morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2019-05-07
From: Rte 664 reeds gap

To: Paul Wolfe shelter
Miles today: 14.1

After a great breakfast of banana pancakes at DB, they shuttled us back to the trail. I hiked a good bit with boomer who used an app to help identify the wildflowers she was unsure of. She sure knew her plants. And it was one of the few times I hiked along with someone. We had a great day. We met a sobo from Quebec who was finishing a section. And boomer saw her first rattler! I was a bit ahead at that point so I missed it. She shot some good video of it.Hiked withBoomerRecapAquamanPlant snap, app to ID plantshttps://photos.app.goo.gl/tebA...
Date: 2019-05-08
From: Paul Wolfe shelter

To: rte 250 Waynesboro
Miles today: 5.0

Did a short hike from the shelter to the end of the BRP and the beginning of Skyline Drive and SNP (Shenandoah National Park). Got some trail magic from some girls at the parking lot. And I've been rescued by friends Bestsy and Tom for a rest day. Thanks so much for the r&r and support! Trail Angel's strike again!!Met a guy at the parking who hiked the trail with his brother 40 years ago and showed us the picture them on katahdin!https://photos.app.goo.gl/SQwS...
Date: 2019-05-09
From: rte 250 Waynesboro

To: loft mtn campground
Miles today: 27.0

My friends let me slackpack 20 miles today, then they met me and took a bike ride on the drive. I pushed in with a full tippy and made it to the campground to find it closed. I took one of the tent sites close to the AT and called it a day.Special note to applestacker, recover well my friend.Blazing termsWhite blaze. = AT Blue blaze = side or alternate trail to ATYellow blaze = take the highway, walk or rideAqua blaze = take a kayak, canoe, raft on the Shenandoah to bypass some trail mileshttps://photos.app.goo.gl/JhsK...
Date: 2019-05-10
From: loft mtn campground

To: high top hut
Miles today: 16.0

Left the empty closed campground and saw so many different types of yellow flowers I took alot of pics.Word of mouth suggested the .5 mile walk downhill to the loft mountain wayside would be worth the visit and they weren't wrong. Blueberry pancakes , hashbrowns and hot cocoa for $10 ! The folks manning the kitchen were super friendly to 9 hungry hikers at their door as soon as they opened! It made the climb back up to the trail that much easier. And I passed the 900 mile mark today!! Pics Sobering statistics climbing mt Everest Metpig weed, retired Monsanto worker, quit last year due to plantar fasciitis Ninja mouse, farmer from Iowa, met earlier but have hiked and camped moreNo plans, Germany, fast hiker, started march 22Tag a long, hiking with the professorAloha, recovered from his shinsplintFinish line, met again from brewpubhttps://photos.app.goo.gl/v2za...
Date: 2019-05-11
From: high top hut

To: big meadow lodge
Miles today: 20.0

A moist day at best, perfect for pics of purple flowers along the way. Met Donna at the gap for some trail magic along with hot toddy. After some refreshments slacked to big meadows. At the end of the day celebrated with some true flower power!https://photos.app.goo.gl/Y11t...
Date: 2019-05-12
From: big meadow lodge

To: Pass mountain hut
Miles today: 19.1
Weather: moderate rain

On this mother's day I recall the red kerchief my mother wore on occasion. I wear mine in remembrance of her.We call them bandannas now, or do-rags, but to her they were always kerchiefs.I remember one instance, when I was probably 5 or 6 years old, while we were riding on the car my mother's red kerchief flew our the window. My dad pulled the car over and walked down the street to get it. How chivalrous of him I came to think years later. I know my mom appreciated it.On the hike today I passed a group of men who looked as if they just stepped away from their, aka not hikers. The first said, "are you a thru hiker". I said yes. Then he asked where I was headed. Without missing a step I said "maine". But it was the last guy i passed that caught me off guard and asked "how many hours is that". How many indeed.Donna provided more trail magic at skyland. I met her along, with No Plans, to enjoy some treats. As we chatted a few old friends hiking with the group the wanderbirds, out of dc, came hiking through. It was great to see familiar faces on the trail! What are the chances!Met cocoahttps://photos.app.goo.gl/mqZ5...
Date: 2019-05-13
From: Pass mountain hut

To: tom floyd wayside/shelter
Miles today: 23.6

The rain of the night before soaked everything. Two downpours on the trail made sure of it. A nice stop at elkwallow wayside for a couple of quick bites was just what was needed to restore spirits of many through hikers.Astonishingly I covered the North district of SNP today! It sure was great to see so many place names I've become familiar with day hiking. Little and big devils stairs, piney branch, overall run, the Marshall's, north and south (not Phil and Margaret;) and Mary's rock. I enjoyed being in familiar territory and connecting the pieces with places I don't normally travel. So goodbye SNP for now. Northward ho!Note, tom floyd wayside is just a shelter. There are no services as there are at the true waysides on skyline drive.MetCricketSalamanderhttps://photos.app.goo.gl/sHPY...
Date: 2019-05-14
From: tom floyd wayside/shelter

To: route 50 Ashby gap
Miles today: 22.9

Early day today to get to more familiar territory. The shelter, not really a wayside, though it says so on the sign, was sparse.The trail through route 522 is in great shape with boardwalks and mowed grass. But once the uphill starts things turn ugly due to all the rain. My boots are a muddy mess and I think "this is a good primer for Maine" to help me get through it.A friendly gathering of hikers a the picnic table near i66 for lunch then off to more points north.PicsIs it Tuscany or Front Royal?MetBootshttps://photos.app.goo.gl/M8kB...
Date: 2019-05-15
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

We are all shocked and saddened by the recent news of the attack in wythe county. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and those immediately impacted. As for me, thanks to all that have reached out to check on me. I want to assure you I'm fine. Everyone in the trail community and those not have been very supportive of our ongoing experience. It is very much appreciated.
Date: 2019-05-16
From: route 50 Ashby gap

To: Route 7 Snickers gap
Miles today: 14.0

Covered my training ground today, the start of the roller coaster section. The hills felt comfortable and I seemed to glide swiftly along due to my increased strength rather than my plodding during training. What a difference 70 some days of constant hiking make!Another milestone as I passed the 1000 mile mark as well!A special thanks to my friend Marsil for lending support and trail magic!Met3 ladies out for a day hike that were super interested in the trek. Asked lots of questions but it was fun to talk about it all.Sobo section hiker from harpers ferry 2nd day out.Day hikers at bears den overlookhttps://photos.app.goo.gl/cfZs...
Date: 2019-05-17
From: Route 7 Snickers gap

To: Route 9 keys gap
Miles today: 13.5

Another day over very familiar territory. I seem to skim the surface of the trail I've done so often. Virginia and West Virginia almost done!A special thanks to my friend Rupali today for lending support and trail magic too!https://photos.app.goo.gl/3DUp...
Date: 2019-05-19
From: Route 9 keys gap

To: Harper's ferry footbridge
Miles today: 7.2

Joined by friends Tom, Steve, Todd, and Beau, we traversed the AT in Loudoun County to complete Virginia and West Virginia! I signed in at the ATC headquarters as hiker 235, noting my number at the start in Georgia was 603. I recognized many in the hiker book as well.After a celebration at a local brewery with many friends it came time to prepare for the next leg of the journey. Thanks to everyone that came out and to those that couldn't, I know you were there in spirit.https://photos.app.goo.gl/h5L4...
Date: 2019-05-20
From: Harper's ferry footbridge

To: I70 footbridge
Miles today: 22.0

After being dropped in downtown Harper's ferry, I made my final crossing into Maryland. I got a friendly wave from the csx conductor and found myself alone on the towpath.Much to my surprise, further down the path, I discovered they are resurfacing the c&o towpath. All the workers were very friendly, all equipment stopped and waited for me to pass.I met a few section hikers on the AT after weverton, even a couple of JW's.The big plus of the day was getting together the last 2 miles with old friends Larry, Julie, Laura, and Josh. We shared a lot of stories and had a great lunch. They even provided more trail magic! It was great to see familiar faces and spend time together. And thanks to theresa for rescuing me at the ferry. With trail magic to boot :)Thanks to all!Met Jennifer, nobo from Harper's ferry at the hiker campground2 nobos at gathland, 1 from wawatertown ny, the other from Ohio.https://photos.app.goo.gl/88Ew...https://photos.app.goo.gl/yDmx...https://photos.app.goo.gl/RkoV...https://photos.app.goo.gl/WAjn...
Date: 2019-05-21
From: I70 footbridge

To: Pen Mar park
Miles today: 19.0

I headed out from i70 after Donna dropped me off. About 12 miles up the trail Josh and Julie met me and turned around to join me at the completion of state number 6!It was great to share the moment. They are a couple of very strong hikers and we moved right along. Thanks to you both for your support and friendship!https://photos.app.goo.gl/XEWK...
Date: 2019-05-22
From: Pen Mar park

To: pa sr 233
Miles today: 13.6

This part of PA looks alot like MD (go figure). But I haven't hiked much in this area so it's a journey of discovery with every step. About 10 miles in I met up with my friend Julie. We hike well together, evenly paced and in tune with the environment. We also enjoyed staying with her cousins, Trudy and John for a couple of nights. Special thanks to all for the first trail magic for me in PA!It's always interesting to explore the communities around the trail corridor. Especially since I've spent many years travelling through this area. For example, I never really knew how many pizza shops this area has...run by real Italians! Met gran nana, 72 years old nobo from harpers ferry https://photos.app.goo.gl/hgCv...
Date: 2019-05-23
From: pa sr 233

To: pine Grove furnace sp
Miles today: 24.3

Today Julie and I saw the trails best maintained shelter, complete with potted plants and reading material! Al other shelter maintainers take notice.We also pushed on, after a brief rainstorm, and crossed the official halfway point of the entire AT...all 3 of em! Posts marked last year's and one from 30 odd years ago. This year's was made by our very own Boomer. Good job!The trail in this section can best be summed up as the 3 P's; pleasant, pine needles in Pennsylvania.PhotosHalfway pointsFlabby arm bridgeWorld's best maintained shelterHappy Shuttle riders and driverMetJunker, shuttle driver Robert George Freeman, trail on blood mtn named after himFamily of 4, from ok. With knee braceCouple from NY nobo from erwin, broken heel last yearBoomer, Ginger goat other AT hikers at general store taking the ice cream challenge (or some form) by eating a half gallon of the stuff.https://photos.app.goo.gl/7XYg...https://photos.app.goo.gl/xjn2...
Date: 2019-05-24
From: pine Grove furnace sp

To: bolling springs
Miles today: 19.1

The trail today, dense, green, fern filled, with lots of running water, had the appearance of the land of the lost. I expected a large dinosaur to appear at any moment chewing the greenery.We also enjoyed our first two rock mazes, skirting around boulders the size of vehicles!And we added some mileage by missing a turn in the cornfield. I even have a picture of the blazed post and joked how it would be funny of the trail creators to leave us wandering around the field!It was great to hike with Julie these past few days. Thanks for the company, comraderie, and trail magic!https://photos.app.goo.gl/84pk...
Date: 2019-05-25
From: bolling springs

To: PA Sr 850
Miles today: 16.5

After so many miles of puds, I enjoyed miles of flat, smooth, PA terrain. Crossing the valley floor, many dayhikers and trail runners shared the trail. I spent a good deal of time listening to gunfire from the local shooting range. It gave the experience a feeling of walking through history, listening to the battle of Gettysburg.After slacking in the morning, I enjoyed a hearty lunch with Donna and she got to extend some trail magic to several hikers at the picnic spot. All enjoyed the surprise treats!https://photos.app.goo.gl/Cikb...
Date: 2019-05-26
From: PA Sr 850

To: peters mtn shelter
Miles today: 20.1
Weather: clear sky

Donna helped me slack pack yesterday and this morning. Rocks were the order of the day along the ridge heading to Duncannon. I was very glad to be slacking.The trail was crowded with day hikers going to the rock overlook. A long walk through town, where I found the crew hanging out, and got a smoothie, ended after crossing the susquehanna river for lunch at the car. Donna provided all the trail magic today!After a brief nap I took tippy for a walk up Peter's mountain. Also very rocky. It was a long walk for at every viewpoint I could still see the town of Duncannon. Note, their town sign says they are also the midpoint town of the AT. That makes 5 midpoints!MetRachel, out for night, trying out gearBeechnut and Boy scouts, retrieved water from spring down the mountain. God bless them. Also found some trailmafic in the bear box at the shelter.PicsTripping hazard, though I saw this sign the previous day everytime I stub my toe it now brings a kind of smile to my face.https://photos.app.goo.gl/Z8Ag...
Date: 2019-05-27
From: peters mtn shelter

To: rausch gap shelter
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I'm sure you've seen the banners in many towns honoring service men. I've always thought these hometown banners are one of the many great ways to honor the memory of those who have given a part of their life in service to the country. I'm glad to see the banner of my brother in law, Eddie Baker, flying in Keeseville, NY. Ed served in the Navy in the early 1960's right out of high school. He was in the Sea Bees construction battalion and spent time in Alaska and Maine in power plants at Radar Stations.Eddie Bakerhttps://photos.app.goo.gl/6qc1...The trail also holds the memory of many of those who have served, in one way or another, including;Earl Shaffer, Audie Murphy, and R. Sanchez.This memorial day i paused for a moment to remember and honor all those who served to protect all of us.Trail update...The trail today had alot of conglomerate rock and black mud that I remember from North Carolina. I took a great stream break at 6.7 mi and soaked my feet while fishermen worked the water. I even got some trail magic, PBS crackers from Beechnut.PicsTrail magic in the spring, literally. I thought someone had left trash. I was going to pick it out of the water and found it was unopened!https://photos.app.goo.gl/srzH...
Date: 2019-05-28
From: rausch gap shelter

To: 501 shelter
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: overcast clouds

It was a hot, humid day. Since I went to bed early I was up and out early. The patter of rain in the trees sped things up as well.At a trail juncture the sign said there was a community of 1,000 people here. Now there's only the water detox drains for the fish. This is also where the trail leads to a large beaver dam.I went to the dam, in the pouring rain to check it out. It was formidable. I decided to go the alternate route, 1.6 miles around. I met dead pool and hiked with him for a couple of hours.Found out a large group who I know camped around the bend to me. At the end of the day we met at the 501 shelter and talked about the dam. They all crossed it, some got wet up to their knees, most got up over their ankles.Lots of wet rocks today. Very slippery, and slowed progress alot.The 501 shelter is close to sr501 so they get pizza delivery! I stopped short of my 23 mile goal, as a storm rolled in with a tornado warning.Per borderline:100 miles to the Delaware water gap! Checkout the bakery and deer head inn (oldest jazz club), church hostel. MetBorderline, 501 caretakerWrong way, shared a pizzahttps://photos.app.goo.gl/2ZaX...
Date: 2019-05-29
From: 501 shelter

To: port Clinton hotel
Miles today: 24.1

Lots of rocks today. Made the shelter in good time so kept going. Walked through a thunderstorm and was soaking wet. The first drops made me put all my rain gear on, only to stop for an hour. So I stripped off all the gear only to have to put it back on at the start of the storm, hence the title of today's post.Made Port Clinton so treated myself to a stay at the local hotel. Dinner was good, with chocolate pb cake for dessert. Learned a lot about the local train to Jim Thorpe and the yuengling brewery tour in Pottsville by talking to the locals at the bar.As the sole hotel guest I have the run of the place!MetHiker Greg, we talked alot about foodLocals act the port Clinton, driver for yuengling, teacher from Penn state that did a 1 credit hiking classhttps://photos.app.goo.gl/3KWd...
Date: 2019-05-30
From: port Clinton hotel

To: allentown hiking club shelter
Miles today: 22.2
Weather: clear sky

The other day I had a good conversation with dead pool about getting positive energy from different places. It's like when someone is truly impressed with what we are doing, it lifts your spirits and gives you a boost, putting a spring in your step. It can be random day hikers (thanks random guy for the fist pump) or encouraging words in your guest book, or even a trail occurrence. Hikers take this and it gives them energy (not unlike dementors in harry potter.)Today I had such an experience. It was at the beginning of a rain storm, I was fully decked out in my rain gear and as I walked I noticed a fawn on the trail ahead. It started to dart away but stopped. I froze in my tracks, thinking I should get my camera. But something told me to not move. Slowly the young fawn approached me and stopped about 8 feet away. It sniffed the air like a dog would do and looked me over. I was amazed. It didn't seem to be afraid but very curious as to what this smelly, funny looking creature was. We looked each other over for a minute or two, just the fawn and me, alone in the woods.Then it ambled up the trail and stopped at the edge of the woods. I moved closer and it took off, slowly at first, then bounded away.That was an encounter I'm not likely to ever forget. And gave me the boost I needed for this day.MetHulk HoganTurtleWaldo and xx from Loudoun countyNaturdaySir stops alothttps://photos.app.goo.gl/d7To...
Date: 2019-05-31
From: allentown hiking club shelter

To: George W. Outerbridge Shelter
Miles today: 16.8

A tremendous rain storm hit us last night. I was grateful to be in the shelter. In the morning it was much cooler and I headed off to tackle the rocks everyone has been talking about. They didn't disappoint. They were large and after several long sections of them I was exhausted.I saw three snakes, a garter I almost stepped, a copperhead in the rocks, and a really big black snake at the road crossing.At camp a kind day hiker brightened my day with bananas and cookies. Thanks stranger Brad for lifting my spirit!Also on the upside I didn't have to deal with any rain! And my foul up yesterday of missing the first shelter I was going to stay at paid off by shortening my day today.MetA caretaker of the section near the shelter I stayed at.3 ladies from Lancaster, in their pa frocks . Was interesting to see them tent with all the latest gear and build a fire in the a.m. to dry their clothes.https://photos.app.goo.gl/8Us3...
Date: 2019-06-01
From: George W. Outerbridge Shelter

To: smith gap road
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: clear sky

Crossed the Lehigh River in a breeze and morning mist. Started to climb the Rockiest mountain yet. Sections made me think I took a wrong turn and wound up in Colorado. Made all the more interesting by carrying tippy. Fortunately (?)I had very little food left.Met my family, had lunch, and had a great hike with my son for the afternoon.PicsCharging my phone by power line.Hiking with DanielElms!MetWallyElm tree guyhttps://photos.app.goo.gl/9wNx...
Date: 2019-06-02
From: smith gap road

To: campsite past Kirk ridge shelter
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: scattered clouds

It was a great time with the family, and had another great hike with daniel. The rocky terrain never let up and neither of us complained. It was great to all be together and share the experience. Wolf rocks, which I navigated later in the day wasn't nearly as bad as some of the other large rocky areas that didn't have a bypass option. I ended the day at a gorgeous camping spot high above the valley.https://photos.app.goo.gl/ma1n...
Date: 2019-06-03
From: campsite past Kirk ridge shelter

To: mohican outdoor center
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: few clouds

But before I say goodbye to the keystone state I stop for some french toast at the apple pie bakery. (Home of hot dogs and pie for $2.95!) And a piece of peanut butter cheesecake. Also, a stop at the edge of woods outfitter worked out for replacing my destroyed hiking pole tips. Noted, if the pole tips look this bad after 1200 miles, what is this doing to my joints!Kudos to Blake for working with me to remove the old and fit the new. Thanks Blake for going the extra distance!Delaware water gap, the town, is quaint and has many interesting attractions including the oldest jazz club in the country and a strange fascination it seems with hot dogs and egg creams, whatever they are.And hats off to the border marking on the Delaware River bridge. Best border marker yet! See photo.I also ran into reading man again. He had several good suggestions for meals at places coming up.And I thought I saw a water moccasin at sunfish pond, the farthest southern glacial pond(?), but it was probably an eastern water snake? Whatever it was it was big. note, glacial ponds mean very rocky shorelines.MetPenny the artist in the mtnsStray cat from Arlington TXSwagman, Waltzing Matilda guy from michigan and Australia Blake, edge of woods outfitterBiker guy at bakery, 75, IBM guyGuy from London, a woman from New Zealand, kayakersWoman with baby hiking while husband ranBert, from Netherlands and Mike nycQuestion of the day...Who was antoine dutot?https://photos.app.goo.gl/KNVA...
Date: 2019-06-04
From: mohican outdoor center

To: gren Andersen shelter
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Who knew New Jersey had so many lakes and such varied terrain? The bits of sharp rocks in pa have given way to large slabs of bedrock on ridgelines . We even had an up cliff climb of a few yards.The real treat came at route 206. A couple if good taverns to choose from. I think I had the best veggie burger of the whole trip. And we met John, who's opening a deli with an emphasis on hikers, considering he is feet from the trail. His soft opening will have many giveaways, th he official opening will be July 1. He has drinkable water available on a top at the side of the building.MetBrick, nobo from harpers ferryhttps://photos.app.goo.gl/pxc7...
Date: 2019-06-05
From: gren Andersen shelter

To: unionville ny
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: overcast clouds

High point state park, New Jersey. I went the extra and had the summit monument all to myself!Met a host of interesting folks today. Many are flip floppers that started in harpers ferry.Got a free soda at the state park headquarters. (I gave it away.) Lots of folks stopped. Walked to the high point monument and had it all to myself.At the end of the day walked some extra to get to town in NY for dinner. Camped for free with others at the town park.MetJsquared, Hampton inn Carlisle wife evaKodiak, glacier, robin, AlaskaBiscuits UKLunchbox, directions at shelterTakoma, skirt commentWally from trail magic with danielhttps://photos.app.goo.gl/NRzR...