morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-04-25
From: Matts Creek Shelter

To: Little Irish Creek
Miles today: 17.2

Today was hot!! I met southbounders who had a thermometer which read 92F. It was also very humid. It seems we went from cold weather right to mid-summer weather.I had hit the trail early this morning because I had to go into Glasgow to resupply. I caught the sunrise along the James River.When I got to the road the second vehicle that came along picked me up and brought all the way into town.When I went into the grocery store the lady apologized for the bad smell in town. She wanted to assure me that the town doesn't always smell as bad as it did today. Yesterday a company came in and starting spraying turkey manure on the farm fields as fertilizer. She continued to tell that it was fun to watch people step out of their car, take a few steps, then check their shoes to see if they had stepped in dog poo.After shopping I hitched back to the trail and started the long climb up Fullers Rocks and Big Rocky Row, a deceptive name for a mountain! The views from the top looking down on the James River Valley made the climb worth it.After climbing Bluff Mountain most of the major climbs were done for the day and I started the decent towards Little Irish Creek. Shortly before arriving at Little Irish the clouds started moving in and the thunder started to roll. I arrived and got the tent setup. The storms passed to our west so we never got any rain.I had carried hot dogs and rolls out of town so Presco got a fire going. Just as I asked him if he thought Peter or Big Boots would show Peter walked in. He also had carried hot dogs so we sat around the fire cooking and eating all 14 dogs!
Date: 2009-04-26
From: Little Irish Creek

To: Hog Camp Gap
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: clear sky

The sweat rolled off my body like the miles I made today.Today was another hot and humid day. I had hoped to do 20 today but with the heat I stopped early to cool off and relax. Big Boots and myself set up camp in a nice meadow with a great spring. We are planning on getting up early to get miles in before the day gets real hot again.It wasn't that many days ago that I was hiking in a cold rain and hail. By Wednesday a cool front is supposed to come in and break this early heat wave.
Date: 2009-04-27
From: Hog Camp Gap

To: Harpers Creek Shelter
Miles today: 22.1
Weather: clear sky

Last night was a great night for tenting. Clear skies and warm temperatures.Woke at around 5:30 and enjoyed a nice sunrise. It was a pleasant morning listening to the birds singing to the rising sun. While hiking the cadence of crunching acorns under my boots kept me goingat a good pace.Even though the weather was warm again a breeze kept it from being sweltering hot.After relaxing at The Priest Shelter I headed down the mountain to the Tye River. It was warm enough for a swim. The water was cold but refreshing.After the swim I cooked dinner by the river to wait for the heat to diminish before the climb up the first of the ridges of Three Ridges Mountain.We are going to get a very early start because we have a climb of over 2000' and it is going to be another hot day.
Date: 2009-04-28
From: Harpers Creek Shelter

To: Paul C Wolfe Shelter
Miles today: 22.0
Weather: broken clouds

This morning we got up at 5:00 to beat the heat. The Ridges was a long climb that I am glad I got done before the sun hit that part of the mountain.Throughout the day there were good views but the haze washed out the detail in the photos.After back to back 22 mile days it will be a short day into Waynesboro for laundry, shower and resupply.
Date: 2009-04-29
From: Paul C Wolfe Shelter

To: Waynesboro, VA
Miles today: 4.7
Weather: light rain

After a short hike to Rock Fish Gap we called a "trail angel" to get a ride into Waynesboro. Once in town I got most of the town chores done except for food shopping. I am finding I shop more logically if I don't shop when I am hungry!After getting the laundry done we all met for dinner. We are getting near the point were our group is going to start breaking up. Peter has to get off in about 2 weeks, Canada Clo is going to be getting off for a few days and Presco is still waiting to hear from the Peace Corp.
Date: 2009-04-30
From: Waynesboro, VA

To: Calf Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: overcast clouds

After doing my food shopping and having a relaxed morning I made arrangements to get shuttled back to the trail.I got back on the trail around 3:00 and easily made the shelter for dinner time.Today was a cool and foggy day with an occasional rain shower moving through.Unfortunately today I lost my glasses so my journals may get behind. I can't see to type without them. I am typing this because someone loaned me a pair of glasses.
Date: 2009-05-01
From: Calf Mountain Shelter

To: Blackrock Hut
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: light rain

Today the weather was on and off rain showers. Today was also another short day and an uneventful day. Due to the weather there were no real views.When I arrived at the hut it was just Mr Coffee there. Later 4 s/b section hikers arrived.Since I can't see to read without my glasses I was using the macro setting on my camera to look at the mileage in my trail guide. One of the men, Jim, offered to loan me a pair of magnifying glasses. When I went to return them he told me to keep them. They were an extra pair and he figured I needed them more than he did. Thanks Jim.
Date: 2009-05-02
From: Blackrock Hut

To: Hightop Hut
Miles today: 21.4
Weather: light rain

Today the weather again obliterated any views. It was also an extremely humid day.I did a side trip down to the Loft Mountain Wayside for lunch.When I got to the shelter the fog moved in again and cut visibility to about 20'. There is no wind pushing it - it just settles in and then will slowly move out again.
Date: 2009-05-03
From: Hightop Hut

To: Big Meadows
Miles today: 20.8
Weather: light rain

Unfortunately today was another cold rainy day. The forecast for the next few days doesn't show much promise either. I stopped at Big Meadows Wayside which is listed as a place for resupply. Well it has very limited resupply and many of the Cliff Bars there were past their expiration date. After getting a hot meal in the restaurant I went to the campground to dry my clothes and take a hot shower. I managed to get a good cold in Waynesboro and the hot shower really hit the spot. To give you an idea on good it felt it cost $1.00/ 5 minutes. I feed $3.00 through it
Date: 2009-05-04
From: Big Meadows

To: Byrds Nest #3 Hut
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: light rain

Today was another rainy, foggy day. Even though the views are nonexistent I have been walking up very close to deer. I think with the fog the human odor (and I am sure I stink )doesn't carry. I also almost stepped on a rabbit that was sitting on the edge of the trail.When the weather improves I will get more "view" photos.
Date: 2009-05-05
From: Byrds Nest #3 Hut

To: Gravel Springs Hut
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was another cool, foggy, rainy day.I stopped at Elk Wallow Wayside for lunch. While there Big Boots arrived. Awol (SB section hiker) arrived. She told Boots she didn't know what to do as tomorrow was her birthday. Boots suggested that she hike back to Gravel Springs and we would have a party. She agreed to hike the 6 miles back. Boots and I bought hot dogs, marsh mellows and cup cakes. Awol bought a couple bottles of wine.On the way out Boots ran into Kyle and told him of our plan. He also picked up a bottle of wine.When we got to the shelter it was pouring rain so we poured the wine and waited for the rain to let up.Once the rain let up we gathered up wood and got a good fire going and cooked the food.After eating all everybody wanted it was time to crawl into the bags to get out of the cold.
Date: 2009-05-06
From: Gravel Springs Hut

To: Jim & Molly Denton Shelter
Miles today: 18.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Today started with sunshine but it didn't last long. Even when the sun was out the valleys were fogged in. I met my brother, Iceman (GA>ME07) at the US 522 crossing. He will be hiking with me the next few days.Like most afternoons the rains moved in about 1/2 hour before we got to the shelter.
Date: 2009-05-07
From: Jim & Molly Denton Shelter

To: Rod Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 18.4
Weather: moderate rain

Today was another easy day. It was also another rainy day.It was to humid to wear rain gear. When I wore the rain gear I would be as wet from sweating as I would be from the rain.During the afternoon the rain was accompanied by thundershowers.
Date: 2009-05-08
From: Rod Hollow Shelter

To: Blackburn Center
Miles today: 17.8
Weather: few clouds

Today was another warm and humid day.It was also the day we did the legendary "Rollercoaster". It is a section of trail approximately 13 miles long with 13 peaks. You just go up and down like on a rollercoaster. When we arrived at the Blackburn Center Big Boots had some trail magic waiting for us
Date: 2009-05-09
From: Blackburn Center

To: Harper's Ferry
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: few clouds

After leaving the Blackburn Center we headed for Harpers Ferry.At one point I was a short distance in front of Iceman. As I went to put my foot down something made me take notice. Even now I am not sure if it was movement or sound, but whatever it was I am glad it happened. I almost stepped on a very fat timber rattler. It wasn't that long but it was big around and it had 10 - 12 rattles. It was using every one of them to warn me to stay away. I listened well!After getting into Harpers Ferry I stopped by the ATC HQ and picked up my drop box. Then it was time for a shower, laundry and dinner.My brother, Iceman, had been hiking with me for the past few days. It was good to be hiking together as we haven't done so since I did a section with him during his thru in 07
Date: 2009-05-10
From: Harper's Ferry

To: Pine Knob Shelter
Miles today: 22.9
Weather: broken clouds

After Iceman dropped me off at the trail this morning he had to head to DC to pickup his daughter.Today the weather made up for all of the rain of last week. The humidity was down, the temps were nice and a refreshing breeze rounded out the day. On top of that the trail was a good one to make miles on. I took full advantage of the day and had a great day of hiking.
Date: 2009-05-11
From: Pine Knob Shelter

To: Deer Lick Shelters
Miles today: 22.7
Weather: clear sky

Today started out cloudy but the rain held off until after lunch. It rained for just a short period of time.By the time I got to Pen Mar County Park the sky looked like it was going to clear. Pen Mar Park was built many years ago by the railroad and became an attraction for tourist who would take the train out of Baltimore. The park has a small museum with displays showing the early days of the park.While speaking with a park attendant he mentioned the forecast was for thundershowers. Upon hearing that I figured I better push on since I still had about five miles to hike before the next shelter. While heading for the shelter the thunder started. I arrived at this shelter before the rain and debated on whether or not to go another two miles to the next shelter. I decided to stay here and it was a good thing I did. If I had continued I would have gotten caught in rain before I would have reached the next shelter.
Date: 2009-05-12
From: Deer Lick Shelters

To: Birch Run Shelter
Miles today: 23.2
Weather: scattered clouds

During the night it rained off and on but stopped by morning. Today was a great day for hiking. Again it was a day with good temps and good air quality. The trail was also a good trail for hiking.The "green tunnel" is almost completely developed so there aren't many "view shots".
Date: 2009-05-13
From: Birch Run Shelter

To: Alec Kennedy Shelter
Miles today: 25.4
Weather: broken clouds

Today was another good day of hiking.It also was another one of those "landmark" days. This one more memorable than some others. As I write this I am now closer to Mount Katahdin in Maine than I am to Springer Mountain in Georgia. Put another way a went past the halfway point today!
Date: 2009-05-14
From: Alec Kennedy Shelter

To: Darlington Shelter
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: light rain

This morning started out with rain and thundershowers.Arriving in Boiling Springs I was treated to seeing one of the prettiest towns on the AT.When I got to the ATC headquarters Peter No Name was there. He and I had hiked together on and off for a while over the previous month. Today was his last day on the trail. Also at the headquarters was "Unplugged", who I had hiked with for the past few days. Since it was still raining Unplugged and I decided to wait until 11:00 and then go have lunch when the pizza shop opened.After lunch we hit the trail and headed for the shelter. It had stopped raining but kicked in again and rained for about 1/2 hour.Once we got to the shelter it started to pour and did so for sometime.
Date: 2009-05-15
From: Darlington Shelter

To: Duncannon, PA - Doyle Hotel
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: scattered clouds

The Doyle is another one of the legendary places on the trail.When I walked in the first thing that happened was the owner poured me a glass of ice water. This was even before anything was said.After getting my room it was time for a shower and lunch and of course a couple of cold ones.At 4:00 PM the local grocery store ran a shuttle so I got my shopping done.After a good dinner it was time to get a good nights sleep.
Date: 2009-05-16
From: Duncannon, PA - Doyle Hotel

To: On the trail mm 1154.7
Miles today: 17.4

After a big breakfast at Goodie's, across from the Doyle, I packed up and headed up the trail."Unplugged" is taking a couple of zero days as he is gradutating Sunday from Penn State. His father is coming down from Connecticut today to meet him and take him to the graduation.I left the Doyle around 11:00 AM and thought of staying at Peter's Mountain Shelter. When I arrived there were two different Boy Scout Troops there. The leaders and scouts were very friendly. Since it was still fairly early in the day I decided to push on.When I reached the spring I needed water so I stopped here for the water. Also the forecast was for thundershowers with the possibility of server ones. Since it was 6:30 PM and the sky was starting to look like it might storm I decided to pitch the tent. Luckily I did.Just as I finished setting up the tent the rain drops started. I quickly filled my water bottles and got into the tent. Within a few minutes the thundershowers started. These storms were fierce!!For over a half hour it was like being at the grand finale of the most intense fireworks display. The thunder never stopped - it was a constant roar like standing next to a jet and the lightning was hitting very close.The storms continued until after I went to sleep.
Date: 2009-05-19
From: Eagle Nest Shelter

To: Windsor Furnace Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: clear sky

Today was a shoter mileage day but it was also the day I got new boots. By the time I got into Port Clinton the leftside of my right boot was split open from the toe all the way up to the ankle.I called Cabela's and they sent a shuttle over to Port Clinton to pick me up and them return me to the trail.Today I have also started urinating blood all day long. I haven't been having any pain but I do hope the cause of the blood is a small kidney stone. If it isn't a stone causing the blood I'm not sure what else it could be - time will tell.
Date: 2009-05-20
From: Windsor Furnance Shelter

To: On the trail mm 1235.6
Miles today: 22.3

Today there were some nice views from Pulpit Rocks, the Pinnacle and Dan's Pulpit.The most amazing thing was on my way down to the spring at Tripoli Campsite. I saw a deer browsing on the trail ahead of me. I stopped so as not to spook the deer so I could get a picture. The deer looked up and saw me. Instead of running away the deer walked toward me. It actually walked right up to me and sniffed my legs and hand. It then let me pet it!After getting my water I hiked about 3/10 of a mile back on the trail to a campsite. A few minutes later the deer arrived and walked over to me. I guess I have been in the woods to long and now I must smell like and animal
Date: 2009-05-21
From: On the trail mm 1235.6

To: Palmerton, PA
Miles today: 11.9

It was an easy hike down to the road but I couldn't get a hitch into town.The city of Palmerton runs a free hostel in the Borough Office building. This hostel is located close to a laundry, the library and resturants.Speaking with two very "reliable sources" there is talk that this hostel may close. I guess they have had a few problems within the past couple of years and all it will take is another one and they will close it. If you are a staying there PLEASE make sure and the other hikers follow the rules. We don't want to loose this place.
Date: 2009-05-22
From: Palmerton, PA

To: On the trail - mm 1267.8
Miles today: 20.3

This morning when I left Bert's Diner I was lucky enough to get a ride right away to the trail head.Once back on the trail I started the climb up the Lehigh Gap. For me this was one of the "hardest" parts of the trip. Not so much of the climb per se but because of the sheerness of the climb. There were places that I was literally going hand over hand to get myself up some of the sections. This rally got my vertigo to kick in but I got it done.After the climb the rest of the day was a pretty easy hike.
Date: 2009-05-23
From: On the trail mm 1267.8

To: Backpacker Campsite - Worthington State Forest
Miles today: 20.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Today was more of the notorious PA rocks!Since the trail goes right into Delaware Water Gap, PA I planned on resupplying there. It has very limited resupply so I ate at one of the restaurants and got what I could for resupply.After shopping I crossed the river and entered NJ. Just because I left PA didn¢t mean I got out of the rocks. I understand that there are a couple of more days of rock walking.
Date: 2009-05-24
From: Backpacker Campsite

To: Brink Road Shelter
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: clear sky

Today I was trying to stay ahead of the T-showers. I got rained on but the lighten was never got real close.Sun Fish Pond is a very nice area and I can see why they have eliminated camping around it.By the time I reached the shelter the rain stopped so I got to set the tent up without getting rained on. Even if it was raining I would have tented due to the misquotes around the shelter.
Date: 2009-05-25
From: Brink Road Shelter

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

Today the trail was a disappointment. Without a doubt this was the least maintained trail I have been on. It was very overgrown and the blazes really need attention.When I arrived at the shelter Violet and her husband Clock Tower where there. They are a nice couple from CA that are doing a long section hike. During dinner OD and CC also showed up for the night. All of us took advantage of the nice weather and tented.
Date: 2009-05-26
From: High Point Shelter

To: Vernon, NJ - St. Thomas Episcopal Church
Miles today: 18.9

After hitting the trail this morning I headed for Unionville, NY for resupply. After getting food and a sandwich at Horler¢s Store I got back on the trail.My plan was to get over Wawayanda Mountain before the end of the day, but like many other times plans change. Today I passed the kidney stone that had been nagging at me for a while. Then the rain moved in. Between the two I really didn¢t feel like taking on the mountain so I pulled out my guide book to see what was in Vernon, NJ. The hostel was listed so that was my new destination for the day.Once I reached Rt. 94 I got a hitch pretty quickly into town and to the hostel. Am glad I decided to stay at the hostel. It is really a great place. The requested donation is $10.00 and that gives you laundry, TV, internet, a hot shower and limited use of the kitchen. The hostel is also centrally located to a large A&P grocery store (better resupply choices then Unionville), the post office, a drug store and different restaurants.
Date: 2009-05-27
From: Vernon, NJ - St. Thomas Episcopal Church

To: Wildcat Shelter
Miles today: 17.1
Weather: overcast clouds

After going to the post office and A&P I didn¢t get headed to the trail until about 10:15. As I was exiting the hostel there was a parishioner working in the garden. He asked me if I was heading for the trail. When I told him I was he said he would give me a ride. This man stopped what he was doing and took the time to drive me out to the trail head and refused to accept any type of donation for his time or fuel. This is the type of people associated with this hostel!Today I crossed into NY and must be one of the few people that hiked all through NJ without encountering a bear or a snake. It didn¢t take long for NY to make up for it. Within the first half mile in NY I was looking for a view and not paying attention to where my feet where going. I took a step up onto a rock to see if there was a view, realized there wasn¢t and turned to step back down and the guy in the picture was right there. I had to tap it twice with my trekking pole for him to even make any movement or noise. I am very glad that it was sleeping when I must have stepped over it in my anticipation of a view.When I arrived at the shelter I was the only one there. The coyotes and myself had the place to ourselves all night.
Date: 2009-05-28
From: Wildcat Shelter

To: Beechy Bottom Brook
Miles today: 21.9

Today was another day to put miles in. I have friends and family in Connecticut and the anticipation of a home cooked meal and a bed has been a motivator to get to Rt. 22 in NY.When I arrived at Beechy Bottom Brook I was just a few minutes ahead of the rain and decided to get the tent setup before the rains started. I got the tent up and then got my water and into the tent just before the rains started. It was another night of heavy rains.
Date: 2009-05-29
From: Beechy Bottom Brook

To: On the trail mm 1403.2
Miles today: 17.3

This morning was another late start because I was waiting out the rain. By the time the rain stopped and I got packed up it was 10:00.Going over Bear Mountain it was fogged in with no views. When I got to the zoo it was closed for repairs so I didn¢t even get to see a bear at the zoo ?When I crossed the Bear Mountain Bridge over the Hudson River I crossed the lowest point on the AT. So now I have crossed the highest point, the halfway point and the lowest point on the trail.
Date: 2009-05-30
From: mm 1403.2

To: Morgan Stewart Shelter
Miles today: 23.5
Weather: overcast clouds

This morning, after another night of rain, my tent was covered with slugs. There must have been at least 60 of these things all over my tent. Since the tent was wet the slugs couldn¢t be just brushed off but each one had to be picked off. Talk about slimy hands when I was done.The day was a good day for hiking.
Date: 2009-06-01
From: Rt 22 - NY

To: Kent, Ct
Miles today: 18.3

Today I made it into Connecticut so now I am in New England! Even though I am in New England Katahdin is still a l-o-n-g way off.Again today, and for the next few days, I am taking advantage of friends and family in the area for lodging and food. ?Tomorrow I have a friend coming out to meet me and hike for the day with me. This will be the first time that I have hiked with someone else since going into Duncannon, PA.
Date: 2009-06-02
From: Kent, Ct

To: Cornwall Bridge, CT
Miles today: 7.1

Today was basically a nero day. I had a friend come out and hike with me for the day. Since he hasn¢t hiked in a number of years I didn¢t want to make his day to hard. I figured the 91 stone steps down St. John¢s Ledges would be enough punishment for him for the day !Thankfully the weather cooperated today and it wasn¢t a bad day of hiking.