morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-06-30
From: Harper's Ferry WV 

To: Harper's Ferry WV 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

I have been dreaming of walking to Harper's Ferry for so long. When Stephen and I drove down to Georgia to start the hike we passed the sign for Harper's Ferry. I was so excited. We could have gone then but I said no I want to walk there. Now I have. Many people are finishing their hike here. I want to complete my hike but I am so tired. There is a pull just to go home and crawl into bed for a week.
Date: 2016-07-01
From: Harper's Ferry WV 

To: Dahlgren Backpack Campground 
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: few clouds

The walking was fairly easy today. I entered Maryland my sixth state. Stayed at a free campground with hot showers and plugs to recharge my phone. Thank you Maryland. Had a little cry as I left behind the girls, Sam, Cupatea and Cranberry. I really don't mind walking alone. I would like to know who I will see each night. Lumberjack came along the trail behind me today. He is from Quebec so I said Happy Canada Day. He was happy to be reminded. He is s fast hiker. I didn't expect to see him again but he took six days off. So we decided we would say Happy Canada Day to everyone on the trail. I couldn't bring myself to do it. I wonder if he did.
Date: 2016-07-02
From: Dahlgren Backpack Campground 

To: Raven Rock Shelter 
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: broken clouds

It was so nice to shower last night before bed. I do my best with wet wipes but it is not the same. At shelters everyone talks to each other. At this campground there were families and everyone stuck to themselves. It was a bit different. Tonight's shelter is so nice. The floor is polished like a gym.It looks so clean. There is a picnic table under the shelter. There are lots of tent pads with benches and there are bear cables. Tonight's big news is that my head lamp has been found and is with James and Nadine about three days back. Sounds like I might see it again.
Date: 2016-07-03
From: Raven Rock Shelter 

To: Deer Lick Shelter 
Miles today: 9.6
Weather: scattered clouds

I got to go to church today. I was so happy. Molly came and picked me up from a park the trail ran through. After church we had a linger longer. They made waffles for everyone. I was so excited I was shaking. They had strawberries, blueberries, blackrasberries and cherries to put on them. They had homemade sauce. There was sausage and bacon. It was heavenly. I ate two. Molly took me back to her family's house and I got showered and did my laundry. We talked for a long time. I am uncomfortable with the focus being solely on me. The whole family had lots of questions. It was the same at church. The Peter's family fed me supper then they all came in two cars to see me off. I felt very special. Oh and at church they sang one of my favourite hymns, The Battle Hymn of the Republic, "mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord..."
Date: 2016-07-04
From: Deer Lick Shelter 

To: Quarry Gap Shelter 
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: overcast clouds

This has got to be the prettiest shelter on the trail. I can't imagine anything better. It has flowers in hanging pots. It has a swing. It has a two covered picnic tables. I got here about 3 and decided to wait out the rain. Then I just decided to stay. I am sleeping in the shelter so I don't have to carry a wet tent tomorrow. First time in a shelter since the Smokies. My shoes are giving out. I tried to get new ones in Harper's Ferry but nothing felt better than these. I think I am scared to let them go. They have helped me so much. So they are falling apart. Three people came together and helped with a needle, garilla tape and shoe goo. I had dental floss. I sewed them up. It was a great group effort.
Date: 2016-07-05
From: Quarry Gap Shelter 

To: Pine Grove Furnace 
Miles today: 20.8
Weather: light rain

Today we passed the official 2016 AT midpoint, mile 1094.55 Each year it changes a little due to rerouting for various reasons. It was an amazing feeling to stand at the middle. Now with each step there is more trail behind me than in front. I am going to have to slow down or it will be over before I know it. I was happy to be there with Owl and Southwind, two boys I've gotten to know in the past couple days. The trail was easy and very flat today. The general store at Pine Grove Furnace is were they have the half gallon challenge. You are supposed to eat a half gallon of ice-cream as fast as you can. That was not for me. I did however get a great hamburger. It had grilled pineapple and sweet chillie sauce. I bought a half gallon of chocolate milk to go with it and almost drank it all. Then I waddled over to the AT museum. Along the back wall was the old Katadin sign. I teared upwhen I saw it, thinking of all the people who had touched that sign and marked the end of their very long journey. I hiked a mile or so past the park boundary and choose a camp site. I was by myself. I could here people. Maybe they were at a baseball game, there seemed to be cheering. Voices carry a long way. It got dark. I still don't have my head lamp. I was trying to get to sleep. Then the walking party came by. I was scared to death. Lights and loud music, I thought oh no what am I going to have to deal with. Fortunately they were just ignorant night hikers and the walking party moved on. Safe for another night
Date: 2016-07-06
From: Pine Grove Furnace 

To: Boiling Springs
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: light rain

Lots of rocks in the woods today, a little hard on the feet. We had a rock maze to go through in around and over large boulders. I enjoyed that. The heat and humidity has been a real factor. I really zaps your energy. Around 3 I came out of the woods and followed the white blazes into a field and along the corn. I love seeing fields of vegetables. I thought of the movie field of dreams. The corn was so tall and beautiful. The trail takes us right into town along the park and the pond with ducks and swans. I talked to another two people who are leaving the trail. It's different for everyone. If you finished what you came out here to do then you go home. I really want to hike the entire trail. I hope I can.
Date: 2016-07-08
From: Darlington Shelter 

To: Peters Mountain Shelter 
Miles today: 22.3
Weather: scattered clouds

I got to go into Duncannon today. I was there for lunch. Food is a great motivator. I had the BBQ then walked along the trail through town and stopped at the Doyle hotel. I recharged my phone, checked the hiker box and got my passport stamped. I am going to try harder on the second half of this journey to get the stamps in my Appalachian trail passport. As I left there a thunderstorm was blowing through. The rain started coming down hard. I waited till that got lighter then carried on. My final stop in Duncannon was for icecream. It was the Nest sundae I have had. The ice cream was dark chocolate with chocolate pieces in it. I waited out the rain then carried on. All in all, a very good day today.
Date: 2016-07-09
From: Peters Mountain Shelter 

To: Hobo camp
Miles today: 22.7

I got to camp late last night. I didn't even see my camping buddy. We did chat as I set up my tent. That was nice. I left early. About 45 min into my hike I stopped fast. There was a copperhead on the trail. He looked at me. I told him I was the last person that would want to tick him off. If he would just stay right there I would go around him. He seemed to agree. Luckily there was lots of room for me to go around. About six miles later at Clark's Creek there was a hiker breakfast set up. It was so great, I very nearly cried. I had four pancakes and three eggs and two glasses of orange juice. It was amazing how fast I felt the effect of eating real food. Trail angel Mary was in charge of organizing it. She told me she became a trail angel in 2001. She found herself homeless in April of that year and went to live in the campground. She still had a job and a car. She got to know the hikers. In the fall she saved enough money to get a place. From then on she has been helping hikers. I was really grateful for that today. I had a nice long break around 2. I don't normally do that, but it felt good and it was such a nice spot. Two ladies out for the weekend, by the looks of them, came along. I tried to chat with them. They were not interested. It wasn't much longer down the trail that I ran into a rattlesnake. Another hiker was stopped looking at it. I came along and asked what was up. He said snake. It was coiled up beside a rock. We carefully went around. It would have been easy to step on him. I was so grateful to the other hiker for the warning. We waited for the ladies. They were not the least bit appreciative. Really odd. I had intended to stay at the Peter's Mountain Shelter but the ladies who talked to each other and not me were staying there. I was uncomfortable so I ate supper and hiked another five miles to a campsite I hoped had hikers. I was not disappointed. We were in a bit of woods with roads on two sides of us. I felt like a hobo. Amazingly I slept well.
Date: 2016-07-12
From: Days Inn Jonestown

To: Days Inn Jonestown
Miles today: 9.3
Weather: light rain

Pat wanted to hike with me. I arranged a shuttle to drop us off so we could walk back to the car. The options were 2.5 miles or 9.3 Pat chose 9.3 It was about 3 miles too long. The rocks were difficult. Malcolm did very well and seemed to enjoy it but he was concerned about his Mom, so sweet. Now they understand a little bit more what the trail is like. This is the third night in a nice hotel. I am so grateful.
Date: 2016-07-13
From: Days Inn Jonestown

To: Port Clinton Pavilion 
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: scattered clouds

After saying good bye to Pat and Malcolm I attempted to make my way up the trail. I was loaded down with food. I ate my nectarine then one banana. My strategy was to start eating the heavy stuff first. I went about a mile then sat down to call Stephen. We talked for about 45 minutes. He is being so supportive. The trail was not hard until the down hill into town. That was straight down. Switch backs people. This was a black diamond run. I'm just glad it wasn't muddy. The loose rock just added to the challenge. The town allows hikers to camp in and around their very large pavilion. That is so nice of them. Unfortunately it is very close to a busy highway. It was noisy. It was free. I was dry. I even had people to talk with
Date: 2016-07-14
From: Port Clinton Pavilion 

To: Eckville Shelter
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Today I passed Pulpit Rock and the Pinnacle. Both very nice views. After that there seemed to be a lot of walking on an old road through the woods. Not really hard but for some reason I felt terrible. The heat was overwhelming. It just zapped all my energy. It seemed like forever to get to the shelter. I came out at a road crossing and there was a little paper sign taped to the post, Eckville Shelter and an arrow. This was very unusual. I followed it and hoped for the best. I could hear people. Then I saw hikers I knew. I took off my pack and sat down at the picnic table. I was so tired and relieved to be there. The care taker came out and gave us freezies. It just just perfect. This shelter even has a solar shower. It was cold but so great. I came back to life. I drank lots of water. I ate my supper. I set up my tent and happily went to sleep.
Date: 2016-07-15
From: Eckville Shelter

To: Bake Oven Knob Shelter 
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: clear sky

I woke up happy, well rested and ready for my day. I was in no rush to leave this morning. I even had a little nap after breakfast. The day started with a climb but levelled out. Then there were just the rocks to deal with. I met a girl named Danika hiking south. Just a weekender. They always smell nice. She had a bandana that said, hike for mental health. She told me about the hikes. It sounded good. I was sorry we were hiking in opposite directions. I had just said good bye to her when Cranberry appeared on the trail. We hiked along together. I told her I was on my way to the restaurant for my birthday lunch. She decided to come along and in the end paid for my lunch. What a nice surprise. The afternoon was tuff. I wouldn't want to do it again. We went over the Knifes Edge and Bear Rocks. Boulders to climb up and crawl down. Lots of rocks to walk along the top of but they are not flat they were on an angle so you walk on the edge of them. All in all another great day on the trail. Oh, I am still in search of cake.
Date: 2016-07-16
From: Bake Oven Knob Shelter 

To: Danielsville
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Today Cranberry decided we needed to slackpack. It is when you get someone to take your heavy pack and exchange it for a day pack. I was all for that idea. Taking some weight off my back was going to help my feet and my hip. It took awhile to arrange but it was worth it. We went through some where called Lehigh Gap. The down into it wasn't bad. The up out of it was the hardest climb yet. I was so grateful to just have water and food in my pack. We had to climb big boulders. It was like mountaineering boot camp. At the top the real fun began. I had to walk boulder to boulder across the top of the Ridge. The view was amazing but it was hard to look at and balance. The afternoon included hours in the hot dun, a rattler snake and lots of berries. We called the lady with our bags to pick us up. She was so nice. She took us to the restaurant we would be camping behind. We were lucky to have anywhere. There was a Spartan race in town and everything for miles was booked. We were not alone at our campsite and enjoyed the good food at the restaurant.
Date: 2016-07-16
From: Bake Oven Knob Shelter 

To: Danielsville
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: light rain

Today Cranberry decided we needed to slackpack. It is when you get someone to take your heavy pack and exchange it for a day pack. I was all for that idea. Taking some weight off my back was going to help my feet and my hip. It took awhile to arrange but it was worth it. We went through some where called Lehigh Gap. The down into it wasn't bad. The up out of it was the hardest climb yet. I was so grateful to just have water and food in my pack. We had to climb big boulders. It was like mountaineering boot camp. At the top the real fun began. I had to walk boulder to boulder across the top of the Ridge. The view was amazing but it was hard to look at and balance. The afternoon included hours in the hot dun, a rattler snake and lots of berries. We called the lady with our bags to pick us up. She was so nice. She took us to the restaurant we would be camping behind. We were lucky to have anywhere. There was a Spartan race in town and everything for miles was booked. We were not alone at our campsite and enjoyed the good food at the restaurant.
Date: 2016-07-17
From: Danielsville

To: Wind Gap
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: light rain

So we camped behind a restaurant. That ment breakfast. We had a great breakfast. After eggs and bacon and a bagel I got cake. They had a beautiful chocolate cake with butter cream icing. It was just what I wanted, not necessarily for breakfast but I had to seize the moment. The hike today was flat just full of ankle breaking rocks. It's exhausting to have to think about every step. Cranberry and I decided to get a hotel together tonight. I was looking forward to getting clean and laundry done. The guy we called to pick us up suggested we stay at his place. He runs a hostel /shuttle service. I got a shower but the laundry would have to wait another day. Tonight I have my tent set up in a garage. You never know what the day will bring out here.
Date: 2016-07-18
From: Wind Gap

To: Delaware Water Gap
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: overcast clouds

We went through Wolf rocks today. They eat you alive. Really it wasn't that bad and with a light pack on it was even better. In the afternoon the sky started to rumble. The winds picked up. It took a long time but when it finally came it was sever. It was the kind of storm that you can't see 10 ft in front of you its raining so hard. Fortunately we were on a flat part. Unfortunately it was on the top of a ridge. Fortunately there were still trees. I was absolutely ok with the whole thing because I knew I had a hotel room booked for tonight. Laundry would be done. We had a tricky decent into town. It would have been no problem on a dry day but it was rocks with water running over them. At the bottom of the hill just before town there was two people from a youth ministry doing trail magic and spreading the word of God. We were grateful for the pop and dounut they were very nice.
Date: 2016-07-19
From: Delaware Water Gap

To: Mohican Outdoor center
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: scattered clouds

There are days that will be forgotten in a blurr of hiking, sweat and pain. Today we had fun. We had a great breakfast at a bakery as we were leaving town. Then we crossed the Delaware River Bridge and we entered New Jersey. Wow, another state. Unfortunately the rocks didn't disappear. We got to the Mohican Outdoor center. It was do beautiful and comfy I wanted to move in. I got talking to everyone Some ladies invited us back to their cabin for supper. It was not something to pass up. I wanted to follow more miles but gave in to food and nice people. It was such a great time. Ten ladies from the Brooklyn Quilters Guild out at the cabin for 5 days. My hat go ruined in the dryer so I bought a new one at the center. It needed some personality. Who better to take care of that then these ladies. Barbara sewed me a patch for my hat. It kind of looks like my own little flag. I love it. Those ladies are great.
Date: 2016-07-20
From: Mohican Outdoor center

To: Green Anderson Shelter 
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: clear sky

I got off early, about 5:40. I wanted to make miles today. It was cooler last night so I slept great. I like to miles in in the morning before it's too hot. The hike was fairly easy. I was looking forward to supper at a deli. As the trail came across the ridge I could see water and boats. It was Culver Lake. I has high hopes. I thought tourist town. I couldn't have been more wrong. I walked by three places closed up till I found one open a tavern. I don't drink, but I do know they can have good food, just not this one. I did eat outside by Kittatinny Lake. Some very friendly locals chatted with me and told me about the area. They said most vacationers come here and just eat at the cabin. It sure is a beautiful area.When I got to the shelter there was a young man there writing his goodbye in the shelter log. He wanted to talk. I found out why he made the decision and that his parents were waiting for him. The shelter was close to a gravel road. That is not normal. I felt so bad for this guy. He got a stress fracture. He was off the trail for seven weeks. He tried to get back on. After two days of limping along he was going home. I told him he is young and could finish in the years to come. I hope I make it. Cranberry and I stood at a road crossing a couple days ago. There was a information board. It had a map of the entire trail. It was amazing to look at how far we have come. Cranberry was very late getting to the shelter. I got there at 6:30, she arrived at 10. I was still awake so we chatted for a few minutes. I was happy to see her.
Date: 2016-07-21
From: Green Anderson Shelter 

To: Murray Cabin 
Miles today: 18.4
Weather: light rain

Water is becoming more of a problem. Our book will say stream in so many miles and we get there to find it dry. We went through High Point State Park today. There was a beach to go swimming. I went in in my tshirt and shorts. It felt so great. Then I had a shower and rinsed my clothes. It didn't take long for them to dry as I walked. I chatted with two other hikers as I was getting ready to leave. The one said he was ordering his winter clothes. He said last night was too cold for him. It might have dipped below 70. I wonder what he will do when it really gets cold I got to the Murry property at 5. I had the place to myself for about an hour. The grass was a mowed beautiful. It had well water. We could charge our phones. I sat on the porch and just took in how beautiful it was and how lucky I am to be here. Then I saw a donkeys little ways off coming through the field. I got up and started walking over to it. I said Donkey, hello. It started to run towards me like we were long lost friends. I pet him. I scratched his head and ears, then his friend joined in. Yes, two donkeys to play with. I knew with them around we would not have any trouble with bears tonight. Other hikers started rolling in for the night. Knowing got the greeting I did. Some people couldn't even touch the donkeys, they just moved away from them. I'm sure they liked me best Cranberry got to camp late again. She is happy yo to do the miles but I am not sure she can keep doing these long days.
Date: 2016-07-22
From: Murray Cabin 

To: Wawayanda Shelter 
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: clear sky

I really don't know how hot it has been. I just rain with sweat all day. We had a board walk to hike on for quite awhile. It was easy walking but we were all exposed to the sun. I put on my waterproof sunscreen but I got very red anyways. Cranberry and I planned to do 13 miles today and then go into the hostel in Vernon for shower and laundry and resupply. I said I would wait for her at the bakery. That wasn't hard I got there at 1:15 she came in around 3. She looked dreadful. The heat was a serious issue for everyone. I had decided I wanted to hike more miles today. Poor Cranberry was not happy to hear that. She was done. We knew it was time to part ways for now. I thanked her for helping me out of Pennsylvania and for her company. I was sad to leave her but that hill was calling me. Stairway to Heaven up Wawayanda mountain. That was a good climb. I was going down the other side when I saw a big bear. She didn't see me. I thought maybe I would just quietly walk by. Then I saw the cub. Just a very little fellow. I thought the last thing I want to do is startle the Mom. So I began singing and tapping my sticks together. She looked at me with interest and maybe amusement. She didn't move off. She wasn't any more then four car lengths away from me. I made it to the bottom of the hill. There was supposed to be a stream. There were puddles of water in the rocks. I took my pack off and layed down for a minute. I said, to what ever was listening, I just want a minute to rest with no snakes ok. I opened my eyes a few minutes later and a frog was wondering what I was doing on his rock. Up and over the next hill to the shelter but not before one more bear. This was a little guy, maybe last year's cub. He was not afraid of me. I yelled at him and said I was coming through so he better move. He didn't go any more then three car lengths away from me. I was glad he didn't follow me to camp.
Date: 2016-07-23
From: Wawayanda Shelter 

To: Joanna's house
Miles today: 17.1
Weather: clear sky

Last night I got the number for the Bishop in this area. I called and asked if there was anyone who could pick me up at the end of my day today, take me home and get me cleaned up for church tomorrow. A short time later Joanne called. She said she would love to have me over. My plan was to hike 22 miles today. The rock climbing slowed me down and this heat and humidity has been incredible. I called Joanne at 5 to say I was not going to make it to the agreed meeting spot. She said tell me where you are and I'll come right now and get you. Wow how wonderful. When I got to the road crossing I had been completely out of water for maybe an hour. That doesn't sound bad but it was. I was so dehydrated I had stopped sweating. I brushed the salt off my arms. Incredible people take time to leave water at road crossings. The people here know the hikers have no eater sources right now. The streams are dry. The ponds are low. This road crossing had just been restocked. I drank so much. Joanne brought me ice water. What a treat. She said it was 100 degrees today. We had a great supper. They had a Grannie suite downstairs all for me. I was so relaxed and comfortable. What great people to take me in.