morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-07-08
From: Eagles Nest Shelter

To: Hamburg PA
Miles today: 9.3

Microtel Hamburg. Today was a short hiking day. The first 9 miles were a rocky ridge walk through woods that were weedy with no views. Before the drop into town I stopped at a view. By 12 I was walking into Port Clinton next to a restored train station. I found Pathfinder heading to the PO to wait for a shuttle to Cabellas. The van stopped at the pavilion and Lazyboy, Snuggles and Kobe came long to the store. The store was huge, Disneyland meets the A T. We had lunch and I bought fuel and another fork. The motel was a short walk over a buzzy highway and soon I was showered and doing laundry. We walked to Cracker Barrel for dinner and from there I resupplied at Walmart. Greybeard and Jackson were also shopping. I stopped at 31 Flavors on the way back and by 11 was in my soft bed.
Date: 2013-07-09
From: Hamburg PA

To: Windsor Furnace Shelter
Miles today: 5.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Windsor Furnace Shelter. 8 PM. The Microtel motel room was so nice that I stayed until 11. At the breakfast room ran into Dorothy, Andstuff and most of the hikers I had been hiking with the last few days. Pathfinder was getting off the trail for one week and looking forward to a trip to TN. Back at the Cabellas I had to wait until after one to get a ride back to Port Clinton. Since I could not make Eckville I had lunch at the Port Clinton Hotel and at 2:30 began the climb out of the river valley. It was not tough but at the top I had to put the pack cover on because the sky darkened and the rain began to fall through the trees. The storm did not amount too much and I passed a few northbounders. By 4:30 I arrived at the shelter and met Too Sticks and Headbutt. Andstuff is also at the shelter. Tomorrow I hope to do 19 miles.
Date: 2013-07-11
From: Blue Mountain Summit Restaurant

To: Palmerton
Miles today: 14.4

Palmerton Hostel. 10 PM. The storm last night never happened and it was cool in the morning for he first time in weeks. Ants discovered my cookies so I had to throw them away. I was not on the trail long before the rocks started to slow me down. The cliff walk on angled rocks and boulders was not fun. Before Bake Oven Knob Shelter more rocks to hop and trash littered the path. At the shelter I rested with Andstuff for a half hour and then began the last 8 miles to the river. Next to a communication tower I found trail magic. All the fixins for PbJ sandwiches.I spent time there with Too Sticks and then hiked over South Mountain. The trail was actually pleasant down to the George Outerbridge Shelter. I had some water and dropped down to the river and highway. It was a 2 mile walk into town next to a busy highway. I ran into Lazyboy and Snuggles leaving and they pointed me in the direction of the municipal building. The bunkroom was quiet and only 4 other hikers arrived. I found a great bar/restaurant and Andstuff and I ate on a new outdoor patio. After dinner I stopped for desert at the grocery store. I feel more tired tonight then normal. Maybe the rocks are taking a toll on my legs.
Date: 2013-07-12
From: Palmerton

To: Leroy Smith Shelter
Miles today: 15.5

Leroy Smith Shelter tent. 10PM. Today I slept until 7 and walked across the street for pancakes and coffee. It was 10:30 when I got back to the trail and started up the steep rocky climb. It only took 50 minutes to reach the top and it was cloudy and cool which made it easy. A long relocation followed the side of the mountain with views of Palmerton. Finally the trail veered up to a rocky area and pine trees. I found T 1000 having lunch and by 3 was at the highway. Rocky and HeyJude were just starting after getting dropped off. I decided to go to the ski resort for water because it was 11 miles to the shelter. The outdoor restaurant was open so I decided to have a burger and coffee and choc. cake. Free wifi had me there until 4 PM. Andstuff was in the lobby getting water and I walked back to the trail with him. We climbed a rocky section and then the trail became easy enough to go 3 miles per hour. Soon it began to rain and we passed Kobe in this tent. It was after 7 and I still had over miles to the shelter, it was raining harder and by 8 the trail ws getting dark. I passed one tent and finally before dark came to the shelter. Andstuff was outside but the shelter was full so I set up my tent in the dark. It was not raining but not long after having my tuna burrito it started raining. Hopefully I will stay dry till the morning.
Date: 2013-07-13
From: Leroy Smith Shelter

To: Delaware Water Gap
Miles today: 20.2

Delaware Water Gap motel. 10PM. It rained off and on all night and most of my gear was wet or damp on the morning. I was on the trail before 9 for the drop into Wind Gap and the climb up to another rocky ridge walk. It was foggy and dark and the flat rocky flat terrain became monotonous. I took a break and Greybeard and Jackson walked by while I was having a peanut butter burrito. I thought Wolf Rocks would just be a viewpoint but it turned out to be a boulder filled cliff walk over slippery rocks. Finally at 4 I arrived at the Kirkridge Shelter trail and a temporary sign instructed hikers that Trail Magic was at the shelter. I found about 6 hikers enjoying cold Gatorade, oranges, apples, and candy. I spent an hour talking to the local trail angels and then pushed on to the town of Delaware Water Gap. It was after 7 when a strolled down the busy Main Street. It was Sat. night and places were busy. The hostel looked crowded so I walked to the. Motel where Rocky offered to share his room with HeyJude and Andstuff. After a shower we ordered pizza and I walked to the store for drinks. The Waterboy was on the tv providing a good laugh with the pizza. I have to say good bye to my hiker friends because tomorrow morning I take a bus to Harrisburg for 8-10 days off from the trail. I am going to the ATC meeting in NC.
Date: 2013-07-30
From: Delaware Water Gap

To: Delaware Water Gap
Miles today: 0.0

Shelter behind Delaware Water Gap Hostel. 6PM. It has been a while since I wrote in my journal and a while since I was on the trail. July 14th I took a bus to Harrisburg PA with plans to leave 4 days later for the ATC meeting in North Carolina. Unfortunately while killing time waiting for a bus transfer in Wilkes-Barre PA my pack was stolen. I had my wallet, camera, mini ipad and meds with me but my pack poles and boots were taken. The porter at the station found my stinky boots in a stairwell but reality sunk in quick. To continue my hike I would have to replace all my gear. I had plenty of time to research, shop and pack new gear. My pack had lots of gear including a teapot that went over 4000 miles with me. I was depressed for a few days but got to work replacing the gear. No more nice tarptent, some gear would be bought on the cheap.My trip to NC was fun. I tubed on a river, rafted the Natahala, and visited the GSMNP. I helped at a workshop for future thru hikers. I was the only one on the panel currently on the trail. After returning to PA I had 4 days to finish organizing gear. I am switching to the Sawyer Squeeze for water treatment and will use a bladder in my pack for the first time. No more stopping and taking off the pack to rehydrate. The hostel is quiet and dark. Two hikers are sleeping and I opted to use the shelter behind the buildings. I hope to quickly adjust to life back on the trail. My first day will be an easy 10 miles to Mohican Outdoor Center. I already feel at home in the quiet shelter under the trees. I missed the birds chirping and the wind blowing through the trees.9:10:56 PM9:10:56 PM
Date: 2013-07-31
From: Delaware Water Gap

To: Mohican Outdoor Center
Miles today: 10.8

Mohican Outdoor Center Lodge. 8 PM. I was on the trail today at 8 AM for the walk across the Delaware River. It was sunny and cool when I got to the trailhead to Sunfish Pond. My trail legs were missing and it felt odd to be hiking again. By 11:30 I reached the pond having passed a large youth group and a group of thru hikers at the backpacker campsite. The trail around the pond was rocky and I took a break a stream and made a peanut butter burrito. It took me almost 2 hours to walk the rocky ridge with views of the river and drop down to the road to the AMC center. I paid for a campsite and shower and used the common room. Back at camp I got familiar with all my new gear and at 7 went back to the lodge for a deli sandwich and drink. I had dinner with a section hiker from West Virginia. Time to go back to my campsite and rest up for my first 20 miler in almost 3 weeks. I hope my sore back and feet are better in the morning.
Date: 2013-08-01
From: Mohican Outdoor Center

To: Gren Anderson Shelter
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: moderate rain

Gren Anderson Shelter. 9 PM. Today started with light rain at my campsite at 7 AM.I quickly took down my tent packed most of my gear and made coffee and oatmeal. By the time I hit the trail it was raining and I just wore my shorts and t shirt. The 14 miles to Brink Shelter was primarily a ridge walk in the fog. I passed a firetower and a lot of teen hiking groups. The trail was still rocky and there was an unexpected climb up a steep cliff. I stopped for 30 minutes at the shelter for a quick lunch. At 3 PM I still had over 6 miles and it was still raining. Today was the first time I was cold since Mount Rogers 2 months ago. I put on my jacket but got too hot within 20 minutes and went back to the wet t shirt. Three miles before the shelter I had trail magic when I a man offered me cookies and soda. One final climb to another foggy firetower and one mile to the shelter. The packed shelter found a spot for me and I cleaned up and got water. Dinner with my new pot and it was dark by the time I finished my chores. Tomorrow another 20 mile day but hopefully not in he rain.
Date: 2013-08-02
From: Gren Anderson Shelter

To: Murray Residence
Miles today: 18.4

Murray Residence campsite 10 PM.   On the trail again before 7:30 for another long day. A quick hike up to Sunrise Mountain and an old stone pavilion. I met another southbounder who started June 1. At 11 I reached the first shelter which was in a nice grassy meadow. The caretaker stocked the bear box with fresh cold water. I sat on the picnic table and had a choc shake and almonds. My boots were still wet and the sun was not doing much to dry them out. I spent about 45 minutes resting with Critter and his hiking partner. It was a tough 5 1/2 miles to High Point SP. The trail was rocky and there were a few unexpected steep climbs and descents. Finally at 3 I reached the visitor center and received a free root beer soda. About 6 thru hikers were resting or unpacking resupplied boxes. I spent over one hour resting before the final 7 miles to the campsite. I passed 2 youth groups and a National Park researcher studying plants along the trail. At the end of the park the rocks ended and I had a flat path trough woods and farmland. Finally at 7 I reached the property with a solar shower, water and a small building.i decided to tent in the field with other hikers while a loud group used the building. My feet are really sore from 2 long days.
Date: 2013-08-03
From: Murray Reaidence

To: campsite north of Wayawanda Mtn
Miles today: 19.1

Campsite north of Wayawanda Mountain. 9 PM. Last night was an interesting night in my new tent. At 4 AM I heard drops of rain and I did not have the rain fly on my tent. My tarptent was a single wall tent and this tent is cooler withou the fly. I got out naked Kane tried to put the fly on as the rain began. It rained until after 9 and I stayed dry but did not get started until 10:30. He other tenters were still packing. The trail was not difficult and it passed many roads and homes. After a half mile roadwalk I began the flat and long hike around Wallkill Reserve, a flat marshy area home to waterfowl. I made time but rested on a nice bench with the section hiker from Ohio. I soon began the 700 foot climb of Pochunk Mountain. At an abandoned house part way up the mountain I found drinking water at a faucet. The climb was tough and weaves around big boulders. At one spot I could see High Point SP way off in the distance. That was only yesterday afternoon! The almost one mile boardwalk was fun and full of day hikers. Finally at 5 I arrived at Heaven Hill Farms and had real food. Tomato pie, chicken salads and choc. milk. He deli was closed so I had to make do with what they had in the fridge. I finished with an ice cream cone. It was after 6 and I still had almost 6 miles to the shelter. I tired on the climb up the steepk mountain. I music festival was playing loud music at the base and I heard it all the way to the top as I crawled up the rocks. The almost 1000 foot climb killed me and on the north side of the mountain next to a footbridge I found a campsite. It was almost 7:30 and. 2 1/2 miles to the shelter. I bathed in the big stream, set up my wet tent and filtered water as it got dark. This is my first night alone on the trail since a campsite after Duncannon. I met one southbounder today doing big miles. He started mid June!8:35:48 PM
Date: 2013-08-04
From: campsite north of Wayawanda Mtn

To: Willdcat Shelter
Miles today: 11.1

Wildcat Shelter 9 PM. On the trail at 8 after my quiet night in my tent. I met A southbounder named Dogwhisperer who started Memorial Day. At the first shelter I took a short break to read the register. Before noon I reached the NY border and began a long rocky cliff walk that went on for miles. At Prospect Rock next to an American flag I could see the skyline of NYC. The trail got even more tough as I climbed a ladder and rock climbed over many mini summits of boulders. At times there was even a bad weather route. Finally at 4 I reached the highway and met parents of a thru hiker who offered me a soda and snickers. They also gave me a ride downturn the road to a great dairy bar and I bought a choc. shake which tasted great. It was only 2 miles to the shelter and I arrived at 6 and got eaten alive by bugs at the water source. I had my leftover chicken salad and a drink for dinner. I had hoped to hike 5 more miles but the trail was too tough even in he cool dry weather.
Date: 2013-08-05
From: Willdcat Shelter

To: Tiorati Circle campsite
Miles today: 15.4

Tiorati Circle campsite. 8 PM. Today I skipped breakfast because I had little water and the water source was not great and full of bugs. I found Praire Dog and Dragonfly breaking camp near a road and at Fitzgerald Falls I made coffee for what turned out to be one of my hardest days on the trail. The trail crossed a series of rocky ridges that were steep and long. By the time I entered Harriman SP my legs were dead. Trail clubs or trail angels provided jugs of water at road crossings. There were no streams or springs in this rocky desert. Things changed after entering the park. The ground was green and a nice pond could be seen near the trail. I met Hawaii for the first time on the way to the Lemon Squeezer. My pack scraped the walls as I pushed through the skinny opening. I could see that getting myself with the pack up a steep rock would be too hard so I opted for the easy way which was TOUGH. I did take my pack off and walk to the edge of the drop off that I skipped. The 3 miles to the road to Tiorati Circle was pretty but I was too tired to enjoy the scenery. Deer were grazing in many spots and the sun was getting low on the horizon. At the day use area I found a hidden spot to pitch my tent. It was 6 PM and I could not go more miles to a shelter or campsite. I had fresh water from the faucet and a candy machine. I kept my headlamp and mini ipad off after dark so no park official would see me in the woods. It had been only a 15 mile day but it felt like 20.
Date: 2013-08-06
From: Tiorati Circle campsite

To: Bear Mountain Motel
Miles today: 13.4

Bear Mountain Bridge Motel. 9 PM. Just got back from Barnstormer BBQ with 2 brothers from Mississippi. I had BBQ chicken with sweet potato fries and cole slaw. My best dinner on the trail in a while. Pasta sides are getting old. Today I was on the trail at 7 for the walk back to the trail. No incidents stealth camping at the day use area but I did see a garbage can overturned with all the trash littering a picnic area. I am glad the bear did not find me and my food. In 2 miles I came to a stream where hikers were breaking camp and at the first shelter at the base of a steep rocky climb even more hikers were still packing gear. The climb up. Lack Mountain was worth it thanks to the nice exposed ridge walk with great views. I got my first look at the Hudson River. At a stream before West Mountain everyone was getting water for the final 7 miles to Bear Mountain SP. The first climb was long and steep and when I could look across the valley and see the Bear Mountain tower, it seemed a long tough climb away from where I was standing. Down to a road crossing and the beginning of what I though would be a hard climb. Rock steps, and rock slabs followed by a man made wide gravel path to the summit which was very easy. The 700 foot climb was much easier than most of the climbs the last 2 days. The summit area was full of tourists, not many hikers were exploring the area. The easy descent to the Bear Mountain Inn felt like a return to city life. People drinking liqueur, beer, and smoking cigarettes. At the busy park I had a drink and burger while waiting for my ride to the motel. The 1940's style motel was clean and simple and the owner washed my stinky clothes while I rested. No place in the area to resupply, so I got some junk food at the gas station to hold me over for 2 1/2 days. I still had 2 dinners and some coffee left over from the Delaware Water Gap.
Date: 2013-08-07
From: Bear Mountain Motel

To: Dennytown Road campsite
Miles today: 15.4

Dennytown Road campsite 9 PM. Today I awoke clean and in a comfy bed and had a bagel sandwich with coffee before the owner took me back to the Bear Mountain Inn. The park was quiet and since the trail through the zoo did not open until 10 I sat on a bench overlooking the Hudson River. At 10 I explored the zoo and various attractions. The zoo is the lowest point on the trail. It was a quick walk across the busy bridge and soon I was climbing another steep rocky trail. I had a surprise when I hiker named ZackBraff caught me and reminded me that we met north of Hot Springs at a hostel. That was a long time ago.   By noon I reached the Appalachian Market which was right on the trail. I met 2 new hikers who started late April. Bud, who I had been leapfrogging for a week had a fever and needed to get off the trail. I had a great sandwich with choc. Milk and chips. I also bought English Muffins and peanut butter. I spent over 2 hours at this hiker heaven. Soon I past the road to Graymoor and knew that I had another 8 miles to camp. It was an up and down rocky trail and as I approached Dennytown Road the rain began to fall. Perfect timing, it was 7 PM and raining and I had to set up my tent and crawl in with sweat and dirt on my body. The area had a stone I building with a faucet and during a break in the rain I cleaned up and got drinking water. Uke arrived with Firstgear and Greenlight who I had not met. Her father took me to the dairy bar a few days ago. They arrived at dark and soon it was raining again so I made a tuna sandwich in the tent and went to bed.
Date: 2013-08-08
From: Dennytown Road campsite

To: campsite north of NY 52
Miles today: 16.3

Campsite after NY 52. 8 PM. I awoke to the sound of rain in my tent at 8 AM and did not get packed up until almost 9. I had coffee and a Danish in my tent while it drizzled. The 3 hikers had already left but I caught up to Firstgear and Greenlight inside the state park. It was very muggy and warm, I felt it on the climb with a view of the lake. My shirt was soaked with sweat but the bugs were not bad. The sun came out as I walked to Shenandoah Mountain. Two southbounders passed and I see about 3-4 everyday. At a tenting area with a water pump I dried out my tent and had lunch on the picnic table. It was a quick walk to Ralph Peak Shelter where I met the group and Mailman. I did not stay long, it was 4 and I still had over 5 miles plus a side trip .4 miles to pizza and a small store. By 6:30 I was eating pizza and having a cool drink.   The store had no coffee but I bought more junk food knowing I have one more stop before Kent Ct. Soon I found a small stream to make camp and a few deer ran by my tent. A slow start to my day but a nice ending.
Date: 2013-08-09
From: campsite north of NY 52

To: Telephone Pioneers Shelter
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: light rain

Telephone Pioneers Shelter 8 PM. Today at 4 AM I awoke to pounding rain on my tent. At 8 it was still pouring. At 10 I was able to make coffee and oatmeal in my tent but soon it was pouring again. After about 12 hours of sleep, even from 8-10 during the rain, I was able to pack up and get out of the wet muddy spot. It was almost 12:30 and I planned on going about 15 miles. During the climb up Egbert it started pouring again but stopped before I got to a shelter. I passed a southbounder who started June 28! At the shelter I was surprised to see Jiffygirl from Germany. I hiked with her a short time in PA. She is getting off the trail in a few days. I did not stay long but under a powerline when the sun was trying to come out I pulled out my wet muddy tent and attempted to dry it out. I had planned on tenting again so the tent needed to be partly dry. Before Nuclear Lake the forest got dark and soon I heard rumbling. Since I had partly dried out my gear I stopped and put on the pack cover. Plodding up West Mountain on slippery rocks I decided to skip camping in 4 miles and quit at the empty shelter. It was after 6 and I had hoped to make it to Native Gardens but the rain put an end to that. First night at a shelter in a while and maybe the first time alone on the whole trip! A local who camps here came by and chatted about the history of Nuclear Lake. I will do some research on the history of the area.
Date: 2013-08-10
From: Telephone Pioneers Shelter

To: NY-CT border campsite
Miles today: 17.2

NY/CT border campsite. 9 PM. I was hoping to get on the trail by 7 but it was 8 before I packed up my semi dry gear and put on the very wet boots. I passed a huge 300 year old oak along the trail and did another boardwalk over a marsh before reaching the Appalachian Trail rail stop. Just as I crossed the tracks a train arrived full of day hikers and weekenders from NYC. It was funny watching them get off he train and head south on the boardwalk. Next to the station was the Native Garden Center which had a nice hiker living room and bath. I charged my electronics and met Strider and NoRush. Mailman was also there with Whisperer. I spent over one hour drying out shoes and clothes. Finally around 11:30 I headed up the field and climbed to a wooded ridge in a nature preserve. I skipped a shelter but rested at a great campsite next to a big stream and lots of pines. Soon I reached the CT border, climbed 10 Mile Hill and dropped down to a roaring river and shelter. It was there that Whisperer realized that we met in the Smokeys when she had to leave the trail with an injury. It was a quick walk to the Bulls Bridge store. I got to cross an old covered bridge full of weekenders. I had a burger and chips while talking to Strider who stopped for water. I still had a 1000 foot climb after 6 PM and my legs were tired. Near the top I met another southbounder. That was 3 for the day. Finally at 7 I reached a stream and made camp. No need or dinner since I had a burger 2 hours ago. Not sure what I will do tomorrow in Kent. I am out of food and need fuel.