morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-04-18
From: Tumbling Run

To: Trail of Hope Hostel
Miles today: 9.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Dee arrived at the shelter last night guided by her head lamp. Got out her sleeping bag and pad then snuggled up beside me. Talked for a while then passed out. We're the only ones in this sh. but there were some tenters at the tent site some distance away. Up early - went for b-fast, then to the Dollar store for some supplies. Then we decided to stop at the new 'Trail of Hope hostel ownd by a friend, 'Junker' fellow trail maintainer and PATC member. He just opened this last summer. After talking with a helper I decided to stay here tonight. Only cost $22. Then decided since I still had to start ~ 10 south and hike to here, I left most of my gear here and just took enough food for the day. Dee then took me back to where I left the trail this morning and dropped me off with a very light pack and headed North back to wards the hostel. This is called 'slack packing' among hikers. Arrived there ~ 1500 and met Junker. (Robert Freeman) Chatted for quite a while then he left. He said He can take me up the trail tomorrow ~ 11 miles and drop me so I can 'slck pack' again. I was able to wash my clothes and grab a shower. I'm the only one here tonight. Nice to have a network of friends like this.
Date: 2015-04-19
From: Trail of Hope Hostel

To: Shippensburg Road
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: clear sky

Nice to sleep on a bed. This place is rated to sleep 16, has full services and I had the place all to myself. Junker's wife Sandy picked me up at 0930 to take me north 11 mi. and dropped me off at the trail head. Rained most of the night and was light rain when I stared walking but soon it stopped. Strange to be walking South when I'm heading north but I will be starting here tomorrow. Met this young guy coming toward me, his face flushed and looking like he was about to drop over. Looked to be ~ 280 lbs, carrying his sleeping bag (not a backpacking one) but a standard bag loose on one arm and an empty water bottle in the other. His pack had a bunch of stuff hanging and looked to weigh ~ 45lbs. He asked if there were any big hills like the one he just came up on? I said um, not for a couple miles then there will be 'hills'. Sort of reminded me of Katz in Bryson's 'A walk in the wooks'. Stopped at the Quarry Gap Sh for a break and an older guy comes up and sits down. Struck up a conversation - his name is 'Gray Beard'. This person has been around. He used to be the person who gave out 2000 miler certs for the ATC, a former trail maintainer north of here, and also a 95' thruhiker. He was prepping for a section hike. After chatting for 20 min or so we headed down the path and Jim Stauch comes our way. Jim is the caretaker of Quarry Gap Sh (which is known as the premere sh on the trail) another good friend and fellow maintained with the PATC. Well, ended up chatting with him for another 45 min. but I was in no hurry since it was 1500 and I was only 3 mi. from the hostel. Made it back ~ 1630.Junker stopped in ~1730, took me down to the pizza shop and waited till I ordered a couple burgers, then brought me back. We chatted for a long time about his hostel and other things. My calves are burning from the sun yesterday. No leaves on the trees yet and I forgot about them.
Date: 2015-04-20
From: Shippensburg Road

To: James Fry Sh.
Miles today: 15.8

Up ~ 0630, made b-fast - 2 eggs in a cup and microwaved, toast, pop tart and hot chocolate. Nice mixture of protien, carbs and calories. Junker stayed the night here so he would be ready to take me to the trail head when I was ready. Was trying to figure out how to pay him since I only had $20 and the cost is $22 per night. He said if I had enough to make it to Duncannon not to worry about it and pay whenever. Also, said he is only charging for one nights stay and the shuttles are 'no charge' also. What a friend!He dropped me off ~ 0900 and I headed N in a light drizzle. Soon stopped and after it rained most of the night before the trail was sloppy with water running down it. Decided to try for the James Fry Sh instead of tenting as the forecast was calling for severe t-storms later, and most of the trail was going to be easy. Made it there ~ 1700so far only a light drizzle. Agerman couple here tonight doing a section. They only have a couple weeks them have to go back to Germany. Nice couple.
Date: 2015-04-21
From: James Fry Sh.

To: Boiling Springs campsite
Miles today: 11.5

Well, the forcasted super-cell storms hit with a fury last night ~ 2100. Poured buckets and the light show got real close. A few strikes were so close that as it was flashing the thunder sounded.Safe in the sh but I knew what I was in for today. I was going to get wet even with the sun out. Was doing good avoiding most of the runoff but after a while the stream was flowing too high to rock hop. So, pulled my boots and socks off, rolled my pants of and put the crocks on. was cold but actually it felt good to mt feet. A lot of ups and downs and some field walking near Boiling Springs. This is a nice little community but it is between two shelters 18.5 miles apart. There is only two places to stay there, One is a campsite right beside the train tracks and the other is the Allenberry Lodge, which has hiker rates that are greatly reduced. I opted for that. Got to the desk and asked for a room, she said okay but advised the there is no food today, I asked if the lounge was open, she said it's closed tonight, I asked if they had a customer pc, she said yes but it was broken, I asked what the rate was, she said $40 ... I said goodbye and walked back to the campsite and pitched my tentTrains were loud but my favorite birds were singing me to sleep - Mockingbirds. Need to take a zero soon to let my joints refresh.
Date: 2015-04-22
From: Boiling Springs campsite

To: Darlington Sh.
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke up to the birds waking up. No need for any alarm clock. I was the only one at the campsite last night. Packed up early because I had some ground to cover and wanted to at least make it to the 'Scotts Farm' before the predicted storm came through. The place has an overhang and a water spigot. As I got closer I could see the system moving closer. Mostly farm land walking today so made good time. Arrived at the farm noon - 11 mi in 4 1/2 hrs. Sat on the picnic table and eating lunch when the storm slammed the area. Strong winds and rain for a good 45 min. It let up and I took off again. More flat trail for ! 2mi then up the mountain. A rough climb as the elevation goes from ~ 480 to 1270 in less than 2 mi to the sh. 'Ice Man' stopped in a hr later. He started in GA the middle of Feb. We chatted for a while then he pitch his tarp tent. We will both stop at the Doyle Hotel in Duncannon tomorrow night. Will be my first break since jumping on in H.F.
Date: 2015-04-23
From: Darlington Sh.

To: Duncannon - Doyle hotel
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: clear sky

A bit chilly last night. Temps in the low 30's with the winds blowing all night. Glad I still have my 20 degree down sleeping bag. Up and moving by 0730. Was going to be a tough day with long downs and ups. Darlington Sh is on the Blue Mtn. and and the next mtn. is Cove Mtn. Cold and with the wind chills made for very few breaks. Had to don my wind/rain shell along with an extra layer. Arrived at the Doyle ~ 1330. Checked in for two nights. After 11 days straight will enjoy this.
Date: 2015-04-24
From: Duncannon - Doyle hotel

To: Duncannon - Doyle hotel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Zero day - (no hiking) Nice break to re-energize a bit. A couple more thru's from GA in for the night. Ice Man, 0311, Gator and Shit foot. Most are given names as by other hikers along the way, and so no need to ask how they got theirs sometimes. Most of the 'thru's' have already sent their cold wx gear back home and now they're scambling to get more as the temps lately and the coming week are going to dip below freezing in the mtns. The temps in the higher elevations are normally ~ 10 degrees colder than what the weather forecaster says.
Date: 2015-04-25
From: Duncannon - Doyle hotel

To: Peter's Mtn. Sh.
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: broken clouds

Certainly ate well during my day off. Didn't sleep well though. Plugged my phone in when I went to bed but checking it later it was discharging. Kept messing with the plug but not helping. By morning it was dead. Err! Went to the mini mart at 0700 and picked up a new plug, it worked, so let it charge while I went for b-fast. 22% when I left. Steep climb up Peters Mtn., then a boulder scramble, then it leveled off and was moving at a good pace. Made it to the Sh. @ 1500. Boy scouts are out and about now and a troop 'swarmed' the Sh. Decided to tent tonight. A female from Germany and a guy from Canada (British), but now lives in Kennett Square, PA. ~ an hr. from me. here also. The three of us would end up at the same shelters for the next 4 days. Long day tomorrow to the next sh.
Date: 2015-04-26
From: Peter's Mtn. Sh.

To: Raush Gap Sh.
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Quiet night in my tent. Two owls calling each other before sunrise. Chilly also and my fingers got numb trying pack up. A bit tough the first few hours with climbs and descents but the second half the trail leveled out. Although the A.T. is on the Appalachian Mountains it doesn't stay on one ridge. The past few days I was on one mtn., then the path turned west down to a valley, up Cove mtn., turned south for a mile or so, turned again to the north for ~ 8 mi. then down to the Susquehanna river (Duncannon), back up to Peter's Mtn. Ten miles later back down in the valley then up Sharp Mtn. to Rausch Gap. Tomorrow will go back down then up to Blue mtn. for a long stretch. Not sure what the trail builders in the 20's - 30's were thinking when they blazed the trial. Benton Makaye was the first person who conceived the idea of a 'scenic' path from GA to ME and it was Myron Avery who took over and made it happen. There are 33 trail maintaining clubs who connected each section and finished in 1937. 3 of us here tonight. Norma (drop knife) is on a 6 mo. visa from Germany, Mike and me. Mike started in GA but have to abort due to the extreme wx down there, so hopped back on in Waynesboro, VA. This sh. is right behind a small mtn. with Fort Indiantown Gap on the other side. All was quiet and no shooting heard last night.
Date: 2015-04-27
From: Raush Gap Sh.

To: 501 Sh.
Miles today: 17.5

Couple tough ups and downs then some rock scrambles then it leveled out some. Crossed over I-81 for the second time - the first time was over and the second was underneath. Decided to walk the 4 mi further to the 501 sh. so the next day wouldn't be so long. This is a nice enclosed sh. with a large octagon sky light. The same three of us will stay here tonight.
Date: 2015-04-28
From: 501 Sh.

To: Eagles Nest Sh.
Miles today: 15.1

Wind blew all night, with some strong gusts. Chilly starting out at 0830 but warmed up later. Rocks are becoming more common. Gives the legs, ankles and feet a workout. So far doing good. Back issue since before starting this hike seems to have gone away - was taking Advil (vitamin I) for that every day. Pain seems to make it's rounds when hiking for hours/ miles, but just walk through it. Same three of us here tonight - Norma and Mike. They need trail names but nothing stands out yet. They hike faster than me but I eventually show up at the sh.
Date: 2015-04-29
From: Eagles Nest Sh.

To: Port Clinton Hotel
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: scattered clouds

On the trail by 0700. Not sure yet where I'll be spending the night tonight. Dee is coming this afternoon and my brother Wendell and other brother Francis and his wife Shirley are coming up later and we'll meet at Cracker Barrel in Hamburg for dinner. Nice sunny day and the trail is good for the most part. Made good time and got to Port Clinton by 11:30. Got a room then contacted Dee. Ordered lunch in the bar and also a couple lagers. Dee soon came and we washed my clothes then I grabbed a shower. Then went to Cabela's then walmart for re-supply. While at Walmart heard someone yell 'dad' - knew that voice, Jodi (daughter #2) and her husband and g-daughter were there. Chatted a bit, gave hugs then they had to go. Sleepless night as someone in another room was plating music all night long. But was a good day!
Date: 2015-04-30
From: Port Clinton Hotel

To: Eckville Sh.
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Dee and I had b-fast at Cracker Barrel then she dropped me off at the last white blaze I walked past yesterday. More PA rocks as I made my way to Pulpit Rock and then past the 'famous' Pinnacle near Hamburg. Both huge vista's in the east coast. Called Jen (daughter #1) to let her know I'd be passing through near her place in a couple days. She'll pick me up at a road crossing and I'll spend some time with her family - g-kids.
Date: 2015-05-01
From: Eckville Sh.

To: Bake Oven Knob Sh
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: broken clouds

Nice quiet night - only me here last night. Eckville sh. is a converted out building so fully enclosed. Spigot with good water, and a flush toilet in another building. On the trail by 0630 for what I knew was going to be a tough day. On rocks half the day with some serious boulder hopping including the famous 'knife edge' where you are literally walking on the ridge line and you have to straddle the edge. Made good time though, here by 1530. Legs and feet felt goods whenever the path got smooth I cranked my stride up. Will leave early tomorrow also. Only have 12.7 mi to go but also will have the cliff climb at Lehigh Gap near Palmerton.
Date: 2015-05-02
From: Bake Oven Knob Sh

To: Little Gap Rd. Danielsville, PA
Miles today: 12.7

Somewhat restless night with some critter waking me up many times by bumping and scratching. Couldn't see him but seemed bigger than a mouse from the sounds. But a clear moonlit night. heard a turkey calling and an owl just before sunrise. Up and walking by 0630. More rocks and some forest road walking - (always good) mixed in also. 7 mi to the spring I planned to get water for the day. I drink ~ a lt. while at a water source so I don't have to carry much. I carry only 1 lt. now.A mile further I clear the woods and see the cliff at Lehigh Gap. I have to do this! The closer I get the more I'm trying to figure out how to lighten my load. It is now at ~ 26 lb. and wish it was half that. I did this 4 yrs ago with ~ 15 lb pack and was terrified the whole time. This will take everything I got, both mentally and physically. Starting out in the pines it is steep already and getting steeper. I have to stop many times to slow my heart rate down and my breathing. gradually the trees give way to the bare rocks and boulders. Am looking up every few steps, telling myself to keep going. Soon I have to hold both trekking poles in one hand so I can grab onto something with the other. at times now I have to lay the poles on a ledge above me so I can place my hands in a crevice, carefully place a foot and push up, pause and do it again. A few times I have to use my knees as there is very little to hold on to. Going okay as long as my pack and weight is pushing me towards the cliff. after ~ 40 min. I reach the 'top' on this side. Now I'm working my way around to the other side still holding my poles in one hand and the rocks with the other. Not quite as steep and scary as it doesn't appear straight down. I'm now walking on some dirt and can stand up straight. I say to myself: 'this 62 y/o just tested his limits and passed'. I can boldly go, um, north bound ....Only 4 more mi. to the road crossing where Jen will pick me up. Soon I'm showered and have clean clothes to wear. Jen, husband Mark, Casey and Madison take me out to the Outback for dinner. Life is good!
Date: 2015-05-03
From: Little Gap Rd. Danielsville, PA

To: Zero day with my daughter's family
Miles today: 0.0

Slept good last night. Jen made b-fast then I was able to update my journal. My daughter #3 Jessica, and her family came here and later daughter #2 Jodi, and her husband Eric came to see me.Have three wonderful girls with loving husbands and 11 precious g-kids. Made my zero day great! Jen certainly made sure I was nourished and fed well. Tyler, my oldest grandson will take me to the trail head tomorrow on his way to class. Thank you everyone for your support and encouragement !!
Date: 2015-05-04
From: Zero day with my daughter's family

To: Leroy Smith sh
Miles today: 10.8

Up ~ 0630 to use the pc and try and finish updating my journal. Jen made b-fast and soon we were saying good-bye. Tyler then drove me to the trail head. ~ 1015 I headed nobo. More rocks (what can I say) and very hot. The trees - oaks and maples are budding but the leaves are taking their time making a canopy to help block the sun. Hoping it happens soon. Need to get my 40* sleeping bag and send my 20* down home. Been sweating in that lately. Could have done that while at Jen's but skipped my mind being that I was sleeping in Casey's bed there.
Date: 2015-05-05
From: Leroy Smith sh

To: Delaware Water Gap - Church on the Mountain
Miles today: 20.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Was a nice clear moonlit night last night. Heard turkeys again. Was in no hurry this morning since I was only planning to hit the next sh (Kirkridge)at 13.8 mi. Lots of ... yes, rocks most of the day. Was running low on water and since sobo people were writing in the shelter log books that at the next sh there was no water I stopped at a road crossing rt. 191 with a small parking lot ~ 1 mi before the sh to see where the nearest gas sta. was. A guy gets out of his van and comes over to me and ask's that same question everyone ask's ... 'are you thru hiking?' Anyway, we chat for a while and find out he is section hiking from his van for a few weeks. I mentioned that I was just trying to find where I could get some water ... he said he needs that also and I can come with him to get water. We hop in the van and a few miles down the road was a mini mart. I grab a gatorade and down it in ~ a minute. They let us fill our bottles and headed back. Thanked him and I headed down the trail.Got to the sh ~ 1500 then decided to keep going to the Delaware Water Gap (DWG) another 6+ miles. Arrived at the 'Church on the Mountain' hostel ~ 1830. A nice place in the basement of the church. Has ~ 8 bunks, a shower,bath and lounge to hang out. It's by donation only. I geab a shower and head to the local pub for supper. 4 of us here tonight - two male section hikers and a female on a bike heading to Alaska.
Date: 2015-05-06
From: Delaware Water Gap - Church on the Mountain

To: Camp
Miles today: 13.5

Was late getting started this morning. Went for b-fast then wait until 1000 when the small outfitter opened up. He didn't have what I wanted anyway. Checked the PO to see if Dee sent my sleeping bag, wasn't here. Was some confusion because my phone wasn't showing any of her emails so not knowing when or if it was sent, I headed down trail and across the Delaware River and into NJ. Yes, done with another state! Finally received her emails and called the DWG PO and they 'bounced' the box to my next mail drop in Unionville, NY. Still rock walking, hopping etc. and it can take a toll on the feet and ankles. Doing okay so far though. Raining when I started out but after a couple hours it let up. Decided to camp out as I needed to make up some time in order to make it to the Unionville PO before noon on Sat. Which is ~ 52 mi in the next three days.
Date: 2015-05-07
From: Camp

To: Gren Anderson sh
Miles today: 17.9
Weather: broken clouds

On the trail by 0630. Bright sunrise and although more rocks, the path took me up for a lot of ridge walking and great views. Although the highest point in NJ is only 1800 ft. There are fantastic views along the ridges. Walking along the Kittatinny Mtns for miles came to a fire tower and a maintenance worker was getting out of his car and sat down on a picnic table. He sees me approaching and lays an apple on the table and says 'here'. Well, I stopped refusing anything after the first week on the trail. I say beside him and feasted on this fressh fruit in the middle of the woods while looking at the distant mountains miles away. We chatted for ~ 1/2 hr. Talked about a lot of things. I mentioned my g-father was a watchman in Va and didn't think the towers were in use anymore. He said they are and he's up there now. Thanked him for that delicious apple and headed down the path. Got to the sh ~ 1700, decided to tent as I will be leaving long before anyone else in the morning. besides, I passed a couple 'outward- bound groups today and for most this is their first time in the woods so they can be loud but I let them enjoy their time.
Date: 2015-05-08
From: Gren Anderson sh

To: Jim Murray Cabin
Miles today: 18.4
Weather: few clouds

Packed up and on the trail @ 0600. The 'wood thrush's' sang me to sleep and woke me up ~ 0500. Heard a couple owls calling each other and think a third getting pissed off. They make the nastiest cries when the're mad. Half the was um ... can you say r o c k s? My feet are telling me to find another trail or better yet, go ride that harley in the garage. the second half was actual dirt and mostly flat. It was also very hot in the afternoon. Was dragging by the time I got to Jim Murray's place.He thru-hiked in 89' and for the last 20+ yrs he lets thru's stay in one of his cabins, or tent there. His place is beautiful. Not sure how he obtained it but he's done a lot of work fixing it up. Has three small cabins, a privy and a water spigot in the middle that has cold well water. And an outside shower. Plus the cabins have electric and heat. I was getting ready to make dinner when he pulls up in his truck. He is 77 and we chatted for over an hour about many things. Real nice guy and don't think many get the opportunity as I did being there myself. Also, this is only 2 miles from Unionville so no rushing in the morning.
Date: 2015-05-09
From: Jim Murray Cabin

To: St. Thomas Episcopal Church - Vernon, NJ
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: few clouds

Took my time hitting the trail this morning. Walked the ~ 2 mi into Unionville and down main street ~ 0730 - chatting with the people who had yard sales. There is a General Store that has some of everything, including small orders. I got an egg/ sausage sandwich and coffee and took it out on the porch and waited for the PO to open. ~ 0830 walked into the PO and she said there is two packages for me. I went through them and sent some stuff back home. Few ups and downs but mostly 'nice' walking. Got to the road that goes into Vernon but since it is 2.5 mi with no shoulder, it's not wise to walk it, so took my pack off and dried off. After ~ 5 min I called a local taxi listed in the guide book, said he'd be out in 1/2 hr. Couple min later a young guy walking to his car asks if I was hiking north or south? Said I wanted to go to Vernon. 'To the hostel'? Yes! He said hop in, I'll take you there. He and his father are involved with the church and hostel. Another Trail Angel! Was able to wash clothes, grab a shower, go get food, plus catch up with this journal on their 'hikers' pc. It's Sunday and Mother's Day ... and I'm in the basement with the service going on. They're are having a little coffee and doughnut get-together down here afterwards to which I am invited. A lady said us hikers are part of their ministry. Have a call in to a person who shuttles hikers back to the trail. Waiting for him to call back.Not going far today, only 5 mi to the next sh. Plan to take it easy for the next few days as the path on the elevation profile looks like a saw blade. It was this section that I hurt my foot 4 yrs ago. The ups and down are small but serious, including some climbing. Life is good!If you don't know where you are going ... life will decide for you ....