morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-05-06
From: Glasgow??

To: Buena Vista
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 69Monday May 6 looked like a zero day at the pavilion, a canvas sided covered car port. I slept on the benches because the wind was blowing water in on the floor. This morning's warm shower had no roof so I could rinse off in the rain. Still the town made more of an effort to attract hikers than most other towns. Some of the listed services are out of business, so when Frost, Sunshine, BB Cliff and Luki showed up and wanted to head to Buena Vista it was fine by me. Met up again with Zook who is taking a zero tomorrow. I will team with him and wait out the rain. Grrrr
Date: 2013-05-07
From: Buena Vista

To: Buena Vista
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 70Tuesday May 7 was a zero waiting out the rain. We had breakfast at the Blue Dog Art Cafe a hiker hostel then sleep and resupply. The weather on TV shows flooding in our area. I hope it won't effect the trail. It looks like I will be able to make the Big Meadow Lodge in Shenandoha in time to meet my wife. Grrrr
Date: 2013-05-08
From: Buena Vista

To: The Priest shelter
Miles today: 20.7
Weather: light rain

Wednesday, May 8 we were back on the trail by 8:00 and having second breakfast with " Fresh Ground by 11. This was his last setup until Maine. I hope to catch him there. We saw a Rufus Sided Tohee scavaging the area for left overs. The trail was fairly level and even though it rained till about 2:00, we were able to make good time. I'll probably hike with Zook into Shenandoah. Grrrr
Date: 2013-05-09
From: The Priest shelter

To: Maupi Field Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: light rain

Wednesday, May 9, I limped the 13.8 miles into Maupin Field Shelter by 5:30. Whatever I hurt yesterday came back with a vengeance today. Within the first few hours the pain was back. "No rain, no pain, no Maine". Finally about 2:00ish after extensive prayer, it loosened up and I was able to make almost normal time. "Frost, Zook, Easy, and Baker" in for the night. Maybe some cupcakes for desert!! Grrrr
Date: 2013-05-10
From: Maupi Field Shelter

To: Paul C Wolf Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: light rain

Day 73Friday May 10 had a deceptively long up coupled with warm temperatures kicked my butt. I am still feeling the effects of Wed musle pull. I decided to stay at Paul C. Wolf Shelter instead of trying for Waynesboro. I need to resupply as well as to find out what is open in Shenandoah. It seems like some of the camp stores aren't open yet. Zook pushed to town. I had hiked along with "Easy". He's he's as old and worn as I am, but at the last minute he also decided to push for town. Grrrr
Date: 2013-05-11
From: Paul C Wolf Shelter

To: Calf Mt Shelter
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: light rain

Saturday May 11. Todays miles were in two parts. The first 5.2 miles from the shelter to Waynesboro was mostly down hill. I shuttled into town with "White Flash, Garfunkle, ??. The first stop was the YMCA for a shower. It felt great but the results didn't last long. Next was the AYCE buffet at the Ming Buffet. If they had allowed the empty plates to pile up like beer bottles it would have been realy impressive. Even though most of Shanondoah is open I am still carrying more food than necessary. YUUUM As I hiked the 7.5 miles up out of town I met "Easy and Baker." They both had stayed at the hostel and were slacking 20 south back to town. I wish it was me! I met up with Zook at Calf Mt Shelter. At some point he will need to make miles. If my leg holds up I may pass Big Meadow and then hitch to meet my family.
Date: 2013-05-12
From: Calf Mt Shelter

To: Black Rock Hut
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Sun May 11 Mothers day, my left groin muscle is still acting up. I can get about 6-7 good miles and everything after that is painful. Still I limped the 13 miles into Black Rock Hut about 2:00. One more night with Zook. The trail is fairly smooth with long gradual ups, jut made for speed. I wish that I could take advantage of it. We will make an early start and try for Loft Mt Wayside for second breakfast then see how I feel. Even limping, it is possible to go past Big Meadow then hitch back to meet family late Friday. Zeros and food whats not to like???? The hut here is in a small valley above a spring. Sitting in the sun, we have been watching an amazing number of birds, most of which I don't know. This morning I was the lose enough to a deer to almost touch her before she moved off the trail. Grrrr
Date: 2013-05-13
From: Black Rock Hut

To: Pine Field Hut
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: clear sky

Monday, May 13 was very cool and overcast most of the day. If my leg wasn't bothering me it would ne an easy 20. I only get about 5-7 good miles before every step hurts. I've tried resting longer and more frequently but that provides only temporary relief. Tomorrow the decision may be mad for me. My only choice of shelters are 8.2 or 20.6 miles. There is no way I can do the 20. Short day, long rest, maybe that is just what I need. I hobbled into Loft Mt Wayside as Zook was finishing his second breakfast and was able to wish him and his daughters well next week. So, an egg and cheese sandwich, grilled chicken wrap, a plateful of French fries and a Blackberry shake. It was a hard place to leave. Today I saw a pr of Gold Finch and a buck starting to grow antlers grazing behind Pine Field Hut. "White Flash, Earl Gray, and Garfunkel were out ahead of me and watched a bear cross the trail in front of them. For me, no bear sightings yet. Grrrr
Date: 2013-05-14
From: Pine Field Hut

To: High Top Hut
Miles today: 8.2
Weather: clear sky

Day 77Tuesday 14, was an easy 8.2 into High Top Hut. I arrived at 11:30 with "Woodrow" right behind me. He was only in for lunch but I decided to call it a day and try to heal up. In with Jessica and her seven year old son, "Hard Core Sixpack" one hammock hanger, four tents, two cowboy camping and those of us in the shelter. Fun night. Grrrr
Date: 2013-05-15
From: High Top Hut

To: Bear Fence Mt Hut
Miles today: 12.4

Day 78Wednesday May 14, I tried to hitch into Elkton to resupply. I could only get to the first grocery which was totally inadequate. I was FORCED to stop at the Lewis Mt camp store which was just as bad. Of course, the pint of chocolate Haagen Daaz made the detour worth while. I made Bearfence Mt Hut but hurt the last few miles. "Hard Core Six pack"one and his mom showed up. That kid is everywhere. Grrrr
Date: 2013-05-16
From: Bear Fence Mt Hut

To: Rock Spring Hut
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: broken clouds

Day 79Thursday May 16th. It was only 7 miles to second breakfast at big meadow wayside then 5.5 to Rock Spring Hut. The 1283 calorie meal was definitely worth the detour. I came into Rock Spring Hut to find five high school kids and their teacher had taken possession. After a short discussion about hut etiquette, some of the boys went up the hill to tent. I guess I must be a real Hard Ass. Grrrr
Date: 2013-05-17
From: Rock Spring Hut

To: Pinnacles Picnic Area
Miles today: 9.0

Day 80Friday May 17th was only a 9mile day. I hiked to the Pinnacles Picnic area. The plan is to hitch back to the Big Meadows. Camping area to shower, do laundry, and wait for my wife and our friends. Did I forget to mention EAT!! I was surprised at how hard it was to hitch a ride on Skyline Drive. I met everyone and went to dinner. I think I ate as much as the other three combined. Hot water, soft bed, clean clothes, unlimited food. Grrrr
Date: 2013-05-18
From: Jeremy's Run Overlook

To: Pinnacles Picnic Area
Miles today: 10.6

Day 81Sat May 18 I slacked 10.6 with our friend Brien from Jeremys Run Overlook back to the Pinnacles Picnic Area in dense fog and mist. Of course, there were supposed to be views along the way but that never happens. If I take a new trail name it should be "Foggy" or "Overcast". My leg is still hurting whether or not I rest it. I know, just accept it and keep trucking. Food at the lodge is pricey, excellent, but pricey. It is supposed to rain tomorrow so I plan to prep my gear and get ready to head out on Monday (after breakfast, of course). Grrrr
Date: 2013-05-19
From: Big Meadows Lodge

To: Big Meadows Lodge
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Day 82Sunday May 19 was a nero. My wife insisted on a nature walk here at Big Meadow. When we crossed a nice stream I instinctively reached to refill my water bottle. Anyway, she just cant stand to see a man zero. I could get used to zero days, they all seem to revolve around eating. This was bouncing back and forth between trail and not trail hits me with culture shock. Today, I sprayed waterproofing on my gear, switched to a summer bag, swapped my tent for a hammock, filled my food bag and wondered how to fit it all in my pack. Every time I try to lighten my load my pack seems heavier. Grrrr
Date: 2013-05-20
From: Jeremys Run Overlook

To: Gravel Springs Hut
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: light rain

Monday May 20. From Jeremys Run Overlook to Elkwallow wayside is only 2.9 miles. With or without hearing aids there was a blackberry milkshake calling my name the whole way. Fortunately, I was able to succumb to temptation. I took a short 10 mile day into Gravel Springs Hut which I was able to do pain free. Maybe tomorrow it is time to push for some miles. According to the hut log there is an active bear in the area. Hang your food high. We saw the bear. Grrrr
Date: 2013-05-21
From: Gravel Springs Hut

To: Jim and Molly Denton Shelter
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Tuesday May 21 was an 18 mile day from Gravel Springs Hut to Jim and Molly Denton Shelter. The heat and humidity kicked butt, MINE! I need to add more electrolyte to my water and rest at the shelters I pass. I will try to cut my day into five mile sections when it is really hot.   I will try another 18 tomorrow. The solar shower didn't work but the shelter is really nice. The trail changed immediately after crossing the Shanendoha boundry. So much for wide, gentle, groomed ups. Grrrr
Date: 2013-05-22
From: Jim and Molly Denton Shelter

To: Rod Holllow Shelter
Miles today: 18.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Wednesday May 22 I was able to do another 18 miles by breaking into sections to Rod Hollow Shelter.   Lunch was an hour break and I ate more than usual. I'm in again with "Java Man, Mainiac, and White Out". The heat and humidity have been really tough. Maybe tonights thunderstorm will cool things off or add more humidity. We all were in the rack by 8 and half asleep when Alex staggered by head lamp in the midst of the worst thunderstorm I have seen in a long time. Grrrr
Date: 2013-05-23
From: Rod Holllow Shelter

To: Bear Den Hostel
Miles today: 10.0

Thursday May 23 was a short 10 mile day that finally caught up with me after two 18s. Last night's rain did nothing but add humidity without cooling things off. The game plan was to hike out with Alec to Bear Den Hostel, pick up his car and drive to Harpers Ferry to pick up my meds and zero. It never happened. I got to the hostel, run by the PATC and Alec stopped at the shelter. Darn, forced to endure a wonderful evening teaching American Sign Language. Bear's Den is without a doubt the nicest, cleanest hostel I have stayed at all trip. Grrrr
Date: 2013-05-24
From: Bear Den Hostel

To: Tea Horse Hostel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: mist

Friday March was to be zero day. I had expected to get to the Tea Horse Hostel at Harpers Ferry and check in by 2:00 and sleep for a few hours. Never happen. I left my pack at the ATC office and went to the business (tourist) district. The outfitter's was a big disappointment. They carried nothing that I needed but had a full stock of yuppie shirts and clothes. The town was just as bad. There was not one place to really resupply. Anyway I forgot my fuel bottle so that was another uphill walk back to the ATC. Once settled in the hostel someone mentioned supper so it was back to town. Grrrr
Date: 2013-05-25
From: Tea Horse Hostel

To: Rocky Run Shelter
Miles today: 15.4

Saturday May 25.   After all of yesterday's walking (referred to as bonus miles) it was the three oldest guys that were up at the crack of dawn. Today was very cool and breezy along the river and on the ridge line. I was able to wear my hearing aids all day for the first time on weeks. It is absolutely amazing how much of this beautiful creation I miss while hiking deaf. I came across some really cool shelters and ended up in a new one, Rocky Run, after 15.4 miles. The strangest part of the day was all of the people who are out with back packs. Between this being Memorial Day weekend and the ease of the trail here in Maryland I was the constantly passing groups of 2-10 people. Fortunately there was no proplem finding shelter space. Less than a week til I meet my youngest son in Pa. Grrrr
Date: 2013-05-26
From: Rocky Run Shelter

To: Ensign Cowall Shelter
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: clear sky

Day 89Sunday May 26. I was up and out early for another nice cool clear morning which means that I can hear everything around me. By the time I arrived at the Washington Monument the day was warming up. After the monument the day was uneventful, reasonably flat but loaded with stones. If this is bad what can I expect in Pa???? I will miss my mail drop tomorrow in Waynesboro because of Memorial Day. I will forward it to my son who I should see next weekend. I finally got a call from Alec who I missed at the Bears Den Hostel. He got out tired but ok. Grrrr
Date: 2013-05-27
From: Ensign Cowall Shelter

To: Deer Lick Shelters
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: clear sky

Monday May 27 was a 14.5 mile day into Deer Lick Shelters. I was unable to get my mail drop, today being Memorial Day. I will call tomorrow and push it up the line to my son. However all was not lost. We hitched into Walmart to resupply. Turns out Walmart is to conveniently located across from the Old Town Buffet AYCE. Perfect!! Between full food bags and what we ate we were barely able to waddle the two miles to the next shelter. In for the night with "Northern and Fiddle Head." Nice fire wonderful conversation, I will hat to lose them tomorrow. Grrrr
Date: 2013-05-28
From: Deer Lick Shelters

To: Quarry Gap Shelters
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Tuesday May 28 was a 15.8 uneventful hike to Quarry Gap Shelters. "Northern and Fiddle Head" pushed ahead to be in better position for the Ice Cream Challenge (eat a half gallon in 30 minutes and you win a little wooden spoon and have your name recorded for posterity) I will slow down to arrive when my son comes on Thursday. This shelter must be cared for by women, there are hanging flower pots and other cool stuff all over the place. I met an old retiree from Ct who I worked with at SNET. I'd recognize that handle bar mustache anywhere. Tonight I need to catch up on my journals. Grrrr
Date: 2013-05-29
From: Quarry Gap Shelters

To: Tom's Run Shelters
Miles today: 13.6

Day 92Wednesday May 28 was a short 13.6 mile day into Tom's Run Shelters. It is all set to meet my son tomorrow at Pine Grove Furnace State Park and do some trail magic. This afternoon I am just resting up fighting off ants and other bugs. "Little Rock" and I decided to hike north after supper to the midway point on the trail and get some pictures. I even have one with Thomas the train who has ridden all this way in my pack. You wonder why my pack is so heavy. Grrrr
Date: 2013-05-30
From: Tom's Run Shelters

To: Pine Grove Furnace State Park
Miles today: 3.3
Weather: light rain

Day 93Thursday May 30, a nero, 3.3 miles to Pine Grove Furnace State Park by 8:00. My son Peter showed up a short time later and we set up in the pavilion. I thought that after the Ice Cream Challenge (just south of us) hikers would be too full to chow down. Not to worry, it was never an issue. With all the hiker talk about who was in front or behind us, who left the trail, and shared experiences, Peter got a good taste of the community. I was very proud of him. Although it was his magic we could have hung a sign...Grrrr and Son Fine Dinning. Tomorrow is a zero while I replace boots/insoles and other gear that is showing the wear of three months and 1094.6 miles of trail. According to the caretaker at the ATC museum the official trail length for 2013 is 2,189.2 miles. Damn!!! It gets longer every year. Grrrr
Date: 2013-05-31
From: Pine Grove Furnace State Park

To: View Entry
Miles today: 3.3
Weather: clear sky

Day 94Friday May 31 was a zero day. We spent it driving around the state trying to get boots/ insoles and to replace some other gear. EMS in Lancaster was a disappointment. Gander Mt was a little better. I didn't mind missing a 90 degree day. Grrrr
Date: 2013-06-01
From: Pa 850

To: Boiling Srings
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 95Saturday June 1, I slacked 16.5 miles with my son from Pa850 south to Boiling Springs. There is a reason that stretch is so flat, most of it runs through fields with no shade. We started at 7:00am and wished it had been earlier. New boots / new blisters. I can't wait to slack 20 tomorrow. (Very early start) Grrrr
Date: 2013-06-02
From:  Pine Grove Furnance State Park

To: Boiling Springs
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: light rain

The plan was to slack 2020 while my son went fishing. It was a long boring walk that ended in rain. The high point of the day was seeing a Red Fox who stood a.x warched me pass. Low point of the day, breaking in new boots. I hate blisters. Grrrr
Date: 2013-06-03
From: Pa 850

To: Clarks Ferry Shelter
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: light rain

Day 96Monday June 3. I am back on the trail today. Peter dropped me at Pa850 where we had slacked from on Saturday. I did 14.1 to Clarks Ferry Shelter. Of course, I made the required stop at the Doyle Hotel for lunch. As tempting as it was to stay and watch the Bruins beat the Penguins again, I pushed on. Oh, the sacrifices of the long distance hiker!!!! Grrrr
Date: 2013-06-04
From: Clarks Ferry Shelter

To: Rausch Gap Shelter
Miles today: 24.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Tuesday June 4 was the longest day yet on the trail. I did 24.7 to Rausch Gap Shelter. The first shelter was only 6 miles out so it made no sense to stay there. I kept thinking that I could always camp but didn't. The water is near the shelters. When I arrived I was at the very limit of my strength. There was just enough left to lay out my sleeping bag and spoon down 1/2 a jar of peanut butter. The shelter itself was really cool though I didn't appreciate it till morning. I need to try and even out my days. Grrrr
Date: 2013-06-05
From: Rausch Gap Shelter

To: William Penn Shelter
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 99Wednesday June 5 was a mild 13.4 miles to William Penn Shelter, a two story / loft structure. I will have to share with a Montessori High School from Cleveland. Being able to turn off hearing aids at night is not all bad. My feet are slowly recovering from slacking with Pete but overall I'm still beat. Grrrr
Date: 2013-06-06
From: William Penn Shelter

To: Eagles Nest Shelter
Miles today: 19.2
Weather: light rain

Day 100Thursday June 6. I must be recovering, today was a 19.2 mile day. It was also a 100 days in the woods. The trail was mostly flat which is ok but my feet hate rocks. It has drizzled most of the day, not enough to make things slippery but enough to stay cool, humid but cool. With the rain picking up it will be a full house in the shelter tonight. Tomorrow I will reach Port Clinton and try for a room. I need the outfitter and resupply. Grrrr
Date: 2013-06-07
From: Eagles Nest Shelter

To: Port Clinton Hotel
Miles today: 9.0

Friday June 7 was a short, wet 9 mile day into the Port Clinton Hotel. Not a place to take Ma but it works for me. "Sparky, Rocky and I went shopping at Cabel's (still no gators) and Walmart to resupply. Both are conveniently located near the A J Buffet. Mmmmm!! I am now back at the hotel repackaging in prep for heading out tomorrow. Only 17 more days to CT. Grrrr
Date: 2013-06-08
From: Port Clinton Hotel

To: Eckville Shelter
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: light rain

Saturday June 8 was a nice 14.8 mile day. I left Port Clinton Hotel by 6am and arrived at Eckville Shelter by 2:00. It looks like a full house (6) tonight plus some on the tent area. The rain and clouds are turning to blue sky, the mountain laurel is in full bloom and my feet are happy.   All is right with the world. Tomorrow will be a 17 mile day. Grrrr
Date: 2013-06-09
From: Eckville Shelter

To: Bake Oven Knob Shelter
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: broken clouds

Day 103Early start into Bake Oven Knob Shelter 17.4 miles by 2:00. Rocks, rocks, and more rocks, the Knife Edge was a definite challenge. In with "Rocky, Clause (a German SOBO) with Simba in a hammock across the trail. Rain for tomorrow so maybe an 8 mile hike to Palmerton and the free hostel. Grrrr
Date: 2013-06-10
From: Bake Oven Knob Shelter

To: Palmerton, Pa
Miles today: 8.0

Day 104Monday June 10 was 8 miles to the blue blaze side trail into Palmerton, then another 2 to the Jail House Hostel. The building was originally built as a jail but now has offices, a gym and a hostel with shower in the basement. Located in the middle of town it is surrounded by the grocery stores, laundry, and restaurants. It is a perfect place to hang out, wash up, and chow down. I caught up with Little Rock who I haven't seen since Pine Grove Furnace. I'm counting days to CT. Tomorrow, rain or shine, I pass through the Palmerton Super Fund Site. 1898-1980 zinc smelting has deforested the ridge line. No drinking water here. Grrrr
Date: 2013-06-11
From: Palmerton, Pa

To: Leroy Smith Shelter
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: broken clouds

Day 105Tuesday June 11, I was out by 6:00 with Little Rock and did the 15.5 miles to Leroy Smith Shelter by 2:00. We were picked up without trying and dropped at the trail head, a straight up rock scramble over the super fund site. It was a nice view and interesting hike till we entered the "long green tunnel". After that the day was boring. Tomorrow I plan 13+ to a shelter then 8 to Delaware Water Gap. Today threatened rain off and on but stayed dry. I would hate to go up or down the super fund hill in the rain. Grrrr
Date: 2013-06-12
From: Leroy Smith Shelter

To: Church of the Mountain Hostel
Miles today: 20.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 106Wednesday June 12 was a 20.2 mile day. I had intended to spend the night at Kirkridge Shelter, but after passing it by noon and finding the sole of one boot peeling off I decided to push to Delaware Water Gap and the Church of the mountain hostel. They are calling for some mean weather for the next day or so. Being under cover will be a good thing. I also need to contact Rollin. Two weeks to Cornwall Bridge, Ct. Grrrr
Date: 2013-06-13
From: Church of the Mountain Hostel

To: Church of the Mountain Hostel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 107Thursday June 13 was a zero day due to the expected storm. I spent last night in a shelter behind the hostel only to wake in the morning to find a leak in the roof over me. Most hikers moved on so we moved into the bunk room for tonight when the weather is supposed to be at it's worst. Rollin took me for new boots. The sole of my Keens pealed off. Now I will try Merrells. After feeding me Rollin returned me to the hostel where the Thursday night hiker feed was in progress. Second supper!!!! Grrrr
Date: 2013-06-14
From: Church of the Mountain Hostel

To: Stealth site mile 1308
Miles today: 19.0

Day 108Friday June 14. I was out by 6:00 and crossed the Deleware River into NJ. Only 6 states to go!! Today was a nice day for hiking, cool and cloudy with a few sprinkles. Because of that my camera was in my pack when a very large (male?) bear crossed the trail in front of me. After a few minutes of staring at each other he whent his way and I hotfooted it up the trail. I will definitely hang my food bag high tonight. I camped with Little Rock, Rocky, ZZ Topless and Bean on an old road bed, the only flat ground we could find. Having sent my hammock home as too heavy I only have the rain fly which I rigged in a flying diamond. It is now 6:00pm and we are all snugly tucked under cover waiting out a fairly heavy thunder storm. I hope it stops soon before the ground gets saturated and I'm wet. Fun is!! Grrrr