morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-04-04
To: Random thoughts
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

When it starts to get wicked hot in the afternoon, it's a good idea to stop and rest for a while. The problem is, just sitting around at a random spot on the trail for a few hours isn't too exciting, so I just slow down to a crawl and keep going. I decided on this trip I'll try something different. I bought the lightest, smallest, cheapest hammock I could find, a one pound "Grand Tuck". So, now when it gets beastly hot in the afternoon, I can simply string up the hammock and take a siesta for a few hours. Once it cools off later on, I'll put in the rest of the days miles. I really like hiking in the evening anyway, so this might work out nicely. Last year when I started from Harpers Ferry May 1st it was very hot. It eventually cooled down a little but the first 2 weeks were really steamy. That's when I got this idea of using a hammock for afternoon siesta's. I don't like using a hammock for my primary shelter. To be effective in all weather conditions you really need to much extras to keep it dry and warm. So, my primary shelter will be the Six Moon Designs "Gatewood Cape" and "Serenity" net. Since I'll be going NOBO from Harpers Ferry starting the middle of April, the shelters should be pretty empty of people but possibly full of biting bugs. Having the serenity net to set up in a shelter for an escape from Black Flies in Vermont should be a sanity saver!
Date: 2016-04-17
From: Random thoughts

To: Campton Gap
Miles today: 10.4

About a dozen of us left Harrpers Ferry this morning after pancakes and pictures at the ATC office for the official flip flop send off. A chilly morning quickly warmed up. With no leaves on the trees yet, we all got a good start to a Sun burn. Of course don't have any Sun block.We passed a million boy scouts hiking out and lots of others too. It was a very busy week end here and I'm sure glad I didn't head out yesterday.Very easy trail so didn't take long to do the 11miles to Campton gap shelter. This is an older group, down right geriatric, but there are a couple of middle aged hikers with us at least for now.
Date: 2016-04-18
From: Campton Gap

To: Pine Knob 
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: clear sky

Pine knob shelter.12 miles Easy trail but warm day so was a slow 12 miles. Lots of Sun again so wore my long sleeve shirt for most of the day but finally was able to beg some Sun block from another hiker for the afternoon which was nice since it got so hot. Hard to believe it's not even May yet. The trail tread alternated between easy woods road and ankle twisty rocks, which we usually on the down hill sections. I guess it's getting us used to what PA will be like. We seemed to have lost about half the group which left HF yesterday to a campground six miles back which has pizza delivery. A few New faces here at this shelter, those who started the day before. Most are tenting but I'm being lazy and using the shelter. The only problem here is we are over looking I-70 and there is a lot of road noise. At least the water is close.
Date: 2016-04-19
From: Pine Knob 

To: Raven Rock
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: broken clouds

Raven rock shelter 13 milesListened to highway traffic noise all night. Today's trail was reasonably mellow but with a few rough spots thrown in to keep it interesting. A little cooler today also. Passed a group of at least 15 teenage girls heading south and a number of day hikers. This is a really popular area. I hitched into town about lunch time. Got a ride in and back remarkablely quickly. So now have sun screen. Got a few days worth of food too and had a half pound cheese burger for lunch. This is a nice new shelter with a loft. Too bad the water is a long ways off. .3 miles down hill!Looks like we've lost more of the Sunday group. Just five of us made it this far, but we picked up a couple of New faces.
Date: 2016-04-20
From: Raven Rock

To: Tumbling Run
Miles today: 13.2

Tumbling run shelter 13 milesIt got chilly overnight, very chilly in fact. But that made for pleasant hiking temps. Maryland sent us off with some rock mazes to find our way through, starting with a crazy decent off of High rocks. The trail mellowed out nicely once we. Crossed into PA. This is another high usage campsite but it's quiet tonught. I have a whole shelter to myself. Only four of the original Sunday group are left. Lost three to town this afternoon. Might losse another one or two to a hostel tomorrow. It would be really odd if I ended up as the lead flip flopper.
Date: 2016-04-21
From: Tumbling Run

To: Quary Gap
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Quary gap shelter 12.2 milesWarmer then yesterday but still cool. Showers moved in late afternoon. These woods really need the rain, it's very dry and fire danger is high. Another day of mixed trail. Flat and easy mixed with rock mazes. Hitched into Fayetteville to the dollar General for a few days of food. Was hoping for BBQ but they were not open yet.The two woman in our group opted to stay at the Jesus hostel tonight so just me, BJ and Rooster are here. One SOBO and two NOBO hikers also showed up. This is another of PA's double shelters to small shelters with a breeze way between them. Fancy place all fixed up with flower pots and lawn ornaments. 70% chance of thunderstorms tomorrow and a long day planned so we'll see.
Date: 2016-04-22
From: Quary Gap

To: Toms Run
Miles today: 13.6

Toms run 13.6 miles We reached the 2016 half way marker today. The old sign has been replaced with a much less impressive sign, which has a small picture of the old marker printed on it. Overcast and occasional drops of rain for most of the morning. The thunderstorm never materialize. All in all a pleasant day for hiking. Mostly old woods road tread but with the occasional Rocky sections. Our little group is back to four with Burk returning from the hostel stay. Had two NOBO hikers pass us, we caught up to a FF couple who started three weeks ago, a distance we covered in six days! Then one more FF hiker caught up to us. Rummer has it 100 hammock hangers will be at the Pine Grove Furnace State park tomorrow, which is where we will be too. Could be interesting. We're not from Boiling Springs and then Duncanon. Dividing up the distances is tricky since we want to stay at the Doyle in Duncanon and pass through Boiling Springs. Might be a couple of short days then a long one. We will see.
Date: 2016-04-23
From: Toms Run

To: James Fry 
Miles today: 10.9
Weather: broken clouds

April 24 James Fry shelter 10.9 miles Easy trail uneventful day. The store at the Iron Masters mansion was open so we got a burger and some supplies. Saw two boy scout groups one camped below our shelter. Really cold night high 30's so slept in my tent rather then the shelter.
Date: 2016-04-24
From: James Fry 

To: Alex Kennedy
Miles today: 8.1
Weather: clear sky

April 24 James Fry shelter 10.9 miles Easy trail uneventful day. The store . Day eightAlec Kennedy shelter 8.1 milesSlow start due to cold morning and the fact a store 2 miles away didn't open until 9. Got at breakfast sandwich to eat then and a sub to go for April 24 James Fry shelter 10.9 miles Easy trail uneventful day. The store at the Iron Masters mansion was open so we got a burger and some supplies. Saw two boy scout groups one camped below our shelter. Really cold night high 30's so slept in my tent rather then the shelter. Day eightAlec Kennedy shelter 8.1 milesSlow start due to cold morning and the fact a store 2 miles away didn't open until 9. Got at breakfast sandwich to eat then and a sub to go for lunch and dinner. Today I walked right into a down tree laying across the trail at just the right height it smacked me in the fore head and knocked me to the ground flat on my back! Thankfully it doesn't seem like I got a concussion but it sure did smart. I waited until "Deadum" came up behind name as he has a saw and we cut that damn tree down so it doesn't kill someone. Today we navigated something called the rock maze which was a roundabout path through large rocks along a narrow ridge. Lots of fun. and dinner. Today I walked right into a down tree laying across the trail at just the right height it smacked me in the fore head and knocked me to the ground flat on my back! Thankfully it doesn't seem like I got a concussion but it sure did smart. I waited until "Deadum" came up behind name as he has a saw and we cut that damn tree down so it doesn't kill someone. Today we navigated something called the rock maze which was a roundabout path through large rocks along a narrow ridge. Lots of fun.
Date: 2016-04-25
From: Alex Kennedy

To: Darlington 
Miles today: 18.1
Weather: broken clouds

Darlington shelter 18.1 miles.Today was the infamous Cumberland valley crossing. An easy hike threw farm fields, along field hedge rows, along roads, over interstates and along a river of sorts. Along the way is the town of Boiling Springs, with an ATC field office. Meet several south bound section hikes and a few day hikers. Weather was pleasant cool in the morning but getting hot in the afternoon. Small group of us tonight, just me, Burke, and Tonaga. Plus a couple from Switzerland.
Date: 2016-04-25
From: Alex Kennedy

To: Darlington 
Miles today: 18.1

Darlington shelter 18.1 miles.Today was the infamous Cumberland valley crossing. An easy hike threw farm fields, along field hedge rows, along roads, over interstates and along a river of sorts. Along the way is the town of Boiling Springs, with an ATC field office. Meet several south bound section hikes and a few day hikers. Weather was pleasant cool in the morning but getting hot in the afternoon. Small group of us tonight, just me, Burke, and Tonaga. Plus a couple from Switzerland.
Date: 2016-04-26
From: Darlington 

To: duncanon 
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: light rain

The Doyle 11 miles Pretty easy hike for the morning, up and over a ridge, then across more farm fields. Then a big climb to a Rocky ridge walk and then a steep decent via many rock steps. Cool temps and overcast for the morning, then cleared but Thunderstorm in the afternoon but we were already in town. At the Doyle, a very old hotel built in the 1800's and has very little in maintenance since. Very popular with the hikers due to cheap rent and good food. Several other hikes here we haven't seen before.3
Date: 2016-04-27
From: duncanon 

To: Peters mountian
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: broken clouds

Doyle to Peter's mountain shelter11.3 miles Cool misty morning which lasted all day made for nice hiking weather. First a walk through Duncanon residential area which looked much better then down town with it's shuttered business. Then a steep climb up out of the river valley to another rocky and stumblely ridge line which could have been avoided by a blue blaze bypass trail. The rest of the day was reasonably smooth. Meet several south bounders and a day hiker with two cute kids who stopped to tell me all about table rock a Vista coming up. I'm here with a whole new group of flip floppers as Birk and Tononga pushed on to a campsite. Good chance of rain and sore knees kept me here.
Date: 2016-04-28
From: Peters mountian

To: Rauch gap
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Peter's mountain to Rausch gap shelter 18.0 miles Rain predicted for 10 AM so up early and out by 7. Rain held off until afternoon so only had to hike eight miles in light rain. Still got damp around the edges and my Gortex boots leak some do feet didn't stay as dry as they should have. It was a long day with few breaks due to the rain. We have 7 in a shelter for 6 and had to make three late comers tent.
Date: 2016-04-29
From: Rauch gap

To: 501 shelter
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: overcast clouds

501 shelter 13 miles Damp morning waited for everyone to leave before I got up so not on trail until 9. Mostly easy tread but several rocky sections as usual .Cool and overcast all day. Saw a bald eagle flying over the valley while eating lunch at I80 pass.I got to the shelter after everyone else did the pizza delivery thing. When I called they wanted a $20 min order instead of 15 because they "were busy" so I said screw you and hung up. Cold and damp and rain on Plexiglas skylight woke us up as it was very loud.
Date: 2016-04-30
From: 501 shelter

To: rocken sole hostle 
Miles today: 9.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Rock n sole hostel 9.3 milesIt was very cold over night and the rain on the Plexiglas sky light very loud for much of the night. Birk noticed a flier for a New hostel nine miles away and with more rain forecast for Sunday we decided that a zero was in order and the hostel at $25 a night was the best deal we could get. So we called and made reservations since they only had room for 4 and there are four of us. The weather was cool and overcast but no rain. The trail is becoming more consistently rocky but still has some long stumble free sections. The nine miles was covered in about five hours with few breaks. Being Saturday we passed a number of day and weekend overnight hikers.
Date: 2016-05-01
From: rocken sole hostle 

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Rock n sole hostel 0 milesZero day to rest and wait out the last of the rain.   Radar showed storm stretching from Maine to Florida finally moving off shore. Tbone needed to go to Cabela so I tagged along and got customer service to give me a $47 store credit for an old rain jacket I wore out. I replaced It with a $30 jacket which isn't quiet as good as the old one, as it's not breathable and a little heavier and more bulk, but at least it doesn't have holes in it. I gave the remainder of the store credit to the hostel owner in exchange for some shuttle rides. I sprung for the $10 house dinner which was very good, everyone else ate their extra camp dinners.Notice the owner is retired state trooper so keep certain things in your pack.
Date: 2016-05-02
To: eagles nest 
Miles today: 0.0

Rt 138 to eagle's rest 6 milesWe let the rain taper off then got shuttled back to the trail from the hostel. With only six miles to do we finished in a few hours. Shortly after arriving a maintainer showed up to service the privy. I helped him out by emptying last years compost out of the bins and Into the woods. Two woman showed up later, Orange Crush and a former student of hers. Orange Crush started four days after us, so has been doing big miles. After dark it started to rain and it continued most of the night. Thankfully, it stopped after daylight and was just misty for awhile. PA is still giving us some
Date: 2016-05-05
From: Alentown 

To: George Outerbridge
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: light rain

Allentown to George outerbridge 16 milesCold misty night with epic snoreer kept us up all night. No rain today but cool and overcast. Traversed the knife edge a narrow and difficult pile of big rocks for 1\4 mile or more. Glad we didn't have to do it in the rain.
Date: 2016-05-06
From: eagles nest 

To: Palmerton
Miles today: 0.7
Weather: broken clouds

Due to heavy rain expected we went to town. Bert's stakehouse.They let hikers stay in a garage out back and set up an outdoor shower. But no good place to pee near by. Costs $10 so can't expect much. At least we're out of the rain. Tomorrow we climb out of Lehigh gap and PA will finally be done with. I'll be sending my hammock home as it has not gotten any use in this cold rainy weather which is not likely to get much better any time soon.
Date: 2016-05-07
From: Palmerton

To: leroy smith
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Palmerton to Leroy Smith 16 milesBreakfast at Bert's stakehouse at 7 then a ride back to the trail by a section hiker. Tontuga , Birk and I took the winter trail as it was still misty and too wet to risk climbing the steep rock face out of Lehigh gap. The Sun finally peaked out for a little today. A few day hikers out as it is Saturday. Couple of thur hikers , 60 and also 60 caught up to us today. A homeles couple are camped out at the shelter so Birk and I are tenting while Tontuga is in the shelter. It seems I've turned him into a shelter rat.
Date: 2016-05-08
From: leroy smith

To: kirkridge
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: broken clouds

Leroy Smith to kirkridge 13.8 milesSince I set up my tent it rained early in the morning but only for an hour or so as a cold front moved in. We lost Birk today. Her knee hurts bad and is resting at the Leroy Smith for a couple of days. I think it will take longer then that to get better.Finaly a sunny day! But cool with the wind. Nice hiking weather but PA rocks pretty bad around here. Long stretches of boulders and small loose rock makes for slow going. One final treat, Wolf rocks another knife edge like walk along a cliff for 3/4 of a mile. Guy with dog showed up at shelter but is tenting and going SOBO to MD good luck with the dog. Then four kids poorly outfitted showed up but also went to camping area. This trail is getting full of very strange people. Only six miles left of PA can't wait to get out of it!
Date: 2016-05-11
From: DWG

To: campsite
Miles today: 12.8
Weather: light rain

DWG to campsite 12.8 miles Sis got me back to the trail about 9 and I soon crossed the river into NJ. The trail texture is different than PA. There are still some rocky trail to navigate, but these are short and not too bad. Lots of views along ledgey and open trail. The Mohican outdoor center disappointed, no services other then selling me a ten site for $10. That might come with a shower, but all I wanted was a late lunch, I moved on to a campsite about 3 miles from the MOC. Shortly after I arrived a SOBO section hiker showed up and is also staying here. Saw a porcine and a hare today. Glad to be in NJ but sorry the trail group we had through PA had to break up. But st this point going more solo makes for more flexibility.
Date: 2016-05-12
From: campsite

To: glen anderson
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: mist

Campsite to Gren Anderson 18 milesIt got very chilly overnight. Had to add stuff to stay sort of warm. It warmed up as the day went on until it was down right hot. Mixed trail with a short climb up the side of a cliff just for fun. Lots of views from open ledges. Saw some turkeys and two outward bound groups one going south the other north. The north group should be coming here but so far no sign of them. Had a great burger at a place called "Gyp Tavern, a short distance down the road from where the trail crossed the highway at Branchville. Walked past two out of business places until I found the tavern. Then it was about three miles to get here. Sounds like mice in this shelter they haven't been a problem until now but all the food is put in bear box.
Date: 2016-05-12
From: campsite

To: glen anderson
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Campsite to Gren Anderson 18 milesIt got very chilly overnight. Had to add stuff to stay sort of warm. It warmed up as the day went on until it was down right hot. Mixed trail with a short climb up the side of a cliff just for fun. Lots of views from open ledges. Saw some turkeys and two outward bound groups one going south the other north. The north group should be coming here but so far no sign of them. Had a great burger at a place called "Gyp Tavern, a short distance down the road from where the trail crossed the highway at Branchville. Walked past two out of business places until I found the tavern. Then it was about three miles to get here. Sounds like mice in this shelter they haven't been a problem until now but all the food is put in bear box.
Date: 2016-05-13
From: glen anderson

To: high point
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: heavy intensity rain

High point to Pochuck mountain shelter 12.4 miles. Cool and clear day great hiking weather. Mostly pleasant trail across old pastures, swamps, boardwalk, and a few short but steep climbs. I took a wrong turn and did a couple of extra miles in the wrong bird Sanctuary. Quite a few people here at the shelter some weekenders some section hikers. Line of showers this evening. Going to be very cold in the morning once the fronts move through.
Date: 2016-05-14
From: high point

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Pochuck to Vernon, NJ 6.5 milesVernon, NJ to Wayawanda 5 milesGot very cold overnight had to put pretty much everything on to stay warm in the middle of the night. Since it was projected to be even colder tonight eight-thirdy and I decided the church hostel was a good idea and we needed resupply too anyway. Today's hike went through swampy areas , past houses and a long boardwalk across a very large swamp. It being Sunday there were many day hikers, many with dogs doing this boardwalk too.Once to the road to town we hitched a ride in no time with a guy in a commercial van. We found the church hostel and it was very nice with shower and laundry in addition to the usual amenidies. Resupply at the ACME supermarket and the dinner at a pizza place which served large portions. I saved half of the chicken parmesan hero for lunch the next day.Day thirty With only five miles to do we took our time getting out of town. First breakfast at "the mixing bowl" then hang around the hostel until about 11. Got a ride back to the trail surprising quick. The climb up to the top of the ridge is called the stairway to heaven due to all the rock steps. A lot of traffic on this climb as it leads to a nice view of the valley. One has to wonder why all these people weren't at work or school being a Monday and most being of that age. After the big climb and view we eventually came out to a large pond and then not much farther to the shelter. Lots of hikers here tonight. It seems the couple of short days we've had allowed a bunch to catch up.
Date: 2016-05-16
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Wayawanda to Wildcat 12.3 milesCool and overcast most of the day, getting warm in the afternoon. The slight chance of rain didn't materialize. Which was good as soon as we crossed over to NY we were mostly on exposed ledges which would have been nasty in the rain but provided good views today. We we're treated to several short but near vertical rock climbs. Could even just make out the NY skyline from a few vistas. Spent most of the day paced with eight-thirty, Chafe, and his daughter Rose, who is joining him for a week. At NY17A there is a homemade ice cream place 0 .3 miles off the trail so we treated ourselves. I had a banana split and it was great! Quite here at Wildcat tonight, six total. Black flies are starting to come out. Inhaled several today. Hearing lots of Peepers to night.
Date: 2016-05-17
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Wildcat to fingerboard 14.3 milesHard hard day many near vertical rock scrambles both up and down. Took us 11hours to do 14 miles. There were many views at the top of the climbs and ridges which helps to make it worth the effort. Eight thirty and I got pretty beat up today all in all. Quiet at the shelter only a few here was alone in the shelter proper until two late arriving thru hikes arrived after dark. One is from Berlin NH the town next to where I live! Got to call it a night...
Date: 2016-05-19
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Graymoor 13 milesThe NYC skyline was plainly visable this morning. Another nice day with the usual views from the ridges. The were many day hikers climbing up from the parking lot to the summit of Bear mt. The zoo was a zoo with hundreds of fourth graders running through. Apparently this weekend is West Points graduation and everything is booked and many doing day hikes. I did the side trip to "Anthony's nose" which looked almost straight down over the bridge. Many day hikers there also. More NOBO thru hikers are showing up, the young and fast. The AT deli and market doesn't have much in the way of dinner resupply. Taking a zero tomorrow to plan next leg.Summer is trying to show up with much warmer afternoons but still chilly mornings.