morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2017-07-12
From: Darlington Shelter 

To: Duncannon, PA
Miles today: 37.6

Tuesday, July 11.   I hiked from James Fry Shelter pass Boiling Springs, Pennsylvania and I ended up at Darlington Shelter at about 9pm. The total distance covered Tuesday was 26.3 miles. My longest day yet. The reason for the extended mileage is due to the fact that 10 miles of that total went through farmlands which was pretty flat. Also the weather was cloudy and not so hot.Today, July 12th, I hiked from Darlington Shelter to Duncannon Pennsylvania. Total 11.3 miles. I had a hard time hiking today due to several factors. Number one I think I'm wore out from yesterday's hike, and the terrain was quite hilly and full of rocks. Hikers refer to this state as Rocksylvania instead of Pennsylvania. Now I see why. The rocks are extremely hard to walk on plus the fact that they're all slanting at different angles. It's hard on the feet. My mileage, I expect, will drop to between 10 and 14 miles a day because of the rocks. This will be the norm until I get out of Rocksylvania.Another factor making my hiking difficult is the weather. Today the temperature was 88° with 85% humidity and very little wind to cool me off. I was warned about the humidity in the mid Atlantic states, and now I know what he meant. The combination of the rocks , the heat, and the humidity just saps the energy out of you. Tonight I'm staying in the Doyle Hotel in downtown Duncannon Pennsylvania. This hotel is an icon to the hikers that passed through this town. It dates back to about 1920, and has no air conditioning and the rooms are very small. The window is open but only warm humid air comes in. I am fortunate though because I do have a fan in my room sitting on the floor blowing warm humid air on me as I write this blog.Every Wednesday the Catholic Church here in town, puts on a free hiker AYCE feast. Spaghetti, bread, lots of milk, (chocolate for me), Gator Aid, and lots of green stuff called salads. Oh yeah. Forgot to mention lots of watermelon and ice cream for desert. They also had a hiker resupply available for anybody who might need it. And it was all for free. What a great treat.
Date: 2017-07-13
To: Zero
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Thursday, July 13.   I've decided to take a zero day today. It is still very hot and muggy outside and after a sleepless night in the old Doyle hotel, I've decided to move to a more modern Red Roof Inn with air-conditioning. Tonight I should get a good nights rest in preparation for my hiking tomorrow. Forecast for tomorrow....thunderstorms and rain all day long. I will just plan on getting wet, but I need to get out and walk. The rain will be warm enough that I may go shirtless tomorrow and only cover my pack with a pack cover and just walk. I would like to go about 10 miles tomorrow. It will be challenging with the rain and the rocks so I plan on going slow.Today I met a man who calls himself Otter.I remember crossing his path three weeks ago during the hike through the roller coaster. It seems that Otter did not have a very good nights rest either at the Doyle hotel, so we both decided hiked down to the Red Roof Inn, which was about a 2 mile hike. After arriving at the Red Roof, I decide to take a little nap, which lasted three hours. After that, Otter and I had a very nice supper at a place called The Lumberjack restaurant.Tomorrow both Otter and I will hit the trail at 8 o'clock and try to do about 10 miles. Here's looking for a good nights rest.
Date: 2017-07-14
From: Duncannon

To: Peter Mt Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: scattered clouds

July 14, 6:30pm. Hiked out of Duncannon, PA. for 11.4 miles to Peter Mt Shelter. Left at 9am, from Red Roof Inn, and stopped at the Pilot gas station for a little breakfast, before hitting the trail. It was still raining when we left the gas station. The forecast was rain off and on all day.As usual, we always have to hike up a mountain, when leaving town or a shelter. Today was no exception. One and a half miles up over rocks in the rain is NO fun. Met Nightingale, Clementine, Achilles, Papa and Bulldog on the trail today, all of who are here tonight. Quite the characters. It will make interesting sleeping tonight. Also in our shelter we have an unwanted friend.....a rat snake. Now Clementine won't sleep on the second floor, as that's where the snake resides.Tomorrow's weather is to be sunny and less humid. Whoo Hoo.
Date: 2017-07-17
From: Rausch Shelter

To: 501 Shelter
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: few clouds

Just a short note to let people know where I am, before heading out this am. Since I left Duncannon, I have put in an 18 mile day and yesterday a 17 1/2 mile day. Those days are long enough without having to include all the rocks that are now a part of Pennsylvania landscape. My ankles are swollen a bit this morning from rock hopping yesterday. But we're making the mileage. Also yesterday I ran into "Kinder". My brother and I met her at Amicolola Falls way back on March 4th. She also has been following my blog. We had a good talk on the trail. She was heading south and I was heading north. Today my goal would be to get to Eagles Nest Shelter. Yesterday we had trail magic provided by a Mennonites Church group. Sometime people will leave some "trail magic" along the trail in the form of a cooler filled with ice water, pop or sports drinks and maybe some snacks of some type. When we come upon these treasures, we usually take a brake and enjoy with enthusiasm.This group also left out a note saying they would be providing a full breakfast for the hikers at the Eagles Nest Shelter Monday morning. They showed up at 6:30 with hot breakfast, coffee, orange juice biscuits and gravy, watermelon, and several hot egg bakes. Right now I feel very full and need to get walking to wear it off.
Date: 2017-07-18
From: Eagles Nest

To:  Hamburg Pennsylvania 
Miles today: 9.0

Tuesday, July 18.   Yesterday was a very wet and rainy day. It seem like the thunderstorm was following Bulldog and I down the trail as if it had a vendetta against us. Not only that, but it was like a downpour that lasted well over an hour and a half. We had lightning, we had thunder and we also had a hailstorm. We did manage to hike 15.1 miles to a shelter called Eagles Nest. The trail had become more like a running river from all the water that It received. I only fell once though. The night was spent in a damp shelter trying to dry out. I woke this morning at 5:30 AM and was on the trail by 6:45. Today we hiked 9.2 miles to a town called Port Clinton Pennsylvania. From there I hitchhiked to Hamburg Pennsylvania, where I have checked into a Microtel hotel and I am now doing my laundry after taking a nice hot shower. We have arranged with Achillies and Clementine to get a shuttle to Pottsville, where we will take in a tour of the oldest brewery in the country. Yuengling Brewery has been brewing beer since 1829. A little side note here. When hitchhiking you really are putting your life at risk. The driver who took the three of us back to Port Clinton, was in his 80's, and must have been blind as a bat, as he would breeze right through two stop signs with nary a flinch. Meanwhile, my two friends and I are clinging to our seats as if on a rollercoaster ride. My plan for this evening will be to walk across the street to Cabela's to resupply. This Cabela's here is the worlds largest Cabela's at 250,000 square ft. Wish my friend Reagan was here, as he lives to shop at Cabela's. Also will grab something to eat at their restaurant.
Date: 2017-07-20
From: Eckville 

To: New Tripoli Camp
Miles today: 61.2
Weather: clear sky

Thursday, July 20. Yesterday I met Woody and Chief Pretty Feet in the hotel lobby where I was staying. Woody has his truck here so we took it to a road crossing, parked it and then took a shuttle back to Port Clinton, PA. On our way back to town, we dropped Woody and our packs at a shelter called Eckville. From there Woody will slack pack back to his truck which will be a 12 mile hike for him.Chief and I then, continued on down the road to Port Clinton where we slacked packed back to the shelter. About 15 miles. It was an easy day.Today temps have been in high 80's and same on humidity. It has been tough walking with all the rocks. Many places were bad enough to be referred to as ankle busters. Half way through the hike today, we came across a tavern on the highway next to the AT. Naturally we had to stop for a beer or two. Then we managed to rock hop to our campsite here at New Tripoli Campsite. Total of 13.3 miles. The feet need to rest. Raining cats and dogs now. We have had a lot of wet weather this summer on the AT. Rocks will be slick tomorrow.
Date: 2017-07-21
From: New Tripoli Campsite

To: George W outerbridge Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: broken clouds

Today was a very hot day. High of 93 and humid. That alone takes the energy away, let alone rock hopping. The picture is of a place called the Knifes Edge. The rocks, here, run at an angle and on each side of the edge it drops off sharply. You don't want to fall that's for sure!!!!! Otherwise we had big rocks for about 2 miles of the trail today. The same is expected tomorrow. That makes slow going. Also we have to be careful as the rocks are wet and slippery. You know it is humid when the rocks are sweating. I look forward to leaving Pennsylvania next week, after Delaware Water Gap.Thanks again to all who leave me notes on my blog or my email. Sorry I can't answer them all. Just know that I do see them and enjoy hearing from you. Again thanks.
Date: 2017-07-24
To: View Entry
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Made it to Delaware Water Gap, which is the last Town in PA. Left Wind Gap this AM and hiked one hour in a driving rain storm. Checked in here at the Deer Head Inn and immediately laid out all our wet gear. Then it was off to explore the town. One of the things that a hiker has a taste for when on the trail, besides a beer, would be sweets. This town has many small wayside stores full of fresh baked pastries. rolls, pies, donuts and much more. Chief and I were able to bring a couple of items back to the hotel to enjoy on the balcony near our room. After that, Chief lit up a cigar, and I indulged in a cold brew from the cooler down stairs. Good night.
Date: 2017-07-26
To: View Entry
Miles today: 55.2
Weather: clear sky

Monday, July 24. Made it to Delaware Water Gap, after a tremendous rain event in the am. It ended at 10 am, but then came back at 6pm for an encore performance which lasted all night. The trail was transformed into a river. We,(Chief Pretty Feet and I), arrived at Deer Head Inn at about 3 pm, got a room and proceeded to a local restaurant for a snack and a beer . Next on the agenda was to go to the Village Farmer store for a pie, to be eaten later that evening. After our snack of French Onion soup and chicken wings, and the visit to the best pie place in town, we got a taxi ride to a local Wal Mart for resupply. While we were shopping the power failed back in the Gap, so when we got back to our room we needed to use our head lamps to see. Power was restored about 10 pm. In the mean time, Chief and I sat on the veranda enjoying quiet conversation and a strawberry, rhubarb pie. A nice evening indeed. Tuesday, July 25. Went back to Village Farmer for breakfast, packed up our packs and was on the trail by 10 am. Within an hour we were in New Jersey and no longer cursing the rocks of Pennsylvania. Although no one told the rocks that they could not cross the state line. We still have rocks. Also no one told Mother Nature to turn off the sprinklers. Rain again all afternoon. Again we got wet and again we will spend a night here in a cabin drying off. The wood burning stove was great.
Date: 2017-07-26
From: Mohican Outdoor center

To: Brink Shelter
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: clear sky

July 26. On Tuesday, we hiked from Delaware Water Gap, in Pa., to the Mohican Outdoor Center, where we secured a small cabin to spend the night and dry out. It rained all afternoon. Total distance was 10.8 miles. Also sharing the cabin was a third hiker named Single "T", who I had met several weeks earlier. He also needs to dry out. We had a nice relaxing evening together. This morning, the three of us hiked 14.4 miles to a shelter called Brink. No rain today but cloudy all day. Chief had a bad fall, this afternoon, but seems to be OK. Still seems to be a lot of rocks but becoming less. Also the water availability is far and few. Means we have to carry more water than normal. Tomorrow will be a 15 miler.
Date: 2017-07-28
From: Rutherford 

To: Unionville New York
Miles today: 4.2

Friday July 28.   Yesterday, Thursday, Chief and I hiked 12 miles to Rutherford Shelter. It seems no one had told the rocks that they were to have stayed in Pennsylvania. It appears to me that they have managed to migrated to NJ.Today we were on the trail by 6:30 and hiked to Unionville, NY. We will be in and out of NY state for the next couple of days. Here in town the village will allow thru-hikers to camp at this park for free. LEVEL ground for the first time in 4 months. Today's mileage was 11 miles and so we were off the trail by 2 pm. Nice relaxing afternoon. The mileage gets messed up when I can't blog every day, so I have to adjust the mileage to reflect where I am on the trail.  Also the image above shows me reheating a ham and cheese deli sandwich which I purchased at a deli near Branchville, NJ.,earlier that day. I like my sandwichs hot. My makeshift oven worked pretty good. Tomorrow will be a 16 miler. So with that we will say goodnight.
Date: 2017-07-29
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

Saturday July 29. The picture is from Unionville, NY. I walked past these beautiful flowers and was reminded of home. Being on the trail, for six months, has taken a toll on me as well as my family back in WI. Without their support I would not be here today. I love and miss them dearly. Can I tell you a little about them? I've been married to my college sweetheart for 48 years and am still humbled by her devotion to love me despite my blunders in life. Chris gave me my trail name from a song called Moon River as well as knowing I was like Huckleberry Finn in the adventures I pursue.We have two wonderful kids. Jon who is married to Sarah, and have two boys, Ben age 10 and Nate age 12. Nate is a type one diabetic and is managing it very well. I promised him that I would donate 25 cents for every mile completed to the Juvinile Diabetes Research Foundation when I finish. This helps to keep me going. My daughter Jenny just got married two years ago and is now expecting their first child in mid August. Both Peter and Jen are so excited over the addition to their family.Also I have to mention my brother-in-law Bruce. Bruce loves the adventure that the AT provides and is following me closely. He has MS and can't walk the trail, so I am also walking it for him as well. He's the one who gave me the three nickels to carry to Katadin. The nickels have the birth year of myself, my wife and Bruce to remind me of why I walk. Love you Bruce.Thanks for letting me share this with you today. I was having a bad day, but now am feeling much better. I'm sure many who have been away from loved ones, for any period of time, can understand my feelings. Huck
Date: 2017-07-29
From: Unionville 

To: Wawayanda Shelter
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Some people are still having trouble viewing images right side up. That is a flaw in the AT Journal website. I truly do apologize for that. Everything looks fine on my end. I ran into a total stranger today, by the name of Ernie, who informed me that he has been following my blog. He recognized me from my cover photo. Also had stopped for some watermelon and a coke at a wayside store. I did manage to step on a rock today which rolled and threw me to the ground amongst a pile of rocks. Scrapped my lower left leg pretty badly but managed to walk on. Got into camp about 5 pm, had supper and now almost falling asleep so I need to say goodnight for now. Huck
Date: 2017-08-01
From: Warwick motel

To: Southfield, NY
Miles today: 20.8
Weather: overcast clouds

On July 30th. we hiked 10.1 miles to Warwick Motel in New York State. I hiked with Bulldog and Chief Pretty Feet to a place called the Creamery, where we endulged in banana splits and a root beer. Chief and I secured a ride to the  nearest motel, which was 3 miles away while, Bulldog went on to the next shelter. In town we were able to shower, wash clothes and eat a good meal.July 31 found us on the trail for a total of 10.7 miles to Southfield, NY., for another stay in a motel. We had quite a day of climbing short ups and down over rocks. It was very taxing on the legs. Some of the climbs were just about straight up for about 50 feet or so. Also some areas had metal rebar steps like a ladder to climb.
Date: 2017-08-02
From: West Nt.

To: Graymoor Spiritual Life Center
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: light rain

August 2.  Walked all day to get to the Graymoor Spiritual Life Center, where we can camp for free. Hiked 13.4 today. It was extremely hot and humid. Ate at a Deli near the highway. I had 2 pcs of sausage pizza, one boiled egg and lots of water melon, and a chocolate milk to wash it all down. By the time we arrived at the place to camp, it had started to rain again. On our way to the area designated for camping to we see they had a big circus type tent set up for an an event an event of some type. Or maybe it had been used for a wedding reception last weekend and because of the rain, they just haven't taken it down yet. Since it was not being used, we thought it would be ok to camp under it out of the rain. So we set our tents up under the roof as it continued to rain from above. We were worried that someone would come along to kick us out, but nobody seemed to have cared. It is now dark. And no one showed, so we should be good for the night. Tomorrow will be another 13 miler.
Date: 2017-08-06
From: Morgan Stewart Shelter

To: Wingdale
Miles today: 51.6
Weather: broken clouds

August 6. The tree pictured, here, is 400 years old and is the largest tree on the AT. It is a Burr Oak and has a circumference of 35 feet. We are still in New York State. August 3rd. Hiked 13.8 miles to Clarence Fahnestock State Park. Still hanging with Chief and Bulldog. It was a very hot and humid day, so we headed for a campsite in the park that we heard was available to thru-hikers and is near the concession stand. There are only 3 sites reserved for thru-hikers, and we can camp one night at no charge at one of them. At the concession stand we can get a cheese burger and a Pepsi before they close at 4 pm. We hiked hard and fast to beat the deadline. Arrived at 3:30 and enjoyed our meals. The last mile was especially difficult due to ups and downs on large rocks. I was totally spent by the time we arrived.While there we were also able to shower, with HOT water, as well as wash our clothes by hand and dry them in the sun by hanging them on tree branches. Found our site and in bed by 8pm.August 4th. Friday. Started to walk at 6am, while it was still cool outside, and hiked 14 miles to Morgan Stewart Shelter. Arrived 4 pm. The long uphills and humidity are starting to wear me down. May need a zero soon.On top of one mountain we found someone had painted, on the rock, an American flag, a note about 9-11, and praise for our veterans. Kinda choked me up. August 5th. Saturday. Only hiked 10.9 miles today as we arrived in a small town called Wingdale. Chief has Yogied us a ride, (4 miles), into town for resupply and a motel for the night. When you Yogi something, it means you kinda act in need of something and then hope the people you are talking to feel sorry for you and give you what you need. You can approach some people drinking soda and say " I bet that taste mighty good on such a hot day as today", in hopes the people your talking to would then say would you like a can of soda? We have some extra Cokes. Or you might say," I haven't had a sandwich like that since I started this hike way back in March". At a gas station, you would approach a driver, as he's filling up with gas and say something like "would you just happen to be going up the road, to so and so, that you could give a hiker a lift"?Many people love to help where they can, but don't know how to approach you, so sometimes it's easier to go to them. My fellow hiker, Chief Pretty Feet, is very good at Yogiing. Also he uses his puppy dog look. Good job Chief.
Date: 2017-08-07
From: Jenny and Peters house

To: St Paul, MN
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Sunday, August 6.  Yesterday I hiked 10.9 to a highway crossing and Yogied a ride into town and a motel for the night. We were able to secure a room for three people in the Dutchess Motel. Bill, the owner, does not like hikers, so we had to convince him that we were ok and would not trash the room. There were three of us. Myself, Doc and Chief. This morning, I said my goodbyes to Doc and Chief Pretty Feet. For two months now, I have been planning to go home and surprise my wife and daughter with my visit. My wife and I will be celebrating our 48th anniversary and I don't want to miss that. Also my daughter is expecting and her due date is Aug. 11th. I definitely want to be there to lend my support on the delivery of her first child. I am so excited for her and Peter on this new addition to their lives. They will be excellent parents. I would have mentioned this earlier except I didn't want them to see this, in my blogs, as it is a surprise. I'm writing this in the airport at JFK in NY as I'm waiting for my plane to arrive. I know she will be surprised and happy to see me for this big event in her life.Also Finn, (Chris), will be happy to see me as well. Chris knows I'm coming home tonight. We will have fun till the baby is born, then I will return to the trail, where I left off and continue on to Maine. I may have to do a flip-flop in order to finish by mid Oct. All depends on the baby.
Date: 2017-08-09
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Wednesday August 9. Made it home on Monday, August 7th, without a hitch. Surprised Peter and Jenney at midnight last Monday with my presence. I will be off the trail till the baby is born, or until Finn kicks me out. She seems to be enjoying her new found independence with me being gone. Jenny's due date is the 11th of August so we need to just wait and see. I'm already getting excited to get back to the torture of the trail. I am missing the trailmore than I expected. Why is that? News flash! Jen's doctor says any day now. That's great news. If she doesn't deliver by next Wednesday, then she may be induced. Either way we will hopefully have a new grandchild by end of next week. Exciting times! Current plan for the trail. My brother and I will drive back to Wingdale, NY. and continue hiking NY., CN. and MA. I am running out of time to summit Mt. Katadin so will now look at flipping towards end of August or September. Things get confusing back in the real world.