morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2018-09-15
From: Delaware Water Gap National Rec. Area

To: Wolf Rocks, PA
Miles today: 18.0

Up and on trail at 6:08. The Snake Roots' white flowers along the trail shined bright in the headlamp's rays. After just ten minutes I was out of the woods and on a rocky open knoll. To the east I could see a possible sunrise if the blanket of clouds allowed that opening to remain. To the west blue and gray fog and clouds coated what land formations I could make out in Pennsylvania. The Delaware River look a little brighter than the rest of the landscape as the dawn chased away the night. A rocky walk around glacial-made Sunset Pond. The sun was out and reflecting brightly across the pond's acidic waters. Looks like a beautiful day is developing. After a long drop on an old road I came to Interstate 80. The trail goes under an overpass and passed by the Delaware Water Gap visitors center. A park ranger walked to me and told me where to get water and how the trail would go to access the bridge. She even gave me the weather report. I thanked her and continued. Up on the bridge a six inch wall of concrete and a four foot berm is all that separated me from the trucks and traffic of the interstate. But at 10:20 my thoughts were on my crossing into Pennsylvania. The border was painted on the walkway. I was a happy hiker. In the town of Delaware Water Gap, PA, I left my pack at the Church of the Mountains Hiker Hostel. I went into town and bought four days of food at the Gulf Food Mart. Since the old DWG Diner was now closed I bought some breakfast sandwiches at the mart. It was afternoon and I think the sandwiches were from very early this morning. However, they were hiker quality so I ate them. Back at the hostel I charged my phone and took a hot shower. No other hikers there but I did meet the caretaker and left a donation. I left at 1:30 and began the hike up Mt. Minsi. Lots of cars parked at the bottom and lots of people all the way up. The climb got steeper and steeper. By the time I reached the top I was soaked with sweat. The trail followed a service road for the mountain's towers. Great walking for a mile or two. Then rocky trail. The trail is now in "Rocksylvania" as hikers call it. I stopped at Kirkridge Shelter and I think it's the cleanest shelter on the trail. Nearby the Blue Mountain Retreat Center has a faucet in the woods providing good water for the hikers. Being a weekend, I was surprised no one was at the shelter. I continued for a few more miles as I push towards Duncannon hoping to reach there on the 23rd. The sun was getting low but the clear sky was allowing me more daylight than the last few days provided. After passing a few good sites I thought I'd go just a little further beyond the trail to Wolf Rock Spring. Not long until the woods looked like this is where the glaciers deposited their rock debris. Actually, that is what they did. Rocks and rock, all over. Finally at 7 p.m. I saw two spots and took the most secluded. It was quiet at first but as darkness fell the katydids began their nightly serenade. Good to be home in Pennsylvania.
Date: 2018-09-16
From: Wolf Rocks, PA

To: Delps Trail, PA
Miles today: 16.4

On trail about 6:15. A beautiful morning. The sun was lighting up the eastern horizon. An old friend is meeting me this morning. Two Eagles hiked the New Jersey section of the AT with me when I was hiking the Eastern Continental Trail in 2012. Back then his trail name was Travel Well. It is now Two Eagles in honor of his two sons being Eagle Scouts. We connected around 9 a.m. With him was Too Tall and his dog Tink. Two Eagles had his dog Emma. We talked then headed back to their vehicle at the PA 33 trail head. At the trail head we loaded up into Too Tall's hiker van and drove down the hill to Turkey Hill. Two Eagles treated us. I got a coffee, steak egg & cheese on a bagel, and an Italian sub for later. We stood outside eating and talking for a bit then headed back up the trail. We continued on the trail south going up the hillside. It wasn't terribly steep but the heat and humidity were making us sweat. After the trail leveled out we took a long break talking. I was enjoying their company. The two female dogs were resting in the grass. After almost four hours together today talking and hiking Too Tall and Two Eagles headed back, all too soon. I hate goodbyes but once again we said goodbye. I watched as they headed down the trail admittedly a little sad. But we'll get together perhaps later this year. I headed up the trail then stopped to eat the Italian sub. I was feeling tired. After a few miles I came to Smith Shelter. I got two liters of water and headed out about 2:30. The day was warm. From the shelter to the end of the day I was fighting spider webs. Seem not a soul hiked that section today so I was the one clearing the trail of the webs. At Stempa's Spring Trail I dropped my pack and headed down the trail. This is the last reliable water for over ten miles and the trail soon goes through Palmerton Superfund site. I had no choice but to get water here. The trail went DOWN the mountainside. What a long .6 of a mile drop. I reached the bottom in 15 minutes. At first I though the spring was dry but then I saw a pipe below a large flat rock spilling out cool clear water. I got two liters and headed back up the hill taking 20 sweaty minutes to do so. After packing up I pushed to Dell's Trail. An unreliable spring is down over the mountain but I only want to camp at the trail intersection. No way am I going down that hill again. I got to the intersection at 7:12. A good day. The trail was indeed rocky and killing my knee and foot corn. But once again I am in my tent awaiting the katydids to begin their nightly performance. Great thanks to Too Tall and Two Eagles coming out today. You really encouraged me.
Date: 2018-09-17
To: Bake Oven Knob Shelter
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: overcast clouds

On trail at 5:49. Want to get through Lehigh Gap before the rain from Tropical Storm Florence begins. Heartrock said I can expect rain at 2 p.m. It wasn't long before the treetops were in either the fog or the storm moving in. But for now I needed to just push on and not worry. It was a New Hampshire style power line boulder drop down onto Little Gap. I fell and cut my left leg. Now both legs have matching boo boos. But at the road someone left water containers and my boulder bouncing frustration was gone. Then the climb over Palmerton Mountain, a Superfund site. Most of the vegetation was once wiped out by a nearby zinc smelting works. Now it is coming back after decades of restoration. The fog covered the mountain and all was wet. But it is an easy hike with plenty to see. The drop into Lehigh Gap is dangerous. Fortunately the rain didn't start yet and I made it down safely. I crossed the bridge over the Lehigh River about 11:10. Most of the fog had lifted by noon but the sky was threatening. It was a good climb up the next mountain. I got water at Outerbridge Shelter's spring. After treating the water and eating the rest of my peanut butter I continued. Later I stopped at the southern junction at South Trail for a break. It had been sprinkling for awhile, but when I placed my pack on it became a steady rain. I looked at my watch and it was 2 p.m. At 3 p.m. the rain was heavy for half an hour. At the same time I was carefully going across huge rock fields. The rocks and rain subsided and at 3:45 I came to Bake Oven Knob Shelter. I though I might not get here until 5 or later and all depended on the trail conditions and the weather. No one at the shelter so I set up my tent inside. This is to avoid bugs and mice. I retrieved water from a piped spring and returned to the shelter to retire for the stormy evening. The worst of the storm is to be overnight. I usually don't stay in shelters but will tonight and perhaps tomorrow night.
Date: 2018-09-21
From: Near Schubert's Gap, PA

To: Second Mountain
Miles today: 21.0

This morning I heard raindrops on the tent a few times. When I got up all was foggy. Using the headlamp I was on the trail at 6:12 a.m. After daylight arrived I went by Shikellamy Overlook but saw only fog. At the next vista farms appeared and disappeared as the winds picked up and began blowing the fog away. I came to the 501 Shelter at PA 501. Though I had food I was extra hungry. It is probably because of all the extra food I ate yesterday. I hoped the enclosed shelter had a hiker box and it did. I only saw one item of food and I picked it up. I went back outside to heat water then I poured in the Knorr's Alfredo Broccoli noodle mix. It was good and hot. I burnt my mouth because I was impatient. But it hit the spot. I got water near the caretaker's house. There was a solar shower but it was chilly out so I passed on that idea. Back to the trail. O.P. passed me by. He is a Sobo too and had stayed at 501. He said Sweet is ahead, whom I met way back near Monson. He also said Spencer is a few days back. Spencer started at Mt Katahdin the same day I did. So, I'm finally catching up and passing by some hikers I met before I got sick in July. The wind was picking up. The mosquito squadrons were grounded for the day. Sometimes it looked as if rain was imminent but nothing all day. Between 501 and William Penn Shelter the trail was an old road for miles. I could really cruise. After Penn Shelter the trail got real bad for 10 minutes then better as a regular trail all the way down to the underpass at I-81. Just after 81 is Swatara State Park. As I started to go up the ramp to the bridge a ranger stopped and talked with me. He asked how all was going, told me about the park, and showed me a detour around a washed out area. I thanked him and continued across Swatara Creek. The bridge across the creek is the old Waterville bridge that once crossed Little Pine Creek in Lycoming County. When it was replaced it was dismantled and rebuilt here. I remember crossing it as a kid as our wagon train headed west. I hiked through the woods and crossed a few roads taking the detour the ranger mentioned. Then the trail left the park and began its climb up Second Mountain. At the first campsite I saw I stopped for the day. It was 6:50 p.m. It was a 21 mile day but hiking was mostly steady except for Shubert's Gap and dropping down to Swatara Creek. I wanted to push today and tomorrow to get into Duncannon Sunday. Tomorrow will be another high mileage day as the trail is good and the climbs and descents not bad. Tonight is the last night of summer. The Katydids are singing and I hear the traffic of I-81. A few sprinkles on the tent. A good day.
Date: 2018-09-22
From: Second Mountain

To: Kinter View
Miles today: 16.9

Forgot to mention yesterday that near Swatara State Park I passed the 1,000 mile mark. The halfway point is coming up at around mile 1,095. A few rain showers overnight but nothing serious. The rain fly was mostly dry except the corners. I hit the trail at 6:45. I continued the climb over Second Mountain. A prescribed burn was completed in May for this area. But now the trail was enveloped in weeds on and off for miles. My shoes were wet but soon that wouldn't make any difference. After dropping off the mountain and leaving the burn area Obstacle #2 was just ahead. Amazingly, beavers built a dam right along the trail for about 200 feet. I could see the bridge way up ahead almost on a straight line. The beavers' dam paralleled the trail. The thick woods were flooded upstream. The bad part was for those 200 feet the dam was leaking everywhere and the trail was a muddy mess. Since my feet were already wet I wasn't too careful going across. I went through the site of the village of Rauch Gap, a mining and railroad town. Then crossed the old railroad and followed the trail on the old road to the site of the village of Yellow Springs. On the way two guys and a girl came by and asked about my trip. One guy gave me four cheese rolls, the other gave me a Clif Bar, and the girl gave me a banana. I was grateful for the extra food. Later, while on a break O.P. came by and we talked for 10 minutes. He was the only through hiker I had seen all day. I stopped at Stony Mountain for a break. Then headed down the long descent to PA 325. I've been seeing lots of hikers due to it being the weekend. After crossing PA 325 I got two liters at a spring. I wasn't sure if I'd make it to the shelter but even if I did it's 300 steps down the mountain for water. I decided to get it beforehand. Once on top of the ridge I took a break. It was breezy and chilly so I put another shirt on. After a few miles I came to Kinter View. I was going to continue but I saw a dip between the ridge and the viewpoint. I decided since it was going to be a cool night I should camp in the dip to stay out of the wind. I investigated and saw a camp site. Time was 6:37. The temperature drop is appropriate for the first day of Fall. Tomorrow is a 13.6 mile hike into Duncannon. That means a big burger and fries at the Doyle Hotel for lunch. Then 11 days off.
Date: 2018-10-05
From: Duncannon, PA

To: Wolf Trail Spring
Miles today: 12.8

About 6:30 I went to the convenience store for coffee. I had that and one of Nancy's soft pretzels I bought yesterday for breakfast. I showered and packed up my gear heading out about 8. I went back to the store for sunglasses because I broke mine yesterday. On the trail in town about 8:15. I crossed under US 11 & 15 then followed old route 15 going by some businesses on the old dead end highway. The bridge plaque over Sherman Creek indicates the bridge and highway were built in 1930. The trail left the road and climbed up to Hawk Rock. It took me an hour to get there from the hotel. There were rock steps and plenty of loose rock. But at Hawk Rock the hike became worth the effort. Great views up the Juniata and Susquehanna Rivers. Duncannon was just south of the rivers' junction and on a big bend of the Susquehanna. The trail climbed a little more then stayed on the ridge of Cove Mountain. I met two Sobos I hadn't met before as I was taking a break. Jalapeno was her name but I didn't quite understand the guy's name. They were from Tennessee. I heard several flocks of geese passing over, another reminder of the change in seasons. Today was cool not getting as hot as predicted. The trail followed some old woods roads then passed through open fields. The trail entered the woods again and went beside old farm foundations. After the Darlington Trail intersection the trail dropped quickly. I wanted to get as close to the Cumberland Valley as permitted. I hoped there would be campsites at the spring near the intersection with Wolf Trail. A mile beyond that I knew for sure there would be no permitted camping. I came to the spring at 3:50. I was glad to see a large camping area. Near the center of the site were the rusted remains of an unidentifiable old automobile. I treated two liters of water and established my camp. Though early I couldn't go much further for the day. But I was glad to make my planned destination. The sounds I hear are the hums of I-81, I-76, US 11 and the busy growing suburban streets of the Harrisburg metro area. And an occasional acorn hitting the metal of that old car and momentarily startling me. After 11 days off, the body is a little sore from the day. But it's good to be back on the trail. May reach the Appalachian Trail's halfway point Sunday.
Date: 2018-10-06
From: Wolf Trail Spring

To: Kennedy Shelter
Miles today: 17.7

Though on the trail at 6:25, I had to use the headlamp for 20 minutes. Days are definitely getting shorter. Blazes were sparse and the trail curved around as it finished descending the mountain so movement was slow. But once the day began travel was good. The trail followed a small stream then followed close along swift Conodoguinet Creek. The trail was beautiful along both waterways. I stopped at the ATC Scott Farm for water but it was already turned off for the season. I took a break on the picnic table before heading out and across the road bridge over Conodoguinet Creek. A beautiful boardwalk followed the creek then the trail hung high above the banks before climbing to some farmland. The trail went through pastures and corn fields then across I-81. More farmland then the trail crossed US 11 and I-76. All morning I could hear gunfire from a shooting range. After crossing PA 641 the shooting grew louder. I crossed over a small knoll and the shooting range was very close to the trail. I could hear all kinds of guns going off. I could even smell the smoke from the gun powder. But at 11:30 all shooting ceased. I came to Boiling Springs about 1:20. I stopped at the ATC regional office but it was closed. A hiker named Travis, just starting his hike to Georgia, was there. We talked for a short time then I went to a small convenience store. I came back and talked with Travis for an hour while charging my phone. Travis just started out a few days ago but has lingered in town for two days. His pack is 60 pounds and he has no info of the trail shelters or food supplies. I felt bad for him and offered some advice. But he was confident he will finish this year and do a whole thru hike next year. We shook hands and wished each other well before heading out. The trail went along beautiful Children's Lake and across Breeches Creek then across more open farmland. A warm breeze flowed across the fields. The sky looked threatening as it has all day but no rain came. A climb up Center Point Knob and down again was easy. I met three adults and two children who could not locate the trail until I came near to them. One woman said she was so glad to see me. When she saw me she saw the white blazes and the correct direction. Just beyond Kennedy Shelter I saw Scab and his adult son Zip. They invited me to camp near them at a stream crossing. They enjoy socializing with thru hikers so I stopped. They got a fire going and we talked. I was given a drink of, I think, whiskey and Kool-Aid. Before hiker midnight (8 p.m.) I thanked them and retired for the night. A good day.
Date: 2018-10-08
From: Tom's Run shelter

To: Rocky Mountain shelters
Miles today: 19.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Up before 5 a.m. Made coffee then retrieved Just Suzie's and my food bags from the bear pole. Then I made use of a picnic table to pack up, make more coffee, and hot water for a shave. I had used my headlamp to pack up but turned it off as I passed the shelter in the dark to get to the trail. Last night I saw a hiker come in after dark and I didn't want to disturb him. The trail began rocky but at daylight it became easier. The woods again were draped in fog. The humidity slightly labored my breathing. At 8:40 a.m. I saw the sign for the halfway mark! 1,095.45 complete and 1,095.45 to go. I celebrated with a pack of Caramel Cremes. Though there was some regular trail, most of the day I walked on old woods roads. Before Quarry Gap Shelter the trail went for miles through Mountain Laurel and stayed pretty steady. This was a beautiful section. The sun was now out and it was getting hot. At 2 p.m. I stopped at Quarry Gap Shelter for water. Hidden in thick rose bay rhododendrons this, I think, is the most beautiful shelter on the trail. The caretaker even brings potted flowers to decorate. After a rocky drop down to Caledonia State Park, the trail went through the picnic area. Again I packed up some water. Recent flooding in the park caused a detour but it was short and quickly I was standing along US 30. I waited five minutes before it was safe to cross the three lane highway. The trail went right up the mountain but the grade was moderate. I was sweating as the sun was easily shining through the sparse forest canopy. The trail climbed to some unique rock formations on the ridge of Rocky Mountain. At 5:15 I reached the side trail to the Rocky Mountain Shelters. The trail dropped steeply to the shelters, .3 of a mile down the hill. At one shelter I met Mario, hiking from Harper's Ferry, West Virginia to Harrisburg. He gave me something I never saw before. He had instant coffee with cream and sugar in it. I'll try it in the morning.I had to descend way down again to the tenting area then way down again to get the spring water. It was close to 6 p.m. before I started setting up camp. A good mileage day due to good trail and steady elevation. Tomorrow I'll camp just before the Maryland border.
Date: 2018-10-10
From: Falls Creek Footbridge, PA

To: Pine Knob shelter, MD
Miles today: 18.7

Up and on trail at 6:35. Found the trail but quickly lost it in the dark. After about five minutes I was back on track. At 7 a.m. I crossed the Mason-Dixon Line and entered Maryland. A short distance later I stopped at the Penn Mar County Park. At the park I was hoping to find an outlet to charge my phone but all were turned off. I did find a water fountain. Close to 7:30 and an elderly man came into the park. He got out of his car and raised the American Flag on the flagpole. I spoke to him briefly then headed out. The air was warm and there was a gentle breeze. The trail followed an old railroad bed at first but then it was rocks up the hill and over for a few miles. Hiking was slow. After crossing MD 491 the trail climbed over a ridge then through some open fields. The sun was on me and the breeze was now stronger. In the afternoon the trail mostly followed old roads. The fallen leaves and the warm afternoon made the hike pleasant. Hiking was swift. Passed a few section hikers today. A group of young people were hiking in with climbing ropes in the late afternoon. The sky looked like rain and I wondered where they were going.Good hiking lasted into the early evening. I descended a hill and came to the side trail to Pine Knob Shelter. It was 6:03 p.m. At the shelter was Billy the Kid. He is hiking from Boiling Springs, PA to Georgia. He seems confident and is doing well. He looks about 17 and not sure what direction to go in life. I hope the long journey south helps him decide. I found a tent site and quickly got my tent up. Rain tomorrow so I made sure all was secure.Right now I hear the katydids and the roar of I-70 down the hillside.