morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2017-07-06
From: Hertline Campsite 

To: Port Clinton, Schuylkill Trail
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: clear sky

The rain came in earlier than expected, so packed up a slightly wet tent.  Iceman was kind enough to offer Disciple and myself a spot in his finished basement, so we headed toward Port Clinton and will probably do a zero instead of a nearo tomorrow.  In hindsight,  this was a blessing due to the drizzling rain today.First, Iceman met us at PA 183 with some Gatorade, then he would travel to help other hikers.  We hiked on, but with the weather, the views and scenery were not spectacular.  The name of the game today was to SAFELY get the miles completed.  The wet rocks and mud made for some slippery areas,  but we both made it to Port Clinton without incident.  Iceman also left a cooler of cold drinks at the Auburn overview which was nice.  In addition to Disciple and myself, Fancy, Sandals, Crayola and Tenacious dropped by where Iceman was parked.We loaded our gear and headed out.  Iceman also dropped Sandals off at the Cabelas in Hamburg before heading to his home. We arrived at our destination,  a very nice home indeed.  Iceman was a very gracious host and we were able to shower and wash clothes before heading out to a very large Smorgasbord restaurant.  Of course Disciple and I had the buffett and it is safe to say, we got the full value!  Currently sitting on a very comfortable couch which in the past may have taken for granted.  Life was certainly good today with the rain to keep the vegetation green and the springs flowing.
Date: 2017-07-07
From: Hamburg, PA

To: Hamburg, PA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Taking a zero today.  I intended to do a nearo for my 60th birthday on July 7th, but this worked out great.One of my goals for this journey was to meet people in order to learn new skills and maybe even learn something about myself.  I had a lot of trail magic early in Georgia and North Carolina and it is continuing as I make this entry.Whether it was Rainman and his family down South or Gucci Girl, Grumpy and Iceman here in Pennsylvania,  I have truly been blessed and my spirits have been lifted.With all the good fortune coming my way, I have been conflicted on how to return the favor to these individuals?  In the case of Gucci Girl and Grumpy, they are planning a thru hike in 2018 and I can easily provide assistance to them in "my neck of the woods".  But how do I return the favor to Iceman who has been so generous not only helping Disciple and myself, but to many other hikers as well?  The bottom line is I can't, at least not directly to Iceman.  There are some token things I can do, but it is miniscule compared to what he has done.  My only option is to pay it forward.  I decided early in my journey to do trail magic next year after my experience with Rainman in Georgia.  However, as the hike has progressed, I now realize the extra step means so much to a hiker and especially a thru hiker.  Thank you to all Trail Angels who stumble across this post.  I am proud to be in the AT hiker community and look forward to paying it forward.
Date: 2017-07-08
From: Hamburg, PA

To: Eckville Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Iceman picked us up at the hotel at 8 am and took us back up to Port Clinton to resume our hike.  Easy grade to begin with, then an uphill section with manageable rocks.  There were many day hikers since it was Saturday with popular overlooks.  The views from The Pulpit and Pinnacle were great.Coming down from The Pinnacle, the trail was mostly on an old road bed until it turned off with about a mile to go.  Unfortunately,  a thunderstorm hit before we were finished hiking, so our clothes and shoes were soaked.Iceman was set up for Trail Magic dinner again at the road and many hikers took advantage of his hospitality including Blue Whale, Sweets and her dad Beyonce, Good Witch, Abstract, Hook,  Swiss Miss, Jaws, Ellis,  Mattie and Rudy.We tented across the street from the shelter with cool weather so hopefully good sleeping.
Date: 2017-07-09
From: Eckville Shelter

To: Bake Oven Knob Shelter 
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: clear sky

Iceman slackpacking Disciple and myself again today.  In hindsight, turned put to be a blessing with the rocks on the trail today.  There was an uphill section to begin with, but mostly level the rest of the day.Good view at Dan's Pulpit, but afterwards many rocky areas until the tricounty corner section when the trail followed an old road bed.  I passed Iceman hiking SOBO and he said there was Trail Magic lunch at Fort Franklin Road. Three Mile and Grover are section hikers and they were there with Lisa and Mary with burgers,  hot dogs, beans, chips, cookies and drinks.  In addition to the outstanding food, Grover and Three Mile offered great trail advice.  I also enjoyed talking with Mary about shows I am planning to see on my upcoming side trip to NYC and Lisa's work as a wildlife photographer. Started back to finish the last half of today's hike.  The Knife Edge was challenging, but not too difficult.  We met Iceman at the Bake Oven Knob parking area to get our gear, then started toward the shelter.  The rock scramble down Bake Oven Knob was much tougher than the Knife Edge.
Date: 2017-07-10
From: Bake Oven Knob Shelter 

To: Delps Trail Campsite
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: few clouds

Iceman met us about 2.5 miles up the trail to slackpack Disciple and myself once again.  Before heading out, he had his usual goodies, this time I had a maple bacon doughnut which was fantastic. Rocks are getting more steady now; we are in the last 40 mile section of Pennsylvania that I had heard so much about (and the first 30 miles of New Jersey).  Iceman appeared once again at mile 1257.8 on the road to Palmerton, this time with cold drinks, so we ate lunch there while Iceman shuttled a fellow hiker to Wind Gap.  Before Disciple and I left, Good Witch showed up as well.The climb out of Lehigh Gap is legendary and it did not disappoint.  It is a switchbacked trail through the woods most of the way, but the rock climbing finishes the accent.  The bright sun and heat made it a bit of a challenge.  Once the rock climbing is over, the trail is nice through the superfund site with some good views to the west.  Iceman magically appeared for the 3rd time today at Little Gap where he was cooking sausages and hot dogs for all the hikers.  A good group of hikers took part.  Disciple and I said our goodbyes to Iceman, at least for the time being.  He has been a great Trail Angel the last 9 days and has certainly been an inspiration and example for me.The last miles into the campsite included more rocks and my feet are ready for a good night's rest.
Date: 2017-07-11
From: Delps Trail Campsite

To: Mile 1283.8 Campsite
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: broken clouds

Up and out at the usual 7:30 am timeframe.  Today was just about getting the miles done.  The terrain was mostly flat except for going in and out of Wind Gap.  However the rocks on the trail today seemed constant although there were a few places void of rocks.  On top of that, we had a brief, soaking rain in the morning which made the rocks a bit slippery.  We got to PA 33 and headed into Wind Gap.  Disciple needed to pick up packages at the post office and I needed a small resupply.  One package Disciple received was a new Zpack backpack which he was glad to have.  Before leaving town, we ate lunch at the Cafe on Broadway: great food and very hiker friendly.  Surprisingly,  many of the restaurants near the post office did not open until 4 pm.  We were able to Yogi a ride back to the trailhead.  Last 5 miles into camp were difficult since the rocks continued.  Another night of sore feet!
Date: 2017-07-12
From: Mile 1283.8 Campsite

To: Delaware Water Gap 
Miles today: 9.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Out a bit earlier, about 7 am so we can get to Delaware Water Gap by lunch.  The rocks continue, Wolf Rocks wasn't too bad since they were larger and easier to hop from one to another. Got water at Kirkridge Shelter where I saw Good Witch who stayed there last night.  From there,  the rocks started to clear a bit, especially the roadbed walk up to Mount Minsi.  However, the decent down Mount Minsi was a tad challenging due to areas of steep grade.Got to DWG and met Jay and Tonya who are following Disciple's youtube channel Not By Sight.  They are from Georgia, south of Atlanta,  where Jay is a police officer and Tonya works with children.  Jay is planning a thru hike once he retires and is starting his research.  They proved to be another pair of Trail Angels and shuttled us to the outfitter and the post office.  After that, they treated Disciple and I to lunch at the Sycamore Cafe.  I continue to be blessed with Trail Magic.  After lunch, they took us to our hotel in East Stroudsburg.   I was able to do laundry at the hotel, then took an Uber to Walmart after my shower.  Later that night, enjoyed the air conditioned room while watching some TV.
Date: 2017-07-13
From: Delaware Water Gap 

To: Mile 1310.3 Campsite
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Disciple and I got a ride from our hotel back to Delaware Water Gap from Kenny who is well known in the area for his hiker shuttles.  Crossing the Delaware River on Interstate 80 was very noisy, as one would expect; very glad when we got off that bridge. Trail started OK, but then the rocks returned as I was warned by Graymountaineer who I hiked with earlier in my journey.  Going around Sunfish Pond was very challenging since the rocks seemed to be extra sharp and dangerous.  Rocks continued all the way until the road to the Mohican Center.Had lunch at the Mohican Center, a bit pricey,  but very good.  We stayed there about 1.5 hours and continued hiking.  The rocks seemed "better" or am I just getting use to them?Passed a group of Boy Scouts at Catfish Lookout  Tower who hiked up from the local summer camp.  They all applauded as we passed since they were impressed by thru hikers. Got to camp before the rain hit, so that was nice.  Life remains good.
Date: 2017-07-14
From: 1310.3 Campsite

To: 1329.1 Campsite
Miles today: 18.8

Raining hard this morning so stayed in my tent until 9 am.  Definitely the latest I have left camp during this journey.  We had a lull in the rain about then, so packed up quickly and headed out.  Had breakfast on the trail.  No views today, then the rain started back and would continue most of the day.  We were thinking about going to Gyps for a late lunch/early supper,  but with all the food in my bag, we skipped that to get into camp earlier.The rain did stop long enough when we got to camp so we could put up the tents without "adding more water".  Ate dinner and retired to my tent to get out of my wet clothes.  It feels good when you start to dry out!
Date: 2017-07-15
From: 1329.1 Campsite

To: Lott Road, Unionville, NY
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: light rain

Had some rain last night,  but no rain packing up.  However, gear is very damp.  Passed the half way point for New Jersey about a hour into the hike.  Rocks are getting better and now are what I would call "normal" for the AT.About mid-morning we were surprised by Stan the Man from Staten Island.  He follows Disciple's youtube channel and invited Diciple to speak at his church on July 29th.  He drove up with hopes to meet Disciple and he was successful and brought us some ice cold Powerade.Stan hiked with us to the High Point state park where they give thru hikers a free soda if they register.  Stan offered to slackpack us to Unionville.  We were also able to dry our gear in the nice sunshine at the park.  The trail up to the wooden observation deck was OK with good views.  After that, the trail was very nice into Unionville. Met Stan in Unionville where we registered for a camping spot at Horler's.  Set up tents, then Stan treated us to pizza at Annabelles.  We resupplied at Horlers, then took advantage of the WiFi at Annabelles.  The bugs at the campsite were bad, so got into tent to escape them.  I planned to call my support team/wife, but made the mistake to lay down.  Before I knew it, I was out...woke up about midnight so missed calling my wife.
Date: 2017-07-16
From: Lott Road, Unionville, NY

To: Wawayanda Shelter
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: clear sky

Had breakfast at the general store and started hiking about 8:30 am.  Long, level hiking to start with,  going through marsh at Wallkill Pond.  Uphill section tp Pochuck Shelter  and tough hike to Pochuck Mountain. Got to NJ 94 and had lunch at Heaven Hill; they did not have a great selection and actually ran out of hot dog buns. Tough climb up Stairway to Heaven, but nice view at top.  Some ups and downs into the shelter where I set up my tent.  Many hikers here along with a lot of bugs!  Jumped in tent right after dinner to escape them.
Date: 2017-07-17
From: Wawayanda Shelter

To: West Mombasha Road
Miles today: 17.1
Weather: clear sky

Hiking about 7:10 this morning to try to escape some afternoon heat.  Nice trail to start with, but many rock scrambles with hand over hand climbing once you cross into New York.  The warning in AWOL's guide is spot on.  It was also difficult to follow the trail since many limbs and branches were overgrown.  Slow going indeed.Eventually the trail became "normal" and we reached NY 17A where we went to Bellvale Farms to eat our trail lunch, but got root beer and a banana split as a treat.  They are very hiker friendly with charging station and water spigot. Took another break at Fitzgerald Falls, but the climb out from there was challenging.  Found a campsite near the road where a trail angel had left drinking water.  Thunderstorm came through, but quickly passed.
Date: 2017-07-18
From: West Mombasha Road

To: William Brien Shelter
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: scattered clouds

No rain this morning, but the tent is still damp from last night's storm.  Hiking early, but with so many hand over hand climbs it was slow going.  Only did 6.6 miles by noon when we are usually in the 8 to 10 mile range by lunch.  In addition to the climbing, it is very humid which seems to sap the body of strength.  My clothes are soaked to the point of dripping sweat.  Did the Lemon Squeezer, but that was nothing compared to the rock wall climb immediately aftetwards.  That one took a while to get up although it was not too tall.I made a conscious effort to drink 1 liter of water per hour, but my urine output was still very low, which concerned me.  Got to shelter, but as usual, set up my tent to escape the insects.  A rain storm came in right when I finished preparing my mashed potatoes,  so hurried to the shelter to eat.  Other hikers were doing the same.  Rain stopped and I was in tent for the night soon afterwards.  Life is good, but today was a challenge.
Date: 2017-07-19
From: William Brien Shelter

To: Bear Mountain State Park
Miles today: 9.3

Nice trail starting out this morning, but the climb up West Mountain was very difficult for me.  It was still very humid and even making an effort to drink more water, I was still dragging up the mountain.  The decent from West Mountain wad not too bad, but the climb starting Bear Mountain was difficult.  The last part of the climb was nice along a easy grade with a wide path...thank you day hikers since I was sure that part was made for you.At the top of Bear Mountain,  I took advantage of the vending machines to get a couple of Gatorades and a Coca-Cola.  The humidity is still very high and I am sweating profusely.  Felt much better on the way down with the trail made for day hikers.  I have a room reserved at the Bear Mountain Inn,  but first grabbed a burger and fries at the concession stand.  Checked into the inn and after a shower took a taxi to the laundromat.  Halo is back in town to meet Disciple, so she picked me up from the laundry and we went to the Barbeque restaurant which was good.  Tomorrow I start a long weekend of zeros in NYC as my wife will fly up to meet me there.  I am ready for a break.
Date: 2017-07-20
From: Bear Mountain State Park

To: Bear Mountain State Park
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Had breakfast at the inn, then packed my gear for the trip into New York City.  I waited on the road in front on the inn since the bus stops there and does not pull into the inn.  For anybody planning to do this, you may want to consider waving at the bus driver to make sure they stop.The fare was $13.98 and paid that directly to the driver in cash.  The trip to the city took about 2 hours with the other stops and traffic.  Got to the bus terminal at 42nd street and walked the 8 blocks to my hotel on 50th street.  Was able to get an early check in, so stored my pack and took the subway to the REI store in lower Manhattan to get new shoes, socks, shorts and pack.  My old pack was still in good shape,  but the hip belt is now too big.My support team/wife will arrive tomorrow and I look forward to seeing her.  I plan to resume hiking on Tuesday, July 25th.
Date: 2017-07-25
From: Bear Mountain State Park

To: Dennytown Road
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: broken clouds

After an extended break in NYC with my support team /wife, it is time to get back to the hike.  I was depressed this morning because of my homesickness and watching my wife leave, but I knew hiking would help....and it did.Crossed Bear Mountain Bridge and like most of these bridges, it was nice to get over it!  A little climb after the bridge,  but the trail was very nice most of the day and the weather cooperated with cooler temperatures.  Went by the Appalachian Market for a burger and rings.  I lost my hiker hunger in NYC, so the burger really didn't seem as special.  Met my first SoBos on the trail today, but they won't be the last .Got to Dennytown Road and met a local who gave me a head's up on a primitive campsite with a privy and picnic tables.  Took off that way and the site was nice with an open field.  Two section hikers showed up and we had a nice conversation, helped by the fact they were in my age category.  Already cool temperatures,  so should be good sleeping.
Date: 2017-07-26
From: Dennytown Road

To: NY 52 Mile 1434.1
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: overcast clouds

A lot of dew this morning...no rain last night,  but the tent fly is soaked.  Another nice day hiking where the trail was pleasant and the temperatures mild.Stopped by for an early lunch at Fahnestock State Park concession area.  As usual,  a bit pricey,  but a nice change of pace.  Continued hiking and got to the RPH shelter,  but no one there but me.  It is a nice shelter with a porch, chairs, etc.  It was surprisingly clean since I expected it to be trashy this close to the road.  It us obvious the caretaker(s) are very diligent. Got to NY 52 and walked down to the Mountaintop Market.  Decided to make use of their free camping so I could take advantage of having dinner tonight and breakfast tomorrow. They have a picnic table for hikers in the back, but camping is about 100 yards down the road in a nice, mowed clearing. I am trying to slow my pace a tad.  Disciple has to go home to perform a wedding,  so will work it out for us to meet back up next week.  In the meantime,  I am taking advantage of all the Deli and concession stands close to the trail!
Date: 2017-07-27
From: NY 52 Mile 1434.1

To: NY 22, mile 1448.9
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: moderate rain

It is a good thing I have ear plugs, because the pavement company near the tenting area was running most of the night.  I slept well and it was a nice stay.  Had a breakfast sandwich at Mountaintop grocery before leaving.  Another nice day hiking with the trail and weather cooperating. Made good time and arrived at Native Landscape around 2 pm.  They are super hiker friendly; got my passport stamped and bought a soda.  I called earlier for a room at Dutchess Motel and Bill, the owner, came out to pick me up.  Super nice guy, but he has had some bad experiences with hikers, so if you call for a reservation, stress that you are looking for a "quiet " place to stay.  I think he likes the older, more subdued hikers like myself.Had dinner at the BBQ restaurant,  then got some goodies from Ben's Deli.  Settled in for a quiet night watching some TV.
Date: 2017-07-28
From: NY 22, mile 1448.9

To: Mt. Algo Shelter
Miles today: 18.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Walked down to Ben's Deli to grab a breakfast sandwich,  then met Bill,  the hotel owner, at 7 am where he took me back to the trailhead on his way to his construction business.  There was much more up and downs today compared to the previous days.  Not a bad day hiking, but there were areas of rocks that required boulder hopping.  Crossed into Connecticut,  so another state in the books!  Had lunch at Ten Mile River shelter, then continued hiking.  Went down the extra 0.4 mile road walk to see the covered bridge.  Hey, it's New England, so had to do it.  A fairly steep climb after that, but there was a view on top with the weather cooperating.  Continued hiking to the Mt Algo shelter where I set up my tent.  Then, headed into Kent for some dinner...ended up eating Chinese, followed by some ice cream.  The road walk into Kent was not bad,  mostly flat.  I did not even try to hitchhike since I figured the locals in their Volvos and Audis wouldn't pick up a dirty hiker.  Sitting now in the ice cream shop taking advantage of their WiFi and power.
Date: 2017-07-29
From: Mt. Algo Shelter

To: West Cornwall Road
Miles today: 16.2
Weather: moderate rain

Actually slept late this morning and didn't wake up until 6:20 am which is unusual.  Needless to say, got a late start out of camp.  Weather was almost perfect for hiking with partly cloudy skies and cool temperatures.  There was also a nice breeze which helped on the many climbs.  The trail today was like Jekyll and Hyde.  There were many ups and downs, with some long and steep.  However there was also a long flat section along the river that was quite nice.  There was also a return of the rocks,  mostly big, jagged ones that you really have to be careful around.Tinkerbell came out to do Trail Magic burgers and drinks which was greatly appreciated.  He is a section hiker who hopes to do a thru hike in the future.I had texted Hudson with Bearded Woods Hostel about a room  for tonight and he responded that he would pick me up at West Cornwall Road .  When I arrived there I ran into Giggles who I had not seen since North Carolina.  When I mentioned I was heading to a hostel, she decided to stay there as well.  Hudson picked us up and gave us a tour when we arrived.  It is a nice set up with the hiker's area on the lower level.  Very modern and clean with some nice touches.  Hudson has hiked the AT twice, in 2014 as a thru hiker and a LASH from 2004 to 2008.  I decided to take advantage of their free slackpacking when you stay a second night,  so will hike to Salisbury tomorrow where Hudson will pick me up.
Date: 2017-07-30
From: West Cornwall Road

To: US 44 Salisbury
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: clear sky

Had a good breakfast at the hostel and Hudson delivered us to the trailhead about 8:15 am.  It was a nice cool morning with a little breeze.  A few climbs today along with some ups and downs, a good day on the trail. Nice at Hang Glider view with a clear blue sky.  Fairly flat section into Falls Village where I stopped at tbe hydro plant for water.  Gradual climb to Mt. Prospect, but no views on top.  Nice hike from there into Salisbury since the forest was nice and open and free of underbrush.  Stopped by the ATM in Salisbury, then did a small resupply at the market.  Hudson picked me and enjoyed some time playing "catch" with the dogs.  Lu prepared an excellent Italian dinner tonight for a reasonable charge.  Finished it off with a birthday blueberry pie for Giggles who celebrated her birthday a few days earlier.  It has been a pleasant stay at Bearded Woods hostel.