morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-10-25
From: Delaware Water Gap Park NJ

To: Camp Rd by the Mohican Center
Miles today: 10.3

Cougar Bait dropped me off on Camp Rd by the MOC and I began hiking south back to my car at the Delaware Water Gap. Most of the hike was nice but it became very rocky for the last half of the hike. Now I know what the hikers complain about in their journals. They were at their most ferocious by Sunfish Pond as you can see in the picture. Sunfish Pond is a National Historic Site and there were many people hiking up the hill to go to the Pond. Why they would hike 3.75 miles (one way) on a very rocky terrain to see the Pond - I don't know. I can think of better hikes along the NJ AT that provide a greater experience. The leaves are past-peak here so there really wasn't much to see at the Pond. After the rocky day, I was really glad to see my car. I really kicked butt in getting New Jersey done and feel great about it. It took me several years to complete NY and, even though NJ is short, I did it all this year. All in all, the AT in NJ was a great experience. I plan on doing more of PA starting Sunday and will hopefully complete the southern part of the state up to Duncannon.'til later
Date: 2013-10-26
From: Pine Grove Furnace State Park PA

To: Pine Grove Road
Miles today: 7.7

After taking a day off, I'm back at it in PA. My goal this next few days is to fill in my gaps from Pine Grove Furnace State Park to Duncannon. I was a lucky girl again today - I was going to go in and out and take a short cut back on another trail. It was nice out and I was feeling good so I decided to keep hiking beyond my turnaround point, hoping I would run into someone who could shuttle me. Ten minutes later a woman named Susan came up the Trail with her two dogs and we chatted. She just happened to be parked (the only car there) at Pine Grove Road and offered to drive me back to my car after she completed a short hike up and back with her dogs. I can't believe my luck this past week. I know I can get shuttles for the next three days but this day I was out of luck. Susan was at the road crossing about 5 minutes after I got there and she took me back to my car. A good day. No pictures - nothing really to see. Tomorrow I am planning on Boiling Springs/Scott Farm hike.'til later
Date: 2013-10-28
From: NPS Scott Farm, PA

To: Boiling Springs PA ATC Regional Headquarters
Miles today: 10.3

Another great weather day. Bob from the Mid Atlantic staff of the ATC shuttled me from the regional office in Boiling Springs PA to the Scott Farm - which is owned by the National Park Service and is used by the ATC for training. It was a flat, pleasant 10.3 mile walk back. Saw a few people just doing small in and out hikes and one flip flopper who said he flipped from Harpers Ferry to Maine in June and then fell and suffered some bad cuts that required him to be off the Trail until last week. He is trying to salvage some of his hike by hiking from Harpers Ferry to the Delaware Water Gap. Today was a mix of open fields, woods and roads. Many major highways in this section - the trail goes over the PA Turnpike, Rt. 81 and Rt. 11. More to follow tomorrow. Oh - and I went over 600 miles today!'til later
Date: 2013-10-29
From: Rt 850 PA

To: Scott Farm - NPS/AT Site
Miles today: 6.3

Did a shorter day today to give the feet a rest. They have not been happy this entire excursion. Karen Lutz from ATC shuttled me to Rt 850 and I walked back to my car at the Scott Farm facility. Uneventful day for the most part. Saw one other hiker - the same guy I saw the other day. Stopped by a shelter for a change. The Darlington Shelter is in great shape - clean like a shelter should be. Some funny artwork on the shelter log book. One great view from a rock seat that was created by the local club. Made my usual approximate 2 mile per hour time. Did a shorter day because attended the AT Movie at the local Carlisle Theater. Over 400 people in attendance - the most they have ever had for one of their showings and there have been many over the past two years. I left before the end of the movie - too tired to stay awake that late! Not sure what I will be doing tomorrow. Would like to do the final push into Duncannon but not really feeling up to it and not crazy about doing some hard rock climbs with slippery leaves. May hold this one for next spring. I think I can do a few miles around the town that can count but will check in the am.'til later
Date: 2013-10-30
From: Trail Entry into Duncannon PA

To: Clarks Ferry Bridge Leaving Duncannon PA
Miles today: 2.3

Decided to see what the rocks were like coming into Duncannon. Met a guy at a wedding in May that broke his neck coming down the rocks. They were ok but too covered with leaves for my comfort. I will do that section in the spring. I did walk through the entire town - and back - so I won't have to do it next year. I can just do the section from 850 to Duncannon and then start north on the outskirts of town. Saw the same guy that I've now seen three times. He is staying at the Doyle Hotel - which I wouldn't even go into. The bar is famous as a hiker hangout but the place is so nasty on the outside that I took a pass. I did see a big lawn ornament bear in someones yard along the Trail as it went down the road in Duncannon. Might be the only bear I ever see along the AT (other than the bears at the Bear Mountain Zoo in NY). Still trying to figure out my plans for the next week but may do more hiking in VA and NC.'til later
Date: 2013-11-03
From: Shenandoahs Beagle Gap

To: Shenandoahs Jarman Gap
Miles today: 3.2

Wanted to try the Trail here as I head south. What a beautiful day! My streak of random shuttle luck ran out today. I did another in and out so a total of 6.4 easy miles. I may do another small section tomorrow am before I head to Franklin NC for a few more hiking days.'til later
Date: 2013-11-04
From: Taylors Valley Side Trail

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 8.0

Another beautiful weather day along the AT. Drove from Waynesboro VA to Damascus VA and asked the folks at the outfitter if I could get a shuttle on short notice. The guy was standing right there so he took me up about 8 miles to a side trail. Morning riddle - his dog's name, who rode with us, is Deogie. Think about it. I didn't get it right away.Saw 4 day hikers, 2 section hikers and 2 SOBO thru hikers. The Trail in this section is a bit narrow in places and there aren't many views but its really nice to walk along and on the Virginia Creeper Trail - which is a famous bike trail. Now its on to Franklin NC for a couple of days of hiking with College Gayl's husband, David.'til later
Date: 2013-11-05
From: Deep Gap NC

To: Past Standing Indian Mtn in NC
Miles today: 4.0

College Gayl's husband David drove over from Aiken, South Carolina this am to meet me for two days of hiking. The original plan was to do a car drop but we would have run out of daylight so we decided to go in and out. We started at Deep Gap - which was odd for me since that's the place I dropped out in 2008 when I tried to do a thru-hike. It was a little surreal and knowing what I now know about the Trail in this area, I would have stayed on until I came to Franklin NC and maybe that would have changed things. A beautiful day, nice but still difficult Trail and a great view from the top. We hiked down a bit and turned around at 2 so we would have daylight to get back. Glad to have company - and someone to chat with. Makes the time go faster. More tomorrow when I hope to finally finish this mountain.'til later
Date: 2013-11-06
From: Trail Junction with Timber Ridge Trail

To: South of Beech Gap NC
Miles today: 4.1

Finally finished the mountain and a gap in my hiking that I've had for almost two years. When day hiking, its those little unfinished bits that gnaw at you - and this was one of them. David and I actually walked 9.6 total miles today - up the Timber Ridge Trail to the intersection with the AT then to our turnaround point yesterday and back to the Beech Gap Trail. We took that side Trail back down to the road and walked a very short distance back to our car. Saw about 6 other hikers today but otherwise it was quiet. It rained and fogged most of the day but it made things very pretty and a little slippery but not too bad. We were both a bit tired after today - and I know my feet are sore. David left to head back to South Carolina and I will begin to make my way to Naples FL in the am. Done for the year but really happy with the progress I made - considering my neck was such a problem in the spring and my back was bothering me most of the summer. Just think what I could do if all of my body parts cooperated! See you all next spring - maybe I will strap on a full pack and try to cover all my gaps up to Damascus. I know that I would like to finish PA in the spring so we will see.'til next year
Date: 2014-04-27
From: Tellico Gap NC

To: Mid Way to the NOC
Miles today: 3.5

So after a lousy spring topped off by an attack of acute pancreatitis brought on by a problem with my sphincter of oddi (Google it) and a 7 day hospital stay, I decided to try to hike a bit. I drove from FL to NC and parked at Tellico Gap with a goal of hiking midway to the NOC and then hiking back. It was very hot out - probably 88 or so - and coupled with abdominal discomfort, I almost managed to do it but turned around just short of half way and hiked back to my car. All parts worked well with the exception of my midsection. I guess I either need more recovery time or a doctor's visit. Boo. Back in MA - plan is to hike a bunch of PA starting next week but not so sure right now. Will see. I saw many late starting NOBO's - was surprised at how many there were. Most started around April 11. Nice folks out there this year. Everyone was happy to stop and chat. This section was a little tougher than I expected and I didn't even get to the steep downhill to the NOC. Bad news is that to complete this section, I need to hike up the hill going south and then back down going north. Will do it in the fall when I'm hopefully much stronger.Picture of bluets - they were plentiful along the lower parts of the Trail. Very nice.'til later
Date: 2014-05-10
From: AT Parking area Delaware Water Gap PA

To: Delaware River Bridge PA Side
Miles today: 0.2

I take every little bit - and today was one of those. Drove from MA to Delaware Water Gap with plans to do an in and out but it was raining and thundering so I just walked .2 miles to the west end of the bridge, touched the sign that I touched last year coming from the other direction, and walked back to the car. Tomorrow I will probably park at Wind Gap and do an in and out south - unless I can get a ride. The Outfitter in town is busy tomorrow but they are going to shuttle me on Monday am and I'll do Fox Gap back to Delaware Water Gap parking - so I will not have to double-up. Maybe they can shuttle me again on Tuesday and I can do Fox Gap to Wind Gap before I have to head south.'til later
Date: 2014-05-11
From: Wind Gap PA

To: Leroy A Smith Shelter
Miles today: 4.6

Did an in and out hike today on mostly flat terrain but very rocky - those small rocks that require looking down all day. I actually hiked 9.2 miles - which is wonderful considering my health the past two months. Feeling pretty good I think. Anyway - saw at least 15 other hikers and 2 dogs today and stopped to chat with a few of them. Nice folks out there this year. One twenty-something hiking with his dad for a few days - he started from Springer on Feb 15. Didn't get his trail name but a really nice kid. It was warm but because the ups were minimal I really didn't have to exert too much. Not much to see - mostly brown-woods hiking. The best outlooks were at the cutout for a power line and another for a gas line - which is unfortunate but sometimes it works that way. Tomorrow the outfitter in Delaware Water Gap is taking me from the Gap to Fox Gap and I'll walk the 7 miles back. May do a longer walk on Tuesday if they can shuttle me again and if tomorrow goes well.'til later
Date: 2014-05-12
From: Fox Gap PA

To: Delaware Water Gap PA
Miles today: 7.0

Another nice, albeit hot, day in Pennsylvania. I used a shuttle to take me from the Delaware Water Gap to Fox Gap and I walked back to my car. A nice hike - pretty quiet until the last mile of the hike - when I saw about 15 people hiking up to a view. This was a nice piece of Trail - a bit of everything - some rocks, some open old forest road walking, some rhododendrons, some pine needle walking. Very nice. I just wish it had been 15 degrees cooler! I've decided that I really like hiking in 60 degree weather. I did see a bluebird - which was nice to see in the middle of the woods. Also some nice views of the PA farmland and a somewhat large black racer snake - saw one yesterday too. The plan is to do some more hiking tomorrow.'til later
Date: 2014-05-13
From: Fox Gap PA

To: WInd Gap PA
Miles today: 8.5

Used the outfitter in Delaware Water Gap PA for a shuttle again today. Met me at WInd Gap and dropped me at Fox Gap for my 8.5 mile hike. Only saw one other person all day - Fast Eddie - who is hiking from Harpers Ferry to Rutland VT. The hike was very uneventful - Wolf Rocks were fun to climb but the fun stopped there. The PA rocks were out in full force. For some reason, they really didn't slow me down that much but you can't take your eyes off the ground so its hard to appreciate the woods around you. The blazes were odd - many painted over in black paint, only to be followed a few trees later by what appeared to be new white blazes. Maybe vandalism? That's all of my hiking for now. Heading to West VA for the ATC Board meeting. May do two short hikes by Front Royal on Saturday and Sunday before heading into DC for the ATC Gala. Oh - I passed the 30% mark today!'til later
Date: 2014-05-17
From: Rt. 55 Linden VA

To: Past Manassas Shelter
Miles today: 4.0

Finished up the ATC Board meeting in Shepardstown WV and drove south towards the Shenandoah Mountains of Virginia. Parked on Rt 55 in Linden and hiked north. Wow - what a difference from hiking in the north PA woods earlier this week. Everything was green and there were wildflowers everywhere. And - it was cool out - probably 65 or so. I met a Trail maintainer doing work on invasive species. He was lugging water and his spray equipment up the Trail to a view area about a mile north of the road. He was a National Park volunteer and he is 87 years old. It almost made me tear up - he's been maintaining this section for many, many years and it was almost a bit sad because the invasives were all over the place and no matter how much spraying he does, they will keep coming back. We chatted on my way up and on my way back (I did an in and out today) I helped him move some water up the Trail and carried down some of his empty jugs to the parking lot. So I officially did my first Trail maintenance today. More to come tomorrow.'til later
Date: 2014-05-18
From: Trillium Side Trail to AT

To: Spring Past DIck's Dome Shelter
Miles today: 5.0

Did another in and out today. Walked in to the Trail from the Trillium Trail parking area. Walked south to where I stopped yesterday and turned around and headed north. I then turned around at the Spring located 1 mile north of Dick's Dome Shelter. There were several sections of the Trail north of the Shelter that were running springs. There were also several small blow downs. The Trail needs some maintenance in this area. Saw very few people which surprised me because it was an absolutely beautiful day for hiking.   I was curious to see the shelter but when I headed down the side trail there was another very wet area so I turned back. The wildflowers were in full bloom and it was a pretty hike. Hope to do more starting Wednesday - will probably head back to PA.'til later
Date: 2014-05-21
From: Ashby Gap, VA Rt. 601 Parking

To: Spring Past Dick's Dome Shelter
Miles today: 3.8

Did another in and out today in beautiful, green Virginia. Was going to head back to Northern PA but its raining up there and the gray, brown rocks are depressing compared to the beauty of Northern Virginia. Parking just off Ashby Gap and hiked to where I turned around the other day. Easy Trail, beautiful meadow in Sky Meadows State Park. Even a nice bench to take a break on. May use a shuttle in the am - still trying to decide. Might try to complete the northern section of VA rather than return to depressing PA. Will decide tomorrow.til later
Date: 2014-05-22
From: US 522 Front Royal, VA

To: VA 55 Manassas Gap
Miles today: 8.2

Still enjoying the beauty of Virginia. Used a shuttler this am and met her at Manassas Gap at 7 am. She dropped me at 522 in Front Royal and I walked back to my car. Only saw one thru hiker today. I asked him where they all where and even he is surprised by the lack of them. He told me that he hiked through the Shenandoah's pretty much by himself. I did see a woman taking a walk with her dog and baby but that was it. The Trail continues to be pretty - however, this section was pretty wet and muddy. Could use some maintenance also.   I am staying in the area and will do an in and out tomorrow since all of the shuttle drivers are busy tomorrow. Must be due to the Memorial Day weekend. Decided to focus on completing the Northern part of Virginia instead of heading back to PA. That can wait.'til later
Date: 2014-05-23
From: Ashby Gap VA

To: Mile short of VA 605
Miles today: 4.5

Did another in and out today in beautiful weather. Walked around 9 miles and plan to do the same tomorrow. A nicely maintained Trail. Ran into 5 or so thru hikers and a section hiker names Stretch who was doing the same in and out that I was - too bad I started at 9:40am - late for me. If earlier, maybe we could have done a car swap and avoided the in and out. No views and a bit mucky but still a nice walk in the woods. Will be doing more of the Roller Coaster tomorrow. The first 'up' wasn't too bad but I think it gets harder.'til tomorrow
Date: 2014-05-24
From: Mile north of Rod Hollow Shelter

To: Just short of Sam Moore Shelter
Miles today: 6.3

That's a 6.3 in and out! A whopping 12.6 miles today and only my big toes are sore. I'm sure tomorrow am I will be pretty stiff. No pictures today - not much going on when hiking the roller coaster. Many hikers today on another beautiful day. I parked at VA 605 - got there at 8 am and there was only one parking spot left. Walked south to where I stopped yesterday and then back to the car where I rested my feet and ate lunch. Then north to the top of Tomblin Hill - just short of the Sam Moore Shelter - and back to 605. Gave a hiker a ride to Snicker's Gap - he was trying to do in and out from Snickers to 605 but ran out of steam. Tomorrow I will finish to Snicker's Gap with another in and out. Then I need to decide on whether I tackle a 13.5 mile hike from Snicker's Gap to Key's Gap. That would mean I've covered the Trail from Front Royal to Duncannon (minus Cove Rd to Duncannon - which I might do on Tuesday) and then from the Leroy Smith Shelter in northern PA to County Rd. in Vermont. Also have pieces in NH, all of GA, pieces of NC, pieces of TN and a small piece of southern VA.   Approaching 700 miles - most of those done twice with in and outs. Crazy.'til later
Date: 2014-05-25
From: Snickers Gap VA

To: Just south of Sam Moore Shelter
Miles today: 2.3

So I had to adjust my mileage - not sure where its off in this section but probably yesterday. Did an in and out from the DOT lot at Snickers Gap - headed south to my turn around point of yesterday. Lots of hikers but mostly folks going up to Bears Den Rocks from the parking lot. Most probably didn't even realize that they were on the AT. Stopped by Bears Den Hostel to take a look. Much nicer than I thought it would be. The main building was not open but they let me into the hostel to take a look. Had a nice long chat with two thru hikers and another section hiker. A nice looking hostel but still not my bag. Maybe because I never had to share a room growing up and I never did the overnight cabin thing but I sleep very lightly and I need my space. Took my time on another nice day but my feet are sore from 8 straight days of hiking. Tomorrow I'll do laundry in the am and do a short in and out. Then hopefully get a shuttle on Tues early to finish off Keys Gap to Snickers Gap. Then golf on Wednesday maybe?'til later
Date: 2014-05-26
From: Snickers Gap VA

To: Crescent/Raven Rock
Miles today: 2.6

Did an in and out over very tough terrain yesterday. Hiking in and outs in the Roller Coaster is probably a bad idea but I'm almost done with it. I took the am off and did laundry and slept in - felt great but it was hot and I was dragging. Many, many people out doing this section - the Raven Rock area is popular. Most of them were underestimating the difficulty and distance. A few asked "how much further" and many were very obviously out of shape. I also saw more dogs yesterday than I've ever seen on a piece of the AT - and as a result, more dog crap on the AT than I've ever seen. People can be real pigs. Anyway, more to come tomorrow.'til later
Date: 2014-05-27
From: Key's Gap WV

To: Turn off for Buzzards Rock
Miles today: 3.5

I'm giving myself the 3.5 miles per the Companion but I think the mileage is wrong. There is no way I can go 3 miles in one hour and ten minutes. When I hike the last bit of this area in the fall I will be able to tell. With this 3.5, and an adjustment I need to make for sections of the AT that I've hiked but have been rerouted since, I hit 700 miles today. I was really trying to do some more and get to 33.3% but that will have to wait. Maybe a few days in VT and NH this summer - easier for me to get to in a few hours of driving. The Trail was great today - easy compared to the past few days. I met two hikers yesterday and saw them again this am. They hiked 700 miles last year and are finishing this year. Her Trail name is Trillium and I can't remember his - Vague or something like that. At Keys Gap, I took their packs to the ATC HQ in Harpers Ferry so they could slack the Keys Gap to HF section. Ran into a few other hikers as well. That's it for this trip and its been a good one. No rain until right now as I sit in my hotel and the skies boom away.'til later
Date: 2014-07-12
From: Smith Gap Road

To: Leroy Smith Shelter
Miles today: 3.5

Did a small in and out hike this afternoon after driving from Plymouth MA this morning. I needed to head north from Smith Gap Road to the Leroy Smith Shelter turnoff and back. It was an odd hike - all deep woods with no views and a very narrow Trail in parts. And - the rocks - however, not as bad as they are on the north side of the Leroy Smith Shelter. Just require lots of concentration. But - there was no elevation change to speak of today so it was easy hiking and I flew in and back - and didn't even raise my heart rate! Tomorrow I drive south and may hike around Blackburn and hang out with the caretakers Trail Boss and his wife. Lots of thru hikers today - complaining about the PA rocks. 'til later
Date: 2014-07-13
From: Crescent Rocks

To: Blackburn 
Miles today: 4.8

Parked at Blackburn and Sandi (Trail Bosses' wife) shuttled me to Crescent Rocks on her way out. I hiked like a maniac and did the 4.8 miles in two hours - that means I hiked 2.4 miles an hour - which is unheard of. Must be the weight I lost when I was sick a few months ago. If it was, it makes a huge difference in my pace! Saw a few hikers today but didn't chat much. Got a tour of Blackburn - what a neat facility. I understand why Sandi and Chris like it there so much. Tomorrow am I hope to park there again and do an in and out north to Buzzard Rock - that will complete this section and I'll have done all of Front Royal VA to Cove Rd just south of Duncannon PA - and from Smith Gap Rd. in northern PA to County Road in Vermont. I like hiking PA in day hikes - the rocks don't get to me too much this way. It will probably take me a year or two to finish PA. I am thinking about hiking all of Vermont in September but we will see. 'til later