morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-03-19
From: Mt. Collins Shelter

To: Newfound Gap / Gatlinburg 
Miles today: 4.3

A nero day and then into Gatlinburg to get my bounce box. The walk to Newfound Gap was excellent. I left about an hour before sunrise and watched and listened to the woods awaken. I saw the impact of introduced pests and diseases on the trees at the top of the Smokies. It looked a bit like a tree graveyard - lots of dead trees on the ground now covered with moss and lichens. It actually is beautiful if you forget the ecosystem destruction that is happening.When I got to Newfound Gap, I was the beneficiary of some trail magic including food and a ride to Gatlinburg from trail angles Godspeed and Mountain Momma. They were the epitome of kindness.I stayed at the Motel 6 in the worst hotel room I've ever seen - filthy carpet and strong mildew smell. Oddly it was a "deluxe" room. I downgraded the next day to a much nicer room although lacking a bright red jacuzzi on a raised platform in the same room as the bed, not in the bathroom. While walking in Gatlinburg, someone yelled Wazo. It was Handles. He was staying at the Alpine with Greyhound. At night, I got a text from Dudeman. He was at the Econolodge with the Swiss and Mudpuppy. They planned to leave in the morning despite the prediction of 5 inches of snow at the higher elevations in the Smokies and wind gusts up to 33 MPH. Handles and Greyhound also left. I decided to stay in Gatlinburg until Tuesday. The conditions were to be similar to the snow storm at Tray Mountain (Day 8). I was plenty warm then but don't see that risking a fall on ice a necessary risk sine I started early and have no deadline. A lot of other thru hikers decided to hunker down in Gatlinburg.
Date: 2016-03-21
From: Newfound Gap / Gatlinburg 

To: Zeroing in Gatlinburg 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

My first visit to Gatlinburg was in 1977. I've had a love-hate view of it ever since. The picture is very Gatlinburg - a place where you can rent a scooter (not the Vespa type but rather the disabled type) and buy pizza by the slice at the same time.
Date: 2016-03-22
From: Zeroing in Gatlinburg 

To: Pecks Corner Shelter
Miles today: 10.2
Weather: clear sky

The trail for almost the entire day was icy, snowy, or slushy. I was very happy to have my Yak Traks. Chalies Bunion was very nice with great views.The shelter was very crowded. The area around the shelter had little flat camping area, so those of us in tents were pretty packed together. The crowd most likely due to the snow and the fact that the road to Newfound Gap was closed for a day due to the snow, leaving a lot of people in Gatlinburg longer than expected.
Date: 2016-03-23
From: Pecks Corner Shelter

To: Crosby Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.6

Again, a lot of ice, mud, slush but better than yesterday. Tented at Crosby Knob. This seemed even more crowded than last night. Still talk of Norovirus but no specific identified people who are ill except the one person at Fontana who told me himself that he was sick. Seems more like rumors than a widespread reality.Ridgerunner at the shelter, but I do not recall her name.
Date: 2016-03-24
From: Crosby Knob Shelter

To: TN 32/NC 284 Northern Boundary of GSMNP
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I realized a couple of weeks ago that I was not going to be a thru hiker. The level of commitment needed to complete the AT is not part of my make-up. For me, and this is just for me, I had come to understand that the cost of being away from home and the effort to hike approximately six days a week was not being balanced by any type of equal reward. Again, this is just for me. Some seem to thrive in a life of hiking, eating, and sleeping. For me, it quickly became a monotonous routine. It was clear that I need to end while I still love the AT and backpacking. While I was laid-up in Gatlinburg, I decided that I really wanted to complete the portion of the trail in GSMNP. It was not clear to me if I would continue to Hot Springs or perhaps even beyond. On my first day back on the trail, 3/22, I realized that I just wanted to get through the Smokies and go home.I never mentioned this to anyone, as I really did not want to be a negative influence for those who were happy being thru hikers. It is an incredibly hard job, much more mentally than physically (and I do not want to diminish the reality that the hiking in the Southern Appalachians was HARD for me). On this morning, I did let Journeyman know it would be my last day and texted a few friends who were a day or two ahead of me.The 29 days and 237.9 miles I spent on the AT were a great experience for me. It allowed me to attempt a dream of mine that I've held for over 30 years. I met some fantastic people, some of whom are still on the trail and others who left the trail long before I did. As I said, attempting a thru hike on AT is physically difficult but even more psychologically challenging. At least that is how it was for me.My hope is that I continue from when I ended either later this year or next Spring. I'd hope that perhaps I can be a 2000 miler over a period of years and complete the entire trail. I think that 4 to 6 week blocks will suit me best. When I got home, I was wearing, of course, my day clothes for hiking. I have to admit that I was very sad to take these clothes off, what in reality has become part of my identity. I have some wonderful memories of places and people. The AT and the Class of 2016 have had a big impact on me.Thanks to all who have followed me and best of luck to all the Class of 2016. David (formerly Wazo)
Date: 2016-04-07
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

I sent my thermoball jacket back the TNF 2 weeks ago due to a broken zipper after 1 week of use. Horrible customer service. Today, I received this email:"Dear valued TNF Consumer. This e-mail is to confirm that we have received your aqproduct at our Warranty Repair Center @ 14450 Doolittle Drive, San Leandro, CA 94577. Please be assured that we are working to resolve your issue as quickly as possible. Our current turn around time is 6-8 weeks from the time we receive your product until it is returned to you. If your product needs to be sent out to be cleaned, you may expect up to two additional weeks before it will be returned to you. If there are any charges for work not covered under The North Face warranty policy we will notify you via your preferred method of contact."
Date: 2016-04-16
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I took the MARC train from DC to Harpers Ferry on Friday afternoon so I could attend the Flip Flop Festival at the ATC before continuing my thru hike. At the train station in HF, I met 4 people about to start their hikes - Bill, Steve, Brenda, and Alicea. Together, we climbed up the steps from the station and made our way to our hostels or hotel. On the way, we stopped at the ATC and met some great people including Laurie Potteiger who planned the Festival.The Festival started Saturday with a talk just for flip floppers by the ATC CEO. There was live music all day, workshops, shakedowns, and food trucks. There was also a group of people from the 12 Tribes (of Yellow Deli fame) wandering around outside who gave me not one, but two, tracts. I guess I looked to need spiritual help to them.Saturday night, I went out to dinner again with the same people I'd met at the train station plus Ziptie who is from Vermont but now lives in Nebraska - all very nice people.I got a pair of gaiters from an outfitter for my friend, Fiona, who will be joining me for the first 5 days of this segment of my hike.I got my official AT pic taken and was assigned brown number 10. Brown is NOBO alternative route color. It seems that each color starts at 1, so there have been 9 people who started at Springer this year who have followed some alternative route other than the traditional NOBO path.   Laurie from the ATC told me that I was classified as a NOBO - Leap Frogger - Flip Flopper. So there you have it, my official classification for very much hiking my own hike.One very interesting thing I've noted about Flip Floppers is the difference in demographics than at Springer. The average age is much higher and there are more women. Women are still a minority but the percentage is much higher here.I have to give the entire Flip Flop Festival experience 2 thumbs up. The program was great, and I've met lots of really fun people.Fiona arrives at 730 in the morning and then I'll be back on the AT.
Date: 2016-04-17
From: Harpers Ferry on 4/17

To: Crampton Gap Shelter
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: clear sky

Left Harpers Ferry with Fiona around 0830. The Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers are beautiful- a perfect way to start the the day. The weather was perfect.   Had a great ending to my day. Handles texted me from the trail in southern VA to welcome me back on the trail.It is indeed good to be back.
Date: 2016-04-18
From: Crampton Gap Shelter

To: Pine Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: clear sky

Today seemed to be as much about history as about the AT or hiking. We passed several monuments and informational signs about the various battles of the Battle of South Mountain. It was the first battle of the Civil War in Maryland (1862). At Fox's Gap two Generals died, Reno (USA) and Garland (CSA) in one battle. We also passed the first monument in the country erected in honor of George Washington (pictured). The trail was pretty easy today. With that said, a 3 week break is like starting all over again. In other words, 12.4 miles was about enough for me.The weather is beautiful. Clear blue skies with a high of 81 is unseasonably warm, but it was very nice.Snortty Pants (Fiona) has been a great hiking partner. We've had endless rambling conversations for 2 days.It is 8:40, way past bedtime. We plan on a shorter day of 8 miles tomorrow so there will be no need to rush in the morning It was a wonderful day on the AT.
Date: 2016-04-19
From: Pine Knob Shelter

To: Ensign Cowell Shelter
Miles today: 8.2

Today, SnorttyPants and I were happy to be the last out of camp. In order to make her time with me last 4 days, we'd only planned to go 8.2 miles today. We also spent a lot of time sitting on the edge of the trail and talking with people.The first person we met was a NOBOer, Nugget, who started on 2/22 and would reach the halfway point and the Half gallon challenge before the 2 month Mark. He was a super nice guy. The second group of people we met were 42 students from Lancaster Bible College. They were all about 18 years old or so and we're really nice. Thankfully, they had divided into small groups to not overwhelm the trail.At the shelter tonight: Alicea whom I hadmet at the Harpers Ferry train stationow and 5 section hikers: Kadydid and Shagbark ( both 2000 milers) and a father and two adult sons from Mass. Happy birthday to my beloved Chou. I love you.
Date: 2016-04-20
From: Ensign Cowell Shelter

To: Pen Mar County Park
Miles today: 9.5
Weather: clear sky

Today was my last day and, essentially, my last day in Maryland. The weather was cooler today and trail was easy except for a giant rock pile that took about 45 minutes to cross - great training for PA.SnortyPants and I ate lunch with Kadydid and Shagbark at the Ravens Rock Shelter which is a really nice shelter. A woman we met on the trail described it as being a resort. I parted with SnortyPants at Penn Mar Park. I got a shuttle ridesign from Dennis Sewell who is listed in the AWOL Guide. He was great and very outgoing. After a quick resupply stop at Walmart, he took me to the Days Inn in Waynesboro.   Back to the AT at 8 AM.Great day on the AT.
Date: 2016-04-21
From: Pen Mar County Park

To: Tumbling Run Shelters 
Miles today: 8.6

Was happy to run into Grizz at breakfast at the Days Inn. I had no idea he was staying there. We had breakfast together and then, about an hour later, piled into Dennis's truck for a shuttle back to Penn Mar Park. We started on the trail shortly before 8:30.The trail quickly led us to a sign marking the Mason Dixon Line. It was a great feeling to walk back into my home state. The trail was generally flat or low grade climbs. A little before noon, we had already done 7.4 miles and arrived at the Antietam Shelter. I opted to stay and have lunch. The shelter is next to a nice creek. Grizz decided to continue north. Grizz is a vet, retired from the army after 20 years of service. We talked about all sorts of things. He has a great attitude, pretty laid back, about the hike. My money is on him completing his flip flop and arriving at Springer later this year. The Tumbling Run Shelters (pictured) are very close to the the Antietam Shelter. Both locations are maintained by the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club and are in pristine condition. I have a lot of gratitude for the volunteers who maintain the AT and make this possible. It was hard to stop at 9.6 miles. The next shelter is 6.6 miles north of here. Since I've been off the trail for 3 weeks, I am aiming for short mileage for the first week to ten days. My knees will thank me. However, it is very difficult to stop at 1 PM. They are calling for rain tonight, so I am staying in the shelter.   The shelters in MD were totally free of mice. I hope this one is. I'm sure that situation will change as more NOBOers get here. For now, I have an entire shelter for me. It is only 2 PM, so we'll see how long my luck runs. This afternoon, I'm going to sit back and listen to the birds and the nearby Creek, excellent music for napping on a cool and cloudy day.
Date: 2016-04-22
From: Tumbling Run Shelters 

To: Route 30, Fayetteville, PA
Miles today: 9.6
Weather: light rain

Day 6 since I returned to the trail. Overall a pretty easy day. It started with about a 1000 foot climb which was fairly gradual. I realized I left my toiletries in Waynesboro, so I went into Fayetteville to resupply and am hoteling here. It was light drizzle mist of the morning, sunny at times in the afternoon, and is now raining. The woods is very dry for this time of year, so it is good. There is a fire in Shenandoah NP on or near the AT, and the hikers are having to be transported around it. At least that is the current trail gossip.
Date: 2016-04-23
From: Route 30, Fayetteville, PA

To: Toms Run Shelter 
Miles today: 16.2
Weather: few clouds

Zeroed on Saturday in Fayetteville at the Scottish Inns - crappy even by hiker standards and nothing to do. There is a Dollar General litterally 5 minutes of a walk away in one direction and a good and cheap restaurant in the opposite direction. Camped at the shelyer. Met two section hikers from Florida, Job and Tailhook. Also there were two guys who started in PA and were SOBO heading to Springer.Great day on the AT.
Date: 2016-04-25
From: Toms Run Shelter 

To: Unofficial site north of PA 94
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: clear sky

One of my best days ever on the AT. I stopped and talked with quite a few people, took a lot of pics, and did not worry anout distance.   I stopped for a sub, a sub made the Pennsylvania way, at the Green Mountain General Store and Deli. It was giant and i had a bag of good PA potato chips, cooked in lard. With it and washed it all down with a coke, the kind with sugar - all guilt free.Camping solo at an unofficial site. I think my time home was well spent.   I now have a much more relaxed attitude now. No death march mentality.
Date: 2016-04-26
From: Unofficial site north of PA 94

To: Boiling Springs, PA
Miles today: 8.5
Weather: broken clouds

Today, the trail enters the Cumberland Valley which is essentially flat and lacking camping opportunities except for a backpacker campground at Boiling Springs.   I opted to stay at the Allenberry - a resort that has seem its better days but a smoking deal at $40 per room.The trail today had 5 small but grunter pulls before the descent into the Cumberland Valley. After the 5 hills, the trail exits the woods for a 1.5 mile section across farmland (pictured). It was kind of cool to have this variety. Then we (Tailhook, Job, and I) entered Boiling Springs. What a great surprise.   The town was the site of an iron furnace that was establised in 1752. The town is beautifully maintained. It clearly was a very affluent town judging by the very big old homes. There is also the Mid Atlantic Regional Office of the ATC. we stopped in and said hello.I had a very late lunch at the Boiling Springs Tavern that dates back to the 1800s. The food was excellent - really good crab cakes, tossed salad, a generous serving of fresh mixed vegetables. This was all less than $20 and was the best food I've had in a trail town so far. I also met another thru hiker in the tavern.I met a really fun couple - Rocketman and Princess. They hike small sections at a time each day in opposite directions.   When they pass on the trail, the hand over the car keys. Both are extremely fast . They plan to thru hike the AT and also hike the John Muir trail this year.It has been an outstanding dayn- nice short hike, shower, washed my clothes, good meak, and spent time with really friendly people.
Date: 2016-04-27
From: Boiling Springs, PA

To: Darlington Shelter
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: overcast clouds

I'm pretty sure the Cumberland Valley is the longest stretch of flat and low elevation trail on the AT. Rather than being in the woods, today's hike was across agricultural land. It is kind of stereotypical Pennsylvania farm country - rolling hills, barns painted red or white and old field stone houses. There were also brief times going through the woods. Despite the lack of elevation, there was a lot of trail elevation. There were lots of foot bridges over streams (see picture with all the skunk cabbage), 3 overpasses over highways (Interstate 81. PA Turnpike, US 11), stiles, and when the trail is located on bridges.   The trail also gave the opportunity for up close and personal interactions with cows.At the shelter are HazBen and Towsack, 60 and 60 Also, Reed, and several section hikers.The day was cool and cloudy which was perfect for hiking.COUCOU COUCOU COUCOU COUCOU COUCOU
Date: 2016-04-28
From: Darlington Shelter

To: Duncannon, PA 
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Had a nice night at the Darlington Shelter.   I forgot to mention the Taj Mahal Privy (pictured).The walk room Duncannon was mostly rocky but nothing terrible. I got to Duncannon before 1 PM having left very early to avoid the rain. I did get about a 90 minutes of steady rain but was happy in my rain gearOnce again, I want to say what a great job ZPacks did in replacing a pair of their gaiters that ripped. They have great products and great service.
Date: 2016-04-29
From: Duncannon, PA 

To: Duncannon, PA 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

I decided to zero at The Doyle in Duncannon.   The place is a total dive, but it is our dive. For the day and a half that I've been here, the place has been busy with AT hikers. The food is very good, and the sign out front says the beer is cold. What is there to not like? For hikers, it is like being at home. For lack of a better term, The Doyle has a great hiker vibe. I loved every minute and have met lots of fun people.Tomorrow I get back on the trail which is about 2 blocks from here. When you pass through Duncannon, stay at the Doyle or, even better, take a zero here.
Date: 2016-04-30
From: Duncannon, PA 

To: PA 225
Miles today: 7.4
Weather: overcast clouds

POSTED MAY 10: I was sad to leave The Doyle in an odd kind of way. There is a lot of AT hiker history and culture there, but I did after breakfast at Goodies.Crossing the Juniata and Susquehanna Rivers was fun but far from a wilderness. After that, it is a long climb of very gentle switchbacks up the hill. The entire climb was full of traffic sounds from Rt. 322 and also a band playing at some club on the river.I stopped at a shelter for lunch. There happen to be 20 Amish people there who were out for a day hike. They were pretty interested in the register. THey also asked me about my hike and one asked to see my gear. I was able to yogi (actually, they just gave me) a chicken sandwich which was quite tasty and on homemade bread. I came upon Tailhook and Job who were slack packing SOBO back to Duncannon. They plan to return to Florida after they get to Port Clinton. Anyway, they told me that the forecast was for 2" of rain for the next day and a high of 40 degrees.Since I was planning to jump off the trail to visit friends for about 8 days, I decided to exit a little early. My friend, Darrell, along with Marguerite drove from Reading to get me which was really kind if them. We had a nice visit.Since this is a very late entry, i know the forecast was totally off. There was about an additional week of mostly drizzle with intermittent showers.I visited friends and family for 11 days. Some of the friends are people I've known fir 40 or 45 years. It was time well spent off the AT. I will restart at Wind Gap since my brother lives about 10 miles from there. At some point, likely after ME, I'll need to complete the section from PA225 to Wind Gap.Tomorrow, May 11, I will get back on the trail. Jeremy, my niece's husband, will spend a few days hiking with me. I am more than ready to get back on the AT. However, the prices in NJ and NY are way higher than in the South. Yikes!
Date: 2016-05-11
From: Wind Gap, PA

To: Camping area 0.2 miles north of Kirkridge
Miles today: 9.3
Weather: overcast clouds

My brother dropped me and my niece's husband, Jeremy, off at Wind Gap shortly before 1 PM. The trail, typical for PA was rocky and, otherwise, pretty flat. We hiked 9.3 miles and only saw 3 other people. We considered camping at Kirkridge Shelter, but decided to go the the camping area just north of there.   One of the hikers suggested this, and I am glad we took his suggestion. The camping area is grassy with nice views of farmland below (and a nuclear power plant). It is great to be back on the trail and in my tent.   I feel very happy.
Date: 2016-05-12
From: Camping area 0.2 miles north of Kirkridge

To: Tents site @ mile 1301.1 DWG NRA
Miles today: 14.4

Hiked 14.4 miles today from PA into NJ. First, I have to mention that the pie in Delaware Water Gap (see AWOL guide for details) was fantastic. I had strawberry rhubarb along with a cheese butter with grilled onions. A stop highly recommended. New Jersey and the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area are beautiful beyond my best hopes. The views are stunning (see pic). Jeremy and I are setting up at a site that overlooks the Delaware River and Pennsylvania mountains. I think it ishould just beautiful. Calling for rain tonight and tomorrow. It is part of the deal.Another great day on the AT. LIFE IS GOOD!!!
Date: 2016-05-13
From: Tents site @ mile 1301.1 DWG NRA

To: Brink Road Shelter 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Cloudy morning followed by heavy rain showers in the afteroom. The temperature was just at the point where wearing rain gear is not comfortable.Jeremy goes home today. We have a @horticulture hike to Culvert Gap. I'll continue after he gets picked up.
Date: 2016-05-14
From: Brink Road Shelter 

To: Culvers Gap / Bridgeville 
Miles today: 3.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Today turned into an unplanned nero day. By the time Bob got to Gyp's Tavern and ate lunch, I was ready for a nap. Stopping for a big lunch followed by an hour of sitting around is never a good idea. Gyp's made a good burger and fries and was very inexpensive. It is a few buildings west of the AT at Culver's Gap. Great place to stop if you are hiking the AT. My motel is a different story. The Cobmin Ridge Motel is pretty much a dump with what seems to be shady longterm residents. I'd rank it as one of the worst motels so far. I'll restart early tomorrow with clean and dry clothes. texted with Handles today. He had a close but harmless encounter with a bear in SNP. I think everyone is pretty spooked by the bear attack on thru hiker in GSMNP. So far, I've seen no bears or rattlesnakes.
Date: 2016-05-15
From: Culvers Gap / Bridgeville 

To: Mashopatcong Shelter 
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: broken clouds

Shared the shelter with Delightful and Pace. I first met them right after Jacob's Ladder in NC. We had lunch together at a shelter with Rooster and Handles in early March. Great to see themCold night below freezing.