morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-05-05
From: Blackrock Hut

To: Hightop Hut
Miles today: 21.4
Weather: few clouds

Day 54 -- I noticed the fire still burning strong at midnight so I made sure it was going out and not about to set the forest ablaze. It was freezing last night. Later in the day I found out is was 34 degrees last night. I left at 0630 and my hands were FREEZING. It only took 2 and a half hours to go 8 miles -- I was motivated by food at a Wayside. By 0930 I was eating pancakes, ham, hot chocolate, coffee, hash browns. To add calories, I put four packets of mayo on the ham and catsup on the potatos and half and half into the coffee. Animals -- a deer was on the trail 20 feet from me. He was eating and when I clicked my sticks he moved off the trail. He had a noticeable limp so I told him about all my health issues -- he didn't respond and probably wasn't interested. Many butterflies on the trail -- these large, yellow with black trim, kept flying around me and landing on me. I ran into some hikers who informed me that Wild Blue passed me! WHAT? He is doing some 30 plus mile days.
Date: 2013-05-06
From: Hightop Hut

To: Rock Spring Hut
Miles today: 22.7
Weather: light rain

Day 55 -- It rained all day. A huge deer was about 20 feet in front of me on the trail. He was perpendicular to the trail -- he was very large. He did not want to move but finally walked about ten feet off the trail. The coolest looking bird landed about six feet from me -- it was black with a black beak and a brown underbelly. Someone said it was a Rufus? In the pouring rain I stopped at the Big Meadows Wayside (I got lost and ended up hiking about two extra miles) and met Joseph and Jamie who are thruhiking. I ordered the most high calorie dish off the menu and then pressed on to the next shelter, in the rain of course.
Date: 2013-05-07
From: Rock Spring Hut

To: Pass Mountain Hut
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 56 --The shelter was full last night with many section hikers and some thruhiker flip-floppers. It rained HARD all night and the radar showed the storm right overhead in the morning. I delayed my start until 0806 and still managed to sprint to the Skyland Restaurant by 0938 to make the 1000 deadline before they stopped serving. The trail was underwater -- some places at least six inches of water and some places the water went over my boot tops. I pigged out at Skyland -- 3 cokes, 3 waters, 3 coffees, 3 egg omelet and hash browns.
Date: 2013-05-08
From: Pass Mountain Hut

To: Terrapin Front Royal Hostel 
Miles today: 22.7
Weather: light rain

Day 57 -- Guess what? It rained all but two hours today. I am getting a little tired of this wet weather. I went into the last wayside in the SNP and ate some food from the grill then resupplied. Just like eight years ago, I could not get the famous blackberry shake. This year the machine was inoperative. I stopped into the Terrapin Front Royal Hostel for the night. I ate like a pig -- two pizzas, ice cream and went into a grocery store for some chips and pepperoni. Manchild and another injured hiker were the only other hikers at the hostel. One good thing -- I actually gained three pounds since I weighed at Fresh Ground's last place. I am down 27 pounds and weigh 160 even.
Date: 2013-05-09
From: Terrapin Front Royal Hostel 

To: Rod Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 27.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 58 -- Starting last night the front of my right leg was very sore with terrible pain. Manchild and I left at 0700. I had to take many breaks because of the pain and my gate was off completely. I ran into Gusseppe and Fizz. Many climbs today and they all seemed to make my leg feel worse. At one of the shelters there was a large, black snake coiled in the rafters. I guarantee there were no mice at that shelter. Sky Meadows Park was beautiful. A large meadow on top of a mountain that had a great view. I ran into Wild Blue going the opposite direction. He is making up some miles since he left the trail during the monsoon-like rainstorm. Ran into a family looking for mushrooms and a family birdwatching. The shelter area was packed with tenters. Tomorrow I enter West Virginia.
Date: 2013-05-10
From: Rod Hollow Shelter

To: Blackburn AT Center
Miles today: 17.8

Day 59 -- Started at 0700 and the trail was mucky. Leaving the shelter I had to cross a ten foot long downed tree to go over running water. The roller coaster, a 13.5 mile area of PUDS (pointless ups and downs) was challenging and frustrating! I bet the temps hovered around 80 degrees and I was dripping with perspiration all day long. The flying nuisances were everywhere -- they would get into my eyes and ears almost constantly. I passed the 1,000 mile mark and entered West Virginia today -- hooray! Giuseppe, Manchild and I stayed at the Blackburn AT Center and ate a great spaghetti dinner with warm brownies for dessert.
Date: 2013-05-11
From: Blackburn AT Center

To: Ed Garvey Shelter
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: light rain

Day 60 -- It poured last night -- lightning strike very close to the cabin that woke up Guiseppe, Manchild and me. At the six mile point of today's hike I resupplied at the Sweet Springs Country Store which was 0.3 off the trail. Despite the close 50 mph traffic and the lack of a good shoulder to walk on, I highly recommend this place for resupply. It may be a little expensive but it has a grill. I snacked on a half gallon of chocolate milk and a egg and bacon sandwich -- delicious! When I first walk in to the store I was chatting with two men about the trail. At the checkout the cashier said they left me there change -- about $12. Thanks guys -- what an unexpected gift. Walking up the steps in Harper's Ferry I watched a deer stride up a 50 foot embankment within seven feet of me. I stopped at the Appalachian Trail Conservancy Headquarters and got my number. I am the 71st thruhiker to pass their way. After 3 and a half hours in town while waiting for the downpour to stop, I finally hit the trail. Many tourist were in town and I felt like a side show as they made comments as I walked by like "That must be one of those hikers." I thought it was funny. The boring three miles of the C&O canal went by quickly, although I had to avoid many puddles. I pressed on to the shelter where I met Larry Boy, a young thruhiker who was born in the same hospital as me. Dirty Mike and Coups, friends of Mountain Dewd (a fellow 2005 thruhiker), showed up.
Date: 2013-05-12
From: Ed Garvey Shelter

To: Ensign Cowall Shelter
Miles today: 24.8
Weather: clear sky

Day 61 -- It was very cool and windy today. It was the first in about six days NOT to have rain -- Yeah! The flies were menacing and relentless. I stopped counting after I swatted and killed the 15th one. I went by the original Washington Monument and sat on the bench and had a snack. It was so cold I had to wear my winter cap and gloves. Since it was Mothers Day people were everywhere including the trail. I want to wish a happy mothers day to all moms, especially the ones in my life. You do awesome work and are sometimes underappreciated. I hope you had a great day. At the end of the day there was about a mile of hard hiking through a rock outcropping. I am sure this is a glimpse of what will come in Pennsylvania. At the shelter were a group of people, including three ladies out for a short time from Austin, TX. Since it was cold and they were clueless on how to start a fire, I got one going. Unfortunately, a backdraft singed part of my beard. Oh well, I needed a trim anyway. Dirty Mike and Coups showed up.
Date: 2013-05-13
From: Ensign Cowall Shelter

To: Quarry Gap Shelter
Miles today: 30.3

Day 62 -- Last night I had a great chat with a retired Navy pilot who was at the Pentagon when I was. Since he was on the Joint Staff while I was on the Air Staff, we shared some common experiences. My goal was to be at the official halfway point today but I came up a day short. It was freezing when I arrived at PenMar Park. No sun and cool temps made it uncomfortable as I drank two Pepsis from the machine as I waited for my cell phone to charge. I called my old friend Ben, who lives near the halfway point, and arranged a 1700 hour pickup tomorrow. I was going to stay at the hostel but it is closed on Tuesday nights. Why would a hostel be closed on Tuesdays? Who knows -- not me. All day I was conflicted on doing a big day and getting into the halfway point early or just stop at the 25 mile shelter. It didn't matter since I missed the shelter and had to press on to do a whopping 30.3 mile day. I was exhausted and sore everywhere. Since there were two shelters, Al and his dog Sydney stayed in one and I stayed in the other. He showed me pictures of the large black snake that was in the rafters of my shelter. At least there won't be any mice and with the temps nearing freezing the snake won't be moving.
Date: 2013-05-14
From: Quarry Gap Shelter

To: Pine Grove Furnace State Park (Leitzel Manor)
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: clear sky

Day 63 --It was very close to freezing last night. I had to wear my long johns to bed and get my sleeping bag into the full mummy mode. I did not sleep well -- yesterday's long hike wreaked havoc on my body. It was so cold in the morning I did not want to get up. I left at 0646 anticipating the half gallon ice cream challenge at the Pine Grove General Store. The hiking was easy although my mid back was very tight after yesterday's hike. I stopped at the seven mile point to rebandage a toe, got a bit to eat, and pressed on. Just prior to Pine Grove I passed the HALFWAY POINT! A lady earlier told me the store was open so I high tailed it the rest of the way to the park. Unfortunatley, the store was closed and there will be NO half gallon challenge. I did charge my cell phone, down three Cokes and visit the AT museum (where they put my 2005 Harpers Ferry picture on the big screen). Around 1630 Prometheus, the red-headed German, appeared and also was disappointed that there would be no ice cream challenge. Ben, an old friend from the Air Force, picked me up and let me stay at his house. A big thanks to him and his wife for their hospitality! They fed me like a king -- what a feast. I must remember chocolate marshmallow ice cream -- delicious.
Date: 2013-05-15
From: Pine Grove Furnace State Park (Leitzel Manor)

To: Boiling Springs, PA (Allenbery - Meadow Lodge)
Miles today: 19.6

Day 64 -- Ben dropped me off at about 0850 and I soon had to put on my pack cover because it started sprinkling. It rained lightly on and off all day. It was oddly refreshing. I stopped at the Green Mountain Store at about the eight mile point. I highly recommend this place. The deli made me a great BLT hoagie. Combined with a pint of half and half I really loaded up on the calories. I bought enough food to get me to Duncannon, PA. The rock mazes were challenging and took great concentration to get through. I pinched one of my fingers attempting to get a good hand hold. Once off the ridgeline it really heated up as I walked the boring farm fields. I finally reached Boiling Springs and viewed many ducklings swimming in the water. I pressed on to Allenbery where I got a $40 room and ate a large, reuben sandwich.
Date: 2013-05-16
From: Boiling Springs, PA (Allenbery - Meadow Lodge)

To: Duncannon, PA (Doyle Hotel)
Miles today: 25.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 65 -- I woke up before my alarm went off, so I packed up and left at about 0630. Guess what? It was raining! Since it was warm enough, I didn't put on my rain gear and walked in light rain for about three hours. Most of the day was a boring valley walk that was very flat and went from farm field to farm field or open fields with waist high grass which guaranteed my socks, shoes and shorts were completely soaked. The day was noisy hearing city noises and freeways. The noise really bothered me! Even though my pack was uncomfortable most of the day, I did 10 miles by 1000 and 14.3 miles by noon. I noticed frogs, toads, rabbits, cardinals and other animals on the trail. The few climbs came when the rain stopped and the temps climbed over 80 degrees. I was dripping wet during the climbs. Much of the day was dealing with rocks -- they really chew up the feet. When I arrived at the Doyle Hotel, a hiker icon, they looked up my 2005 picture and amazingly it was taken on the same day (May 16). Since I started four days later this year, it means I've hiked four days faster this year. I made sure I resupplied and consumed mass quantities of calories.
Date: 2013-05-17
From: Duncannon, PA (Doyle Hotel)

To: Yellow Springs Camping Site
Miles today: 24.7

Day 66 -- Went to Goodies Restaurant across from the Doyle. The food was fair but the calories were high. I left at 0650 and had a long walk through town and over the Susquehanna River Bridge. Of course a long, strenuous hike up to the ridgeline was to be had. On the climb I walked through at least 300 spider webs. Through the filtered light coming the trees I could see web after web just in front of me either at face level or leg level. I got tired of wiping the webs off of my face and legs. It was nice having the occasional cool breeze. The honeysuckle was in full bloom and the smell was wonderful. I saw the backside of an animal as it scurried down the hill -- I don't know what it was but it was about 10 inches high at most and brown. The chipmunks are everywhere. One chipmunk crossed the trail in front of me and stopped. As I got closer he started going back and forth and when I was about one foot away he finally ran into the brush. The PA rocks are starting to annoy me! They are gnawing at my feet, especially the front of my toes. I was running out of water until my descent where a creek went by the road. I drank a liter and ate a big snack. I am not hydrated enough! I was planning a big day and had planned on going to the next shelter but my back was killing me and the friction rash could not be tolerated so I stopped at a clearing where a section hiker, Flatlander, was aready set up. Nitro Joe just showed up as well. The noise didn't stop since I could hear a radio controlled airpark for hours. I set up my tent and it did NOT rain -- a first! Tomorrow at the 501 shelter I can orger pizza -- yeah!
Date: 2013-05-18
From: Yellow Springs Camping Site

To: 501 Shelter
Miles today: 22.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 67 -- Either a bear or deer passed by my tent last night. I could hear it for over a half a mile as it broke branches as it walked. I packed up my gear and left at 0630. It was another noisy day on the trail because I could hear a gun range ALL day long. Most of the day was ridge running and encounters with those terrorizing rocks. Many Boy Scouts were on the trail today so I knew it was the weekend. It started to sprinkle about two miles before I arrived at the shelter. At the shelter were Norseman, Corona, Nitro Joe, Jolly, Kyle and Chris. We all ordered food from the local Italian Restaurant. I had a 14 inch Hawaiian pizza with a 2-liter bottle of Pepsi. The big news of the day -- I have less than 1,000 miles to go.
Date: 2013-05-19
From: 501 Shelter

To: Hamburg, PA (Microtel Hotel)
Miles today: 24.4
Weather: light rain

Day 68 -- I woke up to a light rain. It misted all day as I walked through the cloud. I hiked quickly -- 15 miles before noon. I took a long 40 minute break at the shelter. At 1630 I arrived in Port Clinton, PA where I caught up with Norseman and Corona and walked with them into Hamburg, PA along a very busy highway. They are taking a zero and offered me a place on the floor. Of course I accepted and appreciated the shower and non-shelter sleep. I went to the Walmart to resupply.
Date: 2013-05-20
From: Hamburg, PA (Microtel Hotel)

To: Allentown Hiking Club Shelter
Miles today: 21.9
Weather: clear sky

Day 69 -- Ate a continental breakfast and started walking the mile back to the trail. Even though I was not hitchhiking, some workers in a large pickup gave me a lift the final 500 feet. A big thanks to them since the walk was dangerous because trucks were passing me at high speed within two feet of me. It was misting when I hit the trail. At the Pinnacle Outlook I got turned around after I ran into some section hikers from Lexington, KY and did some Chinoblazing (getting lost) for about a half of a mile before I found a recognizable marker and got back on track. At about the 15 mile point I stopped by the Eckville Shelter and filled up my water bottle and had a snack. Just as I started up Hawk Mountain this yellow orb appeared in the sky and the heat climbed as I ascended over 1,000 feet. I was completely drenched with persperation. At the top was Dan's Pulpit where the view was magnificent. At the shelter was Freeman from Maine, Chris a local, and AYCE (pronounced ACE).
Date: 2013-05-21
From: Allentown Hiking Club Shelter

To: Palmerton, PA (Burrough Building)
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 70 -- There were two extremely difficult rock scrambles -- Knife Edge and Bake Oven. I did not remember Knife Edge from my last hike -- it was by far the hardest and most dangerous piece of the trail so far. I could have easily violated Rule 1 numerous times. It was very scary at the top and I had to have complete concentration to get through the rock scramble. I even had to butt drag -- sliding down huge pieces of rock. These rocks throughout PA are brutal. I've categorized them: rolling rocks, rolling stones, slippery rocks, teeter-totter rocks and spinning rocks (where you end up facing in a different direction than where you started). It was very hot and humid and the bugs were relentless. AYCE and I arrived near town (Palmerton) and we immediately got a ride from a nice, local lady who gave us a town tour as we arrived and recommended places to eat. The city allows hikers to stay in the Burrough basement and use the gym shower. After I checked in I went to the grocer and drank a half gallon of orange juice and ate a bag of chips. The grocer gives a free apple to all thruhikers. After a big dinner at a restaurant, I consumed a pint of coffee ice cream.
Date: 2013-05-22
From: Palmerton, PA (Burrough Building)

To: Wind Gap (Trapp Manor)
Miles today: 20.1
Weather: clear sky

Day 71 -- I got up early at 0500 as did the rest of the hikers. AYCE and I waited only ten minutes for a ride to the trail. A big thanks to the man who picked us up in his truck. The 1,000 foot climb was very tough, especially the rock scramble which required total concentration and using hand holds with no hiking sticks. The probability of violating Rule 1 was again high. Once at the top the trail was rerouted (sometimes poorly marked) since they were working on restoring part of the Superfund site (old zinc smelting operation). AYCE and I were hiking together on fairly level ground when I took a hard fall and landed on my left shoulder. I crossed a down tree which was only about 16 inches high and caught my toe of my right foot on it and launched myself forward. Shortly afterward my left shoulder began to swell and ache. On this hot day there was no water until the 15 mile mark. Most of the day I was drenched from head to toe -- it had to be in the high 80s. Instead of a long walk to the water source, someone had filled up some gallon containers and left at the shelter. Whoever it was I really appreciated it. Today was the first day I encountered ticks. I removed four of them and AYCE had at least 12 on him. Once I get back on the trail I will start spraying my ankles with 100 percent DEET. I called my wife (who got into town last night from Kansas) and told her I was within a mile of the parking lot. AYCE got a cold liter of Coke from my wife and Becky and I proceeded to Phil and Dawn Trapp's house where I took a hot shower and was blessed with a big meal and plenty of ice cream.
Date: 2013-05-24
From: Wind Gap 

To: Church of the Mountain Hostel
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: broken clouds

Day 73 -- Slept in late and had a continental breakfast at the hotel (cereal and coffee). I talked to a 94 year old B-29 bomber guy from WWII and exchanged bomber stories. Becky and I went to Dunkin Doughnuts and had coffee and ate again! It was raining fairly hard when I got to the trail. It was so cold I had to wear my long sleeve Patagonia and my rain gear. The 40 degree temps were cut down significantly with the strong winds. My hands were freezing all day! The hiking was challenging near Wolf Rocks, especially since the rocks were wet and my heel on my left shoe is falling off. I still have one week until I get my replacement shoes in Kent, CT. About 4 miles to go I had to backtrack about one-half mile since I saw a whiteblaze. Unfortunately, I was on the correct path to begin with. I talked to a dad and two boy scouts from Troop 1, the first sanctioned troop in the cocuntry. At the Church of the Mountain Hostel was Lefty, Hush, Norsemen, Guiseppe, Larry Boy, Dirty Mike, Coups and myself. I ate a pork chop dinner with corn and chowder.
Date: 2013-05-25
From: Church of the Mountain Hostel

To: Brink Road Shelter
Miles today: 24.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 74 -- I woke up during the night sweating profusely since the room temp rose quite a bit. Lefty and Hush left very early which meant I was still tired when my day began. I left the hostel at 0648 with Norseman. It was warmer than yesterday -- barely! The wind howled out of the west at least gusting to 40 mph. It was a long and boring walk over the Delaware River with traffic zooming by within a few feet. Another state bites the dust -- goodbye to PA as I entered New Jersey. On the initial climb I ran into the three guys associated with Troop 1 from the other day and they asked about my visit with my wife. As I hiked a deer sprinted from my right to left at a high rate of speed. It was interesting to watch it move so effortlessly.
Date: 2013-05-26
From: Brink Road Shelter

To: High Point State Park Headquarters
Miles today: 17.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 75 -- The first time I met Dirty Mike and Coups I left two or three coins in there shoes before I left the shelter. This morning I found 100 pennies in my shoes! Way to go guys. Unfortunately I am NOT packing that extra weight out. If I put a dollar in their shoes will I get a one hundred dollar bill back? I rose early and started by 0600 and went about 100 feet until I realized I had forgotten my hiking poles. The shelter was full and there were many tents set up -- a full house. At the 3.6 mile mark I stopped at Culver's Gap and drank a large coffee with much half and half (more calories). The hiking was much easier than in PA, although sections of rocks still surfaced. At the 12 mile point I stopped at a shelter for a snack and I talked to a wonderful group of folks that I titled the International Section Hikers Association (ISA) since they were a collection of hikers from all over the globe, including the US. Their dog Trooper was great. I fed him a part of a Slim Jim and we became instant friends. I started hiking before ISA left the shelter and I left a Slim Jim in the middle of the trail at about 3 miles so the dog would find it. I arrived at High Point State Headquarters at about 1315 and was treated to a free Pepsi by the staff -- thanks. I talked to Lindy and Christor (Norway) at the park. Lindy showed me some stretching exercises to loosen up my hip and get me back in alignment. I am eager to try out her technique. While I was sitting on the bench outside the HQ building talking to a group of day hikers, I saw a car with Maine plates, the same make and model my wife was renting, go by me. I incorrectly assumed it was my wife -- it wasn't since I called her and she was still seven miles away. Sorry Becky for the confusion. After my wife picked me up we went to the hotel, resupplied and ate a huge meal at an Italian place.