morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-07-13
From: Campsite

To: Boiling Springs, PA
Miles today: 8.1
Weather: broken clouds

A nice easy day heading into town. Much of the trail went through corn fields and other farm land. It was a great change of pace from the green tunnel that is the AT. I ended up staying at a resort down the road, which had a hiker rate of $40/night. Way too fancy for this dirty hiker: pool, tennis courts, playhouse, saunas, and fine dining. I cleaned up as best I could and went to the bar for dinner since I didn't have proper attire for the dining room. I had good beer, clam chowder and a shrimp po boy sandwich. I retired for the night a happy and well fed hiker.
Date: 2013-07-14
From: Boiling Springs, PA

To: Boiling Springs, PA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

This resort was way too nice to stay just one night, so I stayed another and took a zero day. The pool was great, except for the Nazi of a lifeguard who asked if I was a hiker and whether I had a "proper" bathing suit.. I said, "Kid (she was about 18), I'm wearing a pair of shorts that I just washed. Do you want to check for stains?" She just snarled at me and walked away. WTF? Anyway, I bought a six-pack of micro beer from the bar and relaxed. I need to start doing some miles again if I plan on getting to Maine by the end of September.
Date: 2013-07-15
From: Boiling Springs, PA

To: Cove Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 21.6
Weather: overcast clouds

As always, the day after a zero day is the worst. I still managed to hike good mileage today, notwithstanding my zero day hangover. Mid-day, I stopped at a shelter for a break. It had the nicest privy I have ever seen. It was called "The Taj Mahal" and was large enough to sleep at least 10 hikers. There also were two seats next to each other so that hikers can carry on a conversation while sh***ing. What will the ATC think of next? I made it to the next shelter and ran into Piper and Outback. Both fellow thru hikers. Unfortunately, I have another hole in my air mattress and couldn't sleep. I ordered a new mattress, but held off on Lindsay shipping it to me because I thought I patched the holes. No dice. My support team (i.e. Lindsay) will have to send me the new mattress if I expect to sleep again.
Date: 2013-07-16
From: Cove Mountain Shelter

To: Duncannon, PA
Miles today: 4.0
Weather: few clouds

Huge miles today. Ok, maybe not. I hiked 4 easy miles before heading through town. I ran into my old friend Wonderboy who is also a late April starter. We've run into each other several times over the past 2 months. He is a 22 year old guy from Detroit who hikes at a fast pace and enjoys his breaks. No way I can keep up with him in terms of pace, but I take short breaks and spend more time on the trail (although Wonderboy just hiked 42 miles in a 25 hour period). No way I can do that, the joints and tendons wouldn't let me. It's good to be 22. Anyway, he convinced me to stay at the Doyle Hotel because they had cheap beer and good food. Another bad decision. Although the room was cheap ($25) and pizza was great, there was no AC and I was stuck on the 4th floor with no working window. The room was 95 degrees at 11pm. I fell asleep around 2am and hit the trail by 7am. Advice to thru hikers, stay away from the Doyle if you plan on staying the night.
Date: 2013-07-17
From: Duncannon, PA

To: Campsite
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: clear sky

I was enthusiastic about leaving the Doyle, although the people of Duncannon were great. About 10 miles into my hike, the flies came out in full force. I'm not sure if it was the 100 degree weather or bad timing, but I (and no other thru hiker I spoke with) has ever experienced the type of swarming bugs as we had today. There were literally hundreds of bugs in my face, nose, eyes, ears, and body for the entire hike. They didn't bite, but covered my entire body. I was helpless. The heat and trail were bad enough (I expected these elements), but I never imagined dealing with such bugs. Just another day in the life of a thru hiker I suppose.
Date: 2013-07-18
From: Campsite

To: William Penn Shelter
Miles today: 26.3
Weather: light rain

The lean mean mileage machine was back baby. Despite the heat (100 degrees), trail (rocks all day), and relentless bugs (crazy bugs all day), I made big miles. I hit the trail early and went until 8pm. The best part of the day occurred around mile 18. I was considering calling it a day, but then I came across some trail magic: a cooler full of cold Gatorades. I had two and pushed on 8 more miles, which were full of poison ivy, thorn bushes, and rocks. I ended up spending the night at a shelter by myself and it was weird. Since I hit the thru hiker bubble around Harper's Ferry, I've had plenty of company. Still, I enjoyed the alone time after such a long day.
Date: 2013-07-19
From: William Penn Shelter

To: Hertline Campsite
Miles today: 9.7

I planned on doing a double marathon (back-to-back 26 mile days), until the 100 degree heat and bugs wore me out. I came across a confluence of streams that led to a swimming pool about 50 yards from the trail. I had a decision to make: do I keep going or do I call it a day around 2pm and go swimming in a cool stream? The stream was awesome. No regrets as I sat out the heat and soaked my sore feet and joints in the cold water. I'm slowly realizing that miles are not the end all be all. It's ok to take a day off.
Date: 2013-07-21
From: Hamburg, PA

To: Hamburg, PA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

The zero day was well deserved. I ended up walking to Wal-Mart to resupply and then on to Cabelas to find a bug net for my head. Pennsylvania has been terrible so far: rocks, heat, bugs, and more rocks. However, I ended the day with a ten pack of tacos from Taco Bell. The crew there was great and I had my order in 3 minutes, unlike the ghetto Taco Bell in Dayton where it takes 20 minutes to get your food. All the workers were young and I felt obligated to reward their work ethic, so I tipped the crew $20. As a former worker in the food service industry, I respect and appreciate good service.
Date: 2013-07-22
From: Hamburg, PA

To: Hamburg, PA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

I decided on another zero day. The bed was way too comfortable and I couldn't get out of bed. I called the front desk and asked for another night. Clean sheets, AC, and warm food are so glorious. This is my first back-to-back zero days since I've been on the trail. I can see how hikers can easily get trapped in trail towns for days at a time. Back on the trail tomorrow morning.
Date: 2013-07-23
From: Hamburg, PA

To: Eckville Shelter
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Another great day of rocks in Pennsylvania. My shoes and knees have been taking a beating. The rocks in this state are unique because they are vertically slanted and the edges are sharp. Since I'm wearing trail runners instead of boots, my feet feel every step. Rather than hiking late into the evening, I called it a day around 6pm. Too many rocks.
Date: 2013-07-24
From: Eckville Shelter

To: Lehigh Furnace Gap
Miles today: 19.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Rocks all day. I don't mean to sound negative or repetitive, but that's all I've hiked on for the past several days. My left knee has been giving me problems still, and the rocks have not helped. The weather has been much better. Today, it was surprisingly cool in the 50's. The problem was the night time. I had switched out my sleeping bag for a thin bag liner thinking that the nights would all be warm. Wrong. I froze my ass off last night. It was so bad that I used the large garbage bag that I use to line the inside of my backpack as a sleeping bag. Yes, I slept in a garbage bag (which was surprisingly warm). There is no such thing as "too low" for a thru hiker.
Date: 2013-07-25
From: Lehigh Furnace Gap

To: Leroy A. Smith Shelter
Miles today: 21.1
Weather: clear sky

Due to the cold (and my inadequate sleeping bag), I slept only about 2-3 hours last night. I hit the trail around 9am. My left knee is in real bad shape. It makes a clicking sound every time I bend it more than 45 degrees. Downhills are also very painfull and rocks are even worse. This horrible state can kiss this hiker's ass. There really isn't a trail in Pennsylvania, but rather a track of white blazes painted over sections of rolling rocks. By far, this has been the most miserable state to hike in since Georgia. Most thru hikers I have spoken with agree.
Date: 2013-07-26
From: Leroy A. Smith Shelter

To: Delaware Water Gap, PA
Miles today: 20.2
Weather: overcast clouds

My goal was to simply finish this godforsaken state. Several hikers I had been hiking with over the past several days decided to hit town about 5 miles in today. I was close to giving in and calling it a day. I instead pushed on with the goal of finishing this state today. I ran into several hikers I had not seen in a couple of days: 1st gear, green light, and lady mac. It was fun catching up and that gave me the energy to finish the day strong. Unfortunately, I got lost at the very end of the day and hiked 1 mile in the wrong direction. I was so excited to get into town that I stopped paying attention to the white blazes and continued on a fire road. So frustrating. This was my first experience getting lost on the trail and I had no one to blame but myself. I eventually got my bearings and arrived in town around 9pm. I ordered some pizza and called it a night. 76 miles in four days in Pennsylvania just kicked my ass, wrecked my new shoes, and blistered my feet. Hello New Jersey!
Date: 2013-07-27
From: Delaware Water Gap, PA

To: Delaware Water Gap, PA
Miles today: 0.0

I iced my bum left knee most of the day and enjoined the air conditioning and bed. Pennsylvania took both a physical and mental toll on me and my shoes. I bought knew Salomon trail runners on REI and am having them shipped to me at the end of the week. It's pretty sad when my shoes lasted a little over 3-4 weeks. I guess Salomon shoes aren't Pennsylvania proof. I suspect the state has a secret agreement with the shoe companies: Pennsylvania keeps their rocks sharp and the shoe companies reap the benefits.
Date: 2013-07-28
From: Delaware Water Gap, PA

To: Delaware Water Gap, PA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

I meant to hike out today, I really did. The problem was that torrential rains started around 7 am and lasted all day. Around 11am, I was still laying in bed and finally said to myself: this just isn't going to happen. I called the front desk and asked for another night. I ended up having a New York strip steak for dinner, with an extra order of mashed potatoes. It was delicious. Back at it tomorrow.
Date: 2013-07-29
From: Delaware Water Gap, PA

To: Rattlesnake Spring
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: light rain

Goodbye Pennsylvania, hello New Jersey! I crossed the border today and couldn't be happier. I plan on taking it easy this week and enjoying New Jersey. Fewer miles and shorter days. From what I've heard, New Jersey is a really pretty state to hike through. I ran into a thru hiker from 2010 who had to stop in Pennsylvania due to running out of money. He said he was young and dumb in 2010 and spent too much money in towns on beer. That has been a common theme amoung many (mostly young) thru hikers who run out of money and have to get off the trail. I'm lucky not to have this problem.
Date: 2013-07-30
From: Rattlesnake Spring

To: Brink Road Shelter
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: scattered clouds

In the spirit of enjoying New Jersey, I hiked low mileage again today. It feels good to take a step back and simply enjoy the trail, rather than worrying about making big miles. I ended up setting up camp around 4 pm today. I spent the remainder of the day reading and catching up on sleep. It still has been fairly cool at night and I've resorted to sleeping in my garbage bag again. I probably will have to keep using it until I get my sleeping bag back at the end of the week.
Date: 2013-07-31
From: Brink Road Shelter

To: High Point Shelter
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: clear sky

I ran into my friend Tumbleweed today. It was good hiking with an old friend who I first met at a hostel in Harper's Ferry. We had great views throughout the day and I got some really great photos. We ran into a group of young hikers from a local youth camp. They were kind enough to leave us sandwiches and chips for lunch. Score one for the good guys! The end of the day afforded us some really beautiful views and an amazing sunset. It was a really good day to be on the trail. I finished the day having to do some night hiking, but it was worth it because I was able to enjoy the New Jersey views.
Date: 2013-08-01
From: High Point Shelter

To: Unionville, NY
Miles today: 7.1
Weather: light rain

It rained all night and throughout the morning. I stayed in my tent until noon. I noticed that the trail went near a small town with a tavern popular to hikers. I made it my goal to get there by 4, and then have some beers and dinner. I ran into Chiquita and Snakebite at the bar. We had fun playing pool and watching the locals make weird faces as we walked by (I assume because of our smell and appearances). If this hike has taught me anything, it's don't judge a book by its cover. The town allowed hikers to camp for free at the local park. It had restrooms and running water, so it was perfect. Although it rained throughout the night again, I slept fairly well.
Date: 2013-08-02
From: Unionville, NY

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

I stayed in town for the morning drinking coffee and Pepsi and talking to other hikers. On the way out, I stopped at a small deli and had a great sandwich for lunch. The trail was relatively easy for most of the day, until I reached the base of Wawayanda Mountain. The 1,000 ft. climb was basically straight up, which made for a challenging last few miles. I ran into Chiquita again who had ended up heading to a hostel to shower and do laundry. It's amazing how you randomly see people on the trail. It makes each day different, which helps with some of the boredom of hiking every day.
Date: 2013-08-03
From: Wawayanda Shelter

To: Greenwood Lake, NY
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: broken clouds

I crossed the border into New York today. I have my new shoes and sleeping bag waiting for me in town. The problem was that the hotel where I had everything shipped was booked for the night, so I ended up sleeping at the trailhead near town. I ran into a hiker named Siren. She is from south New Jersey and her parents were doing trail magic at the trailhead. I consumed three large bowls of chili, an apple, two cupcakes, and three cokes for dinner. A perfect ending to a short day of hiking, although a 1.5 mile section of the trail was more mountain climbing than hiking. One section in particular was so steep that the local trail club installed a ladder to climb. I suspect there will be a lot of similar climbs once I reach Maine.
Date: 2013-08-05
From: Greenwood Lake, NY

To: Greenwood Lake, NY
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Took yet another zero day. I went swimming in the lake and had a good meal at the local pub. Several people who have read my journal online have asked how I prepared for the trip. Being a novice, I relied heavily on the advice of former thru hikers. One site in particular was especially helpful: http://theathiker.com/. The guys did a great job of putting the site together. For those looking to thru hike, I suggest reading as much as possible from former hikers before embarking on the journey. It will be helpful in two ways. First, it will teach you which gear is needed and which is unnecessary. Second, it will temper expectations. Too many hikers come to the trail with romantic notions of what the hike will be. Much of a thru hike is simply enduring weather and mental challenges.
Date: 2013-08-06
From: Greenwood Lake, NY

To: Surebridge Brook
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: broken clouds

A thru hiker Uncle Buck has a car and was kind enough to give me a ride to the trail this morning. The New York terrain has been rockier than I expected. I passed through a section called the Lemon Squeezer today. Basically, the trail passes through two boulders that are about 24 inches apart. My pack didn't fit, so I had to take it off and carry it over my head for this section. I hiked until dark and stealth camped on the side of the trail and ate dinner in my tent.
Date: 2013-08-07
From: Surebridge Brook

To: Bear Mountain Park
Miles today: 15.6

The hike took me over several mountains with views of NYC. Unfortunately, the day was overcast and the views weren't optimal. Nevertheless, I was able to see some of the city. It's amazing how close you can be to a city of 8 million people, and be able to observe alone at a distance in the woods. I reached a state park around 6 pm right as the rain started. Rather than pushing on, I called it a night and slept near a pavilion with soda machines. I helped myself to a Coke and Poweraid.
Date: 2013-08-08
From: Bear Mountain Park

To: Three Lakes Trail
Miles today: 17.8
Weather: light rain

I ran into Siren, Little Bear, and Stretch this morning. We hiked together for most of the day. There were a lot of pointless ups and downs that made hiking challenging. For whatever reason, I would prefer to hike long inclines or declines rather than short ups and downs. Towards the end of the day, I ran into a group of campers from a local Hebrew Camp. They asked me about my hike and when they found out I was a thru hiker, they sang me several Hebrew songs and said a prayer from the Tora for me. Nice kids. Heavy rains are expected for tomorrow. Let's hope the trails don't get too flooded.
Date: 2013-08-09
From: Three Lakes Trail

To: RPH Shelter
Miles today: 7.9
Weather: mist

I laid in my tent all morning as the torrential rains came down. Today was by far the worst day of rain since my first day on the trail (April 28th). Stretch told me that the shelter 8 miles away had pizza delivery. That was enough to get me out of the tent and pack my gear in a downpour. The rain didn't stop and progressively became worse throughout the day. I made it to the shelter with gear, clothes, and body soaked. Of course, about 15 minutes after I arrived, the rain stopped. To say I was frustrated is an understatement. I consoled myself with a large pepperoni and mushroom pizza and a 2 liter bottle of Coke. The forecast for the rest of the week looks good.
Date: 2013-08-10
From: RPH Shelter

To: Appalachian Trail Railroad Station
Miles today: 19.9
Weather: clear sky

Long day of hiking. My shoes and socks were still soaked from the previous day's storms. I met up with my old buddy Watertank who I hadn't seen since Virginia. He took some time off the trail and was trying to catch up to the bubble in order to finish by the end of September. I ended up sleeping in a local garden center that lets hikers tent on their property. The only bad thing was that it was right next to a rail line and highway. The trains and trucks kept me up for most of the night. I eventually fell asleep around 11 pm and slept terrible. Not what this tired and grumpy thru hiker needed.
Date: 2013-08-11
From: Appalachian Trail Railroad Station

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

The kind people at the garden center where I slept let me use their shower and charge my cell phone. I didn't get on the trail until 10:30 am. The trail was kind to me today, with some long straight stretches. The good news is that I crossed from New York into Connecticut. Finishing a state still provides a good psychological boost that is needed. Still a long way to Katadyn, but getting there slowly but surely.
Date: 2013-08-12
From: Mt. Algo Shelter

To: Cornwall Bridge, CT
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: overcast clouds

I started the day off expecting to do big miles. I then looked at tomorrow's forecast which called for thunderstorms throughout the day. I decided to get off the trail after a week on and take a zero day to avoid the rain. Watertank and Nomad decided to push on and ended up staying at a hostel further down the trail. I walked about a mile into town. There is nothing there except a motel and gas station. I really don't care as long as I can get some sleep and order some food for delivery. I ended up eating pizza and wings for dinner (surprise).
Date: 2013-08-14
From: Cornwall Bridge, CT

To: Limestone Spring Shelter
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: scattered clouds

I couldn't get a lift back to the trail, so I had to hike a few worthless miles. The first tenth of a mile on the trail there was a stream crossing that was pretty much impassable. There was a detour, but it was one mile out of the way. I decided to just wade across the stream in knee deep water. A great way to start a new week of hiking with soaking wet shoes and socks. I soldiered on. The rest of the day was all PUDs, which made hiking worse. As always, the day after a zero day is miserable. One day closer to completing this thing.
Date: 2013-08-15
From: Limestone Spring Shelter

To: Jug End Road
Miles today: 21.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Cross another state off the list. I entered Massachusetts today. Only four more states to go! The hike today was better than yesterday. We had some good long climbs, which are much better than the short ups and downs. This week I plan getting as much hiking in as possible. That means up by 7 am, on the trail by 8 am, and hiking until sundown around 8 pm.
Date: 2013-08-16
From: Jug End Road

To: Fernside Road
Miles today: 22.0
Weather: broken clouds

Sticking to my guns so far this week. On the trail early and hiking until I run out of sunlight. So far, Massachusetts has had enjoyable terrain with no crazy climbs or decents. I've run into many day/section hikers the past few days. I'll be honest, I can't stand them. Not all, but just those day hikers that try to emphasize their hiking credentials. I generally just nod my head and say "'enjoy your hike." Here is what I'm really thinking:"You're thru hiking, that's so cool." (Yes, so cool. You try hiking 18-22 miles everyday for 5 months and let me know how cool it is.""Your pack, it's so small. You can't be properly supplied?" (That's why you're a slow day hiker and I'm speeding past you. Enjoy your 8 mile day, I'm doing 20.""I wish I could just take 6 months off to thru hike, I'd totally do it." (You get no sympathy from me. I quit a six-figure job, sold my house, and left my fianc© to do this. If you want it bad enough, you'd make it happen too. Don't give me platitudes about not having time or being able to do it.""Ya, I hiked the whole Connecticut section of the AT in only 8 days." (Wow, you're awesome! I just did that in 4 days and didn't break a sweat."Ok, enough ranting. I get that many people can only day or section hike. That's fine. Just don't try and try to big league a thru hiker. It causes them to roll their eyes and think horrible thoughts about you.
Date: 2013-08-17
From: Fernside Road

To: Washington Mountain Road
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: broken clouds

Good climbs with great views. There is nothing more frustrating than hiking your ass off to climb a mountain to find that there is nothing at the top except trees and green canopy. I stopped at Goose Pond for lunch. I ended up swimming and taking a bath too. The water was crystal clear, but cold as can be. Unfortunately, many of the ponds I have passed are slimy and brown. The streams that flow from them are the main source of water for hikers. I've met a few hikers who have come down with "beaver fever" (not to be confused with Bieber Fever). I've treated all my water in this state. I don't want to take any chance and get a parasite. My outlook is much different than when I started in Georgia and didn't treat my water for the first 300 miles of the hike.
Date: 2013-08-18
From: Washington Mountain Road

To: Dalton, MA
Miles today: 9.5
Weather: overcast clouds

I planned on hiking on for another ten miles, and then hiking into a different town tomorrow. The trail went though this town and I passed an Inn and pub. I couldn't pass up the opportunity for a shower, clean laundry, and some good food. I plan on staying the night and heading out in the morning.