not sure what I was doing before.
Date: 2017-05-20
From: Darlington Shelter

To: Doyle Hotel
Miles today: 10.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Down the mountain and up the next and back down and we're in Duncannon. Staying at the infamous Doyle Hotel. I took some footage of this place because it is absolutely unreal. It's the most disgusting place I've ever stayed in. Creepiest bathroom ever. Definitely sleeping in my sleeping bag on top of the mattress. Had dinner with my dad (Rambo) and my brother (Baby Wipes). Spending the next two days hiking with them and it's perfect timing. Rock 'n roll.
Date: 2017-05-21
From: Doyle Hotel

To: Clarks Ferry Shelter
Miles today: 4.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Made it to camp with the crew. Nothing but good times, smiles and some rock scrambles. Really fun climb. Took it easy as the feet were still hurting pretty bad. Enjoyed camp with my dad and brother. Also, started to see the old footprints in the trail. Mile marker for me as a hiker. Also started to really discover walking flatfooted, mostly because if I stepped wrong my feet hurt. Honestly, they're almost in shambles. But many people and specifically a lady at an outfitter said, "listen to your body." Well, I'm listening. I guess that mostly means listening to it when it hurts. It will tell you what not to do.
Date: 2017-05-22
From: Clarks Ferry Shelter

To: Tentsite before Kinter View
Miles today: 9.2

Day two. Nice long chill day. We were gonna do a short one but still ended at 9 miles. Felt pretty easy though. Think we're starting to get our trail legs. Baby wipes and Rambo make for some great partners. Enjoyed the hike, the breaks, the food and the company. Saying good bye tomorrow
Date: 2017-05-23
From: Tentsite before Kinter View

To: Yellow Springs Tentsite
Miles today: 11.1

Said goodbye to Baby Wipes and Rambo today and headed up a pretty steep hill. Went up and up. Made some coffee at a nice stop and trekked forward a few more miles. Camping at this lovely tentsite and probably had five deer just hanging out with us. It was like we were just part of the forrest. It was a really special time.
Date: 2017-05-24
From: Yellow Springs Tentsite

To: Comfort Inn Pine Grove
Miles today: 10.7

Got up and met Crazy Tree, an awesome hiker headed up from Georgia and interviews other hikers on the trail. He interviewed us and even got us singing our hitchhiking song (which is pretty funny). We set off to do a huge day and made it about halfway through and decided it was just simply time to break. We were 6.8 miles away from a hotel so we called an uber over and here we are. Taking tomorrow off (first zero) and looking forward to healing. We went to the local diner and stuffed ourselves. Hobbled back to the hotel and, man, not sure I've ever been this tired. Tired but I feel good.
Date: 2017-05-27
From: 501 Shelter

To: Campsite before Eagle Nest Shelter
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: light rain

Long rather hard day. Ishmael's heels are still kinda rough but felt better at least. Really trying to pace ourselves to avoid further injury. Definitely moving faster and further than before but still trying to get a grasp on what is our speed. Goal is to make it to town tomorrow. Pretty sure that'll happen. Pushed on today almost till dusk and stayed at a quaint little campsite with a dad and his son and daughter. As we set up, they came over and we probably talked for an hour or so. Such a cute, wonderful little family. The people that show up in your life and the time you have with them mean everything. It is gold.
Date: 2017-05-28
From: Campsite before Eagle Nest Shelter

To: Port Clinton
Miles today: 11.3

Made our way down off this mountain finally. Another 30+ miles in three days. Night off the trail in Port Clinton. Staying at the hotel there. Dinner was great and met some thru hikers. Love these people. It's like we're all in some weird, amazing and sadistic movie or something. Three weeks in and coming up on a month. I think we're both feeling pretty good and like bigger miles are ahead. The rocks have been rough but they are sharpening our feet as the trail is sharpening our minds and helping us find strength. 40 miles to the next resupply. Off we go. Tomorrow we put down mile 200.
Date: 2017-05-29
From: Port Clinton

To: Campsite past the Pinnacle
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: scattered clouds

To explain all that happened today would be impossible. Here's a good old fashioned try though. Met Steve. He picked us up from the hotel and brought us to Walmart. After that, he brought us to a great breakfast spot and had breakfast with us. An hour of delicious food and all the hunting stories he could tell. It was the best. Then we hit the trail and soon met a couple (hikers and very cool) and then a dude who did most of the hike with us. We talked the whole time and really just enjoyed each other's company. At 6pm, we were near the summit, said goodbye to our buddy and made dinner. Then, we pushed another 3 miles till dark and found a sick campsite. Before this trip, I would have been freaking out at 6pm without a campsite. But I wasn't. I was excited about hiking into the dark. Sometimes you do things in this life and they make you. The further I walk down this trail, the closer I get to this thing I've been chasing my whole life. I feel alive.
Date: 2017-05-30
From: Campsite past the Pinnacle

To: Blue Mountain B&B
Miles today: 13.7

Today was wet and rocky. Also, that means the rocks were wet for miles and miles. Just when it looked like the trail would clear up and smooth out, we'd get more rocks. Sometimes thousands of tiny rocks you just had to step over, sometimes medium size ones you would try to step between and then some of it just cold, wet boulders you had to maneuver through. 4 miles of it took forever because we was scared for our lives (maybe more like ankles and broken legs) the entire time. But we pushed through and just cranked out the miles. Finally made it to a shelter and decided to trek another 4 miles to a B&B so we could clean up and dry off. But we pushed off almost immediately as the owner of the establishment had warned us to get there earlier rather than later. So I threw my wet socks back on my still soaked feet and trudged on through what I thought would turn into 4 or 5 blisters. But I made it there. 4 miles in only a couple hours and thank god it was mostly dirt road at that point. Making food and drinking a pitcher of beer, letting my poor feet rest. Tomorrow's another day.
Date: 2017-05-31
From: Blue Mountain B&B

To: George W. Outerbridge Shelter
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Rocks, rocks and more rocks. Thank god for a clear day though. Hit a section called knife edge. Cool little scramble type spot along the ridge of the mountain we were on. Got me psyched for Katahdin. It's my goal to do the knife edge trail there. Get over this fear of heights that I have. One step at a time out here. Wandered on into the night to get to the shelter again. When we got there, met a dude named Aaron who had carried a a six string with him the entire way and had headed back down to PA from Maine. Played a real guitar for the first time in a month. Felt great but huge after jamming on my uke for so long.
Date: 2017-06-01
From: George W. Outerbridge Shelter

To: Leroy A. Smith Shelter
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: few clouds

So, a mile downhill, a mile to town (hitched for 1/4 of it), got a ride back to trail after a great breakfast, 5 mile hike up the mountain in the sun no cover and then 10 more miles to where we camped. All carrying close to 5 liters of water between us because there was none till the shelter that night. Last 45 minutes in complete darkness. At one point (in the pitch black of night), clicked my poles to warn animals of our presence and heard something (something quite big) scurry up a tree directly above us. Also, before wandering into the night, stepped right over a rattlesnake cause I was not looking at my feet for literally 30 seconds cause I was talking with someone. Mind you, I had just stared at my feet for 10 miles. Lesson- always stare at your feet or, at least, always be aware. Thank god there wasn't a rush visit to the hospital. Pics at eburkemoran Instagram if you want to see the snake (had to snap a photo of it). This was our biggest day yet and tomorrow we shoot for 20 miles.
Date: 2017-06-02
From: Leroy A. Smith Shelter

To: AT parking lot just south of the Gap
Miles today: 19.8

Woke up a little late, left a little late but met our goal, well just shy of 20. We had our sites set on seeing our friends Jay and Sarah and a nice meal and a cold beer. We pushed through the last 9 miles without putting our packs down. Made it in by 8:20. So proud of my lady Ishmael. Passing by 20 miles of trail was a rush in and if itself. Miles and miles of rocks, some awesome technical boulder sections and just so much trail! Going to take it easy for a few days (settle for some 10-15's) when we get back on trail but for now a couple zeros to rest and rebuild.
Date: 2017-06-06
From: Mohican Outdoor Center

To: Brink Road Shelter
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: moderate rain

Crushed the miles today. Made it to the shelter by 4:30. Saw two bunnies! Thinking back, we are definitely getting both faster and stronger. Met some cool people the last couple of days. Looking forward to a night in town and a great birthday for my wife! Finished reading Ishmael by Daniel Quinn. Both agreed that it is the most important book we have ever read. More D Quinn down the road for us!
Date: 2017-06-07
From: Brink Road Shelter

To: High Point Shelter
Miles today: 19.5
Weather: overcast clouds

We were thinking about doing a 15 and Ishmael wanted to push on and shoot for big miles. So we did. Not feeling as destroyed as the last big day but my left shin is not loving me so much right now. Hope it heals with the night like most of my pains.
Date: 2017-06-08
From: High Point Shelter

To: Pochuck Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: clear sky

Woke up a little late (like 7ish), had a nice breakfast and headed out for an easy day. Made it about 7 miles and hiked in to Unionville for lunch. Found The Wit's End Tavern and boy was it a treat. Destroyed some pizza logs, a buffalo chicken salad and then Izzy (Ishmael's nickname courtesy the great Eric Needs) had a cheese steak sandwich and I devoured a bacon cheeseburger. I think hiker hunger is finally setting in. Polished off a couple brews and got back on trail slightly, let's say, happy. After about 30 minutes on trail, we "pulled over" for a quick 45 minute nap. Lesson learned, keep brews to a minimum of 1 for lunch and wait at least 30-40 before hiking after a large meal. Swung in to the shelter a coupe hours later, had another quick meal and enjoyed talks with our latest trail buds Axel, Pollen and Pigpen. Also, Wick and Haiku swung into camp before we turned in for the night. God, I love thru-hiking. Gonna say it. Best thing I've ever done with my life.
Date: 2017-06-09
From: Pochuck Mtn Shelter

To: Appalachian Motel
Miles today: 4.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Nice easy day on the trail. Made it to the Country road and sat there thumbing it for a couple when a dude across the street asked us if we needed a ride. Turned out he was waiting for his wife and daughters (who were also hiking). He gave us some trail magic (donuts and drinks) while we chatted a few, met his family and then he drove us into town to a sweet breakfast spot. Had a killer breakfast and met a couple who were fascinated with the trail. They drove us to the grocery store to resupply and then to the hotel. There are good people out there! Learning this over and over again. Showered and chilled out and then headed to a restaurant for a fancy meal and a birthday celebration. I think Izzy had a great day!
Date: 2017-06-10
From: Appalachian Motel

To: Wawayanda Shelter
Miles today: 7.4
Weather: clear sky

Went back to the breakfast place after getting ourselves and our gear in order. Had another amazing meal. Met another really nice couple and they drive us to do mail stuff at the post office and then to the trail. Picked up the trail again and walked through a beautiful spot. A boardwalk over marshes and then up the stairway to heaven. Day hikers everywhere! Sat at the view for a while relaxing and taking it in and then it was back to the AT. Wandered off quietly into the woods again and made plans (with another hiker's suggestion) to take a bus into the city (NYC) the next day. Stayed at a quaint little shelter in a beautiful spot. It's time to say goodbye to NJ. The portion of the trail that runs through NJ is so beautiful and nothing like what I think of when I think of NJ.