morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-05-23
From: Partnership Shelter

To: Knot Maul Branch Shelter
Miles today: 25.5
Weather: light rain

38th day on the trail. Left camp about 7:15 a.m. Even though the hills are not mountains anymore there was still lots of steady, hard, climbing most of the day. Lots of up, up, up!! Crossed fence stiles several times due to all the cow pastures where the trail is just a narrow strip through private land. The weather was good until it started raining about 4:30 p.m. Earlier in the day, I passed the Lindamood School Settlers Museum; an exhibit of a one room schoolhouse. Stopped at a gas station at Atkins, VA which is near Interstate 81, about 12:30, bought food for a lunch break and got to use a REAL BATHROOM! Ended up doing 25.5 miles today, mostly because one of the shelters was MISSING and there were not many camping spots available, so had to press on until I arrived at Knot Maul Shelter. Have done a total of 556.1 miles so far which means I've done 25% of the trail. Time to get some shuteye. Good night.
Date: 2012-05-24
From: Knot Maul Branch Shelter

To: Jenkins Shelter
Miles today: 19.1
Weather: broken clouds

39th day. Started hiking at 7:30 a.m. It was steady climbing most of the day. The trail was WET and SLICK from the rain last night. Hiked up and down Lynn Camp Mountain; then had a long, steep climb for about four miles or so up Chestnut Ridge. Stopped at Chestnut Knob Shelter for lunch, on top of a grassy hill. It was nice but the trail was rocky after Garden Mountain. Got lemonade at a road crossing, Trail Magic! Did a total of 19 miles today so about 575 so far. Tex saw two deer and we see chipmunks all the time. Hardly ever see any squirrels, though. Did see another big patch of ginseng. There were lots of open fields to be hiked across today. And yes, there are cow patties to be avoided on the A.T.  Time for bed now. Goodnight.
Date: 2012-05-25
From: Jenkins Shelter

To: Jenny Knob Shelter
Miles today: 23.8
Weather: scattered clouds

40th day. It was good weather; got hot though. The ups and downs were actually not to bad. Passed by the town of Bland and crossed over the Brushy Mountain. Did about 24 miles with a total of 599 miles so far, ALMOST 600 miles. Just didn't want to go past the shelter to get that last mile done. LOL Jumped up a deer today. I guess it didn't hear me coming; but once it did, it was up and gone. I caught up with Tex on the trail. He's a much faster hiker than I am and had gotten ahead. He had stopped because of a rattlesnake on the trail in front of him; but we managed to get around it Staying at Jenny Knob Shelter tonight. That's it for now. Goodnight.
Date: 2012-05-26
From: Jenny Knob Shelter

To: Pearisburg
Miles today: 20.4
Weather: light rain

Left camp around 7:30 a.m. The weather was clear, but it got hot and humid rather fast. Lots of ups and downs. On my final big climb of the day, I got really hot (I've never been a big fan of the heat and have had problems with it before). During the climb up Big Horse Gap, I started getting sick to my stomach, throwing up and couldn't keep any water down. I was getting really dehydrated; plus, I had the additional problem of my knee that I had hurt in my bad fall several weeks ago right before the N.O.C. area. It was really hurting, again. I caught up with Tex, finally, and we walked to the Woods Hole Hostel. I felt so sick that I decided to get a ride into Pearisburg to get a hotel and get the use of the A/C and a cold shower. Tex was worried about me so he went with me to make sure I was going to be okay. He was kind of sick to his stomach, as well (The Erwin virus that so many hikers had suffered from?). Anyway, after talking with Carol, she and I decided that I should end my hike, get my knee checked out and recuperate some. She will head this way tomorrow morning. It's about a nine hour trip from our home in Illinois. So, I will spend tomorrow at the hotel. That's all for now. Good night.
Date: 2012-05-28
From: Pearisburg

To: Going home
Miles today: 0.0

Tex and I stayed in the hotel yesterday, waiting for Carol to get here. He still didn't feel to great and thought a day of rest would do him good. Carol arrived last night with just enough time left to take Tex to Wal-mart so he could resupply. This morning we took him to breakfast, then back to the trailhead. Anyway, I'm not disappointed with my hike. I did over 600 miles; my longest hike ever! I hiked through some beautiful scenery and met some good friends along the way. Hopefully, next year, I will come back where I stopped this year and hike with my sister who had planned on coming this year but was unable to get away. She was nice enough to maintain my journal for me while I was out on the trail. So! This is Sly Fox wishing all the best to my fellow hikers on your journey ever northward. Good night.
Date: 2012-05-16
From: Keys Gap, WV 9

To: US 340 N End of Shenandoah River Bridge
Miles today: 5.4

Ann's friend Hank gave me a ride back to Keys Gap and I was hiking by 7:30 am. All but the last mile or so of the trail was great. The last section was very steep and rocky. I made it back to the motel within 3 hours.
Date: 2012-05-17
From: US 340 N End of Shenandoah River Bridge

To: Crampton Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: few clouds

It's sunny and 70 degrees. I headed back to the trail and took the side trail to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy HQ. I signed the hiker's log and met with other hikers. I then got back on the trail and headed into historic Harper's Ferry. Along the way I stopped at Jefferson Rock and visited the Lewis and Clark museum downtown. I crossed over the Potomac River on a footbridge into Maryland and hiked along the C&O Canal Towpath for almost 3 miles (probably the most level trail I will ever hike on!). I stopped for lunch at the Ed Garvey Shelter. I later stopped at Gathland State Park for a cold drink, and then continued up the mountain to Crampton Gap Shelter, where I tent camped.
Date: 2012-05-18
From: Crampton Gap Shelter

To: Dahlgren Backpack Campground
Miles today: 6.8
Weather: clear sky

Another great day for hiking! After resting at Lambs Knoll Tower Road, I mistakenly followed the wrong trail for about 45 minutes. It was a much better trail than the AT (that should have been my first clue!). I finally doubled back to the AT and continued hiking. I guess I needed some extra exercise. After all, what's a couple of extra miles! I finally arrived at Dahlgren Backpacking Campground and set up camp. This campground had hot showers and flush toilets! After cleaning up, Joe, a section hiker, and I hiked about a quarter mile to a fancy restaurant. I ordered steak - a big disappointment! There were two Scout Troops camping with us.
Date: 2012-05-19
From: Dahlgren Backpack Campground

To: Pogo Memorial Campground
Miles today: 8.9
Weather: clear sky

Another great day for hiking! I headed uphill to Washington Monument State Park, and continued up to walk up the Washington Monument (NO, not that one - this was the first Washington Monument!). I later crossed over I-70 on a footbridge and headed to Pine Knob Shelter for lunch and rest. I planned on camping at Annapolis Rocks, but the water was half a mile down the mountain, so I continued on to Black Rock Creek, which crossed the trail, and pumped 3L of water. I ended up camping at the Pogo Memorial Campsite, very rocky and on the side of a hill. There were a lot of other hikers out on the trail today since it was a Saturday.
Date: 2012-05-20
From: Pogo Memorial Campground

To: Raven Rock Shelter
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: clear sky

While hiking the 5 miles from Pogo Memorial Campground to Ensign Cowall Shelter, I ran into Joe again both on the trail and at the shelter. The trail up to Raven Rock Shelter was brutal - a very steep, rocky climb. I was hot, tired, and exhausted when I made it to the shelter. I ran into Joe again, as well as a couple of other hikers I met at the ATC HQ. Again, the trail was crowded because of the weekend.
Date: 2012-05-21
From: Raven Rock Shelter

To: Penn Mar County Park
Miles today: 4.6

It rained all night and all day! I hate breaking camp in the rain. Half the trail was rocky and the rest was all boulders. I was physically and mentally exhausted by the time I arrived at Penn Mar County Park. I tried to buy a cold drink from a vending machine, but my dollar bills were too wet to be accepted. I got a ride into Waynesboro from Dennis Sewell to the Days Inn.
Date: 2012-05-23
From: Penn Mar County Park

To: Tumbling Run Shelters
Miles today: 8.6
Weather: light rain

I got a ride from Dennis and headed back to Penn Mar County Park. The weather was fog and light rain/some sun. I quickly made it to the Mason-Dixon Line (Maryland-Pennsylvania border) so I am no longer in the south! The trail was pretty good, even with the 900 ft. climb. I stopped at Deer Lick Shelter for lunch and then continued on to Antietam Shelter. I arrived at Tumbling Run Shelters just before the thunderstorms moved in. I was dry that night, but 3 hikers moved into the shelter with me that were "less experienced than most" (idiots!). They cooked on a propane stove, in a steel pot, brought canned food, etc. On the positive side, the 2 shelters were nice; there was a cooking pavilion, a bear pole, and plenty of water, not to mention the face on the tree!
Date: 2012-05-24
From: Tumbling Run Shelters

To: US 39, Fayetteville, PA
Miles today: 9.6

It rained all night! Heavy fog and light rain all morning, but the trail was OK even with the 1,000 ft. climb. Most of the trail from the Rocky Mountain Shelters down to US 30 followed a ridge line of boulders for about 2 miles, but at least the fog had lifted. I got a ride into town and stayed at the Rite Spot Motel (classic 1950's)
Date: 2012-05-27
From: US 39, Fayetteville, PA

To: Birch Run Shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: light rain

The trail today was better than I expected, although it was hot and humid out. There were a lot of hikers out on the trail today due to the holiday weekend. I stopped at Quarry Gap Shelter for lunch and there were 12 to 15 hikers there. Sometime after crossing Ridge Road, I encountered my first Timber Rattler. He was less than 2 ft. away from me on the side of the trail; he was coiled and rattling as I walked by. I decided to just keep on walking and leave him alone. I thought about going back and getting his picture, but decided not to press my luck. I finally made it to Birch Run Shelter where I met a couple of trail angels that packed in Coke and Mountain Dew. I gladly accepted one and set up camp. Shortly after crawling into my tent for the night, some thunderstorms rolled in.
Date: 2012-05-28
From: Birch Run Shelter

To: PA 233, Pine Grove Furnace State Park
Miles today: 9.5
Weather: light rain

The rain stopped by daybreak, but the trail was rocky or squishy all day. The weather today was hot and humid. I stopped at Toms Run Shelters for lunch and a rest break. Just past the shelters, I hit the midpoint of the Appalachian Trail! I later encountered another pair of trail angels and received a cold drink from them. I continued on into Pine Grove Furnace State Park and headed over to the camp store for a real lunch. I spent the night at the historic Ironmasters Mansion Hostel.
Date: 2012-05-29
From: PA 233, Pine Grove Furnace State Park

To: PA 94, Mount Holly Springs, PA
Miles today: 10.8

Another hot, humid day on the trail, but the trail itself was pretty good. I planned to eat lunch at the James Fry Shelter, but decided to stay at the trail head and eat to avoid hiking an extra 0.4 miles. I finally made it to PA 94. The good folks at Holly Inn picked me up and brought me to their establishment. They even gave me a cold drink on the way back into town. Very good folks here!
Date: 2012-05-31
From: PA 94, Mount Holly Springs, PA

To: PA 174, Boiling Springs, PA
Miles today: 8.8

The owner of the Holly Inn gave me a ride back to the trail. The weather was cooler today, which was wonderful. This morning was up and down rocky trails, which included two "rock mazes". I had lunch at the Alec Kennedy shelter trailhead, and then continued on to Center Point Knob, the original mid-point of the Appalachian Trail. I then hiked through and around several cornfields, where I met Betty and Barney, and continued with them into Boiling Springs, PA. We stopped by the Mid-Atlantic office of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC), the Post Office, a fly-fishing outfitter, and on to the Boiling Springs Tavern for a fine dinner! We then hiked out to the Allenberry Resort and Playhouse. We enjoyed the hot tub immensely!
Date: 2012-06-01
From: PA 174, Boiling Springs, PA

To: US 11, Carlisle, PA
Miles today: 8.0

The weather today was overcast and cool. The trail was great - I hiked in and around cornfields all day, only a few rocks and no big climbs! The weather forecast called for severe storms with a chance of tornados, so I went into town for the night. I passed over the Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-76) today.
Date: 2012-06-02
From: US 11, Carlisle, PA

To: Cove Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: overcast clouds

There were lots of thunderstorms last night but no tornados near here. Weather today was great! I Hiked over I-81, four fence stiles, and too many footbridges to count. After a somewhat tough climb, I stopped at the Darlington Shelter for lunch. I eventually met up with Betty and Barney - they said the shelter was extremely overcrowded due to the storms last night. The last three miles to Cove Mountain shelter was very rocky, as stated in the guide books. I spent the night at the shelter.
Date: 2012-06-03
From: Cove Mountain Shelter

To: Duncannon, PA
Miles today: 4.0
Weather: overcast clouds

The weather was ideal, but the trail from the shelter down into town was extremely rocky and difficult. Upon arriving in town, I headed to the Quick-Mart for a cold drink and then over to the Doyle Hotel. The hotel wasn't open yet, so I waited for Betty and Barney and we had breakfast at "Goodies Restaurant". At noon, the hotel opened up, I checked in, had a shower, and went to the laundromat to do laundry. This hotel is 107 years old and is oozing with "character". I caught a shuttle to Mutzabaughs (a local Grocery store) and picked up some food for the next several days. I ate dinner at the Doyle. We had several storms roll through during the night.
Date: 2012-06-04
From: Duncannon, PA

To: Peters Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: light rain

The weather in the morning was partly sunny and cool. The two mile walk out of town was all sidewalk or road walking. The next three miles was all uphill on a rocky trail, with boulders on the ridge. I had lunch at Clarks Ferry Shelter , and then continued on to Peters Mountain Shelter on rockier trail. I was exhausted from all the rocks! Once again, it rained all night.
Date: 2012-06-05
From: Peters Mountain Shelter

To: Yellow Springs Campsite
Miles today: 13.4

Weather was cool this morning - 53 degrees. Today's hike had about two miles of good trail with the rest rocky. Hiked past several trail heads and numerous springs. The area where I camped was once mining villages dating back to the 1800's. There were plenty of deer here. several were within ten feet of my tent, as I laid there in my tent and watched then graze.
Date: 2012-06-06
From: Yellow Springs Campsite

To: PA 72, Lickdale
Miles today: 10.7

Weather this morning was sunny and 60 degrees - great for hiking. The trail was once again rocky, but there were some good sections. As I hiked closer to town, trail angels Coach and Bloomer had left a case of cold Dr. Pepper and Snickers bars for hikers - Thank You! About a mile later, another trail angel, Weatherman, had left donuts, chocolate milk, and cold pop! Again - Thank you! It was a great day for Trail Magic! I am now halfway through Pennsylvania!
Date: 2012-06-08
From: PA 72, Lickdale

To: PA 501, 501 Shelter
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Ken gave us a ride back to the trail at the "Old Iron Bridge". The day started out with a 1,000 ft. climb on a rocky trail. The weather was sunny and warmer. Some of the trail today was OK, but most was rocky. I did come across two black snakes today. I had lunch at the trailhead for the William Penn Shelter. We continued on to the 501 Shelter, which I found quite unique. It is completely enclosed, has bunks for 12 hikers, an oversize picnic table in the middle of the cabin, and a large octagonal skylight. Also, there is a solar shower outside which a couple of hikers took advantage of. The caretaker told us that there used to be a potter's wheel under the skylight.
Date: 2012-06-09
From: PA 501, 501 Shelter

To: Eagles Nest Shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Today was warm and sunny. I was on the trail by 7:00 am. The trail was rocky all day. I arrived at the shelter around 4:30 and I was the only hiker in the shelter. My feet and legs were killing me. I just spoke to Barney on the phone, and he said they are getting off the trail. He had fallen again and was limping around the rocks all morning. To his credit, he did complete over 100 miles of hiking. I will certainly miss the company of Betty and Barney. I wish them a safe trip home.
Date: 2012-06-10
From: Eagles Nest Shelter

To: Port Clinton, PA
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: clear sky

Mosquitos were bad last night. I will never understand how a mountain ridgeline can have so much standing water. The trail today was somewhat better, some stretches were actually good. The trail going down into Port Clinton was steep and I had to side-step much of it. I called Cabela's and a "greeter" came up and picked me up at Port Clinton and drove me to Cabela's in Hamburg. After buying a new pair of boots, he drove me over to the motel. My old boots were badly damaged by the rocks.
Date: 2012-06-12
From: Port Clinton, PA

To: Port Clinton, PA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

Due to the weather, I decided to stay in town another day. I boxed up my old boots, my old air mattress, and a few other things, and hiked into downtown Hamburg to the Post Office to mail them home. The library (computer access) wouldn't open till noon, so I headed back to the motel to rest.
Date: 2012-06-13
From: Port Clinton, PA

To: Campsite
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: scattered clouds

It was sunny and cool in the morning. I couldn't a ride back to the trail, so I hiked the two miles back. The initial 900 ft. climb wasn't too bad, but the trail still had plenty of rocks. I ate lunch at the Windsor Furnace Shelter. The hike to "Pulpit Rock" was tough - all boulders. I met a woman named GG and had a pleasant conversation about hiking. Actually, I appreciated the break. The trail from "The Pinnacle" down was a bit better, mostly on an unimproved road. I did get pictures of a black snake and a turtle today. I wound up camping about a half mile north of Hawk Mountain Road. Just after sunset, a rescue team came by, with an ATV, and headed up the mountain to pick up a fallen hiker. I hoped the hiker would be OK.
Date: 2012-06-14
From: Campsite

To: PA 309, Blue Mountain Summit
Miles today: 11.0

It was sunny and warmer today. The initial climb was tough, as usual. When I reached "Dan's Pulpit," I met Foster and Genessee and we talked about what happened the night before. They came upon a hiker named "Coffee To Go" who was throwing up and asked to be taken off the mountain. Foster called 911 and tried to explain the situation and where they were. Genessee went and cut two tree limbs and made a stretcher using the limbs and his sleeping bag. Foster and Genessee then carried the sick hiker over a mile on rocky terrain until they met up with the rescue team and EMT's. They told me that none of the five agencies involved in the rescue knew where "Dan's Pulpit" was, and there were over 50 people responding to the call. Later that day, Foster and Genessee caught up with me at the Blue Mountain Summit B&B, and I bought them dinner. I enjoyed my stay at the B&B - thank you Ken!
Date: 2012-06-15
From: PA 309, Blue Mountain Summit

To: George Overbridge Shelter
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Today's hike took me through several boulder scrambles. The most difficult one was "The Knife Edge". I would like to think that the worst of the rocks were behind me, but I know better. I had lunch at the Bake Oven Knob shelter, an older shelter. The trail to the next shelter was somewhat better. I spent the night at the George W. Outerbridge Shelter. I did see another snake this morning.
Date: 2012-06-16
From: George Overbridge Shelter

To: Palmerton, PA
Miles today: 1.1

I wanted to take a Nero today. The hike down from the shelter wasn't too bad. A trail angel left a cooler full of soft drinks near the parking area at the bottom of the trail, so I indulged - Thank you! I continued on into Palmerton, PA, another two miles or so. My guidebook says that the Palmerton Hotel rents room by the night, but when I arrived, I was told it was only a restaurant and there were no rooms. I went over to the police station to inquire about the hostel, but there was no answer. I ate breakfast in the local diner, and was told the hotel did rent rooms. I went back to the hotel and was told the rooms are rented out weekly, not daily. I then walked over to the hostel and found a phone number to call, and it turned out to be the number for the police station - I called and left a message. I walked back to the police station and rang the bell, but still no answer. Three police cars parked outside and no one is home! I eventually called Ira Fine, the owner of Fine Lodging in Slatington, and explained my situation. He drove up to Palmerton and picked me up and delivered me to his hotel - Thank you! I was able to get cleaned up, do laundry, eat dinner, and resupply. Tomorrows hike will be a tough one. My book says "the scramble up the denuded rocks is among the most challenging on the AT south of New Hampshire".
Date: 2012-06-17
From: Palmerton, PA

To: Campsite at Stempa Spring
Miles today: 11.2

Ira Fine delivered me and another hiker back to the trail. The first few hundred feet of climb out of Lehigh Gap was steep and rocky. The rest of the climb was scrambling over boulders, often on all fours, out in the open. I'm glad the skies were overcast. After reaching the top and getting past the boulders, the trail followed a detour around the EPA Superfund Cleanup site. The trail on the detour was great. After the detour, the trail went back to being rocky.
Date: 2012-06-18
From: Campsite at Stempa Spring

To: PA 33, Wind Gap, PA
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: overcast clouds

The sky was overcast and somewhat cool all morning. The trail was rocky all morning, but tolerable. Southbound hikers warned me about the rocks further north - I laughed! After reaching PA 33, I hiked the 2.6 miles into town to the Travel Inn, which had no vacancies. After eating at a Burger King and having an Italian Ice at Rita's, I continued hiking to the Red Carpet Inn, another 1/2 to 3/4 mile. I registered for two nights - the bottoms of my feet were bruised and my back was bothering me, so I opted for a day of rest.
Date: 2012-06-20
From: PA 33, Wind Gap, PA

To: Kirkridge Shelter
Miles today: 9.2
Weather: few clouds

I couldn't get a ride this morning, so I hiked the 3 plus miles back to the trail, mostly uphill, of course. I then climbed up the 600 ft. or so up to the ridge. Weather was sunny, hot, and humid all day. Most of the trail was rocky, except for "Wolf Rocks" which was all boulders. I did come upon a doe and a timber rattler today. The timber rattler was kind enough to let me get a couple of photos before moving on. I also come upon some trail magic near PA 191. The local trail maintaining club left some ice cold pop and water - Thank you!
Date: 2012-06-21
From: Kirkridge Shelter

To: PA 611, Delaware Water Gap
Miles today: 6.5
Weather: clear sky

Today was hot and humid and the trail was somewhat rocky. I stayed at the Pocono Inn, which was formerly a Ramada Inn until it flooded. the first floor of rooms are closed and boarded up, and the second floor has a strange odor (mold?) The former pool is full of dirt - classy place!