morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-10-17
From: Cheshire, MA St Mary's

To: Sherman Brook Campsite
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: moderate rain

Got up early. Even with air mattress concrete floor is a lot harder than even baseball bat wood floor!The other two still sleeping to had to skip guitar lesson to learn some blue licks.Good time with lots of easy ridgeline hiking on the way to mount Greylock. Last couple miles seemed long with all the road crossings and cars going by. Felt a bit strange with all the tourists out for fall color drive. but thankful for nice weather and pretty cool view. Lighthouse on the mountain top.   Trail was not marked on sidewalks so it took a while to find when to exit the sidewalks. Still wasn't sure where to go so consulted my cell phone gps map which showed I was only 20 feet from the trail which was not marked as AT.   Passed thru a lot of residential streets on the way to MA2 and Hoosic river. I've seen so much of North Adams in AT magazine always thought I would visit, maybe meet EE for B&B, but not time to hitch hike or walk.   Already behind on time to meet Henry at Bennington VT. Followed very nice stream out of town. Wanted to go further but tons of signs warning against camping in the watershed kind of made me feel like townspeople considered hikers as vagrants. So turned off at Pete's spring to find designated tent sites. Except for Mt Greylock have only seen two hikers on trail last 2 days. Slept well on thick leaves after big dinner and couple of shots of rye whiskey.   Nice to have twice as much food as needed after 100mile wilderness lean times.
Date: 2012-10-18
From: Sherman Brook Campsite

To: Bennington VT (VT 9)
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: clear sky

Left in the dark since I told Henry to pick me up between 1 and 2 with 17 miles to go. A bit of footrace this morning. Stopped at a small pond to filter water and repair hole in my foot. My orthotics have a kink which has created one pressure sore which won't heal but doesn't get worse if it is taped properly. Which I didn't do in my haste.   I am NB but keep getting mileages mixed reading from the SB column which finally got used to SB on 100 mile wilderness. Easy miles with nice fall weather a few views. Made phone contact with Henry around noon he's off from work early and heading down the trial to meet me. Don't worry about time fun to share adventure.   I like to read journals where there is continuity and you can keep track of progress. I am jumping around changing directions so much now Its hard to keep track of where I am. Will definitely get a new Awol book since some distances have changed in the couple of years I have been at this causes confusion talking to other hikers and planning days.
Date: 2013-03-08
From: Home, Salt Lake

To: home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Sitting home recuperating from Knee surgery. Plotting to to complete the AT this year which is my third season. Have hiked 1157 miles so far according to the 2013 AWOL Last year I hiked about 384 new AT miles in several states. After jumping around it will take a little adjustment to get journal miles to add up. Planning to repeat sections of NC and VA with my daughter late Spring or Summer. Want share the beauty and Southern experience w K who has grown up in Utah. She know nothing of lush green mountains of the East. Had terrific time last year hiking May in Va then Oct in Main and Massachusetts. Climbing Katahdin before completing the whole trail was bittersweet but savor the memories of fall 100 mile wilderness trip with brother Henry!
Date: 2013-05-19
From: Trail Days , Damascus VA

To: Dutch Haus, Montebello, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

We packed up said good bye to Chopper and Conversation. Went for breakfast at coffee shop by the Creeper Trail .iVasque booth was already down so no way to return damaged shoes with hole in heel lining. Giving me huge blister, which started to heal 3 days in crocs at party.   Walked down to the Pavillion Stage to meet locals, Susan and John who had offered us a ride to Montebello. Enjoyed a multi denominational Christian Church service ending in loud thunder and pouring refreshing rain. John then drove for 3 1/2 or 4 hrs straight to the Dutch Haus.   I had a tear in my eye saying goodbye. Couldn't think of how to thank him enough, so I just asked Firefly to give him another hug.
Date: 2013-05-20
From: Tye River Bridge, Hwy 56 mile 827.5

To: Spy Rock Road, Dutch Haus mile 818.4
Miles today: 9.1

After great breakfast, Earl dropped us off at Tye River to hike back for another night at Dutch Haus. Even after several days off at Trail days, Kathleen's leg (hip, knee and ankle) was still sore. She was game to try hiking again but wanted to go mostly uphill since down had been hurting more. I had missed the section from Reeds Gap to Dutch Haus last year when my Aunt Fanny died. We planned to do this 20mile section in 2 days slack packing so Kathleen could test if legs healed. Except Jimdog is too stubborn to not slack pack, so I carried full gear with guitar, but still had light pack with only 2 days food and no extra gear of Kathleen's.But my blister not completely healed and still have damaged shoes so I wore crocs.Long climb from the low point but steady and not too rocky trail was just right Damp leaves but not too wet or muddy gave good traction. K did great climbing but started to hurt bad on down along ridge to spy rock. We met "All The Way" near the Priest Shelter. He showed us pic and told story of his best buddy, who died in Vietnam.We scrambled up Spy Rock to Gorgeous view right before fog rolled in. An American Flag was planted on top but dragging on the ground so Kathleen raised it and we mounted it off the ground w tree branch.   Met Sunshine and Carpenter at top. Got ride w neighbors from fish hatchery back of a pickup exciting with sudden hard hail storm.
Date: 2013-05-21
From: Tye River Bridge, VA 56 mile 827.5

To: Reeds Gap, Dutch Haus mile 838.2
Miles today: 10.7

Poor Kathleen could not walk again after good effort yesterday. I went ahead and hiked by myself NB. Leapfrogged and enjoyed company of Carpenter and Sunshine. I carried my full pack again but left my Guitar with Kathleen, so she could entertain and console herself with sore legs.   Only for K would I do this, since I am hoping to go back after finishing the whole AT and redoing all sections with a guitar where I didn't have one first time thru. Maybe after 2200 miles I will learn to play.Much hotter and sunny today. Also rockier and harder to go in crocs.   Started to get overheated and run low on water: direct sun took its toll. Pleasantly surprised to find nice ice cold spring just 100 ft below peak. Carpenter said it saved them too. We cruised the downhill, but still seemed like a longer day than it was.
Date: 2013-05-22
From: Dutch Haus, Montebello, VA

To: Dutch Haus, Montebello, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

We took a zero but walked to gen store and fish hatchery too test K s leg. Beautiful day lots of nice birds out. We had to wait another day for my sister, Elena, to get off work and pick us up. She offered to take us in at her place in Falls Church, VA till K heals enough to resume.
Date: 2013-05-23
From: Dutch Haus, Montebello, VA

To: Lurray, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Elena picked us up at 1 Lois made bday cupcake.   Good bye to Lois and Earl, then visited Crabtree Falls. Hiked part way up. Then drove to Natural Bridges. Elena felt like this is trip back in time how people did car vacationing in the 1950s.   Wanted to see their light show of creation according to bible which happens at dark. But first Dinner at Pink Cadillac Diner, Elvis Theme. Lots of old dusty Elvis memorabilia, but scary food and restrooms. It was pouring buckets with lightning after dinner so light show was cancelled. Elena drove us to Lurray in heavy rain. Lurray Caverns is another "natural wonder" tourist trap we have visited in 30 or 40 years tho we bike ride thru Lurray every year.
Date: 2013-05-24
From: Lurray, VA

To: Sister Elena's Falls Church, VA
Miles today: 0.0

Poor Kathleen still having a hard time walking after all the rest. She has been diligently stretching and doing IT Band exercises. Got up to a beautiful blustery day with sun and storm clouds. Elena and her dog, Penny, practiced for frisbee competitions in the field next to our hotel.After breakfast we got to Lurray Caverns just as it opened and beat out most of the school buses arriving for field trips. The cavern with crazy spaces and rock formations was amazing. Not the biggest, but packed with beauty.Enjoyed walking around Lurray and had lunch at upscale sort of coffee sandwich shop. Terrific coffee and best panini ever. Also enjoyed local community art gallery as rain held off and sky remained spectacular. K did fine with all the town walking and stairs in the cavern.The owners of the outfitter were very friendly and the handsomest Aussie/Border Collie I have ever seen.At dinner time headed to Elena's stopping at REI to look for Merril Moab ventilator hiking shoes in size 15. I have been walking in crocs exclusively for 2 weeks.   Ventilators are the only shoes I have found which don't tear my feet up on long trips. Out so we ordered on line to deliver to Free State Hiker Hostel in MD. They told me I got the last pair of 15s in the country for 2013.
Date: 2013-05-29
From: Sister Elena's Falls Church, VA

To: Harper's Ferry,mile 1018.4
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

For almost another week, We have been resting and visiting for about a week. We enjoyed Memorial Day party w Elena's dog frisbee club ? Appalachian Air? with dogs demonstration doing tricks at town fair in ? VA then a dog & owner pot luck party on farm property. We visited with brother Rick and family.K and I met her friend Katherine from U of Utah for sightseeing in Washington on Memorial Day. Big Parade. Walked a lot Capitol to Lincoln Monument and watched ceremonies at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial along with 100s of vets in the Rolling Thunder Motorcycle Club. Today, we pack for the trail. We will sight see DC then visit Elena at Dept of Labor for lunch before taking the evening commuter train to Harper's.
Date: 2013-05-31
From: Harper's FerryN Shen Bridge,mile 1018.1

To: Crampton Gap Shelter mile 1029.4
Miles today: 11.3

Left Harpers early to beat heat. Arbitrarily picked the N end of Shenandoah bridge to match where left off in 2011. Met Wild Bill at turn off from Canal. He is just starting NB section hike, but missed turn off of the canal, so kept going SB all the way to the next rail stop at Brunswick MD. Spent a hot night trying to sleep next the busy rail yards. Hot climb up from canal to South mountain ridge.
Date: 2013-06-04
From: Falls Creek Tent Site mile 1060.5

To: Stealth Ridge mile 1073.6
Miles today: 13.1

We were shooting for Rocky Mountain Shelter for a short quick hike in the morning to meet our friend, Dave Shupe, at 9am for a visit to Gettysburg Battlefield. Firefly's leg was getting sore. Still not a 100% tho we have been going pretty good. I've been carrying 7 liters of water for 5 or 6 miles just in case. I enjoy a quiet camp alone every so often after lots of meeting hikers at shelters and towns. It's only another 4 miles of downhill from here to Caledonia State Park, US 30. I like being on the ridge with nice breeze and rocks to sit/cook play guitar on. One of my hiking poles snaps off just as we cross the ridge.Even Firefly is too tired to go on, she wants to make it to the shelter. She usually sleeps in the shelter whenever she can instead of setting up her tent. I know she enjoys visiting and meeting hikers every day. She is a little nervous about being alone, even though we only go 100 feet off the trail. She is surprised I can find 2 perfect flat spots in deep leaves for the small tents.
Date: 2013-06-05
From: Stealth Camp S of Rocky Mt Shelter, mile1073

To: Caledonia State Park, US 30 mile 1078.2
Miles today: 4.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Getting up early is easier since we are away from other hikers we would wake up, even with tents to pack up. Firefly is not so much a morning person but doesn't complain. We leave before 7 since we need to meet Dave at the State park 4.6 miles down the hill at 9am. A few hikers pass while I am taking down the bear line food bags.We get there early and find the pool is still closed for the season, so change into clean town clothes and sponge bath at rest rooms.   Dave has a little trouble finding us since the pool is hidden across the stream from the main road.We enjoy the ride even with construction. They are trying to get ready for the 150 year celebration and hordes of people expected.   We do a quick tour of most of the battlefield in about 3 hrs. Firefly is already over saturated by Civil War history and names. In Utah public schools they barely mention it. I grew up in Northern VA however, just a couple of miles from our hero, Robert E. Lee's mansion. We did lots of battlefield trips with my family. Last time to Gettysburg was 44 years ago with my Dad and little brother Rick. Dave takes us to historic Dobbin House Tavern for lunch. Really enjoyed the museum parts of the building including a hidden safe room with wax figures of escaped slaves from when it was part of the Underground Railroad.   It took a lot of guts to help after Dred Scott.   Even with hidden rooms, it really must have been a community effort. Dave dropped us back at the Park around 3:30 thinking we would hike 2 miles up to the next shelter. But Firefly felt the hot showers calling her and felt like playing my guitar for several hours and charging the iPhone. So we did nero. Campground was pretty much deserted. We got a senior discount and headed for a section away from the busy highways.
Date: 2013-06-06
From: Caledonia State Park, US 30 mile 1078.2

To: Birch Run Shelter, mile 1087.8
Miles today: 9.6
Weather: moderate rain

It was moderate up hill from the HWY 30 gap up to the next shelter. We were glad to be going up early. It was very humid about 100%. The shelter was over the top nice and fixed up cute. Separate shelters for snore and no snore with a covered picnic table veranda between. We had brunch and used the privy. Met "Rain In May" an young German section hiking. It started to mist as we moved on. Not real rain just enough to make it cool and perfect temp for fast walking in the easy terrain. We made about 3+ miles an hour motivated by the threat and forecast of an afternoon downpour. Made it to the next Shelter around noon. We felt great like we could easily make another 9.5 the Pine Grove and Iron Masters Hostel. But we knew Firefly's leg IT band would flair up if we push. Besides we had the shelter to ourselves. Rain in May arrived and by the time we finished lunch, it started to really pour. So unpacked and enjoyed the rain and company. tons of people came. Most had planned to push thru to Pine Grove but down pour good company and sound of rain on roof made them stop.
Date: 2013-06-07
From: Birch Run Shelter, mile 1087.8

To: Pine Grove Furnace, Iron Master mile 1097.3
Miles today: 9.5

Rained pretty hard all night but let up around 7:30. We were some of the first to leave around 8:30. Raining lightly very pleasant but threatening more downpour. So far S PA has been at least as easy as MD.We hustled along in the on and off light mist arriving at the general store around noon. Iron Masters is closed till 5 so we cleaned up at the Gen Store and waited for our pals to show up and start scarfing ice cream. Firefly and I are still trying to lose a little weight so we try to avoid pigging out ourselves, tho I did have two hot dogs, and a hamburger along with bag of potato chips and a couple of little Debbies.It started to rain hard off and on. So some of the ice cream eaters were soaking wet and got pretty chilled.Visited the AT Museum and the historic forge areas. I scored a bunch of good free food from section hiker quitting early. He had real good stuff and I get greedy. They usually tell you not to take open stuff from hiker boxes but I can't resist gourmet homemade granola trail mix or peanut butter with honey. Started to think twice when Boone's friend Doc showed up thinking he is just getting over noravirus! My box of supplies mailed from Elena's was waiting...Mostly food she saved from 2011 when I had to abandon with arthritis and blown knee. I can't believe she saved it 2 years for me in her storage unit. Mostly still ok tho long past "use by" dates.Dinner at the Iron Masters sucked: Frozen meatloaf with no vegetarian option. I cooked a big pot of 2010 packaged Jambalaya with new salmon, garlic onion and dandelion greens. Really satisfying. It was so hearty.Firefly worried it was made with beef stock...she dug the label out of the trash but only soy close call. She is not really a vegetarian since she eats dairy and fish. I try to give her salmon, her favorite almost every camp night to keep her strong.   And she orders it every chance at restaurants. I think she is getting more power food on the trail than she eats on her own.
Date: 2013-06-08
From: Pine Grove Iron Masters Inn

To: Stealth Tent near road&spring mile 1108.6
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: scattered clouds

We tried to get cell service on Wifi or phone to research and order a new Pack for Firefly. Even though the Osprey Rep at Trail Days, fit my daypack to Firefly, it has almost no padding or support. So I wonder if it is contributing to her ongoing battle with her right leg pains. Any way it is worth a try. Firefly has certainly earned it by coming so far without complaining. It rained all night but sun started to come out at breakfast. The wifi was very weak at Iron Masters so we hung for an hour after kick out time in the one spot were we had wifi. Still very slow and getting dropped every time I get close to finding something. We went out on the porch and tried for an other hour then down to the Gen Store porch and tried another hour. Continued to have intermittent service with both phones. Finally gave up after 3 1/2 hours without pinning it down what and where to buy and where to send.   By the time we left early afternoon it was starting to get quite hot and very muggy after 2 days of rain. Tempted to stay another day for the hiker reunion party and free feed but also trying to make a schedule to meet my wife , Eileen in Bear Mountain NY. Got pretty hot by late afternoon. Leap frogged with Fifer and Lentil.   They passed us the last time at road to Deer Run Campground when we stopped to pick Dandelions. I decided to stop a little spring with a good tent site right off the trail.   Like to have some days alone so I can practice my guitar and try new stuff with always having an audience.   Firefly wanted to go to tent site on Awol's and have company but was tired.   Our site was a little close to a main road for my comfort, so I went another 1/3 mile ahead to look for the "real" tent site and other hikers. But I gave up and turned around when I heard loud partying music and gunfire from a local house or cabin ahead. Turned out quieter by the road as traffic died out and party got going. Cooked black eyed peas from Elena's 2011 stash, with tons of dandelions. And more Salmon of course. Firefly ate some dandelions because they make you strong, but found them too bitter.I played my guitar but got a sore butt and pine sap on my clean town pants from a pine log.
Date: 2013-06-09
From: Small Spring stealth camp mile 1108.6

To: Boiling Springs, Allenberry Res mile 1116.9
Miles today: 8.3
Weather: overcast clouds

We got up an passed Fifer and Lentil packing at the "real tent site" It was noisy and hard for them to sleep. They were anxious to get going to make it to the Sunday Matinee of Happy Days, The Musical at the Allenberry Resort. We decided it would be fun to see a play if we could get cleaned up first so we booked it. Fifer and Lentil passed us again as we stopped for sunscreen at the edge of the cornfields going into town. It was nice to be out in the open sky for several miles into town along the edge of fields. We Skipped the AT Conservancy and downtown Boiling Springs and headed straight to the Allenberry. We found ourselves sweaty carrying backpacks thru a crowd of nicely dressed elderly people arriving for the play. A lot of puzzled looks and dropped jaw stares at us. The office is right next to the Playhouse but it was too early to check in, so they sent us down to the pool to show and get refreshed so as not to stink in the theater.   Had a nice hot shower and refreshing swim. Ran into Boone, Doc and Spider Mac at the pool. This is first time let Spider Mac play guitar. Amazing classical stuff.   We left our packs at the gift store and enjoyed the play.   Met Blazer and Fables out front. The musical was super corny and I really enjoyed it. They picked up steam as it progressed. It was well worth it to see the beautiful young women in their costumes.   Clothes washing pack repairs Fables stories.Reel Recovery. Still no good internet to shop for pack and plan week with Mom. Started raining Gourmet dinner at pricey restaurant.
Date: 2013-06-10
From: Boiling Springs, Allenberry Res mile 1116.9

To: Boiling Springs, Allenberry Res mile 1116.9
Miles today: 0.0

Got up planning to leave but with lots of stuff to do. Needed to go to town for resupply and try to find reading glasses. Also my pack has an 18' tear down one side. I have been carrying extra to lighten Firefly's load till her IT band heals and she gets her trail legs. My pack is really only good to 30 lbs or 35 max, but I have often been carrying over 50 lbs with 5 days food for two and water for 2. It is unusable without major repairs. Almost anyone else would just get a new pack at this point, but it is the only ultralight pack I can find which will fit a whole guitar along with all my gear and food and still have space for Firefly or EE's stuff as well. Also need to get papers notarized and mailed from PO for the Farm we are trying to buy in Spring City Utah. Hope to have Wifi at Trail Conservancy Office to order New Pack for Firefly and also Gear For EE to be able to join us back packing in NY.
Date: 2013-06-11
From: Boiling Springs, Allenberry Res mile 1116.9

To: Darlington Shelter, mile 1131.2
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: broken clouds

Even after 1 1/2 day layover we still have stuff to do before leaving. Mostly order a pack for firefly and gear for EE. We just have coffee in the lobby, then head to town to have brunch at the nice coffee shop which has good wifi. I have decided to get a ULA Circuit Pack just like Fables has, but need to let Firefly look at her options and pick. We also want to get a haircut and beard trim for Jimdog so I won't scare EE too much when she joins us in a couple of weeks.   I let her sleep in a little while I put the finishing touches on my massive pack patch. I have enjoyed sharing our lobby area with the guys in Reel Recovery group. They are all cancer survivors having a Fishing retreat. We walk 1/2 mile or so back to town with our packs but find the hair salon is closed again today. So we have a big breakfast and order Firefly's pack. Not sure if it can get to Dunncannon in time so send it to PO at Port Clinton. Decide to meet EE at Bear Mountain NY, so she can take trains and buses from JFK airport and also miss the really rocky ankle twisting North PA.We hit the trail around 1pm along with Blazer and Fables. The next road crossing there is a nice Grandma thru hiker trail angel with two grandsons. We are stuffed but eat a couple of sandwiches and little debbies and rice crispy bars to be polite.   Can't remember Darlington shelter Now writing this in Sept, 2 1/2 months after having a major stroke! I think we met Calamity Jane there and Fifer and Lentil and Blazer . Maybe Pilgrim too.