morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-06-10
From: Birch Run Shelter

To: James Fry Shelter
Miles today: 17.1
Weather: few clouds

Yesterday was a long day so I slept in and did not get on the trail til like 10am. I was just so comfortable in the hammock that I did not want to get going. The only reason I got up was because I had to go to the bathroom. I had a 10 mile hike to get to Pine Grove Furnace State Park. After about 2 miles I past the half point on the Appalachian trail. It was a great cool moment but at the same time felt weird since it was not my half point. I guess I will have to calculate where my half point will be so I can get excited. The trail was pretty easy on the way to the state park. It was rocky but at the same time I was moving at a good pace. I arrived at the state park around 1:30. The state park is the location of the half gallon challenge of ice cream. I was thinking about doing the challenge but it did not feel right since it was not my half point. As I rolled up to the site I can see a few different hiker laid out sleeping. I guess the challenge was not so friendly for them. The state park was cool because it had a AT museum where you could see all of the historical things from the trail and all of the different people who had made the trail what it is today. After leaving the museum there was fuller lake which is a little recreation area with swimming but it was cool because they had some showers. I was able to get a hot shower for the first time in a week and feel a little clean even tho I put my dirty clothes back on after the shower. I was also able to wash my underwear in the sink real quick. It is the simple things in life. I finally left the park after a few hours and started to head to camp. I decided to just go to the next shelter and call it a night there. It was 7 miles away but it went by so fast. I was at camp in like a little over two hours. I was surprised when I came up to the sign for the shelter. I don't know if the terrain is really easy or my body and legs are feeling good and just getting better. I realized that the shelter was on a side trail about .2 away and I looked to my left and there was a beautiful river with a few spots. I decided to set up camp there for the night and enjoy the sound of the stream. Tomorrow I am going to try my first marathon hike. It is a 12 mile hike to Boiling Springs to get some food but after that there is no camping for 14.3 miles since we have to hike on the road. It is going to be a long day but I am excited for my biggest day yet.
Date: 2016-03-31
From: Rockfish Gap

To: Calf Mt Shelter
Miles today: 7.8
Weather: overcast clouds

First day was tough even going "only" 7.8 mi. Rained heavily about 5 -8 am, but cleared for today's walk. Sheltered with a couple "ice cream and cake", and best of all, 3 Episcopal Priests which I would like to think helped us secure a sunny day. Got 12.8 today. Wow!
Date: 2016-04-01
From: Calf Mt Shelter

To: Blackrock Hut
Miles today: 12.8
Weather: light rain

12.8 mi today; hot and buggy. We miscalculated our water needs. Thanks to couple at an overlook from Quebec City who provided bottles of waterwe easily made it to our destination. Stayed in the shelter with 4 guys from Alexandria VA who are section hiking on several weekends a yr and are working their way north little by little.Thanks to my family and especially my wife for making this dream of mine a reality.I love you!
Date: 2016-04-02
From: Blackrock Hut

To: Pinefield Hut
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: few clouds

Long day and was very tired, got to the shelter whereSeveral people had arrived and were tenting . Only four of us slept in the shelter.The low was forecast at 28 degrees so a good fire was going. I went sleep earlyand was sleeping soundly when I was awakened by a loudly roaring wind which had to be hurricane force. I sat up and saw that the wind had whipped the fire into an inferno ( someone neglected to put it out). The fire was sointense that all I could see from the shelter opening was the inferno, and my initial reaction upon awakening from dead sleep was to yell holy ----, the shelter is on fire. It wasn't, but the flames werehuge. Embers were blown everywhere including the shelter roof. The wind lasted only 2-3 minutes but shredded several tents and hikers were bailing into the shelter in the middle of the night. We survived to tell the story but it will never be forgotten.CP
Date: 2016-04-03
From: Pinefield Hut

To: View Entry
Miles today: 13.5

Awakened to 23 degrees with 30 mph wind. Couldn't keep my hands warmuntil I put some wool socks over my gloves, and got moving. Uneventful day after that until after arriving at the park like shelter; an older gentleman arrived on a day hike and proceeded to give us the verbal history of the Shenandoah and of the AT through the park. I say older, since I am 65, and he easily had 10 years on me and one artificial hip. In our hearts he will always be known as "The Sage of the Shenandoah". Living the dream!CP
Date: 2016-04-04
From: Hightop Hut

To: Lewis Mountain Cabins
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: clear sky

Beautiful warm day with a lot of sunshine and climbing. Met a couple section hiking the Park , Teresa and Trey. He an airline pilot and she a kindergarten teacher from C'ville. Walked and talked through a few tough climbs; but late in the day the weather took a turn and we decided to opt for a cabin than face snow and 50 mph winds. When we arrived exhausted at Lewis Mt Cabins, the were full! However, the couple had made reservations and unknowingly had booked a double cabin. So there we were, able to get out of the weather, and save them from paying for a double which they didn't need. Trail magic! Living the dream!CP
Date: 2016-04-05
From: Lewis Mountain Cabins

To: Rock Spring Hut
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: clear sky

On the trail near Big Meadows we met Slipknot, someone who I have been following since he started in January. It was almost like meeting a rockstar! More on that later! We stopped at Big Meadows Wayside for our first real food in about a week. I started out with a salad which tasted like the best that I ever tasted, dressed with large quantities of bottled dressing. Yum!When we arrived, Slipknot was into his second fried chicken dinner. It was already 3:30 pm when we finished, and instead of camping at BM we short term resuppled at the store and pushed on to Rock Springs Hut. That last 3.5 mi was nothing but climbing and rocks, and totally wore me out. We arrived at the shelter at sunset, and too tired to cook, I at a piece of cheese and some dole mandarin oranges and went to sleep. Living the dream! CP
Date: 2016-04-06
From: Rock Spring Hut

To: Open Arms Hostel, Luray VA
Miles today: 6.4
Weather: clear sky

Had planned to go all the way to Birds Nest #3 Hut (11.1 mi), but I began to have trouble with my right ankle and had great difficulty with the terrain. We called Alison at the Open Arms hostel, and she picked us up after walking only 6.4 mi. She had one other pickup after us; Slipknot. Tomorrow I'm going to the outfitters to see if we can fix the problem. Did laundry tonight for the first time; hooray! Living the dream!CP
Date: 2016-04-07
From: Open Arms Hostel, Luray VA

To: Pass Mt Hut
Miles today: 1.9
Weather: moderate rain

Spent most of the day waiting for UPS to deliver new mittens and a warmer bag liner. Alison at Open Arms was very accommodating and helped us get around town. Was introduced to the latest in equipment by Slipknot; the "privy pad", sure to make anyone happy on a cold morning at the shelter.After receiving my order from REI, we shuttled to the trail and walked to Pass Mt Hut. Nicest shelter so far. Living the dream. CP
Date: 2016-04-09
From: Gravel Spings Hut

To: Tom Floyd Wayside
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: light snow

Started the day walking in freshly fallen snow wearing my new Yak-Traxx. We left SNP, and walked about 2 more miles to the shelter. Those last miles however were brutal, including manuvering down a steep rock pile on very tired legs. Tomorrow a short walk to Mountain Home Hostel, laundry, new boots, and real food. Living the dream!CP
Date: 2016-04-10
From: Tom Floyd Wayside

To: Mountain Home Hostel
Miles today: 4.0
Weather: clear sky

Another Nero! Spent the day in Front Royal doing laundry, resupply, and eating. This hostel is so comfortable and inviting; I may not want to leave tomorrow. Tonight's warm bed is a far cry from last night's temp in the teens with wind gusts to 50 mph. It was COLD !!! Expecting awarmup starting tomorrow, but steady rain is forecast. Living the dream!!!CP
Date: 2016-04-11
From: Mountain Home Hostel

To: Manassas Gap Shelter
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Awakened to a made to order breakfast that Lisa prepared. Orange juice, good brewed coffee, organic pancakes with real maple syrup, and fresh fruit. I can't say enough about the experience at Mountain Home. All thru hikers should plan on staying there. After breakfast Lisa drove us to the post office so I could ship home the boots which got me uncomfortably thru SNP. I received new shoes from REI at the hostel. The first day they did quite well and were better than my previous boots. Although today's mileage was 10.7, the last four miles included a difficult rocky decent into Manassas Gap and then a brutal end of day climb out of the gap. Have the shelter too ourselves tonight with expected rain showers overnight. Living the dream!!!CP
Date: 2016-04-12
From: Manassas Gap Shelter

To: Rod Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: overcast clouds

As I said in my last post, we shared the shelter with "Road Runner" from Cary NC whoroutinely does 20-30 mi days. Wow! He slipped out before dawn while we were still in our bags.Also, a group of hikers that started at Springer in Feb passed us today. Tomorrow we enter the rollercoaster on our way to Bear's Den Hostel. Living the dream!CP
Date: 2016-04-13
From: Rod Hollow Shelter

To: Bears Den Hostel
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: clear sky

The roller coaster today was a series of seven climbs of over 700 ft. I must be getting stronger because it would have killed on the first days of our hike. As it was, it was challenging due to the rapid up and down in a short distance. We are at Bear's Den Hostel tonight and what a deal. Great place and you get a bunk, pizza, Ben & Jerry's ice cream, soda, shower, and laundry for $30. I had "Chunky Monkey"; my favorite flavor. Also, The Sierra Club is having a retreat here this week. They had leftover bbq chicken and all the fixin's. Sure beats trail grub!! Living the dream!CP
Date: 2016-04-14
From: Bears Den Hostel

To: Blackburn Trail Center
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: overcast clouds

This morning at the hostel, the aforementioned Sierra Club was assembling for breakfast, and I was able to yogi some egg casserole, cranberry scones, and fruit. To Yogi is the fine art of a thru hiker to look hungry and to get someone to share their food (real food). Apparently I am good at it!!!After leaving the hostel we only went about 8 mi, since we were worn out from the previous day doing the roller coaster. Decided to pull into the Blackburn Trail Center for the night. Tonight we are joined by Coach, another NOBO who started at Springer in Feb. Tomorrow Harper's Ferry. Living the dream!!CP
Date: 2016-04-15
From: Blackburn Trail Center

To: ATC
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: clear sky

In full disclosure; I am still physically hung over from the roller coaster.My feet are swollen and beaten up. That 15 mi section of the trail gains almost a mile in elevation and nearly the same in decent over 7-8 climbs. Two zero days in Harper's Ferry are just what I need. Today's last 6 miles were much harder than I expected, especially the last 2 miles into HF. Most of that was steep downhill and my knees suffered. That said; I'm just living the dream!!CP
Date: 2016-04-18
From: ATC

To: Crampton Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: clear sky

Plan was a short 7 mi to the first shelter after Harper's Ferry. However upon arrival it was quite crowded with flip floppers their first night out and more expected to arrive. And the spring was 0.5 mi downhill from the shelter. We decided to move on to the Crampton Gap Shelter about 4 mi further. We ran into Patches, who was attempting the Four State Challenge; starting at the VA/WV line through MD to the PA line (43 mi) in 24 hrs. He can fly. Tomorrow is an easy 7+ mi to Dahlgren Backpackers campground. Living the dream!!CP
Date: 2016-04-19
From: Crampton Gap Shelter

To: Dahlgren Backpacker campground
Miles today: 7.0

Kudos to the state of Maryland for providing the Dahlgren Campground for hikers only. Tent sites, flush toilets, hot showers; ahh! We got in early and were later joined by Tow Truck, Velcro, Stumblefoot, Trippin' Billy, Sporky, and Buttercup. It's like a tent city. Really enjoying the comradery with a group of people that I have only known for 2-3 days. We're all in this crazy quest together, and I expect as time goes on that we will help each other be successful. Feel like I'm a 65 yo at summer camp. Living the dream!CP
Date: 2016-04-20
From: Dahlgren Backpacker campground

To: Annapolis Rocks
Miles today: 7.8
Weather: clear sky

Planned to go farther, but after looking west from Annapolis Rocks; the decision was made to camp here to watch the sunset. Enjoying the Maryland section which runs along South Mt, and is full of Civil War history. Many battles were fought along this ridge and in the gaps. Very moving to walk over land where so many men gave their lives. The trail hasn't been too difficult, but my feet are still sore. Living the dream!CP
Date: 2016-04-21
From: Annapolis Rocks

To: Raven Rock Shelter
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: clear sky

Started out from Annapolis Rocks on a chilly morning thinking about only one more day of trail food, as we will be in Cascade MD on Friday. Funny how being on the trail changes attitudes about food. One of my life principles is to never eat food handed to you through a window; however For some reason I am craving KFC right now. But allow me to digress; today was special because I came upon Susan and John, day hikers sitting on a log eating fresh fruit. I must have had that forlorn hiker trash look, because Susan offered me some sliced apples and John some orange sections. Just what I needed to make my day. I thanked them and as I was walking away, Susan gave me the rest of her apples. That's trail magic! Again my Yogi-ing skills came through. Thank you very much Susan and John. Tomorrow we will stay at Sunflower Cottages in Cascade, owned by the famous hula hoop dancer Soolah Hoops. Living the dream!!CP
Date: 2016-04-22
From: Raven Rock Shelter

To: Sunflower cottage in Cascade MD
Miles today: 5.1
Weather: light rain

Today was a short 5 mi hike into Cascade MD. Strider was able to get us a ride near the trailhead to get us into town. Just across the state line in PA are Waynesboro and Rouzerville, two towns with all the services we need. We resupplied, ate well, and will sleep in a comfortable bed. Our friend Stumblefoot is going to take a zero tomorrow, so Velcro his hiking partner since Harper's Ferry will strike out with us in the morning. Tomorrow begins the long walk across PA, our fourth state. PA is notorious for being rocky (big rocks); a place where boots go to die. Hopefully my aching feet will stand up to the beating. Living the dream!CP
Date: 2016-04-23
From: Sunflower cottage in Cascade MD

To: Chimney Rocks
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: light rain

After breakfast at Sunflower Cottage; we were dropped off at the trailhead where we met Velcro. Today was a fairly easy hike and we arrived at Tumbling Run Shelter at about 4:00. Being a weekend it was pretty crowded so we decided to end the day with a very stout 1000 ft climb to the base of Chimney Rocks. Since there was no water source at the top, so we loaded up prior to the climb. The view from the rocks was worth the effort. Got down to the mid 30's overnight and since I had only my summer bag with a liner, it was a chilly. Added my puffy jacket to the foot of my sleeping bag and it helped keep the tootsies warm. Enjoyed the serenity of the stealth camp. Living the dream!CP
Date: 2016-04-24
From: Chimney Rocks

To: Quarry Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: clear sky

Some serious downhill rock scrambles today did my left knee no good. Hobbled into the shelter area and set up camp. We were joined by Whiskers, Chickenfoot, and Disco. The camp setup is really neat because of large stands of Rhododendron isolates tent sites from one another and gives it the feeling of privacy. We started the day in a rugged rock strewn landscape which later in the day began to resemble the Rhododendron canopies of NC. Tonight isn't as cold as last, so sleeping will be better. Living the dream!!CP
Date: 2016-04-25
From: Quarry Gap Shelter

To: Toms Run Shelter
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: clear sky

Had a relatively easy 13+ mile day until the last half mile descent into the shelter. We were joined by Sixty and Sixty Also, two young former 82nd airborne soldiers who recently finished their duty. They had a nice fire going in a fire pit when things got crazy. First a Forest Service helicopter swooped in to see what was going on, and then moments later an ATV from the local fire dept came racing in lights ablazing. What had happened was there was a fire on the ridge above us and the smoke from our fire made them investigate. A very rotund fellow with a heavy Pennsyltucky accent yelled at us to put out our campfire. All night long we heard chainsaws, sirens and saw smoke on the ridge just above us. We all wondered if we would need to be evacuated, but apparently the fire was controlled.Otherwise just another night on the AT. Living the dream!!!CP
Date: 2016-04-26
From: Toms Run Shelter

To: James Frye Shelter
Miles today: 11.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Today our friend Velcro ordered a new pack. Why you might ask? A first time backpacker, she was oversold on an ultralight pack, and it's capacity. She had struggled with the lack of support that is common to most ultralights. It was like trying to carry 30+ lbs in a book bag. Not easy for a 50 year old. Stopped at the Pine Grove Furnace General Store for a spectacular burger. One of the best that I have ever eaten. What a treat. Also today I began to experience severe pain in my right shin to the point that I could barely walk. Bought an ankle and shin compression sock, but it didn't help. Tomorrow I am getting off the trail in Boiling Springs PA for 2 days to rest it and hopefully I can get right back on. This hike can really beat you up. Living the dream!CP
Date: 2016-04-27
From: James Frye Shelter

To: Allenbury Inn. Boiling Springs PA
Miles today: 2.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Began the day by hobbling to the PA 34 road crossing and to the Green Mt deli for breakfast. Called a shuttle to take me to the Allen yet which has a very good hiker rare for rooms. Checked in and googled a walk in urgent care orthopedic clinic in Mechanicsburg only a few miles away. Fortunately, my brother in law lives in Mechanicsburg; picked me up and took me to the clinic. Thanks Bob!!! No fracture, but severely inflamed tendons; so he Rx'ed a steroid pack and sent me on my way. Hopefully, I will get relief quickly. Velcro and Midnight Strider arrived about 6:00 pm after hiking and said that they needed a zero tomorrow. Perfect!! Living the dream!!!CP
Date: 2016-04-28
From: Allenbury Inn. Boiling Springs PA

To: Allenbury Inn
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Started my medication and began to feel some improvement rather quickly. Had breakfast at Caffe 101 in the town. Last night at the clinic I discovered that I have lost 11 lbs already. I of course got the backpacker's special; a huge amount of food, and devoured every bit. Going to rest today and heal, which is good because it is raining and cold. Stumblefoot caught up to us, and there must be about 15 hikers staying here. Great to see him again. Whiskers, Chickenfoot, Disco, and Romani are also here.Tomorrow a return to the AT. Living the dream!!!CP
Date: 2016-04-29
From: Allenbury Inn

To: Darlington Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: few clouds

I hiked 15 mi today mostly through Pennsylvania farmland until climbing the last 1.2 mi up a steep mountainside to the shelter. That mileage is the most that I have hiked in any one day. As I write this post, the shelter is engulfed in a cloud. It's cold and damp, but almost enchanting. It rained most of the day but no downpours, but the trail was muddy. Because of the damp environment I decided to shelter tonight. Tomorrow Duncannon, and Burgers at the Doyle Hotel. Living the dream!CP
Date: 2016-04-30
From: Darlington Shelter

To: Duncannon PA
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: overcast clouds

After a cold misty night, the hike into the trail town of Duncannon began uneventfully, but ended with the return of Stumblefoot and a horrible descent into the town. Stumblefoot stayed with a relative in Mechanicsburg who took him to a trailhead which allowed him to catch up to us. As for the descent; a brutal walk down large rock steps and scree that wore out my knees and feet. Then on to the famous Doyle Hotel for dinner. The term "dive bar" must have originated at the Doyle. The hotel part is a whole other matter. Let's just say that as a group we chose not to stay there. It's 100 yrs old, and it hasn't been maintained well, to say the least! Called Trail Angel Mary and she shuttled us to a motel in Harrisburg. Tomorrow calls for heavy rain; the first we have seen in quite a while. It will be wet for the next 3-4 days. Living the dream!!CP
Date: 2016-05-01
From: Duncannon PA

To: Peters Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: clear sky

Trail Angel Mary picked us up at 7:30 and after a stop at McDonald's drove us to the trail. After walking across the bridge over the Susquehana, we had a hefty climb up to the ridge line. Except for one horrible rock scramble with rocks the size of cars; the remainder of the day had pretty good tread way. The shelter is quite large with a loft which is where I am sleeping. The spring is a hard climb down 300 steps; but I was aided by Tanner, a dog staying at the shelter. We went down to the spring, filled bottles, and he carried the water up in his saddlebags. What a great dog! Living the dream!CP
Date: 2016-05-02
From: Peters Mountain Shelter

To: Yellow Springs Village Site
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: broken clouds

Glad to leave a very crowded shelter and get back on the trail. I've decided that the effort tenting is more to my liking. I hiked several miles with Tanner the dog and his dog dad. They go by the trail name Peter and the Wolf. After a long day we arrived at Yellow Springs Village site; an old abandoned coal mining town. The sun was shining as we set up our tents. However, after about 10:00 it rained heavily all night. In spite of the rain, I slept like a baby. Living the dream!CP
Date: 2016-05-03
From: Yellow Springs Village Site

To: Swatara Gap
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: light rain

The rain let up as we awakened and allowed us to pack up more comfortably. A short ten miles led us to a grove of pines across from a stream and we decided to stay there. The sun is shining, but heavy rain is expected again overnight. The next few days are going to be wet. Tomorrow, we will be staying at 501 Shelter just outside of Pine Grove PA. You can get pizza delivery there, which we will take full advantage. Living the dream!CP