morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-05-04
From: Skyline lodge

To: Gravel Springs Hut
Miles today: 24.0
Weather: light rain

Skyland breakfast is awesome. Food tastes good right now. I have to weigh myself, but the belt has moved in about 2 inches. I need more food intake. You walk 30 miles and eat a 400 calorie dinner....doesn't work. Had some climbs today..one to Mary's rock and then right back down 1200 ft. Hell I didn't want to see the rock...one rock looks like another rock to me. Now if they would have said "free Coronas" I would have run the ridge line. Elk wallow wayside has great chicken tenders, but their ice cream shake maker was busted, so no shake in Shenandoah for me....damn. What is neat about this area is the Confederates used this same area to march 1700 troops ail over the place fighting Union soldiers. I read that sign and my pace picked up and the imagination ran wild. Just really incredible how they endured so much with so little yet had time to fight!. Americans...born tough! Talked with two GIs at Meadow Campground and they gave me some water. They offered beer but I knew I had too many miles to go yet. Fine men. America's finest. God bless our troops! Overall the trail was nice, long smooths, but a couple of rock climbs. My shoes have had it. New ones are waiting for me at Harpers Ferry.
Date: 2013-05-05
From: Gravel Springs Hut

To: Jim and Molly Denton Shelter
Miles today: 19.5

Left the park today. Trail other than one hot, long climb was fantastic. We stopped st this shelter since it has a porch, chair, close water, and the sun was out. I used the time to dry my feet by the sun. Walked along a huge fence line today for the Center for Exotic Animals. But no animals were seen, again long miles, imagination was thinking Raptors......I have fun on the trail. My crazy world, but I'm good. People keep looking at my light pack and comment on it. I tell them I have a very understanding wife...and that I bought a few items incognito. I've ben staying in shelters until they get crowded. The park was great. Met nice people.
Date: 2013-05-07
From: Rock Hollow Shelter

To: Blackburn trail center
Miles today: 18.1

Today was one of many firsts....got over 1000 total miles done, got out of VA into West VA, and walked in a downpour all day long. Also completed the roller coaster. Thats a section of ten ups in 13.5 miles over rocky ledges. It was a slippery bitch today. Take one wrong step and you'd slide back 10 feet. The wind and rain drenched me even with a rain jacket due to all the ups. I'm going to buy some rain pants and cut them off at the knees. I can't do the rain for 20 miles in windy conditions. Tomorrow I'm going to get wet again but I'm making Harpers Ferry. When I was rehabbing my foot, I would get tired, but then I would think of a green hill on the AT and how I couldn't quit. So I'd push on thru the pain. Harpers Ferry was one of the places I dangled in front of me. I know to others it's not much, but to me it's a huge mental achievement when I get there tomorrow. The roller coaster was nasty today; I think if I wasn't getting blown over by the wind and could see out of my glasses and the rocks were dry it would have been ok. Many slips, but no falls today. On 1 May I asked myself if I wanted to hike the month of May. I said yup. so May is a hiking month. I hope to get far. On 1 June I'll ask myself the same question. Nitro Joe stayed at Bear hostel and is getting picked up on VA 7 tomorrow by his brother and then dropped off Thursday in Harpers Ferry. I'm going to have to give him crap about skipping sections. Rain today made all the creeks muddy and fast flowing. The trail was a river. My shoes had so much water in them that if I had wrung my socks, I could have filled one water bottle. Have a wood stove going in the bunk house. Met over the last few days NOBOs Fly Fisherman, Eleven, Crazy Legs, Mousetrap and a few others. Norseman did 36 miles yesterday, but stopped at Bears den today as well. The last 8 miles today was nice, but the conditions were horrible. Well I'm going to try to update the other entries.
Date: 2013-05-08
From: Blackburn trail center

To: Harpers Ferry
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: moderate rain

Trail into Harpers Ferry was great, but really rocky; sharp pointed rocks on worn out boots and wet feet. Got to hotel, did laundry and showered and got my pic taken at ATC. I'm thru hiker #51. My care packages are here and my new shoes I've broken in as well. Meeting my buddy Tres tomorrow. Asked him of he could take me to walmart five miles away. Then I said breakfast and lunch and Mc D on the way back....food has taken over my thought patterns. I'm tired but doing fine. Not a drop of rain on me today! Thanks for someone praying for no rain. Norsemen is going to stay the night. I'll watch over the youngster. Six pack of corona in fridge and 12 inch ham and cheese hogie. Going to watch some tv and relax.
Date: 2013-05-09
From: Harpers Ferry

To: Harpers Ferry
Miles today: 0.0

My Pentagon buddy drove up and we did some driving around to get stuff and had a late breakfast. Had a great time with him. He's always welcome in UT. Norseman came along and we picked up stuff for the next phase. It is supposed to be in the low 40s for a few days so I didn't send home my long sleeved shirt. Picked up frogg toggs bottoms and some stuff for my feet. I think I'm carrying too much food, but I've been eating steadily since coming to town. I'm not real happy with my pack weight but it is still not too far over 20 with food and water. Tonight my hotel room is like a hostel. I have Norseman here. We'll probably start spreading out as the mileage increases for folks. Not much to do in Harpers Ferry but kept busy just trying to get ready for the upcoming week. Take care and thanks to all for the comments. They help immensely.
Date: 2013-05-10
From: Harpers Ferry

To: Pine knob shelter
Miles today: 23.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Today I got to see a lot of historical stuff. Got to walk along the C & O Canal towpath that mules used to tow barges on to DC. Gathland state park is one of the prettiest parks with two museums, that I've seen with buildings from 1897. I got to see the monument for Maj Gen Reno who died in the South Mountain Battle, which if the North had fought correctly, could have shortened the war, but they messed up. And I got to see the old Washington Monument built by a small town. Then ironically I got to cross I-70 on a footbridge. Kind of a clash of cultures. Not sure if Nitro Joe or Norseman will make it this far today. It was hot and humid....zapped you quickly. I'm done with West Virginia and am in Maryland for now. Looks like it's going to rain. The trail was easy but rocky most of the day. Nitro Joe just got here.
Date: 2013-05-11
From: Pine knob shelter

To: rock raven shelter
Miles today: 13.1

Some days you just listen to things and adjust. Was going to go 24 miles but it rained slowly all morning. Got to this shelter and the sky opened up so I called it a day. Slightly wet is better than drenched. More miles tomorrow then to make up for this nero. Trail was ok, but mainly a river in many places so you had to move from rock to rock even on the trail. Pennsylvania tomorrow. Just taking it easy for the rest if the day. Norseman, Nitro Joe made it here as well. Saw a tortoise on the trail today, head out - he stopped, figured I was safe or dumb for being in the rain and sauntered on. Only wild life of the day.
Date: 2013-05-12
From: rock raven shelter

To: Fayetteville
Miles today: 22.8

Today we left Maryland and are now in PA! We'll be here for a few weeks. Rocks and more rocks. I was actually surprised how rocky Maryland was. How folks can do the whole state in one day slack packing or not is amazing and beyond me. No rain today so good choice to stop yesterday. We plan to make the Iron Master tomorrow. It's an 1827 mansion that was used as a station on the underground railroad. It even has a secret room. Today we walked by and had lunch in Forge Park. A ton of history. I could just imagine folks in civil war days and earlier trying to survive. Trail in places was smooth, otherwise rocky. The ups are shorter now. Switch backs prob not till--MA. Anyway, supposed to freeze tonight maybe. We headed into town to get food and stay at a hotel with pink bath room fixtures and green tile. 60s? History every where...laughing. Take care be, safe. Tonight makes a month on the trail. I did 487 miles in the month. Miss everyone.
Date: 2013-05-13
From: Fayetteville

To: Iron master mansion
Miles today: 20.0

Well on 13 May we got snowed on. Not much only some flakes, but between the wind and stuff it was a tad cool today. Trail was fantastic...lulls you to sleep knowing in 2 days we hit the rock battle grounds. Got to see the secret room in the mansion. What a risk folks took to save other humans. I hope some day we see people as people and not of sexual preferences, color of skin, female, male, or religion. Judge a person by their actions or lack of actions. Ok no more politics today. Windy and cold tonight but we'll be warm inside here. I can handle the cold in utah, but for some reason I get really cold here when we stop hiking. The damp cold I guess. Norseman and I have hiked together the last few days. Blister on my right foot quit hurting today. Left foot is still a bitch. We are probably doing a short 16 tomorrow to line up the shelters. I don't plan to stop at Boiling Springs or stay at the Doyle in Duncannon. Goal is to take a zero in Hamburg and see a movie and devour popcorn, nachos, hot dogs, and anything else that I can catch. I'm getting a belly from the fat food. Last night after walking 23 miles I figured I ate 3000 calories of stuff. If you think about it, a 20 mile day is like running a marathon everyday once you count the backpack and the rocky terrain we battle. Throw in the weather elements and we burn some calories. Also we went over the midway point today. I know to do my thru hike I have to go back to Bland, but for now I'm enjoying things I didn't get to enjoy last year. Take care.
Date: 2013-05-14
From: Iron master mansion

To: Boiling springs
Miles today: 19.2

Well we made Boiling Springs. trail was nice. We did part of the rock maze. That's where the trail goes over, around and through boulders. Only four or so climbs. And although they pretty much go straight up, they are much shorter than before. Tomorrow we are flatlining...that is the trail stays flat through farm lands and a few climbs. So glad I'm hiking this in cool weather. I read where Mechanicsburg was basically as far north as the South ever made it. One battle was lost due to Gen Stuart got lost and was late for the battle. Since he was in charge of the calvary,1800 strong.....the General that lost the battle wanted him court martialed but Lee didn't want to. South only could have won with a quick victory. After South Mountain, Antietam, and Gettysburg....basically it was a lost effort. Such bravery on both sides. Got to see some forges or remaining furnaces. Amazing work. Body is holding up good. Wish it would have done this last year. Having more fun daily. First week was tough. Hoping to be farther up trail before heat and humidity hit. Rocks will do battle in two days. Not looking forward to it, but get er done as they say. Take care.
Date: 2013-05-15
From: Boiling springs

To: Cove mt shelter
Miles today: 21.6

Walked thru the meadows today in sometimes waist deep grass. Kept long pants on all day and died from the heat and humidity. Rained for a few hours. Then the sun came back out and the day was great. I hope that the tick spray I put on the clothes works as advertised and lasts for 42 days. Plan to hike into Duncannon tomorrow, get three days food, pick up new maps and send home the old ones and one long sleeve shirt. Hiking with Norseman has been interesting. He's young so he enjoys the young stuff but he also has his head on straight. We'll probably hike together for a while. I'm giving it my best shot. You don't "beat" the trail. Best I can hope for everyday is a draw. And it has kicked my butt several days. I decided today as I stumbled over rocks that the only bear I will see is a deaf one or the ones in the zoo. Take care...be safe all. Trying to live one day at a time. I've noticed some folks road walking, hitch hiking and taking other short cuts. The certificate isn't that important to me, the memories are the thing for me, good and bad. Without that it's just a long walk. In a sick way I'm starting to enjoy this again.
Date: 2013-05-16
From: Cove mt shelter

To: Peter mt shelter
Miles today: 15.5

Made it out of Duncannon. Did laundry, got food, package from home and sent package home. Got rained on early. The trail going into Duncannon is plain and simply dangerous. Steep, wet, boulders, rocks and drop offs. Come on man.... Didn't stay in the Doyle....I know but after last night I need sleep. I had the battle with the porcupine of cove mt. First two rounds went to the porcupine. He eats the shelter, gnawing away...constantly. So after having no sleep at midnight, I grabbed a broom and went outside. He had climbed into the open area between the rafters. I poked his butt and the damn thing went inside the shelter. So I grabbed the broom and smacked his butt again, and gave him a friendly push off the rafter outside. End of issue...3 hrs of sleep. No porcupines were injured in the making of the film. Duncannon is....ok enough said on Duncannon. Hot today as we weren't able to get out of town until 1230 ish. 80 ish degrees and 13 miles kicked my butt. But made my goal. Some of the fast hikers will be catching up within the week or so. After 18 miles tomorrow, I'll have done 129 miles in my seven day week. I'm maxed on my miles. Nitro stayed in Duncannon. He took a nasty fall on the rocks but is ok. Since we plan to zero in Hamburg we may see him again. I think he has been pushing himself and should maybe slow down a tad. Anyway trail was pretty good. Rocky coming out of Duncannon, shitty going in. On the ridge line trail was not too bad. Only a little"what the f?"took place. Water at this shelter is 300 rock steps down..let me repeat 300 steps down. Hell by the time I got the water back up, I'd have to go get more. So we carried extra water six miles, with three days food. Now you know why I count how many cotton balls I carry. I dont like heavy packs but after the first mile it evens out.tonight I had spanish rice with some block cheddar cheese and tortillas....great meal from the pack. Yup I ate some of the heavy food. Hope it is cooler tomorrow.
Date: 2013-05-19
From: PA 501 shelter

To: Hamburg
Miles today: 24.4

Made great time today on the trail. We couldn't see much due to the fog but at least it didn't rain on us. Had to walk on some boulder fields, flat land and only a few down and ups. The drop down to Port Clinton is one of the longest, steepest I have seen. What a climb for SOBOs. I'm not too excited to see our climb out. I'm taking a zero day to rest up. The hike once again has destroyed my training with weights on my upper body. I have great leg muscles but look like a pow on my upper body. Damn! Met Chino last night, he thru hiked in 2005. Met Jolly who is trying to finish his hike north by July 7th. Not going to happen - that's 21 miles a day through tough terrain. He even admits it. Life is still good. Ate a Five Guys burger. The theater is 2 miles away and no shuttles....so not going. Ligaments are swollen on my right foot from over extending it over a tree root. Take care folks. Love you daughter and Debbie. Thanks for your support.
Date: 2013-05-20
From: Hamburg

To: Hamburg
Miles today: 0.0

Down day. Got food at Walmart and did laundry. I think the swelling on my foot is from a spider bite I got last week. The swelling affects my ankle area. It's not spreading so I'll keep an eye on it. Being homeless sucks. "Close" is a relevant term. Close by car and close by walking is two different things. No shuttles other than Cabella's and they do only two specific stops and they can't vary. Otherwise I would have gone to see a doc. I've come to accept that something on my body is going to hurt while I'll hike. I'm not happy about it but bring it. Took a benadryl and I'll see if that helps. Going to go 22 miles tomorrow to get things aligned for hike. Supposed to be hot. Hike so far has been uneventful other than the knock down with the porcupine. We now get into the boulder fields of PA after tomorrow I think. When folks think about hiking a trail they can't fathom the stuff the AT calls a trail. Every step you have to take care. Even the flat land on leaves can send you skidding or send you flying. I've enjoyed the personal challenge...daily. The other day we saw our first rattler. It was a timber rattler and he coiled up and got pissed. He was about 40 inches, but I didn't stretch him out to measure. About as thick in the midde as my arm. Once we got by him I said damn...we forgot to get his picture. Neither of us ran back to get one either. Saw some baby copperhead as well. We are also under 1000 miles to Mt K. It took me 50 days last yr to go 585 miles with a bad ft. this year in approximately_39 days I've walked over 600. Hope foot gets better quickly - rough walking ahead.
Date: 2013-05-21
From: Hamburg

To: Allentown shelter
Miles today: 22.0

Did the mile walk on PA 61 to get on the trail....semis zooming by you early in the morning gets your blood going. Hot, humid day. Hottest day yet. My buddy smooth sailing...how you doing? Yeah I want some zeros but I'd like to do them at home in Aug. Trying to stay ahead of the heat, didn't work today. Foot/leg injury I think came not from big miles but a bad over extension of my foot on a fall. I'm not too graceful on the trail. Was going to stay at Eckville shelter but the place had a ton of bumble bees there. So I decided to push on. The last seven miles was tough - PA rocks saying good day. The up was in the heat, not a bad up but I had to stop so my heart could get back inside my body. Overall trail was nice. I'm getting good at rock hopping. Getting up early...early tomorrow so we can hike the miles before noon. I know that won't happen but the thought is nice. After tomorrow the temp is supposed to drop some. Did see two rattlers within 1/4 mile. A copperhead and one timber rattler. The copperhead rolled up into a coil on the trail and wasn't moving. We had to move it with our poles. The timber rattler was on the side and we got by. Got a pic of the copperhead. Far away pic. No bears. Not many people today either.
Date: 2013-05-22
From: Allentown shelter

To: Palmerton
Miles today: 17.7

It was hot at 3 am and got hotter as the day went on. We hit the trail at 630 and got to Palmerton at 240. Then there was the two mile walk to town....yuk. Staying in the basement of city hall for free. Also taking a zero to rest the leg some more. Heat just kicked my butt. We hit PA rocks today as well. Glad to relax tomorrow. Met some nice hikers yesterday that have taken a semester off from Georgia Tech to hike the trail. Early 20s and very polite. They made it here today as well. Great hikers, no zeros. Coops and Dirty Mike. They have that same determination as the young hikers from last year. It's nice to see. They don't drink, do drugs or cuss. I'm not a very good example for them. We did the big boulder jumping today. The type you wonder where the trail is. Knife edge is just that. One slip and you could get hurt big time and you fall to the next level of rocks. Hiker safety not part of the AT here. Every hiker today, young or old fell on a boulder somewhere on the trail today. The climb out of here is called Dante's Inferno. Enough said...hand over hand climbing on loose rocks. Not doing much walking tomorrow. Did laundry, got food. I went to a local restaurant and had a choc shake, bacon cheese burger, pie, and then a ham and cheese omlette with home fries and toast...all for $17. I was hungry. I would like to weigh myself. I think 20 lbs gone.
Date: 2013-05-23
From: Palmerton

To: Palmerton
Miles today: 0.0

It was not fun watching folks leave this morn. They are a nice group of hikers. I'll be out and about tomorrow even though there is supposed to be rain. Leg is better but not great. It's raining out now, so all in all I'm kinda mentally down. Palmerton has a real nice memorial for all of the folks that have served in the military from the local community from the revolutionary war to present. I'll put the pic on this after I'm done doing this. I'll find out over the next week how much fortitude I have. I know you have to hike in pain, was doing that with the blisters and just getting good foot. This walking on one leg like I did last year for 500 miles just isn't any fun this year around. Hope very shortly in less than a week the pain drops to a 10 advil a day. Just totally frustrated that I had to be so clumsy on my foot. On the good side, my achilles is doing great. Anyway, enough whining I guess. In two days I, m in Jersey. Third week of June, Hanover. Last week of July, Mt K. Then time with wife, daughter, friends, beer, fishing and a very mad at me German shepherd. Life is good, just minor hiccups on the path at times. At least I have legs that can get sore and I'm healthy and crazy enough to be out here walking. Although I'm not in love with the AT, and probably never will be, the days I've spent here and the memories and personal achievements will always remain. A chance of a lifetime. Wish me well as I do everyone. Mom, Pop, I hope you are finally happy, healthy and able to do things that for decades you couldn't do. That's part of the heaven I hope does exist for you. Take care.
Date: 2013-05-24
From: Palmerton

To: Wind gap
Miles today: 20.4
Weather: light rain

Day started out great for me. Walked three blocks and stuck my thumb out to get a hitch and within 10 minutes I had a ride with three guys going to work. I was back on trail by 6:15. If it had been raining, I was going to go the winter route but no rain...Dante's Inferno here I come. Surprisingly it wasn't that hard. In mid-day heat I wouldn't want to do it, but in 50 degree weather it was perfect. Fog did roll in and I missed one blaze and I did end up on top when I was supposed to go left. So I have a new trail if ever needed. Wind howled today on the ridges. I was glad to walk through the superfund sites early. Zinc mining destroyed the area and in 89 they started trying to turn things around. The mine was shut down I believe. So for five miles you walk in a could have been waste land. Still no tree cover. What is weird is two days ago we were dying in a heat wave. Today - 50,30 mph wind gusts and raining. Amazing! I enjoyed hiking today. One couple I met were all bundled up in layers and I had my short sleeved shirt on. Later on the ridge coming down I put my wind jacket on. Wind was blowing me sideways with the pack on - not good while on a ridge. Saw a turkey today and a toad....wildlife update! P Jones have a great 60th birthday weekend! One more day of hiking the PA ROCKS! last four miles was the type of rock that just was jagged, sharp, ankle and knee jarring stuff. Trail was solid rock. everyone I talked to has had enough of the rocks. Met a couple hiking the trail and still married...Wide Load, and Moose. Also met Witch Doctor and Passover. I can see why all the young guys try and hike with Passover. A very nice, pretty young woman. She had no problem getting a ride when trying to hitch. Me on the other hand...I had to trim my hair and a little from the beard so I didn't look so much so like a homeless guy.